Best Massage Gun Under 100

Discovering an effective and affordable massage gun to enhance your recovery routine can be a game-changer, but with numerous options flooding the market, navigating the choices can be overwhelming. To simplify your search, we've compiled a list of the best massage guns under 100, evaluating them based on reviews, features, and, of course, price.

Owning a top-tier massage gun is one of the most effective tools for ironing out niggling aches and pains, offering immediate relief (in some cases) that some supplements, such as the best EAAs and BCAAs, might not provide.

Versatility is key when it comes to selecting one though. Therefore, we'd recommend something with multiple speed settings and attachments to effectively target different muscle areas, ensuring you reap the full spectrum of potential health benefits. Fortunately, we've accounted for all of that. Take, for instance, the RENPHO Percussion Massage Gun, which comes with all of the above for deep tissue pain relief.

Regardless of your specific preferences or requirements in a massage gun, our curated selection is your go-to resource. Let's delve into the details of our top picks to elevate your recovery game affordably and efficiently.

Best massage guns under 100

1. Sportneer Elite D9 - an excellent budget choice overall
2. RENPHO Percussion Massage Gun - best for deep tissue massages
3. Bob And Brad Q2 Mini - a small but mighty device
4. HoMedics Therapist Select Plus - top pick for runners
5. WAHL Deep Tissue Massager - a great choice for back pain

Credit: Sportneer

1. Sportneer Elite D9

Best massage gun under 100 overall

The Sportneer Elite D9 is a fantastic tool for relieving those pesky aches and pains right in the comfort of your own home.

It features a pretty comprehensive package of six attachments, including two metal ones that can be stored in the freezer for an impromptu cryotherapy session post-workout.

What really packs a punch is the potent 16.8V brushless motor and a dual-bearing structure though, delivering an impressive 220W of power capable of reaching speeds up to 3200 RPM. You can fine-tune the percussion rate with six different settings to match your desired intensity.

With these remarkable features in mind, it's safe to say that the Sportneer device makes for a valuable addition to anyone's fitness toolkit.

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Credit: RENPHO

2. RENPHO Percussion Massage Gun

Best deep tissue massage gun under 100

This RENPHO massage gun is a great device for managing aches and pains while maintaining flexibility. Featuring 20 speed settings, it delivers up to 3200 repetitions per minute, ensuring a thorough and invigorating deep massage that revitalises your muscles effectively.

Equipped with six interchangeable heads, each designed to target specific muscle groups and alleviate soreness, this device offers tailored relief too. Whether you're targeting localised pain or seeking to reach deep tissues, the RENPHO massage gun provides versatile solutions.

Another of its standout features is its battery life, lasting up to 8 hours on a single charge. This longevity ensures uninterrupted functionality, allowing you to enjoy multiple massage therapy sessions throughout the week without needing to charge it.

So, if you're recovering from strenuous weightlifting sessions or simply seeking deep tissue relaxation, the RENPHO massage gun offers the perfect blend of power, precision, and longevity.

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Credit: Bob And Brad

3. Bob And Brad Q2 Mini

Best portable massage gun under 100

The Bob And Brad Q2 Mini is the ultimate travel companion designed to cater to an on-the-go lifestyle. Sleek and lightweight, this device is perfectly sized to slip into your gym bag or pocket, measuring just under 6 inches in length and a mere 3.4 inches in width.

Don't be fooled by its compact design; the Q2 Mini packs a punch. Powered by a 2500mAh rechargeable battery, it offers an impressive 4-hour usage time on a single charge. With five speed settings, ranging from 1800 to 3000 repetitions per minute, this portable wonder ensures a customisable and revitalising massage experience.

Despite its small size, the Q2 Mini excels at relieving those persistent aches and pains. Whether you're gearing up for an intense workout or recovering afterward, this massage gun is the ultimate solution for fitness enthusiasts who are always on the move.

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Credit: HoMedics

4. HoMedics Therapist Select Plus

Best massage gun under 100 for runners

If you are a regular runner, you'll likely have experienced sore muscles from time to time. To find relief from this discomfort, using a deep tissue device like the HoMedics Therapist Select Plus could be beneficial.

This device comes with six replaceable heads that can target different muscles and body parts. Additionally, it offers six intensity settings, allowing you to adjust the speed of the repetitions to your preference.

Another notable feature of the HoMedics massager is its pulsing motion, which effectively eases tension in those hard-to-reach muscles, ensuring you are well-prepared for your next run.

All in all, we believe the HoMedics Therapist Select Plus is a worthy consideration if you need something to aid post-run recovery, going beyond the benefits of stretching alone.

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Credit: WAHL

5. WAHL Deep Tissue Massager

Best massage gun under 100 for back pain

The back is often challenging to reach and treat by yourself. Luckily, the WAHL Deep Tissue Massager offers a solution with its extended handle, facilitating the targeting of stubborn areas.

Equipped with four interchangeable heads, each serving a distinct purpose, this massager provides versatility. It includes a deep muscle attachment for comprehensive body massages and a triad head for concentrated focus on specific regions.

With a full battery charge, the WAHL massager boasts an impressive runtime of up to seven hours, ensuring multiple therapy sessions throughout the week.

In short, we highly recommend considering the WAHL Deep Tissue Massager, especially if you're seeking relief from back pain. It offers exceptional features and functionality to effectively target and alleviate discomfort.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

With so many different models to choose from, you probably have a few queries about massage guns, but we're here to clear up some of the most common questions.

What are the benefits of a massage gun?

A massage gun can be a very handy device to have if you train regularly and want to relieve any built-up tension before or after a workout.

However, it's worth taking into account how much it would cost to book a massage therapy session and whether you could effectively do the same job at home by utilise your device.

You can also use a massage gun multiple times and whenever you need it rather than booking a one-off session in real life at a time that may not suit you.

One of the greatest benefits of a massage gun though is its ability to improve your flexibility. Research by Konrad et al. found your range of motion can be increased through handheld percussive treatment without having an effect on muscle strength.

Moreover, research by Cochrane et al. demonstrated that vibration therapy may assist with strength and mobility, particularly in people with peripheral artery disease. So, if you're looking to become more flexible, then a massage gun could be beneficial.

When should you use a massage gun?

A massage gun is a useful tool for relieving muscle tension and can be used whenever you feel the need for it.

For most individuals, incorporating a massage gun into their routine can be beneficial before, during, and after a workout to aid in recovery. However, it's important to avoid spending an excessive amount of time in a specific area to prevent any potential harm.

Massage guns are particularly effective when used after a workout as they can help minimise the likelihood of experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Nevertheless, it's crucial to avoid excessive use that could lead to more harm than good.

To ensure optimal muscle recovery, it is recommended to take breaks of around 1-2 hours between massage sessions. This allows sufficient time for your muscles to rest and recover.

Can a massage gun damage your body?

Although a massage gun can be a great way to aid your recovery at home, it can do more damage than good if used incorrectly.

Firstly, there are a number of areas we'd strongly advise using your gun on. These include any particularly bony areas such as your hips, ribs, and spine.

For example, massaging around your hips can cause the fluid snacks known as greater trochanter to become inflamed and painful.

We'd also recommend avoiding the area near your kidneys as they tend to sit close to the surface of your back, and your bicep tendons which can become inflamed and tear if over-worked.

What massage gun head should you use?

Massage guns usually come with an array of different head attachments, all of which are designed for different purposes.

The fork head, for instance, should predominately be used for larger muscle groups like your quads, whereas the round, padded attachment is best suited to sensitive and bony areas.

For the bullet attachment, we'd recommend using it when you're looking to pinpoint a specific area and active deep tissue.

Then, for the flat head, we'd suggest using it to massage medium to large muscle groups like your calves thanks to its modified force.

Can you use a massage gun on your neck?

Yes, a massage gun can be used on the neck area. However, it is important to use it with caution and avoid applying too much pressure, especially on sensitive areas such as the sides of the neck, spine, and throat.

It's recommended to start with the lowest intensity setting and gradually increase the intensity as tolerated, and make sure you use the most cushioned attachment.

It's also important to avoid using the massage gun for an extended period of time on the same area as it may cause muscle soreness or bruising. If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop using the massage gun immediately and consult with a healthcare professional.

Can you use a massage gun on your feet?

A massage gun can be used on your feet and may, in fact, be a particularly effective way to relieve pain in your soles after running or training.

That said, we'd only advise using a massage gun on the soles of your feet as using one anywhere around your toes and ankles runs the risk of hitting bone and causing more damage than pain relief.

To focus on a specific spot, you may find the bullet head to be most effective. Our only recommendation would be to start on a slow intensity as the soles of your feet can be quite sensitive.

What does percussion mean for a massage gun?

In the context of a massage gun, percussion refers to the rapid and repetitive tapping or pulsing motion that the device uses to deliver deep tissue massage to the muscles.

The massage gun typically delivers these percussive vibrations to the targeted muscle group through a specialised attachment head. These percussive movements can help to increase blood flow and circulation, reduce muscle soreness and tension, and promote relaxation and overall well-being.

The intensity of the percussive action can usually be adjusted to suit individual preferences and needs.

What does stall force mean for a massage gun?

Stall force refers to the amount of pressure or resistance that a massage gun's motor can apply to the targeted area before it stops moving. In other words, it's the maximum force that the massage gun can exert before the motor stalls or reaches its maximum load.

When using a massage gun, stall force can be an important consideration as it can affect the effectiveness of the massage. If the motor is not strong enough to provide sufficient pressure, the massage may not be deep enough to effectively target tight or sore muscles. On the other hand, if the motor is too powerful, it may cause discomfort or pain.

Typically, manufacturers of massage guns will specify the stall force of their product. It's important to choose a massage gun with an appropriate stall force based on your needs and preferences.