The Best Massagers for People Who Don't Have Time to Relax
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Don't cancel physical therapy just yet, but these portable, at-home massagers might be the hack you need after stressful days.
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The best massagers shouldn't feel like a luxury reserved for special occasions. Getting some tension out of your shoulders should be as accessible as your morning coffee. After all, between work, workouts, and the existential crisis that is life, who isn't carrying muscle tension somewhere? I've dedicated countless hours to trying (almost) every type of massage tool out there. Testing these contraptions might sound like the dream gig, but it's not all bliss. Some felt like having a personal therapist at my disposal. Others like they were designed to tenderize meat. A few even led me to question the very choices that brought me to this moment.
The good news? I've rounded up the best massagers for all bodies and budgets. These options deliver on their promises to soothe, stimulate, and shiatsu. For more wellness recommendations, read our guides to the Best Theraguns and Therabody Tools, Best Posture Correctors, and Everything You Need for Your Yoga Practice. AccordionItemContainerButton
I spent eight months (and counting) testing dozens of massagers across a variety of categories, including (but not limited to) percussive therapy guns, foot massagers, and compression goggles.
To assess performance in everyday situations, I incorporated them into regular routines: post-workout recovery, desk-bound workdays, and nighttime wind-downs. I evaluated each device based on build quality, ease of use, and overall value. This involved checking motor strength and consistency, battery life (if applicable), the functionality of extra features, and how effectively each massager targets specific muscle groups. I also considered individual body types and sensitivities.
Lastly, I prioritized long-term reliability and customer support. This meant reviewing warranty policies, user reviews, and brand transparency. Massage guns provide percussion therapy that enhances blood circulation, alleviates muscle fatigue, and minimizes soreness after workouts or tiring days. I recommend the Hypervolt 2 to everyone who isn't an athlete; if you are, it's worth investing in the Theragun Pro Plus ($625). However, the Hypervolt 2 is much more affordable, weighs just 1.8 pounds, and offers ample power thanks to its brushless 60-watt motor. It features three speed settings and five massage heads (flat, bullet, fork, ball, and cushion) to address different muscle groups. It can connect to the Hyperice app via Bluetooth for guided routines, provides up to three hours of battery life, and is TSA-approved for carry-on. The Theragun Mini ($149) is my favorite mini massage gun. For more Theraguns and percussive massage devices, check out our guides to the Best Therabody Tools and Best Massage Guns. Specs Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year
Therabody SmartGoggles (2nd Generation)
Eye massagers are well-liked for improving blood circulation around the eyes and reducing fatigue caused by long work hours. Therabody's second-generation SmartGoggles provides an ideal solution for weary eyes and headaches. According to the company's study, participants averaged 4 percent more sleep when using them before bedtime, 10 percent reported better sleep, and overall, users noted improved sleep quality. Additionally, 82 percent of users felt less stressed, and 71 percent reported lower anxiety levels.
These goggles are a step up from the original model (9/10, WIRED Recommends) and maintain the same three settings: Focus, Sleep, and SmartRelax. The heating feature also encourages tear production, offering relief for dry eyes. Compatible with the Therabody app, users can select specific sessions while enjoying calming ambient soundscapes. I often find myself dozing off during a 20-minute session. Though I don't often suffer from migraines, they would make for an effective blackout sanctuary in a quiet, dark space. Specs Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year
Normatec Go is a portable version of Hyperice's air compression system. Whether you're a frequent traveler or a dedicated runner, the Normatec Go effectively reduces inflammation and blood lactate levels without requiring a full suit. It is ideal for athletes, individuals experiencing poor circulation, and those suffering from chronic pain. These calf-specific sleeves eliminate hoses and control hubs, offering a mobile solution you can wear while cooking or standing at your desk. Each wrap provides 360-degree dynamic air compression to your calves, utilizing Hyperice's zone-based pulsing to enhance blood flow. With three overlapping compression zones and seven intensity levels, the Go also connects via Bluetooth to the Hyperice app. The Normatec Elite ($1,099) are Hyperice's premium full-length compression boots; we haven't tested them, but they are a luxe choice if you're considering full-leg coverage. Specs Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year
The Chirp RPM Mini is a handheld massager that combines rolling and percussive therapy. It's essentially like an electric rolling pin for your entire body, featuring three speed settings and a multi-grip handle. This cordless device is equipped with six free-spinning massage heads, 24 massage nodes, and nonabrasive rollers that won't pinch your skin. While it's effective for the whole body, I particularly enjoy using it on my calves, biceps, forearms, and palms. I find it to be gentler and more soothing on my smaller muscle groups compared to percussive guns.
The battery life is impressive as well, lasting up to four hours on a single charge. I don't think it justifies the price tag of $150—but it's TSA-approved for carry-on and comes with a portable case. Specs Battery Life ~4 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year
Bob and Brad's EZBack Massager is a back massager but also a neck massager, a shoulder massager, and even a lower body massager with a little bit of imagination. It has four kneading nodes with bidirectional movement that mimics a shiatsu massage, three intensity settings, and a heat therapy option that feels nice but probably doesn't do much for your sore muscles. It straps to your office chair for a more ergonomic massage experience, uses a remote control, and is designed with a 15-minute auto shut-off to prevent overheating. You can also omit the straps if you'd like to use them while lounging on the couch, but you'll need to sit near a plug, unfortunately. A cordless version is available, but I have not tested it. Specs Battery Life N/A (corded) Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 2 years
If you experience daily aches or a sore lower back, a heated wrap is helpful, and a vibrating one is even better. The Venom 2 Back provides consistent heat distribution across the lower back with three adjustable levels (113, 122, and 131 degrees Fahrenheit) that can be paired with three vibration patterns. It's great for back pain relief and warm-ups before mobility workouts, as it stimulates circulation and loosens the muscles in your lower back. I especially appreciate the auto shut-off function, which lets me sit back and relax, knowing I don't have to worry about turning it off. Too much heat can intensify muscle soreness or cause inflammation, and we don't want that. Specs Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year Hydragun Heatpulse Knee Massager
Commerce director Martin Cizmar injured his knee while undertaking an 'extremely large and ambitious cleaning project' and endured the pain for nearly a year before discovering a solution. The HydraKnee Pulse from Hydragun wraps around the joint and provides a blend of heat and vibration massage therapy. It can heat up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, is rechargeable via USB-C, and features seven temperature settings along with three massage speeds. Martin mentions that he sets both options to maximum and relaxes until it shuts off automatically (after 30 minutes). The best part is its longer straps, allowing use on shoulders or larger limbs, along with a newly designed buckle suitable for slimmer limbs like elbows.
P.S.: Consult a physician or physical therapist before self-treating any injuries. Specs Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 18 months
HoMedics Shiatsu + Air 4.0 Foot Massager with Heat for $140: This foot massager combines shiatsu-style kneading and air compression to better your circulation. I pop my toesies in and out (with socks on) of this massage tool during the work day, and it feels fabulous, with three intensities and three patterns. It fits feet up to a men's size 13 and is compact enough to tuck under a desk or coffee table when not in use. The advertised heat function didn't work for me, quite literally; I didn't feel any warmth, but I still appreciate its place under my desk.
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