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Before we answer the question you ask, ‘Are massage guns really worth it?’, it’s important to note that we’ve had our hands on over 70 different sports massagers – talk about a hands-on experience, right? As the saying goes, “Experience is the only source of knowledge.”
We’re about to dig into the nitty-gritty of whether these muscle massagers are worth your hard-earned cash. How much does a massage gun really cost, and what are the big price tag differences? And who needs a fancy spa when you have a personal masseuse at your fingertips?
But wait, there’s more! Are massage guns good for you?
Have you ever wondered why a Theragun Pro or a Theragun Mini costs an arm and a leg? We’re pulling back the curtain on their pricing strategy.
So, buckle up; it’s time to dive deep!
You know, usually, we’d jump right in and say, ‘Hey, you absolutely need a muscle massager!’ And we’re not just saying that because we’re uber-fans (okay, maybe a little obsessed, but hey, ‘Be obsessed or be average,’ right?).
But let’s say you’re just dipping your toes into the world of massage guns. Maybe your buddy is asking for one, and you’re scratching your head, thinking, ‘What the heck are these percussion massagers?’
Muscle massagers are like your personal, pocket-sized physiotherapists. They’re one of the latest buzz in the world of muscle recovery. Whether you’re an athlete, a gym trainer, or a physio, you’ve got to have one of these personal massage tools handy. The trend started with Theragun, but now, it’s like a party everyone wants to be part of.
And speaking of parties, guess who else is on the sports massager bandwagon? None other than Lebron James (plus a bunch of other NBA players)! That’s right; these nifty gadgets are getting some serious celebrity love.
But before joining the party, let’s be serious for a moment and take a closer look at what you are getting from these trendy muscle massagers. This will help you decide if they’re genuinely worth the hype:
These are just a few perks of owning a massage gun – follow this link to learn how to use one. For the full scoop on percussion massager benefits, check out our in-depth massage gun benefits article.
So, let’s talk dollars and cents. How much is a sports massager going to set you back? Now, we’ve been around the block a few times, and trust us when we say the answer isn’t as simple as you might think.
They range from ‘Wow, that’s cheap!’ to ‘Whoa, that’s a car payment!’
We’ve seen them as low as $30 and as high as $599. And believe it or not, some can even run you up to $2000 for sports massagers. Now, unless you’re a professional physio (or have money trees in your backyard), you’re probably not going to be in the market for something like the Rapid Release Pro 3. So, let’s focus on the ones made for us mere mortals.
Now, you might be thinking, ‘Great, I’ll grab a $30 one.’ Hold your horses there, partner! Remember, you often get what you pay for. And in the world of massage guns, the bargain bin might not be the best place to start.
Aim for the $50-$100 range if you’re on a budget. With a little luck, you might find a hidden gem that won’t break the bank (here are our recommendations for under $100).
But if you really want to feel the percussion massager benefits and get the best deep tissue massage, we suggest you look in the $150-$200 range. Plenty of solid options exist in that sweet spot (with the Ekrin B37 sitting at the top).
Feeling a little spendy? You can find devices worth over $200, worth their weight in gold. These bad boys come with bells and whistles like pressure sensors, OLED displays, etc.
Check out the Bob and Brad D6 Pro, for instance. Some are made with top-quality materials and come with lifetime warranties (think Ekrin Athletics massage gun brand). Plus, some have a popular name behind them (yes, we’re looking at you, Theragun Mini and Hypervolt 2).
Or you can combine a few of these extras into one and get a Theragun Pro, the Rolls Royce sports massager, for personal use.
Let’s look closely at why percussion massagers go for what they go for…
So, why is there such a huge difference in sports massager prices? Well, a few factors come into play here.
Let’s break it down:
You know the saying, ‘What’s in a name?’ Turns out, when it comes to massage guns, the answer is ‘a whole heck of a lot!’
Big-name massage gun brands often slap higher price tags on their products. Why, you ask? Well, they’ve got to consider maintaining their brand image, keeping their loyal customers happy, and upholding perceived quality.
Plus, let’s not forget the costs of running a big business. There’s marketing, support, and much more to think about. So, don’t get too grumpy with Therabody if you can’t snag one of their devices for under $100. They’ve got bills to pay, too!
Ever wonder why some muscle massagers cost as much as a fancy dinner? It’s because much research (and cash) goes into developing a percussion massager that does its job well.
We’re talking about engineering, innovation, and product testing—all the cool stuff that ensures you get a top-notch muscle massager.
Even though ALL manufacturing is done overseas to save costs, most of the top massage gun brands do their R&D right here in the US, and that’s not cheap!
TIP: We have a post revealing where and who manufactures their massagers and why NO ONE does it in the USA.
Let’s not forget about getting the word out there. Brands have to spend a pretty penny to advertise their products and get them into stores (or onto your doorstep).
Some brands even partner with athletes, signing them on as ambassadors. You’ve heard about those sweet endorsement deals, right? Just check out the list of Therabody Athletes and Ambassadors. It’s both impressive and, no doubt, expensive!
Some athletes, like NBA player Jason Tatum, even invest in these massage gun brands!
Do you know those super cool features like sensors and smart connectivity? Yeah, they don’t come cheap.
Brands like Bob and Brad Massage Guns, Urikar, Opove, Therabody, and Hyperice offer sports massagers packed with these features.
Of course, cheap massage gun brands try to mimic them, but let’s be real: they often miss the mark. Just look at some of the Chinese-made devices on Amazon.
The more powerful the massage gun, the more it will cost. It’s just like cars—the ones with the best performance tend to have the highest price tags, but you also get the best deep tissue massage!
More powerful motors and advanced percussion technology require thoughtful design, rigorous testing, and better materials, increasing costs.
If a massage gun is built using high-quality materials, you can bet it will cost a bit more.
Think of it like this—the better the ingredients, the better the cake. Brands that use top-notch materials and pay attention to quality create sports massagers that are built to last.
Hypervolt, for example, might not wow you with its performance, but its muscle massagers are solidly built.
This one’s pretty straightforward. A massage gun with extra goodies like interchangeable massage gun attachments, carrying cases, and charging docks will have a higher price tag.
TIP: If you want to know the ideal number of massage gun attachments or what materials they’re made of, check out our guide to massage gun attachments/Theragun attachments.
Like with any product, demand and competition play a big role in the cost of a muscle massager. The price will likely be higher if a particular model is super popular or hard to come by.
But more competition means more chances for great deals and sales, especially around holidays like Black Friday or when you are after a Father’s Day gift.
TIP: On the hunt for a massage gun? Make sure to check out our Best Deals page.
These factors will affect sports massagers’ prices at all times. So, when you’re shopping for a massage gun, don’t just look at the price. Consider all these factors, and you’ll better understand what you’re paying for. And who knows, you might even snag a great deal!
But why not just go old school and ease muscle tightness and soreness after workouts with tried-and-true methods like foam rolling or a good old fashioned massage?
Well, below we answer the question, are percussion massagers worth it over other recovery methods?
For ages, foam rollers have been the go-to for gym rats, athletes, and everyday people. Before muscle massagers strutted onto the scene, foam rollers were the top dogs in the recovery industry.
But let’s face it—they’re a bit limited. They can only target certain areas of your body4.
Now, we’re not saying they’re useless – far from it. They’re affordable (maybe that $30 you’ve got lying around can go towards one), and some brands have even jazzed them up with tech, like Therabody’s Wave roller series.
But when it comes to getting deep into those pesky knots in your muscles, percussive therapy comes into action. It’s like choosing between a general practitioner and a specialist—the specialist can do more for you using a chiropractor massage gun.
Now, this is a hot topic. Can a sports massager take the place of a pro physio or chiro?
In short, no. Muscle massagers are there to add to the benefits of professional massage therapy, not to replace them. So, don’t start calling your massage gun ‘Dr. Miracle Hands’.
Remember, many professionals use these devices (e.i. chiropractor massage machine) to enhance their work. And yes, a pro massage might cost you a pretty penny (we’re talking around $120 an hour if you’re in California), but think about this: the price of a good sports massager isn’t far off.
If used correctly, you can massage before workouts using a muscle massager to warm up your muscles. It is also helpful for alleviating soreness after workouts, or use it to help you relax after a long day at the office—all for a one-time cost.
They won’t replace your physio but are a handy percussive therapy in your recovery arsenal. Some massage guns also provide hot and cold therapy! (e.i., Bob and Brad massage guns)
And now, let’s bring the reasons why investing in a sports massager is worth it:
So, there you have it. These are all the reasons why we believe they are worth the investment. But there’s one more piece to this puzzle, perhaps the most important one…
What do YOU really need?
We’ve spent countless hours with these muscle-soothing best therapeutic massagers, so we know a thing or two about massage guns.
But let’s be real: not everything works for everyone. We’ve found that the best percussion massagers are the ones that stick to the basics – easing muscle tightness and soreness.
And the best part? You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy percussion massager benefits. The key is to figure out what you want before you dive into the world of sports massagers.
We’ve all heard of Theragun, right? It’s the big kahuna of massage guns, and many people wonder why Theragun is so expensive. Theragun’s popularity isn’t just about the product but also the brand. They have the resources to make some noise and get their name out there.
But think about it like this: When you’re craving a new smartphone, you don’t necessarily need the latest iPhone. Sure, an iPhone might have some cool features that other phones don’t, but at the end of the day, they all make calls, send texts, and let you scroll through social media.
The same goes for sports massagers. It’s not about who has the most bells and whistles or the highest price tag. What really matters is what you want to achieve with your percussion massager – help muscle recovery.
Once you’ve figured that out, getting a muscle massager could be one of the best investments you’ve ever made.
So, we’ve had quite the journey discussing ‘Are massage guns worth it?’ haven’t we?
We’ve dug into their vibration therapy benefits, examined the price tags, and even chatted about alternatives.
From our enthusiastic viewpoint, sports massagers can be a game-changer, but it all boils down to your individual circumstances and needs.
Always remember, it’s not about getting the most expensive muscle massager or the one with the fanciest features. It’s about what works best for you in your muscle recovery journey.
If you’re still unsure, don’t shy away from seeking professional advice on our blog or doing more research. Knowledge is power, after all!
So, next time you ponder, ‘Are massage guns good for you? are they worth it?’ You’ll be in a great position to answer confidently, ‘Yes, for me, they are!’
Happy massaging!
Here's a quick rundown of all the tweaks and edits we've made to this article to keep it accurate and up-to-date!
Current version.
December 15, 2023 Interlinking corrected for improved navigation. (Author: Greg)
July 4, 2023 Completely revised article incorporating our over 2 years of experience in testing and reviewing massage guns, now enhanced with new images for better illustration and referencing reliable sources to back the information. (Author: Luke)
May 22, 2023 Editorial update: Revised content for improved clarity and readability. (Author: Greg)
Published on:
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Written by:
Luke Deszczulka
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