Author, Expert Board Member
Bio:
Alex Stone is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA). He currently practices orthopedics in Bellevue, Washington, and manages an online health coaching business via social media (@dr.alexstone). He is passionate about health science education and general health/wellness optimization.
ByGreg Szostak
Fact checked by Dr. Alex Stone, DPT, CSCS.
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Today, we’ll dive deep into the best massage guns for runners, categorizing our choices and providing detailed explanations for our selections. These are our personal picks, all of which have been tested on our legs and back.
You will learn:
Speaking from experience, runners’ massage guns have been a great answer for tight calves and glutes after a run. Initially, we used them as complements to manual deep tissue therapy, but now they are our primary method for muscle recovery and myofascial release1.
We thought we were overreaching until we checked out Reddit comments on the topic. It appears that many runners are into massage gun therapy.
We therefore decided to cover all the practical information on what to pay attention to when choosing the best massage gun for runners, which you can find down below.
Greg’s Challenge:
In 2019, I participated in the 2019 ACEA Maratona Internazionale di Roma (Rome Marathon) as a challenge for my 40th birthday.
I completed it in a fairly decent time, 4:32:11. Not bad for a first-timer, huh?
I’m proud of that, but I wish I had a runner massage gun at the time to help with my recovery.
Regardless of which massage gun you choose from the list below, understanding how to make it work wonders for your runs is essential. Here’s a simple, effective massage gun routine for runners that I personally use:
Pre-Run muscle activation | Massage gun before running
Post-Run recovery and relaxation | Massage gun after running
When Pain Strikes | How to use massage gun after running?
Improving Sleep for Better Recovery
Now, a handy comparison table showing the key parameters of our 5 best massage guns for runners, plus Theragun Elite:
| Massage Gun | Stall Force lbs. | Amplitude mm | Category | Percussions ppm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ekrin Kestrel | 56 | 13 | medium amplitude, high RPM | 1800-3500 |
| Bob and Brad D6 Pro | 60 | 16 | high amplitude, medium RPM | 1500-2500 |
| Lifepro Sonic | 10.5 | 10.5 | low amplitude, medium rpm | 1200-2700 |
| Opove APEX | 45 | 14.5 | high amplitude, low rpm | 1800-2300 |
| Theragun Elite | 40 | 16 | high amplitude, low rpm | 1750-2400 |
| Ekrin Bantam | 35 | ~10 | low amplitude*, high rpm | 2000-3200 |
4.8
In our opinion, the Ekrin Kestrel is the quintessential massage gun for runners. It delivers more than enough for any kind of running that you may be engaged in.
Honestly, this massage gun blew away our expectations, offering everything a runner needs for optimal muscle recovery and performance enhancement through percussion therapy.
It’s the sequel to the B37 (reviewed here), which helped Ekrin Athletics get started as a massage gun-producing brand. Ekrin Athletics made a few awesome modifications that have made the Ekrin Kestrel even better.
In our tests, we found that the Kestrel has a similar stall force of 56 lbs but feels even more powerful when compared to the original B37. We even compared its stall force to the Theragun Pro, our benchmark device, and were thoroughly impressed.
The older B37 muscle massager has progressive stall force depending on the speed you choose. The Kestrel remains progressive, yet 30% more powerful at each speed. To put it into context, the Ekrin Kestrel will deliver deep percussive therapy at any speed.
We also verified the percussion range of the Ekrin Kestrel using our laser tachometer device. It is indeed top-notch, ranging from 1800 to 3500 RPM. Compared to the B37, which has a range between 2000 and 3200 RPM, the Kestrel has a wider percussion range, and at 3500 RPM, the intensity is astonishing.
The powerful stall force is complemented by a more-than-enough amplitude, also known as stroke length, of 13mm.
While a higher amplitude means punchier hits, the 56lbs stall force more than compensates for any potential limitations in stroke length, allowing you to press the sport massager hard against the body (without slowing down those fast percussions).
We appreciated the 6-speeds, which are adjusted with the only button on the device. It is a wheel-clickable button; click and hold to switch it on or off. Turn the wheel to adjust the speed level, indicated by a colorful LED beside it.
We were also impressed by the lightweight design of the top massage gun for runners. It’s only 2.2 lbs. This weight means an excellent balance, allowing forceful use without causing hand fatigue.
The angled handle provides excellent ergonomics, enabling users to reach various body parts easily. The aluminum ring at the top not only adds a luxurious touch but also allows you to grab the handheld massager firmly, without worrying it may slip out of your hands.
Our photos (below) demonstrate how ergonomic and convenient it is when used on different body areas.
Ease of use was another aspect we enjoyed while testing the Kestrel. It comes with 6 attachments, two more than its predecessor, and features a “push and twist” locking mechanism for the attachments.
We measured the actual sound levels using our high-precision noise meter and found that it operates quietly, ranging from 57dB to slightly over 63dB, despite being advertised at 35-55dB (be aware that measurement methodology and environment can significantly impact these results).
Additional features that stood out during our review include a high-quality Samsung-branded battery.
We’ve had our Ekrin Kestrel, a massage gun designed for runners, since early 2024, and it still works like a charm, with no issues.
Ekrin Athletic’s customer support is top-notch, and they even offer a lifetime warranty, which further solidifies our confidence in the Kestrel as the best massage gun for runners, overall.
You can use the promo code MGA20 to receive a 20% discount, reducing the price from $349.99 to just $280. You can get the Kestrel right here.
4.7
So, the Bob and Brad D6 ProPro, in our opinion, is the best massage gun for professional runners. It is a powerful, hard massage gun, and we’d recommend it for those who want something that will really dig into the muscle. It’s perfect if you have big, well-developed muscles.
Our first, quite impressive finding in tests was that it holds its own against the Ekrin Kestrel, which we previously reviewed. You could even consider it as a more affordable alternative to the Theragun Pro, as the performance features are pretty much the same, except for some fancy additions on the Theragun (but who needs all those bells and whistles, right?).
Regarding performance, this gun is advertised to have an 80-lb stall force. We saw that and were amazed. However, when we got our hands on it and tested it extensively, the stall force felt more like 60 lbs. which is still impressive to say the least.
The amplitude is 16mm, putting it in the same league as the Theragun Pro. We haven’t seen anything longer than that in the massage gun world. We measured the amplitude and confirmed its accuracy (as shown in the photos below).
With that kind of power and punch, you can be sure the Bob and Brad D6 Pro will deliver a deep percussive massage.
The percussion range is very similar to that of Theraguns, ranging from 1500 to 2500 RPM, with 6 speeds to accompany it. It also comes with 4 predefined modes for specific muscle massage routines.
The battery will last between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the mode, speed, and intensity you use.
The only problem is that it drains away a bit quicker than the Ekrin Kestrel, which offers more hours of use on a single charge before needing to be recharged.
The noise level of the Bob and Brad Pro is above that of the Ekrin Kestrel. Although it peaks at 67dB, which is slightly louder than the Kestrel, it remains quieter than the Theragun Pro 5th Gen.
Due to its large-capacity battery, the D6 Pro is heavier – 2.86lbs. It’s the heaviest gun on our list, but don’t let that deter you. Unless you have a petite body structure, it becomes heavier on your hands.
The D6 Pro Plus features a heat therapy head that supports blood flow and nutrient delivery to the massaged areas, resulting in faster muscle recovery.
You can choose from black or white.
It costs under $299.99, but you can apply the promo code MGAD6PRO3 to get a 10% discount. That cuts the price nicely, so check it out on Amazon.
4.9
When we examine the Ekrin Bantam, it appears to us that it was designed with runners in mind, particularly those who require a compact massage gun that can easily fit into their bag. So, if you’re a runner who travels a lot (check aircraft regulations), you’ll truly appreciate its convenient size.
Despite its compact form factor, this small massage gun impressed us with its top-notch features and performance.
For starters, the advertised stall force is 35lbs., which is impressive for a mini massage gun. To our pleasant surprise, it proved to be accurate during our extensive testing here.
Even more interesting is the fact that the stall force remains solid across all speeds.
This is quite remarkable, as most mini massage guns tend to stall easily on lower speeds, with only the top speed achieving the advertised stall force.
The amplitude is almost 10mm, which is perfect and more than sufficient for such a compact massage gun. It revs at 2000-3200 RPM across 3 speeds. Despite its sturdy build, it weighs a mere 1.1lbs. Active individuals who are always on the go will absolutely love this gun.
The Bantam comes with a carrying case and 4 attachments, which is just the right amount for runners. Its powerful battery lasts for over a week, and it’s USB-C compatible for convenient charging.
In our experience, the Ekrin Bantam is undoubtedly the best portable massage gun for runners seeking a powerful and travel-friendly option.
You can purchase it for $149.99, but by applying the MGA20 coupon at checkout, you will pay $119.99, which translates to a 20% discount and a lifetime warranty. Get the Mini Bantam right here.
4.4
We chose the KiCA Evo massage gun because it not only packs some interestingly powerful features but is also more affordable than our top two picks. So if you need something reasonably powerful and are a few bucks short, we’ve got you covered with the KiCA massage gun.
This massage gun has a nice, somewhat sleek design. It is foldable, the aluminum handle can be extended, and the percussion head can be rotated, allowing you to hit difficult-to-reach muscles at the right angle.
While it has an acceptable stall force in the upper 20s lbs., which is not bad given its lightweight muscle massager design (1.52 lbs), the actual amplitude is 12.7mm (advertised as 12mm). This is slightly less than in our beloved Ekrin Kestrel, but its stall force is less than half of the Ekrin’s.
Despite its 22 lbs of force, it is very difficult to stall when applying pressure to a muscle, so it feels more like a ~30 lbs device.
The handle diameter and weight are ideal for individuals with less bulky frames who don’t require intense percussion to target their muscles. Otherwise, you can exert additional pressure to intensify the massage, but this is not needed with the Ekrin Kestrel as it has an excellent weight balance.
KiCA only advertised the maximum percussion of 3200 RPM, but we measured the lowest speed at 1200 RPM. This may not sound very impressive, but we like how slow you can start with this device.
We believe this is a good option as a massage gun before running. It features a variable button that offers adjustable speeds within its speed range.
It comes with 6 different attachments, one of which provides heat therapy; alternatively, you can use it as a flat head attachment. The other five are very diverse, as you will find hard plastic, EVA foam, and rubber cushioned attachments.
This is surprisingly a relatively quiet device for its ~12mm amplitude – between the min and the max speeds, we measured between 30 and 40 dB, without an attachment. However, with an attachment, it sometimes emits a less pleasant rattling sound. But it is something that we can forgive thanks to its other non-standard features.
Expect to get between 2 and 4 hours of use on a single charge before needing to recharge it.
Feiyu-Tech is a high-tech, trusted brand that has incorporated massage guns into its product lineup. This device comes with a 1-year warranty if you decide to purchase it.
When you follow our link below, you may be eligible for an additional discount. You can check the current price here.
Read more: Here is our complete review of the KiCA Evo massage gun.
Theragun is a leading industry giant with its premium-quality products. Runners who can afford a highly priced massage gun will be asking themselves which is the best Theragun for runners.
Theragun Pro is obviously the most advanced of the bunch, but there’s a chance you won’t need its rotating arm or the removable batteries.
The Theragun Prime doesn’t meet our criteria for at least 40lbs. of stall force. However, if you opt for the Theragun Prime Plus, you’ll receive a device with a 16mm amplitude and 40 lbs. of no-stall force, which is 30% cheaper than the Theragun Pro Plus.
The Prime Plus has precisely 40lbs. of stall force. It also has the industry-high 16mm amplitude. This means it can deliver both intensity and punch for a proper massage gun after running.
It will serve you well even if you are a heavily built runner. It has a percussion range of 1750-2400 RPM. This is acceptable due to its longer stroke length and accuracy, as measured in our testing lab.
It doesn’t have an OLED screen, but it is a Theragun Bluetooth that connects to the built-in Theragun App. It features 5 speeds, accompanied by an LED indicator that can be adjusted via the dedicated app.
It comes with 4 attachments and a carrying case:
However, the main reason we included a Theragun is its innovative approach. We appreciate their unique designs and outstanding ergonomics (multiple grip options). We prefer them to the T-shaped Hypervolts.
Cons
Now, is the Theragun Mini for runners? It is great to have a portable massager; however, the Mini doesn’t have the stall force needed for targeting muscles deeper. With only 20 lbs. of force, it is very easy to stall it; that’s why the Ekrin Bantam is a better (mini) massage gun running recovery.
As runners, we have found that there are two main occasions when massage guns have been helpful for us. The first and obvious one is using a massage gun after running when a deep tissue massage is needed (best massage for runners). The second is using a massage gun before running, when you need to warm up and ease tight muscles.
For the warm-up phase, you’ll probably only need a simple massage gun runners. We’ve also heard that runners sometimes need a quick massage mid-race to dispel lactic acid and eliminate fatigue before they can continue. Even then, you’ll require a less intensive massage.
After a run, however, you will likely need something more powerful for treating your legs2, and this is where all the nitty-gritty details start to matter more, so you need the best muscle massager for runners.
Here are some things you’ll want to be keen on as you prepare to find something suitable for you.
Stall force simply refers to the amount of pressure a massage gun can withstand during a massage. We often recommend a higher stall force for those seeking a good massage.
But what about us, runners? Now we know that most runners – especially long-distance runners2 – have fully developed lower body muscles as a result of many years of training. That means that even though these muscles can be easily reached, it may take a bit of effort to engage them.
So, if you have large quads or glute muscles, you’ll likely require a strong and the best massage tool for runners to achieve an effective massage.
However, you may not necessarily need the most powerful massage gun out there. We’re talking about forceful guns like the Theragun Pro, which has a stall force of 60 lbs.
Our Advice:
Based on our practical experience, the best massage tool for runners is a massage gun with an amplitude of 12mm or more, and a stall force of at least 40-45lbs should be perfectly sufficient.
We will, however, caution you against going for cheaper and weaker massage guns ($100 or less) that will not even provide you with 30 lbs. of stall force at the highest speed.
As a runner, you need a deeper penetrating massage, and such cheap devices will not aid you in this. But just to make it clear: it is not about hammering the muscle with heavy punches.
It is actually more about the fact that low stall force will result in fewer percussions per minute under pressure exerted on the skin. In practical terms, instead of, e.g., 3200 hits per minute, you will get much less, like half of that, which might not be enough to ease muscle tensions.
Therefore, look out for devices that sacrifice too much of either the stall force or the amplitude.
Chart Conclusion:
The D6 Pro has the highest stall force, but that’s not the only thing that matters. The Ekrin Kestrel is not too far at all. (see the following charts). Note: Then Ekrin Bantam is a mini massager, so 35 lbs is phenomenal.
The amplitude refers to the distance the massage gun head travels back and forth as it contacts the skin. This is what tells you whether a sports massager can actually perform percussive therapy.
Our Advice:
As a runner, you need a deep tissue massage, and the greater the amplitude of a device, the better it will serve you. For a full-size device, we recommend a stroke length of at least 10mm.
Again, if you get a massage gun with a longer amplitude, then by all means go for it. However, this is only a good deal if the stall force is reasonable enough. Don’t be fooled by devices that promise 16mm amplitude but have less than 30lbs. of stall force – we tested many of those and they fail miserably.
In some instances, however, you may see a device that has a higher stall force but with a slightly shriveled amplitude. In such cases, even though the amplitude may not be deep, you can still receive an intensive massage by pressing it firmly against the skin.
Chart Conclusion:
Only the D6 Pro matches Theragun’s industry-leading 16mm amplitude length. However, a muscle massager for runners like the Ekrin Kestrel has plenty of stall force and super high RPM to compensate for the 3mm shorter amplitude. The Ekrin Bantam has only a 9mm, but it’s a mini massage gun.
The number of hits per minute you get from a percussion massage gun will determine how intense a massage you can get. Here again, the more hits (percussions) per minute, the better.
As a runner, look for a massage gun for running recovery that delivers at least 3000 RPM on the highest speed level and has sufficient stall force to maintain that speed when pressed firmly against your skin.
The above rule does not pertain to high-amplitude massage guns, though.
It’s not uncommon to find a percussion massager for runners with far fewer hits per minute. For instance, some high-end devices, such as Theraguns, will deliver just 2450 PPM.
In our experience, this is absolutely not a red flag; it usually just means the amplitude is longer, therefore, justifying the lowered percussions.
In fact, we are yet to see a device able to rev higher than 3000 RPM with 14 or 16mm stroke length. It is either a high amplitude or high frequency, not both.
PRO TIP: Beware of a massage gun for athletes and fitness lovers that promise up to 3800 RPM (percussions per minute), only to hit you with 5-8mm amplitude. This is nowhere near percussive therapy level – it’s very shallow vibration therapy.
Vibrations can be highly effective, too, but usually not with short-amplitude massage guns. Effective vibration devices rev well over 10,000 RPM (e.g., Rapid Release Therapy).
Chart Conclusion:
The Theragun Prime reaches only 2400 PPM, but this is due to its high amplitude (resulting in less frequent head movements). Still, the D6 Pro reaches 2500 PPM with the same stroke length. The Ekrin Kestrel, with a 13mm amplitude, revs faster, providing higher intensity.
We have included this because it can sometimes be confusing, especially when a muscle massager promises too many speeds.
We get questions about this frequently. Does it mean that those with more speeds also offer higher intensity, and are massage guns good for runners? Not necessarily.
We have seen good devices with 4-5 speeds that have served us well. We’ve also seen devices that promise speeds of up to 20 options, but it turns out, they were specialised in equine.
To be honest, these are a nightmare to work with. There’s no real value in having that many speeds, unless you’re a horse.
Some devices have pre-programmed modes that change intensity over time (i.e., D6 Pro). These are great as well.
Some high-end massagers come equipped with a pressure sensor (i.e., D6 Pro), allowing for a more consistent massage experience. As flashy as this may sound, it’s not something you must have.
Most runners have been wondering if a massage gun can be used to provide an Achilles tendonitis massage. Studies3 have shown that pressure can be used as a form of massage for tendonitis. It can be used to manage Achilles tendinopathy.
However, each case may be different, and the best course of action may be to consult a professional.
However, based on what we have been told and what we have practiced ourselves, using a fork attachment can yield good results.
We’ve also heard from people who have found the bullet head to be helpful for tendonitis massage. Whichever massage gun head you choose, we encourage you to use caution and avoid pushing into pain, as this may be painful and even cause more harm.
Our expert, Dr. Alex Stone, a licensed therapist, says:
The most effective, and safe way to manage your achilles tendon pain would be to take care of your calves4. This is important because a tight calf will add strain and stress to the Achilles tendon.
Here are the steps:
TIP: You can use the soft ball head if the flat massage gun attachment proves to be too intense.
With that, we end our post on the best massage gun for runners. We believe the choice will be a little easier now.
Good luck with your purchase!
Ps. If you need a personal recommendation, feel free to ask us a question. Bye!
Yes, a massage gun can be beneficial for runners as it aids in muscle recovery and myofascial release, particularly for tight calves and glutes after a run. Additionally, it is recommended to use a massage gun before running to warm up muscles and prevent injury.
While initially used as a complement to manual deep tissue therapy, many runners now rely on them as the best massage tool for runners.
Runners can use a massage gun daily, adjusting the frequency according to their training intensity and personal needs. After intense workouts, a massage gun session can promote recovery and alleviate muscle soreness. On rest or lighter workout days, shorter sessions can help maintain muscle flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Both pre- and post-run massage gun use can be beneficial for runners. Using a massage gun before running can help warm up muscles, increase blood flow, and reduce the risk of injury.
Using a massage gun after running aids in muscle recovery, reduces soreness, and improves flexibility. Ideally, use the massage gun before running to prepare your muscles and again after your run to support recovery.
Always listen to your body and adjust the usage based on your needs and comfort levels.
Every Theragun will do the job for runners; the choice depends on personal preference and budget, as these are not cheap devices. We believe the Theragun Prime is a great option due to its balance of power, features, and cost.
It has a 16mm amplitude, 40lbs stall force, and is suitable as a massage gun after running.
The ergonomic design and multiple grip options provide ease of use. All in all, it’s an excellent choice for runners seeking a premium massage gun.
The Opove APEX can be a great companion for runners seeking a powerful massage gun specifically designed for them. We recently tested it, and we must say we had fun with it.
What sets it apart from the Sonic above is that it’s the latest technology – it’s super quiet, ergonomic, and surprisingly well-made. It’s slightly more expensive than the Sonic, but it boasts better specs, making it a worthwhile investment.
While the Ekrin B37S offers a balanced experience, high stall force, and excellent support from the manufacturer, the APEX delivers more amplitude. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but it does what it’s meant to do (and it does it well).
If the 12mm amplitude on the Ekrin B37S isn’t enough, you’ll love the 14.5mm amplitude offered by the APEX. If you desire the Achedaway Pro’s 16mm but can’t afford the extra bucks, this one will handle the job just fine.
Regarding stall force, both the Ekrin B37S and Achedaway Pro already provide more than enough power for runners. These fantastic devices won’t let you down when you’re craving a deep tissue massage. The Opove APEX, however, doesn’t lag too far behind.
Remember how we said that mid-40s stall force is good enough? This device boasts that kind of stall force. It doesn’t stall easily, and another cool feature is that when you apply too much pressure, it doesn’t shut off entirely. Instead, it pauses and resumes revving when the pressure eases.
For accessories, you get everything at a very affordable price. Six nice attachments and a sleek carrying case are included. Opove crafted the device with a premium feel, and it’s branded beautifully, giving it a professional and high-quality appearance.
So, if you’re on the hunt for an affordable, high-amplitude massage gun that will definitely fit any runner, the Opove APEX could be your perfect match!
It retails for $199.99, but the last time we checked, there was a 20% discount on – you’ll only have to part with $159. A great deal, given all the specs it has. Buy it at opove.com.
More Info: Read our full Opove Apex review.
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.
November 22, 2023 Added new section about getting the most out of massage gun for running. (Author: Greg)
October 19, 2023 Content changes for better readability and clearer information presentation. (Author: Greg)
August 3, 2023 Minor editorial changes and styling improvements where needed (Author: Greg)
May 28, 2023 Added more photos from our test lab to better demonstrate how we tested the key features, such as the amplitude or percussion range . (Author: Greg)
May 5, 2023 Revised the guide part, added more practical information; Reviews now better demonstrate our hands-on experience with products tested. (Author: Greg)
April 19, 2023 FAQ section added, addressing common questions runners ask about massage guns. (Author: Greg)
October 12, 2021 Fact checked by Dr. Alex Stone, DPT, CSCS.
Published on:
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Written by:
Greg Szostak
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