Author, Expert Board Member
Bio:
Alex Stone is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and 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, naming our choices in a few different categories and explaining our reasoning in detail. These are our personal picks, all tested on our legs and back.
You will learn:
Speaking from experience, massage guns have been a great answer for tight calves and glutes after a run. At first we used them as compliments to manual deep tissue therapy but now they’re pretty much our primary method for muscle recovery and myofascial release1.
We thought we were overreaching until we checked out Reddit comments on the topic. Looks like a lot of runners are into massage gun therapy.
We therefore decided to cover all the practical information on what to pay attention to when choosing the right percussion massager for runners, which you can find down below.
My 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 massage gun that time to help me in recovery 🫣.
No matter which massage gun you choose from the list below, knowing how to make it work wonders for your runs is key. Here’s a simple, effective method that I personally use:
Pre-Run muscle activation
Post-Run recovery and relaxation
When Pain Strikes
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 B37S | 56 | 12 | medium amplitude, high rpm | 2000-3200 |
| Achedaway Pro | 60 | 16 | high amplitude, medium rpm | 1700-2800 |
| 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 |
4.9
In our opinion, the Ekrin B37S 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 device to the B37 (reviewed here) that got Ekrin up and running as a massage gun producing brand. Ekrin made a few awesome modifications that have made the B37S even better.
In our tests, we found that the B37S 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 gun had progressive stall force depending on what speed you chose. The B37S is still progressive but 30% more powerful for each speed gear. To put it into context, the B37 will deliver deep percussive therapy at any speed.
We also verified the percussion range of the B37S using our laser tachometer device. It is indeed top-notch, ranging from 2000 to 3200 RPM. This is slightly similar to the original B37, with the main difference being the lowest speed setting – the B37 starts at 1400 percussions per minute.
The powerful stall force is complemented by a more-than-enough amplitude, also known as stroke length, of just shy of 12mm.
While more amplitude means punchier hits, the 56lbs stall force more than compensates for any potential limitations in stroke length, allowing you to press the device hard to the body (without slowing down those fast percussions).
We appreciated the 5-speed gears, just like the original device, but discovered an awesome tweak on the 5th gear: a pre-programmed dynamic mode that cycles between the highest and lowest speeds.
We were also impressed by the lightweight design of the B37s. It’s only 2.2 lbs. This weight means an excellent balance, allowing forceful use without causing hand fatigue.
The angled handle offers excellent ergonomics, letting users easily reach various body parts. 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 B37S. 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 reactive force meter that indicates the pressure exerted on the gun, and a high-quality Samsung branded battery.
We’ve had our B37S device for more than 2 years now, and it still works like a charm, with no issues!
Ekrin’s customer support is top-notch, and they even offer a lifetime warranty, which further solidifies our confidence in the B37S as the best overall massage gun for runners.
You can use the promo code MGA20 to get a 20% discount that slices the price from $329 to just $263.99. You can get the B37S right here.
4.6
So, the Achedaway Pro, in our opinion, is the best massage gun for professional runners. It is a powerful 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 B37S, 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?).
Talking of performance, this gun has an advertised 80lbs. 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 60-65lbs. 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 it to be accurate (as seen on photos below).
With that kind of power and punch, you can be sure the Achedaway Pro will deliver a deep percussive massage.
The percussion range is 1700-2800rpm with 5-speed gears to go along with it. You don’t get the extra fancy mode like the one on the Ekrin B37S, though (bummer).
However, you do get a powerful 3200mAh capacity battery (nice!).
The only problem is that it drains away a bit quicker. While the Ekrin B37S offers up to 8 hours of continuous use on a single charge, the Achedaway Pro lasted only for 2-4 hours under our heavy tests. The advantage, however, is that the battery is removable, and you can purchase the gun with a spare battery (at achedaway.com here) if you need to use it extensively.
The noise level of the Achedaway Pro is comparable to that of the B37S. Although it tops at 66dB, slightly louder than the B37S’s 63dB, the difference is not noticeable in everyday use.
Due to the large capacity battery, the Achedaway Pro is heavier – 2.6lbs. It’s the heaviest gun on our list, but don’t let that deter you; the Achedaway Pro is definitely worth considering for professional runners – trust us on this one!
It costs $299 but you can apply the promo code MGA60 to get a $60 discount. That cuts the price down to $239 for a single-battery version. The same gun but with a spare battery will cost you $309 after the discount.
4.9
When we look at the Bantam, it seems to us that it was designed with runners in mind, particularly those who need a compact massage gun that can easily fit in their bag. So, if you’re a runner who travels a lot, you’ll truly appreciate its convenient size.
Despite its small form factor, this little massage gun amazed 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 speed gears.
This is quite remarkable, as most mini massage guns tend to stall easily on lower speeds, with only the top gear achieving the advertised stall force.
The amplitude is almost 10mm, which is perfect and more than enough for such a small massage gun.
The amplitude is almost 10mm, which is perfect and more than sufficient for such a compact massage gun. It revs at 2000-3200rpm across 3 speed gears. 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 who want a powerful, travel-friendly option.
You can get it for $149.99 but if you apply the MGA20 coupon at checkout, you will buy it for $119.99 – translates to 20% discount. Get the little Bantam right here.
We picked the Lifepro Sonic because not only does it pack some interestingly powerful features; it’s also cheaper 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 Sonic massage gun.
This massage gun has a nice and somewhat unique retro look. It follows the original T-shape kind of design with a straight handle, and although it’s a relatively old product, it still has a lot to offer.
While it has a reasonable stall force in the upper 30s lbs., which is not bad given it’s not the biggest gun (9.8”h x 8”w), the real amplitude is 10.5mm (advertised is 12mm). This is slightly less than in our beloved Ekrin B37S, but it’s enough with a stall force like that.
The advertised percussion range is 1300-3000rpm, although our laser tachometer didn’t show more than 2700. This may not sound very impressive, but we like how low you can start with this device.
We believe this is a good gun to use for a warm-up massage before you start running. It has 5 speeds to go with this as well. It doesn’t have any pressure sensor, but it does come with 8 different attachments, which is insane (right?). It obviously doesn’t hurt to have that many, but 5 of them would likely be enough – some of them are just slightly different variations of other ones.
It doesn’t have any pressure sensor but it does come with 8 different attachments, which is insane. It obviously doesn’t hurt to have that many, but 5 of them would likely be enough – some of them are just a slightly different variations of other ones.
Unfortunately, it’s not the quietest device we’ve tested – we measured 49-66dB. Although these numbers are similar to the previously mentioned models, it emits a different type of less pleasant sound. But as we already said, it is not the latest generation percussion massager (so we can forgive that).
However, the battery can be easily detached, and the capacity is 2600mAh of juice, so it will go to work for 2-4 hours, depending on how you use the gun (not too shabby).
Lifepro is a trusted brand and will give you a lifetime warranty if you decide to purchase this device. So, if you’re on a budget and looking for a decent alternative to the Ekrin B37S and Achedaway Pro, the Lifepro Sonic might be the perfect fit for you!
The price was recently reduced but you can still get a 10% discount if you use the code MGA10. You can check the current price here.
More Info Here is our full Lifepro Sonic review.
The Opove APEX can be a great companion for runners who are looking for a punchy massage gun tailored especially 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 tech – it’s super quiet, ergonomic, and surprisingly well made. It’s a tad more expensive than the Sonic but boasts better specs, making it worth the 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. There are 6 nice attachments and a sleek carrying case 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 definitly 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. Great deal given all the specs it has. Buy it at opove.com.
More Info Read our full Opove Apex review.
Theragun are the industry giants with their premium quality products. Runners who can afford a highly priced massage gun will be pondering over which Theragun to buy.
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.
We chose to go with Theragun Elite because it’s 30% cheaper yet still quite powerful. Theragun Prime doesn’t meet our criteria for at least 40lbs. of stall force.
Elite has precisely 40lbs. stall force. It also has the industry high 16mm amplitude. This means it can deliver both intensity and punch for a post-run massage.
It will serve you well even if you are a heavily built runner. It has a percussion range of 1750-2400rpm. This is fine because of its longer stroke length, and accurate – we measured it in our testing lab.
It has an OLED screen and a built-in force meter. It has 5 speeds that can be adjusted via a dedicated app. It comes with 5 attachments and a carrying case.
But the main reason we included a Theragun is because of their innovative approach. We appreciate their unique designs and wonderful ergonomics (multiple grip options). We prefer them to the T-shaped Hypervolts.
Cons
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 after a run when deep tissue massage is needed, and second, just before a run, when you need to warm up and ease the tight muscles.
For the warm up phase, you’ll probably only need a simple device. We’ve heard of runners also needing a quick massage mid-racing to dispel lactic acid and get rid of 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.
Here are some things you’ll want to be keen on as you prepare to find something suitable for you.
Stall force just means the amount of pressure a massage gun can withstand during a massage. We often recommend a higher stall force for anyone looking for 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 intensiveness to get into them.
So if you have large quad or glute muscles you’ll probably need a strong device for an effective massage.
However, you may not necessarily need the most powerful massage gun out there. We’re talking forceful guns like Theragun Pro that exceed 66lbs of stall force.
Our Advice
Based on our practical experience, a massage gun with 12mm or more amplitude and 40-45lbs stall force should be perfectly enough.
We will, however, caution you against going for cheaper and weaker guns ($100 or less) that will not even give you 30lbs. of stall force at the highest gear.
As a runner, you need a deeper penetrating massage and such 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
Achedaway Pro has the highest stall force, but that’s not the only thing that matters. Ekrin B37S and Opove Apex may have lower numbers but prose elsewhere (see the following charts). Note: Bantam is a mini massager, so 35 lbs is a great result.
The amplitude is how far the massage gun head travels back and forth as it hits the skin. This is what tells you whether a massage gun can actually perform percussive therapy.
Our Advice
As a runner, you need a deep tissue massage and the more amplitude a device has the better it will serve you. For a full-size device, we don’t recommend anything less than 10mm stroke length.
Again, if you get a device 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 hit deep, you can still get an intensive massage by pressing it hard on the skin.
Chart Conclusion
Only Achedaway Pro matches Theragun’s industry-leading 16mm stroke length. However, device like Ekrin B37s has plenty of stall force to compensate for the lower amplitude. It’s just a difference in characteristics. Bantam has only 10mm but it’s a mini massage gun.
The amount of hits per minute you get from a percussion massage gun will determine how intensive a massage you can get. Here again the more hits (percussions) per minute the better.
As a runner, go for a gun that delivers at least 3000rpm on the highest speed level and has enough stall force to maintain that speed when you press the device hard to your skin.
The above rule does not pertain to high-amplitude massage guns, though.
It’s not uncommon to find percussion massagers with far less hits per minute. For instance some high end guns like Theraguns or Achedaway Pro will deliver just 2450-2800rpm.
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 devices that promise up to 3800 percussions per minute only to hit you with 5-8mm amplitude. This is nowhere near percussive therapy level – it’s a vibration therapy.
Vibrations can be super effective too, but usually not with low-frequency massage guns. Effective vibration devices rev well over 10,000rpms (e.g. Rapid Release Therapy).
Chart Conclusion
Opove Apex and Theragun Elite rev up to only 2400 and 2300 ppms, respectively, but it’s due to high amplitude (less frequent head movements). Still, Achedaway Pro reaches 2800 with the same stroke length which we find impressive. Models with 12mm amplitude rev faster instead, providing higher intensity.
We have included this because it can sometimes get confusing especially when a device promises too many speed gears.
We get questions about this frequently. Does it mean that a device with more speed gears offers better intensity? Not necessarily.
We have seen good devices with 4-5 speeds that have served us well. We’ve also seen devices that promise up to 20 speeds.
To be honest, these are a nightmare to work with. There’s no real value in having that many speed gears.
There are devices that have pre-programmed modes where the intensity changes over time. These are great as well.
There are high-end massagers that come with a pressure sensor, meaning you can have a more consistent massage.
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 on the Achilles tendon. Studies3 have shown that pressure massage can be used to take care of Achilles tendinopathy. However, each case may be different and the best thing may be to consult a professional.
But from what we have been told, and even practiced ourselves, using a fork attachment can lead to good results.
We’ve also heard from people who have found the bullet head to be useful in this case. Whichever 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 therapists, says:
The most effective, and safe way to manage your achilles tendon 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 head proves to be too intensive.
Yes, 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, massage guns can be used before running to warm-up muscles and prevent injury. While originally used as a complement to manual deep tissue therapy, many runners now rely on massage guns as their primary recovery method.
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. Before running, using a massage gun can help warm up muscles, increase blood flow, and reduce the risk of injury. After running, it 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. And 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 Elite is a great option due to its balance of power, features, and cost. It has a 16mm amplitude, 40lbs stall force that are suitable for post-run massages. The ergonomic design and multiple grip options provide ease of use. All in all its an excellent choice for runners seeking a premium massage gun.
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 in your purchase!
Ps. If you need a personal recommendation, feel free to ask us a question. Bye!
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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