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Spoiler: Yes, there’s indeed a really good massage gun within a budget of $200, and we’re excited to share which one it is and why… but let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet!
This post will bring you a list of our top picks for massage guns that won’t break the bank (all backed by our tests and specs verifications). Plus, we’ve snagged some coupons for a few devices that are slightly over the budget, just to make them count.
You will learn:
Just 2 years ago, it would’ve been difficult to come up with a list of massage guns below $200. This is because back then, anything under $200 would only fetch you an introductory device, and boy were those awful!
But since then things have changed and the fact that the market is flooded with these devices means that many are cheap now. In fact, we have seen dozens of devices under $200 and amazingly enough, a few of our favorite as well.
However, it’s also not uncommon to encounter devices that just won’t cut it – very poor performance features.
We believe it’s very important that the performance features be good enough because there are flashy toys in the market. All these brands do is embellish their products to look like Theragun or Hypervolt but with no real quality.
Another thing that we also noticed in our research for this post, is that most massage guns are still vibrational therapy devices. Instead of more power and long head travel, all they do is offer intensive surface-level massage.
While this is also fine, for those just looking for a soothing device, we prefer percussive massage guns – those that deliver power and punch deep into the muscle tissue. You will find them on the list below. Other important criteria we discuss more in Guide Section down below.
4.8
Ekrin has always been a brand we admire, not just for their top-notch quality products, but also for the excellent customer service they provide.
Having personally tested and measured their Ekrin B37 massage gun, we were genuinely pleased with the experience, making us even keener on the brand.
At the time we compiled this list, the B37’s price was slightly above our $200 limit. However, thanks to an exclusive offer that shaves 20% off the usual price (use code MGA20), we couldn’t resist including – and even highlighting – it as our top recommendation in this category.
Straightaway Ekrin shines where it matters most – stall force. In our direct testing, we found that the B37 boasts an impressive 56lbs. of stall force, earning it a place right next to the power-packed Theraguns in our esteem.
To go with the great stall force, it has a 12mm amplitude. This means that Ekrin B37 can give a deep-to-the-bone percussive massage. Even though the amplitude is not Theragun-like, the great stall force allows for this.
One of the aspects we verified was the percussion range, which spans from 1400-3200rpm. It’s probably normal range for most guns in this category, but we like how the range is so spaced out.
It means that with this gun you can start slow and climb up as you see fit. Instead of starting at 1750rpms like in Theragun, you can start at 1400rpms. It has 5 speeds to cycle through, which is just perfect.
The B37’s build quality and size also stood out during our hands-on evaluation.
Weighing just 2.2lbs, it aligns with the accepted weight limit for massage guns in its category.
The ergonomics, characterized by Ekrin’s pioneering 15-degree angled handle design, also scored high in our books.
Our testing confirmed the robustness of the Samsung branded battery, which has a 2550mAh capacity. It reliably provides between 5-8 hours of usage on a single charge.
In terms of noise level, the B37 is on the quieter side. The advertised noise levels claim a range between 35-55dB, but our tests found it starting at around 50dB, increasing slightly above 60dB during operation.
TIP Watch our video below from our testing session to see how the Ekrin B37 looks, feels, and operates. You can also hear its sound during use.
Ekrin is our favorite brand because they offer a lifetime warranty for all their products. This offering illustrates their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
With the MGA20 coupon code you get 20% OFF the normal price so you can buy it at only $183.99. Get it right here.
More Info: Read our in-depth Ekrin B37 Review for more details.
4.7
Bob and Brad are perhaps best known for their T-shaped, Hypervolt-esque massage guns, but they’ve pleasantly surprised us with the recent introduction of their D6 Pro model in November 2022.
This device deviates from their previous design style and brings a feel more reminiscent of the top-tier Theragun Pro – a welcome change in our opinion.
We’ve had the pleasure of personally testing the D6 Pro, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint in value for money, especially with the available discount coupon (find it below) that brings it under our $200 threshold.
Watch our video below from our testing session to see how it looks, feels, and operates:
One of the standout features we identified during our hands-on evaluation was its impressive amplitude. Boasting a robust 16mm amplitude, which we can confirm through direct measurement, the D6 Pro holds its own among high-end competitors like the Theragun Pro and Achedaway Pro.
However, a large amplitude is only effective when paired with substantial stall force. We were initially skeptical about the claimed 60lbs. stall force, but our testing proved this wasn’t just advertising rhetoric – stalling this device proved to be quite the challenge.
The D6 Pro also caught our attention with its thoughtful ergonomic design, bearing some similarity to our top pick, the Ekrin B37. It diverges with a multi-handle design that affords more grip options. While this makes it slightly larger and heavier at 2.8lbs, compared to Ekrin’s 2.2lbs, it’s still manageable and offers more flexibility in handling.
We verified the D6 Pro’s percussion range, which stands at a decent 1460-2460rpm, especially impressive for a gun with such long amplitude. It offers 6 speed settings to cycle through, which, in our experience, is more than sufficient given its percussion range.
The D6 Pro comes with six varied attachments and a convenient carrying case. Despite its high-amplitude design, it’s relatively quiet, registering a noise level of 67dB at the highest intensity during our testing.
The best part? It’s normally $250 but you can get it for more like $170. How? Visit the product’s page on Amazon, mark the coupon box. Then, apply the MGAD6PRO code for an additional 10% off the already discounted price – you will be able to apply the code at the checkout.
More Info Read our hands-on Bob and Brad D6 Pro review.
The Lifepro Sonic LX is the third device in our list but don’t let the ranking fool you. As we said in our full review, this is a serious device with a lot to offer and at a great price.
What initially drew our attention to the Sonic LX was its considerable motor power. Housing a potent 72 Watt motor, we can confidently state, after conducting hands-on tests, that this device is more than capable of delivering powerful percussive massages.
Yet, with that kind of power output Sonic LX has about 33lbs. stall force. We’d expect more, to be honest, but on the other hand we’ve recently seen a number o brands overstating the specs, so we’ll take the real 33lbs. instead of fake 50 or so.
One thing for sure: the LX massage gun definitely feels stronger than, say, Theragun Prime or Hypervolt.
The Sonic LX pairs its solid stall force with a verified 12mm amplitude, which ensures a deep, impactful massage.
The percussion range, spanning from ~1800-3100rpm across 9 adjustable speeds, was another highlight during our testing, offering a wider range than many other models on the market.
It’s a power tool as well and unlike our beloved Ekrin B37, the ergonomics are a bit of a letdown. It however weighs just 2.3lbs which is superb for a full-sized massage gun.
It comes with 7 attachments and a carrying case. The battery life, depending on usage mode, can last up to 4 hours, as we personally verified.
Its noise level, while not the quietest on our list, is still acceptable, clocking in at 60-66dB during our tests.
It comes with a lifetime warranty. It normally retails for $139.99, but with our MGA10 coupon code you get a 10% discount. It then only costs $125.99.
More Info: Read the full Lifepro Sonic LX Review for further information.
The RecoverFun Plus, another contender on our “best massage guns under $200” list, caught our attention due to its compact size and portability compared to its predecessor, the Lifepro Sonic LX.
We thoroughly examined the RecoverFun Plus in a recent review and found it to be an excellent value for money, justifying its inclusion in this list.
The device boasts an advertised 62 lbs. stall force, which seems impressive at first glance. However, our hands-on testing revealed a likely stall force around 45-50 lbs., which, though lower than advertised, should still be sufficient for most users.
In fact, even heavy-duty users, such as athletes or bodybuilders, are likely to be satisfied with this level of power.
While the RecoverFun Plus might not claim the top spot for stall force, its 12mm amplitude is remarkable, especially considering its compact size.
Then there’s the percussion range, 1500 to over 3000 percussions per minute.
Our experienced judgement tells us it’s actually accurate, which doesn’t happen often (many brands like to overstate percussion figures). Needless to say, this is good enough for a percussive massage.
It’s well built but isn’t the slimmest and lightest device out there. Our first two recommendations, Ekrin B37 and Bob and Brad D6 Pro, are more ergonomic devices. This one can compete with the Lifepro Sonic LX though.
Battery life is good – up to 3 hours on a single chars. If you need more, you can buy a spare battery as this is the only device on our list with detachable battery.
With a second battery, this device can definitely do 5 to 6 hours, depending on how much pressure you apply and what speed you are using the most.
The RecoverFun Plus comes with six quality attachments—four of which are made from silicone—and a carrying case, further enhancing its value proposition.
MORE INFO Read our Recoverfun Plus Review for further details.
This one is an already proven massage gun that has still a lot to offer.
For starters, Sportneeer introduced the oval shaped handle and made it nicely rubberized for a firmer grip. They also made sure to keep it as compact as possible – it’s not bulky and weighs a reasonable 2.3 pounds.
In terms of performance, it’s so-so. It has a decent 30-35lbs. stall force but only 10mm stroke length.
That means it’s a vibrational device that can be pressed reasonably hard against the body. It has a very good percussion range, though, with a maximum of 3150rpm (we measured it to verify). Therefore, we’re convinced that it can deliver an effective percussive therapy.
In our opinion, it will be a nice choice if you don’t cherish an aggressive, punchy massage like the one you get from the Bob and Brad D6 Pro above.
It’s well equipped with a carrying case and 5 attachments. The attachments are varied, but we found them not the best quality to be honest. They feel rather cheap, and behind the quality of the device itself. Also, none of them is a soft/cushioned head.
It comes with a 1-year warranty and costs less than $150—a decent buy for those who want a starter massage or for the elderly.
If you’d like to give it a try, you can get it sportneer.com right here.
More Info Read our Sportneer Massage Gun Review for further details.
4.9
The Ekrin Bantam, the compact counterpart of the successful B37 is the only mini massage gun on our “best under $200” list. We thoroughly examined this device, tested it on a multiple hikes, and were impressed by its design and features.
Standing at 6.5″ tall, 4.5″ long (with the ball attachment), and a width of 1.9″, the Bantam is smaller than both the Theragun Mini and Hypervolt Go.
This super-compact device can comfortably fit in a pocket without causing noticeable bulging. It carries the same 15-degree angled handle as its larger counterpart and weighs a mere 1.1lbs, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go users.
Just check it out in our video below during unboxing and testing its speeds and attachments:
The Ekrin Bantam surprised us with its powerful performance despite its compact size. With a verified stall force of 35lbs, it ranks among the best mini massage guns on the market.
It has a respectable 10mm amplitude providing adequate percussion for a device of this size.
We used our laser tachometer to confirm it has an actual 2000-3200 (rpm) percussion range with three speeds to go with it. Three speeds is standard for most mini massage guns.
It comes with four attachments with a nice instructions manual on how to use them. It also houses a Samsung-branded battery that we found can last between 3-5 hours, depending on usage intensity.
Notably, unlike the pricier Theragun Mini, the Ekrin Bantam comes with a carrying case, further enhancing its value and portability.
It normally costs $149, but with our MGA20 code that gives you a 20% discount, you can get it right here for only $119.99 – a fantastic deal in our opinion.
Here’s what to look out for.
Stall force is the amount of pressure it takes to stall the motor of a device. This happens when the device is pressed hard against the skin. Strong devices can withstand a fair amount of pressure before they stall. The pressure is measured in pounds (lbs.).
Based on our experience, over 80% of massage guns on Amazon have 30lbs. or below of stall force. However, some under $200 guns will still offer more power – 40-50lbs or sometimes even more. We are believers in more stall force.
This is because a device that can offer more stall force is more versatile than one that offers very little power. Even though you may need a delicate massage, hamstrings and glutes will need a bit more power.
Conclusion
Finding a massage gun with reasonable power under $200 was difficult two years ago but things have changed since then. Devices like Ekrin B37, Bob and Brad D6 Pro, and Ekrin Bantam (in the mini category) all offer plenty of stall force while being reasonably priced.
Commonly referred to as amplitude, stroke length is the distance traveled by the massage gun head to give you the percussions per minute. The amplitude of a device tells you whether a device is percussive or vibrational.
A long amplitude means the device will be perceived as “punchy”, while a short one means it feels more vibrational. Long amplitude does not mean that the device can deeper into the muscle.
In fact, it is more about the percussions per minute or, in other words, the intensity. The faster the device percusses, the better it can override pain signals to the brain, which ultimately leads to tension release in muscles.
We think that A good enough stroke length, paired by just enough stall force can propel a device to the top of percussive performance. We believe that even for massage guns under $200, the amplitude should be at least 10mm long. Our top picks often have more – up to 16mm long.
We should warn you of cheap devices that have extra-long amplitudes but have very little stall force to back it up with – recent examples include Legiral Le3, Chirogun, and most cheap guns on eBay or Amazon.
Conclusion
Generally, the more amplitude in a percussion device, the slower it will rev, and vice-versa. Both approaches work equally well, but only if there’s enough stall force available. Our top picks all have enough amplitude and powerful motors (which doesn’t mean they cannot be used gently). In the mini category, 10mm stroke is what you should look for.
Percussions/RPMS: In this category, most guns will have a percussion range of 1800-3200rpm. This is standard percussion range for most guns.
However, there are devices with less percussions per minute. These often have long amplitudes. Some devices will have up to 4000 maximum RPMs.
These are, in most cases, vibrational tools that need more intensity to get the work done.
So here is our list of the massage guns that go under $200. As you probably noticed, many of them have a coupon discount that makes them even cheaper.
We chose the Ekrin B37 as our top pick because we love what Ekrin are doing for the percussive therapy industry with their great devices and unrivaled customer support. The Bantam ranks top among mini massage guns under $200 with a superb ergonomics, reasonable power and nice build.
If you still have doubts and need help, you can always get in touch by asking a question or just commenting below. We’ll be glad to suggest you the right massage gun for your needs.
Till the next one!
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.
September 19, 2023 Minor editorial changes for improved clarity and readability. (By: Greg)
June 3, 2023 Added links to individual reviews; updated charts; minor edits and corrections (By: Luke)
January 18, 2023 Added new photos of Ekrin B37 & Bantam (By: Greg)
December 21, 2022 Added Bob and Brad D6 Pro following our extensive review. (By: Luke)
September 13, 2022 Replaced Everyfun M3 Pro with Lifepro Sonic LX due to much better value for the money (By: Luke)
June 2, 2022 Added RecoverFun Plus following our hands-on review (By: Luke)
March 20, 2022 Removed Urikar Pro 2 due to price point change (now under $100 device). (By: Luke)
January 26, 2022 Removed Relxbit Pro after we found the advertised specs did not reflect the reality – replaced by Sportneer Elite D9 (By: Luke)
November 6, 2021 Removed Minirex from our recommendations, after hearing reports about major shipping issues (By: Luke)
July 20, 2021 New device photos added (By: Greg)
Published on:
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Written by:
Luke Deszczulka
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The Lifepro Sonic LX is currently $110 on Amazon, which is half the price of the both the B37 and D6 Pro. Would you consider it a better value for that price?
Thanks Chris for your comment. Well, a price drop of $20, in our opinion, still doesn’t justify choosing this massager over the B37 and especially the D6 Pro. The latter is our favorite and a really serious massager. Worth the extra $60. However, if you have a strict budget, the Sonic LX is a decent choice and comes with a lifetime warranty. If you could provide more details about how you intend to use it, it would be easier to advise. Best regards.