Liz lives and works in the Inland Empire of CA. She was a multi-sport athlete in her youth, competing in softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and swimming. Liz swam collegiately at Webster University, where she earned her B.A. degree in Communications. She is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with an A.A.S. degree from St. Louis Community College – Meramec. Liz has advanced training in orthopedic physical therapy through NextGen PT and movement analysis through Movement Links. She is also a certified NASM-Performance Enhancement Specialist. Liz is passionate about providing parents and coaches with the knowledge and resources necessary to create a safe and enjoyable environment for young athletes.
USE OUR MGA DISCOUNT LINK! Up to 20% off automatically applied at check out on Ekrin Athletics Sports massagers. We list the best deals here →
In this best mini massage gun guide, we share with you the best options in the ‘small massage gun’ and ‘mini massage gun’ categories and make the selection process a bit easier.
Why trust our reviews? Over the past four years, we have bought and personally tested 25+ mini massage guns. We even verify the official specs with our set of tools because, unfortunately, too many brands tend to overpromise but underdeliver. Here, you get the verified information.
Short of time? These are our Theragun Mini alternatives:
Look no further than the Ekrin Bantam, with its superb portability, top-notch power-to-size ratio, and lifetime warranty. The MGA20 coupon will give you 20% off.
Alternatively, consider the latest Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini. It shines with the highest amplitude among mini massage guns we’ve tested and stands out as an excellent choice for those looking for top value in their investment (best affordable massage gun – mini).
Selecting the Best Mini Massage Gun: Key Features to Consider
Here’s what we’ve looked at when testing the devices:
Size: Naturally, we only take mini massage guns and small massage guns into consideration;
Performance: Here, we look at several things;
Stall Force: This is the ability of the massage gun motor to continue working under a certain amount of pressure when pressed on the body. It affects how effective a gun can be, basically how deep a massage you can get (best deep tissue massage).
Amplitude: Also known as stroke length, it is how far the head travels back and forth. The longer, the better, and the deeper it hits (#tissue massage bodybuilding).
Percussion Range: This is how many hits per minute the sports massager can give. Low stall-force muscle massagers slow down percussions upon exerting pressure, impacting the effectiveness of a top massage.
Brand Trustworthiness: How a massage gun brand interacts with customers is crucial to us, and we don’t pass up a chance to speak directly with the seller. Customer support has to be on point.
Accessories Included: We check for the number of massage gun attachments and if a travel case is included.
Battery and Charger: A good massage gun battery means a good product. We also appreciate the convenience of charging, e.g., via USB.
Percussion Massager Warranty: We prefer lifetime warranties (e.g., Ekrin Athletics), but a 1-year warranty is a minimum.
Value for Money: A small massage gun should at least be sold at a reasonable price (i.e., budget massage gun).
Read More: The guide section below will discuss these parameters in detail.
Top 5 Mini Massage Guns for Portable Relief: Our Expert Recommendations
Specs Comparison Table
Here’s a sneak peek at five of the recommended mini massage guns after our testing, along with the two previous-generation muscle massagers we think you should avoid.
Ekrin Bantam, Best Mini Percussion Massager – Our Unboxing and Review Video
In the video below, we show the Ekrin Bantam, all massage gun attachments, and what’s included in the box. We also run some speed and stall tests.
Ekrin Athletics gave us two magnificent sports massagers, the Ekrin B37 and its beautiful sequel, the B37S. They also introduced us to excellent customer support and unbelievable faith in their products, with a lifetime warranty for everything they sold us.
You better believe we were eager to lay our hands on their mini massage gun. The Ekrin Bantam is a darling to us here.
If the Ekrin B37 and the Ekrin B37S had a child, it would be the Ekrin Bantam. They simply replicated everything they gave us with the full-size guns into the Ekrin Bantam, the only difference being the size.
The top left photo shows the Ekrin Bantam next to the full-sized B37. The top right photo shows the Ekrin Bantam vs. Hypervolt Go 2. The photo at the bottom includes the Theragun Mini, all three devices side-by-side. See how small it is?
As you can see, the Ekrin Bantam mini massage gun is super compact and perfect in size. In fact, if there ever is an on-the-go best travel massage gun, this is it.
The Ekrin Bantam mini massage gun measures just 6.5” by 4.5” by 1.9, which is about the same height as the iPhone 12 Pro but noticeably smaller than the Hypervolt Go 2.
It has superb ergonomics with its 15-degree angled handle and weighs only 1.1 lbs.
The build quality of this mini massage gun is equally impressive. It not only feels durable, but it is durable: We’ve had it with us on many hikes, and even though we accidentally dropped it a few times, nothing bad ever happened to it. This is partly because of the sturdy, slightly rubberized plastic it’s made of and partly because of how well it’s been put together.
The Ekrin Bantam is tiny, light, and durable – a great travel massage gun.
Obviously, being a small massage gun, you’d expect some compromises. That’s why the stall force is 35 lbs., not 56 lbs. like a bigger hard massager. Still, this is very impressive power for a mini massage gun. It also has a respectable amplitude of 10 mm—you won’t need more.
The RPMs are also impressive, running between 2000 and 3200 RPM with 3 speeds to separate the intensity. This is the standard percussion massager range for most guns in this category, but it feels slightly more stable. We’ve verified the percussion massager range using our laser tachometer.
Perhaps the most important feature, as far as the performance is concerned, is the Ekrin Bantam’s ability to give an intense, deep-tissue massage without slowing down percussions upon pressing it harder on larger muscles. This is where 95% of other mini-massage guns fail miserably. They’re just too weak for the job.
We independently verified the Ekrin Bantam’s ability to deliver 3200 percussions per minute.
In other words, when the device revs at 3200 hits per minute, it will continue revving as fast even after pressure is exerted (due to the high stall force).
It’s also a quiet device, with a noise level of only about 55-62 dB—we checked with our noise meter, and at low speeds it’s quieter than the Theragun Mini.
You may also want to know that it has a superior built-in Samsung battery that’ll give you 3-5 hours of battery juice. Unlike its bigger counterparts, the Ekrin Bantam has a USB-C cord charger.
It comes with 4 massage gun attachments and a very informative instructional manual on how to use the heads. You’ll also be pleased to learn it comes in a nicely done travel case.
Lastly, Ekrin’s signature lifetime warranty supports this mini massage gun.
It costs $149.99, but you can use our coupon code MGA20, which gives you 20% off, to get it for only $119.99 in Ekrin Athletics store right here.
Read More: Check out our full Ekrin Bantam review if it caught your attention.
Ekrin Bantam is the best mini percussion massager, in our opinion.
The Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini arrived on the scene (November 2023), challenging current standards of mini massage guns with its impressive features and unmatched budget massage gun. We must admit this compact powerhouse stands out after adding it to this list.
Its size puts it in the middle of the pack; it is only slightly larger than the Theragun Mini with which it directly competes. The build quality and high-grade materials ensure durability without the bulk.
Here you can check out our unboxing and first impressions video, which includes stalling tests and size comparison:
Despite its smaller size, it doesn’t compromise on specifications.
Its impressive 12 mm amplitude, a rare find in mini massage guns, delivers deep and effective muscle penetration, exactly matching the mentioned Theragun mini.
Regarding stall force, the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini may slightly trail behind the Ekrin Bantam, but it holds its own for everyday use (except for about 20 lbs). Its consistent and reliable performance makes it suitable for routine massage muscle maintenance.
It’s especially user-friendly for beginners or those with moderate massage therapy needs. For our testing procedure, We’ve used it numerous times as part of our running warm-up routine,and massage before workout; it has worked perfectly.
Also, ergonomics, though it’s not its strongest suit, are designed for a comfortable grip. We find ourselves partial to the classic shape for easier maneuverability, like that of the Ekrin Bantam.
The massage gun attachment set really shines in the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini. It surpasses rivals like the Theragun mini or Ekrin Bantam, offering a versatile range of massage gun attachments (5 pieces) that are easy to swap out and effectively target various muscle groups. And one air-cushioned massage gun attachment is included, which is a big plus!
Finally, its last standout feature is its price. At under $90, it’s a steal, especially with our exclusive code MGAAIR2MINI, which offers an additional 10% off.
While the original Theragun Mini left much to be desired, the Theragun Mini 2.0 is a game changer in the mini massage gun’s arena.
With a verified 12 mm stroke length, it packs a punch that even the best mini massage gun on the market, the Ekrin Bantam, can’t quite match (the Ekrin Bantam still has an impressive 10 mm for mini standards, but 12 mm is the best). The Theragun Mini 2.0 is the way to go if you prefer a punchy feeling.
The Ekrin Bantam will feel slightly vibrational compared to Theragun mini 2.0 in this regard. Still, the Ekrin Bantam betters the Theragun mini 2.0 with its 3200 RPM max percussions (vs. 2450 in Theragun).
The Theragunmini 2.0 is smaller, lighter, and much better overall than its predecessor.
But it’s not just the performance that excites us about this new addition. The Theragun Mini 2.0 is now smaller and lighter than its predecessor, making it an even more portable mini massager and easier to use. It now weighs just 1.1 pounds (watch out, Ekrin Bantam!) compared to Mini 1’s 1.5 pounds.
Plus, it’s finally quiet! Theragun has addressed the biggest concern that users had with the Theragun Mini 1. With its USB-C compatibility and three massage gun attachments included, the Theragun Mini 2.0 is now at a much better value for its price point than before.
The Theragun Mini 2.0 is much quieter and as compact as the Ekrin Bantam (second picture).
However, despite its many advantages, we feel that the Theragun Mini 2.0 still falls just short of the Ekrin Bantam in terms of overall value:
The Ekrin Bantam boasts faster percussions (which for many folks is quite effective),
it has more stall force (35 lbs. compared to just about 20 lbs. for the Theragun mini 2.0),
it comes with a carrying case included in its package, making it the better choice for many users.
With a lifetime warranty and a 20% discount, Ekrin Bantam is the clear winner regarding quality and value for money.
That being said, we can’t recommend the Theragun Mini 2.0 enough for those looking for a mini massage gun that delivers impressive performance in a sleek, compact package.
It’s an upgrade that actually lives up to the hype, and we’re excited to see what Therabody Theragun has in store for future iterations.
Theragun mini 2.0 will cost you $199, but if you apply the X8YZF10 code at the checkout, you will get 10% off – only pay $179.1. Use this link to buy it at therabody.com.
Bob and Brad have dubbed themselves the best physical therapists on the internet. It’s not hard to see why, as they have a YouTube channel with over 4 million subscribers. They provide actionable advice on how to diagnose, massage for muscle strain and treat muscle problems.
They also offer very good advice on massage guns. They have been selling percussion massagers for a while now, and the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini massage gun is one of their exquisite massage guns (the other is the Theragun-like Bob and Brad D6 Pro massage gun – 16 mm amplitude ).
During our test, the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini massage gun impressed us just like its bigger brother, and we chose to include it in this guide as a result.
This device will fit perfectly in your pocket—hopefully, you have pockets that can fit a 5.7”x 3.4″ x 1.8″ massage gun. It’s such a small massage gun that you may have trouble believing it’s not a toy.
But at 1 pound (with a massage gun attachment), it is the lightest option on our list, sizable enough to deliver as a true mini massage gun (we think it’s the best travel massage gun on the list).
Bob and Brad Q2 is a true mini massage gun.
It has a rather unique shape compared to the rest here. It’s a rounded shape that’s more oval than anything else.
We recommend this for people who want a massage gun that can relieve slight muscle pain, break lactic acid build-up, or give a much-needed session after a long day at the office. You’ll find the very reasonable stall force quite useful (we estimate it at the upper 20s lbs, if not 30 lbs).
The amplitude is a bit let-down because it’s only 7 mm. But the percussions per minute range is decent and will give you up to 3000 hits per minute. We verified both these values in our test lab.
Bob and Brad Q2 vs. Ekrin Bantam: The Q2 is a tad smaller, but the Ekrin Bantam is stronger.
You get 5-speed gears to go with the high percussions. You probably won’t get a harder punch, but you’ll definitely get a thorough massage.
It comes with 5 massage gun attachments, which is awesome because a full set adds more to your massage therapy session.
The battery is powerful enough, with just the right capacity of juice—2500 mAh. You can use it for 3-4 hours before you think of charging it again. A USB-C charge cord is provided. If you love traveling bags, this one comes in a tiny, nice carrying case.
This mini massage gun will serve you well if you’re absolutely tight on budget. It won’t offer the best power, but it’s very low-priced.
Read More: The Bob and Brad Q2 Pro (newest version) has a hot and cold therapy massage gun attachment, gives a super quiet massage (at 30 dB), and has a great stall force!Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini massage gun review here.
Lifepro Dyna Mini – The Smallest One
Lifepro might not be the top banana in the bunch—at least not as far as mini-massage guns go—but it built a good reputation with its massage guns and various other fitness products.
Their Dyna Mini massage gun is an interesting muscle massager, though. Interesting because in terms of size, it’s super tiny. It’s smaller than all of the guns we’ve looked at. At only about 5.6”H x 3.5”L x 1.7”W, it can easily fit into the pocket.
They say it’s made with aircraft-grade aluminum. We’ll give them that because it’s anything but plastic, right? A lot of these percussion massagers are made with plastic.
Onto serious business, and we noticed the stall force is somewhere between 12-15 lbs. This isn’t much, but it is enough to treat a sore neck, provide relaxation after a workout, or give you a light, soothing massage.
We measured the amplitude to be 6 mm, which again isn’t impressive compared to our top picks above, but considering the size of this muscle massager and the price, it is probably acceptable.
The percussion range is 1300-3200 RPM with 4 built-in speeds. This is normal range stuff as far as most massage guns go. Even so, it’s a very quiet massage gun—much better than we’ve seen so far—with 45-53 dB noise levels (largely due to the small amplitude). Hushed!
Ekrin Bantam vs. Lifepro DynaMini (first picture) and Lifepro DynaMini vs. Bob and Brad Q2 mini massage gun.
We checked the battery stats, and our jaws almost dropped. 16 hours is super impressive, don’t you think? But hold on a minute. We realized it only goes that long if you use it at the lowest of speeds. If you go a bit more intensive, you’ll run out of juice in about 7-9 hours, which is still pretty impressive.
It may be a tiny, small massage gun, but unlike the Theragun Mini, the Dyna Mini comes with 4 massage gun attachments. Like Ekrin Athletics, Dyna Mini offers a lifetime warranty and a superb customer support system, so we had a smooth buying experience.
If you want to buy it, you’ll only part with $80.90 if you use the coupon MGA10, which gives you 10% OFF the regular price. Get it in theLifepro Store right here.
By now, you might have noticed that the Hypervolt Go 2 is missing from our list. Are you wondering why it didn’t make the cut? We’re aware of the hype surrounding Hyperice devices, so here we will tell you honestly what we think about it, enabling you to make your own informed choice.
Hypervolt Go 2 – Pricey, With No Clear Advantage
Unlike the Theragun mini, we had no mixed feelings with this one. It doesn’t have any clear advantage(s) over the others. We’ll share some points about how we feel:
It has a 10 mm amplitude, the same as the Ekrin Bantam’s.
It has a disappointing stall force of only about 12-15 lbs (our estimation). It stalls very easily, unfortunately, and it feels very underpowered compared to all mini massage guns on this list (maybe except for the Dyna Mini, but Dyna is like 30-40% smaller)
It’s not really a unique design—tons of muscle massagers look the same. Regarding ergonomics, it borrows a leaf from Ekrin’s design book.
It weighs 1.5 lbs. Possibly the heaviest of them all.
They also don’t get any points over the others regarding portability. It’s worse, really—no pouch, no case, nothing!
It comes with only 2 attachment heads.
No USB-C charging cord option.
Just the 1-year warranty.
Sells at a hefty price point. Definitely not a great option if your budget isn’t as flexible.
You see why it doesn’t make our list, don’t you?
Oh, and if you wonder if the Hypervolt Go 2 is better than the Hypervolt Go 1, we’ll tell you right away—it is not. It is about the same.
TIP: Refer to our Hypervolt Go 2 Review to see what has changed compared to Go 1.
Hypervolt Go 2 is compared side-by-side to the Ekrin Bantam mini massage gun.
7 Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Massage Gun for Maximum Relief and Recovery
With sports massagers, big guns are often better. At least if you really want to get results. But small is just as good, if not better. They will not give you intensive percussion therapy but just enough to keep you going. They will work to:
Improve your blood flow 1.
Provide relief to sore muscles after gym by breaking up the accumulation of lactic acid, especially after a workout session.
Percussive therapy reduces tension or inflammation 2.
A muscle massager Improves muscle performance 3. You can do this by having a quick massage before workout sessions. It’s even more effective when you have a massage after workout sessions!
The full-sized sports massager gun will still give you all of these vibration therapy benefits, or perhaps even better, but the important thing here is that the small ones are easy, portable mini massagers instead.
But perhaps that’s just about the only great thing about a mini percussion massager will give you. Unlike their full-size counterparts, the mini massage guns;
It won’t give you an aggressive, punchy deep tissue massage. This is because its less-than-enough stall force and amplitude likely won’t get the job done.
Because of this, a regular-sized sports massager is a better choice for people with massive body sizes or muscles, athletes, bodybuilders, or those looking for intensive percussive therapy, such as a Theragun Prime, Bob and Brad D6 Pro massage gun or the Ekrin Kestrel!
The Ekrin Bantam is well suited to deliver deep tissue massage on the go.
Even though you may not get as intensive massages as regular-sized guns, it’s important that your choice will serve your purposes just as well. Here are key things to pay attention to as you make your choice:
Compactness and Portability: Finding the Ideal Size and Weight
Obviously, size and weight are two very important factors when shopping for a mini massage gun. Although most massage gun brands tend to call small massage guns ‘mini,’ there are two main types as far as size is concerned.
The smallest devices are what we like to call mini massage guns. These are the Ekrin Bantam, Lifepro DynaMini, and the Bob and Brad Q2 (and Bob and Brad Q2 Pro) mini massage gun.
There are slightly bigger yet still very compact ones. We call them small massage guns instead of mini. An example device is the Hypervolt Go 2.
When it comes to two industry darlings, Hypervolt Go 2 and Theragun mini, we would classify the former as small and the latter as mini (as the name suggests).
Weight Comparison (lbs.)
Stall Force: Ensuring Deep Tissue Penetration
This is the amount of pressure needed to stall the motor of any given percussive massager.
This is measured in pounds (you’ll notice we always abbreviate it as “lbs.”). A stronger motor will not stall easily when pressed hard on the body.
It’s important that the compact massage gun you choose has a stall force of at least more than 20lbs.
We prefer going for those listed as having 30-plus pounds of stall force. This is because many cheap devices bearing the same title are listed as having only 10 lbs of stall force. Sorry, but those aren’t really offering percussive therapy but vibration therapy.
Stall Force Comparison (lbs.)
Conclusion As far as the performance is concerned, Ekrin Bantam has the most power.
This is also known as the stroke length. It refers to how far the massage head will travel as the device vibrates.
The massage gun attachment hits the part of the body you’re trying to massage rather than just vibrating over it. With this one, the longer the length, the best deep tissue massage punch you’ll feel.
For some people, longer amplitude punches get the job done much more effectively. For others, however, the frequency (percussions per minute) matters the most—think of what kind of feeling you refer to (light or hard kicking).
Most mini massage guns will have about 6-10 mm amplitude. This is the accepted standard here. Anything lower than that, and you’re probably just buying a vibrating tool rather than a percussive therapy device.
Conclusion: Amplitude is the feature where the Theragun Mini shines with its 12 mm. The Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini matches this, offering a budget massage gun. However, sometimes you might prefer to trade a bit of head travel for more no-stall force.
Theragun Mini and the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini’s 12 mm amplitude are truly impressive for mini massage guns.
Percussion Range: Balancing Power and Comfort
This is the measure of how much faster the sports massager can hit. However, these aren’t really the magic numbers.
Just because a gun has more hits per minute doesn’t mean it’s the most effective, at least not always. This is because sometimes the percussion massager manufacturer may choose amplitude over percussion range. In that case, the device isn’t hitting faster, but it hits deeper.
In fact, the longer the stroke (amplitude), the slower the device will percuss. For example, the Theragun Mini may have only 2400 RPM, but it makes up for the reduced speed with a 12 mm long stroke. On the other hand, the Ekrin Bantam has ~20% less amplitude but revs up to 3200 RPM—a whooping 800 RPM difference.
Therefore, instead of just examining how fast the device works or how long the stroke is, factoring in the amplitude is recommended.
Also, you’ll do well to pick a device with 3000 RPM but 10 mm amplitude rather than one with 3500 RPM but only a 6 mm stroke length.
Comparing RPMs: Theragun Mini, with a long amplitude at 2400 RPM max, and Ekrin Bantam, with a shorter amplitude but higher 3200 RPM. Each offers a unique approach and experience, neither inherently better nor worse.
Speed Variability: Customizing Your Massage Experience
How many speed options are good enough? Most mini massage guns come with 3-5 speed options.
Look for at least 3 on the lower end, but you’ll probably need 4 or, at most, 5. Sometimes, however, it’s not surprising to find devices with over 15 speed options.
In our opinion, this is ridiculous (all pun intended). How many times do you think you’ll have to press the button on the device to find the right range?
Noise Level: Quiet Operation for a Relaxing Massage
When a mini massage gun’s motor is turned on, it makes a certain amount of noise. There is tolerable noise and madhouse noise levels.
Depending on your device, you can get any of these. However, we’d recommend less noisy sports massagers since you are probably looking for something to use in the office or gym without drawing unnecessary attention.
The optimum noise level for us would be less than 65 dB, with 30 dB being the ambient sound in the room. Mini massage guns tend to be quieter than their full-sized counterparts, so this shouldn’t be much of a hassle.
We’ve made the choice easier here because none of the mini massage guns on our list are loud. They wouldn’t make the list if they were.
We measure the noise levels of every device we test. Here are the Theragun Mini and Bob and Brad Q2 Mini at their top speeds. Note: The Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini massage gun is the quietest at 30 dB!
Additional Considerations: Beyond the Basics
Apart from what we explained above, sometimes the cherry on the top doesn’t harm at all. So here are a few cherries you might want to consider when making a choice:
Materials: As you’ll see below, some massage guns are made from metal (aluminum), while others are plastic/rubber. From our experience, the former is better for home use, while the latter is more practical and better for people on the go (e.g., great for hiking trips).
The number of massage gun attachments: One or two attachments on any device just aren’t enough for us. Get a device with at least four massage gun attachments. This gives you more options for muscle massages of different body parts.
Battery capacity: You’ll rarely find a mini massage gun that won’t run for at least 2-3 hours on a single charge. You’ll probably only need to charge them once a week.
Charger type: Small and mini massage guns should at least offer convenient charging means. A USB-C is much more suitable than a dedicated charger.
Travel case: You want a sports massager that at least gives you the option to carry your percussion massager around easily.
The Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini and the Ekrin Bantam have a case, and the Theragun Mini includes a pouch. The Hypervolt Go 2 doesn’t come with any of these accessories.
Final Verdict: The Best Mini Massage Guns for Portable and Targeted Relief
We’ve reached the end of our mini massage gun guide. Hopefully, you have enjoyed the ride and will be much wiser when you pick your best mini percussion massager.
To conclude, the Ekrin Bantam is our top pick in the mini category. It has superb ergonomics, more no-stall force, a lifetime warranty, and wonderful customer support from the company. It also proved to be very effective in our test, so it doesn’t get as comprehensive as this!
Our second best recommendation is the new Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini, which offers a more percussive experience at an attractive price point.
Please drop a comment below if you have any questions or need more information. We’ll be glad to help.
References
1.
Weerapong P, Hume P, Kolt G. The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery and injury prevention. Sports Med. 2005;35(3):235-256. doi:10.2165/00007256-200535030-00004
2.
Dupuy O, Douzi W, Theurot D, Bosquet L, Dugué B. An Evidence-Based Approach for Choosing Post-exercise Recovery Techniques to Reduce Markers of Muscle Damage, Soreness, Fatigue, and Inflammation: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Front Physiol. 2018;9:403. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.00403
3.
Davis H, Alabed S, Chico T. Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2020;6(1):e000614. doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000614
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Post Update History
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 6, 2023 Updated our rankings to feature the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini as our #2 pick and added a video review; removed Renpho R3 for not being a true mini massager and dropped Theragun Mini 1st Gen due to unavailability. (Author: Greg)
November 15, 2023 UX and internal/external linking changes for better navigation and experience. (Author: Greg)
July 14, 2023 Minor editorial adjustments made to enhance clarity and improve readability. (Author: Greg)
July 11, 2023 Ekrin Bantam unboxing/preview video has been added to the article. (Author: Greg)
June 3, 2023Updated for June 2023 with the latest pricing, discount and where-to-buy information. (Author: Greg)
April 23, 2023Added a comparison table to make comparing specs and features easier. (Author: Greg)
February 28, 2023Added new photos of Theragun Mini, Ekrin Bantam. (Author: Greg)
February 15, 2023Added new photos of Lifepro DynaMini. (Author: Greg)
January 9, 2022Added Bob and Brad Q2 Mini to the list, following our hands-on review. (Author: Greg)
December 1, 2022Added Theragun Mini 2 as our second best recommendation, following the review we’ve done. (Author: Greg)
November 20, 2021Removed Minirex from our recommendations, after hearing reports about major shipping issues.
Hey, I'm Greg, co-founder of MassageGunAdvice.com, with three years of experience in testing over 50 different massage guns. As an avid marathon runner interested in sports tech, I ensure our product reviews are accurate. My responsibility is to verify device specifications and maintain review consistency, simplifying product comparisons for our readers. With a web and graphic design background, I snap the photos and videos you see and keep our site looking sharp.
Thank you ‘Bo Haffling’ for appreciating our work and dedication.
I recently stumbled upon this article while researching mini massage guns, and I must say it’s incredibly informative and helpful. The detailed reviews and comparisons provided a clear understanding of the top options available in the market. I appreciate the fact that the author personally tested the products and shared their honest opinions. This article has definitely made my decision-making process much easier. Thank you!
Thanks for the thorough comparison.
Not sure what your ranking is though:
Q2: “the best travel massage gun after Ekrin Bantam”
Air 2 Mini: Our second best recommendation is the new Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini
Also, do the mini/travel massage guns require more grip strength or effort to hold in place or press against the muscle because they’re lighter?
More generally, are there significant disadvantages to using a mini/travel massage gun that are not captured by the specs? (Beyond the obvious like handle size and the ability to reach certain spots.)
Hey Taylor, thanks for the comment. Looks like some parts were unclear (sorry about that), so I’ve tweaked the content.
Now, to clear up your doubts: Our go-to is the Bantam (it’s small but packs a punch), with the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini as a close second (bigger amplitude, less power, and not as comfy to hold, but good value for money). The Q2 is what we suggest for those who want something super compact, though it does mean a trade-off in power (and it’s clear compared to the other two).
Generally speaking, mini/travel massage guns are designed to achieve a compact size and be easy to transport. This is done at the cost of power; it’s not easy to fit a strong motor (which, BTW, requires a larger battery) into a small, lightweight device. Many of these small massagers out there aren’t that strong and might stall if you press hard. Our recommendations stand out in this (especially the Bantam) while still remaining small and portable.
And finally, the fact that these devices are lighter doesn’t have a significant impact on how hard you need to press them – the truth is, any of them will stop if pressed too hard. They’re just not built for extreme force.
Hope this clears things up for you!
Hi Greg,
Many thanks for your quick and thorough reply!
I ended up with the Q2.
The Q2 offers enough power; the attachments I need; a compact, portable, attractive and ergonomic design; and low noise. All of your information was a great help!
On sale at best buy right now for $129. I couldn’t wait to try it, when I heard it in a store at the airport I was blown away. When I played mine, it was nothing like the sound I hey. No strong base, I’m hoping because it’s only at. 30 charge
Hello Lajuana, thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, you didn’t specify which massager you’re referring to, and we’re really curious to know. Could you please let us know?
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message
home a little bit, but instead of that, this is excellent blog.
A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back.
Any thoughts on the Pulsio Air? Seems pretty solid on paper.
Hi. Great website, and reviews. I read that the latest iteration of the Theragun Mini has a usb-c charging option, comes with three heads, got smaller and lighter, and maybe increased also it’s stall force? Isn’t it correct? Ciao, Diego (Milan, Italy)
Yes, it’s much smaller, has USB-C charging, and includes three heads instead of just one. It’s also notably quieter now. However, the stall force feels the same as before. Feel free to read the full review for a comparison to the mini 1.0.
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I recently stumbled upon this article while researching mini massage guns, and I must say it’s incredibly informative and helpful. The detailed reviews and comparisons provided a clear understanding of the top options available in the market. I appreciate the fact that the author personally tested the products and shared their honest opinions. This article has definitely made my decision-making process much easier. Thank you!
Thanks for the thorough comparison.
Not sure what your ranking is though:
Q2: “the best travel massage gun after Ekrin Bantam”
Air 2 Mini: Our second best recommendation is the new Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini
Also, do the mini/travel massage guns require more grip strength or effort to hold in place or press against the muscle because they’re lighter?
More generally, are there significant disadvantages to using a mini/travel massage gun that are not captured by the specs? (Beyond the obvious like handle size and the ability to reach certain spots.)
Hey Taylor, thanks for the comment. Looks like some parts were unclear (sorry about that), so I’ve tweaked the content.
Now, to clear up your doubts: Our go-to is the Bantam (it’s small but packs a punch), with the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini as a close second (bigger amplitude, less power, and not as comfy to hold, but good value for money). The Q2 is what we suggest for those who want something super compact, though it does mean a trade-off in power (and it’s clear compared to the other two).
Generally speaking, mini/travel massage guns are designed to achieve a compact size and be easy to transport. This is done at the cost of power; it’s not easy to fit a strong motor (which, BTW, requires a larger battery) into a small, lightweight device. Many of these small massagers out there aren’t that strong and might stall if you press hard. Our recommendations stand out in this (especially the Bantam) while still remaining small and portable.
And finally, the fact that these devices are lighter doesn’t have a significant impact on how hard you need to press them – the truth is, any of them will stop if pressed too hard. They’re just not built for extreme force.
Hope this clears things up for you!
Hi Greg,
Many thanks for your quick and thorough reply!
I ended up with the Q2.
The Q2 offers enough power; the attachments I need; a compact, portable, attractive and ergonomic design; and low noise. All of your information was a great help!
On sale at best buy right now for $129. I couldn’t wait to try it, when I heard it in a store at the airport I was blown away. When I played mine, it was nothing like the sound I hey. No strong base, I’m hoping because it’s only at. 30 charge
Hello Lajuana, thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, you didn’t specify which massager you’re referring to, and we’re really curious to know. Could you please let us know?
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message
home a little bit, but instead of that, this is excellent blog.
A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back.
Any thoughts on the Pulsio Air? Seems pretty solid on paper.
Hi. Great website, and reviews. I read that the latest iteration of the Theragun Mini has a usb-c charging option, comes with three heads, got smaller and lighter, and maybe increased also it’s stall force? Isn’t it correct? Ciao, Diego (Milan, Italy)
Yes, it’s much smaller, has USB-C charging, and includes three heads instead of just one. It’s also notably quieter now. However, the stall force feels the same as before. Feel free to read the full review for a comparison to the mini 1.0.