Whether you’re pushing and stretching your body to its limits during your daily exercise, or you’re simply in need of a revitalizing deep tissue massage but don’t have the time to go see a professional, there is one relatively inexpensive solution – the massage gun. With so many different massage guns to choose from it can often be hard to know which one to go for.
While full-size massage guns are useful at home, they aren’t the best if you’re an avid traveler and like to work out no matter where you go. That’s why sometimes the best things come in small packages. The mini massage gun is perfect for traveling as they give you all the benefits of a full-sized one plus a few added extras such as a smaller price tag, they’re portable which means they can be packed into any suitcase, and they are often quieter.Â
Small and mighty are the only words you can use to describe some of the best travel massage guns and there are plenty of them out there. We’ve put together a list of the seven best travel massage guns so that you don’t have to spend hours looking for the right one. We’ve also answered several questions from what to look for to how often you should use it, so you can make an informed decision and choose the right one for your needs.
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What to Look For In A Travel Massage Gun
When searching for the best travel massage guns you’ll want to consider a few important features. Before making your final decision you’ll want to consider how you will be using your massage gun and which features are the most important ones for you. We’ve put together a list of the five main features to look out for:
Noise
The powerful motors on massage guns can be rather loud so finding one that’s a little quieter will definitely make the experience more pleasant for you. Several new models have worked hard to decrease motor noise.
Stall Force
Stall force refers to the amount of pressure you can apply to the head of the massage gun before the motor stalls. So if you want a deeper, more aggressive percussive therapy you’re going to want to go for a massage gun with a high stall force.
Weight
This is a vital factor to consider when buying the best travel massage gun. Not only is it important because you’ll be holding it in your hand, but also because airlines have weight restrictions so the last thing you want is a super heavy massage gun that takes up most of your weight limit. Heavy massage guns also mean you’ll possibly end up with arm fatigue and you’ll be unable to hit the target muscles correctly.
Customizability
Many massage guns come with multiple head attachments, so you’ll want to think about the muscles you want to target and make sure that your massage gun has all the right attachments to hit each muscle correctly.
Price
We all know that money plays a big role in our decision making so be sure to have a budget in mind as it will allow you to work out which massage guns are the best for you’re price range and it will also narrow down your search.
Best Travel Massage Guns in 2022
There are plenty of massage guns out there to choose from and at times it can often be overwhelming, especially if you’re looking for ones that you can take on your travels. We’ve done all the hard work for you and found the seven best travel massage guns so you can narrow down your search and choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
1. Theragun Mini
Theragun’s mission is to provide everyone with the effective natural solutions they need to take charge of their daily wellness. They do this by producing some of the best massage guns on the market today. The Theragun Mini Massage Gun offers all the same muscle-soothing capabilities as the full-sized ones just in a smaller package. This pocket-sized massage gun has a proprietary brushless QX35 motor which allows for a powerful yet ultra-quiet massage experience.
Its small size means it can easily fit inside any bag for convenient muscle treatment on the go. There are 3 scientifically calibrated speeds and has 150 minutes of charge so it will always be there when you need it. The ergonomic grip makes it easier to hold while putting less strain on your wrists and hands. It’s the perfect package and even comes with its own case to keep it safe when you carry it around with you.
2. Addsfit Mini Massage Gun
Weighing only 360g the Addsfit Mini Massage Gun is another firm favorite among reviewers and sports enthusiasts. Although this palm-sized massage gun might look small it still packs a powerful punch. Complete with a compact carry case this massage gun can go anywhere with you, making it the perfect travel companion.
The battery life on the Addsfit mini-massage gun can last up to 6 hours of continuous use and comes with type-C supercharging. There are two different attachments for this massage gun; the thumb which gets into all those trigger points and smaller muscle groups and the triggered flat head which is great for overall use and larger muscle groups. With three variable speeds, you’ll be using this gun in no time and reaping all the rewards.
3. RENPHO Mini Massage Gun
For those looking for a massage gun with a range of different attachments then the RENPHO mini massage gun is a great choice. Unlike many other travel massage guns, the RENPHO one comes with 5 different speeds and 5 different massage heads.
With over 9,000 reviews on Amazon, it’s not hard to see why this gun is loved by so many people. It’s lightweight, powerful, and quiet, which is everything you want in a massage gun. While it’s a little more expensive than some others out there, it’s worth the extra money. It comes with type-c charging and its ergonomic design offer superior grip and easy usage.
4. Sportneer Mini Massage Gun
Small enough to fit comfortably in your hand and powerful enough to relieve those tight muscles. The Sportneer Mini Massage Gun is super lightweight and portable so you can carry it wherever you want. Unlike other massage guns, this one features a control panel so you can easily see what intensity level you are at, how much battery life is left, and more.
The adjustable handle provides added comfort and allows you to customize it to your liking. Its powerful motor is rough enough to ease pain without causing any more and it’s also really quiet at only 40 decibels so you can use it without disturbing anybody else. The Sportneer Mini comes with 4 different attachments to target different muscles groups and provide the best relief. This massage gun also has a high stall force of 35 lbs.Â
5. Recoverfun Mini Massage Gun
If you’re looking for an ultra-quiet massage gun that won’t interrupt your therapeutic vibes then the RecoverFun Mini Massage Gun is your best choice. It has a noise level of between 30 and 42 decibels, which is pretty quiet. Weighing only 1.1 lbs and measuring only 138mm in size, this massage gun is compact and portable.
It can be charged using USB type-C which can be plugged into any USB port for easy charging. The 4 scientifically calibrated speeds and 4 different heads allow you to work on all different muscle groups for added relaxation. It’s a great mid-priced massage gun and would make the perfect gift for you or someone else.
6. Medcursor Portable Massage Gun
Weighing less than a pound, the Medcursor Portable Massage Gun comes out on top for being lightweight. It’s your personal masseur in your pocket. While it might be compact it’s also very powerful with 3 intensity levels. The motor itself is pretty quiet there are still some out there that are quieter. On a full charge, this portable massage gun will last up to 10 hours on its lowest setting, which is longer than most of the other travel massage guns out there.
The on/off button is positioned on the bottom of the gun so you can’t accidentally switch it off mid-way through a session and the massage heads can be easily swapped over. The compact carry case means you can keep all parts of this gun together without losing any or damaging them. Like other massage guns, it also comes with a 10-minute self-timer to prevent overuse.
7. Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun
Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck, two physical therapists, built the Q2 Mini Massage Gun to give patients excellent muscle treatment while providing a device with ultimate portability. Its stylish design not only looks good but also provides superior comfort for the user. The large lithium-ion battery lasts for up to four hours on a full charge, which is less than some others out there.
The Q2 MINI strikes a never-before-seen balance between power and size with a maximum speed of 3000rpm and a vibration amplitude of 7mm, so it’s rather powerful despite its small size. With five massage heads, it will target every muscle group for full-body relief.
How Often Should You Use A Massage Gun?
Many people don’t realize how effective a massage gun can be while others often overuse them. So how often should they be used? Well, they can be used pre-, post-, or during a workout. When incorporated into your warm-up routine they can help promote blood flow and should be used on each muscle group for no more than 15 to 30 seconds. The same can be done during your workout if your muscles feel extra tight. Once you’ve finished your workout, you can use your massage gun for up to two minutes on each muscle group.
How Do You Use A Massage Gun?
Massage guns are really easy to use. Simply turn it on and move it slowly over your muscles. You don’t need to apply much pressure to have an effective massage, let the gun do most of the work. Like with any piece of medical equipment you need to be careful, make sure you read the instructions that come with it.
You’ll also want to make sure that you start at the lowest setting and work your way up. Be careful not to touch your bones as that’s likely to be pretty painful. If at any time you feel pain while using your massage gun, stop, and if it carries on seek advice from your doctor. You should make sure to concentrate on the big meaty muscles like your biceps, triceps, thighs, and glutes.