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James Bricknell Senior Editor
James has been writing about technology for years, but has loved it since the early 90s. While his main area of
- 6 years working professionally in 3D printing / 4 years testing consumer electronics for large websites.
If you feel sore muscles after a workout, investing in an affordable massage gun is a great way to soothe different muscle groups. Massage guns Use percussive therapy to relieve stress and pain in your aching muscles. They come in different sizes and are easy to use.
Some of the most popular massage guns like Theragun tend to be expensive, but there are cheaper alternatives. We tested some of the most affordable, off-brand, and budget-friendly options on the massage gun market. Here is a short list of the best budget massage guns available in 2025.
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Like Therabody, Hyperice is a premium brand with corresponding prices. Speaking of matching, the Hypervolt Go sells for about the same price as the Theragun Mini. But I like the former better, partly because it has two heads instead of one massage gun head and has a more comfortable gun-style design.
Compared to the MaxKare and Taotronics models, it is a compact massage gun, but also larger than the Naipo and Recoverfun models. So let’s call it “medium.”
But, wow, is it powerful – on par with the Theragun in terms of muscle-hitting power. However, with only three speeds, it might prove to be a bit too much if you prefer a gentler massage. Hyperice doesn’t include a carrying case, which is inconvenient, and the power adapter is proprietary.
Between this and the Theragun Mini, I would choose this one. But there are affordable massage guns that are also more versatile, so it’s not my first choice.
- Weight: 1 pound, 8 ounces
- Charging method: Proprietary
- Number of heads included: Two
- Carrying bag included: Drawstring
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The triangular mini exerts impressive force for the size of a handheld massage gun, but its shape makes it difficult to hold comfortably. Additionally, Therabody does not offer multi-head attachments; It only contains a ball head. Other massage guns here come with at least two – if not four or even six – at a cheaper price.
Even at the lowest of the three speeds, the Mini feels stronger than many other budget massage guns I’ve tried. If you’re just looking for a light, relaxing massage, you might even find it a little too powerful.
The device now relies on a proprietary power supply, not USB-C. That’s one more thing you have to take with you on a trip—and the adapter doesn’t even fit in Therabody’s handy zippered carrying case.
Although I would be happy to have this on hand for deep tissue relief, I can hardly recommend it otherwise. There are too many other models with more features and lower prices.
- Weight: 1 pound, 8 ounces
- Charging method: Proprietary
- Number of heads included: One
- Carrying bag included: With zipper
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Naipo’s massager is the lightest and most compact model of the group, with a small but comfortable handle and more impact than you’d expect.
Further plus points include five speed levels and four different massage heads. Naipo doesn’t offer a carrying case, which is a bit disappointing. But my only real complaint is that it’s not one of the quieter massage gun options; The other “minis” in the roundup, the Recoverfun and the Sportneer, produce much less noise.
I’ve seen various coupon or code offers that lower the price of this massager, so you should buy it when it’s on sale.
- Weight: 14.11 ounces
- Charging method: USB-C
- Number of heads included: Four
- Carrying bag included: NO
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Recommended with reservations
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Available in three colors (including a bright red), the Recoverfun Mini is one of my favorite massagers in the group. Although it’s heavier than Naipo’s similarly compact model, with a metal body that feels a little cold when it warms up, it’s also surprisingly quiet. (If you’re trying to relax, extra noise won’t help.)
The gun offers four speed settings and Recoverfun supplies the “big four” attachments: bullet, bullet, fork and flat. The flat model is made of aluminum, which I don’t think offers a clear advantage, but it looks cool. You also get a drawstring carrying case, although you’ll need to provide a dedicated USB port with a power supply for the USB-C charging cable.
- Weight: 1 pound, 5 ounces
- Charging method: USB-C
- Number of heads included: Four
- Carrying bag included: Drawstring
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You know the old saying: Two heads are better than one. But does this apply to most massage guns? I thought Fishda’s “Frankenstein” was just a gimmick, but damned if he doesn’t pack twice as much power. For large areas like thighs and buttocks, I really enjoyed this “bigger” massage.
Luckily, it’s not twice as loud as other weapons; In fact, it’s surprisingly quiet. Also, it has a relatively compact shape, basically a higher version of the Recoverfun Mini. But it packs some serious weight: at 1.7 pounds, it weighs more than any of the best massage guns in its size class. Expect arm fatigue to set in a little earlier with this variation.
It’s also a bit more expensive compared to other models, although that’s to be expected given the dual heads. However, you can often find vouchers that significantly reduce the price.
- Weight: 1 pound, 11 ounces
- Charging method: USB-C
- Number of heads included: Four (times two)
- Carrying bag included: Drawstring
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Check this out: Can’t get a professional massage? Give yourself a massage at home with the right equipment
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider if you have any questions regarding a medical condition or health goals.
