The best electric massagers for soothing muscle aches and pains

If you're looking for a relaxing massage, the Theragun PRO probably isn't the device for you. This is a seriously powerful percussive therapy device that helps with muscle soreness, mobility, and relaxation. It does the works, in other words.

The Theragun PRO is one of the most advanced recovery tools on offer, with a continuous battery life, rotating arm, and brushless motor. It works hard to stimulate circulation, generate heat, and release deep-rooted tension.

It connects to the Therabody app via Bluetooth, which guides you through customised routines. The app will even guide you through each wellness routine, showing you all the unexpected ways the device can help enhance your body.

The RENPHO Shiatsu massager features four shiatsu nodes that go to work on all those annoying knots and kinks.

It has an optional heating feature and four kneading massage nodes, which combine to provide the equivalent effects of a professional massage. It's ideal for anyone who sits at a desk or drives for long periods, as it can relieve back and shoulder tension, improve blood circulation, and ease headache pain.

The heat provides additional comfort to your tender areas without hurting your skin. As well as choosing whether to add heat, and you can also adjust its speed settings. As a bonus, this massager automatically shuts off after 15 minutes for your safety. 

The ShiatsuMax 2.0 is a highly popular massage chair from HoMedics, a brand that specialises in electric massagers.

It's designed with comfort in mind, with a simple remote control and 14 massage programs to help overall relaxation. You can adjust the height and width of the massaging area. The headrest is also adjustable. There's optional heat, which intensifies the massage by penetrating deeper into the muscles, both stretching and loosening stiff tendons. 

This massage chair is designed with plush materials, and should sit naturally in most homes. Nobody wants a massager that sticks out like a sore thumb (or back).

The iKristin Neck Massager uses four powerful 3D massage nodes with optional heating therapy mode and an impressive 16 massage attachments. It provides a relaxing experience whenever — and however — you need it. Because of the versatility of its design, which we admit is not the most attractive, it can be used to massage multiple body parts: back, neck, shoulder, arms, legs, and feet.

It's made from breathable mesh and quality faux leather, meaning heat is dispersed easily and you stay comfortable for the duration of the massage. The 15-minute intelligent timer reminds you when to finish your treatment.

You also get a power adapter and car adapter, meaning you can enjoy a deep tissue massage wherever you want, even in the car.

So, you want a top-of-the-range muscle massager but don’t want to spend the best part of £500? That’s where the Theragun Prime comes in. It’s from the best-known brand in the muscle gun game, but it’s much less likely to make your eyes water. Well, when it comes to the cost anyway. It might draw a few tears from getting deep into your muscles, but that’s what you want.

It’s not the most advanced model from Theragun — which is reflected in the price — but it’s still superior to most other options. It has Bluetooth and app connectivity, plus QuiteForce technology to ensure that it goes to work in relative peace.

OK, some of the massage devices on this list aren’t exactly cheap. If you’re a casual gym-goer, or want try a massage gun for the very first time, the AERLANG Massage Gun could be a great option. It’s highly-rated on Amazon, with literally thousands of positive reviews, but costs less than £40. It’s hard to argue with the price or feedback.

The AERLANG Massage Gun also outpaces more high-end models with its features and add-ons. There are 20 speeds and six massage heads. With those kinds of numbers, this massage gun can beat expensive competitors.