With hundreds of massage guns sold on amazon, it’s near impossible to decipher which ones are the best mini massage guns. In this review, we will help you understand the pros, cons and differences in quality.
Traveling doesn’t mean sacrificing your recovery routine from exercise. Maintaining your recovery regime is crucial, especially with methods like percussion therapy, sauna, cold therapy, and ensuring proper light, hydration, and sleep.
However, traditional massage guns are often too bulky for travel. Luckily, the market offers smaller, lightweight options. These mini massage guns are ideal for packing in a small bag, being just a fraction of the size of standard ones.
The popularity of massage therapy is no secret. That’s why “small massage guns” is a trending search term. People want to carry a compact version of their regular gym or home massage guns.
Mini massage guns might pack a bit less power and stall force, but they are still effective. They promote increased blood flow, reduce inflammation, enhance lymphatic drainage, and soothe tight, sore muscles.
In this article, we will present a curated list of the best mini massage guns available. Perfect for travelers, these will be compared based on price, warranty, size & weight, stall force, and RPM. This comparison will help you determine the best mini massage gun tailored to your needs.
Best Mini Massage Guns – Top Picks
Best Overall – Ekrin Bantam Mini Massage Gun
Ekrin, a name synonymous with quality, has produced a superior performing mini massage gun in the Bantam. The Ekrin Bantam, has all the trimmings with USB-C charger, 6 hours battery, travel case and 4 attachment heads, just for a fraction of the price of other competitors. Use code bestrecoverysolutions for an additional 20% off at checkout.
Best for Travel – Hydragun Atom Mini Massage Gun
The Hydragun Atom stands out as a compact and potent massage gun. Constructed with aerospace-grade aluminum, promising durability and a long lifespan. Its size, almost half that of many other massage guns, makes it highly suitable for those who need a reliable recovery tool on the go.
Best Premium – Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro
Hyperice really raises the bar with their Hypervolt 2 Pro Massage Gun. From its Brushless high-torque 90W motor to its app connectivity with real-time display, this mini massage gun takes performance to the next level.
Best Budget – BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun
With over 50 years of experience in chiropractic care, Bob and Brad have designed the perfect affordable mini massage gun. I’ve personally learned a wealth of information from their free videos and wouldn’t hesitate to trust in their high quality massage gun.
Smallest Size – Theragun Mini Massage Gun
Power, Packed into an Ultra-Portable Package: Now 20% smaller and 30% lighter, to keep you moving wherever you go. With an ergonomic grip and customizable speed options, just because this massage gun is small, it doesn’t lack in features or quality.
How We Chose
We’re passionate about enhancing exercise recovery, boosting performance, and overall wellbeing. In our massage gun reviews, we scrutinize a range of factors to determine their worthiness for our site.
Our review process focuses on price, value, stall force, amplitude, battery life, ergonomics, warranty, extras, attachment heads, charging time, weight, and portability.
For the best small massage gun, size and weight are critical. The ideal mini massage gun typically weighs between 500-700 grams. Its compact size fits perfectly in carry-on luggage or a small gym bag, making it an excellent choice for travelers or gym enthusiasts.
Best Mini Massage Guns of 2024
Best Overall – Ekrin Bantam Mini Massage Gun
Price: $149
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Weight: 498g
Ekrin massage guns consistently rank high in our reviews, known for their quality and diverse design features tailored to various user needs. Among these, the Ekrin Bantam Massage Gun stands out as the best value mini massage gun we’ve encountered.
Priced at just $149, the Ekrin Bantam is almost half the cost of similar small massage guns like Hydragun and Theragun.
Its standout feature is the lifetime warranty, a rare find in this price range. This, coupled with its affordability, positions the Ekrin Bantam as a top choice among small massage guns.
Weighing just 1.1lbs (500 grams), the Bantam boasts a 6-hour battery life, three massage speeds, four attachment heads, and a carry case. Its USB-C charging capability, compatible with standard iPhone chargers, reduces the need for multiple charging cables, making it an ideal travel companion.
Read the Full Review Here
Best for Travel – Hydragun Atom Mini Massage Gun
Price: $199
Warranty: 1.5 years
Weight: 550g
This article focuses on the best small massage guns for travel. The Hydragun Atom Mini stands out in this category, not just for its performance but also for its aesthetics, including a stylish carry case. Hence, we’ve named the Atom massage gun as the top mini massage gun for travel.
Priced at $199, the Atom Mini is slightly higher than the Ekrin Bantom. However, its solid aluminum design, 1.5-year warranty, 30-day returns, free shipping, and convenient USB-C charging justify the price. Its USB-C charging feature is particularly travel-friendly, allowing for easy recharging on the move.
The Hydragun Atom offers three speed settings and operates quietly at 50-55 decibels, enhancing its travel suitability. It includes three attachment heads, a charging dock, both USB-C and USB-A charging options, a cleaning cloth, and a sleek black carry case, making it a comprehensive package for travelers.
Read the Full Review Here
Best Premium – Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro
Price: $259
Warranty: 1 year
Weight: 2.6 lbs
The Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro stands out in the crowded field of massage guns, thanks to its sleek design, diverse range of attachments, and innovative tech features like app integration and Bluetooth connectivity. These additions elevate it above the typical massage gun, offering a more sophisticated experience.
Price-wise, the Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro is positioned competitively. Although it’s not the most budget-friendly option, it’s still several hundred dollars less than top-tier competitors like the Theragun Pro. This makes it a compelling choice for those who value additional guidance and the convenience of automated programming, provided through the Hyperice App. The app’s instructional features and integrations add significant value, especially for users new to massage guns or those seeking a more guided experience.
The standout feature of the Hypervolt 2 Pro is its operation – it’s incredibly smooth and surprisingly quiet. Thanks to its Brushless high-torque 90W motor, it delivers intense massages without much noise. With five speed settings, it gives more control than the usual three speeds found in other massage guns. But here’s the kicker: it has smart pressure sensor technology. This means you get a digital display showing the exact pressure you’re applying. This feature is a game changer, helping you tailor the massage to sensitive areas and ensure you’re not overdoing it.
Read the Full Review Here
Best Budget – BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun
Price: $55.99
Warranty: 1 year
Weight: .95 lbs
The BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun is a marvel of portable muscle therapy. Dubbed as the “pocket-sized partner,” it’s a testament to the fusion of high-quality muscle treatment and exceptional portability. Designed by renowned physical therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck, the Q2 Mini epitomizes ergonomic comfort in a compact package. Its ability to fit in a carry-on or backpack makes it an essential tool for travelers, athletes, and busy professionals alike. Whether you need quick relief or a moment of relaxation, this device promises effectiveness without the bulk, making it a constant and convenient companion in your daily routine.
Power
With its new proprietary brushless motor, the Q2 Mini redefines the balance between power and size. It’s a standout in the market for delivering deep muscle treatment in such a small form. Operating at speeds up to 3000 rpm and a vibration amplitude of 7mm, it efficiently breaks up knots and eases tight muscles, even targeting those hard-to-reach groups. This blend of power and portability means you don’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience when you’re on the move. Whether you’re an athlete needing a post-workout release or someone looking to unwind after a long day, the Q2 Mini is your go-to device for potent and portable muscle relief.
Capabilities
The practicality of the Q2 Mini extends to its charging capabilities, with USB-C charging that’s compatible with regular phone adapters. This feature adds to its appeal as a travel-friendly massage gun. With five adjustable speeds, ranging from 1800 to 3000 percussions per minute, each setting caters to different therapeutic needs, making it versatile for various users. Its size, comparable to a bottled water, and weight of just 0.95lb, underscore its portability. It’s not just a massage gun; it’s a powerful pain relief tool that you can carry anywhere. Equipped with five massage heads, each targeting different muscle groups, the Q2 Mini accelerates recovery, triggers myofascial release, and enhances cell regeneration. For anyone seeking effective pain relief and muscle awakening on the go, the BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun is an indispensable wellness tool.
Smallest Size – Theragun Mini Massage Gun
Price: $149
Warranty: 1 year
Weight: 1.5 lbs
Theragun Mini Massage Gun: Compact Muscle Relief for the Active Traveler
The Theragun Mini Massage Gun embodies the essence of portability without compromising on the power Theragun is known for. Now 20% smaller and 30% lighter, this ultra-portable massage gun is a traveler’s best friend. It excels in offering deep tissue relief, easing muscle aches and pains, soothing tightness, and enhancing post-workout recovery. The compact design makes it an ideal companion for anyone on the move, fitting seamlessly into your daily life, whether you’re an athlete, a frequent traveler, or simply someone who values muscle health. Its reduced size and weight mean you can bring the renowned Theragun power wherever life takes you, ensuring you’re never without a tool for relief and recovery.
Features
Ergonomics and customization are at the heart of the Theragun Mini. It features an easy-to-grip design, making personal massage both comfortable and effective. With three high-quality foam attachments, it caters to various needs: the Thumb for lower back pain and trigger points, and the Standard Ball and Dampener for more generalized use across both large and small muscle groups. This versatility ensures that whether you’re targeting specific pain points or seeking overall muscle relaxation, the Theragun Mini has you covered. Its design and attachments make it more than just a massager; it’s a personalized tool for your wellness journey.
Technology
In addition to its physical attributes, the Theragun Mini offers advanced technological features. With three built-in speeds, each indicated by LED lights, it provides customizable intensity for different treatment needs. From sensitive areas to deep tissue work, the Mini is adept at improving circulation and serving as a powerful muscle stimulator for pain relief. Moreover, its Bluetooth connectivity to the Therabody app enhances the user experience by offering personalized wellness routines and visual feedback on speed and force. This feature is particularly beneficial for those dealing with specific conditions like arthritis, sciatica, or plantar fasciitis. The Theragun Mini Massage Gun is more than just workout equipment; it’s a comprehensive tool for personal wellness, adaptable to your unique requirements.
Benefits of a Massage Gun
Massage guns, a form of percussion therapy, offer benefits akin to traditional myofascial and muscle release techniques like massage and compression therapy. They are scientifically proven to enhance recovery time, reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, improve lymphatic drainage, decrease Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), and increase range of motion.
These devices are not only beneficial post-exercise for recovery but also pre-exercise as part of a warm-up routine. By using a massage gun before exercise, you can prepare your muscles for movement, increasing blood flow and warming up the tissues. Post-exercise, they aid in quick recovery by facilitating the removal of lactic acid build-up and again boosting blood flow to the muscles, providing them with oxygen-rich blood.
Additionally, massage guns are excellent for targeted muscular release. They effectively tackle muscle knots — tight, bound areas in muscle fibers often harboring metabolic waste. By focusing on these “trigger points,” massage guns can help relax these tight muscle fibers. The advantage of a mini massage gun lies in its portability. With all the benefits of a standard massage gun, a mini version can easily fit in a gym bag or travel luggage, ensuring you can maintain your muscle health routine wherever you go.
FAQ – Best Mini Massage Guns
Is a Mini Massage Gun Worth It?
Absolutely, a mini massage gun is worth considering, especially for those who prioritize convenience without sacrificing effectiveness. The primary appeal of a mini massage gun lies in its portability. It’s designed to be lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in a gym bag, backpack, or even a suitcase when traveling. This means you can enjoy the benefits of percussion therapy wherever you are, be it at the gym, office, or on vacation. Despite their smaller size, mini massage guns still pack a significant punch, offering various speeds and attachments to cater to different muscle groups and recovery needs. This makes them not just a convenient option, but a versatile one too.
Moreover, a mini massage gun is an excellent choice for those who are always on the move or have limited storage space. It provides the same benefits as its larger counterparts, like enhancing blood circulation, reducing muscle soreness, and improving overall recovery time. The usability of these devices extends beyond athletes and fitness enthusiasts to anyone seeking muscle relief or relaxation. Whether you’re dealing with everyday stress or recovering from a workout, a mini massage gun offers a practical, efficient, and effective solution to muscle pain and tightness. Thus, for anyone seeking the therapeutic benefits of a massage gun in a more compact and travel-friendly design, a mini massage gun is certainly worth the investment.
What Brand of Massage Gun is Best?
Determining the “best” brand of massage gun largely depends on individual needs and preferences, but among the brands discussed, each has its unique strengths. Ekrin is known for its value for money, offering quality features at a more affordable price point, like in the Ekrin Bantam. Hydragun stands out for its sleek design and quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and low noise. Hyperice, on the other hand, is renowned for its cutting-edge technology and robust build quality, often favored by professional athletes and therapists.
Bob & Brad, famous for their physical therapy expertise, bring an element of professional credibility to their products, focusing on ergonomic design and effectiveness, as seen in their pocket-sized massagers. Theragun, possibly the most recognized name in this space, excels in powerful, high-quality devices with advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity and customizable speed ranges, evident in models like the Theragun Mini. Each brand caters to different aspects of percussion therapy — from portability and design to power and technological advancements. Ultimately, the best brand for you would align with your specific needs, whether it’s for deep tissue therapy, quiet operation, portability, technological integration, or a balance of price and quality.
How do I know which massage gun to buy?
Choosing the right massage gun involves considering several key factors. First, assess your primary need: Is it deep tissue massage, portability for travel, quiet operation, or specific features like variable speeds and attachments? For deep tissue work, opt for a gun with high stall force and amplitude, like those from Theragun or Hyperice. If travel-friendliness is your priority, look for compact and lightweight options such as the Ekrin Bantam or Bob & Brad’s pocket-sized models. If you value quiet operation with solid performance, Hydragun is a great choice. Additionally, consider battery life, ergonomics, and your budget. Brands like Ekrin and Bob & Brad offer quality at more affordable prices. Ultimately, the best choice will align with your specific needs, usage patterns, and the value you place on various features.
The Bottom Line on the Best Mini Massage Guns
In conclusion, the world of mini massage guns offers a diverse range of options, catering to various needs and preferences. Brands like Ekrin, Hydragun, Hyperice, Bob & Brad, and Theragun each bring unique features to the table. Ekrin stands out for its balance of quality and affordability, particularly with models like the Ekrin Bantam, which deliver solid performance without breaking the bank. Hydragun, known for its sleek design and quiet operation, is ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics and discretion in their massage therapy. Hyperice, with its robust build and advanced technology, is often the choice of professionals and serious athletes.
Bob & Brad’s offerings, influenced by their expertise in physical therapy, focus on ergonomic design and user-friendliness, making their products particularly appealing for those seeking professional-grade tools with easy handling. Theragun, perhaps the most well-known brand, excels with its powerful, feature-rich devices, such as the Theragun Mini, which offer advanced capabilities like Bluetooth connectivity and customizable speed ranges. Each brand has carved out a niche in the market, ensuring that there’s a massage gun for every type of user, whether you’re an athlete, a frequent traveler, or simply someone looking for quick muscle relief.
Ultimately, the choice of a mini massage gun should be guided by individual needs and preferences. Factors like intended use, desired features, portability, noise level, and budget play crucial roles in decision-making. Whether it’s for deep muscle therapy, ease of travel, or quiet operation, the market has something for everyone. In this growing field of percussion therapy tools, the emphasis is on finding a balance between functionality, convenience, and personal wellness goals. By carefully considering these aspects, users can select a massage gun that not only meets their specific needs but also enhances their overall muscle health and recovery experience.