While a massage gun is not meant to replace a physical therapist, a good one can help you feel better after a workout or before a game. These devices pulsate and vibrate muscle tissue, which can break up adhesions and scar tissue. They can also stimulate blood flow, which helps relieve soreness and improve mobility.

A few things to keep in mind:
If you’re looking for a cheap, travel-friendly option that still packs a punch, try the Ekrin Athletics 365 mini massage gun. It’s compact, weighs just over a pound, and can be used to target a variety of muscles. It has four different speed settings and can deliver up to 3,200 percussions per minute for therapeutic relief.

However, this model does not come with a battery swapper like some of the higher-end models from Theragun and Hypervolt. That can be frustrating if you find yourself needing to recharge frequently.

Those who want more power should consider the LifePro Fitness Sonic hand-held percussive massager. It’s less than half the price of top-end models from Theragun and Hypervolt, yet it keeps up with them in many of the important categories—power (it generates up to 56 pounds of deep percussive force), battery life, head attachment options, and quiet operation.

Its motor is quieter than most others we tested, and it has a five-speed setting to choose from. However, it lacks the Bluetooth app control of some other models and does not have a force meter or detailed LED display.  best massage gun