Know a gym bunny? Here's 6 massage gun holiday gifts they'll love

Pocket rocket

We love the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun for its portability and ease of use. We’d never seriously consider taking a full-size Theragun to the gym, but this? Sure. It’s less than six inches long. The Q2 Mini has five settings, five massager heads, and a peak speed setting of 3000rpm, high for a lower-cost mini model. It head travel and torque won’t cut it for body builders looking to go to town, but for the rest of us? It’s great. 

If you want another small alternative, take a look at the Power Plate Mini+.

Recovery champion

Renpho makes lots of health and wellness gadgets. It was only a matter of time before we got a massager like the R3. It’s a mid-size gun that includes a carry case, and the battery lasts up to an impressive six hours at the lower intensity settings. There are five of these settings, and we find it perfect for a workout cooldown. The motor is liable to stall more easily than a top-tier model if you press into your muscles hard, but the 10mm amplitude is decent. 

For a similar mid-range massage gun, try the Shavron Vibration Massage Gun instead.

Silent but deadly

We like the Hydragun as a more affordable alternative to big names like the Theragun Pro. It has an aluminum shell, giving you confidence it can take some rough treatment, and both a longer-throw action and better torque than our lower-cost picks. Our favorite part: it’s not noisy at all in use. More massager, less power tool. Unusually, it also includes a trio of metal-capped heads as well as the more familiar styles. 

The Homedics Pro Physio is a pricey but robust alternative, with optional heating attachment.

A rocking roller

It looks like a robot ball toy, but this is a clever little massager ball from Therabody. It’s 8.6mm in diameter, letting you work it into localized tough and tight spots around your body. You can control the Wave Solo using the phone app too, controlling its three intensity levels without getting hands-on. The app also shows how to integrate it into all kinds of stretching routines. 

If you want a similar lacrosse-ball replacement, consider the SHRINK vibrating massage ball. 

Thigh master

You can use any foam roller for effective self-myofascial release, which refers to the massage of your muscles and the associated connective tissue. The Hyperice Vyper 3.0 turbo-charges that process with a powerful 34W vibration motor. We like using one of these rollers for the large muscle groups, and a massage gun for more localized relief. Heck, you could use both at the same time if you have the dexterity for it. They're not cheap though, especially compared to a standard foam roller. 

For a much cheaper alternative, check out the non-vibrating Triggerpoint grid foam roller.

Not just for Yoga

Most workout routines probably shouldn’t rely on a massage gun as a complete replacement for stretching. The two disciplines work together as a way to avoid injury. In most homes, a yoga mat is the perfect canvas on which you get your stretch. This one is a 4.2.mm thick natural rubber and polyurethane mix, for great grip while avoiding sweat getting into the material to make it grimy and gross within weeks. 

Want a cheaper eco-friendly option? Try this Navaris cork yoga mat.