Best mini massage gun for muscle aches and pains

First up is the Hydragun Atom Mini Massage Gun - an ideal companion for fitness enthusiasts seeking a compact and effective recovery tool. Designed with a sleek profile, this mini massage gun easily slots into gym bags for on-the-go relief. The package includes a smart travel case for added convenience. Boasting three attachment heads and adjustable speed variations, the Hydragun Atom prioritises quality, delivering effective muscle relief, especially post-intensive workouts such as weightlifting. The solid aluminium construction of the flat head ensures durability, making it a well-built and reliable choice for targeted muscle recovery.

Our review: “I gym around four times a week and do a lot of weightlifting, which puts a lot of strain on my body, especially my lower back. I was truly blown away by the Atom Mini Massage Gun. It arrived beautifully packaged and even came with a smart travel case, to fit everything snug inside. The Atom Mini itself has a sleek, stylish and modern design. It’s smaller than other massage guns, which I loved, as it meant I could fit it inside my gym bag and use it throughout my workout.

“For those looking for a high-quality massage gun to relieve tension and soreness, I would 100 per cent recommend the Atom Mini, especially for those who do a lot of intense exercises. There’s no denying it’s an expensive product, but this is an investment piece; you aren’t going to be replacing this massage gun anytime soon. It will last and deliver the results you need. It may be small, but it really is mighty.”

While the Theragun Mini boasts impressive power, delivering a remarkable 2400 percussions per minute, its user-friendly design makes it accessible to all. This compact device is particularly well-suited for home use, offering effective relief from back and foot stiffness, and promoting immediate relaxation. Its quiet operation and compact size add to its appeal, making it a gym-bag-friendly companion that can efficiently alleviate muscle pain after workouts. The Theragun Mini strikes a balance between power and accessibility, ensuring a seamless and effective massage experience.

Our review: "This changed my life - it's a bold statement, but it's true. I had a car accident a few years ago and my shoulder/lower back has never been the same. Since using the Theragun mini, I've seen some good improvements. At first, I was intimidated by this bit of kit because it's so powerful (up to 2400 percussions per minute to be exact). However, once I overcame the hesitation from the speed, I never looked back. While working from home, the stiff feeling in my back has gone from bad to worse. I've been using the gun on my back and the bottom of my feet for a few weeks now. Within a few minutes of applying, I felt totally relaxed. Once I'm able to get back to the gym, I don't doubt that this will ease muscle pain, because it's doing it already. That said, is a massage gun worth it? Absolutely. The benefits don't stop there, I like how quiet it is and the fact its compact size means it could effortlessly fit in my gym bag."

A great option under £60, the Homedics NOVO Mini Massage Gun is good for muscle pain relief as well as your wallet. With six intensity settings ranging from 1400 to 2800 rpm, it provides a customisable experience for both soothing vibration and high-power percussion massage. Featuring four attachments, it caters to various muscle groups, making it versatile for relaxation or recovery after workouts. Weighing just 0.6kg, it boasts a sleek design, USB-C rechargeability, and a convenient travel case for on-the-go use.

Customer review: "This is a good sized "mini" massager, bought to replace a larger and heavier one which broke down after only a few years. I can reach all the muscles that need help functioning, but because it's not too heavy it doesn't put a strain on my hands and wrists. I particularly like the extra feature which allows me to change speed by applying pressure. It means I can begin very gently and, with careful control, wake the muscles up at the end if I wish."

Designed to provide soothing muscle relief on the go, this mini yet powerful Homedics Myti Compact Massage Gun features five attachment heads and four intensities, effectively targeting sore areas and relieving tight muscles. With a heated Peltier head reaching 45°C, it stimulates deep blood flow, expediting recovery. USB-C rechargeable, it offers 3 hours of use, making it perfect for the gym, office, or home. Its slim, ergonomic design, luxe aluminium finish, and quiet operation, along with the included travel case, ensure a convenient and discreet recovery solution.

Customer review: "This massage gun has a small size that makes it light and easy to use. But do not let the small size fool you, it is an amazing massage gun. The massage gun comes with five different attachments which include a heatable head. The gun is well designed and this added to its convenient size and light weight makes it very easy to use on oneself. The massage gun has 4 different intensity levels so it goes from a gentle massage up to a more powerful and intense massage. I love using this at the end of my day to relax and soothe my aching muscles. It is USB rechargeable which is extremely convenient. The gun and all its accessories fit neatly into a portable little carry case so it can be used on the go and be taken on any travels."

Experience on-the-go relaxation with the Wahl Mini Massage Gun. With six adjustable speed settings and four attachments targeting specific areas like the neck, shoulders, arms, hands and legs, you can customise your massage to the settings that bring you the most relief. Enjoy up to 200 minutes of massaging from a single charge, with gentle vibrations that tackle stress and tension. With a lightweight, compact design that fits neatly into a soft storage case, it's perfect for travel.

Customer review: "Amazing kit. Small yet powerful. Various settings for comfort. Great attachments. Comes with its own storage case. Would highly recommend"

The intense vibrations of the Bob and Brad Q2 Pocket-Sized Deep Tissue Massager Gun provide immediate pain relief to sore muscles. Striking the perfect balance between power and size, it can break up knots and relax tight muscles, even providing a deep tissue massage to harder-to-reach muscle groups while you're out and about. The battery lasts about four hours, with only a three-and-a-half-hour charge time so it's super convenient.

Customer review: "Love it so much!! It feels like very sturdy. It looks nice and it’s not too heavy for massaging myself. I packed the mini massage gun with me for a short trip which required a lot of walking and long driving journeys. It helped me a lot to relax my body before sleep. I am very happy with this shopping experience."

Revolutionise your post-workout recovery with the Hypervolt GO 2. Say goodbye to the discomfort of foam rollers as this lightweight, fast-charging device transforms your experience. Boasting a quiet and comfortable operation, it features a battery life indicator, three speeds, and two heads for targeted relief, particularly effective on thighs and calves. Compact enough for gym bags, it will be your go-to for at-home massages, providing significant relief from post-workout aches.

Our review: "I've previously relied on foam rollers to ease my muscles after a heavy HIIT workout, but, let's be honest - they're awful. Uncomfortable, painful and just downright annoying, I was really excited to get my hands on the Hypervolt GO. The lightweight device charges up really quickly, is comfortable in the hand and is really quiet. The green ring around the bottom keeps you updated with the battery life, and so far I've used it at least three times this week for a good 15 minutes and it's still on the green. There are three speeds to choose from - I start out on the lowest and then gradually move up to the highest on each session. There are also two heads to use, depending on where you're targeting.

"If you've only used foam rollers before, it's a strange phenomenon, but you soon become used to it. I can't quite believe the difference if I'm honest. I use it as soon as I get home from my class, and it immediately releases tension in my thighs and calves, where I suffer most after a workout. It also helps with the day two post-workout ache, which hasn't been nearly as intense since I started using it.
"It's the perfect size for a gym bag and is great for an at-home massage - useful if you often wake up with cricks in your shoulders or neck. This is a really high-quality piece of kit, and my only disappointment is that I didn't discover it sooner."