How We Test Massage Guns

Testing principles

Our goal is to predict your day‑to‑day experience. We focus on ergonomics, noise, reach, cadence feel, and endurance—then translate those into quick, persona‑specific routines you’ll actually follow.

Core measurements

• Noise (dB): measured at 30 cm and 1 m in a quiet room across low/medium/high speeds. We report peak and average.
• Reach and control: handle length, angle, and effective reach to mid‑back, glutes, and hamstrings for solo use; we note required wrist angles and strain.
• Grip fit: handle circumference at the narrowest and widest points and surface friction; we flag small‑hand and large‑hand comfort separately.
• Weight and balance: total mass and balance point location to assess perceived heaviness during 5–10 minute sessions.
• Cadence and feel: percussions per minute (PPM), amplitude, and perceived smoothness (buzzy vs. therapeutic), assessed by a small panel using blinded trials.
• Stall resistance: force required to noticeably slow or stall the head, measured against a calibrated scale with repeat trials at each speed.
• Battery endurance: continuous runtime at medium speed and routine‑style bursts (e.g., 2 minutes on/30 seconds off) to reflect real use.

Usability checks

• Attachments: head types, material feel, and area maps (e.g., calves vs. traps) with quick‑swap ease.
• Travel readiness: case protection, footprint, total kit weight, and charging (USB‑C vs. proprietary).
• Heat and durability: temperature rise during extended use and any rattles/loosening over time.

Scoring for personas

• Deskworker: noise, grip comfort for small hands, mid‑back reach, and smooth cadence.
• Runner: cadence feel for calves/feet, quick start/stop controls, compact carry.
• Lifter: stall resistance, amplitude, grip stability, and battery endurance for longer muscle groups.
• Traveler: kit size, USB‑C charging, case durability, and hotel‑friendly noise.

Each device earns a persona score plus an overall ergonomics score. We always note tradeoffs (e.g., high stall resistance but louder at high speed).

Repeatability and updates

We use fixed distances, consistent room noise floors, and repeat three trials per measurement. If a brand issues a firmware/hardware update, we re‑test affected metrics and time‑stamp the review. Long‑term notes (battery health, loosening, charger wear) are added after 30/60/90 days.

Safety and guidance

All published routines include pressure cues, timing, and body‑area maps to avoid overuse. We do not provide medical advice; consult a qualified professional for injuries or conditions.