Stiftung Warentest was not really convinced by the devices in its current test of massage guns. Even the best candidate only achieved a “satisfactory” rating. At least one inexpensive model massages even better than the massage gun test winner.
In issue 7/2024 of Stiftung Warentest, the consumer advocates examined eleven massage guns from various manufacturers, including well-known brands, but also cheaper models. The prices ranged from 40 to 270 euros. None of the models achieved the quality rating of “good”. An inexpensive model from Beurer is the price-performance winner.
The partial rating for environmental properties was also “satisfactory”, the best rating among the guns. Particularly worthy of criticism: the battery in none of the devices can be easily replaced by the user. Many massage guns therefore die a premature death together with their battery. At least some manufacturers offer a paid replacement through their service. This is also the case with our environmental tip from Orthomechanik.
From Utopia’s point of view, the best alternative for more sustainable consumption for this type of device is in any case to buy it on the second-hand market.
Table of contents:
- Massage gun test winner 2024
- This is how Stiftung Warentest determines the massage gun test winners
- Buying a massage gun: What you should pay attention to
- Effectiveness of massage guns: what is possible and what is not?
Massage gun test winner 2024
Overall test winner Blackroll Fascia Gun
The relatively expensive Blackroll Fascia Gun was the smallest massage gun in the test and emerged as the test winner with the top rating of “satisfactory” (2.7). However, it only has a comparatively small stroke during the massage and massages relatively gently. This model may therefore be perceived as too weak by competitive athletes.
The battery life was rated “very good”, but the battery is not replaceable. In addition, the Blackroll model only achieved a “sufficient” rating in terms of durability. Therefore, Utopia cannot recommend this gun from a sustainability perspective.
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Overall grade (quality assessment): satisfactory (2.7)
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Massage: satisfactory
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Handling: satisfactory
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Durability: sufficient
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Environmental characteristics: satisfactory
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Safety and pollutants: good
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Battery replacement possible: no
Buy: for around 150 euros at Sportscheck, Intersport or Amazon
Price-performance tip: Beurer MG 99
With a larger stroke and five power levels, the Beurer MG 99 massages “well” according to Stiftung Warentest and is therefore better than the massage gun test winner from Blackroll. At around 70 euros, it is also one of the cheapest models in the test. The battery life is “good” and in terms of durability, which is important from a sustainability perspective, it is also one of the best devices in the test with a “good” rating. Unfortunately, the battery cannot be replaced here either.
The downside: Stiftung Warentest found increased concentrations of pollutants in the spherical attachment of the gun, which led to a downgrade. Otherwise, judging by the further test results, the Beurer model would probably have been the test winner. However, the other attachments supplied are not subjected to the same level of pollution. The testers recommend using these instead.
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Overall grade (quality assessment): satisfactory (3.0)
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Massage: good
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Handling: good
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Durability: good
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Environmental characteristics: satisfactory
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Safety and pollutants: sufficient
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Battery replacement possible: no
Buy: for around 70 euros at Beurer or Amazon
Environmental tip: Orthomechanics Orthomechanics 3.0
The Orthomechanik 3.0 came in third place in the overall test with an overall score of 2.9. Like the test winner model, it massages “satisfactorily”, but offers a larger stroke in comparison. In terms of durability – here a “good” – it clearly beats the massage gun test winner from Blackroll.
Unfortunately, the battery in the Orthomechanik model cannot be replaced by users either. However, the manufacturer does offer to replace the battery after the warranty has expired for a fee of 39 euros. From Utopia’s point of view, the Orthomechanik 3.0 is currently the most sustainable choice among the massage guns in the test.
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Overall grade (quality assessment): satisfactory (2.9)
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Massage: satisfactory
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Handling: satisfactory
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Durability: good
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Environmental characteristics: satisfactory
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Safety and pollutants: satisfactory
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Battery replacement possible: yes (from manufacturer service)
Buy: for around 180 euros at Orthomechanik or Amazon
This is how Stiftung Warentest determines the massage gun test winners
Stiftung Warentest tested and evaluated the massage guns based on various categories. The most important aspect was the massage, which accounted for 40% of the overall rating. Experts assessed how well the guns were suited to self-massage and massaging others. Criteria such as the suitability of the intensity levels for different muscle groups and the variety of applications were evaluated. This is determined by the number of power levels, the attachments supplied and the possibility of using massage oil. In addition, the maximum contact force of the devices was measured, as was the change in temperature after prolonged use. The battery life was evaluated based on the number of possible 10-minute massages that the devices achieved with one battery charge.
The handling of the massage guns was given 35% weighting. The instructions for use were checked for comprehensibility and completeness, as were the ease of use of the devices, changing the attachments and the legibility of the charging status. The vibration on the handle and the ergonomics of the massage were also assessed.
Durability accounted for 10% of the overall rating. Durability was tested with an endurance test in which the pistols completed 500 cycles of stress, as well as a drop test from a height of 90 cm.
A further 10% of the overall rating was based on environmental characteristics, with the volume of the devices measured at different frequencies and the possibility of changing the battery being assessed.
Finally, safety aspects and pollutants were included in the evaluation with 5%. In addition to checking the warnings, the devices were tested for various pollutants.
Test results that led to downgrades included the presence of harmful substances and a lack of stability. Some models contained high levels of harmful substances, which led to downgrades in the safety and harmful substances assessment. For example, very high levels of naphthalene were found in the control panel of the Flow Move model from Flow Recoverys – more than the GS mark allows. In the drop test, the attachment of the Lidl gun broke off and could no longer be replaced. This was rated as inadequate and led to a downgrade in the durability area.
Buying a massage gun: What you should pay attention to
The massage gun test winners from Stiftung Warentest make it clear: There is no such thing as the perfect massage gun for everyone. People with different muscle mass and connective tissue require massage guns of different strengths. In general, people with more muscles should prefer a device with more stroke and pressure.
It can be helpful to try out different models before buying. Here we have summarized some points from the test that you can also pay attention to when buying:
Stroke/amplitude: The amplitude with which the attachments are raised and lowered is set for each model and is an important purchase criterion. Devices with a stroke of six to eight millimeters massage gently, while devices with 14 or 16 millimeters offer a stronger massage effect and are more suitable for competitive athletes.
Frequency: The frequency, i.e. the number of “beats” per second, can be adjusted on most models. Low frequencies under 30 beats per second are suitable for muscle relaxation, while high frequencies can prepare the muscles for training.
Pressure/contact force: In addition to the stroke, the maximum contact force also plays an important role. This indicates how much force you can use to press the gun into the tissue without the motor stopping. The Blackroll Fascia Gun, for example, allows a pressure of over 270 Newtons, while the Lidl model stops at just 30 Newtons.
Weight: The weight of the massage gun plays a role in handling and transport. Smaller, lighter models are better suited for the gym bag, while heavier models require more strength to hold.
Possibility of changing the battery: Unfortunately, most massage guns do not allow the user to change the battery. However, you can ask the manufacturer beforehand whether a change by their service staff is at least possible. In this way, you can ideally significantly increase the lifespan of your massage gun.
Attachments: Massage guns come with different attachments that are suitable for different parts of the body and types of massage. According to Stiftung Warentest, ball, flat head and cone attachments are usually sufficient for the most common applications.
Effectiveness of massage guns: what is possible and what is not?
Whether massage guns are test winners or not, devices for self-massage and regeneration often advertise with the promise of having a healing effect. According to Stiftung Warentest, scientific studies indicate that using massage guns before training can, for example, improve mobility in the short term. After training, they can help improve regeneration.
Whether massage guns can also increase muscle strength is a matter of scientific debate. According to the consumer magazine, there is also no clear evidence that massage guns relieve or alleviate neck tension. In fact, incorrect use of massage guns can also pose a risk of injury – for example in the neck or face area. Therefore, you should pay particular attention to the following points when using them:
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Do not use on injuries, bones, vessels or nerve cords.
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Stop use if pain occurs.
- If you experience back or neck pain, unclear muscle pain or other unclear symptoms, you should definitely seek medical advice.
In summary, massage guns can support recovery after exercise and improve mobility when used correctly. However, they are not a miracle weapon and are not a substitute for treatment by medical professionals, nor are they suitable for everyone.
Sources: Stiftung Warentest
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