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Best Leg Massagers

Updated January 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
NormaTec Pulse 2.0 Leg Recovery System
NormaTec
Pulse 2.0 Leg Recovery System
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Pro-Grade Massage
Bottom Line

Pro-grade system similar to those used in physical therapy and sports training facilities. Expensive, but according to fitness enthusiasts, it's worth the investment.

Pros

Equipped with patented pulse compression sequence technology and seven intensity levels for a customized massage. Serious athletes claim device is the key to quicker recovery times. Despite its full-coverage design, it's lightweight and easily portable. Available in three lengths.

Cons

Extremely expensive, and some reports that the hose malfunctions after a few sessions.

Best Bang for the Buck
iReliev Percussion Massage Gun
iReliev
Percussion Massage Gun
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

Our testing found the simple operation and handful of attachments make this an ideal budget-priced gun.

Pros

Comes with four attachments. Convenient one-button operation with three levels of intensity. Device and attachments, as well as power adapter, pack away neatly inside the soft-shell carry case. Our tester noted that it wasn't loud despite its power level.

Cons

Can only be used 20 minutes at a time. Doesn't get as deep as others, according to our tester.

PlayMakar MVP Percussion Massager
PlayMakar
MVP Percussion Massager
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Wonderful Massager
Bottom Line

This big, powerful percussive massage gun is a great gift for anyone who needs muscle therapy.

Pros

Delivers deep, therapeutic massage with 1200 to 2700 ppm force and 10mm percussion technology. Surprisingly quiet. Comes with multiple heads to target specific muscles or issues. Rechargeable battery lasts up to 3 hours.

Cons

Somewhat pricey compared to other massagers. Does not come with a carrying case.

Therabody Theragun Elite Massage Gun
Therabody
Theragun Elite Massage Gun
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Most Portable
Bottom Line

Newest generation of reputable percussive massager that offers a deep, intense massage to quads and calves. Best option if portability is a priority.

Pros

Extremely well-made and operates more quietly than other options. Runs for a whopping 120 minutes on a full charge, making it very travel-friendly. Offers a 60% deeper massage than other percussive massagers. Great for loosening up muscle tension.

Cons

There's a bit of learning curve when it comes to finding the best angles to target certain muscles, especially behind the legs.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

56
Models
Considered
162
Consumers
Consulted
12
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for best leg massagers

You might be used to suffering from sore legs after an intense workout or a long day at work, but why should you just grin and bear it when you can help relieve the pain with a leg massager?

Leg massagers come in a range of shapes and sizes and are designed to aid in muscle recovery and general pain relief, improve circulation, and reduce water retention that can be caused by various medical issues.

With such a variety of leg massagers available to you, it's no surprise if you're struggling to choose the right option for you. We’re here to help. Check out our favorite leg massagers at the top of the page or read on for our complete guide.

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Think about why you want a leg massager. If you want it for muscle recovery after sports, you may choose a different option than if you just want a relaxing massage.

Key considerations

Manual

The simplest type of leg massagers, these models are essentially textured sticks that you roll up and down your legs. While they're inexpensive and reasonably effective, they can't compete with other some varieties for pain relief or convenience.

Price: Manual leg massagers are the cheapest option, generally costing between $10 and $20.

Electric handheld

Although these massagers aren't necessarily exclusively for legs, we've added electric handheld massagers to the list since you can use them to massage your legs. What's great about this type is that you can use it on both the calves and thighs and easily maneuver it to any problem areas to work its magic. Electric handheld massagers also tend to come with a range of different heads and several intensity settings, so you can select the option that fits your specific requirements each time. Of course, you still have to hold and move the massager yourself, so it's not as relaxing as using the type of massager that lets you simply sit back and enjoy the experience.

Price: Most electric handheld massagers cost between $30 and $60, but high-end models are closer to $100 to $150. 

Compression

Compression leg massagers wrap around the legs and fill with air, pressing on the legs to massage them. These types of massagers are excellent for post-workout recovery, as well as for any health conditions that cause swelling, fluid retention, or poor circulation. The wraparound style means that they fit most legs, but high-end options can be extremely pricey.

Price: Basic compression massagers start at around $50 to $80 There are plenty of mid-range compression options in the $100 to $300 price range. High-end full-leg models can cost up to $1,000.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu leg massagers contain various rolling, kneading, and other moving parts to give you a similar effect to shiatsu massage performed by a massage therapist. These tend to be large, solid plastic units with a space for each leg. All you have to do is select your preferred settings, switch it on, and away it goes, leaving your hands free to do other things. Because of the fixed size of the unit, not everyone can use it, which is a major drawback. Shiatsu massagers also take up a fair amount of room.

Price: Shiatsu leg massagers generally cost between $200 and $400.

Leg massager features

Massage methods

Leg massagers use a range of methods to massage the legs, including moving rollers and kneaders, air compression, vibration, and heat. Some models only use a single method, but many use multiple methods for the most effective results. The massager you choose will depend on the method you prefer.

Controls

With the exception of manual leg massagers, all good-quality massagers should allow you to control various aspects of the massage experience. At a minimum, you want to be able to control the intensity because some people prefer less pressure and others prefer more. Depending on the methods offered, you might also be able to switch between a range of modes. For instance, you might select kneading, kneading and vibration, kneading and heat, or all three. Check the manual that comes with your leg massager to learn more about the various modes.

Size and weight

Some leg massagers, particularly shiatsu models, can be quite heavy and bulky. If you opt for a large massager, think about where you’ll store it when it isn’t in use. They work wonders on your legs, but they're not the most attractive products and may look unsightly sitting next to the coffee table. You can also find some very compact leg massagers. Wraparound massagers, for instance, easily fold up when not in use, so you can tuck one away in a drawer or cabinet.

Adjustability

Check whether the model you choose fits legs of different sizes. This is a concern if your build is smaller or larger than average. Shiatsu massagers are less able to accommodate legs of different shapes and sizes than wraparound massagers.

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Did you know?
Some wraparound leg massagers offer extensions for larger legs, though you might have to buy these separately.
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BestReviews

Tips

  • Consult your doctor first. If you suffer from any chronic health conditions, especially heart conditions or those that affect circulation, consult a healthcare professional before you start using a leg massager.
  • Check the power cord on an electric model. A short power cord will restrict where you can use your massager, especially if your favorite chair isn't right next to an outlet.
  • Set it and forget it. Buy a massager with a timer and you can just enjoy your massage instead of watching the clock.
  • Consider a massager’s ease of use. Controls should be straightforward and intuitive. You don't want to spend your relaxation time battling with modes and settings.
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For your safety
A leg massager that automatically shuts off after a set period lets you avoid any chance that you'll fall asleep with the massager on.
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BestReviews

Other products we considered

If none of the top picks in our product matrix take your fancy, don't worry! We considered a wide range of other products in our research and some of them very nearly made the cut. For instance, the Reluen Foot and Calf Massager is an excellent choice for compression massage, and it offers the added bonus of heat. While the Naipo Foot and Leg Massager focuses a little more on the feet, but it still provides some beneficial leg massage, and we love that it folds down for easy storage. Another compression massager comes in the form of the FIT KING Leg Air Massager for Feet and Calves. With two modes and three intensities, you can easily customize the massage to fit your needs.

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Consider ease of cleaning when selecting your leg massager. Look for one with a washable cover or one you can wipe clean.

FAQ

Q. Is there a maximum recommended length of time for using a leg massager?
A.
There's not a set maximum duration for leg massagers in general, but some manufacturers may suggest a maximum length for a session. Unless the manual says otherwise, we generally wouldn't recommend using a leg massager for more than 30 minutes at a time.

Q. Will a leg massager help my muscles recover from exercise more quickly?
A.
Many athletes find that massage helps to ease sore muscles after exercise. Leg massagers ease inflammation and improve blood flow, which can help prevent muscle pain and aid in post-workout recovery.

Q. Can I buy a leg massager to massage my thighs?
A.
Although most leg massagers focus on the calves, you can buy compression massagers and shiatsu massagers that work on the thighs and calves at once. However, they can be expensive. A more affordable alternative is to use a manual or electric handheld massager on your thighs.

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