Best Handheld Massager in 2022 Reviews and Comparisons

For anyone suffering from aching muscles or stiff joints, visiting a masseuse is one of the most effective ways of remedying them. However, it is not always possible to make such a visit, and that is when a handheld massager is a fantastic alternative.

There are literally hundreds of these massagers available which is why it can be somewhat confusing when you come to choosing which one is the right one for you. In this article, we will review and highlight the features of five of the best handheld massager options currently available, and we will specify the pros and cons of each of them.

Best Handheld Massager Reviews

The first product we are going to review in our search for the best handheld massager is a multi-action massager from Purewave, which gives you several options for where and how you can use it.

Review

This patented handheld massager from Purewave has dual motors so it can provide both percussion action and vibration. This means that it can provide massages in several ways and can do so for just about any part of your body.

It can obviously provide the normal relief that you expect such as easing pain, relieving aching joints and getting rid of stiffness in muscles. This applies to your back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and even your feet. To provide the exact type of benefit this massager comes with several attachments which are interchangeable.

Another part of your body you can use it on is your face, which is not the case with many massagers. It has a micro-vibration motor which is used in conjunction with a facial stick, and this lets you reduce tension and stress in your jaw, cheeks or forehead.

People who are new to massage and specifically, handheld massagers, are often unsure how to use them for maximum effect. That is not a problem with this Purewave massager thanks to the free therapy videos which are included with your purchase. Now you can watch them and learn from the professionals exactly how to give yourself the best and most therapeutic massages.

PROS
  • Multiple attachments
  • Can be used for facial massages
  • Dual motor design
  • Percussion and vibration therapy
  • Free training videos
CONS
  • Battery life isn’t great

This electric handheld massager from Wahl gives users multiple options and is especially good for deep tissue and targeted massages.

Review

This is a handheld massager that uses the percussion massage, which means that it is particularly good at quick and effective pain relief. This system operates at a range between 2,000 and 3,350 pulses per minute which is a far greater range than most other massagers can offer you.

Having this range should tell you that you have speed variance, and unlike those which give you just two or three options, the speed dial on this massager allows you to fine-tune it to the correct speed for you.

As well as having choices in relation to the speed of this massager, you also have options in respect of the specific massages you can enjoy. This is achieved by selecting one of the four different massage head attachments. The individual heads include a flat disc for wider coverage, a ‘4-finger’ replicator, a muscle ball which helps relax muscles and an ‘accupoint’ for massaging a very small and specific area.

The Wahl massager has a very long handle which makes it easier to hold, and more importantly easier to reach areas, such as your lower back. With this and the options for both speed and massage heads, this massager offers one of the widest ranges of possible massages plus it can be used to relieve and relax all areas of your body.

PROS
  • 4 interchangeable massage heads
  • Wide speed range
  • Long handle for extra reach
  • Massage ranges from gentle to intense
  • Low price
CONS
  • Very loud

This is a handheld massager which provides multiple massage options plus, as it is powered by a rechargeable battery, it can be used almost anywhere you choose.

Review

The fact that you can take this handheld charger just about anywhere gives it a huge advantage over other massagers that require a power outlet. This means you can take it into the gym, on camping trips or to the park, and give any aching muscles or joints a soothing massage.

Incidentally, the time you can have the massager on between charges is over 2 hours so that should be plenty for normal use. Note, that for safety reasons, the massager cannot be used while the battery charger is connected to a power outlet.

When using the massager, you can select the mode that you want by pressing the ‘Mode’ button. There are four modes which range from a continuous pulse, a 2-second pulse, a 1-second pulse, and the fastest is 2 pulses per second.

The quicker the pulse the more intense your massage becomes. Also, with each mode, you can fine-tune its speed up or down to suit you.

It is not just pulse settings which you can select, as you also have 5 individual massage nodes, which hopefully nobody confuses with modes. The massage nodes are:

  • Curved head, which is great for massaging your arms and legs
  • Intensive 3-head node, for covering larger areas
  • 1-point head, which is for pinpoint massages
  • 3-point head, for gentler massages
  • Round head, which is for general massaging.

The styling of this massager is very sleek, especially with its black color and rounded silicone handle, plus its weight of just 1.8 lbs. is one of the lowest we have encountered, so it should be very easy to hold

PROS
  • Powered by a rechargeable battery
  • Lightweight and portable
  • 5 individual massage heads
  • 4 pulse intensity modes
  • Speed can be fine-tuned
CONS
  • Lacks intensity at upper speeds

If you are looking for a handheld massager that can offer you powerful and intensive massages, then the Therarub massager from Clinical Health Services is one which you should seriously consider.

Review

This handheld massager is a percussion type which means the massage heads oscillate very quickly and make contact with your skin at a very high rate. It has dual circular heads to maximize the beneficial effects of this.

The rate at which it can operate is adjustable using the speed selector switch. This is a sliding switch meaning you can start with a slow gentle massage and then work up to a high speed and a more intense massage. The alternative is to set it at a single speed for entirety of your session.

You can also alter the type of massage by changing out the massage heads. You have three to choose from and each of them has a specific purpose. One is for pinpointing an exact area of your body, another allows for deeper massages which help promote your circulation, and the third is the plain head which you use for normal massages to relieve stiffness or soreness.

Although it is an electric massager, and thus not as portable as a battery-powered one, with its extra-long, 14-ft. power cord, it will certainly allow you to move around a lot more than the majority of handheld electric massagers whose cords are often no more than 6 foot long.

PROS
  • Lightweight
  • Variable speed settings
  • Three interchangeable massage heads
  • Extra-long cord
  • Very low price
CONS
  • Rubber grip has a strong odor

Our final review is for a handheld massager that you won’t miss in a hurry thanks to its very distinctive black and white design and its large massaging head and handle

Review

This handheld massager from Viktor Jurgen consists of two main massage heads which provide a percussion effect when in operation. The powerful motor can operate up to 3,350 pulses per minute so there is no lack of intensity for those that like more potent massages.

The pulse rate can be adjusted down for those who wish to have a gentler massage using the sliding speed adjustment switch which is located on the handle.

The massager comes with 3 sets of alternative dual heads so that you can set it up for specific types of massage. The rounded head facilitates intensive massages, there is a deep tissue massage head for relieving aches and pains, and the third is a circular massage head for general therapy.

This is another electrical massager where, thankfully, the manufacturer has saw sense and provided a longer cord than most do. This one is 11 ft. long which means your movement should not be too restricted when you are using the massager.

The handle is pretty bulky so those with small hands might not find it ideal, but it does have a non-slip grip which means you can hold it securely without the likelihood of you dropping it.

PROS
  • Powerful dual-head operation
  • Long power cord
  • Interchangeable massage heads
  • Variable speed selector
  • Non-slip handle grip
CONS
  • Handle is very bulky

Final Verdict

We hope you enjoyed our reviews and that they have taken you a step closer to selecting the handheld massager that you will purchase. As we always do, we have chosen our favorite, and for us, the best handheld massager is the Renpho Rechargeable Deep Tissue Handheld Massager.

This massager is extremely portable due mainly to being powered by a rechargeable battery, and with multiple options for speed and massage nodes, it offers a great range of benefits to users.

An avid yoga practitioner, massage enthusiast, and wellness advocate since 2008. From then on, she has helped countless people alleviate muscle pains, tension and stress, to ultimately achieve wellness and balance in life.