The 5 Best Handheld Massagers

by Philip | Last Updated: February 14, 2020 When you buy something using the links on our posts, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

In the past month I’ve had several mini-accidents. Once I slammed my foot down ‘through’ a phantom stair. Another time my cat jumped out at me (from nowhere!) and I jerked my head back. Then I went for a long bike ride but had the handlebars too low. I strained my calf, neck, and arms, respectively. But I own a great handheld massager, so I was able to ease the pain away!

My model does the job, but it’s very old. Everything on this list is better, lighter, and probably cheaper. Buy one – you won’t regret it. (We have a separate article for the best massage guns, which sound sinister but are awesome!)

The 5 Best Handheld Massagers

#1 – Purewave CM7

PUREWAVE by Pado CM-07 Dual Motor Percussion and Vibration Therapy Massager - White - Treat pain for...

The Purewave CM7 massages the body and face, for total relaxation and refreshment. It comes with six separate massage heads, in an ergonomic, easy to use design, and offers adjustable intensity, so you get exactly the kind of massage you want. It’s the best handheld percussion massager on the market, bar none.

Its powerful yet lightweight design, coupled with its cordless functionality and fully rechargeable batteries, makes it the ideal option for the frequent traveler, and suitable for use at home or at work. It comes complete with a charger, and several attachments for the ultimate massage experience, in the comfort of your own home, at work, or on the go.

PUREWAVE by Pado CM-07 Dual Motor Percussion and Vibration Therapy Massager - White - Treat pain for...
  • POWERFUL CORDLESS + RECHARGEABLE: Powerful cordless percussion massager. High speed percussion motor up to 3,700 RPM. Facial micro-vibration...
  • BENEFITS: Repetitive acute percussion therapy relieves muscle tension, knots, spasms, aches and pains. Release trigger points, increase...
  • LIGHTWEIGHT EASY REACH DESIGN: Easy to hold extra long handle for hard to reach areas. Slim innovative design. Easy to use for self massage...

Last update on 2025-02-08 at 19:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info

 

#2 – Zyllion ZMA 13

Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager with Heat - 3D Kneading Deep Tissue Electric Massage Pillow...

Zyllion’s ZMA-13-BKcomes from an FDA-listed company (1), offering you additional peace of mind that your safety and well-being have been considered at every stage of the design and production process. It’s more of a massage pillow you can hold in your hand than a true hand massager.

The Zyllion comes with four shiatsu massage nodes, offering a soothing, total heat massage experience that is suitable for full-body use.

While this is a corded model, and thus needs to be plugged in to a power source to be operational, it does come with a strap for attaching to your favorite chair, making it an ideal purchase to aid your end-of-the-day relaxation at home, or soothe away the aches and pains that distract you while you’re at your desk.

It has been noted that the Zyllion can run a little too hot for some peoples’ preference, and is somewhat bulky for handheld use, but, if it’s an at-home deep heat massage you’re looking for, then the Zyllion could prove to be the best purchase you’ll ever make in the home wellness sector. Once it’s strapped to your favorite chair, you can sit back, relax, and let the heat-driven shiatsu massage function warm away your cares, and soothe tired, aching muscles.

Sale
Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager with Heat - 3D Kneading Deep Tissue Electric Massage Pillow...
  • Ease sore and stiff muscles with our advanced 3D deep tissue massage. Four soft silicone nodes on each side offer a soothing kneading...
  • Recommended by Doctors of Physical Therapy, this electric massager is regularly used in clinics to alleviate back and neck pain, sciatica,...
  • Ergonomic and versatile, this design fits your body’s contours—arms, feet, abdomen, hands, and legs.

Last update on 2025-02-08 at 12:35 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info

#3 – Homedics HHP 350

Homedics Percussion Action Massager with Heat | Adjustable Intensity, Dual Pivoting Heads | 2 Sets...

The Homedics HHP-350 offers a customizable massage experience, with the choice of a firm, gentle, or heat-based massage, combined with an ergonomic, easy to maneuver dual pivot design.

While this massager is not recommended for those experiencing deep tissue pain, or who have fine motor issues (2), owing to the massage function being relatively light, and the vibrations spreading into the handle, it works just fine as a casual, at-home treat, ideal for your between-spa-visit pick-me-ups, and comes in sleek, stylish brown.

It offers a great percussion massage, but the heat isn’t all it could be.

Sale
Homedics Percussion Action Massager with Heat | Adjustable Intensity, Dual Pivoting Heads | 2 Sets...
  • Lightweight and Portable: Handheld percussion massager with heat weighs less than 2.5 lbs for portability; ergonomic rubber handle allows...
  • Soothing Heat: Add optional heat to make your massage even more soothing and relaxing; heat function works best when the attachments are...
  • Dual Pivoting Heads: The dual pivoting massage heads operate at up to 3,100 pulses per minute; choose from 4 speed settings; switch the...

Last update on 2025-02-08 at 19:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info

#4 – Therarub

TheraRub Massager Percussion Double Head Electric Massager, 14 Foot Extra Long Power Cord

The Therarub provides a professional strength, handheld percussion massage. It is a corded model (and thus needs to be plugged into a power socket when in use) but the cord comes in at a decent 14ft, offering more flexibility in positioning than many rival models, as you don’t need to be seated right next to the power outlet to use this massager.

It is fairly quiet when in operation – a definite plus in the relaxation stakes – although several people have commented on a strange, chemical smell being produced when the massager is in use, and it has been noted that it can be somewhat cumbersome to use, and certainly doesn’t offer the barely-there experience of other handheld massagers.

TheraRub Massager Percussion Double Head Electric Massager, 14 Foot Extra Long Power Cord
  • 14 Foot Extra Long Power Cord, Reach your clients with ease (Most come with a Short 6 ft Cord)
  • Dual Head Percussion Massager with 3 Free Massager Heads
  • Variable Slide Speed Control With Comfortable rubberized grip

Last update on 2025-02-09 at 01:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info

#5 – Elecitizon Waterproof Cordless Massager

loverbeby Waterproof Cordless Extreme Power Handheld Mini 9x Multi-Speed Wand Massager, Purple, 3.2...

Last in our reviews comes this fun and funky wand massager – it’s not the best rated massager we’ve reviewed, but it’s the most vibrant.

Elecitizon’s waterproof model is crafted from hypoallergenic silicone, making it the perfect choice for those with sensitive skin, and comes in a bright, vibrant, attractive purple color. Offering a fully flexible neck and powerful, deep-tissue massage action, this travel-sized, shower-safe massage tool is ideal for holidays, networking away-days, or simply as a carry-around treat for when you have a few minutes to yourself!

It has 9 kinds of vibration frequency and the motor is super quiet, meaning you can relax and relieve stress with no distractions.

loverbeby Waterproof Cordless Extreme Power Handheld Mini 9x Multi-Speed Wand Massager, Purple, 3.2...
  • Wireless waterproof therapeutic wand massager made from smooth medical grade silicone, safe, odorless and skin-friendly.
  • Charging powerful motor built lasting power charging repeatedly used more than 5000 times, long time:90 minutes.
  • 9 kinds of vibration frequency, whisper quiet motor for ultra relaxing massage therapy. Relax your body and relieve stress

Last update on 2025-02-08 at 19:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info

Why Buy A Handheld Massager?

Sure, it’s nice to relax in the competent, qualified, professional hands of your masseuse, to relax and let your cares be gently kneaded away – but, sometimes, you find yourself stressed out and tense, unable to get to those skilled and soothing hands, yet in need of immediate relief (3).

That’s why a handheld massager is an absolute essential! Pack it in your suitcase for business travel, or buy a compact model that will fit in your purse, so you can carry it around everywhere without even having to think about it.

Handheld massagers are also ideal when you just want to get home and indulge yourself after a hard day at work, or when you’re grabbing some me-time after dealing with the kids all day – there are even models that can be strapped to your favorite chair, so they’re ready and waiting to soothe away your aches and pains at the end of the day.

We’re not saying a handheld massager will replace your favorite treatment (4) – but it might end up being a pretty close call! We’ve reviewed a handful of the fantastic massage products on the market for you, to make your decision even easier.

What Are the Benefits of Massage?

We all know that stress isn’t good for us – we’ve heard how it contributes to heart attacks and stroke, how it affects concentration, and leads to poor skin quality. We even know that stress can trigger unhealthy eating habits, which impact on overall health, and we know it is responsible for poor sleep, which leaves us looking jaded, and not performing at our best.

But anxiety can also cause muscles to knot from tension, leading to pain that persists long after we think we’ve shrugged off the stress, and gone back to “business as usual.” Tight, tense, clenched and knotted muscles, in their turn, contribute to poor posture (5), and are often the leading cause of low-level pain that, while not registering as “serious enough to worry about”, leaves us feeling run down, irritable, and performing less than optimally.

The kneading action of a massage – whether from a qualified professional or courtesy of a handheld device – works to remove the knots from muscles, soothing away the aches and pains that everyday stress can cause, leaving you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to fight another day.

Who Gets Massages?

Massages are the truly “equal opportunity” massage, and, with the male wellness sector moving far beyond basic vitamins and everyday grooming, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t invest in a his-and-hers handheld massager, and enjoy relaxation as a couple – so, have another look at our reviews, and identify the best handheld massager for both you and your partner – and start experiencing total, at-home relaxation, improved well-being, and better professional functioning sooner rather than later!

References

  1. US Food and Drug Administration, Company Search
  2. Fine Motor Skills: What You Need to Know; The Understood Team at Understood.org
  3. 6 Areas to Target for Immediate Relief with Massage; Sharon Ross; Lifehack
  4. 6 Luxurious Spa Treatments Around the World; Jinna Yang; Conde Nast
  5. 7 Weird Ways Your Posture Messes With You; Keely Savoie; Prevention.com

Author: Philip Andrew

A writer and teacher who enjoys lazing around and building winter nests out of duvets. “Most are too itchy. You’ve got to be picky.” His goal is to create a complete home spa for 24/7 access to rest and relaxation. Next on the agenda: a barrel sauna for the garden. Connect with Philip on Twitter @completehomespa.