Whether it’s to help heal post-workout muscle soreness or get loose before hitting the gym, massage guns are a convenient at-home option for those looking to work out their knots. Using percussion therapy, they can provide short-term gains in flexibility and range of motion, Leada Malek, a physical therapist and board-certified sports specialist with her own virtual practice, told BuzzFeed News.

There are tons of options available, with varying price points, amplitude and battery life, and attachments. For those looking to keep it simple, we recommend the Q2 Mini, which comes with a travel case and five interchangeable massage heads (arrow head, flat head, fork head, bullet head, and air-cushioned head). At just over a pound, this gun is the lightest on the list.

For those who want a little more power, we’d suggest the Achedaway Pro, which packs 16 millimeters of stroke length into its premium package. It’s on par with the top-of-the-line Theragun Pro Plus, but at a cost of less than $300.

Most percussion massage guns follow one of two formulas: standard power drill shape or the triangular build made popular by Theragun (with some exceptions like the Ekrin Athletics Bantam). We’d prefer something more ergonomic, but for a similar price, the Renpho R4 Pro does the trick. Its rotating arm rotates into four different positions and its handle is set at an angle to take pressure off your wrist as it pulsates.

Just remember to be careful if you’re using a massage gun for the first time, as overstimulation of a muscle can cause damage and even lead to rhabdomyolysis. If you’re unsure of how to use the tool, it’s best to speak with a physical therapist to learn proper technique and safety. Also, be wary of using a massage gun if you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, as it may interfere with the machine’s circuitry. best massage gun