Massage guns: the downsides, first

Garage Gym Reviews says that if you want a true deep-tissue treatment you'll want a 16 mm gun; the B37 has 12 mm. It also says the round attachment could be denser.

Wirecutter says the power/speed button sits on top of the gun, which is less convenient than a thumb button, and the gun felt a tad top-heavy. Garage Gym Reviews says the handle could be longer.

Wirecutter found it quiet on low but had trouble hearing TV on the highest setting. It shuts off after 10 minutes (you can restart it), and the motor warmed slightly in a 15-minute run.

NBC Select lists it as expensive, and GGR says it's more than most people need and out of reach for many buyers (about $499–$530).

NBC lists it as heavy (2.2 lb by its spec; GGR lists 2.76 lb). GGR's tester says the carrying case is massive and hard to pack into luggage, and scores portability 3/5.

GGR lists it at about 60–70 dB (decibels 4/5), louder than its quietest picks.

GGR's tester says it only feels legit at the top two speeds and isn't the most powerful mini; amplitude is 7 mm. FitnessVolt says it has the lowest power ceiling and isn't for deep glute or quad work.

Amazon's review summary says battery life is mixed, with some owners having charging issues. GGR lists slow charging (1.5–2 hours) as a con and scores battery 3/5.

FitnessVolt lists the short handle among its cons.

Both Tom's Guide and Fortune list the two heads (flat and wedge) as a con. Tom's Guide adds that heads pop out if not pushed in far enough.

Fortune says there are no multiple grip options and reaching some back areas depends on your flexibility. Tom's Guide says it's still quite large for a travel gun (7.5 x 6.8 x 2.4 inches).

Tom's Guide lists no Bluetooth connectivity as a con. Fortune notes Hyperice doesn't specify stall force or amplitude for this model (Tom's Guide lists 10 mm).

Wirecutter says it sounds like a small power tool when it turns on and stays noisy; testers had a hard time watching TV while using it. Garage Gym Reviews says it is quieter than older Theraguns but still not the quietest option. Fortune's tester, by contrast, rated noise 5/5.

Fortune says the full-size build can tire the arm and isn't travel-friendly; Garage Gym Reviews calls it heavy in hand. Wirecutter notes the 6th gen ships with only two attachments (the 4th gen had four), is the priciest Prime yet, and has no carrying case. A 1-star Walmart reviewer called it heavy and too intense.

Amazon's review summary calls reliability concerning, with multiple owners saying it stopped working completely within two months, and battery feedback is mixed. Low-star Walmart reviews describe a unit that stopped after one use and another that was faulty out of the box (Walmart's page mixes in Prime Plus reviews).

Wirecutter says the Mebak 3 felt less powerful than comparably labeled 12 mm guns and delivers less of a punch. Amazon owners, by contrast, describe it as powerful and stronger than other models.

Wirecutter says testers with reduced hand strength preferred physical buttons, you can only step speeds upward, and the pressure-sensor lights are hard to see on yourself.

Wirecutter's unit leaked lubricant from the attachment point during the first few uses (then stopped), and it found the case slightly flimsy. Amazon's summary notes some owners say it stopped working after about three months.

GGR's tester says it's bulkier than others and nearly 3 pounds; Fortune calls it heavy and bulky. Low-star Walmart reviewers say it is far too heavy to use on their backs.

Amazon's review summary calls reliability a concern, with multiple owners saying it stopped running after about 10 months, plus some charging issues. A low-star Walmart reviewer says it stopped and made a clicking sound on day one.

GGR's tester says you can hear it from another room (noise 3/5). Fortune noticed the gun jumping when pressing harder at higher speeds. Amazon owners, however, describe it as ultra quiet.

Amazon's summary says battery life is mixed, with some owners reporting it doesn't hold a charge. Low-star Walmart reviewers say they had to recharge after about three uses, and that one got under 60 minutes on the highest level despite the claimed time.

Wirecutter says it's not the best for an intense massage, with only three speeds and three attachments, and some testers found back areas harder to reach without a long handle. FitnessVolt notes limited reach for glutes and hamstrings.

Wirecutter warns fingers can get pinched near the moving end. Low-star Walmart reviewers say the body vibrates intensely even on low and makes hands itch. Others received units that didn't work or wouldn't charge.