When it comes to fitness goals, having that little boost to go the extra mile can make all the difference in the world. For years, athletes have been turning to electric muscle stimulators to help soothe sore muscles, cut back on recovery time and make it easier to feel their best. But more than just workout aids, a decent muscle stimulator can help with a range of muscle-related ailments, including nerve pain, carpal tunnel and more.
Navigating the web to find the best muscle stimulator can be a challenge, which is why we rounded up our five favorite options. These EMS and TENs models (EMS muscle stimulators help more with muscle cells and TENS are designed to help with nerves) are super easy to use, lightweight and actually pretty portable.
1. Compex Sport Elite 2.0 Muscle Stimulator with TENS Bundle Kit
BEST OVERALL
Designed to help reduce the amount of post-workout pain you’re feeling and increase your overall range of motion, this high-powered muscle stimulator comes with 10 built-in programs (strength, recovery, warmup to name a few) with 5 progressive levels for each to help you—and your muscles—relax and build endurance. By producing a muscle twitch with a lower frequency, this stimulator may be able to help improve muscle endurance while effectively reducing overall soreness. It’s a win-win.
2. TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit with Accessories
BEST VALUE
Designed to work as a muscle stimulator, massager and recovery device, this portable unit comes with four TENS unit pads that can help provide instant relief. With varying modes to help promote muscle growth and aid in the recovery process, this unit is great to have in your gym bag or locker and can be applied in seconds. What’s more, it can even offer carpel tunnel relief, which is a nice bonus for all you office workers.
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3. Healthmate Forever Handheld Machine
MOST PORTABLE
Easily one of the most powerful TENS machines on the market (which is kind of surprising considering how small this device is), the Healthmate Forever features 4 outputs with the ability to support up to 8 pads at once. That means it’s able to cover more ground and provide more power where and when you need it. The lightweight design makes this one of the more portable muscle stimulators. In fact, it only runs on 3 AAA batteries, which makes it a great option to keep at work or use at home before and after the gym.
4. Dual Channel TENS EMS Unit 24 Modes Muscle Stimulator
MOST MODES
This mini stimulator packs a whopping 24 different muscle modes to help reduce pains and spasms associated with a range of muscle-related issues. What’s more, it’s one of the easier muscle stimulators to use. With a digital screen that helps you navigate all the different sections and functions with ease, you can choose your setting, adjust or decrease the intensity, sit back and relax. It also comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that promises up to 20 hours of continuous use.
5. AUVON Dual Channel TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator Machine with 20 Modes
BEST DEAL
This powerful muscle machine comes with 20 built-in modes and is designed to help stimulate your sensory nerves and provide soothing muscle pain relief. With awesome modes like hammering, kneading, shiatsu and more, all you need to do is choose the setting, adjust your intensity level and voila. With 8 total pads (4 smaller pads and 4 larger ones), each pad is designed to last up to 30 uses each. If that wasn’t enough, it also features its own built-in battery.