Pros
- Includes a water-resistant silicone sleeve
- Simple user interface
- Compact design
Cons
- Covers smaller surface area
Unlike other products in this guide, the Compex Performance 3.0 Muscle Stimulator contains an operational control box from which the electrode sensors are attached. So, users apply the sensors to the affected area and control each one using the hand-held device. In particular, the design and TENS kit is especially beneficial for stimulating sensory neurons and managing pain, adds Fata-Chan.
The unit comes with multiple settings tailored for strength, endurance, recovery, and pain relief, and Sanchez says the interface is simple to use. It’s compact enough to throw in your gym bag or take to a sporting event, and the 8-hour battery life is reliable before, during, or after a workout. When you’re extra sweaty, the silicone case also prevents water damage and helps improve grip.
| Modes | 6 |
| Battery Life | 8 hours |
Pros
- Completely wireless
- Well-designed case makes very portable
- 6 presets for easy use
Cons
- Battery doesn't last as long as wired models
Chirp is the newest on the scene of EMS machines, and the brand has made a serious statement. Its devices, starting with the Chirp Halo, are easy to operate, simple to set up, and also look great. For these reasons and more, they were featured the Men’s Health Fitness Awards this year as the “Best New EMS” machine in the Recovery section.
I keep my set at my standing desk in my garage gym, and will utilize them after a particularly intense training session for a little mobile recovery. Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, also appreciates the ability to experience the stim without being tethered to a bunch of wires.
The Chirp Halo’s battery life is six hours, which is very solid considering its wireless pads and remote control. It also offers both TENS and EMS, giving you a variety of uses. Depending on which muscles you are interested in targeting, there are several bundles that offer pads designed specifically for each area.
Features at a Glance
| Modes | 6 |
| Battery life | 6 hours |
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Pros
- More powerful than other units
- Offers a variety of programs for training, warmup, and recovery
- No wires to connect to control unit
Cons
- More expensive than other options
This is as high-end and premium as it gets for an EMS device. This was developed as an athlete-focused product but has been opened up to everyone now. Unlike the more basic units on this list, it combines the electrical muscle stimulation with expert-produced programs aimed at improving strength, endurance, as well as recovery. The programs feature various levels of progression, and offer specific options to use as a warmup before training as well.
On opening, I was impressed by everything provided in the bag, which makes the larger system simple to organize and travel with. The control device and nodes are designed extremely well, making them easy to apply and use.
This is more powerful than the other devices as well. Renato Sanchez, PT, DPT, CSCS is a physical therapist who works in-house with the Seattle Sounders FC, uses Compex exclusively. “To be fair,, I haven’t tried many other machines,” says Sanchez. “But that’s because I haven’t had any reason to move away from Compex.” He especially likes how lightweight and portable their units are.
Features at a Glance
| Modes | 10 |
| Battery life | 20 hours |
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Adjustable intensity within each mode
- Provides another mode of treatment with heat
Cons
- Some users might not be interested in heat therapy
The Beurer Digital TENS +EMS Device is a great budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality or accessibility. The electrodes can be easily put onto your abdomen, arm, leg, or calf, and offers direct electrical stimulation to the targeted area. The simple interface also allows you to select one of the 44 treatment programs or program your own customized routine.
Not only that, but it can also provide heat to the treatment area, which makes it a standout amongst the crowd. The combination of the EMS with the heat makes for a powerful pairing for those looking for recovery. The four modules come with gels that allow you to easily apply them to your targeted muscles.
The battery life is great and the machine charges via USB-C in a few hours. The battery lasts for more than a dozen 30-minute treatments, which is pretty impressive when you consider the additional functionality.
Features at a Glance
| Modes | 44 |
| Battery life | 15 hours |
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Pros
- Four electrodes to treat multiple areas
- Handy carrying case
- FDA-approved
Cons
- There's a lot of tech that not everybody is interested in
TENS 7000 has received FDA approval for over-the-counter relief, which gives you the peace of mind that other devices might not provide. The devices have two channels that allow you to provide relief to four different areas using four different electrodes.
There have been 2 million units of this device sold, and is praised by physical therapists for its clinical-grade effect. The commenters on Amazon have plenty of great things to say about this model. It does all of this with a 9-volt battery, which gives plenty of juice for quite a few treatments.
Bonus points: The handy carrying case that comes with the whole setup makes it easy to bring your recovery on the road.
Features at a Glance
| Modes | 5 |
| Battery Life | 9V (8-10 hours), not rechargeable |
Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world. Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.
Renato Sanchez, PT, DPT, CSCS, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, who practices at Bespoke Treatments San Diego.