The 10 Best Massage Balls

Fitness Tools

This review has been updated 22 times since it was first published in September of 2021. Regardless of whether you’re an athlete hoping to boost recovery times or just trying to relieve persistent aches and pains, these massage balls can help get you back in tip-top shape. They’re great for targeting knots and trigger points, and they’re small enough for relief on the go. If you have serious injuries, though, they are no substitute for a trained professional.

10. GoFit 5 Inch

This GoFit 5 Inch is made by wrapping lightweight foam over a solid core, creating a surface that penetrates deep into your muscles without causing too much pain. The textured exterior keeps it in place on the floor or wall while you roll around on it.

Lime color makes it hard to misplace
Comes with training booklet
Has very little give

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9. Gaiam Restore Hot and Cold

The Gaiam Restore Hot and Cold can provide a myriad of therapeutic benefits, especially for tired, injured, or chronically sore feet. The kit includes a spiked ball for increasing circulation to fatigued areas and a smooth one for rolling out knots.

Warm quickly in hot water
Safe to cool in freezer
Material is extremely slippery

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8. GoFit Ballx2

The GoFit Ballx2 has a bungee cord jutting out of each end, which you can grasp to direct pressure wherever you need it. This also enables you to dictate how firm of a massage you want, as you can reduce the intensity simply by easing up on your grip.

Includes informational poster
Nonslip rubber surface
Not ideal for use on trigger points

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7. SKLZ Dual Point

The peanut-shaped SKLZ Dual Point has an indentation in the middle designed to cradle the spine as it works up and down your back. This also makes it ideal for loosening up your IT bands and reducing tension in other long muscle groups.

Fits in a purse or gym bag
Helps boost tissue mobility
Doesn’t roll smoothly over fabric

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6. Trigger Point Performance Foam

The Trigger Point Performance Foam is designed to mimic the pressure of thumbs to give you targeted myofascial release. It’s a smart middle ground for users who want to dig deep into their tissue, but who find hard, plastic models to be too painful.

Good for small muscles
Easy-to-clean foam surface
Extra-firm option also available

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5. RumbleRoller BXA Beastie

The uniformly-spaced spikes on the RumbleRoller BXA Beastie allow you to apply local pressure to any knots or trigger points in your muscles. Each individual bump is extra-firm, so you can really dig in deep without having it collapse on you.

Comes with base for stability
About the size of a tennis ball
Works well over clothes

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4. Pro-Tec Athletics Orb

The Pro-Tec Athletics Orb provides a firm feel, so it isn’t for users who prefer a delicate touch. Its dotted surface sinks into affected areas anywhere on your body, helping to break up knots and relax any overly-tight muscles.

Comes in multiple colors and sizes
Works well on the piriformis
Eva foam holds its shape over time

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3. Epitomie Fitness Muscle Max

The Epitomie Fitness Muscle Max has a grid of deep seams running all around its exterior laid out in different patterns. This varies the angle and severity of the pressure it exerts, preventing your muscles from becoming accustomed to it.

Can withstand up to 500 lbs
Excellent for neck pain
Comes with travel bag

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2. Invincible Fitness

You get several relief options in this offering from Invincible Fitness. It comes with four balls of different sizes, including two spiky models — one soft, one firm. While each is useful in its own right, it’s the variety that makes this kit stand out.

Helpful for plantar fasciitis
Excellent training preparation aid
Smart choice for physical therapists

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1. Kieba Lacrosse

Sometimes the simplest answer is the best one — and that’s the case with the Kieba Lacrosse. These two rubber balls don’t have any bells or whistles, but they’re nevertheless able to soothe tired, aching muscles both at home and on the go.

Won’t mark walls or floors
Ideal for use on feet and calves
Can be washed with soap and water