Health & Fitness

Heal Your Body With the 10 Best Electric Pulse Massagers

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Lea Kuscer Avatar
Lea Kuscer
27 February, 2024 • Updated 18 days ago
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The 10 Best Electric Pulse Massagers
Nobody likes to live in pain. Whether your lower back is stiff from sitting in an office chair or your legs are tired from being on your feet all day, tension, stiffness and chronic pain can make it harder for you to enjoy your life.

Nobody wants that, of course, and there are a lot of different ways people combat this.

Going to a massage parlor is expensive, and massage chairs can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. There are cheaper options, however. Electric Pulse Massagers are specifically made to help you relax by improving your blood circulation and reducing muscle tension.

Pulse Massagers send an electrical signal through a metal electrode cord. This electric signal reduces the tension in your muscles, allowing you to relax and be more comfortable. This is probably all pretty new to you, and you have no idea where to start. That’s why we put this guide together, so you can read about the best electric pulse massagers out there.

IN A HURRY? CHECK OUT OUR EDITOR’S CHOICE
Healthmate Forever YK15AB TENS

We’ve done a lot of extensive research, and are happy to recommend our top ten picks for the best pulse massager.

Things to Consider

Before you jump in, there are some things you should know about and consider before you make the leap, especially considering this is a relatively new technology. In fact, buying a bad massager could even be bad for your health. Before you buy, here are five things you need to know.

1. FDA Approval

Electric pulse massagers are a form of pain therapy and are subject to FDA approval. An FDA-approved device means the massager has been officially tested by the government and its results have been determined and verified. You wouldn’t want to take a pain reliever that wasn’t FDA-approved, after all.

2. Lightweight

The best handheld massage devices are small and light enough to carry around with you. They should be easy to maneuver and not so heavy to be uncomfortable. They should also be light enough for easy transport. Weight varies, but some pulse massagers weigh as little as six ounces.

3. Warranty

A warranty is pretty much self-explanatory, so I won’t belabor the point. It’s still something you want to look for. Nobody buys a new car or an expensive TV without a warranty. Pulse massagers are a lot less expensive, but a warranty is a good way to gauge a product’s quality, especially with longer warranties. If a company is willing to stand by their product for two or three years, chances are it’s pretty good.

4. Easy to Use

The last thing you want to do is spend an hour trying to figure out how to use your new massager. Look for simple buttons and LCD screens. You might even call or e-mail to double check whether the product comes with an instruction manual.

5. Price

The final factor to consider when deciding which electric pulse massager to choose is a price. There is a range of different devices on the market, and all vary in how much they cost. Some of the most expensive options will offer more functions, and may also have a longer warranty. However a higher price does not necessarily mean it’s of higher quality.

QUICK OVERVIEW

The Best Electric Pulse Massagers


Products Features
EDITOR’S PICK
4.5
15,715+
15715+
Healthmate Forever YK15AB TENS
Healthmate Forever YK15AB TENSHealthmate Forever YK15AB TENS
  • 9 different program modes
  • 8 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $30
  • 9 different program modes
  • 8 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $30
Check price
at Amazon
MOST REVIEWED
4.6
13,670+
13670+
TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital
TENS 7000 2nd Edition DigitalTENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital
  • 5 different program modes
  • 4 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $30
  • 5 different program modes
  • 4 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $30
Check price
at Amazon
TOP PICK
4.3
1,025+
1025+
HealthmateForever NK10GL Massager
HealthmateForever NK10GL MassagerHealthmateForever NK10GL Massager
  • 8 different program modes
  • 16 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $75
  • 8 different program modes
  • 16 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $75
Check price
at Amazon
BUDGET PICK
4.3
1,165+
1165+
Belmint Tens Unit Massager
Belmint Tens Unit MassagerBelmint Tens Unit Massager
  • 5 automatic programmed massage settings
  • 4 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $25
  • 5 automatic programmed massage settings
  • 4 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $25
Check price
at Amazon
BUDGET PICK
4.1
165+
165+
ChoiceMed OTC Tens Unit Massager
ChoiceMed OTC Tens Unit MassagerChoiceMed OTC Tens Unit Massager
  • Eight pulse modes
  • FDA approved
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $20
  • Eight pulse modes
  • FDA approved
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $20
Check price
at Amazon
EDITOR’S PICK
Healthmate Forever YK15AB TENS
Versatile and powerful

If you ever wondered what is the best electric pulse massager, we can safely say: HealthmateForever YK15AB. This one comes with 8 pads and has 9 massage modes that you can set with the help of the LCD screen.

4.5
15,715+
15715+
  • 9 different program modes
  • 8 pads
  • Offers 5 different massage programs
  • Powerful
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $30

Under $25

Belmint Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager

Belmint Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager

Features

  • 5 automatic programmed massage settings
  • 4 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $25

The Belmint Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager is the solution to the painful spots on your back. It works with electrodes that effectively stimulate your muscles and eliminates the pain.

Let’s talk about the specs. The handheld pulse massager has five different simulation programs that imitate different massage techniques, as well as three massage selections specially formulated to target different muscular regions of your body. 

The massager has four pads, and you can adjust the intensity level from 1 to 10. This is a great choice for an inexpensive EPM. The buttons are marked, making it easy to use and control, and since it can be used by two people at once, this is a great budget choice for couples as well.

The pulse massager works for 15 minutes in one session and then it shuts off automatically. Although on the cheaper side, this one will save you costly painkillers and appointments at the doctor’s office.

Pros
  • Offers 5 different stimulation programs
  • Compact
  • Powerful
Cons
  • The pads don’t last very long

ChoiceMed OTC Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager

ChoiceMed OTC Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager

Features

  • 8 pulse modes
  • 4 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $25

If you’ve never tried using an electronic pulse massager before, you might want to try and start with something inexpensive. Not everyone is going to enjoy the same results from this technology, after all, and you don’t want to be out $50 if it doesn’t work for you.

Since it’s less than $20, the Electric Pulse Massager from ChoiceMed is an affordable entry option, both for those who are new to the technology and those who don’t have a lot of money to spend.

Four pads are connected to the device, and electrical pulses are sent to the pads through the wired connection. The pads are easy to remove, but they might be feeling a little unusual at first.

What I do like about the ChoiceMed is how easy it is to adjust. An LCD enables the user to easily and quickly adjust the mode and intensity of the pulses. There are eight modes available, and each mode can be activated with ten different levels of strength.

This means it’s easier for you to get t just the right pulse for your needs. The hard part is figuring out how much of a pulse to use. If you use too much, this can be very painful. This is a good entry-level product, and it should give you a good idea whether the technology will work for you. However, I recommend staying at some of the lower power settings.

Pros
  • Offers eight pulse modes and ten strength levels
  • FDA approved for over-the-counter use
  • LCD screen offers easy-to-read information
Cons
  • Can be painful on higher power settings

PurePulse Electronic Pulse Massager

PurePulse Electronic Pulse Massager

Features

  • 6 different program modes
  • 4 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $25

The PurePulse Electric Pulse Massager shares a lot of similar features with the Santamedical Handheld EPM, down to the same number of simulation programs and healing settings – six and three, respectively.

Like the Santamedical model, its many buttons allow you immediate control over your massage experience, but it also enjoys a larger LCD screen that makes it easier to read.

The jumbo-sized LCD screen makes it easier for you to monitor and control your session by providing your valuable feedback on a variety of factors, including the length of time and areas of treatment, your massage settings, pulse speed and more. Another nice feature is dual power settings, which allow you to massage with two different power settings at once.

This gives you greater control over your massage experience and also allows you to use the EPM with a second person at the same time. Like most EPM machines, the PurePulse is powered by four AAA batteries and has four electrode pads, and is also FDA-approved.

The PurePulse also comes with a one-year warranty, which covers you in a case of electrical or mechanical defects. While there are better options out there, this is a great choice for an inexpensive model.

Pros
  • Offers six simulation programs and three massage settings
  • Extra large LCD screen makes it easy to monitor your treatment
  • FDA approved for over-the-counter use
Cons
  • Some units ship defective and may need to be replaced via warranty

Under $30

HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS unit

HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS unit

Features

  • 9 different program modes
  • 8 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $30

Although it is marketed as a TENS unit, this massager from HealthmateForever is an EPM as it targets the muscles rather than the nerves. It boasts a slick, modern design with an attractive, easy-to-read LCD screen. 

This FDA-approved unit offers 6 different massage settings along with 9 custom-designed modes and 20 different intensity/speed settings. Unlike most EPM units, it offers 8 electrode pads, with both left and right inputs. 

I like the LCD screen on this unit, as it offers a display of the human body, indicating which section of the body you’re targeting with your settings. This makes it easy to visually monitor and control your sessions. Moreover, the unit comes with a belt clip, enabling you to move around and wear it. This is perfect for those who like a pain relief on the go.

Pros
  • Offers 5 different massage programs
  • 8 pads
  • Powerful
Cons
  • Short duration of the LCD backlight

TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit

United Surgical TENS Unit

Features

  • 5 different program modes
  • 4 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $30

Transcutaneous electrical nerve simulation, or TENS, is similar to electrical pulse massagers, but instead of targeting the muscles, TENS units send electrical impulses into the nerves themselves.

While TENS is not as effective at treating long-term muscular tension as electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) or electric pulse massagers (EPM), they are better at providing immediate pain relief.

Like the EPM units in the last three reviews, the TENS machine from United Surgical uses four electrode pads to distribute the electrical pulses to your nerves. It offers five different modes of operation, including burst, modulation and strength duration.

It has a basic LED display screen and automatically logs your treatment logs into it’s on board computer – up to 900 hours of treatment, in fact.

This particular TENS unit is currently the #1 best-seller for pain relief treatment on Amazon, which is in itself a pretty strong recommendation. If you’re looking for a massager that can simulate the experience of a personal massage, this may not be the unit you’re looking for.

But if what you’re after is pain relief, this is an excellent, affordably-priced solution to your problems. That said, I wasn’t able to determine if this unit is approved by the FDA or not.

Pros
  • Offers five different modes of operation for pain management
  • Features an easy-to-read LED screen
  • Computer records up to 900 hours of treatment logs
Cons
  • May not be approved by the FDA

HealthmateForever TENS/EPM Unit

HealthmateForever TENS/EPM Unit

Features

  • 8 different program modes
  • 4 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $30

Perhaps my favorite thing about this electric massager from HealthmateForever is its slick, streamlined design. This pocket-sized TENS unit is designed to look like an iPod or mp3 player, presenting all the critical information you need on the LCD.

This is a smart design choice, as it doesn’t burden you with a dozen buttons, but it does take a bit of getting used to. This TENS/EPM dual unit has eight pre-programmed massages designed to target your nerves and muscles in various ways.

It also has twenty variable speed/intensity settings, which can be adjusted as easily as turning up the volume on your favorite song. It also comes with a timer, which can be set anywhere between 10 and 60 minutes, providing relief when you need it for as long as you need it.

Its dual-output design lets you target two different areas at once. From its intuitive design to the attractive screen display, dual TENS/EPM function and awesome adjustability regarding speed and intensity, this is an excellent choice for a personal electric massager.

I thing the electrode pads could be better, but this is a minor complaint. It’s also approved by the FDA, so that’s one less thing you have to worry about. This is a great machine, and highly recommended.

Pros
  • Can be used as a TENS or an EPM unit
  • Offers eight pre-programmed massages with 20 different intensities
  • FDA approved for over-the-counter use
Cons
  • Some user complaints about short life span

Under $40

HealthmateForever TENS/EPM Unit with Extra Connectors

HealthmateForever 2nd Edition BM8ML

Features

  • 8 different program modes
  • 6 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $40

This HealthmateForever TENS/EPM machine is basically just an improved version of the previous version I reviewed. While some of these improvements are minor, one major difference is the presence of two additional electrode pads, allowing you to massage a greater area of your body at a time.

Like the previous model, this unit has eight different modes of use, including modes for your feet and legs. The user interface on the LCD screen has also been redesigned for a more modern experience.

In most other respects, this is the same model as the one above – 20 different speed settings, a pause button, a 60 minute timer, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.The big difference here are the additional pads. By adding four pads instead of two to one of the left/right inputs, you can enjoy a better massage than ever before.

Pros
  • Can be used as a TENS or an EPM unit
  • Offers eight pre-programmed massages with 20 different intensities
  • Comes with six electrode pads instead of four
Cons
  • Some user complaints over short life span

Under $50

TechCare Plus 24 Massager Tens Unit

TechCare Plus 24 Massager Tens Unit

Features

  • Multiple program modes
  • 6 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $50

The TechCare Plus 24 Massager Tens Unit looks almost like a smartphone, except it is a TENS unit. It has an LCD screen and comes with 6 pads and has a rechargeable battery. Two people can use it simultaneously and it has multiple program modes.

This one also has an adjustable timer that you can set from 10 to 60 minutes. The low-voltage pulses stimulate nerve fibers through the skin and effectively block the pain signal. The battery life indicator will show you when you need to recharge.

The TechCare Plus features a belt clip that will enable you to carry it around if you’re suffering from chronic muscle pain. It comes with a controller, a protective case, a USB cable and charger, 3 pairs of electrodes, 2 electrode cables, a user’s manual, a plastic holder and a belt clip.

Pros
  • Offers multiple massage programs
  • 6 pads
  • Comes with many accessories
  • Fragile LCD screen

Under $75

iReliev Electrode Massage Bundle

iReliev Electrode Massage Bundle

Features

  • 8 different program modes
  • 16 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $75

The iReliev TENS unit follows the same design strategy as the HealthmateForever units, stylizing it like an mp3 player. The buttons and LCD screen are both different, but the aesthetic elements are unmistakable. Unlike the HealthmateForever devices, iReliev is simply a TENS unit, and does not incorporate EPM technology.

Other than this, iReliev is very similar. It also has eight different programs, and offers 25 different intensity levels, all the way up to 80 milliamperes (mA). The electrode pads are pre-gelled for your convenience, and this package includes four additional four-packs of electrodes, so when your pads wear out or the gel is gone, you have a ready replacement already available.

You can set the timer for anything from five to 60 minutes, and the unit comes with a two-year warranty. Like most other TENs units, it has dual inputs so you can massage two part of your body at once, or massage with your partner.

It comes with a two-year warranty and is approved for use by the FDA. It even comes with a belt clipper, so it’s easy to carry with you to work or the gym. This is an excellent machine by itself, but the extra pads included make it an unbeatable value.

Pros
  • Features eight programs with 25 levels of intensity
  • FDA approved for over-the-counter use
  • Includes four sets of replacement electrode pads
Cons
  • Not always effective at treating chronic pain

HealthmateForever Electrotherapy and Physiotherapy Machine

HealthmateForever Electrotherapy and Physiotherapy Machine

Features

  • 8 different program modes
  • 16 pads
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $75

I wrap up the list with one more HealthmateForever, the NK10GL model. It looks and functions in much the same way as the last two HealthmateForever models, with a simple array of buttons and a large LCD screen.

This model offers several subtle improvements over less expensive units in the line. It has ten different pre-programmed massages, 20 levels of intensity, a timer that can be set from 10 to 60 minutes, and a variety of other features. Other than two more massage settings, there’s nothing to help this machine stand apart from other products from the same company.

Even the machine itself has been redesigned, but I prefer the aesthetic style of the other units. There’s nothing wrong with this model, but for the price, it would have been nice to see a few more improvements made.

Pros
  • Can be used as a TENS or an EPM unit
  • Offers ten pre-programmed massages with 20 different intensities
  • FDA approved for over-the-counter use
Cons
  • Not enough improvements over less expensive models
Best Electric Pulse Massagers for 2022

If you want to experience a true massage, then you can't miss the opportunity to have the best tool for that. Our top pick of the best Electric Pulse Massagers will help you feel better while providing the best experience possible.

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.4

Conclusion

There are a lot of things to consider before you buy a pulse massager – whether you want TENS or EPM, how much control you want over the types of massage and its intensity, what kind of an interface to work with, whether the device is FDA-approved or not.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you know what to look for in a pulse massager. The products here are all excellent choices. Most of them come with money-back guarantees, so if one doesn’t work out for you, simply return it and buy another. Happy shopping!

*All prices mentioned above were at the time of publishing.

Lea Kuscer Avatar
Written by
Lea Kuscer
Lea Kuscer is a nature admirer, ecological cosmetics and jewelry maker, avid traveler, language professor by trade, but above all, a marketing maniac who's enthusiastic about testing new products. Her mission is to share her passion with gadget lovers and those who would like to make their life more comfortable with the best products on the market. Let's get on an exploring adventure together!