The major plus point of any TENS machine is that they are easily portable, and thanks to modern advances, are highly effective. Anyone who has walked through the door rubbing their shoulder after a long day at work, or feels sore after exercise will find them to be a shrewd purchase.
This is only going to be the case when buying a quality product and there are vast differences between the ones worth purchasing and the cheapo imitators. Because of this, we have created a list of the best TENS machines so you can get the most of these useful gadgets. With something for every budget and tonnes of features in each one, there is something for all tastes.
Quick Summary of Best Tens Machines
Reviews
Editor’s Choice: TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit with Accessories
The best TENS machine is the TENS 7000 as it comes with lots of uses, plenty of accessories, and a reputation for being among the best products in the business. There are multiple to choose from with plenty of massage options that include nerve stimulation modes. Increasing the strength can be done in 10mA increments up to 100 via a dial at the top of the device.
There is also a one year warranty included which is always useful although the build quality and million-plus units sold. indicates that it is unlikely to be needed. There is a hard carry case that included protecting all the parts that include the wires and pads as well as the unit itself. The screen is easy to navigate and switching between modes is easier than most.
- Incredibly popular TENS machine
- Up to 100mA strength
- Multiple modes
- Easy navigation
Best Affordable: Belifu Dual Channel TENS EMS Unit 24 Modes Muscle Stimulator for Pain Relief Therapy
Almost on top of our list as the best TENS machine available in this versatile product from Belifu. With a mix of great value considering the low price and plenty of options (it has a big 24 modes to start with!), there is a lot to like about this product. Ten reusable pads are meaning it can work on a larger area and it is popular with those who suffer from sports injuries, back pain, neck pain, shoulder aches, and more.
Wit 20 levels of intensity, there are lots of options for when you need to up the intensity and a timer can be set of up to 60 minutes in one sitting. Using a USB port to charge it can be plugged in pretty much anywhere and has a compact size that makes it easily portable.
- Includes 10 reusable pads
- 24 modes
- 20 levels of intensity
- Excellent value
- Easy to use
- None
Best Value: NueMedics Tens Unit Machine Pulse Massager
With 24 massage modes, this is one of the most impressive TENS machines, especially considering the reasonable price. Because each mode is labeled as simply as possible with ‘shoulder, elbow, joint, knee, among many others, it is easy to target specific areas. Included is everything needed to get going such as 6 pads, 2 electrode cables, and a lifetime warranty for certain parts.
Shaped like a smartphone, the unit is easily portable and comes with a protective case cover to keep it safe at all times. The rechargeable battery makes it convenient especially since the battery lasts 20 hours on one charge. There is a dual-use mode where tow people can use it at the same time topping off what is an excellent option.
- 24 massage modes
- Dual-use mode
- The battery lasts 20 hours on one charge
- Easily portable
- Does not work whilst charging
Best For Dual Use: TechCare Massager Tens Unit Muscle Stimulator
There are adjustable times that can be set between 20 to 60 minutes per session of this reliable TENS machine. What impresses most is that the unit can be used up to 20 hours continuously on one charge. We like it because it can be used by two people at once via the A/B mode. This allows two people to select different modes and use the machine.
This means they can also pick between the 24 different modes and multiple strengths of intensity for a tailored experience. The icons on the screen make it easy to navigate and the included pads can be placed just about anywhere for relief in all the key areas.
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
- Dual-use mode
- 24 different modes
- Easy to navigate
- Some settings are similar to others
Best Battery Operated: HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS unit
This TENS machine comes with eight pads to spread the benefits over a larger area and there are 15 different modes to choose from as well as 20 levels of adjustable intensity – more than most! A lot of people comment on how powerful it is and for an anon-invasive option for pain relief, it is popular for a reason.
We like that there are 6 different therapeutic modes such as cupping, acupuncture, kneading, tapping, and more. The downside for some is that it takes 3 x AAA batteries although these are easy to replace. Still, this does make it easily portable so it is possible to experience pain relief on the go.
- 20 adjustable levels of intensity
- 15 different modes including 6 therapeutic
- Good value
- Needs 3 x AAA batteries to work
Easiest To Use: HiDow TENS Unit XPD-12 Modes
Choose between 20 different strengths on this high-end TENS machine that also offers 12 modes. HiDow has certainly gone for quality. over quantity here and the 4 included conductive pads feel good when in contact with the skin. The LCD screen is one of the clearest and easiest to use, a sign of a quality product with simple menus as well.
It works as both a TENS and EMS machine to aid recovery from injury, massage aches and pains, and even treat inflamed discs. 8 massage modes make it more versatile and there is also a 2-year limited warranty included. It is chargeable via USB and is a good option for anyone who wants a powerful machine that is built a little better than most.
- Quality feel
- 12 modes including 8 massage option
- 2-year limited warranty
- Easy to navigate
- Can be a bit pricey for some budgets
TENS Machine Buyers Guide
Pain relief is big business, and rightly so. No one wants to suffer from aches and pains at the end of a long day, and deep-tissue massages can be expensive, especially when they are needed regularly. This is why a lot of people turn to TENS machines, and who can blame them. With a quality product, it is possible to get drug free relief in the comfort of home.
This is only the case when buying from a reputable brand and knowing what the best products are capable of. To help make this decision an easy one, we have created the. following the buyer’s guide.
What To Look For In A TENS Machine
Variable Strength
Every TENS machine will offer a variety of different strengths, but the better products are those that have more options. Some have 20 levels but half this is still acceptable. As long as there is room to up the intensity when your body needs it, most brands do this well enough.
Easy Charging
No one likes to be caught short or feel the TENS machine starting to fade in power halfway through a session. When this is the case, make sure it can be plugged in to go again or has a long battery life on one full charge. Most brands with lithium batteries have batteries that last 20 hours at a time. Some products take disposable batteries but these are not as convenient or long-lasting despite being portable.
Multiple Modes
The versatility of a TENS machine very much depends on how many modes it has. Some like to section this by different body parts whilst others prefer to organize the different modes by type of massage. This can mean you choose from knee, shoulder, neck, or kneading, cupping, deep tissue.
Numerous Pads
The more pads, the greater the reach of the TENS machine. Although four is enough to target certain areas, it is always good to have as many as possible which is why ten are good for pain relief for the lower back.
Timer
Being able to leave the device to work its magic is important as it is better to feel relaxed as it works away. This is why the better brands offer timers for all their modes and usually provide a maximum of 60 minutes.
Power
Some people confuse this for the variable strength but this refers to the maximum power it can provide. A lot of the cheaper options are not so good in this respect which is why we advise checking that the maximum is enough to penetrate the problem areas effectively.
Easy Navigation
This is where some of the more expensive products excel although it is no excuse for other brands. For a menu to be easy, it needs to keep things simple, organizing different modes by category and with a minimal number of buttons to stop things from getting confusing.
Dual Mode
Not many products offer this but it is something we think is key for couples. Having an A/B dual-mode means it can be used by two people at the same time. Be careful though as not all brands make it possible to select different modes at the same time.
Benefits Of Using A TENS Machine
You may have heard how athletes use them and people with aches and pains, but just what are some of the specific uses for a TENS machine? Here are some of the ways it can offer relief:
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Enhanced Rehabilitation
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Pain Relief
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Joint Swelling
- Stress Relief
- Sciatica
- Drug-Free
- Improve Blood Flow
- Affordable
- Portable
These are some of the main ways, but also consider the fact that the price of a massage can be the same as a TENS machine, only these devices can be used time and again.
What Is A TENS Machine?
Otherwise known as Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, these machines use an electrical current to stimulate nerves for therapeutic uses. Convenient, and portable, they are an excellent alternative to pain relief via the use of drugs.
Is A TENS Machine Worth It?
Anyone who works on their feet or feels the strain of a long day at the office or even getting back from the gym with certainly benefit from owning a TENS machine. Being able to switch it on at any time and give yourself pain relief without the need for drugs can make a big difference to everyday life.
They have been used to treat long term injuries as well as helping with stress relief so there are many ways they can be put to good use.
What Does A TENS Machine Do?
Using electrical currents, a TENS machine blocks pain signals that are being sent to the brain to help with pain relief. Most products have different modes for a variety of purposes with some being used on low-intensity settings to massage whilst others will target problem areas for a deep penetrating massage.
What Is The Best TENS Machine?
We found that out of all the products we looked at, the TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit with Accessories is the best. Not only does it come at a reasonable price, but it can go up to a maximum of 100mA in power but also up and down in 10mA increments. There are multiple massage modes and it features an easy to navigate the front screen.
How Much Does A TENS Machine Cost?
A high-end product is going to cost closer to $200 but expects greater power and quality modes over quantity. However, it is still possible to pick up a decent TENS machine for around $30. These might not be quite as reliable but can still pack a lot at a reasonable price. As long as you know what to look for in better options, there is no reason why you can’t land a product that has multiple uses and is reliable.
How Often Can You Use A TENS Machine?
This depends on the brand which is why it is important to consult the user manual before using it for the first time. Most products are fine for regular use, but just how often will vary because the power and mode options will be different in every model.
