Hyperice is a well known brand in the recovery tool space. But which products are useful, which are probably not worth the price tag? We’ve been putting the full line up to the test to help you decide.
Recovery can feel like one big guessing game. You scroll through social media and immediately get bombarded with ice baths, compression sleeves, recovery boots, and massage guns that runners swear changed their lives.
At the end of the day, you want something to help you relax and not feel as sore the next morning.
The truth is, there’s no secret we’re all hiding about the best way to recover, because it’s going to be different for everyone, and the research proves it.
Think of recovery tools like trying on running shoes:
- Different things work for different runners
- You don’t need all of them
- The right one is the one that helps your body feel better
If you’ve tried something that everyone else raves about and didn’t feel like it helped, that’s totally okay. Everybody is going to respond differently.
Instead of hyping up every single recovery tool from Hyperice, we’re here to give our honest feedback on what has helped and what isn’t really worth the price tag.
Comparing Hyperice Recovery Tools
Over the last few years, my collection of Hyperice recovery tools has definitely grown. It started with a pair of Normatec Legs I got for my birthday, and, well, things escalated from there.
Their lineup is made of compression, heat, and ice-focused tools. Each one is designed to help with muscle recovery in a different way. We’ll go more into that later.
One of the things I love most about these recovery tools is how travel-friendly they are. When I ran the Chicago and London Marathons, you better believe they came with me for pre- and post-race recovery.
👉 Normatec Line – Compression Therapy
Normatec is Hyperice’s air compression therapy line, designed to help improve circulation and speed up recovery.
Depending on the device, you can choose from preset programs or customize the compression zones and levels to give your body what it needs that day.
Each tool targets a specific area of the body. We’ll break down what each one does below.
Normatec 3 Legs ($899)
The Normatec Legs use air compression to gently (okay, sometimes intensely) massage your legs from right below your hips all the way down to your toes. It’s like a big squeeze and release hug for your muscles.
You can choose which zones to focus on if you don’t want to treat the entire leg, and you can adjust the pressure level (1-7) depending on how much compression you prefer that day.
You can also set the session duration to 15 to 60 minutes. Hyperice generally recommends 20-30 minutes, but ease into it gradually.
The pulsing and squeezing can feel strong at first, and if you go full-force right away (speaking from experience!), you might feel a little woozy later.
Start small, get used to the feeling, and work your way up. 
The legs are the only product that comes in different sizes, tailored to your height. You can select from Short, Standard, and Tall.
Once you put the Normatec Legs on, you’re stuck in that position until the timer goes off and they deflate. So, make sure you’re comfy and have everything you need.
I know that sometimes it’s said the compression boots aren’t worth it, but I’ve always really enjoyed mine. It may be a matter of mind over matter, but they feel like a nice massage at home when I can’t get in to see a professional.
Overview
- Compression Level: 7
- Heat Level: n/a
- Size: Short (5’3″ and under), Standard (5’4″ to 6’3″), Tall (6’4″ and over)
- Battery: up to 3 hours
- Device: 2 leg attachments, control unit, hose
- Also available in Elite ($1099)
- Check it out from Hyperice.com starting at $899
Quick Take
- Comes in different sizes based on height
- Can use either for the full leg or select targetted areas
- It’s cumbersome to travel with (aka it’s a large backpack!)
- The power pack is loud so not ideal if you need to be quiet in a hotel room for example
Normatec Hip Attachment ($599)
I’m still on the fence if these do anything or not. I’ve worn them a few times, but never felt the same relief as I did from the legs.
The hip attachment is designed to target the quads, hamstrings, IT bands, glutes, and lower back. You can adjust the buckle for a more secure fit
You can set the amount of time and compression levels (1-7) just as you would with the legs.
I’d say that out of all the recovery tools on this list, don’t waste your money on the hip attachment; instead, book a nice massage appointment.
Overview
- Compression Level: 7
- Heat Level: n/a
- Size: one size with adjustable buckles
- Battery: 4+ hours
- Device: hip attachment, wall charger
- Also available in Elite ($599)
- Check it out from Hyperice.com starting at $899
Quick Take
- Adjustable buckles for a more custom fit around your waist
- Super compact for travelling
- You need to use them fully laying down, not super comfortable
- Not really a massage more of a tight squeezing sensation
- The leg sleeves aren’t adjustable so the fit may not work if you have bigger thighs/hips/glutes
Normatec Go ($379)
These are exactly what the name suggests: recovery on the go.
When I first got the Normatec Legs, the Go version didn’t exist, but wow, do I wish they had. They’re so much easier to travel with than the bulky backpack that journeyed with me to both the Chicago and London marathons.
The Normatec Go sleeves only target your calves, but honestly? Sometimes that’s the area that needs the most TLC anyway.
The air compression system is built right into each sleeve, and just like the legs, you can adjust both the compression level (1-7) and the session time depending on what you need. The best way to describe the feeling is like a blood pressure cuff, but on your calves.
You can wear them while working at a standing desk, waiting at the airport, or relaxing in your hotel room after a race or a long day on your feet.
I can 100% stand behind these, especially if you spend a lot of time walking or standing in addition to running. They’ve become one of my most-used recovery tools when I don’t have a ton of time….great for multitasking.
Overview
- Compression Level: 7
- Heat Level: n/a
- Size: velcro to adjust sizing
- Battery: up to 3 hours
- Device: two leg sleeves, charger + USB cords
- TSA friendly
- Check it out from Hyperice.com starting at $379
Quick Take
- You can adjust the compression level depending on how you feel that day
- Large pieces of velcro to adjust the fit
- TSA friendly in your carry on
- If you wear them with pants with a softer material, they may slide around
- Only treats the calves and not the entire leg
Hyperboot ($899)
The Hyerboot is designed for post-workout recovery OR for athletes pre-activity. This is what makes them different from other compression devices listed above.
They actually found that the heat is able to go deeper into the muscles with the compression, and this resulted in more mobility and a feeling of being loose. PERFECTION prior to hard efforts.
You can control both the heat and compression in the Hyperice App or by using the buttons right on the boots.
The Hyperboots mainly target the tissue around the ankle and Achilles, so don’t expect much treatment in the lower part of the foot or toes.
Since heat sensitivity varies from person to person, Hyperice recommends wearing socks while using the device to protect your skin and make the warmth feel more comfortable.
Unlike some of the other tools on this list, the Hyperboots run on a 15-minute session. Just like with the legs, start small by trying level 1 heat and compression before cranking it up.
You can choose from three modes depending on how you’re feeling that day: warm up, recovery, or heat only.
At $899, they’re definitely a commitment. Would we recommend them to every runner? Probably not, there are plenty of more affordable ways to give your feet and legs some love.
These are ideal if you have achilles issues or really need help with ankle mobility pre-workout as well.
Details
- Compression Level: 3
- Heat Level: 3
- Size: Unisex sizing, SM-XXL
- Battery: 1-1.5 on max heat and compression
- Device: two boots, dual USB cords, and a charger
- Check it out from Hyperice.com for $699
- Read our complete Nike Hyperboot review >>
Quick Take
- You can adjust the heat and compression settings based on your sensitivity level
- You can move around while wearing the boots so you’re not stuck sitting for 15 minutes
- Not a foot massage, only focused on ankle area
- Really expensive and not worth it for the everyday runner
- Unisex sizing may make it difficult to find the perfect fit
👉 Venom Line – Heat and Vibration
Just like Normatec, the Venom line features various products designed to target specific areas of the body. However, instead of compression, these products utilize heat and vibration for recovery.
Venom Back ($269)
The Venom Back is designed to help with sore or stiff lower-back muscles.
It heats up six times faster than a typical heating pad, and you get the added bonus of vibration for extra relaxation and muscle release.
You can control everything right on the device or through the Hyperice App, making it easy to customize the heat and vibration levels and simply sit back and relax.
I’ve used the Venom Back a lot while sitting at my desk, and let me tell you, it definitely gets toasty. You’ll want to be careful not to set it too high or use it directly on bare skin.
If you deal with tight, tired, or achy lower back muscles, this is an easy recovery tool to keep in your rotation, especially on days at the desk or after a long run.
Details
- Compression Level: n/a
- Heat Level: 3
- Vibration Level: 3
- Size: velcro to adjust sizing
- Battery: up to 3 hours
- Device: wrap, power supply, and charging adapter
- Check it out from Hyperice.com for $899
Quick Take
- Easy to be on the go since all the controls are directly on the wrap
- Lots of velcro for a more custom fit
- Easy to travel with
- Can become extremely hot if you set it to a higher setting and use it on bare skin.
- Expensive price tag when you can get a heating pad for less.
Venom Go ($129)
Ok, the Venom Go has been a lifesaver more times than I can count.
I tend to get really sore shoulders and neck muscles, especially when I spend long hours at my desk or lift heavier weights.
And if you can’t tell, I’m a big fan of all the Go products because they’re small, easy to travel with, and don’t take up a ton of space. Mine literally sits on a shelf in my office so I can grab it whenever I need it.
The Venom Go uses heat and vibration to relax whatever spot you place it on. You can choose from 9 different heat and vibration combinations to soothe tight, cranky muscles.
Unlike the larger Venom devices, the Go is designed for spot treatment, so it targets and loosens just the area underneath the adhesive pad and pod.
And this is a bonus: everything comes in a compact little carrying case, which makes it super easy to travel with and keep all the pieces together.
Details
- Compression Level: none
- Heat Level: 3
- Battery: up to 1 hour
- Device: Go Pod, 3 adhesive pads, USB-C charger
- Pad Usage: Each pad can be used 20 times before needing to be replaced
- Check it out from Hyperice.com for $129 (each device comes with 3 pads, additional can be bought separately)
Quick Take
- Super compact and comes with a carrying case to keep everything together
- Adhesive pads can be used up to 20 times
- Perfect for travelling
- It doesn’t treat a large area, only targeted spots
- Battery only lasts an hour
Hypervolt 2 ($299)
This massage gun from Hyperice combines the power of a 60-watt high-torque motor with 3 speed settings you can switch between. Basically, that’s a fancy way of saying this thing can get pretty powerful.
There’s no timed setting, just pick your speed and work on whatever muscle needs some extra attention.
The Hypervolt 2 comes with 5 head attachments, and you can buy the heated attachment separately.
- Cushion – Use this if you’re new to massage guns since it’s the softest. It’ll help ease you into massaging those sore muscles.
- Round- This is a step up from the cushion attachment and works great for larger muscle groups.
- Fork- Designed with two points of contact for areas that are more sensistive like the ankle/calves, forearms, and upper traps.
- Flat- Use this on a larger area on a denser muscle group like hamstrings or glutes.
- Bullet- Use this for smaller/harder-to-reach muscle groups for a deeper, more targeted massage.
If you’re still not sure how to use each head attachment, the Hyperice app has interactive videos to help guide you.
Each attachment is meant to target the muscles a little differently, giving you more variety than just using a foam roller or a lacrosse ball. It works well for warming up before a workout or loosening up tight muscles afterward. 
Okay, real talk. I’m not sure about you, but I rarely use massage guns to their full potential. Just like with foam rolling, the moment I hit a really sensitive spot, I tend to back off.
So is the Hypervolt worth it? Honestly, eh, maybe.
If you’re someone who loves massage guns and uses them consistently, you’ll likely get your money’s worth here. But if you’re more of a use it once and then forget it exists kind of person, it might not be your best investment.
However(!!), there are a few options for the massage gun, so you can pick whichever price point you’re looking for: Hypervolt 2, Hypervolt 2 Pro, and Hypervolt Go 2.
Details
- Compression Level: n/a
- Heat Level: n/a
- Speed: 3 speed of percussion
- Battery: 3 hours
- TSA friendly for carry-on
- Device: massage gun, power supply, 5 head attachments, pouch
- Check it out from Hyperice.com starting at $229
Quick Take
- Multiple head attachments to treat different muscle groups
- Different versions to meet different price points
- Perfect for travelling
- Ability to ease up so you don’t overwork a muscle
- Heavy to put in carry on for travel
Hyperice X
Interesting that the last section we’re getting to actually uses cold therapy, since the name would imply that all their devices rely on it! We have not focused extensively on these tools because ice tends to be used in the recovery of major injuries (i.e. post surgery).
What they’ve designed here focuses on single body parts and utilizes contrast therapy. Meaning the machine will alternate hot and cold. This has been a popular recovery idea lately, but with limited studies.
You’ll find 4 key products to focus on injuries:
- Hyperice X2 Knee
- Hyperice X2 Shoulder
- Hyperice X Shoulder
- Hyperice X Knee
Instead, we wanted to talk about the daily items that might get used more in your household. But if you are dealing with consistent pain, these are worth taking a look.
Vyper and Hypersphere – Vibration Therapy
We’ve actually talked about vibration foam rollers many times around here and DO recommend them! What we know is that the vibration actually helps to disrupt pain signals and this might in turn allow you to work more on your mobility or work more in an area that’s sore.
Both are priced comparably to other options on the market and we do love that they add in the heat element to again help with telling the muscle to relax.
Hyperice Vyper 3 – vibrating roller – $209
Hypersphere – vibration for targeted work – $109 to $149
Compression vs. Heat vs. Cold Recovery Tools
Now that we’ve looked at the different Hyperice recovery tools, which tool do you pick and when?
The easiest way is to match the tool to how your body feels after a run or workout.
Let’s break it down:
👉Compression
Think of compression as a gentle squeeze that helps move blood and lactic acid around. It can help reduce that heavy leg feeling after long runs or back-to-back training days.
👉Heat
Think of heat as your go-to when everything feels tight and stiff. Warmth helps your muscles relax, making it easier to move, which is especially useful the day after a hard workout when you may feel like the Tin Man.
👉Cold
Think of cold as your go-to when your muscles feel inflamed or tender. If you have that lingering soreness or swelling, you want something to help with the inflammation and help reduce some of that sore to the touch feeling.
You don’t need every recovery tool on the market. And you definitely don’t need the fanciest, most high-tech one to get the top-notch recovery.
The best thing you can do is listen to your body and pay attention to what actually helps you feel better, not what everyone else swears by.
Because when we look at what’s really proven to support running recovery, it comes down to three things:
- Nutrition and Hydration
- Sleep
- Relaxation
Everything else? It’s extra. Think of recovery tools like sprinkles on ice cream.
Choose the recovery tools that help you feel good, and let go of the pressure to use what you see blasted all over social media. The proper recovery is the one that works for you.
What to read next?
- 15 Best Recovery Methods for All Athletes
- 9 Signs of Overtraining + Recovery Beyond a Rest Day
- Missed a Day or a Week of Running Expert Tips for Getting Back on Track
The post Hyperice Product Comparison: Which Recovery Tools Deliver? We Tested them All appeared first on RunToTheFinish.
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