Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2 review: Top-notch portable massage gun... But is it worth the price?

Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2 review TL;DR: The Hypervolt GO 2 looks more premium, handles smoother and is one of the quietest entry-level massage guns you can get.

I wouldn't say I liked the look of the original Hyperice Hypervolt GO. It might have been one of the most popular massage guns – some might even say it's one of the best massage guns – but it looks like a toy or, worse, one of those knock-off massage tools you can buy at Amazon.

It's not like I don't like Hyperice; on the contrary, in my humble opinion, the original Hypervolt was one of the quietest massage guns on the market at the time. The new Hypervolt GO 2 reminds me of that massage tool – although it's more compact and feels even more premium, thanks to the new materials used. 

Should you buy one? Let's find out.

Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2 review: Price and availability

The Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2 was launched on 4 April 2022 and is available to buy now from Hyperice US, Hyperice UK for a recommended retail price of $199/£199. The Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2 is currently now available in Australia; price and availability TBC.

Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2 review: What's changed?

The physical design is the most notable change between the Hypervolt GO 2 and its predecessor. As Hyperice explains, the new GO 2 has a "refreshed and sophisticated design" with improved airflow and ventilation – you can see the extra ventilation holes at the top of the device. The new arctic-grey finish looks and feels smooth. The Hypervolt GO 2 is undoubtedly classier than most smaller massage guns available now. It has a nice heft; the GO 2 is by no means heavy, but it feels sturdy enough.

The battery-level LED band stayed where it was on the original GO, but there are new LED speed sensors at the back. The I/O button is also located at the back of the device, which is way better from a handling point of view. What's the same is the patented QuietGlide Technology that provides a near-silent operation and the two head attachments the Hypervolt GO 2 comes with (flat and bullet).

Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2 review: Built quality

The Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2 is a solid piece of kit. It really is the smaller version of the big Hypervolt 2, and I mean this as a compliment. The main difference between the two – apart from the size, of course – is that the Hypervolt GO 2 has a slightly angled handle.

I like the new finish and even the weight of the GO 2. I don't need massage guns to be heavy, but if they are too light, I feel the motor can't be powerful enough to help batter stiffness away from the muscles.

To put a label on it, the Hypervolt GO 2 weighs 1.5lbs (0.68kg), the same weight as holding a pair of ASICS Gel-Nimbus 24 in your hands. You could say it's comparing apples with oranges but whatever; the Hypervolt GO 2 is the perfect size for an entry-level massage gun.

Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2 review: Ergonomics and operation

Moving the on/off button to the back of the device was a great idea. It now falls right under the thumb and since the unit the button sits on protrudes a bit, it's less likely you'll press it by accident. Before, the switch was located under the index finger, so it wasn't impossible to press it accidentally.

Operating the Hypervolt GO 2 is easy-peasy. You long-press the one button, wait for the LED band to turn on, press the same button once more – no need to hold it – and the gun starts vibrating. Press it once more, and the vibration frequency increases slightly; pressing it once more will make the motor go the fastest it can.

As mentioned, the brushless high-torque 40W motor operates near-silently and has enough force to caress exoskeletal muscle just the right way. Unless you're a professional athlete or have huge muscles, the Hypervolt GO 2's force should be more than enough.

For comparison, the Hypervolt 2 has a 60W motor, while the Hypervolt 2 Pro features a 90W motor. All three massage guns have the same battery life – 3 hours – but by getting the Hypervolt GO 2, you miss out on Bluetooth connectivity, and it has no pressure sensor either.

Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2 review: Verdict

The Hypervolt GO 2 is the iPhone SE of the Hyperice family; sure, you can get the all-bells-and-whistles flagship model, but do you need all the features it comes with? Or are you better off paying half as much and getting a massage gun that's not too bulky but does the job just fine?

Smaller it might be than your average massage gun, but the Hypervolt GO 2 feels like a premium device. The updated design is more sophisticated, feels good in the hand and looks more premium than its predecessor. Not to mention, the button is placed in the right area, finally!

There is no Bluetooth connectivity so if you're desperate to use the Hyperice App with your massage gun, get the Hypervolt 2 or Hypervolt 2 Pro. The same goes for the pressure sensor.

I strongly recommend the Hypervolt GO 2 for people who never tried massage guns before and think they can benefit from it but don't want to spend $/£400 on a device they might use only a handful of times.

Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2 review: Also consider

Similarly to the Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2, the Theragun mini is an entry-level massage gun that features a quiet and powerful enough QX35 motor to ease a stiff neck after a long day in the office. The wedge-like design differs from other massage guns and takes some getting used to.

Using foam rollers is the cheapest way to ease muscle stiffness. This inexpensive kit should be included in every runner's and cyclist's bag. They are not as portable as massage guns – especially smaller devices such as the Hypervolt GO 2 – and are mainly useful for working the legs and the back. Check out our best foam roller guide for more info on this capable recovery tool.