Are you wondering what is the best TENS unit to buy and feel a bit overwhelmed by all the choices available? I hope to help by reviewing the TENS units across various price points. Also if you are looking to upgrade your current TENS unit you will be able to find the right device for your needs.
These tens units are all FDA approved so you can buy with confidence. All units reviewed are currently available on Amazon. If you are looking for the best way to relieve chronic aches and pains and muscle spasms? You can probably benefit from buying a TENS unit.
They are very highly rated on Amazon with hundreds of 5 star reviews so you can be assured in finding a quality,affordable tens unit that will meet whatever your needs are. Please continue reading for more information on each of these devices.
HealthmateForever YK15AB
This tens unit is budget friendly coming in at under $80 but still offers plenty of features that make it a solid buy.
What I like about this particular tens unit is how easy it is to use. Right below the LCD screen there are large easy to read buttons that say: Neck”, “Shoulder”,”Back”, “Elbow”, “Hip”, “Ankle”,”Knee”, “Foot/Hand”, “Wrist.”
The LCD display is large and is back lit making it easy to see and shows you at a glance exactly what you need for your targeted area of the body.
Another great feature is the therapeutic massage mode that has 6 different setting to choose from. Below is a short video on how to use the HealthmateForever tens unit:
The one drawback to this device would have to be that it uses 3 AAA batteries. Unlike some tens devices that use built in lithium batteries that are rechargeable, you will need some spare AAA batteries handy when using the HealthmateForever tens unit. It is a small knock on what is a great device for the money.
Techcare Plus 24
What I like about the Techcare Plus 24 has to be its large screen. It is very easy to read and using it is very intuitive and quick to learn how to use.
- 24 programmed massage modes. Tapping, Acupuncture, Deep Tissue, Foot, Cupping, Combo to name a few
- Adjustable 20 to 60 minutes timer
- Rechargeable internal lithium battery. Up to 12 hours use on a single charge.
By far the best feature is the 12 hours of continuous battery use! This unit can be charged via usb or plugged into an outlet. At a price under $40 it is really hard to find a better tens device in this range with these features. For a brief review of the Techcare Plus 24 see below:
One negative thing I would like to point out is that it has too many modes. Sometimes it is a pain to have to cycle through a dozen of them to get to the one I would like to use. But the lead wires are long enough to treat two separate areas of your body (leg, shoulder at the same time).
If you prefer a large easy to read screen and a rechargeable unit as opposed to batteries, then you will not have any complaints choosing the Techcare Plus 24.
Easy@Home Professional Grade
If you like to train or exercise and need a device to aid in recovery then this is the tens unit for you. The Easy@Home Tens unit is perfect for muscle recovery and relaxation after physical exercise or just a long hard day at work.
- Professional Grade – The device is great for muscle recovery after an intense workout.
- Rechargeable Battery – It’s rechargeable with DC or USB connection.
- Portable – You can carry everything you need for pain relief together while traveling with the handy carry storage bag.
- Easy to use – Simply make your choice by pushing the buttons. While using it, you will easily see the what amount of treatment time is left, the chosen auto program (Massage, Knead, Beat) and Intensity level on the backlit LCD screen
The total use time with one charge is 120 minutes. The lead wires measure about 60 inches in length (5 feet) which makes it very easy to use this device on your back.
Link to Amazon- Easy@Home Professional Grade Tens Unit
On the negative side- One thing I wish this unit is a belt clip as it is a longer than other devices so it is not ideal for putting in your pocket.
When they say this is a professional grade device they are not exaggerating. The benefits of using the Easy@Home are the same as the professional one used by my chiropractor. At under $100 this is an amazing value for such a well made powerful device.
Pure Enrichment PurePulse Pro
PurePulse Pro comes with everything you need 4 electrode pads, 2 connector leads, 3 AA batteries, and a convenient storage bag. Although it needs 3 AA batteries instead of a built in lithium battery its not a deal breaker.
There are lots of different levels to choose from so you there wont be an issue finding an intensity level that works for you.
Quick rundown of features:
• 25 different therapeutic intensity levels designed to treat all muscle groups–Intensity levels range from gentle pulsations for sensitive areas to more aggressive pulsations for larger muscle areas.
• Customize your treatment with the easy-to-use LCD display, which lets you select from 8 preset therapy programs and adjust the timer from 5-60 minutes
What do you get:
• PurePulse Pro Electronic Pulse Massage
• 4 Electrode Pads
• 2 Lead Connector Wires
• Clip Holder
• 2 AAA Batteries
• Travel & Storage Bag
A cool added bonus to the PulsePro is that you will receive access to an instructional video series that shows you how to use your new electronic pulse tens unit and focuses on ways to treat your pain with and without PurePulse Pro. I think this is a nice touch as this company is giving its customers a resource on how to use their product.
Need help with where to place a TENS unit for your knee,shoulder,neck elbow etc? Check out my comprehensive TENS Placement Guide:
Knee Pain
Neck Pain
Shoulder Pain
Tension Headaches
Golfer’s Elbow
Plantar Fasciitis
Rotator Cuff Pain
Restless Leg Syndrome
Ulnar Nerve Pain
TMJ Pain
What is a TENS unit?
In short, a tens unit or trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit is a device used to treat pain. It can be used as an alternative to medication.
For even a more in-depth look at what is a tens unit, the benefits etc. please refer to my article on How does a TENS unit work.
Portable TENS units are usually pocket-size, battery-operated devices that send low electrical currents along the nerve fibers and consequently reduce and block out pain.
Although the TENS units do use electrical charges these are very low voltage and do not cause any pain associated with the electrical charge. They are also safe to use and can provide immediate relief to those suffering from aches and pains.
These tens therapy units can be used at home without having a doctor provide the treatment. They are very simple to use and provide a non- invasive drug free method of pain management.
TENS units-Frequently asked questions
Question: Are TENS units safe to use?
Answer: Absolutely. TENS therapy is a safe method of pain management. It is a medication-free way to relieve pain and no prescription from your physician is needed.
Question: How often can I use a TENS unit?
Answer: You can use it several times a day for up to 2 hours at one time.
Question: Can TENS therapy cure my pain?
Answer: No. A TENS unit can block the pathway signals of pain to your brain, which helps reduce and alleviate your pain.
Question: What can a TENS unit be used to treat?
Answer: Shoulder pain, knee pain, foot pain, tension headaches,back pain, arthritis, labor, tennis or golfers elbow, tendinitis and sciatica.
Question: Do I need a prescription from a doctor in order to buy a TENS unit?
Answer: No prescription is needed from your doctor. You are able to buy them over the counter at your pharmacy or online at places such as Amazon and Ebay.
Question: Who should never use a TENS unit?
Answer: People who have a pacemaker or heart conditions should not use TENS therapy. As always you should consult your physician or medical doctor to make sure that you have no conditions which may prevent you from using one.
I found 4 really amazing units and highlighted the features that I liked about each one. You won’t go wrong with any of these, so take your time and figure out which one is right for you. I hope this article was helpful!
Thank you for reading,
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