10 Best Foam Rollers in 2024, Tested by Certified Trainers

The Vyper 3.0 is a major upgrade to Hyperice's OG vibrating foam roller that's not only sleeker, but packs a mightier punch. It has a medium-firm density that should accommodate most people, and houses a vibrating motor that can help further alleviate muscle soreness and those pesky pain sensations. When combined with myofascial release, this vibrational therapy can amp up the effects of foam rolling.

The Vyper 3 links up with the Hyperice app to deliver guided sessions and advice from top-notch athletes, trainers, and performance pros–all at your fingertips.

We've used this for years, and we love the three vibration speeds that allow us to customize the level of massage we want while foam rolling. Plus, at a sleek 13 inches, it's perfect for targeting those pesky spots, like the spaces between your shoulder blades. Charge it up, and you're looking at up to two hours of foam rolling goodness.

Read more: Best Massage Guns

You don't have to sped a fortune for a quality foam roller. Take this one from Amazon Basics, which checks off all our boxes, delivering the expert-recommended firm density while also featuring a subtle surface texture to prevent slipping. It gets the job done with 36" of sturdy durability, but the best part is that it comes at a wallet-friendly price.

Yeah, this no-frills model doesn't offer added features like grooves or vibrational therapy. But after testing this for a year, we can safely say that it performs just as well as pricier alternatives of the same design.

Constructed from EPP, we love that its slightly coarse surface keeps it steady against clothing and the floor to avoid slippage. With a generous length, it's also a great option for stretches that involve lying along its length. It's available in a variety of sizes, but we prefer the 36-inch length for stretches that involve lying along its length. Though keep in mind: this is a very dense option, meaning it will deliver a more intense massage than softer foam rollers.

Yeah, it's pricier than a basic foam roller, but we found that Lululemon's Double Roller is well worth the purchase, thanks to its durability and functionality. It has a two-in-one design, with a rock-hard inner roller that features ridges for a deep massage. It's our go-to for relieving our backs and thighs after a tough workout. Meanwhile we add the softer outer roller for when our muscles are a tad more sensitive, and need a gentler massage. Take note: the outer roller must be used with the inner roller, meaning you can't use them separately at the same time. Nonetheless, we never found that to be an issue when using it.

We also think the modern design just looks great. Our editors who live in smaller apartments keep this on display in their apartments, saving them storage space.

This vibrating roller from Therabody strikes the right balance between softness and firmness for an effective-yet-comfortable massage experience. Its five-speed options let you target specific muscles with that just-right level of intensity, too.

This is one of the best vibrating foam rollers out there, and the one that has us constantly looking forward to cool-downs. While less dense than some high-density non-vibrating rollers, the Wave's vibrations reached deep into our muscles, easing post-workout soreness.

It connects to the Therabody app for guided sessions, which can tailor roller sessions to your workout and offers customization. While vibrating foam rollers combine benefits, it's up to you to decide if the added cost is worth it. It all comes down to what suits your preferences and body.

We use the Rumble Roller when we want a deep and targeted massage. Its many trigger point grooves and knobs mimic the trigger-point pressure of deep tissue massage, and we found that's exactly what it does.

In our experience using this tool, we found it's way more intense than your standard foam roller, digging deep into the muscle fascia to target those stubborn trigger points. If you're on a mission to zero in on specific parts of your body, the roller's knobs strike the right balance between firmness and flexibility to hit all the notes.

With three sizes available, it's important to consider which one makes the most sense for where and how you plan to use it. If you're adding a roller to your home gym setup, we recommend going for the longest one. The extra length gives you more versatility and smoothens transitions between movements. If you're always on the move with your roller, opt for a size that's compact enough for easy packing and carrying.

You might recognize this nifty roller from the popular show Shark Tank, where former NFL tight end Nate Lawrie and his partner Tom Hopkins pitched it back in 2017.

What sets this version apart from other foam rollers is its collapsible design. The Morph can pack intoa slim two-inch thick piece that fits easily into almost any bag. While it has a medium-firm density, we found the foam leans towards the gentler side, making it a great choice for beginners or those who prefer a softer experience. If you want a more intense roller, Brazyn has an Alpha model with thumb-like nubs that dig deeper into the tissue.

Operating the Morph's collapsible function is pretty easy. Just give two tabs a tug, and it pops open; then, push the ends to close it up. It takes minimal effort, which is a plus, especially when you're wiped out after a long run or serious lift. In our experience, the mechanism is reliable, and stands up well to repeated use. However, compared to our top picks, the roller rolls less smoothly because of its chunky texture. That being said, the convertible design makes it a worthy choice for travel or those tight on space at home.

We found that the Precision Foam Roller from Pvolve excells at targeting smaller muscles like the calves, neck and arms, thanks to its medium density firmness and textured grooves. Measuring 13 inches in length and 5.5 inches in diameter, it's similar in size to the Hyperice Vyper, and perfect for travel.

Smaller foam rollers can also be much easier for beginners to manage. The reduced size allows for better control and targeted positioning during self-massage. But what really stood out to us about this roller is its slightly heavier weight, which means it can also be used for upper body activation exercises.

With a TRX Foam Roller and some focused pressure, you can unlock myofascial release to ease muscle soreness, enhance recovery, and promote muscular balance. This roller gives you everything you want, with none of the extra frills some newer rollers feature.

Whether you opt for the 18" or 36" version, the TRX Foam Roller boasts EPP foam that maintains its shape and consistently delivers deep tissue therapy for muscle readiness.

Despite its extremely dense construction, it strikes a balance between being tough enough to tackle stubborn tightness and providing a comfortable surface for smooth rolling. This roller is perfect if you're seeking potent myofascial release without the need for textured knobs and indentations. Plus, backed by the reputable TRX brand, you can own the largest model for just over $20.

Most of the vibrating foam roller we've tested are too bulky and heavy for packing or traveling with. The Wave Duo is a notable exception. It's smaller and lighter than the Vyper 3 or Wave Roller, and easily fits into a weekender bag. Plus, it's cheaper than the all the other vibrating foam rollers we've tried.

We found that the unique design cradles your spine, neck, and calves exceptionally well. And with five vibration settings, you've got a tailored approach to target your sore spots. Whether you're into a gentler touch or a more vigorous massage, there's a setting for that. In fact, there's even a sixth "off" setting that still manages to do its tissue-gripping, muscle-kneading magic.

But here's the kicker: unlike some vibrating rollers that tend to slip, the Duo stays put. Its compact size and grippy outer texture ensures it won't go rogue on you mid-session.

Read more: Therabody Wave Duo Review

Designed specifically for deep tissue stimulation and myofascial release in the arms and legs, this option might appear unconventional (and it is)m but serves its purpose well. The R8 features two trigger point massage rollers with rigged and knobbed surfaces to effectively work through muscle soreness.

Operated using a spring-loaded, clamp-like mechanism, the R8 simultaneously massages opposing sides of the targeted muscle. For instance, it clamps over areas like the quadriceps and hamstrings, or calves and tibialis anterior along the shins.

Be advised, the R8 is not for the faint of heart. It's for those truly looking for a deep tissue massage and with a relatively high pain tolerance. Adjusting the bolt tension can help manage the pressure levels more comfortably, but there's no getting around this thing really gets in there.

It's pricier than traditional foam rollers, but for a real deep-tissue massager, the price is reasonable. Plus, as an FDA-registered medical device, it might even be eligible for HSA or FSA reimbursements.