Best TENS Unit 2023: Find Relief From The Pain
Looking to elevate pain in a certain area? Do you want to buy the best TENS unit available?
Before you do, make sure that you do a little research and understand what a TENS unit is, how to use it properly and safely, and how long and how often you should use it.
Although TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units are generally safe, it is important to consult your doctor before using it as a form of treatment. Even the best TENS unit can prove unsafe in certain situations, such as when you are fitted with a pacemaker or have a rash on the area where you place the pads. Pregnant women should also consult their doctor before using a TENS unit.
How a TENS unit works
It sends electronic pulses to your nerves that are passed on to the patches that have electrodes. It provides a tingling sensation similar to massage that provides pain relief that is safe and drug-free.
Make sure not to use a test unit for more than 30 minutes at a time. Although there is no real risk to your health, the area where the pad is placed may feel irritated which is why a break is necessary. But as long as you feel comfortable, you can continue using a TENS unit.
How to choose the best TENS unit
With all the best TENS units available, choosing the best device for your needs can get a bit tricky. This best TENS unit buying guide is designed to help you narrow down your options and choose the most suitable unit for your needs.
What should you look for when choosing the best TENS unit?
System
Check the overall system and find out how user-friendly it is or not. Are the controls intuitive and easy to use? If you think you have a hard time adjusting the settings or switching from one mode to another, you might want to choose something else.
You should also consider the power source, control mechanism, and whether or not a unit is wired or wireless.
Display
Is the display on the TENS unit big or too small? You should also check if the screen is clear and readable. It doesn’t matter if the display is big when the words and numbers you see are blurry.
The Best TENS unit should have a clear and readable display on a screen size that is right for you.
Treatment needs
What does a TENS unit treat? The device is designed to provide pain relief for a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, fibromyalgia, joint pain, hip pain, knee pain, neck and lower back pain, menstrual pain, migraine headaches, sports injuries, shingles, tendonitis, and many others.
1 TENS unit may provide pain relief for all health conditions, whiles others only treat specific problems. Depending on the treatment you’re looking for, you can buy the best TENS unit for neck pain, the best TENS unit for back pain, and so on.
With the system, display, and treatment needs as your reference, choosing the best TENS unit will be easier.
How the Best Tents Units Are Rated
They are checked and rated based on the channels, modes, and intensity levels.
Channels are classified as single or dual and will dictate the number of areas you can treat at one time.
A TENS unit can have several modes that you can use to treat specific conditions. Depending on the make and model, modes available can include acupuncture, ankle, back pain, bodybuilding, combination, cupping, deep tissue massage, elbow massage, and kneading. In some cases, modes refer to the level output delivered, such as normal mode or burst mode.
The more intensity levels a TENS unit have the greater control you have over the power output.
Top 5 Best TENS Units
- iReliev PlayMakar TENS EMS Therapeutic Wearable System
- ALL-NATURAL RELIEF: The Wireless Therapeutic Wearable System by iReliev is a 100% drug-free and all-natural solution for pain relief. This FDA-cleared system delivers 80 mA medical-grade output.
- WIRELESS: This completely wireless TENS + EMS Therapeutic System offers convenience, freedom, and comfort so you can enjoy hassle-free pain relief and muscle treatment.
- FEATURES: The 4-channel system allows you to isolate treatment on various muscle groups. It features 8 preset TENS therapy programs for treating acute to chronic pain and arthritis, 6 preset EMS muscle treatment programs, and 25 intensity levels. The easy-to-read display features a blue LED backlight.
- RECHARGEABLE: Remote operates 8-10 hours per full charge. Receiver pods deliver 3-5 hours of treatment per full charge.
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Wireless TENS + EMS Remote; (4) Receiver Pods, (8) Electrode Pads, Dual Charging Cord & Dual Adapter, Carry Case, Instruction Manual, and QuickStart Guide. Also, includes 1-Year Warranty from the date of purchase.
Featuring 25 intensity levels, 14 modes, and fully-isolated quad channels, this TENS unit from PlayMaker definitely deserves the top spot. It works as both a TENS and EMS wearable system, so you get two for the price of one. Fully isolated also means you can run separate programs in different channels, allowing you to use it in many ways simultaneously.
This FDA-cleared device provides several outputs, including 1 Arthritis TENS & 6 EMS Therapy Programs. Wireless and small in size, you can practically use it on the go and inconspicuously. Wear it under your shirt and no one’s the wiser.
Pros
- Efficient and effective
- Portable, intuitive and easy to use
- Comes with pre-programmed modes
- Combines two functions (TENS & EMS) in one
- Good value for money
Cons
- Pads need replacement after 20 to 30 uses
- Attaching pads to the receiver can be tricky
- Remote has a delay
- TechCare Pro TENS Unit
- WHAT IS TECHCARE MASSAGER : It is a combination of TENS and PMS device, drug free method of pain relief used by Physical Therapists and prescribed Doctors for over 40 years. TechCare Massagers delivers low-voltage pulses to the skin to stimulate nerve fibers effectively blocking the pain signal to your brain. Also increases natural endorphins . There will be NO need for pain pills ANYMORE!
- FEATURES : Multi preprogramed massage modes. Tapping, Acupuncture, Deep Tissue, Foot, Cupping, Combo. Adjustable 10 to 60 minutes timer by using " T " button. Rechargeable internal lithium battery. Up to 20 hours continues use. A-B Output will allow you to use it as 2 separate users.
- WHAT IS INCLUDED ? : 1x 2017 Newest Model Controller, 1x Hard Cover Travel Case 6 Large Electrodes ( Pads ), 2 Electrodes Cables, User's Manual, Usb and Wall Charger, 1 Small Electrode Pad and Wire Holder, 1 Treatment Points Chart they all come with LIFE TIME LIMITED WARRANTY
- Hard Cover Travel Case: Made with hard quality EVA material is Semi-waterproof, Shockproof and Durable to protect Plus 24
Built with 24 modes, 20 intensity levels, and dual channel, the TechCare Pro TENS Unit is a good investment. For all its modes, however, it would have been the best with more channels. Nevertheless, it has a large backlit display that is clear and readable, and a simple and intuitive interface.
It has a round A / B button that lets you toggle between two channels when you need to adjust either channel during treatment. What makes it one of the best TEN units is that a single charge offers 20 hours of use. Moreover, the 20-minute default treatment time can be increased if you so desire.
Pros
- Large backlit display, best for use at night
- Easy and simple to use
- More pain relief options
- Proven effective for sciatic pain relief
Cons
- Lacks a pad placement diagram
- Doesn’t have a continuous mode
- FDA Cleared HealthmateForever TENS unit Pro15AB
- Buttons are clearly labelled with words like "Neck", "Shoulder","Back", "Elbow", "Hip", "Ankle","Knee", "Foot/Hand", "Wrist",not "Pulse-Width", or "Waveform." The large LCD display with new featured backlight shows you at a glance exactly what you need for your targeted area, including the type of massage"Knead, Acu (Acupuncture), Tap, Cupping, Scraping (Gusha),Random" and the time left on the cycle.
- New Features: 15 modes, easy to select the right button to help pain relief, belt clip makes it portable. High Intensity - 4 outputs can output the same 20 levels of intensity, no matter you use 1 output or 4 outputs at the same time without dividing the strength by 8 pads.
- Effective - 9 Auto Stimulation Programs, Fully-adjustable Speed & Intensity, 6 Selectable Massage Settings, High-Frequency Pulses to Provide Pain Relief. -THE PACKAGE INCLUDES: 1 control unit; 4 sets of dual leads wires; 4 pair of inserted pin electrode pads (8 pcs pads); 1 pads holder 3 AAA batteries; 1 Application placement chart; 1 User Manual
- If you have one of the following conditions, please consult with your physician before purchasing or using this device. Any acute disease; tumor; infectious disease; pregnant; heart disease; high fever; abnormal blood pressure; lack of skin sensation or an abnormal skin condition; any condition requiring the active supervision of a physician. Caution should be used: following recent surgical procedures when muscle contraction may disrupt the healing process.
- Some patients may experience skin irritation, burn or hypersensitivity due to the electrical stimulation or electrical conductive medium. The irritation can usually be reduced by using an alternate conductive medium, or alternate electrode placement. -Electrode placement and stimulation settings should be based on the guidance of the prescribing practitioner. -The device should be used only with the leads and electrodes recommended for use by the manufacturer
Among the best TENS units available on this list, this one has a bodybuilding mode. If you’re looking for a device that helps in firming up your muscles on top of pain relief, this is what you should get.
It is shipped wired but can be converted into wireless when you buy the WI-9 kit separately. Built with dual channels, you can use it on two areas of your body at the same time. You can also adjust the intensity for each channel separately.
The large LCD display is backlit, allowing you to use it at night or in the dark. Whenever you want to take a break, just press the pause button.
Pros
- Large clear display
- Dual channel for dual treatments
- Small, lightweight and portable
- Easy to use and adjust
- Can be used for a long time with a single charge
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
- Some claims it is a cheap build
- Some modes don’t work as marketed
- Ring button could be better
- FDA cleared HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS
- Buttons are clearly labelled with words like "Neck", "Shoulder","Back", "Elbow", "Hip", "Ankle","Knee", "Foot/Hand", "Wrist",not "Pulse-Width", or "Waveform." The large LCD display with new featured backlight shows you at a glance exactly what you need for your targeted area, including the type of massage"Knead, Acu (Acupuncture), Tap, Cupping, Scraping (Gusha),Random" and the time left on the cycle.
- New Features: 15 modes, easy to select the right button to help pain relief, belt clip makes it portable. High Intensity - 4 outputs can output the same 20 levels of intensity, no matter you use 1 output or 4 outputs at the same time without dividing the strength by 8 pads.
- Effective - 9 Auto Stimulation Programs, Fully-adjustable Speed & Intensity, 6 Selectable Massage Settings, High-Frequency Pulses to Provide Pain Relief. -THE PACKAGE INCLUDES: 1 control unit; 4 sets of dual leads wires; 4 pair of inserted pin electrode pads (8 pcs pads); 1 pads holder 3 AAA batteries; 1 Application placement chart; 1 User Manual
- If you have one of the following conditions, please consult with your physician before purchasing or using this device. Any acute disease; tumor; infectious disease; pregnant; heart disease; high fever; abnormal blood pressure; lack of skin sensation or an abnormal skin condition; any condition requiring the active supervision of a physician. Caution should be used: following recent surgical procedures when muscle contraction may disrupt the healing process.
- Some patients may experience skin irritation, burn or hypersensitivity due to the electrical stimulation or electrical conductive medium. The irritation can usually be reduced by using an alternate conductive medium, or alternate electrode placement. -Electrode placement and stimulation settings should be based on the guidance of the prescribing practitioner. -The device should be used only with the leads and electrodes recommended for use by the manufacturer
Designed like a TV remote with every button clearly labeled, this TENS unit is as user-friendly as it gets. It comes with 20 intensity levels, 15 modes, and 4 outputs.
It is designed to treat pain in the neck, shoulder, back, elbow, hip, knee, ankle and many others. It also comes with 9 Auto Stimulation Programs for when you don’t want to mess with the settings.
Pros
- Simple and easy to use
- Treats different pain problems
- Comes with pre-program modes, such as scraping and acupuncture
- Portable and can be used on the go
Cons
- Uses AAA batteries
- Shorter battery life and use
- Lacks clear documentation in the instruction manual
- May send unpleasant shock when not connected properly
- Comes with a warning of possible skin irritation
- TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit
- NEED PRESCRIPTION STRENGTH PAIN RELIEF? A TENS unit muscle stimulator and electric massager that provides pain relief, acts as a muscle massager or shoulder massager, provides carpal tunnel relief, and acts as a muscle relaxer(great for muscle recovery)
- OVER 1M TENS 7000 DEVICES SOLD: A consumer over the counter favorite back pain relief device and a leader in physical therapy equipment for providing immediate and lasting drug-free muscle pain relief from back pain, neck pain, tennis elbow, and bursitis
- A LEADER SINCE 2008: A 10+ year favorite TENS device among medical professionals for delivering drug-free back pain relief as well as treating common ailments like neck pain, carpal tunnel relief, arthritis, shoulder, knee, elbow, leg and foot pain, Each mode changes settings to accommodate different types of pain, such as acute and chronic.
- GET IMMEDIATE PAIN RELIEF: TENS machine comes with multiple TENS therapy modes that will provide instant muscle pain relief. An electrotherapy machine with everything needed for TENS therapy, a class leader in electric massagers for muscles. The pulse amplitude, or intensity level, is adjustable from 0-100mA in 10mA increments, which is controlled by the respective knobs located at the top of the device, for both channels
- DUAL CHANNEL TENS UNIT: The TENS 7000 TENS unit provides TENS therapy and is a muscle stimulator, nerve stimulator, and electric massager with independent dual channels that control four(4) TENS unit pads (electrodes) for targeted pain relief
Although this unit only has 8 intensity levels and 5 modes, it can put out 50 volts of electricity, making it one of the powerful TENS unit available. It is simple to use and relies on a 9-volt battery to operate. You can easily adjust from one intensity level to the next and use it on the go.
Pros
- Powerful output
- Easy to use and portable
- Comes with a safety cover
Cons
- Useful life depends on the battery juice
- Fewer function modes
- Pads shipped with the unit is less impressive
- May cause uncomfortable skin vibrations
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best TENS unit, PlayMaker’s iReliev is a perfect choice. But if you’re looking for a device that offers good value for your money, go for TechCare Plus 24. It cost less than $100 and offers 24 TENS stimulation modes.
