Best TENS Units Of 2024 (2024)

To source the best TENS units Forbes Health analyzed research from over 100 products across nearly 20 companies. Products star rankings were determined by a variety of factors, some of which include:

• Average price
• Therapies (TENS, EMS, massage, etc.)
• Number of electrodes supported at a time
• Number of intensity levels
• Number of programs
• Battery life

Product superlatives and star rankings were determined solely by the editorial team.

TENS units are handheld devices that send measured electrical pulses to targeted parts of the body with the goal of reducing pain. “TENS units are a popular non-pharmacological option for pain relief,” says Dmitriy Dvoskin, M.D., a pain management specialist in Brooklyn, New York.

How Do TENS Units Work?

“A TENS unit passes electricity through the body, stimulating nerve cells to help change how the body feels pain,” explains Jacob Hascalovici, M.D., a board-certified neurologist and co-founder and chief medical officer at Clearing, a digital health care platform for people with chronic pain.

In most cases, a battery pack powers measured pulses of electricity through electrodes that are positioned on targeted areas of the body. These electrodes stimulate nerve cells, causing them to report pain differently and/or trigger elevated endorphin levels in the brain in ways that make pain more tolerable, says Dr. Hascalovici.

“There are two main theories as to why this [method] is so effective,” says Deepti Agarwal, M.D., director of interventional and integrative pain management at Case Integrative Health in Chicago. “The first [theory] is that the electrical pulses keep the nerve cells so busy that they’re unable to transmit pain signals to [the] brain. The second theory is that the electric current stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.”

Most TENS units offer several forms of customization, such as adjustable intensity levels and various mode and therapy options, some of which cater to certain body parts. Some units also offer additional therapies, such as electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) to strengthen muscles or massage therapy to help muscles relax.

As long as TENS units are used for the right reasons and as directed on the device packaging and/or by a health care practitioner like a physical therapists, they are considered safe by experts.

“The great thing about a TENS machine is that it’s a nice, non-invasive tool that can be used whenever it’s convenient for you during the day,” says Dr. Agarwal. “However, when getting started using something like a TENS unit, it’s best to work side by side with your health care team to help create a comprehensive and safe treatment plan.”

Electrode pad placement is especially important when using a TENS unit. “Work with a health care provider to identify the exact location of your pain and decide how many electrodes you should use and where they should be relative to one another,” adds Dr. Agarwal, who also suggests making an electrode map to help distinguish the location of each electrode pad. “It can take a few tries to find the optimal placement of the electrodes, so don’t be afraid to try a few different configurations,” she adds.

Does TENS Hurt?

Using a TENS unit should not hurt. Make sure to set the intensity level so that it is comfortable for you to use. If the electrical current is set too high or if you place the electrodes on a sensitive part of the body, it may cause skin irritation.

If you’re considering purchasing a TENS unit, it’s important to be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of using these devices.

Pros

• May provide pain relief throughout the body
• Can be used for a variety of conditions such as muscle pain, tendonitis and menstrual pain
• Designed for home use and work with rechargeable batteries
• Some include multiple settings for pain relief including kneading and shiatsu pain relief

Cons

• Some TENS units do not come with a carrying case, which can be inconvenient
• May have a short battery life
• May not come with enough electro pads for a user’s needs

A TENS unit may help relieve or improve a variety of conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Bursitis
• Neck pain
• Muscle pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Tendonitis
• Nerve pain
• Certain wounds and/or injuries
• Surgery recovery

“It’s best to use a TENS device with your doctor’s awareness,” says Dr. Hascalovici, noting that TENS units may not be appropriate for everyone. People who are pregnant should avoid using a TENS unit, as it can trigger premature labor, says Dr. Agarwal.

Additionally, people with the following conditions should avoid using a TENS unit:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Bleeding disorders
• Heart disease
• A mental condition or impairment that prevents the user from sharing feedback

If using a TENS unit, read and follow manufacturer instructions carefully. Avoid placing electrode pads of the device on open, wounded or damaged skin, infected tissues, varicose veins, areas recently recovering from radiation therapy, over the eyes and mouth, on the front of the neck or on genitals and reproductive organs.

Consult your health care provider before using a TENS unit to discuss if it’s an appropriate means of pain management for you and to make sure you’re using the unit safely.

“You can safely use a TENS [unit] in 20- to 30-minute sessions up to three to four times a day,” says Yash Mehta, D.O., a physiatrist at Virginia Spine Institute in Reston, Virginia. Though there’s currently no recommended maximum time at which a person should stop using a TENS unit, he notes that extended use can lead to reduced effectiveness of the unit over time. In the case of decreased effectiveness, Dr. Mehta recommends ceasing use of the TENS unit for three to five days to give the body time to reset before using the unit again.

Though some TENS units are small and come with clips that can attach to clothing, these devices should only be used when you are awake, alert and paying full attention.

“A TENS unit is a piece of electrical equipment that needs your attention, so you shouldn’t use it while driving or while in the shower,” adds Dr. Mehta. “It’s safest to make sure the TENS unit is off before you put it on and before taking it off.”