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While topical medications and holistic health remedies like CBD oils and creams may be common solutions for pain management, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units deliver a non-pharmacological form of pain relief. Designed to use electrical pulses as a means of reducing pain throughout the body, these devices are available for home use and can relieve a variety of painful conditions, such as muscle pain, tendonitis and menstrual pain.
To help you find the best TENS unit for your pain management needs, Forbes Health gathered and analyzed data on over 100 TENS units, ranking them based on factors including price, intensity, adjustability and more. Read on to learn more about these devices and see which ones made our list.
Note: Prices are accurate as of publication.
AUVON’s 24 Modes TENS unit offers pain relief through TENS and muscle strengthening and rehabilitation through electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) programs, which apply electrical currents to the muscles, causing them to contract, which may result in muscles appearing toned and larger. This TENS unit features a backlit screen, a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 40 hours, and 10 medical-grade electrode pads with pin-style plug connectors–though the device can only use a maximum of four pads at a time. A dual-channel system allows the device to send pulses to two separate areas of the body at a time with different intensity levels. What’s more, this device’s 20 intensity levels and 24 modes allow users to customize settings to fit their pain management needs. For additional safety during use, the unit’s automatic shut-off feature activates when sessions are complete.
Have you considered Oxiline Tens X Pro?
Experience the ultimate relaxation with Oxiline's Tens X Pro. Targeting sore muscles with electronic pulses, it provides relief at home or on the go. Here's why we chose it:
Nexus Energy's precise current stream targets nerves hyper-accurately, resulting in rapid and long-lasting relief
Pick from 32 modes like deep tissue, cupping and acupuncture for pain reduction or muscle stimulation
X-Pad electrodes distribute current precisely and remain adhered for multiple uses with high-grade carbon and silicone
This AUVON TENS unit pairs the benefits of a long-lasting battery and numerous customizable settings with a sleek and modern touchscreen design for added convenience. The unit features 20 intensity levels and 24 modes on a dual-channel charge, so users can target multiple muscles at a time with customized intensity levels. Users can time their sessions by using the device’s timer—which offers periods of 10 to 90 minutes—or use the device’s continuous feature, which lets you decide when to press stop. For timed sessions, an automatic shut-off feature makes sure the electrodes don’t stimulate muscles for longer than the user intends.
Have you considered Oxiline Tens X Pro?
Experience the ultimate relaxation with Oxiline's Tens X Pro. Targeting sore muscles with electronic pulses, it provides relief at home or on the go. Here's why we chose it:
Nexus Energy's precise current stream targets nerves hyper-accurately, resulting in rapid and long-lasting relief
Pick from 32 modes like deep tissue, cupping and acupuncture for pain reduction or muscle stimulation
X-Pad electrodes distribute current precisely and remain adhered for multiple uses with high-grade carbon and silicone
Users can choose from four separate channels and use up to four electrode pads at a time with this TENS unit from Belifu. It comes equipped with 10 adhesive pads in several sizes, allowing the user to treat different parts of the body effectively, including the lower back, shoulders and knees. The unit’s rechargeable battery lasts up to 20 hours on a single charge and can be connected to a laptop, wall charger or power bank via a USB-C port for charging. This unit also includes a small dust bag for simple storage.
Have you considered Oxiline Tens X Pro?
Experience the ultimate relaxation with Oxiline's Tens X Pro. Targeting sore muscles with electronic pulses, it provides relief at home or on the go. Here's why we chose it:
Nexus Energy's precise current stream targets nerves hyper-accurately, resulting in rapid and long-lasting relief
Pick from 32 modes like deep tissue, cupping and acupuncture for pain reduction or muscle stimulation
X-Pad electrodes distribute current precisely and remain adhered for multiple uses with high-grade carbon and silicone
This TENS unit offers 24 modes in both TENS and EMS therapies, as well as a massage setting for muscle relaxation, according to the company. The unit features an adjustable timer and two channels with various intensity levels for use on different areas of the body simultaneously. The unit comes with 12 electrode pads of varying sizes, though it onlys supports the use of four at a time. It also comes with a 12-month warranty.
Have you considered Oxiline Tens X Pro?
Experience the ultimate relaxation with Oxiline's Tens X Pro. Targeting sore muscles with electronic pulses, it provides relief at home or on the go. Here's why we chose it:
Nexus Energy's precise current stream targets nerves hyper-accurately, resulting in rapid and long-lasting relief
Pick from 32 modes like deep tissue, cupping and acupuncture for pain reduction or muscle stimulation
X-Pad electrodes distribute current precisely and remain adhered for multiple uses with high-grade carbon and silicone
This rechargeable TENS unit features 20 modes and offers kneading, hammering and shiatsu pain relief settings, among others. Two channels help the user cater to different parts of the body at different levels of intensity at the same time. Its electrode pads come in small sizes for hard-to-reach areas and large sizes for broader body parts like the shoulders and lower back, allowing for customized pain management.
Have you considered Oxiline Tens X Pro?
Experience the ultimate relaxation with Oxiline's Tens X Pro. Targeting sore muscles with electronic pulses, it provides relief at home or on the go. Here's why we chose it:
Nexus Energy's precise current stream targets nerves hyper-accurately, resulting in rapid and long-lasting relief
Pick from 32 modes like deep tissue, cupping and acupuncture for pain reduction or muscle stimulation
X-Pad electrodes distribute current precisely and remain adhered for multiple uses with high-grade carbon and silicone
Featuring 24 modes and 20 intensity levels, the TechCare Plus TENS unit offers peripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS) therapy—which delivers a magnetic field via pulses to the outer edges of the brain—as well as a lifetime warranty. The unit’s modes include acupuncture, cupping, deep tissue and foot massage therapies. An adjustable timer can be set from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on your needs.
Have you considered Oxiline Tens X Pro?
Experience the ultimate relaxation with Oxiline's Tens X Pro. Targeting sore muscles with electronic pulses, it provides relief at home or on the go. Here's why we chose it:
Nexus Energy's precise current stream targets nerves hyper-accurately, resulting in rapid and long-lasting relief
Pick from 32 modes like deep tissue, cupping and acupuncture for pain reduction or muscle stimulation
X-Pad electrodes distribute current precisely and remain adhered for multiple uses with high-grade carbon and silicone
TechCare’s TENS machine features 36 modes, four separate channels and 40 levels of adjustable intensity, and it can support up to eight electrode pads at a time. This device also offers EMS and massage therapy settings, though it only comes with small electrode pads rather than several sizes. The unit also features a buckle clip, allowing the user to clip the device to their clothing while using it. The unit includes a timer function as well, though information about the maximum duration of sessions isn’t available on the manufacturer’s website.
Have you considered Oxiline Tens X Pro?
Experience the ultimate relaxation with Oxiline's Tens X Pro. Targeting sore muscles with electronic pulses, it provides relief at home or on the go. Here's why we chose it:
Nexus Energy's precise current stream targets nerves hyper-accurately, resulting in rapid and long-lasting relief
Pick from 32 modes like deep tissue, cupping and acupuncture for pain reduction or muscle stimulation
X-Pad electrodes distribute current precisely and remain adhered for multiple uses with high-grade carbon and silicone
Auvon’s 36 Modes TENS unit is simple to use and navigate, thanks to its large 3.8-inch display screen. The kit includes eight electrode pads that can each be used up to 60 times. It also features bendable, sturdy wires for added flexibility. The device can provide pain relief to multiple body parts at a time with its two channel options, and the unit’s timer can preset sessions up to 90 minutes. Meanwhile, the timer’s continuous mode allows users to customize their session length for as long as they need.
Have you considered Oxiline Tens X Pro?
Experience the ultimate relaxation with Oxiline's Tens X Pro. Targeting sore muscles with electronic pulses, it provides relief at home or on the go. Here's why we chose it:
Nexus Energy's precise current stream targets nerves hyper-accurately, resulting in rapid and long-lasting relief
Pick from 32 modes like deep tissue, cupping and acupuncture for pain reduction or muscle stimulation
X-Pad electrodes distribute current precisely and remain adhered for multiple uses with high-grade carbon and silicone
This TENS unit from Nursal features 24 pre-programmed settings for TENS and EMS therapies, including settings for kneading, scraping, cupping, beating, acupuncture and tai chi massage. The unit also features 20 adjustable intensity levels and can last up to 30 hours on a single charge. The timer can be set for 60 to 90 minutes or use a continuous pulse mode, and the device’s button lock feature ensures settings don’t change while the unit is in use. Once the timer ends, the unit’s automatic shut-off feature turns off the device.
Have you considered Oxiline Tens X Pro?
Experience the ultimate relaxation with Oxiline's Tens X Pro. Targeting sore muscles with electronic pulses, it provides relief at home or on the go. Here's why we chose it:
Nexus Energy's precise current stream targets nerves hyper-accurately, resulting in rapid and long-lasting relief
Pick from 32 modes like deep tissue, cupping and acupuncture for pain reduction or muscle stimulation
X-Pad electrodes distribute current precisely and remain adhered for multiple uses with high-grade carbon and silicone
Thanks to its hard plastic carrying case and rechargeable battery, this TENS and EMS unit is built for use on the go. Plus, the unit features a clip to attach it to clothing easily and discreetly, and its rechargeable battery can be charged via charging block or USB cable. The device offers two channels for stimulating separate body parts at the same time, and it features six preset body part settings, including the shoulders, hands, feet and lower back. Omega also offers a five-year warranty on the device.
Have you considered Oxiline Tens X Pro?
Experience the ultimate relaxation with Oxiline's Tens X Pro. Targeting sore muscles with electronic pulses, it provides relief at home or on the go. Here's why we chose it:
Nexus Energy's precise current stream targets nerves hyper-accurately, resulting in rapid and long-lasting relief
Pick from 32 modes like deep tissue, cupping and acupuncture for pain reduction or muscle stimulation
X-Pad electrodes distribute current precisely and remain adhered for multiple uses with high-grade carbon and silicone
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:
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.
“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.
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A TENS unit may help relieve or improve a variety of conditions, including:
“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:
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.”
The Ultimate Solution For Your Pain Relief Needs
Oxiline device is designed to deliver safe and effective pain relief by sending electrical impulses to your muscles and nerves, blocking pain signals from reaching your brain.
A TENS unit can relieve pain from a variety of conditions by sending electrical impulses to affected areas of the body. Some experts believe these signals attempt to distract the brain from existing pain impulses.
Avoid using a TENS unit if you’re pregnant, as it may trigger premature labor. People with pacemakers and other electrical or metal implants should also avoid using these devices, as well as people with epilepsy, because use can lead to seizures.
A TENS unit may cause nerve damage if overused. However, this side effect typically only occurs in cases of extreme long-term use, according to experts.
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Anna Baluch is a freelance writer from Cleveland, Ohio. She enjoys writing about a variety of health and personal finance topics. When she's away from her laptop, she can be found working out, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family. Connect to her on LinkedIn.
Jessica is a writer, editor and media professional who has spent her career working with some of the most influential names in media. Prior to joining Forbes Health, Jessica was the manager of creative communications at Hearst, where she specialized in high-level production and project management. As a freelance writer, Jessica has written across a range of topics, including entertainment, travel and career. Her work can be found in Variety, Paste Magazine, The Muse and on her personal website (jessicamlester.com).
Hand Rehab Equipment Robby has spent his career in a variety of writing, editing and storytelling roles. He now resides near Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife and three kids. He enjoys woodworking, playing rec league soccer and supporting chaotic, downtrodden sports franchises like the Miami Dolphins and Tottenham Hotspur.