If you know that you need a muscle roller, you probably also know that an improvised piece of PVC pipe just won't do. To help your body be stronger, more balanced, more mobile, and more pain-free, you need a device designed to specifically stretch and soften your tight muscles, stiff tendons, and tense tissues. That device is the muscle roller. We've researched and put together a list of some of our favorite muscle rollers in order to help you roll out your best body and best life. 321 Strong Foam Roller A roller for it allWith its multiple massage zones, this muscle roller can handle anything your body throws at it.Best OverallFind on Amazon For those of us who like our equipment to do it all, 321 Strong has designed a foam roller that fits the bill. Lightweight yet solid, this medium-density deep tissue massager is perfect for penetrating the soft tissue layer of your sore and tired muscles. With an EVA tread and triple-grid 3D massage zones, it effectively mimics the touch of a therapist’s thumbs, fingers, and palms in order to encourage circulation and release myofascial adhesions. Unlike a therapist, however, this foam roller will never get tired and can provide consistent resistance for body types weighing up to 500 pounds. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial materials make this muscle roller as easy to clean as it is to use. Pros: EVA tread and triple-grid 3D massage zones EPP solid foam core 500-pound rating Variety of colorways Cons: Rugged surface can feel too uncomfortable for some users Idson Muscle Roller Stick The real dealIt's simple: this is a quality massage roller at a reasonable price.Best On A BudgetFind on Amazon You shouldn’t need to spend a fortune to be able to ease your body’s tension and soreness. The folks at Idson understand this, so they designed a muscle roller that accommodates any budget. Its nine individual spindles are ridged to stretch and stimulate deep tissues, and its ergonomic handles make gripping and maneuvering the roller easy. Idson has also opted for high-quality, industrial-strength materials to ensure that their Muscle Roller Stick will last a lifetime. Although it’s smaller than others, this muscle roller offers the advantage of portability; in fact, it fits conveniently in most gym and kit bags. If you want a roller that will help your body without hurting your budget, this one’s for you. Pros: Individual, ridged spindles Ergonomic handles Portable at 1.5 feet long Cons: No interchangeable spindles Elite Sportz Massage Muscle Roller Stick Elite in every wayThis option is for those who take their physical performance seriously.Best For AthletesFind on Amazon Foam rollers receive a lot of attention in the recovery equipment world, but Elite Sportz has set out to try to steal the spotlight. They’ve designed their Muscle Roller Stick to facilitate myofascial release by constructing it from robust and rigid materials. The stick itself has individual spindles that silently rotate on a metal rod. Neither the spindles nor the metal rod offers any give, so this muscle roller is useful for applying immense pressure to release myofascial adhesions, tight muscles, or even scar tissue, which can all develop from training and exercise. Of course, this roller is perfect for athletes and fitness buffs, so, if that is you, this is the one you want. Pros: Robust and rigid materials Two roller sizes Five colorways Cons: No interchangeable spindles Rollga Foam Roller A roller to run withSpecial contours make this option ideal for your sore legs and back.Best For RunnersFind on Amazon Surprisingly, there are plenty of muscle rollers that aren’t designed with your body in mind. Rollga’s Foam Roller is different. The folks at Rollga designed this muscle roller with contours that accommodate the shape of your back and limbs — especially your legs. While this might not seem significant, it is. This foam roller enables you to target your muscles without putting pressure on your bones or tendons. In turn, this allows for deep pressure where your body needs it most. If you’re a runner, this simple yet innovative design enables you to comfortably roll all the major muscle groups in your legs, and that is what truly sets it apart. Pros: Contours Portable at 1.5 feet long Different foam densities 2,000-pound rating Cons: Contours are best for certain muscles and worse for others Hypervice Vyper 2.0 Good vibrationsWith its powerful vibration, this muscle roller takes warmup and recovery to the next level.Best PremiumFind on Amazon Although the Vyper 2.0 might initially look like any other muscle roller, it’s not. Other rollers stretch and release your muscles through pressure that is applied by your body weight. While this works well, Hypervice’s innovation is to add vibration in order to make their roller work better. The Vyper 2.0 has three intensity settings to optimize your warmup or recovery. Additionally, it’s compact, durable, and rechargeable. If you want premium equipment in order to care for your body, don’t pass up this muscle roller. Pros: Vibration with three intensity settings Two hours of use via rechargeable batteries Lightweight at under three pounds Cons: Shorter than other muscle rollers Frequently Asked Questions Why should I use a muscle roller? There are two primary reasons you should use a muscle roller. First, using a muscle roller can ease muscle pain. Although pain is to be expected with activities such as exercise or training, that pain can be mitigated by using a roller to reduce the muscle inflammation that causes it. Second, using a muscle roller can increase your range of motion. Because it can release tightness in your muscles, tendons, and tissues, using a muscle roller can directly affect your body’s overall flexibility and mobility. Which kind of muscle roller should I use? There are three general kinds of muscle rollers: cylindrical rollers, sticks, and balls. Each of these is used for applying different kinds of pressure. While cylindrical rollers are the most common and versatile, they’re not as effective at applying targeted, firm pressure to specific, smaller areas of the body like roller sticks are. Similarly, roller sticks are not as effective at applying point pressure as balls are. In short, when you’re deciding which kind of muscle roller to buy, keep in mind which areas of the body you want to use it for.