Modern digital technology has made possible the shrinking of electrotherapy devices to handheld size. That helps in finding the best portable TENS unit to relieve pain, soreness, and stiffness simply because there are so many of them.
Quantity often does not equate with quality, however, so we have pored over hundreds of portable TENS unit reviews and product descriptions in order to provide top-rated recommendations and reviews for portable TENS machines.
The TENS units we selected have the latest features, the highest versatility, and plenty of power, are easy to use, and supported by satisfied buyers who are enjoying unprecedented relief from both chronic and acute pain. Our standards are high, so you can buy with confidence any of the portable TENS units on this page.
What is The Best Portable TENS Unit
The HealthmateForever YK15RC TENS Unit & Muscle Stimulator Upgrade Version is our best-rated TENS unit in the portable category. It is an incredibly versatile, highly portable TENS/EMS machine. Combined with its Multi-Belt conductive waist belt, it may be the best portable TENS unit for back pain ever made. This FDA Class II OTC TENS machine has four channels with two electrode pads each. With eight pads, you can reduce pain relief session time by covering up to four different body areas.
How?
Each channel pair’s intensity and mode speed are adjusted independently. Nine custom-designed auto-modes and six massage modes provide 54 combinations of therapeutic pain relief. The six massage modes are based on ancient Chinese therapeutic treatments:
- Tuina
- Acupuncture
- Tapping
- Cupping
- Scraping
- Random
The TV remote-sized control unit weighs four ounces and has a clear LCD screen and easy button interface to select auto-modes, and massage modes and adjust session duration and channel intensity. It comes with a belt clip, so you can take it anywhere. It recharges from either the supplied AC adapter or a USB cable to any computer.
The YK15RC is the lightest, smallest, most versatile, and most powerful portable TENS unit you can buy.
Best Portable TENS Units Reviews
Here are three more excellent portable TENS units that we highly recommend.
Omron PM-3032 Electrotherapy Pain Relief Handheld TENS Machine
- POWERFUL THERAPY: 2 times the power (compared to the OMRON Pocket Pain Pro TENS unit) makes it simple to find the right pain relief for multiple body areas
- CUSTOMIZED CONTROL: 6 body pain modes (shoulder, lower back, arm, foot, leg, joint) and 3 massage-like modes (rub, tap, knead), each with 15 adjustable levels of power intensity to help relieve your pain
- TENS TECHNOLOGY: Scientific theory suggests that TENS technology blocks the pain signal from reaching the brain, increases blood circulation to targeted areas and stimulates your body’s natural painkillers
- PORTABLE: Compact and easily fits into purse, carry-on or briefcase for when you need it most
- CONVENIENT: User-friendly controls and a large display screen make for easy operation
Pros
- Lightweight and small
- Six pain modes, three massage modes
Cons
- AAA batteries required
This credit card-sized portable TENS machine is ridiculously easy to use. It has the right program for any type of pain in your back, shoulders, neck, arms, legs, or joints. Choose from six pain modes tailored for specific body areas plus one of three massage modes: Rub, Tap, and Knead. The intensity level is adjustable from one to 15. Operation is simple with a large LCD screen and three control buttons. It comes with a carry bag, so it travels well wherever you go.
AccuRelief Dual Channel TENS Electrotherapy Pain Relief System
- RELIEVE YOUR PAIN. A Dual Channel TENS unit and muscle stimulator that provides pain relief via clinical strength TENS therapy. Comes with everything you need for TENS therapy, a perfect muscle massager and electrotherapy machine.
- ADJUSTABLE INTENSITY AND TREATMENTS. The TENS machine is powerful, with 25 levels of adjustable intensity, 30 minute treatment with auto shut-off. The reusable premium electrodes TENS unit pads are lightweight & flexible, contouring to most body parts
- CLINICALLY PROVEN. The AccuRelief TENS device is a TENS unit muscle stimulator that uses clinically proven technology for safe and effective pain relief. This easy-to-operate, portable pain management device starts working instantly, safely blocking pain
- EASY TO USE. With six preset programs that correspond to a selected body part & six additional programs for tailored treatment, this stim machine for muscles lets you to customize your pain relief experience specifically for your needs.
- PAIN RELIEF DEVICE. Relieve your back pain or neck pain(and other body pain) with this Accurelief TENS unit. This TENS device is a nerve stimulator and muscle stimulator that provides immediate relief. From the makers of the TENS 7000.
Pros
- Independent intensity settings for each channel
- 36 combinations of massage modes
Cons
- The same massage mode on both channels
This AccuRelief unit is not only stylish, it is one of the least expensive dual-channel TENS units made at under $30. It features six pre-programmed modes that can be further tailored with six massage modes for a total of 36 combinations. Intensity can be fine-tuned from one to 25. It weighs less than three oz. and is a credit card-sized, so it fits easily in a handbag or pocket.
PurePulse Portable Handheld Electronic Pulse Massager
- 6 PROGRAM MODES: Pre-programmed for targeted areas: waist, shoulder, joint, hand, leg, and foot with a built-in treatment timer that shuts off automatically after 15 minutes of continuous treatment
- 3 MASSAGE TYPES: Choose from massage, beat, and knead settings to help temporarily ease muscle stiffness, soreness, and chronic pain from the comfort of your own home
- 2 CHANNEL MODES: Treat 2 different areas simultaneously using different pulse and speed settings to customize your treatment session
- COMPREHENSIVE LCD SCREEN: Easy-to-read screen shows key treatment stats like body part treatment, time remaining, program mode, massage, and speed settings
- WHAT YOU GET: TENS electronic pulse stimulator, 2 lead connection cords, 4 reusable electrode pads (1.5” x 1.5”), 4 AAA batteries, and Pure Enrichment’s guaranteed 2-Year Warranty. Our customer support team provides daily quality service and peace of mind to millions worldwide all from a brand you can trust.
Pros
- Two independent channels, four pads total
- 18 treatment modes
Cons
- Four AAA batteries required
This PurePulse unit is another highly portable, under $30 unit. It features dual channels, an intuitive operating interface, and plenty of versatility. It is about the size of a small smartphone, runs on four AAA batteries, and has four electrode pads.
Each channel drives a pair of pads with stimulation setting and intensity independently set for each channel. Thus, you can customize treatment for two different areas. Six high-frequency stimulation modes provide specific treatment for the waist, shoulders, joints, hands, legs and foot soles. These are tailored further via three massage modes: Massage, Knead, and Beat.
Benefits of Portable TENS Unit
Portable TENS units are perfect for continuing pain relief treatments on business trips, at the gym, or even when relaxing on the beach. You will truly appreciate one after a long overseas flight. And when overseas, the fact that most portable TENS units use AAA batteries means no hassles with conversion plugs to recharge them.
The same overall benefits of all TENS units accrue to portable units. They save the hassle and cost of having to visit a therapist’s office to obtain treatment and provide complete control over your pain relief program. Use them when you want, how much you want, and easily find the perfect program and intensity that provides the quickest relief.
Conclusion
Trimming down your choices in portable TENS units is the purpose of this brief guide. We have done the “legwork” of hunting down the best values that honestly deliver in terms of power, versatility, and ease of use. Any of the machines reviewed or recommended here are sure to please.
In the unlikely event you are not satisfied with your purchase, take full advantage of Amazon’s generous, streamlined return procedures and try another model. That is a major reason why we cannot recommend buying from Amazon.
It is a simple matter to select from the best portable TENS units on this page and place the order. In a matter of days, you will be enjoying the same remarkable pain relief that so many other buyers are experiencing without unpleasant side effects from drugs or the onerous costs of office visits. Now is the time for you to overcome the pain that is holding you back from living your life to its fullest.