Top 10 Best TENS Units of 2019 – Best Models TESTED
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is a small device with electrodes that send stimulating pulses of a small amount of electric current along the nerve strands and across the skin’s surface. The stimulation via impulses helps to reduce pain in the body and produces more endorphins, a natural painkiller.
Earlier, a prescription from a certified Doctor was necessary to use a TENS unit, but now anyone can buy one online. TENS units are most helpful in reducing muscle pain and curing chronic illnesses. They also help increase the flexibility and elasticity of the muscles.
Best TENS Units of 2019:
Table of Contents
Unlike earlier, you can now buy TENS devices online without a mandatory doctor’s prescription. Here, we have prepared a list of the top 10 TENS units you can buy online.
Healthmateforever TENS unit is an FDA-approved handheld electronic pulse massager kit. It is suitable for people looking for a small and portable TENS device.
HealthMateForever has eight built-in typical massage modes: acupuncture, scraping, Cupping, and tapping for the foot, shoulder, back, and wrist. It operates via two independent channels with four outputs that can be utilized using the four sets of dual lead wires provided in the package.
It comes with four long-lasting soft pads that can be attached to parts such as the kneecap, calf, arms, and other areas that require treatment. The pads are made of non-woven material and provide a comforting and soft finish.
Due to its plain structure, it is very flexible around joints like knees, ankles, and elbows. The pads are self-adhesive and can be easily stuck to any body part. The conductive plates on the pads ensure that no gel or cream needs to be applied before using the device.
The device is small and has buttons clearly labeled with their actions, such as Neck, Shoulder, Back, Elbow, Hip, Ankle, Knee, Foot / Hand, Wrist, etc., to distinguish their features. It has a large LCD showing the current device and the modes you can select for the message.
HealthMateForever has 15 modes that can be selected quickly with the buttons provided on the device. It has a belt attached to the device, which makes it portable. It offers high-intensity massage with 20 levels of intensity to choose from. You can use all four outputs at the same time or just one. The intensity can be adjusted to work equally effectively on one and all four pads together.
Connect the provided wire plugs to the output ports to start using the device. You can either connect to just one port or use all four. Now, connect the electrode pads with the electrode wire and make sure all the connections are tight. Remove the protective layer from the electrode pads and place them on the targeted area.
Pros –
- Multifunctional, it can be used as a TENS unit and a PMS device.
- Easy to use interface.
- Portable and very small.
- Fifteen modes with 20 intensity levels.
- Flexible electrode pads can be easily used, even on knees and elbows.
Cons –
- Too many modes
- There is no option for custom modes.
Ensure that the pads are attached to the skin tightly and do not overlap. Now, switch on the device using the ON / OFF switch. By default, the device will start in mode 1 with intensity 1. You can change the mode and intensity to your liking by using the dedicated buttons on the device. Ensure you don’t use the highest intensity unless necessary or prescribed by the doctor.
The Auvon Rechargeable TENS unit is an FDA 510k-cleared device that uses simulated electric signals to cure muscle aches and stiffness. The Auvon Electric Massager excites/stimulates the sensory muscles and nerves and helps to reduce pain. It activates a specific natural pain gate mechanism, which increases the production of endorphins, which helps to reduce pain.
Auvon TENS unit is small but incredibly powerful. It uses low-frequency electrical muscle stimulation to massage your body. Due to its small size, it is highly portable and can be carried with you anywhere, be it in an office or the gym. You can have it in your briefcase or gym bag. It works efficiently on body areas such as the neck, deltoid, shoulder, lower back, arm, hip, and thigh.
The TENS unit pads with the device are high-grade and have a high-performance adhesive that provides a much better grip on the skin. They are made of non-woven solid cloth material, ensuring the skin can still breathe through them. It is a multilayer pad with four layers.
The topmost layer is a non-woven cloth layer followed by a conductive Wire-end layer. The conductive carbon film layer lies below it, which provides high electrical conductivity. The last layer is the TENS premium gel layer, which helps the pad stick tightly yet comfortably to the skin to give the best results from the therapy.
The pads’ electrodes are pads’al-Grade electrodes with a classic pin style. These electrodes provide much better current stability and anti-corrosion properties.
The Auvon TENS unit has 16 preprogrammed massage modes that are easy to navigate and use. The adjustable timing feature allows you to set the device’s timer for the desired devices and enjoy the electric massage.
The device operates on a rechargeable lithium polymer battery that can deliver uninterrupted massage for up to 10 hours. The LED battery indicator keeps you aware of the remaining charge, and the device can charge from 0% to 100% in 1-1.5 hours.
Using the Auvon TENS unit is easy; anyone can set it up within 5 minutes. Connect the lead wire to the Auvon TENS electrodes to start using the device. Now, tear off the protective transparent film attached to the electrodes and stick them on your body.
Pros –
- Easy to use
- Small and portable
- Adjustable timer
- Flexible pads allow easy attachment to parts like elbows and knees.
Cons –
- A display is dimly lit.
Plug the lead connectors into the Auvon TENS unit and turn the device on—press “M” on the device and “e” on one of the six massage modes. You can choose Knead, Acupuncture, Cupping, Shiatsu-Deep, Tapping, and Auto-Combination.
Press the middle button to select among the sub-modes under the previously selected massage mode. You can adjust the intensity of the massage with the ‘+’ or ‘-‘ buttons and the duration ‘of the massage with the ‘T’ button.
iReliev TENS + EMS unit is a two-in-one device that can provide therapies for TENS and EMS. It is a small yet powerful device that is the size of a credit card. Being this small proves to be a great advantage when carrying it around. It is highly portable and can be carried wherever you want. You can carry it in your purse, bag, briefcase, etc.
It comes with two different-sized pads: small and XL. The small pads are ideal for treating body regions such as the Ankle, Calves, Elbow, Feet, Shoulder, Knee, Lower back, Quads, Wrist, Upper back, and upper arm, while the XL pads are ideal for the upper back, Abs, Calves, Knee, Lower back, Upper arm, and shoulder.
iReliev TENS unit delivers low voltage pulses to the skin, stimulates nerve ends and fibers, and effectively blocks the pain receptors from sending the pain signals to your brain. It also promotes the production of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. This device has 14 different pre-programpreprogrammeddes, of which 7 are TENS pain relief modes that can treat aching muscles and other body parts. 1 TENS of Arthritis mode to help older adults with arthritis and 6 EMS muscle recovery and strength modes.
Pros –
- Very small in size
- Easy to use
- 2-in-1 therapy modes
Cons –
- The timer can only be set for a maximum of 60 minutes.
iReliev features an adjustable intensity function that allows you to adjust the intensity of the device over 25 levels of 80 mA intensity. It also has a timer that will enable you to set timers for the massage duration, ranging from 5 to 60 minutes. A lock function and dual channel action are also provided for better effectiveness.
Roscoe MMedical’ sTENS 7000 is a highly versatile over-tMedical’ srTENS unit that can be used at home, in the office, or anywhere. If you want to get the same kind of TENS therapy at a professional doctor’s clinic, the TENS 7000 is the best doctor for you. Equipped with dual-channel functionality, The TENS 7000 allows you to use two or four electrode pads around the affected area.
TENS 7000 provides the ability to control and adjust the intensity levels between 0-100 mA, which can be increased or decreased in 10mA increments or decrements using the rotating knobs present on the device. The intensity of both channels can be adjusted independently, giving complete control over the device’s effectiveness.
The device ccadevice’seredin the safety cover provided with the package, which ensures that the settings do not get changed accidentally and stays the same throughout the therapy. It comes with a pack of four small pads made of high-quality fabric, which does not cause irritation to the skin during the treatment and is flexible enough to be used on areas such as the knee and elbow.
TENS 7000 has five program modes, such as burst mode, which gives continuous small bursts of electric shocks to the selected areas and is effective for areas with extreme muscle pain. Normal mode is suitable for general therapy and can be used anywhere on the body. Modulation mode is where you can alter the setting, such as frequency, intensity, and pulse, as per your choice and get modulated pulses of electric current. It is most useful for wrists, hands, forearms, and back.
The last two modes are strength-duration modes 1 and 2, used for long-term therapy lasting 1-2 hours. Mode 1 is less intense than Mo. If2, if you need higher intensity and frequency pulses, selModemode 2.
The device works on a single 9-volt battery, easily lasting over 48 hours of continuous usage. The voltage is adjustable and can be set from 1V up to 8 volts, though setting it between 3V and 4.5V should be more than enough for effective treatment. However, the battery is not rechargeable, and switching to a rechargeable 9v battery is recommended as soon as the default one dies.
Pros –
- Small yet very powerful
- Small and portable.
- Multiple modes allow you to select the best option suitable for you.
- The digital display allows for easy navigation.
Cons –
- The non-rechargeable battery is provided in the package.
It is equipped with a digital LED display and tactile buttons on the front portion that can be used to control and navigate through all the modes and options the device offers. The time setting provided in the device is handy if you need the therapy only for a certain period. To achieve the best results, setting the device for smaller, quicker, and less powerful electric pulses is recommended, as they provide a very soothing effect on the nerves.
Nursal TENS Rechargeable is an FDA-cleared electronic Pain relief massager. It is a pocket-sized portable device that can be conveniently used anytime, anywhere. It is most effective against chronic back, knee, shoulder, ankle, wrist, and elbow pain. This device has eight pads of various sizes: two large, four medium-sized, and two small pads.
Such a variety of sizes allows easy and convenient placement of the pads over the affected areas. The pads come with pre-applied high-quality adhesive and offer conductive gel pads; thus, applying any external cream or gel is unnecessary. Out of the small and medium-sized gel pads, six pads can be used in two different areas simultaneously, providing coverage over a larger area at a time.
The nurse TENS unit provides multi-massage modes for body relaxation, which can be chosen by pressing the ‘’’’ button on the dialer pad on the device.'” his device offers 20 adjustable intensity levels, which can be adjusted using the dedicated buttons provided. The settings are easily adjustable and can be navigated using the animated display on the LCD screen.
Pros –
- It is tiny and portable.
- Comes with eight conductive gel pads of different sizes.
Cons –
- The battery is non-removable, so once the life span is over, the ddevibattery’ssisis is useless.
- Unclear usage instructions.
You can also set the treatment time from 10 minutes to 60 minutes; by default, it is set at 20 minutes. The device automatically shuts down to save the battery once the timer is set and the time is due. It comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can give up to 10 hours of continuous usage once fully charged. The battery level indicator helps to keep you informed about the current battery status. It is strictly recommended not to use the device when it is charging.
If you usually start feeling pain or minor aches after playing a game or often experience joint pains, then the CNXUS TENS Unit is the best option. It is an FDA 510 K-cleared device that offers a huge variety of functions to ease your pain very efficiently. It comes with a one-year warranty and free lifetime technical support. It is exceptionally small and can be carried with you anywhere in your backpack or purse.
This device comes with 12 diverse preprogrammed modes to choose from. Preprogrammed offers diverse therapies, such as Knocking, kneeling, Shiatsu, and much more. Unlike other products in the market, which provide multiple modes with only slight or no changes, the CNXUS TENS unit has a diverse range of 12 different massage techniques to relieve your pain. The various modes offer pain relief against aching muscles, such as the shoulder, waist, back, and buttocks.
It is a dual-channel device that provides 100% power on both channels without dividing the power or compromising on strength. It comes with 12 different pulse settings and multiple intensity options. The intensity levels can be adjusted with 20 different stages independently on both output channels. This means you can set one intensity level on one output port and simultaneously set some other intensity level on the other output port.
You can choose from any of the channels or use both of them simultaneously. The long length of the provided cable for the electrodes ensures that the device can be used by two people at the same time. This device comes with an inbuilt timer feature, which allows you to set a time for the therapy period ranging from a minimum of 10 minutes to a maximum of 60 minutes.
The default timer is set at 20 minutes per session. The large animated LCD display ensures that you can easily navigate through the options and settings and that all the content on the screen is clearly visible and readable. The CNXUS TENS unit comes with an in-built lithium-ion battery that can be recharged and provides 10 hours of continuous use on one single full charge.
The device provides eight pads in sizes large to small. The different sizes of the pads ensure that they can be used on all body parts easily. A maximum of four pads can be applied at a time. Using the device is very easy: just plug it in and charge it fully.
Pros –
- Small and portable
- Comes with eight pads (4 extra pads).
- Multiple intensity levels.
Cons –
- Manual instructions are not clear.
Once charged, turn on the device by sliding the switch under the rubber flaps on the top of the unit. Now attach the cables and pads and place the pads on the area you want to treat. You can either use the output port ‘’’ ‘or ‘’.’’ The intensity can be adjusted by pressing the right arrow key to increase the power and the ‘arroww key to decrease the power. To change the mode, press the ‘’’’ button.
The micropore TENS unit is a small yet powerful TENS ”device that can be used to treat various parts, such as the Back, Knee, Shoulder, Ankle, Wrist, and Elbow. It is small and lightweight, which makes it very easy to carry around anywhere, be it the gym or the office. It can easily fit in your backpack or purse without any issues.
The micropore TENS unit is a touchscreen device, and touchscreen functions can be controlled via the touchscreen itself. The touchscreen is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery that can be charged fully in less than two hours and can deliver power continuously for up to 10 hours with just one full charge. The device comes with a total of 8 pads, 4 of which are medium-sized, 2 of which are large, and 2 of which are minor.
Different-sized pads can be used as required. The MiroPure TENS unit provides 12 different massage modes, and the intensity can be adjusted to 20 different levels with just a click of a button. Six areas of the body can be treated simultaneously at any given time with this device.
It is a dual-channel device with two output ports. To get maximum power out of both ports, you need to use both the negative and positive ports provided in the package.
Pros –
- Touchscreen
- LightweigTouchscreenable
- Rechargeable battery
Cons –
- The instruction manual is not clear.
MiroPure has an inbuilt timer that allows you to set the timer from 10 minutes to 60 minutes. The device’s intensity can be increased or decreased using the screen’s ‘’’ ‘and ‘’’ buttons, which increase or decrease the levels by 20 different levels. It comes with a manufacturer warranty of 2 years.
The Omron Max Power TENS unit is a versatile, compelling, yet tiny device. It has a belt clip for better portability. It is the perfect choice for people who regularly experience pain in the lower back, recurring knee joint, or shoulder. Due to its portability, you can carry it wherever you want and use it anytime.
This device provides 2x the power with 1 to 15 levels of intensity, which can be chosen as per the requirement. It has nine pre-set modes, which offer tailored pain therapy. There are six different pain modes for other body areas, such as shoulders, arms, lower back, and knees, and three different massage modes, like Rub, Tap, and Kneed.
The device has an LCD, which is relatively straightforward to read, and comes with big buttons for the controls for easy operation. Standard-sized pads (2.5 inches x 4 inches) are provided with the device, which is tested for long-life usage. These are soft, comfortable pads that gently stick to your skin. The pads are reusable; a single pad can be used up to 150 times and washed up to 15 times.
The device also features an inbuilt timer, which can be used to set session limits from 10 minutes to 60 minutes. It is recommended to take one session up to 30 minutes and one to three sessions per day. Using the device is very easy. Just attach the pads to the body area and then attach the electrode wires to the device output ports and the pads. Now, switch on the device, select the pain mode, and choose the intensity level.
Pros –
- High power and intensity.
- Dual channel
- Small and portable
Cons –
- Battery backup is not that great.
You can switch between the predefined modes as you wish. When the device is in working condition, you may feel variations like tapping, tingling, or massage-like sensations. The Omron Max Power Relief TENS unit blocks pain messages from reaching the brain and triggers endorphin production, which acts as a natural painkiller. It also helps to improve blood circulation throughout the muscles.
TEC. A BEAN TENS unit is an FDA-cleared device and is an excellent option if you have muscle spasms or pain in the Knee, Shoulder, Ankles, Wrist, or elbows. It is a small and portable device that operates on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can deliver up to 10 hours of continuous power. This unit comes with eight FDA-approved adhesive conductive pads that do not need any extra gel or lotion to be applied.
The pads are washable and can be used 30 times without washing for 300 uses. It comes with 16 preprogrammed massage modes and an adjustable timer that can be adjusted from 10 minutes to 60 minutes. By default, preprogrammed-set to 20 minutes. The animated LCD screen allows users to easily select the massage modes and other settings for the therapy.
The intensity of the pulses can be adjusted using the ‘’’ ‘and ‘’’ buttons. A total of 20 different intensity levels can be selected, including 2-4 massage methods under each massage mode. You use the massage modes and methods.
Pros using the”M”button –
- Lightweight and portable.
- Rechargeable battery.
- Inbuilt timer.
- FDA approved
CCo’s’
- The battery takes too much time to charge
Using this device is very easy. First, you need to fully charge it using a wall charger or the USB port of your computer. Once fully charged, peel off the protective coating from the pads and stick them on the desired body part.
Now, plug the electrode connection wires into the pads and the other end into the output port. Switch on the device and set the desired massage mode and intensity level. You can also set the timer if you want. Now, sit bbackdevice’sax
NueMedics TENS unit is a combination of TENS and PMS devices. It is FDA 510K cleared and delivers low-voltage electric pulses to effectively stimulate the nerve fibers and block pain signals from reaching the brain. It also helps to increase the production of endorphins, a type of natural painkiller.
NueMedics TENS unit comes with a user-friendly interface. It features an animated LCD with backlighting that can select multiple massage modes, such as Neck, Hip, Acu, Knee, Foot/Hands, Tap, Shoulder, or back. Alternatively, you can select the Random option, and the device will choose any mode from the given ones.
This device comes with 24 preprogrammed massage modes, such as Acupuncture, Deep tissue, Cupping, joint, etc., which can be used for any preprogrammed from 10 minutes to 60 minutes, with the help of the inbuilt timer feature.
The device includes six large-sized conductive electrode pads for maximum coverage of the affected area. It operates on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last up to 20 hours of usage and charges entirely within 2-3 hours. It also has a battery level indicator that keeps you aware of the battery level.
Pros –
- Long-lasting battery lasts up to 20 hours of continuous usage.
- LCD backlit display.
- Easy to use interface.
- Lifetime warranty
Cons –
- None.
Dual channel output ports allow two users to use the device simultaneously by plugging the electrode connectors into each one. The intensity of the device can be adjusted to 20 different levels independently for both output ports simultaneously for effective treatment.
What is TENS therapy?
A TENS is a low-intensity but high-frequency stimulation pulse that occurs about 100 times a second. Our body is a complex system of nerve cells through which electrical signals travel. The exact way this system works is still entirely unknown, though medical science quite well understands the two regions responsible for these signals: the brain and the nerve receptors.
TENS are used because they can interfere with the communication between these two parts of the body and temporarily or permanently eliminate pain. Interruptions caused by TENS also enforce the production of endorphins in higher quantities, which aid in repressing and minimizing pain signals.
The process of pain can be understood as nerve endings present all over the body detecting uncomforting or stimulating signals and passing them on to the area of pain, which travels throughout the body and towards the spinal cord. From the spinal cord, the pain signals reach the subconscious part of the brain.
The brain then picks up and intercepts the messages and produces a response accordingly, such as the sensation of pain when a body part is hurt. TENS therapy requires the use of a TENS unit, which sends low-voltage, high-frequency electric pulses to the nerve cells and stops the pain-receptive signals from reaching the brain.
Why should we use TENS machines?
Many people use TENS machines as an alternative form of pain-killing medication because they do not find oral medicines helpful or productive. The TENS machine is a small, lightweight, and portable box that can be worn on the body or held in hand. It is a battery-operated device attached to the body via electrode pads and conducting wires.
It sends out small electrical pulses transmitted to the body through the skin tissues and intercepts the pain signals sent to the brain by the nerve cells. By intercepting and suppressing the pain signals, TENS units can successfully minimize or eliminate pain. If you are facing chronic pain or have muscle aches or spasms, TENS units can prove to be a real lifesaver.
Conclusion –
If you suffer from chronic muscular pain or regularly experience muscle spasms, or if you are a sportsperson, then a TENS unit is the best product for you. Pain caused by stiffened muscles, spasms, or other reasons can last long if not adequately treated.
A TENS unit provides an easy and fast way to relieve unbearable pain by blocking the receptor signals sent by the nerve fibers to the brain. It also encourages the production of endorphins, a natural painkiller. So, above is a list of the top 10 TENS units that you can buy online.