10 of The Best TENS unit 2023: Ultimate buying guide and Reviews

A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit is a device that pulses electricity to stimulate the nerves for a variety of therapeutic reasons, but mostly as pain relief in aching muscles and joints.

If you’re in the market for a TENS unit, you might find it to be challenging especially without a well-written and detailed guide (like this one) on the best TENS unit available.

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Our top pick after the latest update:

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Comparison Table

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Product	Connection	Channels	Intensity Levels	Programs	Max. Output	Included Pads
iReliev Wireless TENS + EMS Unit	Wireless	Quad (fully isolated)	25	14	80mA	2
TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit	Wired	Dual	10	5	100mA	4
iReliev TENS + EMS Combination Unit	Wired	Dual	25	14	80mA	12
Compex Sport Elite 3.0 TENS/EMS Unit	Wired	Quad fully isolated	999	10	120mA	8
AUVON Dual Channel TENS Unit	wired	Dual	12	20	—	8
TechCare Touch X TENS/EMS Unit	Wired	Dual Isolated	20	24	—	8
TechCare Plus 24 TENS Unit	Wired	Dual Isolated	20	24	—	6
iStim EV-804 TENS/EMS Unit	Wired	Dual Isolated	12	24	—	8
TEC.BEAN TENS unit	Wired	Dual	20	16	—	8
Omron Avail TENS Unit	Wireless	Dual	20	10	—-	2
Product	Connection	Channels	Intensity Levels	Programs	Max. Output	Included Pads

The Top 10 Best TENS units you can buy in 2023

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1. iReliev Wireless TENS + EMS Unit

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The iReliev wireless TENS + EMS unit is the most comfortable, versatile, and easy-to-use TENS unit we reviewed and bags our top spot for those reasons.

It is a combo TENS + EMS unit consisting of a remote control equipped with a blue backlit display, physical buttons, a rechargeable battery; and two separate wireless receiver pods that attach to the pads. To use the device, you simply need to stick the pads with the attached receiver pods to the desired part of your body and control them with the remote.

The device has 14 programs (8 for TENS and 6 for EMS) and 25 levels of intensity which means that you can get really small intensity increments. Also, you can run separate programs on different electrodes simultaneously as this model has fully isolated channels.

When it comes to battery life, you can get about 6 – 8 hours from both the pods and the electrodes before you need to recharge your unit. The included pads are rated for 20 to 30 uses, and you can only replace them with proprietary iReliev pads.

For warranty, you’ll have two years to replace your device for free if something goes wrong.

While it is pricier than most of our other picks, the convenience and added features are worth paying extra for.

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2. TechCare Plus 24 TENS Unit

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Techcare Plus 24 TENS unit comes out guns blazing for the second spot in our list by having 24 programs, and 20 intensity modes at a sub $70 price. It is also very easy to use and scored top marks for comfort despite being wired.

Straight out of the box, you get the TENS unit, 6 large pads, 2 connection wires, a pad/wire holder, a charger, an instruction manual, and a small hard carry case.

The TENS unit itself looks like an older model smartphone with a large backlit display and buttons for navigating the UI. The battery life lasts a whopping 20 hours of regular use and the pads are reusable for 30+ times with proper care.

To top it all out, you’ll also be getting a lifetime warranty with the Techcare Plus 24 unit. We fully recommend this if you’re new to TENS therapy and don’t want to spend the premium price of our top pick.

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3. iReliev TENS + EMS Unit (ET-7070)

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Coming in third on our list is the iReliev ET-8080 TENS+EMS unit. It is essentially a wired version of our top pick. It comes with the same 25 intensity levels and a maximum of 80mA output, with 14 programs to choose from.

Out of the box, it comes with 8 reusable pads, 2 lead wires, a small carrying pouch, a wall charger and USB cable, and a belt clip holster.

One key difference is the larger screen of this wired model which is a good upgrade over the wireless model. You also get the same 2 years warranty that is offered with the wireless version.

Overall, it is a premium TENS device for anyone who prefers to have a wired version over the wireless model.

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4. Compex Sport Elite 3.0 TENS/EMS Unit

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The Compex Sport Elite 3.0 TENS+EMS unit is built for PRO use only. It packs more power and features than any other TENS/EMS combo unit that we could find.

For starters, the unit has a fully independent, fully isolated quad-channel wired setup. This means that you can run four completely separate TENS/EMS programs via four different electrodes at the same time.

It is quite bulky but relatively easy to control and comes with a very concise instruction manual. Other items you’ll find in the box are a travel pouch, 8 electrodes, 4 lead wires, and a wall charger.

Functionally, you get 0-999 intensity adjustments at 0.5mA increments! It also has 10 built-in programs, 9 EMS (4 strength, 3 recovery, and 2 warmup) and 1 TENS program. The battery charges very slowly, needing 6-8 hours to be fully charged, but lasts up to 18 hours.

We’d strongly recommend the Compex Elite Sport 3.0 TENS/EMS unit for anyone who wants a pro-grade EMS device that doubles as a good TENS unit.

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5. Omron Avail TENS Unit

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Omron Avail dual-channel wireless TENS unit is the only other wireless TENS unit among our top picks. It is a very simple and well-designed unit that comes out of the box with 2 wireless receiver pods, 2 pads, a charging station, a wall charger, and a storage box.

What makes it stand out from the iReliev Wireless TENS unit is that it does not come with a remote control unit. Instead, the TENS device is controlled by an Omron TENS app that you can download on your iOS or Android phone. This makes the Omron Avail incredibly easy to use and carry around.

It has 20 intensity adjustment levels, and 13 preset programs (9 TENS and 4 massage programs), with a battery lasting about 3-4 hours of use. The pads replaceable pads are rated to last for 30 uses and you also get a one-year warranty on the device.

The Omron Avail is a great and easy-to-use TENS device for those who want to carry their TENS unit around regularly – just be sure to always carry the charger.

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6. TechCare Touch X TENS/EMS Unit

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Do you want a great TENS unit that’s as close to a smartphone experience as possible? Then you should get the TechCare Touch X. We loved the Techcare plus 24 so much to place it 2nd on our list, and the Touch X keeps all the best features of the plus 24 and adds a larger touchscreen display.

Unboxing the Touch X TENS unit, you get the TENS device, 8 pads, 2 lead wires, a user’s manual, a USB cable and wall charger, 1 plastic case for storing pads and wires, and no carrying case.

Just like its older sibling, you get 24 massage programs and 20 intensity levels with a battery that lasts up to 20 hours. You also get Techcare’s lifetime warranty.

And at a regularly discounted sub $70 price tag, you can’t go wrong with the Techcare Touch X.

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7. AUVON Dual Channel TENS Unit

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The AUVON TENS unit is another great entry-level TENS unit at a bargain price. It is a dual-isolated unit with 20 preset programs and 12 intensity levels. It’s also easy to set up and use.

Out of the box, it comes with 8 pads, a wall charger, a pad holder, 2 lead wires, a user manual, and a soft carrying pouch.

The TENS unit itself has a fairly large display and some hard buttons for navigating the UI. It is equipped with a battery that lasts up to 10 hours of use, and the replaceable pads are rated for 20 to 30 uses.

Finally, when you buy the Auvon TENS unit, you get a 1-year warranty. This unit does not have any extra features and does not double as an EMS device. For a TENS unit regularly priced around $30, you’ll be getting a great deal.

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8. TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit

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Our second spot is taken by a very basic unit that ticks all the right boxes. TENS 7000 2nd edition TENS unit is a dual-channel TENS unit that looks like a slightly overgrown cigarette pack. It is a wired unit that comes with 4 pads, one 9-Volt battery, lead wires, an instruction manual, and a hard carrying case.

The TENS device has a bold non-backlit display, 4 soft buttons for navigating through the basic user interface, and 2 control knobs for adjusting the intensity of each electrode channel.

It is stronger and ‘zappier’ than our best picks with a max output current of 100mA but only has 10 intensity levels. This means that you don’t get those micro-intensity increments as our top pick. It also has 5 built-in TENS programs.

What you get with the TENS 7000 unit is a very powerful TENS unit backed by one year warranty for those who are on a very tight budget and do not mind the intensity jumps.

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9. iStim EV-804 TENS/EMS Unit

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The iStim EV-804 looks familiar – like the TENS 7000 we reviewed, except it actually has EMS function. It could have scored higher than the TENS 7000 which is just a TENS unit if it figured out how to create a useable instruction manual. This does not mean that the device is hard to use, it just needed a better explanation if you have to spend $50+.

On the plus side, you’ll be getting an overgrown cigarette box that ticks all the flaws of the TENS 7000. It has a rechargeable battery, a decent backlit screen, and 12 intensity levels. It’s still not as portable as our other picks, but it has a carry case that looks like a toolbox.

Once you get a hang of the UI, it’s pretty simple to use. The battery lasts a long time (30hrs+) on a single charge and the pads are reusable 20 to 30 times. You also get a 1-year warranty with this unit.

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10. TEC.BEAN TENS unit

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The final device to make our list a great entry-level TENS unit from TEC.BEAN. The unit is another strong option for those who are new to using TENS devices and just want something that works well without breaking the bank.

Tec.Bean TENS unit is a very portable dual-channel TENS device with a fairly large backlit screen and buttons for UI navigation and control. It comes with 20 intensity levels, 16 preset programs, and a battery that lasts more than 20 hours on a single charge.

Out of the box you get 8 pads, 2 lead wires, a wall charger, a plastic pad holder, a carrying pouch, and a user’s manual.

The unit is easy to set up and use and comes with a one-year warranty for under $50.

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Frequently Asked Questions about TENS Units

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1. Do TENS units really work?

A TENS unit basically works by sending electric impulses via pads a.k.a electrodes to your nerves to block/scramble/reset pain signals.

The physiology behind a TENS unit is actually very old as it was reported that ancient Romans around 63 AD stood on electric fish by the seashore to relieve pain. Source

According to this research done in 2008 to determine the effectiveness of TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) for the Treatment of Hyperalgesia and Pain, there were “positive treatment effects of electrical stimulation for relief of chronic musculoskeletal pain, and randomized controlled trials consistently demonstrate the effectiveness of TENS for acute, emergent, and postoperative pain conditions.”

In short, TENS units work!

2. Are TENS better than EMS units?

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TENS ( Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) differs from EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulation) in their use and actions. A TENS unit uses electricity to stimulate the nerves to block the pain of several causes.

On the other hand, an EMS unit uses electricity to stimulate the muscles and cause contractions. This can be used in muscle strengthening, rehabilitation, recovery from injury, and even cosmetic purposes.

While both TENS and EMS use electricity for stimulation, their effect and uses are quite different. In short, TENS is for blocking pain, whereas EMS, like most back and neck massagers, is for stimulating muscles.

3. Can you overuse a TENS unit?

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It’s very possible to overuse a TENS unit the same way you can overuse any other electronic device/gadget or pain medication out there.

Your doctor will typically advise you on how many times per day/week you can use a TENS unit to achieve optimum results. But we’re guessing not more than 3 times/day.

4. Does a TENS machine loosen tight muscles?

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Loosening a tight muscle should be in the range of an EMS machine. However, most of the TENS units we reviewed are TENS/EMS combo units and so can serve this purpose for you. Also, consider a percussion massage gun as another great recovery tool that may be more suited to loosening tight muscles.

As always, consult with your doctor to determine the best intensity and program settings if you decide to use an EMS unit.

5. Where should you not put a TENS unit?

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The first obvious place will be in the water, as a tens unit delivers electricity and should not be submerged in water.
Next, it will be a great idea to avoid placing the electrode pads on your mouth, throat, temples, sinus nerves, and on swollen or inflamed areas of your skin. Note that inflamed skin is not the same as inflamed joints or muscles, for which you can use a TENS unit.
Finally, you should never for any reason place the electrode pads of a TENS unit directly on your heart as this can send fatal electricity to your heart.

6. How can I make my tens pads sticky again?

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Your set of electrode pads are only meant to last a certain number of uses, typically between 20 – 50 uses, with proper care. However, they can easily become less sticky and less effective after a few uses when not cared for or used properly.

One reason this happens could be the accumulation of oil and dirt on the pads. If that is the case, cleaning out with a soft damp cloth should remove the debris and make them sticky again.

Another thing you can do is to try using electrolyte sprays and electrode gels that are made to specifically help the electrodes adhere better to your skin. Also, always remember to clean your skin before applying the electrode pads, and to clean the electrode pads after use.

Finally, our top pick, the iReliev Wireless TENS+EMS unit has a program, the iReliev Dollar Electrode Pad Club, to help you save money.

7. Can you wear a TENS unit all day?

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Short answer; No. It is impossible to wear a TENS unit all day because they have sticky pads that gradually become less stick the longer you wear them. Some of the best TENS units will last for a few hours and not more.

Also, even if somehow you manage to wear a TENS unit all day, most massage programs are timed over 15 to 60 minutes making it very irrelevant to wear your TENS unit all day. If you struggle with calf pain and feel the need to wear something all day, you can get a graduated compression sleeve that eases calf pain and boosts recovery time after workouts.

8. Does a TENS unit reduce inflammation?

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There are no studies that demonstrate the direct anti-inflammatory effects of a TENS unit. However, this study showed that High-frequency TENS significantly reduced spinal glutamate and aspartate in animals with joint inflammation compared with levels in those without joint inflammation.

This means that the use of High-frequency TENS demonstrably reduced pain caused by inflammation by activating opioid receptors. If reducing inflammation is a key requirement for you, then consider buying a heating pad that may be more suited to the task.

So while it is not exactly proven to reduce inflammation, it is proven to reduce pain caused by inflammation and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis.

9. How much does a good TENS unit cost?

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There’s no specific ballpark price regarding the cost of a good TENS unit. As with most other tech items/gadgets, the higher price typically represents better value up to a certain point where you’re just paying for luxury.

Our top pick, iReliev Wireless TENS+EMS Unit costs around $180, while most of our other picks cost anywhere between $30 to $200 – except for the Compex Sport Elite TENS/EMS unit which costs $300+.

10. Is a TENS unit good for arthritis?

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A TENS unit can be used for arthritic pain relief but does not cure your arthritis. Think of it as taking your regular pain medication.

You can use it at a particular moment to take the edge off when you feel acute pain, and you can use it regularly to reduce the episodes of pain you have generally. Buying a TENS unit is a great investment if you regularly use painkillers.

11. What should I look for when buying a TENS unit?

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There are a few things you should look out for when buying a TENS unit. Fortunately, those are the same criteria that let us sift through a lot of TENS units to give you our top picks.

Firstly and most importantly, a good TENS unit should allow you to gradually increase intensity levels by having at least 10 levels (higher is better) so that you don’t go from mild to shocking in an instant!

Next, you should consider how easy it is for you to use the particular TENS unit and if it has a clear instructions manual. You should also consider if you want a TENS/EMS combo unit or a basic TENS unit.

Then you can look at basic features like the display, battery life, size/portability, and price of the unit.

Finally, you should consider if you want the most comfortable experience by buying a wireless TENS unit at a higher price, or if you can sacrifice the added comfort for a lower price.

After considering all these factors, we recommend;

• Best Wireless – iReliev Wireless TENS + EMS Unit
• Best Wired – Compex Sport Elite 3.0 TENS/EMS Unit
• Also Great – TechCare Touch X TENS/EMS Unit

…and any of our other picks if these are not available.

Last update on 2024-10-28. Affiliate links and images from Amazon product advertising API