The best foam rollers you can buy to relieve your muscles

Why you'll love it: The TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller is the smart choice when you want to massage your knots or trigger points with several different surfaces.

The TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller is made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam of varying densities and has a hollow core. EVA absorbs impact, is resistant to water and other elements, and is also easy to clean. The unique surface pattern of the Grid helps with rolling through kinks, knots, and tight muscles.

The Original Grid is 5.5-inches in diameter and 13-inches long, but you can get it in a number of different sizes. The Original has a weight limit of 500 pounds and comes with instructions as well as access to an online instructional video. TriggerPoint backs the quality of the Grid with a one-year warranty.

Heavy's writer was impressed with this roller's durability, targeted massaging, and compact size. However, the writer thought it was a bit pricey, short, and could be too intense for beginners. Truth of Building Muscle performed a thorough review and appreciated the color selection, the variety of surface options, and that the roller does not lose its shape.

The Original Grid Foam Roller from TriggerPoint has more than 2,900 four- and five-star reviews on Amazon. Several commenters found that this roller worked great for easing their sore backs and other muscles after workouts. Other users were impressed with how it loosened up muscles pre-workout. Though the surface is quite hard, reviewers noted that it’s still comfortable.

The only complaint we found was that there were instances of Amazon sellers sending out counterfeits of this roller (no logo, no packaging, etc.) Of course, Amazon will provide refunds or exchanges if this happens.

Pros: Multi-density, durable, keeps its shape, 500-pound weight limit

Cons: May be too short for some tasks

Buy the TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller on Amazon for $34.99 and up (originally $39.99) Buy the TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller from Walmart for $34.99

Why you'll love it: If simply rolling on a foam cylinder isn’t enough for your aching muscles, the HyperIce Vyper 3 Speed Vibrating Foam Roller might be just what you need.

The rugged outer shell of the HyperIce Vyper is made of polypropylene, which transfers vibration well, and features sixteen small ridges that dig into soft tissue. It measures six inches in diameter by 15-inches long and weighs four pounds. There are three intensity settings that range from 28 to 38 Hz. The Vyper is approved by the TSA for carrying on board flights, and it is backed by a one-year warranty.

Two of the high-profile owners of HyperIce are pro football running back Adrian Peterson and NBA star Blake Griffin, and other pro athletes in several other sports have tested and given the Vyper their seal of approval.

Gizmodo took a look at the Vyper when it was still trying to attract funding through Kickstarter. Needless to say, the Vyper easily surpassed its goal. The reviewer found the foam was firm and that the vibration settings were equally intense. But, they noted this was helpful for loosening tissues.

The Rx Review rated this roller highly because it is powerful and portable. However, they didn’t like how short it is and that you have to remember to charge it. Plus, it’s quite heavy for a roller. Lastly, Wear Action observed that the Vyper is expensive but well worth the price for serious athletes.

Around 81% of the reviews of the HyperIce Vyper on Amazon are positive. The most helpful customer review comes from a certified personal trainer who was blown away by the durability and power of the Vyper. Buyers weighing 230 pounds or more found that this roller had no problem handling their weight. The only common complaint is the inconsistent quality of the charger.

Pros: Offers an intense deep tissue massage, built to last

Cons: Expensive, short, complaints of it not holding a charge after a few uses

Buy the HyperIce Vyper 3-Speed Vibrating Foam Roller at Best Buy for $199.99 Buy the HyperIce Vyper 3-Speed Vibrating Foam Roller on Amazon for $238.28

Why you'll love it: If you’re interested in giving foam rolling a try but don’t want to spend a lot, the LuxFit Premium High Density Foam Roller is your best option.

The LuxFit Premium High Density Foam Roller is made of two-pounds-per-cubic-foot-density molded polypropylene foam, which repels liquids. It measures 6-inches in diameter and comes in three lengths: 12, 18, and 36 inches.

LuxFit manufactures this foam roller in the United States and stands behind its quality with a one-year limited warranty. The Premium High Density Foam Roller is the least expensive option on our list. So, it’s no surprise that it doesn’t come with any extras, like instructions or booklets.

The LuxFit Premium foam roller was featured on Heavy's list of the best rollers because it's ideal for post-workout massages and physical therapy due to the variety of sizes available and extra firm construction. However, the site noted that when wearing certain materials, you may slide across the surface of this roller. Dark Iron Fitness also appreciated the size options along with the affordable price and remarked that it was helpful for improved performance and back injuries.

More than 2,200 customers on Amazon gave the LuxFit Premium High Density Foam Roller a five-star rating. Buyers appreciate how inexpensive it is and that it doesn’t have pieces that flake off. Since it comes in three sizes, buyers suggest that the largest is best for tall or heavy individuals, the medium is ideal for working all parts of the body, and the small is mainly for targeted areas, like your neck.

Verified purchasers have noted its effectiveness on the IT band, back, upper chest, and abs. We were unable to find any consistent complaints from users.

Pros: Affordable, three size options, one-year warranty

Cons: Certain materials may slide along the surface without rolling, doesn’t include any extras

Buy the LuxFit Premium High Density Foam Roller on Amazon for $8.95 to $23.97 (price varies by size)

Why you'll love it: When the space in your gym bag doesn’t allow you to lug around a six-inch-diameter foam roller, consider the svelte Original Tiger Tail Massage Stick instead.

The Tiger Tail Massage Stick has a finely textured dense foam exterior and a plastic core. The handles feature soft-ribbed rubber grips. This model comes in three lengths: 11, 18, and 22 inches. The foam roller surface length for each of these is 10, 10, and 14 inches respectively.

The massage stick works like a rolling pin. You hold the handles and the foam rolls over your sore spots. This allows you to use the massage stick in a variety of different positions. Tiger Tail USA covers the massage stick with a three-year no-hassle warranty.

In its review, the Wirecutter says the stick does not compare to the amount of pressure you can get from one of the on-the-floor rollers, but it supplements these options well, is much more portable, and can really get into tight spots. Ezvid also gave it high ratings because it features textured rubber grips, is designed for use by athletes, and does not pinch the skin.

Around 96% of the customer ratings of the Tiger Tail Massage Stick are four or five stars. Several of the buyers commented that they purchased the stick upon a recommendation from a medical professional. Many noted that it’s helpful for loosening up stiff muscles and relieving sore muscles before and after cardio workouts and weightlifting. One buyer even found it assuaged headaches when used on the neck area. There were no consistent complaints.

Pros: Compact, digs into tight spots, no-hassle three-year warranty

Cons: Does not apply as much pressure as on-the-floor alternatives

Buy the Original Tiger Tail Massage Stick (18”) on Amazon for $29.95