Best Tens Machine Reviews UK 2023 – Top 10 Comparison

Last Updated On November 28th, 2022

If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to combat pain, then you might be on the hunt for the best Tens machine money can buy. Although these devices might not be as common as popping a pill for pain relief, Tens machines are an excellent solution for combatting the discomfort caused by muscle spams associated with knee pain, back pain, sports injuries, and even labour.

A Tens machine is a small device that uses electrodes to stimulate the muscles and reduce the spasms and inflammation that cause pain. Available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, these amazing products are gaining popularity at record speed, in locations all around the world.

So, how do you know which Tens machine is right for you?

That’s where we come in. Our team has searched through endless Tens machine reviews to bring you this top selection of the best-performing tools on the market. We’re sure that you’ll find something to help you zap away that pesky pain once and for all.

Our Favourite Tens Machines Compared

Editor's Choice
Beurer EM49 PainFree Digital TENS and EMS Machine | Drug-free natural pain relief | 3-in-1 pain relief, rehabilitation and massage | 70 training programmes | 2 channels | 4 self-adhesive electrodes
Best for Large Built
AUVON Dual Channel TENS Machine for Pain Relief, TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator with 20 Modes, 2" and 2"x4" TENS Pads Replacement
Luxury Choice
Babycare TENS Elle Pain Relief During Labour
Best for Travel
Med-Fit 3 Digital Dual Channel TENS Machine for Fast & Effective Pain Relief and Pain Management - Fully certified Tens CE2460
Beurer EM 49
Auvon Dual Channel
Babycare Elle Maternity Kit
MedFit 3 Digital
Pre Set Programmes
70
20
Available
5
Pads
4
6
4
4
Rechargeable?
Wireless?
Editor's Choice
Beurer EM49 PainFree Digital TENS and EMS Machine | Drug-free natural pain relief | 3-in-1 pain relief, rehabilitation and massage | 70 training programmes | 2 channels | 4 self-adhesive electrodes
Beurer EM 49
Pre Set Programmes
70
Pads
4
Rechargeable?
Wireless?
Best for Large Built
AUVON Dual Channel TENS Machine for Pain Relief, TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator with 20 Modes, 2" and 2"x4" TENS Pads Replacement
Auvon Dual Channel
Pre Set Programmes
20
Pads
6
Rechargeable?
Wireless?
Luxury Choice
Babycare TENS Elle Pain Relief During Labour
Babycare Elle Maternity Kit
Pre Set Programmes
Available
Pads
4
Rechargeable?
Wireless?
Best for Travel
Med-Fit 3 Digital Dual Channel TENS Machine for Fast & Effective Pain Relief and Pain Management - Fully certified Tens CE2460
MedFit 3 Digital
Pre Set Programmes
5
Pads
4
Rechargeable?
Wireless?

Best Tens Machine Reviews – Top 10 Picks

1. Beurer EM 49 (Editor’s Choice)

If you are looking for a versatile TENS machine with a wide range of adjustable and preset programmes, the Beurer EM 49 could be just what the doctor ordered. We love its all-in-one design that provides you with ample options for EMS, TENS, and massage functionality.

Features

The Beurer EM 49 TENS machine comes with four sticky pads allowing you to target a group of muscles simultaneously. It features 32 preset EMS programmes plus three adjustable EMS programmes for pain therapy, 12 pre-set TENS programmes and 3 adjustable TENS programmes for muscle training, and 20 pre-set massage programmes.

You can further customise your therapy with this device’s 50 intensity levels and two separate channels for variable adjustments. To increase user-friendliness, it has an easy to read digital display that can also save your preferred settings for a quick start.

This wireless TENS machine is battery powered and don’t worry, the first set of three AAA batteries comes included. In addition, a belt clip and instruction manual all come included to make your user experience as easy and efficient as possible.

Be aware, this option is not rechargeable unless you buy rechargeable batteries. The sticky pads may also prove to be less durable and the lock button may not always stay in position.

Pros:
  • 50 intensity levels
  • 70 preset programmes
  • Easy to use and read digital display
  • 2 separate channels
  • Batteries included with purchase
Cons:
  • May have to buy replacement batteries
  • Sticky pads may be less durable
  • The lock button may malfunction occasionally

2. Auvon Dual Channel (Best Large Built)

Auvon Dual ChannelThe Auvon Dual Channel TENS machine has two independently functioning channels making it an excellent choice for anyone wishing to target more than one muscle group simultaneously. It also has extra-long wires that are good for taller or larger individuals.

Features

Auvon Dual Channel TENS machines feature 20 pre-set programme modes with 20 variable intensity levels so you can customise your therapy treatment to suit your specific needs and preferences. They also feature medical-grade electrodes for a smoother current output.

This TENS machine is also conveniently rechargeable using a USB connection port so no need to purchase batteries. You can expect to get 10 hours of usage time per charge.

Auvon includes a carry case, user manual, a pad holder, and two sets of top quality sticky pads with each TENS machine. The pads include four smaller 5cm pads and four larger 5 x 10cm pads for you to use based on the size of the muscles you are attempting to target.

Be aware, Auvon does not recommend using their Dual Channel TENS machine during childbirth. In addition, it does not come with a belt strap or clip and the pads may detach from the connectors easier than one would expect.

Pros:
  • Medical-grade electrodes
  • 20 programmes and 20 intensity levels
  • Rechargeable design
  • 2 sets of sticky pads included
  • Extra long connection wires
Cons:
  • May not be recommended for use during labour
  • Lacks a belt strap or clip which may not be ideal for all
  • Pads may detach from the connectors

3. Babycare Elle Maternity Kit (Luxury Choice)

Babycare Elle Maternity KitThe great thing about tens machines is that they’re highly versatile. You can use the same tens device for tackling everything from joint pain to contraction pains. If you’re looking for the best tens machine for these, we found that the Babycare Elle maternity kit has some of the best reviews and feedback on the market.

Features

Recommended by midwives, this machine is safe and easy to use, with no adverse side effects for the baby or mother. The Ellie machine comes with pre-set modes for ease of use during labour, and an integrated boost button to help soothe the pain caused by contractions. Additionally, the set comes with Optimax technology, specifically designed to deliver extra power safely during labour. This device might be compact enough to slip into your night bag for the hospital, but it’s still got plenty of power to offer – particularly during the final stages of labour.

Mothers suggest that the Ellie kit is excellent for use right up to the point of an epidural, offering a way to take your mind off the pain, and reduce the intensity of contractions. Of course, there are a few downsides. For instance, the sticky pads aren’t as great as they could be, and the pulse setting can be a little uncomfortable for some users. It might take some experimentation to find the settings that work best for you with this kit.

Pros:
  • Pre-set modes specifically for use in labour
  • Excellent integrated boost mode for contractions
  • Extra power included despite the compact size
  • Midwife-approved with no risk for mother or baby
  • Compact size makes the machine highly portable
Cons:
  • Sticky pads could be more viscous
  • May need to practice with the settings
  • Pads can crumple easily

4. MedFit 3 Digital (Best for Travel)

Med-Fit 3 DigitalYou don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune on your tens technology to get relief from your aches and pains. Even a cheap tens machine can deliver excellent results, which is what we discovered with the Tens Company MedFit 3 digital device.

Features

This dual-channel Tens machine offers all the benefits you could need from a muscle stimulation machine, including complete control over the intensity of your therapy via a digital control panel.

The large high-clarity display is excellent for people who need to track every aspect of their treatment, from duration to frequency and intensity of vibrations. There are also various pre-set modes to choose from, such as modulation, constant therapy, and burst. Designed specifically for targeted pain relief, this machine is excellent for overcoming severe discomfort caused by everything from tendonitis, to lumbago, and basic muscle or joint pain.

There are five modes to choose from with this budget-friendly device. According to the tens machine reviews that we read, it’s an excellent piece of kit, but you might have trouble figuring out how to manage the settings at first. The instruction manual included with the machinery is very generic. It doesn’t provide a lot of specific guidance for people who aren’t used to using Tens machines for pain and discomfort. Additionally, the wires get tangled up very quickly, and the device itself will drain any batteries in no time at all, so make sure you have back-ups.

Pros:
  • Clear and easy-to-read digital display
  • 5 modes to choose from for pain relief
  • Sticky pads included
  • Small enough for portable use
  • Great for targeted pain relief
Cons:
  • Difficult to understand the instructions and settings
  • Batteries die very quickly
  • Wires get tangled almost immediately

5. MedFit Mini Muscle Stimulator (Best for Versatility)

Medi-Fit Mini Muscle StimulatorIf Tens stimulation works well for you, then the best Tens machine might be something that you can easily use wherever you go. Since you can’t bring with you a mattress for back pain wherever you go, The MedFit wireless rechargeable mini tens is a fantastic relief alternative. This state-of-the-art muscle stimulator device is great for backache, arthritis, muscle spasms, and more.

Features

You can get eight hours of therapy out of a single charge, and the machine comes with a charger and charging lead to get you started. Unlike many of the tens machines on the market today, this mini machine is incredibly customisable. It comes with four modes and 20 intensity levels. This is also one of the best wireless tens machine options on the market if you want a lightweight option that you can place under your clothing. What’s more, the device is supplied with a range of self-adhesive pads to choose from.

This machine is discrete enough to work on the go, although some customers said that it did show through lighter pieces of clothing. Additionally, it’s worth noting that it may be quite difficult to see the control buttons if you stick the butterfly electrode in some places, like the neck or back.

Pros:
  • Small but powerful
  • 20 intensity levels and 4 modes
  • Rechargeable battery design with 8 hours of power from a single charge
  • Range of self-adhesive pads included
  • Great for discrete wear on the go
Cons:
  • May show through a lighter piece of clothing
  • The control buttons might be difficult to operate if placed in less visible spots

6. MedFit Wireless (Best Cordless)

Med-Fit WirelessThis completely rechargeable tens machine from MedFit is an excellent tool for those in search of quick relief for acute and chronic pain.

Features

You can enjoy up to 8 hours of effective treatment at a single time, and the professional-strength design ensures that you’ll have full control over various kinds of pain, including sports injuries and more. There are no batteries required (which means fewer additional expenses), and there are up to 20 intensity levels to choose from.

With multiple wireless pads included in this kit, you’ll be able to target various areas of pain and discomfort at once using the MedFit device. There are 4 pre-set programs available if you don’t want to waste time playing with the settings. Additionally, this advanced wireless tens machine has been manufactured to the highest standards, making it fully compliant with the medical device directive.

The tens machine reviews we read on this suggest that it’s straightforward to use – particularly if you’re a beginner just beginning to explore the benefits of Tens machines. However, it’s worth noting that it does take quite a lot of time to charge this item, which can be a major downside for some. Additionally, the machine isn’t 100% intuitive, so you will have to read the instructions to make the most of it, but that’s a small price to pay for great results.

Pros:
  • Wireless performance
  • Fully M.D.D. compliant
  • Rechargeable batteries throughout
  • Up to 8 hours of performance per charge
  • Multiple intensity levels and pre-set programs
Cons:
  • Takes some time to learn how to use the kit
  • Can take a long time to re-charge
  • Some people say they would have preferred bigger pads

7. MedFit Premier (Best for Backache)

Med-Fit PremierIf you’re searching for the best tens machine for back pain, then look no further. This “Premier Plus” device from MedFit was carefully designed to give the ideal muscle and neuromuscular stimulation to eliminate back discomfort once and for all.

Features

The tens device comes with access to 24 clinically-approved programmes, each supplied with 16 electrodes so you can get more control over your treatment. With a fully digital interface, you’ll be able to track the exact level of stimulation that you’re using at any time, to customise your therapy to your individual needs. The user-friendly buttons and pause function make this tens device easier to understand and master if you’re a beginner. Additionally, there’s a patient guide included helping you figure out where you need to place the electrodes for the best outcomes.

Designed by a market leader using high-quality materials, the Tens machine from Med-fit is an excellent choice if you suffer from the strain caused by heavy lifting, keeping a poor posture while sitting at your desk for too long each day, or just about anything else. However, it does take a while to get used to this machine. It’s not just something you can plug in and use instantly. You’ll need to spend some time working through the patient guide.

Pros:
  • Rechargeable pain relief with 16 electrodes
  • 24 clinically approved programmes included
  • LCD screen to track the details of your treatment
  • Excellent customer service and support
  • Comprehensive instructions include
Cons:
  • Takes a while to figure out how to use
  • Could do with a clearer display
  • May be too complex for beginners

8. MedFit EV806P (User-Friendly Choice)

Med-fit EV806PIf you’re searching for the best portable tens machine for both EMS and TENS support, then the MedFit EV806P could be just what you need.

Features

This fully adjustable dual-performance device comes with 24 approved programmes, including 12 tens settings and 12 muscle stimulation options, available to help you improve circulation and encourage faster healing.

The EV806P comes with no less than 12 self-adhesive electrodes, so you can create the therapeutic strategy that appeals most to use. What’s more, there are various accessories included in the kit, too. It contains a hard carry case, a set of heavy-duty batteries, and a guide on how to use your Tens machine for the best possible results. There’s also a sturdy metal belt clip that you can use when you take your tens machine with you on the go.

Speaking of using this machine on the go, it comes with a cover and protective side strips to keep your investment safe against accidental knocks and bumps. Unfortunately, reviewers did say that the instructions provided with the kit are a little vague and confusing. Additionally, some customers only received a portion of the electrodes that they were promised with their delivery.

Pros:
  • Patient guide included for extra assistance
  • 12 TENS programs and 12 muscle stimulation programs to choose from
  • Various accessories included
  • Great for portable pain relief
  • Fully adjustable intensity levels
Cons:
  • Instructions are difficult to follow
  • Item doesn’t always arrive as described
  • Switch can break easily

9. Tenscare Mamatens (Best for Maternity)

TensCare MamaTENSFor expecting mothers, it’s not just about a great pregnancy pillow. Having a fantastic TENS machine is also excellent for aches and pains throughout the entire pregnancy. It can assist with the labour part of having your baby too. As one of the best maternity tens machine options on the market, the TensCare MamaTENS kit comes with pre-set clinical programs specifically designed to target pain at each stage of labour.

Features

This machine is the best tens machine for labour and contraction stage, as well as dealing with aches and pains in your joints and muscles as your body gets used to pregnancy. There’s even an integrated boost button to help with your contractions, and a ramp control facility included. The digital technology ensures minimal fuss when setting up your new machine, and the lightweight, slim design means that it’s easy to take this device with you wherever you go.

The MamaTENS is safe to use, with no side effects for mother or baby, and the kit comes with a two-year warranty for residents of the EU. One issue with this device is that some reviewers suggested that it could be quite difficult to use, particularly if you’re new to using a labour Tens machine. Additionally, many people noted that the kit was better for the time leading up to labour than it was at dealing with the pain of contractions.

Pros:
  • Clinically-approved pre-set programmes included
  • Integrated boost button for contractions
  • Digital technology makes set-up easier
  • Slim and lightweight design for portability
  • 2 years warranty included
Cons:
  • Difficult to use for beginners
  • Better at handling pre-labour pain than during labour

10. TPN 200 Premier Plus (Best Value)

TPN 200 Premier PlusFinally, for those in search of a simple and straightforward solution to their pain issues, the TPN 200 Premier Plus gives you everything you need to tackle muscle and joint discomfort in one kit.

Features

This sensational tool comes with all the leads, self-adhesive electrodes, and extra accessories required to help you design your pain management strategy. There are even three modes available to choose from, including constant, burst, and modulation.

There’s a carry case if you want to take your tens machine with you when you travel, and an integral belt clip if you’re using the machine on-the-go. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Patterson Medical brand responsible for this device is one of the most highly-regarded suppliers of medical and rehabilitation equipment on the market, so you know you’re getting high-quality materials from this company.

Unfortunately, one of the major downsides of this machine is that it can be very difficult to use. The reviews we read suggested that the instructions provided with the machine are almost useless and that it takes a while to figure out how to set up your device according to your needs. Additionally, some people said that the battery provided with the machine didn’t fit.

Pros:
  • Simple analogue device
  • Dual-channel muscle and joint pain support
  • Three modes available to choose from
  • Carry case and other accessories included
Cons:
  • Very complicated instructions
  • Not ideal for beginners
  • Battery didn’t fit for some customers

What Is a Tens Machine?

electronic therapy on knee used to treat pain. selective focusIf you’ve been considering the benefits of investing in your own TENS machine, then the first thing you need to know is what this device is. A tens machine is a Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device. This small electrical muscle stimulator uses battery power to deliver safe electric current to the muscle.

While the TENS machine isn’t suitable for controlling every kind of pain, many people have been able to achieve excellent results with these kits. To use a Tens machine, you’ll need to attach sticky electrodes to the skin over the muscles that you want to soothe. The machine then sends small electrical impulses into the affected area to stimulate the nerves.

Do Tens Machines Work?

Tens machines are designed according to the guidelines of the endorphin release theory for pain management. This theory suggests that by sending electric currents that only focus on the sensory nerve endings in your body, you can reduce the intensity of feelings of pain and discomfort. Additionally, these machines help to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are the natural substances in your body that act as a kind of painkiller.

By releasing endorphins throughout your body, Tens machines can help to reduce pain like a prescription painkiller. However, they don’t come with any of the dangerous side effects of most drugs.

There’s another theory available that attempts to explain how Tens machines work. This theory is the gate control theory, which states that there’s a neural mechanism in our spine that acts as a gate. This gate opens and closes when it receives certain signals from the brain. The electrical signals that the TENs machine produces interfere with the pain signals in the body, allowing the gate to react to the TENS rather than the brain. This means that your brain is less likely to interpret pain signals when you’re using a TENS machine.

Crucially, these are just theories into mattress for back pain. Some experts feel that these devices are only effective at taking your mind off the pain that you’re in and helping you to focus on a different part of the body, which promotes relaxation.

How to Choose a Tens Machine

So, how do you choose the Tens unit that’s right for you? Well, the key to success is figuring out which features matter most to you. For instance, do you want a device that offers several different pre-programmed settings for you to choose from? Or would you prefer something that allows you to adjust the intensity of your therapy manually?

Some people are keen to find Tens units that come with extra gel pads so that they can tackle more muscle groups at the same time. There are also specific machines out there that are carefully designed to support women during labour. You might even want a Tens kit that comes with an additional rechargeable battery so that you never run out of power, or a carry case so you can use the machine wherever you go.

Picking Your Tens Machine

The Beurer EM 49 is our number one pick for the best TENS machine. We love that it has a wide variety of preset and adjustable programmes, 50 intensity levels, an easy to use and read digital display, comes with the required batteries, and has two separate channels for targeted therapy.

Is the Beurer EM 49 the right TENS machine for you? Or, do you think one of the other options on our list would better suit your specific needs and requirements?

Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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