We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The 13 Best Foam Rollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Testers loved TriggerPoint’s GRID Roller for precise control and fast relief.

Best Type of Foam Rollers

Verywell / Sabrina Jiang

Anyone can benefit from foam rolling, says Noelle McKenzie, CPT, and co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers, because both exercise and everyday life contribute to uncomfortable, tight, and sore muscles. “Whether you're sitting at a desk or standing on your feet for several hours of the day, your body responds by becoming tight. Incorporating a foam roller into your daily routine will relax your muscles and allow you to move better and find relief,” says McKenzie.

There are many benefits of foam rolling—it can promote muscle recovery, relieve pain, improve flexibility, prevent injury due to excessive muscle fatigue, and help you recover on rest days.They can be an especially helpful piece of exercise equipment for seniors.

You'll find foam rollers and other self-myofascial release tools available in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures, densities, and price points to meet your preferences and needs. 

To find the best on the market, 17 of our expert testers used and evaluated foam rollers consistently at home. They performed popular foam roller movements that were recommended by a certified physical therapist—like calf, hip, and hamstring self-myofascial release drills—both before and after exercise. Testers rated each foam roller on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, and overall value. A physical therapist from our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article for accuracy, how to use foam rollers and the best way to evaluate them. 

Based on our test results, here are the best foam rollers on the market today.

Best Overall

Trigger Point Performance Grid 1.0 Foam Roller

Amazon Trigger Point Performance GRID 1.0 Foam Roller

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Hollow core for extra storage

  • Sturdy construction

  • Perfect length for hard-to-reach areas

Cons
  • Shorter length may not be inclusive to all sizes

After just one week of using this foam roller, our tester felt less tense, looser, and fully relaxed—all you can ask for in a quality foam roller. This TriggerPoint roller earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in all four categories: effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, and overall value. 

Our tester found it very effective, noting that her muscles felt elongated and less tense after just one use. And upon consistent use, she felt even more relief and flexibility. The roller features a unique surface pattern and rounded grooves that work to relieve deep knots without being too intense or uncomfortable. Our tester appreciated that she could easily control and customize pressure, thanks to the roller’s shorter design. 

The roller is 13 inches long, which made it easier to use and not as cumbersome as longer rollers. Our tester also liked the length because it allowed her to foam roll harder-to-reach areas—like the upper glutes and upper back—more seamlessly. Plus, a hollow core allows for easy portability and storage. 

Testing Notes: “This foam roller is very effective. It feels like excellent quality, and I like the aesthetic of the branding and design. It feels more expensive than it is, honestly!”

Pro tip: You can store items—like towels, a jump rope, or other small fitness equipment—inside the roller’s hollow core to save even more space. 

Key Specs:
Length: 13 inches | Diameter: 5 inches | Texture: Raised grid pattern | Construction: Foam over hollow core | Added Features: Hollow core for storage

Best Budget

Amazon Basics High-Density Foam Roller

Amazon Basics High-Density Foam Roller

Amazon

Pros
  • Firm dense foam

  • Very portable

  • Perfect length for hard-to-reach areas

Cons
  • No ridges for deeper massage

  • Lightweight design may be harder to control

We love this AmazonBasics Foam roller for its dense foam, firm pressure, and (of course) great price. Our tester gave it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness and overall value—after just one week of consistent use, she already felt more relaxed and relieved. 

Users who are especially tight and sore may experience some discomfort while using this roller because of its super firm and dense design. It doesn’t have ridges, so it won’t dig as deep into knots as grid foam rollers do, but the smooth texture allows for even pressure when rolling out. 

Testing Notes: “This is a GREAT value—it’s a lightweight, compact, and inexpensive roller.”

Our tester noted that while its lightweight design makes it very portable, it can also cause the product to roll away if not careful during use. So it’s important to pay special attention to keeping the product stable when foam rolling.

Key Specs:
Length: 18 inches | Diameter: 6 inches | Texture: Smooth | Construction: Dense foam | Added Features: None 

Amazon Basics Foam Roller

VeryWell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh

Best for Beginners

lululemon Double Roller

Lululemon Double Roller

lululemon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Versatile two-in-one design

  • Great adjustability

  • Sleek and modern look

Cons
  • Interior roller may be too intense for some

  • Expensive

Lululemon—known for high-quality athleisurewear, in particular their leggings—makes this double roller, featuring a softer exterior roller for more sensitive areas and a firmer interior roller for a deeper, more intense massage. Our tester loved how adjustable and versatile the two-in-one roller was, making it the perfect option for beginners who want to try out different intensities. 

Each roller delivered a different (but effective) result: The outer roller provided a more gentle and relaxing massage, while the inner roller offered relief to especially tense areas. Our tester gave this Lululemon roller a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness, comfort, and ease of use.

Testing Notes: “This roller is excellent for beginners who aren't sure how dense they'd like their foam roller to be—the outer layer is softer, while the inner roller is more firm.”

It lost half a point for overall value because of the relatively high price, but our tester thought that this high-quality, versatile roller is well worth it. 

Key Specs:
Length: 20 inches | Diameter: 5 inches | Texture: Wave and groove ridges | Construction: Dense foam | Added Features: Exterior and interior roller 

Lululemon Double Roller

Verywell Fit / Sarah Felbin

Best Grid

TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller 26 Inch

TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller 26 Inch

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Hollow core for extra storage

  • Length works for many sizes

  • Sturdy construction

Cons
  • Grid pattern may be intense for some

  • Expensive

Double the length of our best overall pick, this TriggerPoint foam roller features the same grid surface pattern and rounded grooves—providing similar results and relief. After an especially difficult Pilates class, our tester felt sore on her first day using this roller. She experienced mild discomfort while using the roller but felt intense, gratifying relief after. 

The grid pattern works to get deep into muscles and knots, which can sometimes cause displeasure during use. But roll through it, and you’ll be left feeling less tense and more relaxed—as long as you don’t feel sharp pain, in which case you should immediately discontinue using the roller. Its hollow core makes the roller easy to hold and maneuver during sessions and is great for storage. 

Testing Notes: “It's an extremely well-made foam roller, and I like just about everything about it! It's not necessarily inexpensive, but I would spend this price or more on this foam roller. It's really durable and high-quality, and most importantly effective!”

Our tester gave this TriggerPoint roller a perfect score for effectiveness and ease of use, docking half a point for overall value because of the higher price tag. It earned a 4.5 out of 5 for comfort because our tester felt the firmness and texture made it slightly uncomfortable to use. She noted that this roller would be best for those who prefer firm pressure massages, like deep tissue massage

Key Specs:
Length: 26 inches | Diameter: 5 inches | Texture: Raised grid pattern | Construction: Foam over hollow core | Added Features: Hollow core for storage
 

TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller 26 Inch

Verywell Fit / Michelle Parente

Best for Deep SMR

321 STRONG Foam Roller

321 STRONG Foam Roller - Medium Density Deep Tissue Massager

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Comes with ebook

  • Great for runners

  • Comes in many colors

Cons
  • Shorter length may not be inclusive to all sizes

Self-myofascial release, or SMR, is a treatment used to release tension in the muscles and fascia, says Theresa Marko, PT, spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association. “Tightness in the muscle and fascia can cause pain and increased sensitivity in the area—SMR helps to reduce this pain.” 

Our tester, an avid runner, suffers from sore and tight muscles due to the repetitive motion of running. After using this roller consistently for one week, she experienced incredible relief in areas that are often very tight after running, like the IT band—even equating it to the tension release that comes from a professional massage. 

The roller earned a 4.5 out of 5 for our ease of use attribute because its short design may be difficult to use for those with larger frames or muscles. But once our tester mastered the technique, it was easy enough to use, she said.

Testing Notes: “This is a great tool for anyone needing something beyond static stretching—everyone can benefit from SMR! The grooves dug in deep like fingers during a massage—it’s an awesome feeling for a runner or anyone who struggles with tight, shortened muscles due to repetitive motions in their routine.

With how-to guides and demonstration videos, the ebook is a helpful tool for both beginners and experienced rollers alike. The 321 Strong foam roller provides deep SMR, making it a great option for runners with tight and sore leg muscles.

Key Specs:
Length: 13 inches | Diameter: 5 inches | Texture: Three raised patterns | Construction: Foam over hollow core | Added Features: Ebook with instructions and exercises, hollow core for storage

321 STRONG Foam Roller

Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh

Best for Neck, Back, and Shoulders

IntelliRoll Pro Sport Foam Roller

IntelliRoll Pro Sport Foam Roller

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Spine slot for ergonomic use

  • Great value

Cons
  • Lightweight design may be harder to control

This IntelliRoll foam roller is an anatomically designed foam roller that features a spine slot and raised knobs. It works to relieve tension in muscles surrounding the spine. Designed by a board-certified chiropractor, it’s great for those looking to target the neck, back, and shoulder area. 

Our tester—who deals with back stiffness and forward posture from hours spent working at a desk—felt immediate relief after one simple session with the IntelliRoll. She gave this tool a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness and ease of use. 

Testing Notes: “After sitting at a desk all day my back and neck become REALLY sore and stiff—this really helped.”

The roller is super lightweight, which means that it can shift a bit under pressure, so it’s important to think about keeping it steady when foam rolling. But our tester says it’s still easy to use and fairly comfortable once you get accustomed to its unique design.

Key Specs:
Length: 18 inches | Diameter: 5 inches | Texture: Raised bumps | Construction: Lightweight foam | Added Features: Anatomically designed spine slot 

IntelliRoll Pro Sport Foam Roller

Verywell Fit / Michelle Parente

Best Firm

LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller

LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Length works for many sizes

  • Density allows for greater control when rolling

  • Great value

Cons
  • No ridges for deeper massage

  • Not as space-saving as other options

The firmness and density of the LuxFit Premium roller provide deep pressure and professional massage-like relief, earning it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness. Our tester noted that her muscles felt elongated and relaxed after using this foam roller regularly, and she even experienced less pain in her plantar fascia

Testing Notes: “I feel like this roller was the MOST effective of all I tested, thanks to its dense foam and taller height. I felt a deeper pressure on my knots compared to the others I tested, making me feel like I walked out of a massage.”

This roller doesn't have a raised texture, but it’s super firm and provides intense relief while evenly applying pressure to the muscle. Our tester liked the length and width of this foam roller, which provided more freedom as she was able to work at various angles and on each muscle group. But she noted that the length does require more control to maneuver than shorter options and takes some getting used to. Plus, it may not be as space-efficient as shorter options on our list.

Key Specs:
Length: 36 inches | Diameter: 6 inches | Texture: Smooth | Construction: Dense foam | Added Features: None

LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller

Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh

Best for Legs

OPTP Black Axis Firm Foam Roller

OPTP Black Axis Firm Foam Roller

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Length works for many sizes

  • Great value

Cons
  • No ridges for deeper massage

  • Not as space-saving as other options

At 36 inches in length, this roller is long enough to target both legs at the same time, saving you time and helping you earn rapid relief. Whether you're rolling out tight hamstrings or sore calves, the roller relieves tension—it even helped our tester sleep better at night thanks to effective relief. If you work at a standing desk all day and feel tightness or soreness in your legs, this roller is a good addition to your bedtime routine.

The OPTP foam roller earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in three out of four key categories. Our tester, who suffers from sciatic pain, experienced reprieve after just one session of rolling out her hips and upper thighs. We like this roller for its high performance, simplicity of use, and great overall value. 

Testing Notes: “The roller helped my hips a lot after consistent use. I was getting hip pain and foam rolling took it away completely.”

It’s important to note that for irritable conditions like sciatica, you should always consult with your physical therapist or physician. A physical therapist will diagnose and assess chronic conditions and demonstrate how to properly use a roller to meet your specific needs, says Marko.

Key Specs:
Length: 36 inches | Diameter: 6 inches | Texture: Smooth | Construction: Dense foam | Added Features: None

OPTP Black Axis Firm Foam Roller

Verywell Fit / Julia Warren

Best for Travel

Brazyn Morph Foam Roller

Amazon Brazyn Morph Roller

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Foldable

  • Comes with carry case

  • Sturdy construction

Cons
  • Expensive

The Brazyn Morph Roller folds in half and comes with a carry case for convenient portability. It will fit into most luggage, carry-ons, or gym bags—providing relaxing relief on all of your travel adventures. 

Our tester found the roller comfortable, easy to use, and well worth its higher price tag. The material is responsive and cushioned, according to our tester, who felt relaxed after each session. 

Testing Notes: “During testing, I had to travel for work, so I folded it flat, packed it in my suitcase, and took it along. It was so nice to be able to foam roll in my hotel in the morning for a gentle stretch and in the evening to work out tension before bed.”

The roller did earn a 4 out of 5 for effectiveness because our tester found that it’s not dense or intense enough to provide deep-tissue relief for larger muscle groups—but it does make for enjoyable, soothing use, which is especially great for more sensitive areas, like the glutes or hamstrings after a workout on the elliptical machine.

Key Specs:
Length: 15 inches | Diameter: 6 inches | Texture: Raised nubs | Construction: Foam over hollow core | Added Features: Hollow core for storage, foldable, carry case, and booklet with exercises

Brazyn Morph Collapsible Foam Roller

Verywell Fit / Bronwyn Barnes

Best Investment

Hyperice Vyper Go

Amazon Hyperice Vyper Go Massage Roller

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4.8/5
  • Comfort
    4.6/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Stall Force
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
Pros
  • Vibrating feature

  • Long lasting battery life

  • Bluetooth connectivity

Cons
  • Expensive

This roller has Bluetooth connectivity, long-lasting battery life, and a vibration feature with three intensity levels—making it well worth its high price tag. It received a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness and comfort because the roller provided our tester with immediate, satisfying relief. 

The vibration feature enhanced performance but also made the roller slightly more difficult to control and maneuver. It takes getting used to, but once accustomed to the added feature its benefits outweigh the slight inconvenience. Overall, the roller is a true upgrade and investment worth making, especially for avid users. 

Testing Notes: “This is absolutely pricey for a foam roller, but I think the vibration and app connectivity make it well worth the price.”

What's more, the roller connects to the compatible Hyperice App that includes guided rolling sessions and advice from fitness experts. You’re truly getting your money's worth with this feature-packed roller. 

Key Specs:
Length: 11 inches | Diameter: 4 inches | Texture: Smooth contours | Construction: Dense foam  | Added Features: Vibration, Bluetooth connectivity, and compatible app

Best Half Roller

OPTP PRO-ROLLER Soft Density Foam Roller

OPTP PRO-ROLLER Soft Density Foam Roller

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Requires minimal effort to use

  • Super relaxing and comfortable

  • Great for the back and neck

Cons
  • Doesn’t provide deep tissue relief

If you prefer a stationary half roller instead of a full roller that moves with you, the OPTP Pro Roller may be a good fit. It provides a soft stretch, gentle relief, and is ideal for Pilates, yoga, and balance exercises, like using a balance board

It’s important to note that half rollers are great for stretching and balance exercises, but they do not provide the same massage-like relief that you'll get from a traditional roller. 

Testing Notes: “It felt really nice to lay on this in the evening when I didn't have energy for a long foam rolling session. It's lazy foam rolling, and sometimes that's exactly what you need.”

Our tester thought this OPTP roller was super comfortable and gentle on the body, giving it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for comfort and ease of use. It's a relaxing addition to your everyday routine and may be best for beginners.

Key Specs:
Length: 36 inches | Diameter: 3 inches | Texture: Smooth | Construction: Dense foam | Added Features: None

OPTP PRO-ROLLER Soft Density Foam Roller

Verywell Fit / Shannon Bauer

Best Trigger Point

Kieba Massage Lacrosse Balls

Kieba Massage Lacrosse Balls for Myofascial Release

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    3.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Comes with two balls

  • Versatile

Cons
  • Can be difficult to control while using

Massage balls are great for targeting specific concerns, such as knots, trigger points, muscle pain and soreness in specific areas, and circulation. The Kieba massage balls allow for great precision and deep relief, offering a different experience than traditional foam rollers. 

While extremely effective, they are not the most comfortable or easy to use. The balls are very firm, providing intense pressure to trigger points, which, while effective, can cause severe discomfort—which is why our tester docked a point for comfort. 

Because these balls are smaller than a traditional foam roller, they can be a little harder to control and may slip when you put your body weight on them during self-myofascial release. But their small size also means you can more effectively target precise areas and knots, which may provide more intense relief. 

Testing Notes: “If you have experience with foam rolling, you'll enjoy these—the shape and hard rubber are ideal for pinpointing exactly where you're feeling tight.”

All in all, we think these are a great option for targeted relief, especially for more advanced users.

Key Specs:
Length: 3 inches | Diameter: 3 inches | Texture: Smooth | Construction: Solid rubber balls | Added Features: None

Kieba Massage Lacrosse Balls for Myofascial Release

Verywell Fit / Sarah Felbin

Best Soft

OPTP Pro Soft Roller

Amazon OPTP Pro Soft Roller

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Value
    3.5/5
Pros
  • Good for beginners

  • Perfect length for hard-to-reach areas

Cons
  • Doesn’t provide deep tissue relief

If you’re a beginner or looking for gentle relief, the OPTP soft roller may be right for you. After one week of consistent use, our tester noticed improved flexibility, better range of motion during workouts, and better recovery. But our tester also noted that this foam roller does not provide deep, intense relief for stiff and sore muscles like the high-density rollers on our list. Instead, it’s better for those who prefer a more gentle massage, or those who want to use it on more sensitive areas.

Testing Notes: “This roller is firm enough to get the job done but soft enough to be comfortable, especially for someone like me who doesn't consistently use a foam roller.”

Our tester gave this roller a 3.5 out of 5 for overall value because he found that it was a bit pricier than expected for basic features and only moderate relief. The OPTP soft roller is a great starter product that’s simple and satisfying for daily use. 

Key Specs:
Length: 18 inches | Diameter: 6 inches | Texture: Smooth | Construction: Soft dense foam | Added Features: None

OPTP Pro Soft Roller

Verywell Fit / Nicholas Ingalls

Compare

Effectiveness Comfort Ease of Use Value
Amazon Trigger Point Performance GRID 1.0 Foam Roller
Best Overall:
Trigger Point Performance Grid 1.0 Foam Roller
5 5 5 5
Amazon Basics High-Density Foam Roller
Best Budget:
Amazon Basics High-Density Foam Roller
Lululemon Double Roller
Best for Beginners:
lululemon Double Roller
5 5 5 4
TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller 26 Inch
Best Grid:
TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller 26 Inch
5 4.5 5 5
321 STRONG Foam Roller - Medium Density Deep Tissue Massager
Best for Deep SMR:
321 STRONG Foam Roller
5 5 4.5 4.5
IntelliRoll Pro Sport Foam Roller
Best for Neck, Back, and Shoulders:
IntelliRoll Pro Sport Foam Roller
5 4.5 5 5
LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller
Best Firm:
LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller
5 4.5 4.5 5
OPTP Black Axis Firm Foam Roller
Best for Legs:
OPTP Black Axis Firm Foam Roller
5 4 5 5
Amazon Brazyn Morph Roller
Best for Travel:
Brazyn Morph Foam Roller
4 5 5 4.5
Amazon Hyperice Vyper Go Massage Roller
Best Investment:
Hyperice Vyper Go
4.8 4.6 4.5 5
OPTP PRO-ROLLER Soft Density Foam Roller
Best Half Roller:
OPTP PRO-ROLLER Soft Density Foam Roller
4 5 5 4.5
Kieba Massage Lacrosse Balls for Myofascial Release
Best Trigger Point:
Kieba Massage Lacrosse Balls
5 4 3.5 5
Amazon OPTP Pro Soft Roller
Best Soft:
OPTP Pro Soft Roller
4 5 5 3.5

How We Rated the Best Foam Rollers

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best foam rollers we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These foam rollers are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great foam rollers, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These foam rollers are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend foam rollers with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

We Also Tested

In total, we tested 28 foam rollers, but we only included 14 in our final list of recommendations. While these two didn’t make our top picks list, our testers did take note of some valuable features. 

  • After using the TheraGun Wave Roller, our tester felt looser and more relaxed—even noting better sleep. She loved the vibration feature that provided instant relief but did not appreciate having to stop use to adjust the intensity level. She also noted that the roller's wide, clunky design made it difficult to target specific areas.
  • The Rolling With It Therapeutic Grade Premium EVA Foam Roller provided similar results—relaxing relief and better sleep. But the roller’s too-smooth texture left our tester with pesky knots and wishing it had ridges and grooves for a deeper massage.
theragun wave

Verywell Fit / Donna Freydkin

How We Tested the Foam Rollers

We test many products in The Verywell Testing Lab, but some require long-term testing and consistent use to get real and accurate insights. Foam rollers fall into this category, so 17 of our expert testers helped us test 28 top-rated foam rollers from the comfort of their own homes. 

Every day for seven consecutive days, our testers completed a series of popular foam roller self-myofascial release drills recommended by a certified physical therapist—rolling the calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, IT band, glutes, and more. Throughout the week, testers were asked to pay special attention to how their body felt during and after rolling. They then rated each foam roller on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, and overall value. We used these scores and insights to curate a list of the best foam roller on the market today.

In addition, we consulted with a pair of fitness experts:

Denise Chakoian, founder of CORE Cycle Fitness Lagree.

Noelle McKenzie, CPT, co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers

What to Look for in a Foam Roller

Size

Consider how you want to use your foam roller and where you plan to store it. If you want to leave the roller at home and have space for it, you might prefer a large size that you can use across your body. If you plan to take your roller to the gym or along with you when you travel, look for a 13-inch roller. That size should fit into most gym bags, suitcases, and lockers, so you can use it wherever you wish.

Price

Some inexpensive foam rollers are not sturdy enough to support your weight. If you are on a budget, look for a foam roller that is strictly foam yet still strong and durable. Skip features like vibration on rollers or trigger points to save money.

Water Resistance

If you sweat a lot or want to use a foam roller after a swim session, make sure the foam is waterproof or at least water-resistant. Otherwise, moisture could damage the roller and shorten its useful life.

Texture 

Foam rollers come in a variety of textures to target different concerns. Smooth rollers, like the AmazonBasics Foam Roller, are great for even pressure and overall relaxation. Whereas more textured rollers with raised patterns, such as the TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller 26 Inch, are good for deep pressure and relief. 

“The bumps of textured foam rollers get deeper, going in and out of the muscle as opposed to the gentle fashion of smooth rollers—providing more intense massage-like pressure,” says Denise Chakoian, fitness expert and founder of CORE Cycle Fitness Lagree.

trx rev myofacial release

Verywell Fit / Anisa Arsenault

Material 

You want to make sure your foam roller is comfortable and can be cleaned easily, says Chakoian.

“For material, you want to find something that can be easily wiped down with an antibacterial wipe—polypropylene is great,” she says.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are foam rollers good for your back?

    Foam rollers are good for your back. You can roll your back over the foam and stop at any trigger point. Foam rolling can help decrease back pain and increase overall myofascial mobility.

    Be sure to speak with a healthcare professional if your back pain worsens. Stop foam rolling immediately and seek medical care if you experience sharp pain in your back or anywhere else.

  • What are the benefits of foam rollers?

    Foam rollers can be an effective intervention for increasing joint range of motion both pre- and post-exercise, according to a study on the effects of self-myofascial release using a foam roller. Foam rolling is also a popular method for rehab and fitness professionals to increase mobility and reduce pain and soreness in a non-invasive, cost-effective way. If you are rehabbing at home, perhaps with a tool like an under desk bike, finishing off with a foam roller will be beneficial.

  • Is it OK to use a foam roller every day?

    You can foam roll every day, and it can assist you in recovery. In a 2015 study, researchers found that using a foam roller every day reduced delayed onset muscle soreness.

  • Does foam rolling help muscle growth?

    Foam rolling can help with muscle growth because it helps muscles recover after strength-building exercises. This allows your body to get back to improving your performance faster.

  • Is foam rolling good for injuries?

    Foam rolling is good for injuries and may even be more effective than massagers. In a comprehensive review of foam rolling on performance and recovery, researchers found that foam rolling reduced muscle pain perception and foam rollers offered better effects on recovery of strength performance than roller massagers.

  • When should you not use a foam roller?

    You should not use a foam roller if you have an open wound or fracture, or cannot safely get on and off the floor due to pain or imbalance, says Marko. If you experience severe, ongoing pain from foam rolling sessions, you should discontinue use immediately and speak with your physical therapist or physician.

    “Foam rolling may not be appropriate for everyone; it can vary depending on your symptoms or condition(s)—You should always talk to your doctor or physical therapist,” she adds.

  • How long should I use a foam roller for?

    When using a foam roller, you want to focus on hitting all of the major muscle groups, such as quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, says McKenzie. It’s important to take enough time on each area, but it doesn’t have to be super extensive.
    “Just five minutes goes a long way—increments of one minute on each muscle group for five minutes total will make a huge difference,” she says.

  • How much does a quality foam roller cost?

    You can expect to pay between $20-$150 for a quality foam roller that provides muscle tension relief and recovery on rest days. You can often find other self-myofascial release tools for less, like the Kieba Massage Lacrosse Balls, that are often available for less than $13—making it the cheapest option on our list. But traditional foam rollers typically fall somewhere in the middle. Our top pick, Trigger Point’s Performance GRID 1.0 Foam Roller, was $37 when we published this list.

spri eva full foam roller

Verywell Fit / Anisa Arsenault

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Michelle Parente is an experienced fitness writer who is passionate about making great product recommendations. As a fitness enthusiast, Michelle believes in the power of movement and recovery, and how good fitness equipment can truly elevate your workout routine.

4 Sources
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Wiewelhove T, Döweling A, Schneider C, et al. A meta-analysis of the effects of foam rolling on performance and recoveryFront Physiol. 2019;10:376. doi:10.3389/fphys.2019.00376

  2. Cheatham SW, Kolber MJ, Cain M, Lee M. The effects of self‐myofascial release using a foam roll or roller massager on joint range of motion, muscle recovery, and performance: a systematic reviewInt J Sports Phys Ther. 2015;10(6):827-838.

  3. Bradbury-Squires DJ, Noftall JC, Sullivan KM, Behm DG, Power KE, Button DC. Roller-massager application to the quadriceps and knee-joint range of motion and neuromuscular efficiency during a lungeJ Athl Train. 2015;50(2):133-140. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-49.5.03

  4. Wiewelhove T, Döweling A, Schneider C, et al. A meta-analysis of the effects of foam rolling on performance and recoveryFront Physiol. 2019;10:376. doi:10.3389/fphys.2019.00376