Our Picks Best foam roller for beginners Gaiam Restore Muscle Therapy Foam Roller View details $14 at Amazon View details Most affordable foam roller Amazon Basics High-Density Round Foam Roller for Exercise, Massage, Muscle Recovery View details $14 at Amazon View details Best foam roller for full body Lululemon Double Roller View details $64 at Lululemon View details Best foam roller for upper body and neck Roll Recovery R4 View details $60 at Roll Recovery View details Best foam roller for travel Grace MOBOT 27 OZ Foam Roller View details $55 at Mobot View details Best foam roller for legs TriggerPoint GRID Patented Multi-Density Foam Massage Roller (Back, Body, Legs) for Exercise View details $36 at Amazon View details Best vibrating foam roller Hyperice Vyper Go (Update: Out of stock) View details See at Hyperice View details Table of Contents Whether you have a physical job or sit at a desk all day, it is not uncommon for your muscles to feel sore and tight after long days. One easy way to relax and relieve pain is by using a good foam roller. Foam rolling is a type of self-myofascial therapy that's become a go-to for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. It offers an affordable way to warm up, recover and release tension. Doing it before a workout as part of a warm-up can increase flexibility. I find that foam rolling helps me loosen up a tight back before a workout, massage my quads and calves after a run then unwind after a day of traveling.The data isn't clear on how foam rolling works, but research suggests it's most effective when used at specific times. With so many options available on the market, ranging from basic cylinders to vibrating models with textured surfaces, choosing the right roller can feel overwhelming. But don't worry, we're here to help. We've put dozens of models to the test, evaluating design, efficiency and experience, to help you find the perfect match for your recovery needs. Take a look at our top picks below.Best Foam Rollers $14 at Amazon One thing that can be intimidating about foam rollers is their different ridges and groove patterns. Beginners will likely feel comfortable with the Gaiam Restore Muscle Therapy foam roller because it's on the semi-firm side and looks less complicated than some of its competitors. It's smooth and made of lightweight recyclable foam. At 18 inches long, it won't take up much space.This is a good option for anyone new to foam rolling or anyone who wants a less-firm foam roller. It also comes with a guide that teaches you different foam rolling techniques if you have no idea where to begin. The downside is that it doesn't feel durable. Athletes who want a deeper and firmer massage may find it lacking because of its design and may prefer one of the heavy-duty foam rollers on the list instead. If you're just starting out and want an affordable option, the Gaiam Restore Muscle Therapy foam roller is a good introduction to self-myofascial massage.Pros:AffordableSemi-firm and lightweightMade of recyclable materialsCons:May be too soft for some usersRoller looks less durable compared to others on the list $14 at Amazon If you're looking for a full-size foam roller that's inexpensive, you'll want to consider Amazon's High-Density Round Foam Roller. This foam roller comes in three different sizes: 18 inches, 24 inches and 36 inches. I chose 24 inches because it was an in-between size and is long enough to cover more area. It's on the firm side, but not so firm that it would be uncomfortable for the average user. It's smooth and looks like the traditional type of roller you'd find at the gym in the stretching section. It's versatile enough to use on your back, legs, quads and glutes. Some may like this roller for everyday use, but others may prefer something firmer after a hard workout.I was able to keep it in a corner without it interfering with space, but you can go with the smaller size if you find this one too long. It's also very affordable. The 24-inch version is only $14, while the 18-inch is $13 and the 36-inch is $19. No matter which one you select,you're getting a good deal.Pros:The most affordable foam roller on the listVersatile for foam rolling different areasComes in various sizesCons:It's a basic foam roller without any unique featuresAthletes may prefer something more heavy-duty