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Revitive review: is it worth it, and how do other circulation boosters compare?
Circulation booster devices claim to improve blood flow, reduce swelling and ease everyday aches using a combination of EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) technology.
We've tested six of the main models available, including circulation boosters from Revitive, WeightWorld and Bodi-Tek, to uncover the best.
We also reached out to external experts and asked one of our in-house scientific advisers to delve into the science behind whether circulation boosters are worth trying, and if there's anything you should be aware of before you buy.
We've uncovered which products are comfortable, practical and easy to use, and the ones that left our testers unimpressed.
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How our tests find you the best
Easy to use?
Our testers assess how easy each circulation booster is to set up - some are much trickier than others.
Comfy?
Your feet have to be on these for a minimum of 30 minutes every day, so we check if they are soft underfoot.
Portable?
We look at how easy it is to store the boosters and move them around, plus how long the lead is so you can easily use it from your favourite chair.
We also test...
What impact using them has. We measure the oxygen flow and foot temperature of each tester before, during and after using, to see if there's any change in circulation metrics.
The best circulation boosters from our tests
Only logged-in Which? members can view our full circulation booster test results below.
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| Product | Price | Score | Ease of use | Comfort and fit | Storage and portability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations. Unlock tableFirst month £5, then £11.99 per month, cancel at any time Already a member? Log in | |||||
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Date tested: April 2025. Page last checked: May 2025. We are not able to show every retailer with our pricing engine and cheaper prices may be available.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the full results, including the circulation boosters we thought were the easiest to use and our expert assessment of the evidence for this type of product.
If you aren't logged in, you'll see the key specs and info for all the circulation boosters we tested in alphabetical order below. Join Which? to get instant access to our full test results today.
Bodi-Tek
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Weight: 2.1kg
Cord length: 1.6m
Intensity levels: 1-99
Extras: Comes with a remote control
Need to know: Use for maximum 60 minutes a day, barefoot. Not wireless. Manufacturer states not suitable for anyone fitted with a heart pacemaker.
Medi-Boost
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Weight: 2.1kg
Cord length: 1.5m
Intensity levels: 1-99
Extras: Comes with a remote control
Need to know: Use for maximum 60 minutes a day, barefoot. Wireless. Manufacturer states not suitable for anyone with epilepsy, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or fitted with a pacemaker.
PureMate
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Weight: 1.3kg
Cord length: 1.6m
Intensity levels: 1-99, 50 modes
Extras: Comes with a remote control, and it sits in the device (less chance of losing). Wireless and rechargeable
Need to know: Wireless. Has to be charged before use. Use for maximum 60 minutes a day. Manufacturer states not suitable for anyone with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pregnant or fitted with a heart pacemaker.
Revitive Essential
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Cord length: 1.5m
Intensity levels: 1-50
Extras: Electrode body pads
Need to know: No remote control. Maximum use 60 minutes a day. Not wireless. Manufacturer states not suitable for anyone with DVT, pregnant or fitted with a heart pacemaker.
Revitive Medic Coach
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Weight: 1.76kg
Cord length: 1.5m
Intensity levels: 1-99
Extras: Downloadable app to track and use the device, electrode body pads
Need to know: Can be used without the app, wireless, maximum use 60 minutes a day. Manufacturer states not suitable for anyone with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pregnant or fitted with a heart pacemaker or AICD.
WeightWorld
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Weight: 3.24kg
Cord length: 1.2m
Intensity levels: 1-99
Extras: Carry bag, electrode body pads, comes with remote control and carry bag
Need to know: Auto switch-off after 30 minutes. British company. Wireless and rechargeable. Maximum use 60 minutes a day. Manufacturer states not suitable for anyone with epilepsy, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pregnant or fitted with a heart pacemaker.
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How do circulation boosters work?
'Circulation boosters aim to mimic the natural process of muscle contractions using EMS (electrical muscle stimulation),' Which? scientific adviser Alicia Day tells us.
'The theory is that triggering calf muscle contractions triggers a process called the musculo-venous pump, which means more blood is flowing both to and from your heart, and your legs receive more fresh, oxygen-rich blood.'
You don’t need to move – just place your bare feet on the pads, and the device does the work while you sit. Most models let you choose the intensity level that feels right for you, either via a remote, app or onboard controls.
Most brands advise that you use the device regularly (eg daily) for around 30-60 minutes per session.
Many claim that you will see changes within six weeks of using a circulation booster, though anecdotally they also claim that people reported feeling differences after first use. This may well be a placebo effect though, and you should always take anecdotal evidence such as this with a pinch of salt.
Only logged-in Which? members can view our full verdict on the evidence for this type of product, from our in-house scientific adviser.
Join Which? to get instant access to this and our test results.
Are circulation boosters safe?
Circulation boosters aren't safe for everyone. People with certain medical conditions should not use these devices, including (but not limited to):
- Those with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or anyone who suffers with DVT-like symptoms.
- Those fitted with an electric implant device (such as a pacemaker).
- If you are pregnant.
- If you are undergoing radiotherapy or have recently received radiotherapy.
- If your skin is broken or inflamed.
If you are unsure, or have any concerns, it's important to check with the manufacturer or a health professional first.
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How we test circulation boosters
We shortlisted the most popular and widely available brands from across UK retailers to bring you a comparative test of the main choices.
We then recruited a panel of volunteer testers, seeking out a range of people and ages who had achy legs or circulation complaints.
We worked with our in-house scientific adviser, Alicia, to devise a test that sorts the best from the rest and aims to unpick if the products have any measurable impact on circulation. Each circulation booster is assessed on the following:
Performance
We measure each tester's blood flow, heart rate, and foot temperature before and after using each product to determine whether it had any impact.
We do this by:
- Aiming a Thermagun at the same spot on the same foot before, 15 minutes into, and straight after using the circulation booster to measure the temperature of the foot.
- Fixing a pulse oximeter (which measures blood oxygen levels) to each tester's forefinger before, 15 minutes into and straight after using the circulation booster.
These tests measure the blood flow and circulation in the body, which should show how effective the circulation boosters are.*
*This is not a clinical trial and our testing isn't designed to prove or disprove clinical or health claims made by individual products.
Ease of use
We assess each circulation booster on how intuitive it is to use, how clear the instructions are, and how easy it is to assemble and get working.
The highest scores are those that are the easiest to set up. They are 'plug-in-and-go', whereas some are more complicated, fiddly and slow to charge.
Comfort
Our testers try out each circulation booster and rate how comfortable they are to use, what the pads feel like underfoot and how intense the levels are.
Storage and portability
We assess how heavy each booster is and how effective the handles were for carrying it – some are nice and big and easy to grip, while others are too shallow.
We also check how easy each is to push under a chair, both on a smooth wood-like surface and on carpet.
Updates: To keep the information on this page as up to date as possible, we will regularly revisit the circulation boosters available to ensure we have covered popular models and retest as needed.
We buy all the products we test directly from the shops, just like you would, so you can trust our testing.
Meet our expert
Alicia Day, Scientific Adviser at Which?
Alicia has a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science and an MSc in Sports Performance, so she's well placed to do a deep dive into circulation science.
Alicia has been part of the Which? in-house science team since 2024. In her capacity as scientific adviser, Alicia has advised across projects covering everything from cleaning sprays to running trainers.
At Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.
6 ways to boost your circulation naturally
Even if circulation boosters are suitable for you, they should not be used as a substitute for exercise and movement (where possible) or any prescribed medicine you are taking.
Here are six other lifestyle changes to consider to improve your circulation, as recommended by The British Heart Foundation:
- Move regularly Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (like walking, cycling or swimming) most days of the week. Movement gets your blood flowing and keeps veins healthy.
- Stay hydrated Drinking enough water helps keep blood thin and flowing smoothly. Aim for six to eight glasses a day.
- Eat a balanced diet Focus on heart-healthy foods like leafy greens, berries, oily fish, nuts and wholegrains, which support blood vessel function.
- Elevate your legs Raising your feet above heart level for 15-20 minutes a day can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
- Avoid sitting for too long Stand up, stretch or walk around at least once every hour if you’re desk-bound.
- Wear compression socks These can support healthy blood flow, especially if you’re on your feet a lot or prone to swelling.