Theragun is a household name among fitness enthusiasts. It’s one of the OG massage guns—and one of the best. Therabody as a brand can feel a bit fancy-pants and cavalier, which doesn’t land well with everyone, but no one can make a case for poor production: Therabody makes great tools for percussion massage at home, on the road, or anywhere else you take your Theragun.
These days, there are plenty of massage guns to consider, available in a wide range of styles and price points. However, the various Theragun models continue to be among the most popular options on the market, and for good reason—they’re some of the best massage guns we’ve ever tested.
In this Theragun review, we’ll take a hard look at five of the most popular Theragun models currently available, sharing our honest thoughts and helping you find the right option for your needs.
Our Theragun Review, Summarized
We’ll be looking at a variety of Theragun massagers in this review, and while all have their pros and cons, the Theragun Prime is the best option for most users. It earned a solid 4.2 out of 5 stars overall, and we appreciate its ergonomic design, powerful stall force, and interchangeable heads.
How We Test Massage Guns
Along with stall force, amplitude is one of two key metrics that reflect how much power a given massage gun offers. Amplitude refers to how deeply the massage gun penetrates your muscle, while stall force indicates how much force is required to stop the motor. To earn 3 out of 5 stars, the massage gun is somewhere between 30 and 60 pounds of stall force and 10 to 15 millimeters of amplitude.
Since massage guns are portable, cordless devices, we want to carefully assess the battery life, as the last thing you want is a massage gun that’s constantly running out of juice mid-massage. We also consider how long it takes to charge the battery. For a 3 out of 5, the battery can charge in under an hour, but will only last 2 to 5 hours.
This rating is based on how comfortable a given massage gun is to use, and considers factors like the grip, weight, and any unusual shapes or angles. For a 3-out-of-5-star rating, the gun itself feels comfortable in your hand and is easy to hold, but the weight may leave you feeling tired if you use it for more than 20 minutes.
To accurately rate each massage gun, we use it for multiple sessions, testing the various massage heads, speed settings, battery life, charging time, and more. After thoroughly testing the gun, we use our equipment testing methodology to calculate a final score. We use this to give each product a score of 1 to 5 for a number of important categories, including amplitude, ergonomics, attachments, portability, and more.
The GGR team of expert testers includes certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, triathletes, runners, gym owners, and even an Olympian. We’ve tested plenty of recovery tools over the years, including more than 20 of the most popular massage guns, to find the best options on the market.
We recommend the Theragun Prime as the best overall massage gun for people who want powerful percussion without an exorbitant price tag.
What our tester says:
“The triangular multi-grip handle makes it easy to massage hard-to-reach places compared to the standard single handle on other massage guns.”
What to Know Before You Buy
- Therabody offers a variety of Theragun models to choose from, and prices can range from $219 to more than $500 at the time of writing.
- Do your research. Theraguns are good products, but you might find something that meets your needs for less money.
- The larger models feature a unique triangle design that we enjoy using, but may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Is a Theragun Worth It?
“Is it worth it?” is my favorite question to answer, because unless a product is astronomically horrendous, the answer is always “it depends”—regardless of the brand or product at hand.
With something like Theragun, which comes in a variety of sizes and price points, we think that different models will be worth it to different people. Some may prefer the smaller, more compact options, while those with a larger budget may want to splurge on the larger options.
If you’re interested in a Theragun, keep reading. We’ll take a closer look at each of the five models to help you find the best option for your needs and goals.
Therabody Theragun Comparison
Theragun comes in several different models, which can make choosing the right one a little confusing. To help you out, here’s a table that showcases five of the most popular ones, as well as the important stats like amplitude, speed measured in percussions per minute (PPM), number of speed settings, battery life, and the included attachments.
| Theragun Mini | Theragun Prime | Theragun Sense | Theragun PRO | Theragun PRO Plus | |
| Amplitude | 12 mm | 16 mm | 12 mm | 16 mm | 16 mm |
| Speed range | 1750-2400 PPM | 1750-2400 PPM | 1750-2400 PPM | 1750-2400 PPM | 1750-2400 PPM |
| Number of speed settings | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Battery life | 150 minutes | 120 minutes | 120 minutes | 120 minutes; includes extra battery | 150 minutes; varies by attachment |
| Included attachments | 3 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 7 |
Our Experience Using Theraguns
Our team of expert testers has used just about every Theragun on the market, as well as plenty of other massage guns, too.
Percussive therapy, which is what massage guns offer, has been shown1 to improve short-term range of motion, flexibility, blood flow, and recovery. Many of our staff members regularly use them as part of our training and recovery routines, especially when it comes to relieving muscle pain and soreness after a tough workout.
With Theragun in particular, the ergonomics will be the first thing to catch your eye, thanks to the triangular design features on many of the larger models.
“The Theraguns use a triangle handle, which is awesome,” says Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1. “You can hold the bottom of the triangle for hard-to-hit spots like your upper back, and there’s a nice grippy material on the handle as well that helps with hanging on to the gun for a long time.”
Another unique Theragun feature is the QuietForce technology, which helps minimize the noise level. Massage guns can be loud, and when you’re working your traps or shoulders, you may not want the buzzing in your ear.
Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC, says, “At its highest settings, this gun will produce noise, but I was pleasantly surprised by how the QuietForce technology reduces the amount of noise.”
We didn’t test the Theragun Prime Plus or Theragun Relief, but we have no doubt they’re also great, too, based on our extensive testing with the other models.
Best Theraguns
- Best Theragun Overall – Theragun Prime
- Best Small Theragun – Theragun Mini
- Best Gentle Theragun – Theragun Sense
- Best Commercial-Quality Theragun – Theragun PRO Plus
- Best Theragun for Athletes – Theragun Pro
Best Theragun Overall: Theragun Prime
- Ergonomic, triangular handle
- 30 lbs of stall force
- Dampener & Standard Ball attachments included
The Theragun Prime is the best option for most users, and one of the best massage guns we’ve ever tested. It replaces the now-discontinued Theragun Elite and features the famous triangular handle that we’ve come to love. I give the handle 5 out of 5 stars for ergonomics.
It’s a bit larger than other models, but only weighs 32 ounces, or 2 pounds, making it quite comfortable to use for extended periods. However, even though it’s larger than other Theragun models, the battery only lasts about 120 minutes.
This is plenty for most users, and most users won’t need to charge it more than once a week or so, but it has the same life as the compact Theragun Mini. I’d expect a longer battery life from a larger unit, so I only give it 3 out of 5 stars for the battery.
Despite that, the Prime still packs a punch, and earns 4 out of 5 stars for amplitude and stall force, with a 30-pound stall force and an amplitude of 16 millimeters. Even though it’s not exactly cheap, we think it’s well worth the money, and the best Theragun overall.
Best Small Theragun: Theragun Mini
- Compact, lightweight design
- Softshell carrying case included
- 120-minute battery life
For those short on space or working with a limited budget, we recommend the Theragun Mini, one of our favorite mini massage guns. Don’t let the small size fool you; this lightweight unit packs a punch and earns 5 out of 5 stars for amplitude and stall force.
Our product tester, Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, also gave it a strong 5-out-of-5-star rating for its ergonomics.
“I love the size of this,” she explains. “It’s easy to grip and maneuver, and because it only weighs 1.5 lbs, you don’t get tired from holding it after a few minutes.”
Even the battery life is surprisingly good, despite this being such a compact unit. Nicole noted that it lasts about 120 minutes and fully charges in under an hour, which we’re happy to see. It’s not quite as long-lasting as larger models, so it only earns 3 out of 5 stars for the battery life, but this is still impressive for such a compact unit.
With a price tag of about $220, it’s not cheap, but for those looking for a well-built, powerful massage option that’s lightweight and portable, this is definitely worth considering.
RELATED: Best Budget Massage Guns
Best Gentle Theragun: Theragun Sense
- Connects to Therabody app for guided sessions
- 12-mm amplitude
- Compact and ergonomic
If you’re not looking for a painful massage experience and prefer to take a more relaxing approach to your wellness and recovery, look no further than the Theragun Sense. This smart massage gun is built for stress relief and uses Bluetooth connectivity to pair with the Therabody app for guided massage routines, which are also displayed on the built-in OLED screen.
The Sense also includes two attachment heads to choose from, which our tester rated 4 out of 5 stars, saying, “Each attachment is made of high-quality polyurethane and silicone, which makes for a comfortable attachment that’s also water-resistant.”
For amplitude and stall force, this gun only earns 3.5 out of 5 stars, but that’s a good thing, as it’s not meant to deliver the most powerful massage experience. The 12-millimeter amplitude is enough to loosen sore, tight muscles, without causing excessive pain.
Finally, we love the compact design, which earned 5 out of 5 for ergonomics from our tester. “I like the compact design; it’s very comfortable to hold,” she says. “The triangular shape of the handle allows you to hold it in different ways to get the right angle to access different parts of your body.”
For more, be sure to read our complete Theragun Sense review.
Best Commercial-Quality Theragun: Theragun PRO Plus
- Offers heat and massage therapy
- Powerful 16-mm amplitude
- Near-infrared LED light therapy enhances recovery
If you want to splurge, the Theragun PRO Plus is the most expensive model you can choose. It features plenty of upgraded features to justify the price, but you’ll want to make sure you’ll actually use those features before spending this much.
As for the massage itself, the PRO Plus is very strong as you may expect, earning 5 out of 5 stars for amplitude and stall force. “The 60 pounds of stall force is MORE than enough for even bigger-bodied athletes like me,” says Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC. “This thing has plenty of power for deep muscle penetration.”
We also love the attachments, which also earn 5 out of 5 stars. It features seven options in total, including the standard ball, dampener, thumb, wedge, and micro-point, as well as vibration attachment and heat therapy attachment. If that’s not enough for you, the body of the gun features a near-infrared LED light, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of red light therapy.
The only real drawback is the price, which is $649 at the time of writing. Stephen gave it 3.5 out of 5 for value, saying, “This is definitely not something that the casual user would need, but serious athletes who care about their recovery can benefit from this type of investment.”
Best Theragun for Athletes: Theragun PRO
- 60 lbs of stall force
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- 6 massage attachments included
If you want the most powerful massage experience Theragun offers, but don’t want to spend extra for the heat or red light therapy, we recommend the Theragun PRO. It earns 5 out of 5 stars for amplitude and stall force, making it a great choice for elite athletes, like Olympian and expert product tester Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1.
“With 60 pounds of stall force, this motor gets going and stays going,” says Caine. “The amplitude is 16 millimeters, which hits the muscles deep, unlike other massage guns I’ve used. For my size, I need something a little more high-powered like this.”
Caine was also impressed with the powerful battery life, which also earns a 5 out of 5. He said, “A battery lasts 2.5 hours, and this comes with two batteries, so you’re looking at 5 hours of battery. In my use.”
The only real drawback is the portability, which earns 3 out of 5 stars, as this is somewhat bulky compared to more compact options. For those on the go, it’s worth considering a smaller option, like the Theragun Mini, which comes with a smaller case.
“This is pretty bulky,” says Caine. “I usually opt for the Theragun Mini when I’m traveling, as the Pro case is just big and would take up half my suitcase.”
Theragun Customer Reviews
Overall, Theragun products tend to receive very positive customer reviews on both the Therabody site and third-party sellers like Amazon. People appreciate the ergonomics and powerful massage, though some note that the battery life could be better.
Theragun Vs
Theragun certainly isn’t the only massage gun worth checking out, so to help you find the right option for your needs, let’s compare it to a few competitors.
To start, we have to mention the Hyperice Hypervolt, Theragun’s strongest competitor, at least when it comes to brand recognition. It’s another high-end option, though slightly more affordable, that offers five percussion speeds, a built-in pressure sensor, and extended battery life.
However, the design feels a bit more clunky, and the amplitude is only 12 mm, so it doesn’t feel quite as intense as most Theragun models. Still, it’s a good choice for those on a budget, and you can learn more in our Hyperice Hypervolt Review.
If your primary concern is the cost, we also really like the Bob & Brad line of massage guns. Similar to Theragun, there are quite a few models available, including a variety of shapes, sizes, and attachment options. As you’d expect from a budget option, most of the Bob & Brad guns we’ve tested aren’t as strong.
For example, the Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun has an amplitude of 7 millimeters, while the weakest Theragun has an amplitude of 12 millimeters. That said, they’re significantly more affordable, and if you don’t need the most powerful machine on the market, they’re a great choice for those on a tighter budget.
We also break down the differences between the Theragun PRO and the Bob & Brad D6 massage guns in the video below.
| Theragun Mini | Theragun Prime | Theragun Sense | Theragun PRO Plus | Hyperice Hypervolt 3 | Bob & Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun | |
| Amplitude | 12 mm | 16 mm | 12 mm | 16 mm | 12 mm | 7 mm |
| Speed range | 1750-2400 PPM | 1750-2400 PPM | 1750-2400 PPM | 1750-2400 PPM | 1500-2500 RPM | 1800-3000 RPM |
| Number of speed settings | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Battery life | 150 minutes | 120 minutes | 120 minutes | 150 minutes; varies by attachment | Up to 240 minutes | Not disclosed |
| Included attachments | 3 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
Final Verdict of Our Theragun Review
Overall, we’ve been very impressed with every Theragun we’ve tested, and we can confidently recommend them to anyone willing to invest in their recovery. Sure, they’re a little pricey compared to other options, but you can feel the quality when you use them, whether that’s the ergonomic handle or powerful motor.
Those on a budget may want to choose something else, but if you’re willing to spend a little more on what we think is the best massage gun on the market, you can’t go wrong with any of the Theragun models.
- Most Theragun models include a carrying case, though on the larger models, the case can be a bit bulky and heavy.
- The battery life is good, but not great, with Theragun, but you’ll still get at least 120 minutes of use out of each model.
- We absolutely love the triangular, ergonomic handle, but if you prefer a more traditional massage gun shape, you may want to choose something else.
Theragun Review: FAQs
Are Theraguns actually effective?
Yes. Percussive massage devices, like the Theragun, have been shown1 to support mobility, flexibility, and improve recovery between tough workouts, and Theragun makes some of the best massage guns on the market. Many use them for pain relief or to help loosen up stiff, tight muscles.
Is it worth getting a Theragun?
We think Theragun makes the best massage guns on the market, which is why they’re used by physical therapists and chiropractors, but they’re not cheap. If you’re shopping on a budget, there are other affordable options to consider, and many of the alternatives provide similar benefits.
Does Theragun loosen muscles?
Yes, the vibration therapy provided by a Theragun can help relax muscles, improving mobility and flexibility. It’s temporary, not a permanent fix, so this is a great tool to help you warm up before a challenging workout, or if you’re noticing tight, stiff muscles throughout the day.
References
- Ferreira, R. M., Silva, R., Vigário, P., Martins, P. N., Casanova, F., Fernandes, R. J., & Sampaio, A. R. (2023). The Effects of Massage Guns on Performance and Recovery: A Systematic Review. Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology, 8(3), 138. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030138
