What started as a Jet Fun company has now become a legitimate player in the fitness market. From powerful Jet Fans to skin care devices to massage guns, KiCA is a brand that can go shoulder to shoulder with the best of them.

And their massage guns are no exception. We will review not only the full-size version but also its mini version, which are currently available on the market, and find out if they suit your needs and style. Read on!

Spoiler alert: The KiCA Evo comes with a convenient hot therapy massage gun attachment!

KiCA Evo Massage Gun Review

We’re going to review the:

• KiCA Evo,
• and KiCA Evo Mini massage guns.

Check out how they differ from each other and see which one best suits your massage preferences.

KiCA Massage Gun – Specifications

Features	KiCA Evo	KiCA Evo Mini
Strenghts	• Telescopic handle. • Hot therapy head. • Rotation arm with 5 positions.	• Slim long reach handle. • Foldable 90° arm. • Light and gentle massage.
Stall Force	22 lbs	15 lbs
Stroke Length	12mm	7mm
Percussions	1200-3200 rpm	1200-3200 rpm
# Speeds	Variable	Variable
Attachments	6 (1 hot head)	4 + 1 fixed head
Noise	30-40 dB	30-45 dB
Battery life	2-3 hours?	2-3 hours?
Weight	1.52 lbs	0.74 lbs
Retail Price	$149 $99	$89 $65
KiCA Coupon:	Save 25% with this code: MGAKICA25	Save 25% with this code MGAKICA25

Unboxing the KiCA Evo – Video Review

KiCA Evo Massage Gun Review and Mini version

The KiCA Evo massage gun model comes in two different sizes, and we agree that this is quite a neat idea. We’re referring to the full-size and the mini models. Let’s talk more about them.

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What’s in the KiCA Evo Box?

The box itself has a good weight to it. At that moment, we knew it was going to be a good massage gun, not a toy. As we opened it and removed some of the protective plastic, these contents were revealed:

1. Packing box (storage),
2. The KiCA Evo,
3. a USB-C cable charger,
4. a product manual,
5. 6 massage gun heads,
6. and a travel pouch, which we think that brand could improve on, as it’s not the most convenient container for the devices to travel with.

KiCA Evo Design: 3 Rare but Useful Features

One significant aesthetic advantage of the KiCA Evo massage gun is that its handle and head are made of aluminum, with the rest of the device featuring a nice matte plastic finish. In contrast, other massage gun brands often prefer to use plastic.

The aircraft-grade aluminum ensures durability, and since the telescopic handle is made of it, most of the weight is concentrated on the head side.

The weight distribution is crucial because a device shouldn’t be so light that you have to press it hard to feel the massage, or so heavy that holding it for a while makes your wrist tired.

Aesthetically, these massage guns look sleek and stylish, featuring a simple interface with three LEDs to indicate the speed level range, a slide speed button, a power button, and a charging port all in one place. It is a one-click control unit, as massage guns should be.

Massage gun with extended handle

One ingenious feature of the KiCA Evo is its Telescoping handle. With a gentle clockwise twist, the handle is unlocked, allowing you to pull it as far as 3.54 in (or 9 cm), and lock it in place with an anti-clockwise turn.

With the extended handle, you can easily reach the back muscles or the calves without much effort.

This makes it ideal for individuals with limited shoulder mobility or those who frequently train alone and require self-treatment of hard-to-reach areas. The added length also provides better leverage, which can enhance pressure control during use.

Rotating massage gun

But that’s not all! The second feature of the KiCA Evo is its head rotation, which can be locked in four positions, ranging from 0 to 113 degrees. This helps you position the massage head correctly on areas that are difficult to reach without requiring an uncomfortable hand position.

This flexibility not only enhances comfort during use but also enables more precise targeting of specific muscle groups. Whether you’re working on your lower back, hamstrings, or shoulders, adjusting the angle means less wrist strain and better control.

It’s especially helpful for users with a limited range of motion or those managing repetitive stress injuries.

Heated Massage Gun

Yes, you’ve read it correctly. The KiCA Evo massage gun has a flat attachment that can be used with or without heat. The heating plate can reach up to 40°C (104°F).

You can check our article on our choice of heated massage guns.

But why would you want a massage gun with heat?

A massage gun with heat therapy offers several advantages over standard models, particularly in enhancing muscle recovery, alleviating pain, and improving mobility. Here’s why someone might want a massage gun with heat:

Incremental muscle relaxation

The heat promotes blood circulation to the muscle area, helping them loosen up faster. And it is a more soothing and relaxing massage. These speed up post-workout recovery, which means you’ll be ready sooner for the next training session. When combined with percussive therapy, it:

• Reduces muscle stiffness more quickly
• Prepares muscles for stretching or movement
• Eases tension in deeper tissue layers

Muscle warm-ups

Before a workout or physical activity, applying heat with percussion helps:

• Improve flexibility
• Activate the muscle groups being targeted
• Reduce the risk of strain or injury

Treatment for chronic muscle pain

People with chronic pain (e.g., fibromyalgia, arthritis, lower back tightness) often benefit from heat. When paired with gentle massage:

• It soothes nerves
• Improves circulation in problem areas
• May help reduce inflammation indirectly

Saves Time with Dual Therapy

Using a massage gun with heat means:

• No need for a separate heating pad or warm-up tool
• You get two therapies in one, simultaneously
• Ideal for busy people or athletes during short recovery sessions

Psychological Comfort

Heat is calming, soothing. When combined with massage, it:

• Helps relieve stress
• Encourages parasympathetic nervous system response (rest-and-digest mode)
• Can support better sleep if used at night

One significant aspect of these KiCA massage guns is that they are designed for USB-C charging. As we all know, USB-C supports fast charging, which is very desirable for massage guns, as we often want our unit ready right away for a nice, relaxing massage session. 

The brand boasts 12 hours of battery life for both the KiCA Evo and the mini. However, please note that this runtime is theoretical, achieved when the unit is at the slowest possible speed setting and without a load.

If you use your massage gun at varying speeds, from the weakest to the strongest, then it can be reasonably assumed that the unit’s battery life will last approximately 2 to 3 hours.

KiCA Evo Attachments

Aside from the KiCA massage gun, the package includes six different attachments, also known as massage heads. These massage heads make sure that you can effectively reach and massage all muscle groups in your body, as well as your joints.

Bullet head:
For use in foot therapy, on palms, trigger points, and deep tissue massage. It is made of rigid, hard plastic to intensify the massage experience.

Large ball head:
It can be used on most large muscle groups, including your back, arms, and hips. It is made of EVA foam, which provides a medium intensity.

A flat head:
Suitable for overall body relaxation massage, this attachment provides a harder massage than the ball attachment. The same can be used for heat therapy when selecting mode 2 (M2) on the KiCA Evo.

Wedge attachment:
For treating long, flat muscles, such as the IT bands and the chest. It is made of hard plastic, allowing you to sweep muscles and lymph fluids more effectively.

Cushion head:
Excellent for gently massaging muscles in bony areas or sore spots. It is made of soft rubber.

U-shaped head:
For muscles or joints with difficult angles, you use the fork to massage them efficiently. It is made of hard plastic for improved impact.

KiCA Evo Massage Gun Performance

All right, let’s talk about the KiCA Evo’s performance. This muscle massager gun is ideal for a nice, relaxing massage or a semi-intensive massage.

With a stall force of approximately 45 lbf (20 kgf) and an amplitude of about 12 mm, this unit is ideal for relieving sore muscles, chronic body pain, or post-workout massage. And the good thing is that it can’t be stalled at high speeds, unless using an immense force, which you wouldn’t need on your muscles!

This sports massager may not require a higher amplitude to provide a deep muscle massage therapy or deeper tissue penetration, due to its high 3200 RPM, but it requires some pressure.

We noticed that, due to its lightweight nature, more pressure must be applied to achieve a more intense massage. Other slightly heavier massage guns (e.g., Ekrin Kestrel) have better weight distribution, which focuses on the head of the massage gun, allowing you to glide it over a muscle instead of applying more force (or, jump to the “Massage Gun Alternative” section).

However, if you prefer a more percussive therapy, then you’d be better off looking for units that possess an amplitude above 13mm with a stall force above 40 to 60 lbs.

KiCA Evo Massage Gun | Speeds

The KiCA Evo massage gun features a variable speed sliding button, so it doesn’t have 4 or 5 preset speeds. Beside the sliding button, 3 LEDs indicate the high, medium, or low-speed range. Pair up any speed with the massage heads, and you might find some surprising settings that you’d like.

It can operate at a range of 1200 to 3200 RPM, allowing you to choose the intensity of your massage therapy, from more percussive to a more vibrational therapy.

KiCA Evo Noise-Level

This foldable massage gun operates at relatively low noise levels. Due to its compact design, it emits only about 30 dB or less at minimum speed and up to 40 dB at top speed, making it suitable for public use, such as in your office or at the gym, without disturbing others.

The low noise emitted is achieved thanks to the insulation technology used by FeiyuTech, the medium stroke length (12mm amplitude), and its powerful brushless electric motor.

However, the maximum noise any massage gun emits increases when using a flat attachment that comes into direct contact with the skin (like a slpa noise).

KiCA Mini Massage Gun Review: The Evo Mini

The KiCA mini massage gun is a lightweight device from the FeiyuTech brand, featuring a foldable design with a rotating 90-degree head and incorporating soft silicone attachments. It is a more gentle muscle massager than the full-size KiCA Evo.

You may bring the KiCA Evo mini with you, as it is lightweight and compact while leaving the full-size model at home. This way, if your mini runs out of battery, you have something to use at home right away. 

It’s also a more affordable device, and it’s a welcome improvement for those seeking a more relaxing and vibrational massage on hard-to-reach areas, thanks to its long handle.

What’s in the Box?

It comes in a travel case to store the Feiyutech mini, which is foldable, the 4 attachments, the USB-C cable, and the product manual.

Mini Evo Features 

This is where the KiCA Evo mini differs from its larger Evo gun model.

This mini definitely has a more gentle power approach with approximately a maximum of 10 lbs of stall force combined with a 7.7mm amplitude. 

Its gentle motor has a variable speed range from 1200 RPM to 3000 RPM, which is adjusted with a sliding button.

We noticed that the no-stall force is low when at slow speeds and increases when at higher speeds.

This, together with 4 soft silicone heads, provides a safe and gentle massage. One of the attachments can be used on the skull while another one can be used for facial massages. Therefore, the gentle nature of this KiCA mini.

The long, spiky silicone head feels nice on the skull, and the one with micro spikes (for the face), both feel great at the highest speed.

But if you want to go harder, if no silicone head is used, there is a permanent metallic flat head that intensifies the massage therapy.

The KiCA mini massage gun features a decent battery quality. It can run for approximately a week if used for 20 minutes a day. In theory, when at minimum speed and with no load, the battery is fully discharged after 11 hours.

Conveniently, it can be charged using the included USB-C cable within a couple of hours.

Design and Build

The KiCA Evo mini differs from other KiCA mini massage guns in terms of body design and construction. This time, the Evo mini is made of hard plastic, which makes it relatively lightweight, weighing only 366 g (0.81 lbs).

The Evo mini massage gun has a longer handle than any other mini model. It also has a head that rotates up to 90 degrees and locks in 4 positions, which is very useful for people struggling to reach muscles on their back or, for example, the calves.

As an entry-level massage gun, its design is straightforward, featuring two buttons for easy operation. The body is made of quality plastic, and a metallic wheel on the rotation arm gives it a nicer finish than if it were entirely plastic.

This mini would be perfect for petite people and seniors seeking an anytime relaxation massage at home. But for a proper deep tissue massage, look for more powerful muscle massagers.

Noise-level

This mini massager doesn’t operate more silently than the larger foldable massage gun model. We measured a noise range between 30 and 44 dB, depending on the intensity level.

However, we noticed a rattling noise coming from inside where the moving parts reside, which increases the noise perception.

Who are KiCA Evo Mini Massage Guns for?

If you have dense muscles, you will likely need more intense massages, so these units may not be suitable for you. While the brand advertised it for gym-goers, people sitting for long hours, those with lower back pain, and individuals with low muscle mass density, we think athletes would appreciate a more robust muscle massager for deep fascia massage.

If you’re a serious bodybuilder or weightlifter, then this isn’t the massage gun for your post-workout massages. In that case, you’d be better off looking at the Theragun Pro, the Ekrin Kestrel, or a Theragun-like option, such as the Bob and Brad D6 Pro.

The audience this KiCA mini is targeting is for people seeking a gentle vibrational therapy that relaxes them with minimal noise disturbance.

Best Massage Gun Alternatives

Here are two massage guns that we think are not only the KiCA’s toughest competition but also good alternatives.

These two units will provide you with a better perspective on how the KiCA Evo massage guns compare to the competition.

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Bob and Brad X6 Pro Max

We like this Bob and Brad massage gun because it features:

• A long rubberized handle,
• It is well balanced,
• A decent stall force,
• An attachment for hot and cold therapy, and
• It has a slightly heavier head, which means you don’t need to apply as much pressure to your muscles to achieve a more intense massage.

You’ll be surprised that this muscle massager offers a strong stall force with a whopping ~45 pounds. It is not easy to stall it on purpose.

It has a shorter amplitude than the KiCA Evo of 12mm, though, and the build quality is great, as is that of the Bob and Brad massage guns.

This sports massager comes with 6 similar attachments in a sturdy travel case, rather than a bag, as seen on the KiCA Evo. One of the attachments provides both hot and cold therapy and must be charged separately. Another one is a metal head that adds intensity to your massage.

The hot temperature settings are 113°F (45°C) and 102°F (40°C), while the cold settings are 59°F (15°C) and 50°F (10 °C).

The X6 Pro Max massage gun is an affordable option, within the same price range as the KiCA Evo, whether it’s discounted or not.

Backed by a one-year warranty, it is a powerful option at a low price point of under $159.99. Still, you can get it for $20 or $30 cheaper when using our links.

Get Now

Ekrin Bantam

The Ekrim Bantam is one of the best entry-level massage guns there is in terms of overall quality. Its build is superb and guaranteed to be durable, plus its design is very ergonomic. 

This Ekrin has a theoretical battery life of 6 hours, which can range from 2 to 3 hours depending on the mode and load. However, its biggest strength is that it’s more travel-friendly and compact than any mini massager on the market. At only 1.1 pounds, you may take it anywhere and use it anytime.

Don’t worry about power, for it comes with 35 pounds of stall force and ~9mm stroke length or amplitude. It also comes with a solid travel case, 4 attachments, and a lifetime warranty.

So, if you’re looking for a valuable and affordable massage gun that you can take with you anywhere, then perhaps consider the Ekrin Bantam.

Find out more at ekrinathletics.com

KiCA Evo Massage Gun Review – the Bottom Line

The FeiyuTech brand ensures that it produces products catering to everyone’s preferences. Although they aren’t the most well-known massage guns, their devices are more than just desirable for their endurance and consistency. 

Wrapping up our KiCA Evo massage gun review, if you’re looking for a nice, relaxing massage with or without soothing heat after a hard day’s work, then the KiCA Evo massage gun is for you.

Suppose your mobility is limited for any reason. In that case, the KiCA Evo’s telescopic handle will be convenient, as you will be able to reach muscles on your back or those at the bottom of your legs.

Take a second look and treat yourself now! You will thank us later!

Our Verdict

The KiCA Evo is a reasonably priced and effective massage gun for individuals seeking heated massages, as well as a long telescopic handle to reach hard-to-reach body parts. It features a medium amplitude with an impressive speed range and even better no-stall force than other massage guns.

The handle diameter could be larger to provide a more comfortable grip, and could have some rubber/silicone for an improved grip. In our opinion, it could be slightly heavier at the percussion head, allowing the weight to intensify a deep tissue massage without requiring much force.

It is a high-quality, durable, and nicely designed product that features meet expectations and is powerful enough to treat those sore muscles and body aches.

The KiCA EVO mini massage gun is a gentle device suitable for a petite individual seeking relaxation therapy. It’s light-weight, with a rotating head and a conveniently long handle to reach muscles on the back or the lower legs. We also like the gentle, soft-silicone massage gun attachments.

These KiCA Evo massage guns are great for personal use at home. They will be perfect for office workers, anyone who spends their day in front of a computer, those suffering from chronic body pain, or the casual gym-goer. They’re ideal for bringing to your workplace for quick massage sessions during breaks.

These two Feiyutech KiCA massage guns are more vibrational than percussive. Still, the full-size KiCA Evo can provide a more effective deep tissue massage when using the bullet head and applying moderate to firm pressure.

Their retail prices are very accessible for what they offer, and with our KiCA discount coupon ‘MGAKICA25‘, you can receive 25% off. As it stands, it’s a decent buy, and you won’t regret it for sure.

Please note that when you buy now, you receive a 1-year warranty on any KiCA massage gun. They are currently, as of writing, offering some huge discounts that you may take advantage of.

Indeed, the answer isn’t as straightforward as one might assume. However, from our experience, we are preatty sure that expensive massage guns consistently outperform their cheaper counterparts in every possible way. This doesn’t just boil down to durability or features; it’s about the overall quality, effectiveness, and user satisfaction that premium models offer.

To thoroughly address the questions and our statment, we’ve crafted a blog covering multiple facets:

Let’s start with the real questions people ask…

The Real People Questions

Here’s a topic from the Reddit MassageGuns forum by a user named Luca_000. He poses three well-thought-out and reasonable questions:

• Can cheap massage guns (under 100) perform similar to expensive ones?
• Are we just paying for the brand?
• How much better/worse can they be?

So, let me answer these questions straight away, and then I’ll also give you a deeper, insider view, including two examples of massage guns: one from the budget-friendly category and the other representing the high-end market, all detailed just below here.

Our Take

So, does all of this mean there are no good cheap massage guns, or that you have to pay $300+ for one that meets your needs? Absolutely not. We have found some cheap (but still good) options here, as well as some best-value guns (here) that won’t strain your budget. However, it’s worth noting these are rare finds, akin to hidden gems.

Now, let’s explore today’s topic more to clear up any questions about the devices we’re talking about.

The Playground

Since there are already hundreds of massage guns and massage gun reviews, both here at our blog and elsewhere, we opted to spotlight two, probably mainstream guns, to examine. We chose:

• FitRX -The quintessential People’s Champion, priced at around $40, and readily available on platforms like Amazon, Walmart, Costco, and possibly your local store. Full review here.
• Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro – The Elite, The Royalty! An expensive model retailing at about $329. A heavyweight in the industry, even endorsed by the likes of LeBron James. Full review here.

We already have detailed reviews, where we carefully examine the key aspects of these two, such as design, specs verification, and performance tests – as we always do. So if you need more background, feel free to jump to those reviews.

Here, we will use these two models to represent our categories: FitRX as the ‘cheap’ and Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro as the ‘expensive’ massage gun choice.

To be even more precise and fact-checked, we dismantled both devices to take a deep and careful look at the inner workings of both FitRX and Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro. Spoiler alert: The pricier model looks the part. 

Massage Experience First

Okay, let’s remind ourselves of the questions: Cheap massage gun vs expensive one, which one works best? Can an under $100 gun do the same job as a Hypervolt or Theragun?

We used the two massage guns on ourselves side by side, and it’s clear that Hypervolt 2 Pro does a better job straight away.

Why?

First, it’s the important things that matter. Hypervolt has a lot more power and a longer stroke length. These are aspects that cannot be ignored if you care for a robust massage experience. 

FitRX stops revving with the slightest press against the body. Hypervolt 2 Pro keeps working even under pressure. This isn’t to say that Hypervolt 2 Pro is the best massage gun out there. No, there are way better devices. 

That aside, in the numbers game, it’s Hypervolt 2 Pro flexing like Thanos against FitRX, the Avenger’s underdog (cue debate on the weakest Avenger). Hypervolt 2 Pro boasts a 14mm amplitude and a robust 35lbs. stall force. Meanwhile, FitRX throws in a modest 6mm amplitude and no more than 15lbs. stall force. It’s a showdown of muscle metrics – clear as day!

FitRX flaunts a stellar RPM range, but let’s not get swayed by marketing hype. When you peek at the top number, it’s around 2800 RPM – shockingly similar to Hypervolt 2 Pro’s. Numbers don’t lie, folks!

FitRX may have a few surface-level wins, but Hypervolt seems to breeze past some details. The rubber on FitRX’s handle screams poor quality, the sound might be more irritating than a catchy jingle, the battery seems to whimper, and oh, the absence of a soft attachment is a head-scratcher. The cons keep piling up on FitRX’s doorstep. 

Hold your horses, folks! Before we jump to conclusions, let’s crack open these two guns and see where the above difference really comes from.

Inside the Cheap and Expensive Massage Guns

Before we disassembled the two guns, we did a little research (not that we didn’t know, but it helps to be sure; after all, we are engineers by education). We thought of the ease of Disassembly Metric (eDiM).

We won’t bore you with all the details, but it suffices to say that this is a phenomenon that argues that if you can effortlessly take a product apart, then you can also easily repair it or repurpose the parts, just in case it hits a point of no return. 

We started with the Hypervolt 2 Pro, and the disassembly was a breeze. Take a peek, and you’ll notice everything snugly fitting together.

Now, when we turned our attention to FitRX, it was a different story – things fell apart, quite literally! We even managed to break the engine mount. That’s a loud and clear message: assembly quality concerns all the way!

Putting the broken bits aside, our dissection uncovered two glaring realities:

• A vast expanse of emptiness inside, and –
• A sea of cheap plastic greeted our (not) perplexed eyes.

The pricier Hypervolt 2 Pro doesn’t disappoint in the aesthetics department. The critical components, viewed from the gun’s construction angle – think flywheel or engine mount – boast a sturdy foundation crafted from heavy cast metal. Neat and robust, the Pro means business!

Our keen eyes caught a few more details. The abundance of electrical components hints at enhanced functionality and superior battery management during charging.

Noise reduction got a nod too – like the felt ring encircling the massager head mount. And to keep things cool, there are components strategically placed to whisk away excess heat from the gun’s engine. It’s not just a massage gun; it’s a symphony of thoughtful engineering.

Features also Matter

While FitRX champions simplicity – a trait we usually adore – let’s pause for a moment. In 2024, an On/Off button and a mere 6-speed setting on a massage gun might feel a tad Stone Age. Simplicity is fantastic, but in the world of massage guns, it’s time to usher in the era of more advanced features!

We get it; flashy OLEDs and auto-therapy suggestions might not be your jam; sometimes, they’re overkill. But here’s the crux: opting for the absolute cheapest option isn’t the goal. You want a massager that does more than just exist; you want one that enhances your well-being. Throwing in a few extra dollars isn’t merely spending; it’s an investment in yourself, securing a device that’s not only better but packed with features that make every dollar count.

Dropping $300 on the Hypervolt 2 Pro might not be the golden ticket. Around $150 can secure a device that ticks all the crucial boxes. If you’re curious about some stellar examples, our best massage gun guide spills the beans (spoiler: Ekrin B37 might just steal the spotlight). It’s about finding that sweet spot between simplicity and sophistication! 

Long-lasting and Warranty

True, no mechanical device lasts forever, and that’s the great equalizer. However, when it comes to taking chances, we’re leaning towards the Hypervolt 2 Pro and its robust components over the cheap and fragile FitRX. Quality over frailty, any day!

Again, consider this twist – both devices boast a 12-month warranty. However, the Hypervolt 2 Pro hails from a reputable brand (and here are more of them we know), ensuring you can reach out anytime for support. Meanwhile, FitRX, a no-name brand with zero US representation, hint! Hint! Brand trust matters!

Quick Tip While you likely already know, it’s worth mentioning that some superior brands like Ekrin and Lifepro have your back with a lifetime warranty. Now that’s a warranty to write home about!

Brand Factor

The burning question – are we just paying for the brand? The verdict: No.

As we’ve seen, it’s not merely about the logo on the massage gun; there’s a whole world of construction, components, and quality that fuels this debate. The brand is just the tip of the massage gun iceberg!

We know that the top-tier brands invest heavily in R&D, marketing, and support – factors that inevitably influence the price of their devices. It’s a meticulously calculated and balanced process where what you pay is a reflection of the dedication to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. We cover this aspect in our ‘Are Massage Guns Worth It?‘ post.

On the flip side, manufacturers of budget massage guns often resort to a Ctrl + C/V approach, mimicking features from the big players and selling it to unsuspecting customers. TIP: It’s worth taking a closer look here at what other marketing tactics these brands employ to break through with their products.

Case in point: Notice how FitRX bears a striking resemblance to Ekrin B37? Not only that, they tend to overpromise and underdeliver on the crucial aspects of a massage gun. Buyer beware!

So, which way should I go? You may ask.

As we’ve always emphasized, it boils down to your needs.

Identify the features that resonate with you and figure out how much you’re willing to invest. It’s about finding the perfect balance – just the right features for just the right amount. Your ideal massage gun should cater to your needs without breaking the bank. 

In our experience, devices in the ballpark of $150 or more tend to hit the sweet spot. It’s a price range where you can seldom go wrong. Quality often aligns with the investment in this zone!

Conclusion

So, cheap vs. expensive massage gun, which one works best?

The quick answer: It’s worth investing more than $40 if you’re serious about the experience. While top-of-the-range guns may be overkill (think Theragun Pro or Hypervolt 2 Pro), enduring the limitations of a cheap device isn’t a joy either.

The sweet spot lies in the mid-range – where you get quality specs, fantastic features, a reputable brand, and a solid warranty. It’s the Goldilocks zone for massage guns!

Do you agree with us? What’s your point of view? Let us know in the comments below or on our social media, such as the Facebook Group Massage Gun Talk, where we are open to discussing it.

In this Hypervolt comparison post, we will answer the question of which Hyperice massage gun to choose, assuming you have a rough idea of your needs (but no stress, we’re here to help clarify!).

But don’t expect us to tell you, “Which Hypervolt is best?” because it doesn’t work that way. Each of the three Hyperice massage guns is crafted with a specific user in mind. Each Hypervolt has its own arena where it outshines the rest.

The Hypervolt Hype – What’s the Buzz?

Why does Hypervolt echo so prominently in massage guns, you ask?

• Well, they were one of the trailblazers. Alongside Theragun, Hypervolt, with their original Hypervolt percussive massage gun, helped carve the niche, and their legendary tussles still heat discussion boards and comment sections to this day.
• Hyperice, the company behind Hypervolt, isn’t just a brand—it’s a statement in the world of sports recovery. Beyond massage guns, their lineup includes quality recovery products like compression wear, fitness rollers, and more.
• Located in the USA, Hyperice designs and services its gear stateside, ensuring quality and innovation. However, here is a little insider info—the manufacturing happens overseas. But don’t be swayed; the brand’s commitment to excellence remains unshaken.
• The brand’s marketing strength is evident. Collaborating with famous athletes like NBA star Ja Morant and figures at the intersection of sports and showbiz, they’ve solidified the #TeamHyperice movement, making their presence unmissable.

Hypervolt Comparison: Massage Guns And Specifications

Let’s jump right into an overview of these percussive massage guns. And we promise we won’t keep you long—just the essentials and key info you need. Why? There are two reasons.

First, we’re betting you’re not a total newbie to these muscle massagers. You’ve likely done a little homework (if not, you may start here), and now, you’re on the hunt for insights and specifics – the lowdown from folks who’ve tested all three Hypervolts. If that sounds about right, you’ve landed in the perfect spot. We’ve had each model in our grips and tested them.

And if you’re the type who loves the nitty-gritty details, we’ve got you covered. Each Hyper volt model has its in-depth massage gun review on our site. So, if you’re up for a deep dive, make yourself a coffee and take a look!

Hypervolt Comparison: Specs Table

This table presents each Hypervolt model’s key specifications, including our tested and measured values (learn how we do that here), for a detailed, easy-to-view comparison.

Feature	Hypervolt 2.0 Pro	Hypervolt 2	Hypervolt Go 2
Stall Force * (motor power)	~35 lbs (90 W)	~25 lbs (60 W)	<15 lbs (40 W)
Stroke Length ** (advertised)	13.98 mm (14 mm)	12.07 mm (12 mm)	9.98 mm (10 mm)
Percussion Range ** (advertised)	1600 – 2700 RPM (1700 – 2700 RPM)	2000 – 2700 RPM	2200 – 3200RPM
Battery Life	3 hours	3 hours	2.5 hours
Noise **	56-66 dB	53-64 dB	48-55 dB
Weight **	2.6 lbs	1.8 lbs	1.57 lbs
Speed Options	5	3	3
Number of Attachments	5	5	2
Bluetooth + App	Yes	Yes	No
Pressure Sensor	Yes	Yes	No
MSRP	$329	$199	$129
Where to buy?	hyperice.com	hyperice.com	hyperice.com

Hypervolt Comparison – Specs Charts

These charts make it easy to see the key differences between the models:

Hypervolt Comparison: Common Features Across Models

Now, there are some features that all Theraguns share. These include:

• High-quality materials, well-crafted design, and attractive packaging.
• All Hypervolt models are TSA-approved for carry-on.
• All devices are FSA-HSA-approved.

However, all models lack a carrying case!

Quick Look at Each Hyper Volt Model

Hypervolt Go 2

So now, we’re kicking off with the Hypervolt Go 2.

Our testing impressions:

• Quality and premium feel
• 10mm amplitude but low stall force
• Great for beginners and everyday use
• Lack of carrying case

Our review score:

3.0

Buy it at Hyperice.com.

Check Price

Though it’s labeled a ‘mini’ massage gun, ‘small’ might be a more fitting description. It’s the little one within the Hyperice family, but compared to the broader market, it’s definitely not the most compact.

But where it might lack in size, it makes up for in quality and fresh design aesthetics.

Hypervolt 2

Next, we’ve got the Hypervolt 2, stepping in as the successor to the original Hypervolt 1.0 – the first massage gun that Hyperice reached the market with.

Our testing impressions:

• Overall quality and premium feel
• Nice 12mm amplitude but low stall force
• Great for beginners and everyday use
• Lack of carrying case, steep price

Our review score:

3.5

Buy it at Hyperice.com.

Check Price

It’s positioned as the entry-level, everyday massage gun, meaning it’s your go-to for versatile use among all the Hypervolts. We must admit, its design got us hooked again.

This massage gun boasts a unique grey shade (heads up, the attachments match the body color). Recently, Hyperice also rolled out an entirely black version. The build quality is top-notch, making it a delight to handle.

However, like the Hypervolt Go 2, it’s a bit light on power, tapping out at about 25 lbs from our tests. It compensates slightly with a generous amplitude of 12 mm, but the RPM range maxes out only at 2700. Mixing all these factors and considering the price, we see that it falls short of our expectations.

Hypervolt 2.0 Pro

The Hypervolt 2 Pro marks Hyperice’s pinnacle, aiming at advanced and professional users. Indeed, this device boasts the most extensive features of the entire Hypervolt lineup.

Our testing impressions:

• Overall quality and premium feel
• High, 14mm amplitude, but low stall force
• Intuitive controls & ergonomic handle
• It is expensive
• It lacks a carrying case

Our review score:

3.9

Buy it at Hyperice.com.

Check Price

The specs are respectable, with a 14mm amplitude and up to 2700 RPM. However, our testing revealed that it lacks power compared to the Theragun Pro, Bob and Brad D6 Pro, and the Ekrin Kestrel.

On the brighter side, it flaunts quality materials, a pressure sensor, and a replaceable battery. And like all Hyper Volt, it’s quiet in operation. Unfortunately, all these come at a steep price.

Head-to-Head Hypervolt Comparison

Now that we’re familiar with Hyper Volt massage guns, let’s compare the Hypervolt models head-to-head.

We’re breaking down the differences in two key matchups:

• Hypervolt 2 vs. Hypervolt 2.0 Pro
• and Hypervolt Go 2 vs. Hypervolt 2.

Now, a quick note…
You might wonder why we’re not comparing the Hypervolt Go 2 with the Hypervolt 2 Pro.
That comparison doesn’t make sense to us. These massage guns are so different that choosing between them shouldn’t be a dilemma.

If you own one, you might consider getting the other as a logical complement to your set.

Hyeprvolt 2 vs Hypervolt 2 Pro

So let’s start this way… if the $130 price gap isn’t an issue for you, go for the Hypervolt 2 Pro and skip the rest of this read. It simply outshines in every way.

However, the devil is in the details if you want to find the perfect match for your needs. We will bring them to you now.

If you start your journey with massage guns or seek a massage gun for everyday use, mainly for relaxation, the Hypervolt 2 will suffice. It’s also a solid choice if you’re dealing with a sore middle back, tight neck muscles, foot pain, or similar discomforts.

The power and amplitude it offers (12mm and around 25 lbs, for reference) are plenty for these purposes. You won’t pay extra for features you don’t need, yet you still get a quality muscle massager with Bluetooth connectivity and five attachments.

On the other hand, if massage is a vital part of your post-workout or injury recovery routine or if you’re heavily muscled, the Hypervolt 2.0 Pro is the way to go. Its specs allow for more pressure and a more profound massage effect.

In this case, the additional $130 for the Hypervolt 2.0 Pro is a worthy investment.

Hypervolt Go 2 vs Hypervolt 2

This choice is a bit tricky—or maybe it’s not. These two massagers are like apples and oranges—they’re distinctly different. The Hypervolt Go 2 is dubbed a ‘mini massage gun,’ but let’s be honest, it’s more ‘small massage gun’ than a ‘mini.’

Because it’s compact, it has limits—it’s less powerful and boasts only a 10mm amplitude. One significant downside to the Hypervolt 2 is that it comes equipped with just two rigid plastic attachments. The absence of softer options can be a deal-breaker if you want to treat more sensitive areas.

You might think the Hypervolt Go 2 would win in portability, but that’s not quite the case. When we compared both (see the picture below), the Hypervolt Go 2 essentially has a shorter, angled handle. The head is about the same size as the Hypervolt 2 and Hypervolt 2 Pro.
So, it’s not that of a mini massage gun, after all.

So, to sum up, in this case, spending an extra $70 for the Hypervolt 2 makes sense. It’s just more bang for your buck. If a small massage gun is a must for you, then look at other brands.

Previous Generation of Hypervolts

It’s important to note the transition from the first-generation Hypervolts to the current lineup.

In September 2021, Hyperice unveiled the second-generation models, marking a significant step forward. The Hypervolt 2 took the mantle from the original Hypervolt, while the Hypervolt 2.0 Pro is the successor to the Hypervolt Plus.

Fast-forward to April 2022, when the Hypervolt Go 2 made its debut (stepping into the shoes of the Hypervolt Go), further expanding the second-generation lineup.

These introductions have made the older models obsolete, affirming the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality.

Hypervolt Comparison Conclusion

Hyperice offers three unique devices, each designed for a distinct type of user. The Hypervolt 2.0 Pro makes the most sense for us – it has the best features and specifications, and the Go 2 is great as a small, travel-friendly massager.

And the Hypervolt 2, while a decent entry-level option, doesn’t quite meet the standards of a full-sized massager and is too bulky for a smaller one. In this price range, there are more compelling choices available.

So, is the buzz justified? Do the price tags make sense? You’ve got the insights to decide. Now, the choice is yours.

Once you’ve made your pick, we want to hear from you. Which Hypervolt did you choose? Is it living up to your expectations? Let us know!

We hope our Hypervolt comparison article has helped you vastly. Take care!

Curious about which one’s got more amplitude, vibrational kick, is quieter or bring more more value for the money? We’ve got the answers. But that’s not all! We’ll also showcase some alternatives, because the massage gun world doesn’t stop at Hypervolt or Theragun.

And all of this comes from the perspective of massage gun freaks who practically eat, sleep, and massage with these gadgets every day – yes, that’s us!

Hypervolt vs Theragun

We know that both these brands have been long-term rivals owing to their aggressive marketing, deep pockets and the fact that both hold the first-movers advantage. When no one was yet using massage guns, these two giants took the initiative and have never looked back since.

But let’s forget the “early bird catching the worm” mentality for a minute and talk about which bird caught the bigger and better worm and as a result still does well. Or does each brand seek to address different needs?

We love testing and talking about massage guns and we’ve heard, not infrequently, from our readers, about how sometimes it’s not easy to choose between Theragun and Hypervolt devices.

Well, this post seeks to address everything there’s to know about both these brands. We’ll talk about their approaches, philosophies and how each brand addresses different needs.

Note that we’re not doing high-level product descriptions, but facts, in-depth and objective dive into each brand – we are massage gun users, not makers!

We will also, for a wider perspective, share with you some good alternatives to both brands. So follow along as we take you through the most comprehensive Theragun vs Hypervolt guide on the internet!

Brand Philosophy – What You Should Know

There are a few differences to note here before we proceed deep into this guide. This is probably the most important part of this guide – that you understand the brand philosophy and approach of these two giants.

These differences, we believe, will make it easy for you to understand what you are getting, should you choose to buy a device from either brand.

Here are some points to take note of:

• Theragun hit the market first. All that talk about first-mover advantage, Theragun probably made a lot of strides before Hyperice came onto the scene with their maiden device. The first Theragun was unveiled in 2016, while the first Hypervolt didn’t show until 2018.
• Theragun was invented by a chiropractor, Dr. Jason Wersland. So, from the get-go Theragun has the medical health touch to it. On the other hand, Anthony Katz (Hyperice founder and president) invented the first Hypervolt as a recovery tool for professional athletes – early adopters were mostly NBA players (like Blake Griffin or Kyrie Irving) and currently Hyperice is an Official Recovery Technology Partner Of The NBA, NFL and MLB.
• The first Hypervolt was promoted as a vibrational therapy device. The focus was more on what was already famous as a recovery method. Theragun, on the other hand unveiled their first product as a percussive therapy device. They decided to go with something that would go deep into the muscle tissue. This was quite innovative as not many devices offered this at the time. Theragun made it clear from the outset that their focus was on percussive, not vibrational therapy. They emphasized this by designing their devices with long amplitude and more stall force.
• Fast forward to 2023, and while many things have changed including the approach of both brands to device design, Theragun’s commitment to percussive therapy remains steadfast, retaining the long amplitude feature.
• Hyperice also adapted their initial approach, and just last year, they released their very first “percussive” device – the Hypervolt 2 Pro, transitioning from vibrational to percussive therapy to align with the emerging trend in the wellness industry.

As you can see, these two brands started from two different points, both in time and philosophy.

It was Theragun who made the virgin step into making percussion massagers. Their product line is inspired by medical experience.

Hyperice on the other hand took advantage of what was already popular to make their entry into the market. Either way, they both have done pretty well in making their brands popular.

So, let’s see how devices from these two giants compare…

Model Mapping

• The current generation Theragun devices have 4 models; 3 full-sized and 1 mini massage gun. There’s Theragun Mini, Prime, Elite and Pro (all of which we have compared in this post).
• Hyperice has 3 products; the small and portable Hypervolt Go 2, and the two full-sized ones – Hypervolt 2 and more advanced Hypervolt 2 Pro.
• Theragun Mini easily corresponds with Hypervolt Go 2. We have done an in-depth comparison between these two in a seperate post: Hypervolt Go vs Theragun Mini.
• With full-sized guns, Hypervolt 2 – entry-level – better corresponds with Theragun Prime. Hypervolt 2 Pro can correspond with Theragun Elite given their almost similar stall force. Or, more specifically, it is somewhere between Theragun Prime and Elite.

Earlier models:

• Earlier Hypervolts were Hypervolt 1.0 and Plus which was replaced with 2 and 2 Pro models last year. They are still available in some outlets, though.

Hypervolt vs Theragun – Model Comparison

Video Introduction

Before we dive in, let’s begin with a visual introduction. To gain a deeper understanding of how the Hypervolt massage guns operate and to get an up-close view, we’ve recorded two videos for you.

One is for the Hypervolt Go 2, and the other is for the full-sized Hypervolt 2. We unbox them, check out the attachments, test the speeds, and more. Watching these videos should give you a better feel for each device.

Keep reading; we’ll discuss all the details below.

The Basics: Design, Color, First Impressions

There are a few things to note here. We’ll look at them briefly though because we cover most of the individual features for products from both brands in our comprehensive product reviews.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Hypervolt have a different design philosophy from Theragun. Their devices are T-shaped; power tool-like design. Unlike Theragun who have the triangular multiple grip design (more when we compare ergonomics).
• Hypervolts look pretty similar. However, you can easily distinguish one from the other because Hypervolt 2 is gray, Hypervolt 2 Pro is black, while Hypervolt Go 2 is white (in the previous generation, Hypervolt was silver, while Hypervolt Plus and Go were black). These are the only color variations available.
• Theraguns also look very similar and unlike Hypervolts, you may need to note a few things if you are going to identify one from the other.
  • Theragun Prime is the entry-level one but also the most basic one – no excessive bells and whistles. It’s matte plastic and comes in one color only – black. Unlike its counterparts, its basic nature means it’s not a fingerprint magnet.
  • Theragun Elite is rather stylish with one or two embellishments. It’s piano black with a plastic body. The arm looks basic, similar to Prime, but one side, the part covering the motor and the arm are shiny and fingerprint magnets. It has 3 color variations; black, white, and RED(Product). Read more in our Theragun Elite Review.
  • Theragun Pro is even more elegant. The handle and the rest of it is matte plastic apart from the shiny arm. The thing however, that lets you know you are looking at the Pro is the big round colored motor cover. There are two color variations here; red and blue. Check out our Theragun Pro Review for more.
  • Theragun mini looks pretty unique. It does’t have a traditional handle, yet still keeps the triangular shape. When it comes to the materials, it feels just like the Prime.
• Both these brands have made their devices stand out with proper materials. They feel good to touch with rubberized handles.
• Hypervolts don’t come with carrying cases. They have a small case for storing attachments and that’s it. This is a real disappointment because most brands sell their products with a carrying case. Plus, Hypervolts come at a too hefty price not to include a carrying case (they sell cases for $49). 
• We had the same complaints when we reviewed Theragun Prime because for its high price it doesn’t come with a carrying case. Elite comes with a carrying case while the Mini only offers a small pouch. Theragun Pro G5 has a proper soft case (a change from the previous generation) and an extra small pouch for attachments.
• Hypervolts have a power switch located at the bottom of the handle. Not an ideal place for a power switch, but we’ve seen similar shaped massage guns taking the same approach.

Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

So which of the two brands offers more handy devices? Again we covered most of the points in our individual product reviews. But here’s a blanket view on what you can expect here.

The 2 full-sized Hypervolts are about the same size (7.5” x 2.5” x 9.5”) except that the handle on the 2 Pro is about an inch longer (10.4”). This is good territory for any full-sized massage guns but we’ve seen smaller devices.

Theraguns on the other hand have a different shape but somewhat similar measurements. Elite measures 9.5” x 6.7” x 2.8”. Prime is slightly smaller than Elite. Pro is the largest of the 3 by about 0.5” more.

In the weight category, Theraguns have a slight edge. Both Prime and Elite weigh a reasonable 2.2lbs. The largest Pro weighs 2.8lbs. Although the lighter Hypervolt weighs an impressive 1.8lbs, the Elite-counterpart, Hypervolt 2 Pro bulks to 2.6lbs. If you consider the T shape, you’re not just getting a power tool, it’s a heavy one as well.

Theraguns also take the crown with their more than proper ergonomics. The multiple grip handles combined with just enough weight makes them the better choice. Hypervolts simply don’t stand a chance here.

There are plenty of ways you can hold a Theragun to reach even the toughest of spots – lower or middle back. Theragun Pro even has an added advantage with its adjustable arm.

Hypervolts on the other hand can be difficult to handle and use. Their jackhammer design doesn’t make it easy for a 15-minute massage session, although the new models have been largely improved compared to bulky predecessors. Hypervolt 2 is light and perfectly okay, but the 2 Pro puts a lot of tension in your wrist and hand, making you fatigue rather fast. Even though it now features a redesigned pill-shaped handle, for people with small hands it still doesn’t hold as good as a Theragun. 

But we hold a different view when it comes to ergonomics for the brands’ mini gun versions. In our Hypervolt Go vs Theragun Mini comparison we gave more points to the Go. Theragun Mini may have a novel design but we don’t believe it’s the best ergonomic device. Using it for longer periods causes fatigue.

OUR TAKE

Hypervolt handles have been improved, but Theraguns are still better to hold. If you are looking to have a DIY massage, Theraguns will be easier and more comfortable to use. For a non-DIY massage, we don’t think it really matters.

For the mini gun category, we actually prefer Hypervolt Go to Theragun Mini. That’s because the Go’s traditional shape makes it more practical to use than the Mini’s unique configuration. The Go also has an angled handle to make things even easier.

You can purchase the Go 2 on the Hyperice website here, and the Mini is available on the official Therabody website.

Attachments

For Hypervolts, there are 5 attachments for each of the two regular-sized devices. For the Go, there are only 2 attachments included. For Theraguns, there are 4 attachments for Prime, 5 for Elite, 6 for Pro. There are now three attachment for the new Mini 2.0 (the previous mini had only one).

Theraguns’ attachments are generally softer than those for the Hypervolts. We also noticed that at least 3 of Theraguns massage gun heads feel about the same (dampener, ball and thumb).

They are also less varied compared to what we’ve seen many other brands offer. We talked about this in some of the individual Theragun reviews. 

On a different note however, we liked how the attachments on Hypervolts are nicely varied. We particularly appreciate that they include the fork and the flat head attachments.

These two are important for massaging the Achilles and large muscles respectively. The only attachment that we didn’t see with the Hypervolts is Theragun Pro’s Supersoft attachment which is excellent for massaging bony areas.

Performance

This is where it gets even more interesting. Because it’s only in performance that we get to see the different value proposition that Hypervolts offer compared to Theraguns. This is particularly apparent when you consider Hypervolt 2.

Stroke Length

Stroke Length
Commonly referred to as the amplitude, it’s the distance covered by the massage gun head as it gives you the percussion – back and forth movement.

Stroke length is an important characteristic of any percussion massager. Generally, the longer the stroke length the more percussive the device feels. If it’s too short, then it may be a vibrational therapy device and not a percussion massager (but it can still be effective though).

There is a close relationship between the stroke length and the stall force (we’ll talk about this later).

Percussive therapy massage guns have amplitudes ranging between 11mm and 16mm.

Hypervolt Amplitude Analysis

Now, Hypervolt 2 has 12mm stroke length, so it is within the recommended threshold. However, it is 25% less than any full-size Theragun, and, in fact, it only matches Theragun mini (also 12mm).

While 12mm is perfectly enough for a beginner percussive massage, it feels nowhere as punchy as Theragun. The problem is Hypervolt 2’s weak motor, which can be easily slowed down and stalled to death.

To be fair though, with Hypervolt 2 you are getting exactly what it says it does – high intensity yet low-force massage to relax the muscles, help with myofascial release etc. This it does without a problem. 

Fortunately, Hyperice also released their high-amplitude percussive devices – the Hypervolt 2 Pro massage gun. These they equipped with enough stroke length – 14mm, and both of these guns feel almost as punchy as Theraguns.

Theragun Amplitude Analysis

We know that Theraguns are the kings of the amplitude because from the word “go” they set out to deliver percussive therapy. Their 16mm amplitude for their regular-sized guns and 12mm for mini has led the industry for a while.

Does this mean they are the best of all, with no room for Hypervolt to compete?

No, a 12 to 14mm amplitude can still be good enough provided it is backed by a decent stall force. In fact, sometimes a 10mm stroke length with sufficient stall force can outperform a 16mm stroke length with low stall force.

It all depends on your needs and expectations. We know, it sounds cliché, but that’s the truth. These are personal perceptions of each one of us.

Stall Force

Stall Force
Is the amount of pressure needed to stall the motor of a percussion device. You don’t need more for a vibrational therapy device, but if you need deep tissue massage then more is recommended.

There isn’t much on information about stall force for any of the Hypervolt devices. This is obviously disappointing, but we are experienced users and through our tests we can tell the stall force for each of their devices.

We estimate their entry-level Hypervolt 2 has only about 20-25lbs. stall force at a maximum speed. Comparing it to Theragun Prime, we felt the Prime was noticeably more powerful. It just works better as a percussive device than the regular Hypervolt.

But it’s something entirely different with the Hypervolt 2 Pro. With ~14mm amplitude and est. 35 lbs. stall force, Hypervolt 2 Pro is a true percussive device from Hyperice, even though the stall force still feels somewhat limited.

We estimate 2 Pro’s stall force to be between 35lbs. and 40lbs. This makes it stronger than the Prime and almost as strong as the mid-range Theragun Elite (40lbs.). There’s a 2mm difference in stroke length between Elite and 2 Pro, but given Hypervolt revs faster, it may just have an edge over the two Theraguns. 

But can Hypervolt 2 Pro be compared to the mighty Theragun Pro?

No, we don’t really think so. The stall force of Hypervolt 2 Pro may not satisfy demanding users in need of an aggressive, deep tissue massage on large muscles (think of quads, glutes, hamstrings). Theragun Pro has significantly more stall force (60lbs.) and – as you already know – an even longer 16mm amplitude. Simply put, it is a more powerful device.

But Hypervolt 2 Pro has something else up its sleeve, it revs faster. It has 300 more percussions per minute than any Theragun. This means that even though Pro may have better and powerful stats, Hypervolt 2 Pro cannot be ignored as a reasonably powerful percussive device as well. Let’s take a look at this aspect.

Percussions and Speeds

Here again we see the different approaches taken by these two brands.

Hypervolts have better intensity compared to Theraguns. But that’s because Hypervolts are more vibrational than percussive – they provide more frequent punches but less punch. They all have a percussion range of up to 2700 rpm. Theraguns ’only’ rev up to 2400rpm.

Another reason why Hypervolts rev faster than Theraguns is due to the different stroke lengths. Because Hypervolts have shorter amplitudes (12mm and 14mm for Hypervolt 2 and 2 Pro) while Theraguns have longer amplitudes (16mm). But Hypervolt 2 Pro will of course be noticeably punchier than the regular one.

Theraguns also have 5 speed gears built into their devices. While the same applies to the new Hypervolt 2 Pro, the other two Hypervolts only have 3 speeds.

There’s nothing wrong with 3 speeds on Hypervolt 2, but given the wide percussion range, we feel more speeds are warranted.

There’s also a little matter of Bluetooth connectivity and the dedicated apps which both these brands have. When connected, the app can automatically adjust the device speed based on the routine.

However, we like Theragun more because you can easily set custom speeds apart from the fixed 5. That is not the case with Hypervolt. You have the 5 or 3 speeds and that’s it!

Performance Summary

OUR TAKE

If you want something more than a soothing and a relaxing massage, then forget the regular Hypervolt 2. It has good amplitude for the job, but the stall force doesn’t make it anything more than a solid massage tool for gliding over the skin.

Hypervolt 2 Pro, on the other hand, offers something different and may be worth your consideration. With 14mm amplitude and a higher stall force than Theragun Prime, it can give you the punch you need for a percussive massage. It almost matches the Elite model.

In our opinion, Theragun Pro remains unrivalled as far as performance goes.

Pressure Sensors and Presets

Both these brands have equipped their devices with pressure sensors. But, Hypervolts take a much simpler approach compared to what Theragun does.

For Hypervolts there are 3 levels indicated by LEDs (soft/medium/firm). Theragun on the other hand makes it a bit flashier with a 6-level bar graph which makes it a bit more useful as well. However, it’s only available on Elite and Pro. Prime doesn’t have it. 

Theragun allows for custom presets to be saved within their devices. You can save up to 3 of your favorite pre-sets straight from working with the routines within their app.

You can save your favorite speed and pressure and even time needed for a massage. You can then easily access these presets with the click of a button. Hypervolt on the other hand doesn’t include any such embellishment. 

OUR TAKE

It’s clear to see that there was more thought process involved in designing and engineering of the Theraguns – especially Elite and Pro. The features are more user-friendly and allow you to have control of the device.

On the other hand, Hypervolts take a simplistic approach that doesn’t offer that much extra value to the user.

Noise

None of the Theraguns even comes close to being as quiet as Hypervolt 2. Only the new Mini can match Hypervolt (Go 2 is as quiet). But we actually expect this because both devices have very short amplitudes.

Hypervolt 2 Pro is a few decibels louder – 54dB at the lowest speed and 65dB at the highest speed. This means it’s somewhat on par with Elite and Prime as far as noise levels are concerned, but still a tad quieter.

The new Theragun Pro 5th generation – according to our tests – is the quietest of 3 full-size Theraguns. It’s 3dB louder than Prime. Theragun Prime is currently the loudest one. Before that, it was the 4th gen Pro.

But even though Pro is somewhat hushed down, it’s still not as quiet as some of the competition (Achedaway Pro). In our overall assessment, Theraguns sound a bit rough and aggressive. Hypervolts sound more hushed and balanced.

When we tested the mini guns, Go 2 and Mini (2.0), the winner was Go 2. It must be said, however, that the recently upgraded Mini 2.0 has been significantly improved. It’s now noticeably quieter than its predecessor and sounds smoother than before.

TIP Check out the quietest massagers on the market in this guide.

Battery     

The two full-sized Hypervolts come with different capacity batteries. The entry-level Hypervolt 2 has a 2500mAh battery. This just about the average battery capacity for most massage guns.

The more advanced 2 Pro has a monstrous 3800mAh battery. While this may explain the added weight, quite surprisingly, more juice doesn’t seem to translate into time on a single charge.

Both Hypervolts’ batteries are advertised to last for 2 to 3 hours per single charge, depending on how you use them. 2 Pro’s battery may last 30 or so minutes less due to its increased power output – it’s a more powerful device. However, we’d say they both perform about the same.

Theragun doesn’t advertise the battery capacity on their devices but we speculate it be between 2500mAh and 3200mAh – similar to Hypervolts. 

Hypervolt’s battery will last for 2.5 hours per single charge. 2 Pro’s battery will last 30 minutes less due to its increased power output – it’s a more powerful device.

Both Prime and Elite’s batteries will last for 2-2.5 hours on a single charge. The mini massage guns will last for 2 to 3 hours per single charge. 

Only Hypervolt 2 Pro and Theragun Pro have removable batteries. In Theragun’s case, the new Pro no longer comes with a spare battery included free of charge. You will have to purchase it separately.

OUR TAKE

Both brands have equipped their devices with decent batteries. They may not be industry-leading in terms of capacity because brands like Ekrin or Opove have batteries than can last for up to 8 hours on a single charge.

But 2 hours is enough massage time and if you only use the device for 15-20 minutes a day, you’ll need to charge it again in a week’s time. Keep in mind however, that most batteries will drain faster when the motor is overworked – usually with more pressure applied and on higher speed gears.

Apps

Hypervolts and Theraguns connect via Bluetooth to a mobile phone app that guides the user. The only device that still isn’t Bluetooth-enabled is Hypervolt Go 2. Even Theragun mini (2.0) can now connect to the app.

There are guided routines within the apps – step-by-step instructions that educate you on how best to use the device.

Both apps are well thought out, but we prefer the Therabody app. It’s sleeker and more user-friendly. For instance, it will not show you routines for an unknown device, which is what the Hyperice app does.

You can set custom speeds within the app while the app also tells you the amount of pressure to be applied during any routine. It also gives you more detailed instructions, like how fast to move the attachment head over the muscle.

All you get with the Hyperice app is a video of a person that you should mimic. This means total focus on the phone during a massage.

OUR TAKE

While many other brands don’t include apps with their devices, and it sure isn’t a must-have, these apps can be great for novice users who will benefit from the actionable advice given.

For the moment we believe the Therabody app is more complex and nicely done. However, we are sure with time, we’re going to see both brands work to improve the apps.

Warranty Info

Warranty offers for both brands are unsatisfactory in our opinion. You only get a 1-year warranty for most of these devices. Only Theragun Pro offers a 2-year warranty.

Brands like Ekrin and Lifepro offer lifetime warranties while some others competitors offer between 2 to 3 years.

Price and Discounts

Both brands are premium priced. That’s a fact.

The regular Hypervolt 2 costs $199 while the advanced Hypervolt 2 Pro costs $349. The mini option, the Hypervolt Go 2, cost $129. All avaliable at hyperice.com official store.

Therabody has their gadgets priced like so: Theragun Pro hits the wallet at $599, Elite is a cool $399, Prime sits at $299, and the little guy, Mini, is $199. These prices are straight from the official therabody.com store. Plus, you can snag a 10% discount with the coupon code X8YZF10.

TIP Before you buy, check out our massage gun deals page where we list up-to-date promo codes. There might be an even better sale going on now.

Pricing Duel: Who Takes the Crown?

Now, if we shove the Theragun Pro aside for a sec (its price, specs, and extra features put it in a league of its own compared to any Hypervolt model), we kinda feel Hypervolt doesn’t pack the same punch value-wise in this price bracket.

Theraguns bring more muscle, boast a high amplitude, and throw in some nicer gear (like a handy carrying case!).

For us, it’s a no-brainer. Theragun wins the battle!

Purchasing Theraguns and Hypervolts with FSA/HSA Cards

If you have an HSA or FSA card, there’s an option for you to purchase a Hypervolt or Theragun using these cards.

• Theragun massagers are now eligible for purchase with FSA/HSA dollars. This can be done at their official store; more info can be found in their FAQ.
• Hyperice also offers their Hypervolts for FSA/HSA card holders. Here, you simply use the card at checkout. Visit their official website for more details.

TIP You may also want to read our post on FSA and HSA eligible massage guns.

Head-To-Head: Similarities and Differences

To wrap-up here are the key takeaways:

Hypervolt 2 vs Theragun Prime

Similarities:

• Both have Bluetooth connectivity and work with an app
• Similar battery performance
• Both offer just 1 year warranty
• Same price (for a limited time, Hypervolt used to costs $50 more)
• non-removable battery

Hypervolt advantages over Prime

• Less noise
• More intensity – 300 more percussions per minute
• One more attachment – 4 vs 5
• More varied attachments
• Pressure sensor built-in
• Less weight at 1.8 lbs (vs. 2.2)

Theragun Prime advantages over Hypervolt

• Significantly bigger amplitude – 16mm vs 10mm
• More stall force – 30lbs vs est. 20lbs.
• 5 speeds vs 3
• Better ergonomics, more grips;
• Pouch to store everything (vs. just pouch for attachments in Hypervolt’s case)

OUR TAKE

It’s important to note what your expectations are. If you are looking for a gentle, relaxing massage, then low-amplitude Hypervolt 2 is a better choice.

For more intense, deeper massage, Hypervolt won’t match the Prime’s 16mm stroke – even with more percussions available. Since we’re more into versatile massage guns, our pick would be the Prime.

Hypervolt 2 Pro vs Theragun Elite

Similarities

• Bluetooth + an app compatibility
• Similar battery performance
• About the same noise level (but Hypervolt’s sound being less rough, more tolerable)
• Pressure sensors built-in
• 5 speeds
• Same number of attachments
• Both offer just 1 year warranty
• Same retails price of $399 (now Hypervolt 2 Pro is $50 cheaper for limited time)

Hypervolt 2 Pro advantages over Theragun Elite

• More intensity – 300 more percussions per minute
• Better varied attachments
• Detachable, replaceable battery

Theragun advantages over Hypervolt 2 Pro

• Longer 16mm stroke length (vs 14mm)
• Slightly more stall force (40lbs vs ~35-40lbs)
• Better ergonomics, more grips, better to hold;
• OLED display (e.g. better visualized pressure levels applied)
• Custom routines pre-set + space for 3 of them to be saved on a device
• Less weight at 2.2 lbs (vs. 2.6)
• Stylish design – but glossy parts are fingerprint magnet
• 3 colors available (vs just one for Hypervolt 2 Pro)
• Carrying case included

OUR TAKE

This is a tough one. Theragun Elite is more user friendly, lighter and with better ergonomics. But Hypervolt 2 Pro is more affordable, even though it has somewhat similar performance features. It may have a shorter amplitude, but more intensity gives it a slight edge.

If power is what you are looking for, then go with Hypervolt 2 Pro – especially now that it is $50 less.  Otherwise, Elite will offer more features, enough power for most users and better executed design.

Hypervolt 2 Pro vs Theragun Pro

Similarities

• Bluetooth + an app compatibility
• Similar noise levels
• Pressure sensors built-in
• 5 speeds
• Detachable batteries

Hypervolt advantages over Theragun Pro

• More intensity – 300 more percussions per minute
• Better varied attachments
• Less weight at 2.6 lbs (vs. 2.8)
• Significantly cheaper – normally $399 (now $349) versus $599

Theragun advantages Hypervolt 2 Pro

• Longer 16mm stroke length (vs 14mm)
• Nearly twice as much stall force – 60 lbs vs about 35;
• Better ergonomics, more grips, better to hold;
• Adjustable arm with 4 fixed positions
• OLED display (e.g. better visualized pressure levels applied)
• Custom routines pre-set + space for 3 of them to be saved on a device
• 6 attachments vs 5 included
• Super-soft and Micro-point attachments included (Hypervolt doesn’t have anything like this)
• 2 year warranty (vs 1 year)
• Carrying case included
• Personalization: Custom engraving possible (for an extra $50)

OUR TAKE

Hypervolt 2 Pro can’t really match Theragun Pro, at least as far as performance is concerned. It won’t offer a deep to the bone massage as the Pro will. However, it still has decent power and is also cheaper.

The Theragun Pro has plenty of power, better ergonomics and adjustability, and offers more fancy features. But, it is way more expensive.

Why not Look at Some Alternatives?

We just looked at how the crème de la crèmes of the industry compare. However, this is not everything because now there are brands that offer better quality devices that are stronger.

On top of that, these brands provide top notch customer support than you can ever hope to get from either Therabody or Hyperice. Here are some worth your consideration.

Alternatives to entry-level Hypervolt & Theragun Prime

Ekrin 365

The 365 is the latest device by Ekrin and it packs a punch.

It has an excellent build and is better ergonomically with a 15-degree tilted handle. It is super lightweight – just 1.7lbs., and has a longer, slimmer handle.

It’s a percussive device which has an impressive 40lbs. stall force, and 800 more percussions per minute (3200 vs 2700) even though it offers the same 12mm amplitude – a perfect alternative.

It costs half the price of Hypervolt 2, and comes with a lifetime warranty!

It costs $143.99 when used with the code MGA20. It slashes the price by 20% from the original $179.99.
Buy it right here.

More Info Read our in-depth Ekrin 365 review for more details.

Opove M3 Pro 2

This one looks similar in design as the Hypervolt but offers more power at a more affordable price.

It is a basic device, without bells and whistles that you get with the Ekrin above (e.g., no pressure sensor, touch buttons). The ergonomics is also a bit inferior to Ekrin or Theragun, but it is lighter and more comfortable to use than the stop-shelf Hypervolt.

Some of its main features include a more powerful 72-watt motor that offers mid-40lbs. stall force, so just like the stronger Hypervolt 2 Pro.

It has a 12mm amplitude and revs even reasonably fast at 2600rpm max. It has 6 attachments (one of them is soft) and 5 speeds. It is the quietest device in our list – super hushed at only 63dB at the top speed.

The warranty is one year and goes for just $119.99 at opove.com the . Get it right here.

More Info Read our full Opove M3 Pro 2 review for more details.

Alternatives to Hypervolt 2 Pro and Theragun Elite

Bob and Brad D6 Pro

Bob and Brad D6 Pro is the latest device from Bob and Brad, a brand known for offering affordable massage guns similar to those offered by Hyperice.

The D6 Pro model is their latest device that not only looks original (previous devices were Hypervolt clones) but has better performance and features in direct comparison.

For starters, it has over 60 lbs of verified stall force and a long 16mm stroke length (check our review) – a true deep tissue percussive device.

It does have excellent ergonomics and offers multi-handle grip – feels great in hand. It’s also quiet and more affordable than Hypervolt Pro or any Theragun.

With the Amazon coupon, and our MGAD6PRO promo code (apply at Amazon checkout), it costs about $180, which makes it a very attractive proposition for those who prefer deep, muscle penetrating hits. You can get it on Amazon right here.

More Info Read our hands-on Bob and Brad D6 Pro review.

Ekrin B37S

This is one of our all-time favorite massage guns.

The more advanced newer device from Ekrin that is even more elegant and has plenty of power – enough to satisfy the most demanding users.

While the Apex could be considered as a simplistic device that is strong on performance, the B37S is a premium gun that is even more powerful, and features many bells and whistles seen in Theragun or/and Hypervolt.

For example, it has a pressure sensor (one of the best executed ones), dynamic modes, and an impressive 57lbs. stall force (we verified it).

What’s important, it’s fitted with more power on lower gears – 30% more than its predecessor, the B37 gun. It has six fantastic attachments, and comes with a lifetime warranty. The build quality is top-notch.

Deal Alert: It is reasonably priced. It normally costs about $250, but if you apply the Amazon coupon and the MGAD6PRO code at checkout, it’s cheaper than our top pick.

Check it out here at Amazon.

With the coupon MGA20, you will enjoy a sweet 20% discount and will only pay $263.99 (instead of $329.99).

More Info The full Ekrin B37s review for more information.

Alternative to Theragun Pro

Achedaway Pro

An even more powerful percussion massager that betters even the mighty Theragun Pro.

It has a maximum 80lbs. stall and 16mm amplitude to provide a deep punch. While we found the 80lbs. a little bit exaggerated (feels like 60lbs.), no other gun has the specs to rival the mighty Theragun.

As Theragun Pro, the Achedaway too has a removable battery. To top it all, it’s the quietest gun we’ve come across, which is almost unbelievable given that the high-amplitude devices tend to be noisier than their low-amplitude counterparts. Not in this case!

It isn’t the smallest device though, nor is it the lightest – quite the opposite. But the power is there, so it is definitely suited towards demanding users, professional athletes and alike.

If you decide to buy it, use MGA60 discount code to get a flat $60 off at checkout. It will then cost you only $239 – an incredible price for what it offers. Only valid in the Achedaway store.

More Info Read our Achedaway Pro review for more details and photos.

Alternative to Mini Versions

Ekrin Bantam

The Bantam is way smaller than the Go and Mini but almost twice as powerful as both!

This little baby has 35lbs. stall force – same as full-sized Hypervolt, and more than Theragun Prime (!). It’s made of quality material, is punchy and quiet.

It is made from premium materials, comes with 4 attachments and a carrying case. The battery is awesome (Samsung-branded), as it can run for 4-5 hours on a single charge. Oh, and it charges by USB – very convenient.

It comes with a lifetime warranty and costs $127.99 instead of $149.99 when the MGA20 code is applied for a sweet 20% discount. Check out Ekrin Bantam here .

More Info Learn more in our hands-on Ekrin Bantam review.

Bottom Line

That is it for this Theragun vs Hypervolt comparison guide. Both brands have great devices to consider. However, you need to be aware of what you are looking for in a device.

• While Hypervolt 2 is a good starter device that finally has a very reasonable amplitude, Hypervolt 2 Pro is a proper percussion massager. We wouldn’t call it the best massage gun out there, but it’s a solid gun from a reputable brand.
• Theraguns have their bit to offer as well. You don’t have to worry so much about performance here, because Theragun have always been about deep tissue percussive therapy.

Overall, these two brands offer premium products but at a premium price. If you can’t afford one, there are great alternatives that will be perfect for you.

As always, feel free to comment below and if you’re struggling with a decision or need more information, feel free to drop us a comment.

Bye!

The latest trend in the massage gun world has been the mini devices – they are small, compact, and highly portable in case you need a handy massage.

Market Background

Both Theragun and Hyperice mini devices arrived on the market a bit late. Theragun was the first to release their Mini in May 2020, Hyperice release the Go 6 months later.

We did individual reviews for both Theragun mini and the Hypervolt Go. Today, however, we’ll look at what both devices bring to the table and how they compare with each other.

We’ll also take a look at some viable options in case you are willing to look elsewhere. There are some very good mini devices from other brands that are just as good if not better than Theragun Mini and Hypervolt Go.

Come along you’ll see! 

Hypervolt Go vs Theragun Mini – Comparison

Specs Comparison (Our Verified Data)

Design and Ergonomics

We have to appreciate the unique design adopted by Theragun. Having seen and interacted with many massage guns, we have to say the Mini’s design is unrivaled. The triangular shape of the handle and the whole body is innovative and somewhat new in the massage gun world.

However, we have to be honest, we are not particularly fanatical about this design choice. This is because of its ergonomics. It doesn’t hold as naturally as Hypervolt Go – which has a more traditional design.

Talking of Hypervolt Go, the ergonomics are much better here compared to the full-sized Hypervolts. Instead of the straight 90-degree handle, Hyperice chose to go with a 15-degree angled handle.

Well, it’s not the grandest of improvements from Hypervolt (we haven’t seen many with their products), but it’s definitely something to make the ergonomics better. The slanted handle ensures a firm and more natural grip which reduces fatigue in the wrists.

Just to be clear though, the concept of the tilted handle is not entirely new in the business. Other less-known brands have employed this configuration before. For those who like Hypervolt, the Go design is probably a bit of a relief.

However, while that may be welcome, we think it’s disappointing that a company like Hyperice would opt for third-party designs (most notably from Ekrin) instead of coming up with something original like Theragun (albeit with mixed results).

Theragun Mini has three main color variations; black, white, red, and some occasional color variations. Hypervolt Go has one color, black. 

Verdict

Theragun Mini’s unique design and nice variation of colors (the new desert rose looks awesome) is all nice, but we prefer the ergonomics on Hypervolt Go. It’s easier and comfortable to hold with the slightly tilted and rubberized handle. 

Size and Weight

Hypervolt doesn’t label the Go as a mini massage gun. Even though we are comparing it to Theragun mini – which is a mini massage gun – it’s perhaps not as small as many other mini guns.

One thing is for sure though, the Go is significantly smaller than both Hypervolt BT and BT Plus (by about 30%). Keep in mind that the bigger Hypervolts are also larger than many other similar-sized massage guns. 

Just to put it into perspective, Hypervolt Go would look like a full-sized massage gun if you compared it to Ekrin Bantam or Bob and Brad Q2– these are true mini massage guns.

In terms of size, the Go measures 7.25 x 5.5 x 2.0 (inches). That makes it a compact massager, not bulky by any means, but not a mini gun. It may be too large if you are looking for a pocket-sized device. It would’ve been if Hyperice had shortened the handle perhaps.

Theragun mini on the other hand is feels as a mini massage gun. It measures 5.4 x4.3 x1.6 (inches). Despite the unique shape, it’s noticeably smaller than Hypervolt Go. It’s just about the right size for a mini massage gun. 

Because the Go is larger than the Mini, it makes sense that it is also heavier. The Go weighs 1.5lbs compared to Theragun Mini that only weighs 1.43lbs.

However, both devices are significantly heavier than other massage guns in the mini massage guns class. For instance, Ekrin Bantam weighs 1.1lbs. Addsfit Mini Pro (about the same size as Hypervolt Go) weighs 1.3lbs.

Performance

This is where the battle rages. 

Stall Force

The amount of pressure it takes to stall the motor of a device. It helps in deep muscle penetration to heal and relax the tension in the muscle tissue. A high stall force is better for a percussive massage.

Both Hypervolt Go and Theragun mini have similar stall force. The number may differ – Theragun says the mini has 20lbs. of stall force while Hyperice doesn’t say. In truth, there is perhaps no significant difference in stall force between the 2 devices.

That said, the Go feels slightly less powerful than the mini. Because Hyperice doesn’t disclose the stall force information, we estimated it at about 15lbs. 

Our verdict on the stall force of both devices is: disappointing. Even Theragun mini’s 20lbs. is nothing special. That is because the smaller Ekrin Bantam has 35lbs. of no-stall force.

It is very easy to stall both devices. That means you will not be able to use any of them aggressively to massage yourself. Both devices won’t be able to dig very deep into the muscle tissue. But perhaps the mini might have something that the Go doesn’t – the high amplitude.

Amplitude

Amplitude or stroke length stands for the distance (measured in millimeters) traveled by the massage gun head with each percussion. You can tell how hard a device can hit by looking at how long the amplitude is.

In our case Theragun mini has a lot to offer. It has a 12mm stroke length. A remarkable aspect to have for a mini massage gun. In fact, as we said in our highest amplitude massage gun reviews, Theragun Mini beats 99% of other mini massage guns here. Most tend to only have about 6-10mm amplitude. With a 12mm amplitude, the mini is on par with some full-sized percussion massagers.

Having a pocket-size massage gun with a 12mm amplitude is a huge bonus if you like to massage on the go. That is because it is able to hit the muscle harder and provide an intense massage. The only thing lacking on the mini is enough motor power to withstand a bit of pressure. In our opinion, 30lbs. of stall force on this device would’ve made it a perfect device to carry around.

What about Hypervolt Go? Well, it has a 10mm amplitude. Fair enough for a massage gun in this category. At this point, we’ll say it’s nothing special because many other massage gun brands are making them with 10mm amplitude (you’ll see in our alternatives section).

Percussions and Speed

When it comes to percussion range, Hypervolt Go easily outruns Theragun mini. The more hits per minute a device can give the more intense a massage can get.

The folks at Hyperice made sure this is adequately taken care of. The Go can rev up to 3200 rpm – that is also on par with some full-sized massage guns. Theragun mini on the other hand can only rev up to 2400 rpm.

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. As we have already seen, the mini has a long amplitude to make up for the reduced number of hits.

What this means is that whereas the mini can hit hard and less frequently, the Go is tender but intensive. The Go takes the vibrational approach which can be quite useful when you need it. 

In terms of speeds (speed gears), Hypervolt Go has 2 speeds. We felt there should’ve been at least 2 more gears in between to take care of the large percussion range. Theragun mini has 3 speeds over 2400 rpm.

Noise

Noise is often never an issue with mini massage guns. Theragun mini and Hypervolt Go are relatively quiet devices.

In our dB scale, they emit between 50dB and 61 dB – quiet enough but not silent. The mini has a rough edge to its sound compared to the smooth sound from Hypervolt Go. In our practice and measuring, the Go had 1 to 5 decibels less (depends on what speed level) on the noise meter. The Go gets an extra point here for being smooth and non-interruptive. 

Another thing worth mentioning is that both devices vibrate a lot and transfer these vibrations to the handle, which can be pretty uncomfortable during a massage. One particular culprit is the Go on its highest speed gear. The mini vibrates a lot as well.

Accessories

We are not particularly pleased with what both devices have to offer in extras.

Starting with Theragun mini, despite being a premium product from a giant company, it only comes with one attachment – the ball attachment. It’s probably a nice thing to have because the ball head is the universal attachment. But why would they only include one attachment instead of 4 or 5 as some other brands do?

The main reason for releasing the mini was to offer the existing clientele a natural choice. That means that people with full-sized Theraguns have a mini device to carry along with them.

That is why they made sure that the attachments on the full-sized Theraguns are compatible with the mini (there is information on this on their website – as long as you have a fourth-generation Theragun, the attachments can fit on the mini).

But, as much as this is a good business move, it seems to have left out a significant part of customers who may be interested in buying the mini. These include first-time users and beginners who have never used a massage gun before. To them, the mini is not a good starting point because it only has the one attachment. They would rather opt for the alternatives that offer 4 to 5 attachments. 

Theragun mini loses one point here because unless you already own Theragun Pro or Elite or Prime, which have 6, 5, and 4 attachments respectively, you’ll have to rely on that single ball attachment – not great!

What about Hypervolt Go? Well, it’s not great here either. But maybe it’s not as bad because Hyperice includes 2 attachments with the Go – the flat head and the bullet attachments.

This is a great selection because the 2 heads can treat different muscles – the flat head for large muscle groups and the bullet head for trigger points and feet. Just like Theragun Mini, the attachments on the full-sized Hypervolts are compatible with the Go.

Hypervolt Go doesn’t come with a carrying case or even a carrying pouch. You’ll have to find space in your traveling bag to put it in.

Theragun mini doesn’t come with a hard case for carrying everything, but at least they provide a pouch for the device and the charger. 

Verdict

While it’s great that both brands meant these two devices for their existing clientele, the extras included with both devices are disappointing. One thing is for sure, the pricing for both devices doesn’t get better even for those who already own the full-sized guns. There are mini massage guns that are better equipped and cheaper at the same time.

Battery

Both devices have similar capacity batteries. Hypervolt Go has a 2350mAh capacity battery that can last for 2 to 2.5 hours. Theragun mini’s battery can also last for 2 to 3 hours.

Keep in mind that the time on battery for most massage guns varies depending on how you use the device. If you push the device too much (use high speed and apply more pressure), the battery drains faster than normal. However, 2 to 3 hours of battery life is still good enough. You’ll probably need to charge your device again after a few days.

PRO TIP On the flip side, Ekrin Bantam (paid link), or Addsfit Mini Pro devices have twice the capacity as both the mini and the Go. They are also much smaller and lighter. Keep that in mind.

Both Theragun mini and Hypervolt Go do not come with convenient USB charging. This is a bummer because not only is it easy to charge your device on the go, but it’s a common thing with mini massage guns. Carrying the wall charger is a hustle enough, not to mention the patience of waiting for your device to fully charge. With USB you can charge your device using a power bank.

None of these devices has detachable batteries, but we believe that is normal because we are yet to see a mini massage gun with detachable batteries.

Price and Warranty

Both devices cost the same hefty $199, which is way above the market average for compact and mini massage guns. We have to admit however that these are high-quality devices but perhaps not the best – we have alternatives that would suggest otherwise (keep reading).

If you want to buy one of them, Hypervolt Go is available at Amazon, while Theragun mini is available at here at Theragun.com – our recommended store for recovery gear shopping.

The warranty offers for both devices are disappointing – just the 1-year warranty for both. We have always felt that both these brands need to better their consumer protection offers (if you will). There are lesser-known brands that offer way better services and warranties. We’ll mention some of them below.

Our Take

If you can only have either Hypervolt or Theragun and have to choose between these two devices then consider what you are getting with each. Hypervolt Go will offer you vibrational therapy (surface-level high-intensity massage). Theragun mini on the other hand will offer you more power (better stall force) and harder punches (high amplitude). The mini is more aggressive than the Go.

To be honest, though, there are some fantastic and cheaper alternatives if you are willing to look elsewhere. You might want to check out the following.

Go and mini Alternatives

First, let’s have a quick look at some key specs.

Ekrin Bantam – Best Alternative

This is a standout performer from an excellent brand. It has everything that is lacking in both the mini and the Go.

For starters, it’s smaller and lighter – a true mini massage gun. It weighs just 1.1lbs – you can use it for as long as you have to. It’s great to hold because of the angled handle – a signature design by Ekrin Athletics. Hypervolt may have borrowed a leaf from this design for their Go device.

It has way more stall force than any of the two giants. With 35lbs. of stall force, it’s on par with the bigger Hypervolt Bluetooth and more than Theragun Prime (the entry-level full-sized Theragun).

It has a 10mm amplitude – lower than Theragun mini but more effective because of the higher stall force. It revs between 2000-3200rpm – similar to Hypervolt Go but with more power.

The battery is super juiced and can last for up to 6 hours on a single charge. It charges via USB, which is great for convenience.

It has 4 nicely varied attachments – a class above both Theragun and Hypervolt. It is a top-notch product backed by a lifetime warranty and fabulous customer support.

It only costs $149.99 but if you use the MGA20 coupon you get 20% off which makes it $119.99 – buy it right here.

TIP More to read: Ekrin Bantam review →

Addsfit Mini Pro – Runner Up

The second recommended alternative to consider that betters Theragun mini and Hypervolt Go in many aspects.

Addsfit Mini Pro has a 10mm amplitude and everything else better than the mighty rivals.

It has a 28.6lbs. stall force that matches the amplitude perfectly for a decent percussive massage. It revs way higher than both the mini and Go ever could with an impressive range of 1100-3300 percussions across 5 speeds – which is more than the 3 on Theragun Mini.

It has a decent capacity battery of 2600mAh that can last up to 10 hours or 5-6 with more pressure and higher speeds.

Lastly, the ergonomics is superb. This is the only device on the market featuring extensible handle. That’s right, with a simple twist, the handle extends for a whole 3.15 inches, converting it to a slightly larger device.

Overall, this isn’t as powerful device as the Bantam, and won’t provide lifetime warranty, but it is still beats the Hypervolt Go where it matters most (think performance, attachments, size).

As for the warranty, it is one-year warranty but when you register the device at Addsfit website, you will get a 2-year extension, which means 3 years in total (the Go has just 1-year).

It costs $159 but you can buy it for $119 if you use our MASSAGE25 coupon that gives you a whooping 25% discount. Get it at addsfit.com right here.

MORE INFO: Learn more in our complete Addsfit Mini Pro review.

Bottom Line

Before we end our Hypervolt Go vs Theragun mini comparison, we have to say a few things.

The two devices vary in many physical aspects (obviously because of two different brands). However, some critical aspects like performance are the same. The stall force for both devices is the same even though Theragun Mini has a slight edge. The mini also has a better amplitude.

However, both devices are scarcely equipped, have poor warranties, and are way expensive. We have included alternatives worth your consideration.

Feel free to leave a comment below, we are curious which one you prefer.

Important Update

Hyperice has replaced both the Hypervolt and the Hypervolt Plus with their second-generation models, so they’re no longer available. For insights on the new models, we invite you to read our Hypervolt 2 Review and Hypervolt 2 Pro Review.

We are keeping the content below as a reference and future knowledge source.

Welcome to our in-depth Hypervolt vs Hypervolt Plus comparison. If you’ve been following our blog, we recently did comprehensive reviews of both Hypervolts – Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus.

Even though we covered as much as we know should be covered, we’ve had questions from readers who want to know the differences between the two.

We decided to write this Hypervolt vs Hypervolt Plus post to answer some of these questions because we also believe that there are some fundamental differences that need to be highlighted.

We’ll try our level best to cover all the nitty gritty details about these two devices and highlight all the important differences. Also, since we are massage gun experts – we have bought and tested tens of these devices – we’ll mention – just in passing – some really good alternatives to both these devices.

Stay tuned!

Key Difference Between Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus

We highlighted in our Hypervolt Plus review that it’s almost an exact copy of the original Hyperice Hypervolt – except instead of a bit of silver at the top, it’s all black.

However, in the grand scheme of things (so to speak), these two devices are actually quite different.

They don’t do the same thing. Here’s what makes a key difference between Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus…

Hypervolt is a vibrational therapy device.

The original Hypervolt is a vibrational therapy device. While it does percuss, it does so only on the surface. It only hits about 10mm deep into the muscle tissue. However, the hits happen at a high frequency – up to 3200 hits per minute. This means that the device can ease muscle tension, heal soreness, get the blood flowing better, and generally improve recovery.

What it won’t do though, is provide deep tissue massage (these massage guns will do), which is the main reason why people buy percussion massagers. At least not on those large muscles (think quads, glutes etc.).

Hypervolt Plus is a percussive therapy device.

Hypervolt Plus on the other hand is a percussive therapy device (the real thing if you like). That actually now makes it a direct rival to Theraguns.

It has a more powerful motor (we’ll talk more about this later) and the head travel is about 40% longer. What that means is that this device is capable of providing a deep to the bone massage even on larger muscles.

As you can see, these two devices may look the same but they actually do very different things. If you have these key differences down, then you have pretty much mastered what the Hypervolts are all about. It’s especially important to know the differences if you are a serious athlete or a bodybuilder looking for a good recovery tool.

Detailed Comparison

Specs Comparison

Related: Visit our Hypervolt comparison post to get to know all the current Hyperice massage guns.

What Each Hypervolt Comes With

Carrying Case

We still can’t figure out why Hyperice won’t include a carrying case with any of these two devices.

Everybody else is doing it – even the so-called cheaper brands have the courtesy to include one with their devices. We’ve often wondered how much it would cost them to include a carrying case. We are not going on a rant here, just expressing our disbelief.

The only way you get a case from Hyperice is by parting with $49. There is however, a small pouch to store the attachments – meh!

TIP The only case you get with Hypervolt is the head attachment pouch.

Attachments

Both devices have the same set of attachments. There are 5 attachments for each device and we applauded them when we did our Hypervolt vs Theragun comparison.

The 5 include: the ball, flat, bullet, fork, and the cushion head attachment. We explained in detail what each one of these does in our respective reviews.

It suffices to say though, we have absolutely no complaints about the attachments. Every box ticked, as far as those go – the hard ones are hard and the soft are soft. The cushion head one is the softest, followed by the ball, which has a slight give to it. Also, the plastic quality is great.

There is also a charger. Similar looking in both devices as well – a detachable cord and a 24V brick.

Design Differences

You might recall if you read our Theragun individual reviews or comparison articles our high praise for Theragun’s tenacity to keep all 4 of their new generation devices unique.

From materials used, texture, grips, simple fine-tunings, and even the color options, everything is curated so carefully that even though some of those devices look similar from a distance, you’d easily tell one from the other once you get a closer look.

Hyperice on the other hand has been the complete opposite. Their 2 full-sized massage guns look the same. The only thing that isn’t the same, if you care to look, is the difference in color. 

• The original Hypervolt has a silver top covering with the rest of the body being black.
• Hypervolt Plus is all black.

From the look of things they took the easiest route for their second device – took the original Hypervolt body and packed it with new and improved hardware. The best scenario for never changing a winning formula. That is always the best route to use – we are entrepreneurs we know.

The only problem however, especially for the customer, is that you don’t get anything new even if you choose Hypervolt Plus.  

These two products are the same size; measuring 9.34 x 6.5 x 2.5 (inches). The ergonomics aren’t different as well. It’s the same T-shape design that we have always complained about. The jack-hammer design may have been cool when the first Hypervolt came into the market, but it’s not as cool and can be a pain as well. Using it for too long also causes tension in the wrist.

We prefer what Ekrin does with its devices – the angled handle allows for a more natural grip. But we will appreciate the rubberized handle on both devices – it’s not something you see with many other devices.

The back panel is identical as well, with very simple controls (as we like it). There is the main switch button used to put the device on standby mode, and then there’s the main operation button used to turn on the device and change speeds.

There are different LEDs that indicate different things:

• Ring LED round the bottom end of the handle indicates battery power. It changes color to indicate different battery charge levels (red = depleted, green = fully charged).
• 5 LEDs that also indicate the battery charge level. They complement the ring LED.
• There are 3 LEDs above the main button to indicate speeds.
• There are 3 LEDs below the main button to indicate the pressure applied – pressure sensor.

Both devices feature a battery push-release button on the side of the gun but it takes a bit of force to detach the battery. We wondered why at first but then quickly figured it was probably a good thing, probably to prevent the battery from falling off during a massage session.

No carrying case, even though both devices are considerably heavy. The Plus weighs 3lbs, 0.5lbs more than the Hypervolt. This may not be such a huge difference but you start to feel it after a while during a long session. Both devices are also somewhat bulky. The plus may be heavy but it packs better hardware.

Performance

This is where the difference in these two devices becomes clear.

Amplitude (Stroke Length)

Juts to remind you, amplitude is the distance covered by the massage gun head as it moves back and forth percussing over your skin. It’s an important parameter in percussive therapy. The longer the distance covered, the deeper into the muscle tissue the massage gun can hit. Shorter amplitudes tend to be vibrational rather than percussive.

How do these two Hypervolts compare here?

The first Hypervolt has about 10mm amplitude – we did our own measuring because Hyperice doesn’t disclose that information anywhere. In the percussive world, 10mm amplitude is simply inadequate. It may be good for surface level massage but not deep tissue massage. The latter requires a few more millimeters (12mm or more) and power.

Hypervolt Plus has about 14mm amplitude – again this is not officially from Hyperice, we did our own measuring. The 14mm is closer to Theragun standard (16mm) which is great because now it’s the biggest selling point for the Plus over the regular Hypervolt. It can hit deep into the tissue, not as much as a Theragun may, but an almost similar experience. They also added more power to the Plus device.

Stall Force

Stall force is the pressure it takes to stall the motor of a massage gun. Sometimes when you want to hit deep into the muscle tissue, you will need to exert pressure to the area of concern. Depending on the amount of force used, you may stall your device. Some devices are easier to stall than others. The harder it is to stall a device, the better that device can perform a deep percussive massage.

So how do these two Hypervolts compare here?

Hyperice increased the stall force in the Hypervolt Plus massage gun. This is a major improvement, and as a result, the Plus is a decent percussion massager.

The regular Hypervolt has only about 35lbs. stall force, which isn’t that bad actually if you take into account that some percussion massagers don’t even go beyond the 30lbs. mark (Theragun Prime is an example). However, with the 10mm amplitude, it falls short of what is required for a stronger and deeper massage.

Hypervolt Plus has a 30% more powerful motor – 90W over the original’s 60W. Again we had to do our own tests to determine the stall force for the Plus because Hyperice just wouldn’t disclose that information. We mentioned in our Hypervolt Plus review that the stall force feels like the upper 40s, maybe even 50lbs.

With that it is safe to conclude that with the increased amplitude and a major boost in stall force, the Hypervolt Plus is a truly strong massage gun. While it may not hit the heights of some giants out there, it has all the features needed even for demanding users (Pro athletes and bodybuilders). NBA players love the device now (learn more why in this post)!

That means that this is your go-to percussive device if you love Hypervolt. The regular gun is for users who want to take it slow and tender and are okay with surface level massage.

Percussions, Speed Levels and Pressure Sensor

Both devices hit the skin at a rapid pace. They both go up to 3200rpm. However, they only have 3 speeds ranged 1800, 2400, and 3200 (which correspond to the frequencies 30, 40 and 53Hz).

We pointed out in our Hypervolt comparisions how the range is too wide. 4 or 5 speeds would be more appropriate.

We also pointed out in our Plus review how even though the amplitude is increased, the hits per minute were not reduced. We know that devices with longer amplitudes tend to have reduced intensity. We saw this with Theragun, whose devices only rev up to 2400rpm. That means there is whooping 800rpm more with the Hypervolt Plus.

There are 3 LED indicators for speed but you can also hear and feel the speed gear changes as you tap the main button. The pressure sensor is included in both devices and indicated by 3 LEDs.

In our opinion this simplistic execution is not the best. Especially when rivals like Theragun and Ekrin have way better visualization here. Ekrin B37S has one of the best executed pressure sensors we have ever seen (check why here, in our review).

Noise Level

Hypervolt is synonymous with quiet, at least in the percussion massagers industry. They don’t only claim this fact, it is true even in reality.

But the two devices differ slightly in the amount of noise they produce in operation. The regular Hypervolt is the quieter of the two devices largely due to the shorter 10mm amplitude and a less powerful motor.

Hypervolt Plus is still quiet. However, the Achedaway Pro is quieter. But it’s still quieter than most Theraguns. We measured the noise levels:

• Regular Hypervolt 55-67dB
• Hypervolt Plus 62-69dB

We did also notice that both devices rattle quite a bit when pressed hard against the body. There are also some vibrations transferred to the handle on top speed. But that isn’t unusual at all. In fact, most massage guns do this.

Battery

Both devices have the same 2400mAh capacity battery, which is slightly surprising given the additional weight in Hypervolt Plus.

We figured the extra weight could be as a result of the more powerful motor. This powerful motor however, has a negative effect on the battery. The battery will drain faster in Hypervolt Plus than it will in the regular Hypervolt. That said, the regular Hypervolt will run out of juice after about 2.5 hours, while Plus’s battery will be depleted after 2 hours.

The batteries will drain faster when the intensity is high and also when the device is pushed a lot.

That said, we still think the time on battery is still poor for both devices if you consider what other brands (Ekrin, Urikar and Achedaway) have been able to achieve with the same capacity battery – their devices have 4-5 hours time on battery without sacrificing on performance.

The only positive thing here is that both devices have a removable battery, which means you can charge one as you use the other. However, you’ll have to buy the extra battery separately. 

We couldn’t confirm whether both devices use batteries from the same manufacturer, but we’d expect that they do. We have seen the very first Hypervolts still working at optimum with their very first batteries (since 2018).

As we already mentioned, there are 5 LEDs that complement that ring LED around the handle. There is also a blue LED that indicates whether the device is connected via Bluetooth. It takes about 3 hours to fully charge their batteries.

Hyperice App

Both devices on sale in 2021 are Bluetooth enabled, which means that they can both connect to the Hyperice app. We did elaborate in detail on what the app does in both our individual reviews.

However, it suffices to say:

• The app has how-to instructions, guided routines and can take over the operation of the devices, i.e. automatically change speeds.
• The Hyperice app is a great way to learn how to use your Hypervolt devices if you are novice in massage gun use. You can see how professional athletes use the devices on themselves.
• The experience is pretty much the same with both devices.

Hypervolt Discount, Price, Warranty

Hypervolts are great devices loved by many customers and embraced by professional sports personalities. But as we have already mentioned, one is a vibrational therapy device, while the other has all the qualities of a percussive device.

But what about their prices?

One answer, it’s a lot of money! Well, we could give a pass to the percussive device, but there’s absolutely no excuse for the vibrational therapy one.

What about discounts, are there any?

Hyperice recently reduced the prices of both devices by $50. The regular Hypervolt was previously $349 but now it’s $299, while Hypervolt Plus went from $399 to $349.

We aren’t sure whether this is a permanent change in pricing or whether this is just a temporary move. We’ll have to wait and see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

TIP It’s worth checking out current prices on Amazon to see if anything changed since we posted this Hypervolt vs Hypervolt Plus comparison. Links: original Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus.

But are these devices worth it? Well, our view hasn’t changed since we last published the individual reviews for both devices;

• Hypervolts are great devices, no doubt. However, the aspect of value for money simply knocks the original Hypervolt off our recommendation list. There are way too many options that offer so much more at almost 3 times cheaper than the Hypervolt.
• Hypervolt Plus is a beast we can keep. It’s powerful and reasonably quiet. It could be a worthy investment if you can afford it. Even so, there are still better devices that compete fiercely with it. These offer value for money.
• The key disadvantages for both Hypervolts is the poor ergonomics, added weight, poor battery performance, a lot of upsells (carrying case, spare battery), the high prices, and the poor warranty on both devices (just the 1-year warranty for both devices).
• The new Hypervolt 2 and 2 Pro have been improved in some areas (like ergonomics). However, they are not as strong as their predecessor (stall force) and they don’t rev as fast.

Comparison Summary

Similarities

• Same T-shape design and ergonomics
• Same Dimensions
• Same Back panel, Controls
• Same Pressure sensor
• Same battery capacity (2400 MAh)
• Both have 3 speeds and same percussion range (1800, 2400, 3180 ppm)
• Both have 5 Attachments
• Both have Bluetooth for Hyperice app connectivity;
• Both have a detachable battery

Differences

• Hypervolt made for vibrational therapy, Hypervolt Plus for percussive therapy
• Amplitude: ~10mm in Hypervolt vs ~14mm in Hypervolt Plus
• Stall Force: ~35 lbs in Hypervolt vs. 45-50 lbs. in Hypervolt Plus
• Noise: maximum 67 dB in Hypervolt vs 69 dB in Hypervolt Plus
• Weight: 2.5 lbs in Hypervolt vs 3.0 lbs in Hypervolt Plus
• Time on battery: maximum 3 hours with Hypervolt, 2.5 with Hypervolt Plus
• Color: Hypervolt is black/silver,  Hypervolt Plus is all-black
• Price: $349 for Hypervolt, $359 for Hypervolt Plus

Both Lack

• Carrying case
• Longer warranty (just 1 year)

Full Reviews to Read:

• Hypervolt Review
• Hypervolt Plus Review

Exploring Alternatives – Give Them a Chance

Despite Hypervolts being very nice devices, it’s been a while since they were probably the best devices to have. They are not as unique as when they came out.

Also, Hyperice didn’t iterate as fast as the competitors (Theragun and others) did. We have listed some noteworthy alternatives that are similar or even more powerful, are quieter, better equipped, with better warranties, but also cheaper.

We will later have a dedicated post on best Hypervolt alternatives, but here is a sneak preview.

Ekrin B37S

In our opinion this fantastic massage gun is probably the best Hypervolt Plus alternative. If there is anything lacking in your Plus, then this device has got you covered.

For starters, it has more power (confirmed by Ekrin and our tests). 56lbs. of stall force is more than you will ever need from a percussive device. It has a 12mm amplitude. That is 2mm less than Hypervolt Plus but with more than enough power, you probably won’t need anything more.

It has better ergonomics, it’s lighter and very well balanced. It has the best executed pressure sensor we have ever seen.

There is 8 hours of battery life, a lifetime warranty and lifetime customer support.

Deal Alert: It is reasonably priced. It normally costs about $250, but if you apply the Amazon coupon and the MGAD6PRO code at checkout, it’s cheaper than our top pick.

Check it out here at Amazon.

It usually costs $329 but with our MGA20 coupon you get 20% off so you can get it here at only $263.99.

Read our full Ekrin B37S review for more.

Achedaway Pro

An even more amazing massage gun with power and discretion. The advertised stall force is over 80lbs. It has a 16mm amplitude, which is even better than both Hypervolts.

It’s an incredibly powerful gun but way quieter than both Hypervolts. It has a detachable battery as well, and better still you can buy it with two batteries.

The ergonomics are great, similar to what we saw with Ekrin B37S. It has a 2-year warranty.

If you decide to buy the Achedaway Pro, use our MGA60 coupon to get $60 off the $299 retail price. That makes it $239 instead!

Or, if you buy it with the spare battery, instead of paying $369, you will pay $309. That means that for the price of Hypervolt Plus, you get the Achedaway Pro with two batteries and a travelling case for free!

Opove M3 Pro 2

We recently just found out about this T-Shaped gun. It is a more simplistic, but even more affordable choice.

The device looks very similar to Hypervolts in terms of ergonomics and general look, maybe a bit more “Pro”. It’s an affordable choice, not the strongest one out there, but very decent.

It has a 12mm amplitude and 40-45lbs. of real stall force. We say real, because we found at least a few massage gun brands that overstated their product’s specs. Not here, fortunately.

The M3 Pro has 5 speed gears as well and a reasonable percussion range of 1300 – 2600 ppm (percussions per minute).

The battery is non-removable but there is better time on battery – 4 hours is doable. It comes with a 30-day free money-back guarantee and friendly customer support.

It usually costs $199.99 but you can now get it for $119.99.

TIP Read our full Opove M3 Pro 2 review →

Need more options? Then check out our Best Hypervolt Alternatives article

Conclusion

We have come to the end of our Hypervolt vs Hypervolt Plus article. Hopefully by now you have everything you need to know the difference between these two devices.

There isn’t much difference at first sight but there is more inside the Hypervolt Plus than the regular Hypervolt.

In 2021, we would choose Plus over the regular one. However, there are very good alternatives that compete very well with Hypervolt and even beat them. We have listed some of them in our article for you.

If you have any further doubts, feel free to write in the comment below!

We’ve used them extensively over many weeks and shot plenty of photos while doing so. Read on to have a bird’s-eye view of the industry giant’s products.

Theragun 4^th and Theragun 5^th Generation: What’s New and Improved?

Theragun, all things considered, is probably the prototype of the massage gun and, maybe by a stretch, the percussive therapy industry. They’ve always been innovative with everything, and as the market demand has increased, the brand has had all the answers to their questions.

One of the questions addressed the different needs of different people. They have done this by coming up with different devices.

Today, we take a look at all their 4^th generation products, as well as the Theragun Pro 5^th generation.

We’ve had all these sports massagers, tested them, and reviewed them thoroughly. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed some of our product reviews, such as:

• Theragun mini review
• Theragun Prime review
• Theragun Elite review
• Theragun PRO review

Don’t worry. This post is not a repetition of those reviews but a guide to clarify things. And you will need it because:

• First, Theraguns are expensive (albeit premium) sports massagers, so you’ll need every bit of information to determine if you’ll get your money’s worth.
• Secondly, you may need to determine which is the best Theragun for your needs.
• And finally, maybe there are better alternatives to all Theraguns (e.g., Theragun mini alternative).

We will look at everything here. So, tune in!

Theragun Prime vs Elite vs Pro vs Mini: Which One Suits You Best?

Theragun Prime, Theragun Elite, and Theragun Pro are full-sized sports massagers. The Theragun Mini, on the other hand, is much smaller. It serves a different niche altogether. It was never part of what Theragun has been doing for a long time until only recently.

In September 2022, Theragun unveiled their new flagship device, Theragun Pro 5th Gen, and announced the smaller Theragun Mini. All 3 large percussion massagers have a lot in common. However, interestingly enough, the Theragun Mini doesn’t fall too far from the tree.

Some features of the Theragun mini are almost similar to what you find in the Theragun Prime. So the Theragun mini makes the cut, if only for this reason.

Theragun Models 2023: Detailed Specs and Features

D5 Pro vs Theragun vs Prime vs Mini: Side-by-Side Specs Comparison

Theragun Overview: Design, Colors, and First Impressions

All three full-sized Theragun muscle massagers are similar, apart from minor tweaks, like the build materials.

Theragun Prime: Key Features and Review

The Theragun Prime is black (no color variations). It is matte plastic and looks rather basic and a bit uninspiring. But its basic nature makes it practical and very easy to clean.

Theragun Elite: What Sets It Apart

The Theragun Elite is more refined than its humbler brother. Upon unboxing it, we were immediately struck by its glossy black piano exterior, particularly the gleaming side housing the motor and arm.

Its construction involved two types of plastic: a slick, smooth kind on the inside of the multiple-grip handle and a rubberized exterior that provided a secure grip during our tests.

The Theragun Elite comes in three color variations: black, white, and red—except the one indicated as red, which is not really red but white, with only the ring on the arm being red. That’s a special edition Product (RED), and every purchase contributes to the Global Fund to fight pandemics worldwide.

Speaking of the rings, both the black and white variations have a blue ring on the arm.

Theragun Pro: The Ultimate in Percussive Therapy

Our evaluation showed that the Theragun Pro resembles the Elite in more ways than one, except, instead of a colored ring on the arm, the part covering the motor is colored (blue circle for the black one).

Both the Theragun Pro and the Theragun Elite have glossy parts. However, these are fingerprint magnets and look rather untidy after using the device. They also both look more stylish than the Theragun Prime.

When we compared the new Theragun Pro 5th Gen with its predecessor, the Pro 4th Gen model, we found them nearly identical. What set the Theragun Pro 5th Gen apart during our inspection was the new Therabody logo, distinguished by a blue stripe, a departure from the Theragun imprint on the 4th Gen, which lacked these blue accents.

Theragun mini: Compact Power on the Go

When we first picked up the Theragun mini, we were pleasantly surprised by its comfortable, rubberized plastic construction. It feels good and comfortable to hold. With two color options, black and desert rose, the Theragun Mini’s uniform color stood out in contrast to the segmented color design of the Theragun Elite and the Theragun Pro models.

In terms of accessories, our inspection revealed that the Theragun Prime and the Theragun Mini do not come with a carrying case—just a simple soft pouch for both. The Theragun Elite has a carrying case, and the Theragun PRO 5th Gen now has a fancy soft shell (a great-quality one). A pouch for the Theragun attachments has been added.

Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

Theragun Prime is the smallest of the full-sized sports massagers, measuring 8.9” x 6.3” x 2.9” (22.5 x 16 x 7.3 cm). The Elite is slightly larger and measures 9.5” x 6.7” x 2.8” (24 x 17 x 7.4 cm).

We found the Theragun Pro to be the largest of all models, measuring 10” x 7.1” x 3” (25.5 x 18 x 7.6 cm) – that makes it slightly larger than the Theragun Elite but observably larger than the Theragun Prime.

One interesting observation was that Theragun Prime, although slightly smaller in size, still weighs the same as the Elite (2.2 lbs.). Now, this is the standard weight for muscle massagers in this category.

The Theragun Pro is not only the heaviest of all Theraguns—at 2.8 lbs—but it’s also one of the heaviest percussion massagers on the market—0.6 lbs heavier than its two counterparts.

The new Theragun Mini, representing a different category altogether, is less than half the size of the Prime. It measures only 5.55″ x 4.92″ x 1.93″ and weighs 1.10 lbs with a ball attachment—a 20% size and 25% weight reduction versus the first-generation Theragun mini.

Now, that makes the Theragun Mini the smallest of all Theraguns. However, we mentioned in our full review of the Theragun Mini that even though it’s the smallest Theragun compared to many mini massage guns, it’s not the smallest we’ve ever tested. In fact, the Mini is one of the heaviest mini massage guns on the market.

That said, all devices take the conventional triangular shape that Theragun is known for. There is a slight tinkering with the Mini, though. It’s triangular but doesn’t have the multi-grip super ergonomic handle.

Theragun obviously had to come up with something unique for its category. But we commend their ingenuity in keeping the triangular shape for the Theragun Mini.

We found the ergonomics superb, especially for the 3 full-sized percussion massagers. The triangular shape and multiple grip handle are something only Theragun can boast of.

We just had a bit of concern with the Theragun Mini. Yes, they may have ingeniously kept the triangular shape, but ergonomically, it falls short, in our opinion. We think a traditional round handle would’ve been the best design choice.

Of course, the Theragun Pro has an adjustable rotating arm that locks in one of four positions. However, our Theragun Pro review mentions that the adjustable arm may be unique and cute, but it’s unnecessary—unless a professional therapist or chiropractor is using it on another person.

The adjustable arm may come in handy for a DIY massage if you want to reach your lower or sore middle back. However, we noticed that both the Prime and Elite can easily reach these areas, too, so in our opinion, it’s not a must-have feature.

Theragun Attachments

The first Theragun Mini had (and still has) only one attachment—a ball. The newly released 2022 Mini includes two more.

The Theragun Prime comes with 4 Theragun attachments– one dampener, ball, thumb, and cone. The Elite has 5 attachments – the same as the Prime, plus the wedge head. The Theragun Pro 5th Gen comes with 6 Theragun attachments – the two others are super soft, and the brand new micro point (replaces the cone).

In our opinion, all the Theragun attachments are unique and of good quality. The Supersoft is the softest of them all, followed by the Dampener and the Ball attachment.

We found the cone head to be the least soft. It is often used to target pinpoint areas like the feet. Interestingly, the cone head is not included in the recently unveiled Theragun Pro 5th Gen. It got replaced by the all-new Micropoint attachment.

The Supersoft Theragun attachment is our favorite because it is easy to use on bony areas. Despite the general recommendation against using massage guns in these areas, the Supersoft attachment safely allows for it.

While the Supersoft attachment comes standard with the Pro, it and other attachments can be purchased separately. Moreover, all the Theragun attachments are compatible with each of these devices.

It comes with the Pro but can be bought separately (as can other attachments).

All the Theragun attachments are interchangeable between these sports massagers, but Theragun sells them separately in its store. However, note that due to its unique mounting system, it is not interchangeable with massage guns from other brands. More on that in our massage gun attachments guide here.

The only concern we have with the Theragun attachments – which we repeated in our reviews – is that they’re more or less varied. For example, when used, the dampener, the thumb, and the ball attachments feel quite similar in the right direction. Still, having seen and used many other devices, we believe adding flat or fork attachments would vary them nicely.

Extra Theragun Accessories

Ever thought about using two Theragun attachments at once? It might sound odd initially, but if you’re focusing primarily on large muscle groups, using the Theragun Duo Adapter makes sense — it saves time!

Therabody also sells many spare parts, such as Supersoft attachment tops (the foamy part) or single attachments—they’re compatible with all 4th and 5th generation muscle massagers.

Screen and Controls

The Theragun Prime does not have an OLED screen like the Elite and Pro models. Instead, it has simple LED indicators for speeds and battery charge levels.

But the Prime’s lack of an OLED display isn’t a bummer—it’s an entry-level device with simple controls. It has a power button that you press and hold to turn the device on/off, and up and down arrows that you can use to change the speeds.

Both the Elite and Pro models have an OLED display that indicates battery charge level, speed, and the amount of force applied. Both the Elite and Pro have a few trinkets up their sleeves.

One such trinket is a custom preset feature that allows you to store your favorite routines (settings) within the devices for easy access.

Because of this, the < and > arrows are used to cycle between the presets. There are also up and down arrows that you can use to cycle between speeds.

In addition, the Theragun Pro 5^th generation has an updated screen. It now displays visual instructions for four built-in routines: Sleep, Warm Up, Recover, and Relax, so you don’t have to use the Therabody app to follow them.

The Theragun Mini is a simplified device in terms of the screen and controls. LED indicators show 1 of 3 speeds and a battery charge level indicator. These work perfectly, and we think the lack of OLEDs is justified.

Theragun Performance

Amplitude (Stroke Length)

Amplitude or stroke length is how far the massage gun head travels back and forth to give you percussions.

Theragun is the king of amplitude. All 4 devices are absolutely stocked with this, and nothing has changed with the September 2022 addition of the Theragun Pro 5th Gen and the new Mini.

Prime, Elite, and Pro all have the industry-high 16mm amplitude massage gun. Although other brands are now equipping their devices with 16mm amplitudes (Bob and Brad D6 Pro), there’s no doubt that Theragun was here first.

The Theragun Mini has a 12mm amplitude, which is still perfect if you consider its purpose. Actually, a mini massage gun doesn’t need anything more. At 12mm, the Mini tops most (if not all) mini massage guns on the market. Most have between 6 and 10mm of amplitude.

But as we highlight in our Theragun reviews, the long amplitude doesn’t necessarily mean good performance. Unless it’s accompanied by enough stall force, then it’s a bit of a waste, to be honest. We did have some interesting findings, as explained in the reviews for all 4 muscle massagers.

Stall Force

Stall force is the amount of pressure it takes to stall the motor of a massage gun. It’s important to determine how effectively a massage gun delivers deep tissue massage.

Here, Theragun varies the stall force for all 4 muscle massagers. Just a glimpse of what we felt about the stall force for all 4 percussion massagers.

We found the stall force of the Theragun Prime model to be somewhat underwhelming. With a stall force of only 30 lbs., the Prime falls short by about 3-10 lbs. of what we’d expect from a high-quality entry-level percussion massager. It tends to stall relatively easily and struggles to keep revving fast when the pressure is exerted. We feel that the Prime fails to take advantage of its long, 16 mm amplitude. 

Yes, the 16 mm stroke length is impressive, but sometimes it may be more beneficial to compromise a little on head length in favor of additional motor power. Several devices, such as the Ekrin B37 and Ekrin B37s, have greatly adopted this approach.

We believe reducing the amplitude to around 12 to 13 mm and boosting the stall force to at least 40 lbs. could enhance Prime’s effectiveness. With a device like that, you can get the best deep tissue massage, even on large muscle groups – pecs, hamstrings, glutes, etc. It would still be below the Theragun Elite but hit with better intensity when pressed against the skin.

Theragun Elite, on the other hand, felt somewhat more reliable in our hands. It’s not the best with 40 lbs. of stall force, but the long stroke length is finally justified. While not the best, the ample stroke length finally feels justified. An additional 10 lbs. of pressure can significantly affect the results compared to the Theragun Prime. In our Theragun Elite review, given its hefty price, we still decry the Elite’s stall force. However, it’s still slightly harder to stall compared to the Prime. 

The Theragun Pro boasts an impressive 60 lbs. stall force – the highest among all Theraguns. Given its status as the flagship sports massager of the Therabody brand, we expected the Pro to be this powerful. While there are a few more powerful massage guns with even more stall force, in our opinion, 60 lbs. is more than you’ll ever need. You’ll have to be intentionally forceful to stall the Pro’s motor. In our tests on large muscle groups, it seemed almost impossible to stall.

The Theragun mini is the weakest of all Theraguns as far as the stall force is concerned. It stalls with about 15-20 lbs. of pressure applied. While this may be expected for the least powerful Theragun, we expressed our disappointment while reviewing it.

We argued that 15-20 lbs. stall force does not justify the long, 12 mm stroke length. There are best mini massage guns with shorter amplitudes but way better stall force. However, we made a case against Hypervolt Go, which is even weaker.

Finally, before we close the argument on stall force, it’s important to note that all these percussion massagers have progressive stall force: lower at a lower speed and higher at a higher speed. That means you only get the advertised stall force at the highest speed.

Theragun Percussions, Speeds

Percussions refer to the number of hits per minute delivered by the massage gun head. The more hits per minute, the more effective the massage muscle. Different brands approach this area differently from other performance features on their muscle massagers.

For example, some massage guns can have a longer amplitude but fewer percussions per minute, which is okay. The opposite can also be okay: a shorter amplitude but more percussions per minute is still acceptable. 

All Theraguns have a similar percussion range. That is, they all rev from 1750 RPM to 2400 RPM. Standard massage guns have up to 5 speeds to cycle through.

They all have similar calibrations:

• 1750 – first speed
• 1900 – second speed
• 2100 – third speed
• 2200 – fourth speed
• 2400 – fifth speed

You can still get custom speeds for Theragun Prime, Elite, and Pro when you use the Therabody app. In the app, you can use the slider to select your preferred intensity.

The Theragun mini has the same percussion range but only 3 speeds to cycle through. 3 speeds are standard for most mini massage guns on the market.

The speeds are calibrated as follows:

• 1750 – first speed
• 2100 – second speed
• 2400 – third speed

As we mentioned above, some devices have a higher percussion-per-minute rating. For example, Hypervolts have a percussion range of up to 3200 RPM, and some rev up to 3800 RPM. However, these do not have the long stroke length of the Theraguns.

There are a few exceptions, but generally, the shorter the amplitude, the more intense the device will get. However, we always warn you to beware of devices with shorter amplitudes. These offer vibrational therapy rather than percussive therapy.

Force Meter

Only the Elite and Theragun Pro have a force meter on their OLED screens. Using a simplified bar scale, the meter shows how much force is being applied to the body.

However, as we mention in our reviews of these devices, this feature is only useful if you’re massaging another person. We feel it’s something only professional therapists and chiropractors would be interested in. 

Therabody App, Connectivity and Extra Features

One of Theraguns’ best selling points is the Therabody App. The app is available for all 3 full-sized sports massagers and the Theragun Mini 2nd Gen, and it can be downloaded for Android and iOS systems.

It connects via Bluetooth and guides you on how to use the device for the best effect. You can discover a lot of routines within the app. They include body parts routines, general, warm-up, recovery, and sleep routines. 

When you start on any particular routine, the app automatically adjusts the intensity of the device as you massage different body parts. You can also track your progress as you massage away. The massaged areas are marked within the app.

The Theragun App also recommends what grip to use for what part of the body – this is only available on the Elite and Pro models. The force to be applied is also recommended within the App. You can also adjust the speed of the percussion massager using the slider within the App. 

Another important feature of the Elite and Pro devices is that you can save your favorite customized routines on your smart phone. This allows you to quickly access these routines whenever you need to use the device.

Each routine can be customized with different speeds, times, and forces applied. You can use the < and > arrows to cycle through these routines. We think that this is an amazing feature to have. 

Theragun Noise

For a long time now, noise has been Theragun’s Achilles heel. As we indicate in our reviews, this remains tricky for Theragun devices.

We simply cannot excuse Theragun in this area, not because they are a premium brand and charge a premium price. The bar is pretty high for them; they must live up to this reputation.

However, it seems they have been well aware of the criticism and decided to improve things on the noise front. A prominent example is the recent introduction of their Theragun Pro 5th Gen model. Our tests confirmed the marked improvements in noise reduction in this latest device.

The Theragun Pro 5th Gen is now the quietest of all 3 full-sized sports massagers. It’s perhaps the smoothest of them all as well – the unpleasant rattling sound is now largely gone, although it still sounds somewhat rough.

The brand says the Pro 5th Gen is 20% quieter than the predecessor, and that is about right (our noise meter recorded an 8 dB difference at the top speed). However, remember that the previous Pro was (still is) the loudest of their muscle massagers, so don’t expect the hushed and smooth sound known from a Bob And Brad D6 Pro.

The Theragun Elite now ranks second quietest. The sound it makes is reasonably smooth, per Theragun standards. We tested it, and it was a few decibels quieter than the Prime – about 67 dB.

The Theragun Prime comes third in ranking for smooth sound at 69 decibels. There’s a roughness to its sound that makes the Elite just a bit less intrusive in comparison.

The Theragun Mini falls under a different category; we tested it with this in mind. Obviously, it’s relatively quiet compared to its bigger siblings, but perhaps not more than the new Pro 6th Gen.

However, rated against other mini massage guns, it’s not the quietest. It also vibrates quite a bit and often forces you to re-adjust the grip as you use it. 

Battery

Theraguns Prime and Elite have non-removable batteries lasting up to 2 hours (continuous usage) on a single charge.

We found the Pro a little more juiced up – enough to last 2 – 2.5 hours on a single charge. It’s the only Theragun with a removable battery. That said, the Theragun Pro 5th Grn comes with only one battery included (the previous model had two).

The Theragun Mini is advertised as delivering 150 minutes of usage per single charge.

The Theragun PRO 5th Gen and the Theragun mini both have convenient USB-C charging, so this is a major change versus the 4th Gen percussion massagers that all came with dedicated wall chargers (we know that these kinds of chargers can be pretty bulky and a bit of a bother).

Elite and Pro have wireless charging ability. The wireless chargers can be purchased separately from the Therabody store. 

Here’s what we think about Theragun’s battery performance:

• You can still get 2 – 2.5 hours of battery time. However, we noticed that if you use more pressure and higher speeds, the motor will overwork, and the batteries will drain faster.
• It gets comfortable with the Theragun Pro 5th Gen. You can buy the extra battery and use one as the other charges. This is excellent news for physiotherapists and chiropractors.
• Elite and Prime have okay batteries, but most massage gun brands have better juiced-up batteries. For example, with their Samsung-branded batteries, Ekrin B37 and Ekrin B37S can last up to 8 hours on a single charge. Other devices are also capable of 4 – 8 hours per charge.
• The 2^nd generation Theragun Mini has a much-anticipated USB charging capability. Most mini massage guns in this category have USB charging, so the Theragun Mini finally caught up.

Theragun Discount, Price, Warranty and Customization

Theraguns are exorbitantly priced. As of writing this post, the Theragun Mini costs $199, the Prime goes for $299, the Elite retails at $399, and you’ll have to cough up $599 for the Pro 5th gen.

Fortunately, the X8YZF10 promo code may give you up to 10% Off at checkout. The coupon only works at Therabody’s store (for EU customers, the discount might not be that high).

There’s also a way to get a Theragun 20% discount code, but it might not be for everyone. Check out this page for more info.

Even with the high prices, Theragun disappoints greatly with its warranties. Apart from the Theragun Pro, which has a 2-year warranty, the rest only give a 1-year guarantee.

Therabody introduced an Apple-style ProCare warranty that offers free repair or replacement within the first year and other benefits.

This is bought separately. It’s $40 for the Mini, $55 for Prime, $75 for Elite, and $100 for Pro. Customization can only be applied to the Pro model for an extra $50. This is only accessible when you buy via the Therabody store—more details here.

Our Thoughts:

Theragun is a premium brand and there are extras to pay for and this definitely increases the cost even further.

We think the warranty is somewhat disappointing. Especially when you consider that brands like Ekrin Athletics and Lifepro give you a lifetime warranty when you buy their sports massagers. They also guarantee you lifetime customer support. Theragun asks you to pay extra for extra coverage for just 1 year.

Great devices but comparing to their best alternatives, they don’t offer great value for money. Not anymore.

How to Buy a Theragun Using FSA/HSA Funds

Holding an HSA or FSA card and eyeing a Theragun purchase with tax advantages? Now you can.

Therabody recently declared its Theragun devices FSA and HSA eligible, opening a pathway to using FSA/HSA funds for purchases.

To do this, simply visit therabody.com and use your card at checkout. It’s that easy!

Ensure to read their FAQ section beforehand for clarity.

Read More: For a deeper dive into acquiring FSA and HSA-eligible massage guns, explore our dedicated post on this topic.

Theragun Mini vs Prime – Summary

Similarities:

• Both devices are entry-level models with weak motors;
• Bluetooth connectivity (introduced in the Theragun Mini – 2^nd generation; the previous one didn’t have it)
• Similar batteries;
• Same 1-year warranty

Theragun Mini vs Theragun Prime advantages:

• Portable mini massager: smaller size and lighter body
• Slightly less noisy (the Theragun mini 2G is noticeably quieter)
• Also comes in different color variation
• USB-C charging enabled (introduced in the Mini – 2^nd generation)
• Costs $100 less

Theragun Prime over Mini Advantages:

• More powerful motor, able to withhold 30 lbs. of pressure (mini has less than 20 lbs, stall force making it very easy to stall);
• 16mm stroke length vs. 12mm on the mini means Prime will punch better (hard massage)
• 5 speeds available vs. 3 in the mini–same percussion range;
• 4 Theragun attachments vs. 3 on the Mini
• With better ergonomics, reaching the lower or sore middle back is easier with the Prime

Our Take: on Theragun Mini vs Prime

Both are entry-level muscle massagers that are good for low to semi-intensive muscle massage (percussive therapy) i.e. warming up, relaxation, etc. However, they might not be strong enough to do a good job massaging large muscle groups or for people with a lot of muscle mass.

If it comes down to portability for when you’re on the move (hiking, biking, or kayaking for a few days), the mini is the better portable mini massager option because it’s smaller, lighter and now also USB-C enabled – these features make it perfect for those wanting the benefits of a massage gun whilst traveling.

If you are looking for performance, gym goers, the Theragun Prime is the better option. It’s bigger than the Theragun Mini but smaller than the Elite. Also, it has a better amplitude and higher stall force.

Theragun Prime vs Theragun Elite – Head-to-Head Comparison

Similarities:

• 16mm stroke length
• 5 built-in speeds
• Same Ergonomics, triangular shape, and multiple-grip option
• Bluetooth + Therabody app compatibility
• Similar batteries – non-removable
• Same 1-year warranty

What Theragun Prime has that Elite doesn’t:

• Whole matte-black body – not a fingerprint magnet
• Smaller dimensions
• Smaller wall charger
• Costs $100 less

What Theragun Elite has that Prime doesn’t:

• 10 lbs. more stall force – 40 lbs. vs. 30 lbs. in Prime.
• A carrying case
• 5 Theragun attachments vs 4 in Prime (extra wedge attachment)
• Less noisy than the Prime
• Custom routines pre-set and space for 3 routines to be saved on it.
• Additional < and > control arrows on the sports massager to cycle through pre-set routines
• Force meter built-in
• OLED screen for extra information (force meter bar-type scale, battery charge level, current speed)
• Piano-black glossy plastic, matte plastic, and blue ring on the arm;
• 3 colors are available: black, white, and red – The Theragun Prime only comes in black

Our Take: on Theragun Prime vs Elite

For a light massage that won’t go deep into bigger muscles, the Theragun Prime should be good enough. However, for the best deep tissue massage and especially when you want to work on your quads and hamstring, the extra 10 lbs. stall force on the Theragun Elite can make a huge difference. Also, the long amplitude is justified on Elite.

We prefer an intensive and hard massager and in this case we will pick Elite over Prime. It has more power, more features, and more accessories – the extra $100 is justified.

Theragun Elite vs Theragun Pro – Which One is Worth Your Investment?

Similarities:

• 16mm stroke length
• 5 built-in speeds
• Triangular shape and plenty of grip options
• OLED screen for extra information (force meter bar-type scale, battery charge level, current speed)
• Custom routines pre-set and space for 3 routines to be saved on the device
• Additional < and > control arrows on the device to cycle through pre-set routines
• Force meter built-in
• Bluetooth and Therabody app compatibility;
• Carrying case included (The new Pro has a pouch; it’s good!)

What Elite has that Pro doesn’t:

• Smaller dimensions
• Less weighty (2.2lbs. vs 2.8lbs.)
• More glossy plastic parts
• 3 colors available
• Costs $200 less

What Theragun Pro has that Elite doesn’t:

• 20 lbs. more stall force – 60 lbs. vs. 40 in Elite.
• 6 Theragun attachments vs. 5 in Elite (extra super-soft head & the new micro point replacing cone)
• Updated display, now with four visually guided built-in routines
• Adjustable arm with 4 fixed positions for enhanced ergonomics
• Removable batteries
• Slightly less noisy and smoother sound (the Theragun Pro 5th Gen, that is)
• More juice out of a single battery (2.5 hrs. vs 2 hours in Elite)
• 2 year warranty vs. 1 year for the Elite
• Personalization: Custom engraving (for an extra $50)

Our Take: on Theragun Elite vs. Pro

Unless you’re a top massage therapist or a chiropractor, or you need to give a massage to another person, or you’re looking for plenty of stall force (bodybuilders, pro athletes, and weightlifters), Elite will be good enough for the job. It’d be a chiropractor massage gun.

The Theragun Pro 5th Gen is definitely suited to people who need it as a workhorse (removable batteries) or to demanding users. Even though the Theragun Pro is a tad quieter than the Elite, we would rather go with Elite for personal use.

Better yet, we’d seriously consider more affordable yet fantastic alternatives to Theragun Pro.

Top Theragun Alternatives You Should Consider

After hours of testing and exploring Theraguns’ different functionalities, we have experienced first-hand why these devices are so highly praised. They also represent a well-known brand and consistently deliver premium-quality performance.

However, their status has become relatively common over time, so much so that sports massagers from competitors have overtaken them with better features and accessories. These competitor percussion massagers are quieter, sometimes more powerful, twice as affordable (a budget massage gun), and jammed with more features and accessories.

We have a dedicated post for the best Theragun alternatives where we elaborate even more, but to save you time, let’s take a quick look at some top recommendations.

One muscle massager alternative device for each Theragun:

Ekrin BANTAM: A Stronger Alternative to Theragun Mini

After personally testing numerous mini massage guns, we found Ekrin Bantam to be the best in the market due to its superior performance and versatility.

Through our hands-on use, we discovered that it’s smaller, lighter, better equipped with more massage gun attachments, more cost-effective, and also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Best of all, it will only cost you $119.20 with the MGA20 code.

Read More: Check out our in-depth Ekrin Bantam review for more information.

Ekrin B37: The Best Substitute for Theragun Prime

In our hands-on testing, the Ekrin B37 impressed us with its 56 lbs. stall force, elegant look, compact design, and well-equipped feature set.

It has a lifetime warranty and only costs $183.99 when the MGA20 discount code is applied, which is 38% cheaper than the Prime.

Read More: Read our hands-on Ekrin B37 review to learn more.

Ekrin B37S: A More Powerful Option Than Theragun Elite

Deal Alert: It is reasonably priced. It normally costs about $250, but if you apply the Amazon coupon and the MGAD6PRO code at checkout, it’s cheaper than our top pick.

Check it out here at Amazon.

When we tested the Ekrin B37S, we estimated it delivers a maximum stall force of 56 lbs., significantly more than the Elite. Additionally, it proved much harder to stall, even at lower speeds.

It has 5 well-varied massage gun attachments, 8 hours of battery life (Samsung battery), a force meter, and a lifetime warranty.

It costs $263.99 when the MGA20 coupon is applied—more power and a better warranty for a third of the price. You can get it here.

Read More: Find out more in our hands-on B37S review.

Bob and Brad D6 Pro: A Worthy Competitor to Theragun Pro

We conducted a side-by-side comparison test between the Bob and Brad D6 Pro and the Theragun Pro 5th Gen, using both for consecutive days.

We found that the Bob and Brad massage gun closely matched the Theragun Pro 5th Gen’s performance. We felt a powerful, hard massager during our muscle recovery sessions for myofascial muscle release, and it offered comparable features.

It has the same 16mm amplitude and stall force. It’s an incredibly powerful gun but pretty quiet, just like the new generation of Theragun Pro. No removable battery here, but the arm can be adjusted in five lockable positions (Theragun has four).

It has great accessories and is more than half the price of Theragun Pro. Plus, you can cut it by a further 10% with the code MGAD6PRO – simply apply it at the Amazon checkout).

Read More: Read our Bob and Brad D6 Pro review for more details.

FAQ – Quick Answers to Your Theragun Questions

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Massage Gun for You

We wrap up our Theragun Pro vs. Elite vs. Prime vs. Mini comparison article.

Having tested a wide range of products, we can vouch for Theragun, an industry giant that consistently offers premium quality devices. We’ve noticed they keep iterating on their devices, and we’ve found the recently introduced features extremely useful.

However, their premium pricing means there must be some extra scrutiny before a choice is made, and because of that, we think they still have a way to go – especially with the Prime and Elite, the only two devices that have not been updated this year.

Hopefully, you will know which Theragun will suit your needs. Check the latest prices here at therabody.com

If you’re not as impressed with the Theraguns as we were during our testing, we recommend exploring the alternatives we’ve personally tested and listed above.

Still confused or need more information? Drop a comment below or ask us a question.

Thank you, and goodbye!