In this Theragun Prime vs Hypervolt review, we will compare the two similarly priced entry-level massage guns from Therabody and Hyperice to each other.
Should you go for the 4th generation of the Theragun Prime, or is the original Hypervolt device the better choice for you? This side-by-side comparison will help you find out.
Theragun Prime
Hypervolt
Stall Force
30.0 lbs
35.0 lbs
Battery Life
Up to 2 hours
Up to 3 hours
Adjustable Speed
1750 to 2400 ppm, 5 levels
2400 to 3200 ppm, 3 levels
Working Noise
65 dB
65 dB
Attachments
4
5
Comparison: Theragun Prime vs Hypervolt
Amplitude
The Theragun Prime, Elite, and PRO all come with an impressive amplitude of 16 mm, which is among the highest in the market and a very important metric if you are looking for a deep-tissue massage. With a stroke length of just 10 mm, the original Hypervolt can only be used for a surface-level, vibrational type of experience.
Winner: Theragun Prime
16 mm
10 mm
Force
On the other hand, the Hypervolt is a bit more powerful with a stall force of around 35 lbs. The brushless motor inside the Theragun Prime reaches its limits at about 30 lbs. That said, both devices should be sufficient for most users.
Winner: Hypervolt
30.0 lbs
35.0 lbs
Frequency & Speed Levels
While the Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus can reach up to 3,200 percussions per minute (ppm), the three Theraguns max out at a level of 2,400 ppm. With five different speed levels compared to three, they do offer more room for customization though.
Winner: Draw
1750 to 2400 ppm, 5 levels
2400 to 3200 ppm, 3 levels
Connectivity
All Therabody and Hyperice massage guns are able to connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Doing so allows you to have an app control your massager and makes it easy to track your usage, as well as to follow recovery routines prepared by the companies’ health experts and professional athletes.
Winner: Draw
Yes
Yes
Battery
Despite the higher stall force, the Hypervolt runs for up to 3 hours compared to 2 hours for the Theragun Prime. Since a massage session only takes a few minutes, both devices will get you through a few days. But the Hypervolt definitely has the upper hand on this one.
Winner: Hypervolt
Up to 2 hours
Up to 3 hours
Noise
Both competitors in our Theragun Prime vs Hypervolt review generate around 65 decibels of noise while in use. This is just a bit louder than an electric toothbrush and makes both devices suitable for public places like the gym or the office.
Winner: Draw
Around 65 dB
Around 65 dB
Attachments & Accessoires
To allow you to personalize the massage experience to different muscle groups and your specific needs, Therabody includes four massage heads with the Theragun Prime.
The Hypervolt even comes with five interchangeable head attachments:
- Bullet: Pinpoint problem areas and release trigger points
- Cushion: Softer attachment for sensitive areas
- Flat: Smaller surface area, great to use on more dense muscle groups
- Fork: Rounded ends to work around specific muscle groups
- Round: Greater surface area, best attachment to start with
Disappointingly, neither device includes a carrying case.
Winner: Hypervolt
4 massage heads
5 massage heads
Weight & Dimensions
The Theragun Prime is both a bit lighter and smaller in terms of length and height, making it the slightly better choice if you plan on taking your massage guns to the gym, office, or trips a lot.
Winner: Theragun Prime
2.2 lbs, 8.9 x 6.3 x 2.9 in
2.5 lbs, 9.3 x 6.5 x 2.5 in
Conclusion: Theragun Prime vs Hypervolt
So which massage gun is better, the Theragun Prime or the Hypervolt? As you saw, both devices had pretty similar specs throughout this comparison.
When it came to amplitude though, the Theragun Prime was way ahead of its competitor. If you are looking for a percussive therapy device, you want an amplitude of 12 mm or more – and the Theragun Prime meets that criterion comfortably with 16 mm.
The Hypervolt on the other hand convinced with its battery life of up to three hours and its additional massage head. It is a great choice if you are looking for a relaxing massage after a long day at the office, but not so much if you are an athlete looking for a deep-tissue massage.
Theragun Prime
Hypervolt
Find out how the Theragun Prime compares with Hyperice’s flagship massage gun in our comparison Theragun Prime vs Hypervolt Plus. To learn how the Theragun Prime performs against Hyperice’s second generation, read Hypervolt 2 vs Theragun Prime.