Theragun PRO vs Elite vs Prime

In this review, we will compare the Theragun PRO with the Theragun Elite and the Theragun Prime. At first glance, they all look pretty similar. But on the inside, there are some huge differences.

Should you go for the Theragun PRO, the same device that world-famous athletes use? Or is the Theragun Elite or Theragun Prime a better fit for you? We put the 4th generation of Therabody’s percussive devices side by side to help you find the perfect massage gun for your needs.

Comparison: Theragun PRO vs Elite vs Prime

Amplitude

Let’s kick off the Theragun PRO vs Elite vs Prime comparison by looking at one of the most important features of a percussive therapy device – its amplitude. Here, a value of 12 mm or more is considered necessary for a deep-tissue massage.

Therabody founder Dr. Jason Wersland knows this better than anyone, being the creator of the first percussive massager on the market. That is why all three models come with an amplitude of 16 mm, more than enough even for muscular bodies.

Force

All three Theraguns are powered by a proprietary brushless motor that delivers a powerful deep muscle treatment.

The 60 lbs of stall force it takes for the Theragun PRO to reach its limits is among the highest we have seen so far in this space. And while the Theragun Elite delivers up to 40 lbs, the entry-level Theragun Prime can deal with up to 30 lbs of pressure.

Frequency & Speed Levels

When it comes to the percussions per minute (ppm) and different speed levels, all three devices offer a range of 1750 to 2400 ppm and five levels. You can adjust and monitor the current speed and force of the Theragun PRO and Elite on an OLED screen, while the Theragun Prime comes with LED speed indicators.

• Level 1: 1750 ppm
• Level 2: 1900 ppm
• Level 3: 2100 ppm
• Level 4: 2200 ppm
• Level 5: 2400 ppm

Alternatively, you can also use the Therabody app to customize the frequency (see below).

Connectivity

With the introduction of the 4th generation of Therabody’s massage guns, the Theragun PRO, Elite, and Prime are all able to connect to your iOS and Android smartphone via Bluetooth. This allows you to run personalized wellness routines based on your behaviors and preferences. At the same time, the Therabody app also teaches you how to use your Theragun correctly.

Battery

Although it is the most powerful model of the three, the Theragun PRO wins this category with an impressive 2.5 hours of battery life compared with up to 2 hours for the other two competitors. Even better, there are two batteries included with the flagship version – meaning that you can enjoy up to 5 hours of percussive therapy before you need to find a plug socket.

All models of the 4th generation are safe to use with 220V and can therefore also be used outside the US. The lithium-ion batteries inside the Theragun PRO and Theragun Elite can even be charged wirelessly, a convenient feature that we have not come across in any other massage guns thus far. Please note that the wireless charging stand is sold separately.

Noise

Despite all the power the Theragun devices generate, the noise they emit is surprisingly low, even more so when compared to the 3rd generation. The advanced sound insulation around the proprietary brushless motor with QuietForce Technology allows each of the three competitors in this Theragun PRO vs Elite vs Prime comparison to run at about 65 dB – comparable to an electric toothbrush.

Attachments & Accessoires

All three massage guns come with several interchangeable attachments that make it easy for you to adjust the massage experience to your needs and the part of your body you are about to treat next. Therabody uses comfortable and easy-to-clean foam instead of hard plastic like most competitors as a material for their attachments.

• Cone: Used mostly for pinpoint muscle treatment, including the hands and feet
• Dampener: Used mostly for tender or bony areas. Perfect for overall use
• Standard Ball: Perfect for overall use on large and small muscle groups
• Thumb: Used mostly for trigger points and the lower back
• Wedge (PRO & Elite only): Perfect for shoulder blades and IT bands
• Supersoft (PRO only): Mostly used for sensitive areas, including bones

Both the Theragun PRO and Theragun Elite also come with a black protective carrying case. This way you can conveniently store your percussive device and all the accessories that come with it in one place. All three models obviously include a charger as well.

Weight & Dimensions

Just like one would expect, the more powerful the massage gun and its battery, the heavier it is. But at a maximum of 2.9 lbs, you can definitely bring any of these Theraguns to the office or the gym without having to break a sweat. That said, if you are looking for the lightest and smallest device in this comparison, you should opt for the Theragun Prime.

Conclusion: Theragun PRO vs Elite vs Prime

If you want the best of the best, the exact same massage gun that Cristiano Ronaldo, James Harden, and Max Verstappen use, then you need to invest in the Theragun PRO. It is considered the leading percussive therapy device in the world for a reason and impresses with pure strength, great battery life, a complete package of accessories, and an extended 2-year warranty.

For most of us, the Theragun Elite might be the better choice though. At just $100 more than the Theragun Prime, you get to enjoy a powerful deep muscle treatment with a very competitive stall force of 40 lbs and a battery life of up to 2 hours. And just like you would with the Theragun PRO, you receive a high-tech massage gun with an OLED screen, wireless charging, and a carrying case.

Still undecided? Maybe the color choices or the opportunity to support a charity will help. While the Theragun Prime is only available in black, the other two models are also available in white. Furthermore, both are also sold as Product Red editions – meaning you could treat yourself to a brand new percussive therapy device and help support the fight against HIV/AIDS on the way. Now if that isn’t a reason to buy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Find out how the Theragun PRO stacks up against the Hypervolt Plus in our comparison Theragun vs Hypervolt, or see how it performs against its recently released successor in our post Theragun PRO 4th vs 5th Generation.