In this Theragun Relief vs Sense review, we will compare the entry- and mid-level models of Therabody’s recently released wellness line.
With the introduction of the Theragun Relief and Sense, the Los Angeles, California-based brand has now ventured into the wellness space after previously being focussed on athletes. But which of the two devices is better suited for relaxing massage therapy on your couch?
This side-by-side comparison will help you find out.
Theragun Relief
Theragun Sense
Amplitude
10 mm
12 mm
Stall Force
20 lbs
40 lbs
Battery Life
Up to 2 hours
Up to 2 hours
Working Noise
Up to 60 dB(A)
Up to 60 dB(A)
Attachments
3
4
Comparison: Theragun Relief vs Sense
Amplitude
With an amplitude of 10 mm, the Theragun Relief offers a more vibrational surface-level massage experience. The Theragun Sense, on the other hand, has a slightly higher stroke length of 12 mm and reaches a bit further into the muscle tissue.
Winner: Theragun Sense
10 mm
12 mm
Force
At 20 lbs, the Theragun Relief has just the right stall force for a comfortable, everyday massage. If you are looking for something more powerful, opt for the Theragun Sense instead – it can deal with up to 40 lbs of resistance before it reaches its limit.
Winner: Theragun Sense
20 lbs
40 lbs
Frequency & Speed Levels
Both starting at 1,750 percussions per minute (ppm), the two devices also share their maximum frequency of 2,400 ppm. With the Theragun Relief, this range is divided into three speed levels, while the Theragun Sense offers five.
Winner: Theragun Sense
1750 – 2400 ppm, 3 levels
1750 – 2400 ppm, 5 levels
Connectivity
Unlike its competitor, the Theragun Sense can be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Doing so allows you to let the Therabody app control your massage gun for you, freeing you up to focus on following one of the available routines.
Winner: Theragun Sense
No
Yes
Battery
Despite being the more powerful device of the two, the Theragun Sense achieves the same battery life as the Theragun Relief. With each session not taking more than a few minutes, those two hours will be enough to help you recover and relax for several days on a single charge.
Winner: Draw
Up to 2 hours
Up to 2 hours
Noise
Running at full speed, the Theragun Relief and Sense operate at an already low noise level of 60 decibels (dB). On the lowest setting, this value drops to just 40 dB – meaning you can even use them while watching a movie or having a conversation.
Winner: Draw
Up to 60 dB(A)
Up to 60 dB(A)
Attachments & Accessories
To allow you to adjust the massage experience to your exact needs, the Theragun Relief comes with three interchangeable head attachments. The Theragun Sense includes one additional massage head, thus giving you even more possibilities:
- Dampener: 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
- Micro-Point (Theragun Sense): Provides increased stimulation throughout treatment
Unlike the entry-level model, the Theragun Sense ships with a soft pouch for convenient storage.
Winner: Theragun Sense
3 massage heads
4 massage heads / Soft pouch
Weight & Dimensions
In the final round of this Theragun Relief vs Sense comparison, we will have a quick look at the weight and dimensions of the two devices. At just 1.4 lbs, the Theragun Relief is even more lightweight than its competitor. In addition, it takes up minimally less space.
Winner: Theragun Relief
1.4 lb, 8.3 x 6.3 x 2.5 in
1.6 lb, 8.3 x 6.3 x 2.6 in
Conclusion: Theragun Relief vs Sense
Unsurprisingly, the Theragun Relief mostly could not keep up with its competitor. But at second thought, it does exactly what it is supposed to do: Being an easy-to-use and lightweight massage gun for beginners who are looking to relax after a long day of work.
That said, the more powerful and advanced of the two is undoubtedly the Theragun Sense. It offers more customization both in terms of available speed settings and attachments. The LCD screen and app showcase helpful information, as well as various guided routines.
Lastly, there is the Theragun Sense’s built-in biometric sensor, which in combination with the catalog of breathing routines accessible through the Therabody app, provides yet another way for you to reduce stress and help you relax.
Theragun Relief
Theragun Sense
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Theragun Relief and Sense?
The Theragun Sense has both a higher amplitude and stall force. It also comes with more speed settings and attachments than the Theragun Relief. Finally, the Sense is equipped with a built-in heart rate sensor for breathwork routines.
Looking for an even more advanced massage gun? Find out how the Theragun Sense performs against Therabody’s flagship device in our comparison Theragun Sense vs PRO Plus.