Look, I know why you’re here. You’ve decided you want a Theragun, but you’re staring at four different models ranging from $199 to $599, and you have no idea which one makes sense.
I’m a licensed massage therapist who’s tested these things on hundreds of clients (and myself) for the past 3 years. Here’s the truth about each model—including the annoying parts nobody talks about.
See the actual size difference between models
🎯 The 10-Second Answer
For most people: Get the Theragun Prime ($299). It does everything you need without the fancy stuff you won’t use.
Only exceptions:
- Travel a lot? → Mini ($199) ✈️
- Professional therapist? → Pro ($599) 👨⚕️
- Data nerd athlete? → Elite ($399) 📊
That’s it. Seriously.
Want to know why? Keep reading. Already decided? Here are my detailed reviews:
💰 The Honest Price Reality
Let’s address the elephant in the room: These things are expensive.
| Model | Price | What You’re Really Paying For |
| Pro | $599 | Professional features you probably won’t use |
| Elite | $399 | App features that are nice but not essential |
| Prime | $299 | The actual massage gun that works great ⭐ |
| Mini | $199 | Portability with significant compromises |
Model Price What You’re Really Paying For:
Pro $599 Professional features you probably won’t use
Elite $399 App features that are nice but not essential
Prime $299 The actual massage gun that works great ⭐
Mini $199 Portability with significant compromises
Can you get a cheaper massage gun on Amazon? Absolutely. Will it last? Maybe. Will it feel as good? Probably not. That’s the trade-off.
Quick Money Math
- Professional massage: $80-100 per session
- Theragun Prime: $299 (one time)
- Break even: 3-4 massages
If you’re already paying for regular massages, this pays for itself fast. If you’re not, well… it’s still cheaper than developing chronic pain.
What Each Model REALLY Does
Theragun Pro ($599) – The Overkill Option
Show Image
What’s good:
- Crazy powerful (60 lbs of force)
- Battery lasts forever (6 hours)
- Adjustable arm for reaching your back
What’s annoying:
- It’s heavy (2.7 lbs gets old fast)
- You’ll never need that much power
- The price is honestly ridiculous for personal use
Who actually needs this: Physical therapists and massage therapists. That’s it.
Real talk: I’ve tested this extensively (full Pro review here). Unless you’re treating other people professionally, you’re wasting $300. I use one at my clinic. I have a Prime at home.
Silver lining: If budget truly isn’t a concern and you want the absolute best build quality with every possible feature, the Pro is undeniably the flagship. The adjustable arm is genuinely amazing if you have mobility issues.
Theragun Elite ($399) – The Tech Bro’s Choice 📱
What’s good:
- Force meter shows if you’re pressing too hard
- Bluetooth app with guided routines
- Wireless charging is convenient
What’s annoying:
- Another app to manage
- The force meter is helpful for like… a week
- Still pretty expensive
Who actually needs this: Serious athletes who love tracking everything. If you use Strava religiously, you’ll probably like this.
Real talk: The app is actually useful (see my Elite review), but most people use it twice and forget about it.
Silver lining: The app actually has some genuinely useful recovery protocols for specific sports. My marathon-running clients love the post-long-run routine. And that force meter? It’s surprisingly helpful for learning proper pressure in the first few weeks.
Theragun Prime ($299) – The Smart Buy ⭐
What’s good:
- Perfect amount of power (30 lbs)
- Simple to use – just turn it on
- Actually fits most people’s needs
- Built like a tank
What’s annoying:
- Still $300 for a massage gun
- No fancy features to brag about
- The triangle handle takes getting used to
Who actually needs this: Literally 90% of people reading this.
Real talk: This is what I recommend to friends and family (full Prime review). It just works, no BS. Mine’s 3 years old and still going strong.
Success story: My client Sarah was skeptical about spending $299, but six months later she told me it’s the best investment she made for her chronic shoulder pain. She uses it every morning and hasn’t needed a massage appointment since.
My Prime After 3 Years
This is my actual Prime – still works perfectly despite daily abuse
Theragun Mini ($199) – The Travel Compromise ✈️
What’s good:
- Actually portable (1 lb)
- Fits in any bag
- Great for neck and small areas
- Quietest model
What’s annoying:
- Weak compared to full-size models
- 12mm amplitude (vs 16mm) = less deep tissue work
- Battery dies faster than you’d expect
- Frustrating for large muscles
Who actually needs this: Frequent travelers or as a second device for the office.
Real talk: Don’t buy this as your only massager (Mini review here). You’ll regret it.
Silver lining: As a gift for someone who travels constantly or keeps one at their desk, it’s actually perfect. My wife keeps one in her work bag and loves having it for quick neck relief between meetings. Also makes a thoughtful gift that people actually use.
⚠️ Stuff Nobody Tells You
The Downsides of ALL Theraguns
- They’re LOUD 🔊 – Yes, even the “quiet” ones. Your partner will hate you using it while they watch TV.
- The triangle handle 📐 – Looks cool, feels weird at first. You’ll get used to it.
- Battery replacement 🔋 – Eventually the battery will die. Only the Pro has a swappable battery. (My 3-year-old Prime still holds about 80% charge though)
- Attachment addiction – You’ll use the standard ball 95% of the time. Don’t buy attachment packs.
- The app 📱 – Even on the Elite, you’ll probably never use it after the first week.
Why Theraguns Actually Work (Simple Version)
Look, the science is pretty straightforward:
- Increases blood flow = muscles get more oxygen
- Breaks up adhesions = those crunchy spots soften
- Interrupts pain signals = temporary relief that can become lasting
- 16mm amplitude = reaches deeper than most competitors (12mm)
I see this work daily in my practice. It’s not magic, but it’s effective when used right.
Common Mistakes People Make ❌
- Pressing too hard – Light pressure works better (the Elite’s meter proved this)
- Using it too long – More than 2 minutes per area can bruise
- Buying the Pro for personal use – Just… don’t
- Expecting miracles – It helps, but it’s not magic
Theragun vs Cheaper Alternatives
I get it. $299 is a lot. Here’s the honest comparison:
$50-100 Amazon massage guns:
- Often work fine… for 6 months
- Louder and less smooth
- Questionable warranty support
- Might be adequate for occasional use
$150-250 competitors (Hypervolt, Ekrin):
- Legitimate alternatives
- Usually less amplitude (12mm vs 16mm)
- Different feel, not necessarily worse
- Worth considering if on sale
My take: Cheaper alternatives exist, but the Prime’s reliability makes it worth the investment for daily users. If you’ll use it once a week, a budget option might work. If you’ll use it daily like I do, get the Prime—the build quality difference is real.
The value perspective: When the Prime goes on sale for $239, it’s honestly a steal for what you get. That’s when I tell everyone to pull the trigger.
🛍️ When to Buy (And When to Wait)
Best deals:
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday: 20-30% off
- January fitness sales: 15-20% off
- Father’s Day/Mother’s Day: 15% off
Current prices: Check if there’s a sale right now. The Prime at $239 (20% off) is when I tell people to pull the trigger.
Never pay: Full price for the Pro or Elite unless you absolutely need specific features.
✅ My Actual Recommendation
After testing all of these extensively:
- Most people: Get the Prime at $299 (or less on sale)
- Frequent travelers: Get the Prime for home + Mini for travel
- Professionals: Sure, get the Pro, it’s a business expense
- Elite athletes: The Elite is nice but not necessary
The uncomfortable truth: You could get by with a cheaper alternative. But if you’re already spending money on a massage gun, the Prime hits the sweet spot of quality, features, and longevity.
When to buy: Black Friday or the January fitness sales typically offer 20-25% off. The Prime at $239 is an absolute no-brainer. Set a price alert and be patient if you can.
One more success story: My brother-in-law bought a $60 Amazon gun. It broke after 4 months. He then bought the Prime on my recommendation and texted me last week (a year later): “Should’ve just listened to you the first time. This thing is amazing.”
💬 Quick FAQ
“Is it worth $299?” If you’d otherwise pay for monthly massages, yes. If you’re just curious, maybe wait for a sale. I use mine literally every day.
“Will it fix my back pain?” It helps, but it’s not a miracle cure. See a doctor for chronic pain. (But yes, it’s helped many of my clients manage their pain better)
“Which attachments do I need?” None. The standard ball works for 95% of uses. Save your money.
“How long do they last?” My Prime is 3 years old and still going strong. Battery life has decreased maybe 20%. I’ve had zero mechanical issues.
“What about warranty?” 2 years on all models. They’re pretty good about replacements. I’ve seen them replace units with minor issues no questions asked.
“Prime vs Elite – is the app worth $100?” For most people, no. For data nerds and serious athletes who will actually use guided routines, maybe. The force meter is genuinely helpful for the first few weeks though.
🎯 Bottom Line
Get the Prime unless you have a specific reason not to. It’s the best balance of everything that matters.
Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, cheaper options exist. But if you’re going to use it regularly, it’s worth getting the right one the first time.
Want more details? Check my in-depth reviews:
Full disclosure: Yes, these are affiliate links. I make a commission if you buy through them. But I’ve been recommending the Prime since before I had an affiliate account because it’s genuinely what I think most people should buy. If that bothers you, go directly to Therabody.com—my advice remains the same.
References
- What Noises Cause Hearing Loss? (by National Center for Environmental Health)
- What does FDA regulate? (by Food and Drug Administration)
- What is an OLED? (by Ron Mertens, founder & CEO at Metalgrass LTD and OLED-info – Ossila enabling materials science
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider or certified massage therapist before beginning any new treatment, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or concerns.
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