The Theragun PRO has always been Therabody’s flagship, and the current model, the PRO Plus, turns it into a multi-therapy device with heat, vibration and LED light alongside deep percussion. This Theragun PRO review explains what those extras actually do, how the PRO Plus compares with the older PRO 5th Gen and the cheaper Prime, and who should spend the extra money.
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Verdict: Is the Theragun PRO Plus Worth It?
Only for some people. The Theragun PRO Plus is the most capable Theragun, with a 16 mm stroke, a heated head, a vibration head, near-infrared LED light and a heart rate sensor. But it’s heavy, at about 3.6 pounds, and costs far more than the Prime, which delivers the same depth of massage. Buy the PRO Plus if you train hard, will use the heat and vibration regularly, or work with clients. Otherwise the Prime 6th Gen or Prime Plus is better value.
Table of Contents
Theragun PRO Review: PRO Plus Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Theragun PRO Plus |
|---|---|
| Stroke (amplitude) | 16 mm |
| Speeds | 5 |
| Therapies | Percussion, heat (3 levels), vibration, near-infrared LED light |
| Attachments included | 7: Standard Ball, Dampener, Thumb, Wedge, Micro-point, heated head and Vibration Plus head |
| Battery | About 150 minutes (Therabody) |
| Weight | 1,650 g (about 3.6 lb) without attachments |
| Screen and sensors | LCD screen with guided routines; built-in heart rate sensor |
| App | Therabody app, Bluetooth |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Specs from Therabody. Battery life varies with attachment and speed. The Cold Plus head is sold separately.
How we tested: our team has used Theragun PRO models hands-on, alongside the Prime and other Theraguns. We also compared Therabody’s published specifications, independent reviews and US owner ratings. On Amazon, the PRO Plus averages 4.0 stars from a few hundred ratings, lower than the Prime’s 4.6.
What the PRO Plus Is Like to Use
The core massage is the same deep 16 mm stroke as the Prime, so on big muscles like the quads, hamstrings and glutes it feels firm and thorough. The difference is everything around it: a screen that walks you through routines, a heated head you can switch between three levels, a separate head that vibrates rather than taps, and an LED light on the handle.
The trade-off is weight. At about 3.6 pounds without an attachment, the PRO Plus is noticeably heavier than the 2-pound Prime, which you’ll feel during longer sessions or when reaching your own back. It’s a device that suits sitting down, or massaging someone else, more than quick use on the go.
What We Like
- Deep 16 mm percussion, the same as the rest of the full-size range.
- Heat and vibration heads in the box, so there’s no need to buy extras.
- Screen-guided routines make it easier to know where and how long to work.
- Large attachment set for different muscles and pressures.
What Could Be Better
- Heavy for self-massage and travel.
- Costs much more than the Prime for the same depth of massage.
- Many extras, like the LED light and heart rate sensor, aren’t essential for most people.
- Lower Amazon rating than the Prime.
What the PRO Plus Extras Actually Do
- Heat: warmth helps tight muscles feel looser and more comfortable, which many people enjoy before a workout or on a stiff back. Keep the head moving and avoid heat on numb or broken skin.
- Vibration: the Vibration Plus head buzzes rather than pounds, which can feel better on sensitive areas where percussion feels too strong.
- Near-infrared LED light: Therabody includes it for recovery, but the evidence for handheld LED light on muscles is limited. We’d treat it as a bonus, not a reason to buy.
- Heart rate sensor and breathwork: handy if you like guided wind-down routines, but optional.
Research on percussive massage itself is encouraging but small. In a 2023 study, a short Theragun session improved hamstring range of motion and reduced muscle stiffness compared with no treatment. There’s no good evidence that any massage gun speeds up healing or prevents injuries.
Theragun PRO Plus vs PRO 5th Gen
The PRO 5th Gen was the previous flagship. It shared the 16 mm stroke and was known for its rotating, adjustable arm, which helps you reach your own back, and its OLED screen. It didn’t have built-in heat, vibration or LED light. It now shows as sold out at the US retailers we checked, so for most buyers the choice is between the PRO Plus and the Prime range.
If you find a new PRO 5th Gen at a clear discount from Therabody or an authorized retailer, it’s still a capable device. Just check the warranty before you buy.
Theragun PRO Plus vs Prime: Which Should You Buy?
Both have the same 16 mm stroke and five speeds, so the core massage feels similar. The PRO Plus adds heat, vibration, LED light, a screen and five more heads, and weighs nearly twice as much.
- Choose the PRO Plus if you train hard most days, want heat and vibration in one device, or massage clients or family members.
- Choose the Prime 6th Gen if you mainly want deep percussion at a much lower price. Read our Theragun Prime review for the details.
- Choose the Prime Plus if heat is the one extra you want.
See every model side by side in our Theragun comparison, or our Theragun Elite review if you’re considering a clearance Elite.
Who the Theragun PRO Plus Is For
- Serious athletes who train most days and will use heat and vibration often.
- Massage therapists, coaches and trainers who use a massage gun on other people.
- Anyone who wants one device that does percussion, heat and vibration, and doesn’t mind the weight.
Who Should Skip It
- Casual users: the Prime gives the same depth of massage for much less.
- Anyone wanting something light or gentle: see our best mini massage gun picks.
- Travelers: it’s bulky and heavy to pack.
Theragun PRO Buying Tips
- Buy from Therabody or an authorized seller. On Amazon, check that it’s sold by TheraGun. Therabody says its warranty only covers devices from Therabody or authorized retailers.
- Check the model: make sure the listing is for the PRO Plus if you want heat, vibration and LED light.
- Watch Black Friday: the PRO Plus is often discounted in late November.
How to Use the PRO Plus Safely
Start on a low speed, keep the head moving and spend about 1 to 2 minutes per muscle. Use the heated head on its lowest setting at first, and never on numb, broken or swollen skin. Avoid bones, joints and the front and sides of the neck. Talk to your doctor first if you take blood thinners, have had a blood clot, have nerve damage, have a pacemaker or are pregnant. Our guide to how to use a massage gun covers the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Theragun PRO Plus worth it?
It’s worth it if you’ll use what it adds. The PRO Plus combines deep 16 mm percussion with heat, vibration, LED light and guided routines, which suits athletes who train most days and people who massage clients. If you mainly want a strong massage after workouts, the Prime 6th Gen gives the same depth of stroke for much less money and is about half the weight.
What’s the difference between the Theragun PRO Plus and PRO 5th Gen?
Both have a 16 mm stroke. The PRO Plus adds a heated head, a Vibration Plus head, near-infrared LED light and a heart rate sensor with guided routines. The PRO 5th Gen was known for its rotating adjustable arm and OLED screen, but had no heat or vibration. The 5th Gen now shows as sold out at the US retailers we checked.
Is the Theragun PRO better than the Prime?
It does more, but it doesn’t massage deeper. Both have a 16 mm stroke and five speeds. The PRO Plus adds heat, vibration, LED light, a screen and more attachments, while the Prime is lighter and far cheaper. For most people the Prime is the better buy. The PRO Plus makes sense for heavy training or professional use.
How heavy is the Theragun PRO Plus?
Therabody lists the PRO Plus at 1,650 grams, about 3.6 pounds, without an attachment. That’s nearly twice the weight of the Prime 6th Gen, at about 2 pounds. You’ll notice it during longer sessions and when reaching your own back, so it suits sitting down or massaging someone else better than quick use on the go.
Does the Theragun PRO Plus LED light work?
The PRO Plus includes near-infrared LED light on the handle, which Therabody promotes for recovery. Research on handheld LED light for sore muscles is limited, so we’d treat it as a bonus rather than a reason to buy. The heat and vibration heads are likely to make a bigger difference to how the massage feels.
How long does the Theragun PRO Plus battery last?
Therabody rates the PRO Plus at about 150 minutes of use on average, though it varies with the attachment and speed, and heat uses more power. Since most sessions last 10 to 15 minutes, a full charge usually covers several days of normal use. Charge it fully before long trips or a busy day of client work.
Our Theragun PRO Review Verdict
The Theragun PRO Plus is the most complete Theragun you can buy, with deep percussion, heat, vibration and guided routines in one device. For athletes and professionals who’ll use all of that, it’s a strong choice. For everyone else, the Theragun Prime 6th Gen delivers the same depth of massage for much less, and the Prime Plus adds heat if that’s the one extra you want.
References
- Therabody. Theragun PRO Plus product page and specifications.
- Therabody. Theragun Prime (6th Gen) product page and specifications.
- T3. Theragun Pro Plus review. May 2024.
- Skinner B, Dunn L, Moss R. The Acute Effects of Theragun Percussive Therapy on Viscoelastic Tissue Dynamics and Hamstring Group Range of Motion. J Sports Sci Med. 2023;22:496–501.
- University of Utah Health. Massage Guns: How to Use Them Safely and Effectively. March 2025.
Disclaimer:
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor before using a massage gun, heat or light therapy if you have a medical condition, take blood thinners, have a pacemaker, are pregnant or have nerve damage. Product specifications and prices change, so check the retailer’s listing before you buy.
