This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Theragun Mini 2.0
Its compact size, featherweight and atypical triangle-shaped handle make it one of the handiest and most portable models on the market. Its app also helps guide you through your sessions.
This device boasts a pressing power of 9 kg and includes 3 percussion speeds: 1750, 2100 and 2400 PPM. The settings are few but distinct, and the amplitude is 12 mm. Noise-wise, it features QuietForce technology, and we found it to be about average compared with the other models we tested (49 dB measured at its lowest speed and 62 dB at its highest).
During our test, we appreciated its excellent hardware quality and beautiful finishes. But it was above all its pocket format that won us over. Even more compact and lightweight (453 g) than the previous generation, it’s perfectly manageable and portable. What’s more, a soft pouch is included.
The triangle-shaped handle ensures a good grip, and we found it easy to use with its multifunction button. Its Bluetooth connection even lets you link it to the Therabody app. The latter integrates a series of personalized routines or sessions. The brand supplies 3 closed-cell foam tips that are easy to clean and won’t absorb sweat or massage oils. Changing tips is simple.
As far as endurance is concerned, the 120-minute autonomy is just right. For better control, a battery and charge indicator is present, and it recharges via USB-C.
The different massage guns we tested.
We analyzed their design.
We evaluated their ergonomics.
We measured their sound volume using a sound level meter.
We judged their effectiveness on different parts of the body.
We took into account autonomy and charging mode.
We evaluated the accessories supplied.
RENPHO R3 Active
This pistol offers excellent value for money. It’s versatile, with 5 tips and low noise levels. Its compact, lightweight design ensures easy handling.
This model features 5 speeds, ranging from 1800 to 3200 PPM. This wide range of speeds means you can find the best sensitivity to suit your aches and pains. Regarding sound volume, our sound meter indicated 50 dB with its lowest speed and 55 dB with its highest speed, making it a fairly quiet device.
its robust, compact and lightweight design (680 g) ensures excellent maneuverability. What’s more, we gripped it easily thanks to its comfortable, non-slip handle. Among the options, it doesn’t have a Bluetooth connection, but it’s very simple to use with its single button.
In its packaging, there are 5 massage heads as well as 2 rubber sleeves used to install them. As a result, it’s highly versatile, adapting perfectly to each muscle area and tissue. During our test, we were able to change the tips with ease. A sturdy carrying case is also supplied.
In terms of endurance, its 2500 mAh battery lasts for around 150 minutes. What’s more, there’s an automatic shutdown after 10 minutes of inactivity to preserve the battery. It recharges via USB-C, but its charge time is substantial (3 hours). There’s a battery and charge indicator.
Theragun Pro (5th generation)
Aimed at professionals and top athletes, this is the most advanced recovery tool on the market. Its high price is justified by its long autonomy (with 2 batteries), superior efficiency, great versatility and more accomplished ergonomics.
It features 5 percussion speeds, ranging from 1750 to 2400 PPM, enabling it to treat both sensitive areas and larger muscle groups. What’s more, it boasts superior power (withstands up to 27 kg) and excellent amplitude (16 mm). Thanks to its QuietForce technology, it has a reasonable sound volume (58 dB with the lowest speed, and 62 dB with the highest speed), even if others have proved quieter.
However, its design is bulkier and heavier (1.25 kg) to handle. Fortunately, its triangular handle and 4-angle adjustable arm enable it to reach all areas of the body. Functions include an OLED display showing speed, force measurement and battery level. 4 routines (sleep, warm-up, recovery and break) are already stored in the device, but the Therabody app offers a multitude of other personalized sessions and routines that can be preloaded onto the gun. With its central button and 4 arrows, we found it easy to use during our test.
This device comes with 6 antibacterial-treated massage heads that are easy to clean. This makes it one of the most versatile on the market. In addition, 2 carrying pouches are supplied, one for the pistol and the other in the shape of a pen tray for the tips.
Although we only received one, the Theragun Pro normally comes with 2 batteries each offering 150 minutes of autonomy. The device therefore offers a total of 5 hours of use, and thanks to its 2 removable batteries, allows continuous use. A USB-C charger is supplied with international plug adapters. The gun can also be charged wirelessly with an optional cradle.
Theragun Prime (5th generation)
Ideal for daily sessions, this device offers effective treatment of muscle pain thanks to its wide amplitude, ergonomic triangular handle and app that supports you in your recovery.
This gun features a patented, commercial-grade brushless motor that withstands pressure of up to 13 kg. Its speed can be adjusted on 5 levels (from 1750 to 2400 PPM), allowing treatment of more sensitive areas while being effective on deeper tissue thanks to its wide 16 mm amplitude. Theragun claims it features QuietForce technology, but our sound level meter measured 62 dB with the lowest speed and 70 dB with the highest speed, which is very noisy compared to previous models.
The design is solid, but it’s also quite heavy (1 kg). Despite this, handling remains good thanks to its ergonomic triangular handle offering a variety of possible grips. During our test, we had easy access to most parts of our body, and were able to manipulate the device without difficulty thanks to its 3 buttons. Its functions include a Bluetooth connection to the Therabody application. This highly intuitive app lets you create routines or follow guided sessions motivated by different objectives (warm-up, recovery, etc.). Note that this app is compatible with Apple Health and Google Fit.
There are 4 foam massage heads that are easy to clean, waterproof and antibacterial-treated. The tip is therefore easily interchangeable. All tips and gun can be stored in the supplied carrying pouch.
With regard to autonomy, this model theoretically lasts up to 120 minutes, but it all depends on the speed used and the pressure applied. The battery is recharged via USB-C (several plug adapters are supplied). Charging time is estimated at 80 minutes. The battery level is indicated on its structure and on its app. Finally, a wireless charging cradle is offered as an option.
Theragun Elite (5th generation)
With its substantial price tag, it proves highly effective thanks to its power and integrated routines. Its handy OLED screen and 5 tips guarantee versatility for daily muscle relief.
With a high amplitude of 16 mm and a pressure resistance of up to 18 kg, the Theragun Elite combines power and efficiency. Equipped with a patented 5-speed brushless motor (from 1750 to 2400 PPM), it can treat every muscle zone. The brand advertises it as one of the quietest in the range. Yet we found it very noisy, as our sound level meter proved (62 dB at lowest speed, 70 dB at highest speed).
This gun is bulkier and heavier (around 1 kg) than others. As with the brand’s other models, it features the ergonomic triangular handle that offers several possible grips. It also features an OLED display that indicates speed, force measurement and battery level. Buttons make everything easy to control. 3 routines are integrated into the device, but on the Therabody app, you’ll find plenty of other predefined routines, tips and sessions. Note that the app is compatible with Apple Health and Google Fit.
In the box, there are 5 easy-to-maintain, antibacterial-treated massage heads. From then on, you can vary for a more tailored massage, which testifies to its great versatility. What’s more, the tips are easy to change. Theragun also offers a case that admits both the gun and the tips.
According to the brand, autonomy is estimated at around 120 minutes, but it all depends on the speed used and the pressure exerted on the body. It recharges completely in 80 minutes via its USB-C cable or thanks to the optional wireless charging cradle.
Our selection
Our pick, Best mid-range Best value Best high-end Mid-range alternative High-end alternative Theragun Mini 2.0 RENPHO R3 Active Theragun Pro (5th generation) Theragun Prime (5th generation) Theragun Elite (5th generation) Its compact size, featherweight and atypical triangle-shaped handle make it one of the handiest and most portable models on the market. Its app also helps guide you through your sessions. This pistol offers excellent value for money. It's versatile, with 5 tips and low noise levels. Its compact, lightweight design ensures easy handling. Aimed at professionals and top athletes, this is the most advanced recovery tool on the market. Its high price is justified by its long autonomy (with 2 batteries), superior efficiency, great versatility and more accomplished ergonomics. Ideal for daily sessions, this device offers effective treatment of muscle pain thanks to its wide amplitude, ergonomic triangular handle and app that supports you in your recovery. With its substantial price tag, it proves highly effective thanks to its power and integrated routines. Its handy OLED screen and 5 tips guarantee versatility for daily muscle relief. £ 149.00 on Amazon £ 75.99 on Amazon £ 498.00 on Amazon £ 260.00 on Amazon £ 349.00 on Amazon
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How did we test?
To begin with, we proceeded to analyze the design of each device by taking them in hand. This enabled us to assess their maniability (weight, bulk, etc. ), their ease of transport, their material quality and their general ergonomics (handle shape, adjustable arm, tip change, convenience of controls, etc.).
As far as use is concerned, we used them on different areas of the body (thigh, back, buttocks, calves, arms, etc.), ranging from the most sensitive tissues to the deepest muscles. This also enabled us to judge their power, their amplitude and their effectiveness. For each of the speeds, we measured the loudness using a sound level meter. For those who had one, we checked the screen quality, the application and the options integrated (guided massages, etc.).
Of course, we took into account autonomyand charging mode. Finally, we evaluated the accessories provided (number of heads, carrying case, etc.).
How to choose your massage gun
In order to choose your massage gun correctly, there are certain criteria to consider:
- Power: expressed in watts, it determines the pressure applied to the muscle. The device must obviously be able to go deep into the muscle. Keep an eye on the speed or number of percussions per minute, as well as the percussion amplitude (expressed in mm). It’s often possible to vary power, speed and movements (circular, vibrating, etc.).
- Ergonomics: comfort is established from the handle, which should ideally be easy to hold and non-slip. Handling must be simple, which is why we generally prefer a gun with an LCD screen that enables the right settings to be made and incorporates different programs. Some also feature an adjustable arm for changing positions, or even a Bluetooth connection that accentuates its connectivity and promotes control via an app.
- Power mode: check whether the machine runs on batteries, a plug or a battery (with a value measured in mAh). For the latter, take into account its autonomy (around 2-3 hours) depending on your use.
- Noise: noise levels of less than 55 dB are generally recommended. Today, these appliances are equipped with technologies designed to limit noise pollution.
- Size and weight: these criteria influence both ease of transport and comfort of use. It’s up to you to find the most compact and lightweight equipment (the ideal being around 700 g to 1 kg), which still retains a certain robustness.
- Accessories: if the manufacturer supplies several attachments, then the model will display greater versatility, as you’ll be able to target your muscles’ needs more effectively. As for the cover, it guarantees good protection for the device and makes it easier to transport.
Other massage guns we recommend
Decathlon Massage Gun (€99.00 at time of publication) : Another affordable option. This sturdy, powerful device benefits from a very good amplitude (14 mm). During our test, it was easy to handle and operate with its multifunction button. With its 4 simply interchangeable tips, it guarantees good versatility and adapts to all uses, even if an explanatory leaflet would have been welcome. Autonomy ranges from 45 minutes to 3 hours and 15 minutes, depending on the speed selected and the pressure applied. A carry bag and several international adapters are supplied, so you can take it anywhere in the world. Despite this, there are only 3 percussion intensities (1800, 2400 and 3000 RPM) and it is very noisy at maximum speed (70 dB). Finally, it’s bulkier and heavier than other models tested.
Hyperice Hypervolt 2 (€255.70 at time of publication): A solid, robust device for professional athletes. This device is quite powerful (up to 18 kg of pressure) and efficient. Its amplitude is 12 mm. It is TSA-approved as hand luggage. Thanks to its Bluetooth connection, you can access the Hyperice application, which offers programming, specific routines, statistics and advice. It’s also compatible with the Strava and Garmin applications. With its 5 interchangeable heads, it proves its versatility. The 2nd generation Hypervolt offers autonomy of up to 3 hours (depending on use) and comes with international plug adapters applicable to its proprietary charger. However, there are only 3 percussion speeds (1800, 2400 and 3000 PPM), and it is rather noisy in use. And while there’s a carrying pouch for the attachments, there’s none for the massage gun. Finally, it’s bulky, and its handle is less easy to grip than the others.
Other massage pistol tested
Hypervolt Go 2 (€149.00 at time of publication): Its silent operation, good autonomy and compact, lightweight format are its main assets. Nevertheless, its amplitude is inferior (10 mm) and it lacks a few speed settings, including the first, which is a little high in our opinion. In addition, there are few massage heads available, and it lacks a storage pouch.
