Theragun PRO vs Elite vs Prime – Comparison and Buyer’s Guide
The Theragun PRO, Elite, and Prime are all pioneers in percussive massage gun technology. But with a feature-rich lineup, each with differing specifications, it can be challenging to decide which Theragun is best for you.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Theragun PRO, Elite, and Prime. We’ve put together a handy comparison chart to help you see each of the devices side-by-side, so you can make the best decision on which Theragun will make it into your gym bag to help take your training and recovery to the next level.
Benefits of Percussive Therapy for Athletes and Fitness
In our Ultimate Guide to Percussive Therapy, we dive into the details about each of the benefits that massage guns provide, as well as the science behind how percussive therapy works.
If you’re interested in a detailed breakdown, check out the ultimate guide first! Here’s a quick snippet of the benefits of percussive therapy and massage guns from the article:
1.) Improving blood and lymph circulation
2.) Releasing muscle fascia and connective tissue
3.) Accelerating muscle repair and workout recovery
4.) Improving range of motion
5.) Clearing lactic acid and reducing soreness
6.) Relieving muscle stiffness and spasms
7.) Activation of the nervous system
8.)Improving immunity
9.)Reducing stress and improving sleep
10.) Reducing pain
Mobility Athlete: How Do Massage Guns Work? Ultimate Guide to Percussive Therapy
All of the massage guns from the Theragun lineup will give you the benefits of percussion therapy, but each has its unique pros and cons.
First, we’ll outline the different Theragun models and which we’ll be including in our feature comparison chart.
The Different Theragun Models
There are four different Theragun Models available in the 2021 lineup:
We will be stacking up the Theragun Pro, Elite, and Prime side by side in our comparison chart so you can quickly reference the feature differences between each device and decide which suits you best.
Hey, wait! You might be wondering why the Mini didn’t make the comparison list. While the Mini is an excellent tool for its small form factor, its purpose-built design with a smaller motor, lower stall force, and fewer speed settings puts it in a class of its own. If you want the Mini, you already know you want the Mini. And you have an understanding that its specs are a bit different than the three full-sized massage guns.
The PRO, Elite, and Prime all have a feature list that packs a punch. Some features overlap and are included on all three devices, and others are only available for specific models.
So instead of manually sorting through each of the full-sized models’ spec sheets to figure out the differences by yourself, we’ve put together a handy comparison chart that does the heavy lifting for you.
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Theragun PRO vs Elite vs Prime Comparison Chart
Here is a chart outlining 19 different features found among the flagship full-sized Theragun massage guns. Once you’ve gone through the feature comparison, we’ll highlight and explain some of the important features and their differences between models in the next section.
| Theragun PRO | Theragun Elite | Theragun Prime | |
| Motor | QX150 Professional-grade motor with QuietForce Technology | QX65 Proprietary brushless motor with QuietForce Technology | QX65 Proprietary brushless motor with QuietForce Technology |
| Maximum No-Stall Force | 60 lbs | 40 lbs | 30 lbs |
| Noise |  |  |  |
| Treatment Amplitude | 16mm | 16mm | 16mm |
| Speed Range | 1750-2400 PPMs | 1750-2400 PPMs | 1750-2400 PPMs |
| Speed Settings | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Included Attachments | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Battery Life | 300min. | 120min. | 120min. |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs (1.3 kg) | 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg) | 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg) |
| Dimensions | 10.0 in (25.5 cm) x 7.1 in (18 cm) x 3.0 in (7.6 cm) | 9.5 in (24.0 cm) x 6.7 in (17 cm) x 2.9 in (7.4 cm) | 8.9 in (22.5 cm) x 6.3 in (16 cm) x 2.9 in (7.3 cm) |
| Warranty | 2-Year Limited Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
| App Control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| OLED Screen | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| 3 Built-In Presets | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Force Meter | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Wireless Charging | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Rotating Arm | ✓ | X | X |
| Color Options | Black, Red | White, Black, Red | Black |
Key Feature Differences of The PRO, Elite, and Prime
Of the 19 features compared in the chart, let’s highlight some of the key feature differences that really set the three units apart from each other and dive into them in detail. This will help you better understand the pros and cons of each model that will ultimately determine which Theragun is going to be best for you.
Motor and Maximum No-Stall Force
The motor that Theragun wanted to deliver the power and amplitude in their devices didn’t exist. So they invented their own proprietary brushless motors to provide a deeper, more powerful massage gun than their competitors.
Both the Elite and Prime use the QX65 motor, while all three deliver 16mm of treatment amplitude and a speed range of 1750-2400PPM, the Theragun Elite has a higher Maximum No-Stall Force at 40lbs compared to the Elite’s 30lbs.
The Theragun PRO comes out on top with the QX150 motor and its unparalleled 60lbs of Maximum No-Stall Force. So if you’re looking for a massage gun that is an absolute workhorse for getting deeper into your muscle and tissues – it’s hard to beat the power you get from the Theragun PRO.
Noise
Although the Theragun PRO has a more powerful motor under the hood, the Theragun Elite’s advanced sound insulation makes it the quietest model in the lineup.
While the noise of massage guns may not be much of a factor for many compared to the device’s capabilities, a lot of people like to fit in their massage sessions while their favorite show or podcast plays in the background. So instead of cranking up the volume, a quieter device that still packs a punch may be the right choice.
From quietest to loudest, you have: The Theragun Elite, Prime, then PRO.
Treatment Amplitude
While all three models share the same 16mm treatment amplitude, it’s important to highlight the feature since it ranks higher than many competitors out there that only range from 10mm-13mm of treatment amplitude.
Treatment amplitude is how deeply the massage gun can get into your muscle and tissues. Regardless of stall force, Theragun prides itself on having fantastic amplitude on all three of its full-sized models.
Regardless of which model you choose based on feature differences to price, when you get a Theragun, you know that you’re going to get a fantastic treatment amplitude.
Battery Life
The Theragun PRO tops the list in total battery life as well. With two external Lithium-ion batteries giving you 150 minutes of life each, you have a total battery life of up to 300 minutes.
The Theragun Prime and Elite both have one internal Lithium-ion battery that will run for 120 minutes. The Prime is the only model left out for wireless charging capability, while the Elite and Pro both come enabled for wireless charging.
Rotating Arm
Aside from the massive Maximum No-Stall Force of the Theragun PRO, the rotating arm is the second most critical factor that sets the PRO apart from any other Theragun model.
The PRO’s rotating arm makes it far more versatile to get to even the hardest-to-reach places on your body by yourself. With four different lockable positions, you can finally reach specific muscles of your body that you may have had to recruit a friend to help with before.
Although it’s worth noting, there aren’t many limitations with the ergonomic triangle design on all three massage guns compared to most competitors ‘single straight handle’ construction. You still have multiple options for changing hand placement on the device that feels more natural when applying pressure, especially on the posterior side of the body.
Weight and Dimensions
With great power comes additional weight and size. The PRO comes in a few grams heavier and larger than the Elite and Prime. While it isn’t that much difference, the PRO has an additional 0.6lbs in weight and a slightly larger difference in size around the body.
The Elite and Prime both share the same weight, but the Prime has about a half-inch smaller frame for height and width.
Screen and Device Controls
The screen and device controls are where the Prime begins to fall off of the feature list. While all three include Bluetooth and App control, The PRO and Elite also have an OLED screen with a force meter and three built-in presets.
The Prime uses a simple LED screen as its display, and instead of presets built into the device itself, you’ll need to use the app to control them.
Color Options
If you’re looking for a unique color to make your massage gun stand out, the Theragun Elite has the most variety, with models coming in white, black, and red. The PRO has two options, black and red. And the Theragun Prime only comes in the classic black option.
Is the PRO, Elite, or Prime Best for You?
Who The Theragun PRO Is Best For: If you’re looking for a massage gun that delivers unparalleled power, capable of reaching any area of your body, with 60% deeper treatment than the average consumer device – the Theragun PRO is an easy choice.
The most significant downside to the Theragun PRO is its cost and higher noise profile due to its more powerful motor. The good news is, there are two other models in a more affordable price range that are still outstanding products.
Who The Theragun Elite Is Best For: If you’re looking for a massage gun that isn’t at PRO prices but still sits head-and-shoulders above the competition, the Theragun Elite gives you the best value for your money.
It’s whisper-quiet, still has an excellent Max Stall-Force, and gives you the most variety of color options to provide you with the look you want in your massage gun.
The Theragun Elite provides a fantastic balance of features, power, and price, making it a “no-brainer” option for most athletes looking to add a high-quality massage gun to their gym bag.
Who The Theragun Prime Is Best For: Coming in at the lowest price on the list, the Theragun Prime is the most economical option for massage guns in the Theragun lineup. Even though Theragun sets the bar high for the quality of all their products, the Prime is still a great entry-level massage gun that gets the job done.
Although it comes with a lower Maximum Stall-Force, that’s still a personal preference feature. 30 lbs is more than enough power for many people and actually still falls at or above the average for other devices on the market.
The Prime allows you to have a lower-cost massage gun while still getting Theragun quality.
