TheraGun Review: Is the TheraGun the Best Massage Gun?

If you’re searching for an honest and in-depth TheraGun review, you’re in the right place.

Since its creation in 2009 by chiropractor Dr. Jason Wersland, the Theragun has evolved from a simple recovery tool into one of the most trusted names in percussive therapy.

Over the past decade, athletes (such as myself), physical therapists, and everyday fitness enthusiasts have used Theragun devices to improve muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and support overall wellness.

With multiple models now available, from the compact Theragun Mini to the advanced Theragun PRO Plus, it’s important to understand the differences before making a purchase.

This TheraGun review will walk you through the brand’s history, model comparisons, benefits, and whether it’s truly the best massage gun for your needs.

Last update on 2026-01-11 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

What is a TheraGun?

A Theragun is a brand of percussive therapy device, also known as a massage gun. It’s designed to deliver rapid, repetitive pulses of pressure deep into your muscles, mimicking techniques used in professional massage therapy.

The device was first created in 2009 by chiropractor Dr. Jason Wersland, who developed it to treat his own pain after a motorcycle accident.

Since then, Theragun has become one of the most recognized names in muscle recovery and wellness technology.

Theragun devices come in different models, from the compact Theragun Mini to the professional-grade Theragun PRO Plus, making them popular among athletes, physical therapists, and everyday people looking for effective at-home recovery.

Now encompassed under the TheraBody company, I believe the TheraGun is the best percussive massage gun line for several reasons.

What Does the TheraGun Do?

The TheraGun is designed to provide percussive therapy, a type of treatment that delivers rapid, concentrated pulses of pressure deep into your muscle tissue.

These vibrations and strikes stimulate blood flow, release muscle tension, and help break up adhesions or “knots” that limit movement.

Using a TheraGun can:

• Relieve muscle soreness and stiffness after workouts or long days of physical activity.
• Promote faster recovery by improving circulation and flushing out metabolic waste.
• Increase flexibility and mobility by loosening tight muscles and fascia.
• Support athletic performance through enhanced warm-ups and reduced muscle fatigue.
• Reduce stress and tension by mimicking the relaxation benefits of massage therapy.

Whether you’re an athlete, an active lifestyle advocate, or simply someone dealing with everyday aches, the TheraGun offers a convenient way to bring professional-grade muscle treatment into your home.

What is the TheraGun Used For?

A Theragun is commonly used for:

• Relieve muscle soreness and stiffness after workouts or long days of physical activity.
• Promote faster recovery by improving circulation and flushing out metabolic waste.
• Increase flexibility and mobility by loosening tight muscles and fascia.
• Support athletic performance through enhanced warm-ups and reduced muscle fatigue.
• Reduce stress and tension by mimicking the relaxation benefits of massage therapy.

What Are the TheraGun Model Differences?

Each TheraGun model is slightly different, so you will have to decide which TheraGun model is best for you.

Not only are there different generation TheraGun’s, but there are different TheraGun models as well.

For example, the TheraGun Mini is especially unique because it is a portable Theragun massager that can be used easily while traveling.

Last update on 2026-01-12 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

Here is some more information on the various TheraGun models:

TheraGun Pro Plus Review

• Motor and Technology: Features a robust, brushless motor with QuietForce Technology™, combining power with reduced operational noise for a more pleasant user experience.
• Attachments: Comes with six versatile, easy-to-clean attachments, including Dampener, Standard Ball, Wedge, Thumb, Cone, and Supersoft, catering to a variety of therapeutic needs.
• Speeds and App Control: Offers five built-in speed settings ranging from 1750 to 2400 percussions per minute, adjustable through both the device and the Therabody app, allowing for a tailored massage experience.
• Battery Life: Boasts an impressive 300-minute total battery life with two swappable lithium-ion batteries, providing extended usage and convenience for users who require frequent and prolonged sessions.
• Advanced Ergonomics: The device is designed with an adjustable arm and ergonomic grip, enhancing the overall user experience by facilitating ease of reach and comfort during use.
• Smart Features: The PRO Plus is equipped with an OLED screen for clear display of speed and settings, along with a force meter providing real-time pressure feedback, ensuring effective and controlled therapy sessions.
• Unique Offerings: Distinguishing itself with additional features such as vibration therapy, heat therapy with multiple temperature levels, near-infrared LED light therapy, a built-in biometric sensor, and wireless charging capability, the PRO Plus offers a comprehensive and advanced therapeutic experience.

Last update on 2026-01-11 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

Theragun G5 Pro Review

The TheraGun G5 Pro is the most recent TheraGun I have purchased and it is the second one i have owned, following the TheraGun G3 Pro.

This TheraGun is a significant upgrade over the previous one I owned and offers several key areas of improvement.

• Motor: Employs a commercial-grade brushless motor integrated with QuietForce Technology™, ensuring efficient performance while maintaining reduced noise levels.
• Attachments: This model includes six physician-designed attachments, allowing for targeted therapy across different muscle groups and pain points.
• Speed and Control: Offers five built-in speeds, providing flexibility for various intensities of massage, controllable directly on the device or through the Therabody app.
• Battery Life: Equipped with an internal lithium-ion battery, the G5 Pro delivers up to 150 minutes of use, making it suitable for extended sessions without frequent recharging.
• Ergonomics: Known for its ergonomic multi-grip design, the G5 Pro allows for comfortable handling and ease of use across different angles and body parts.
• Smart Features: Includes an OLED screen displaying critical device information and a force meter for real-time feedback, enhanced by Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration with the Therabody app.
• Benefits: Ideal for high-frequency use in clinical settings, the G5 Pro provides high-quality therapeutic benefits, making it a valuable tool for professionals in the health and wellness industry.

Last update on 2026-01-12 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

TheraGun G4 Pro Review

The Theragun G4 Pro, the fourth generation of Therabody’s percussive massagers, is notable for several advancements that enhance its performance and user experience.

Introduced in 2020, the Theragun G4 Pro stands out as a powerful, commercial-grade percussive therapy device.

Key features of the Theragun G4 Pro include:

1. Powerful and Quiet Performance: It features a proprietary brushless commercial-grade motor equipped with QuietForce Technology™, making it powerful yet quieter than previous models. This technology makes the G4 Pro as quiet as an electric toothbrush, addressing the noise concern present in earlier models like the G3 Pro.
2. Customizable Speed Range and Presets: The device offers customizable speed ranges from 1750 to 2400 percussions per minute (PPM), controlled through the Therabody app. It comes with three built-in presets for tailored massage experiences.
3. Smart App Integration: The Theragun PRO G4 is integrated with the Therabody app, which uses artificial intelligence to learn from your behaviors and preferences. It also integrates with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Samsung Health to recommend routines for your health and wellness.
4. OLED Screen and Force Meter: A new addition to the G4 Pro is an OLED screen, which provides more control over the current speed and the pressure being applied. This feature is a significant upgrade from the G3 model.
5. Attachments and Accessories: The G4 Pro includes six easy-to-clean attachments made of non-porous closed-cell foam: Standard Ball, Dampener, Thumb, Wedge, SuperSoft, and Cone. These attachments cater to different muscle groups and specific needs.
6. Battery Life: The device is equipped with two new 150-minute lithium-ion batteries, offering a total of 300 minutes of battery life. This feature is particularly beneficial for prolonged use without the need for frequent recharging.
7. Ergonomic Design: The G4 Pro maintains the ergonomic multi-grip design, making it convenient and comfortable to use for various body parts.
8. Wireless Charging: Another upgrade is the capability for wireless charging, adding convenience to the user experience.

Compared to the G3 Pro, the G4 Pro offers significant improvements in noise reduction, app integration, screen display, speed control, and charging convenience.

The enhancements in the G4 Pro model make it a more user-friendly and effective tool for muscle recovery and stress relief​​​​​​.

TheraGun G3Pro Review

Although TheraGun itself makes other percussive massage guns, and there are many other options on the percussive massage gun market, there are a few key reasons why the TheraGun G3Pro is a great investment.

Although it is older than other percussive massagers, it is still useful and powerful.

The TheraGun G3 Pro uses massage strokes that go 16mm deep into muscles, 40 times per second!!

The TheraGun G3 Pro comes with an adjustable arm and a triangular-shaped handle that helps you reach spots all over your body.

The G3 Pro delivers up to 60lbs of force with each stroke and comes with two different speeds depending on how sensitive your muscles are.

The TheraGun G3Pro comes with six attachments, all of which have specific and unique uses. They are:

• Dampener: For use around bones or muscles which are highly sensitive
• Large Ball: For large muscle groups
• Standard Ball: For both small and large muscle groups
• Wedge: For shoulder blades and IT Band
• Thumb: For precision areas (very intense therapy)
• Cone: The most intense therapy, for specific areas only

I use all of the attachments, and you can really feel the difference with each one! I am very happy that TheraGun developed all of these specific attachments because using them all makes a tremendous difference for various muscle groups.

The G3 Pro also comes with two chargeable batteries, and the batteries themselves last several treatment sessions each.

Although the TheraGun G3 Pro is an incredible device, it is not without any “issues” completely. I don’t have too many bad things to say about this device. However, I wish it were quieter.

When my wife and son are sleeping (we live in a moderate-sized flat in Poland at the moment), I don’t use my TheraGun because of the sound it makes.

The sound is about the same level as most vacuum cleaners, in my opinion. Due to the sound problem, I suggest you buy the TheraGun G4 Pro instead of the TheraGun G3 Pro.

However, the TheraGun G3 Pro is a more affordable option since it is older if you want to save some money.

Benefits of Using a Theragun

Deciding whether to purchase a Theragun involves considering its benefits and how it aligns with your needs.

Theraguns offer a convenient, effective form of percussive massage therapy that can be beneficial for a variety of users.

Here are a few primary benefits of massage guns you will receive from using a TheraGun.

Self-Administered Massage

One of the biggest advantages of the TheraGun is convenience.

It allows you to perform a massage on yourself without needing another person.

This makes it easier to manage muscle tightness at home, at the gym, or while traveling.

While it doesn’t replace a professional massage therapist, it offers many of the same relaxation and circulation-boosting benefits in a more accessible way.

Muscle Recovery and Fatigue Reduction

Studies suggest that percussive therapy can help reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and support faster recovery after exercise (Cheatham et al., 2019).

Using a TheraGun on large muscle groups such as the quads, hamstrings, or calves may improve short-term comfort and help you return to training with less stiffness.

Flexibility and Mobility

Percussive massage has been shown to temporarily increase range of motion without the performance drawbacks sometimes seen with static stretching before workouts (Konrad et al., 2020).

For athletes, this makes the TheraGun a valuable tool for warming up and preparing muscles for activity.

Improved Circulation and Relaxation

By stimulating blood flow and targeting tight areas, the TheraGun can promote relaxation and reduce stress-related muscle tension.

While research on reaction time specifically is limited, the improved circulation and reduced muscle stiffness may contribute to better movement efficiency and overall readiness for activity.

Improved Reaction Time

Using a Theragun might improve reaction times, as indicated in a study by the Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences.

This can be advantageous for athletes in competitive sports.

How to Use a TheraGun

Learning how to use a TheraGun properly helps you get the most out of percussive therapy while avoiding unnecessary strain.

The device is designed to be intuitive, but following best practices ensures a safer and more effective experience.

Safety tip: Avoid using the Theragun on bony areas, joints, or places with acute injury, swelling, or open wounds. If you have circulation issues, pregnancy, or chronic conditions, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Step 1: Pick the Right Attachment

Each attachment is made for a purpose.

For example, the dampener is best for sensitive areas, the standard ball works well for large muscle groups, and the cone is designed for pinpoint treatment.

Step 2: Power On and Select Your Speed

Most models have speed settings between 1750–2400 percussions per minute. Start at a lower speed if you’re new to percussive therapy, and increase as your body adapts.

Step 3: Glide, Don’t Press

Rest the Theragun lightly against your muscles and let the device do the work. Pressing too hard can cause unnecessary discomfort and may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

Step 4: Limit Treatment Time

Use the Theragun on each muscle group for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on your needs. A full-body session typically lasts 10–15 minutes.

Step 5: Use for Warm-Up or Recovery

• Before workouts: Use it briefly to activate muscles and improve circulation.
• After workouts: Apply it to sore or tight muscles to reduce stiffness and support recovery.

How to Choose the Right TheraGun Model

With multiple generations and models available, choosing the right TheraGun comes down to your budget, lifestyle, and recovery needs.

While all models provide effective percussive therapy, each one is designed for a slightly different type of user.

• Theragun PRO Plus (6th Gen): The most advanced option in the lineup, combining percussive therapy with heat, vibration, and near-infrared light therapy. Best for athletes, trainers, and health professionals who want a comprehensive recovery device with every possible feature.
• Theragun PRO (5th Gen): Built for professional-grade use with a powerful brushless motor, OLED screen, multiple attachments, and Bluetooth app integration. Great for athletes, physical therapists, and serious gym-goers who need long battery life and consistent high performance.
• Theragun Elite (4th Gen): Offers a balance between performance and convenience. Known for its quieter operation and ergonomic grip, it’s ideal for people who want strong relief without the noise or bulk of larger models.
• Theragun Prime: A mid-range option that delivers reliable percussive therapy at a lower price point. It has fewer advanced features but still provides customizable speeds and solid power—perfect for everyday users who want effective recovery without overspending.
• Theragun Mini: Compact, portable, and travel-friendly. While not as powerful as the larger models, it’s excellent for quick relief on the go or as a backup device for those who already own a full-size Theragun.

Tip: If you’re a professional or competitive athlete, the PRO or PRO Plus is worth the investment. For most people who want relief from post-workout soreness or everyday muscle tension, the Elite, Prime, or Mini may be more practical and budget-friendly.

Is the TheraGun Worth Buying?

A TheraGun can be worth the investment if you want convenient, at-home muscle recovery.

Research shows massage guns help reduce soreness, improve flexibility, and boost short-term recovery just as effectively as a manual massage, though results are temporary (Cheatham et al., 2019).

The benefits include quicker recovery, improved range of motion, and relief from muscle tension.

However, they don’t directly improve endurance, speed, or long-term performance, and they come at a premium price.

For athletes, active individuals, or anyone dealing with regular soreness, a Theragun is a practical and time-saving self-massage tool.

But if you expect it to solve injuries or dramatically enhance performance, professional treatment is still necessary.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a TheraGun?

A TheraGun can be a worthwhile investment if you want an effective and convenient way to support muscle recovery at home.

For athletes, gym-goers, and anyone who deals with frequent soreness or tension, it offers quick relief and a practical alternative to scheduling regular professional massages.

Its value lies in improving recovery, reducing stiffness, and increasing mobility, which are benefits that make a difference whether you’re training for performance or simply staying active. However, the right model depends on your needs.

Consider factors such as noise level, portability, battery life, and app-based features before choosing.

If you want a professional-grade tool with advanced features, the PRO models may be best.

For everyday recovery and budget-friendlier options, the Elite, Prime, or Mini can still deliver excellent results.

In short, a Theragun is not a cure-all, but for most active people, it’s a smart addition to a well-rounded recovery routine.

Last update on 2026-01-11 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.