:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shp-massage-guns-theragun-test-prime-4th-generation-jthompson-0145-cd0cc44383f04a5badc768f39d14a86f.jpg?ssl=1 "We Tested Nearly Every Theragun Model—These 8 Are the Only Ones We Recommend")
If you’re deep into marathon training or constantly sore from long days on your feet, you’ve probably searched for the best massage guns to ease tight muscles fast—and that search has likely brought you to Theragun. Therabody offers a wide range of devices, but figuring out which one is the best Theragun for your needs can be overwhelming. To help, we put the brand’s most popular models through rigorous, hands-on testing and consulted an on-site physical therapist to make sure we were using each device safely and effectively. After more than 400 hours of real-world use, we narrowed down the best Theragun massage guns worth adding to your recovery routine.
The Shape Scoring Scale
5 – In Perfect Shape!
4 – Now We’re Talking
3 – Good, But Needs Some Work
2 – OK, But Nothing Special
1 – Don’t Recommend
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Attachments: 6 | Built-In Speeds: 5 | Total Battery Life: 300 min | Weight: 2.8 lb
If you’re concerned about the comfort or convenience of self-massage, we found that the Theragun Pro 4th Generation was especially easy to hold and maneuver, thanks to its triangle shape and rotating arm. The rotating arm can be used to offer more precise pressure without uncomfortable twisting or reaching. It offers four extra arm positions to help eliminate any hand or wrist strain, which might make this massage gun worth the price tag if that’s something you struggle with. And with 300 minutes of battery life in total, you can feel confident that this massage gun will last as long as your muscles need it.
Our Overall Score: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
What Testers Say
“I really appreciate that the arm can be moved to the preferred position depending on which area you’re working on. The settings are super easy to change while using it and the head attachments can be swapped super easily. I loved the LED screen on this one that showed which out of the five speeds we’re at.” —Michelle P., Shape product tester
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Attachments: 2 | Built-In Speeds: 5 | Total Battery Life: 120 min | Weight: 2 lb
The professional-grade intensity and user-friendliness of the Theragun Prime 6th Gen make it a solid option for just about anyone seeking deep muscular release. Athletes with all-over soreness, office workers with tech neck, or SAHMs who wrangle kids all day could all benefit from this massage gun’s two interchangeable heads (flat and ball-shaped), which offer slightly different percussive effects.
Our tester just noted that the Theragun Prime 6th Gen was somewhat difficult to use on her back, due to its shape. (But enlisting a family member to assist quickly solved the problem.) She was also stoked with this gun’s portability. Though it doesn’t come with its own carrying case, it packed easily into a small suitcase on business trips.
Our Overall Score: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
What Testers Say
“I LOVE the Theragun… I use it daily on my calf muscles, feet, arms and back… it really seems to ease the tension” —Lauren C., Shape product tester
Theragun Pro vs. Theragun Prime
The Theragun Pro is the brand’s most powerful model, offering higher stall force, a rotating arm, and a longer battery life — making it ideal for athletes or anyone who wants deep, intense relief. The Theragun Prime is lighter, quieter, and more streamlined, with fewer speeds and slightly less power, but it’s easier to use for everyday soreness. If you want top-tier performance, go Pro. And if you want something simpler and more affordable for daily recovery, the Prime is the better fit.
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Attachments: 5 | Built-In Speeds: 5 | Total Battery Life: 120 min | Weight: 2.2 lb
If you’re constantly on the go or you’re looking for a massage gun that you can travel with, we recommend the Theragun Elite 4th Generation. It’s the quietest of the Theragun massage guns, thanks to its QX65 proprietary brushless motor, and it includes five attachments. Plus, it comes with a hard-shell carrying case that won us over. The case has indentations for the device and attachments, and it felt protective and durable. The case is a little large (it probably won’t fit in your average backpack), but it would be great for road trips or suitcases. Aside from its portability, it has most of the same features as the cheaper Theragun Prime, our choice for best overall, so consider which fits your budget better.
Our Overall Score: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
What Testers Say
“I felt that this massage gun was effective — I used it on my sore shoulders and felt better even after just 60 seconds of use. I like the triangle shape of the device, which makes it easy to adjust my grip and reach all of the muscle groups I need to address. I also like the number of heads — five is the perfect number because it’s enough to get targeted relief, but not so many that I don’t know what each shape does.” —Sarah F., Shape product tester
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Attachments: 2 | Built-In Speeds: 5 | Total Battery Life: 120 min | Weight: 3 lb
Who wouldn’t want to unwind at night with a gentle massage? The Theragun Sense 2nd Gen lets you have one every night of the week. Our tester found this massage gun was just the thing for loosening up tight muscles all over. Five speed settings offer plenty of flexibility to suit any desired level of intensity (though our tester did feel its vibration was a bit too intense on the neck, even at the lowest settings).
A triangle-shaped handheld grip means this gun’s also got easy handling for hard-to-reach spots. And even if you don’t know where to begin for nighttime (or anytime) relaxation, you’re covered with guided massage sessions that are simple to follow on an LCD screen. Just be sure to switch it off before you drift off!
Our Overall Score: 4 — Now We’re Talking
What Testers Say
“Lower speeds apply enough vibration to relax and loosen… higher speeds were excellent at relieving tightness and aches on larger muscle groups.” —Ed B., Shape product tester
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Attachments: None included | Built-In Speeds: 3 | Total Battery Life: 120 min | Weight: 2.6 lb
Whether you’re new to massage guns or just don’t have the space for something large, the Theragun Mini Plus is a smart starter model that doesn’t skimp on power. Despite its petite size, this Theragun gave plenty of intensity for soothing our achy muscles. The addition of three heat settings added to its therapeutic ability (though our tester actually wished it had offered even higher heat!).
We love that it’s small enough to carry around in a purse or gym bag — or simply pack it in the carrying case that’s included with purchase. We did notice, though, that its design isn’t the most ergonomic. Its handle wasn’t very easy to grip, and it wore our hands out after a while.
Our Overall Score: 5 — In Perfect Shape!
What Testers Say
“The massage felt intense but in a good way — just right. I liked the addition of the heat as I felt it soothed the area even more.” —Madeline B., Shape product tester
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Why We Like It
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Fits in the palm of your hand and can be taken on the go
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Three attachments and three speeds
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Good choice for cyclists and runners
Attachments: 3 | Built-In Speeds: 3 | Total Battery Life: 120 min | Weight: 1 lb
For a pocket-sized massage gun that can go with you anywhere (literally, it even fits in our fanny packs), our editors love the Theragun Mini. Its smaller frame is easy to hold, and with three attachments and three speeds, you won’t get overwhelmed figuring out the optimal settings for your needs. One tester particularly recommended this massage gun for cyclists or runners, since it’s easy to target calves and hips and apply the desired amount of pressure with the Mini.
Our Overall Score: 4 — Now We’re Talking
What Testers Say
“I’d say this was a stellar starter massage gun. If you don’t lift or do anything truly hardcore, this is a fantastic little gun. It’s portable, and I’d say it’s great for runners or anyone who gets a lot of leg tension.” —Donna F., Shape product tester
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Attachments: 7 | Built-In Speeds: 5 | Total Battery Life: 150 min | Weight: 3.5 lb
The Theragun Pro Plus has pretty much every feature you could possibly think of for recovery — and then some. To start, it boasts a mind-blowing five speeds and seven attachments. This many massage gun attachments can get confusing, but the carrying case has a helpful guide on the inside cover that quickly identifies each attachment and how to best use it. Also, the heated attachment delivers warm, but not scorching, heat therapy to sore muscles.
The near-infrared light therapy (which boosts circulation) is also cutting-edge. It’s placed on the massage gun so you can easily double up on percussive and infrared therapy in the same session. You can also use the biometric sensor to track your heart rate before and after sessions (although it’s slightly awkward to hold). We loved the ultra-clear LCD screen and how easy it was to navigate both pre-loaded treatments and quick-start options.
Our Overall Score: 4 — Now We’re Talking
What Testers Say
“I actually do think it’s worth the price. If you’re a lifter or a runner, and you’re dedicated and you give your muscles a workout, this is great. It checks ALL the boxes and then some … if you ran the NYC marathon, for example, this could be your unicorn.” —Donna F., Shape product tester
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![A person using the Therabody Theragun PRO Plus on their shoulder]()
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The Therabody Theragun PRO Plus offers near-infrared light therapy for better circulation.
Credit: Shape
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![Therabody Theragun PRO Plus and attachments laying on a bed]()
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The Therabody Theragun PRO Plus features seven attachments and five speeds.
Credit: Shape
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Attachments: 3 | Built-In Speeds: 3 | Total Battery Life: 120 minutes | Weight: 1.3 lb
For casual exercisers or those not yet sure if they want to shell out for more bells and whistles, the Theragun Relief delivers on one simple promise: relief at the touch of a button. With one button, three speeds, and no LCD screen, the Theragun Relief is one of Therabody’s most basic massage guns — in a good way. We found it really easy and intuitive to operate, and the 10mm percussion therapy was a pleasant alternative to the “hurts so good” feeling of the Theragun Pro Plus or more intense models. Our testers said this model remained relatively quiet throughout use and noted that it was great at relieving everyday aches and pains, but a different model would be better for more intense issues.
Our Overall Score: 5 — In Perfect Shape!
What Testers Say
“Over the month I have been testing, I found many uses where this is my preferred massage gun. It eases you into the world of percussive therapy with all of the benefits and none of the adjustment period.” —Shannon B., Shape product tester
Shape
How We Tested
To find the best Theragun massage guns, we started by digging into the brand’s full lineup — including the classics you’ve definitely heard of and a few under-the-radar models you may not know about. From there, we tested every device hands-on. Each massage gun was used across all available speeds, modes, and grip positions, and we made sure to try every attachment on multiple muscle groups. In total, our team logged more than 400 hours of use.
During testing, we evaluated each device based on the following criteria:
- Features: We ran each device through all its settings to see how easy it was to operate and whether the different speeds, modes, and attachments actually changed the experience. We noted which features felt genuinely useful — and which ones didn’t add much.
- Performance: To get a real sense of how each model worked, we used them on everything from small, sensitive areas (like the forearms and triceps) to larger muscles (like the back, quads, and hamstrings). We paid attention to power, comfort, noise level, and how easy each device was to handle in harder-to-reach spots.
- Portability and storage: Because recovery doesn’t always happen at home, we looked at how travel-friendly each massage gun was. That included size, weight, battery life, and whether the carrying case or storage setup made it easy to toss into a gym bag or suitcase.
- Value: Finally, we compared price to overall performance and features to determine which models truly deliver on their cost — and which ones offer the best balance of power, portability, and everyday usability.
What to Know About Theragun Massage Guns
- Speed: Most Theragun models offer speeds between 1,700 and 2,400 ppm (pulses per minute), with three to five built-in settings depending on the device. Higher speeds generally feel more energizing, while lower speeds are better for sensitive areas or gentle warmups.
- Pressure and stall force: Stall force refers to how much pressure you can apply to the massage gun before the motor stops. In simple terms, it’s a measure of power. Devices with a higher stall force can handle deeper pressure without slowing down, making them a better fit for people who want an intense, muscle-melting massage.
- Attachments: Most Theraguns come with a mix of attachments designed for different muscle groups and comfort levels. You’ll typically see options like a cone for pinpoint pressure, a wedge for scraping or shoulder blades, a “thumb” for trigger points, a large ball for major muscle groups, and a dampener for sensitive or bony areas. Choosing the right attachment can make a big difference in how targeted — and comfortable — your session feels.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should I use a Theragun massage gun?
Experts believe that using massage guns like Theraguns can be beneficial both before and after exercise. “By warming up the muscles before exercise, they can improve performance and reduce the risk of injury,” said physical therapist Brittany Steindl, PT, DPT. “Post-activity, the massage gun aids in muscle relaxation, reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and accelerates recovery.”
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What is the best way to use a Theragun?
This depends on what part of the body you’re using it on — the best practice is to avoid bony areas, like your kneecaps, elbows, and clavicles, so as to not injure these areas. Theraguns have a variety of settings that can change the speed or force with which they massage, so adjust this according to taste during use. Use lower speeds for sensitive areas and higher speeds to simulate a deep-tissue massage. Switch attachments if desired.
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What is the best Theragun to buy?
This depends on your taste and budget. Shape testers rated the Theragun Prime the highest for its accessible price point, customizable speed ranges, and ergonomic shape.
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Where should I avoid using a Theragun?
Avoid using a Theragun on bony areas, on your face, on any injuries or sprains, on bruises or open wounds, and in areas where you’ve experienced severe or unexplained pain.
Why Trust Shape
Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC, Shape writer with eight years of experience covering health, fitness, and wellness. She’s tested and reviewed a wide range of recovery tools and has personally tried dozens of massage guns, giving her firsthand insight into the benefits of on-demand percussive therapy. For this story, she drew on her own expertise along with Shape’s comprehensive testing data to make thoughtful, evidence-backed product recommendations.
Additional reporting by Summer Cartwright and Kristen Geil.
Summer Cartwright is a marathon runner, certified cycling instructor, and the former senior editor at Shape. She has raced in the Chicago Marathon, Houston Half Marathon, Brooklyn Half Marathon, Columbus Marathon, New York Mini 10k, and dozens of other events. She has expertise in running shoes, performance gear, and recovery equipment.
Kristen Geil NASM-CPT, is a former Shape fitness editor and has spent the last several years trying every workout under the sun, and she’s got the sore muscles to prove it. Kristen is a NASM-certified personal trainer who regularly covers fitness products and tests recovery tools.
For this story, our writers consulted the following expert to better understand how Theraguns work, what to look for in a quality device, and how to get the most recovery benefits from each model.
- Brittany Steindl, PT, DPT, physical therapist and founder of BLS Child Development Center