Theragun Elite vs Theragun Mini
We take a look through the differences and similarities between two of Therabody's most popular Theragun models
If you’re looking for a massage gun then you’ll have no doubt come across Therabody’s Theragun range.
The Theragun line of massage guns is widely considered to be one of the best in class, and their eye-catching triangular design is instantly recognisable.
In this article, we’re going to be comparing the Theragun Elite to the Theragun Mini. We’ve tried and tested both of these massage guns first hand, so will be recounting our experience with using them to help you decide which model is right for you.
We’re going to be focusing on the main differences and similarities between the two devices, and also reveal which one we preferred using during our testing of them.
So, with the introductions out of the way, let’s begin our comparison guide looking at the Theragun Elite vs Mini.
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Theragun Elite vs Mini – Things To Know
Let’s cover some of the basic points to know about the Theragun Elite and Theragun Mini.
The Theragun Mini features an easy-to-grip handle (Photo: The Sport Review)
As suggested by its name, the Theragun Mini is a smaller, more portable device that can be easily used while travelling or on the go. This immediately makes it a more appealing option if you’re planning on using your device during trips or while out and about.
As you’ve probably already guessed, the Theragun Elite is a larger device with more features and options than the Mini.
Therabody say that the Theragun Elite is their best device for the everyday user looking for a quiet percussive therapy gun packed full of features.
The Theragun Elite (Photo: The Sport Review)
On the other hand, the Theragun Mini is a small, lightweight and portable device designed for ease of use on the go and while travelling.
If you’ve done any research for yourself, you’ll know that the Theragun Elite is significantly more expensive than the Theragun Mini. This isn’t really too surprising given that the Elite comes with more features, attachments and is overall more of a heavy duty device.
The Theragun Mini is Therabody’s most affordable massage gun, so it can be a great option if you’re looking for your first device and want to see how beneficial it can be for you.
The Theragun Mini comes with a travel pouch (Photo: The Sport Review)
Theragun Elite vs Mini – Specifications And Price
Let’s now concentrate on some of the key specifications regarding the two devices. Here are some of the main things to know about and bear in mind about both the Elite and the Mini.
All of the information shown below was correct at the time of writing, and please be sure to note the generation version of the massage gun you’re looking at. The specifications shown below are specific to those generation models.
Theragun Elite (4th Generation)
• Price: $399 / £375
• Dimensions: 9.5in x 6.7in x 2.8in (24.0cm x 17.0cm x 7.4cm)
• Weight: 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
• Motor: QX65 Motor with QuietForce Technology
• PPM: 1750 to 2400
• Speeds: Five built-in speeds
• Attachments: Five
• Battery Life: 120 minutes
• Charge Time: 80 minutes
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
• Included Accessories: Protective Carrying Case
Theragun Mini (2nd Generation)
• Price: $199 / £174
• Dimensions: 5.55in x 4.92in x 1.93in (14.1cm x 12.5cm x 4.9cm)
• Weight: 1 lb (0.45 kg)
• Motor: QX35 Brushless Motor with QuietForce Technology
• PPM: 1750 to 2400
• Speeds: Three built-in speeds
• Attachments: Three
• Battery Life: 120 minutes
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
• Included Accessories: Soft Carrying Case
As you can no doubt see for yourself, there are plenty of similarities and differences between these two devices. The main differences include the price, with the Theragun Mini costing less than half the price of the Theragun Elite.
The Theragun Elite (Photo: The Sport Review)
As we already know, the Mini is also lighter and smaller than the Elite. However, the Theragun Elite comes with two head attachments more than the 2nd gen Mini, and it has a higher-spec motor.
The Elite also features five built-in speeds compared to the three built in to the Mini, with the battery life the same at 120 minutes, or two hours, for both devices.
The Theragun Elite (Photo: The Sport Review)
Our Experience Using The Theragun Elite And Theragun Mini
We tried out both the Theragun Elite and Theragun Mini in 2022. The first thing we should say is that we’re big fans of both devices. Therabody’s products are high quality, and this is noticeable immediately when observing the build-quality and design of the devices.
The Theragun Elite (Photo: The Sport Review)
It’s worth pointing out that we tried out the 1st gen version of the Mini, which has since been updated to the specs we’ve featured above. The updates include a smaller and lighter design, plus two extra head attachments.
We loved using the Theragun Elite. It’s a really powerful device that we enjoyed using before and after runs during our warm-ups and warm-downs. The triangular design is particularly useful when using it on the back of the legs while standing, for example on hamstring muscles.
The main drawback we observed when using the Elite is that it was definitely considerably louder than the Mini. That being said, the device’s noise could be toned down by adding Therabody’s QuietForce Solution (sold separately).
The Theragun Mini in action (Photo: The Sport Review)
Using the Theragun Mini was also a pleasure. It’s smaller and lighter than the Elite and is really simple to use. The way the handle is designed also makes it easy to grip and hold during use. We took the Mini away with us abroad on a couple of trips and it was easy to transport and a great addition.
Overall, we’re big fans of both of these devices. If you’re looking for your first massage gun and portability is important to you, then you may want to consider the Theragun Mini. If you’re after something a bit more powerful and sophisticated, the Theragun Elite could be a good choice.
The Theragun Mini (Photo: The Sport Review)
Where To Buy Theragun Elite And Theragun Mini
You can buy both the Theragun Elite and Theragun Mini directly from the official Therabody website.
If you’re located in the USA or UK, you can also get both devices with quick shipping on Amazon. Below are the prices of both devices on Amazon, correct at the time of writing.
• The Theragun Elite (4th gen) was priced at £375 / $399 on Amazon.
• The Theragun Mini (2nd gen) was priced at £174 / $199 on Amazon.
Where you buy your Therabody device is really up to you. Some users may prefer to buy direct from Therabody, while others might favour the speed and convenience of shopping on Amazon.
Bear in mind that the prices shown above may change from time to time, so be sure to check the retailer website before making a purchase.
The Theragun Elite with its five attachments (Photo: The Sport Review)
Anything Else To Keep In Mind?
Before making a purchase, be sure to carefully check the product description page provided by the retailer you’re shopping from. While we have aimed to make this page as accurate as possible, product details and prices may change from time to time and therefore may differ from what’s in this article.
If you’re still not sure which massage gun to buy, you can check out our guide to the best massage guns on Amazon. You may also want to consider popping into your local sports store to see and use a few massage guns for yourself.
Visiting a physical retailer can give you the chance to try out a few different devices for yourself and also get some personal advice and tips from store staff.
The Theragun Mini (Photo: The Sport Review)
Wrapping Things Up – Our Final Thoughts
So, that brings us to the end of our Theragun Elite vs Theragun Mini comparison guide.
We’ve looked closely at both of these great massage guns from Therabody, covering the specification, look and design, and the all-important price tag.
Overall, we liked both of these devices. The Theragun Mini (available here on Amazon) could be an excellent choice for users looking for a travel-friendly device featuring a compact and lightweight design.
Meanwhile, the Theragun Elite (available here on Amazon) should be considered as a great option if you’re looking for a slightly more heavy-duty device with extra features and head attachments.
