Theragun Mini vs Prime: Which is better?
By Naila Syifa
Updated July 2024
Theragun Mini is a small and portable massage device designed for on-the-go recovery and muscle relief. It is often compared to Theragun's most basic Prime model, which is a full-sized massage gun that offers all the essential features typically found in the Theragun lineup.
How does the Theragun Mini stack up against the popular Prime model? Can the Mini deliver the same level of performance and effectiveness as the Prime?
We'll take a closer look at the key differences between the two Theragun models to help you decide which one is the better fit for your needs.
Key Takeaways
Theragun Mini offers a milder, gentler massage while Theragun Prime is more powerful, intense, and deeper. Theragun Mini offers 3 attachments and 3 built-in speeds, while Theragun Prime offers 4 attachments and 5 built-in speeds, making it more versatile and customizable.
Theragun Mini (2nd Gen)
The Smallest & Lightest Yet
Theragun power, packed into an ultra-portable package that's now 20% smaller and 30% lighter.
Theragun Prime (5th Gen)
All the Essentials
Smart percussive therapy for an effective deep muscle treatment with all the original, essential features.
#1 Price
Theragun Prime
As a full-sized massage gun, Theragun Prime is the more expensive option between the two models. It is priced at US$299, while the Theragun Mini is available for US$199.
If you're considering Theragun Mini as a budget-friendly alternative to the Prime model, there is an even cheaper model called the Theragun Relief that is priced at US$149. Theragun Relief is a full-sized massage gun, so it can be an attractive option if you want a budget-friendly full-sized massage gun instead of a compact-sized one.
Read also:
Theragun Relief vs Theragun Prime
Theragun Relief vs Theragun Mini
#2 Design
Theragun Mini
Theragun Prime features Theragun's signature ergonomic triangle handle design, which makes it easy to grip the device in multiple ways to reach any area of your body. Theragun Mini doesn't have such a design. It instead comes in a compact, triangular shape that also facilitates multiple grip positions.
The main advantage that the Theragun Mini has over the Prime model is its portability. Measuring 5.55 x 4.92 x 1.93 in and weighing 1 lb (0.45 kg), Theragun Mini is perfect for on-the-go use.
Theragun Mini also looks visually more pleasing in 3 color variants (Black, White, and Desert Rose), compared to the more industrial-looking Prime model with only black as an available color option.
However, the Theragun Prime comes with more attachment heads than the Theragun Mini. It offers 4 attachments, including Standard Ball, Dampener, Thumb, and Micro-Point, while Theragun Mini only offers the first 3 attachment heads. This gives the Prime more versatility in targeting different muscle groups.
Both massage guns don't feature a display, only buttons and LED light indicators. Due to its compact size, Theragun Mini only offers one multi-functional power/speed button. Meanwhile, Theragun Prime features a button pad consisting of up and down buttons for speed adjustment.
#3 Power & Performance
Theragun Prime
While Theragun Prime boasts a 16 mm amplitude, Theragun Mini maxes out at 12 mm amplitude, meaning that the Mini doesn't go as deep into the muscle tissue as the Prime model. Theragun Mini also has a 20 lbs stall force, which is lower than the 30 lbs stall force of the Theragun Prime.
Considering those aspects, Theragun Mini delivers less power and force compared to the Theragun Prime. The Mini is suitable for those looking for milder, gentler massage sessions, while the Prime model is better suited for deeper tissue work and more intense massage therapy.
Theragun Mini only has 3 built-in speeds (1750, 2100, 2400 PPM), while Theragun Prime offers 5 built-in speed levels (1750, 1900, 2100, 2200, 2400 PPM). However, when connected to the Therabody app, both massage guns can be customized more precisely to any speed between the 1750-2400 PPM range.
#4 Additional Features
Theragun Mini
Both Theragun Mini and Theragun Prime are Bluetooth-enabled to the Therabody app, which offers a range of smart features from remote control and customization to a vast library of guided routines.
Guided routines are particularly helpful for people who are new to percussive massage therapy. By selecting the desired routine in the app based on your needs, the app will control the device's settings, display a visual guide, and provide step-by-step instructions to ensure you get the most out of your massage session.
Other Theragun models like Theragun Sense and Theragun PRO even offers visually guided routines right from the device's screen, but Theragun Mini and Prime's features are limited to the Therabody app for guided routines and customization.
#5 Battery & Charging
Theragun Prime
Despite its small size, the Theragun Mini packs a decent 120-minute battery life, which is exactly the same as the Theragun Prime model. Both models also use the same USB-C charging and take around 80 minutes to fully recharge the battery. So, in terms of this aspect, both Theragun Mini and Prime are equally capable.
Theragun Mini vs Theragun Prime
Final Thoughts
Theragun Mini
While the Theragun Mini is more compact and portable, the Theragun Prime delivers more power and versatility with its wider range of built-in speed settings and attachment heads.
Those seeking a more powerful and customizable massage experience may find the Theragun Prime to be the better fit, while the Theragun Mini's affordability, portability, and gentler massage could appeal to users who prioritize a mild percussive therapy at a budget-friendly price.
Regardless of which model you choose, both the Theragun Mini and Theragun Prime offer effective muscle recovery and relief, especially when fully utilized alongside the Therabody app's guided routines features.
If you like to read more about Theragun percussive therapy massage guns, check out our other relevant guides here:
Theragun PRO (5th Gen) vs Theragun PRO (4th Gen)
Theragun Sense vs Theragun Prime
Theragun PRO (5th Gen) vs Hypervolt Pro 2
Theragun min (2nd Gen) vs Hypervolt Go 2
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