Theragun Prime Plus vs Elite: PROS & CONS
Naila Syifa
Updated October 2024
Theragun Prime Plus and Theragun Elite are some higher mid-range massage guns in Theragun's lineup. While both models provide powerful deep-tissue massage, there are some key differences to consider when choosing between the two. Let's examine both models across a few important aspects and uncover their strengths and limitations!
Key Takeaways
Theragun Elite is focused only on percussive massage, while Theragun Prime Plus also supports heat therapy and add-on cold and vibration therapy beyond its percussive massage capabilities. However, Prime Plus has simpler controls compared to the more advanced OLED screen on Theragun Elite, which displays a force meter and supports preset treatments.
Theragun Prime Plus
Versatile & Expandable
Powerful massage combined with heat and optional cold and vibration therapy for more comprehensive recovery
Theragun Elite (5th Gen)
Premium Athletic Recovery
Powerful percussive massage with premium tech features
#1 Price
Theragun Prime Plus
Theragun Elite (5th Gen) costs US$399 and comes with 5 massage attachments, a USB-C charging cable, and a travel case included in the box.
Theragun Prime Plus is also priced at US$399 and comes with 4 massage attachments, a USB-C charging cable, a travel case, routine cards containing recommended therapy routines, and a QuietForce Technology oil to keep the device running quietly and effectively.
#2 Design
Theragun Elite (5th Gen)
Theragun Prime Plus and Elite have the same Theragun's patented triangle design, which allows for easy reach and maneuverability to target hard-to-reach areas. Both also don't differ much in terms of weight, but the Prime Plus boasts an anti-slip textured grip and better durability.
While Theragun Elite is made of PC-ABS and TPU materials, the Prime Plus adds durable steel and aluminum in addition to PC-ABS and TPU, making it more rugged, drop and scratch-resistant.
However, Theragun Prime Plus has a simpler control interface with just buttons and LED indicators, while Theragun Elite features a more sophisticated OLED screen that can display real-time massage speed and force. Prime Plus requires a connection to the Therabody app to view the force meter.
In terms of attachments, both models have their plus and minus points. Theragun Prime Plus offers 4 attachments – Standard Ball, Dampener, Wedge, and Heat – and is compatible with some other optional attachments, including Cold, Vibration, Thumb, and Micro-Point. This expands the device's flexibility for different therapy needs, but it also means you'll have to pay more to get the full set.
Meanwhile, Theragun Elite comes with all the 5 attachments included – Standard Ball, Dampener, Thumb, Wedge, and Micro-Point. However, it doesn't support multi-therapy attachments that the Prime Plus can utilize, including Heat, Cold, and Vibration attachments.
#3 Features
Theragun Prime Plus
The core massaging features and performance of Theragun Prime Plus and Theragun Elite are on-par, with both models providing powerful and deep tissue massage therapy with a 16 mm amplitude, 40 lbs of maximum stall force, 5 built-in speed levels, and Bluetooth connection to Therabody app.
The Therabody app allows users to follow guided massage routines, remotely adjust speed, monitor force, and more. With the Theragun Elite, you can also save up to 3 preset treatments from the app to the device, so you can easily access your favorite time and speed settings quickly through the OLED screen.
While Theragun Prime Plus doesn't support saving presets on the device, it comes with multi-therapy capabilities beyond just percussive massage. When the heat attachment is used, the device combines massage with heat to enhance the therapy and provide faster results. Standalone heat therapy is also available in 3 heat levels.
Cold therapy and vibration therapy are also supported when using compatible attachments. Cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote faster recovery, while vibration therapy can help treat sensitive joints and muscles. These additional therapy options make the Theragun Prime Plus a more versatile and comprehensive recovery tool compared to the Theragun Elite.
Another minor feature that gives the Prime Plus an edge is its travel lock feature, which prevents the device from accidentally turning on during transport. To activate the travel lock, simply press the power button quickly 3 times.
#4 Battery
Theragun Elite (5th Gen)
The Theragun Prime Plus boasts an impressive battery life of 150 minutes, which is a 25% improvement over the 120 minutes of battery life offered by the Theragun Elite. This extended runtime allows users to enjoy longer massage sessions without having to worry about the device running out of power
Theragun Prime Plus vs Elite
Final Thoughts
Theragun Prime Plus
At the same US$399 price point, Theragun Prime Plus and Elite offer different strengths and limitations.
Theragun Prime Plus has a simpler design, but it combines percussive massage with heat therapy and also offers support for optional cold and vibration therapy. Theragun Elite is only massage-focused, but it has a more premium design with an OLED screen, includes more attachments, and supports saving presets from the Therabody app to the device.
The decision between the two ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize a versatile multi-therapy experience or a more premium massage-focused device with advanced controls.
If you like to read more about massage guns, check out our other relevant guides here:
Theragun Prime Plus vs Prime (5th Gen)
Theragun Prime Plus vs PRO Plus (6th Gen)
Theragun Prime Plus vs PRO (5th Gen)
Theragun Prime Plus vs Sense
Theragun Prime Plus vs Relief
Theragun Prime Plus vs Mini (2nd Gen)
Theragun Prime Plus vs Hypervolt 2 Pro
Author
Naila Syifa
Naila has spent over 1,800 hours researching, exploring, and writing about the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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