Theragun Prime Plus vs Theragun Prime: Key Differences
Naila Syifa
Updated October 2024
Theragun Prime Plus is the upgraded version of the Theragun Prime, offering additional features and improvements. But why is it a 'Plus' instead of a 6th generation Prime model?
The most possible answer is because the Prime Plus introduces a whole new capability – heat therapy. Theragun Prime is meant to be a basic model featuring only the most essential and original Theragun features, so adding the heat therapy function would have made it deviate too much from the core Theragun Prime identity.
But is the heating function the only significant difference between the Theragun Prime and the Theragun Prime Plus?
Key Takeaways
Theragun Prime Plus has everything that Theragun Prime offers, plus the added heat therapy function. It also supports cold and vibration therapy with optional attachments, making it a more versatile recovery tool. Other more minor improvements include: a 95% quieter motor, 10 lbs higher stall force, 25% longer runtime, travel lock, and improved grip design.
Theragun Prime Plus
Versatile & Expandable
Powerful massage combined with heat and optional cold and vibration therapy for more comprehensive recovery
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 (5th Gen)
Theragun Prime (5th Gen) retails at US$299, which is the same price point as its predecessor, the Prime (4th Gen). The price includes the massage gun, four attachment heads, a carrying pouch, and a charging cable.
Meanwhile, Theragun Prime Plus costs US$399, widening the price gap between the two models to US$100. That can be quite an extra investment for a massage device.
However, with that price, we'll get the massage gun, four attachments, a travel pouch, a charging cable, routine cards, and the QuietForce Technology oil – which keeps the device operating quietly and effectively.
#2 Design
Theragun Prime Plus
Theragun Prime Plus still retains the multi-grip triangular design of the Theragun Prime, but now with a smaller handler and non-slip textured grip for better control and handling. It also improves in durability, featuring impact-resistant materials that can withstand accidental drop, scratch, and rough handling.
The control interface is still the same, featuring no digital display but just buttons and LED indicators. The difference is the Prime Plus adds another set of button and LED indicators for the heat therapy function.
One potential design drawback is that Theragun Prime Plus got rid of two attachment heads previously offered in the 5th-generation Theragun Prime – thumb and micro-point. If you need those specific attachments to relieve knots or increase stimulation in certain areas, you would have to purchase them separately.
In replace of those attachments, the Theragun Prime Plus includes a wedge attachment designed for shoulder blades and IT bands, as well as the heat percussive plus attachment for the combined heat and massage therapy.
#3 Features
Theragun Prime (5th Gen)
Theragun Prime Plus and Theragun Prime share many core massaging features, including a high 16 mm amplitude for deep tissue penetration, 5 built-in speed levels, and Bluetooth connectivity to the Therabody app for guided routines, manual or auto-adjustments, TheraMind sound therapy, and more.
One improvement is that the Prime Plus features an anti-stall motor that applies up to 40 lbs of pressure, which is 10 lbs more than what the Theragun Prime can handle. Despite this higher stall force, Theragun Prime Plus claims a 95% quieter motor than the Prime, which gives it another edge for uses in public like the gym or office.
Another new feature that the Theragun Prime Plus introduced is the travel lock. Travel lock can be activated by quickly pressing the power button 3 times, then the device will be locked to prevent accidental activation during transport. To unlock, quickly press the power button 3 times again.
Theragun Prime Plus
When it comes to features beyond percussive massage, the Prime Plus is better equipped. When the heat attachment is used, the massage gun combines heat therapy with percussive massage for more comprehensive treatment with faster results.
More add-on therapies like cold therapy and vibration therapy are also supported with the purchase of optional cold plus attachment and vibration plus attachment. Cold therapy helps to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, while vibration therapy treats sensitive joints and muscles.
These additional therapies make Theragun Prime Plus a more versatile and customizable massage device compared to the basic, percussive massage-focused Theragun Prime model.
#4 Battery
Theragun Prime (5th Gen)
Theragun Prime Plus also improves on the battery life of the Theragun Prime, offering up to 150 minutes of continuous usage on a single charge compared to the Prime's 120 minutes. That's a 25% increase in runtime. However, take note that battery life may vary based on attachment.
Theragun Prime Plus vs Prime
Final Thoughts
Theragun Prime Plus
The addition of heat therapy and optional cold and vibration therapy to the Theragun Prime Plus make it a more versatile and customizable massage device compared to the basic, percussive massage-focused Theragun Prime model.
The newer Theragun Prime Plus also improves on the battery life, stall force, quieter motor, and a more ergonomic design compared to the Theragun Prime. If you're interested in a multi-therapy device, the extra US$100 investment in the Theragun Prime Plus may be worth it. However, if you only need a basic percussive massage device, Theragun Prime is a solid choice.
If you like to read more about massage guns, check out our other relevant guides here:
Theragun Prime Plus vs PRO Plus (6th Gen)
Theragun Prime Plus vs PRO (5th Gen)
Theragun Prime Plus vs Elite (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
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
Don't miss out on tech
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest tech trends and guides on the best gadgets around.
