Theragun Prime vs Elite: 5 Aspects Breakdown
By Naila Syifa
Updated July 2024
Theragun Prime is the most basic and standard model in the Theragun massage gun lineup. It is frequently compared to the Theragun Elite, which is the next level up in the product range.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Theragun Prime vs Theragun Elite, comparing them across price, design, features, and performance, to determine which one is better suited for your needs.
Key Takeaways
While Theragun Prime only offers the core massage features, the Elite model offers additional capabilities like on-device treatment presets, wireless charging support, an increased stall force, an OLED screen, and one extra attachment head.
Theragun Prime (5th Gen)
All the Essentials
Smart percussive therapy for an effective deep muscle treatment with all the original, essential features.
Theragun Elite (5th Gen)
Premium Athletic Recovery
Powerful percussive massage with premium tech features.
#1 Price
Theragun Prime
Theragun Prime is priced at US$299, while the Theragun Elite is slightly more expensive at US$399. The US$100 price difference is understandable, as the Elite comes with additional features and capabilities compared to the Prime model.
If you're on a budget, you may want to consider a cheaper Theragun Relief model (US$149) or check out our pick for the best budget massage guns.
#2 Design
Theragun Elite
The main difference between the two in terms of design lies in the display, with the Theragun Elite featuring an OLED screen compared to the mere LED light indicators on the Theragun Prime.
An OLED screen provides more detailed information and customization options compared to the basic LED lights. Other than showing speed, force meter, and battery level, the OLED screen on the Theragun Elite allows users to choose from multiple treatment presets and customize the massage experience to their needs.
In terms of design, another difference between the Theragun Elite and Prime concerns the attachment heads. While the Prime only offers 4 attachments, the Elite comes with 5 different attachment heads for more versatile treatment options.
One extra attachment head that the Elite offers is Wedge, which is typically used for scraping, shoulder blades, or IT bands. The rest four attachments that are shared between the Prime and Elite models are the Standard Ball, Dampener, Thumb, and Micro-Point.
Read also: Theragun Attachments Guide: How & What to Use
#3 Power & Performance
Theragun Prime
Theragun Elite and Prime share the same 16 mm amplitude, which is considered the optimal depth for deep tissue massage. This makes both models equally effective in penetrating deep into the muscle tissue for thorough massage and recovery.
However, with 40 lbs of stall force, Theragun Elite is slightly more powerful compared to the 30 lbs of stall force on Theragun Prime. The increased stall force on the Theragun Elite allows for more intense massages, making it a better choice for users seeking a more powerful massage experience.
In terms of speed, both massage guns have no differences. Theragun Elite and Prime offer 5 built-in speed levels, including 1750, 1900, 2100, 2200, and 2400 PPM. The speed is also further customizable via the Therabody app, allowing for a more precise and personalized massage tailored to individual needs.
#4 Additional Features
Therabody App
Theragun Elite and Prime are both Bluetooth-enabled to the Therabody app. The app offers remote control and customization options for both models, as well as guided massage routines to help users get the most out of their Theragun devices.
When activating a guided massage routine, the app will automatically control the device settings and display visual guidance on where to apply the massage to your body. It will also tell you which attachment to use or how to properly grip the device for maximum effectiveness.
One advantage that Theragun Elite has over Theragun Prime is the ability to save 3 treatment presets into the device, so you can easily access your favorite speed and time settings without needing to connect to the app every time.
#5 Battery & Charging
Theragun Prime
Both the Theragun Elite and Theragun Prime have a similar battery life of 120 minutes, which is generally more than enough for a couple of days of use. It is important to note, however, that the battery life may vary depending on the intensity of use and the types of activities for which the devices are used.
Both models are charged using the included USB-C to USB-C + USB-A cable. However, Theragun Elite is also wireless charging-enabled. If you purchase the Wireless Charging Stand, you can conveniently charge the Theragun Elite without needing to plug it in directly.
Theragun Prime vs Theragun Elite
Final Thoughts
Theragun Elite
The choice between the Theragun Prime and Elite ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for a more affordable option with the core Theragun features, the Prime is a solid choice.
However, if you're willing to invest a little more, the Elite offers additional capabilities like the OLED screen, an extra attachment head, a higher stall force, and the ability to save custom presets that may be worth the extra cost for some users.
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Explore the full collection of Theragun on Amazon.com or visit our Official Theragun Singapore Store.
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