Theragun Relief vs Elite: Keep It Simple or Go Premium?
Naila Syifa
Updated November 2024
Theragun Relief is the most affordable model in Theragun lineup, priced at US$149 compared to the Elite's US$399. With more than two hundred dollars apart, how do these two percussive massage devices stack up against each other? Let's explore their key features and performance to see which one delivers the best value for your specific needs and budget.
Key Takeaways
Theragun Elite's deep tissue massage appeals to athletes and serious fitness enthusiasts, while Theragun Relief's mild massage is better suited for everyday users seeking gentle muscle relief and relaxation. Theragun Elite offers premium features like smart app connectivity and an OLED screen, while Theragun Relief keeps it simple with single-button control and physical routine cards.
Theragun Relief
Everyday Massage
Simple and mild percussive massaging device for daily aches and tension
Theragun Elite (5th Gen)
Premium Athletic Recovery
Powerful percussive massage with premium tech features
Theragun Relief vs Elite: Design
Theragun Elite (5th Gen)
While boasting a similar multi-grip triangle handle design, Theragun Relief and Theragun Elite have more design differences than similarities.
Theragun Relief has a simpler control interface featuring one button and 3 LED indicators to indicate different massage speeds. The Elite, meanwhile, boasts a premium OLED screen above the button pad that displays real-time speed, force, and battery level information.
Despite its more sophisticated display, Theragun Elite is heavier at 2.2 lbs (1 kg) compared to Theragun Relief at only 1.37 lbs (0.62 kg). A lightweight design allows for easier handling and reduced arm fatigue during longer massage sessions, so the Relief has a clear advantage in this aspect.
Theragun Relief also comes in navy and sand color options, which gives users more aesthetic choices compared to Elite's single black colorway.
Another design difference between the two is the materials, with Theragun Relief being made of PC, steel + aluminum, while Theragun Elite is constructed with PC ABS + TPU. The addition of steel and aluminum mix on Theragun Relief gives it a sturdy and premium feel, despite its lighter weight and lower price point.
Theragun Relief vs Elite: Massage Performance
Theragun Relief
Theragun Elite offers one of the most powerful massages among Theragun devices, thanks to its deep 16 mm amplitude and high 40 lbs no-stall force. At this level of power, it can effectively target deep muscle tissues and provide intense relief for muscle tension and soreness, making it ideal for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts who require deep-tissue massage therapy.
In comparison, Theragun Relief maxes out at 10 mm amplitude and 20 lbs no-stall force, the lowest among all Theragun models. This mild, soothing massage intensity makes it more suitable for everyday muscle relief and gentle recovery, such as relieving minor aches and pains after light workouts or long hours of sitting.
Theragun Elite has an advantage with its 5 built-in speed levels, consisting of 1750, 1900, 2100, 2200, and 2400 PPM. Theragun Relief, on the other hand, offers three speed settings at 1750, 2100, and 2400 PPM, providing less flexibility in customizing your massage intensity.
Theragun Elite also comes with 5 interchangeable attachment heads to target different muscle groups and massage needs, including Standard Ball, Dampener, Thumb, Wedge, and Micro-Point. Theragun Relief only has 3 attachments – a Standard Ball, Dampener, and Thumb.
The two extra attachments that the Elite offers are the Wedge and Micro-Point. Wedge excels at scraping along the shoulder blades and IT bands, while Micro-Point increases circulation with its spikey surface.
Theragun Relief vs Elite: Additional Features
Theragun Elite (5th Gen)
Therabody app is a free mobile app available for all Theragun users, offering guided routines and recommendations for optimal massage therapy. While both Theragun Elite and Relief users have access to the app, only Elite users can enjoy Bluetooth connectivity for real-time speed control, force meter tracking, and more.
Guided routines also become more convenient with Bluetooth connectivity, as the app can automatically adjust your Elite's speed settings during each routine. Theragun Elite even supports saving up to 3 preset treatments from the app to the device, which would be useful for people who don't want to open the app every time.
To accommodate its lack of smart features, Theragun Relief offers 3 routine cards, which are physical cards containing step-by-step routine guides, including duration, attachment to use, grip position, which body parts to massage, and how. These routine cards include Refresh Your Legs, Reduce Neck Tension, and Relieve Lower Back Pain.
Theragun Relief vs Elite: Battery
Theragun Relief
Theragun Relief and Theragun Elite have the same estimated battery life of 120 minutes or 2 hours, which should be sufficient for several massage sessions between charges. Charging is done via USB-C port on both devices.
Theragun Relief vs Elite
Final Thoughts
Theragun Elite (5th Gen)
Both Theragun Relief and Elite offer compelling features at their respective price points.
Theragun Elite stands out with its powerful deep tissue massage, smart connectivity features, and more customization options, making it ideal for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts who need the best-performing percussive massage device and don't mind paying a premium for it.
Meanwhile, Theragun Relief caters to casual users seeking gentle muscle relief at a more affordable price point, offering essential massage features and a lightweight design that's perfect for everyday use. The included routine cards also make it a practical choice for users who prefer simple, straightforward guidance without relying on a smartphone app.
If you like to read more about massage guns, check out our other relevant guides here:
Theragun Buying Guide
Theragun Relief vs Mini
Theragun Relief vs Prime
Theragun Prime vs Elite
Theragun Elite vs 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.
