Theragun Sense vs Prime: Same Price, Different Purpose
By Naila Syifa
Updated May 2024
Theragun Sense and Prime are some of Theragun's popular percussive therapy devices. While both are priced similarly at US$299, they offer different features and capabilities, making them suitable for different types of users and their needs.
Let's compare both massage guns side by side to uncover the similarities and differences between the two, as well as determine which one might be the better choice for your specific needs.
Key Takeaways
The main difference between is that Theragun Sense offers an added guided breathwork & heart rate sensor as mindfulness features, while Theragun Prime focuses only on percussive massage therapy. However Theragun Prime has a higher 16mm amplitude compared to Sense's 12 mm amplitude. This makes Theragun Prime more suitable for athletes and fitness enthusiasts requiring deep muscle relief, while Theragun Sense is better for general users seeking a more holistic wellness experience for both body and mind.
Theragun Sense
Massage and Mindfulness
✓ 12 mm Amplitude
✓ 4 Attachments
✓ Breathwork & Biometric Sensor
✓ 5 Built-In Visual Guided Routines
Theragun Prime (5th Gen)
Deep Tissue Massage
✓ 16 mm Ampltiude
✓ 4 Attachments
✓ 5 Built-in Speed
✓ Therabody App via Bluetooth
#1 Design
Theragun Sense
Theragun Sense and Prime share a similar Theragun's patented triangle design, which provides an ergonomic grip in multiple hand positions and allows for easy reach to various body parts. Both massage guns also come with 4 interchangeable attachments (Dampener, Standard Ball, Thumb, and Micro-Point) which can target different muscle groups.
Despite these similarities, both models have some key design differences. Theragun Sense has a more stylish appearance compared to Theragun Prime. A gold accent on the body gives it a premium look, and it comes in white and black options while Theragun Prime is only available in black.
Theragun Sense also offers an LCD screen on top of its body, which makes it easier to preview and adjust the device's settings during use. A display also makes it possible for the device to support visual massage guidance, providing user-friendly instructions on how to use the device effectively.
Theragun Prime
Theragun Prime, on the other hand, doesn't feature a screen. It relies on buttons and LED indicators to control the device's speed settings, and there is no sophisticated in-device visual guidance.
Theragun Sense is also lighter than Theragun Prime, making it more comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. As a comparison, the Prime model weighs 0.95 kg (2.1 lbs), while the Sense model weighs 0.71 kg (1.57 lbs).
In sum, when it comes to design, Theragun Sense outshines the Theragun Prime in varying ways.
#2 Features
Theragun Sense
When it comes to features, both models have their own unique strengths to offer. Theragun Sense supports a guided breathwork feature that the Prime doesn't. When this feature is activated, the device will vibrate at a specific rate to guide you through inhalation and exhalation, helping you breathe more mindfully and achieve a more relaxed state.
There is also a biometric sensor on Theragun Sense, which measures your heart rate so you can get feedback on your breathwork sessions. Ideally, your heart rate should decrease during the guided breathwork, indicating reduced stress and improved relaxation.
Another unique feature that sets Theragun Sense apart is the built-in visual guided routines. You can choose from 5 built-in routines for different purposes (such as Back pain, Tension Relief, or Low Body Recovery), and the device will provide step-by-step on-screen visuals to show you where exactly to apply the massage gun. It is a great feature for users who are new to percussive massage therapy and need guidance on proper technique.
Theragun Sense
Theragun Prime does not support in-device visual guided routines, nor does it have a heart rate sensor or guided breathwork features. However, it has a higher 16mm amplitude compared to Sense's 12mm amplitude. A higher amplitude means a more powerful and deeper tissue massage, making it more suitable for athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking intense muscle relief.
If you're leaning more towards Theragun Prime for its deep tissue massage capabilities, but still want some guidance on how to use the device effectively, you can rely on the Therabody mobile app, which provides a wide range of massage routines, as well as TheraMind sound therapy, for both the Sense and Prime models.
Simply select a routine based on your desired benefit or body part, and the app will walk you through the massage steps. It will provide instructions on which attachment to use, how to grip the device correctly, and where to apply the massage for each step. You can also customize the speed and view force meter to monitor the pressure applied during the massage.
Therabody App
As Theragun Sense supports in-device visual guided routines, you can also save your favorite routines from the app to the device. This makes it easier to access and follow those routines without having to rely on your mobile device during the massage session.
However, I personally find it easier to follow the routines on the app. I just need to put my phone in front of me and follow the on-screen instructions seamlessly. Meanwhile, relying on the Theragun Sense's on-screen visual guidance means I have to keep glancing at the device's small display after each step. It then becomes more cumbersome when I'm applying the massage to my back or other out-of-sight areas, where I can't easily see the device's screen.
#3 Battery Life
Theragun Prime
When it comes to battery & charging, Theragun Sense and Theragun Prime have no significant differences. Both models have an estimated battery life of 120 minutes and can be charged via the included USB-C charging cable.
One little difference relates more to the design of both devices. Theragun Sense features a screen, so you can monitor the battery level during use and see whether the device has been fully recharged by checking the battery indicator on the LCD. With Theragun on the other hand, you'll have to rely on the three LED indicators on the device. Charging is complete when all the LED lights are illuminated.
Theragun Sense vs Theragun Prime
Final Thoughts
Theragun Sense
Theragun Sense has a more stylish, lightweight, and user-friendly design with an LCD screen. It also offers a more holistic wellness experience with its guided breathwork, heart rate monitoring, and built-in on-screen visual guided routines. Theragun Sense is a better choice for general users seeking a mind-body approach to recovery and relaxation.
Theragun Prime doesn't include many of the bells and whistles found in the Sense model. It focuses solely on the essential function of a massage gun, which is to provide percussive massage therapy. However, it offers a powerful 16mm amplitude for deep tissue massage, which the Theragun Sense cannot match. This makes Theragun Prime a better option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who prioritize intense muscle relief.
If you like to read more about massage guns, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Massage Guns
Theragun Sense vs Elite
Theragun Sense vs Relief
Theragun Sense vs PRO Plus
Theragun Prime vs PRO
Theragun Prime vs Elite
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