Theragun Elite vs PRO (5th Gen): Premium Massage Guns Compared
By Naila Syifa
Updated July 2024
Theragun Elite is generally considered the mid-range model in Theragun's lineup, offering a balance of premium features and reasonable pricing that makes it a popular choice for many users. It is often compared to the Theragun PRO, which is the next step up in Theragun's lineup, offering additional features and capabilities at a higher price point.
In this comparison, we'll explore the key differences between the Theragun Elite and Theragun PRO to help you determine which one better suits your needs.
Key Takeaways
While both offer 16 mm amplitude, Theragun PRO has a higher stall force for more intense massage. Theragun PRO also offers more advanced capabilities than Theragun Elite, including a rotating arm, on-device visually guided routines, an extra Supersoft attachment, and a longer battery life.
Theragun Elite (5th Gen)
Premium Athletic Recovery
Powerful percussive massage with premium tech features.
Theragun PRO (5th Gen)
Most Powerful
Scientifically-proven professional-grade deep muscle treatment with adjustable arm and visual guidance.
#1 Price
Theragun PRO
Theragun Elite is priced at US$399, while the Theragun PRO comes in at a hefty price of US$599. The US$200 price difference may seem like a lot but can be justified by the additional features and capabilities of the Theragun PRO.
That being said, spending an additional $200 may not be ideal for most, especially those looking for something simpler and less extravagant. We'll explore the differences to help you decide whether investing more in the Theragun PRO is worth it.
#2 Design
Theragun Elite
Theragun Elite and PRO have a similar appearance. They both boast Theragun's signature triangular shape and ergonomic grip, making them comfortable to hold and use in various positions and angles.
Both massage guns also feature an OLED screen on top of the handle, which displays important information such as speed, force meter, and battery life. The OLED screen of the Theragun PRO has an advantage with its support for visually guided routines, while the Elite doesn't offer this feature.
Theragun PRO also sets itself apart from the Elite with its rotating arm design, allowing users to adjust the arm angle to 4 positions for better reach and access to different body areas.
Theragun PRO
Another difference between the two is the number of attachments included. While Theragun Elite offers 5 attachment heads, the Theragun PRO comes with 6 different attachment heads.
One extra attachment that the Theragun PRO offers is the Supersoft attachment, which provides an extra-soft massage experience for sensitive areas. The other 5 attachments are the same for both models, including Standard Ball, Dampener, Thumb, Wedge, and Micro-Point.
Read also: Theragun Attachments Guide: How & What to Use
#3 Power & Performance
Theragun Elite
Theragun Elite and PRO offer the same level of amplitude at 16 mm, allowing for a deep-tissue massage experience. Users can choose from 5 built-in speed levels ranging from 1750 - 2400 PPMs, or customize the speed more precisely using the Therabody app.
Theragun PRO offers 60 lbs stall force, the highest in the Theragun lineup, compared to 40 lbs stall force on the Theragun Elite. This difference translates to the Theragun PRO being able to deliver more powerful and intense massages, which is better suited for users with higher pain tolerance or those seeking a more aggressive massage experience.
#4 Additional Features
Theragun PRO
Theragun Elite and PRO support Bluetooth connection to the Therabody app, where users can customize settings, view the force meter, and access a library of guided massage routines.
A massage routine is a quick, easy way to target specific muscle groups or address certain issues. The app will automatically adjust the massage gun's speed, recommend which attachment to use, tell you how to properly grip the device, display on-screen visuals to show you which specific area to target, and time the recommended duration for each area.
Both Theragun Elite and Theragun PRO support saving treatment presents from the app into the device, so you can access your favorite time and speed settings directly on the massage gun without needing to connect to the app each time.
However, Theragun PRO has an advantage with its on-device visually-guided routines, allowing you to access and follow visually-guided 4 massage routines (Sleep, Warm Up, Recovery, or Theragun Break) directly on the device without having to use the app.
Theragun Elite only supports saving treatment time and settings to the device but not the visually guided routines that the Theragun PRO offers. You would need to rely on the mobile app to follow the visual cues.
#5 Battery & Charging
Theragun Elite
Theragun Elite and Theragun PRO both use USB-C charging and are wireless charging enabled, so you can charge them wire-free if you purchase the Wireless Charging Stand.
Theragun PRO offers a 150-minute battery life, which is significantly longer compared to the Theragun Elite's 120-minute battery life. The Theragun PRO's longer battery life can be especially beneficial for users who require extended massage sessions or plan to use the device frequently throughout the day.
Theragun Elite vs Theragun PRO
Final Thoughts
Theragun PRO
Theragun Elite and Theragun PRO both offer impressive massage capabilities, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
If you're looking for a more powerful and intense massage experience, the Theragun PRO's higher stall force may satisfy you better. Theragun PRO also offers on-device visually guided routines, an adjustable arm, a longer battery life, and an extra Supersoft attachment, which may make it worth the additional investment for some users.
However, for those who don't require the extra features or don't want to spend the extra $200, the Theragun Elite is still a highly capable option that offers deep tissue massage capabilities at a more accessible price point.
If you like to read more about Theragun percussive therapy massage guns, check out our other relevant guides here:
Theragun PRO (5th Gen) vs Theragun PRO (4th Gen)
Theragun mini (2nd Gen) vs Theragun mini (1st Gen)
Theragun mini (2nd Gen) vs Theragun Prime (4th Gen)
Theragun PRO (5th Gen) vs Hypervolt 2 Pro
Theragun PRO Plus vs Theragun PRO (5th Gen)
Theragun PRO Plus vs Theragun Sense
Theragun Sense vs Theragun Elite
Theragun Sense vs Theragun Relief
Theragun Relief vs Theragun Prime
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