Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini vs Theragun Mini: Side-by-Side Comparison
By Naila Syifa
Updated April 2024
A massage gun doesn't always have to be big and bulky to be effective. Two well-known massage gun models in the market, the Theragun Mini (2nd Gen) and Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini prove that good things can come in small packages.
Both are compact, portable, and pack a powerful punch for their size. However, they do have some key differences that may make one a better fit for your needs than the other. Let's compare these two mini massage guns head-to-head and see how they stack up.
Key Takeaways
In terms of overall performance, Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini is better than Theragun Mini for half the price. It just lacks the smart features that Theragun Mini has, which is an interactive app. Regardless, both deliver effective massage despite their compact size.
Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini
Portable & Affordable
✓ 12 mm Amplitude
✓ Lightweight at 1.16 lbs
✓ 5 High-Quality Attachments
✓ 4 Hours Runtime
Theragun Mini (2nd Gen)
Small, Light, & Smart
✓ 12 mm Amplitude
✓ Lightweight at 1 lb
✓ Therabody app via Bluetooth
✓ TSA-Approved
#1 Price
Theragun Mini
Theragun Mini is the second most affordable massage gun from Theragun after Theragun Relief, with a price tag of US$199. However, this price is still steep compared to other mini massage guns on the market.
Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini becomes a more budget-friendly option, retailing at only US$89, more than half the cost of the Theragun Mini. This makes the Air 2 Mini a more attractive choice for those who don't want to invest too much for a mini massage gun.
Read also: Theragun Relief vs Theragun Mini
#2 Design
Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini
Theragun Mini and the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini look quite similar at first glance, with their triangle ergonomic design and compact size that fits nicely in the palm of your hand.
They also have a similar-looking circular button on the side of the device, which can be used to operate the massage gun and adjust the settings. There are also 3 LED lights to indicate the speed settings.
Theragun Mini
While the Air 2 Mini is only available in black, Theragun Mini offers 3 color options, including black, desert rose, and white. I personally find the desert rose variant visually pleasant, but paying double the price just to have a stylish color may not be worth it.
Theragun Mini is slightly more lightweight at 1 lb (0.45 kg), while the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini weighs 1.16 lbs (0.53 kg). However, a 0.16 lb difference is hardly noticeable when holding the devices, making both models equally portable and travel-friendly.
Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini
Both massage guns come with several attachments that can be swapped out depending on your massage needs. Different attachment heads are designed to target specific muscle groups and provide varying levels of pressure
While the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini comes with 5 attachments, the Theragun Mini only comes with 3 attachments. This means, the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini offers more versatility and better customization options for your massage experience.
#3 Massage Performance
Theragun Mini
Both the Theragun Mini and Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini have a moderate amplitude of 12 mm. In the massage gun market, the highest amplitude is currently 16 mm, so a 12 mm amplitude is still quite impressive for mini massage guns, allowing them to reach deep enough into the muscle tissue for effective relief.
Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini has a higher stall force of 28 lbs, while the Theragun Mini has a stall force of 20 lbs. This means, the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini is slightly more powerful and can withstand more pressure before stalling out. Theragun Mini, on the other hand, may feel slightly gentler and less intense.
Another aspect to consider when examining a massage gun's performance is speed levels. Both the Theragun Mini and Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini offer 3 built-in speed levels, including 1750, 2100, and 2400 PPM.
Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini
However, Theragun Mini also offers customizable speed settings through its app, allowing you to fine-tune the intensity to your preference. You can choose anywhere between 1750-2400 PPM, giving you more control over your massage experience.
Despite their performance, these two mini massage guns have a low noise level. Tests reveal that the Theragun Mini operates at around 60-63 decibels depending on the settings, while the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini is even quieter, rarely reaching 60 decibels. Quiet devices are great for relaxation, and they save you from worrying about disturbing others while using them in public.
#4 Smart Features
Therabody App
Theragun Mini has an advantage with its support for the Therabody app, which opens up a world of possibilities for customizing your massage experience.
By connecting the Mini to the app via Bluetooth, you can remotely control the device, such as turning it on/off and freely adjusting the speed to anywhere between 1750-2400 PPM. You can also check the Force Meter, which shows how much pressure you're applying during the massage so you can adjust accordingly to your preferences.
Therabody app also offers educational content and guided massage routines to help you get the most out of your device. You can connect the massage gun to the app and choose a routine, then the app will automatically adjust the speed and guide you through the massage, such as which specific body parts to target and for how long, which attachment to use, and so on. It makes the massage experience more interactive, personalized, and beginner-friendly.
Theragun Mini
Another interesting feature of the Therabody app is Theramind sound therapy, which plays calming sounds to help you relax during your massage session. It is a nice touch that can enhance the overall massage experience beyond the physical benefits of the massage gun itself.
Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini doesn't come with a companion app, so don't expect a guided routine or any other smart features and customization options beyond the built-in settings. However, the Air 2 Mini has a unique Auto-Off Timer feature. This feature automatically shuts off the device after 10 minutes of continuous use to prevent overheating and ensure your safety.
#5 Battery & Charging
Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini
Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini wins when it comes to battery. With a single charge, the massage gun can last for up to 4 hours, which is double the battery life of the Theragun Mini, which only lasts around 2 hours.
With a large 4800mAh battery capacity, however, the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini takes more time to recharge. While the Theragun Mini can reach a full charge in 80 minutes, the Air 2 Mini can take around 180 minutes to fully charge.
However, considering the long-lasting battery life, I'm not too bothered by the longer charging time. Especially, considering that we mostly use a massage gun for only 10-15 minutes daily, then the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini can go for weeks without needing to be recharged as frequently as the Theragun Mini.
Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini vs Theragun Mini
Final Thoughts
Theragun Mini
Theragun Mini and Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini are very similar in many ways, especially when it comes to their appearance and massage performance.
However, at double the price, Theragun Mini adds smart app connectivity that allows for a more personalized, interactive, and beginner-friendly massage experience.
If you want a simple yet effective mini massage gun that can do the job just right, the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini is a better choice. At half the price, the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini offers two times longer battery life, a slightly higher force, lower noise levels, and more attachment heads to customize your massage experience. It generally offers better value for your money than the Theragun Mini, unless you really want the smart features and app integration.
If you like to read more about massage guns, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Massage Guns
Theragun Elite vs Theragun Mini
Theragun Elite vs Theragun PRO Plus
Theragun Relief vs Theragun Prime
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