Theragun Elite is better than Theragun Mini in five ways
By Naila Syifa
Updated April 2024
If you're looking for a great massage gun that can provide effective relief from muscle soreness and tension, Theragun is a top choice on the market. Theragun Elite and Theragun Mini have their own advantages that make them suitable for different types of users, but here are 5 ways that make Theragun Elite better than Theragun Mini, examined thorugh several key consideration aspects.
Key Takeaways
Theragun Elite features a more interactive OLED screen, while Theragun Mini relies only on a single button for control. Theragun Elite is also more powerful at 16 mm amplitude and 40 lbs force compared to Theragun Mini at 12 mm amplitude and 20 lbs force. Theragun Elite also has 5 attachments, while the Mini only offers 3. Both can connect to the app, but Theragun Elite can also save presets from the app to the device for easy access. Theragun Elite is also wireless charging-enabled, while the Mini isn't.
Theragun Elite (5th Gen)
Premium Athletic Recovery
✓ 16 mm Amplitude
✓ 40 lbs Force
✓ 3 Built-In Preset
✓ OLED Screen with Force Meter
Theragun Mini (2nd Gen)
Small, Light, & Smart
✓ 12 mm Amplitude
✓ 20 lbs Force
✓ Lightweight at 1 lb
✓ In-App Force Meter
#1 Price
Theragun Elite
Theragun Elite is a high-end massage gun that retails for US$399. It is the second most expensive massage gun in the Theragun lineup, following the Theragun PRO and Theragun PRO Plus at US$599.
If you're more budget-conscious, Theragun Mini is a better option at US$199. It is the second most affordable model among Theragun massage guns, after the minimalistic Theragun Relief at US$149.
Read also: Theragun Relief vs Theragun Mini
#2 Design
Theragun Mini
Theragun Mini stands out with its lightweight and compact design, measuring only 5.55 x 4.92 x 1.93 in and weighing just 1 lb (0.45 kg). Such a petite size allows it to fit easily in your bag, making it a great choice for on-the-go use or travel.
Theragun Elite is a full-sized massage gun measuring at 9.37 x 7.32 x 2.95 in and weighing more heavily at 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg). It features Theragun's patented triangular ergonomic multi-grip design, allowing you to comfortably reach various parts of your body with different ways to grip.
Theragun Elite
Theragun Elite also features an OLED screen, which displays the current speed setting, battery level, and applied force in real-time. It is more informative and interactive compared to Theragun Mini, which relies only on a single multi-function button for control, as well as 3 LED lights to indicate the different speed levels.
Theragun Elite comes with 5 different attachments to target different muscle groups, including a Standard Ball, Dampener, Thumb, Wedge, and Micro-Point. Theragun Mini only offers the first 3 attachments, limiting its versatility compared to the Elite model.
Read also: Theragun Attachments Guide: How & What to Use
#3 Massage Performance
Theragun Mini
As a full-sized massage gun, Theragun Elite delivers a more powerful percussive massage than the Theragun Mini. It offers a high amplitude of 16 mm for effective deep tissue massage and a stall force of up to 40 lbs.
Meanwhile, Theragun Mini has an amplitude of 12 mm and a stall force of up to 20 lbs. As a comparison, the gentlest Theragun model, Theragun Relief, offers 10 mm amplitude. So, the 12 mm amplitude of Theragun Mini can be considered a moderate level that balances gentleness and effectiveness. It is also an impressive performance for its compact size.
To customize your massage experience, you can adjust the speed on both models depending on the level of intensity you prefer. Theragun Mini has 3 built-in speed levels (1750, 2100, 2400 PPM), while Theragun Elite has 5 built-in speed levels (1750, 1900, 2100, 2200, 2400 PPM).
More speed options allow for finer adjustments to suit your needs. However, if you connect both massage guns to the Therabody app, you can freely customize the speed to anywhere between the 1750-2400 PPM range.
#4 Smart Features
Therabody App
Both Theragun Mini and Theragun Elite support Bluetooth connectivity to the Therabody app, which offers a range of smart features from guided massage routines to remote control over the device settings. You can also see the Force Meter, which displays the amount of pressure you're applying during use so you can adjust accordingly for optimal results.
The guided massage routines feature gives Theragun an advantage over other massage gun brands, as it guides you in detail through the massage process, from which body part to target for certain purposes, the duration for each body part, how to grip the device properly, and the app even automatically control the device's settings. This makes both models suitable for beginners who are new to using massage guns and need guidance on proper techniques.
Theragun Elite has one additional smart feature that sets it apart from Theragun Mini, which is the ability to save preset to the device. You can select up to 3 of your favorite time and speed settings from the Therabody app, so you can quickly access them directly from the device without having to connect to the app every time.
#5 Battery & Charging
Theragun Mini
Both massage guns have the same battery life of 120 minutes, which is decent enough for multiple massage sessions before needing to recharge.
Both models use a USB-C cable for convenient charging, but the Elite model also supports wireless charging. The Wireless Charging Stand is sold separately, offering a convenient and stylish way to store and charge your Theragun Elite.
Theragun Elite vs Theragun Mini
Final Thoughts
Theragun Elite
In conclusion, Theragun Elite is better than the Theragun Mini in 5 ways: it has a more powerful massage, it features an interactive OLED screen for easier viewing and control, it has more attachments for better versatility, it can save presets from the app to the device for quick access, and it supports wireless charging.
However, Theragun Mini also packs a punch despite its limitations. Its compact size makes it a great choice for portability and travel. It also comes at a more budget-friendly price. Its moderate massage performance is also more suitable for those with a lower pain tolerance or who prefer a gentler massage.
If you like to read more about massage guns, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Massage Guns
Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini vs Theragun Mini
Theragun Elite vs Theragun PRO Plus
Theragun Relief vs Theragun Prime
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