4 Things We Know About Theragun Elite and PRO Plus
By Naila Syifa
Updated April 2024
If you're looking for a premium massage gun that can deliver effective deep tissue massage, Theragun Elite and PRO Plus models are worth considering. However, both massage guns have their own strengths and limitations, so it's important to weigh your options carefully before making a purchase decision.
If you're thinking of purchasing one of the two models, here are 4 things you should consider before making your decision.
Key Takeaways
Theragun PRO Plus is set apart from Theragun Elite with its multi-therapy support beyond just percussive massage, including vibration, heat, LED light, and cold therapy. It also offers a biometric sensor, breathwork, and visual guided routines, all of which aren't available in the Elite model. Theragun Elite focuses solely on percussive massage, but it is lighter and cheaper.
Theragun Elite (5th Gen)
Premium Athletic Recovery
✓ 16 mm Amplitude
✓ 40 lbs Force
✓ 3 Built-In Preset
✓ OLED Screen with Force Meter
Theragun PRO Plus (6th Gen)
Ultimate Multi-Therapy Device
✓ 16 mm Amplitude
✓ 60 lbs Force
✓ Breathwork, Near-Infrared LED Light, Heat, Vibration, Cold Therapy
✓ Visual Guided Routines
#1 Price
Theragun PRO Plus
Theragun PRO Plus is one of the most expensive Theragun massage gun devices, retailing at US$599. Theragun Elite is more affordable at US$399, but it is still a significant investment.
In fact, both models are premium massage gun devices in the Theragun lineup, so neither of them is suitable for those on a budget.
Read also: The 3 Best Budget Massage Guns: Top Affordable Options for At-Home Recovery
#2 Design
Theragun Elite
Both models have an identical triangle design, which is a patented Theragun design that provides a comfortable grip and allows for easy maneuverability.
They also feature a digital display on top of the device, which allows for easier control and monitoring of the device's settings. You can toggle between the speed or view the Force Meter to ensure you are applying the optimal amount of pressure.
Theragun PRO Plus
However, the LCD screen in the PRO Plus model is slightly more advanced than the OLED screen in Theragun Elite. It can display visual guided routines right from the device itself, eliminating the need for a separate app.
However, Theragun PRO Plus is significantly heavier, weighing 3.63 lbs (1.65 kg) without the attachment, making it one of the heaviest massage guns on the market. This can make the PRO Plus more challenging to use for extended periods, while Theragun Elite is more comfortable to hold at 2.2 lbs (1 kg).
#3 Features
Theragun Elite
Theragun Elite and PRO Plus have the same 16 mm amplitude, which is the highest amplitude that Theragun offers, allowing for deep tissue penetration and effective muscle relief. Theragun PRO Plus has a higher stall force of 60 lbs, which makes it more powerful and intense compared to the 40 lbs of force that the Elite model offers.
Both massage guns come with 5 built-in speed settings, including 1750, 1900, 2100, 2200, and 2400 PPM. If you want a more precise speed adjustment, the Therabody app allows you to customize the speed freely between 1750-2400 PPM.
The Therabody app also offers other many useful features, including access to guided massage routines, remote control of the device settings, a Force Meter to monitor pressure, and TheraMind sound therapy for relaxation during massage.
Theragun PRO Plus
What separates the PRO Plus from Theragun Elite is that it also offers additional therapies beyond the basic percussive massage therapy. Theragun PRO Plus offers vibration therapy, heat therapy, and near-infrared LED light therapy, all of which can provide additional benefits for muscle recovery and pain relief.
An additional cold therapy is also supported by Theragun PRO Plus, but you'll have to pay an extra cost to purchase the separate cold attachment. Cold therapy can help reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling in the treated area.
Theragun PRO Plus
Other than that, Theragun PRO Plus is equipped with a built-in biometric sensor, which can detect your heart rate so you can be aware if you're still feeling tense or have already relaxed during the massage session.
If you need further relaxation, you can use the guided breathwork feature that the PRO Plus also offers. The device will provide haptic vibration cues to guide your breathing and help you relax more deeply. This feature is not available in the Theragun Elite.
#4 Battery & Charging
Theragun Elite
Theragun PRO Plus has a longer-lasting battery, with the ability to last for up to 150 minutes on a single charge. Theragun Elite, on the other hand, has a shorter battery life of 120 minutes.
However, Theragun Elite has an advantage with its support for wireless charging, which can be valuable for people who want the convenience of charging their device without cables. The Wireless Charging Stand for Theragun Elite can be purchased separately for US$79.
Theragun Elite vs Theragun PRO Plus
Final Thoughts
Theragun PRO Plus
In summary, both the Theragun PRO Plus and Theragun Elite are high-end massage gun devices that offer powerful deep tissue relief.
The PRO Plus model justifies its higher price point with a more advanced display that supports visual guided routines, a longer battery life, and additional therapies like vibration, heat, near-infrared LED light, cold, and guided breathwork.
However, the Elite model remains an excellent choice for those who want to focus only on percussive massage therapy. Its more affordable price point and lighter design make it a compelling option for most average users.
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 Mini
Theragun Relief vs Theragun Prime
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