Theragun Relief vs Theragun Prime: Massage Guns Comparison

By Naila Syifa
Updated Feb 2024

Theragun Relief vs Theragun Prime

Theragun Relief is one of the latest models of percussive massage guns from Theragun, offering a more affordable price point for those who want a high-quality percussive therapy device without breaking the bank.

How does this new model compare to the original Theragun Prime, which for years had been trusted by professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike? Let's take a closer look at the key differences between the two models.

SpecsTheragun ReliefTheragun Prime
Buy on AmazonBuy on Amazon
Price$149$299
Weight0.62 kg1 kg
ScreenNoNo
Attachments34
Amplitude10 mm16 mm
Maximum PPM2400 PPM2400 PPM
Built-In Speeds35
QuietForceNoYes
Battery Life120 min120 min

Key Takeaways

Theragun Prime has 5 built-in speeds with a customizable speed range, while Theragun Relief has only 3 speeds. Theragun Prime comes with 4 attachments for targeting different muscle groups, whereas Theragun Relief only comes with 3 attachments. Theragun Prime also has a deeper amplitude, but Theragun Relief is lighter and supports USB-C charging.

Theragun Relief

Theragun Relief

Everyday Massage

Simple percussive massaging device for daily aches, pains, tension and stiffness

Theragun Prime

Theragun Prime

All the Essentials

Smart percussive therapy for an effective deep muscle treatment with all the original, essential features

#1 Price

Theragun Relief vs Prime

Theragun Prime

Theragun Relief is probably the most affordable percussive therapy device from Theragun, with a price point of around US$149. It is significantly cheaper than the Theragun Prime, which retails for around US$299. This price difference makes Theragun Relief more accessible to a wider audience.

#2 Features

Theragun Relief vs Prime

Theragun Relief

Both Theragun Relief and Theragun Prime have a maximum speed of 2,400 percussions per minute (PPM). One difference is that the Prime model has 5 built-in speeds that you can choose right on the device, and you can also customize the speed to suit your needs between 1750-2400 PPM using the Theragun app. The Theragun Relief, on the other hand, only comes with 3 built-in speeds.

Theragun Relief also offers a slightly milder and soothing massage at an amplitude of 10 mm, compared to the Theragun Prime which reaches deeper into the muscle tissue with an amplitude of 16 mm, delivering a more intense percussive therapy experience.

Theragun Prime has some additional advantages. It boasts a powerful force of 30 lbs, which is effective for breaking up knots and tension in your muscles. Its QX65 Motor is also equipped with QuietForce Technology, which reduces the amount of noise the device makes during use, making it more convenient to use in public places like the gym or office without disturbing others.

#3 Design

Theragun Relief vs Prime

Theragun Relief

Both models share a common Theragun Triangle ergonomic handle design, which is comfortable to use in multiple gripping positions to reach all areas of the body, making them perfect for self-massage without relying on someone else's help.

The main difference in design between the two models is that the Theragun Relief puts much emphasis on simplicity, featuring only one button for easy use and 3 LEDs that indicate the 3 different speeds. Theragun Prime, on the other hand, features a center button for turning on/off the device, LED indicators, and up and down arrows to toggle between the 5 built-in speeds.

Theragun Prime has an advantage with its 4 attachments, compared to Theragun Relief which comes with only 3 attachments. More attachment means that you have more options to target specific areas of the body with different shapes and sizes of massage heads.

Theragun Relief vs Prime

Theragun Prime

The 4 attachments that come with the Prime model include a Dampener for use in tender or sensitive areas, a Standard Ball for all-over body massage, a Thumb for trigger points and knots, and a Cone for pinpoint muscle treatment such as for hands and feet. The Relief model comes with all but the Cone attachment.

However, Theragun Relief also has an advantage with its lightweight design at only 0.62 kg, compared to Theragun Prime which weighs around 1 kg. This means, Theragun Relief is a better option to take it on the go and may be more suitable for daily and frequent uses because you can hold it for longer periods without experiencing fatigue in your arm.

#4 Battery & Charging

Theragun Relief vs Prime

Theragun Relief

Theragun Prime has a battery life of 120 minutes and a charging time of around 80 minutes. One of its disadvantages is that it uses Theragun's proprietary power adapter, which means you can't use any other charger to charge the device.

Theragun Relief, on the other hand, uses a USB-C cable for charging, which is more convenient because you can charge it through your laptop, power bank, or any other USB charger. Theragun has not yet released official information regarding the battery life, but some users reported that they were able to use it for up to 120 minutes on a single charge.

Theragun Relief vs Theragun Prime

Final Thoughts

Theragun Relief vs Prime

Theragun Prime

Theragun Relief is a great massage gun for those who are looking for an affordable option that still delivers high-quality massage therapy. It is lighter and more convenient to use with its USB-C charging cable, and it has a milder amplitude suitable for people who use it for daily massage after long work hours or workouts.

However, if you're an athlete or fitness enthusiast looking for a deeper and more intense percussive therapy experience, Theragun Prime may be a better fit for you. It has more powerful force, deeper amplitude, more attachments, and quieter operation.

If you like to read more about Theragun percussive therapy massage guns, check out our other relevant guides here:

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 PRO (5th Gen) vs Theragun PRO (4th Gen)

Theragun PRO (5th Gen) vs Theragun Elite (4th Gen)

Theragun PRO (5th Gen ) vs Hypervolt 2 Pro

Theragun mini (2nd Gen) vs Theragun mini (1st Gen)

Theragun mini (2nd Gen) vs Hypervolt Go 2

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