Hypervolt vs. Theragun: Which is the best massage gun for you?
Spring means warmer weather, which means more outdoor activity, which means more weekend warrior injuries. If you've already tweaked something, or just want to stay loose so that you don't, then we get why you've decided to buy a new massage gun. But which massage gun? The latest, just-released Hypervolt model, or the social-media-famous Theragun? Don't sweat it. We've got answers for you. (And stay tuned 'til the end, when we'll run through some of the supremely budget-friendly Hypervolt and Theragun alternatives you can get today at retailers like Walmart.)
Top products in this article:
Best massage gun for serious athletes: Theragun Pro, $499 (reduced from $599)
Light and portable massage gun: Hypervolt Go 2, $199
Best massage gun for most people: Theragun Elite, $349 (reduced from $399)
Why Hypervolt is the best massage gun for you
If you're already a fan of Hyperice's Hypervolt line, or if you're generally a fan of all things bright, shiny and new, then the Hypervolt Go 2 is the massage gun for you. The latest Hypervolt iteration was literally released just days ago -- April 4, to be exact.
Weighing in at 1.5 pounds, and listing for $199, the Hypervolt Go 2 is lighter and less expensive than its massage-gun siblings, the Hypervolt 2 and the Hypervolt 2 Pro, both of which debuted in September of last year.
On the whole, this family of Hypervolt products shares a number of features: Each machine is portable, hand-held, battery-powered – and capable of delivering a percussion massage at the touch of a button.
Hypervolt Go 2: $199
The Hypervolt Go 2 boasts 40 watts of power, two head attachments and three speeds. Its main selling point is its extreme portability – its lack of heft is meant to literally keep you on the go.
Hypervolt 2: $299
The $299 Hypervolt 2, previously judged by us to be the best alternative to a Theragun, tips the scales at just under two pounds. Another three-speed device, it's got a 60-watt motor, and comes complete with five head attachments.
Hypervolt 2 Pro: $399
Listed at $399, the Hypervolt 2 Pro is the line's most powerful entry: The 2.6-pound baby is powered by a 90-watt motor, and comes with five head attachments and runs at five speeds. Like the Hypervolt 2, it's equipped for Bluetooth connectivity.
Why Theragun is the best massage gun for you
If Instagram and Tik Tok influencers have turned you on to good workout products in the past, then you're probably going to feel comfortable giving Therabody's Theragun a try – the line of percussion massage devices, after all, is definitely having its social-media moment. But if ergonomics is more your concern than TikTok fame, then we have a massage-gun recommendation for you, too – and it's still Theragun.
While a Hypervolt is more conventionally shaped like a power tool (or "Star Trek" phaser), a Theragun features a triangular grip. This handle literally lets you get a good grip, and maybe even more easily reach far-flung body parts with its massage head.
Theragun Pro: $499
Theragun's also a good choice for someone who likes variety – the devices come in a range of colors and models, and, at the top end, offer customizable speeds. The top-of-the-line Theragun is the Theragun Pro, currently on sale at Best Buy for $499 (reduced from $599). Positioned towards serious athletes and massage professionals, the ultra-quiet Theragun Pro delivers up to 60 pounds of force. (This may be too much power for casual users.)
Theragun Pro, $499 (reduced from $599)
Theragun Elite: $349
If you don't need pro-athlete-level power, you can save by choosing the Theragun Elite. In our earlier review of the Theragun line, we made a special call-out to the Elite as "a high-end splurge" that was totally worth it.
The battery-powered, 2.2-pound Theragun Elite comes in three colors: white, black and red. It lists at $399, though the white and black models are currently on sale at Amazon for $349. (The red model, per the Therabody site, is sold out right now.)
The Theragun Elite is billed as delivering lots of power (up to 40 pounds of force), with less noise – it's said to be 75% quieter than the line's previous generation. Download the Therabody app to customize a massage speed on the Bluetooth-enabled device, or use one of the Elite's five built-in speeds. The Elite comes with five head attachments.
Theragun Elite, $349 (reduced from $399)
Theragun Mini: $189
If you want a Theragun that's as totable as the Hypervolt Go 2, then you want to check out the Theragun Mini.
The Theragun Mini checks in at just 1.4 pounds. Though it's small (and not customizable like the Theragun Elite), it still packs a punch; it's capable of delivering up to 20 pounds of massage-gun force. The battery-operated device comes with one head attachment, and is available in four colors: white, black, red and a shade of gold Therabody calls "desert rose." The device lists for $199, but you can get a deal at Amazon on the black model: It's going for $189.
Theragun Mini black, $189 (reduced from $199)
Budget Hypervolt and Theragun alternatives at Walmart and beyond
Though as you've seen, both Hypervolt and Theragun offer models that deliver a lot of percussion massage for a relatively small price, your budget is your budget – and if you can't spend more than $100 on a device, then you just can't. The good news is we found other massage-gun options that'll go easier on your wallet.
Sharper Image Powerboost deep tissue percussion massager
This wireless massager promises to be ultra-quiet. It comes with five attachments and allows you to change its intensity level. It has four hours of battery life.
Sharper Image Powerboost deep tissue percussion massager, $100
Wasserstein Dart Wood deep tissue massage gun
This massage gun offers a whopping 30 speeds and six massage heads. It weighs 2.5 pounds and comes with a travel case.
Wasserstein Dart Wood deep tissue massage gun, $80 (reduced from $100)
More hand-held massagers to try
We found a few under-$50 massagers that, while not built like a traditional massage gun, are good options for those looking to spend the least amount of money.
Wahl deep-tissue percussion therapeutic handheld massager
To try out a handheld massager without breaking the bank, pick up this option from Wahl. This deep-tissue percussion handheld massager plugs into the wall and offers up to 3,350 pulses per minute. It comes with two attachments: the standard attachment and an extra-wide flat disk that covers large areas.
If you'd prefer a wireless massager, you'll want to spend more, but this is a solid option for those who are noncommital or on a budget.
Wahl deep tissue percussion therapeutic handheld massager, $30
Renpho handheld back massager
This cordless massager delivers 3,600 pulses per minute, plus five speeds and four modes. It comes with five massage heads and a wireless charging dock.
Renpho handheld back massager, $40
