Theragun Wave Roller vs. Hyperice Vyper 3.0 Review
When it comes to vibrating foam rollers, the Hyperice Vyper 3.0 has enjoyed a long reign at the top for past 4 years. However, the Theragun Wave Roller is loaded with technology, and ready to challenge the Vyper 3.0 for vibrating foam roller supremacy. In fact, the Theragun Wave Roller is the first vibrating foam roller to offer Bluetooth app control and Wireless charging.
Both vibrating foam rollers are good in their own right and worthwhile purchases. However, they have their own pros and cons so I hope my review will go into enough detail to help you decide which one might be the best design for you.
Read on to find out which is better, the Theragun Wave Roller vs. Hyperice Vyper 3.0. If you don’t have time to read it all, click here to skip to the bottom to see who won.
Hyperice Vyper 3.0 Review
Power Rating
First off, the Hyperice Vyper 3.0 only has 3 speed settings, whereas the Wave Roller has 5 speeds. In terms of overall raw power, the difference is negligible, as both foam rollers offer robust power.
From testing the Hyperice Vyper 3.0 and the Theragun Wave Roller, I found that the Hyperice Vyper 3.0 is slightly louder when used at its highest setting.
Firmness
Secondly, the Hyperice Vyper 3.0 is very dense and firm by any foam roller standards, in fact, I think it is the most firm vibrating foam roller I've ever tried. It is observably more firm than the Theragun Wave Roller, which is likely why it is also observably louder.
If you get tight hamstrings, the firmness of a Hyperice Vyper is key, especially if you are a large athlete. At 6 feet and 180 lbs, most foam rollers have too much give for me and do not get the job done. The Hyperice Vyper 3.0 density is much better than most rollers, in regards to its firmness.
Portability
The Hyperice Vyper 3.0 is big by both dimensions and weight standards. It is 13 inches long and 5.3 inches in diameter, and it weighs 2.7 lbs. The Theragun Wave Roller is slightly smaller, as I will explain below.
Consequentially, I didn't really bring it to the gym much, I mostly used it at home. You would have to be a duffel bag gym-goer to be able to bring this one with you places, it is too big for a standard sized backpack.
If you’re convinced the Hyperice Vyper 3.0 is the right foam roller for you, the pricing information for the foam roller is below.
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Theragun Wave Roller Review
Cutting Edge Technology
With Bluetooth and Wireless Charging, the Theragun Wave Roller is in a class of its own technology wise, as the Vyper 3.0 has neither. In fact, the wireless charging feature makes the Theragun Wave Roller the first vibrating foam roller with this capability. Wireless charging makes it so much more convenient to re-charge a high use device like this. In addition, the Wave lasts for 3 hours on one charge, while the Vyper 3.0 only last 2 hours, making it the more user-friendly device.
Furthermore, the Bluetooth compatibility sets the Theragun Wave Roller apart from the Hyperice Vyper 3.0. In fact, you can control your Wave Roller with your phone. The Wave Roller is the first vibrating foam roller to offer Bluetooth and a Bluetooth app
Power Rating
As previously mentioned in this review, the Theragun Wave Roller offers 5-speed options, nearly double that of the Vyper 3.0. Due to this, you can operate and apply vibration with more precision than you can with the Vyper.
Firstly, Level 1 is perfect for targeting thinner developed areas, such as your calves, shins or feet. Secondly, Level 2 is the perfect step up if you want to go just a bit deeper. Lastly, Level 3 through 5 is a great tier for larger muscle groups, and larger athletes. Level 5 will probably be reserved for the most muscular among us, but it nice to have the option for extra power when needed.
Firmness
In terms of its firmness, Theragun opted to go with a slightly cushier shell than the Vyper 3.0, for example. By my understanding, Theragun did this to reduce the decibel load or sound generated by the vibrations. It appears that at its top speed, the Wave Roller is about 10 decibels lower than the Vyper 3.0, due to the soft shell.
Although it is softer, the Wave Roller still provides plenty of support in even your most weight bearing areas, like hamstrings or glutes. In fact, the softer material seems to redirect the vibrational energy back into your muscle groups, for a deeper and more satisfying massage.
Portability
At only 11.8" long and 5.11" in diameter, the Theragun Wave Roller is considerably more portable than the Hyperice Vyper 3.0. This is very convenient when taking your vibrating foam roller to and from the gym, or competitions. It fits nicely into a standard sized backpack.
Due to its convenient size and weight, you will find yourself getting more use out of your foam roller, since it is easier to take with you on the go.
Sore hamstrings? Check out our top picks for relieving hamstring pain.
If you’re convinced the Theragun Wave Roller is the right foam roller for you, the pricing information for the foam roller is below.
Amazon
- Prime Shipping Available
Theragun Wave Roller vs. Hyperice Vyper 3.0 Side-by-Side Comparison
Your body type and overall preferences will determine which vibrating foam roller you perceive as the better value. The following side-by-side Theragun Wave Roller vs. Hyperice Vyper 3.0 comparison will help you to understand the differences there are in the specs and features of each vibrating foam roller.
| Category | Theragun | Hyperice |
| Power | 5-Speed Options | 3-Speed Options |
| Technology | Bluetooth Compatible with Therabody App [change speed and follow routines via phone]+ Wireless Charging | N/A |
| Firmness | Cushier surface seems to reverberate vibration into muscles and reduces decibels produced for a quieter sound | Very firm, may be the most firm vibrating foam roller, louder |
| Portability | Small and light enough to fit in standard backpacks | Too large for most backpacks and not the easiest to take with you |
| Brand | The pioneer or originator of Sports Handheld Massagers, vibrating, percussion and recovery creams and oils | Hyperice sells ice packs, vibration therapy and compression devices |
| Shop | Check Price on the Theragun Wave Roller | Check Price on the Hyperice Vyper 3.0 |
What’s the best foam roller? Theragun Wave Roller or Hyperice Vyper 3.0?
So the big question is, is the Theragun Wave Roller or the Hyperice Vyper 3.0 better?
After thorough tests on both of these foam rollers, the winner for me is the Theragun Wave Roller. Overall, I feel that the Theragun Wave Roller is simply the better vibrating foam roller. I would recommend the Theragun Wave Roller to anyone who falls into the following categories:
- You want the latest technology – The Theragun Wave Roller comes equipped with Bluetooth compatibility and Wireless charging You will be able to follow guided app sessions and control your roller via your smartphone. Wireless charging is also a huge plus for a high use device like this.
- You want more portability – the Theragun Wave is easier to transport due to its smaller footprint and lighter weight.
- You want more speed options – with the additional speed options, you can adjust your speed as needed for a more precise massage.
- More user friendly buttons – a nitpick, but the Hyperice two sided power on/off design makes it especially complicated when letting a friend use the device, and is more cumbersome in terms of usability.
- You want to save money – The Theragun Wave Roller is $50 cheaper than the Hyperice Vyper 3.0, despite having way more technology loaded in.
Click here to order your Theragun Wave Roller from us with fast, free shipping, checkout the Theragun Wave on Amazon.
In general, I would recommend the Theragun Wave Roller to most people. With that being said, there are some situations in which the Hyperice Vyper 3.0 might be a better option for you:
- You want a firmer foam roller – if you prefer foam rollers with a firmer surface, the Vyper 3.0 is the firmer of the two rollers.
Click here for more info on the Hyperice Vyper 3.0 foam roller.
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Author Bio Gideon is the founder and Director of Purchasing at Recreation of LA. A Los Angeles native, Gideon spent a decade working in purchasing, merchandising and content development, before launching Recreation of LA. In his free time Gideon likes playing basketball, lifting weights, and reviewing the latest fitness tech.