Theragun PRO G5 vs. ELITE Review
If you landed here, you are looking to discover the answer to a popular question, and that is, what is the difference between the Theragun PRO G5 and Theragun Elite? While they are from the same brand and they both feature groundbreaking technology such as Bluetooth compatibility and Wireless charging, there are a few key differences that I will explain in the review below. We have conducted in-depth testing on both of these massagers to help people decide which model will best fit their needs.
As you may already know, Theragun is the top rated massage gun brand, so you are headed in the right direction. While the PRO is the top of the line option in the Theragun lineup, it is important to understand what each of these models offer in order to decide which will best suit you.
Read on for my Theragun PRO G5 vs. Theragun Elite review. If you don’t have time to read it all, click here to skip to the bottom to see which massager won.
Bluetooth & Wireless Charging
First off, while both the Theragun PRO G5 massage gun and Theragun Elite feature Bluetooth compatibility and wireless charging, the key difference is that PRO G5 has built in guided routines on the actual device, meaning you don't need your phone to follow along. With the Theragun Elite, you will need to pair you phone to follow the routines.
To be clear, both the Theragun PRO G5 and Theragun Elite leverage Bluetooth to enable you to measure force, change speeds, follow on-screen usage guides and track session information. These are breakthrough advances in the category of handheld massagers. Furthermore, the wireless charging feature makes it easier than ever to charge your handheld massage gun.
In addition, once you pair these devices to your smart phone, you can also adjust the speed in any increment ranging from 1750-2400, via the app. So in reality, the speed level can be customized far beyond 5 speeds, even!
Theragun PRO G5 Review
Power Rating
Firstly, both the Theragun PRO G5 massage gun and Theragun Elite offer 5 speeds. However, the Theragun PRO G5 delivers 60 lbs of torque at its highest setting level 5, whereas the Theragun Elite only delivers 40 lbs of torque. This means that the Theragun PRO G5 provides about 33% more torque. With that in mind, if you prefer your massage treatment to be on the stronger side, the Theragun PRO G5 is definitely the better option.
The Theragun PRO G5 is significantly more powerful, as our testers rated the Theragun PRO G5 a 9 out of 10 on the power rating scale (with 10 being the firmness and 1 being the softest). In comparison, the Theragun Elite registered only a 8 out of 10.
Moreover, the Theragun PRO G5 features a fully adjustable shaft, which makes it easier to leverage the power. In comparison, the Theragun Elite is non-adjustable. This means that the Theragun PRO G5 is easier to use than the Theragun Elite, as the ability to adjust the angle of the Theragun PRO G5 makes it easier to treat different body parts.
Both of these Theragun massagers are also a lot quieter than the previous version (the G3PRO and G3 series). The Theragun PRO G5 is also 20% quieter than the Theragun Elite since it uses a new to 2022 motor (while the Theragun Elite motor is using 4th gen 2020 technology).
Accessory Options
All Theragun models include a premium carrying case which makes it easy to take your massager with you wherever you go.
However, the Theragun PRO G5 comes with six different attachment heads compared to only five total for the Theragun Elite. The Theragun PRO G5 includes the all-new Micro-Point and the special SUPERSOFT attachment, which allows you to effectively treat tension headaches and migraines! If you like having options or are looking for a massager to treat multiple users/athletes with different needs, the Theragun PRO G5 is better suited for your application due to the additional treatment options it provides in terms of massage styles.
Battery Life
The Theragun PRO G5 lasts 150 minutes per battery on one charge, but it comes with two batteries, so you can use it for up to 5 hours consecutively. This is perfect if you need a massage gun for multiple users. You will always have a charged backup battery ready to go. In comparison, the Theragun Elite only has a built-in battery, so you will be much more limited by the battery life, but it still lasts 120 minutes per charge.
Lastly, since the Theragun PRO G5 is expandable, and since Theragun sells additional batteries separately, you can always buy more if you need to be able to use the Theragun PRO G5 for longer than 5 hours consecutively.
If you decide the Theragun PRO G5 is the right massager for you, the pricing information is below.
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Amazon
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Read our complete Theragun PRO massager review
Theragun Elite Massager Review
Power Rating
As mentioned above, the Theragun Elite is advertised as only putting out 40 lbs of force, compared to the 60 lbs of force generated by its big brother, the Theragun PRO G5. However, when testing the Theragun Elite, you will discover that 40 lbs of torque still provides a considerable amount of force. Furthermore, although it isn't as powerful as the top of the line Theragun PRO G5, it does offer the same degree of motion at 2,400 percussions per minute, so your muscles will still get plenty of attention.
I personally rated the Theragun Elite a 8 for power at level 5. It isn't as powerful as the Theragun PRO G5, but it still gets your knots out quickly. While I did find myself applying a little bit more manual pressure than I did with the Theragun PRO G5, for the pricepoint, the Theragun Elite is still very powerful and provides a lot of value.
The Theragun Elite did pretty well with our testers, ultimate earning it an average rating of 8 when used at the top level 5 setting.
Accessory Options
The Theragun Elite has five attachment heads, including a standard ball, a dampener, a wedge, a cone, and a thumb attachment. The dampener is perfect for treating less developed areas on the body and in a way, serves as a "step-down" for the power on this device.
They are all complimentary of one another and it is really easy to swap in and out between them during a massage session.
The Theragun Elite also comes with a carrying case, which is a nice bonus at its pricepoint.
Battery Life
The Theragun Elite lasts 120 minutes on one charge. As mentioned, it comes with 1 built in battery with a 120 minute battery life.
You won't have a backup battery fully charged and ready to go at all times as you would with the Theragun PRO G5, but 120 minutes should be plenty for personal use of the device.
If you decide the Theragun Elite is the right massager for you, the pricing information is below.
Recreation of LA
- Shop with us directly
Amazon
- Shipping Speed May be Delayed
Theragun PRO G5 vs. Theragun Elite Side-by-Side Comparison
Your body type and overall preferences will determine which massager you perceive as the better value. The following side-by-side Theragun PRO G5 vs. Theragun Elite comparison will help you to understand the differences there are in the specs and features of each massage gun.
Category | PRO G5 | Elite |
Power | 9 out of 10; 60 lbs torque; 5 Speed options | 8 out of 10; 40 lbs torque; 5-Speed Options |
Versatility | Adjustable Shaft and Ergonomic grip, 2.9 lbs | Non-Adjustable Shaft but same Ergonomic grip, 2.2 lbs |
Accessories | Carrying Case + 6 attachments | Carrying case + 5 attachments |
Battery Life | 2 swappable batteries (300 minutes total of battery life per charge) | Built-in battery (120 minutes of battery life per charge) |
Shop | Check Price on the Theragun PRO | Check Price on the Theragun Elite |
What’s the right massager for you? Theragun PRO G5 or Elite, which is better?
So the big question is, is the Theragun PRO G5 or Elite the right massage gun for you?
If you have the money, it's obviously nice to have the fully loaded Theragun PRO G5 with all of it's bells and whistles, but it also depends on what your specific needs and usage application may be. If you are of slight build or the type of person who tends to shy away from the strongest of massages, then the Theragun Elite massager will do just fine, even though it has less overall top end power. While both devices feature Bluetooth compatibility and wireless charging, I would recommend the Theragun PRO G5 massage gun to anyone who falls into the following categories:
- Harder, please – If you are the type to say "harder" to the masseuse -- you need the Theragun PRO G5. At a 9 out of 10 on the power rating scale (where 10 is the most firm) the Theragun PRO is up to task to handle the tightest of people with the biggest of builds, who have the worst of knots.
- No fuss – If you like having routines built into the device, the Theragun PRO G5 is the one for you, as you won't need to fuss with your phone or app when you need relief.
- You want more options – The Theragun PRO G5 comes with additional attachments, so if you like having more tools in the toolbox, you will have a wider variety of massage styles to choose from with the extra and unique tips that are included with the Theragun PRO G5.
- You need angles – The adjustable shaft makes it easy to treat yourself at different angles, and the horizontal angle really comes in handy when you need to apply more pressure, or if you are treating a partner.
- You are planning to use the device in group or client settings – the Theragun PRO G5's longer battery life and two swappable batteries make it the better option for those who need the device to be ready to use at all hours of the day. You will always have a backup battery charging/charged while using the main battery. The Theragun Elite only has a built-in battery and doesn't last as long.
Click here to order your Theragun PRO G5 from us with fast, free shipping, free returns and a 30-day money back guarantee, or checkout the Theragun PRO G5 on Amazon.
In general, I would recommend the Theragun PRO G5 to most people. With that being said, there are some situations in which the Elite might be a better option for you:
- I like massages, but that's too hard! – if you are of a slighter build or do not like extremely strong massages in general, the Theragun Elite might be the better option because it puts out 67% of the torque that the Theragun PRO G5 does at its max setting. At a 8 out of 10 on the power rating scale, the Theragun Elite is still powerful when needed, and if you don't need all of the raw power than the Theragun PRO G5 puts out, then you can save a lot on by going with the Theragun Elite.
- This is just for personal use – if you are only planning to use your massage gun on yourself and/or spouse/partner, the 120 minutes of battery life will be plenty enough for your application, while offering you a lot of savings.
- I love Theragun but I'm on a budget – the Elite still offers the signature treatment that a Theragun PRO G5 can offer, so you will benefit from being able to experience the quality of owning a Theragun, at a much lower price ($200.00 less).
- A little lighter in weight – the Theragun Elite weighs only 2.2 lbs, which means it is 25% lighter than the Theragun PRO G5, which weighs 2.9 lbs.
Click here to order your Theragun Elite from us with fast, free shipping, or checkout the Theragun Elite on Amazon.
Use code RECOVERNOW to save an additional $25 off all orders over $150 Hurry, offer ends midnight July 31, 2023
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Author Bio Gideon is the Director of Purchasing at Recreation of LA and the head honcho around here. A Los Angeles native, Gideon spent several years working in purchasing, merchandising and content management for ecommerce companies. In his free time Gideon likes playing basketball, lifting weights, and searching for the best beaches in LA.