The Theragun mini is advertised as a handy pocket-sized massager. It is supposed to combine the high quality of the Theragun with particularly small dimensions. In the following review, you will find out to what extent this was successful and whether the Theragun mini can also compete with classic massage guns. Among other things, I will discuss the scope of delivery, the usability and handling, the power supply, and the quality of the mini gun.
Scope of Delivery and Attachments
Theragun mini is delivered in a very attractive, high-quality packaging. Outside around the actual box is a sleeve that contains all the important information about the massage gun.
In turn, the box contains the following:
- 1 x Theragun mini
- 1 x Standard Ball Attachment
- 1 x Carry Bag
- 1 x Charger
- 1 x Manual
This basically includes everything you need to use the massage gun. Nevertheless, we clearly have to deduct a few points in this category. The reason for this is that only one attachment is included.
Although this is a versatile standard ball in medium size, this can massage both larger and somewhat smaller muscle groups. In addition, it is made of very durable PU foam. Thus, it is easy to clean and offers a pleasant feeling on the skin.
However, it is usually useful to have special attachments for smaller muscle groups or even the spine at hand in order to be able to work the muscles optimally. These can be used by the Theragun PRO, Elite, Prime, etc., if available. Alternatively, the attachments can be purchased separately from Theragun. There they cost $20 to $30, depending on the model.
At the time of this review, the following attachments could be purchased separately for the Theragun mini:
- Cone – for trigger points and small muscles
- Thumb – for trigger point therapy and the lower back
- Wedge – for scapulae & IT bands, for “scraping and rinsing
- Large Ball – large muscle groups, e.g., glutes, hamstrings, and quads
- Dampener – damped for tender or bony areas
- Supersoft™ – extra soft for especially sore muscles
In addition, all attachments were available as a duo variant with two ends. These cost $49 and $59 respectively.
Functionality
Typically, a massage gun has several power levels. This is also the case with the Theragun mini. It has the following three power levels:
- 1st Level: 1,750 rpm – for muscle activation and fascia massage
- 2nd Level: 2,100 rpm – for lactic acid degradation
- 3rd Level: 2,400 rpm – for trigger point massage
As you can see from the power levels, the lowest level already starts at 1,750 rpm. That is comparatively much. Other massage guns already start at around 1,200 rpm.
Accordingly, the gun is rather unsuitable for a relaxing massage. This is also not the aim of the Theragun mini. Instead, it can simply be taken to the gym and used there to loosen muscles after training, activate muscles before training, or treat pain during training.
For this purpose, not only the power is suitable, but also the stroke length. This is approx. 12 mm for the Theragun mini. The massage head thus covers a distance of 12 mm during a shock. This is perfectly sufficient to massage even the deep tissue.
In my practical test, I naturally tried not only to look at the data but also to use the massage gun on myself. This confirmed the impression that the data provided:
The massage feels very powerful. For my own sensation, it was even a bit too strong on the first level. However, this may also be due to my own preference. In general, stronger strokes should be preferred. However, I very much liked the feel of the attachment. It is not too soft and not too hard. Instead, the muscles are massaged with exactly the right pressure.
Usability and Handling
The Theragun mini could score big plus points in handling. There are several reasons for this.
Firstly, the massage gun is very easy to use. It only has one button on the side. This is held briefly to switch on the massager. Then, the intensity level can be switched through by pressing the button again. This is so simple that even children understand it.
Another factor is the size and weight of the Theragun mini. According to my measurements, the dimensions are about 16.5 cm x 13.5 cm x 5.5 cm at the widest points. This is very compact for a massage gun.
The weight is stated by the manufacturer as 1.43 lbs (650 g). I myself even measured 1.43 lbs (649 g) – at least without attachment. With attachment, the mini massage gun weighs about 1.47 lbs (667 g). Even that is still very light.
Due to this combination of small size and low weight, the Theragun mini can be stored and transported in a very space-saving way. It fits into any backpack or sports bag.
On the other hand, this makes it by no means strenuous to use the massage gun. Especially larger models cause problems here due to their high weight. In addition, the special shape of the Theragun mini, which actually can not be called a pistol. Due to the triangle-like shape in combination with the ergonomically inclined surface on the top, the mini fits almost perfectly in hand.
Last but not least, in terms of usability, the exchange of attachments should not be neglected. This works very easily with this massage gun via a plug-in system. The attachment can simply be removed from the stroke. A new attachment is just as easily plugged in.
Power Supply
The power supply of the Theragun mini is ensured by an integrated lithium-ion battery. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not provide any information about the battery capacity. However, the battery is supposed to last for about 150 minutes. This was also confirmed in my test. However, it should be noted that a higher intensity level drains the battery faster since the motor in the gun has to apply more force.
I deduct a few points because the battery life could be a bit longer. In addition, the battery is not replaceable. I find that a shame for a product in this price range. After all, you have to replace the entire device when the battery breaks or loses power.
Charging the battery, on the other hand, is very easy and quick. To do this, simply connect the supplied power adapter to the massage gun and plug it into a power outlet.
The light on the gun shows the current charge level, so you know when the battery is full. There are the following gradations:
- flashes red: low battery level
- flashes blue: medium battery level
- flashes green: high battery level
- lights green: fully charged
Noise
As part of my test, I measured the volume of the Theragun mini at all three power levels from a distance of around 40 cm. I obtained the following values:
- 1st Level: ~ 58.8 dB to 59.2 dB – similar to a loud conversation
- 2nd Level: ~ 61.8 dB to 62.4 dB – similar to a very loud TV or radio
- 3rd Level: ~ 68.5 dB to 69 dB – similar to a vacuum cleaner at a distance of 1 m
The Theragun mini is advertised with such a low volume that you can hardly hear it. The reason for this is supposed to be the QuietForce Technology. I cannot agree with this. The massage gun is clearly audible even in the first stage. On the first two levels, however, the noise level is still pleasant and hardly disturbing.
Only in the third stage is the mini very loud – even for a massage gun. Accordingly, I found the use of the highest power to be comparatively acoustically stressful.
Material and Quality
When it comes to quality, Theragun can hardly be beaten by any other brand. The Theragun mini is also of correspondingly high quality. The material looked very sturdy and did not show any defects in my model. This applies to both the massager itself and the attachment.
The workmanship is also ~90% perfect. Only at the transitions where the casing is assembled small inaccuracies can be seen upon closer inspection. Therefore, there is a small deduction for me in this category.
Massage guns are often criticized for having a strong smell. This is often the case with cheap models from Asia. However, I could not detect such a smell with the Theragun mini. Only when I smelled directly at the massage gun I could perceive a slight plastic smell. This also applies to the included attachment.
Price Performance
Therabody is not only known for its high quality but also for its equally high prices. This is no different with the Theragun mini. I myself paid €197.90 for the small massage gun online. At the time of this test, the price on the manufacturer’s website was $199.00. This makes the mini not only by far one of the most expensive mini massage guns but also rather in the upper price range for a normal massage gun.
When looking at the price-performance ratio alone, I could therefore not recommend the Theragun mini. Instead, this is clearly a model that is one of the best on the market and where quality is more important than price.
Conclusion – Theragun mini Review
Summary
I was particularly impressed by the high-quality material, the ease of use, and the pleasant feeling during the massage. In addition, it has a unique shape that makes it fit remarkably well in hand. All in all, the Theragun mini is exactly what it should be – a small, handy massage gun with the quality of a classic massage gun from Theragun.
However, these advantages also come at a price: the Theragun mini is by far one of the most expensive mini massage guns. Moreover, only one attachment is included, and additional ones have to be purchased at a high price. Accordingly, this model is only something for you if you have the appropriate budget.
I can especially recommend the massage gun to anyone who already owns a larger model from Theragun and is looking for a device for mobile use. The reason for this is very simple: In this case, the attachments of the larger massage gun can also be used on the mini. This quickly saves several hundred euros.
Overall
-
Scope of Delivery and Attachments - 9/10
9/10
-
Functionality - 9/10
9/10
-
Usability and Handling - 10/10
10/10
-
Power Supply - 8/10
8/10
-
Noise - 7/10
7/10
-
Material and Quality - 9/10
9/10
Pros
- light and compact
- space-saving transportable
- carrying bag included
- easy to use
- ergonomic shape
- very stable material
- pleasant muscle massage
- high quality workmanship
Cons
- only one attachment included
- very loud at highest power
- high price
- battery not replaceable
FAQ & Troubleshooting
Where can I find the Serial Number on the Theragun mini?
On the housing of the Theragun mini there is a sticker with the serial number printed on it.
My Theragun Mini is not turning on - What can I do?
- You turn on the massage gun by holding the button on it for a few seconds. Make sure you hold the button down long enough.
- Make sure that the battery of the massage gun is charged. Before the first use, you should fully charge the battery. Always use the original power supply to do this.
- When you use the Theragun mini for a long time at a stretch, it is possible that it has overheated. In this case, leave the massage gun switched off for at least an hour before using it again.
- If this won't help and you still have a warranty on the Theragun mini, contact the manufacturer with your problem. They can help you in most cases. You can write them an e-mail at: info@theragun.com
Can I bring a Theragun mini on a Plane?
Yes, the Theragun mini can be taken on the plane with most airlines. However, the massage gun must be transported in the hand luggage because of the battery inside.
Before the flight, you still should check with your airline if it is allowed to take the Theragun mini on the plane.
Comparisons with this Massage Gun
