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Muscles feeling like knots an Eagle Scout would be proud of? You need a massage, my friend. But while splashing out on an appointment with a masseuse is a short-term fix, regular workouts, a desk job, and lounging in weird (albeit comfy) positions on the couch will tighten those muscles right back up. For tension relief you can count on at home, whenever you need it, it’s worth investing in a solid massage gun, and Theragun and Hypervolt own that space. 

But if your eyes glaze over when looking at product specs, we feel you, and we’ve got you covered. We reached out to a physical therapist to get their thoughts on Theragun and Hypervolt to help you find the best massage gun for your needs. 

The Expert

• Zach Smith, PT, DPT, founder, owner, and Doctor of Physical Therapy at HIDEF Physical Therapy

Brand Background: Getting to Know Theragun and Hypervolt

Before we dig into the key differences between these massage gun titans, here’s an overview of each brand.

Theragun is a line of massage guns from Therabody, a wellness tech company founded in 2016. Therabody is best known for the Theragun, but also offers compression boots, red light masks, cryo devices, and various other recovery tools. The Theragun gained fame as the very first handheld percussive device to hit the market, creating a new category in DIY recovery.

Hypervolt is Hyperice’s dedicated massage gun line, and while it’s the newer kid on the block compared to Theragun, it’s earned its own dedicated following as a lighter, quieter, and gentler option. Hyperice started as an ice-compression wrap for sports injuries, but has since evolved into a major name in pro-grade recovery tech. 

Theragun vs. Hypervolt: What’s the Best Massage Gun for You?

Here’s the overview: While both brands provide a selection of models to meet different needs, including more budget-friendly options, Theragun tends to provide a deeper massage with a percussive feel, while Hypervolt “has more of an oscillation/vibration feel to it”, says Dr. Smith. Hypervolt runs quieter, and Dr. Smith adds that it typically provides a longer battery life if you opt for a model with a heated head. 

Theragun: Best for Deep Massage

Do other massage tools feel like child’s play to you? Theragun might be worth a shot.

“Theragun provides a deeper massage through more of a percussion-type massage,” says Dr. Smith. Theragun Prime, the most popular model, is priced around $330 and provides:

• 5 massage speeds
• Bluetooth connectivity and wearable integration in the Therabody app, which offers AI recovery suggestions
• Impressive durability (it withstands drops up to 10 feet)
• A Dampener attachment for more sensitive spots, like the shins and ankles (because the Standard Ball can get a tad intense)

Both Theragun and Hypervolt offer models with heated heads—for Theragun, it’s the “Plus” models (Theragun Prime Plus, Theragun PRO Plus, and Theragun Mini Plus). Here’s Dr. Smith’s take: “Both companies have heated heads. The Hypervolt one is charged separately, while the Theragun heated head is powered through the gun itself and does not need to be charged separately. This does cause Theragun to run our battery faster than Hypervolt.”

“The Theragun Mini is also a great option for some light to moderate daily therapy without breaking the bank. This gun is more meant to be used on oneself and is not designed to put as much pressure through and get depth,” Dr. Smith adds. 

Theraguns to Choose From

Along with the Theragun Prime, Theragun Mini, and “Plus” massage guns discussed above, here are the Theraguns currently available to choose from:

• Theragun Sense offers a moderate, Swedish-style massage with a built-in LCD screen and pre-loaded routines to guide you (you can switch out these routines with new ones using the Therabody app). 

• Theragun Relief is priced just over $150, making it one of Therabody’s most affordable massage guns, and uses the line’s gentlest massage level for relief from everyday aches and pains. 

Hypervolt: Best for Everyday Use

Plan to massage while you binge-watch? Then you might want to go for Hypervolt. It’s quieter than Theragun, making it a convenient option for multitaskers who prefer a slightly less deep massage. 

“Hypervolt has great power but has more of an oscillation/vibration feeling to it and doesn't get quite as deep,” says Dr. Smith. So if deep massages tend to hurt or make you tense up, it might be a better fit for you. Plus, if you want a massage gun with a heated head, Hypervolt’s battery will last longer (as we mentioned above, Hypervolt’s heated head is charged separately, which affords the gun a longer battery life). “In general, the Hypervolt’s battery life is a lot better for daily use,” says Dr. Smith.

The bestselling choice is the Hypervolt 3, which comes in a tad cheaper than Theragun’s bestseller at $249. Here are the key features:

• 5 massage speeds (the same as the Theragun Prime)
• Bluetooth connectivity with the Hyperice app for personalized routines
• QuietGlide technology, keeping operation ultra-quiet at just 48 dB
• 5 head attachments (Flat, Wedge, Fork, Cushion, and Heated Head)

And if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly option, the Hypervolt 3 Go is a solid pick. “[It] easily fits inside a gym bag or backpack and is relatively light but delivers a ton of power and battery life for the size,” says Dr. Smith. It only weighs 1.6 pounds, has USB-C charging, and is priced at $149, making it one of the best travel-friendly massage guns available.  

Hypervolts to Choose From

The Hypervolt 3 Pro is the only massage gun in Hyperice’s most recent line that we haven’t discussed yet. As you probably guessed from the name, it’s the most powerful option with 6 massage speeds and more force, so you can press harder into tight muscles without the motor stalling. 

You can also still purchase massage guns from the previous Hypervolt line (Hypervolt 2 or Hypervolt Go 2), which offer smooth, quiet operation with 3 speeds and a slightly shorter battery life. 

Massage Gun FAQs: What to Know Before You Buy

Before you add a massage gun to your cart, take a quick look at Dr. Smith’s answers to these common q’s. 

How is using a massage gun different from cheaper DIY massage options?

“Foam rolling and stretching can be great, but they just stimulate a different mechanism for mobility,” says Dr. Smith. “The vibration and percussion of the gun provide a much faster and more enjoyable relaxation of the muscle. I like to do the gun work and then go into my stretching.”

What makes Theragun and Hyperice different from their knock-offs?

“The greatest difference is in the power of the motor. There is a certain level of pressure [that] will make the gun stall (the head stop moving). The [motor power] tends to be a lot lower on the knockoff guns, so if you are someone who likes deep pressure, you would want one of these guns with larger motors and higher stall force,” says Dr. Smith. 

How do you use a massage gun?

“Spend 5 to 10 minutes doing moderate pressure and see how you feel. Gradually, over time, increase the amount of pressure that you're putting through the gun, and your body will adapt to that amount of pressure. Try and use the gun prior to doing your stretching or other mobility, as you’ll feel a lot better going into those things,” says Dr. Smith. 

“Also, this isn't rocket science. There's no one perfect way to use this, and as long as it feels good, it's likely helping you,” he adds. 

Hyperice and Therabody at the Stridekick Shop

If you’re ready to shop Hyperice and Therabody massage guns, you’ll find both on the Stridekick Shop. And if you have an HSA or FSA, the news gets even better: Stridekick partnered with Truemed so you can shop for HSA/FSA-eligible items (including Hypervolt and Theragun) and secure a Letter of Medical Necessity entirely online—no doctor’s appointment required.