Theragun vs Hyperice Review
Table of Contents
Theragun vs Hyperice: Brand Showdown
Theragun offers a range of percussive therapy devices, designed to reach deep into your muscles, release tension, and recover quicker. Its range of products extends from the Mini to the Pro. Loved by athletes, those with a heavily active lifestyle, and anyone who experiences pain, this device was the first of its kind.
For Hyperice, percussive therapy is just one of the many ways its tools deliver fast healing. Offering gear to help you recover quickly by way of heat, ice, and air compression, the brand caters to elite and everyday athletes. It’s endorsed by some of the biggest names in sports like Blake Griffin and Mark Sanchez.
This Theragun vs Hyperice review will put these two brands head to head, compare their best-selling gear, and declare a winner in terms of quality, effectiveness, and value.
You’ll also read about customer feedback, information on promotions, and answers to FAQs for each company to help you shop with confidence.
Overview of Theragun and Hyperice
Theragun was founded in 2007 by Dr. Jason Wersland, a practicing chiropractor, after he got in a motorcycle accident. In pain and in need of a fast recovery, he found massage just wasn’t doing the trick—he needed deep muscle release.
He came up short at the time, finding nothing on the market that could give him the relief he needed. Teaming up with tech scientists to develop something that could, Theragun was born and soon caught the attention of professional athletes and those suffering from muscle pain. The brand has since partnered with big names in sports like Christiano Ronaldo.
Hyperice has a similar story, but it begins in 2010. Founder Anthony Katz took his dreams for better performance and transformed them into a brand that focused on recovery instead of training. Putting emphasis on helping bodies heal in record time, he found that athletes could, in turn, perform better during practice, in the gym, on the slopes, court, or track.
Over the years, athletes saw first-hand how Hyperice could benefit them long-term, and soon, investments came pouring in. Today, the company is valued at over $700M.
Theragun PRO vs Hyperice Hypervolt Go
Theragun PRO is the brand’s most impressive tool. Its rotating arm can reach four positions and is designed to be used on the entire body. Customers can choose one of the six attachments to use in different areas.
With a QX150 Motor with QuietForce Technology, the PRO is 55% quieter than its previous generation. You’ll be able to keep track of your speed and force with the OLED screen and zone in on your sweet spot. With 300 minutes of battery life, you won’t need to worry about constant charging, either.
The Hyperice Hypervolt Go was designed to be used anywhere. It only weighs 1.5lbs and is 30% smaller than the brand’s signature model. It’s super quiet as well, so it won’t annoy you while you’re trying to relax.
The Hypervolt Go comes with two attachments, but can be used on any area of your body. With 40 watts of power, this relaxing tool is all about convenience.
WINNER: Theragun PRO
Though the Hypervolt Go packs a punch for its size, the Theragun PRO has more power. With more attachments, an OLED screen, and more places to grip, the PRO offers a greater range of recovery options.
Theragun Elite vs Hyperice Hypervolt (Bluetooth)
Pick from one of Theragun Elite’s five attachments to target muscles the way you need to. Offering two hours of battery life, this device gives 40lbs of force but is ultra-quiet.
It has an OLED screen but also syncs up to your phone via Bluetooth. From the app, you’ll be able to see the stats and time your session. Available in black, red, or white, the Elite can be gripped at many angles to help you get to hard-to-reach places.
Related: See our full Hyperice Review for a full analysis.
With a 60 watt motor, the Hyperice Hypervolt (Bluetooth) will give you up to 3,200 percussions per minute, and one charge will last three hours. This quiet device comes with five attachments to help you get the most out of your therapy.
With Bluetooth, you’ll be able to connect to your phone to view your speed and pressure, as well as time your session. Choose from three speed settings, or pick a preset in the app’s guide and let your Hypervolt get to work. The app will walk you through which attachment to use, too.
WINNER: Hyperice Hypervolt (Bluetooth)
Though these are similar devices, the Hypervolt (Bluetooth) edges out the Elite slightly due to its preset programs on the app and longer battery life. Its attachments are a bit more advanced than Theragun’s as well, offering a bullet and fork.
Theragun Prime vs Hyperice Hypervolt Plus (Bluetooth)
With five built-in speeds, the Theragun Prime is slimmer than the brand’s other models but has the same QX65 Motor to deliver premium speed, force, and torque. It comes with four attachments to help you change up your session and has two hours of battery life.
The Prime is Bluetooth compatible, so you’ll be able to sync it up to your smartphone. From there, you can keep tabs on your sessions and what speed works best for your recovery.
Hyperice Hypervolt Plus is a force to be reckoned with. Using Quiet Glide Technology, the device houses a 90-watt motor—more than double what the Hypervolt Go has—and offers more than two hours of battery life.
Pick one of the three speeds or a preset program on the app and your Hypervolt will follow along, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy. It comes with five attachments and a pressure sensor that will light up on the outside of the device so you know exactly what range you’re in.
WINNER: Hyperice Hypervolt Plus
This was a tough one. Hyperice claims to have the quietest percussive machine on the market, but Theragun’s devices are known to be quiet as well. The two devices are very similar, but the Hyperice has a slightly longer battery life and comes with more attachments, so we had to give it the win.
Theragun vs Hyperice: Effectiveness
One of the best things about Theragun is its unique shape. The triangle handle allows users to grip it at multiple angles, allowing them to use it in hard-to-reach places. This fact alone demonstrates how effective Theragun can be, but what about its power?
With a QX65 Motor, Theragun PRO offers 60 lbs of no-stall force, 16mm of amplitude, and a speed range of 1,750 – 2,450 PPMS. This speed range has been scientifically proven to penetrate deep into muscles and release built-up lactic acid, melt away tension, and dismantle knots.
So what about Hyperice? They’re the newer brand on the scene, so as you might imagine, they created a device with an even higher speed range: 3,200 PPMS. Is greater speed necessarily better? Well, it certainly gets you to where you want to be faster and lets you get more out of your session.
Related: Check out the full Theragun Review to learn more
Does this make Hyperice more effective? Not necessarily, as if you struggle to reach places on your body, you won’t benefit as much from the therapy. We say this because of the Hypervolt’s shape.
It’s essentially a T shape with just one place to grip. This would be great and easy to use if someone else is massaging you, but it’s not ideal for tough spots like the middle of your back.
So what’s better, an ergonomic handle on a machine with less speed or a thick-handled faster one? See what we think directly below in this Theragun vs Hyperice review.
WINNER: Theragun
Our decision rested on Theragun’s handle and how easy it is to hold and maneuver. Hyperice’s is thick and it may be difficult for those with smaller hands to hold it. If you struggle to hold a device, then the less likely you are to get effective healing—regardless of how powerful it is.
Theragun vs Hyperice: Quality
A product is only as good as its materials, so it’s important that this Theragun vs Hyperice review assess each brand’s quality. Information on how each of these devices is made is scarce, so we’ll make our judgments based on materials used, workmanship, and features.
The Theragun PRO 3rd Gen is made from plastic, but it has a solid look, weighing about 3lbs. The attachments are doctor-tested and made from closed-cell PU foam. This type of material claims to hold up well to constant use, but, we’ve read a few comments that say otherwise.
In terms of features, the PRO has a built-in OLED screen, a perk that immediately boosts this device’s quality score. It also comes with a carrying case for easy travel.
With an industrial-grade motor with a proprietary brushless gearbox, Theragun is ultra-quiet. Sources reveal that it gives off about 55-60 dB of sound, about the equivalent of a refrigerator or electric toothbrush.
Offering two speeds, users can opt for fewer percussions per second if they find one is too much. Greater options often give things a higher quality, so it’s important to mention them here. The PRO comes with two lithium-ion batteries that hold 150 minutes of charge each.
Overall, the Theragun looks to be a pretty solid device, but there are a few ways that it lacks in quality. Let’s take a look at what the Hyperice Hypervolt is made of.
Weighing in at 2.5 lbs, the Hyperice Hypervolt has a sturdy-looking construction. It comes with one lithium-ion battery that has 150 minutes of charge, powering a 60 watt, high-torque motor.
The Hypervolt has three adjustable speeds, so users have greater options when it comes to pressure. Speaking of pressure, you’ll be able to read how much of it you’re applying thanks to the lights on the outside of the device. You can also sync the Hypervolt to your smartphone and check stats there.
We’ve read a few sources that say the machine shakes or rattles when used on its highest setting, so many find that the lowest works best. The attachments are made of hard plastic, except the rounded head which is made of hard foam. We don’t know about you, but hard plastic sounds a little… hard. But, we’ve also heard this provides a deeper massage.
WINNER: Theragun
We’re definitely not biased towards Theragun, but we can spot a winner when we see it. The Hypervolt’s rattling and hard plastic materials are two features that signal lower quality.
That’s not to say it’s a low-quality machine, it’s just that Theragun has more advanced features, like a built-in OLED screen, an additional battery, and we’re partial to the sound of foam heads versus plastic.
Theragun vs Hyperice: Customer Ratings
It’s one thing to judge a product based on its specs, but to give a trustworthy opinion on the brand, this Theragun vs Hyperice review needs to find out what customers’ experiences were like with each one.
You’ll find a collection of ratings for both the Hyperice Hypervolt (three models) and a few of the Theragun devices below from several sources.
Let’s start with Hyperice. With an A- rating on the BBB, there were no ratings on the brand’s website, so we turned to Amazon and Best Buy to get a feel for how customers enjoy the Hypervolt.
- Hyperice Hypervolt Plus has a 4.8/5 star rating from 859 buyers on Amazon
- Hyperice Hypervolt (Bluetooth) received a 4.8/5 star rating on Best Buy from 408 shoppers
- Hypervolt Go was rated 4.7/5 stars on Amazon by 587 ratings
In general, customers thought that the Hypervolt was:
- A good price
- Easy to use
- More intense than other methods of massage
- Very quiet
But, we also found that some believe it:
- Is not worth the price in terms of quality
- Rattles when you apply pressure or use at a higher speed
- Is bulky to hold
Now, let’s move on to Theragun. Starting on the BBB, we found a C rating for the brand due to the 163 complaints made in the last three years (all of which have been closed). Switching to the brand’s website, we didn’t find too many ratings for the different models. But, we had more success on Amazon. You’ll find those stats below:
- Theragun Mini is awarded 5/5 stars by 21 shoppers on Theragun.com
- Theragun PRO has a 4.7/5 star rating on Theragun.com and 28 reviews
- Theragun Prime has a 4.8/5 star rating from 1,657 customers on Amazon
- Theragun Elite is rated 4.7/5 stars on Amazon by 1,780 buyers
Common sentiments among reviews report that the device is:
- Very powerful
- Easy to maneuver
- Super quiet
- A quality product worth the money
- Features a variety of handy attachments
- Comes with great customer service
Though rated highly across websites, we did find a few negative reviews that complained about:
- A shorter than advertised battery life
- Attachments that break easily
- A heavy weight
WINNER: Theragun
While both of these brands have similar ratings, we found better feedback overall for Theragun. This was mostly in terms of ease-of-use thanks to its ergonomic handle and the four different head angles and six attachments.
While Hyperice has the better BBB rating showing that it might be better at handling complaints, in terms of feedback for the machine itself, Theragun takes the win.
Theragun vs Hyperice: Promotions & Discounts
When you buy Theragun, you’ll get your purchase shipped for free. As a customer, you’ll also get access to special offers from the brand’s partners. You’ll also have the option of paying for your device with four interest-free payments thanks to Affirm.
Hyperice has a Spring Sale going on currently, but it’s for the Normatec 2.0 and Pro 2.0 Kits only. Shipping is also free. When you subscribe to the mailing list, when deals pop up, you’ll get them sent to your inbox right away.
WINNER: Theragun
While we enjoy a good sale, this Theragun vs Hyperice review focuses on their percussive devices, so while the Normatec 2.0 and Pro 2.0 Kits are great, we’re focusing on deals that come with their percussive devices.
When you buy from Theragun, you automatically get deals with its partners and big brands in the wellness and fitness game. While, when you sign up to the Hyperice mailing you’ll get access to deals, but these may just be annual sales that everyone has access to.
Theragun vs Hyperice: Shipping & Returns
Both brands offer free shipping for all customers. Theragun ships to most countries, and you can expect your order to arrive in 1-2 business days, or at most, 4-6 business days.
Hyperice cannot ship internationally, it serves customers in the US and Canada only. In general, customers can expect their order to arrive in 8-12 business days.
So far, it looks like Theragun may have faster shipping and they ship to a longer list of countries. And, according to shoppers, the brand’s return process is easy, many reporting that customer service was a dream to deal with.
The brand’s return policy states that you can return your product within 30 days as long as it’s unused and in its original condition. You’ll need to contact customer service through email and request an RMA. Return shipping is not covered by the brand.
Hyperice products can also be returned in 30 days, but a 10% restocking fee will be deducted from your refund amount. It does not cover the cost of return shipping either. To make a return, get in touch with a customer service team member by email, phone, or chat.
Feedback on the BBB notes that there have been some issues with Hyperice shipping. The brand’s profile shows a total of 40 complaints, about a third of which are in regards to long delivery times and no shipping updates.
Theragun’s BBB profile shows quite a few complaints about lost packages and issues with refunds.
WINNER: Theragun
Both brands offer similar policies. Not receiving your order and not getting your refund are both on par, as in each case you’ve spent your money and don’t have a product to show for it. What this decision came down to was the restocking fee. No one wants to have to pay a fee to return something.
Theragun vs Hyperice: Price & Value
Theragun’s devices range from $200-$600, from the Mini to the PRO. Hyperice’s are $215-$399 for the Hypervolt Go, Hypervolt (Bluetooth), and Hypervolt Plus.
In terms of value, the Hypervolt Plus offers higher speeds and more preset programs on its app. But, the clicker is you’ll need the app to access them. Theragun’s programs (though it only offers three) can be chosen from the OLED screen located on the device.
This screen is something that pumps up its price, along with the included carrying case, a few extra attachments than the Hypervolt, and an extra lithium-ion battery. With all that in mind, it makes sense that Theragun is priced higher, as you’re getting more along with your machine.
Customers have reported that both brands are of good quality and offer impressive functions for their prices, but, we’ve also seen the exact opposite mentioned.
WINNER: Theragun
With all of the added features, Theragun’s price is understandable. Purchasing an extra battery, carrying case, and attachments would all jack up the price of the Hypervolt, and though it offers higher speeds, overall, customers love the way the other brand’s products operate in hand.
We Choose: Theragun
The results certainly speak for themselves. Theragun nudges Hyperice out by way of features and construction.
Theragun’s ergonomic handle is a real game-changer when it comes to self-massage. Allowing users to get to hard-to-reach places, the device’s shape makes it a winner.
Smart features like the Theragun’s built-in OLED screen, six interchangeable heads, four arm positions, and range of speeds make this a useful tool for full-body recovery for all types of injuries, tension, and pain.
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