ByLuke Deszczulka
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Hello, fellow massage gun enthusiasts! In this post, we’re taking a deep dive into the best Theragun alternatives that are shaking up the market in 2024.
You might be thinking, “Best Theragun alternative? Surely, that’s a tall order!“
But bear with us. We’ve spent countless hours personally testing, reviewing, and comparing over 70 unique massage guns to their corresponding Theragun models. So when we say there are contenders that can rival and occasionally outshine Theragun, we’re speaking from our own experience.
So rest easy; you’re in capable hands. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways:
Quick links to sections below on recommended Theragun alternatives for your consideration:
| Theragun mini | Theragun Prime | Theragun Elite | Theragun Pro | Theragun Relief | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Pick: | Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini | Ekrin B37 | Ekrin B37S | Bob and Brad D6 Pro | Ekrin 365 |
| Runner-Up: | Ekrin Bantam | Opove M3 Pro | Hypervolt 2 Pro | Ekrin Kestrel | Bob and Brad D5 Pro |
Yes! But first, we’ll give credit where it’s due: Theragun has dominated the percussive therapy industry for some time now. For the better part of that time, their massage guns were the best and worth every costly penny spent.
They have been and are still top-quality products. But as we’ve said, it’s 2024, and things in this industry have changed. What hasn’t changed, though, is Theraguns’ pricey nature. They simply are not affordable for everyone.
You could put up a case for Theragun’s innovativeness, but honestly, Theragun no longer holds the title for being ingenious anymore – other massage gun brands are giving them a run for their money.
More brands have been able to come up with similar or better quality sports massagers and managed to keep their devices affordable.
We know all about them because we have had all Theraguns and reviewed them, and we also buy and test new sports massagers almost every week.
Truth be told, we don’t find Theraguns fascinating anymore. Call it overconfidence bias, but we truly believe there are best Theragun alternatives, and this article proves it.
For us, Therabody Theragun has always stood out in terms of its connectivity features. The Therabody App is the one feature that makes them the crème de la crème of the percussive therapy industry.
But even if that is just an embellishment that can be overlooked, you certainly cannot overlook the fact that Theragun excels in:
The triangular design (especially for their full-sized massage guns) allows for a multiple-grip handle, which is a huge advantage for a full-body massager when performing a DIY massage, such as at-home tennis elbow treatment.
You can practically reach all areas of the body without making your arm uncomfortable.
Theragun Professional even has an adjustable arm that locks into one of four positions.
However, as we’ve seen with other sports massagers, secure ergonomics can be achieved without multiple grips—just slight imagination and small tweaks. These muscle massagers have also achieved this while remaining compact.
Stroke length is the distance the massage gun head covers as it moves back and forth during percussions. Theragun’s sports massagers have 16mm amplitude except for the Theragun Mini, which has 12mm – many other massage guns struggle to reach 10mm, let alone 16mm.
The Theragun Mini has the longest stroke length in the ‘mini massage gun’ category. However, apart from the Theragun Mini, Theragun’s percussion massagers are not so highly perched when it comes to amplitude anymore.
But even if Therabody was somehow able to tower above all other sports massagers with its stroke length, insufficient stall force could limit that privilege.
The stall force is an important parameter in percussive therapy, but Theragun has not always impressed us with this aspect.
We addressed our concerns when we reviewed Theragun Prime and Theragun Mini. These two sports massagers have too small stall force, and the long amplitude feels unutilized. Even Theragun Elite, their mid-range sport massager, had somewhat sufficient stall force but failed miserably when more was demanded of it.
Apart from the limited stall force to fully utilize the long amplitude, Theragun’s Achilles heel has also been:
Here’s what we found to be important and what you should pay attention to:
Now that you know what to pay attention to, let’s check which Theragun alternative meets the above criteria. We’ve prepared more than one best Theragun alternative per Theragun model.
If you’re on the hunt for a Theragun Mini alternative that matches up in performance but excels in value, the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini massage gun is your go-to choice.
Released in November 2023, it has already been making waves in the fitness industry. It boasts features that closely match the renowned Theragun Mini but at a much better price (more on that shortly). Check first the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini Massage Gun video:
We were impressed by the Air 2 Mini’s specifications. They closely match those of the Theragun Mini, featuring exactly the same high 12mm amplitude and RPM range.
The Air 2 Mini’s stall force is comparable to that of the Theragun Mini, hovering around 20 lbs. This is sufficient for its class. However, it clearly lags behind the Ekrin Bantam, which boasts up to 35 lbs. of stall force. However, this power level is just fine for the Air 2 Mini, making it an ideal portable mini massager for trips and regular muscle maintenance.
The Air 2 Mini also excels with its versatile five-piece attachment set, surpassing the Theragun Mini and other rivals by offering a wider range of massage gun attachments for a customized massage experience. This allows users to effectively target various muscle groups.
It’s also surprising that it’s built from high-grade materials, ensuring durability and robustness. Thus, the Air 2 Mini is definitely on the same level as its premium competitor.
The Air 2 Mini does not have Bluetooth connectivity or a mobile app for guided routines, which are beneficial for beginners starting their adventure with muscle massagers.
Additionally, its ergonomic design, though functional, differs from the symmetrical shape of the Theragun Mini, which might affect maneuverability and comfort for some users.
And what makes the Air 2 Mini most attractive is its price point and the value you get. Priced at around $90 and further slashed with our exclusive $20 discount code MGAAIR2MINI, it presents a significantly more affordable option at $70 than the Theragun Mini. Use the code at checkout at the Amazon store here.
This price point, combined with its high-quality build and versatile features, positions the Air 2 Mini not just as a Theragun alternative but as a top contender for those seeking a high-quality, budget-friendly mini massage gun.
We believe the minor compromises in technology and ergonomics are small trade-offs, considering the overall package and its exceptional value.
More Info: In detail, Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini review.
This is the best Theragun Mini alternative if power is your first choice. When we reviewed the Theragun Mini, we expressed concerns about its stall force of only 20 lbs, which made it easily stalled under pressure.
In contrast, the Ekrin Bantam, despite its compact size, boasts a verified stall force of 30-35 lbs, surpassing the Theragun Prime, a full-sized entry-level massage gun with a 30 lbs. stall force.
When we examined the Bantam’s amplitude, we confirmed it to be approximately 10mm (slightly less), which is impressive considering the device’s size. The Theragun Mini’s amplitude is 12mm, the highest on the market, making it feel more percussive in practice.
However, we found the Bantam to be more effective overall.
Why is this so? It comes down to intensity and percussion range. Despite having a slightly shorter stroke length, the Ekrin Bantam can deliver up to 3200 percussions per minute, a whopping 25% more than the Theragun Mini’s 2400 RPMs.
Percussive therapy aims to create an impact between 2200 and 3300 RPM to override pain signals to the brain, leading to tension release. The Ekrin Bantam excels in this regard with its high-intensity percussions and solid stall force.
When pressure is applied to treat large muscles (e.g., glute muscle pain), percussions don’t easily slow down, and it takes significant force to stall it completely.
Therefore, this small massage gun is so effective because it combines high stall force with fast percussions. It’s also the best mini massage gun and an awesome Theragun Alternative.
It’s about 25-30% smaller than the first-generation Mini Theragun and about the same size as its successor, Theragun Mini 2.0. It is also incredibly light – only 1.1 lbs, so it is perfect for those needing a portable massager.
In our test, we also appreciated its nice ergonomics and slightly angled handle. It’s very nicely built, with a cylindrical frame that fits perfectly in the hand, even if you have small hands.
It also has 4 nicely varied attachments, meaning you can get a full-body massage on the go. We tested the Samsung-branded battery and found it lasts 5-6 hours and recharges conveniently via USB.
Another advantage of the Bantam is its inclusion of a carrying case and a lifetime warranty, features not available with Theragun. These features underscore the Bantam’s value as a top Theragun alternative.
The retail price is $149, but you can get it for $127.99 with our MGA20 coupon, which offers a 20% discount. Get your Bantam at ekrinathletics.com.
More Info: Read our full, hands-on Ekrin Bantam review.
When stacking up all the features of these three mini massage guns (table below), we marked where each one shines in green.
However, numbers only tell part of the story; the real deal comes from our experience and tests, and in our books, the Ekrin Bantam leads the pack.
But, when price enters the equation, the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini steals the spotlight without a doubt.
| Feature | Theragun Mini 2.0 (Premium choice) | Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini (Budget choice) | Ekrin Bantam (Performance choice) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stall Force | ~20 lbs | ~20 lbs | ~30 lbs |
| Stroke Length | 12 mm | 12 mm | 9 mm |
| Percussions | 1750–2400 rpm | 1750–2400 rpm | 2000–3200 rpm |
| Speed Options | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Battery Life | 2.5 hours | 3.5 hours | 4-5 hours |
| Noise | 56 – 61 dB | 50.8 – 54.7 dB | 49 – 57 dB |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs | 1.16 lbs | 1.1 lbs |
| Attachments | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 + 1 year | Lifetime |
| Price | |||
| Discount Code | 10% off X8YZF10 code | Extra 10% off MGAAIR2MINI code | 20% off MGA20 code |
| Buy here at therabody.com | Buy here at Amazon | Buy here at ekrinathletics.com |
Ekrin Athletics is one of our darling brands, and we greatly enjoy their devices.
They approach their device designs differently from Theragun, focusing more on their devices’ intensity and stall force rather than simply increasing amplitude.
However, they make it even better with significantly high stall force. This means that their devices can give deep to the bone percussive massages because they can be pushed harder against the body.
The Ekrin B37, our top alternative to Theragun Prime, is a great example. While it has a 12mm amplitude compared to the Prime’s 16mm, it offers much more overall performance.
Perhaps the most noteworthy comparison is the stall force. While Theragun Prime offers a stall force of 30 lbs, the Ekrin B37 boasts an impressive 56 lbs—almost double what the Prime offers! This significant stall force means that the Ekrin B37 can deliver deep percussive therapy by being pushed harder against the body, reaching deeper tissues.
The Ekrin B37 also outperforms the Theragun Prime in percussion range. It delivers 1400-3200 RPM, surpassing Theragun Prime’s 1750-2400 RPM range.
In our detailed Ekrin B37 review, we found it much quieter than the Prime, producing 53-67 dB compared to the Prime’s 63-69 dB.
The Ekrin B37’s Samsung-branded battery performs impressively and can last for 8 hours straight before needing to be charged again—we confirmed this in our long-term test.
It comes with a zippered carrying case, while Theragun Prime only comes with a soft pouch.
Finally, Ekrin Athletics offers a lifetime warranty if you buy the Ekrin B37, while Therabody only offers a 1-year warranty for their Theragun Prime.
Ekrin B37 normally costs $229, but with the MGA20 coupon, you can get it here for $183.99, which is 20% cheaper. That also means that it’s 40% cheaper than Theragun Prime.
More Info: Read our hands-on Ekrin B37 review.
To wrap up this part, here is our Theragun Prime alternative compared against each other:
| Feature | Theragun Prime (Premium choice) | Ekrin B37 (Performance choice) |
|---|---|---|
| Stall Force | 30 lbs | 56 lbs |
| Stroke Length | 16 mm | 12 mm |
| Speed Options | 5+ | 5 |
| Battery Life | 2 hours | 8 hours |
| Noise | 65 – 69 dB | 53 – 67 dB |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs | 2.2 lbs |
| Attachments | 4 | 4 |
| Warranty | 1-year | Lifetime |
| Price | ||
| Discount Code | 10% Off X8YZF10 code | 20% Off MGA20 code |
| Buy here at therabody.com | Buy here at ekrinathletics.com |
Ekrin B37S is a vast improvement to its predecessor, the B37, especially when it comes to power.
Despite maintaining the same stall force of 56 lbs., our hands-on experience during our Ekrin B37S review demonstrated that its stall force feels considerably stronger even at lower speeds. This characteristic alone makes it a compelling Theragun Elite alternative.
Theragun Elite has a 40-lb stall force, which is good enough but not very strong. It’s only that powerful at the highest speed. The B37S has a better stall force throughout all speeds—it has 30% more power at lower gears than the original Ekrin B37.
The Ekrin B37S has a 12mm amplitude, which is enough considering the high stall force and the added power on lower gears. The Thergun Elite may claim a longer stroke length, but our testing suggested that it does not perform as effectively without enough power as the Ekrin B37S.
Due to its design, Theragun Elite boasts a multiple-grip handle, but the Ekrin B37S approaches ergonomics much more straightforwardly. Its handle is 15 degrees angled, which we think makes it less bulky while still being comfortable.
The Ekrin B37S also includes a reactive force meter, similar to the Theragun Elite. But, based on our hands-on testing, the Ekrin B37S’s force meter operates more smoothly than the Elite’s. Furthermore, the Ekrin delivers superior intensity, offering 2000-3200 RPM versus the Theragun Elite’s 1750- 2400 rpm.
It has 5 speeds to cycle through, with a unique 5th speed with a pre-programmed dynamic mode (cycles between highest and lowest speed). It comes with 6 well-varied attachments and a “push and twist” head-locking mechanism. The Samsung branded battery will last for up to 8 hours.
Ekrin offers a lifetime warranty on this sports massager and is available to answer any questions you may have about your massage gun.
It usually costs $229.99, but you can use our promo code MGA20 to get 20% off the original price. The Ekrin B37S is available here for only $184.99, while Theragun Elite costs $399.
More Info: Read our hands-on Ekrin B37S Review.
Hypervolt 2 Pro adopts the traditional power-drill design we have come to associate with all previous Hypervolt models. However, despite its design, it packs some impressive features.
While not quite as powerful as the B37S, it offers something different. If the Ekrin B37S’s 12 mm amplitude seems limited, the Hypervolt 2 Pro’s 14mm amplitude, very close to the Theragun Elite’s 16mm, will indeed be a significant upgrade, with the difference barely noticeable.
Not only does it boast a longer amplitude, but its stall force is comparable to the Theragun Elite’s 40 lbs. We found it to be slightly less, but the difference is minimal.
We were particularly impressed by the Hypervolt 2 Pro’s intensity. Its percussion range is 1700-2700 RPM.
Now, having tested so many sports massagers, I can tell you that you do not often see a device with a long amplitude that revs this fast. Even Theragun Elite, with its 16mm stroke, can only rev to a maximum of 2400 percussions per minute.
It comes with 5 speeds and Bluetooth connectivity. The Hyperice App can connect to the device and take over speed control while it guides you through various body massage routines.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a carrying case – Theragun Elite has a carrying case.
However, in terms of noise, the Hypervolt 2 Pro outperforms the Theragun Elite, even though the latter is Theragun’s quietest model. In our test, it reached 54-64 dB compared to Theragun Elite’s 65-67 dB. The sound on the Hypervolt is also smoother.
It has a one-year warranty, which is the same as the Theragun Elite’s, but unfortunately, it is not as good as the unmatching lifetime on the Ekrin B37.
The Hypervolt 2 Pro is priced at $329 at the official Hyperice store, which is $70 cheaper than the Theragun Elite (when at regular price).
More Info: Read our hands-on Hypervolt 2 Pro Review.
To wrap up, here’s the specs table comparing our Theragun Elite alternatives: Ekrin B37s vs Hypervolt 2 Pro.
| Feature | Theragun Elite (Premium choice) | Ekrin B37s (Premium choice) | Hypervolt 2 Pro (Another option) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stall Force | 40 lbs | 56 lbs | 35-40 lbs |
| Stroke Length | 16 mm | 12 mm | 14 mm |
| Speed Options | 5+ | 5 | 5 |
| Battery Life | 2.5 hours | 8 hours | 2 – 3 hours |
| Noise | 66 – 68 dB | 35 – 55 dB | 53 – 64 dB |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs | 2.2 lbs | 2.6 lbs |
| Attachments | 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Warranty | 1-year | Lifetime | 1-year |
| Price | $329 | ||
| Discount Code | 10% Off X8YZF10 code | 20% Off MGA20 code | – |
| Buy here at therabody.com | Buy here at ekrinathletics.com | Buy here at hyperice.com |
Our most recent discovery, the Bob and Brad D6 Pro massage gun, truly intrigued us with its striking resemblance to the Theragun Pro G5. This sports massager might fit the bill if you’re in the market for a Theragun Pro alternative that echoes its design.
The Bob and Brad D6 Pro features the D-shaped, multi-grip design we associate with Theragun.
While it is clearly a Theragun copycat, we are impressed with what they have done specs-wise. We’ve tested the Bob and Brad D6 Pro extensively, and it’s been a pleasant surprise to find that the advertised specifications hold true.
Notably, the stall force, often advertised optimistically by brands, does seem to approach the declared 60-80 lbs., placing it well in the hard massager category of massage guns we’ve tested.
In addition, it mirrors the 16mm amplitude that’s standard in Theragun devices.
Where intensity is concerned, the D6 Pro slightly outpaces the Theragun Pro, offering a confirmed percussion range of 1500-2500 RPM, though it lags behind the Achedaway’s 2800rpm. Complementing this range are six variable speeds.
It has a 2500mAh battery that can run for 180 minutes nonstop. However, it can only run for 180 minutes straight when no pressure is applied. In our test, as expected, the battery consumes faster at high speeds and with some pressure applied here and there. Charging is conveniently done via USB-C.
Overall, it feels like a solid sports massager. While we would prefer something more original (design-wise), we like that Bob and Brad D6 Pro happily share the 16 mm amplitude, stall force, and percussion information.
We have struggled with brands that don’t openly disclose important parameters about their massage guns. This makes it hard to trust both the brand and its products.
The Bob and Brad D6 Pro has a two-year warranty and is supported by Amazon’s straightforward return policy. Expect top-notch customer service during your interactions.
Although the base price hovers around $250, you can use our available coupons to slash the price by almost a third, bringing it down to roughly $170-180. Here’s how to avail of this discount:
The last time we checked, an Amazon coupon for $60 was available. Then, apply the MGAD6PRO2 code at checkout to get an extra 10% off. Check out the Bob and Brad D6 Pro on Amazon.
More Info: In our in-depth Bob and Brad D6 Pro Review.
Over the past few years, Ekrin Athletics has established itself as a leader in the massage gun market, particularly with its latest product, the Ekrin Kestrel. Having tested and evaluated the latest version, we can confidently say that it is a compelling alternative to the Theragun Professional.
While it might not have the same amplitude as our top choice, the D6 Pro, the Ekrin Kestrel, offers several features that make it competitive and, in some aspects, even superior to the Theragun Professional. Plus, it comes at a lower price point.
The Ekrin Kestrel has the traditional 15° angled handle (seen on all Ekrin massage guns), which gives superb ergonomics. The aluminum bezel at the top not only makes it look nice but also provides a non-slippery grip, especially after a sweaty gym session.
Otherwise, even though it only has a 13 mm amplitude, the Ekrin Kestrel has a true stall force of 55 lbs. This is very close to Theragun Pro’s 60 lbs. stall force, and it’s hard to stall, especially at the top speed.
The Ekrin Kestrel boasts a superior percussion range of 1800 – 3500 RPM across five speed settings. We personally verified this range with a laser tachometer. Even though its top percussion is very high—3500 RPM—it’s much quieter than the Theragun Professional—50 – 64 dB.
The Kestrel comes with six varied attachments and a convenient carrying case, a feature we did not find with the Theragun Prime.
Additionally, its 2500mAh battery offers up to 6 hours of power, which is much more than the 2.5 hours of the Theragun Pro or the 3 hours of the Bob and Brad D6 Pro.
Finally, like any other Ekrin massage gun, Ekrin Athletics gives a lifetime warranty on the Ekrin Kestrel. Theragun Pro and the Bob and Brad d6 Pro offer a 2-year warranty.
But what really stands out is its pricing. The Ekrin Kestrel retails for $349.99, which is less than the Theragan Pro. The best part is that you can get a 20% discount using our link, as the massage gun coupon is automatically applied at checkout.
More Info: In our in-depth Ekrin Kestrel review.
See the table below for a comparison of what we think is the best Theragun Pro alternative.
| Feature | Theragun Pro (Premium choice) | Bob and Brad D6 Pro (Budget choice) | Ekrin Kestrel (Performance choice) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stall Force (advertised) | 60 lbs | 85 lbs | 55 lbs |
| Stroke Length | 16 mm | 16 mm | 13 mm |
| Speed Options | 5+ | 6 | 6 |
| Battery Life | 2.5 hours | 3 hours | 6 hours |
| Noise | 65 – 71 dB | max. 66 dB | 50 – 64 dB |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs | 2.8 lbs | 2.2 lbs |
| Attachments | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Warranty | 1-year | 2-years | Lifetime |
| Price | |||
| Discount Code | 10% off X8YZF10 code | 10% off MGAD6PRO2 code | 20% off MGA20 code |
| Latest Price | Buy here at therabody.com | Buy here at Amazon | Buy here at Ekrin Athletics |
Hopefully, you now believe that there are sports massagers that can outperform the hyped Theraguns. With our recommendations, you can find the perfect one for yourself.
If you have any doubts or further questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. We’ll be delighted to assist you and provide personalized advice if needed. You can also join our Facebook group, Massage Gun Talks, for discussions, tips, and more.
Until next time!
Here's a quick rundown of all the tweaks and edits we've made to this article to keep it accurate and up-to-date!
Current version.
December 11 2023 Switched our recommendation to the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini, a 2024 model matching the Theragun Mini in specs, replacing the Q2 Mini. Also updated text and links for better readability. (Author: Luke)
October 10 2023 Featured the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini as an alternative to the Theragun Mini. Also made numerous text and link modifications to improve readability and user experience. (Author: Luke)
June 5 2023 Revised introduction, added more information about each device, and new photos as well. (Author: Greg)
February 20 2023 Pricing and coupon information updated. (Author: Greg)
November 25 2022 Following our hands-on review, we featured Bob and Brad D6 Pro as the Theragun Pro alternative. (Author: Luke)
October 30, 2022 Added many new photos showing how we tested each device. (Author: Greg)
September 3, 2022 Bitfinic added as a budget pick for Theragun mini alternative. (Author: Luke)
June 12, 2022 Added Hypervolt 2 Pro as the Theragun Elite alternative, following our in-depth review. (Author: Luke)
March 17, 2022 Replaced Addsfit Max (not for sale anymore) with the new Opove M3 Pro 2. (Author: Luke)
November 2, 2021 Removed Minirex due to customer reports about major shipping issues. (Author: Luke)
Julay 30, 2021 Removed Happy Gun Pro from Theragun Pro alternatives, due to falsely advertised specs. (Author: Luke)
May 14, 2021 Article first published. (Author: Luke)
Published on:
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Written by:
Luke Deszczulka
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