I’ve spent a few weeks testing this entry-level massage gun to see if it really delivers on its promise of accessible recovery, or if you’re better off saving up for one of the brand’s premium models.
The Theragun Relief could be worth buying if you’re new to percussive therapy or prefer a gentle massage experience, but serious athletes will need something more powerful. With three speed settings, a 10mm amplitude, and three interchangeable attachments, it targets everyday aches and stiffness rather than deep muscle tissue. It’s also remarkably quiet and lightweight at just 0.6kg, which makes it easy to use for longer sessions without your arms getting tired.
I’ll walk you through everything the Relief offers, from its ergonomic design and user-friendly features to how it stacks up against other Therabody models like the Mini and Pro. Whether you’re dealing with work-from-home tension or post-workout soreness, this review will help you decide if the Relief is the right massage gun for your needs and budget.
Theragun Relief: Key Features and User Experience
The Theragun Relief packs several thoughtful features into its compact frame, including a lightweight triangular design, three attachment heads, and USB-C charging. I found its simplicity refreshing, though the lack of app connectivity and basic controls mean you’re getting a straightforward massage gun without the bells and whistles.
Design and Ergonomics
The Theragun Relief weighs just 2.14kg, making it one of the lightest massage guns I’ve tried. Therabody kept their signature triangular handle, which lets you grip it from different angles without straining your wrist.
The frame is all plastic, which keeps the weight down but doesn’t feel as fancy as some pricier models. I noticed right away that it’s missing any textured grip, so during longer sessions, my hand would slip a bit—especially if my palms got sweaty.
Even though it’s smaller than the full-sized Theragun Elite, the Relief still feels comfortable to hold. The thinner grip sits nicely in my hand, and I could reach most muscle groups without too much awkwardness. That said, some spots on my upper back were tough to get to.
The single-button operation is as simple as it gets. Three little LEDs tell you which speed you’re on. No screens, no menus to mess with.
Using the Therabody App and Guided Routines
The Theragun Relief doesn’t connect to the Therabody app, which sets it apart from pricier models in the range. Instead, you get a printed card with three basic quick-start routines included in the box.
This stripped-back approach works fine if you already know how to use percussive therapy. I didn’t miss the app connectivity much during my testing, as the three speed settings were easy enough to cycle through manually.
New users might feel a bit lost without guided routines through an app. The printed card provides basic direction, but it’s not as interactive or detailed as what you’d get with app-connected Theragun models.
For the £129 price point, the lack of app features makes sense. Therabody clearly designed this for people who want simple, straightforward relief without fussing with their phone.
Attachments and Settings
The Relief comes with three attachments: the Dampener, Standard Ball, and Thumb. Each serves a different purpose, though I felt the selection was a bit limited.
The Dampener is the largest and softest attachment. I used it primarily on sensitive areas and found it particularly good for gentle work around joints. It’s ideal if you prefer soothing massage over deep tissue work.
The Standard Ball provides all-purpose coverage. This semi-soft head works well across most muscle groups and became my go-to attachment for general use.
The Thumb is the only firm attachment in the set. Its small, focused design makes it perfect for trigger point therapy and working into tight spots like the plantar fascia.
The three speed settings run from 1,750 RPM to 2,400 RPM. These speeds sit at the lower end of what most massage guns offer, which reinforces that this device is built for gentle relief rather than deep tissue work.
The 10mm amplitude is Therabody’s shortest stroke length. For comparison, the Theragun Mini has 12mm. This shorter stroke, combined with the 20 lbs stall force, means the Relief delivers more of a vibrational therapy experience.
Battery Life and Portability
The Theragun Relief charges via USB-C, which I appreciated. No proprietary chargers to keep track of—just use any USB-C cable you’ve got lying about.
A full charge takes roughly 90 minutes. The user manual claims up to 2 hours of battery life, but that’s at minimum load. In real-world use at higher speeds with pressure applied, I found closer to 90 minutes was more realistic.
The compact size and light weight make this massage gun incredibly portable. It slips easily into a gym bag or suitcase without taking up much space. The triangular design means it won’t roll around in your bag either.
There’s no carrying case included. At this price point, a simple drawstring bag would’ve been a nice touch for keeping the attachments together during travel.
Comparing Theragun Relief to Other Therabody Models
The Relief sits at the entry point of Therabody’s massage gun range, but how does it stack up against the brand’s more advanced models? I’ve compared it with three key alternatives to help you understand where it fits in the lineup.
Theragun Relief vs Theragun Pro Plus
The Pro Plus represents the top end of Therabody’s range, and the differences are substantial. Whilst the Relief offers 10mm amplitude and 20 lbs of stall force, the Pro Plus delivers 16mm amplitude with 60 lbs of force. That’s a massive jump in power for deep tissue work.
The Pro Plus includes six attachment heads compared to the Relief’s three. It also features Bluetooth connectivity for app-guided routines, whilst the Relief operates as a standalone device. You get five speed settings on the Pro Plus versus three on the Relief.
Battery life differs too. The Relief manages up to 120 minutes, but the Pro Plus extends this to 150 minutes. The Pro Plus also includes heat therapy attachments and supports optional cold and vibration attachments.
The price gap is significant though. The Pro Plus costs around £529, making it more than three times the price of the Relief at £149.
Theragun Relief vs Theragun Sense
The Sense sits above the Relief in Therabody’s lineup and adds some interesting features. It includes biometric sensors that monitor your heart rate and guide breathing exercises during use. The Relief doesn’t have any of these wellness-focused extras.
Both models share similar power specifications, making them better suited for everyday recovery rather than intense athletic use. The Sense offers app connectivity with guided routines that adjust automatically, whilst the Relief requires manual speed adjustments.
The Sense comes with five attachment heads compared to three on the Relief. It’s also quieter during operation and has a more refined design with premium materials.
Theragun Relief vs Theragun Mini
The Mini is Therabody’s most portable option, weighing just 0.65kg compared to the Relief’s 0.62kg. Both are light, but the Mini’s compact size means it slips into a gym bag or backpack without any fuss. Honestly, if portability is your thing, the Mini’s hard to beat on that front.
They both give you three speed settings. The Mini pushes a 12mm amplitude, while the Relief offers 10mm. Each model comes with three attachments, though the heads aren’t exactly the same—so you might want to check which ones actually fit your needs before deciding.
Battery life is where things get interesting. The Relief gives you up to 120 minutes, while the Mini’s internal battery can last about 150 minutes. The Mini usually sits around £175, so it’s a bit pricier than the Relief, even though it doesn’t pack in as many features. That might make you pause if you’re watching your budget.
