TheraGun Relief Review: Therabody’s Entry Level Massage Gun Hits Harder Than You’d Think
The Recover StackRecover Stack Editorial Team
Recover Stack Review ProcessIndependently tested & fact-checked
April 21, 2026
Therabody makes some of the best known percussion massage guns on the market, but their flagship models run $300 to $600. The Relief sits at the bottom of the lineup at $150, and honestly, for most people thats all you need.
I was skeptical going in. Budget versions of premium products usually cut corners in obvious ways. But the Relief surprised me. Its not as powerful as the Prime or the PRO, sure. Nobody claimed it was. What it does is deliver enough force to actually work out knots and sore spots without the price tag that makes you question your life choices.
3 Speed Settings
1,750 / 2,100 / 2,400 PPM with up to 20 lbs of force
2 Hour Battery
120 minutes per charge with USB-C charging
QuietForce Tech
Runs quieter than most guns in this price range
Ergonomic Grip
Triangle handle reduces wrist strain during use
Our Experience
The first thing you notice is how light it is. At 1.78 lbs, you can use this thing on your own shoulders and upper back without your arm getting tired after 30 seconds. Thats a real problem with heavier guns and one that doesnt get talked about enough.
Three speeds might sound limiting compared to the five or six on fancier models. In practice, I used speed 2 about 90% of the time. Speed 1 felt good for warming up or hitting tender spots, and speed 3 gave enough punch for deep tissue work on quads and glutes. The 20 lbs of stall force wont satisfy someone who wants to really dig in, but for general recovery after workouts its plenty.
Therabodys app integration is a nice bonus. You can follow guided routines that tell you exactly where to hit and for how long. Not essential, but helpful if youre new to percussion therapy and dont know where to start.
One thing that bugs me: it comes with only one attachment head. You can buy more separately, but at $150 it would be nice to get at least two or three in the box. The standard ball attachment works for most muscle groups, but a flathead or cone would round things out.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Light enough to use one handed on hard to reach spots
- QuietForce motor is noticeably quieter than competitors at this price
- USB-C charging (finally, no proprietary cable)
- Therabody app with guided recovery routines
- 2 hour battery life covers multiple sessions easily
What Could Be Better
- Only one attachment head included
- 20 lbs stall force wont satisfy deep tissue enthusiasts
- No carrying case in the box
Specs
| Speed Settings | 3 (1,750 / 2,100 / 2,400 PPM) |
| Stall Force | 20 lbs |
| Amplitude | 12mm |
| Weight | 1.78 lbs |
| Battery Life | 120 minutes |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Attachments Included | 1 (Standard Ball) |
| Bluetooth / App | Yes (Therabody App) |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Common Questions
How does the Relief compare to the TheraGun Prime?
The Prime has 5 speeds instead of 3, comes with 4 attachment heads, and has 30 lbs of stall force vs 20. If you need more power and versatility, the Prime is worth the step up. For casual use and lighter recovery work, the Relief handles it fine.
Is 20 lbs of stall force enough?
For most people, yes. If you’re a larger athlete doing heavy training, you might want more. For everyday soreness, post workout recovery, and general muscle maintenance, 20 lbs gets the job done.
Can you buy extra attachments?
Yes. Therabody sells attachment packs separately. The cone, dampener, thumb, and wedge heads all fit the Relief.
The Verdict
The TheraGun Relief is Therabodys way of saying “you dont need to spend $400 to get a good massage gun.” And theyre right. Its light, quiet, and hits hard enough for most recovery needs. The single attachment head in the box is annoying, but the gun itself performs well above what youd expect at this price. If youre buying your first percussion gun or replacing a cheap Amazon knockoff, this is a solid starting point.
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