Theragun Sense massage gun review: More than a massage
Theragun Sense: One-minute review
While massage guns are more popular than ever, they can do so much more. That seems to be the thinking behind the Theragun Sense, a relatively compact massage gun that acts as a masseuse.
Expect guided massage routines, a whisper-quiet profile, and even breathing exercises, making it a fantastic all-rounder.
There are more powerful massage guns around for deeper, sports massages, but the size and additional features on offer make the Theragun Sense a great option - especially for $300 or less. Even better, you’ll find four massage attachments and a carry case inside the box, so you have everything you need right from the jump.
Theragun Sense: Specifications
Theragun Sense: Price and availability
- Available now
- Priced at $299.99/£275/AU$449
The Theragun Sense launched late last year, and you can find it at a discount already. Amazon offers it for under $230/£250/AU$400 fairly regularly, but even at full price, it’s definitely competitive with other massage guns we’ve tested.
- Value score: 5/5
Theragun Sense: Design
- Relatively compact
- Subtle biometric sensor
- Black and white color options
If you’ve seen a Theragun massage gun, you’ll likely know what to expect here, with a comfortable, firm build that weighs less than you might expect.
The company’s “patented ergonomic grip” is present and accounted for, but unlike other models, you won’t be able to extend the end to be straighter (that’s a Theragun Pro feature).
The upshot of that is that the Sense is much smaller and lighter than many comparable models, Theragun or otherwise, with a weight of just 1.6 lbs/0.7kg. That’s particularly key here because of the breathing exercise we’ll come to later but also means you can enjoy an impressive massage without needing to switch arms quite as regularly.
The Theragun Sense comes in Black and White colorways, but both have a rose gold trim to them. That’s unlikely to bother many users, but it’s interesting that both share the same secondary color.
Attachments are easy to swap out, you’ll just need to pull on them until they come loose, but they do slot back in with a satisfying ‘click’.
The big draw here is the display, which sits atop four directional buttons and a central confirmation one. Not only are the menus easy to navigate (with a Quick Start option a single button press away), but they also give step-by-step massage guidance to help you move between important muscle groups.
You can also use the included companion app on your phone, too, if you’d prefer, and that ties into the biometric sensor under the handle - but more on that shortly.
Charging is done via USB-C, with the port at the front of the unit. There’s a cable included, but no power adapter, sadly.
- Design score: 5/5
Theragun Sense: Performance
- Comes with multiple attachments
- Nifty carry case
- Breathing exercises are nice
The Theragun Sense offers what I would call a great ‘casual’ massage for newcomers. That may explain the cheaper price point compared to the Theragun Pro, but it’s also packing its own internal tutorial via the display to help you know when to switch between locations on the body.
That makes it ideal for partners and housemates, too, letting you ask them to hit the more unwieldy spots on the lower back, for example. It hits hard enough, but you’ll want something like the Bob and Brad D6 Pro for a harder massage.
There are four attachments included (Dampener, Standard Ball, Thumb, and Micro-point), as well as five speeds - all of which are impressively quiet.
If you use the biometric sensor with your finger, you can enjoy moment-to-moment heart rate, and that ties into the Therabody companion app for iOS and Android.
One of my favorite features, and one I admittedly didn’t know I needed, was the option to use the Sense for breathing exercises. Users sit with the device against their chest, and while it certainly feels unnatural at first, I found myself enjoying the process after a couple of attempts.
With some massage guns coming with dense instruction manuals, I was impressed at the potential of the companion app for helping educate users on when to massage effectively.
- Performance score: 5/5
Theragun Sense: Scorecard
Theragun Sense: Should I buy it?
Buy it if...
You’re not just interested in post-workout massages
The Theragun Sense is great for self-massage, but the breathing exercise functionality adds an extra dimension.
You’re a regular gymgoer
Still, its compact nature makes it ideal to keep in a gym bag for those bigger sessions.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You want something more powerful
While it packs a punch, there are more aggressively powered massage guns if that’s what you’re looking for.View Deal
You’re not interested in breathing exercises
The Theragun Pro adds more power at a higher price point, but will likely be better for any injury concerns.
Also consider
Bob & Brad D6 Pro
Another large massage gun, this powerful option is ideal for experienced self-massages and offers plenty of guidance if you’re OK reading the manual.
Theragun Pro
A larger Theragun that packs more power at the cost of portability, the Pro is ideal for longtime masseurs.
How I tested
I tested the Theragun Pro multiple times a week, after a weightlifting session at the gym or a run, as well as using it before bed to wind down.
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