Right off the bat, the Theragun Mini offers impressive power, easily fits into a small bag, and delivers effective pre- and post-workout relief. It also happens to be the cheapest model in Theragun’s lineup, making it a good option for first-time massage gun owners looking for a premium brandname.
That reliable and effective performance is almost entirely attributed to how Theragun built the Mini. With three separate speed options of 1,750, 2,100, and 2,400 PPM, the Mini is anything but a watered-down version of the brand’s more advanced models.
Unlike the high-end models though, the Mini may have a harder time hitting muscles deeper and for longer periods of time before stalling. Although its RPM output is similar, the Mini has a far lower threshold of no-stall force (the amount of force it is able to dole out before stalling). While the Theragun Elite offers upward of 60 pounds of no-stall force, the Mini offers just 20 pounds – the lowest ranking out of our entire list. Basically, if you press just a bit too hard on the Mini, it will stop vibrating altogether.
Since I used the Mini almost entirely to either loosen up before a run or recover after a workout, I rarely found this to be an issue. Anyone who needs deeper work on their muscles, or who doesn’t want to fumble with a device that stalls as they press harder, may want to look at a different model.
The shape is unlike any other massage gun we tested – the Mini is shaped like a bloated spade (the card suit, not the shovel) with an indented area near the base that provides a spot for grip. An on/off/speed change button and charge port are located on one side, while the head is attached to a small arm protruding out from the top.
The Mini’s limited grip angles mean it won’t easily get to some hard-to-reach areas (like your upper back) and if you are able to reach them, the massage head won’t always be in a position to deliver a direct hit. I found the unique grip to be rather uncomfortable.
It won’t replace any of the Theragun’s advanced models but for the casual user, it’s not bad. It provided just enough relief post-workout that it became second nature to grab for the Mini the same way I do a foam roller. I appreciated how well it worked on areas of my body that were especially sore, too — most notable of which is my lower back. A few minutes of massage across my lower back was effective enough to allow me to avoid my standard back therapy routine of Ibuprofen and a hot shower. Instead, the Mini loosened up those back muscles to the point where I’d forget they were sore at all.
The Theragun Mini is a simple, yet effective massage gun for light muscle work and quick recovery. For targeted, longer sessions, you’ll want something with more power and features.