We all love a quality massage gun. Let’s be honest, that’s what brought you here. However, the market has become saturated with dozens upon dozens of options. With so much to choose from, a lot of people come back to the top brands of percussive therapy: Theragun Mini vs Hypervolt Bluetooth .
If you’re looking for a more inexpensive option or for something that’s easy to bring along on the road with you, we’ve got the answers for you. Here’s our Theragun Mini vs Hypervolt Bluetooth review.
Theragun Mini Overview
- Depth: 12 millimeters
- Speeds: Three levels of 1750 percussions per minute (PPM), 2100 PPM and 2400 PPM
- Attachments: 1x head attachment; standard ball
- Stall force: 20 pounds
- Battery Life: 150 minutes
- Dimensions: 6 inches x 5.3 inches x 2.25 inches
- Weight: 1.43 pounds
- Bluetooth®: Not available
What’s included: carry case, 1x head attachment, wall charger
Hypervolt Bluetooth Overview
- Depth: 10 millimeters
- Speeds: Three levels of 1800 PPM, 2400 PPM and 3180 PPM
- Attachments: Five head attachments (ball, cushion, fork, bullet, flat)
- Stall force: 35 pounds
- Battery Life: 2.5 hours
- Dimensions: 9.7 inches x 7 inches x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
- Bluetooth®: Yes
What’s included: attachment set, attachment pouch, wall charger
Pros and Cons of the Theragun Mini
The Theragun Mini was created to provide users with a lightweight, portable option that wouldn’t sacrifice power. Compared to the Hypervolt, it offers a greater stroke length at 12 millimeters but falls short in stall force, and perhaps speed.
Like all other Theraguns, the Mini comes with its own carry case. As it was made to be ultra-portable, the wall charger prongs can fold into the body of the charger. Its compact size makes it easy to throw in your gym bag or backpack.
One of the disadvantages of the Mini is that you only get one of their six attachment heads, which is the standard ball. However, if you have any of the other fourth generation Theraguns, the massage head attachments are compatible with the Mini. You can also purchase additional attachment heads on the Therabody website.
Of course, one of the things that people love about Theraguns are their ergonomic handles. While the Mini looks quite different, it still takes advantage of Theragun’s triangle ergonomics. Its unique shape gives you multiple grip options so you can reach tricky spots, like the middle of your back.
It should be said that although we like Theragun products, they are the most highly-priced models, and there’s no doubt that a part of that price is the brand name. Do your research to figure out if the Mini is worth your while before throwing down your credit card.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Compact size and dimensions
- Ergonomic shape
- Quiet
Cons:
- Low stall force
- Only comes with one attachment head
- Expensive
Pros and Cons of the Hypervolt
The Hyperice Hypervolt Bluetooth® was the second iteration of the Hypervolt to hit the market, and it became the unofficial (but soon official) massage gun of professional athletes when the NBA picked it up.
Not to be confused with the Hypervolt 2, the Hypervolt has a pretty impressive speed range compared to the Theragun Mini; it reaches a speed of all the way up to nearly 3200ppm. However, at only 10 millimeters, the Hypervolt’s stroke length is the very bottom end when it comes to massage guns of its kind.
Its Bluetooth connectivity allows you to access the Hyperice app to set routines, find tips and personalize your massage, unlike the Mini which is the only Theragun without Bluetooth.
While the Hypervolt does come with five attachment heads, it does not come with a carry case, something customers have been nagging the company about for some time now. Its 90-degree angled handle isn’t a fan-favorite either.
Pros:
- Speed range
- Bluetooth® connectivity
- 5x head attachment set
- Removable battery
Cons:
- Low stroke length
- Not very ergonomic
- No carrying case
Is the Theragun Mini Strong Enough?
The Theragun Mini may be small, but it packs a fairly strong punch. It even stands up to the Theragun Pro, at least if we’re looking at the percussion per minute rates.
The Mini has three speed settings of 1750 ppm, 2100 ppm and 2400 ppm. The Theragun Pro also maxes out at 2400 strokes per minute. The Mini does have a very low stall force of 20 pounds and a stroke length of 12 millimeters, which is not top-notch. It IS called a Mini, so perhaps that’s not a dealbreaker.
When you compare it to the Hyperice Hypervolt, the Mini holds its ground. The Hypervolt Bluetooth has a stall force of 35 pounds and a stroke length of 10 millimeters, which is sufficient for what is considered to be a percussion massager. However, it does have a considerable speed range that maxes out around 3200 strokes per minute.
The two massage guns compare in basics but offer different strengths, literally and figuratively.
Is Theragun Mini TSA Approved?
One of Hyperice’s value props is that they’re TSA approved, which means Hyperice Hypervolt massage guns have been approved by the Transportation Security Administration for air travel. It’s worth noting the great irony of the Hypervolt is that it doesn’t come with a carry case, although they love to promote it as a massage gun that’s easy to travel with.
On the Therabody website, it states that it’s at the discretion of the TSA officer to allow your Theragun percussion massager through security gates or not. In reality, you shouldn’t have any issues traveling with any percussion massager that uses a lithium-ion battery.
The TSA website states that with airline approval, passengers can carry two spare lithium-ion batteries with more than 100 watt-hours, per person. Because of the dangerous nature of lithium-ion batteries, some airlines will not allow them to be packed in checked luggage. It’s always a good idea to ask before getting to the airport if you plan to pack it in your checked suitcase.
You can find additional information on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website.
You shouldn’t expect to have any issues bringing your massage gun with you for sky travel; it’s just better to be aware of any risks beforehand
Bottom Line
In the case of Theragun Mini vs. Hypervolt, which gun comes out on top for us? The answer depends on what you’re after. If it’s your first massage gun, the Hypervolt wins simply because it’s not a portable device and has the benefits of a full-sized percussive device.
However, while the Mini isn’t necessarily the gun we’d recommend if you were looking for your first massage gun, it’s an excellent option for those who travel a lot, want a portable option, and enjoy Theragun products.
