Percussive therapy massage devices like the Theragun and the Magic Wand have become increasingly popular for at-home muscle recovery and pain relief.
But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Here we’ll compare the key features and benefits of two of the most popular massage guns – the Theragun and the Magic Wand – to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Theragun | Magic Wand |
| Type of Therapy | Percussive | Vibration |
| Speed Range | 1750-2400 PPM | Low and High |
| Force/Power | Up to 60 lbs at 16mm amplitude | Up to 10,000 RPM |
| Noise Level | Quieter with QuietStroke technology | Louder high-pitched vibration |
| Weight | Starting at 1.5 lbs | Heavier at 1.2 lbs |
| Portability | Rechargeable battery | Must be plugged in |
| Connectivity | App connectivity via Bluetooth | No app or connectivity |
| Cost | $199 to $599 | $50 to $100+ |
| Target Treatment | Better for deep muscle therapy | Effective on broader muscles |
| Customization | Fully customizable speed/force | Just low and high settings |
Overview Of The Theragun
The Theragun is one of the most well-known massage gun brands. Founded in 2008 by chiropractor Dr. Jason Wersland, the company offers a range of percussive therapy devices designed to enhance muscle recovery.
Some key features of the Theragun include:
- Powerful motor with amplitude (width of percussion) up to 16mm for deep muscle treatment
- Ergonomic triangle design makes it easy to reach all areas of the body
- QuietStroke technology for reduced noise
- Adjustable speed range from 1750 to 2400 PPMs
- Rechargeable battery with up to 150 minutes of continuous use
- OLED screen displays force, speed, and battery life
The Theragun comes in several models like the Theragun Elite, Prime, and Mini, so there are options at different price points. The devices connect to the Therabody app via Bluetooth to control customization and track usage.
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Overview Of The Magic Wand
The Magic Wand is a handheld electric massager originally created in the late 1960s as a personal massager for sore muscles. While not technically marketed as a “massage gun”, it essentially serves the same purpose.
Key features of the Magic Wand include:
- Powerful motor with vibration intensity up to 10,000 RPMs
- Large massage head for broad coverage
- Only two speed settings – low and high
- Corded (must be plugged in to use)
- Heavier and bulkier than massage guns
- Affordable price point around $50-$100
The Magic Wand provides intense vibration to help relax muscle tension and stimulate circulation. While not as customizable in speed and force as the Theragun, its high-powered motor remains popular for effective muscle relief.
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Comparison Of Key Features
Now let’s directly compare some of the key features between the Theragun and the Magic Wand head-to-head:
Force/Power
- Theragun: Up to 60 lbs of force with 16mm amplitude
- Magic Wand: Intense vibration up to 10,000 RPMs
Percussion Vs. Vibration
- Theragun: Uses percussive therapy via repetitive strokes
- Magic Wand: Uses intense vibration
Speed Range
- Theragun: 1750 to 2400 PPMs (percussions per minute)
- Magic Wand: Just 2 settings – Low and High
Noise Level
- Theragun: Quieter with proprietary QuietStroke technology
- Magic Wand: Louder and more high-pitched vibration
Weight
- Theragun: Starting at 1.5 lbs for the Mini model
- Magic Wand: Heavier at 1.2 lbs with bulky design
Portability
- Theragun: Rechargeable battery for cordless use
- Magic Wand: Must be plugged into wall outlet
Connectivity & Customization
- Theragun: Connects to app with personalized wellness programs
- Magic Wand: No app connectivity or customization
Cost
- Theragun: $199 to $599 depending on model
- Magic Wand: $50 to $100+ depending on accessories
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Each Device
Based on their designs and features, here are some key benefits and potential drawbacks of the Theragun and Magic Wand:
Theragun Benefits
- Effective for deep muscle treatment thanks to percussive therapy
- Customizable speed and force via app connectivity
- Triangle ergonomic shape great for hard to reach spots
- Quiet operation compared to other massage guns
Potential Theragun Drawbacks
- High price tag, especially for pro models
- App connectivity requires Bluetooth and charged battery
- Percussion could be too intense for some users
Magic Wand Benefits
- Powerful vibration perfect for loosening muscle knots
- Large massage head provides broad coverage
- Durable, classic design at an affordable price
- Simple 2-speed operation without needing apps
Potential Magic Wand Drawbacks
- Limited speed/force settings compared to massage guns
- Much louder operation during use
- Bulky head may not target knots as directly
- Must be plugged into an outlet to operate
Which Is Better For You?
So when considering the Theragun versus the Magic Wand, which is the better option? Here are some factors to help determine which percussive massager could be more suitable:
If you want targeted percussion to reach deeper muscles, the Theragun may be the better choice. Customizable speed/force settings and ergonomic design enable you to pinpoint tight spots.
If you have sensitive skin or dislike intense percussion, the Magic Wand may be better. The vibration provides a gentler but still effective massage.
If you want a cordless, portable massager, the battery-powered Theragun is likely the better pick as the Magic Wand must be plugged in.
If you want the most affordable option, the Magic Wand is the clear budget winner. Theragun massage guns cost significantly more.
If you desire tech connectivity and app integration, the Bluetooth-equipped Theragun delivers advanced customization and tracking that the Magic Wand lacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Theragun is considered the “gold standard” when it comes to percussive massage devices. The combination of customized force and speed, ergonomic design, and app connectivity make it tough to beat. However, there are some comparable alternatives that come close:
Hyperice Hypervolt: Also offers quiet and powerful percussion with app connectivity
Achedaway Pro: Allows adjusting percussion speed and depth for customization
TimTam Power Massager: Good for deep tissue treatment thanks to high torque
Vybe Premium: Budget-friendly model still with adjustable speed and force
While the Theragun is hard to top, these options provide an experience that some may find on par with Theragun for less cost. But no other device fully matches the entire package Theragun delivers.
Yes, the Magic Wand can be an excellent massage tool, especially for muscles that require intense vibration to loosen up. The powerful 10,000 RPM motor allows it to penetrate deep into tissues. The large massage head works well for broader coverage of the back, legs, etc.
Many physical therapists and massage therapists integrate the Magic Wand into treatments thanks to its durability and effectiveness. It may not offer the precision of massage guns, but it remains a proven way to enhance circulation and relieve muscle aches.
Many physical therapists are now using Theragun massage devices in their practices to treat patients. Features like the adjustable speed/force settings and closed grip angle allow them to pinpoint specific areas that need attention during therapy sessions. The app connectivity also gives PTs usage data they can monitor between appointments.
Theragun has done clinical trials and outcome-based studies showing the benefits for physical therapy and recovery. So while the Theragun isn’t necessarily a required device, it’s becoming an increasingly popular one in physical therapy settings.
There are a few options some may find provide even better muscle relief than massage guns:
Foam rolling allows you to control pressure and massage length by using your own body weight. The firm foam applies targeted pressure across muscles.
Electric muscle stimulators like TENS units use electrical signals to cause involuntary muscle contractions. This “passive exercise” helps reduce pain and stiffness.
Vibration plates like Power Plates generate whole-body vibration to engage muscles and improve circulation. This can complement massage guns.
Massage chairs provide customized robotic massage via tapping, kneading and rolling. They mimic real massage techniques to relax the entire body.
Manual therapy techniques like trigger point release, executed by a massage therapist or physical therapist, can reach deeper tissues than self-massage devices.
While more expensive, these options provide powerful healing benefits. But massage guns like Theragun remain highly effective, accessible ways to recover between workouts and manage pain.
Also watch the video of Theragun!
The Verdict
Overall, the Theragun and the Magic Wand take two different approaches to delivering relief from sore, tense muscles. The Theragun offers a high degree of customization and focused percussion, but at a much higher price point. The Magic Wand is more budget-friendly and provides intense vibration that many find effective.
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Ultimately, it depends on your budget, massage preferences, and needs for portability or app connectivity. The Theragun is the smarter investment if you can afford it and want guided programs and progress tracking. But the Magic Wand is a trusted muscle massage staple at a fraction of the price. With proper use, both devices can enhance recovery between workouts and provide therapeutic benefits.