Hypervolt GO vs Theragun mini (2021): Which Is The Better Portable Massage Device?

Percussive massage devices are fast becoming a staple in people’s workout and recovery gear. Most standard models, however, are too big to carry around on a day-to-day basis. If you’re in the market for something more portable, then you’ve probably heard of Hypervolt GO and the Theragun mini.

Hypervolt’s on-the-go massage gun comes in 30% lighter than its flagship counterparts. Similarly, Theragun’s entry-level model sports a more compact form compared to its more premium siblings. Between the GO and the mini, however, which portable massage device actually delivers? In this review, we compared the two models to help you decide.

Hypervolt GO vs Theragun mini Comparison Chart

Design and Build

The Theragun mini is more compact—thanks to its unique shape—compared to the Hypervolt GO.

The Hypervolt GO and Theragun mini couldn’t be more different when it comes to design. Hypervolt’s most portable model follows the “gun-like” design found on the Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus. The main difference is that the GO is smaller and lighter. Here, users get a single grip handle along with a cylindrical barrel that contains most of the device’s components. Meanwhile, at the tip of the barrel, you’ll find the placement for the interchangeable massage heads.

Theragun’s ultra-portable mini, on the other hand, breaks from the mold of the traditional massage gun. In fact, it’s different from other Theragun devices, too, which sport a triangular design with multi-grip handles. Instead, the mini comes in a spade-shaped form that is both compact and sleek. While it loses the multi-grip handles, the device features an oval dent at the center for a no-slip grip.

Although both are marketed as portable massage guns, the Theragun mini is lighter and easier to carry around. Theragun’s entry-level device has a form that can easily slip into a gym bag or office backpack, too. Users can get the Theragun mini in black, white, and Product (RED) colors. The Hypervolt GO, on the other hand, is only available in black.

Performance

The Hypervolt GO delivers more pressure and higher speed settings while the Theragun mini massages deeper and operates more quietly.

While they look different, the performance you get from the Hypervolt GO and Theragun mini is quite comparable. Since these are portable devices, however, they’re not as powerful. The Theragun mini, for instance, delivers a stall force of 20 pounds. Meanwhile, the Hypervolt GO offers a bit more with about 25 pounds of pressure. The industry standard for deep tissue percussive therapy is a stall force ranging between 30 to 50 pounds.

For comparison, the Theragun Prime and Elite have a stall force of 30 and 40 pounds, respectively. The company’s Theragun PRO, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 60 pounds of pressure. Meanwhile, Hypervolt’s PLUS model delivers about 55 pounds of weight on your muscles. Both the Hypervolt GO and Theragun mini are still great for relieving post-workout aches but aren’t ideal if you need more intensive treatments.

To make up for its lower stall force, the Theragun mini has a slightly higher 12mm amplitude compared to the Hypervolt GO’s 10mm. This should give the mini a punchier feel. Nonetheless, you will get higher speeds from the Hypervolt GO. Although you can choose from 3 levels just like the mini, the GO’s options include much faster 2,200, 2,750, and 3,200 percussions per minute.

Perhaps the only downside to the GO is that it can be a bit noisy — around 50 decibels in fact. Theragun mini’s noise level, on the other hand, is about 45 decibels. While it isn’t completely noise-free, it will certainly not draw as much attention in the gym as the GO.

Attachments and Battery Life

Both the Hypervolt GO and Theragun mini are compatible with their brand’s respective head attachments.

In terms of accessories, you’re getting more from the Hypervolt GO. The compact massage device comes with an 18V charge and three plug adapters. It also includes two massage heads — flat and bullet. If you’re looking to target more specific muscle groups, you’ll be happy to know the Hypervolt GO is compatible with other head attachments. However, they are sold separately as an entire applicator set.

Theragun’s mini is also compatible with the company’s fourth-generation attachments — but you only get the standard ball head out of the box. Aside from this attachment, users will also receive a power adapter and soft case. Unlike the Hypervolt Go, you can buy attachments individually. However, you can also opt to get a two-head set with the accompanying Duo Adapter.

Both massage guns are equipped with lithium-ion batteries and deliver up to 150-minutes of battery life. Hypervolt’s GO takes a little under 2 hours to fully charge, while the Theragun mini requires about 80-minutes of charge time.

Pricing and Warranty

The Hypervolt Go’s applicator set is comparably priced as Theragun’s individual attachments.

Like any good competition, the Hypervolt GO and Theragun mini are both priced at just under $200. Hypervolt GO’s set of attachments, however, is less expensive, coming in at around $25 for the entire pack. In contrast, Theragun’s attachments are sold at about $20 each.

You can opt to get the Theragun mini package if you need all the head attachments, though. It’s a more expensive option than just getting the standalone device. But you will save a couple of dollars more compared to buying all the attachments separately.

The Hypervolt GO comes with a one-year warranty that covers material or workmanship defects. It’s the same time period you get with your Theragun mini, although the cover includes both device and charger. Theragun attachments, on the other hand, are only covered with a 30-day warranty.

Verdict

Users will get more value for their money with the Hypervolt GO massage gun compared to the Theragun mini.

Choosing between the Hypervolt GO and Theragun mini can be challenging, especially since they come with the same price tag. A look at the stall force and speed settings, however, shows the portable Hypervolt has the edge over the mini. The GO also includes more accessories compared to Theragun’s entry-level massage gun. Plus, if you do want to upgrade your treatment, you’ll spend less on Hypervolt’s entire applicator set compared to getting at least two of Theragun’s attachments.

The Theragun mini, however, is more compact and operates more quietly. You can even get it in different colors. But given Hypervolt GO’s performance features, it’s safe to say you’ll be better off with the slightly larger and noisier massage gun.

Click here to read our Theragun vs Theradrill comparison.

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