Therabody Buyer’s Guide: Theragun vs. TheraFace (2025)

This guide compares the entire Therabody ecosystem — from Theragun massage guns to the TheraFace Mask Glo — so you can confidently pick the right device for recovery, stress relief, or skincare, find legitimate savings, and know how to track results with objective BodySpec data.

• Best deep-tissue massage gun: Theragun PRO Plus — percussive, LED, heat, and vibration therapy in one device.
• Best value: Theragun Prime (Gen 6) — durable, simple, and app‑guided; great everyday pick.
• Stress-first: Theragun Sense (2nd gen) — on‑screen guided routines + heart‑rate sensor to help you downshift.
• Travel-ready: Theragun Mini Plus — small, quiet, and offers a heated head option.
• Budget baseline: Theragun Relief — simple 3‑speed gun that covers the essentials.
• At‑home skincare: TheraFace Mask Glo — FDA‑cleared LED mask with red, red+infrared, and blue modes (Engadget’s launch coverage).

We cite official Therabody product, warranty, and return pages, plus ID.me discount details and independent reporting — and we keep it practical: how to use these devices, where to save, and how to track your progress with a BodySpec DEXA scan.

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How Therabody devices work (in plain English)

Percussive therapy (Theragun)

• The massage head moves in and out quickly to deliver deep, targeted pulses. Theragun devices are engineered for depth (up to 16 mm amplitude) and power (up to 60 lbs no‑stall force on select models) with quiet operation via QuietForce Technology (Therabody explainer).

Multi‑therapy add‑ons (PRO Plus)

• The Theragun PRO Plus layers percussive therapy with near‑infrared LED light, heat, and vibration attachments to boost circulation, reduce stiffness, and speed warm‑ups and recovery (official PRO Plus details).

LED light therapy (TheraFace Mask Glo)

• The Mask Glo uses 504 LEDs across red (≈633 nm), red+infrared (≈633/830 nm), and blue (≈415 nm) to target fine lines, firmness, radiance, and blemishes. It’s FDA‑cleared with a 12‑minute preset treatment (Mask Glo product page; Engadget’s launch coverage).
• In a 12‑week clinical study (n=104), users saw expert‑graded improvements in radiance, firmness, texture, and reductions in fine lines and sagging, with high user satisfaction (Therabody clinical findings).

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Theragun lineup at a glance (compare models)

Note on availability: The specific “Prime” generation in stock can rotate as newer models launch. If the latest Prime is unavailable new, check certified refurbished units in the Therabody Outlet for savings.

Pro tip: Start with the Dampener head on large muscles and keep sessions to 1–2 minutes per area. Pair with gentle mobility and active recovery for best results.

TheraFace Mask Glo: who it’s for and what to expect

Best for

• At‑home users who want clinically supported improvements in fine lines, skin texture, radiance, and firmness without in‑office treatments.

What the evidence and specs say

• LEDs: 504 total; modes for red, red+infrared, and blue light; 12‑minute guided program; cordless design (Mask Glo product page).
• Clinical findings: A 12‑week study (n=104) found meaningful improvements across radiance, firmness, texture, and fine lines/sagging (Therabody clinical findings).
• Price: ~$380.

If your priority is whole‑body recovery rather than facial care, check out our guides to red light therapy results and Planet Fitness red light therapy.

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Buyer's matrix: match the device to your goal

• Muscle recovery and performance
  • Top tier: PRO Plus
  • High value: Prime or Sense
  • Portable: Mini Plus
  • Budget basics: Relief
• Stress relief and better sleep: Theragun Sense
• Skincare and anti‑aging: TheraFace Mask Glo
• Small spaces or frequent travel: Theragun Mini Plus or Relief

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Prices, discounts, and where to save

• ID.me verification discounts

  • Military, first responders, medical professionals, nurses, and hospital employees: typically 20% off select products.
  • Students, teachers, and educators: typically 10% off full‑price products.
  • Terms and exclusions apply; verify at checkout (ID.me – Therabody).

• Therabody Outlet (refurbished)

  • Save up to ~30% on certified refurbished devices and early‑gen models; includes a standard 1‑year warranty; refurbished items are final sale (Therabody Outlet).

• Return policy and warranty

  • Direct purchases usually have a 30‑day return window if items are in “like new” condition; refurbished items are final sale (Therabody return policy).
  • Most new devices: 1‑year limited warranty in the U.S.; attachments and accessories: typically 90 days; coverage applies to purchases from Therabody or authorized sellers (Therabody warranty terms).

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Cost vs. Benefit Analysis: When a device “pays for itself”

To frame the investment, compare the one‑time device cost against recurring expenses like professional massages or spa LED add‑ons.

• Massage example: If a quality 60‑minute massage costs ~$90 and you’d book 1×/month, that’s ~$1,080/year. A device like Theragun Sense ( ~$300) “breaks even” in under 4 sessions. A PRO Plus ( ~$650) equals roughly 7 sessions.
• Facial/LED example: If an LED add‑on is ~ $30/visit, 2×/month × 12 months = ~$720/year. Mask Glo ( ~$380) “breaks even” after ~13 add‑ons.

Also consider time saved, convenience, and the ability to use the tool several times per week. Track whether your recovery investment is working with objective data like quarterly BodySpec DEXA scans.

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Safe and smart use tips

• Start low and build: Begin with gentle pressure and the Dampener head; 1–2 minutes per muscle group.
• Watch sensitive areas: Avoid bony landmarks and the front of the neck with massage guns.
• LED eye safety: Wear eye protection with bright LED masks; follow device instructions (Mask Glo product page).
• Medical considerations: If you use photosensitizing medications or have certain conditions, consult a clinician before LED use; if pregnant, avoid direct abdominal LED exposure as a precaution.
• Prep and habit stack: Pair Theragun sessions with active recovery or a short foam‑rolling routine for best results.

FAQs

Is Theragun actually deep‑tissue?

• Yes. Theragun is engineered for depth (up to 16 mm amplitude) and power (up to 60 lbs no‑stall force on select models), enabling deeper penetration than many generic massage guns (Therabody explainer).

How quiet are the latest models?

• Therabody’s QuietForce Technology aims for “remarkably quiet” operation without sacrificing power; specific decibel figures are not published on official product pages (Therabody explainer).

What’s the battery life?

• Examples: ~150 minutes on PRO Plus (varies with attachment) and ~120 minutes on Prime, Mini Plus, and Relief (see their product pages linked above).

Is Theragun Sense really for stress?

• Sense is Therabody’s massage gun designed for stress relief, with on‑screen guided routines and a heart‑rate sensor to help you relax before bed or after a long day (Theragun Sense details).

Is TheraFace Mask Glo legit?

• It’s FDA‑cleared, uses 504 LEDs across red, blue, and red+infrared modes, and showed statistically significant skin improvements in a 12‑week study (n=104) with a third‑party lab (Mask Glo product page; Therabody clinical findings; Engadget’s launch coverage).

Will insurance or HSA/FSA cover Theragun?

• Certain models are HSA/FSA‑eligible (e.g., Sense); coverage varies by plan — check your benefits (Theragun Sense details).

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Bottom line

• Want the most capability in one device and plan to use it several days a week? PRO Plus is the do‑it‑all pick.
• For core percussive value without the premium price, start with Prime or Sense.
• Focused on visible skin improvements at home? Mask Glo brings FDA‑cleared, clinically supported LED therapy into a 12‑minute routine.

Whatever you choose, make it part of a complete recovery strategy that includes movement, sleep, and smart tracking. See how your routine shows up in your muscle, fat, and visceral‑fat trends with periodic BodySpec DEXA scans — then adjust based on real data.