Theragun G3PRO vs G3 vs Liv: Which Is The Best For YOU?

If you’re an athlete, an avid gym enthusiast, or simply enjoying a relaxing massage, you have probably heard of Theragun. This company is a leader in percussive massage therapy devices made wildly popular by professional athletes and celebrities and even suggested by hundreds of physical therapists worldwide. Theragun’s handheld percussive therapy devices are like a deep-tissue massage on the go, without the need to block an hour out of your day to book a professional masseuse. Whether you’re cooling down from a workout or suffering from joint pain, Theragun could be a game-changer in your daily exercise routine.

Theragun G3 vs G3Pro vs Liv Compared

Theragun offers 3 different models: the Theragun Liv, G3, and G3Pro, all with various speeds, attachments, and max force.

The right model for you will ultimately depend on these factors:

• Price
• Customization
• Speed
• Noise level
• Battery life

It’s important to note that  all devices offer the same combination of percussive depth and speed (16mm amplitude with 40 percussions per second ) that deliver the most effective massage treatment.

Each model also features 3 ergonomic grips that help prevent fatigue when treating areas that are harder to reach like your back and shoulders. Theragun claims that the regular use of any model can help reduce muscle soreness and promote fast muscle recovery.

See the differences in our Theragun comparison table:

Product Name	G3Pro	G3	Liv
Image
Treatment Level	Professional	Premium	Essential
Speeds	2 speeds (Up to 2400 ppm)	2 speeds (up to 2400ppm)	1 speed – 2400 ppm
Battery	2 swappable batteries: Life 75 mins each (150 mins total)	1 built-in battery: Life 60 mins	1 built-in battery: Life 45 mins
Amplitude	16mm	16mm	16mm
Max Force	60lbs	40lbs	30lbs
Attachments	6	4	2
Weight	3.1lbs	2.7lbs	2.5lbs
Travel Case Included	Yes	Yes	Travel Pouch
Price	Discontinued	Discontinued	Discontinued

Theragun Liv

The Theragun Liv is the lightest and smallest device of the 3, making this the most portable product that you can simply toss in a bag. This is a great starter percussive therapy product if you’re looking for something that’s no-frills. The Theragun Liv features 1 speed (40 percussions per second) and 2 pro attachments (dampener and standard ball). This model can be used to treat muscles at all stages of physical activity. The Theragun Liv includes 1 travel pouch, 1 power adaptor, and 2 pro attachments.

Theragun G3

The Theragun G3 is under 3 pounds and about 10 inches in length, making this device fully portable, though not as much as the Theragun Liv. This is the middle-range Theragun device that offers 2 speeds (29 and 40 percussions per second) and 4 pro attachments (dampener, cone, thumb, and standard ball) for better customization. Like the Theragun Liv, the Theragun G3 can be used to treat muscles at any stage of physical activity. The Theragun G3 includes 1 travel case, 1 power adaptor, both Theragun Liv attachments, and 2 additional attachments (thumb and cone attachments).

Theragun G3Pro

The G3Pro, Theragun’s flagship model, is the company’s most powerful and customizable device. The G3Pro is actually considered to be a professional-grade percussive therapy instrument. This makes it the ideal model for professional athletic teams, physical therapists, chiropractors, or if you’re simply interested in buying the best of the best. The G3Pro is similar in size to the G3, at just under 3 pounds in weight and about 10 inches in length.

This model is the most versatile and customized model, with a 2-speed functionality of 1750 and 2400 RPMs and 6 pro attachments including a dampener, cone, thumb, standard ball, wedge, and large ball. The Theragun G3Pro is the longest-lasting model, with a battery life of 75 minutes per battery. While this model is the loudest at 70 decibels, its proven power and durability more than compensate for the noise.

This massage gun comes with a protective travel case, 2 lithium-ion batteries, a lithium-ion battery charger, a separate pouch for attachments, and all 6 attachments.

Theragun Liv vs G3 vs G3Pro, what’s the best option?

While all of Theragun’s handheld devices are proven to improve muscle fatigue and accelerate recovery, the best option is really up to the individual. Your physical ailments, budget, need for customization, and frequency of use are a few factors to consider before choosing which model is right for you. Here’s a quick recap that may help determine which model is the best based on different needs:

Best price – Theragun Liv

If you’re looking for the most affordable model to discover what Theragun has to offer, the Theragun Liv features 1 speed, 2 pro attachments, and 45-minute battery life for the cheapest price of all three.

Most customization – Theragun G3Pro

For the most versatile range of muscle therapy, the Theragun G3Pro comes with 6 pro attachments that focus on different types of treatment:

• Dampener attachment – For sensitive areas near bones
• Large ball – For larger muscle group therapy
• Standard ball – For overall use
• Wedge – For shoulder blades
• Thumb  – For lower back
• Cone – For pinpoint muscle treatment

Best beginner model – Theragun Liv or G3

The Theragun Liv is a great option for beginners who are on a budget and looking for a basic percussive therapy device. For a little more versatility in speed and customization (this model comes with 4 pro attachments instead of 2), for an extra $150 the G3 is also great for beginners.

The best model for athletes and professionals – Theragun G3 or G3Pro

For the deepest and most effective muscle recovery needed by any type of athlete, the Theragun G3 or G3Pro are the best options. The G3 offers two speeds and four pro attachments that allow for a wider range and more intense form of percussive therapy.

The G3Pro provides a step up from the G3, with two professional-grade speeds and six attachments. The G3Pro is used by many professional athletes, physical therapists, and chiropractors.

Best portable model – Theragun Liv

If you’re looking for the best on-the-go device that can fit easily into your gym bag, the Theragun Liv is the smallest model of the 3, making it the most portable and easy to use.

Final thoughts – Here’s what I’d choose…

As you probably know, Theragun is seen as the “crème de la crème” of massage guns. Not only is it the original and first of these percussion massagers invented (in this particular “gun” style), but its top-of-the-range G3Pro is still pretty much unrivaled when it comes to power and functionality.

Sure, there are many, many cheaper options available now. Theragun though is a reputable brand we know and trust, and this will be an investment that will last for years to come (and will probably save you a lot of money on physio and/or massage therapist visits too).

So which would I choose?

When comparing Theragun Liv vs G3 vs G3Pro, personally, the Liv with its single speed wouldn’t be for me. Depending on what kind of muscle ailment you’re treating, you’ll almost certainly want the ability to vary the speeds. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a good product, because it IS (there are plenty of happy Liv users). It’s just that there are similarly priced massage guns that happen to do more, so if your budget is on the lower end, I’d maybe opt for something like the Lifepro Sonic massage gun.

That just leaves us with the Theragun G3 vs G3PRO, both awesome percussion massagers with plenty of features that make them worth the price.

If you can afford it, I’d say definitely try the G3PRO

It’s marketed as a professional device – one for professional sports teams, athletes, physiotherapists etc. But really it’s for anyone who wants the “best of the best”. It’s got all the bells and whistles that make it capable of treating just about any muscle issue you can throw at it:

• 6 different attachments for a wide range of massage styles and for all different parts of the body.
• An adjustable shaft so you can treat your body from all different angles using different levels of pressure
• The highest power rating (a max force of 60lbs) will help you treat the tightest of muscles and worst knots. G3 has a lesser max force of 40lbs so you won’t get as aggressive a massage.
• Longer battery life and two swappable batteries so you don’t need to keep charging it (the G3 only has one built-in battery which won’t last as long)

Why the G3 might suit you better

Although the G3PRO is better all round, the G3 is still a very good massager and might suit you better in the following circumstances:

• If you’re on a budget, this is quite a bit cheaper than the Pro version. Approx $200 of a difference is a significant saving.
• Maybe you want a less aggressive massage? There’s no denying that the G3PRO is a beast when it comes to power and might not suit everyone.
• If it’s only for personal use you may not need the extra battery life so you could save by choosing the G3.

Whichever model you decide on, you’re probably going to be glad you opted for a Theragun. This massager has been branded a “life changer” by so many people that it’s an investment you can’t really go wrong with. And it WILL save you money (and pain) in the long run, so it’s well worth choosing the one that will bring you the most relief.