Boutayna Chokrane GearFeb 5, 2025 9:02 AM
Review: Therabody PowerDot 2.0 Duo
Therabodyâs at-home muscle stimulator is brilliant in theory but is plagued with connectivity issues.Photograph: Amazon; Getty ImagesSave this storySaveSave this storySaveTriangleUpBuy NowMultiple Buying Options Available$349 at Amazon (Duo)$349 at Therabody
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED
Rating:
6/10
Open rating explainerInformationWIREDEffective for muscle recovery and pain relief, especially menstrual cramps. Portable. FDA-cleared.TIREDFrequent app connectivity issues. Two separate apps. Pricey. Adhesive pads require regular replacements.
Testing fitness gear for WIRED means I work out six days a week, sometimes twice daily. So when I got my hands on the PowerDot 2.0 Duo, I was excited to see whether it could ease my post-workout soreness. At-home devices like this aim to commercialize medical technology that was once reserved for elite athletes. PowerDot was acquired by Therabody in 2021 and is one of the leading gadgets in this space, billing itself as âthe worldâs first smart muscle stimulator.â
The PowerDot 2.0 combines two noninvasive therapies: neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Controlled through a companion app, it’s an intriguing recovery tool with undeniable potential but also notable flaws.
A 2-for-1 Deal
The PowerDot 2.0 uses three adhesive electrodes to deliver electrical pulses to your skin. NMES stimulates motor nerves, mimicking brain signals to trigger muscle contractions. This process can boost blood circulation, help deliver nutrients to issues, and aid recovery from muscle fatigue or injuries.
TENS targets the sensory nerves to temporarily block pain signals and stimulate endorphin production (the bodyâs natural painkiller). It’s particularly effective for conditions like lower back pain, postoperative discomfort, and dysmenorrhea. Studies actually suggest TENS can offer greater relief for menstrual pain than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen). Together, these technologies intend to address both muscle recovery and pain relief.
Photograph: Therabody
While NMES has shown potential in reducing blood lactate levels, an indicator of muscle fatigue, its impact is more supportive than transformative. Also, to reap the benefits, the stimulation must be intense enough to activate muscles without adding to the fatigue.
Itâs worth noting that the effectiveness of both technologies can vary depending on factors like body composition and individual thresholds to electrical stimulation. Another disclaimer is that Therabody hasnât published any clinical data or studies specific to PowerDot, instead referencing general research on NMES and TENS. This lack of information makes it hard to validate the companyâs claims about the deviceâs intended purpose.
Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane
The Duo package includes: two pods, three adhesive electrode pads (one rectangular and two round), two sets of lead cables (10 cm and 30 cm), two micro USB charging cables, and a protective case. Itâs portableâsmaller than a novelâand easy to travel with. The hydrogel pads last for 20 to 30 sessions before losing their stickiness, at which point they need to be replaced ($18 per Duo set). The app tracks pad lifespan so you donât have to, and with care, you might eke out a few extra sessions. Just knock on wood you donât drop one face-down.
Relief, With Caveats
In practice, the PowerDot delivered mixed results. When it worked, it did make me feel less stiff for my next workout. The period pain relief program was my favorite feature, but the pain relief was short-lived, limited to the session’s duration. The tingling sensation can feel uncomfortable, especially at first, but it’s tolerable and you can adjust it to your comfort.
The second pod is a major advantage, letting you target both sides of a muscle group simultaneously. This cuts session times in half and reduces wear on the pads. If you own the Uno, you can upgrade by purchasing a second pod.
PowerDot is fully controlled through its companion app, which allows you to choose specific muscle groups or recovery programs, adjust intensity levels, and track sessions. The app itself makes the experience feel approachable, including for those new to electrical stimulation devices. Youâll need to download the separate PowerDot app, as the device doesnât sync with the Therabody appânot a big deal, but worth mentioning.
Therabody PowerDot 2.0 Duo
Rating: 6/10
$349 at Amazon (Duo)$349 at Therabody
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED
Screenshots courtesy of Boutayna Chokrane
The main issue with this device being entirely app-controlled is that you canât use it without the app. This would be a minor inconvenience if the app worked well, but it doesnât. The pods frequently disconnected mid-session, requiring resets that broke the flow and rendered the data tracking unreliable.
Reinstalling the app and re-pairing the pods didn’t resolve the issue. This also seems to be the most common complaint about the PowerDot, according to the customer reviews on the Therabody site. I found the Uno model, which uses a single pod, to have fewer issues, making it a potentially more reliable alternative.
The PowerDot 2.0 is a promising but imperfect device. Its NMES and TENS functionalities deliver on their promises of temporary pain relief and muscle recovery, but the frequent connectivity issues are impossible to ignore. For $349, I expected better reliability. Its user-friendly interface, portability, and customizable programs are impressive, but the gadgetâs instability makes it difficult to recommend without reservations.
For those willing to bear those glitches, it can be a useful addition to your recovery routine, especially for menstrual pain relief. But there are more affordable alternatives on the market that may be without these frustrations. If a seamless user experience is a nonnegotiable for you, I would hold off until these issues are resolved.
Therabody PowerDot 2.0 Duo
Rating: 6/10
$349 at Amazon (Duo)$349 at Therabody
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED
$349 at Amazon (Duo)$349 at Therabody