Ekrin B37 (v2) vs Theragun Prime (5th Gen): Why Ekrin May Be Better
Naila Syifa
Updated December 2024
Theragun is often considered the holy grail of massage guns, and its Prime model is the mid-range variant that combines all the essential, original features of the Theragun lineup.
The Ekrin B37 also falls into the mid-range category among the Ekrin massage gun lineup, but it is priced more affordably, which makes it a compelling alternative to Theragun Prime.
So, how do both massage guns compare and which one should you choose?
Key Takeaways
Ekrin B37 performs more strongly with a higher stall force, wider speed range, and much longer battery life, but Theragun Prime keeps the advantage with smart features enabled by the Therabody app, including guided routines, custom speed, and force meter.
Ekrin B37 v2
Powerful Performance
✓ 12 mm Amplitude
✓ 56 lbs Force
✓ 4 Attachments
✓ 5 Built-in Speed
Theragun Prime (5th Gen)
All the Essentials
✓ 16 mm Amplitude
✓ 30 lbs Force
✓ 4 Attachments
✓ Therabody App
Design
Theragun Prime (5th Gen)
Theragun Prime boasts a patented triangle handle design typical of the Theragun lineup, which is designed to allow multiple grip positions for better reach and comfort. Some common grip positions include the standard grip, base grip, reverse grip, and inverse grip.
Ekrin B37 has a more conventional drill-like design, but the handle is 15° angled to allow three grip positions. So, while it may not match the clever design of the Theragun Prime, the Ekrin B37 still provides sufficient ergonomic flexibility.
Despite the differences in their overall design, both massage guns have a similar control interface. They feature buttons for power and speed adjustment and light indicators for speed and battery levels. That's quite simple without a display but gets the job done efficiently.
Attachments
Ekrin B37 vs Theragun Prime
Both the Ekrin B37 and Theragun Prime equally offer four attachment heads, but the specific attachments differ between the two models.
Ekrin B37 offers a flat for overall use, a silicone round for low-impact treatment, a bullet for pinpoint treatment, and a fork for the neck and spine.
Meanwhile, Theragun Prime includes a dampener for overall use, a standard ball for a firmer massage, a thumb for pinpoint treatment, and a micro-point for increased stimulation.
Each attachment is unique, but I would say one attachment that mainly sets both massage guns apart is the fork attachment on the Ekrin B37 vs the micro-point attachment on Theragun Prime.
Fork attachment targets the spine and neck for precision, while the micro-point focuses on stimulation and circulation. This makes the B37 better for targeted relief and the Prime ideal for muscle activation.
Performance
Ekrin B37 v2
The three factors that can be attributed to the performance of a massage gun are speed, which measures the number of percussions per minute (PPM), amplitude, which measures the depth of the massage, and stall force, which measures the amount of force the device can withstand before stalling.
Both massage guns have 5 built-in speed levels, but Ekrin B37 has a wider speed range of 1400-3200 PPM compared to Theragun Prime's 1750-2400 PPM. That means the B37 gives more flexibility in adjusting the intensity of the massage, whether you need a gentler or more intense treatment.
Ekrin B37 also boasts a higher stall force of 56 lbs compared to Theragun Prime's 40 lbs, but Theragun Prime has a higher 16 mm amplitude than Ekrin B37's 12 mm amplitude. So, the question is, which aspect is more important, stall force or amplitude?
Stall force is more critical for targeted deep pressure, giving more strength and power for breaking up knots and addressing tight, stubborn muscles. Meanwhile, amplitude is typically great for muscle activation and muscle relaxation.
Both are equally important, but I would recommend giving preference to the higher stall force of the Ekrin B37. We can always press the massage gun deeper into the skin to make up for the slightly lower amplitude, while a lack of stall force is harder to overcome.
Smart Features
Therabody App
Perhaps what primarily sets the Theragun Prime apart from the Ekrin B37 is its Bluetooth connectivity to the Therabody app, which allows for a range of smart features. From the app, you can adjust the speed settings to anywhere between 1750-2400 PPM instead of just the 5 preset speed levels on the device.
The app also offers guided routines, which take you through a series of massage techniques step-by-step and auto-adjust the speed of the massage gun. The countdown timer helps you stay on track, and the force meter provides real-time feedback on the pressure you're applying.
Ekrin B37 comes with no companion app, so it lacks those smart features and customization options available on the Theragun Prime.
Battery Life
Ekrin B37 v2
Determining the winner in terms of battery life is easier than the other categories. With 8 hours of runtime, the Ekrin B37 clearly outperforms the Theragun Prime by four times, which has a battery life of only 2 hours.
The much longer battery life of the Ekrin B37 means you can use it for more extended massage sessions uninterruptedly, including taking it on trips and travels without having to worry about recharging.
Ekrin B37 vs Theragun Prime
Final Thoughts
Theragun Prime (5th Gen)
Theragun Prime stands out with its deep 16 mm amplitude and smart features that come with the Therabody app, but its lower stall force and higher price point make the Ekrin B37 a possibly more compelling option for some.
Despite lacking smart capabilities, the Ekrin B37 is impressively powerful, with its higher stall force and wider speed range, all while costing less and offering significantly longer battery life than Theragun Prime.
Ekrin B37 seems to be the better value proposition overall, but Theragun Prime may still be the preferred choice for those who prioritize the smart features and the brand's reputation.
If you like to read more about massage guns, check out our other relevant guides here:
Ekrin B37 vs Theragun Elite
Ekrin B37 vs Theragun Pro
Ekrin B37 vs Hypervolt 2
Ekrin Bantam vs Theragun Mini
Ekrin Bantam vs Hypervolt Go 2
Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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