Ekrin B37 Vs. Theragun Prime: A Comprehensive Comparison From A Real User’s Perspective

As a fitness enthusiast who’s no stranger to sore muscles, I’ve spent countless hours researching and testing massage guns to find the perfect recovery tool. The Ekrin B37 and Theragun Prime are two standout options, each promising powerful relief at a mid-range price.

In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experience with both, breaking down their pros, cons, and key features to help you decide which fits your needs. From stall force to battery life, I’ll compare them head-to-head, offering an analytical yet engaging perspective to guide your choice.

Comparison Table: Ekrin B37 Vs. Theragun Prime

My Experience With Ekrin B37

I first got my hands on the Ekrin B37 after a friend recommended it as a budget-friendly alternative to pricier brands.

As someone who hits the gym regularly and occasionally battles post-workout soreness, I was intrigued by its promise of power and quiet operation.

From the moment I unboxed it, the B37 felt sturdy, with a sleek design and a hardshell carrying case that made me feel like I was investing in something durable.

The 15-degree angled handle caught my attention—it’s not something you see on every massage gun, and I was curious to see if it would make a difference.

Using it for the first time, I started with the lowest speed setting (1400 PPM) on my calves after a long run. The sensation was gentle yet effective, loosening up tight muscles without feeling overwhelming. As I cycled through the five speeds, I noticed the B37’s power ramped up impressively, with a stall force of 56 pounds that dug deep into my quads and hamstrings.

The highest setting (3200 PPM) felt intense, perfect for those stubborn knots in my shoulders after heavy lifting days. What surprised me most was how quiet it was—even at top speed, it barely reached 55 dB, about as loud as a quiet conversation. I could use it while watching TV without cranking up the volume.

The battery life was another standout. Ekrin claims an 8-hour runtime, and after using it daily for 10-15 minute sessions over a couple of weeks, I didn’t need to recharge it once. The four LED lights on top made it easy to check the battery status, which I appreciated for planning longer sessions.

The four attachments—flat, round, bullet, and fork—covered all my needs, from broad muscle groups to pinpoint trigger points. However, I found myself wishing for a dampener attachment for more sensitive areas, like my shins, where the bullet felt too intense.

The angled handle was a game-changer for reaching my lower back, though I noticed the grip was a bit thick for my smaller hands, making extended use slightly fatiguing. Overall, the B37 delivered a powerful, reliable massage that rivaled more expensive models, and the lifetime warranty gave me peace of mind that it’s built to last.

Pros Of Ekrin B37

• Powerful Stall Force: The 56-pound stall force is a standout, allowing deep tissue massage that tackles even the tightest knots, outpacing many competitors in its price range.
• Exceptional Battery Life: With up to 8 hours of use on a single charge, I could go weeks without recharging, making it ideal for travel or frequent use.
• Ultra-Quiet Operation: Ranging from 35-55 dB, it’s one of the quietest massage guns I’ve used, perfect for relaxing sessions without disturbing others.
• Ergonomic Angled Handle: The 15-degree angled design makes it easier to reach tricky spots like the lower back or traps, improving comfort during use.
• Lifetime Warranty: Ekrin’s lifetime warranty is unmatched, offering confidence in the device’s durability and the brand’s customer service.
• Affordable Price Point: At $230, it delivers premium performance at a lower cost than many high-end brands, making it a fantastic value.
• Versatile Speed Range: Five speeds from 1400 to 3200 PPM allow for both gentle and intense massages, catering to various muscle needs.

The Ekrin B37’s combination of power and quiet operation makes it a top contender for anyone seeking a reliable, budget-friendly massage gun. Its stall force and battery life are particularly impressive, ensuring it can handle intense workouts or long recovery sessions. The angled handle, while not perfect for everyone, adds a unique ergonomic touch that I found helpful for self-massage. The lifetime warranty seals the deal, making it a low-risk investment for long-term use.

Read More: My Thoughts On  TOLOCO Massage Gun Vs. Theragun

Cons Of Ekrin B37

• No Dampener Attachment: Unlike the Theragun Prime, it lacks a soft attachment for sensitive areas, limiting its versatility for gentler massages.
• Thick Handle: The handle’s diameter felt bulky for my smaller hands, causing slight discomfort during prolonged use.
• No Smart Features: There’s no Bluetooth or app connectivity, so you miss out on guided routines or customizable settings.
• Single Button Control: The one-button interface, while simple, can be less intuitive when cycling through speeds compared to multi-button designs.
• Slightly Heavier: At 2.2 pounds, it’s marginally heavier than the Theragun Prime, which might affect portability for some users.
• No OLED Screen: Without a display, you rely on LED lights for battery and speed indicators, which feel less precise.
• Non-Removable Battery: Unlike some premium models, the battery isn’t replaceable, so you’re stuck if it degrades over time.

While the B37 excels in power and value, the lack of a dampener attachment and smart features might disappoint users looking for a more tailored experience. The handle’s thickness and single-button control could also be minor inconveniences, especially for those with smaller hands or who prefer more intuitive controls. Still, these drawbacks didn’t overshadow its overall performance for me.

My Experience With Theragun Prime

When I first tried the Theragun Prime, I was drawn to its sleek, modern look and the hype around the Theragun brand. Known for pioneering massage guns, Theragun has a reputation for quality, and the Prime is their mid-range offering. Unboxing it, I was impressed by the triangular handle, which promised multiple grip positions. The included carrying pouch and four attachments—dampener, thumb, cone, and ball—felt premium, and the Therabody app integration piqued my interest for its guided routines.

I tested the Prime after a grueling leg day, starting with the dampener attachment on my shins. The 16 mm amplitude delivered a deeper massage than the Ekrin B37, which I felt in my quads and glutes. The five speed settings (1750-2400 PPM) offered a solid range, though I found the top speed less intense than the B37’s 3200 PPM. The app was a game-changer, guiding me through a recovery routine for runners that adjusted speeds automatically. However, the Prime’s noise level, ranging from 63-68 dB, was noticeably louder, akin to a vacuum cleaner, which disrupted my relaxation.

The battery life, at 2 hours, was a letdown. After a few 15-minute sessions, I needed to recharge, which was inconvenient during a busy week. The triangular handle was ergonomic, allowing me to grip it in multiple ways, but I found it less intuitive for reaching my upper back compared to the B37’s angled design. The lighter weight (2.1 lbs) was a plus for portability, but the $299 price tag felt steep given the shorter battery life and noise.

Pros Of Theragun Prime

• Deep Amplitude: The 16 mm amplitude provides a deeper massage, ideal for larger muscle groups and intense recovery needs.
• Smart App Integration: The Therabody app offers guided routines and customizable speeds, enhancing the user experience with tailored sessions.
• Ergonomic Triangle Handle: The patented triangular design allows multiple grip positions, improving comfort and reach for various body parts.
• Lightweight Design: At 2.1 pounds, it’s slightly lighter than the Ekrin B37, making it easier to handle during long sessions.
• Versatile Attachments: Includes a dampener for sensitive areas, thumb for trigger points, cone for precision, and ball for general use.
• Premium Brand Reputation: Theragun’s established name ensures reliable quality and customer support, backed by years of innovation.
• Fast Charging: Despite shorter battery life, it charges quickly, minimizing downtime between uses.

The Theragun Prime’s deep amplitude and app connectivity make it a standout for tech-savvy users who value guided recovery. The triangular handle is a thoughtful design, offering flexibility for different body parts. Its lightweight build and versatile attachments add to its appeal, especially for those prioritizing brand trust and a polished user experience.

Cons Of Theragun Prime

• Shorter Battery Life: At only 2 hours, the battery drains quickly, requiring frequent recharges compared to competitors.
• Louder Operation: Noise levels of 63-68 dB make it significantly louder, disrupting relaxing or quiet environments.
• Lower Stall Force: The 40-pound stall force is less powerful than the Ekrin B37, limiting its effectiveness for deep tissue massage.
• Higher Price: At $299, it’s pricier than the B37, which offers better performance in some areas for less.
• No Lifetime Warranty: The 1-year warranty pales in comparison to Ekrin’s lifetime guarantee, raising concerns about long-term durability.
• App Dependency: Some features, like custom speeds, rely on the app, which may inconvenience users who prefer standalone devices.
• No Flat Attachment: Lacks a flat head for larger muscle groups, which I found limiting compared to the B37’s versatility.

The Theragun Prime’s noise and short battery life were noticeable drawbacks during my use, especially for the price. The lower stall force and lack of a flat attachment also made it less versatile for deep tissue needs, and the 1-year warranty felt underwhelming compared to Ekrin’s lifetime offer.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Hypervolt 2: Offers a 12 mm amplitude and 3-hour battery life, similar to the Theragun Prime but quieter at 55-70 dB. It includes five attachments and app connectivity but has a lower 40-pound stall force, making it less powerful than the Ekrin B37.
• Bob And Brad D6 Pro: Boasts a 16 mm amplitude and 60-pound stall force, rivaling the Theragun Pro. However, its battery life is around 3 hours, and it’s louder than the B37, making it less ideal for quiet settings.
• Ekrin B37S: An upgraded version of the B37 with a reactive force sensor and 6 attachments. It maintains the 56-pound stall force and 8-hour battery life but adds a force meter, making it a closer competitor to the Theragun Elite.
• Theragun Elite: Features a 16 mm amplitude, 40-pound stall force, and OLED screen for $399. It’s more user-friendly than the Prime but still falls short of the B37’s power and battery life.
• Toloco EM26: A budget option with a 12 mm amplitude and 4 attachments for around $100. It lacks the B37’s power (30-pound stall force) and premium build, but it’s a viable entry-level choice.
• Ekrin Bantam: A mini massage gun with a 10 mm amplitude and 6-hour battery life. It’s less powerful than both the B37 and Prime but excels in portability for travel.
• Theragun Mini: A compact option with a 12 mm amplitude and 150-minute battery life. It’s great for portability but lacks the power and versatility of full-sized models.

The Ekrin B37 holds its own against premium brands like Hypervolt and Theragun, offering superior power and battery life at a lower price. The Theragun Prime’s app and deeper amplitude give it an edge for tech-focused users, but it lags in raw performance. Budget options like the Toloco EM26 can’t match either for serious recovery needs.

Read More: My Thoughts On  Achedaway Pro Vs. Theragun Pro

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Choosing between the Ekrin B37 and Theragun Prime depends on what you value most in a massage gun. If you prioritize raw power, long battery life, and quiet operation, the B37 is your best bet, delivering exceptional performance at $230 with a lifetime warranty. If you’re drawn to smart features, a deeper amplitude, and a trusted brand, the Theragun Prime’s app-guided routines and ergonomic design might sway you, despite its higher price and noise. Both are fantastic, but for my needs—power and affordability—the B37 edges out. What’s your priority? Pick the one that aligns with your recovery goals.