Ekrin B37 vs Theragun Prime
A value flagship-killer against the name brand. The Ekrin B37 has more stall force and far longer battery; the Theragun Prime has deeper amplitude and an app. Which deep-tissue gun wins.
This is the classic value-versus-brand decision in massage guns. The Ekrin Athletics B37 is the enthusiast’s value pick: a genuine deep-tissue gun with a huge 56 lb stall force, marathon battery life and an angled handle, at a mid-tier price. The Theragun Prime is Therabody’s mainstream deep-tissue model, with the brand’s longest 16 mm stroke, a polished app and the name recognition that comes with it.
On paper the B37 wins the specs that decide how hard you can press and how long you can go; the Prime wins the spec that decides how deep each stroke reaches, and adds guided routines. Neither is a bad buy — this is about which trade-off suits you. Both options below show a live price.
How this is funded: we earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes which product we recommend, and we’ll tell you when we’d skip one. Full disclosure.
| Feature | Ekrin B37 | Theragun Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Amplitude (stroke depth) | 12 mm | 16 mm |
| Stall / max force | 56 lb stall force | Up to 30 lb (no-stall) |
| Speeds | 5 (1,400-3,200 RPM) | 5 (1,750-2,400 PPM) |
| Battery | Up to 8 hr adv. (~5-6 hr real) | Up to 120 min |
| Weight | 2.2 lb | 2.2 lb |
| App | None | Bluetooth app with routines |
| Handle | 15-degree angled | Triangular multi-grip |
| Best for | Deep pressure + battery value | Deepest stroke + guided app |
Ekrin B37
Ekrin Athletics B37 Massage Gun
Buy this if: People who want serious deep-tissue pressure and long battery at a mid-tier price and don't need an app or screen.
Strengths
- 56 lb stall force resists bogging down under real pressure
- Long real-world battery life (5-6 hr in use)
- 15-degree angled handle reaches your own back easily
Trade-offs
- At 2.2 lb it's heavier than pocket-size guns
- No app, screen, or smart features
- 12 mm amplitude is deep but shy of the Prime's 16 mm
Price as of August 7, 2026. #ad How we’re funded
Theragun Prime
Therabody Theragun Prime
Buy this if: Buyers who want the deepest Theragun stroke, app-guided routines and the best-known brand.
Strengths
- Full 16 mm amplitude for the deepest stroke here
- Bluetooth app with guided routines and 5 speeds
- Signature triangle handle and strong brand support
Trade-offs
- Up to 30 lb of force — less headroom than the B37's 56 lb
- Around 120 min battery, far shorter than the B37
- Premium price for the name
Price as of August 7, 2026. #ad How we’re funded
Depth vs pressure: they win different specs
Deep-tissue capability comes from two specs working together: amplitude (how far the head travels) and stall force (how hard you can press before the motor gives up). The Prime wins amplitude with a 16 mm stroke against the B37’s 12 mm — each punch reaches slightly deeper. The B37 wins force decisively, with a 56 lb stall force against the Prime’s 30 lb, so it keeps hammering even when you bear down hard on a dense muscle. In practice both feel like genuine deep-tissue guns; the Prime edges it for reach, the B37 for the ability to lean in without stalling.
Battery and handling
The gap in battery life is large. The B37 advertises up to 8 hours and delivers roughly 5–6 in real use; the Prime is rated at up to 120 minutes. If you hate charging, or you’re treating a whole family or team, the B37 is in a different league. Both weigh the same 2.2 lb, but the B37’s 15-degree angled handle is a genuinely clever touch that makes reaching your own upper back and shoulders easier than the Prime’s straight triangle.
Software, brand and support
This is where the Prime earns its price. It pairs with the Therabody app for guided routines and speed control, and it carries the recognition and retail support of the biggest name in percussion. Therabody’s warranty runs one year on the device and 90 days on attachments. The B37 has no app at all — it’s a purist’s tool — but Ekrin is known for a strong warranty of its own and a lower price. If the app and brand matter to you, that’s a real reason to pay up; if they don’t, the B37 gives you more hardware for less.
The bottom line
Spec-for-dollar, the Ekrin B37 is the better raw deep-tissue tool: more stall force, far more battery, an angled handle and a lower price. The Theragun Prime justifies its premium with a deeper 16 mm stroke, a guided app and the brand behind it. Whichever you pick, pair it with broad-coverage rolling — see our best foam rollers— and if you’re unsure a gun is even the right first buy, start with massage gun vs foam roller.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ekrin B37 better than the Theragun Prime?
It depends on what you value. The B37 has a much higher 56 lb stall force, far longer battery and a lower price, so it is the better value for raw deep-tissue pressure and endurance. The Theragun Prime has a deeper 16 mm stroke, a guided Bluetooth app and stronger brand support. For most people who just want deep relief, the B37 delivers more hardware per dollar.
Does the Theragun Prime hit deeper than the Ekrin B37?
By stroke length, yes — the Prime's 16 mm amplitude reaches slightly deeper than the B37's 12 mm. But the B37 resists stalling far better thanks to its 56 lb stall force versus the Prime's 30 lb, so you can press harder without the motor slowing. In use, both are genuine deep-tissue guns with different strengths.
Which massage gun has better battery life?
The Ekrin B37, by a wide margin. It advertises up to 8 hours and delivers about 5 to 6 hours in real use, while the Theragun Prime is rated at up to 120 minutes. If you dislike frequent charging, the B37 is the clear choice.
Do I need the app on the Theragun Prime?
No. The app adds guided routines and speed control, which some people enjoy, but the gun works fully without it. If you would never use guided routines, the app is not a reason to pay the Theragun premium over a capable app-free gun like the Ekrin B37.
Sources
- Therabody — Warranty terms — One year on devices, 90 days on attachments and accessories (accessed July 20, 2026)
- American Heart Association — Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults — AHA's 150 min/week moderate aerobic + 2 days strength recommendation (accessed July 19, 2026)
Keep reading
Best Massage Guns
The full field of percussion guns compared on amplitude, stall force, noise and battery.
See the picksTheragun Relief vs Prime
Staying in the Theragun line? The gentle everyday model vs the deep-tissue one.
Compare TheragunsHow to Use a Massage Gun
Get the most from whichever gun you pick — technique, timing and safe spots.
Read the how-toRecovery & Accessories
How a massage gun fits alongside rollers and mats in a complete recovery setup.
Explore recovery