In this Ekrin Kestrel vs Theragun PRO Plus review, we will compare Ekrin Athletics’ recently released flagship device with its counterpart from one of the market leaders for percussive therapy.
Created for professional athletes and those who want to recover like one, both massage guns represent the best the two US-based brands currently have to offer. Should you go with the newest release from less-known but highly-rated Ekrin, or invest in Therabody’s high-end device?
This side-by-side comparison will help you find out.
Ekrin Kestrel
PERCUSSION20
Theragun PRO Plus
Amplitude
13 mm
16 mm
Stall Force
55 lbs
60 lbs
Battery Life
Up to 8 hours
Up to 2.5 hours
Working Noise
Up to 55 dB
?
Attachments
6
7
Comparison: Ekrin Kestrel vs Theragun PRO Plus
Amplitude
At 13 mm, the Ekrin Kestrel has the highest amplitude of all Ekrin Athletics massage guns. Despite this, the Theragun PRO Plus is still better suited for deep tissue treatment, with its head attachment travelling 16 mm into the muscle.
Winner: Theragun PRO Plus
13 mm
16 mm
Force
Therabody‘s flagship device also has the upper hand in terms of stall force. It is equipped with a powerful brushless motor that only reaches its limits at around 60 lbs of resistance, slightly above the already impressive 55 lbs of the Ekrin Kestrel.
Winner: Theragun PRO Plus
55 lbs
60 lbs
Frequency & Speed Levels
Starting at 1,800 percussions per minute (ppm) and maxing out at 3,500 ppm, the Ekrin Kestrel offers more flexibility on the upper end of the frequency range. It also comes with six pre-programmed speed settings, compared to five for its competitor.
Winner: Ekrin Kestrel
1800 to 3500 ppm, 6 levels
1750 to 2400 ppm, 5 levels
Connectivity
All of Therabody’s handheld massagers, including the Theragun PRO Plus, can be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Within the Therabody app, you will find guided, step-by-step warm-up and recovery routines, as well as breath work routines.
Winner: Theragun PRO Plus
No
Yes
Battery
The higher stall force and connectivity features have a significant impact on the Theragun PRO Plus’ battery life. With each session taking only a few minutes, it should still last for several days – but there is no doubt that the Ekrin Kestrel is the safer choice for an extended camping trip.
Winner: Ekrin Kestrel
Up to 8 hours
Up to 2.5 hours
Noise
At full speed, the Ekrin Kestrel operates at a noise level of around 55 decibels (dB). On the lowest setting, that number drops to just 35 dB. We will add the noise level of the Theragun PRO Plus as soon as the results are in, expecting it to be a bit higher than its competitor.
Winner: TBD
Up to 55 dB
?
Attachments & Accessories
With a total of six massage heads, the Ekrin Kestrel already offers plenty of opportunity to adjust the massage experience to your needs. However, it is still bested by the seven attachments (five classic tips and two special ones) of the Theragun PRO Plus:
- Dampener: Soothes aches and pains in tender or sensitive areas
- Standard Ball: Reduces tension with an all-over body massage
- Thumb: Eases lower back, trigger points, and painful knots
- Wedge: For shoulder blades, IT bands, scraping, and flushing
- Micro-Point: Increases circulation and stimulates recovery
- Heat therapy attachment
- Vibration therapy attachment
Both models ship with a travel pouch for convenient storage and safe transport.
Winner: Theragun PRO Plus
6 attachments / Travel case
7 attachments / Soft case
Weight & Dimensions
In the final round of this Ekrin Kestrel vs Theragun PRO Plus comparison, we will have a quick look at the weight and dimensions of the two devices. At 3.6 lbs compared to 2.2 lbs, the Theragun’s additional features once again make themselves noticeable.
Winner: Ekrin Kestrel
2.2 lbs, 9.5 x 7.4 x 2.5 in
3.6 lb, 9.3 x 6.1 x 2.6 in
Conclusion: Ekrin Kestrel vs Theragun PRO Plus
With both an amplitude and stall force higher than most devices on the market, the Theragun PRO Plus is undoubtedly the winner of this comparison. That is even before considering the possibility to use it not only for percussive but also heat and vibration therapy.
However, all these capabilities come at a price – in terms of battery life, weight, and USD. If you can live with the lower amplitude and don’t need the fancy features, the Ekrin Kestrel is a great alternative that combines a powerful yet quiet motor with seriously impressive battery life.
Ekrin Kestrel
PERCUSSION20
Theragun PRO Plus
Find out how the Ekrin Kestrel performs against the flagship device of another highly popular recovery tech brand in our comparison Ekrin Kestrel vs Hypervolt 2 Pro.