Though not a replacement for a professional massage, an at-home massage chair (often designed to look like your living room recliner) can provide some of the same benefits: targeted physical relief to areas such as the back, shoulders, hips, and feet through a combination of shiatsu techniques, heat therapy, and compression massage.
Massage chairs, according to Preston Brown, DPT, owner of Prestige Therapy Wellness in Wisconsin, may relieve muscular tension, enhance relaxation inside the body, and assist alleviate pain or muscle tightness caused by chronic illnesses such as arthritis—all from the comfort of your own home. Brown says that while purchasing for a massage chair, you should “consider the size of the massage chair to guarantee good fit, safe access to the chair, and comfort.” Heat, programmed massages, vibration, and reclining functions are all available on certain massage chairs to improve the massage experience.”
To assist you in narrowing down your options, we investigated and reviewed dozens of massage chairs based on their number of massage functions, focused massage regions, heating and reclining capabilities, comfort, and pricing.
Here are the top massage chairs on the market right now.
1. Overall winner: Real Relax Zero Gravity Massage Chair
We like the Real Relax massage chair for first-time massage chair buyers because it offers a little bit of everything to the majority of users, doesn’t skimp on style or comfort, and is priced at the lower end of the average cost for massage chairs, making it affordable for most people shopping in the market.
The chair’s S-track design targets the neck, back, and waist; what we really like about this chair is that the S-track has two sets of rollers on each side, replicating a two-handed massage by a professional. It has an adjustable intensity and heat function, a zero gravity recline for optimum pain treatment, three styles of massage (shiatsu, kneading, and knocking), and allows you to operate the chair with your voice.
The Real Relax massage chair is a balanced choice appropriate for virtually all users, with an extended footrest allowing tiny, medium, and tall individuals to fit comfortably.
What We Like
- Back heating with three adjustable settings
- Large LCD remote control display
- Rolling on two tracks
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy
- The pressure may be too great.
2. SMAGREHO Massage Chair Recliner is the most affordable option.
In terms of specifications, the SMAGREHO Massage Chair is comparable to our top overall pick: it boasts a zero gravity design, massage modes that target your neck, back, and waist, heat treatment, and an adjustable footrest for height adjustment.
What is the major distinction? It is about $200 less expensive than the Real Relax. It doesn’t forego many functions in the process; there’s no voice control, but there is Bluetooth, and while its massaging rollers aren’t on a dual-core track, there are still eight massaging heads at set spots down your spine for a thorough massage.
If you like the adaptability of the Real Relax but are ready to make a few sacrifices to save money, the SMAGREHO chair is a more affordable option with comparable quality and elegance.
What We Like
- lower-than-average price
- Footrest that extends
What We Don’t Like
- Heating function is restricted.
3. RELAXONCHAIR MK-II Plus Full-Body Massage Chair is the best choice for lower back pain.
With 16 million Americans suffering from chronic back pain, it’s no surprise that manufacturers of these chairs emphasized back massage over all others.
What we enjoy about the RELAXONCHAIR Plus is that, in addition to the standard massage chair capabilities, it has a few extras that greatly enhance your back massage experience. Instead of a full-body S-track, this chair has an L-track situated lower in the chair to assist you target your lower back and buttocks (which is incredibly helpful if you have sciatica or tailbone pain).
There are also heating pads in the lower back area and airbags to massage your hips and pelvis to provide further relief. Finally, the chair’s reclining function decompresses and extends your spine and legs, relieving lower back stress.
What We Like
- Full-body stretching focuses on the spine.
- Buttocks L-track massage
- Lumbar heating
What We Don’t Like
- Heating function is restricted.
- There is less attention on the arms and legs.
4. Snailax Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager is the best neck massager.
We’re going to go outside the box here and recommend a massage chair pad instead of a typical chair. While many chairs have rollers that can reach up to your neck, it might be difficult to concentrate on isolating your tight, aching neck muscles when you’re lying in a full-fledged massage chair with a cushioned headrest.
This Snailax chair pad, on the other hand, provides for tighter contact between your neck and the massaging rollers, allowing you to obtain targeted comfort from the flexible, silica-based massage nodes where you need it the most. The pad’s height is adjustable to accommodate a wide range of user sizes, and the cover is detachable and washable.
It’s not the same as a complete massage chair, but if you’re looking for neck relief, it could be better! Furthermore, the Snailax model provides heat treatment across the chair, warming your back and neck; many rival models simply provide heat along the back.
What We Like
- Neck and shoulder pain alleviation
- Shiatsu massage in 2D/3D using finger pressure
- Heating is incorporated at the neck level.
What We Don’t Like
- It’s not a whole chair; the massage is restricted to the neck and back.
5. BestMassage Full Body Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair for Legs
Athletes, runners, and those who are on their feet all day can all benefit from the BestMassage Full Body Chair’s seemingly insignificant but unusual feature: heated foot soles. While many full-body chairs cover the feet with rollers or air bags in the footrests, the BestMassage chair was the only one we found that also had heat treatment in the footrest.
If you have leg or foot discomfort, heat therapy underfoot can assist improve circulation and relieve stiffness in the legs and feet; moreover, the chair contains an air compression massage along the ankles, calves, and thighs for additional relief.
What We Like
- Heated soles for the feet
- Thigh and calves air bags
- Saving space
What We Don’t Like
- There is no voice control.
- Customer service is subpar.
6. Best Arthritis Massage Chair: OWAYS SL Track Zero Gravity Massage Chair
If you have arthritis pain, you know how difficult it can be to accomplish almost anything some days; even resting in bed can place unnecessary strain on your joints, making it tough to simply relax (let alone cook, clean, work, or do household chores).
The OWAYS massage chair for people with arthritis has several features we like: not only does it have a zero gravity feature that allows you to feel truly weightless—free of joint pain and pressure—but it also scans your body to conform to your unique shape and size, ensuring that you get a customized massage rather than a standardized one. Furthermore, the combined SL-track benefits a greater region of your body, from your neck to your shoulders, and from your back down to your hips and buttocks.
The OWAYS chair can also provide heat treatment, rolling foot massage, and moderate Thai stretching to help relax your spine. This diverse set of tactics should be sufficient to provide everyday relief to the vast majority of arthritis sufferers.
What We Like
- There is no gravity.
- The technique of body scanning
- Various massage techniques
What We Don’t Like
- There is no voice control.
7. The most comfortable portable folding massage chair for injury recovery.
We have one more unusual selection for you: the COMFIER foldable massage chair, which, like the Snailax chair pad, isn’t for everyone but nevertheless provides a unique experience to the right customers, particularly those with an ailment that requires more continuing assistance.
While a massage chair can help reduce pain, we prefer the notion of a foldable chair because of its mobility; after all, injuries don’t go away while you’re at work or traveling, so having a chair you can carry with you helps you to find solace wherever you go.
This chair cannot provide much support for persons suffering from leg, arm, or foot discomfort, yet it is just as calming for the back and neck as a regular chair. Anyone who needs back or neck support on the road will appreciate that this chair is a massaging powerhouse in a lightweight package, with several massage nodes, heat treatment, a reclining back, and an adjustable height.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Massage of the neck and back
What We Don’t Like
- There will be no massage for the arms, legs, or feet.
- There is no voice control.
8. Best Smart Chair: iRest Massage Chair with Voice Control
Consumers will have to choose between voice control features and Bluetooth connectivity with the majority of the options on our list thus far. Not so with the iRest chair, which lets you activate its features via AI voice control (hello, “Alice!”!) and link your chair to your smart device via Bluetooth. The chair has 12 automatic massage settings that range from calming massages to fatigue recovery and stretching massages to targeted body region massages, and “Alice” allows you to switch modes without interrupting your massage by searching around for the proper buttons.
Aside from its smart capabilities, the iRest chair has all of the standard massage chair features: zero gravity, thermal treatment, adjustable intensity, and massaging rollers underfoot. It also comes almost completely assembled—just attach the footrest and you’re ready to go.
What We Like
- AI voice command
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Various massage techniques
What We Don’t Like
- Price range: mid-to-high
- Voice command might be unreliable.
FAQ
How Did We Choose the Best Massage Chairs?
To select the finest massage chairs, we enlisted the help of three orthopedic doctors, including two physical therapists and one chiropractor, who advised us on the most crucial qualities to look for. They highly advised paying special attention to the body areas addressed, the adjustability and range of massage capabilities, as well as your general comfort with the chair itself (i.e., how well it fits your body).
We searched the internet for popular massage chairs that included features such as heat treatment, shiatsu massage, “smart” capabilities, and overall quality and comfort. While there are lots of more expensive solutions available, we believe the great majority of people are seeking for a more cheap method to obtain the relief they want.
What Should You Look for in a Massage Chair?
Massage Purposes
While massage chairs may appear to have a lot of bells and whistles, it’s actually rather crucial to find one with a lot of configurable settings, modes, and features so you can make it as comfortable as possible for your specific needs.
“Not everyone is made the same, and this includes pain,” says Dr. Blessen Abraham of Brunswick Health & Physical Therapy Center in New Jersey. “Because your pain level might alter on a daily basis, every massage you receive must adjust to your pain level [every day].”
Dr. Abraham recommends looking for a chair with many pressure settings, as well as reclining and heating capabilities. Whatever your motive for utilizing a massage chair, most individuals will require at least these functions. Furthermore, every chair you pick should be able to tick the following boxes:
You can sit in it comfortably.
Your body fits properly in the allotted sections of the chair (for example, if you’re particularly short or tall, ensure sure your body is properly aligned with the rollers and that you’re not sinking in or protruding out of the chair too much).
It allows you to choose your favourite massage technique, such as shiatsu, kneading, rolling, tapping, and so on.
You can easily command the chair’s movement; whether you choose voice or manual control, you should be able to rapidly tell the chair to do what you want it to. Even if they need a walker or wheelchair, older people can safely get in and out of the chair.
Massage Concentrations
Different massage chairs target different sections of the body; some provide focused treatment to two or three locations, while others sell themselves as “whole body” massage chairs, providing a little bit of everything from head to toe.
Any chair you choose should be able to relieve discomfort or stress in your shoulders and lower back, according to Dr. Abraham: “The back is a priority for most chairs that are available on the market today, [and] if it can massage your calves or your neck region, that would be [even better].”
Before you buy, make sure the chair provides some type of treatment to the area that needs it the most, whether through rolling massage, heat therapy, or air compression.
According to Melissa Prestipino, DPT, owner of Maize & Blue Rehab in New Jersey, “the body region you want to focus the massage on might determine whatever massage chair you pick.” “If you have hand discomfort, choose a chair that focuses on the hands; if you prefer heat therapy, look for a massage chair that can heat up or apply infrared heat.”
Additional Benefits
As massage chairs have become more technologically advanced, several of them have added even more complex capabilities. Are they, however, worthwhile?
There is no gravity. This can provide the user with a weightless sensation, which can be beneficial for persons suffering from all-over discomfort. But it’s not the only thing to look for: “Some chairs provide zero gravity, which means you’ll feel [as if] there’s no weight on your spine, but that doesn’t guarantee it’ll give you all the other things you desire.”
Bluetooth compatibility. If you wish to listen to your carefully prepared playlist of Zen meditation tunes with the push of a button during your massage, a wireless connection to your smart device or computer will make this a simple. If you don’t need it, don’t spend more for a chair that comes with it. “Some massage chair features might increase the cost but do not improve the chair,” Dr. Prestipino argues. “Adding Bluetooth speakers to the headrest of a massage chair has no influence on the efficacy of the massage features.”
Appearance and structure. Most chairs in the $1,000 to $2,000 price bracket are constructed of synthetic leather rather than genuine leather, so keep that in mind if it’s essential to you. Consider the size of the chair, which is typically rather huge, and if it will truly fit in your living room. “Most of these chairs aren’t attractive, so how it feels in your house might make a major difference in your decision,” Dr. Abraham suggests.
Warranty. A massage chair may be an expensive investment, so it’s a good idea to inquire about warranty coverage if the chair malfunctions or stops operating soon after you bring it home. Some higher-priced chairs, according to Dr. Prestipino, may come with extended customer service or warranty policies, but don’t assume this.
Price
Massage chairs, according to Dr. Abraham, have a broad price range and can cost up to $7,000 before delivery and assembly; you should examine if the chair you’re intending to buy is within your budget, or if you can sacrifice certain features you don’t really need for a less expensive chair.
“A higher price tag for a chair does not always indicate it is better quality—a brand name or proprietary feature may push the cost of the chair higher,” Dr. Prestipino explains.
She also mentions that, like so many other things we use on a daily basis, newly launched models may be in higher demand—and hence more expensive—than prior versions, even if the previous model performs roughly the same as the new one. Take your time shopping around and comparing models, noting which features you really need and which you don’t, before settling on a chair that has what you want and fits within your budget.
How long should a massage chair be used?
In most circumstances, a massage chair may be used for brief sessions once a day or many times per week; however, there are exceptions depending on your health or the purpose you’re utilizing the chair.
“While there is no fixed suggestion for how long to sit in a massage chair,” Dr. Prestipino explains, “it is recommended to avoid sitting for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time.” “It is preferable to finish shorter bouts of sitting and repeat it two to three times throughout the day if you want to sit in the massage chair for a longer length.”
Why? Because, according to Dr. Prestipino, prolonged sitting can put strain on your lower back or discs, as well as increasing your chances of blood clots in your legs (which are more likely if you’ve just had surgery). Sitting in a chair for too long may cause the muscles in your back and neck to tighten, as well as the joints in places like your knees to stiffen—a side effect that Dr. Prestipino says might increase symptoms in the areas you’re hoping to find comfort in.
She states that the long-term usage of a massage chair (how many months or weeks you may use it) depends on the cause for your use. If you have muscular pain or tightness, you can use a chair several times per week for several months at a period; but, if you have herniated discs, neuropathy, vascular concerns, or osteoporosis or bone density issues, long-term usage may increase symptoms or cause harm.
“If discomfort in any part of your body worsens, or current symptoms are aggravated, [you should] consult a healthcare physician and quit usage,” Dr. Prestipino advises.
Another thing to keep in mind, according to Dr. Brown, is that pregnant women should always visit their doctor before using a massage chair; while they are unlikely to cause serious harm, there are certain minor risks linked with their usage that you should seek expert advices.
Can massage chairs aid in the rehabilitation of injuries?
Yes. Massage chairs, according to Dr. Prestipino, can aid in injury healing by lowering tension and encouraging relaxation, which can speed up the recovery process. She goes on to say that they can also aid with injuries by:
- Increase blood flow and circulation
- Reduce post-exercise aches and pains
- Contribute to tissue repair
- Inflammation reduction
While traditional physical therapy remains the gold standard for injury rehabilitation, more research on the impact of massage chairs on pain is being conducted. One 2020 study published in Medicine (Baltimore) reveals that massage chairs can help with pain and quality of life.5
Do massage chairs help to reduce blood pressure?
According to Dr. Abraham, there is no clear relationship between massage chairs and reduced blood pressure, but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit.
“In principle, being in discomfort would raise your stress level [and] your blood pressure,” he explains. “After the massage, you should be more comfortable, which can lower your blood pressure.”
What is the difference between S-track and L-track rollers?
The massage rollers at the back of the chair are referred to by both types of rollers. S-track rollers glide over the curve of your spine between your neck and lower back. Similarly, L-track rollers follow the curve of your spine but reach further lower and may massage regions such as the glutes and thighs.