Best Overall Massage Chair
Revival 2D Massage Chair
The best massage chair has advanced technology and offers a state-of-the-art experience, like the Revival 2D chair that massages away stress from the neck to the feet. Each new person that sits in it gets a full body scan that tailors the massage. Zero-gravity positions, lumbar heat and an adjustable roller are all standard, but the best part is the shiatsu foot roller reflexology that soothes tired feet.
Pros
- Personalized scanning technology
- Eight fully automatic programs
- Performs kneading, tapping, shiatsu and more techniques
- Only requires just 2 inches of wall clearance
- 300-pound weight limit
Cons
- Can’t be shipped to Alaska or Hawaii
Best Budget Massage Chair
Massaging Desk Chair
Try something in between a full-sized massage chair and a portable version if you’re on a budget. This massaging office desk chair features six built-in motors that target the upper, mid and lower back, and thighs. Relax with five modes—pulse, press, wave, auto and normal—with high or low intensity. A built-in timer sets massage times for 15, 30 or 60 minutes. With a 360-degree swivel base, the chair is built on a sturdy iron frame and covered with faux leather for a chic office look.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Easy to move
- Adjustable height
- Padded armrests
- 400-pound weight limit
Cons
- Basic design without all the bells and whistles
Best Heated Massage Chair
Osaki Power Reclining Heated Chair
This faux-leather massage chair features an L-track roller design with an easy-to-use remote control and a Bluetooth connection for the built-in speaker. The chair comes preloaded with six automatic massage programs, six different massage settings and two stages of zero-gravity positions that are all elevated by an internal heating system to truly relax sore muscles. An added foot roller makes the chair a full-body massage experience. Plus, the space-saving design makes it ideal for tight spaces.
Pros
- Full body heating mechanism
- Has a Bluetooth speaker
- Unique foot roller for total body massage
- Three color options
Cons
- No automatic safety shutoff
- 220-pound weight limit
Best Portable Massage Chair
Snailax Vibration Massage Seat
Not ready to commit to a full-sized massage chair? This portable massage seat can be placed on an existing chair in your home, and it eases tired muscles with vibration. Six powerful motors target the thighs, as well as the upper, mid and lower back. The soothing heat radiates warmth that helps with increased circulation and overall relaxation. This is an ideal option for small spaces or for those who want to use this massage chair on the go.
Pros
- Portable cushion
- Affordable
- Easy-to-navigate remote control
- Stain-resistant fabric
- Nonslip rubber bottom
Cons
- Doesn’t offer shiatsu massage, only vibration
Best Zero-Gravity Massage Chair
Inner Balance Jin 2.0 SL Track Massage Chair
Talk about high-tech! This massage chair scans your body to measure your spine before delivering a therapeutic massage from head to toe. The four-head SL track massage system follows the contours of your body and massages you with optional infrared heat. Adjust the chair all the way to zero-gravity positioning with the power recliner. By the time you’re done with one of the six-auto courses, you’ll have loosened muscles and stimulated blood flow.
Pros
- Has a zero-gravity setting
- Bluetooth speakers
- Lumbar heat controls
- Triple width adjustment
- Extendable leg rest
Cons
- Not ideal for small spaces
Best Reclining Massage Chair
Cozzia Zero-Gravity Recliner
Enjoy a variety of massage styles—including kneading, Swedish, tapping, shiatsu, clapping, rolling and scrapping—with this zero-gravity recliner. It also features vibration and air pressure twisting modes. Heating therapy is centered on the lumbar region, which is beneficial for those with lower and upper back problems. And the chair is ergonomically designed, thanks to a power reclining feature, allowing for total body relaxation and increased circulation.
Pros
- Reclining feature for better circulation
- LED remote control
- Twin rollers mimic the feel of human thumbs
- Covered by a 10-year warranty
Cons
- Only two color options
Best Splurge Massage Chair
Human Touch Gravis ZG Chair
If money is no object, lounge in style with this fully adjustable massage chair. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art massage capabilities and features a mid-century modern design that looks simply stunning. With one-touch, zero-gravity seating, the chair features a variety of massage options. Multiple heat zones expertly soothe and restore sore muscles for targeted relief of your back, legs or seat, individually or simultaneously. Choose from a variety of customizable options, including memory settings and preset modes.
Pros
- One-touch, zero-gravity seating
- Handheld controller
- Multiple heat zones
- Six color options
- Battery back-up
Cons
- Leg section doesn’t go completely flat
What to Consider When Buying a Massage Chair
Take into consideration the budget, space and overall features. Decide how much you are willing to spend and think about your personal space. Take measurements and compare models.
Choose features that complement your needs. For instance, if you have deep muscle aches from heavy lifting, consider a heated chair. If you have back pain, consider a chair with lumbar support, plus targeted lower and upper back massage settings.
Types of Massage Chairs
Massage chairs are classified into three different categories: straight, S- and L-tracks.
- Straight track: Straight tracks are linear without any curvature and are common in budget-friendly chairs.
- S-track: S-tracks are sinusoidal (waves) massage chairs where roller tracks follow the curve of the spine and allow you to lay out flatter for a more stretched-out feel.
- L-track: L-track chairs are similar to S-tracks, except they extend to the glutes and lower hamstrings to cover more muscle groups.
How We Found the Best Massage Chairs
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What are the disadvantages of a massage chair?
It’s hard to replace the efficiency of a good masseuse, but massage chairs offer a quality massage nonetheless. They are often big and bulky, so you need room to use them properly. There’s also a significant cost to incur, depending on the type of massage chair you ultimately purchase.
What is the best massage chair I can buy?
There’s no solid answer to this question because everyone’s needs are different. Massage chairs should be chosen based on what muscles you want to target, how you want them to be massaged, your budget and the amount of space in your home.
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