The 15 Best Massage Chairs, Tested and Expert-Approved
Living with daily pain due to stress and tension can impact your quality of life and may even be debilitating. Unfortunately, not all of us have the time and resources to book multiple weekly sessions with a massage therapist. If you experience pain from occupational stress, injury, or a musculoskeletal disorder, a massage chair can relieve pain and tension in the comfort of your home, on your own schedule.
When shopping for a massage chair, the most important features to look for include a variety of intensity levels, multiple points of massaging contact, and an S, L, or SL track. The S-track mimics the S shape of your spine, while the L track covers the length of your back, all the way down to your glutes. The SL-track is a newer version, which combines the movements of both S and L-tracks by hitting your spine as well as your lower back and glutes.
To help you sort through the many available options, we interviewed experts. We tested the top-selling massage chairs based on ease of use, adjustability, comfort, pressure, targeted areas, and extra features such as heat and remote control. This article was also reviewed by a physical therapist on our Medical Expert Board.
Top Picks
BEST OVERALL:
BEST BUDGET:
HoMedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion at Amazon $320
BEST ZERO GRAVITY:
Insignia Zero Gravity Full Body Massage Chair at Best Buy
BEST FOR SLEEP:
Esright Massage Recliner Chair at Amazon
BEST FOR SMALL SPACES:
Insignia Compact Massage Chair at Best Buy
BEST WITH HEAT THERAPY:
Osaki 3D Dreamer V2 Massage Chair at Amazon $2,499
BEST ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
iRest A710 Shiatsu Massager with AI Voice Control at Amazon
BEST FOR NECK:
Real Relax 2022 Favor-03 ADV Massage Chair at Realrelaxmassage.com
BEST FOR LOWER BACK:
Nouhaus Classic Massage Chair with Ottoman at Amazon $1,600
BEST FOR INJURY RECOVERY:
iRest SL Track Massage Chair at Amazon $1,649
BEST OVERALL
Osaki OS-4000
Why We Like It
Equipped with 25 strategically placed airbags, a heated lumbar, and zero gravity technology, the Osaki OS-4000's innovative design tailors the massage to your individual anatomical needs, featuring complete body scan technology that maps the curvature of our spine as well as your calves and feet. With three different intensity levels and speeds and eight pre-set programs, you won’t have to worry about a massage that’s too rough or too gentle.
During our testing, the chair supported our full body weight, and we enjoyed the zero-gravity effect. Unlike some massage chairs that can be quite loud, the Osaki OS-4000 operates quietly, so you can zone out and relax.
Our Testing Process
In addition to testing several models in our Lab, our panel of chiropractors, physical therapists, and orthopedists advised us on the benefits of massage and which product features are most helpful when investing in a massage chair. To narrow down our list of chairs to test, we compared the features of each model and eliminated chairs with limited settings. Finally, we selected chairs to include a range of sizes, features, and prices to suit different budgets and spaces.
During our testing, we considered the construction, upholstery, and accessories, such as an ottoman and built-in storage. We rated each chair based on the following qualities:
Comfort: How the chair feels and if it will accommodate a range of body types
Pressure: The type of massage settings used (kneading, tapping, shiatsu) and how the intensity feels
Adjustability: How easy or difficult it is to switch between settings and intensities
Heated Features: If there are heat settings and how effective they are
Targeted Areas: Which areas of the body the chair massages
Extra Features: Whether or not bonus features such as remote control or a cup holder add to the experience
What to Know About Massage Chairs
Types: There are three types of massage tracks to look for when selecting a chair: S, L, and SL. The S-track mimics the S shape of your spine, while the L-track will cover the length of your back, all the way down to your glutes. The SL-track is a newer version, which combines the movements of both S- and L-tracks by hitting your spine as well as your lower back and glutes.
Benefits: Massage has many benefits, including reducing anxiety, improving circulation, relieving pain, and increasing relaxation.1 With regular use, your body will begin to feel the benefits of massage, and you may even find you sleep better2 and have more energy during the day. Daily stress can trigger tension-related pain and discomfort, such as headaches and body pain. A massage chair addresses these issues by providing relief to the muscles that are tight and tender.1
Features: Choosing the perfect massage chair comes down to understanding your needs and finding a model that offers the features to address them. Pain can stem from several sources, and a massage chair can help relieve specific areas of tension. Here are some features to look for:
Intensity levels: One size doesn't fit all when it comes to massage, which is why we recommend chairs with a variety of intensity levels. Whether you're looking for a gentle touch to ease neck tension or a deep-tissue massage to work out knots in your back, adjustable intensity levels let you customize your session without causing additional discomfort. Adjustability also allows you to share your chair with family members of different sizes and pressure tolerances.
Massage techniques: The best massage chairs offer a variety of techniques to target different muscle groups. From shiatsu to kneading and rolling, look for a chair with different massage modes so you can adjust your session to focus on the specific areas of tension you have that day.
Points of contact: Having multiple points of contact allows the massage chair to address a larger area at once, which can be beneficial if you have widespread pain or tension. Models with a combination of massage nodes and airbags provide a well-rounded massage that touches on many different muscle groups.
Our Experts
We consulted with medical experts to determine the most beneficial features that deliver relief and an overall quality massage chair experience.
Jordan Beall, PT, DPT physical therapist at Tribeca Physical Therapy in New York City
Matt Tanneberg, DC, CSCS, chiropractor and certified strength and conditioning specialist in Scottsdale, Arizona
Evie Vlahakis, physical therapist, New York City
Mary Thiel, MPT, clinic manager at Michigan State Health Care's physical and occupational therapy practice
Rishabh Nanavati, a rheumatologist at ClinicSpots
Follow this link, https://www.health.com/best-massage-chairs-6800286, to read the rest of the article.
