You just got off work, and your back is killing you. A hot bath sounds nice, but what you want to do is just sit down and rest. What would really hit the spot is a nice massage chair. Doesn’t just thinking about it feel relaxing? Of course, it does.
Have you been searching for the best massage chair? Here’s a little food for thought. A massage chair offers multiple benefits. Relaxation is a big one, but did you know that these chairs can improve circulation? They can also help to lower your blood pressure. Imagine that! You probably won’t find a better all-in-one method of managing wellness than a massage chair. Remember, taking care of yourself can save you from a world of problems in the long run.
The thing is, finding the right massage chair can be difficult. This is especially true if you are buying one online and don’t have the opportunity to try it out first. No worries. We’ve got you covered with this extensive review of the most popular massage chairs on the market. Check out our recommendations below.
Human Touch IJOY Active
You say that you would love to have a massage chair but just don’t have the space. Well, say hello to the Human Touch iJoy. It’s a compact unit that weighs just 45 pounds. It can be folded up with ease so that you can move it from room to room as needed. It measures a scant 32″ X 27″ X 37″. That means it will work well for those who live in a small apartment. The bone color of the chair is compatible with almost any decor.
Just because it is small doesn’t mean it lacks features. This chair uses a proprietary FlexGlide massage robot to deliver three programmed options. You can choose THINK and relax your whole back, PERFORM to tackle tension in the neck or shoulders, and RECHARGE for those painful knots in the lower back. I mean, come on. What can be easier than hitting a single button to get the massage you want?
If all the features weren’t enough, there is some pretty strong statistical data to support the health benefits of using this chair. One study found that individuals who used the chair for four weeks saw a decrease in blood pressure and pulse rate. That’s what we’re taking about!
- Mimics the hand techniques of massage therapists
- Uses stretch, orbit, and glide motions
- Three auto-programs
- FlexGlide massage technology
- Compact design
- Comes fully assembled
Great for people with small dwellings
3 presets for a targeted massageem
Only two colors available
Lacks some advanced features of larger chairs
More expensive than similar chairs
New Electric Full Body
New Electric Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner
It’s hard to beat a full-body shiatsu massage. This amazing Full Body Shiatsu chair from MR Direct is the closest thing you can get to an expensive massage parlor. Let this sink in: multiple massage points to ease the tension in your body from the soles of your feet to the top of your head. There are a total of 16 points here which cover the entire body. Add in heat and it’s like having your own massage therapist.
The deep stimulation provided by this chair is superior in relieving exhaustion and stress. Worried about falling asleep? Well, don’t. This chair is so comfortable it might just replace your standard recliner. There are airbags located strategically throughout the chair’s structure. These help the chair mold to the shape of your body and create a cocoon of pleasure that you won’t soon forget.
The slots for your legs are excellent at improving circulation. With multiple settings, you can find just the right level of massage therapy. The only real downside to this chair is its weight. It’s meant to be kept in a certain place and not moved around. The overall size of the chair is also more amenable to larger living spaces as opposed to small apartments.
- Arm airbags with compression
- Full wrap leg airbags
- Foot massage
- Hip compression airbags
- 16 massage points
New Electric Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner Zero Gravity w/Heat
16 massage points for full body treatment
Airbags help to customize your experience
Not suitable for small environments
Very heavy
RELAXONCHAIR MK-II PLUS Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair
The RELAXONCHAIR MK-II PLUS raises the bar when it comes to massage chairs. We’re talking heat, kneading, tapping, and airbag intensity control. Are you getting the picture? This is a smart chair that combines the best technology with the best price. You can’t go wrong with that, right?
The hallmark of this chair is its Buttlock L-Track Massage System. The chair incorporates high-tech rollers that adjust to the curvature of your spine. With many chairs, the experience you get is generic. Not this one. It is customized to provide spinal decompression through gentle stretching. Those who suffer from sciatica and lower back pain will find this to be a worthwhile investment.
Here’s the thing. Some massage chairs require you to engage in elaborate programming to get the massage you want. This one features advanced technology that gives you four automatic programs. Just select the one you want with the hand-held remote control and you’ll be able to target individual regions of the body. The makers of the chair designed the programs to mimic the movements and practices of a massage therapist.
- Remote control with one-hand operation
- Four automatic massage programs
- Kneading, tapping, and combo massage
- 3-speed control
- Zero gravity
- Buttlock L-Tracking Massage System
- Soft grained synthetic leather
- Lower back heating
- Foot massager
There is no guesswork here. Deep tissue massages are delivered with precision. Oh, did we mention the chair also offers a full body scan? Yes indeed. The chair will help you target the areas of your body which require the most attention. The negative here is that these chairs aren’t very portable. You also need to be 18 years of age or older to purchase one. This is about as high tech as you can get when it comes to a massage chair.
Smart functions make for easy use
Three true zero gravity settings
Must be 18 or older to buy
Some functions can be hard to understand
Real Relax Massage Chair Recliner
Imagine a full body shiatsu massage in the comfort of your own home. Do you know that just a few sessions in the Real Relax Massage Chair Recliner cost less than what you would pay a massage therapist? It’s true. This chair has 50 airbags and 8 custom massage points to capture the true experience of a shiatsu massage. Massage therapists hate it because it can easily reduce their business.
The contour of this amazing chair forms a zero-gravity space capsule. The rollers on your back are designed to massage the same area instead of going up and down like other chairs. There are also rollers for the feet instead of airbags, and that results in a difference you can feel. Who doesn’t want better circulation and an increased metabolism? Those things can be yours when you sit in this chair.
Oh, by the way. It’s also a recliner. Some massage chairs stand out and aren’t aesthetically pleasing. This one will fit right in with your room decor. It also supports weights of up to 490 pounds. Individuals who struggle with weight issues can use this chair to discourage muscle atrophy.
- Four automatic massage program presets
- 50 airbags
- Zero-gravity
- 8 massage points
- Built-in waist heater
- Easy to assemble
- 3-year warranty
There is one downside. Individuals taller than six feet may find the chair a tad uncomfortable. There are footrests which extend the length of the chair, but some of the massage benefits are reduced. It is also a heavy piece of furniture, but there are rollers on the bottom which make moving the chair from place to place much easier.
Heat is included for enhanced tension relief, and the chair has a high definition VFD display screen that makes adjustments easy. If you are thinking about taking a nap in this chair, go right ahead. It was built for that.
Easy programming with a high definition screen
Rollers go in circles instead of up and down
50 airbags and 8 massage points for a full body experience
Not suitable for very tall individuals
Requires some complicated assembly
BESTMASSAGE Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner
Best Massage has increased the massage area of this chair by 60% over similar chairs. Now, think about this. More areas of massage for a lower price. What’s not to like here? This Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chairh has all the functionality you could want in an affordable unit. It massages the neck, shoulders, waist, hips, and thighs. The true shiatsu tradition is on full display in this recliner.
Zero gravity chairs like this one are in high demand because they evenly distribute the weight of the body. You’re going to breathe deeper when you recline, and that means more relaxation. Comfortable heat is applied in all the right spots to assist in working out those tough kinks. The massage track used in this chair has an L shape and moves from the neck to the thigh. The gentle motion of the rollers encourages the relaxation of deep tissue, just what you need after a hard day.
This chair is very heavy. You will probably need a good massage after getting it set up. The shipping weight is over 300 pounds, so prepare to have some help handy. Another downside is that there is no option for sitting up. The chair was designed to be used as a recliner. When sitting straight, some massage features simply don’t work.
- 60% larger massage area
- Intelligent massage programs
- OPTO sensor to detect shoulder position
- Roller scraping for the feet
- Heat for waist area
One of the best features of this chair is its OPTO sensor. This sensor helps to determine the precise position of your shoulders. A great massage begins with bringing your body into alignment, and this chair does an exceptional job of that.
Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner w/Heat and Long Rail 161
L-shaped design massages from the neck to the thighs
Full benefits of massage only experienced in a reclined position
Osaki OS-4000 Zero Gravity Executive Fully Body Massage Chair
If NASA astronauts were writing this review, they would probably put this Osaki massage chair at the top of their list. As a matter of fact, the zero-gravity positioning in this chair was inspired by NASA. You can’t get more comfortable than a chair that was designed for space flight, right? As you might expect, the price tag here is high. That’s okay. You’re worth it, aren’t you?
The space age technology used in this chair includes a wireless remote with an LCD display. You can shuffle through six presets that use air pressure to massage the arms, hips, shoulders, calves, and feet. The speed can also be adjusted to five different levels, making it possible for you to dial up just the right amount of tissue stimulation.
The massage track used in this chair is ergonomic. It has an S shape for better conformation to the spine. The rollers actually map your back as they work, and that information is fed into a computer program. The chair learns the contours of your body and tailors the massage it delivers to address your unique problem areas.
- Upgraded PU covering
- Six pre-set programs
- 2-stage zero gravity
- NASA inspired design
- Five levels of speed and intensity
Two-stage zero gravity is used in this chair. This aligns the back with the thighs to deliver maximum comfort. The chair also assists with gentle stretching of the spine. This can help to alleviate lower back pain and sciatic nerve issues.
This is an executive chair, and its price tag reflects all of the technology it boasts. If you can see past the price, though, the features are substantial. It weighs about 250 pounds, so this might not be the chair for you if your living space is small.
Osaki OS-4000 Zero Gravity Executive Fully Body Massage Chair, Black
Computerized spine mapping
Not suitable for small environments
Inada Sogno Dreamwave Massage Chair
Let’s just put this out there right now. The Inada Sogno Dreamwave is one of the most expensive massage chairs on the market. But, before you pass over reading our review, let’s talk brass tacks. Your health is an investment. The money you spend on wellness can translate to more productivity, increased happiness, and better health overall. Think about that while you consider this chair.
So, what makes this chair so special? For starters, it has a larger coverage area than any other chair. The Dreamwave will cover an amazing 1200 square inches of your body. There isn’t a muscle group that this chair won’t target. This is shiatsu taken to the next level. There are multiple presets to choose from, and each massage is delivered in a proprietary figure eight motion for more adequate coverage.
Inada has made this a chair which is suitable for all ages. It even has settings specifically made for individuals as young as 14. The massage experience for young users is more gentle. There is also a stretch function which gently encourages flexibility throughout the entire body. The chair works great for the young athlete in your home, and it also helps you recover from a hard day at work.
- Over 1,200 square inches of coverage
- Dreamwave technology with figure 8 motion
- Proprietary stretch function
- Proprietary youth program
- Eight pre-programmed healthcare programs
What if you could have special massage programs designed for day and night? Well, you can when you buy this chair. The morning programs are designed to gently stimulate the muscle groups of the body to prepare them for the day ahead. The evening programs focus more on relaxation that will help you get a good night’s rest. Using this chair twice a day can confer benefits like lower blood pressure, a better pulse rate, and improved circulation.
Something that should be mentioned here is how quiet the unit is. You can barely hear it when it is performing massage. The major downside is the price, and this chair is also a legitimate piece of furniture. The dark brown color might not be suitable for all tastes.
Inada Sogno Dreamwave Massage Chair, Dark Brown
Evening and morning presets
Figure eight massage motion
Very expensive chair
Limited color and style
Titan Model TP-Pro 8400D Massage Chair
Okay, so we saved the best for last. No, really. The more we examine the Titan TP-Pro 8400, the more we are impressed by this giant. We’re talking one-third the cost of similar chairs. We’re talking computerized mapping of your body. This chair may offer the best value for massage chairs, hands down. But, hey, you be the judge.
The features of this chair include zero-gravity massage. You’ll truly appreciate the way it takes the pressure off your spine and gently stretches the body. It has heat that can be adjusted at different contact points. That’s right. You no longer have to endure a sweaty back just to enjoy a warm massage on your feet. The auto recline function assists you in finding a perfect position, too. The only thing missing here is a microwave oven!
Few chairs offer dedicated massages of the hands. This one does. It also has knobs for massaging the ankles. You could search for a long time and not find a massage chair that covers as much area as this one does.
- L-track massage rollers
- Zero-gravity function
- Auto-recline
- Foot massage roller
- Heating in back area
- Computer body scan
- 5 presets
- Compact design
Titan TP- Pro 8400 User Manual
This chair is also very small and compact. It’s a great choice for those with small apartments. It also works well for retired individuals who live alone, thanks to its ease of operation. The remote is very easy to see and even easier to work.
The downside of this chair is its overall durability. We just can’t say for certain that it will last as long as some of its pricier rivals. You will also be limited to an ivory/bone color that may or may not work for you. Our suggestion? Get it anyway. Those are very minor negatives.
Maximum features at a low price
Dedicated hand and ankle massage
Limited color choice
Durability is lacking compared to other chairs
Luraco Technologies iRobotics 7 Medical Massage Chair
For some people, buying products made in the U.S.A. is important. This massage chair from Luraco has the distinction of being the only massage chair that is made in America. Want to know another reason this is important? The chair is approved by the FDA. It is deemed safe for use and effective in treating medical conditions.
Technology is front and center in this excellent chair. It boasts a smart touch remote control that fits right in the palm of your hand. The settings allow you to control the intensity in different parts of the chair. If you want a lighter massage in the neck area but a more thorough massage in the legs, no problem. Just make a few simple adjustments on the remote.
Don’t you hate forgetting a perfect setting on your massage chair? You don’t have to worry about that anymore when you choose this one. It lets you save up to five custom settings in memory. That means the whole family can enjoy the chair in a way that is pleasing to them alone.
- Designed and built in the USA
- FDA approved
- Smart touch remote control
- Five memory settings
- Multi-sectional intensity
This is a fully robotic chair which has exceptional movement. The rollers are so similar to the hands of a massage therapist that you might not be able to tell the difference. The chair also incorporates MP3 technology so that you can enjoy your favorite music while you relax.
It’s expensive, sure. It’s also quite large. For those who are making a long-term commitment to a piece of quality workmanship, though, this chair is the ticket. It even comes in three different colors so you can match the decor of your home.
Luraco Technologies iRobotics 7 Medical Massage Chair, Chocolate Brown
Save custom presets to memory
Requires some significant assembly
Hard to move once assembled
Infinity IT-8500X3-CB 3D Massage Chair
The Infinity IT-8500X3 massage chair boldly goes where no other chair has gone before. Yeah, we know. That sounds like science fiction. In this case, science plays a big role. This 3D robotic chair has an immense feature set that is typically only found in more expensive chairs. It lets you adjust the intensity of your massage along the length of the rollers.
Do you want a light rubbing of the shoulders? Just tap the small remote. How about a deep tissue massage for your back? It’s just a click away. There are a lot of presets you can take advantage of, but you can also customize your own settings.
The S shape of the chair’s slide rail does a perfect job of conforming to the natural shape of your spine. The chair also has sensors in the shoulder area which can determine where you need relief the most. The airbags in the chair gently grip the body, providing a stretching effect that is very similar to that of a zero-gravity chair.
Not many massage chairs focus heavily on the feet, and that’s a shame. Well, this one does. Infinity made it a point to develop a powerful foot massager. It gently works away the kinks. Guys, think about this. You can give your significant other a foot rub or she can sit in this chair. Which one do you think she will choose? Hello. Let the chair do the work while you cook a romantic dinner.
- High-end features at a reasonable price
- 3D technology
- Low itensity to deep tissue massage
- Foot massager with eight airbags
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Heat function
- Low energy use
The chair is very quiet when it is operating. No, you don’t have to worry about it disturbing the neighbors, cat, or dog. It also uses a very small amount of power, so you don’t have to feel bad about using this chair all day if that is what you want to do.
We won’t lie. There are some drawbacks. Short people will find it hard to get a light massage from this chair. By the same token, very tall individuals have difficulty with getting deep massages. It also requires some complicated assembly upon delivery.
Infinity IT-8500X3-CB 3D Massage Chair, Classic Black
Less expensive than similar chairs
Not adaptable to all heights
Can be difficult to assemble without extra paid service
Benefits of Massage Chairs
Did you know that the American College of Physicians endorses massage as a way to manage pain? Pain management is just one of many benefits that you can enjoy when you purchase your own massage chair. These chairs are designed to apply therapy to sore muscles and joints, but they can do so much more. There are actually five primary benefits of using a massage chair.
Massage chairs relieve nerve pain by helping to align the spine. Better alignment means that nerves are not pinched or compressed. These chairs also help you to achieve better posture. Improved posture can do wonders for back pain. Endorphins are also released when you spend time in a massage chair, and circulation is improved. Finally, there is a reduction of stress throughout the entire body. With all of these important benefits, why would you delay buying a massage chair?
How Massage Chairs Work
The benefits of a massage chair include deep relaxation, reduced blood pressure, a lowering of the pulse rate, and increased metabolism. These benefits are common to almost all massage chairs. It is likely that you or someone you love is in need of these benefits. They are helpful to individuals who suffer from lower back pain, sciatica, and disc issues.
Massage chairs are designed to mimic the hand motions of a massage therapist. They use a combination of massage rollers and airbags to soothe different parts of the body. Some chairs provide a traditional massage while others offer specialty massages like shiatsu.
When you sit in a massage chair, the contour of the chair adjusts to the shape of your body. The rollers gently encourage deep tissue relaxation. Heat is often added to assist in the removal of tension. These chairs only require you to sit comfortably while the technology does the work. Most chairs provide a remote control pad that allows you to make necessary adjustments without changing your sitting position.
Massage chairs knead and tap the various sections of the body in a manner that is pleasing. Rather than focus on one body part for the entire time, the chairs alternate light pressure to areas of the body with sophisticated rollers. The best chairs address the needs of the entire body from head to toe.<
Types of Massage Chairs
Massage chairs that soothe the entire body can help to alleviate pain and soreness. They can also be useful to those who suffer from insomnia. This proactive form of treatment is preferable to some individuals who do not wish to rely on excessive medications. Each massage chair specializes in managing certain aspects of health, and some of them address multiple issues.
Zero-gravity massage chairs are ones which focus on body alignment. They help to get the head on a level plane with the back and spine. These chairs are great for those who have lower back issues because they provide stretching in addition to massage.
You’ve probably heard of shiatsu massage. You can find a chair that delivers this excellent form of therapy. A shiatsu chair will work the entire body from head to toe. It is best suited for those who crave whole body relaxation.
Recliners function just like an ordinary reclining chair, but they add in the element of massage. How cool is that? Nothing beats lying back and watching a football game while you get a relaxing massage. Some chairs remain upright. This can be great for people with sciatic nerve pain.
Heated massage chairs add in warmth to provide extra comfort. The heat helps to loosen muscle groups and relieve tension. And hey, a warm massage chair is a lot less work than a hot bath. Just sit down, hit the remote, and you’re good to go.
Shiatsu Massage Chairs
Benefits of a shiatsu massage chair include deep relaxation of the entire body. This is because the method of the massage revolves around applying pressure to multiple massage points. This type of chair is very useful to individuals who encounter pain in various regions of the body.
A shiatsu massage chair uses the same techniques of body relaxation. It emphasizes smaller pressure points. These chairs typically work the body from head to toe, and many of them have greater coverage than other massage chairs. If you are intrigued by Eastern medicine and how energy works in the body, a shiatsu chair is probably a good choice.
Reclining Massage Chairs
A reclining massage chair gently stretches the body while allowing the user to lie down in a comfortable position. The primary benefit of this is that the heart is placed on a level plane with the rest of the body. As a result, a lower heart rate is achieved because the heart doesn’t have to work as hard to create blood flow. This makes reclining massage chairs exceptional for those with high blood pressure.
There are many advantages to owning a reclining massage chair. One is that these chairs tend to mesh well with other pieces of furniture in the home. They can easily do double duty as your favorite sitting chair in the living room.
A reclining massage chair isn’t all about the aesthetics, though. Being able to recline can help to relieve tension in your back and spine. You may experience a stretching sensation as your spine lengthens. Of course, few things are more relaxing than one of these chairs. People who primarily want relaxation from their massage chair will find reclining units to be a great choice.
Zero Gravity Massage Chairs
Zero-gravity massage chairs are very useful in stretching the body and taking pressure off the spine. A primary benefit of this chair is that it accomplishes the stretching in a way that is comfortable. Those who have had back injuries or those who experience sciatic nerve pain will find these chairs to be highly effective.
The benefits of a zero-gravity massage chair are being substantiated by many medical studies. These chairs are also a favorite of chiropractors. A zero-gravity chair does what other massage chairs cannot. It helps to put the body in perfect alignment. Any doctor will tell you, the cause of body pain can often be attributed to poor spinal alignment. When your body is misaligned, the effects can be numerous and severe.
A zero-gravity massage chair lowers your head into a position where it is level with your back. When this happens, a natural stretching of the muscles and spine occurs. This can take pressure off of the lower lumbar region. Contrary to what many people think, zero-gravity does not mean upside down. It means a level plane.
Massage Types and Programs
The type of massage you need depends upon your ailments. Thankfully, the most advanced massage chairs today are very versatile and provide a wider range of massage types and programs.
A deep tissue massage will work the muscle groups that require the most attention. This type of massage is very effective in the back, neck, and shoulders. A shiatsu massage is one that systematically works the entire body with light pressure. Light massages of the hands and feet are also possible with massage chairs.
A regular massage program can be effective in lowering blood pressure, slowing down the pulse, and speeding up the metabolism. There are programs for the waking hours which are designed to leave you energized. Other programs are created to relax you before you go to sleep. Many massage chairs today will let you choose the massage type and program you need, and some chairs will even let you save your settings.<
Who Should Buy a Massage Chair
Massage chairs are useful for a wide range of individuals. One does not have to have existing medical problems to enjoy the benefits of a massage chair. These chairs can be enjoyed by those who just want to relieve tension and relax. Anyone who has a stressful job or one that requires a lot of standing will appreciate the way a massage chair tends the body.
Let’s be honest for a minute. Anyone that cares about their health and wellness should consider buying a massage chair. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. When you are at your best, the people around you benefit. You deserve to have a high quality of life, and a massage chair can help you achieve that.
If you suffer from ailments like sciatica, we feel your pain. Nerve pain can sometimes be relieved with a massage chair. You might not know it, but zero gravity chairs help to elongate the spine. This can take a lot of pressure off of your lower back. Of course, don’t just take our word for it. Always check with a medical professional to determine if one of these chairs is right for you.
Buyers Guide for the Best Massage Chair
Before you make a decision about which massage chair to buy, give some thought to your needs. What is most important, relaxation or therapy? Will you be the only one using the chair or will you be sharing it with others? A massage chair is an investment. You don’t want to buy one only to discover it fails to provide exactly what you need.
Consider Your Living Space
Some massage chairs are very large. Others are compact. The chair you choose will depend upon your personal living space. If you have a small apartment, a compact and lightweight chair will work best. You can opt for a larger chair if you have a vast living area or den. Another thing to consider is weight. Some massage chairs are very heavy. You might need help getting the chair into your home and assembling it for use.
Talk to Your Chiropractor or Doctor
Listen, nothing substitutes for sound medical advice. Once you have used our review to narrow down some choices, speak with your physician or chiropractor and get their opinion. These individuals have been trained to provide expert advice in the field of medicine. They will often point out considerations that you have forgotten. In many cases, they can help you truly appreciate the benefits of a massage chair.
Winner: Titan Model TP-Pro 8400D Massage Chair
Well, our decision is made. We have chosen the Titan Model TP-Pro 8400 as the best massage chair. The choice wasn’t easy. In truth, a strong case could be made for all the chairs on our list.
There were a few things that gave the Titan the edge. Above all, we just could not find a similar chair that was as affordable as this one. It would be normal to pay three or even four times what you will spend on a Titan in order to receive the same functionality. Anytime that you can combine value with effectiveness, the result is a win.
While we’re on the subject of functionality, this chair has it all. It is a zero-gravity chair with auto recline. All you need to do is press a button on the remote and the chair will recline into a comfortable position. It has a heating function that can be tailored to specific parts of the body. The heat is especially beneficial in the back area where it works to resolve muscle tension. There is a foot roller for dedicated foot massages, and the L-track setup makes this chair comfortable.
This chair includes a computer body scan feature that is most often found in more expensive models. The scan is useful in revealing parts of the body which need attention. There are five different presets which allow you to achieve a great massage with a single click, but you can also tailor your massage to your liking by adjusting various settings.
Yes, there are a few minor drawbacks like color choice and durability, but you have to balance these against overall value. Many people cannot spend many thousands of dollars on a massage chair. The Titan offers them a middle-of-the-road chair which outperforms all others in its price range.