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Owning a massage chair gives you the ability to feel like you're getting a personalized spa experience similar to what you'd find at some of the world's best spa retreats, without having to leave the comfort of your own home. Not only can buying your own chair be an affordable alternative to visiting your local massage parlor — after an upfront investment all your massages will be free, helping you keep a bit more of your hard earned cash in the bank — but it can offer you quicker relief than making an appointment. Choosing the best massage chair to meet your specific needs can be tricky, though, since there are so many different features available.
Some chairs offer a zero gravity experience while others only target a limited number of common pain points (like the lower back), potentially leaving your aching neck or weary legs without any relief. Additionally, some chairs — yes, even the "space saving" favorites — require a lot of room.
The best massage chairs to buy in 2024:
Whether you're looking for a way to recover from a day working in the garden, relief after a super intense day, or a new way to practice self-care, one of these top at-home massage chairs are bound to do the trick.
Pros
Offers a variety of massage styles- Adjustable intensity
- Track extends to your upper legs
Cons
- It's a more expensive option
- You'll need plenty of space
If you're looking for a Shiatsu massage at home, look no further than this zero gravity, full body, recliner chair. This heated option provides a spa level treatment for your whole body using heat and a track massage system that will leave no muscle behind.
| Dimensions | 57.48" D x 28.34" W x 42.12" H |
|---|---|
| Massage Areas | Full Body |
| Heat | Y |
| Recline | Y |
Pros
- Offers a variety of massage styles
- Adjustable intensity
- Remote control operated
Cons
- Massage track doesn't extend to legs
- Shipping is an additional $99.99
A more affordable high-end option, this chair by BestMassage has some of the bells and whistles of the splurge option but is a bit easier on the wallet. Available in two different colors, you're sure to find one that will work perfectly in your home spa set up.
| Dimensions | 56" D x 30" W x 45" H |
|---|---|
| Massage Areas | Full Body |
| Heat | Y |
| Recline | Y |
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Pros
- Easy to store when not in use
- Targets frequent problem areas like upper and lower back, hips, thighs
- Adjustable intensity
Cons
- Uses vibrating balls instead of shiatsu kneading
- Not full body
With more than 2,700 5-star ratings, this low cost massage chair option offers some of the same perks as the bigger ticket items without the extra bells and whistles. Thanks to its small size, you can easily move this chair cushion into a kitchen or office chair to experience the soothing benefits and then pack it away somewhere until you are ready to use it again.
| Dimensions | 16.65" H x 12.99" W x 6.18" D |
|---|---|
| Massage Areas | Back, Upper Legs |
| Heat | Y |
| Recline | N |
Pros
- Offers Shiatsu technique
- Adjustable settings so it works for a range of heights
- Has upper leg coverage
Cons
- Doesn't offer full body coverage
- Not suitable for anyone under 5'2 or over 6'2
Another more affordable option to a full reclining Shiatsu chair, this massage chair pad offers the same rolling, kneading, and full back coverage of the bigger machines in a much smaller package.
| Dimensions | 33 H" x 21 W" x 8.5 D" |
|---|---|
| Massage Areas | Neck, Upper Back, Lower Back, Upper Thighs |
| Heat | Y |
| Recline | N |
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Pros
- Has added features like airbags, foot roller, and touch screen
- Space saving design has smaller footprint
Cons
- Not Shiatsu
Take your in-home massage experience to the next level with this chair from Bilitok. Bluetooth speakers allow you to customize your playlist while you receive a full body massage (complete with yoga stretch) and a zero gravity button allows you to float comfortably in the seat, reducing the pressure on your pain points and vital organs.
| Dimensions | 30" H x 40" W x 58" D |
|---|---|
| Massage Areas | Full Body |
| Heat | Y |
| Recline | Y |
Pros
- Can be used as a regular recliner
- Multiple colorways
Cons
- Doesn't offer a full body massage
- Uses rollers instead of Shiatsu
This massage chair doubles as a regular recliner when it's not in use, making it a great space-saving option. When you're ready to take the chair from extra seating to soothing comfort you can turn on the rolling mechanisms and enjoy. Unlike other options, this one comes in a variety of colors as well, making sure that it will easily blend in with the rest of your home décor.
| Dimensions | 39" H x 24" W x 33" D |
|---|---|
| Massage Areas | Middle Back, Lower Back |
| Heat | N |
| Recline | Y |
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Pros
- Acts as a regular swivel, rocker, recliner when not in use
- Comes in a variety of colors
Cons
- Doesn't reach the upper back
A more robust recliner option, this swivel rocker from Yeshomy does it all: it pulls double duty as a regular recliner when not in use, offers several different massage areas to tackle frequent pain points (like the lower back and legs), and even has cup holders to help you achieve the most relaxing moment possible.
| Dimensions | 40" H x 20.5" W x 21.7" D |
|---|---|
| Massage Areas | Lower Back, Legs |
| Heat | N |
| Recline | Y |
Best Massage Chair With Footrest
Best Choice Products Faux Leather Electric Massage Chair
Pros
- Two piece system allows people to adjust to their height needs
- Give different heat and massage settings
Cons
- Assembly required
If you're in the market for a massage chair that looks like just about anything else, you can consider your search over thanks to this chair and ottoman duo. The remote control seat has five different heat and massage options, a side pocket for storage, and a full recline option that will make this faux leather chair your favorite seat in the house.
| Dimensions | 41" H x 29" W x 46" D |
|---|---|
| Massage Areas | Lower Back, Rear, Legs |
| Heat | Y |
| Recline | Y |
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What to look for when shopping for a massage chair
Before clicking "add to cart" on any of these massage chair options you should first consider a few key things about your needs, including how much space you'll need, what areas you want to target, and what type of massaging action you'd like to receive.
✔️ Size: While some of the chairs on this list are on the larger side, not every option has to become a permanent part of your home's decor. There are some that can be folded up and tucked into a closet while not in use, and others that are pulling double duty as both a recliner and a massager. You'll want to consider just how much of your home's valuable real estate you want to give up to your massage chair and go from there.
✔️ Target areas: Next, you should really evaluate what part of your body needs the most attention. For example, not every option on this list will target the neck or foot area and instead focus on the more generalized areas of the middle and lower back. If your biggest tension spots are in your feet or your neck, you'll need to look for a chair that can help with those spots, which often means picking one of the larger (and more expensive) items on the market.
✔️ Style of massage: Lastly, not all massage chairs are created equal. Some offer the kneading sensation you would expect to feel with an in-person Shiatsu massage while others operate with rollers or vibrations. More intense knots or pains may require the deeper work of a Shiatsu chair.
FAQ
- What does zero gravity mean?
Zero gravity massage chairs recline to a position where your knees become elevated above your heart, giving you a feeling of weightlessness while you sit. This has the added benefit of promoting blood flow, which is important when it comes to massages. - Why do some chairs have "airbags?"
The airbags on a massage chair are inflated during the massage process and then either pulse or expand and deflate to offer additional massaging sensations. These are often found near the arms and legs and provide a tapping massage. - How often should you use a massage chair?
Any frequency warnings for the chair you purchase should be included in the owner's manual, but for the most part, there's no blanket answer to this question. Anyone with an existing medical condition that could be exacerbated by frequent massages should talk to their doctor, and of course, if you're starting to feel lingering pain after you use you should take longer breaks between sessions. - What does the heat in a massage chair actually do?
The heat generated by a massage chair can help reach some of those deeper tissues that can't be touched by the massage mechanisms themselves. This can help soothe those harder to reach areas, giving a deeper sense of relief and relaxation.
Lauren Wellbank
Contributing Writer
Lauren Wellbank is a freelance writer based in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, Martha Stewart Living, and more. She has three small children, a husband, and an over eager dog at home. When she's not writing she likes to work in her garden with her family.
