By Jasmine Harding | Updated Jun 13, 2022 1:07 PM

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There are few moments as pleasurable as sinking into a massage chair, especially after a long day. Massage chairs bring home the restful experience of a massage, kneading tired muscles at the push of a button.

While these kinds of chairs offer the promise of rest, there are a variety of options and features, so finding the best home massage chair for your needs can feel overwhelming. These chairs can also be a bit of a luxurious investment, so it’s key to find an effective choice with useful modes, programs, and comfort functions.

Read on for some important features to consider in a massage chair and explore the best massage chairs for unwinding at home.

There are several key features to consider when shopping for a massage chair. Some inexpensive massage chairs provide little more than vibration and warmth, while higher-end models offer zero-gravity, full-body massage programs. Shoppers may want to look at specs to ensure the chair offers the preferred type of massage, and consider the massage coverage, programs and settings, reclining angle, and additional comfort features.

Massage chairs can target various areas of the body. The simplest ones usually target the back, while premium chairs may also offer head, neck, leg, foot, arm, and hand massage options.

Vibration pads, air bags, massage heads, and rollers are placed throughout the chair to create the massaging functions. A higher-quality chair will have tracks that allow massaging nodes to travel and provide a better massage. The massage tracks will give some idea of the chair’s roller coverage (although the chair can still massage other areas of the body using airbags and vibrating nodes). Common massage track types include:

Massage chairs can range from seats with fixed rollers and simple vibrating functions to moving full-body, deep-tissue massage nodes. Many massage chairs offer a variety of massage types, created using vibrating, kneading, tapping, knocking, and compressing movements. Massage chairs can mimic popular massage types, like Swedish, shiatsu, percussion, or deep-tissue massage.

Massage type can depend on the roller heads, which include 2D, 3D, and 4D rollers.

3D and 4D chairs will offer more variation and massage types than 2D chairs, but they often come with a higher price tag.

Massage programs offer a preset combination, varying the massage type and location for a more relaxing experience. Chairs can have between three and 10 or more massage programs, offering timed massages and area-specific or full body options. Programs take the thought out of choosing each massage function and reduce repetitiveness so users can fully relax.

Easy-to-control settings can be important in a massage chair—users are there to relax, not scroll through menus or search for buttons. One-touch buttons, touch screens, remotes, and voice controls can help improve user-friendliness. Many massage chairs have settings to customize the massage types and programs, allowing users to choose different massage types, zones, and intensity levels, and control other comfort features like chair recline and heat functions.

The best chair massager models often offer a recline option for increased comfort. Reclining angle can range from 100 degrees to just past 180 degrees, offering reclined comfort or a small inversion to stretch the spine. Some chairs stop on specific recline angles, while others give the option to stop anywhere along the recline range.

A feature found in some higher-end massage chairs is zero-gravity recline. This recline feature leans the body back into a neutral position to create a sense of weightlessness and take pressure off the spine, promoting relaxation. Some massage chairs include multiple zero-gravity reclining angles to suit different users.

One of the most common extra features is a function to heat the back, seat, or even along the entire length of the massage chair. Heat can help relax muscles and lull users into a deeper state of relaxation. Chairs can also include built-in music systems, USB chargers, light therapy, air ionizers, and smart connectivity to enhance user experience.

Some premium massage chairs have a body-scan feature, which uses sensors to map out the shape of the back and adjust the chair to the user. At its most basic level, these chairs offer shoulder height detection to ensure rollers don’t massage past the neck. More complex body scan features can detect height, back shape, and pressure points to create a more customized massage.

An aesthetically pleasing appearance is another aspect to consider. Massage chairs can be made from a range of materials and in a range of sizes and colors. Since these chairs are an investment, look for an option that suits your space and materials that typically wear well with use.

The following massage chairs deliver on their relaxation promises, vibrating, kneading, rolling, and warming on command to soothe tired muscles. One of these may be the perfect pick for your needs.

With a range of attractive features for a reasonable price, the Real Relax 2022 Favor-03 ADV Massage Chair is a top pick for the best full-body massage chair for most users. This roomy chair massages users from head to toe. S-track rollers target the neck, back, and shoulders with shiatsu, kneading, or knocking massage modes, while airbag massagers handle the legs, arms, and feet.

Controlling this chair is easy with the large LCD control screen or voice-control feature. For those who want to take the control out of their hands, this chair includes six automated, preset programs with three intensity levels. A zero-gravity recline and lower-back heaters add an extra level of coziness to this appealing chair, which also has a sleek faux-leather finish to look as stylish as it is comfortable.

Get the Real Relax massage chair at Amazon, Wayfair, or Real Relax.

With a compact size and included ottoman, the budget-friendly Best Choice Products Electric Massage Recliner offers value for money. Although this chair doesn’t boast the enveloping design of pricier massage chairs, it’s a worthwhile pick for those on a budget.

Despite its separate chair and ottoman design, this massage chair still massages from the upper back down to the calves with massage points in both the chair and ottoman. The seat also reclines and has a heat feature to encourage further relaxation. One major benefit of the simpler, compact design is that this massage chair is easier to fit into smaller rooms.

The wireless controller allows users to switch between two modes, five massage programs, and an impressive nine intensity levels. Note that this massage chair doesn’t have any tracks or rollers, so it offers a vibrating massage rather than a deep-tissue treatment.

Get the Best Choice Products massage chair on Amazon or Best Choice Products.

Zero-gravity chairs recline the body into a neutral position that helps increase blood flow, takes pressure off joints, and encourages relaxation. With a cozy, enveloping seat and a range of massage features, the Insignia 2D Zero Gravity Full Body Massage Chair is among the best zero-gravity massage chair options for ultimate unwinding.

This chair starts with an automatic upper-body scan to detect the user’s measurements. Choose from six present programs or create a personal full body massage routine and the chair will use rollers, air pressure, and heat to encourage relaxation. Massage styles include kneading, tapping, knocking, and shiatsu to soothe tense muscles. Users can also select the speed and width between the massage balls, depending on the chosen massage mode.

Along with the zero-gravity recline, this chair can also lay back anywhere along the recline angle, all the way down to fully horizontal. All of these features are controlled using the corded remote control, which means one less remote to lose.

Get the Insignia massage chair at Best Buy.

One major downside of many massage chairs is that they often take up a fair amount of space, especially when reclined. While the iRest A303 SL Track Massage Chair is a larger, feature-filled chair, it has a space-saving reclining feature. Its full recline takes up less space than others, so it can be placed just 6 inches from the wall, even when fully reclined or in each of its three zero-gravity positions.

Some compact massage chairs skimp on features—that’s not the case with this 3D massage chair. With the SL track and airbags, it provides a full-body massage, with an automatic body- scan feature, extendable footrest, and eight auto-massage programs. The massage rollers also feature an adjustable width to better cater to each user. Paired with lower back heating, this chair is an excellent choice for relaxing.

Get the iRest massage chair on Amazon.

Many massage chairs look like something out of a sci-fi movie. For those looking for a toned-down option, consider the Human Touch WholeBody 7.1 Massage Chair, which looks and feels more like a traditional recliner. With a simpler upright design and a 55-degree swivel base, it’s an excellent choice to put in the family room or TV room. This seat’s less-enveloping design makes it a more sociable choice for daily use, like for relaxing in front of the TV or conversing with family and friends.

In order to provide its slimmer design, this chair does skip some features. However, it still offers a 3D back massage using orbital rollers. Users can also recline the seat and pop out the retractable calf massager for a more full-body massage. This massage chair offers five massage programs and lumbar heating for better relaxation.

Get the Human Touch massage chair at Amazon, Best Buy, Wayfair, or Target.

Long days working at a desk can result in a stiff and sore back. For some relief, consider a massaging desk chair. The Winston Porter Cranston Heated Massage Chair combines an ergonomic office chair with massage and heating features to keep users comfortable throughout the day.

This chair includes six massage settings to vibrate from back to thigh. Users can choose three intensity levels or switch on the heat by using the included remote. This chair also has a reclining backrest for added comfort.

To properly support users, this chair features increased back padding, upper back and lumbar supports, and padded armrests. The chair is on a height-adjustable base with rolling casters to make it ideal for home office use.

Get the Winston Porter Cranston massage chair at Wayfair.

Most massage chairs are bulky, heavy, and difficult to move. For those living in tight spaces, or for those who need a truly portable option, consider the Belmint Heated Folding Chair Massager. Instead of a large recliner, this massage seat is a folding chair. The folding design makes it the ideal pick for those who want a massager they can put away or for those who want to travel with a massage chair to help relieve aches and pains.

This massage chair packs decent massage capabilities into its small 40-pound frame. Although it doesn’t offer the full-body effects of large massage chairs, it does have four rotating neck massagers, eight kneading shiatsu back nodes, a vibrating seat, and optional heating. Three recline options add to comfort. Considering the affordable price and portability of this seat, it’s a stellar option for those who don’t want to commit to a full-size massage chair.

Get the Belmint massage chair on Amazon or Belmint.

A massage cushion can be an excellent choice for those who don’t want to splurge on a full-size chair but want the benefits of a massage at home. Massage cushions fit over the back of an existing chair and are a much more affordable choice. Unlike some lower-end massage cushions that just provide a vibrating massage, the HoMedics Shiatsu Elite II Massage Cushion provides a more robust massage experience.

This massage cushion mimics a shiatsu massage with kneading nodes. Users can choose from three massage styles, including a shiatsu deep-tissue massage, rolling massage, and targeted spot massage.

The remote allows users to adjust the distance and width between massage heads to account for height and for a more personalized experience. With an adjustable strap system, this massage can fit on most chairs with a back to turn almost any seat into a personal massager.

Get the HoMedics massage chair cushion on Amazon or at Bed Bath & Beyond.

With its 4D massagers adding even more dimension to the massage chair experience, varying the rhythm and speed of the rollers, this chair mimics a real masseuse. The Osaki Pro Maestro provides a realistic full-body massage, with an SL track that extends from the neck down to the legs. Air bags take care of the rest of the body.

The 4D massagers knead, tap, and roll wider, deeper, and more rhythmically than conventional 2D or 3D chairs. As a bonus, when the heating feature is switched on, this chair heats up the rollers. This feature mimics a hot stone massage and provides a larger heating area than a heating pad.

Users can select from eight massage programs and several strength, intensity, and speed adjustments to suit their preferences. This premium chair also offers a zero-gravity position to maximize the massage experience. A body-scan function adds to ease of use, and users can control all these features from the LCD remote or smartphone app.

Get the Osaki OS-4D Pro Maestro massage chair at Costco, Amazon, Wayfair, or Osaki.

The Osaki OS-Champ Massage Chair is a feature-filled massage chair for shoppers willing to spend a bit more for a reputable brand and full body features. With an L-track roller system and 18 airbags, this massage chair massages from head to toe. It also uses compression to relax the arms and feet. An extendable footrest allows users to cater the chair to their height.

As is the case with most premium massage chairs, users can adjust the massage intensity. Those who aren’t yet sure of their favorite settings can choose from five auto massage programs. For an even more relaxing experience, this massage chair includes two stages of zero gravity and lumbar heating.

Get the Osaki OS-Champ massage chair at Amazon, Wayfair, or Osaki.

The Real Relax massage chair offers great value for its price, providing an excellent, customizable full body massage and user-friendly controls. Those looking for a more affordable (and much less bulky) massage chair may want to consider the Best Choice Productsmassage chair, which still provides vibration and heat without the hefty price tag.

We considered more than 35 massage chairs for our top picks. With so many choices at different price points, choosing a massage chair can be a stressful experience.

To suit different shoppers, we considered massage chairs at different price points, evaluating each chair on massage coverage, types, programs, and setting variability. Through extensive product research and focusing on the best massage chair brands, we chose chairs that live up to their relaxation promises: vibrating, kneading, and rolling away muscle tension.

Comfort can be nonnegotiable, so it’s one of the first features we evaluated. A cozy chair is the bare minimum, so we also looked for chairs with extra features like heating, reclining, and full body massage features. We also prioritized massage chairs with customizable settings (like intensity options, body scan features, and a wide program selection) so users can choose their ideal massage. With these features in mind, there’s likely a massage chair on this list to suit most shoppers.

At-home massage chairs offer relaxation at the touch of a button, making it easy to indulge in some rest at the end of the day. These chairs can be quite the investment, so choosing the right chair is important. Read ahead for some useful frequently asked questions and their answers to help choose and use a massage chair.

Yes, massage chairs can be good for the body and mind. Using a massage chair can help relax muscles and stimulate blood flow. Many users also herald the stress-relieving impact of taking the time out of a busy day for a good massage. Those with acute injuries or chronic pain may want to check with their doctor before using a massage chair, and keep in mind that a massage chair won’t replace the expertise of a physio or massage therapist.

There are many different types of massage chairs available, so it comes down to choosing the best massage chair functions for your needs. Consider massage coverage (back or full body), massage types and settings (which can include vibration, rolling, kneading, and intensity settings), and additional comfort features like reclining and heating features.

The Real Relax massage chair uses an S-track and airbag massagers to provide an excellent full body massage. Paired with user-friendly controls, customizable settings, and a reasonable price, it can be the best home massage chair for many shoppers.

Fifteen minutes is the sweet spot for most users to take advantage of the benefits of a massage chair. Overusing a massage chair can cause muscle soreness, so it’s best to start out with shorter intervals and work your way up to your ideal massage length.

Massage chairs aren’t cheap. A quality full-size massage chair can cost between $1,500 and $12,000. Cheaper options below $1,000 are available, but these chairs may have less robust massage features. Expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000 for a massage chair with features that mimic the results of visiting a masseuse.

Before buying a massage chair, it’s best to check the return policy. Many massage chair sellers offer a return policy in case you change your mind.

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