Do you frequently crave deep-tissue massage, heat therapy, and acupuncture? Scheduling sessions at the local spa is one way to get these things, but it can be both time-consuming and expensive. Alternatively, consider a massage chair, which can offer you a therapeutic experience in the comfort of your own living room. Massage chairs can be beneficial to athletes, fitness buffs, or anyone who spends long portions of their day chained to a desk.
But with so many massage chairs to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? At the ACTIVE Reviews Team, we've researched several of the top options to develop some recommendations. Here are our top picks for the best massage chair on the market today.
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The Best Massage Chairs - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Massage Chair: Kahuna Massage Chair LM-6800 Black
- Best Budget Massage Chair: Bilitok Chair Recliner with Zero Gravity
- Best Full-Body Massage Chair: Forever Rest 2022 FR-6KSL
- Best Zero-Gravity Massage Chair: iRest 2022 Massage Chair
- Best Massage Office Chair: SL Track Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair
- Best Massage Chair Recliner: Medical Breakthrough 4 v2 Recliner Massage Chair
- Best Portable Massage Chair: Snailax Full Body Massage Chair Pad
- Best Massage Chair for Legs: iRest 4D Massage Chair Recliner
- Best Massage Chair for Neck: TFJS Massage Automatic Sofa
- Best Massage Chair for Small Spaces: Space-Saving Full-Body Kahuna Massage Chair
Best Overall Massage Chair - Kahuna Massage Chair LM-6800 Black
SPECS
- Dimensions: 48" x 31" x 46"
- Weight: 220 lbs.
- Upholstery material: Felt
- Heat: No
- Number of massage functions: 6
For a good all-around massage chair, take a peek at the Kahuna Massage Chair LM-6800 Black. With six easy-to-access programs, you'll have no trouble sinking into luxury, activating your preferred massage setting, then relaxing for a few minutes of bliss. Smart-scan technology will help adapt your massage to your body, and a space-saving design minimizes the footprint this chair requires in your home.
What We Like
- 6 easy-to-access massage modes
- Space-saving design minimizes the necessary clearance from the wall
- Body-scanning technology customizes your massages
What We Don't Like
- No heat included
- Felt material may eventually show some wear and tear
- High price point
BUY: Kahuna Massage Chair LM-6800 Black
Best Budget Massage Chair - Bilitok Chair Recliner with Zero Gravity
SPECS
- Dimensions: 55" x 29" x 34"
- Weight: 150 lbs.
- Upholstery material: Faux Leather
- Heat: Yes
- Number of massage functions: 12
Buying a massage chair is usually a significant expense; you can expect to pay well over $2,000 for most models. As such, the Bilitok Chair Recliner with Zero Gravity is a good value pick, without being stingy with its features. On the contrary, this chair offers everything you need for a comfortable, customizable massage experience: A dozen modes, waist and leg heats, multiple speeds, and more.
What We Like
- Relatively modest price point
- A dozen massage modes
- Waist and leg heaters
- Relatively lightweight and easy to move
What We Don't Like
- The faux leather will eventually show some signs of wear
- Takes up a decent amount of space in your home
BUY: Bilitok Chair Recliner with Zero Gravity
Best Full-Body Massage Chair - Forever Rest 2022 FR-6KSL
SPECS
- Dimensions: 54" x 29" x 46"
- Weight: 325 lbs.
- Upholstery material: N/A
- Heat: Yes
- Number of massage functions: 9
The Forever Rest 2022 FR-6KSL is the chair you want for head-to-toe comfort. From a lower back heater to nine massage and stretch modes, this chair offers everything you'll need to relieve tension throughout your whole body. The inclusion of Bluetooth speakers, space-saving technology, a zero-gravity mode, and a handy remote are just icing on the cake.
What We Like
- 9 massage modes
- Space-saving technology
- Bluetooth speakers included
- Zero-gravity option
- Foot massage option
What We Don't Like
- On the heavy side
- Large footprint
BUY: Forever Rest 2022 FR-6KSL
Best Zero-Gravity Massage Chair - iRest 2022 Massage Chair
SPECS
- Dimensions: 61.02" x 29.53" x 45.08"
- Weight: 200 lbs.
- Upholstery material: N/A
- Heat: Yes
- Number of massage functions: 5
Often, you'll feel pressure and pain simply from the effects of gravity; the iRest 2022 Massage Chair and its zero-gravity option can provide you some relief. And that's not all. This chair also boasts targeted heat therapy, voice commands, full-body air compression, and a decent range of massage techniques. A great, versatile option for anyone who craves succor for their sore muscles.
What We Like
- Bluetooth speakers included
- Zero-gravity option
- Voice commands
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- A decent amount of assembly required
Best Massage Office Chair - SL Track Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair
SPECS
- Dimensions: 26" x 36" x 36"
- Weight: 63 lbs.
- Upholstery material: PU
- Heat: No
- Number of massage functions: 5
Looking for a massage chair you can keep handy in the corner of your office, or perhaps even in the employee break area? The SL Track Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair is compact, lightweight, and affordable. Its PU and steel construction are designed for longevity, and five basic massage modes offer ample utility.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Durable materials
- Small footprint
- Modestly priced
What We Don't Like
- No heat
- Massage functions are very basic
- No full-body compression mode
BUY: SL Track Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair
Best Massage Chair Recliner - Medical Breakthrough 4 v2 Recliner Massage Chair
SPECS
- Dimensions: 65" x 32" x 40"
- Weight: 220 lbs.
- Upholstery material: N/A
- Heat: Yes
- Number of massage functions: N/A
What could be more relaxing than sitting down for a massage? How about getting to recline at the same time? Consider the Medical Breakthrough 4 v2 Recliner Massage Chair, which offers a number of ways to lean back and get comfy (including zero-g mode). Doctor-approved massage functions and full-body scanning ensure precision in each session.
What We Like
- Doctor-approved massage techniques
- Full recline and zero-g modes
- Full body scanning
What We Don't Like
- High price point
- Large footprint
BUY: Medical Breakthrough 4 v2 Recliner Massage Chair
Best Portable Massage Chair - Snailax Full Body Massage Chair Pad
SPECS
- Dimensions: 32.28” x 7.68” x 20.08”
- Weight: 20.9 lbs.
- Upholstery material: N/A
- Heat: Yes
- Number of massage functions: 3
The Snailax Full Body Massage Chair Pad is a small neck-and-back massager that will fit into almost any office chair, love seat, or sofa. At under 30 pounds, it's incredibly easy to take with you when you travel, or even to cart from home to the office each day. The three massage intensity levels, along with heat, offer notable therapeutic benefits.
What We Like
- Easy to transport
- Fits into almost any chair
- Lightweight
- Modest price point
What We Don't Like
- Not really a full-fledged massage chair
- Very limited in its massage modes
BUY: Snailax Full Body Massage Chair Pad
Best Massage Chair for Legs - iRest 4D Massage Chair Recliner
SPECS
- Dimensions: 58.27" x 33.07" x 48.03"
- Weight: 292 lbs.
- Upholstery material: Faux leather
- Heat: Yes
- Number of massage functions: 23
Big, expensive, and heavy, the iRest 4D Massage Chair Recliner isn't going to be an option for everyone. Yet for high-end comfort and convenience, it's tough to beat. It has 23 massage modes, full-body heating, voice controls, memory functions, and a nice-looking faux leather finish. Full leg and foot massage modes are especially notable.
What We Like
- Full-body heat
- Memory modes
- Voice commands
- 23 massage modes
- Full leg and food modes
What We Don't Like
- High price point
- Large footprint
BUY: iRest 4D Massage Chair Recliner
Best Massage Chair for Neck - TFJS Massage Automatic Sofa
SPECS
- Dimensions: N/A
- Weight: 1,012 lbs.
- Upholstery material: N/A
- Heat: Yes
- Number of massage functions: N/A
The truly hefty TFJS Massage Automatic Sofa represents a massive investment, both in terms of cost and footprint. But if you do want to make the investment, you'll get high-end massage functions, heat, full-body scanning, and more. The neck massage functions are especially helpful for folks who sit at a desk all day long.
What We Like
- Full-body massage options
- Durable materials
- Full-body scanning
What We Don't Like
- Very high price point
- Large footprint
- Extremely heavy and hard to move
BUY: TFJS Massage Automatic Sofa
Best Massage Chair for Small Spaces - Space-Saving Full-Body Kahuna Massage Chair
SPECS
- Dimensions: 46" x 31" x 51
- Weight: 238 lbs.
- Upholstery material: N/A
- Heat: Yes
- Number of massage functions: 12
The Space-Saving Full-Body Kahuna Massage Chair boasts a relatively compact footprint and a space-saving design that minimizes the wall clearance you need. It's well-suited for smaller rooms or tight corners, but it's by no means light on features. With this chair you'll get zero-gravity positions, full-body massage functions, and a range of precision-targeted massage options to provide comfort from head to toe.
What We Like
- Space-saving design
- 12 massage modes
- Zero-gravity option
What We Don't Like
- High price point
- Not easy to move
BUY: Space-Saving Full-Body Kahuna Massage Chair
What to Look for in Massage Chairs
As you seek the best massage chair, there are a few shopping considerations to keep top of mind.
Dimensions
Most massage chairs are fairly bulky, which means they'll need a decent amount of space in your home. Be sure you measure the area where you plan on placing your massage chair, then pick a chair with a footprint your space can accommodate.
Weight
Be aware that massage chairs can be weighty, too. This may be relevant if you think you'll be moving the chair from place to place. It is possible to select a massage chair with a lighter weight, which may be something you wish to seek.
Upholstery Material
The upholstery material will dictate cleaning methods, stain- and abrasion-resistance, comfort, and longevity. Leather is the premium option but be advised that it will often come with a higher price point.
Heat
Some massage chairs will offer heat therapy, which can both comfort you on colder days and also increase the therapeutic benefit of your deep tissue massage.
Number of Massage Functions
Massage chairs vary in terms of their settings, which can include not only speed and intensity but also specific massage modes. Examples include rolling, kneading, and compression.
FAQs About Massage Chairs
How long should you use a massage chair?
To relieve muscle tension, it's advised to use massage chairs for short intervals. Aim for somewhere between 2 and 15 minutes for any given session.
Can massage chairs help with injury recovery?
Massage can increase blood flow and nutrient supply to your muscles, which can potentially help you recover from muscular injuries more quickly and with less physical discomfort.
Are massage chairs worth it?
If you frequently crave massages, investing in a massage chair can allow you to have sessions anytime you want, in the privacy of your own home. This can be a great, smart investment in the long term.
How long do massage chairs last?
It all depends on how often you use your massage chair and how well you care for it, but many customers who buy high-end massage chairs report that they get at least a decade of use out of it.