5 best massage chair: ultimate reviews and buying guide
If you’re looking for the best way to relieve your pain and relax, you need a massage chair!
However, a massage chair is a huge bang for your buck and investment that always has great returns which doesn’t come at a cheap price. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you get the best massage chair for you.
Today, I’ll provide you with reviews for the best ones and a complete buyer’s guide, so you can pick the best massage chair for your needs.
What is the Best massage chair?
In my opinion, a great massage chair should be comfortable, reliable, and efficient. That’s why I picked RELAXONCHAIR’s MK-II Plus Massage Chair as the best all-round massage chair.
With this massager, you can also use different techniques separately or together. These settings include tapping, shiatsu, kneading, rolling, and more!
It even comes with easy controls that allow you to adjust all the massage controls with a single push of a button. All that comes at a very reasonable price for a full-fledged massage chair.
However, if that chair is out of your price range, then I’d probably take a good look at HoMedics Quad Shiatsu Pro Massage Cushion. This budget-friendly cushion gives all the rollers and heat therapy you need without poking a hole in your wallet!
The 5 best massage chair you can buy right now
1. HoMedics Massage Cushion
REASONS TO BUY
- An excellent choice for buyers on a budget
- Portable for easier maneuverability
- Easy to use with a simple remote controller
- The massager cushion comes pre-assembled for convenience
- You can use the remote to focus on different regions in your body
REASONS TO AVOID
- Doesn’t cover the entire body
Kicking off our list with a great option for buyers on a budget. HoMedics Quad Shiatsu is a massaging cushion that gives you comfort and convenience in one package!
Being a massage cushion, you can place it on any kind of seating. This means that you can enjoy the massage session anywhere you want. The product is only 17 pounds, so you won’t have any problem carrying it around.
It also comes with a smart strapping system that ensures a secure attachment to any kind of seats you want. You can use it at home or in your office for a dreamy massage break!
This enables you to use it right out of the box without worrying about putting it together. The AC adapter powers the cushion by plugging it directly into the wall.
Through this remote, you can have three different massage styles. The first one is the percussion style. This one provides you with an invigorating and fast-paced massage.
Additionally, you can use it for other styles such as kneading and gentle rolling. These are great for relieving stress and sore muscle recovery.
In addition to the wide variety of massage styles, you can also choose specialized zone massages. These parts include full back, upper back, and lower back.
Not only can you use different modes to enjoy your massage session, but you can also use heat therapy. The massager comes with multiple heating pads that add a new level of comfort while using the cushion.
2. Kahuna LM-6800 Massage Recliner Chair
REASONS TO BUY
- Comes with multiple zero gravity and massage stages
- Covers the entire body for a fully-immersive experience
- Offers up to 5-years of warranty on structure and parts
- It has up to 6 different programs for body stretching
- Ideal for the elderly with weaker eyesight with large and clear buttons
REASONS TO AVOID
- A bit difficult to assemble
If you’re looking for an astonishing experience with full-body coverage, then this one is the right massage chair for you.
You can go for the rolling massage style, if you need a gentle and relaxing way. This one provides you with the maximum level of comfort compared to the other moods. A great way to chill in front of a tv or while having a rest.
Kahuna designed this recliner massage chair with a special L-track frame structure. This frame has 4 rollers and air cells that massages your entire body. This includes back, shoulders, hips, and arms!
The massager has 3 stages of zero gravity experience. It comes with a smart technology that scans your body. This way, it can detect the size of the body for a custom fit massage made just for you!
These programs are automatic, so you can enjoy them without breaking a sweat!
The foot area comes with dual rollers for extra comfort. The good thing is that you can detach these parts and even wash them whenever you want.
Despite its size, the massager comes with a smart technology that saves its space as much as possible. Thanks to this design, you only need 3 inches from your wall to enjoy the reclining and arm massage!
3. Kahuna SM-7300 Superior Massage Chair
REASONS TO BUY
- Comes with a huge variety of massage techniques and settings
- You can enjoy tapping, knocking, or both at the same time
- The machines come with up to 6 different massage techniques
- Offers up to 5 years of warranty with 2 of them including the parts as well
- Elegant design that fit most house decors
REASONS TO AVOID
- Luxurious price tag
Another excellent product from Kahuna Massage Chairs, which shows the quality they have. The SM-7300 is your way to go if you’re looking for the ultimate massage experience no matter what the price is!
The massager has a wide selection of massage settings that you can choose from. The chair includes up to 9 programs. These programs include 5 automatic settings in addition to 4 specialized ones.
The programs range between recovery, pain relief, yoga stretching, relaxation, and more! There’s even a senior mode for the elderly. Also, you can enjoy various stages of zero gravity positions in the SM-7300.
The last massage style is the kneading style massage. This one provides you with a powerful massaging force that reaches deep within your muscle tissues. This makes it ideal for the recovery and healing of sore muscles!
One of the best things about the Superior Kahuna massage chair is its flexibility and endurance. It has the ability to work on all kinds of bodies with different proportions, lengths, and weights!
The massage chair has a maximum weight capacity of up to 320 pounds. Moreover, it can massage bodies at lengths up to 6 feet and 5 inches no problem!
The shoulder and waist areas are also comfortable to sit on with more than 24 and 21 inches for them respectively.
It comes with an LCD remote and elegant LED light design that makes it stand among the crowd!
4. RELAXONCHAIR MK-II Plus Massage Chair
REASONS TO BUY
- Features a stylish remote with an LCD screen to fully control the chair
- Offers multiple stages of zero-gravity massage
- Features a heating pad on the lumbar section for extended recovery
REASONS TO AVOID
- The foot rollers are a bit intense
The RELAXONCHAIR MK-II Plus offers huge value for money. It gives you tons of features and settings for a relatively affordable price!
The massage chair comes with a smart remote controller that allows you to control the chair without complications. Not only that, but it has a button for every feature the chair has!
With a single push of a button, you can enjoy 3 different levels of airbag intensities. These different settings allow you to pick your ideal fit while sitting on the massage chair.
The MK-II Plus also features a body scanning technology. This one utilizes different sensors to measure the length of your spine. After that, it can massage your back accordingly.
The massage chair comes with 4 automatic massage programs for you to choose from. Moreover, you can pick your favorite technique between kneading, percussion, or even both!
Additionally, you can enjoy shiatsu massage on specific parts of your body. This one feels like having a specialized shiatsu masseuse on demand!
The chair is padded with superb grained synthetic leather. Not only does it give the chair an elegant look in your room, but it also makes it lightweight and comfortable to sit on.
With the MK-II Plus, you can enjoy a full-body immersive massage. RELAXONCHAIR backs it up with a Buttock L-Tracking system to help it glide from your upper back all the way down. This design conforms to the shape of your spine for the maximum level of comfort and full coverage.
5. Ideal Massage Chair
REASONS TO BUY
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Offers heating and multiple massaging settings
- Comes with a 5-year limited warranty
REASONS TO AVOID
- The remote is a bit complex
Last but not least. The Ideal Massage’s brilliant massage chair offers a wonderful set of features along with an eye-catching. All that comes at a remarkably affordable price compared to many massage chairs in the market. Let’s check it out and see what it has to offer!
The massage chair is designed with an L-track to allow for a zero-gravity experience. In fact, Ideal Massage claims that the chair has one of the longest tracks that you can find out there.
This means that you can sit on the chair for a long time without fatigue. Additionally, the chair design is ultra-elegant, which gives it an aesthetically pleasing look in your room.
The massage chair also comes in 4 different colors, including beige, black, red, and brown. You can easily pick a color that suits the room.
The massage chair has a smart feature that can detect your height automatically. This allows you to sit on the chair and relax while it does all the necessary measurements to give you a great massage!
It comes with 10 different massaging programs for you to choose from. This includes stretching, swinging, deep tissue massage, and more.
The machine has a reduced airbag pressure on the calf and arm area. This makes it more gentle on your limb while staying effective.
The massage chair comes with multiple air chambers to provide a great massage session. A large number of airbags cushion your body while reducing the amount of noise they produce.
Types of Massage Chairs
Different massage chairs have several ways to do their job. However, the best massage chairs in the market utilize rollers and airbags along with a track system.
These heads move in different directions with changing levels of pressure. This gives you the sensation of masseuses’ handwork.
Let’s have a look at the different types of massage chairs that you can find in the market.
Zero-Gravity Massage Chairs
Zero-gravity massage chairs are the newest addition to the industry. These chairs are designed specifically to reduce your stress levels by fully suspending your entire body.
While inside one of these, you’ll feel weightless, which is where they got the name. Their only downside is that they’re the most expensive among the other types.
Full-Body Massage Chairs
Full body massage chairs are among the most popular models. It provides you with a full-body coverage, including legs and arms.
They’re fairly priced, considering that they massage the entire body. These chairs use multiple rollers and massage techniques to provide you with the best body therapy.
Recliners Massage Chairs
Recliners massage chairs are regular recliners but with vibrating frames. They’re typically more affordable when compared to the higher-end models.
Usually, they don’t offer specialized massage programs or specific zone targeting. They’re good for a relaxation session on weekends or while watching a game.
Massage Cushions
Massage cushions are the budget-friendly alternative to full-body massage chairs. They’re practical due to their small size. They’re seat pads that have massage rollers. You can attach them on any seat to enjoy the session.
Additionally, you can use them anywhere provided that you have access to wall electricity.
Things to Look for While Shopping for a Massage Chair
There are tons of different massage chairs in the market. However, not all of them rise up to the competition.
Let’s have a look at the aspects that make a massage chair worth its price!
Design and Track System
As you can see, there are many designs for massage chairs. This includes their track system.
In general, most massage chairs come in either an “L” shape or “S” shape tracks. The tracks have rollers that cover your body in the shape of these letters.
“S” shaped tracks run up and down following the curves of your spine. On the other hand, “L” shaped tracks go the extra mile to cover your hamstrings and lower back.
If you’re going to buy a massage chair, it’s recommended that you look for a model that has any of these track systems. Avoid the chairs that work randomly, as they might be uncomfortable after some time.
Multiple Techniques
It goes without saying that buying a massage chair can cost you more money than several massage sessions.
To make the most out of your money, you need to make sure that this massage chair will give you everything a massage can do.
The best way to achieve this is by making sure that it has multiple programs and features that resemble real massage therapy.
This includes massage techniques like kneading, where the massager uses deep tissue massage to relieve pain. The percussion massage is great for relieving the stress you accumulate throughout the day.
Also, it should have a shiatsu feature. This technique utilizes therapeutic bodyworks that are derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It’s a great technique to improve the overall health of the body.
It should also feature other techniques. These include percussion, tapping, and combination therapy of all these techniques.
Ease of Use
There’s no point in buying a massage chair that’s riddled with tons of complicated settings. To make sure that you can use all the features and programs in the chair, you need a clear remote controller.
Ideally, a massage chair should come with an LCD backlit remote that has large buttons that tell you exactly what they do.
Heat Therapy
According to many health studies, heat therapy enhances blood flow and pain relief. That’s why a lot of massage therapists incorporate heat within their sessions.
A good massage chair should have a built-in heat therapy that’s both efficient and safe. Most massage chairs have a heating pad for the lower back regions, which is good enough.
However, if they have an option for extended heat therapy, you should definitely go for it!
Materials
The ideal massage chair should be made of high-quality materials to ensure comfort. This includes materials like cotton fabrics or synthetic leather.
These materials are excellent for massage sessions, as they give it a secure grip on the body while staying comfy.
Automatic Shut-off
Sitting in such a vibrating chair for a long time can get you so comfortable that you might fall asleep. To avoid such injuries, you should make sure that the massage chair has an automatic shut-off feature.
Best Massage Chair Brands
Here’s a quick look at the best brands in the market.
HoMedics
HoMedics have been around in the massage business for almost 25 years now. They operate in 10 countries across the globe, providing excellent quality massagers for everyone.
They specialize in all kinds of medical and therapeutic devices for spas. Their products range from massage cushions and handheld devices all the way to medical diagnostic devices.
Kahuna Chair
Kahuna Chair is a US-based company that specializes in making massage chairs. They’re owned by AJX Distribution Inc., which is one of the biggest brands in the industry.
They started in 1997. Kahuna Chairs have been producing massage chairs with excellent qualities and innovative technologies. The company covers its massage chair with excellent after-purchase services and generous warranties.
RELAXONCHAIR
As the name suggests, RELAXONCHAIR is all about making the most comfortable chairs. However, they stay affordable for most people.
You can find the company’s headquarters in Anaheim, California. Their products are registered and approved by the FDA, so you can rest assured that your physical health is in good hands!
Ideal
Ideal Massage is a new player in the massage chair game. They don’t have a website. However, they offer decent massage chairs with tons of features and color options.
Despite being new, all their customers praise their quality of service and support they offer with their products.
BestMassage
BestMassage is another great brand that offers excellent chairs, such as their BM-EC06C. They are popular for their great prices, drive for innovation, and excellent customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long should the massage session be?
In real massage, you can sit for up to one hour. However, it’s recommended to stay in a working massage chair for no longer than 15 minutes.
The masseuse uses his 2 hands at maximum all the time. In other words, he needs to work in different areas in your body.
However, in massage chairs, you might be subjected to up to 10 massaging heads at the same time. This is like having 5 masseurs working non-stop, so the session is usually much shorter.
Q. Can I use the massage chair every day?
Everything’s better when used in moderation. The massage chair isn’t going anywhere after all.
You can use the massage chair for 3 to 4 days a week. This way, you can enjoy all the benefits of massage and heat therapy while giving your body time to recuperate.
Q. Is massage chairs safe for pregnant women?
That depends heavily on the state of the pregnancy. Massage therapy is a great way to relax the strained muscles that pregnancy can cause. However, some doctors advise avoiding it in the first trimester for safety.
A pregnant woman should always consult her ob-gyn before using the chair. In the case of a high-risk pregnancy, it’s better to postpone the sessions after pregnancy.
Q. Do massage chairs help you to lose belly fat?
As you already know, massage therapy has a wide variety of benefits. Unfortunately, massage won’t directly reduce body fat.
However, if you’re trying to lose weight with diet and working out, massage chairs can help you significantly.
Massage chairs relieve sore muscles quickly and help you relax after massage sessions. Additionally, it can cheer you up and give you the relaxation and motivation you need to stay focused on achieving your weight loss goals.