We Tested Massage Chairs, and These 3 Give the Best Back Rubs (2024)

After a long day, getting a massage is the best way to relax sore muscles and relieve tension. With the right massage chair, you can have a personal, mechanized masseuse in the comfort of your home.

That said, there are various options available, so finding the right massage chair can be daunting. We tested six models to see how comfortable they were, what type of pressure they had, and how easy they were to use.

Our Testing Process

We tested six different massage chairs at various price ranges. We set the chair up and noted how easy it was. We then got to enjoy the chair—we tested all the settings, you know, for research.

While we were getting massaged, we took notes of how intense each setting was, how easy it was to adjust between settings, and if we felt like the chair delivered on its promise to targeted areas of the body.

After using each chair, we noted how we felt after the massage. We also kept in mind: Can the chair fit a range of body types? Was it easy or hard to get out of the chair?

How to Shop for Massage Chairs Like a Pro

Type

Depending on the type of massage you want, you can choose from an array of chairs that tout different benefits and designs. Common massage chair types are 3D or 4D massage chairs, zero-gravity chairs (which recline you into a position that alleviates pressure on your back), and multi-function massage chairs that offer a range of massage modes. We focused our testing on zero-gravity chairs, as they offer the most circulation and pressure relief.

When deciding whether to go with a 3D or 4D massage chair, it’s important to first understand the difference between the two. "A 3D massage chair operates in three dimensions—the rollers are able to move up/down, side to side, and towards the inside or outside to be able to cover more surface area," Dr. Karena Wu, owner and clinical director of ActiveCare Physical Therapy says. "A 4D massage chair offers more control in speed and strength of the three dimensions."

While 3D massage chairs are less expensive, she says if you want the ability to change between speeds and intensities, a 4D massage chair is the way to go.

Size

Before deciding what size massage chair to purchase, consider the size of your space. Chairs with additional features are usually bulkier—for example, massage chairs with expandable sections to accommodate people of different heights or chairs that recline into zero-gravity positions will need more horizontal room. Make sure to measure the reclined dimensions as well.

Features

Bonus features make all the difference between a good massage chair and a great massage chair. Air massage technology provides a compressive massage, while rollers can knead, knock, and target pressure points. If you want to personalize your massage, look for a chair with adjustable height, depth, width, speed, and intensity. A reclining chair with heat therapy can also enhance your overall experience. All three chairs on our list have reclining and heating capabilities.

Dr. Wu says that kneading functions and zero gravity positions are particularly good for the back, and Shiatsu feels great on pressure points. "Any setting that rolls the rollers on your soft tissues will be good for the back, as it will loosen up the paraspinal muscles and help decompress the spinal joints," she says. "The tapping settings might be too aggressive for joints, as it can feel like 'punching' and might create bone sensitivity on the joints."

While features such as built-in speakers, remotes with LCD screens, voice control options, charging ports, and pre-programmed modes aren’t must-haves for a quality massage chair, they can make your experience even more enjoyable. All three of the massage chairs on our list have built-in speakers, and the iRest Zero Gravity Massage Chair, our best zero-gravity pick, even has USB charging ports and AI voice control.

Questions You Might Ask

How much does a massage chair cost?

Massage chairs aren’t cheap—consider them a long-term investment that will serve you for years to come. Prices can range from $200 to well over $1,000, with some high-end chairs costing closer to $10,000. The good news is that you can still get a high-quality, long-lasting massage chair while shopping on the lower end of the price spectrum—know your budget so you can shop for the essential features you need without unnecessary add-ons.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a shopping writer for Real Simple with experience writing commerce, home, and lifestyle stories. Jamie’s favorite part of a pedicure is definitely the back massage, and she always rushes to try the massage chairs at Brookstone when she’s at the mall. To compile this list, we tested six different massage chairs for comfort, pressure, effectiveness, ease of use, design, value, type, size, style, and features. For expert advice, we spoke to Dr. Karena Wu, owner and clinical director of ActiveCare Physical Therapy.