The 8 Best Massage Chairs of 2023

How We Selected the Best Massage Chairs

To find the best massage chairs, we asked three orthopedic specialists, including two physical therapists and one chiropractor, to tell us what features are the most important ones to consider. They strongly suggested paying close attention to the areas of the body targeted, the adjustability and range of massaging features, and your overall comfort with the chair itself (i.e., how well it fits your body). 

We scoured the internet for popular massage chairs with features like heat therapy, shiatsu massage, “smart” capabilities, and overall quality and comfort. We also kept the price range between $1,000 and $2,000; while there are plenty of more expensive options out there, we believe the vast majority of consumers are looking for a more affordable way to find the relief they need. 

What to Look for in Massage Chairs

Massage Functions

While massage chairs seem to have a lot of bells and whistles, it’s actually fairly important to choose one with many customizable settings, modes, and features so you can make it as comfortable as possible for your unique needs.

“Not all people are built the same, [and] this goes for pain as well,” says Dr. Blessen Abraham, a chiropractor at Brunswick Health & Physical Therapy Center in New Jersey. “Your pain level can change daily, so any massage that you receive needs to adapt to your pain level [each day].”

Dr. Abraham suggests looking for a chair with various levels of pressure, and both reclining and heating features. Regardless of your reason for using a massage chair, most people will require these functions, at minimum. 

Additionally, you should make sure any chair you choose can check off the following boxes:

• It’s comfortable for you to sit in.
• Your body fits correctly in the designated areas of the chair (i.e., if you’re very short or tall, make sure your body is aligned properly with the rollers and that you aren’t sinking in or sticking out of the chair too much).
• It gives you your preferred method of massage, such as shiatsu, kneading, rolling, tapping, and so on.
• It’s easy for you to control the movement of the chair; whether you prefer voice or manual control, you should be able to quickly direct the chair to do what you want it to.
• It's safe for elderly users to get in and out of the chair, even if they're using a walker or wheelchair.

Targeted Massage Areas

Different massage chairs focus on different areas of the body; some provide targeted relief to two or three areas, while others market themselves as “full body” massage chairs, offering a little bit of everything from your head to your toes. 

According to Dr. Abraham, any chair you buy should at least be able to address pain or tension in your shoulders and lower back: “The back is a focus for most chairs that are available in the market today, [and] if it can massage your calves or your neck area, that would be [even better].” 

Before purchasing, make sure your chair offers some kind of relief to the area you need it most, whether it’s through rolling massage, heat therapy, or air compression. 

“The body part you want to focus the massage on can influence which massage chair you choose,” says Melissa Prestipino, DPT, owner of Maize & Blue Rehab in New Jersey. “If you have pain in your hands, pick a chair which targets the hands; if you prefer heat therapy, find a massage chair that can heat up or apply infrared heat.” 

Additional Features

As massage chairs have continued to advance technologically, many of them have added even more sophisticated features. But are they worthwhile?

• Zero gravity. This can give a weightless feeling to the user, which can be a relief for people with all-over pain. But it’s not the only thing you should look for: “There are some chairs that offer zero gravity, meaning you’ll feel [like] there’s no weight on your spine, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to give you all the other features you want.”
• Bluetooth connectivity. This is a personal preference: If you want to be able to listen to your carefully curated playlist of Zen meditation songs with the touch of a button during your massage, a wireless connection to your smart device or computer will make this a breeze. If you don’t really care about that, don’t pay extra for a chair that comes with it. “Some features for the massage chairs can add to the costs but don't make the chair better,” Dr. Prestipino says. “Adding Bluetooth speakers to a massage chair's headrest does not impact the effectiveness of the massage features.”
• Appearance and construction. Most chairs in the $1,000 to $2,000 price range are made with synthetic leather, not the real deal—so keep that in mind if it’s important to you. Also think about the size of the chair, which tends to be pretty large, and if it will actually fit in your living space. “Most of these chairs are not pretty, so how it feels in your home can make a big difference on your purchase,” advises Dr. Abraham.
• Warranty. A massage chair can be a large purchase, so it’s smart to ask if there is any warranty coverage should the chair malfunction or stop working soon after you get it home. Some higher-priced chairs, Dr. Prestipino says, may come with extended customer service or warranty policies, but don’t assume that’s the case. 

Price

Per Dr. Abraham, massage chairs have a wide price range and can cost as much as $7,000 before delivery and assembly; you should consider whether the chair you’re planning to buy is in your budget, or if you can sacrifice some features you don’t really need for a less expensive chair. 

And don’t assume that “settling” for a less expensive chair means you’re getting a chair of lesser quality, either: “A higher price tag for a chair does not necessarily mean it is better quality—a brand name or patented feature could drive the cost of the chair higher,” Dr. Prestipino says.

She also notes that, just like so many other devices we use every day, newly released models may be more in demand—and thus more expensive—than a previous model, even if that previous model works essentially the same as the new one. Take your time to shop around and compare models, making note of the features you truly need and the ones you don’t, before picking a chair that has what you want and fits within your budget.

Why Trust Verywell Health

Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017—everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.