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Many brands offer massage chairs that may improve circulation and reduce muscle pain and fatigue. They may also benefit people with conditions such as high blood pressure and anxiety.
- Best for high-end features: Daiwa Supreme Hybrid
- Best for spiral decompression: Infinity IT-8500 X3
- Best for tight spaces: Sharper Image Revival
- Best for innovation: Ogawa Master Drive AI
- Best for arthritis: Kyota M673 Kenko
- Best with voice control: Cozzia Qi SE
- Best for a budget: Human Touch WholeBody 7.1
- Best for tall and heavier people: Kahuna Superior
Back massage chairs are chairs that provide massages that can mimic the hand movements of a massage therapist.
These chairs can come with various features, such as:
- rolling nodes
- airbag massagers
- intensity adjustments
- pressure point detection
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Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Price: Products are available in a wide range of prices to help fit different budgets.
- Features: Many products have useful features, such as body scanning technology, a space-saving design, an overheating protection mechanism, or Bluetooth compatibility.
- Brand reputation: Products on the list typically get good reviews or are in good standing with third-party organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for high-end features: Daiwa Supreme Hybrid
Price: $13,500
The Daiwa Supreme Hybrid massage chair has a touch screen that includes preprogrammed massage sessions. The chair has a space-saving round shape and can wrap a person’s body.
Other features that users may find beneficial include:
- a built-in wireless phone charger
- wireless Bluetooth speakers
- a multi-roller system
- built-in airbags
Pros and cons
The massage chair comes with several advantages, such as:
- different timer settings
- massage programs that target specific areas of the body
- a heating feature for the lumbar spine and knees
However, this chair is one of the more expensive options. It is also not suitable for people who weigh over 300 pounds (lb).
On the other hand, the different massage techniques, number of airbags, smart three-dimensional body scanning, and manual programs allowing for point therapy make this chair an option for people looking to spend more on high-end features.
Best for spinal decompression: Infinity IT-8500 X3
Price: $9,449
This zero gravity massage chair can elevate the user’s legs above the heart. According to the company, the chair helps improve circulation, lower heart rate, and release tension.
It also has a heating feature that relaxes and soothes the muscles, which may help reduce pain and tightness.
Other features include:
- 3D massage rollers
- built-in speakers
- Bluetooth technology
- body scanning technology
It also has stretch features for spinal decompression and correction and spine reclining. This makes the chair an option for people with spinal issues, including those undergoing recovery.
Pros and cons
Some of the product’s advantages include:
- Bluetooth compatibility
- a small remote
- five 3D intensity levels
However, according to reviews, this massage chair does not have a calf heat feature, and the neck air bag may not provide strong enough support.
Best for tight spaces: Sharper Image Revival
Price: $3,999
This Sharper Image massage chair has a one-touch zero gravity recline for spine decompression. It also uses a four-roller mechanism that provides a deep kneading massage.
The chair comes with body scanning technology that adjusts roller travel and intensity based on the user. It also features various massage styles, such as Japanese shiatsu and tapping.
In addition, the massage chair also features:
- automatic programs
- a quick product demo
- a space-saving recline and rocking mode
- lumbar heat
This chair only requires 2 inches (in) of space from the wall and extends up to 58 in when reclining. This makes it a potential option for people with limited space.
Pros and cons
According to customer reviews, the massage chair is compact and suitable for people with limited space. Reviewers also note the chair reduces spinal pressure and fatigue.
However, some customers note it can be tight on the hips and noisy. It also does not have Bluetooth capabilities.
Best for innovation: Ogawa Master Drive AI
Price: $11,999.99
The Ogawa Master Drive AI massage chair features 4D Vario Motion rollers, a 54-inch-long massage roller track, and microprocessors for higher speed and accuracy.
It also comes with artificial intelligence technology, Alexa integration, and a zero gravity recline, making it an option for people who value innovation and smart device integration.
Other features include:
- long lasting motor
- six massage techniques
- extendable leg extension
- lumbar heat therapy
- Bluetooth speakers
Pros and cons
The chair is available in different colors and has a manufacturer’s warranty.
However, according to customer reviews on Trustpilot, people had issues communicating with customer service.
Best for arthritis: Kyota M673 Kenko
Price: $5,799
The Kyota M673 Kenko massage chair features a zero gravity recline, four-node traveling rollers, and body scanning technology.
Customers can also benefit from other features, such as:
- Bluetooth speakers
- space-saving recline
- lumbar heat
- shoulder compression
Pros and cons
According to reviews, this product can:
- relieve arthritis pain
- offer a deep tissue massage
- work on different body areas
This may be an option for people with arthritis, subject to a doctor’s approval.
However, some negative reviews mention the wired remote control is inconvenient and the rollers are hard and uncomfortable.
Best with voice control: Cozzia Qi SE
Price: $8,499
This massage chair has voice control and a 4D L-Track, allowing it to move in multiple directions.
The chair also offers:
- 3D foot rollers
- a one-touch zero gravity recline
- backrest and footrest control
- a space-saving design
- airbags with pressure sensor
- chromotherapy lighting
- a touchpad remote
- Bluetooth speakers
Pros and cons
This massage chair has several potential advantages. It may help with joint and back problems and comes with heat therapy. The voice control feature makes it an option for those who want a more relaxing, hands-off experience.
However, according to some reviews, it can be intense on the legs, and some customers could not reduce the massage intensity.
Best for a budget: Human Touch WholeBody 7.1
Price: $1,999
The Human Touch WholeBody 7.1 massage chair offers full-body massage therapy to help reduce muscle pain.
The chair features:
- heating in the lumbar area
- a swivel base
- five auto-massage programs
- a weight of 114 lb, which makes it easy to move
Pros and cons
Some potential pros of this massage chair include:
- three colors to choose from, including black, bone, and espresso
- a compact design
- a deep tissue massage
The price makes this chair the most inexpensive on this list and an option for people on a tight budget.
However, according to reviews, the chair may not offer enough pressure in the leg and foot areas, and the heat may be too strong for the fabric. It also does not have Bluetooth.
Best for tall and heavier people: Kahuna Superior
Price: $2,549
This product comes with triple hip airbags, a remote control, and a heating therapy.
Other features that people may find useful include:
- a massage time control up to 30 minutes
- acupressure points
- a six-wheel roller system
- zipper leg extension covering
- LED lights
- a zero gravity position
- a space-saving position
Pros and cons
Some pros of the Kahuna Superior Massage Chair include:
- compact
- leg extension to accommodate users up to 6.5 feet tall and weighing up to 320 lb
- multiple auto programs
Users should also consider some potential cons, such as:
- heating only available for the lower back and leg areas
- no temperature adjustment
- no built-in speakers or Bluetooth support
Here is a comparison of the above products:
| Price | Weight limit | Heating | Timer | Bluetooth | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daiwa | $13,500 | 300 lb | yes | yes | yes | 3 years parts, 1-year labor |
| Infinity | $9,499 | 300 lb | yes | yes | yes | 5 years frame, 3 years parts, 1-year labor |
| Sharper | $3,999 | 305 lb | yes | no | no | 3 years frame, 2 years parts, 1-year labor |
| Ogawa | $11,999.99 | 320 lb | yes | no | yes | 5 years frame, 3 years parts and labor |
| Kyota | $5,799 | 300 lb | yes | no | yes | 4 years frame, 3 years parts, 1-year labor |
| Cozzia | $8,499 | 276 lb | yes | no | yes | 5 years |
| Human Touch | $1,999 | 295 lb | yes | no | no | 3 years |
| Kahuna | $2,549 | 320 lb | yes | yes | no | 2 years parts and labor |
The following are some factors that people can consider when looking for a massage chair:
- Body scan technology. Some massage chairs can scan a person’s body shape to provide massages to required areas.
- Auto shut-off. This critical safety feature prevents potentially dangerous overheating.
- Remote control. A person can use a massage chair with a built-in or wireless remote control. Some devices also have touch-screen remotes.
- Swivel base. This can be useful for people who want to use the massage chair as an office chair, as the chair can rotate on the base.
- Space-saving technology. A massage chair with a space-saving design has a smaller frame, which may be more suitable for people with limited space.
Here are some of the top questions about massage chairs:
Is a massage chair good for lower back pain?
A massage chair that can stimulate the lower back may help, but there are limitations. A
Can I use a massage chair every day?
As long as the massage chair does not cause pain or discomfort, people can use it as often as they would like to. However, it is best to speak to a doctor first to avoid potential harm, especially if a person has an existing health issue.
Do massage chairs use a lot of electricity?
It depends on the specific device. People should aim to select energy-efficient devices for their homes and workplace to help the environment and reduce costs.
Massage chairs may provide various benefits to a person’s health, such as reducing pain, tension, and symptoms of anxiety.
Before committing to a purchase, a person should consider product features, such as Bluetooth compatibility, safety features, and massage settings.
It is also a good idea to check customer reviews to discover the potential advantages and disadvantages of a particular product.