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Injuries and some health conditions can cause neck pain. Neck massagers may help relax the muscles and soothe pain. Some massagers also use heat to aid relaxation.
A quick look at the best neck massagers
- Best for ease of use: Quzy-Premium Wireless Neck and Shoulder Massager
- Best for home and office use: Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager for Chair
- Best for gentle heat: Naipo Shoulder & Neck Massager
- Best for trigger points: Voyor Dual Trigger Point Shoulder Massager
- Best for a full body massage: Comfier Shiatsu Back & Neck Massager
- Best for a manual massage: Body Back Massage Roller Ball
- Best for adjustable pressure: Mirakel Shiatsu Back Neck Massager
- Best for a percussion massage: Homedics Therapist Select Compact Percussion Massager
Neck massagers may help relieve tension and pain in the neck. Massagers work by applying pressure to certain points of the body to relax muscles and ease pain.
Learn more about massage here.
Some massagers may also use heat to soothe and relax muscles. If a person purchases a massager that uses heat, they should follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reduce the risk of injury.
There is evidence that massage therapy can help with neck and shoulder pain.
A
Massages may also help with other conditions. For instance, authors of a 2018 review concluded that head and neck massage focused on myofascial trigger points may reduce pain in recurrent tension headaches.
The
The NCCIH notes that massage therapy may reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and improve quality of life in individuals with cancer and HIV.
Medical News Today chooses products that fit the following criteria:
- Price: Products are available in a range of budgets.
- Features: Products come with various features, such as a remote control, different types of massage, and heat functions.
- Functionality: Products target different body areas. For example, some massagers are only suitable for the neck, while others are appropriate for the whole body.
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.
Below is a list of neck massagers available to buy online.
Best for ease of use: Quzy-Premium Wireless Neck and Shoulder Massager
- Price: around $199.99
- Operation: electronic
- Areas massaged: neck and shoulders
This neck and shoulder massager is made from soft, cotton-like material and has an approximate battery life of 2.5 hours.
The manufacturers state that this neck and shoulder massager is also effective on the calves, thighs, and lumbar area and is easy to set up. Additionally, the design is lightweight and portable.
People can choose from eight heated massage heads and three speed settings. It comes with a manufacturer’s 1-year warranty.
Customer reviews
Reviews on the company website are mainly positive. Customers report that the massager provides relief from stress and anxiety in the neck, shoulders, and low back. Other customers state that the fabric covering is soft and comfortable and the design light but sturdy.
However, others state that the instructions are unclear and that this upgraded massager is not as comfortable around the neck and shoulders as the older design.
Pros
- lightweight and portable
- effective across many areas of the body
- battery life of 2.5 hours
- easy to use
Cons
- some state the instructions are unclear
- expensive
- some buyers did not find this design comfortable
Best for home and office use: Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager for Chair
- Price: around $85
- Operation: electronic
- Areas massaged: neck and back
This massager has an auto-adjustable neck massager suitable for people of most heights and fits on most seating surfaces. People need to plug the massager in to use it.
Individuals can use the remote to choose from three vibrating levels. The massager also features a 20-minute automatic shut-off timer to protect the product from overheating.
Zyllion offers a 1-year warranty on this product. Also, the massager weighs 3 pounds (lb).
Customer reviews
Reviews on the Amazon website are mostly positive. Customers report that the massager works with or without heat and provides an effective massage and helps with relaxation.
However, some customers found the cord too short, making it easy to pull out of the outlet and difficult to plug in. Additionally, others state that the pressure from the massager may be a little too intense for someone recovering from an injury.
Pros
- lightweight and portable
- 1-year warranty
- 20-minute shut-off protects against overuse
- fits most seats
Cons
- needs mains power
- customers report the cord is too short
- some found it too intense
- expensive
Best for gentle heat: Naipo Shoulder & Neck Massager
- Price: around $119.99
- Operation: electronic
- Areas massaged: shoulders and neck
The Naipo neck massager uses 3D rotation kneading nodes that the company claims are suitable for anywhere on the body. People will have to plug this product into wall power to use it, but it comes with a car adapter.
A person can choose from three levels of massage. The massager also uses consistent, gentle heat to soothe muscle aches and pains.
The Naipo Shoulder & Neck Massager automatically switches off after 20 minutes.
Naipo offers a 30-day return policy and a 2-year warranty.
Customer reviews
Reviews on the Naipo website are mostly positive. Customers enjoy being able to control the massage pressure from the arm sleeve. Some customers also found it beneficial for fibromyalgia and migraine pain relief.
However, some customers state that the plug-in cord gets in the way and makes maneuverability difficult. Others say that the massager is bulky and heavy.
Pros
- works across the whole body
- 2-year warranty
- 20-minute shut-off protects users against overuse
Cons
- expensive
- requires wall power
- may be unsuitable for those outside of the recommended height range
Best for trigger points: Voyor Dual Trigger Point Shoulder Massager
- Price: around $20
- Operation: manual
- Areas massaged: neck, shoulders, and legs
This manual massager is suitable for use on the neck, shoulders, and legs.
Voyor states that this massager mimics the feel of a masseuse and can help relieve pain.
This product is lightweight, weighing 310 grams (11 ounces). A person can control this device by squeezing or opening the handles to fit the massage balls around various areas.
Customer reviews
Customer reviews on Amazon are mostly positive. Customers say that the massager releases tension, relieves neck stiffness and works well on various pressure points in the neck and shoulders. Other customers say that the massager works well for occipital neuralgia and migraine.
However, other customers report that the balls on the massager stick to hair easily, making it uncomfortable to use. Others report that the balls pinch the area rather than roll out any tension or knots creating burn marks on the skin.
Pros
- does not require electricity
- the user controls the pressure
- lightweight and portable
- suitable for a wide range of body shapes
Cons
- unsuitable for people with limited dexterity
- does not provide heat therapy
- some found the device pinches rather than massages the neck
Best for a full body massage: Comfier Shiatsu Back & Neck Massager
- Price: around $240
- Operation: electronic
- Areas massaged: all over
This massager provides a deep-tissue shiatsu massage suitable for use all over the body.
People can adjust the massage nodes to fit their bodies.
The massager must be plugged in and features a mild heat.
Comfier states that this massager fits most dining, office, and couch chairs. It weighs 22.1 lb.
Customer reviews
Reviews on Amazon are mostly positive. Customers report that the massager works well at releasing tension. Others state that the massager is of high quality and is easy to set up and use.
However, some customers found that the massager only reaches as far as the shoulder blades, so it does not massage the neck. Additionally, others claim that it is not possible to adjust the strength of the massage.
Pros
- provides massage across the neck, shoulders, and back
- provides mild heat therapy
- fits most chairs
- spot massage allows people to focus on one area
Cons
- very expensive
- does not have an automatic shut off time
- the massage nodes may not be in the right place for people of different heights
Best for a manual massage: Body Back Massage Roller Ball
- Price: around $9.99
- Operation: manual
- Areas massaged: all over the body
This manual massager rolls across the skin to promote blood flow and ease pain.
The company claims that this product can relieve pain in as little as 15 seconds. The ball contains premium-quality resin and a durable plastic body.
A person can put essential oils on this massager to enhance their massage experience, and they can also put them in the freezer for cold therapy. However, people should not heat these massage balls up.
Customer reviews
Customer reviews on Amazon are mostly positive. People claim it is easy to use and effective at reducing tension. Some people found it pinched their skin and others found it hard to position for back massages.
Pros
- portable
- easy to use
- can be put in the freezer for cold therapy
Cons
- may be difficult to reach some areas of the body
- may not suit those with limited dexterity
- does not provide heat therapy
Best for adjustable pressure: Mirakel Shiatsu Back Neck Massager
- Price: around $55
- Operation: electronic
- Areas massaged: neck and shoulders
Mirakel claims this massager provides a deep-tissue shiatsu massage. A person can adjust the pressure by wrapping their hands through the loops and pulling down to provide a deeper massage.
People can choose from three levels of pressure. This product uses mains power and comes with a car adapter.
The massager weighs 10.62 lb and provides gentle heat. It automatically shuts off after 15 minutes.
Customer reviews
Reviews on Amazon are mostly positive. Customers say that the massager provides pain relief effectively to the neck and back and is easy and comfortable to use.
However, some customers were disappointed with the massager as it does not produce any heat. Others say that it only seems to work when applying pressure via the sleeves.
Pros
- 15-minute automatic shut off
- overheating protection
- includes car adapter
- people can adjust the pressure
- bidirectional massage for hands-on feel
Cons
- pulling down to increase pressure may not relax the muscles enough for an effective massage
- some users did not find the heat function effective
Best for a percussion massage: Homedics Therapist Select Compact Percussion Massager
- Price: around $120
- Operation: electronic
- Areas massaged: all over the body
The manufacturers describe this massager as quiet yet effective. It weighs 1.05 lb and is rechargeable. It has a 4-hour battery life and a 4-hour charge time.
This massager comes with four attachments, including a flat, trigger point, ball, and U-shaped tip. Each attachment targets different areas of the body, muscle groups, and joints. It also has a thermal heated node.
People can choose from three intensity levels.
Customer reviews
This product has a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. There are very limited reviews for this massage gun, but customers typically found the device useful and effective. At the time of publishing, there are no negative reviews.
Pros
- long battery life
- includes four attachments
- lightweight and quiet
- very portable
Cons
- long charge time
- expensive
- unsuitable for use on injured areas
- does not automatically shut off, increasing risk of overuse
- limited customer reviews
Below is a comparison chart of the massagers listed in this article:
| Price | Operation | Areas massaged | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quzy | around $199.99 | electronic | neck and shoulders | ease of use |
| Zyllion | around $85 | electronic | neck and back | home and office |
| Naipo | around $119.99 | electronic | shoulders and neck | gentle heat |
| Voyor | around $20 | manual | neck, shoulders, and legs | trigger points |
| Comfier | around $240 | electronic | all over | full body massage |
| Body Back | around $9.99 | manual | all over | manual massage |
| Mirakel | around $55 | electronic | back and neck | adjustable pressure |
| Homedics | around $120 | electronic | all over | percussion massage |
A person may wish to consider the following when purchasing a neck massager:
- Comfort: It is advisable to choose a massager that is a size and weight that a person finds comfortable.
- Power supply: If a person intends to use their massager while traveling, it is important to choose a product with a rechargeable battery, or a massager with a power source that is compatible with the person’s mode of transport.
- Functionality: Some models are only suitable for use on the neck, whereas others are suitable for other parts of the body. This makes some massagers more useful for people with pain or tightness in multiple areas.
- Cost: People should buy a massager that fits their budget. It is also important to consider the features of a massager before purchasing.
Some alternatives to neck massagers include:
- Seeing a massage therapist: A person may wish to book a session with a massage therapist for a deep tissue or sports massage. Not all states regulate massage therapists. However, in states that do, massage therapists must receive a license or other certification.
- Acupuncture: An older but very
large meta-analysis including data from nearly 18,000 people concluded that acupuncture is effective for chronic pain. - Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): This treatment uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain. However, research suggests that more research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of TENS in reducing neck pain.
A person should consult a doctor if:
- neck stiffness or pain does not go away by itself
- over-the-counter pain relievers do not reduce the pain
- neck pain occurs alongside other symptoms, such as pins and needles or a cold arm
Below, we answer some frequently asked questions about neck massagers.
Are neck massagers effective?
There is currently no research on whether neck massagers are effective.
However, there is evidence that massage therapy from a massage therapist can help with a range of conditions. The
Additionally, the frequency and length of a massage session may influence its effectiveness, although research is limited. An older 2014 study found that a 60-minute therapeutic massage the study participants received two or three times per week was more effective at reducing chronic neck pain than shorter or fewer sessions.
Can neck massagers cause injury?
According to the
People should follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reduce the risk of injury. If a person experiences any pain, they should stop using the massager immediately.
Does the price of a neck massager matter?
Prices of neck massagers vary, but the highest price does not necessarily mean that the product is the best.
A person should consider their needs and the features a massager offers before making a purchase.
What is the best neck massager you can buy?
Neck massagers come in a variety of shapes, forms, and price points. They will also have different massage functionalities.
The best neck massager for an individual is the one that is best suited to their budget and needs. Other things people may wish to consider are the type of massage they wish to simulate, the weight of the device, portability, ease of use, operation method, and battery life.
Are neck massagers safe?
Yes, neck massagers are safe. A 2021 review on the health benefits of electrically operated massage concludes that neck massagers are not only safe to use, but increase blood flow and blood circulation and release tension.
However, if a person is recovering from injury or has a chronic condition they should contact a healthcare practitioner for advice.
Is a vibrating massager good for neck pain?
Yes, a vibrating massager is good for neck pain. A 2018 study on the effects of vibration exercise on neck pain concluded that this method was effective not only for improving neck pain but also for diminishing tension and increasing overall neck movement and flexibility.
Massagers can reduce neck pain by manipulating the skin tissue and using heat to soothe and relax muscles.
There are many massagers available to purchase online. People should carefully read the product description to ensure they are buying the correct product for their needs.