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Massage Chairs, Pads and Recliners Buying Guide
We all need a bit of pampering now and then… but what about all the time, because that is what a massage chair brings to the table, any time of the day you can get a 5* massage, it’s like having your own personal masseuse right at home.
Massage chairs can be an enormous investment and that is not just out of your pocket. A lot of massage chairs, especially recliner massage chairs and zero gravity massage chairs, take up plenty of room.
They can be even bigger than they look on the photos, so make sure to measure out the dimensions in your home and that you have enough space.
We have some alternatives to the big massage chairs, which are the massage pads that sit on a chair as opposed to being their own chair, and come at a much more reasonable price tag.
Don’t doubt these little fellows, they pack a good punch, bigger and better than they look, but they obviously don’t give you the full body massage a full body massage chair will give you.
If you are looking for a massage that is more portable check out our article on best massage guns.
We have broken this best massage chairs and massage pads article into parts to make it easier to know what you are looking for, i.e. are you looking for a discreet massage chair, a zero gravity one, or a pad?
We have discovered, ironically, that it can be very stressful when looking to purchase a massage chair with all the crap out there.
Well, no need to worry, we have it all set out nicely for you below.
Types of Massage Chairs Available
Massage Chair Terminology
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Airbag System – Airbag systems mimic deep tissue Swedish massages. The airbags act as hands by inflating and deflating in a variety of ways and speeds on your muscles.
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Body Scan Technology – Clever technology that detects your body position and delivers a perfect massage for your posture.
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Compression Therapy – Loosens tissue by firmly squeezing, pressuring, and rubbing your muscles.
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Deep Pressure Massage – Adding more pressure to the massage of your choice, adding the extra pressure can relieve aches and pains by improving your blood circulation.
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Deep Tissue Massage – Massage technique that helps to break up scar tissue by focusing on a single area rather than a full body massage.
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Heat Therapy – Built-in heater system that disperses heat to your body ready for your massage therapy.
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Kneading Technique – Stretching and light pinching massage method.
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L-Track – Roller track that begins at the top of your neck and conforms down your spine wrapping under your glute muscles.
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S-Track – The massage roller follows the natural curve of your spine as it massages you up and down from your neck to lower back.
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Shiatsu Massage – Shiatsu means “finger pressure”, and the massage technique comes from Japan. It includes using all parts of your body, such as fingers, palms and feet, to apply pressure and stretch the body.
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Tapping Technique – Mimicking finger and fist tapping on muscles.
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Zero Gravity – Proven to relax you and created by NASA, zero gravity massage chair elevates your legs above your heart, giving you the feeling of weightlessness and allowing your spine to decompress.
Best Overall Massage Chair
RENPHO Back Massager with Heat
This cream RENPHO back massager pad for your back and neck is a fantastic massage chair that is very user friendly for all ages.
This auto massage pad gives you a deep kneading massage all down your neck, shoulders and back, and is easily adjustable to make sure you hit all the right spots, no matter how tall or small you are.
The optional heating function of this RENPHO massager only adds to your shiatsu massage experience. The only problem you will have is being too relaxed!
Perfect for use at your home or the office it is time to start treating yourself to a massage anytime you feel like it.
PROS:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Plenty of options
CONS
- Heat only gets warm
Best Zero Gravity Massage Chair
Aront Massage Chair – Full Body Zero Gravity Recliner Massage Chair
This zero gravity full body ergonomic massage chair is amazing. There is no other word to describe it.
It massages you from head to toe with an intelligent 3d massage mechanism that curves around your whole body, giving you a deep multi dimensional full body massage.
The massage has smart body detection that detects where your body is once you sit down on the massage chair.
It automatically scans to find where your shoulders, waist, calves, etc are, and then it goes to work on your muscles.
With various massage techniques available, you will find a perfect personalised massage that is just right for you that you will never get bored with.
And it can all be easily controlled using the built in handheld remote.
PROS:
- 3d smart massage comparable to human hands
- Zero gravity chair
- Fantastic ergonomic design
CONS
- It’s not cheap
- Storage
Best Discreet Massage Chair
HOMCOM Recliner Sofa Electric Massage Chair with Foot Stool
The HOMCOM massage recliner chair and stool is a beautiful luxurious ergonomic design fit for a queen… or a king.
This massage chair is so beautiful it would not look out of place in any living room and it has the added benefit of giving you a great relaxing massage.
With its 10 different massage points and multiple adjustment modes, you are simply spoilt for choice when it comes to the HOMCOM recliner ottoman.
A stylish comfy faux leather chair that gives you a great relaxing massage, it gets big thumbs up from me.
PROS:
- Comfy faux leather
- Easy to assemble
- Nice heating to compliment the massage
CONS
- A little loud when massaging
Best Cheap & Affordable Massage Chair
SNAILAX Vibration Massage Chair with Heat
This is a low key vibrating massage pad that is very relaxing but does not give you the deep shiatsu kneading massage.
The SNAILAX vibrating massage pad has 6 powerful motors that target the muscles on your back and thighs.
The vibrating motors and the heat pads are a perfect combination to give you a low key massage anywhere, anytime.
SNAILAX are reliable high-quality products and this massage pad is made from 100% ultra cosy plush.
PROS:
- Memory foam makes it very comfortable
- Heats well and maintains temperature
- Instant relaxation after a hard day
CONS
- A little expensive for what it is
Best Futuristic Massage Chair
PROS:
- It’s like having your own personal masseuse
- Zero gravity
- Multiple massage programs
- Fantastic heat
- 2 year warranty
CONS
- Very expensive
Best Recliner Massage Chair
PROS:
- Good price
- Comfy faux leather chair
- Different intensities and patterns when massaging
CONS
- Heat function cant be used without the massage function
Best Luxury Baller Massage Chair
This Lamborghini massage chair even have special massage programs to cater to everybodies needs.
PROS:
- Cool touch screen interface
- Full body smart massage
- 4d massage system
- Made by Lamborghini
CONS
- $25,000+
Other great massage chairs for you to consider:
- HoMedics Shiatsu Max 2.0 – Electric Heated Shiatsu Back Massager with Remote Control
With this HoMedics shiatsu massage pad, you can turn any seat in your house into deep relaxing shiatsu massage chair.
With HoMedics products you know what you are getting and that is a good product that is built to last.
With 14 different massage programs all easily accessible from the remote control, it has never been easier to have a shiatsu back massage on demand.
This massage pad is fully adjustable to make sure everyone can get massaged in all the right spots.
And let me not forget to mention the heat option to add to the marvelous massage.
PROS:
- Easy to use with the remote control
- Packs a punch
- Heat is an excellent addition
CONS
- Is for people who want a more intense massage
2. More4Homes Caesar Electric Rise Recliner Massage Heat Armchair
This raise and recline massage chair is like sitting on clouds whilst getting a nice heated massage.
The seat reclines all the way and raises to almost standing if you need assistance getting out of chairs and is very easy to use with the remote control that fits right in the side pocket.
A stylish chair that would not look out of place in any living room but also offering the functionality of giving you a warm, reclining massage, what is not to like?
PROS:
- Fantastic heat and massage options
- Well built and works great
- Very comfortable chair
- Easy to assemble
CONS
- On the heavy side
3. RENPHO Shiatsu Back Massager with Heat
This RENPHO shiatsu back massage has 8 kneading massage nodes that run up and down your back and is all adjustable to assure pinpoint accuracy working the right muscles with a deep massage.
The massage pad offers a perfect mixture of heat and vibration for the ultimate comfortable back massager chair.
This massage pad has been made to last using high-quality polyurethane leather, which also makes it easy to clean.
And the fact that it is portable and can be used nearly anywhere to give you a solid comfortable back massage makes it a very good investment in my eyes.
PROS:
- 3 impressive levels of intensity
- Height adjustable
- Powerful
- Well made
CONS
- Seen some complaints about needing a bit more padding
Benefits of a massage chair?
Are massage chairs effective?
How do massage chairs work?
What to look for when buying a massage chair?
Conclusion
Massage chairs and pads offer great value to your life if you are ever feeling tight muscles or knots in your back, you can just sit in one in the comfort of your own home and get a relaxing pin point comfortable massage.
For me it is no brainer for anybody having any kind of trouble with their backs, there are massage chairs for all budgets and they really can work wonders.
Did I miss a massage chair of this list that should be on here? Let me know.
