Best Massage Chairs of 2018 | Top 10 Reviews – [All-In-One-Guide]

Introduction

Massages date back over 4000 years and have continued to grow in popularity since. Societies of early civilization quickly recognized the benefits of peaceful touches and calming strokes. Today, we have taken the benefits of mental and physical relief, easing of anxiety, and reduction of tension to the next stage. With contemporary machinery, you can bring the relaxing massage experience to your home. As we review the 10 Best Massage Chairs today, it will become clear that the technology today can significantly improve anyone’s life.

Always keep this in mind when picking your massage chair!

With so many chairs on the market, consumers can get confused about where to start. We will cover all the essential components in this guide, but there is one thing that you always need to keep in mind.

Stay in your price range.

Too often we see people buying chairs they cannot afford. They then realize that the chair that cost $3,000 less was better suited to their needs. Even though a massage chair cost more doesn’t mean that it will outperform its competition or be better for you.

Can you go to a masseuse every day?

Every single person that has had a muscle-melting massage will tell you that the comforting experience is life-changing. On the other hand, they will also tell you that it is time-consuming, inconvenient, and impractical. A soothing massage can be a wonderful experience, but how often can you make time out of your schedule to go? How close is the nearest massage parlor? Do you like the masseuses at that location? Do you have alternative locations to go to? Are you comfortable constantly spending money on massages?

All these questions bring up real issues that you have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. They are also the reason we reviewed the Best Massage Chairs on the market. These chairs give you the convenience, consistency, and customization that single massages just can’t.

The 3-Stage Massage Chair Process that can change your life

Recovery: Consistent massage can help you get ready for your day and recover when it is over. In fact, we see athletes of all levels use massage to recover from intense workouts and sore muscles. By helping tired muscles receive oxygen-rich blood, you will be able to reduce injuries and improve mobility.

Restoration: The pains of daily life have changed from years past. We now deal with increased back pain, headaches, and poor posture. You can help correct these aches and strains to help improve the quality of your life.

Rejuvenation: Everybody knows the power of a good massage even if it is only for 15 minutes. If you do not have time to sit down for a lengthy massage, 15 minutes can help you quickly rejuvenate and be on your way. You can quickly recharge your mental focus, achieve better sleep, reduce anxiety and have greater mental clarity.

Massage Chair Reviews

1. Luraco Technologies iRobotics 7 Medical Massage Chair

Your search for the best massage chair could end right here. The iRobotics 7 is one of the most advanced massage chairs we have ever seen, and it makes life a lot easier. By having cutting-edge technology, Luraco is able to make complex mechanics easy to function and use.

At the center of this technology is an operating system (OS) which controls the functionality of the massage. This is where you get to control the location, techniques, and intensity of each massage program. Although the operating system isn’t the fanciest feature, it was our favorite as it tied the entire chair together. It automated a lot of complicated components through its automatic body shape detection and state-of-the-art 3D robotic massage.

The Most Innovative Massage Rollers available today?

The bottom line is this; if you have weak massage rollers, you are going to have a weak massage chair. It would be the same as trying to have a powerful truck with a weak engine. It just won’t work.

Keeping this in mind, the innovation behind the iRobotics 7 massage rollers are even more impressive than before. By using creative 3D roller technology, rollers are designed to understand the curves of the spine and adjust intensity based on the location. This makes it perfect for your back, lower neck area, and parts of your body that are naturally sensitive to touch.

When we get to the lower body, the double foot massage rollers cover a wide range to help those struggling with aching feet. Each footrest has two rollers and easily massages the soles of your feet to reduce inflammation and swelling from long periods of standing.

Killer Airbag and Massage Combo!

A 3 layer calf and foot massage, removable foot pad, 80 air cells, and tension-relieving airbags. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

When you combine 80 air cells that help ease joint and muscle pain with a compression massage applied to the neck and shoulder area, you get complete relaxation. The iRobotics 7 uses shoulder airbags and a headpiece that is shaped like a horseshoe to cradle your upper body in the ideal massaging position. Furthermore, one of the biggest forearm airbags is inserted into the side of the chair and helps improve circulation. It feels like heaven when combined with airbags in the hip to create twisting motions which loosen your lower back muscles.

Approved for Medical Use

Aside from being one of the most popular massage chairs on the market, the iRobotics 7 is easily one of the most efficient. The average lifespan is 15+ years, and Luraco states that there is a failure rate of less than 1%. Lastly, the chair is officially certified and approved for medical use, guaranteeing great value and proven performance.

2. Ogawa Smart 3D Reclining Massage Chair

The Ogawa Smart 3D Massage Chair has one of the cleanest and aesthetically appealing designs in the history of massage chairs. However, the one thing that is even better? The functionality. Typically, it is really tough to find a chair can be this good looking and still function like a beast.

In a class of its own, mobile application and the Android tablet lead the way for smart innovation massaging programs that simulate humanistic touches. Through our testing, we found the dual head 3D rollers operated practically, and the body scanning technology was able to utilize air compression and rollers to attend to muscle and spinal curvature needs. Topped off with 64 airbags for a thorough compression massage, Ogawa is able to walk the fine line between squeezing too lightly and squeezing too tightly.

3. Human Touch Novo XT Luxury Performance Massage Chair

The Novo XT can supercharge your body and supercharge your mind with its performance. The chair is game changing; it shows off its striking looks and maximizes therapeutic massage techniques that provide true customization options to suit your lifestyle needs.

Ergonomic Design and L-Track Combination

What stands out about the Novo XT? Well, the first thing that stood out to us was its design. In particular, we were wondering whether or not the design would be able to comfortably support different sized individuals. After running a few tests and having different people try out the Novo XT, one thing remained the same, they all felt comfortable.

Its captivating design and style propelled its value because of its consistent functionality. By providing users with a 3D massage from the top of the back down to the glutes, the chair can support different weights and spinal curvatures while maintaining high-performance levels.

Taking Deep Tissue Massaging to the Next Level

Being one of the heavyweights in the massage chair category, the Novo XT tries to differentiate itself from the pack with its 3 deep tissue massage programs. Each one helps increase the recovery process from complex workouts such as weightlifting to simple recovery such as coming home from the office. By focusing on the 3 proven steps below, the Novo XT breaks down and rejuvenates any tension, aches, and pains.

4. Kahuna LM6800 Full-Body Recliner Massage Chair

Proportion area & Targeted massage

One major factor that separates the LM-6800 from its competitors is the multitude of options for a back massage. Many chairs only have 3D rollers that work through stressed areas, but the LM-6800 targets specific areas using automatic and manual techniques. By allowing users to target the lower, upper, and entire back, along with the lower back and body option, the LM-6800 increases its ability to serve more people.

What is the Kahuna Signature Program?

When you think about specialized programs, do you think of Chiropractic techniques? We didn’t, but Kahuna did. That is why they implemented their SH-Chiro program into the LM-6800. It targets your spine and aims to help increase the flow of energy throughout your body.

After using this program over several days, we experienced a lot of pressure relief. The most prominent benefit we experienced was easier and freer movement.  

Yoga Stretching

One of the most influential things you can do to your body is increase the sensation it feels. The positive sensation can make you feel rejuvenated and healthy while also improving your overall mood. The Yoga Stretching program that the LM-6800 provides stretches your whole body and provides much-needed relief.

The program also helps increase flexibility with its gentle multi-directional movements and improves blood circulation within the body.

5. Schultz ZyraPulse Massage Lounge Chair

If you want a luxurious massage chair that offers full-body massages and increased adjustability to find the best positions, then the Schultz ZycraPulse Massage Chair is the one for you. Schultz’s easy-to-use remote control holds the power of adaptability which allows users to change settings as they please. By focusing on relaxing and reviving worn out muscles, Schultz was able to narrow the direction of the ZycraPulse to satisfy specific consumer needs.

Your Preset Menu

The controller features 15 preset menu options that are categorized based on body area, focus on back muscles and technique. Each preset option is designed to create a smooth user experience through one-touch massaging customization and memory saving settings.

The 5 automatic menu options are aimed to give users full body massages, deep tissue massages, loosen tight muscles, focus on your lower body and focus on your upper body. Following the massage programs are 5 massaging techniques – knock, knead and flap, knead, flap and shiatsu. Each of these techniques can be controlled for speed and intensity, along with the massage heads that give you full control over your back.

The Full Works

The following routine is how we used the Schultz massage chair to find our preferred optimal settings.

Part 1

We started off by using the heating therapy mode which helped relax the muscles

We then moved onto customizing our massage preferences by experimenting with different techniques and speeds (My personal favorites were the “focus on the upper body” and deep tissue massages for my tight areas)

Part 2

After setting up our preferred massages, we elevated the leg rests and began to recline using the zero gravity one-touch button

Finally, we finished off with the “focus on the lower body” program

6. Inada HCP-S373 (BR) Flex 3s Massage Chair

Stretching and Mobility Focused

The Flex 3s main priorities are to improve your mobility and flexibility through a relaxing massage. This is done through the combination of traditional Japanese massaging methods and stretching movements. With an emphasis on improving posture, pain free movement and reducing stiffness, you will be able to get back to your normal self in no time!

Posture - S-Curve

The S-curve is the foundation from which your posture improves. That is why the Flex 3s is super focused on reviving the natural shape and help you strengthen your core. As your abdominal muscles get stimulated, they will become stronger and help you improve your posture and get rid of lower back aches.

Note: The Flex 3s is not a one-stop solution to your posture issues. It will help your posture tremendously, but it cannot change bad habits that continuously put the spine and back in miserable situations.

Finally, the chair’s shoulder, neck, and back movements help induce deeper and healthier breathing. It also exercises the diaphragm to strengthen it from weakening over time.

7. Full Body Shaitsu Massage Chair Recliner - Long Rail 161 and Heat

Sensor-Driven Technology

A critical part of any massage chair is its ability to adapt to different types of people. Would you get a car that could only seat one body type? Would you buy a mattress that only works for you and not your spouse? The same thing can be said about massage chairs; one-size-fits-all just won’t cut it.

That is why the Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner is impressive. It can completely adjust and adapt to the person using it. Now, you may be thinking, can’t any good massage chair do that? And the answer is, yes. However, the Shiatsu massage chair uses an OPTO sensor device that is designed for precise and exact positioning. Not only does this feature analyze positioning to the dot, but it also increases the comfort of the massage.

Can you get a better price?

Top quality and high prices always end up with each other, but with the Long Rail 161, you get top quality and an extremely low price. In fact, it is the most cost-efficient massage chair on our entire list.

We know that everyone would love a massage chair, but they are expensive purchases. Some of the best massage chairs in the world cost upwards of $15,000! Fortunately, our wonderful researchers were also able to find top quality massage chairs at affordable prices.

What could be better?

Although this massage chair gives you great bang for your buck, it also has some downsides. The one thing that we would love to improve is the independent operation of the footrest. Currently, you cannot sit straight up and have the ottoman rise up which can be irritating at times.

8. MK-II PLUS Full Body Massage Chair

Competing with Top-tier chairs

The RELAXONCHAIR is an affordable alternative to many of the top tier massage chairs. What made it stand out was the number of features that it had in comparison to other affordable chairs. Many affordable level chairs will cut down on remote control design and won’t give users the option to control massage speed. By doing this, they can cut down the price and provide affordable alternatives. However, the MK-II still has many of the features that consumers love for the price.

3 Zero Gravity Positions

One of the main factors that stood out was the zero gravity positioning. The feature gives users 3 true zero gravity positions that are designed to go up to 180°. This is pretty impressive considering one zero gravity positioning is enough to put you in a relaxing position. When we tried these positions out, we found that each person felt the most comfortable in a different position than the last. Having the option to find the optimal position for your body is a huge bonus, especially if you are dealing with back pain.

Multiple Great Features

9. Kahuna SM-7300 Superior Massage Chair

After using the SM-7300 for several months, we found that the biggest advantage this chair provides is that it allows you to thoroughly massage your entire body or a specific portion. The airbags apply the right amount of pressure without excessively surrounding your body which allows you to remain comfortable throughout longer massages.

9 Auto Programs and Massaging

The part of the SM-7300 that brings the entire chair together is the roller design. To maximize the effectiveness of the massage, the rollers are designed with acupoint bumps. These increase the strength and effectiveness to improve your circulation and make you feel rejuvenated. The extended SL-track also has 2 more rollers that help with the different massaging techniques.

Of the 9 auto programs, our top 2 favorites were the Pain Relief program which used multiple techniques to help soothe aching muscles and Office Person program which does a great job relaxing your neck and shoulders. Check out the other programs listed below.

• Fast Recovery – Uses proven and optimized sports massage therapy techniques to help your muscles recover
• Dynamic Sport – A general massage for people that live active lifestyles
• Golfer – Helps heal a lot of the issues that golfers deal with (sore legs, hips, and lower backs)
• Athlete – Helps your tense and sore muscles recover
• Senior Mode – A comforting and gentle massage for your entire body
• Relaxation – Soft massaging techniques are used to quickly relax your muscles
• Yoga Stretching – Light and gentle stretching to loosen up and warm muscles

Features

10. Ideal Full Featured Massage Chair

The Ideal Massage Chair is a cost-efficient chair that does many things well. If you are searching for a top-tier massage chair with a number of features that perform at a high level, then this is not the chair for you. What the Ideal chair does do is perform consistently and remain durable.

Great Techniques combined with Great Features

The chair comes packed with therapeutic airbags that are built into many parts. Some people find these airbags soothing and gentle while others wish they were rollers. Along with the airbags you get 4 auto programs that use Shiatsu, vibrating, spinal rolling and kneading techniques to diversify the chairs capabilities.

What we enjoyed the most was the automatic and manual mode options that let you adjust the back rollers to find the “ideal” position. It was also nice to have full control and be able to adjust the massage airbags, intensity, and speed. Having a chair that is designed with vertical ergonomic movement, the chairs price/value ratio quickly rises.

Massage Program Breakdown

1. Shiatsu – Power rollers are used to reduce fatigue and relax stressed out muscles through strong movements

2. Vibrating – The seat cushion vibrates and helps dilate blood vessels

3. Spinal Rolling - Up and down movement that operates to stretch the back and effectively deliver a fixed-point massage

4. Kneading - A lighter version of a deep tissue massage which is great for working out medium level knots

How Do Massage Chairs Work?

Knowing how your massage chair works is essential for many reasons. The more you know about it, the better you will be able to utilize it to its full capabilities and fix any issues that arise.

The Basics

What is a massage chair? – The central concept behind a chair massage is pretty simple. It is a chair that uses devices integrated into the foundation to provide relaxing and soothing sensations. By using simple and complex devices, the chair can manipulate movements on your body and help soothe tense and tight areas.

Airbags – Airbags are the most popular device used to deliver a high-quality massage. By connecting the airbags to an air compressor, they can inflate and deflate throughout the massage. When the massage functioning is turned on, the airbags squeeze the muscles to relieve pressure. This technique is standard among massage therapists and has led massage chair brands to include the method.

Rollers – High-end massage chairs are known to use advanced rollers that operate in multiple directions. The idea behind massage rollers is to get as close to human touch as possible. Standard rollers work by moving up and down and get more complex by moving vertically and laterally. Today we even see rollers that operate in circular motions.

Vibrations – Vibrations are the primary industry standard. The simplest chairs use vibrations to deliver muscle relaxing therapy. When the vibrations begin, you will feel the surface of the chair increase in motion. This happens because of a weighted wheel or gear. Once the motor starts, the wheel or gear will begin to rotate at an extremely fast speed to create the vibrations you feel.

Massaging Techniques – Including massaging techniques into the operation of massage chairs has been a staple in their ability to replicate professional movements.

Benefits of using a Massage Chair

How long can you live with that back pain?

How long can you live with that neck pain?

What about those headaches you always get?

All these problems and more can be solved with a good massage. Now image how convenient and calming it would be having that massage available in your home. One of the most underrated aspects of massage chairs are the mental and physical health benefits they provide. Of course they make you feel nice, but they do so much more!

People love talking about L-track rollers or full body massage programs, but they rarely mention the practical health benefits you enjoy from massage chairs. Take a look at our top 7 massage chair benefits below!

1. Rejuvenate Sore Muscles

2. Reduce General Pain

3. Eliminate Stress and Tension

4. Improve Blood Circulation

5. Reduce Anxiety

6. Fight Arthritis

7. Improve your Posture

S-Track rollers vs. L-Track rollers

The types of rollers that a massage chair uses are very important; equally important is the type of track they are attached to. These tracks extend from the neck area to the gluteus maximus muscle and sometimes even the hamstrings.

What do these tracks do? – The tracks provide a base for the rollers to move around on and massage different parts of your body. This is important because the type of track that your massage chair has affects the kind of massage your chair will be able to provide you.

The two main types of tracks used in massage chairs are S-tracks and L-tracks.

S-track – The s-track is designed to fit the shape of the spine. It does this by mimicking the s-shaped nature of our spines and contouring to the sinusoidal curve of the spine.

L-track – The L-track is similar to the S-track, but it is longer. Instead of stopping, it extends to end of the glutes and the top of the hamstring area. This extension creates an L shape which is how the track got its name.

Which track is better?

Most people consider the L-track to be better because it covers a larger area; however, the functionality of both tracks is perfectly fine. The L-track length can extend up to 49 inches whereas the S-track usually ranges between 27-32 inches. Furthermore, the L-track can reach your upper legs and provide compression's to the hamstrings and glutes. It is important to note that when you are looking at track types, it is better to compare within the same track. Otherwise, you are going to be comparing apples to oranges.

Dual Rollers vs Quad Rollers

The more advanced a massage chair gets; the more advanced its operating system gets. This usually means different types of rollers, program settings, heating functions, wireless speakers, etc.

One of the most important parts of any chair is the rollers that it uses. Different rollers will give you different results. Two common types of rollers that we are going to be looking at are dual rollers and quad rollers.

What are the differences? – The main difference is that quad rollers have 4 wheel heads whereas dual rollers have 2 wheel heads.

Dual Rollers – Since dual rollers only use two roller heads they provide an intense massage. This is great for people that have severe knots and need increased pressure to feel relief.

Quad Rollers – In comparison to dual rollers, quad rollers use four roller heads that provide a softer massage. This is because the pressure is not aggressively compacted into two roller heads; instead, it is spread out over four rollers. Quad rollers are great for people looking for a gentler massage instead of an aggressive one.

Which one is better? – Neither one is better; it comes down to preference. Are you a person who is always removing padding and cushioning? If so, then you would most likely prefer dual rollers for their aggressive and deeper massage. On the other hand, if you find that you need more cushioning and struggle with the power of rollers then quad rollers would be the better choice.

2D vs. 3D vs. 4D Rollers

The latest massage chairs have started to abandon 2D rollers and have moved onto 3D and 4D rollers. However, most people do not know the difference, to learn more read our quick comparison tabs below

The Need-to-Know Factors for Buying a Massage Chair

Warranty

Looking at the warranty of a massage chair is vital because of the cost. We always recommend that you get the additional warranty that is offered. However, it is important to know whom you are getting the warranty from. Are you getting it from the brand, manufacturer or supplier?

In almost all chairs you are given a 1-year warranty and then offered a warranty up to 5 years. When you receive your warranty keep all manuals, instructions, forms, and papers safe. You should also date your receipt and any important documents, so you know when your warranty ends. Additionally, you will want to keep the email address, phone number and physical address location of the supplier.

Lastly, most of our recommendations are from Amazon because consumers get buyers safety advantage. Amazon values its consumers greatly and takes any returns, warranties, and complaints very seriously. If you are having any issues, don’t hesitate to contact Amazon directly.

Research

Research plays a critical role in finding the best massage chair. By reading this guide, you will find almost everything you need to know. However, once you decide on a massage chair, go through the Amazon reviews and read what people say about it. As you read through, look for problems with durability and functionality.

Next, research the price-range you are looking at. By researching your massage chairs competitors, you may find one that performs just as good for an even better price. There is no point in paying $2,000 for a chair that you can get for $1,500.

Finally, you need to look at return policies and shipment costs. Sometimes it can cost you more to ship the chair back than it costs to repair it!

Body Scanning Technology

The best massage chairs now include body scanning technology to contour to specific body needs. By detecting your body shape and size, your chair will be able to adjust its positioning appropriately. For example, the chair will detect how broad your shoulders are or how you have to position your neck so it can re-adjust to better massage those areas.

Another area that now has body adjusting technology is the footrest. The footrest can be adjusted based on how tall or short you are. In the past, this has been an issue as it leaves users in discomfort throughout the massage.

Customization Options

Customization is one of the most important aspects of modern massage chairs. They allow users to get the best out of their chair and personalize it to their needs. Complete customization also allows different people to use the chair and increase its versatility.

The best massage chairs allow you to customize your reclining angle, heat and vibration settings, intensity and provides you with automatic and manual programs. You should also look out for chairs that let you pick a massage program and then narrow in on one area of your body to help relieve pain and tightness.

Spacing and Size

This is one area people tend to forget and then regret when they get their massage chairs. We cannot stress how important it is to know the amount of space you have!

Even though the newer models have started adopting the slimmer design, they still are big pieces of furniture. The last thing you want to happen is to get your brand new massage chair and then realize that you don’t have enough room to put it in your home.

You can easily solve this problem by looking at the chairs description page to find the exact dimensions. If you don’t have that much space in your home, then look for smaller models and wall-hangers/wall-savers that require very little room to recline and operate.

Noise

Massage chairs have powerful motors, airbags, rollers, and audio speakers that can make a lot of noise. When you use full body massage chairs, you quickly notice that they sometimes make quite a bit of noise. Keep this in mind when you are deciding which chair to buy and who will be around when you are using it.

Massage Programs

Different brands include different massage programs and assign different names to them. However, the most common massage programs use the same roller motions and patterns throughout all chairs. The most common programs/techniques include: tapping, rolling, and kneading massage techniques. Check them out below.

Heat Therapy

Heat therapy is one of the best bonuses for any massage chair. Heating is especially useful in the lumbar area which tends to carry a lot of tension and pain from lower back problems. However, with a heat function, you can relax the muscles and feel the tension melt away.

Zero Gravity

Modern massage chairs boast about zero gravity reclining and its ability to change how you relax. Zero gravity refers to the state of weightlessness which reduces pressure and stress on your body. When you recline to a zero gravity position, your feet are elevated above your heart as you relax.

Zero gravity is recommended as the ideal position to sit because it reduces the constant pressure that you experience throughout the day. By decreasing that pressure and experiencing a state of weightlessness, you can truly take the load off.

Wrapping it up - [Editors Pick]

As we finish up with our last thoughts, we recommend going through this guide more than once before making a final decision. A lot of this information can be overwhelming and leave you torn between multiple chairs. However, going over it two or three times will help realize which chair is best for your situation.

Having said all that, we still have one chair that stood out amongst the pack, and that is the Ogawa Smart 3D Zero Gravity Reclining Massage Chair. The features, massage programs and the quality of the chair were outstanding. It also stood the test of time and showed how durable it can be, regardless of who is using it. For more information on the Ogawa Smart 3D and any other chair, please check out the product description page and read the reviews.