In a hurry? Check out my top 5 massage chair picks of 2021:
It goes without saying that a massage chair has become a necessity now rather than a luxury. It comes with numerous psychological and physiological health benefits that make it an essential part of our lives.
I, for one, consider it a crucial part of my life. I remember around a year ago; I had to go through the worst backache of my life. It was a bad phase where I tried everything, from oral and intravenous painkillers to yoga and hardcore back exercises, nothing really worked.
It was then my physician recommended me to take regular body massage therapies. No wonder going to a spa twice a week was even harder.
It's something that can significantly take a toll on your bank account. Something similar happened to me!
I used to visit a spa twice every week for a full-body massage, and guess what? It turned my entire budget upside down.
After struggling for months, a massage chair finally came into my life. It has been more than six months that my massage chair has become my solace.
Trust me; there's nothing better than coming home to a hot shower followed by a relaxing chair massage session. Not to brag, but it feels like nirvana.
My backache has vanished naturally, and I'm back to my usual routine with lots of energy, even better than I had before. It is primarily the reason I'm a prominent advocate of massage chairs.
I've tried it myself, and I believe it's a natural and cost-effective substitute for all those painkillers and cosmetic treatments.
Now the problem is that there are thousands of massage chairs available these days, and choosing the right one is no less than a hassle. You need not worry about it; I'm here to help you with that.
In this article today, I'm going to highlight some of the best massage chairs that you can get your hands on. So let's get started...
A Technical Overview of Massage Chairs
Before you actually make up your mind for settling down on one, let me introduce you to a few technical terms regarding massage chairs.
Why am I doing it? Because you'll be hearing about these terms over and over again throughout the article so I think it would be fair if you have a clear idea about what we're really talking about.
Zero Gravity: I'm going to start with the most commonly found feature in high-end massage chairs these days. It's a position where the massage chair reclines putting you in a weightless position where your legs come equal to your heart. It is incredibly beneficial for expecting ladies or anyone going through spine disorders.
Recliners: Reclining massage chairs allow you to change positions while having a massage making your chair massage chair more comfortable and luxurious.
L-Track: A massage chair with an L-track frame has various rollers incorporated within the framework that moves through your body, from your neck to your lower back and even thighs.
S-Track: A massage chair with an S-track framework in a more or less similar manner. It covers your spine, including your glutes, lower back, shoulders, and neck. It is quite advantageous for relieving the pressure off the spine.
Rollers: No rollers, no strokes. Yes, you got that. Massage rollers provide you with those gentle strokes of massage that you crave while eliminating physical tension and stress in the meantime. These days, a lot of massage chairs come with advanced rollers that can imitate the touch of a masseur.
Airbags: Compression is another integral part of chair massage therapies, and airbags are responsible for providing that. They're mostly found in the regions where there are no massage rollers.
Kneading: It's a massage technique where rollers move in a circular position while providing you with a relaxing body massage.
Tapping: Have you ever heard about 'karate chop'? Well, that's what tapping is inspired by. In tapping massage, rollers located in an alternative position push in and out that regulates the blood flow and relieves stress.
Shiatsu: Another commonly found technique in most of the high-end massage chairs these days is Shiatsu. In Shiatsu massage, the pressure points of your body are targeted, which is an excellent way to relieve stress as well as muscle tension.
Reflexology: Reflexology is one luxurious aspect of massage chairs. It's when pressure is applied to the bottom and top of your feet that relieves fatigue boosts the energy and benefits your physical wellbeing in general.
3D Massage: 3D massage chairs provide you with a three-dimensional body massage. The massage rollers incorporated in 3D massage chairs offer a full-body massage in the following ways, up and down, backward and forward, and left and right.
4D Massage: It comes with several massage rollers that are strategically adjusted within the massage chair's frame to provide you with 3D forms of massage along with an ability to turn and switch the rollers on its own.
Body Scanning: The body scanning feature is again something too extravagant. It anticipates your physical needs by targeting the pressure points of your body and tailors the rollers accordingly.
Memory Settings: Resetting a massage chair, again and again, can be problematic for some. Memory settings allow you to save your very own customized body massage settings for future ease.
Voice Control: How do you feel about Alexa? It's way too classy, isn't it? A number of high-end massage chairs these days come with a voice control feature. So just give a command, and your chair would follow!
14 Best Massage Chairs in 2021 - The Complete List
- Kahuna HM-078 3D Massage Chair
- Human Touch Novo XT 3D Massage Chair
- Osaki OS-4D Pro JP Premium Massage Chair
- Fujita D610 3D Prestige Massage Chair
- Cozzia CZ-629 Massage Chair
- Titan Pro-Executive A Massage Chair
- Infinity IT-8500 X3 Massage Chair
- OHCO M.8 Luxury Massage Chair
- Panasonic MAJ7 Luxury Massage Recliner
- Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 Massage Recliner
- RELAXONCHAIR MK-II Plus Massage Chair
- Kyota M680 Massage Chair
- BestMassage BM-EC06 Electric Massage Recliner
- INADA HCP-S373 (BR) Flex 3s Massage Chair
Let's just agree that chair massage therapies are comfortable and therapeutic. In fact, they can be exceptionally beneficial in unwinding the mind and de-stressing the body.
As a matter of fact, my hectic routine and workload leave me drained at the end of the day. The last thing I'd want would be to drive to a spa for a body massage.
I mean, who has the energy to go out again after coming home after a long day at work? At least, I don't have it in me.
This is where a massage chair jumps in! Are you stressed out? You feel tired? Your body's aching? Feet throbbing with pain? Well, a massage chair is everything you need and more.
As I mentioned earlier, there are dozens of massage chairs available these days in the markets and that too, by numerous brands. It is primarily the reason for choosing one can be pretty overwhelming.
So here I'm going to list a few amazing massage chairs that can rock your world. What can I say, they're my top picks for 2021 so let's get started:
Best Massage Chairs 2021 - Detailed Reviews
When it comes to therapeutic massage chairs, there's no better massage chair practitioner than Kahuna. AJX Distribution Inc. is one company that brings along a wide range of FDA approved products to the massage chair markets.
Kahuna HM-078 is a rhythmic massage chair that brings along astounding features; thus, it offers an incredible range of chair massage therapies. It comes with an HSL triple track frame and provides a soothing three-dimensional body massage.
Over and above that, it has high-performance massage rollers and multiple airbags that are carefully adjusted, starting from your neck to the glutes. I'm sure you can imagine the level of comfort it brings by now?
It also has approximately 100 air cells that help in regulating the blood circulation and increasing the level of oxygen in the body. It is something that makes it clear why the FDA has approved this product for medical use.
Colors Available: It's available in two colors, black and champagne.
Warranty: It's covered under a five-year structural and three-year parts and labors warranty.
Merits of Kahuna HM-078
- Incredible 3D performance
- Soothing head massage
- 15 preset massage programs
- 107 airbags covering from head to glutes
- 100 air cells and 17 air control programs
- Five levels of airbag compression intensity
- Foot and calf massage rollers
- Three intensity levels for foot rollers
- Zero gravity and heating rollers for lower and upper back, limbs, and feet
- Bluetooth, mobile app functionality, and great battery timings
- Safe one-hour of full-body massage
- Professionally crafted and space-saving Design
- Height capacity of up to 6'1
- Auto leg extension up to seven inches
Demerits of Kahuna HM-078
- Difficult to assembled
- No memory function
- No additional speakers
- Heavy; henceforth, challenging to move around
Human Touch is a brand that needs no introduction. They're popularly known for their remarkable quality, and this product is proof of that.
Whether you're having a body massage due to sore muscles, backache, fatigue, or merely for the sake of relaxation, this 3D massage would get the job done. It comes with a striking design, and I must say that it's on the top due to obvious reasons.
That being said, this massage chair allows you to customize your chair massage session and tailor it according to your lifestyle needs. Isn't it great? It is especially loved by athletes and sportspeople due to its muscle healing properties.
Colors Available: It's available in five colors, black, espresso, cream, red, and grey.
Warranty: It brings along a premium warranty that covers its frame, massage parts, labor services for five years.
Merits of Human Touch Novo XT
- Cutting-edge design and therapeutic benefits
- L-track body
- Three-dimensional massage program
- Three deep tissue massage options
- 35 preset massage programs and 36 airbags
- Five levels of body massage intensity
- Zero gravity and kneading (intensity can be fixed)
- Adjustable width, speed, and focus of massage chair
- Body stretching and heat therapy for the lumbar area
- Warm air feature
- Cloud touch acupressure and foot rollers are available
- Fully assembled
- Height limit up to 6'9
- Space-saving design and multiple language reading
- No batteries required
- Bluetooth, USB port, and mobile app connectivity
Demerits of Human Touch Novo XT
- Weight threshold is no more than 150 kgs
- A little expensive
- Overuse can have side effects
- L-track system may become unstable
- Poor quality built-in speakers
Here comes a 4D massage chair, the most advanced of them all. It offers three-dimensional full-body massage and comes with an ability to manage the massage intensity on its own.
It's an electric reclining massage chair that brings along several advanced features for you, including air magic massage feature, 4D kneading ball system, foot massage, removal pillow pads, and back support, and more.
Colors Available: It's available in only one color, black.
Warranty: It's covered under a store warranty depending on the usage time.
Merits of Osaki OS-4D
- Powerful 4D massage and three air options
- 4D kneading ball system
- 10 preset massage programs
- Air magic massage for back, shoulders, neck, and limbs
- 29 kneading programs
- Foot massage with adjustable sole
- Automatic reclining
- 3D massage navigation feature
- Touch-screen remote control system
- Removable pillow and backrest
- Low power consumption
- Lightweight massage chair
Demerits of Osaki OS-4D
- Difficult to assemble
- Not a space-saving design
- A high price tag
Here's another L-track massage chair that brings along 3D forms of powerful body massage. In fact, it has five levels of three-dimensional massage that makes it worth the money.
Needless to say, Fujita is famous for its therapeutic massage chairs, and this massage chair is no different. It comes bearing plenty of health benefits, given its excellent working and realistic massage programs.
Besides that, it has the ability to scan the pressure points of your body so you can have a customized body massage as per your needs.
Colors Available: It's available in only black color.
Warranty: The product brings a three-year warranty for the parts and a one-year warranty for the in-home labor.
Merits of Osaki D610
- Advanced 3D massage with five levels of massage intensity
- L-track frame covering from neck to glutes
- Five levels of air massage
- Zero gravity and 20 preset massage programs
- Seven different massage techniques
- Heat therapy for back, shoulders, glutes, and thighs
- 58 airbags
- Foot and calf rolling massage
- Air massage
- Body scanning technology
- Space-saving design
- Bluetooth and speakers
Demerits of Fujita D610
- No remote control function
- No arm or head massage
- Available in only one color
- No reclining function
Cozzia is a US-based massage chair brand, and every massage enthusiast would know about it. It's a three-dimensional massage chair that comes with a promise of a more human-like and more profound massage experience.
Bringing the new chromotherapy feature to the club, this massage can help you get in touch with your physical, mental, and spiritual energy.
It's especially beneficial for people with spine disorders and prolonged history of backache, given the fact that it has incredible back rollers that work in and out, up and down, and forward and backward. It feels relaxing to read this, no?
Colors Available: It's available in taupe, black, and plum.
Warranty: The brand covers the product for two years after the purchase date for both its massage parts as well as upholstery.
Merits of Cozzia CZ-629
- 3D human-imitating massage
- In-built LED lighting (Chromotherapy)
- Zero gravity and five additional massage modes
- 64 airbags and five levels of massage intensity
- 21 preset massage programs
- Back, foot, and calf rollers
- Lumber heating and air pressure system
- Memory function
- Noise cancellation feature
- Body scanning
- Height capacity of up to 6'2
- Wireless tablet interface
- Bluetooth
Demerits of Cozzia CZ-629
- Too heavy to move around
- No arm or head massage
- Space-taking design
- Reclining could be tricky
- Zero Gravity Massage, 3D Intelligent Massage Technology, Toe Massage
- Adjustable Shoulder Massage, Arm Massage, 2 Stage Recline Positioning
- Hip Massage, Lower Back Heat & Calf Heat, Back Twist
When talking about luxury massage chairs, there's no way you could forget this Titan pro-executive massage chair. It's an amazing massage chair model that is specially curated for individuals over the height of 6 feet.
It's manufactured according to the latest air massage technology introduced by the Titan, giving away everything in a space-saving design. They've paid keen attention to every little detail, and as a result, this chair is the best combination of tech and aesthetics.
Colors Available: It's available in four colors, dark brown, black, red, and orange.
Warranty: Titan massage chairs bring along a replacement warranty for the first three years. In case your product turns out to be faulty or defective, it would be replaced with a new piece without any additional charges within the given period.
Merits of Titan Pro-Executive
- 3D innovative massage
- Zero gravity
- Arm and hip massage
- Adjustable shoulder massage
- 61 Airbags
- Memory function and six preinstalled massage programs
- Foot and calf massage, leg extension, and toe massage
- 2-stage reclining position
- Lumbar and calf heat
- Waist and leg stretch as well as back twist
- Body scanning feature
- Remote control system
- Bluetooth and high-quality speakers
Demerits of Titan Pro-Executive
- May not be comfortable for individuals shorter than 5'5
- Assembling required
- Poor Bluetooth connectivity with IOS
This polyurethane massage chair is popularly known for its good looks. I bought it around 10 months ago so I can tell you with experience.
For anyone who's conscious about the aesthetics and looking for an extensive three-dimensional body massage, this massage chair model is the best bid. It's a high-end massage chair that brings along all the advanced features you'll ever need.
The massage rollers incorporated in this Infinity massage chair model have an extreme intensity, from very gentle to hardcore. It is precisely the reason I believe it's the best massage chair for older individuals.
Colors Available: It's available in three colors, black, chocolate brown, and taupe.
Warranty: It's covered under a warranty of one year so you can get your product replaced in case of any damage or fault.
Merits of Infinity IT-8500
- Zero gravity
- Cardiac-health friendly
- SL track
- 3D auto massage programs
- Lumbar heat and full-body airbag system
- The extensive Shiatsu massage setting
- Six preset massage programs
- Back and leg stretching
- Foot and calf massage
- Kneading, swing, rolling massage for your ankles and feet
- Headrest pillow
- Spinal correction
- Bluetooth, mini speakers, and mobile app connectivity
Demerits of Infinity IT-8500
- Unstable rocking technology
- A little heavy to drag
- No hip or buttock massage
- Neck airbags are not strong enough
- Foot rollers may appear a bit rough
A massage chair that I'm still not able to get my hands on, a dream-come-true, an epitome of luxury, is none other than OHCO M.8 massage chair. It's a limited edition massage with only 200 copies ever made. Oh, by the way, it's manufactured in Japan too.
It's designed by Ken Okuyama, the former designer of Ferrari. Isn't a clear indicator that this massage chair is a symbol of class? It's mostly purchased by spa owners to add that oomph of luxury to their space.
It comes with rear swinging doors and brings along the much-need rose gold accent. Start turning the pages of its book, and every page will tell you a new tale of extravagance.
Colors Available: It's available in five different colors, black, maroon, beige, walnut, and peach.
Warranty: It brings along a three-year warranty that covers mechanical parts and in-home repairing.
Merits of OHCO M.8
- Human touch imitation
- Delta wave (automatic intensity management)
- Zero gravity and powerful Shiatsu massage
- Full-body heating system
- SL track hybrid frame
- Aromatherapy
- Swinging doors
- Air Ionizer
- Full-body rolling massage
- Neck and arm massage with cushioning
- A variety of preset massage programs
- Feet and calf kneading
- Memory function
- Self-healing power
- M-sense light pool
- Bluetooth and mini speakers
- Wall hugging design
Demerits of OHCO M.8
- Significantly expensive
- Uses high-voltage electricity
- Substantial body (Difficult to move around)
It's all about extravagance these days, what do you say? As a matter of fact, nothing can beat a combination of luxury and utility. One example of such an incredible bond is the Panasonic MAJ7 massage chair recliner.
It's undoubtedly one of the most advanced models by Panasonic to date, and for the record, it offers the highest number of customized massage programs, around 158. I know it seems unlikely for a traditional massage chair. It's precisely why I'd say it's worth every cent that you pay.
Colors Available: It's available in two colors, black and dark brown.
Warranty: It comes with a warranty for 1000 hours of usage. It also has a three-year warranty for the parts and labor so there'll be no charge within the warranty period.
Merits of Panasonic MAJ7
- Advanced robotic engineering
- Effective mimicking of human hands
- 3D forms of massage
- 37 air cells for focused air massage
- Six preset massage programs
- 158 customized massage combinations
- Foot massage including toes and heels
- Powerful lower core massage
- Infrared heating rollers covering you from your neck to the glutes
- Expert craftsmanship
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Reclines up to 170 degrees
- Remote control system
- Detachable armrests
Demerits of Panasonic MAJ7
- Crunchy leather upholstery
- Space-taking
- Difficult to move around
- A little noisy when working
Let's talk about another therapeutic massage chair on my list that is approved by the FDA. This massage chair has a sad and inspiring story.
The owner of Medical Breakthrough lost his grandmother to brain stroke, and that is when he realized the value of regular massage therapies and how it's crucial to maintain a healthy physical and mental wellbeing.
It is a Japanese Shiatsu massage chair that's recommended by most of the physicians and comes with a wide range of health benefits. It was manufactured with the expert opinions of around 25 fitness experts, physicians, chiropractors, and surgeons. Henceforth, it's reliability is unquestionable.
Colors Available: It's available in only black color.
Warranty: It's covered by a store warranty. Though there's no time specified for it, you can simply get in touch with their team through their official warranty claim page.
Merits of Medical Breakthrough 6 v4
- Advanced medical care
- Zero gravity
- L-track framework
- Six preset hand massage programs
- 167 air cells
- Full-body yoga stretching and medical body scan
- Three-dimensional body massage
- 4D arm massage covering your fingertips as well
- Swedish air and Thai massage
- Reflexology foot and calf treatment
- Strategically placed knuckles and rollers
- Heat therapy
- Foot wheels
- Chiropractic waist stretch and full-body cushioning
- Bluetooth
Demerits of Medical Breakthrough 6 v4
- Hefty price tag
- Lack of color options
- Average speakers
- Less manual controls
Now, this is a massage chair that is fabulous not only in its working but also in price. It embodies incredible massage features bringing nothing but sheer relaxation to the club.
This massage chair model is popular for two things, its human-like deep tissue massage and its easy maintenance. After all, who doesn't like a product that's affordable, efficient, and durable?
Colors Available: It's available in two colors, charcoal grey and chocolate brown.
Warranty: It comes with a limited five-year warranty starting from the purchase date.
Merits of Relaxonchair MK-II
- L-track massage system
- Airbag technology with three different levels of intensities
- Reflexology
- Foot and calf rollers
- Lumbar heating system
- Three zero gravity positions
- Deep tissue massage
- Air massage functioning and full-body stretching
- Arm and wrist compression
- Spinal decompression
- Computerized body scanning as well as seven preset massage programs
- Remote control system
Demerits of Relaxonchair MK-II
- No Bluetooth
- Not very suitable for individuals over 6'2
- Noisy when working
- A little heavy to move around
Moving further, this one's a massage chair with a fair number of automatic programs. There are several features that make it different from other traditional massage chairs like heat therapy for the hands, massage rollers for the arms, and more.
It comes with a sleek body that can add additional stars to your home decor. Also, you don't have to worry about its upholstery, given the fine materials used in its making.
Colors Available: It's available in two colors, black and brown.
Warranty: This massage chair comes with a four-year warranty and excellent customer support.
Merits of Kyota M680
- L-track system
- Zero gravity
- Body scanning feature
- 3D forms of massage
- Heat therapy
- Full-body massage rollers
- 10 preset massage programs
- Space-saving design
- Bluetooth
- Mini speakers
Demerits of Kyota M680
- No memory function
- A little expensive
- Not suitable for taller individuals
Let me introduce you to another affordable massage chair that you can get your hands on. It's loaded with features, air massage, zero gravity, Shiatsu; you name it.
The best part of the story is that it's compact in size. Therefore, you don't really need to make a lot of room for this massage chair. A little corner in your living room would be enough for this product. Isn't it wonderful?
Colors Available: It's available in three colors, black, brown, and burgundy.
Warranty: It comes with a money-back guarantee. It turns out that your satisfaction is the most valuable for the brand, so in case you're not satisfied, you can return the product and get a complete refund.
Merits of the BM-EC06 Recliner
- Adjustable angles
- Three levels of width, speed, and intensity control
- Air massage with four intensity levels
- Zero gravity
- 21 airbags located in the arm, feet, calf, glute, shoulder, and thigh region
- Heat therapy for feet and back
- Computerized body scanning
- Nine preset massage programs
- Seven different massage modes
- Easy reclining
- Comfortable for individuals up to 6'3
- Factory tested; hence, minimal risk of a faulty product
Demerits of the BM-EC06 Recliner
- Noisy
- Difficult to move around
- No memory function
- No Bluetooth
- No remote control system
There's a reason why everyone loves this massage chair, and people are in awe of it. The new flex 3s system in this Inada massage chair model makes it different from the rest.
For anyone with a desk job or people having posture issues in general, there's no better option than Inada HCP-S373. The flex 3s system is incredibly beneficial for your spine, given its Japanese massage techniques and stretching qualities. Hence, it won't be wrong to say that it offers a deeper level of therapy.
Colors Available: It's available in only one color, dark brown.
Warranty: It brings along a warranty of three years, which includes its labor and parts.
Merits of Inada HCP-S373
- 3D mechanism
- Full-body air massage
- Flex 3s system for posture issues
- Four preset massage programs
- Full-body stretching
- Zero gravity
- Air compression for shoulder and neck
- Heat therapy
- Additional heating wand for fingers and toes
- Full-body rollers
- Hybrid massage mode (a combination of air massage and rolling)
- Kneading (with intensity control)
- Easy to move around
Demerits of Inada HCP-S373
- No memory function
- No Bluetooth
- Synthetic leather upholstery
Massage Chair FAQs
I know there are a lot of questions that make the rounds in mind before investing in something like that, but it's natural.
Why? Well, a massage chair is certainly going to be one of your most expensive purchases, even the cheapest good-quality massage chair would cost you around $2000. So I'd say it's okay to think twice before calling the shots.
Here I'm going to answer a few commonly asked questions before buying a massage chair. Let's get started:
Excessive of everything is terrible. I'd say the best time to use a massage chair is 15-20 minutes. A massage chair works ingeniously; it's helping your entire body simultaneously. Hence, the time doesn't make a difference.
Remember that increased time doesn't mean increased benefits. In fact, excessive use can have side effects.
A massage chair doesn't have any side effects in general, but it can affect you negatively in the case of overuse. A few common side effects of massage chair overuse are muscle and tissue injury, fatigue, headache, joint stiffness, and more.
I'd say prevention is always better than cure, so why take the risk in the first place?
A simple answer would be that it depends on the features, quality, and brand name. Why? Because massage chairs by high-end brands mostly come with a hefty price tag.
Still, I'd say it's partially a myth. It depends more on the features and model quality. For example, Human Touch is a brand that offers its cheapest massage chair for $500, and it goes up to $12000.
You can use a massage chair while pregnant, but the safety depends upon the kind of massage and intensity you opt for.
A zero gravity massage is exceptionally beneficial for expecting ladies. It takes you to a weightless position where there's no pressure on your spine while giving you a relaxing massage. It's everything you need and more.
Besides that, I'd suggest you not to go for chair massage therapies with high intensities. Gentle strokes are good, go for them.
One significant difference between the two is the form of massage they provide. A 2D massage chair works in two dimensions. Whereas, a 3D massage chair provides you with a three-dimensional body massage that includes strokes from up and down, left and right, forward and backward.
As I mentioned before, buying a massage chair is a significant investment; therefore, I'd recommend checking the brands' return policy and warranty beforehand.
Most of the massage chairs by high-end brands bring along pretty satisfactory warranties. It is precisely the reason online shopping isn't only convenient but safe as well.
The Takeaway
Make no mistake; all the massage chairs I've mentioned are exceptionally amazing in their quality and working. Yet, it all comes down to what you like and need.
I reckon that my statement won't help you. So here's what you need to do, list down the reasons you need a massage chair and look for the features that can help you fulfill your demands. When done, it will become easier for you to shortlist your options.
Please read my reviews thoroughly and make an informed decision. I wish you well, my pals!