Looking for a more encompassing recovery modality than what’s provided by your best massage gun? The best massage chairs can offer up high-quality, full body massage as you sit and rest your aching muscles — the seat does all the kneading for you. “The deep tissue massage provided by massage chairs can also be effective in helping improve flexibility and blood flow in key areas like your back, shoulders, and hips” notes Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. (1)
As you can expect, these larger machines with an array of kneading nodes are an investment, so it can help to understand what you should be looking for before adding a silhouette to your cart. To lend a hand, our team of experts tested a mix of top-notch massage chairs, using our equipment testing methodology to guide our examinations and ratings in categories such as:
- Massage Experience: Are the tapping and rolling nodes soothing and comfortable? Are the sensations enjoyable enough for regular use?
- Materials: Is the profile constructed with durable parts and components that won’t wear or break down over time?
- Dimensions: How large are the silhouettes? Do they require ample floor space, or can they be placed in smaller confines without much headache?
- Extra Features: Are there other recovery modalities available such as thermotherapy or different massage techniques? Does the chair offer variable speeds and intensities suitable for different needs?
- Ergonomics: Is the chair itself supportive enough for extended sits? Are there any features like a reclining back or zero-gravity mode to better distribute body weight during sessions?
- Value: Is the cost justified when compared to the massage experience? Do the added features make up for the higher price tag?
The BarBend team has helped connect over 300,000 athletes with high-quality recovery tools from foam rollers and massage guns to premium picks like recovery boots, ice baths, and (of course) massage chairs. If you’re looking to bring some luxury to your post-workout unwinding, we’re confident that the following details can help you find the perfect throne for kneading away those pesky aches.
The 5 Best Massage Chairs of 2025
- Best Massage Chair Overall: Costway Therapy 22 Massage Chair
- Best Budget Massage Chair: Synca Wellness CirC Massage Chair
- Best Portable Massage Chair: Homedics Shiatsu Elite II
- Best Luxury Massage Chair: Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair
- Best Massage Chair for Small Spaces: Human Touch WholeBody 8.0
Best Massage Chair Overall: Costway Therapy 22 Massage Chair
Why We Like It
For those wanting a full-body massage chair with a slew of bells and whistles at a (relatively) affordable price point, the Therapy 22 from Costway should be on your radar. We appreciate the all-encompassing target areas of this seat, offering head-to-toe treatment as well as the built-in features and modalities for a well-rounded recovery experience.
In addition to its versatile massage programs with preset and manual modes, Caine Wilkes, BarBend editorial team member and former Olympian, appreciates the durability brought forth by the premium materials (faux leather, polypropylene, steel, ABS). “There are some ABS plastic components along the exterior, but everything feels high-quality and built to last,” he states in reference to his 4.5-out-of-5 durability rating. “It also had no issues in working the nodes across my targeted areas — no stalling or challenging rolling to speak of.” Worth noting: Caine is a former Olympic weightlifter, and he found that the 325-pound weight capacity and 5’2″ to 6’3″ height capacity was plenty for his larger frame.
The Costway Therapy 22 has a variety of features to choose from, too, elevating its sensations beyond the best massage ball. In addition to the air compression and rolling massage nodes, this chair also features heat therapy units across the waist and calves for added relief along with foot-massaging rollers, an LCD touchscreen for fast settings adjustments, and zero-gravity recliner capabilities for better weight distribution during massages. As such, we score the extra features at a perfect 5 out of 5.
Wilkes also appreciates the integrated adjustability of this massage chair, scoring the Therapy 22 at 5 out of 5 for the category. “The multiple settings and intensities give you the power to fine-tune each massage session,” he notes. However, the maximum height capacity is listed for athletes at 6 feet, 3 inches, meaning taller individuals may struggle to fit comfortably within this silhouette.
Finally, the Costway Therapy 22 does recline for added comfort, but this change in plane can call for extra floor space. For those in need of a more compact massage chair, consider a profile such as the Human Touch WholeBody 8.0.
Best Budget Massage Chair: Synca Wellness CirC Massage Chair
Why We Like It
We’re always a fan of finding a deal — from the best budget treadmills to squat racks, protein powders, and beyond. In the realm of massage chairs, the CirC Massage Chair from Synca Wellness earns our wallet-friendly superlative thanks to its approachable $1,199.99 price point. Naturally, we understand that a four-figure price tag may be exorbitant, but when compared to the average $3,050 cost of other worthwhile seating arrangements, the savings do start to make sense.
The CirC features a 2D quad-style roller and 34-inch L track that focuses primarily on your back and waist areas. It features synthetic leather and metal materials. According to our tester, a certified personal trainer, “This seat did a good job of tending to my spine and hips, but I would have appreciated more attention toward my neck.” We rate the coverage at 3 out of 5, too, since there are no massage modes that target calves or feet — as you can assume from the lack of an embedded foot massager mechanism. At 70 pounds, it’s also slightly smaller than the Costway Therapy 22, with a weight capacity of 250 lbs and height capacity of 4’9″ to 6’2″.
Our tester also states that the budget-friendly price point is justified once you see the lack of versatility across the corded remote. “There are some preset modes along with manual toggles, but you can only adjust your intensity through the massage modes — Kneading, Tapping, and Rolling,” they add in reference to their 3-out-of-5 adjustability rating. If you prefer more control when it comes to your first massage and beyond, consider a unit like the Costway Therapy 22 or Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair.
While this wallet-friendly massage chair does miss out on common add-ons like Bluetooth connectivity and heating elements for extra thermotherapy, we do enjoy the compact frame design rating the dimensions at a perfect 5 out of 5. “It’s a smaller profile with no reclining features,” notes our tester. “I feel that most athletes could comfortably fit this in a small home gym or office for improved recovery protocols each day.”
Best Portable Massage Chair: Homedics Shiatsu Elite II
Why We Like It
Perhaps you want to keep your regular at-home massage routine with you on the go. Like the best portable home gyms, the Homedics Shiatsu Elite II can help ensure that your recovery protocols are always at your side, thanks to a compact profile that fits most home and office chairs. Like a massage therapist in your carry-on, this lightweight tool (made of mesh fabric and leather) can be perfect for easing muscle tension that sprouts up from travel, long office meetings, or rigorous training.
Our tester scores the available dimensions at 4.5 out of 5, stating, “I like how you can use this massage machine on virtually any seat in your household or office. The versatility is unmatched when compared to similar profiles in the same category.” Additionally, we appreciate the lightweight synthetic leather and mesh design that can be ideal for carrying your Shiatsu Elite II to and from locations.
Those materials, however, do limit the durability when compared to other high-quality massage chairs. Since there are no metal components or sturdy frames, we have to rate the durability at a modest 3 out of 5. If you prefer a more dedicated setup for your massage protocols, consider a massage chair like the Costway Therapy 22 or Synca Wellness CirC.
In terms of useability, our tester had no issues with the corded remote, but did comment that you shouldn’t expect many features from such a portable, budget-friendly profile. “I would have appreciated some extra add-ons aside from the three preset program options, but I do feel this machine does cover the basic functions,” they note. “Still, though, the internal motor seemed to keep up during massages and there were no signs of bogging down or resistance.”
As a final note, we do point out that the Homedics Shiatsu Elite II primarily targets your back and hips, meaning there are no massage nodes for lower body treatment. Additionally, the seat padding is just a foam insert for added cushioning, so if you want a plush, comfortable massage experience, you’ll need to match this profile to a well-cushioned seat or functioning recliner chair.
Best Luxury Massage Chair: Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair
Specs
- Price: $7,499
- Product Dimensions: 61.5” L x 30” W x 44.5” H (upright), 69.5” L x 30” W x 33” H (reclined)
- Product Weight: 199lbs
- Weight Capacity: 330lbs
- Height Capacity: 5’1” to 6’4”
- Materials: Iron, PU leather, polypropylene, ABS
- Targeted Muscle Groups: Neck, shoulders, back, waist, hips, thigh, calves, arms, feet
- Available Intensities: Low, Medium, High
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
Why We Like It
For those wanting a posh experience with each massage session, we highly recommend the Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair. While the high price point may be a turn-off for some budgets, the included durability and features justify the expensive cost. This zero-gravity massage chair not only features Bluetooth connectivity and includes thermotherapy nodes for added relief, but the settings can be voice controlled for easier adjustments. Its materials include iron, PU leather, polypropylene, and ABS.
Our tester, a certified personal trainer, also rates the extra features at 5 out of 5 thanks to the uncommon add-ons that may be overlooked during purchasing journeys. “In all honesty, I think my favorite feature was the USB charging port and phone holder,” they add. “It just gave this chair a level of convenience unrivaled by other profiles I tested.”
The Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair features four Shiatsu back rollers, 28 air compression bags, as well as heating elements along the lower back and waist for a range of different massage methods. Plus, we score the adjustability at 5 out of 5 since there are multiple ways to toggle to your desired speed and settings. “I mostly used one of the 12 automatic massage protocols, but I do like the versatility at play with this profile,” adds our tester. “The voice controls are also a nice touch if you find yourself in a particularly comfy position.”
While we appreciate the loaded features of this massage chair along with the durable materials and build quality (which we rate at 4 out of 5), we cannot ignore the price tag. At nearly $7,500 MSRP, this is one of the most expensive massage chairs we’ve had in testing. The large price tag is also reflective of the large footprint — this 199-pound chair takes up 14.48 square feet when placed in Zero Gravity mode (although yes, it has a higher weight capacity of 330 lbs and a height capacity of up to 6’4″).
If you’d prefer a cheaper option, we suggest looking at the likes of the Costway Therapy 22 or Homedics Shiatsu Elite II. These options can also be found on Amazon, which gives you the potential for added savings on shipping similar to the best exercise bikes on Amazon.
Best Massage Chair for Small Spaces: Human Touch WholeBody 8.0
Why We Like It
We understand that not everyone has a showroom’s worth of space available for all their fitness and recovery gadgets — we have an entire round-up dedicated to the best compact exercise equipment for such needs. If you’re in the market for a massage chair but don’t have ample floor space available, consider the Human Touch WholeBody 8.0’s 7.78 square-foot footprint and bevy of included settings. Plus, the reclining nature of this metal and faux leather chair can be excellent for supporting your body weight during sessions without adding excess strain across your joints.
Caine Wilkes, BarBend editorial team member and former Olympian, tested the WholeBody 8.0 and enjoyed the available settings, rating the adjustability at 5 out of 5. “I do appreciate that you can focus on upper or lower body treatment, and the preset programs are worthwhile enough for a range of needs and comfort levels,” he states. He also comfortably fit within the listed 285-pound weight capacity and 5’0″ to 6’2″ height capacity. However, the comfort of this compact massage chair earns a conservative 3.5 out of 5 since there are no massage nodes along the arm rests.
We also appreciate the WholeBody 8.0 for its detachable calf massager unit that can also be flipped as a leg rest when lower body recovery isn’t on your schedule. This chair also reclines for added convenience and comfort, but there are no internal heating elements for thermotherapy. If you prefer this option, consider a chair like the Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair or Costway Therapy 22.
In testing, Wilkes notes that while the 114-pound chair does recline back — resulting in a larger footprint — the total dimensions should be suitable for a variety of floor plans. “The chair held my larger frame well yet didn’t take up a ton of space. I’d happily place this in a home office or small home gym if given the chance.”
How We Tested and Chose the Best Massage Chairs
The BarBend team is composed of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To compile this guide to the best massage chairs, we tested and researched eight different profiles from some of the category’s top brands, using our equipment testing methodology to guide our ratings and trials. We rated each tested silhouette on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in a range of categories, including:
- Product Dimensions: You can’t expect to order the best treadmill if it won’t fit through your front door, right? Accordingly, we made sure to include the listed product dimensions of each chosen massage chair for better clarity on how much floor space you’ll need for effective operations.
- Adjustability: Everyone’s comfort level (and pain tolerance) is different, so it can help to find a massage chair that accommodates different needs and wants. The massage chairs featured in this round-up boast multiple intensity levels as well as a range of massage speeds for adequate, comforting treatment each time you sit down for a session.
- Durability: You want your massage chair to serve as a reliable recovery tool each time you sit down for a session, just as the best weight benches should support workout after workout. We prioritized chairs utilizing high-quality materials such as leather, steel, and high-grade plastics to ensure that these silhouettes could be trusted through extended use.
- Additional Features: Many massage chairs offer additional recovery modalities like thermotherapy and compression therapy, while some even feature extras like Bluetooth connectivity, ambient lighting, and more. We did our best to list all available extras for each massage chair included in this round-up.
- Massage Experience: “Increased blood flow brought on by deep tissue massage can be beneficial in recovery protocols,” notes Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. However, that kneading and pressing doesn’t need to be an uncomfortable experience for the sake of the end results. We chose our top-rated massage chairs based on their in-use comfort and how well these machines balanced muscle fatigue treatment with soothing, relaxing protocols.
- Value: We understand that a standard massage chair is an investment with average prices hovering near $3,050. As such, we included a handful of options both above and below this median option in order to cater to a range of different budget preferences.
Benefits of Massage Chairs
According to Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD, “Using massage chairs on a regular basis can help reduce muscle soreness while also improving circulation and flexibility.” While the layout of the nodes is primarily focused on the back and hip regions — similar to how the best compression boots target lower body aches and pains — there are a handful of perks associated with this recovery tool. Read below to discover our favorite perks associated with this recovery modality:
- Improved Circulation: Studies report that regular massage therapy can lead to improved blood flow toward targeted muscle areas. (2) As such, this improved circulation can lead to faster recovery times post-workout and can help alleviate any present aches and pains.
- Reduced Muscle Soreness: As a result of increased blood flow to targeted areas, the kneading and rolling massage nodes featured across a massage chair’s layout can help soothe any strains or discomfort brought on through training protocols or regular day-to-day habits. In addition, the comfortable seats provided by these profiles can offer up cozy thrones during sessions, giving your body a chance to decompress as the machine does its wonders.
- Lowered Stress Levels: Reports indicate that regular massage protocols can lead to improved moods and reactions to stress. (3) The non-invasive nature of the Shiatsu massage techniques can help you easily re-center, leading to a calmed state resulting in better sleep quality and in-gym performance, among other benefits.
- At-Home Conveniences: While massage chairs can certainly be an investment, they may still be cheaper than a dedicated massage therapist in the long run. You also have the opportunity to sit down and take in a. session whenever convenient — a far more efficient means than trying to schedule a protocol in tandem with your therapist’s availability.
How Much Do Massage Chairs Cost?
While massage chairs are (naturally) more expensive than, say, the best foam rollers, there is some variation when it comes to price tags from one silhouette to the next. On average, though, a high-quality massage chair will likely cost you roughly $3,050. Of course, though, there are worthwhile options on both ends of this median line. Below, we’ve outlined the MSRPs of each massage chair featured in this guide for added clarity. Read through our complementary chart and decide on a profile that suits your finances best.
| Best Massage Chair Overall | Costway Therapy 22 Massage Chair | $3,999 |
| Best Budget Massage Chair | Synca Wellness CirC Massage Chair | $1,199.99 |
| Best Portable Massage Chair | Homedics Shiatsu Elite II | $159.99 |
| Best Luxury Massage Chair | Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair | $7,499 |
| Best Massage Chair for Small Spaces | Human Touch WholeBody 8.0 | $2,399 |
What to Consider Before Buying a Massage Chair
As with any large fitness or recovery purchase such as the best squat racks, cable machines, or home sauna, there are some factors worth pondering over prior to completing your check-out. Below are some considerations we recommend as you sift through the multiple massage chairs on the market today.
Dimensions
A good way to plan for adding a massage chair to your at-home layout is to consider it similarly to one of the best power racks — you’ll need some available space to comfortably house your new piece of fitness equipment. Measure your floorplan and determine how much room you have to offer prior to purchase.
We also recommend considering the reclined dimensions of certain massage chairs, as these features can extend the overall footprint of your machine while in use. You do not want to purchase featuring zero-gravity capabilities only to find that your available space cannot justify the use of these settings.
Massage Intensity
You should ultimately choose a massage chair that accommodates your desired intensity — there’s no sense in choosing a best pre-workout supplement if the stimulant content is not to your standards, correct? While most brands will list the included intensities available across each silhouette, another indication is whether the chair is labeled as a 2D, 3D, or 4D massage chair:
- 2D massage chairs are the most basic format of seats with rollers moving in a singular plane of motion — typically up and down or left and right.
- 3D massage chairs can offer deeper massage intensities that give each node the power to dig into targeted areas more efficiently.
- 4D massage chairs offer speed and rhythm changes to the equation with differing pulses to facilitate worthwhile relief. Some options may also include body scanning features to detect particularly tight areas across your frame for more focused treatment.
Additional Features
In addition to at-home massage therapy protocols, your chair of choice can also come equipped with a range of different features for added convenience and treatment. Some options are available with heat-controlled nodes for added thermotherapy protocols, while others may feature Bluetooth connectivity for easier adjustments along with cupholders, ambient lighting, and more. Think through your personal preferences and find a chair that matches your list of wants and needs best.
Value
OK, so massage chairs are likely going to be one of the bigger investments you make in terms of your recovery regimen — a far greater expense than the best mini massage guns or foam rollers, massage balls, or yoga mats. Still, though, you’ll want to set a budget prior to your search in order to ensure you’re not overspending on high-quality goods. The average cost of a premium massage chair, according to our research, comes in at roughly $3,050, so this can be a good marker to start from as you plan out your investment.
You should also consider the available warranty bundles included with your massage chair of choice, Most chairs offer a multi-year protection plan, but some may only offer a less-encompassing bundle. With such an investment, it can be beneficial to choose one that’s protected from wear and tear, so be sure to shop accordingly.
Best Massage Chairs FAQs
Are massage chairs worth buying?
Determining whether any fitness equipment is “worth buying” can be subjective from one athlete to the next. In our opinion, though, massage chairs can be worthwhile investments for those wanting a full-body massage session without the need for controlled targeting like you’d see with a massage gun or foam roller.
How much do massage chairs cost?
Massage chairs can vary in price depending on the included features, available weight capacities, and other metrics. On average, though, you can expect to pay roughly $3,050 for a high-quality machine without obvious outliers on both ends of this median cost. In the end, be sure to consider your personal budget and opt for a massage chair that suits your personal finances best.
What are the disadvantages of a massage chair?
One of the main issues with massage chairs is their size. Rather than being confined to a handheld silhouette, these machines can quickly consume an entire office or home space if you aren’t shopping within your allotted dimensions. Additionally, massage chairs are likely more expensive than your favorite massage tools with the average cost coming in at roughly $3,050.
References
- Bervoets, D. C., Luijsterburg, P. A., Alessie, J. J., Buijs, M. J., & Verhagen, A. P. (2015). Massage therapy has short-term benefits for people with common musculoskeletal disorders compared to no treatment: A systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy, 61(3), 106–116. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26093806/
- Portillo-Soto, A., Eberman, L. E., Demchak, T. J., & Peebles, C. (2014). Comparison of blood flow changes with soft tissue mobilization and massage therapy. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(12), 932–936. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25420037/
- Fang, C., Chang, S., fang, C., & Chou, F. (2023). Effect of massage therapy on sleep quality in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 32(15–16), 4362–4373. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36823692/
