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
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
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
Best Massage Chair for Small Spaces: Human Touch WholeBody 8.0
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/