Best Massage Chairs (2025) | BarBend

Give your post-workout protocols a dose of high-grade relaxation with these top picks.

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:

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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:

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:

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.