The 7 Best Massage Chairs to Turn Your Living Room Into a Spa

Jun 12, 2023

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Get the at-home massage therapy you deserve. Because you're worth it.

These days, most of us could use a little (or a lot) more rest and relaxation. So, it’s no surprise that the spa & wellness industry—and massage therapy, in particular—is booming. Who doesn’t love having their sky-high stress and achy muscles kneaded away like pizza dough by a professional therapist for a full 90 minutes? But what if you could get almost that same level of deep tissue release at home? Enter: The massage chair.

Modern massage chairs tempt us with promises of blissful relaxation, at-home comfort, and a dose of indulgence. Every model touts a long list of buzzword-filled features. But the sky-high price tag and sheer size of some of the best massage chairs can make you question whether you’re ready to make the commitment. After all, most of these chairs are guaranteed to become the centerpiece of your living room, and that’s not necessarily a good thing. But maybe it’s worth that trade-off for on-demand massage anytime you want it?

Our staff gets that shopping for massage chairs can be confusing and even a little intimidating. For the last six months, we researched, compared, and personally tested dozens of top-selling models. We noted every feature and spec, from the size to the durability to the price to just how well they actually, you know, massaged. Here are our top picks for the best massage chairs worth buying in 2023.

Most massage chairs rely on rollers or airbags. Real Relax’s 2023 Massage Chair relies instead on a unique combination of both, plus “S-track robot hands” that provide kneading pressure from the neck, down the back, and all the way to the waist. Airbags work the shoulders, arms, hips, and feet, while separate rollers massage the bottoms of the feet. The zero-gravity mode extends the chair’s position to be fully reclined.

We were impressed by how well the combination of massage chair technologies worked to provide a relaxing massage. The S-track rollers work surprisingly well in tandem with the full-body airbags in key areas to relieve tension. We also appreciated the one-button zero-gravity mode that takes you to nearly fully reclined in seconds. Real Relax also adds heat to the mix, which elevated the entire experience for us.

The included LCD screen works as a remote to personalize your massage. At first, we thought it seemed like overkill, but many of our testers found it easy and intuitive to use. The built-in Bluetooth speaker can also play music while you’re relaxing, but this is more of a nice-to-have than an essential feature.

Our test panel was universally surprised by the sheer number of features packed into this chair for under $1,000. In our opinion, it’s the most full-featured in this price range, and few other chairs we tested even come close.

Our only gripes were, first, the lack of a decent warranty. One year just isn’t on par with most other massage chair manufacturers, even if you are paying “only” $1,000. Second, when fully expanded in zero-gravity mode, this chair isn’t as effective on taller users over six feet. The rollers and airbags just don’t quite hit the right spots, and our taller testers found the massage awkward, bordering on uncomfortable.

Massage chairs are notoriously expensive. Not so with HoMedics Shiatsu Elite II. It’s a thin, lightweight massage cushion that uses straps to easily install on almost any chair. This design also allows it to be quickly and easily removed and transferred to another chair. This is the most affordable and dead-simple model in our roundup. It offers shiatsu, relaxing, and spot massage modes, allowing you to sort of customize your massage. It works on the neck, shoulders, and bag, plus you can add heat to the mix too.

Our writers loved the simplicity of this massage cushion. “I like how ridiculously easy this one is to use,” said one of our testers. “Plus, I can use it in my own desk chair at home.” The design is extremely portable, and the massage functions are straightforward and work well. We loved the intuitive corded remote that allows for immediate access to every function with the touch of just one or two buttons. The soft quilted fabric is also comfortable enough to sit on for hours, so we didn’t feel the need to uninstall it after every massage “session.”

If the sky-high price tags of premium massage chairs are out of your budget or you want a basic and affordable model without full-body capability, the Shiatsu Elite II is worth a look. At under $300, it’s one of the most affordable massage “chairs” we tested this year. Still, our team found it surprisingly effective at providing heated neck, shoulder, and back relief. Plus, it doesn’t get more portable than this. It’s compact and lightweight enough to pack up for travel or even throw in the car to take on your morning commute.

You’re probably buying the best massage chair you can afford for (wait for it …) its massage features But, a dash of good looks doesn’t hurt. Unfortunately, most freestanding massage chairs look like shuttle cockpit seats from a 1970s space movie. Flash Furniture’s Whitney is a distinct departure from most of the competition. It won’t win any design awards on its own, but the vaguely Midcentury Modern aesthetic is a clear step above most massage chairs that cost ten times as much.

For our test panel, this massage chair stands out as a great value. The relatively good looks blend easily with almost any décor, and the addition of the ottoman made us feel like this was a legit piece of furniture. With a combination of five massage modes, three intensity levels, and heat, this chair provides a decent massage—decent but not great. Our team liked the high-back design, which accommodates taller (over six feet) users well, and found the preprogrammed modes to work well at massaging the upper body.

Our biggest gripe is that the corded remote feels cheap and dated. It gets the job done with simple, direct access to all of the chair’s features, often with just one button push. But it’s not as sleek or modern as others we tested. Our team also noticed scuffs on the faux leather seat surface within the first few days of testing, which left us questioning this chair’s long-term durability.

Those few negatives notwithstanding, we admit the good outweighs the bad with this model. It’s a squarely midrange chair—not the lowest-rated in our test, but certainly not the best. But the roughly $350 price tag makes is more than worth it if you’re looking for a basic massage chair with a design that you can live with in your living room.

Many entry-level and midrange massage chairs take a one-size-fits-all approach. iRest’s SL Track Massage Chair Recliner instead uses automatic body mapping to adjust each session based on your height and shoulder width. The massage hands can tap, knead, knock, or do shiatsu, allowing for more versatility than most lesser chairs we tested. Plus, the built-in heat adds to the experience, and there’s an adjustable footrest that allows for accommodating taller users.

The automatic body scan feature sounded like a gimmick to us. But, our test panel loved the adjustability and versatility this provided. Our shortest and tallest (over six feet) testers all agreed that they enjoyed the massage this chair provided. “I’m about 6’3”, and most of these chairs are pretty uncomfortable for me because it feels like they’re made for ‘average’ people,” said our tallest writer. We also liked the built-in heat and the compressive leg and pressure massage for the feet that work great on their own, even if you’re not opting for one of the full-body modes. With three zero-gravity positions, we even found it easy to fall asleep in this chair, with or without the massage feature switched on.

Our testers found this to be the most comfortable model overall in our roundup of the best massage chairs. It adapts well to users of almost any height, and the pressure and intensity of every component—from the back rollers down to the feet—was very adjustable. But the biggest selling point for us was the price. At around $1,700 delivered, it’s a great value that works almost as well as many of the best models we tested that cost more than twice as much.

Unlike the garish, “retro space age” design of many of the premium freestanding models we tested, this massage chair stands out for not standing out. The design borders on bland, which can be a good thing if you’re looking for a massage chair to more seamlessly blend in with your existing home furniture. The retractable footrest works as a leg and foot massager while neatly stowing away when not in use, so it takes up significantly less floor space than similar models.

Although it’s smaller than most freestanding chairs we tested, it offers many of the same essential features. There are five preprogrammed modes, two massage techniques, and even warm-air technology—all of which allowed us to create a more personalized massage session. We did find learning and understanding the modes required a learning curve, and the remote is not as intuitive as the competition. It also lacks many of the advanced customization options of more premium massage chairs. But, our panel was happy overall with the modes and intensity offered with this model.

This is another chair that stands out as a solid value. At around $1,600 delivered, it falls squarely in the midrange of the models we tested. Yet, it offers a solid list of features and fits neatly into even smaller living spaces without feeling like an eyesore. If you’re looking for a compact, value-minded massage chair, this is worth a look.

Of the massage chairs we tested, Osaki’s are among the most expensive. But they’re also the most full-featured. The Osaki OS-4D Escape offers almost every feature imaginable in a premium massage chair, including full-body coverage, heat, zero-gravity reclining, and a built-in USB port. There’s even a soothing blue light built into the hood and optional aromatherapy as well. Do you need all that? Maybe not. But, if only the best will do and you don’t mind the splurge, this is your man.

Our team unanimously agreed that this massage chair gave us the best full-body massage of any we tested. We loved the 4D technology, which allowed us to dial in a more personalized massage by controlling the length of the rollers that extend from the backrest. This is especially important if you, like us, want a chair with full-body capability that focuses on the back. We also appreciated the premium construction, as every component feels solid and well-built. Its backed with only a one-year warranty with the option to pay for an extension. It’s worth it in our opinion to protect your sizable investment.

Deciding which massage chair is best for you often comes down to price. At about $4,000, this is among the most expensive options we tested. It’s also one of the largest, heaviest, and strange-looking. Buying this feels like a commitment, and it’s likely to be the centerpiece in whichever room you set it up. If you have the money to burn, though, and you’re serious about getting the most intense, most customizable at-home massage money can buy (without hiring a personal massage therapist who makes house calls), this is the model for you.

If even $300 is too rich for your budget, we get it. This massage recliner from BestMassage might seem too good to be true with a sub-$100 price tag (plus $49 delivery). It is technically a massage chair, although that massage is achieved through targeted vibrations in one of eight different modes rather than through kneading or deep massaging. It also works like a traditional recliner with or without the massage features, so it reclines completely with a footrest to take the stress and pressure off your back after a long day. It’s all packed into a very basic package that takes up little room and blends with almost any decor.

Our team was very skeptical of this massage chair based on the price alone. After two months of testing, we agreed that it mostly delivers on its promise with basic, targeted vibration-based massage. We had mixed reviews as to whether this was effective at relieving achy muscles and tightness. Some of our panel found it worked decently well, while about half said it did nothing for them. We all agreed that the aesthetic is better than most freestanding massage chairs, but the construction feels cheap overall. The meager 90-day warranty also feels like an afterthought.

But the question remains: Can we really complain about a legit freestanding massage chair with most of the essentials that we look for that’s priced under $150 delivered? Worst-case scenario: It doesn’t work well enough for you, or it stops working after the warranty expires, and you wind up with a manual recliner that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. We can see the appeal for anyone looking for a budget-friendly massage chair for a basement or den. If you can afford even a slightly better option, however, we recommend looking at alternatives with legit roller or compression-based massage tech.

Because they’re designed to mimic the hands of a professionally trained therapist, modern massage chairs—especially the best massage chairs—are surprisingly complex. The mechanisms either use hard knobs that slide on a track or air pockets that inflate and deflate to apply pressure where it’s needed. Most entry-level models focus on a single area to massage, with the back and shoulders being the two most popular. These are often relatively compact, sometimes small enough to travel with. The highest-end models are often larger than an overstuffed chair, weigh hundreds of pounds, and cost thousands—even tens of thousands—of dollars to give you that close-but-not-quite-real massage therapy feel.

The right massage chair for you comes down to your budget, how much real estate you have in your home or office to sacrifice for it, and what you’re hoping to achieve with it. No matter whether you’re looking for a portable, wallet-friendly option or a $10,000 flagship model with all the bells and whistles, here are the most important things to consider:

Type

Massage chairs come in a wide range of types. A few of the most common are 3D or 4D roller chairs, full-featured, multi-function chairs, and zero-gravity massage chairs that relieve pressure on your back by reclining partially or almost flat

Features

Which massage technology you choose—air massage or knobs/rollers—is a matter of personal preference. One isn’t necessarily better than the other; rather it’s whichever you prefer. Air massage chairs deliver a “compressive massage,” which feels different than the strong pressure-point-targeting massage of roller chairs. The best massage chairs allow you to highly customize your treatment by varying the depth, width, speed, height, and intensity. Heated chairs can also add another dimension to your massage chair experience.

Most other features are “nice-to-have’s,” though not essential. These include things like built-in speakers, touchscreen LCD remote controls, integrated charging ports for your phone or tablet, and pre-packaged modes so you can basically set the chair on “auto-pilot."

Size

There’s no getting around the fact that freestanding massage chairs are big. The best models with the most features usually take up a lot of floor space. Some chairs expand to accommodate larger or taller users, and zero-gravity chairs that fully recline will also need more horizontal floor space. Whichever model you choose, it’s best to measure your room before beginning your search, as this can often be the deciding factor.

Style and Aesthetics

Massage chairs—even the best and most expensive massage chairs—aren’t known for their high design. Some models look like traditional recliners, and some feature leather (genuine or faux) or premium upholstered fabric. If aesthetics are important to your buying decision, shop around to find a model that jives with your décor.

Warranty

Most midrange and premium massage chairs are complex machines. That’s why buying a model with a solid warranty is key. Look for chairs with at least a three-year warranty, and it may be worth it for your peace of mind to upgrade to a five-year warranty (if offered by your chair’s manufacturer).

How much do massage chairs cost?

There’s no getting around the fact that most massage chairs aren’t cheap. The most affordable models worth buying are priced in the $500-$1,000 range. Higher-end chairs can run up to $5,000 or more, with the absolute best, top-of-the-line models reaching over $10,000.

How long do massage chairs last?

The short answer is: It depends. You can expect decent midrange chairs to last at least five years or more if properly cared for. Ultra-premium models may last a decade or longer.

For the last six months, our editors and writers worked together to test dozens of top-selling massage chairs. We tried everything from budget-conscious massage cushions starting at a few hundred dollars, up to ultra-premium freestanding massage chairs that cost almost as much as a Jet Ski. We paid extra attention to comfort, durability, price, how well each model delivered on its list of features, and, finally, how good of a massage it actually provided. The final list above represents our honest picks of the seven best massage chairs of 2023.

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Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.

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