It sounds like a dream: You sit at your desk all day, with—let’s face it—not exactly the best posture, most likely. So, by the end of the day, you’ve accumulated some aches and muscle tightness, but instead of paying a masseuse hundreds to work out the knots, you can enjoy a massage at home just by sitting in a chair.
That’s the appeal of massage chairs. Yes, they carry a high price tag, but the idea is that instead of repeatedly paying for a pricey massage, you can simply plop down in your chair at home with a book or a show in hand, press a button, and find relief.
Of course, not all massage chairs are the same, so we asked our testing team to try them out. We learned that some options excelled at kneading knots, some were ideal for gentle massages that relieved stress, and we saw a variety of features like zero-gravity positioning, Bluetooth, and voice command. Here are our top recommendations for the best massage chairs.
Best Massage Chairs of 2026
- Best Massage Chair Overall: Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair
- Best Zero Gravity Massage Chair: Bob and Brad iMaster Pro Massage Chair
- Best Luxury Massage Chair: Titan Chair TP-Epic 4D
- Best Budget Massage Chair: Human Touch WholeBody 8.0 Massage Chair
- Best Heated Massage Chair: Costway Zero Gravity Fully Body Massage Chair
Best Massage Chairs Comparison Table
Best Massage Chair Overall: Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair
Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair
- Our thoughts: Our tester liked the durability, heating capability, and other features, calling it a good value
- Who it’s for: People with a lot of tension and knots
- What makes it different: Abundant features, plus a three-year warranty and one-year trial
- Three-year warranty
- 365-day trial
- Durable
- No Bluetooth
- Voice-activated commands don’t always work
- Offers a more rigorous than relaxing massage
Our Thoughts on Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair
The Relaxe Shiatsu Massage Chair offers heating for the lower back and feet, Bluetooth technology, and a zero-gravity design. How does that work, you ask? According to the company’s website, you simply “press the ‘zero-gravity’ button to experience a weightless sensation.” The idea is that if you recline at a certain angle, you can experience a floating feeling, and the company notes there are three angles to choose from. Aside from that, there are 12 automatic massage modes and five manual techniques if you don’t want one of the preprogrammed options.
One other thing worth noting: The company offers a yearlong trial and three-year warranty. If you try the chair and don’t like it, the company says you can get a full refund, minus shipping.
Our tester, Charlotte, tried this chair. Her takeaway: “I think that this is a pretty good price for what you get with the chair,” with the cost being about $3,000 as of this writing. She also noted that it was discounted from the usual $5,000 price. She rated it a 4 out of 5 for the massage quality relative to the price.
Charlotte also reported, “The leather in the chair seems durable and high quality. We have had this chair for almost a year with pretty frequent use, and it has held up really well. The stitching is strong, there aren’t any buffs or tears in the materials, and it’s still soft and comfortable to the touch.” She rated it a 4 out of 5 for quality and durability. She took off a point because the remote feels “cheap” and over time the voice control became less responsive.
The chair really stood out for its numerous bells and whistles. “This massage chair has a ton of extra features,” said Charlotte, explaining, “There is air compression in the arms, calves, feet, and shoulders. You have a heating capability, which is very relaxing. It has body scanning and preset modes like relax, comfort, stretch, shoulder & neck, back, and waist.” Still, this chair didn’t have quite everything, as Charlotte noted, “There are speakers in the chair, but it doesn’t have Bluetooth to connect your phone and play music. The speakers are there because there are voice-activated commands—they don’t work all the time, but it’s still a cool feature to have.” Charlotte rated the special features a 5 out of 5.
Overall, Charlotte said this chair was ideal if you need to “beat the knots out and move on,” but it doesn’t offer a truly relaxing massage. She did note that you can adjust where the massage balls press on your shoulders, as well as the intensity, and that “It did hit all of my pain points, especially the knots in my traps and between my shoulder blades.”
Best Zero Gravity Massage Chair: Bob and Brad iMaster Pro Massage Chair
Bob and Brad iMaster Pro Massage Chair
- Our thoughts: We thought this felt like a premium product at a mid-range price
- Who it’s for: Those looking for a chair that can offer both relaxing and intense modes
- What makes it different: A zero-gravity option that made our tester forget she was even in a massage chair
- Zero-gravity feature felt amazing
- Designed by physical therapists
- 19 preset options
- Website lacks key product information
- Customer service takes a while to respond
- Available in only one color
Our Thoughts on Bob and Brad iMaster Pro Massage Chair
The Bob and Brad iMaster Pro Massage Chair was developed by physical therapists named—unsurprisingly—Bob and Brad. They advertise the product as being “more than a massage chair,” saying it’s a “professional-grade recovery system designed to restore, relieve, and recharge.” The company says it offers a body-scanning feature that allows the chair to deliver a customized massage, and it comes with 19 preset massages designed for different needs, such as back relief, workout recovery, and sleep.
This chair also offers zero-gravity spinal decompression by reclining to “a precise 166-degree weightless position to unload pressure from your spine,” and has Bluetooth speakers. One thing to note: We did find it difficult to locate key product specs on the product website, including the chair’s dimensions, weight, maximum capacity, and more.
Our tester Paige tried this model and considered it a great value for the price, saying, “This chair is priced at the mid-range level at $3,299. It includes all the features that a premium price would include, such as zero-gravity, body scanning, full body compression, and Bluetooth.” She rated it a 5 out of 5 for the overall massage quality relative to the price.
Paige gave another 5 out of 5 for the chair’s quality and durability, saying, “The materials used on this chair feel very high quality and durable. The leather-like material does not scratch or leave any residue when touched. The cushioning is very comfortable and is in all the right places. The frame is a great size and feels like it forms to my body. I could see this chair lasting a long time.”
The special features for this model were also impressive. As Paige explained, “This chair offers helpful extras such as air compression, foot rollers, body scanning, and Bluetooth. I found these to be extremely beneficial and a good value for the price. It definitely added to the comfort experience.” She rated the special features a 5 out of 5.
Paige said she had a “very pleasant time using this massage chair,” with its “great variety of smooth and intense massaging throughout my entire body.” She liked the remote and noted that the chair even massaged glutes and traps effectively. But perhaps the best feature? Paige said, “The zero-gravity feature made me forget I was even in a chair. I felt very supported throughout my neck, back, and legs.”
Best Luxury Massage Chair: Titan Chair TP-Epic 4D
Titan Chair TP-Epic 4D
- Our thoughts: Our tester loved the quality, the appearance, and the ability to choose relaxing or more intense massages
- Who it’s for: People looking for a chair that feels luxe and offers a variety of massage types
- What makes it different: The ability to deliver a genuinely relaxing massage
- Option to choose a gentle, truly relaxing massage
- 5-year warranty
- Fairly quiet
- Website’s chatbot seems overly aggressive
- Most expensive option in the lineup
- The material can be slightly squeaky when the chair is in use
Our Thoughts on Titan Chair TP-Epic 4D
The Titan Chair TP-Epic 4D is another option that offers zero-gravity settings (three stages total), plus heat therapy and 12 automated programs. It also has Bluetooth speakers and, unlike some other models, this one offers voice control. The website says the voice-command option allows people to control the chair without using buttons or a touch screen—you just give one of the commands listed in the manual, and the chair responds accordingly.
Our tester, Audrey, used the Titan TP-Epic 4D and gave it overwhelmingly positive reviews, saying, “This massage chair has the most advanced features of all of the ones I’ve used. It has the ability to auto-select a preset for you, or you can manually adjust anything you’d like to your satisfaction.” She continued to describe the chair as “high-quality,” “very sleek and modern looking,” and “the most comfortable and relaxing chair that I’ve tried.” Audrey rated it a 4 out of 5 for overall massage quality relative to price, and a 5 out of 5 for quality and durability.
Audrey was impressed with the chair’s massage options, saying, “This chair has all of the bells and whistles. This includes foot rollers, air compression, heating, body scanning, and even voice control to allow you the best experience possible.” She liked that she could choose certain features or just use a preset option, and noted it was a relatively quiet chair. Audrey gave this chair a 5 out of 5 for its special features.
Importantly, Audrey said this was one of the only chairs that didn’t hurt during the massage. She prefers a massage that’s gentle and relaxing rather than one aimed at working out knots and tension, but said both are options. As she explained, “It can be more aggressive, like deep tissue, or more relaxing, like the ‘sleep and relax’ preset.” One minor drawback: The material “can be a little squeaky during the massage,” but Audrey said it’s not overly distracting—and more than worth it given that she prefers a more relaxing massage and said this chair “is the only one that provides what I’m looking for.”
Best Budget Massage Chair: Human Touch WholeBody 8.0 Massage Chair
Human Touch WholeBody 8.0 Massage Chair
- Our thoughts: Our tester thought this was a good basic option, in line with its price
- Who it’s for: Those who want an in-home massage experience at a lower price
- What makes it different: It has fewer features, but delivers a reliable massage
- Least expensive option in the lineup
- Material feels soft and durable
- More aesthetically pleasing than other massage chairs
- Customer service is very sales-oriented, seems less focused on helping
- Lacks some of the features other chairs have, like zero gravity and full-body coverage
- Short power cord
Our Thoughts on Human Touch WholeBody 8.0 Massage Chair
The Human Touch WholeBody 8.0 Massage Chair has massage technology that, according to the company, delivers a “soothing comfort just like a warm oil massage.” Billed as a deluxe massage chair, this option has “patented warm air technology” that supposedly helps with muscle tension. When we asked the company what that means, they said the air that inflates the padding is warmed. It also has seven “auto-wellness programs,” which the company confirmed simply means preprogrammed massage routines.
Charlotte, our tester, said the Human Touch WholeBody 8.0 massage chair “sits comfortably in the mid-range price tier,” which seemed appropriate based on the features offered. Charlotte said, “It has basic recline, a few different massage modes, and foot and calf massage, plus a USB port.”
She also noted, however, that it doesn’t include zero-gravity, air compression, or full-body coverage. “This massage feels pretty basic overall. Unlike some other chairs, the track only runs from the shoulders down to the lower back, so it doesn’t cover as much of the body,” said Charlotte. She gave it a 4 out of 5 for overall massage quality relative to price.
As for quality and durability, she rated it a 5 out of 5. Charlotte explained, “The polyurethane leather feels soft and pretty durable. I also really like the wood accents and the slimmer profile of the chair—it looks a lot less like a spaceship compared to others I’ve tried. Overall, it feels like something that would blend into a regular living room setup much more easily.” According to Charlotte, after a year of regular use, the chair shows “no noticeable wear and tear.”
Charlotte said this model doesn’t have air compression or body scanning, though it does have a USB port, heaters on the back, and a foot massage. She also noted you can adjust the massage intensity, and said the body map on the remote “is actually a nice touch for dialing in specific areas.” Charlotte said the auto massage modes felt a bit jerky and repetitive, with a lot of stopping and starting, and that “it honestly felt similar to a standard airport massage chair.” She rated this model a 3 out of 5 for special features.
One additional drawback: Charlotte said the power cord is short, only a few feet long. But overall, she found this to be a comfortable, high-quality chair with features well suited to its price point. Note: If this option isn’t in your price range, consider a lower-cost alternative like a massage gun.
Best Heated Massage Chair: Costway Zero Gravity Fully Body Massage Chair
Costway Zero Gravity Fully Body Massage Chair
- Our thoughts: Our tester gave high marks for comfort and durability, and loved all the options—including heat therapy
- Who it’s for: People who want the full relaxation experience, including the ability to adjust the chair’s angle to make it suitable for reading or watching television
- What makes it different: Lots of fun features, like heat therapy and a Thai stretch setting, at a mid-range price point
- Wheels make it easier to move
- A lot of adjustability
- Chair feels durable thanks to the steel frame
- Material felt stiff
- Slightly squeaky at times
- Customer service wasn’t very helpful
Our Thoughts on Costway Zero Gravity Fully Body Massage Chair
Costway’s Zero Gravity Full Body Massage Chair offers 12 preprogrammed modes, a voice control function, a Bluetooth player, and three zero-gravity positions.
Charlotte, our tester, tried it. She noted the chair has a retail price of $3,099, “which is great for middle-of-the-pack because it includes essentially all of the high-end features you’d expect from a premium massage chair like zero-gravity recline, AI body scanning, full-body air compression, heat therapy, and advanced massage programming.”
Our tester added that the range of motion “feels really generous,” and that “there’s a lot of adjustability”—including the ability to switch between zero-gravity, a TV-viewing position, or a reading angle depending on what you’re doing. “It’s really easy to get comfortable and just fully relax in it,” said Charlotte, rating this chair a 5 out of 5 for massage quality relative to price.
This chair uses polyurethane as faux leather, said Charlotte, noting it’s “pretty easy to clean.” She said the chair also feels sturdy and built well, “thanks to the steel frame,” and noted that there’s plenty of cushioning throughout. “Overall, the materials feel solid and premium for a massage chair in this price range, even if it doesn’t have a true luxury leather feel,” said Charlotte. She gave the chair a 5 out of 5 for its quality and durability.
Charlotte rated the chair a 4.5 out of 5 for its special features, saying, “This chair has a ton of extra features packed into it! It has heat, air compression, zero-gravity mode, lots of automatic massage programs, and even a Thai stretch setting that was really cool to try.” She also appreciated being able to adjust the chair into different positions depending on activity—like watching television or reading—though she would have preferred a way to control the heat level, and had trouble figuring out the Bluetooth setup.
“I found this chair really comfortable overall,” said Charlotte, adding, “I didn’t think it was too rough on my body, and the cushioning helped protect my back from the hardness of the massage balls.” The chair also has built-in wheels to help with moving it around, which
Charlotte appreciated, though she noted one slight drawback was the stiff-feeling material, which was “slightly squeaky at times, especially compared to another massage chair I’ve tried.”
How We Tested and Selected the Best Massage Chairs
Massage chairs can be pretty complex products, with a lot of different features. Here’s what we looked for when choosing the best options.
Overall Comfort
Obviously, comfort is a major factor, and some would say it’s the entire point of a massage chair. We looked for chairs that felt good to sit in and offered pleasant massages. We noted whether massage options were generally relaxation-inducing or more oriented toward kneading knots.
Useful Features
Massage chairs offer a range of features, sometimes—but not always—corresponding with price point. Some are more useful than others, so we highlight those whenever possible.
Chair Materials
Testers noted each chair’s materials and corresponding comfort level. Also, they paid attention to whether a certain material was noisy and squeaky when the massage was underway.
Size
We paid attention to the dimensions of each chair, and not only that, but also the recommended maximum height and weight for those using the massage chair.
Value
Here’s what each chair costs, though note that these companies often offer deals—so if you were to check the manufacturer’s website, you might see a reduced price. Warranty is also very important for a higher-priced item like this, especially if the item itself has a lot of features that could potentially stop working over time.
Benefits of Massage Chairs
According to John Gallucci, Jr., MS, ATC, PT, DPT, a physical therapist and CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, massage chairs can offer both relaxation and temporary symptom relief. For example, says Gallucci, “They may help decrease muscle tension, improve circulation, reduce stress, and ease stiffness in areas such as the neck, shoulders, and low back.”
However, he adds, while massage chairs can complement a recovery routine, “They should not replace strengthening, mobility work, or medical treatment for underlying conditions.”
The benefits of a massage chair include:
- Decreased muscle tension
- Improved circulation
- Stress reduction
- Less stiffness
What to Avoid in Massage Chairs
“People should stay away from massage chairs that have generally higher intensity settings,” says Gallucci, explaining, ”If the setting is set too high, it may increase soreness or irritation, especially for those with recent surgery, fractures, severe osteoporosis, blood clotting disorders, or acute spinal injuries.”
How to Find the Best Massage Chairs for You
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a massage chair.
Your Health Needs
Everyone has different health goals and medical needs, and we always recommend speaking with a healthcare provider before adding something new to your routine. One thing worth considering is what you want from a massage chair: a relaxing, gentle massage focused on stress relief; a more aggressive massage that releases knots and areas of tension; or a combination of the two.
Features
As you can see from this review, massage chairs offer a wide variety of features: Bluetooth, voice activation, zero-gravity positions, and more. Make sure to think about which features are most important to you, and you may even want to have must-have and nice-to-have lists to really pinpoint what you’re looking for. It’s easy to be attracted to massage chairs with long lists of features, but pause and think about whether you’ll actually use them.
Massage Range
Consider whether you want preprogrammed massage options or whether you primarily want manual options that you can tailor to your body’s needs on a given day. Additionally, you’ll want to think about whether you prefer more aggressive massages or lighter, more relaxing sessions. Massage chairs can vary widely in terms of the types of massages they offer, so make sure to pick one that matches what you’re looking for.
Warranty
If you’re going to invest in a massage chair, you want to make sure it has a solid warranty behind it. We also recommend reading the fine print, because sometimes certain things are covered while others aren’t.
Cost
Massage chairs can be expensive, so think about the price range that best works for your budget. It’s easy to get drawn into buying a more expensive option that has more features, but keep in mind that more isn’t always better—you just want to make sure you’re choosing a model with features you’ll actually use.
Frequently asked questions
Which brand of massage chair is best?
There’s no single best brand, as choosing the best massage chair often comes down to personal preference, the space you have in your home, the features you’re seeking, and more. For example, some chairs offer more intense massages, and some more relaxing ones. Certain features, like zero-gravity positioning or voice activation, may appeal to some people but not others. Take time to think about your reasons for wanting to use a massage chair and look for an option that offers what you’re looking for.
Which is better, a 3D or a 4D massage chair?
According to Gallucci, neither one is clearly better than the other; it all depends on the individual’s comfort level and goals. Gallucci says, “A 3D chair allows for adjustable pressure depth, while a 4D chair adds variations in speed and rhythm to create a more realistic massage experience. From a clinical standpoint, the most important factor is adjustability and whether the user can tolerate the pressure comfortably. For individuals with chronic pain or heightened sensitivity, a less aggressive option may be more beneficial.”
Is a massage chair good for scoliosis?
Gallucci says, “Many individuals with scoliosis can safely use a massage chair and may experience temporary relief of muscle tightness caused by spinal asymmetry. However, massage chairs do not treat or correct scoliosis itself, and aggressive settings may aggravate symptoms in some cases.” Gallucci also notes that patients with severe curvature, spinal fusion history, or nerve-related symptoms should consult a healthcare provider before using a massage chair. And if you do have scoliosis, Gallucci advises using the chair on a gentle setting and then monitoring your body’s response.
