Getting a massage can feel like a well-deserved luxury after a long week of work, especially if you work in a high-stress field. And while a massage is often treated as an occasional indulgence, it doesn’t have to be. Massage chairs offer the same thing—a massage customized to your preferences—but without needing to trek across town or head home with a thin layer of oil on your skin (and, sometimes, hair). An at-home massage chair does take up some space, true, but aside from that, it’s a highly convenient way to prioritize restoration and recovery so you can feel more energized at work.
We asked a member of our testing team to try a popular model, the Bob & Brad iMaster Pro 4D Massage Chair, and share thoughts on the chair’s comfort and durability, massage quality, and more. Here’s what we learned.
Bob and Brad D6 iMaster Pro 4D Massage Chair
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Bob and Brad
- Our thoughts: We love the comfort, quality, and wide range of customizable massages available with this model
- Who it’s for: Professionals looking for a convenient way to reduce tension without having to go to a masseuse
- What makes it different: A body-scanning feature designed to offer a personalized massage
Pros
- A range of massage types available
- Excellent features including foot rollers and Bluetooth
- High-quality materials
Cons
- Slightly large but still able to fit through a doorway
- Made of faux leather, whereas some people may prefer real leather
Bob & Brad iMaster Pro 4D Massage Chair Specs
Our Experience with Bob & Brad iMaster Pro 4D Massage Chair
The Bob and Brad iMaster Pro Massage Chair, developed by physical therapists, is advertised as a professional-grade recovery system. This massage chair features a body-scanning system designed to offer a personalized massage, plus 19 additional preset massages that address a variety of needs, including sleep, back relief, and workout recovery.
The iMaster Pro 4D Massage Chair also offers zero-gravity spinal decompression, meaning it can recline to “a precise 166-degree weightless position to unload pressure from your spine.” It also includes Bluetooth speakers.
What We Liked
A member of our testing team, Paige, tried this chair and shared her experience. Here are some of Paige’s favorite things about the iMaster Pro 4D Massage Chair.
- Massage quality (5 out of 5): The chair offers a range of massage types, Paige said, both in terms of intensity and area of focus. Plus, the settings were easy to use. As she stated, “You are able to select from a variety of intensities to customize the massage. It defaults to a 20-minute session but can be changed and customized based on preference or injury. The remote makes it really easy to use and change settings.” For professionals who’ve spent all day deep in focused thought, the intuitive, easy-to-use settings should feel like a welcome relief.
- Features (5 out of 5): 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 experience.”
- Quality and durability (5 out of 5): “The materials used on this chair feel very high quality and durable,” said Paige, adding, “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.” For working professionals used to running the numbers, a durable massage chair may feel like a worthwhile investment.
- Portability (4 out of 5): According to Paige, “This chair is on the larger end but still be able to fit through a standard doorway.”
- Overall user experience (5 out of 5): “I had a very pleasant time using this massage chair. It gave a great variety of smooth and intense massaging throughout my entire body,” said Paige, adding, “I am five feet, 10 inches tall and feel like the chair adjusted perfectly to my height after the body scan. I felt very supported throughout my neck, back, and legs.”
What We Would Change
Paige gave positive ratings in all categories, with no clear drawbacks noted.
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
We recommend speaking with a healthcare provider about any existing health conditions, including wounds, broken or fractured bones, infections, bleeding disorders, and more, to see if a massage chair is safe for you to use. Aside from that, here’s who might want to consider this massage chair.
For: Those who want regular massages
Whether you enjoy massage as a relaxation tool or consider it necessary to help relieve tension and knots, if you’re interested in regular massages—not just an occasional massage here or there—you might consider investing in a massage chair for the cost-per-session value it can offer.
For: Time-strapped professionals
Career-focused individuals who may benefit from massages but don’t necessarily have the time to book and attend appointments may enjoy a massage chair instead. A massage chair can save time by eliminating the need to schedule and attend massages, plus you could potentially listen in on a Zoom meeting or peruse files while sitting in the chair—though we’d suggest trying to truly relax while getting a massage.
Not for: Children
Massage chairs are designed for adults, so children shouldn’t use them.
Not for: Pregnant women
Women who are pregnant should check with a healthcare provider before using a massage chair.
Comparing the iMaster Pro 4D to Other Massage Chairs
Why the Right Recovery Tools Matter to Professionals
High performers aren’t going full blast all the time; they know recovery time matters because recharging is key to productivity. When you slow down, pause, and give yourself time to relax, it can help you feel more focused and energized at work.
Massage is an especially important tool because it can not only help with physical ailments like tight muscles, but it’s incredibly relaxing—ideal for people in demanding careers who could benefit from some stress relief. While owning your own massage chair may feel like a luxury, you can also view it as an investment in your health and, in turn, your career.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
We thought the iMaster Pro 4D was high-quality and comfortable, with an impressive array of massage options. It’s ideal for professionals who prioritize recovery and relaxation and have the space for a massage chair in their home.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bob & Brad massage chair good?
Our tester gave this massage chair high ratings in every category, from quality and durability to features and overall user experience. She didn’t report any specific drawbacks.
Are there any downsides to using a massage chair?
We always recommend speaking with a healthcare provider prior to using a new fitness product to ensure you don’t have any injuries or health conditions that might make it unsafe to use. Aside from potential health concerns, downsides to using a massage chair are that you need to have sufficient space in your home for it, and it can be a significant financial investment.
Are massage chairs worth the money?
This depends largely on your own unique needs and lifestyle. If you’re someone who prefers regular massages, having your own at-home massage chair could prove a sound investment, as it could reduce your per-massage cost. However, it’s really dependent upon your own needs, budget, and more.