This is our guide on the best massage chairs for 2023.
Most massage chairs aren’t cheap, so making the right choice when buying one is paramount.
The best massage chairs have solid construction and are long-lasting.
And more importantly than that, you should feel better and more relaxed every time you get out of your massage chair.
By far, the Kahuna Hubot HM-078 is the chair customers prefer and is our recommendation as the best overall massage chair.
There are, however, all types and models of massage chairs and there may be other massage chairs that are more suited to your needs.
In this buyer’s guide, I cover a whole range of alternatives and options, so you can tackle the shopping process head-on and get the perfect massage chair for you.
Let’s get rolling.
Massage Chair Buying Guide
Before you begin the buying process, you’ll want to make sure you know what to look out for when choosing a massage chair.
This short section covers everything you need to know.
Massage Chair Terminology & Features
The best massage chairs are made with innovative technology that goes beyond what most other massage devices are capable of.
Therefore it’s not uncommon for buyers to become stumped and confused about what all the terms being thrown around mean.
You’ll want to go through this list and choose which of these features sounds the most appealing to you.
Zero Gravity
A massage chair that has Zero Gravity allows you to raise your feet up above the level of your heart, and lean back to a position of “zero gravity.”
That is, where your weight is distributed evenly on the chair so that gravity isn’t impacting any parts of your body more than others.
This allows blood to flow more easily throughout your body and decompresses your spine.
S-Track
Rather than just digging into your back, the best massage chairs have specific tracks designed to maximize therapeutic value.
An S-track is shaped like an S, because it’s made to massage along the natural curve of the spine, from your neck to your lower back.
L-Track
A massage chair with an L-track, massages more than the S-track, as it extends beyond your lower back, down to your glutes.
If the L-Track is long enough it can reach the top of your hamstrings.
Dual-Massage Tracks (SL Track)
A chair that features a dual-massage track combines the best of S-track and L-track massage motions in order to massage a much larger portion of your body.
This maximizes the therapeutic value and provides the best massage.
3D Massage
A 3D massage offers deep penetration.
The massage rollers are multi-directional and can move up and down, side to side as well as in and out.
4D Massage
A 4D massage takes the 3D massage one step further where the speed of the rollers are automatically controlled to create even deeper penetration into the muscles.
Body Scanning
A massage chair that has body scanning technology will tailor its massage rollers to the user’s body shape.
This is a great feature to have as it is a common complaint that most standard massage chairs do not conform to the user’s body shape leaving the rollers hitting the incorrect parts of the body.
Memory Settings
A chair with memory settings allows you to save your favorite massage chair settings without having to recreate them every time you use your chair.
More advanced chairs will have the option of saving different memory settings for different users.
Airbags
Airbags inflate and deflate giving a compression massage rather than a rolling/kneading massage like the massage rollers.
Airbags allow a gentler massage and are usually placed in more sensitive muscle areas.
Air Ionizer
An air ionizer simply cleans the air allowing you to breathe in cleaner air while using your massage chair.
Bluetooth Technology
In the case of massage chairs, Bluetooth capabilities are normally describing whether you can play music from your phone to the massage chair speakers via Bluetooth.
Voice Control
Voice control allows you to control your massage chair by simply using your voice to tell the chair what to do.
Chromotherapy
A massage chair with chromotherapy will use this form of light therapy to help boost the mental and physical health of the user.
Aromatherapy
Some massage chairs have the option to use essential oils to create relaxing aromas.
Reflexology
Targets specific points on the body to improve circulation and overall well-being.
Other Buying Considerations
As well as looking out for massage chair features, here are some other things to look out for when choosing your massage chair.
Price
Massage chairs have a lot of moving parts inside them that must be aligned and secured properly so that the chair’s mechanics don’t break down.
While they can often be repaired, it’s not fun having to deal with fixing a broken chair.
That’s why you want to invest in a high-end massage chair with top-quality materials and mechanical components so that you can rely on it well into the future.
Amid all the mechanical components in a massage chair are electrical components, which can also go awry if the chair isn’t well-made.
To get better quality chairs you will likely have to pay more.
In the world of massage-chair-buying, stretching your budget is a good idea for long-term satisfaction.
Customer Support
The company you choose to purchase a massage chair from matters.
Not just because of the quality level they put into the chair, but also for their customer service standards.
Since you’ve just spent a lot of money, you want to be able to get ahold of customer support when you need to, so it’s important to choose a company with excellent customer service ratings.
Warranty
Beyond getting a well-made chair from a great company, you want to secure your investment in a high-end massage chair by getting a warranty.
Companies that offer warranties with their massage chairs typically make chairs that are more reliable and durable.
However, a warranty ensures that if something goes wrong and a part needs to be replaced in the chair, you won’t lose the money you invested.
Avoid any company that does not have a clearly laid out warranty. It’s as simple as that!
Assembly
Because massage chairs are huge, heavy items to assemble at home, the ease of assembly is a factor to consider when shopping.
Some massage chairs are easier than others to assemble and having good customer support in case you need it also goes a long way in making it a better process.
If the massage chair manufacturer throws in free installation and delivery then that’s a big plus worth taking note of.
Satisfaction Guarantee
If your massage chair offers a satisfaction return policy then that’s a good indicator of the chair quality.
Typically, you’ll want to see a 30 to 60-day duration or more.
If you can’t get to a showroom to try out your massage chair before buying and instead buy online, then a satisfaction guarantee becomes even more important.
The Best Massage Chairs in 2023
Now that you are armed with the knowledge of what to look for in a good chair, here is a list of some of the best massage chairs worth considering.
Kahuna SM-7300 Superior Massage Chair
The Kahuna SM-7300 reclining massage chair has 3 extra inches added to the shoulders and hips to accommodate tall individuals up to 6 ft 5 and heavier body types up to 320 lbs.
At the same time, it has space-saving technology so that it takes up less space, with an ameliorated forward sliding mechanism.
It has 6 rollers that massage simultaneously based on the intensity level and auto program you choose.
It has 5 intensity levels so you can find the perfect feel, and it provides unique massage modes based on your type of activity.
For example, it has modes for office workers, golfers, seniors and athletes.
It also has programs for workout recovery, pain relief and relaxation.
The rollers inside can knead, knock and tap specific points on your body to mimic having 6 masseuse hands working on you.
This chair has a user-friendly remote control and a 2-year part and labor warranty.
If you are on the taller side and want to be sure to get a massage chair that fits then this could be a good choice.
Conversely, if you are on the shorter side you may be better off looking at another model.
- Accommodates large body types
- SL-track
- Space-saving technology
- Body scanning technology
- Doesn’t accommodate smaller body types particularly well
Esright Massage Recliner Chair
The Esright massage chair has 8 vibrating massage modes for the thighs, back and legs along with 5 massaging modes and 2 vibration levels.
It also offers a heat therapy function for the back and comes with a remote control for added convenience.
Esright is not only ergonomically designed but the back, armrest and seat cushion are also padded for comfort.
The surface is breathable PU leather which is water-resistant and easy to clean.
This upholstered chair has a 140 °recline feature, a 360° swivel function and a nice rocking feature.
It also has pockets on both sides to easily store your magazines and remote control, plus 2 cup holders and a footrest.
Buyers complained that they did not enjoy the reclining feature as it does not stay in place, and some persons also said the massage feature was not strong enough.
The massage capabilities are also severely lacking compared to the high-end models but then again this massage chair only costs a few hundred dollars.
Aside from these issues, the price is great and the chair is padded for extra comfort.
- Low price option
- Water-resistant and easy to clean
- Comes with cup holders and side pockets
- Has massage and heat feature
- Weak massage feature
- Recliner can be uncomfortable
- Not the best quality
RELAXONCHAIR MK-II Plus Full Body Massage Chair
The Relaxonchair MK-II Plus full body massage chair stands out as it provides a heat feature and can scan your body with sensors to create a personalized massage.
The body scanning feature can detect the length of your spine when you sit in it.
It uses this data to create a therapeutic massage experience customized to your body size, so that each muscle in your back is targeted accurately.
With the combination of heat therapy, the zero gravity position and massage techniques like tapping, rolling and kneading, you can quickly relieve pain, tightness and fatigue throughout your body in this chair.
Its massage programs are designed to provide deep tissue massages, and its stretching programs help decompress your spine to help you maintain spinal health and relieve back pain.
Its massage nodes are on an L-track, which means it massages your buttocks in addition to your back.
While the technology seems cutting edge, many customers have complained that this chair fails to provide adequate pressure for a good massage.
If you have specific muscles that are tight or knotted in your back causing acute pain, it may be more therapeutic for you to use a massage stick or electric percussion massager instead.
On the plus side, the MK-II Plus is a popular massage chair with many happy users.
- Body scanning technology senses the length of your spine to provide an accurate massage
- Provides heat therapy to warm up your back muscles for pain relief
- Stretching programs and zero gravity position help with spinal decompression
- Doesn’t provide enough pressure for many who need it
BestMassage Full Body Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair
This massage chair offers a full-body massage with 7 massage modes including shiatsu massage, kneading, tapping, stretching, combo, air pressure and heating.
There are 9 preset auto massage programs as well as a manual option that puts you in full control of your massage.
It has speed control, intensity control and width control.
Plus, it offers a custom fit massage thanks to the Smart body scan technology which scans your body and detects your body size.
It can accommodate persons up to 6ft 3inches tall and up to 265 pounds.
This massage chair comes equipped with 21 airbags located in the feet, calves, arms, hips, shoulder, and thighs.
The device also comes with 4 heating pads; 2 for the feet and 2 for the back.
Some buyers complained about faulty control pads, while others said their massage chair stopped working after a few months.
Despite this, the company offers a 100% refund under their 1-year warranty plus the chair is good for different heights and weights.
- Boasts Smart body scan technology
- Has 7 massage modes and 9 auto massage programs
- Comes with 4 heating pads
- Control pad may malfunction
- Chair may stop working after a few months of use
Real Relax Zero Gravity Massage Chair
The Real Relax massage chair is a comparably less expensive option on this list.
It provides good value for the money, but the quality of materials is a bit poorer than the more expensive options.
On the plus side, the customer support is good, and there’s a 3-year warranty.
While there’s a chance parts can break down, you can have the chair fixed for you within the 3 years.
While many enjoy the massage this chair provides, the problem many customers have with this chair is that it provides too much pressure and not enough padding.
With heat, vibration and 8 massage rollers, it has all the therapeutic features of a great massage chair, but it provides you with the benefit of laying at a zero gravity position for spinal decompression.
All in all, this massage chair is good value for money.
- Less expensive
- Good customer support
- 3-year warranty
- Heating therapy function
- Too much pressure without enough padding
- Poorer quality – more liable to break down
Kahuna Massage Chair Hubot HM-078
A high-end, expensive option, the Kahuna Hubot HM-078 has several features that allow you to massage more muscle tissue than what’s possible with most massage chairs.
For one, it has head and feet massage features to release tension in your temples, jaw, upper neck and feet.
The chair features 3D massage rollers, which protrude further from the track to massage more accurately and effectively, including in places typically neglected by other chairs.
It gives you the best of both an S-track and L-track, and in addition to the massage rollers, the chair itself creates small air-cell movements throughout its surface to ensure your entire body is stimulated for better blood flow.
It also has a heating feature, zero gravity positioning and settings that can be controlled from an app on your mobile device.
For people who find some massage chairs too intense and others too weak, this one is designed to meet any preferred intensity with its 5 intensity levels.
Customers have very few complaints with this massage chair.
The only real issue seems to be that it offers so many different customization settings, but with no memory feature that remembers your settings automatically.
- Promotes circulation throughout your body with air-cell movements
- Varied intensity levels
- 3D massage rollers
- Massages head and feet
- Expensive
- No memory feature for remembering your settings
Human Touch WholeBody 7.1 Massage Chair
This massage chair is designed for the whole body and offers 5 massage programs to include lower, upper, full, relax and sleep massage.
Human Touch boasts a BodyMap PRO feature that allows you to select a specific area for relief.
It also has warm air technology which targets the lumbar spine and prepares the muscles for a penetrating massage.
The massage chair is made with an ottoman attached acting as a foot and calf massager.
Plus the unique CIRQLATION technology is designed to massage the calves, and optimize blood circulation not only in your feet but up to your core.
Buyers noted that their controller stopped working overtime and some felt the massage chair was too small.
But, the BodyMap feature and CIRQULATION technology make it a good choice to consider.
- CIRQLATION technology for calves
- BodyMap pro feature to select target area
- Has 5 massage programs
- Offers full body massage
- Controller may malfunction
- Massage chair size might be too small for larger statures.
Kahuna LM6800 Zero Gravity Full-Body Massage Chair Recliner
Like the Relaxonchair, the Kahuna LM6800 massage chair scans your body size for an accurate massage.
It has air-cell technology like the Kahuna Hubot, but it only has 4 massage rollers (without 3D technology) on an L-track, so the massage you get is much more limited.
You get heating therapy on your lower back and legs, plus a foot massage, so you can relieve fatigued feet and legs at the end of the day.
Customers say the massage chair provides great value because of everything it does, but it’s not built with the best materials and is prone to technical issues.
Luckily, there’s a 3-year warranty and great customer service.
- Scans your body size for accuracy
- 3-year warranty
- Great customer service
- Heating for lower back and legs
- Many customers have had parts break down
Real Relax SL Track Zero Gravity Massage Chair
The Real Relax massage chair has back massage rollers that run along an SL-track, plus foot massage rollers for the soles of your feet.
The massage chair also has 50 airbags designed to compress specific points throughout your entire body.
Unlike most massage chairs, this one can rock, but you can also lay still in a zero-gravity position.
It also provides heating and vibration.
One of the best things about this chair is that it comes pre-assembled in the box, so there’s no assembly required and you can start using it right away.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all chair, and people who are shorter or taller than average may find it less comfortable.
Without a scanning feature or size adjustments, you can’t customize it to the right fit.
- Rocking feature
- Heating and vibration
- No assembly required
- Not ideal for people very tall or very short
FOELRO Massage Chair
This massage chair from FOELRO has all the main features of a zero-gravity reclining massage chair, for a great price.
Like the chair from Real Relax, however, it’s not a one-size-fits-all, and many customers have complained that the airbags can’t compress their muscles in the right places.
Whereas people who fit the chair seem to enjoy the massage chair, people with smaller frames and people who are very tall find it unhelpful.
For example, depending on your height, the airbags designed to massage your neck may not actually do so for you.
Many people on the shorter side found that the massage rollers that were supposed to be massaging their neck were in fact massaging the back of their head instead.
In addition, some customers have found the rollers a bit too hard for their liking.
While this chair provides zero gravity positioning and shiatsu massage, it’s not very customizable and it comes down to how you fit in the chair.
However, if the chair fits your body size perfectly then this chair is potentially a great bargain.
- Shiatsu-style deep tissue massage
- Foot roller massage
- Great price
- Built-in Bluetooth speaker
- Doesn’t fit everyone
BestMassage Recliner Chair
This reclining massage chair from BestMassage is cost-effective while boasting 2-part vibrating massage for your back.
It is stuffed with environmental protection cotton, high-density sponge for added comfort and features high-quality leather fabric.
The massage chair also has a durable steel frame and can accommodate up to 275 pounds.
The 3 reclining levels allows for maximum relaxation and there are 8 massage functions to choose from.
The product is designed with a dual function foot extension and it reportedly takes 2 minutes to install.
Buyers were not impressed with the small size of this chair and many noted that the chair does not offer a massage only vibration.
Nonetheless, it is a cost-friendly and easy to install option for persons who want a simple vibrating chair.
- Low cost
- Easy installation in 2 minutes
- Waterproof material
- Massage experience is poor
- Very small size
- Footrest doesn’t always stay in place
Osaki OS-4000 Executive Fully Body Massage Chair
This executive massage chair from Osaki is made from polyurethane for comfort and durability and stands at 34 inches tall when assembled.
It is ergonomically designed to contour to different spine shapes and it comes with 6 pre-set programs and 5 levels of massage speed and intensity.
The device has a large LCD display and a wireless remote for added convenience.
It offers heat therapy for the lower back, with 2 heating pads for the lumbar.
The massage chair features a computer body scan system with rollers that map your body to ensure a more precise massage.
It also boasts a 2-stage zero gravity function that puts your body at the ideal alignment for the most optimum comfort level.
Osaki’s other features include a shoulder airbag massage, foot and calf massage, arm air massagers. It also provides hip and lumbar squeeze.
On the downside, the device can be very difficult to assemble, and it is also pricey.
But if the price is not an issue this ergonomically designed massager promises maximum relaxation.
- Ergonomic design
- Large LCD display
- Has a computer body scan system
- Hard to assemble
- Device is expensive
The Best Massage Chair: Recommendations
The Kahuna Hubot HM-078 is our recommended best massage chair.
Though it’s expensive, you aren’t weighing many cons against the benefits of this massage chair.
It comes with all the bells and whistles, like heating, remote control with your mobile device and air-cells.
Its intensity is very customizable, and it’s able to accommodate your body size by scanning you and massaging you accordingly.
If the Kahuna Hubot is out of your budget, the Kahuna LM6800 is the closest that compares.
What is the top-rated shiatsu recliner?
In terms of quality, value for money and brand, we feel the Kahuna Hubot HM-078 is a good choice.
What are the factors to consider when choosing a recliner?
When shopping for a massage chair, research is everything.
First, ensure you understand the features and decide which features you want your massage chair to have.
Then, you can narrow down your options based on factors like price, warranty policies, customer service and more.
Hopefully, this post has helped you get started so that you’re on your way to finding the best massage chair.
Which brand is the best?
With hundreds to pick from, the task of selecting the best massage brand may seem daunting.
There is no best massage chair brand, however, we have done our best to include some of the best brands in our review while keeping reasonable budget constraints.
However, massage chair brands that have long warranties on their products is usually a strong signal of a quality brand.
Is buying an electric recliner worth it?
A quality massage chair features massage technology created by experts.
If you want the benefits of getting a massage at home whenever you want, massage chairs are worthy investments.
Massage chairs let you relax on a piece of comfy furniture without the guilt that goes with it, because you’re doing something good for your body by loosening tight muscles and stimulating circulation throughout your body.
What’s the difference between a massage chair and a massage chair pad?
Massage chair pads can be picked up and placed onto any chair in your home, or you can take them to work and use them on your desk chair.
Plus, you can put it in your suitcase and take it on a trip so that you never have to go a day without a massage.
Which is better, an electric recliner or a massage chair pad?
That depends on the financial investment you’re willing to make and whether you want to bring your massager on the go.
Massage chairs obviously cost a lot more than massage chair pads, but they can offer greater therapeutic value and provide deeper relaxation.
However, if you do not feel confident that a massage chair is what you are looking for, you may want to consider getting a massage chair pad first.
