Best Massage Chairs by Consumer Reports in 2020

Gone are the days of struggling to make an appointment at the massage therapist (massage therapy). Nowadays you can pick a superior massage chair online and set it up in your home.

Over the last month, we tested over 20 massage chairs. After checking the most popular models we found the 11 best massage chairs. The models you’ll find in our list are all the most popular ones and are easy to set up.

Best Massage Chair Consumer Reports Reviews in 2020

1. Real Relax 2020 Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair

Our top choice after all our tests is the Real Relax Massage Chair. If you’ve tried doing any research before finding this article, we’re sure you saw tonnes of options from Real Relax. They’ve been around for years as one of the top trusted brands.

However, since they’ve made so many models, finding the best option is often difficult. We’ve taken the guesswork out and identified the Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair as the best option.

This massage chair was updated in 2020 and they added Bluetooth audio play, changing led light and 6 auto modes. The Zero Gravity option distributes your weight on the massage chair for the best massage experience.

It has eight massage points inside the backrest that work together with other programs in the chair to provide a full body massage, head to toe. Additionally, there are fifty airbags all over the shoulders, arms, hips, and legs for increased comfort.

It is the best massage recliner with foot rollers instead of foot airbags for an effective foot massage. The roller and airbag massage to your foot will relieve foot pain, which provides a Thai type scrapping massage.

Besides, it has an extended footrest for taller individuals.

This massage chair comes with a remote controller. It has an exclusive armrest linkage system. It has an embedded arm clip with a pulse-type airbag extrusion massage.

This home massage chair is easy to assemble and comes with easy to follow and read user instructions. It won’t take much of your time, most consumers reported the assembly took 15-20 minutes, 30 minutes tops.

Moreover, this brand claims that their product is always tested before shipments and is backed by a three-year warranty. Additionally, it has a vibrator, airbag massage, and built-in heater to massage your hips. The customer service is also excellent.

Customers Who Purchased This Massage Chair Said

2. Zero Gravity Full-Body Kahuna Massage Chair Recliner LM6800

This is the best massage chair for the money. It comes with three levels of zero gravity and double layer shoulder airbags. It also has an extra foot padding and remote holder for convenience.

The 3 stages of Zero Gravity include the Smart body scan technology that scans your entire body for proper custom fit massage.

Its second level consists of air massage technology that covers the entire body and has six different auto programs including special yoga stretching programs and dual foot rollers. Besides, the foot area has detachable washable foot areas cotton for sanitary purposes.

And lastly, its space-saving technology ensures you have three inches of space from the wall for proper arm massage.

The Full-Body Kahuna massage chair ensures that your whole body weight is spread throughout the chair for effective massages. This helps in relieving overall body stress and allows for deep tissue massages. The Arm Airbag comes with 6 auto programs, a timer button up to 30 minutes.

The L-track 4 Roller Massage System comes with a 3-year limited warranty as well as a user manual that you can download on YouTube. Besides, its L-track shape is designed to support your neck, back and buttocks for effective therapeutic massages.

Customers Who Purchased This Massage Chair Said

3. Real Relax Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair

This is one top massage chair that is guaranteed to give you a full-body rest physically and mentally. It has zero gravity design and comes with four auto massage programs that perform different kinds of body massages.

It has 35 airbags that are placed all over the shoulder, arms, seat, and legs for gentle and relaxing massages. Its backrest also has 8 massage points that work hand-in-hand with other areas to relax your body from head to toe.

Moreover, it has a built-in heat system that promotes blood circulation and improves metabolism. Likewise, its seat massager includes vibrating, heat, as well as air, which squeeze your overall body for relaxation. Its rollers massage works well for the feet.

Additionally, it has a pulsing massage with a built-in airbag for proper relaxation and comfort of the arms. This chair has 6 Unique Auto Programs with different massage methods, including the special Thai stretch and Chinese acupoint massage.

It has a convenient extended footrest, in case you are a bit taller.

Moreover, it is always tested before shipment and is easy to assemble and use.

Customer Who Purchased This Massage Chair Said

4. RELAXONCHAIR MK-II Plus Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair

This high-end massage chair is the perfect fit for those who work long hours or those with minor back pains. It has three stages of ultra-automatic zero gravity that ensures your entire body is properly massaged.

This massaging chair will elevate your feet to the level of your heart so as to minimize the strain of gravity on your vertebrae and any back discomforts and pain. This enables your heart to work less as you relax.

This chair features a butt lock L-tracking massage system that massages your upper back all the way down to your buttocks. Additionally, its computerized body scanning system automatically measures the length of the spine and knows areas to press during massages.

It has an airbag technology that inflates and deflates separately causing the body to twist and stretch the shoulders, arms, foot, lower back, hips, and calf areas. The airbag has three levels of intensity that are controlled using a hand-operated remote control. The remote has a large viewing screen that visualizes all activated chair functions.

Moreover, it is very user-friendly and made from soft grained synthetic leather.

Customers Who Purchased This Massage Chair Said

5. Ideal Massage Full Featured Shiatsu Massage Chair

If you are looking for some relaxing lifetime commodity in your home then you need to invest in this one of a kind top rated massage chairs.

It can give you one of the best massages for up to 30 minutes using its muted real humanized 3-D hands. The four-wheel hands have vertical movements and ergonomically designed S-track rollers.

This chair features four massage options from shiatsu, kneading, spinal rolling and vibrating. The Vibration massage function stimulates the dilation of blood vessels. You have full control to adjust the types of massage. Besides, its automatic mode gives you a series of combined multi-functional massages. All of the airbags have 2 intensity levels for you to choose from. You can also manually adjust its back rollers, intensity level and airbags using its manual mode for increased comfort level.

In addition to all these, you can make use of its built-in heat therapy in the back to relax your muscles. Additionally, it has built-in therapeutic airbags on its shoulders, arms, foot, calves and seat area. Its feet area is also equipped with six simulating kneading balls at the soles for stronger and deeper massages.

The ideal Full Featured Zero Gravity Shiatsu Chair comes with 3-year limited warranty and great customer service.

You will never be disappointed as it has stood the test of time and proven to be a product you can trust.

Consumer Review for This Massage Chair

6. Full Body Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner

This is probably one of the best massage recliners that can relax your stressed muscles as well as reduce fatigue and rejuvenate your whole body, mind, and soul. Its computerized body scanning technology will scan your body to detect your body size for individual custom fit massages.

This superior massage chair has 7 massage modes: kneading, tapping, stretching shiatsu, combo, air pressure and heating. Speed control, width control, intensity control have 3 levels. It has compression and percussion that improve its level of flexibility, mobility as well as the posture of your legs. Besides, it has 21 flexible airbags on the lower part of the chair for proper massage of the legs, thighs, and feet.

Its built-in heat intelligent roller system allows for constant blood circulation all over your body. You can easily adjust it from strong to weak massages for better results using its control panel.

This ultra-long-range massage chair reaches high up the neck and low down the tailbone without any problem. It is highly flexible and reclines automatically for comfort and better massages.

Moreover, the Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner conforms to the shape of your back and has added neck massage features for better head and neck massages.

This massage chair has 21 airbags which are strategically located in the arms, hips, shoulder, thighs, calves, and feet. You can choose manual massage functions to control your own massage.

It is the best deep tissue massage chair and comes with a year’s warranty.

Customers Who Purchased This Massage Chair Said

7. Zero Gravity Full Body Electric Shiatsu UL Approved Massage Chair Recliner

It comes with functional features that enable your entire body to relax and rest, physically and mentally. It makes you weightless and unaware of your body aches and weariness.

It is the best value massage chair with eight massage points in its backrest area for effective full body massage. The massage points also work together with other areas of the chair for a complete comforting body massage, head to toe.

It also has thirty-five airbags places all over its shoulders, arms, legs and seat area for a gentle massage as well as a comforting relaxed feeling during the massage. Besides, its foot area has foot rollers instead of foot airbags for a maximum foot massage.

Moreover, it is a good massage chair with three auto pre-set massage programs that give you different massages at different levels. Besides, it has an extended footrest or taller individuals as well as a high-definition VDF display screen.
There are total of 35 air bags in this chair which are strategically located in the arms, hips, shoulder, thighs, calves, and feet.

In addition, you should always ensure that it is always plugged in whenever in use.

Customers Who Purchased This Massage Chair Said

8. Osaki OS-4000 Zero Gravity Executive Fully Body Massage Chair

This is one of the top-rated massage chairs with five levels of intensity speed as well as an auto-timer setting for 5-30 minutes.

It is equipped with the lasted computerized body scan that allows its rollers to accurately map the back curvature for an effective massage.

Moreover, it has airbags in its arms, foot, calf, hips and lumbar squeeze as well as shoulders. This allows for gentle relaxing massages in these areas. Besides, it has an adjustable auto leg scan area that adjusts according to your leg length for effective foot and calf massage.

Getting a foot and calf massager instead of a massage chair would be a cheaper option. Check out the best calf massager page for the reviews.

This two-stage zero gravity massage chair comes with six unique pre-set programs and easy to use LCD display remote system as well as a wireless remote. Besides, the two-stage zero gravity aligns your back in relative position with your thigh for overall body comfort.

It has two heating pads on each side of its lower lumbar for proper lower back heat therapy and an upgraded PU covering for comfort and durability.

The remote allows you to select the massage type, intensity, speed and location.

Customers Who Purchased This Massage Chair Said

9. 2 In 1 Shiatsu Roller PU Leather Full Body Massage Recliner Chair

This is the best home massage chair for the money. It comes with a powered USB plug on its side for any electronic use from charging your phone to other electronic devices.

Moreover, it has a wireless Bluetooth 4.0 stereo music and speakers which connect to any Bluetooth enabled devices. You can control it with a remote that comes with it.

This 2-in-1 massage chair and sofa have four pieces of the airbag in the seat area and 3D retractable rollers which move in-out-left-right for sensational back and body massage. However, after using the rollers all retract and you are left with a very comfy sofa. Besides, you can make all the controls with the remote.

It has a hidden leg rest and leg massage area, which flips according to need and use. It has twelve pieces of the airbag in it for calves and foot massages.

A cheaper option instead of getting a massage chair would be a foot massager. Take a look at the best foot massager consumer reports for more details.

It comes fully assembled and ready for use.

Customers Who Purchased This Massage Chair Said

10. Inada Sogno Dreamwave Massage Chair

If you want a multi-purpose massage chair that can meet your needs and those of your kids then you are in the right place. Itis patented with the latest body scanning technology that is guaranteed to massage your whole body and muscles without missing a spot.

Moreover, it has a lumbar and seat heating system that ensures that all the soreness and fatigue in your muscles, hips, and thighs are relaxed.

This massage chair has gentle air cells that provide a soothing rhythmic compression on your calves, feet, and soles. Besides, its signature dream-wave technology provides an undulating figure-8 motion that balances your entire body for a relaxed massage experience.

It also has a youth session that ensures your kids also enjoy a gentler massage experience.

It comes with an intuitive handheld remote that offers 16 pre-programmed massage sessions as well as 1000+ possible manual massage combinations. Besides, it has a smartphone pocket for convenience.

The price point might not be in the lower end for this one, but it sure is worth every penny spent on it.

Customers Who Purchased This Massage Chair Said

11. iJoy-2580 Premium Robotic Massage Chair

This is definitely one of the best massage recliners which work fast with just a push of a button. It eases away all your stress levels, fatigue, pain, and tension.

It is one of the most top-rated massage chairs with a very high-quality functional feature from a cup holder to an auxiliary power outlet for random phone and tablet charges.

It has a built-in control panel is in the right place for easy control during the massage session. It is conveniently placed on the right hand for easy control with just a touch of your fingertips. Besides, it has convenient useful manual massage techniques.

The Human Touch iJoy-2580 Premium Robotic Massage Chair has three invigorating auto-massage programs that ensure your entire body is massaged properly. It has the back refresh that covers the entire back. There is also the neck and shoulder relief and the lower back release.

It also has a removable massage softening pad for intensity control of the massage as well as a power recline system that eases the chair to a near 180° angle. In addition, the further you go back the greater the massage intensity. It has a nice control panel too.

Customers Who Purchased This Massage Chair Said

Benefits of Massage Chairs

• Muscle relaxation– Some of the best home massage chairs will help reduce muscle tension and pain all over your body. You can get a massage which is very similar to what you get from an expensive massage parlor.
• Advanced technology- Most of them come with high-quality techs for enhanced body massages as well as convenience purposes like listening to music and phone chargers
• Dual Functions– Most of them come with dual functions, it can be a sofa or piece of furniture when it is not a massage chair
• Energy boosters– It gives you the energy to be more productive and always active at work, home or even school
• Increases your blood circulation– They are a great therapeutic tool as they relax the body physically and mentally thus improving blood circulation and overall body metabolism
• Relieve emotional stress– Massage chairs often leave you stress-free and relaxed. This limits you from being sick and depressed all the time
• Corrects your posture– In case you have back pain, invest in one good massage chair. They can straighten and flex those stiff muscles, adjust any spinal alignment as well as maintain equilibrium bloodstream
• Stimulates the secretion of Endorphin– This will help decrease the perception of pain as well as the effects of stress on the body
• Boosts your immune system- It often improves the overall function of your body physically and mentally. It even helps to regulate high blood pressure. You will always feel and look strong
• Saves you money- You can save a lot of money especially when it comes to health costs, as it often helps to improve your health and lower your chances of being sick or stressed

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For When Buying Massage Chairs?

• Free space: You should always consider the space you have before even thinking of buying a massage chair. These chairs often take loads of space and require homes with that extra space, no crowded rooms
• Features: You should also consider some of the features you are expecting from it. The better you know what it offers the higher chances you have at selecting the best-featured option for your overall benefit
• The depth of massage: You should also consider the depth and coverage of the massage. The deeper it massages the better. A good massage chair should always cover every inch of the body as well as deep tissues. Always look for adjustable massage chairs for easier control when it comes to depth coverage
• Types: Before making any purchase, browse around for some of the most sought after massage chairs and get to know their advantages and disadvantages
• Massage techniques: You should also consider the type of techniques when it comes to massaging that they offer. The more you know the easier it is when it comes to selecting
• Who is going to use it: You should also consider who will use it before making the purchase. It is always better to keep the user in mind as issues such as height and health conditions might play a big part in determining the type of massage chair you are going to buy
• Ease of maintenance: You should also consider the maintenance requirements that you are going to have to take care of. They often require repairs that are not always covered by the warranty. So, ensure you select the one which you can easily fix solo. Repairs are often very expensive as the years go by
• Customization: Always select a massage chair you can control with a remote. As much as most of them come with pre-set features, always try to look for one you can customize according to your needs. The more you are in control the better you maximize the ease and intensity of the massages as you like
• Budget: You should also keep the budget in mind. This you can break-down according to its essential features as well as the money you have
• Warranty: The longer the warranty covers the better product you can expect. Always stay away from exaggerated or low warranty years. You should also know what the warranty covers and what it does not. Be careful of limited warranty products.
• Delivery and assembly- When it comes to home delivery and assembly, ensure that you get the details right as some only deliver up to the door while others do not even assemble the chair. You might actually end up needing some extra muscles and help when it comes to loading and setting up

Tricks and Tips for getting the best massage chairs you want

As you have seen there is a never ending list of massage chairs so you need shopping advice. This is why I’ve created this post to narrow down the chair offers. Also I’ve picked the best massage chairs from the hundreds.

From now on then I’ll pinpoint what to look for exactly in massage chair reviews. What’s the most important is that these chairs can massage different types of body parts not to mention parts of the body.

What can you expect from a expensive massage chair? Well most shiatsu arm hand massage chair a heating function and automatic massage. The automatic massage doesn’t need a remote control. If you want to feel weightless than choose one that has tripe gravity position or zero gravity position. With these chair comes a number of massage programs and massage functions.  Thanks to the auto settings the massage pad latches on to the right body part.

One of the best places to put kahuna superior massage chair in the living room. One of the best machines to buy is the performance kahuna massage chair. The massage rollers will relax your body and mind. It’s truly offers a high-end massage or full body massage experience.

The full body shiatsu massage chairs use air bags kneading and tapping technology to get you in a good state. The massage chair comes with heat therapy. They are all one person machines. It helps with the following problems: back pain, lowering blood pressure, joint pain, back area relief. Most chairs offer different massage options which vary in intensity levels.  From the lightest human touch to the more rough human hands. You can target the lower body, shoulder area, acupressure points and toe root. There’s a huge selection of types of massage to choose from. Different parts of the body react differently for example the heart level is different from foot level to massage techniques. One of the most important chair features is the heating function. The massage also helps with pain.

What about space? Well the chair comes with l-track massage system which is a space saving technology. One common question I get if its real or synthetic leather. The cheaper ones have synthetic even at the waist heater level. These massage chairs have different massage time settings from a few minutes to an hour. This is usually ample massage time to get relaxed. These massage chairs have a weight limit. So at one time one adult should sit in it. If the weight limit (weight capacity) is passed it might break. With the zero gravity massage chairs you can get rid of calf and foot , chronic back pain, arm hand tingling . You can adjust the intensity levels of the air massage. Massage chair reviews is a good way to get started finding the right machine for you.

Here’s a list of features should come with the chair also. A cup holder is a must for lengthy massage session. Leg extension is good for people with a long body size. The heat feature is a must during those long winter months. Some extras may include: massage chair pads, foot roller, child safety lock, yoga programs, dual foot option and body scan technology. The massage chair comes with a steel frame (aluminum alloy) it can do kneading tapping on multiple body parts. The electronic parts are sturdy so you can enjoy the power recline feature and the body scanning feature. These chairs are so good that they mimic full body shiatsu human touch massage feature. The best massage chairs come with heating function, leg ports, different color options, adaptive body curve, head massage and massage cushion. Zero gravity design is a marketing term for the reclining function. The recline area is perfectly comfortable for the human body. Chair manufacturer try to outdo each other every year no wonder there are so many reclining massage chairs with heat function and foot massage. These chairs also provide human massage like massage technology. Everybody above the age of 50 would like to have a great back massager. No matter which chair you choose you can go with different type of massage.

The back area is sensitive for the most. This is why it’s a good idea to look for a chair that offers automatic massage technology.

Massage Chair FAQs

Which brand of massage chair is the best?

According to Amazon reviews and many massage chair review sites, the best brand is Real Relax and Kahuna (dark brown).

What is the best full body massage chair?

The best full body massage chair according to reviews on specialized websites is the Real Relax Full Body Massage Chair Recliner.

Is it worth getting a massage chair?

Yes, a massage chair is a pretty big investment but you can save a lot in the long run and you can use it whenever you want.
Hiring a massage therapist (massage therapy) for a one-hour massage, you will likely spend between $50 and $90.

Can I use a massage chair everyday?

Yes, you can use it everyday, however it’s recommended using it for 3-4 times per week at most.

How long should I sit in a massage chair?

It is recommended to keep the sessions to 15 minutes.

Is the full featured shiatsu massage chair with built-in heat and zero gravity comfortable enough to use when you do not want a massage?

Yes, it is very comfy and relaxing massage function it’s almost like air massage (massage modes).

Does the electric shiatsu massage recliner massage your forearms?

Yes, it does. It has two airbags, top, and bottom of the armrest, for pressing the muscles of your forearm

Does the real relax-on gravity shiatsu massage chair have intense rollers or a just a relaxing massage?

It has no back rollers that move up and down. It has a fixed massage point at the back for just one massage. There is no kneading, rolling, shiatsu or tapping.

Will I have to assemble the full body gravity L-track recliner massage chair solo?

Yes, you will have to assemble it with some help

What is the meaning of buttock L-tracking, does it massage my buttocks?

Yes, it does massage your butt area nicely thanks to the massage technology and heating function

What is the weight and height limit of the 2-in-1 shiatsu massage chair?

Its maximum weight capacity is 300lbs while the height is determined by the height of the chair which is 37.2 inches

Is the foot area and backrest of the real relaxable to recline independently with the press of a button?

Yes the massage mechanism allows that.

What is the voltage draw of the electric shiatsu massage chair?

These massage chairs pull 110v. They have different massage programs for all body parts let it be lower body upper body. With space saving tech  and great customer service massage chairs are well worth it.

Can the width of the shoulder pads of the Relax-on redesigned massage chair with heating and air massage system be adjusted?

Yes, it can be adjusted. Try too look for one with auto massage options (automatic massage options).

Can the iJoy-2580 premium robotic be shipped to the UK

No, USA shipments only

Who can benefit from massage therapy?

Massage therapy is beneficial to anybody. There are massage programs for different types parts of the body. Some people prefer calf massage, arm massage, some want a back massager, and other need a neck massager. Even people going to physical therapy can benefit from it.

Can a the kahuna lm6800 compete with human touch?

You might be surprised what kind of customized massage it can deliver. Human hands get tired and may not be consistent for all body size. With the Kahuna you can always choose the suitable massage styles and massage programs to your liking.

Do these massage chairs come with a mp3 player?

Usually these massage chairs don’t have them. But you can use your phone. A few have computer technology that allows it. You can enjoy maximum comfort without any privacy concerns what so ever. The health benefits are unbelievable it rivals jade heat therapy.

What kind of massage therapies can you enjoy with massage chairs?

In the recline position you get massage hands, toe massage, arm massager.

How is the customer service?

Well this depends a lot on the brands. You can always check consumer reviews for a better picture.

Should you choose and expensive massage parlor?

If you want the human connection sure.

What are the best massage programs to choose from?

Depending on your body part you can get customized massage with different massage styles.

What kind of massage options do a chair also provides?

There is a wide range of massage style and massage part to choose from

What does consumer report say about these massage chairs?

According to consumer report they are beneficial. There are some good players in the market and there are a few lemons which are easy to spot.