Our top pick, the RENPHO Back and Neck Massager with Heat, features an automatic height adjustment, variable intensity levels, and massage programs, along with an optional heat setting. Of all the back massagers we tested, the RENPHO Back Massager with Heat impressed us the most with its features, effectiveness, and design. Our product testers found it delivers a soothing, full-back massage (with plenty of heat, if you choose) and allowed us to assume a comfortable position, without needing to frequently adjust to the massage nodes or hold a handheld device to reach areas like the shoulder blades or lower back. The automatic height adjustment for the neck massager impressed us during testing. It is designed to work for people between 5’1 and 6’1 and will auto-adjust to give you a targeted squeeze for your neck and shoulders. “I frequently find that massage chairs or cushions fail to give me an effective massage around the neck, since I’m not quite tall enough to reach the proper positioning for neck massage nodes," says our at-home tester. “However, this massager found the perfect spot for my neck and shoulders every time. I was so impressed by this feature!” Other options include the ability to add heat to the massage experience, adjust the intensity of the back massage, and add three levels of seat vibration. This chair-style massage cushion works well when strapped onto an office chair or positioned in an armchair. Note that our testers found it heavier than other massage cushions, but it didn’t significantly impact assembly. There were no indications that durability will prove to be a concern (even after using the back massager for multiple sessions in a row), but it features average materials and construction. All things considered, this model is a great option if you’re looking to target your neck, shoulders, and back. Price at time of publish: $180 While some basic massagers offer very limited options in terms of massage intensity or speed, this model comes with two interchangeable caps that alter the feel of the dual massage heads, giving you a choice between a firmer and softer sensation. Our product tester found them tricky to attach the first few times and had to consult the manual to make sure she was doing it correctly. Adjusting the intensity and controlling the heat function can be done from the handle of the massager using push buttons. Our tester did note that this massager took a bit of time to warm up, which was slightly frustrating as well. “It takes a minimum of five minutes before the heat is perceptible, which seems subpar considering most back massagers are recommended for only 15-minute sessions,” she says. We also wish that this handheld massager was cordless for greater freedom of movement during use. It was heavier than other handheld options we tested, costing points in the design category. However, it’s not too bulky to be easily stored in a closet or packed in a suitcase, earning a higher score for portability. Price at time of publish: $32 This massager easily fits into the seat of a variety of office chairs. The compact dimensions mean it won’t be uncomfortable, and the minimal operating noise means it’s discreet enough for office environments. The design is simple: it has a black PU leather case with a mesh inset across the dual shiatsu-style massage heads. We do like that the massager includes a stretchy sleeve to dampen the intensity, though our product tester preferred to use it without the sleeve. As for features, there is a single button on this back massager and no options to adjust the speed, intensity, or direction of the massage heads. It also took a few rounds of use to realize that the heat setting is optional (you have to press the power button twice to turn off the heater). The effectiveness of this portable back massager is likely to be subjective since there is little room to adjust the massage experience. In testing, we found it required a session or two to get used to the massager’s firm touch. However, it provides consistent, targeted relief to the area of use—along with enough heat to relax muscles and provide a soothing sensation. While the massager’s small size is part of its portability, it is limited in features, and we feel it could offer more value with the addition of speed, intensity, or directional controls. Price at time of publish: $42 The slim massage tool pairs with six different attachments to target various areas of the body, including flexible and firm options to adjust the pressure. This percussion-style massager pulsates rather than delivering a shiatsu-style massage. It’s powered by an internal motor that can produce vibrations up to 3,700 RPM, and we found it easy to adjust the speed (and intensity) of the massager using the tool’s small dial. We took off a point for the lack of an optional heat setting. “I love the variable intensity of this back massager, in comparison to massagers that have fixed levels," says our at-home tester. “Turn the dial up or down to suit your preference or the area of the body you are working on. The attachments are also incredibly useful for targeting various trouble spots.” In terms of durability, the Mighty Bliss didn’t give us any cause for concern during our multiple testing sessions. It really wowed us with its impressive battery life, but we wish there was a battery life monitor or low battery indicator. For portability, we liked that you can easily pack this cordless handheld massager in its included storage bag, so we think it would be very easy to store or take along on a trip. There’s nothing overly sleek or eye-catching about the design, but our product tester notes that it “feels well-made and has a comfortable grip.” Price at time of publish: $22 In our testing experience, this back massager delivered a relaxing, 15-minute massage session (you can also choose 5- or 10-minute intervals) but was comfortable enough to continue sitting on when used with our office chair. Contributing to this fact is the comfort flap that can be used to soften the massage experience—or to mask the feel of the massage nodes when the massager is not in use. We wish that the ‘Snailax’ logo wasn’t embroidered across the comfort flap of this chair cushion, but we still give the massager a higher score for design. An optional heat setting can be used with or without the massage function—another major perk of this chair massager. There is no intensity adjustment outside of the comfort flap, so don’t expect to alter the feel of the massage beyond the use of the detachable flap. Price at time of publish: $100 In testing this neck and back massager, we found the multiple speed settings easily accessible and useful for adjusting the intensity of the massager. It also features bi-directional massage nodes, which give it a shiatsu-style action. Evaluating these factors, we took points off for delivering only mediocre heat levels. Our tester said she wished the heat setting was more intense and noted that it was barely noticeable through a T-shirt. The functional design isn’t overly eye-catching or aesthetically pleasing, but it gets the job done. Price at time of publish: $65 We used the Theragun Elite for both post-workout recovery and general tension-relief purposes. It should be noted that a percussion-style back massager delivers a more intense action than other styles of back massagers. “The device itself is easy to hold and operate, and the five attachment heads of varying shapes and sizes were useful for focusing on areas of need in the shoulders, neck, and back,” says our tester. We rated it a near-perfect score for effectiveness since it delivers on its promise of deep muscle treatment. Just keep in mind that it’s not as well suited for a gentle, relaxing massage session. Price at time of publish: $298 This back massager is primarily intended to be secured around your waist using the Velcro closure and it includes an extension section if needed. It can also be positioned across other parts of the body, such as your shoulders, abdomen, legs, and more. The fabric cover has a surprisingly plush feel, although we wish it was available in a choice of colors rather than the single, bright blue color we received. It folds up when not in use and isn’t overly bulky, but it doesn’t come with a storage bag. Price at time of publish: $40 This handheld massage tool features a double hook design, giving you more leverage when applying pressure to sore spots. Much to our surprise, the Body Back Buddy Classic is equipped to supply target relief to specific areas of the body. It features three round knobs for covering large muscles, three-pointed knobs for deep tissue action, and a pair of nubs for use on the back. The ability to apply pressure to specific “trigger points”(areas of tight muscle tissue) was surprisingly effective and convenient. “It’s not feature-rich, but I expected that from a manual back massager,” says our at-home tester. “However, the various sizes and shapes of the knobs on the tool add to its versatility.” While it’s very basic in design, testers found it to be incredibly durable. According to the manufacturer, it’s because of the device’s fiber-infused material and single-piece construction. While it’s somewhat oddly shaped for placing it on a shelf or taking it to go, it could slide under a bed or stand upright in the closet. Price at time of publish: $30 Features play a part in style, too. While some back massagers will feature only the basic functions, some come with a heat feature, shiatsu, or kneading function.
Power and Speed
“Multiple power and speed settings are important to get just the right comfort level for the condition you are treating,” says Dr. Hayden. If you want a versatile option that can help with various aches and pains, choose one that has power and speed settings. But if you know you like a deep tissue massage, then aim for a high-power model that goes deeper into your muscles.
Weight
Ergonomics are another important factor to think about when you’re choosing a back massager, particularly if you want a handheld model. If that’s the route you go, make sure the massager is easy to hold and grip. If it feels heavy in your hand or you may have a hard time using it on yourself or another person, it may be best to consider another, more lightweight model (or one you don’t have to hold at all).
Why Trust The Spruce?
To make this list, we spent hours scouring the market for the top-performing back massagers. We then purchased a panel of a dozen popular massagers for our product reviewer to test out. Using a curated methodology, each massager was evaluated based on its performance in multiple sessions. Back massagers were ranked on a scale of 1 to 5, considering factors like design, features, effectiveness, durability, portability, and overall value. We chose our top nine picks based on these scores. Erica Puisis is a product researcher and writer, specializing in appliances and home goods that make life better and easier. For this article, she spent hours comparing the results of testing, along with input from customer reviews, to find the best options for back massagers based on massage style, area of focus, and budget.
