If you’re anything like me, you could really use a good spa day! A bit of relief and revitalization from your hectic everyday life is always helpful for mind, body & spirit. And one of the best ways to achieve this release can be through a relaxing massage.
But with our chaotic lives, how often do we actually make or have the time to go to a spa? Well have no fear! There are massage options that you can have in the comfort of your own home through the use of a high quality massage chair.
In Desperate Need of a Massage:
You may be wondering, how does a massage chair compare to a traditional hands-on massage? Typically, hand massages use targeted pressure (reflexology) combined with muscle movement and manipulation across your entire body. And depending on where you carry your stress, massage therapists are trained to focus on those points and to adjust the pressure & technique based on the needs.
Massage chairs operate under the same principles, except through the use of mechanical means rather than physical hand contact. These chairs are designed for whole body massage, from your neck all the way down to your feet.
Some chairs use “traditional” rollers or balls, some use air bags and some use a combination of both. By using a rotating motion, pulsing or both, a good massage chair will target all of your muscle groups and pressure points.
The benefits of both traditional and mechanical massage remain pretty much the same, no matter the method. Most massage chairs employ both kneading & Shiatsu techniques in conjunction with zero gravity technology & heat therapy, giving you the same overall benefits including:
- Improved blood flow & circulation
- Release of muscle tension
- Increased oxygen & nutrients to your muscles
- Decreased chronic pain
- Reduced fatigue
- Rejuvenation of both body & mind
Top rated massage chairs are incredibly expensive, but there are some that are more budget friendly. In this list we’ve compiled, the prices on these top quality massage chairs are all under $1000.
One of the main questions you might have is will you still receive a high quality massage even though you’re not paying as much? The answer is yes! Simply be sure you research & compare models to determine which chair will best meet your needs.
So let’s take a look at seven of the best cheap massage chairs which will give you all of the benefits without breaking your wallet.
Our Top Picks
1. Real Relax Zero Gravity Massage Chair
The Real Relax Zero Gravity Massage Chair is one of the top affordable massage chairs on the market. This FDA approved ergonomic chair sports impressive features including:
- Zero gravity settings
- Back & foot massage rollers
- Unique armrest link system
- Customizable timer
- Built in heaters
The Real Relax provides you with an excellent full body massage by employing various intensity settings through the 50 air bags across your arms, back, legs and feet. With all of the impressive options, you will feel virtually weightless and enjoy true mental & physical relaxation.
2. Sinoluck Zero Gravity Massage Chair
Next on our list is the Sinoluck Zero Gravity Massage Chair, which gives you a truly complete massage experience covering your neck, shoulders, back, thighs, calves & feet. It is also packed with ample features such as:
- 8 massage rollers
- 32 compression air bags
- Neck & shoulder kneading
- Back & waist shiatsu
- Built in heaters
Known for it’s NASA inspired weightlessness technology, the Sinoluck relieves stress & tension, reduces swelling and promotes circulation from head to toe.
3. OOTORI A-600 Deluxe S-Track Recliner
The OOTORI A-600 Deluxe S-Track Recliner is the most expensive massage chair on our list, but it’s definitely worth the slightly higher cost. This high end but well priced chair comes loaded with impressive features including:
- 3 zero gravity angles
- 3 massage speeds & adjustable airbag
- Adjustable air bag intensity
- Foot rollers to improve blood circulation
With a unique S-Track design, the A-600 provides flexible “acupoint” massage motion for your neck, shoulders, back, waist and legs. Using the Auto Body Scan system, this chair will scan your body and adjust itself to the proper massage positions providing you with a superb full body air massage.
4. OOTORI N500 Full Body Massage Chair
The OOTORI N500 Full Body Massage Chair is the next model down in the OOTORI line of massage chairs. Though not as expensive as the sister A-600, the N500 comes complete with similar features:
- 4 preprogrammed massage modes
- 3 zero gravity settings
- Soothing heat
- 8 point smart massage system
- Acupuncture inspire foot roller system
The N500 has been redesigned with an optimum number & position of the air bags. These naturally relieve tension so you feel relaxed and refreshed.
5. BestMassage Zero Gravity Full Body Massage Chair with Built-in Heat Therapy
The Zero Gravity Full Body Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair by BestMassage is the least expensive massage chair on our list, but it’s no slouch.
Some of the features of this shiatsu massage chair include:
- 3 preset auto massage programs
- Built in heat therapy system
- 14 massage points
- Zero gravity setting
This chair is known for its air massage system which employs 35 strategically placed air bags to encompass your whole body. Whether using one of the preprogrammed settings or creating your own, this chair will counter pain and fatigue.
6. BestMassage BM-EC06C Full Body Massage Chair
The BestMassage BM-EC06C Full Body Massage Chair is the highest priced of the BestMassage chairs on our list. As with the other BestMassage chairs, the features of the BM-EC06C are well stocked:
- 7 preprogramed massage modes
- 3 positional levels
- Customizable manual massage options
- Built in heaters
The newly redesigned BM-EC06C employs the use of 21 strategically placed air bags. These bags maximize the overall massage therapy for your neck, back, shoulders, arms, hips, thighs, calves and feet.
7. BestMassage Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair
Last but not least we have the BestMassage Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair. This mid-priced BestMassage model meets you right in the middle of the other two BestMassage massage chairs we’ve reviewed. The Gravity model has many of the same features as the others, with a couple of unique additions:
- 7 massage modes
- 4 heated rollers
- Multiple air bags
- Bluetooth connectivity & built in speaker
- Zero gravity settings
The Gravity Shiatsu uses a distinctive L-track roller system which will silently help towards an overall body and mind relaxation.
Final Thoughts:
In the world of massage chairs, you’ll find multiple styles, sizes and of course price tags. So when selecting the right massage chair for you, make sure that you know your specific needs and your budget. And just because you might shop on a tighter budget or don’t want to spend thousands of dollars, doesn’t mean you can’t find a quality massage chair.
Ultimately when looking at purchasing a personal massage chair, the key is to know what style of massage you want, what your sensitivities are and your preferred price range. And some chairs are better designed for specific body types (ie. height and weight) while others are more accommodating across the board. Taking an extra moment to review the specs of each chair will help ensure you find the one that’s best suited for your unique body.
Thankfully there are multiple options to fit nearly everyone’s size, shape, & budget. So take some time for yourself, find the most advantageous chair and enjoy all the benefits of a massage from the comfort of your own home. Good luck and happy relaxation!