Back massagers are one of the most commonly searched massage tools online, likely because of how readily we use and misuse our backs. Whether you’ve got chronic back pain, or just need regular relief from common strains, electric back massagers can be the lifeline that keeps you moving.
In this guide, we’ll explore the multitude of massage techniques, as well as the extra features that help massage brands stand out, or offer more thorough massages than the next. If you’re looking for a back massager, keep reading.
Back Massager Top Picks for 2024
Top Pick: Snailax Full Body Massage Chair Pad – Shiatsu Neck Back Massager – 236
Adaptable, comfortable, and effective. There are a few greater compliments for a massager, and all are applicable to the Snailax Full Body Massage Chair Pad. Not only does it offer an effective and deep massage, it functions as a simple, relaxing massage chair, for a fraction of the price of a full-sized massage chair.
Ideal for anyone with limited space, who doesn’t want to compromise on quality, and who looks forward to some well-earned TLC when they get home from work.
Premium Choice: Homedics Shiatsu Elite II Massage Cushion – MCS-845H-AU
By far the most effective neck and shoulder massager you can buy without having to install a full-sized massage chair in your home is the Shiatsu elite II from Homedics. This massager pad fits any sofa or any chair, with good support, and comfortable side cushioning to help you relax back into a gentle vibrating massage.
If you really want to use this massager to its full potential, start small and build up. Begin with a gentle vibrating massage to loosen yourself up, and then add heat before slowly building up the roller and kneading intensity to completely depressurize your upper body.
Budget Pick: Comfier Cordless Back Massager with Heat – 1902c
If you’re really looking for a clever alternative for home massage chairs, and don’t want bulky massage pads knocking around, then check out the cordless back massager by Comfier, which is lightweight, easily portable, and holds its wireless charge for up to seventy minutes.
The deep shiatsu massage is incredibly relaxing, but also helpful for any chronic muscular pain. It’s not as thorough, or all-encompassing as taller, full-seat massagers, but it’s an effective way to relieve stress and strain on the go.
What are Back Massagers?
Electric back massagers are cushions, back rest, and hand-held machines designed to mimic trained shiatsu massage techniques, pressure massage, or deep tissue massage. They rely on some pressure from the user to work to the best effect, but this can be as simple as leaning back into a seat cover style cushion.
Back massagers are primarily designed for use at home or in the office, but some are adapted for use in the car, and are safe to use while driving or as a passenger, though the massage options in these devices will be more limited.
How do Back Massagers work?
Back massagers work through a combination of heat (to relax muscles), vibration (to ease muscle tension), and pressure (to release tension and actively stimulate muscle recovery or release trapped nerves).
They are not a direct replacement for trained masseuses, but can be a cheaper option for regular users, and anybody needing daily treatment for chronic pain or stress. Because they are such accessible and simple tools, they are often a first resort in the treatment of back pain and can offer an effective long-term solution for many users.
The Best Back Massager Brands
Homedics and Renpho are the most popular brands of back massagers, both offering very varied choices. Renpho’s best seller is the back massage cushion, which can be positioned either by the neck or at the base of the spine, offering heated shiatsu massage, which vibrates and compresses muscles around the spine.
Homedics have a wide range of massage tools, for the back, neck, hands, legs, and feet, and all are designed for specific uses. Both have massage tools that can be bought on Amazon, or direct from the brand’s own website.
For more bespoke massage kits, at slightly higher prices, Snailax and Miko have various massage tools, with similar applications to Homedics and Renpho.
There are dozens of brands out there, but try to stick to those with good reputations, because the industry is not regulated, and any heated massage tools that are not developed with your safety and recovery in mind should be avoided at all costs.
What to Look Out for When Buying a Back Massager
Back massagers mostly offer shiatsu-style pressure massage – a style of massage that is most accurately described as kneading – but what should you look out for when trying to find a new back massager to suit your needs?
We’ve broken down the key features of most back massagers into three simple categories; technique, coverage, and extra features. Massage technique is the most important factor, but coverage will dictate how often you use it, and how long for.
Extra features might not seem essential, but adding heated massage or vibration to standard electric massage techniques can increase their effectiveness tenfold.
Massage techniques
There are four types of massage that an electric massage pad can offer; vibration, compression, kneading, and rolling. The combination of kneading, compression and rolling is commonly called shiatsu, but some chairs will offer the option to use either, or a combination of, those massage methods at any one time.
Rotating kneading massages tend to be most effective at relieving deep muscular pain while kneading can help to soothe joint pain. Compression, when it comes to back massagers and massage chairs, comes in two forms; inward and downward.
Downward compression is the force with which the massager pushes into your muscles and relies on your body weight to lean against the pad. Inward compression is a result of rotation or kneading massagers working in sync, rolling towards the spine on both sides to effectively relieve spinal strain.
Check out our in-depth guide on different types of massage to learn their individual benefits.
Size and coverage
Size directly relates to coverage in any back massager. A full seat cover will offer some vibration massage for the buttocks, while the back and neck will usually have some form of rolling massage built in.
Smaller massage cushions focus on a 20-30 cm area of the back and can be moved up and down to target certain areas. Massage cushions can be just as effective at targeting and resolving chronic back pain, and are easier to store and cost a fraction of the price of larger back massagers.
Heat and vibration
Adding heat to any massage makes it more effective. In fact, one of the best ways to relieve chronic muscular pain is alternate heat and cold therapy. Vibration aids the effectiveness of rolling massage by loosening up muscles.
Some back massagers will only offer heat and vibration, without any rolling or compression. These tend to be more about relaxation and relief for pain or tension caused by inactivity. For example, while driving long distances or travelling on long-haul flights.
Best Back Massagers Reviews for 2024
1. Snailax Full Body Massage Chair Pad – Shiatsu Neck Back Massager – 236
While I’m not a huge fan of back massagers that use covers to claim adjustable intensity (and Snailax do it a lot), this full-body massage chair pad is genuinely pretty amazing.
Not only is it good value, but it’s comfortable too, and its adjustable shiatsu rollers offer effective kneading at adjustable intensities through a handy remote.
In addition to being actively adjustable, you can switch it down even further by pulling over the padded cover, which reduces the harshness of the massage down to a soothing roller.
Pros:
- Adjustable intensity
- Full shiatsu massage
- Rolling, vibration, and kneading massage
- Heated massage
- Adjustable neck massage
- Compression massage
- Good value
Cons:
- N/A
2. Homedics Shiatsu Elite II Massage Cushion – MCS-845H-AU
If you’re considering buying a massage chair but your main concern is your back, then you don’t need to worry about that bulky, expensive purchase. OK, so Homedics isn’t a cheap brand, but they’re built to purpose, and they’re great at what they do.
This universal back massage seat can be added to any sofa, office chair, or armchair for an effective and relaxing back massage, and it’s one of the most versatile and adaptable back massagers in terms of intensity and technique too.
Pros:
- Includes compression, kneading, and rolling massage
- Heat and vibration increases effectiveness
- Adjustable width
- Adjustable intensity
- Full shiatsu massage
- Long cord
- Can be used on sofas, seats or office chairs
Cons:
- Expensive
3. Comfier Cordless Back Massager with Heat – 1902c
Comfier is a reliable, and well-priced, brand. Their heated massagers cover everything from carpal tunnel treatment to full body massage chairs. This back massager cushion by Comfier though, is perhaps one of their best though.
It’s not the most advanced. It’s not even the best massager. However, it’s a spectacularly useful tool for anyone dealing with back pain on the go, thanks to its cordless operation, compact size, and impressive 70-minute run-time on each charge.
Ideally sized to treat the full lower-back, up to the base of the shoulder blades, this back massage cushion is comfortable for long car journeys, flights, or just occasional use in the office.
Pros:
- Cordless
- Fast charging
- Heated rollers
- Shiatsu
- Taller than most massage cushions
Cons:
- No vibration
4. Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager – 2309a
Comfier’s top-end back massager takes the same form as its competitors, but with added side vibrations, making it a more rounded massage experience, helping to relax as well as heal.
Effective neck and shoulder massage kneaders, coupled with vibrating side cushions, and a comfortable padded base add to the overall success of this simple but effective massage chair pad from Comfier.
Pros:
- Smart controlled back and side massager
- Includes neck massage function
- Located shiatsu massage
- Vibration and heat
- Portable but mains powered
- Intuitive remote control
Cons:
- N/A
5. RENPHO Neck Back Massager with Heat – RF-NM067
Renpho’s back massager cushions are stunningly simple and equally effective. Its two massage kneaders offer intensely deep shiatsu massage, and with a bit of manual adjustment, can be used to treat any part of the back, hip, neck, shoulders, or legs.
Simply place this shiatsu massage roller in the right place, lean into it, and relax. It’ll do the hard work for you, and loosen any knots and strains in no time.
Pros:
- Portable
- Easy to use
- Effective deep tissue massage
- Great for regular use
- Ideal for neck pain, lower back pain, or shoulder pain
- Great value
Cons:
- Small, so limited coverage
6. Snailax Shiatsu Back Massager – 256
Snailax have a great budget range of back massagers which are ideal for anyone looking for gentle and general pain relief.
While the cheaper range might not be the most effective deep tissue massage, the up-and-down kneading motion of the heated massage nodes is genuinely relaxing, and helps to loosen up tight muscles, particularly after a long day in an uncomfortable office chair.
Pros:
- Great value
- Effective back massage
- Ten sets of shiatsu rollers
- Heated rollers
- Full back and hip vibration
- Comfortable neck pillow
- Potable
- Works on most seats
Cons:
- No neck massage function
- Limited intensity control
7. Renpho Neck and Back Massager – RF-BM066
Offering full back, neck, and shoulder massage, as well as a vibrating seat to loosen up your posture during the seated massage, this chair massage pad by Renpho is incredibly thorough.
Its massage nodes are adjustable too, so you can fit the massage pad to your own proportions, ensuring effective massages every time.
Pros:
- Adjustable massage position
- Adjustable neck height
- Effective roller massage
- Comfortable, breathable mesh
- Rapid heating
- Adjustable vibration
Cons:
- Expensive
8. KUMO mini Back Massage Pillow
Massage cushions, back massagers, and massage pads tend to look quite utilitarian, and more people are put off by how they impact home décor than anything else. Enter Miko. Miko is a relative newcomer to the market, but they’re solving an important problem.
Their massagers don’t offer the same adaptability as most, but they are compact, neat, and well-designed, offering any design conscious buyer the option to buy a massage cushion that will fit into most rooms without letting every guest know its true purpose.
Pros:
- Cordless
- Four-hour battery life
- Good value
- Heated massage
Cons:
- No vibration
9. Snailax Cooling Car Seat Cushion with Vibration Massage – 252
I’m a big fan of the Snailax car seat cushion, but it’s probably not the best back massager you’ll come across in this list.
It’s incredibly effective at boosting comfort on long journeys, and its universal fit means you can maintain a pleasant body temperature, with some relief from muscle strain on long journeys, without having to worry about charging times.
For anyone just wanting a relaxing vibrating massage, Snailax have you covered here, for a reasonable price too, but if you’re in need of a deeper massage, look elsewhere.
Pros:
- Ideal for commuting
- Cools stuffy car seats
- Works in any car
- Vibration eases strain
- Good value
Cons:
- General, low-intensity massage
10. Homedics Shiatsu Back Massager – SBM840HAU
Homedics back and neck massage pad presents a clever solution to a common problem. 99% of back massagers are designed to include as many kneading nodes as possible (the nodes with two balls working in rotation) because they make for a better-looking, more advanced tool.
However, back massage and neck massage have different criteria, and for many this style of rolling neck massage, focuses on heat and pressure instead of repetitive kneading, is far superior to relieving both neck pain, and any associated headaches.
Pros:
- Incredibly well built
- Effective deep tissue massage
- Multiple position massaging
- Heated and vibrating massage
- Incredibly comfortable
Cons:
- Expensive
Back Massager Top Picks for 2024
Top Pick: Snailax Full Body Massage Chair Pad – Shiatsu Neck Back Massager – 236
Adaptable, comfortable, and effective. There are a few greater compliments for a massager, and all are applicable to the Snailax Full Body Massage Chair Pad. Not only does it offer an effective and deep massage, it functions as a simple, relaxing massage chair, for a fraction of the price of a full-sized massage chair.
Ideal for anyone with limited space, who doesn’t want to compromise on quality, and who looks forward to some well-earned TLC when they get home from work.
Premium Choice: Homedics Shiatsu Elite II Massage Cushion – MCS-845H-AU
By far the most effective neck and shoulder massager you can buy without having to install a full-sized massage chair in your home is the Shiatsu elite II from Homedics. This massager pad fits any sofa or any chair, with good support, and comfortable side cushioning to help you relax back into a gentle vibrating massage.
If you really want to use this massager to its full potential, start small and build up. Begin with a gentle vibrating massage to loosen yourself up, and then add heat before slowly building up the roller and kneading intensity to completely depressurize your upper body.
Budget Pick: Comfier Cordless Back Massager with Heat – 1902c
If you’re really looking for a clever alternative for home massage chairs, and don’t want bulky massage pads knocking around, then check out the cordless back massager by Comfier, which is lightweight, easily portable, and holds its wireless charge for up to seventy minutes.
The deep shiatsu massage is incredibly relaxing, but also helpful for any chronic muscular pain. It’s not as thorough, or all-encompassing as taller, full-seat massagers, but it’s an effective way to relieve stress and strain on the go.
Back Massagers Frequently Asked Questions
Are back massagers worth it?
On average, a professional massage will set you back between $50 and $100 for a standard session (this can be much more depending on where you live). While electric massagers do not replace expert professionals, they offer regular support, and effective deep-tissue massage to relieve general muscular pain, and improve motion, so are definitely worth it.
Are back massagers good for chronic pain?
According to several research studies, back massagers offer temporary relief for the symptoms of chronic back pain. Depending on the type of chronic pain, that might mean that they can provide an important part of regular home therapy.
How long should you use a back massager?
Most back massagers have a built-in timer that will switch them off after fifteen minutes. It’s important not to overuse back massagers, particularly percussion, kneading, or deep roller massagers, so take regular breaks after no longer than 15 minutes.
Who should not use a back massager?
You should not use a back massager if you have varicose veins or broken or fractured bones. Any type of massage can exacerbate these conditions. Vibration massagers are safe for most other conditions, but rolling, kneading, or shiatsu massagers should not be used directly on dry, split, or bruised skin.
For more comprehensive guides for choosing the massagers, check out our list below:
Get the Best Back Massager for Your Needs
If you’re looking for a new back massager, those above should be your first choice. They’re packed with convenience, comfort, and technical brilliance, and all are tried, tested, and approved by professionals. OK, so a few are a little bit pricey, but quality is never cheap, and when it comes to your health, you really can’t put a price on it.
Homedics might have the market corners on trust and medical use, but there are loads of great value alternatives from Renpho, Snailax, and Comfier in particular that are well worth considering when it comes to choosing the best back massager for you.