Eye massagers are unusual for electric massagers in that their most important medical function is heat, rather than massage.
Like all massagers that focus on any part of the head, eye massagers do offer relief from migraines, and are particularly useful for general relaxation, but it is their heating function that has real, direct, applications against chronic eye conditions like blepharitis, and offers superior support when compared to both DIY and electric heat masks.
Eye Massager Top Picks for 2024
Top Pick: SKG E3 Eye Massager with Heat for Migraines
The most important thing for me with any massage tool is that it offers relaxation. Part of that requirement means ensuring that the object itself, and its design, are pleasing, comfortable, and lightweight, as well as being an effective massage tool.
SKG’s E3 Eye Massager is exactly that. It’s a simple, lightweight eye massager that fits comfortably, folds away easily, and offers multiple, easily adaptable functions, including comfortable heat that warms up rapidly but evenly.
If you’re after an effective eye massage tool that’s affordable, comfortable, and works as part of a holistic relaxation approach to physical and mental health, then the E3 from SKG is the perfect tool.
Premium Choice: Therabody SmartGoggles
Biometric control isn’t something you would usually expect in any massage tool that costs less than $300, so the SmartGoggles from Therabody, part of the Theragun range, really are pushing the industry into the future.
Not only are they comfortable and effective, but they actively adapt to you, your body, your mood, and your current heart rate, ensuring thorough and complete relaxation at any time of day, and especially before bed.
Budget Pick: RENPHO Eyeris Rhythm R-G001
The most adaptable budget eye massager is Renpho’s Eyeris rhythm, offering everything that the rest of their range does (16 massage nodes, deep pressure, and even vibration) along with rhythm-based vibrations that help to soothe your entire body into holistic relaxation, using similar methodologies to ASMR, which connects the senses of hearing, taste and vision to touch.
By basing vibration modes on the music or podcast you’re listening to, you can easily replicate this type of relaxation yourself without any need for more expensive massage tools.
What are Eye Massagers?
Eye massagers are wearable electric massage devices that promote relaxation and offer pain and stress relief through targeted facial massage. They typically have a solid plastic casing, similar in form to safety goggles, with a padded inner face and comfortable head strap to hold them in place.
Different eye massagers have differing forms of massage, from rollers to compression, but their most important feature is heat, which, for safety purposes, should always offer automatic shut-off.
The Best Eye Massager Brands
There are a handful of really incredible brands making safe and effective eye massagers, each offering slightly different products with their own unique pros and cons.
SKG
Firstly, SKG. SKG is probably the most respected eye massager manufacturer, with an established audience, and years of experience in the electric massager industry. SKG massagers are built to perfection and generally offer heated functions and rolling pressure massage for the area around the eyes.
Their eye mask massagers are made from comfortable and breathable materials too, so you won’t feel claustrophobic, which is a risk with some brands.
Therabody
Next up, Therabody. Therabody isn’t a cheap brand, but their massagers are designed for the practical-minded. They’re compact, foldable, and easy to charge, as well as holding their charge for longer than average too. One of the most commonly asked questions when anyone buys their first eye massager is whether or not they’re safe.
Obviously, any electric gadget designed to massage the area around your eye comes with some risk, but the additional padding and smart controls are unique to Therabody, making them the safest brand out there.
Renpho
Renpho is a budget electric massager brand, but don’t let that fool you. Just because they’re cheap doesn’t mean they’re cutting corners.
Their eye massagers are safe and effective, and while they might not have the smart tech of other brands, they do still have some tricks up their sleeve, including new eye massagers with sight through, meaning you can still be present in everyday life, without having to switch off completely.
Breo
Breo’s line of eye massagers is limited, and they’re not cheap either, but as one of the most trusted brands in the electric massage world, they do offer peace of mind. Breo’s offer, regardless of the massage tool, is usually about variety, not in terms of model or design, but of modes and settings.
Breo’s massagers are easy to adjust and offer adjustable vibration speeds and intensities, multiple massage modes, and easily adjustable heat too.
If you’re planning on sharing your eye massager with a family member (or any massage tool) Breo massagers offer the adaptable settings you’ll need to make sure everyone gets exactly what they want.
Key Features to Look Out for from Eye Massagers
Eye massage is as much about heat as it is about pressure so, depending on your reasons for wanting one, it’s definitely worth doing a little bit of research about what will actually help. For example, migraines can be relieved, but not cured, by massage.
Stress and restlessness are generally helped by low vibrations around the temple – which these masks offer. Blepharitis, and other ongoing eye conditions, which don’t directly benefit from massage, do benefit massively from heat.
That means that each of those functions should be available in most basic eye massagers. What will set them apart is more about how versatile each function is, as well as how comfortable, breathable, or innovative your eye massage mask is overall.
Heat
Every eye mask comes with heat, but some will only have the option of on, or off. Firstly, that’s probably not going to be comfortable for you. Secondly, it’s probably not safe. So always choose an eye massager that not only has heat, but has the option to adjust its intensity and, ideally, has an automatic timer.
Eye massagers, by their nature, are relaxing. That means that you may well fall asleep while using them. Even on low heat, persistent application of heat to the eyes can have negative effects, so it’s worth choosing an eye mask that will either shut off if you fall asleep, or will turn off after a set time (some are even adjustable so you can set them to turn off after 20, 30 or 45 minutes).
Vibration
Vibration isn’t key to your eye massager, but it will support the heat functions and relieve strain and restlessness, particularly in lower settings. Some eye massagers claim to offer dark ring reduction and anti-aging through their vibrating eye masks, which may have some truth, but for now, it is more anecdotal than accepted.
What I will say though is that vibrating eye masks are relaxing, so whether they actively help dark rings and bags, is neither here nor there, because the act of relaxing more deeply will reduce darkness around the eyes, and make you look and feel more awake.
Massage type
Rhythmic massage, rolling massage, and vibrating massage (both constant and intermediate) are the basic forms of massage offered by any eye mask massager. Some will also include compression massage around the brow and temple.
The important thing to look for is a series of massage nodes for the underside, brow, and corners of the eyes. Any massagers around the nose will cause discomfort, so avoid those, and stick to massage masks that have a more oval-shaped ring of massage nodes that follow the contours of the face.
Size, Comfort, and Weight
What really sets most massagers apart is their comfort, weight, and overall size. If you’re trying to relax, the last thing you need is a heavy headset, firmly plonking you into a grounded position, rather than allowing you to escape into massage and meditation.
The smaller the eye massager, the better it will sit on your head, but equally important is the materials that the cushioning is made from. For example, leather or leatherette will get quite sweaty, particularly on heated modes, so choose breathable synthetic materials that can be wiped clean easily.
Plastic or rubbery head straps can also catch on your hair, so stick to soft elastic headbands. The last thing you need after a relaxing massage is to get your hair caught in the band as you take it off – instantly waking you up and spoiling relaxation!
Eye Massagers Safety Guide
Eye massagers are safe to use for most people, but should be avoided if you have a diagnosis or suspicion of cataracts, retinal detachment or are in recovery from any operations around the eye, or recovering from laser surgery.
Reviews of the Best Eye Massagers in Australia
1. SKG E3 Eye Massager with Heat for Migraines
SKG’s E3 eye massager is one of the most miniature eye massage masks you can buy, offering comfort without compromising on function.
The breathable fabric is comfortable to wear, even when using the heating mode, offering pressure massage, rolling massage, and vibration to ensure full relaxation as well as relief from dry eye and chronic conditions.
Pros:
- 5 massage modes
- Comfortable material
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Adjustable heat
- Good value
- Trusted brand
- Includes Bluetooth music
Cons:
- N/A
2. Therabody SmartGoggles
Therabody’s SmartGoggles really earned their name. Like many wearable eye massagers, they come with an integrated app, Bluetooth connection, and adjustable settings that are simple to adapt to your own needs. But…
Unlike every other eye massager, they have an integrated chip that reads your heart rate and adapts your massage to your personal biometric measurements, making sure that the message matches your breathing, and heart rate, and vibrates accordingly for maximum massage effectiveness and perfected relaxation.
Pros:
- SmartSense Technology makes them safe, and adaptable
- Adapts to your heart rate
- Comfortable and breathable
- Lightweight
- Effective massage nodes, including temple massage
- App controlled
- Trusted brand
- Great value
Cons:
- N/A
3. RENPHO Eyeris Rhythm R-G001
Renpho’s Eyeris range is well-established, so you barely need to introduce them, but this new addition, the Eyeris rhythm, is actually pretty exceptional.
Most eye massagers include Bluetooth connectivity, both to connect to your phone as a speaker, and to play music or podcasts to aid relaxation, but the Renpho Rhythm takes it one step further, by actively vibrating to the beat of the music you’re listening to.
It might sound gimmicky, but it’s all about relaxation and immersion, meaning that you’re immersed more deeply in conjoined senses.
Pros:
- Good value
- Vision through goggles
- Lightweight
- Includes Bluetooth music
- Adjustable fit
- 5 massage modes
- Adjustable heating
- Sixteen massage heads
Cons:
- Plastic contact points
- Quite large
4. SKG E7 2-In-1 Vibration Heated Eye Massager
It might look futuristic, but this style of eye massage mask is actually one of the oldest designs there is. Using simple massage rollers, mounted to a plastic frame, the mask both massages and vibrates, to relieve fatigue, myopia, and stress, without the bulky fabric layer that many people worry about with more modern designs.
SKG’s E7 might use a more old-fashioned design, but it’s one of the most advanced eye massagers money can buy (and one of the most affordable too!).
Pros:
- Good value
- Well manufactured
- Trusted brand
- Lightweight
- Supports Bluetooth music
- Adjustable and rapid heating
- Vibration modes
Cons:
- Plastic contact points
5. RENPHO Eyeris 1 RF-EM001
Renpho’s original Eyeris massager is one of the cheapest electric eye massagers you can pick up without going for less-reputable brands.
However, as it’s an older model you will be getting less for your money, with some practice needed to get used to the buttons and some general challenges when it comes to comfort, breathability, and stuffiness, thanks to the silicone-covered padding that seems to lock in moisture.
However, all of that criticism falls away when you look at the price, because, like we said, this is their original Eyeris. It’s not their most up-to-date, but for anyone looking to try out these gadgets for the first time, it’s a perfect place to start.
Pros:
- Foldable
- Bluetooth music
- Quiet
- Fast heating
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Slow charging
6. Breo iSee4 Eye Massager
Breo aren’t a cheap brand, but they are particularly good at making comfortable and effective massage tools that last.
Perhaps the most important thing about this heating eye massager from Breo is that it charges reasonably quickly, meaning that it’s genuinely suitable for a portable massager, either for long-distance travel, or even for use in the office during a break from screen time.
It’s also reliable, with heat functions that last, including safe operation, automatic shut off if you drift off, and a full twelve-month warranty.
Pros:
- Comfortable padding
- Breathable fabric
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Trusted brand
- Targeted massage
- Safe heating
Cons:
- Expensive
7. Breo iDream5s Electric Head Massager
There will be some people, and some reviews that rave about the Breo iDream5s, but I’m not going to be one of them. It’s a good massager, and it will effectively target your eyes, head, scalp, and neck, for holistic pain and stress relief.
However, massagers, particularly when targeted at stress relief and reducing long-held deep tension, should be relaxing objects in themselves. This just isn’t. It’s a bulky space helmet that just distracts from the act of relaxing.
That said, it is very good at what it does, and provides effective relief from headaches and tired eyes, particularly in professional settings, where you might want to escape into another world for a while.
Pros:
- Very complex massage options
- Heat functions
- Eye, scalp, and neck massage functions
- Surprisingly light
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not relaxing
- Overstimulating
8. RENPHO Eyeris 1 Remote RF-EM001R
Renpho’s Eyeris 1R is a slight upgrade from their original Eyeris 1, but perhaps not worth the extra spend. While it’s still quite stuffy, it does offer the option to control it using a small, simple, and remote control, which means you’ve got easy access to adjustable heat, vibration, and massage intensity settings, including volume control.
Personally, I think it’s better to go for the cheaper option without a remote, but, if you really do value convenience, then this might be the budget choice for you.
Pros:
- Great value
- Trusted brand
- Easier to use than old models
- Includes simple remote, for active adjustment
- Adjust the volume or turn off music easily
- Lightweight
- Trusted brand
Cons:
- Bulky
- Can be stuffy
Eye Massager Top Picks for 2024
Top Pick: SKG E3 Eye Massager with Heat for Migraines
The most important thing for me with any massage tool is that it offers relaxation. Part of that requirement means ensuring that the object itself, and its design, are pleasing, comfortable, and lightweight, as well as being an effective massage tool.
SKG’s E3 Eye Massager is exactly that. It’s a simple, lightweight eye massager that fits comfortably, folds away easily, and offers multiple, easily adaptable functions, including comfortable heat that warms up rapidly but evenly.
If you’re after an effective eye massage tool that’s affordable, comfortable, and works as part of a holistic relaxation approach to physical and mental health, then the E3 from SKG is the perfect tool.
Premium Choice: Therabody SmartGoggles
Biometric control isn’t something you would usually expect in any massage tool that costs less than $300, so the SmartGoggles from Therabody, part of the Theragun range, really are pushing the industry into the future.
Not only are they comfortable and effective, but they actively adapt to you, your body, your mood, and your current heart rate, ensuring thorough and complete relaxation at any time of day, and especially before bed.
Budget Pick: RENPHO Eyeris Rhythm R-G001
The most adaptable budget eye massager is Renpho’s Eyeris rhythm, offering everything that the rest of their range does (16 massage nodes, deep pressure, and even vibration) along with rhythm-based vibrations that help to soothe your entire body into holistic relaxation, using similar methodologies to ASMR, which connects the senses of hearing, taste and vision to touch.
By basing vibration modes on the music or podcast you’re listening to, you can easily replicate this type of relaxation yourself without any need for more expensive massage tools.
Eye Massagers Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most effective eye massage techniques?
Eye sockets are the most effective place to massage, both around the top of the cheeks and the base of the brow. You can replicate the motion of electric massagers by hand, but relaxation will be more thorough if you can sit back and relax instead of self-soothing.
What are the benefits of a warm eye massager?
Warm eye massagers offer several benefits, including better sleep, improved comfort, and relief for dry eyes. They also help to soothe tight skin, and moisturise the area around the eyes. While their moisturising effects aren’t long-lasting, they do offer some support with dark eyes in the mid-term.
What is the best time to massage your eyes?
The best time to massage your eyes is half an hour to an hour before bed. Relaxing with any form of massage before bed will help to reduce stress and tension. It’s also worth using eye massagers during the office day with short breaks from computer screens to actively relieve any screen-related eye strain.
Do eye massagers reduce wrinkles?
Electric eye massagers will help to moisturise and smooth skin in the short-term, but will not have long-term effects on reducing established wrinkles. However, used in combination with long-lasting moisturisers, and other therapies, eye massagers are a great addition to holistic approaches to anti-aging skin treatment.
For all things related to massagers, check out our extensive guides below:
Wrapping Up Our Eye Massager Buying Guide
If you’ve ever found yourself feeling dazed, or looked up from your computer screen to find the world spinning and pulling in and out of focus, it can be as much a result of eye strain as stress, and can often lead to worse problems like headaches, migraines, or restlessness.
Using a good quality eye massager like the ones we’ve taken a closer look at in this article, will massively help to reduce the negative effects of over-reliance on screens, and can also be an effective stress reliever for everyone else regardless of your relationship to screen technology.