Unlike in-person massages. Nutrition - Weight Loss?
While getting a professional back massage on a daily basis may sound like a dream come true, doing so is hardly practical—or financially possible—for most people. But if you suffer from chronic back pain, or have found yourself with knots from sitting in your office chair all day, a massage may be just what you need for some relief.
Easy to use on yourself, massage tools are actually quite affordable, and using one can be an effective way to alleviate back pain. They come in all different shapes and sizes, and many have heat settings that can help relax and loosen muscles more than pressure alone. Fortunately, there are options for all kinds of budgets and physical needs—but that can also make choosing the right massager a bit difficult. To help, we’ve researched and selected the best back massagers available.
Take a look below at quick info on the best back massagers, then scroll down for buying advice and in-depth reviews.
The Best Back Massagers
How to Choose a Massager
When choosing a back massager, there are a few things to consider in addition to budget. Among the most important of these is which body parts you’ll be using your massager on (aside from your back) and whether or not you’ll have someone to help you use it.
If you’re looking strictly for a back massager, a chair or pad model—which you can lay or sit on—will work. If you want something that you can use on a wider range of body parts, a massage gun or other handheld option may be preferable, as these tools can work on multiple areas. Handheld massagers will take a bit more effort to use, however, and to get the most out of them—especially on your back—you will want to make sure you have someone who can help you get those hard-to-reach areas.
Also consider where you will be using the massager. If you plan to use it only in the comfort of your home, invest in a larger model. But if you tend to travel a lot, or want to take it with you to races or the gym, you will want a much more compact and portable device.
Finally, consider the functions of the massager. Most will either have rotating heads that give a shiatsu-like effect, a vibration setting, or a Doesn’t target specific areas like massage guns offer. If you don’t have a high pain tolerance, or simply prefer a lighter massage, stick with a vibrating option. Many will also have a heating element that can help relax and loosen muscles. If you have your heart set on that, just double-check that the model you choose has it.
How We Choose
To find the best options among the many back massagers out there, we researched the most popular models available and considered the price, design, features, and size. We looked at both reviews from other expert sources as well as more than 60,000 customer ratings, written by people who’ve bought these models on sites like Amazon, to determine the back massagers, which you’ll find below.
For more ways to ditch your pain, check out our favorite muscle balms and foam rollers.
Pros
- Affordable
- x 4 x 7 inches
Cons
- Some customers complained about build quality
While this massager may look as if it’s made for the lower back exclusively, it can actually work for the legs, neck, and anything else you can stick on it. It has three speeds and two modes, including heated and dual rotation. It’s also pretty affordable at only $33.
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 12 Labor Day Shoe Deals |
| Heated: | Yes |
| Massage types: | 3 x 15 x 28 inches |
Snailax Full-Body Massage Mat with Heat
Pros
- Massages full body
- Works on a variety of surfaces
Cons
- We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article
For optimal full-body relaxation, try this heated massage mat. It has a plush polyester cover and pillow, and 10 separate massage rollers span the entire body.
The five massage modes, four selective massage zones, and three intensities (as well as four targeted heating zones) allow you to dial in on whatever massage you need most on a given day. And, given its mat form, you can roll it out on the floor, in chairs, or on a bed.
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 24 x 9 x 14 inches |
| Heated: | Yes |
| Massage types: | Vibration massage |
Pros
- Relaxing
- Heat and vibration help loosen muscles
Cons
- Doesn’t target specific areas
Whether you’re looking for an option for your office chair or your recliner, this massage cushion can work out those tight knots in your entire back. It has three rolling massage zones, as well as a vibrating seat and heat. The remote is straightforward, easy to use, and (like with the Snailax above) tethered to the massager—helpful to prevent it from getting lost somewhere.
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 17 Best for Travel |
| Heated: | Yes |
| Massage types: | Easy to use on yourself |
Pros
- Affordable
- Best for Upper Back
Cons
- Heat and vibration help loosen muscles
If you prefer to attack sore muscles yourself, you may like this Back Buddy. It’s designed to help you easily reach and massage your own back, with round and pointed knobs, and less aggressive back nubs. The S shape allows you to massage not only your back, but shoulders, feet, and legs as well.
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 25 For more ways to ditch your pain, check out our favorite |
| Heated: | No |
| Massage types: | Best for Runners |
Therabody Theragun Prime Massage Gun
Pros
- Very powerful
- Works on a variety of surfaces
Cons
- Expensive
Theragun is top of the game when it comes to massage guns, and while the Prime does cost a pretty penny, it’s worth it. This comes with four different head attachments, a 2-hour battery life, and an ergonomic grip, which makes it easy to massage yourself or others.
It also has a wide range of speeds, which makes it great delicate work on more sensitive areas and then ramping up for working out tough knots in your back.
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 9 x 6 x 3 inches |
| Heated: | No |
| Massage types: | CA Notice at Collection |
Pros
- Lots of heads
- Health - Injuries
Cons
- Not as much pressure as competitive guns
A more affordable option, this is a great massager if you don’t need quite as much pressure as the Theragun but want a handheld model with the option of multiple heads. It has 20 different speeds and 10 head options, as well as an ergonomic, silicon grip that makes it easy to hold. The display screen makes it easy to see which speed you’re running.
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 11 x 9 x 5 inches |
| Heated: | No |
| Massage types: | 10 different massage heads for muscle massage, percussion massage, and deep tissue massage |
Pros
- Quiet
- Portable
Cons
- Won’t get super deep in the tissue
This small massager is perfect for sticking in a purse or backpack and makes an awesome travel buddy. It has three rotating feet that help to knead out knots. It runs on batteries, so you won’t have to worry about charging it. And it’s super quiet, making it unobtrusive to use while you’re traveling without disturbing other people.
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 4 x 4 x 7 inches |
| Heated: | No |
| Massage types: | Vibrating massage |
Pros
- Gets deep into neck muscles
- Unlike in-person massages
Cons
- Ony massages upper back
If you’re plagued by neck and upper back pain in particular, you may prefer a neck massager like this one that really digs into the tough muscles of your neck and shoulders.
It has two kneading balls that sit on opposite sides of the neck, and you can set them to go clockwise or counterclockwise at one of their three speed settings. On top of that, a dose of heat helps further loosen up those muscles.
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 12 x 9 x 5 inches |
| Heated: | Yes |
| Massage types: | Shiatsu |
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
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