The best massage chairs in the UK 2023

Invented in Asia, the massage chair has long been popular with Westerners. And for good reason, this relaxing furniture has practical features that allow it to reproduce the techniques of professional manual massagers (shiatsu, Swedish, etc.). Since this is a major investment, it is best to avoid making risky choices. Use our guide to find the best massage chairs for this year.

Furgle - 3D Shiatsu Massage Chair 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Furgle - 3D Shiatsu Massage Chair

The best massage chair in 2021

In terms of approach and versatility, this Furgle zero gravity rocker is hard to beat. It calms the nerves, soothes the senses and provides a pleasant 3D shiatsu massage.

335 £ on Amazon

One of the most incredible aspects of this zero gravity massage rocker chair is its tilt option. You can easily adjust the position, choose to activate the massage mode and manage your physical therapy smoothly. Moreover, it is capable of supporting up to 200 kg thanks to the solid birch wood that makes up its frame.

The inclusion of different massage techniques is extra, as this model can vibrate, tap or knead, even all 3 functions at the same time. The full-body massage option leaves you speechless. The handles provide extra comfort and the headrest helps keep the shoulders pain-free. Compared to other massage chairs, its discreet design allows it to be placed just about anywhere.

Snailax SL233-EN - Shiatsu massage chair for car 2
8/10

For the car

Snailax SL233-EN - Shiatsu massage chair for car

The best massage chair for the car

The Snailax SL233-FR offers complete shiatsu massage on the neck, back and seat. It offers 2 massage options: heat for the back and neck areas, with vibration for the seat area.

114 £ on Amazon

The Snailax SL233-FR is an electric shiatsu massager to be installed over a car seat. A manual cord controller makes it easy to use. Its massage function applies to 3 areas: the neck, the back and the seat. It offers 2 massage options: with heat for the back and neck areas, with vibration for the seat area. Outside the car, you can install it on a sofa, a recliner or even an office chair.

Each massage zone of this massage chair has 4 nodes that can be adjusted at will. The neck and shoulder massage zones have 2 directions of rotation and are adjustable with a heating function. The back massage has a rotating system, which goes up and down to relax this part of the body. And the seat massage has 2 vibration massage nodes for the hips and thighs.

iRest A321 - Massage Chair with Voice Control 3
9/10

High end

iRest A321 - Massage Chair with Voice Control

The best high-end massage chair in 2021

The iRest A321 massage chair takes relaxation to a whole new level with its yoga-derived stretching function. It massages the entire body through a combination of kneading, tapping and Shiatsu massage.

2 079 £ on Amazon

With the iRest A321, you get what you pay for. This top of the line massage chair comes with a 136 cm SL track so you can enjoy a neck to leg massage. It comes with a yoga stretch function. Note the automatic mode and shortcuts to access programs such as position and intensity controls.

This massage chair has a Voice command, speak and it will perform! You also get 3 levels of weightlessness and a tilt angle of 90° to 181°. Once the iRest A321 is fully reclined, your legs are higher than your heart and the rest of your body. You can benefit from the instantaneous therapeutic effects of this model.

iRest A303 - Zero Gravity Massage Chair 4
9/10

Zero gravity

iRest A303 - Zero Gravity Massage Chair

A great zero gravity massage chair

Featuring foot reflexology rollers, full body air compression massage, no gravity recline, lumbar heat source and inexpensive, the iRest A303 has it all.

1 599 £ on Amazon

The iRest A303 massage chair includes a 140 cm 3D SL-Track roller to gently treat the base of the neck, the curve of the spine and the contour of the buttocks. Heat is applied to the lower lumbar area of the spine, relieving tension in the lower back and relaxing the underlying muscles and joints. Used before bed, this zero gravity massage chair will help you sleep better.

In addition, the iRest A303 collects data on the curvature of the back and mimics professional physiotherapy techniques such as kneading, pressing, folding, pressing, holding, rocking and twisting to achieve a multi-dimensional massage. Offering 6 customizable programs, this massage chair can eliminate fatigue in 20 minutes. Moreover, it costs 600 euros less than theiRest A321.

MCombo - Reclining massage chair 5
9/10

Elegant

MCombo - Reclining massage chair

A very stylish massage chair

Comfortable and ergonomic, this reclining massage chair with heating and massage function will help you is a rare elegance. It will help you relax and unwind after a strenuous day.

312 £ on Amazon

Not really a concentrate of technology, this massage chair focuses on its elegance without neglecting the comfort it provides. Entirely covered with synthetic leather, this furniture hides its game well. Suitable for people with a large body and people with reduced mobility, it offers a electric standing function up to an angle of 140°..

This MCombo model also has 8 massage programs and 5 vibration modes. When activated, they provide a pleasant sensation in the back, lumbar region, hips, legs and calves. The heating function built into the adjustable backrest quickly relieves back pain. The padding of this recliner is surprisingly soft. You can optimize your comfort by folding down the footrest. Note the presence of 3 pockets to store your belongings.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best massage chair

Any specific needs?

The best massage chair in 2021

The best massage chair for the car

The best high-end massage chair in 2021

A great zero gravity massage chair

A very stylish massage chair

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best massage chairs

THE BEST FOR THE CAR HIGH END ZERO GRAVITY ELEGANT
Furgle - 3D Shiatsu Massage Chair 6
9/10
Snailax SL233-EN - Shiatsu massage chair for car 7
8/10
iRest A321 - Massage Chair with Voice Control 8
9/10
iRest A303 - Zero Gravity Massage Chair 9
9/10
MCombo - Reclining massage chair 10
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Furgle - 3D Shiatsu Massage Chair
Snailax SL233-EN - Shiatsu massage chair for car
iRest A321 - Massage Chair with Voice Control
iRest A303 - Zero Gravity Massage Chair
MCombo - Reclining massage chair
In terms of approach and versatility, this Furgle zero gravity rocker is hard to beat. It calms the nerves, soothes the senses and provides a pleasant 3D shiatsu massage.
The Snailax SL233-FR offers complete shiatsu massage on the neck, back and seat. It offers 2 massage options: heat for the back and neck areas, with vibration for the seat area.
The iRest A321 massage chair takes relaxation to a whole new level with its yoga-derived stretching function. It massages the entire body through a combination of kneading, tapping and Shiatsu massage.
Featuring foot reflexology rollers, full body air compression massage, no gravity recline, lumbar heat source and inexpensive, the iRest A303 has it all.
Comfortable and ergonomic, this reclining massage chair with heating and massage function will help you is a rare elegance. It will help you relax and unwind after a strenuous day.
Targeted areas
Neck, back, shoulders, waist, thighs and hips
Neck, shoulders, back, hip and thighs
Whole body
The whole body
Back, hips, legs, calf
Compacity
Shiatsu massage
Heated seat
8
-
6
Massage programs
8
5

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - massage chair

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How to choose your massage chair

In order not to regret your purchase, take into account the following criteria to find the right massage chair for your needs.

#1 - Your body type

When choosing your massage chair, make sure it is appropriate for your size and body type. Take into account the size of the chair and test the different positions it offers to ensure that you get the most out of it. Make sure that your entire body can fit on the equipment, from head to toe.

#2 - Comfort

To ensure truly enjoyable massage sessions, make sure the massage chair offers different relaxation positions. It is also important that it reclines at will. Finally, the presence of a footrest will increase the comfort level. It will also ensure a better body support. An accessory that is useful even when the chair is not used for massage purposes.

#3 - Material

This criterion will determine the robustness and durability of your massage chair. The resistance of leather to the wear and tear of time is no longer to be proven. However, it requires regular maintenance to keep its shine. Synthetic leather or imitation leather are good alternatives to leather if your budget does not allow you to invest in a leather massage chair. They are less robust than real leather, but they are less expensive and still quite resistant.

#4 - Ease of use

An easy-to-use massage chair with simple access to the controls is the best possible choice. That way, you won't have to contort yourself to use another function or change programs once you're settled into the chair.

#5 - Plus points

Most massage chairs come with a remote control. Most massage chairs come with a remote control. The "auto shut-off" option is also useful. Some devices have the intelligence to stop after a period of 15 to 20 minutes. This will prevent you from nodding off during your massage sessions. Make sure that the chair also has heating, vibration and shiatsu functions, even though most massage chairs have all 3 functions at the same time.

Features available on the massage chairs

  • Shiatsu

This is a faithful reproduction of a masseur's touch. The massage chair is equipped with massage balls and rollers. This method uses the reflex points of acupuncture to relieve the areas of the body that are generally associated with it.

  • The heating function

This function allows the device to diffuse a gentle heat that will relax and loosen the muscles of the body. The heat allows you to relax your muscles in depth, creating an immediate cocooning effect that promotes sleep.

  • The vibrating function

This function allows the device to use vibration to perform the massage. It reproduces all kinds of massage techniques such as tapping, kneading, rubbing or effleurage.

What about vulnerable people?

Children, pregnant women and the elderly can be massaged with a massage chair, as long as they do not use it for more than 15 minutes. It should be noted that pregnant women cannot use it during the first three months of pregnancy, as the risk of miscarriage is high during this period. However, they can use the chair during the second and third trimester of their pregnancy. It would even facilitate labor. For people with an electrical medical device such as a pacemaker, the use of a massage chair is prohibited.

The different types of massage chairs

On the market, you will find 3 types of massage chairs. Each type differs in design, body position and inclination.

Full body massage chair

This is the most common type of massage chair. This chair performs a full body massage, hence the name. If you are looking for a chair that can massage every part of your body for you as soon as you sit on it, look no further. This is the piece of furniture for you.

There are many options on full body massage chairs. These features and how they perform the massage depend on the brand and model. Most full body massage chairs massage the neck, body, shoulders, calves and feet. Newer models even handle hands and arms.

Ottoman massage chair

In contrast to full body massage chairs, Ottoman massage chairs have been around for a very long time. They are both economical and elegant. The other major advantage of Ottoman chairs comes from the fact that they allow tall people to sit in them comfortably and tend to extend further than most conventional chairs.

This means that taller people will feel more comfortable. In addition, Ottoman massage chairs are only slightly more expensive than normal chairs, but offer comfortable and relaxing seating while being convenient and less bulky than most other massage chairs that take up a lot of space in your home.

Zero gravity massage chair

Zero gravity massage chairs offer an experience similar to astronauts in zero gravity. It started out as a feature available on some of the massage chairs. It then evolved into a full-fledged type of massage chair.

The tilt of this chair is such that you experience a body posture similar to that of astronauts as they fly into space. This allows you to enjoy inversion therapy in your spine. The furniture creates an extremely favorable circumstance for improving your overall posture and soothing your back.

Massage chair or acupressure mat?

Massage chair

The massage chair is perfect for relaxing the muscles of the body. In addition to the massage, it envelops the entire body. Versatile, it exerts a relaxing, heating and vibrating action at the same time, an asset that will not be found in the acupressure mat. The massage chair offers a softer and more relaxing massage than the acupressure mat, which is made of foam.

Easy to use, this equipment is adjustable and allows you to enjoy your massage sessions in complete peace of mind. If you want to switch to another feature or position, just press a button and it's done. With a massage chair, the possibilities (options, positions, etc.) are more numerous.

The massage chair, especially the leather models, has an elegant design. This furniture will have no trouble finding its place in a living room. When it is not used for massage, it can be used as an ordinary armchair on which you can take a nap. You can't afford to do this on an acupressure mat, as you risk damaging the surface of your skin, even if it is healthy.

On the other hand, what could be criticized about the massage chair is the financial constraint that comes with it. Indeed, a chair with such a functionality costs much more than an acupressure mat for quite similar benefits on the well-being.

Acupressure mat

In flower field or classic, the acupressure mat is a practical accessory, coming from the traditional Chinese medicine. Its numerous benefits make it a very popular equipment in the UK. It allows, among other things, to relieve muscular tension and lumbar pain thanks to its plastic pimples.

For women, the acupressure mat is very effective in relieving premenstrual symptoms such as gloom, insomnia, irritability, fatigue, bloating, mood swings and headaches. It also helps alleviate menopausal symptoms such as aches and pains, depression and hot flashes.

Made of foam or natural fiber, this accessory is very comfortable to use and acts on vital points, just like acupuncture, to effectively relax the body. Just lie down on the mat for 5 minutes to improve your health.

However, the choice of the mat should not be random. The number of spikes on a disc should be 25 or 30. If this number is not respected, the mat will be ineffective or, worse, will accentuate your pain. Also, the classic version comes with crowns with needle-like spikes. Some people may not be able to tolerate the use of this type of mat because the tingling effect is more noticeable than with a flower field mat.

Verdict

The massage chair and acupressure mat provide many benefits to the body. The ideal would be to combine the two accessories. If the first one is expensive, the second one is more affordable at about 15 euros for an entry-level model. However, a massage chair is more versatile and has armrests to relieve arm pain.

Apart from that, the way it works ensures that the effects are felt more quickly than with an acupressure mat. As a result, a massage chair will serve you better at home while an acupressure mat will be more useful when you travel.

Why buy a massage chair?

To be massaged alone at home or at the office

By investing in a massage chair, you can enjoy quality massage sessions similar to those performed by professionals at home or at work. By paying the price for a quality model, you can relax your muscles and your whole body according to your desires and when you feel like it.

For its economical side

Having a massage chair in your possession is more economical in the long run than going to the other end of town to get a massage from a professional. This saves you precious time and money at the same time.

To fight against stress

If you are particularly sensitive to stress, a massage chair will help you a lot. By massaging your entire body from head to toe, it gradually relaxes the areas of tension in your body responsible for migraines and muscle pain. Once the body is relaxed, it secretes oxytocin, a molecule that fights stress and anxiety.

For a quality sleep

The massage chair promotes a more restful sleep. It helps regulate your blood circulation while allowing you to relax and unwind your nerves. If you suffer from insomnia, a few minutes of massage on a massage chair before bedtime will do you a world of good. This will allow you to sleep better without having to resort to sleeping pills or sedatives.

To relieve muscle tension and pain

Thanks to its tapping action, the massage chair acts along the spine to relieve back pain and other discomforts in the back and hips. A few minutes of massage on this device is enough to relieve your back pain. The same is true for headaches, muscle spasms and tingling.

For happiness beyond well-being

With a massage chair, you have a tool that can cheer you up, relax you, soothe you... in short, make you happy. More than relaxing your muscles, this furniture acts on your mood in general. Use it wisely, you won't regret it.

The best brands of massage chairs

In our opinion, the best brands of massage chairs in 2022 are :

iRest
Snailax
MCombo
Furgle
Global Relax

Founded in 2003, iRest provides a wide range of health science and technology products and services. Its commitment to manufacturing and marketing high quality products derived from in-house research has never wavered. Its massage chairs are a testament to its expertise.

This American brand specializes in the design and production of massage and fitness equipment. It produces items that are durable, practical and generally not too expensive. The Snailax shiatsu neck and back massager with heat and the neck and shoulder back massager are testament to this.

Founded in 2011, MCombo used to market various products from other brands. After years of development, MCombo manufactured its own products offered in its own catalogs. This includes outdoor sports, furniture, barbering equipment, pet products, and more.

Furgle is a furniture manufacturer, supplier, and online retailer. The brand cares about every detail of every massage and office chair it distributes, from design to sales. Fairly new, the company began operations in June 2014.

Global Relax is an online store dedicated to the trading and distribution of massage and relaxation products, with a worldwide presence. Its business philosophy is to contribute to the well-being and improve the quality of life of its customers, using the latest technologies.

What is the price for a massage chair

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
120 £ to 300 £
Mid-range
300 £ to 500 £
High-end
more than 500 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Relax and let the massage chair do its work

When you are being massaged by a massage chair, relax as much as possible so that the massage is most effective. It is not recommended to use a massage chair after a meal. The relaxing effect is then impossible, even potentially dangerous. Take time to digest.

Don't massage after a meal!

For effective and truly relaxing massage sessions, make sure you don't stay in the chair for more than 15 minutes.

Respect the duration of the massage

First, get your body used to the stimulation provided by the chair. When your body can handle the pressure and precision of the chair better, you'll be able to indulge in longer sessions. Start with short sessions of 2 minutes, then 3 minutes, etc., until you reach the recommended 15 minutes.

Gently work your way through it

Be sure to read the massage chair's instruction manual. You will find all the information you need for the proper use and maintenance of the furniture. Always respect the weight limit of the chair and make sure that the electrical voltage of the network corresponds to that indicated on the chair. Also, keep the chair away from wet areas and away from children and pets.

Precautions to take

FAQ

Are there any contraindications related to the use of a massage chair?

If you have heart or joint problems, use the massage chair sparingly. The same applies to people who have just undergone surgery or who suffer from a circulatory disorder. For this reason, use low intensity and limit your massage sessions to 10 minutes.

Can people suffering from chronic muscular pain stay longer on their massage chair?

In fact, it may be tempting for people with chronic muscle pain to stay longer on a massage chair. However, not following the recommended massage duration may cause the opposite effect of what you're looking for. Instead of providing relief, it will instead bruise the muscles or damage the body's soft tissues.

Does the massage seat provide the same benefits as the massage chair?

The massage chair is the ideal compromise between effectiveness and price. In addition, it is less cumbersome and easier to move than the massage chair. However, the massaging chair is more efficient and quicker to act since it is more enveloping by design, and offers massages from head to toe. This is due to a headrest, armrests and a footrest. This is something that a massage chair cannot do.

How to maintain a massage chair?

The maintenance of a massage chair is far from being restrictive. If some models are removable, others only require a wipe with a cloth slightly soaked in water and a few vacuum cleaner strokes from time to time. Do not expose the chair to direct sunlight to avoid discoloration, and if it is made of leather, it must be treated with a product designed for this purpose.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  9. Benefits of a Massage Chair, electronics.howstuffworks.com
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  33. , laredoute.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Furgle - 3D Shiatsu Massage Chair 11
Furgle - 3D Shiatsu Massage Chair
Snailax SL233-EN - Shiatsu massage chair for car 12
Snailax SL233-EN - Shiatsu massage chair for car
iRest A321 - Massage Chair with Voice Control 13
iRest A321 - Massage Chair with Voice Control
iRest A303 - Zero Gravity Massage Chair 14
iRest A303 - Zero Gravity Massage Chair
MCombo - Reclining massage chair 15
MCombo - Reclining massage chair

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