8 Back Massagers We Tested That Make Great Gifts (2024)

Our Top Picks

Our best overall pick, the Snailax Shiatsu Massage Cushion with Heat is a chair-style back massager that tends to the upper, lower, or full back using four massage nodes. During testing, we loved the chair design, which makes it easy to enjoy a relaxing massage while working from home, online shopping, or surfing the internet.

The nodes deliver a shiatsu-style massage, a Japanese massage style designed to target pressure points and mimic the feel of hands, and can be positioned for a spot massage where you need it most. While the massage won't be as targeted as a handheld massager, this one offers a hands-free design so you can multitask while relieving soreness or tired muscles.

We found it simple and fast to set up the massager on an office chair and armchair. In our testing experience, this back massager delivered a relaxing, 15-minute massage session (you can also choose 5- or 10-minute intervals) but was comfortable enough to continue sitting on when used with our office chair. Contributing to this fact is the comfort flap that can be used to soften the massage experience—or to mask the feel of the massage nodes when the massager is not in use.

An optional heat setting can be used with or without the massage function—another major perk of this chair massager. There is no intensity adjustment outside of the comfort flap, so don’t expect to alter the feel of the massage beyond the use of the detachable flap. It weighs less than 10 pounds and isn’t the most compact back massager on the market, but is lightweight compared to other chair pad massagers we tested.

_{Size: 26.4 x 5.5 x 18.1 inches | Weight: 8.14 pounds | Heated: Yes | Cordless: No}

We like the HoMedics Percussion Action Massager for its simple operation, interchangeable massage heads, and optional heat setting. It’s not the most robust or full-featured massager we tested, but multiple heads offer another layer of customization to your massage experience, which we love.

While some basic massagers offer limited options in terms of massage intensity or speed, this model comes with two interchangeable caps that alter the feel of the dual massage heads, giving you a choice between a firmer and softer sensation. We found them tricky to attach the first few times and had to consult the manual to make sure we were doing it correctly. Adjusting the intensity and controlling the heat function can be done from the handle of the massager using push buttons. This massager took about five minutes to warm up, which was also slightly frustrating, considering most back massagers are recommended for only 15-minute sessions.

We also wish that this handheld massager was cordless for greater freedom of movement during use. Luckily, this was only slightly heavier than the other two handheld models we recommend (the Theragun Elite and the Body Back Buddy Classic), which are all under three pounds and easy to carry on the go. All three can also be easily stored in a closet or packed in a suitcase, earning high scores for portability.

_{Size: 17.13 x 5.94 x 5.51 inches | Weight: 2.48 pounds | Heated: Yes | Cordless: No}

The Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager stood out as one of the most portable picks, thanks to its slim design and the option for a 12V power source, but we found that it still delivers an effective massage. We could see toting this back massager to the office or using it on a long road trip to provide lower back relief. This massager easily fits into the seat of a variety of office chairs. The compact dimensions mean it won’t be uncomfortable, and the minimal operating noise means it's discreet enough for office environments. It should be noted that this isn’t a cordless model, but Zyllion does make a similar back massager if this feature is important to you.

The design is simple: it has a black PU leather case with a mesh inset across the dual shiatsu-style massage heads. We do like that the massager includes a stretchy sleeve to dampen the intensity, though we preferred to use it without the sleeve. As for features, there is a single button on this back massager and no options to adjust the speed, intensity, or direction of the massage heads. It also took a few rounds of use to realize that the heat setting is optional (you have to press the power button twice to turn off the heater).While there are no intensity levels, the heating option is a nice touch and the small design allows you to target different points on your body.

The effectiveness of this portable back massager is likely to be subjective since there is little room to adjust the massage experience. In testing, we found it required a session or two to get used to the massager’s firm touch. However, it provides consistent, targeted relief to the area of use—along with enough heat to relax muscles and provide a soothing sensation. While the massager’s small size is part of its portability, it is limited in features, and we feel it could offer more value with the addition of speed, intensity, or directional controls.

_{Size: 13 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Heated: Yes | Cordless: No}

You’ll find that the best handheld massagers are lightweight and cordless, giving you more freedom of motion while using the massager. This Mighty Bliss massager, which we loved during testing, weighs only 1.25 pounds and uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to provide more than 120 minutes of massaging action.

The slim massage tool pairs with six different attachments to target various areas of the body, including flexible and firm options to adjust the pressure. This percussion-style massager uses rapid movements over and over again combined with vibration for a powerful message. It’s powered by an internal motor that can produce vibrations up to 3,700 RPM, and we found it easy to adjust the speed (and intensity) using the tool's small dial. This option is best for those who don't want a heat function, but value adjusting the intensity. You can turn the dial up or down to suit your preference or the area of the body you are working on. The attachments are also incredibly useful for targeting various trouble spots.

In terms of durability, the Mighty Bliss didn’t give us any cause for concern during our multiple testing sessions. It wowed us with its impressive battery life, but we wish there was a battery life monitor or low battery indicator. For portability, we liked that you could easily pack this cordless handheld massager in its included storage bag, so we think it would be very easy to store or take along on a trip. There’s nothing overly sleek or eye-catching about the design, but it feels well-made and has a comfortable grip.

_{Size: 17.6 x 7.52 x 3.27 inches | Weight: 1.25 pounds | Heated: No | Cordless: Yes}

If you want to treat your neck and back with a soothing session, choose a back massager that is equipped to do both. This option from Resteck uses a shiatsu-style massage to work tight neck muscles or gently loosen your back, depending on where you place the central massage pillow. We found it rests comfortably across the shoulders, delivering pressure and heat to the neck. However, it was easy to position it lower on the back to give specific attention to the shoulder blades or lower lumbar region.

When not in use, the massager folds up and can be stowed in the included carry bag, which impressed us. This, combined with the fact that the Resteck massager comes with a wall and car charger, earned it a perfect score for portability.In testing this neck and back massager, we found the multiple speed settings easily accessible and helpful for adjusting the intensity of the massager, which we love for customization.

It also features bi-directional massage nodes, which give it a shiatsu-style action. We wished the heat setting was more intense, noting that it was barely noticeable through a T-shirt, so it's best for someone prioritizing an intense and adjustable massage, rather than a strong heat setting.

_{Size: 15.94 x 9.45 x 7.09 inches | Weight: 4.59 pounds | Heated: Yes | Cordless: No}

A percussion-style back massager is a must-have for peak performance and recovering muscles and we love that the Theragun Elite pairs powerful deep muscle treatment with an ergonomic design and smart features that elevate the overall experience of using this massager. While it’s a spendy option for a back massager, it offers top-level performance. We were impressed with the "premium" feel of the massager, gushing about the high-quality material and crisp OLED display screen.

The proprietary brushless motor inside of the Theragun operates at speeds between 1750 and 2400 percussions per minute. It also reaches up to 60 percent deeper than light-duty percussion back massagers, delivering more force to muscle fibers.

Five attachment heads and a connected app make it easy to customize the routine to meet your needs for each massage session. A zippered case houses the massage gun and attachments in well-organized compartments and protects it during storage and travel. One thing to note is that this massager, as with most massage guns, is very loud, so you can't use it in an office or public setting.

We used the Theragun Elite for both post-workout recovery and general tension-relief purposes. It should be noted that a percussion-style back massager delivers a more intense action than other styles of back massagers. The device is easy to hold and operate, and the five attachment heads of varying shapes and sizes were useful for focusing on areas of need in the shoulders, neck, and back. We rated it a near-perfect score for effectiveness since it delivers on its promise of deep muscle treatment. Just keep in mind that it’s not as well suited for a gentle, relaxing massage session, so it's best suited for athletes and those looking for an intense massage.

_{Size: 9.5x 6.7 x 2.9 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Heated: No | Cordless: Yes}

If you’re looking to target your lower back with heat and soothing vibrations, then a back massage belt is your best bet. We tested the Comfier Heated Massage Belt and found the variable vibration patterns and steady heat to be a great way to relax after a long workday or strenuous workout. This lower back massager features two massage modes and two intensity levels to choose from and runs for a 30-minute cycle.

The heat setting is optional, but we found it elevated the massage experience. It’s also worth noting that of the dozen back massagers we tested, this one was among the most powerful heated options and a great way to keep warm on a chilly morning or evening. This massage belt lacked additional massage programs, costing it some points in the features department.

This back massager is intended to be secured around your waist using the Velcro closure and it includes an extension section if needed. It can also be positioned across other parts of the body, such as your shoulders, abdomen, legs, and more for a custom fit. The fabric cover has a surprisingly plush feel and it folds up when not in use, but doesn’t come with a storage bag.

_{Size: 16.5 x 3.9 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Heated: Yes | Cordless: No}

In our testing, the Body Back Buddy Classic impressed us with its effectiveness and durability. We found it especially useful for soothing and relaxing neck and shoulder muscles, while also working great on other tight spots—like sore, tired feet. This massager doesn’t make noise, require a power source. or rely on battery life, which offers flexibility in the location or duration of use, making this pick perfect for avid travelers or athletes constantly on the go. Instead, you supply the pressure and force to break up knots or soothe aching muscles. The benefit is more control over the massage experience, along with the freedom to use the massager anywhere.

This handheld massage tool features a double hook design, giving you more leverage when applying pressure to sore spots. Much to our surprise, the Body Back Buddy Classic is equipped to supply target relief to specific areas of the body. It features three round knobs for covering large muscles, three-pointed knobs for deep tissue action, and a pair of nubs for use on the back. The ability to apply pressure to specific "trigger points"(areas of tight muscle tissue) was surprisingly effective and convenient. It’s not feature-rich, but we expected that from a manual back massager.

However, the various sizes and shapes of the knobs on the tool add to its versatility and its ability to target your whole body, not just your feet. While it’s somewhat oddly shaped for placing it on a shelf or taking it to go, it could slide under a bed or stand upright in the closet.

_{Size: 25 x 16 x 1 inches | Weight: 1.255 pounds | Heated: No | Cordless: Not applicable}

Final Verdict

For a relaxing back massage that also targets tight neck and shoulder muscles, we recommend the Snailax Shiatsu Massage Cushion. It fits in a variety of chairs and offers a relaxing massage that you can target to a specific spot to fit your needs. For a more affordable option, the HoMedics Percussion Action Massager with Heat delivers targeted relief for your back, shoulders, or other muscles. The cord and slightly top-heavy design mean you'll need to do a little more work to reach certain areas of the body, but we appreciate that it comes with interchangeable massage heads and does offer settings for intensity and heat.

FAQ

• How long should you use a back massager?

  "To avoid overstimulation of tissues that may be injured, I would limit usage to perhaps every two to four hours for no longer than 15 to 20 minutes," advises Dr. Hayden. He explains that this duration gives a pretty good workout to the muscle with minimal risk of injury. If your back pain persists or worsens, talk to your chiropractor or primary care provider.

• How often can you use a back massager?

  Generally speaking, you can use a back massager about three to four times a week. Every back massager is different, so follow the instructions that came with yours. While back massagers may provide quick relief and increase circulation, keep in mind that the overuse of a vibrating massager is possible. "Use with caution if you have osteoporosis, cancer, or any other condition that may weaken the bone," says Dr. Hayden.