We know that shopping for electric massage chairs can be a daunting experience. This is on top of how much pain and aching your body is feeling.
There are hundreds of brands and models, with each claiming that their product is the best one to buy.
Are there any quality cheap massage chairs available?
Our team of expert massage therapists have poured through the data and conducted extensive tests of the leading brands, successfully boiling them up to the top 5.
The best budget massage chair is the Ergotec ET-300 Jupiter Massage Chair.
What Are The Cheapest Massage Chairs?
| Cheapest Massage Chairs | Best Feature | Color Options |
| Ergotec ET-300 Jupiter Massage Chair | Best Overall | Brown |
| Ji Zero Wall Heated L Track Massage Chair | Best Heated | Brown, Black |
| Osaki Massage Chair OS 4000 | Best Inexpensive Model | Brown |
| Ideal Shiatsu Massage Chair | Best Under $2000 | Black, Beige, Brown, Red |
| Real Relax Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair | Best Zero Gravity | Black, Blue |
#5. Real Relax Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair
Check Current Price | Best Zero Gravity Massage Chair
Pros
- High-end look
- Comfy zero-gravity position
- Tough design that is durable
- Comfortable padding
Cons
- Requires assembly
- Not good for taller people
- Heavy
Our Experience With Real Relax Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair
The bottom line is that we want a relaxing massage without having to dish out a significant amount of money. The Real Relax Shiatsu Full Body Massage Chair provides an affordable and ergonomic solution to this problem.
This chair has all of the standard features including heating, zero gravity, and an airbag system. It is a great option if you have no more than $1000 to spend.
In summary, if you want one of the cheapest massage chairs that will massage you and give you the standard features, this is a good option.
It has some useful massages and it can be good for bigger living rooms.
Massage Techniques:
- Knocking
- Kneading
- Shiatsu
- Rolling
Features:
- 6 Auto Programs
- Dual Core S-Track Technology
- LCD Remote Controller
- Smart Voice Control Technology
- Zero Gravity Massage
Dimensions:
- 34” x 30” x 63” (L” x W” x H”)
Color Options:
- Black
- Blue
#4. Ideal Shiatsu Massage Chair
Check Current Price | Best Massage Chair Under $2000
Pros
- Can control massage time, speed, and intensity
- Stand out design
- Comfy footrest
Cons
- Quite bulky
- Doesn’t seem comfy enough for long use
Our Experience With Ideal Shiatsu Massage Chair
The Ideal Massage Shiatsu Chair is perfect for those who don’t want to spend $4,000 or more on a massager chair. Yet, this chair has all of the main features you would expect from a luxury massage chair.
It does not have all of the bells and whistles, particularly when you compare this chair to Kahuna or Osaki.
Overall, if you want a chair that will give you a massage while you’re trying to save money, this is likely a decent option. However, it won’t give you high quality massages that will really relax you.
Massage Techniques:
- Kneading
- Tapping
- Shiatsu
- Knocking
- Rolling
Features:
- 3D Massage Technology
- 10 Auto Programs
- Zero Gravity Massage
- L-Track Technology
- Air Acupressure Massage
- Rolling Foot Massage
Dimensions:
- 55” x 33” x 49” (L” x W” x H”)
Color Options:
- Black
#3. Osaki Massage Chair OS 4000
Check Current Price | Best Inexpensive Model
Pros
- Great at relieving aches and pains
- Vibrating seat to target thigh area
- Compact size
- Extendable footrest to stretch your legs
Cons
- Difficult to move
- Arrives in two pieces and can be hard to put together
Our Experience With Osaki Massage Chair OS 4000
After putting the Osaki OS-4000 to our road test, we couldn’t believe how many features it had compared to its price.
Well under $3,000, this is one of the most affordable massage chairs on the market. At the same time, it has the same features that high end models have.
We think the OS-4000 is an awesome option for people who want a good quality massage without going overboard. All of the high end massage chairs are priced higher because they have a lot of extra features, on top of standard features that give a good massage.
Massage Techniques:
- Swedish
- Shiatsu
- Kneading
- Rolling
- Tapping
Features:
- S-Track Technology
- Full Body Scan Technology
- 13 Airbags
- Heat Therapy
- Zero Gravity Massage
Dimensions:
- 52” x 31” x 34” (L” x W” x H”)
Color Options:
- Brown
#2. Ji Zero Wall Heated L Track Massage Chair
Check Current Price | Best Heated Massage Chair
Pros
- No installation or assembly needed
- The heating pad is really helpful
- Adjustable massages
- Zero gravity position is amazing
Cons
- Might not fit tall people
Our Experience With Ji Zero Wall Heated L Track Massage Chair
For a relaxing full body massage experience, go try the wall heated massage chair from Ji Zero.
While you’re reclined back in zero gravity, the foot rollers will massage your feet. Also, the warming heat plus compression will melt your day’s tension away.
The Ji chair was delivered to us fully assembled, letting us get a massage experience without any hassle.
Overall, if you want a convenient massage chair in your home, this is a decent chair.
Massage Techniques:
- Kneading
- Tapping
- Rolling
- Shiatsu
Features:
- 6 Auto Programs
- Zero Gravity
- Heat Therapy
- SL Track Technology
- 22 Airbags
Dimensions:
- 57” x 31.5” x 46” (L” x W” x H”)
Color Options:
- Brown
- Black
#1. Ergotec ET-300 Jupiter Massage Chair
Check Current Price | Best Overall Affordable Massage Chair
Pros
- Full body massage including legs and feet
- Gentle enough for long massages
- Best value for money
- Great warranty
Cons
- Might not fit in small rooms
Our Experience With Ergotec ET-300 Jupiter Massage Chair
The Ergotec ET-300 Jupiter is a feature package massage chair that gives you so much value for the cost.
This chair has it all, from aesthetics, comfort, and durability. It is an investment that provides you with a relaxing experience without stretching your wallet.
If you have the space for this massage chair, then it is definitely worth getting. We have it, and we love it!
This is a much better option than any other chair on our list. Most importantly, it gives amazing massages which are perfect for relaxing after a long day working.
Massage Techniques:
- Kneading
- Tapping
- Knocking
- Compression
Features:
- 10 Auto Programs
- 3D Massage Technology
- L-Track
- Body Scanning Technology
- Lumbar Heat Therapy
- Foot & Calf Massage
- Compact Design
Dimensions:
- 64.6” x 30.7” x 50.4” (L” x W” x H”)
Color Options:
- Brown
What To Look For When Choosing Massage Chairs
Massage Functions
There is a huge difference between what features you get with a low end massage chair compared to a high end massage chair.
Low end massage chairs give you basic vibrations and a rolling massage. On the other hand, high end chairs can do so much to give you comfort.
Here are some good features to look for:
- Pre-Programmed Function Menu
- Roller Intensity: 2D, 3D, and 4D
- Kneading
- Rolling
- Vibrations
- Shiatsu
- Heated Massage Therapy
- Sound Therapy
- Zero Gravity & Inversion Therapy
- Compact Design
Target Areas
The reason why luxury massage chairs are so good is because they target areas besides your back.
A full body massage can relieve your feet, legs, arms, and hands. This is possible due to massage heads, rollers, and airbags spread across the chair.
Finally, some of the best massage chairs can target hard to reach areas with hand massage rollers. This gives a similar experience to seeing a masseuse.
Related Reading: What To Look For When Buying A Massage Chair
Massage Rollers and Tracks
If you have decided to take the plunge and invest in a massage chair as a solution to your body aches and pains, then make sure you consider what rollers and tracks are included.
Here are the main types of tracks you will find in massage chairs:
- S-Track Technology
- L-Track Technology
- J-Track Technology
Also, there are massage chairs out there that can be adjusted for your height and the width of the rollers.
Massage Programs
Overall, the more programs or unique customizations that come with a massage chair, the less boring your massages will be. More options make sure no two massages are the same.
Typically, you can expect massage chairs to have between 3 to 30 auto program options. These options target different areas and have different massage techniques.
This is perfect for you when you finish a long day of working and don’t want to think about which massage you want.
Price
The cost of a massage chair depends on many different things like the number of customizations, upholstery, technology, and other features.
A decent massage chair can be anywhere between $1,000 to $12,000. But, most chairs will be between $3,000 and $7,000.
But, you should know that if you find any chair below $1,000, it’s probably not worth dishing out money for.
Bottom line here is that you’re saving money in the long run by getting a massage chair rather than seeing a masseuse all of the time. Also, massage chairs are extremely convenient since you never have to leave your house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, chair massagers work! And there’s a good reason why they do.
When you’re sitting in a chair, your muscles are in a constant state of contraction. This is because when you sit, your body weight is resting on the muscle and it’s in a shortened position.
Over time, this can lead to tension headaches, neck pain, and other problems.
A chair massager can help to relieve this tension by stimulating the muscle and helping to get the blood flowing. It also feels good!
So if you’re looking for a way to relax after a long day or to help relieve muscle tension, a chair massager is definitely worth considering.
On average, a massage chair is about 18 to 20 inches wide. This is generally enough width to fit most people comfortably.
Of course, there are always going to be outliers. For example, some chairs may be wider or narrower to accommodate different body types.
Chair width is just one of many factors you should consider when choosing a massage chair. Other important factors include features, price, and brand.
The average chair lasts about 5 years.
However, it is important to note that this number can vary greatly depending on the type of massage chair, the brand, how often it is used, and the quality of care it receives.
One way to help your massage chair last longer is to make sure you keep it covered when not in use. This will help protect it from dust and other debris that can harm its parts. You should also check the fluid levels in the chair on a regular basis and refill them as needed. And finally, be sure to have any necessary repairs done as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Product Roundups:
Brand Comparisons:
Product Reviews:
- Kyota Yutaka Massage Chair Review
- Kyota E330 Kofuku Massage Chair Review
- Kyota Kenko M673 Massage Chair Review
- Titan Elite 3D Massage Chair Review
- Human Touch Supernovo Massage Chair Review
- Ergotec ET-150 Neptune Massage Chair Review
Learn More: Is A Massage Good For Sciatic Pain?
How BowTiedLife Rates Massage Chairs And Devices
On our site, we test and hands-on review many different massage products and devices.
However, it is difficult to rank these products without clear rules.
Below are the three main areas we look at when we review massage related products.
- Effectiveness – Is the product or device good at its job?
- Durability – Is using the product often sustainable?
- Customizability – Is the product suitable for your specific needs? Can you tailor the device to your body’s demands?
Why You Should Trust Us
For this guide we have reviewed countless massage chairs in the market. Our team of expert massage therapists have investigated options from heat therapy to zero-gravity massage chairs.
We have also reviewed numerous clinical studies from Harvard and the American Massage Therapy Association for validation and proof of results.
BowTiedLife’s Director of Wellness has many years of experience testing massage chairs and massage techniques.
We want our readers to understand concepts and products, where we don’t leave any stone unturned in ensuring that they do. In a quickly changing world, staying current with the latest advancements in tech is a must.
We’re constantly on the lookout for new and innovative health and wellness related devices. Using our existing knowledge, creative search techniques and tools, we search the market to find amazing products – then break them down for our readers.
Yoshi
Fact Checked by our Director of Wellness – Hi! My name is Yoshi! We understand that investing in massage devices is a big deal. So my team and I devote our time to thoroughly researching every single topic and product we write about. We hope you find our reviews helpful and informative.
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