Are massagers safe for anyone?

Massagers are safe and effective for most people as long as they're used with care—most risks come with improper use. It's generally advised to avoid direct contact with the spine or any injured or visibly inflamed areas of the body. Experts also advise against using a massager on the throat or sides of the neck, which in rare cases, has led to stroke. If you're pregnant, it's best to first discuss with your healthcare provider whether it's safe to use a massager. A massager is not recommended for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies or certain pre-existing conditions.

How do I know when to replace my massager?

If your massager is consistently causing you pain or discomfort, you might want to try a different model. For example, if a percussive therapy massager is feeling too intense, a vibration therapy or manual massager could be a better fit. The lifespan of these devices varies. If you're running into problems with your massager, contact the manufacturer to troubleshoot any issues before immediately replacing it.

The 11 Best Massagers of 2023

Unwinding and recovering after a long day of work, exercise, and general life obligations can do wonders for your mental health. If meditation or yoga isn't your preferred method of relaxation, massage therapy is another way to unwind. There are internal and external health benefits that come from massage therapy—from relieving muscle tension to reducing stress and improving quality of life.

Reviewed & Approved

With rotating massage nodes and a heat function for enhanced relief, the Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager works out the tension just about anywhere on your body. We also like the DEER JUMP Massage Ball Kit for an affordable option that travels easily.

Luckily, you don't need an in-house masseuse (or a spa appointment) to reap these advantages. Instead, add an at-home massager like a gun or a mat to your self-care routine for some instant relief. Ask yourself if a manual or electric massager is preferable, and with electric options what kind of battery life to expect. Noise is also a factor to consider, depending on where you plan to use your massager.

Based on our research, here are the best massagers on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager at Amazon

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Best Budget:

DEER JUMP Massage Ball Kit at Amazon

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Best for Feet:

Renpho Foot Massager at Amazon

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Best Massage Gun:

Theragun PRO at Amazon

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Best Budget Massage Gun :

VYBE Premium Muscle Massager Gun at Amazon

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Best for Neck and Shoulders:

Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager at Amazon

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Best Massage Chair:

Real Relax Zero Gravity Massage Chair at Amazon

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Best Massage Mat:

Snailax Vibration Massage Mat with Heat at Amazon

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Best for Scalp:

Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager at Amazon

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Best Portable:

RENPHO Rechargeable Handheld Massager at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For in a Massager
Why Trust Verywell Mind

4.8

Amazon

If you’re prone to back or neck stiffness, Zyllion’s Shiatsu Massager uses reverse-rotating nodes to get through all the kinks. The nodes change direction every minute to target every area. While it's ideal for the back and neck, the massager can also be used on your arms, feet, and legs. For added relief, turn on the heat function for better circulation.

Designed for long car drives, the massager includes straps to attach to a car seat and an adapter. Customers tell us it makes very little noise, so consider it safe for work. One caveat is that it needs to be plugged in, so while it’s portable, a wall plug needs to be within reach.

Price at time of publication: $85

What Our Editors Say

"This heated back massager feels like heaven when your muscles are sore after an intense workout, or just from sitting at your desk for too long. I love the multiple massage modes and the ability to choose to add heat or not. The cushion doesn’t feel uncomfortable to sit against and delivers a deep-tissue massage, rather than just scratching the surface like so many other massagers. I initially bought this for my mom for her birthday and she liked it so much that I decided to get one for myself as well!" — Isabella Broggini, Commerce Editor, Verywell Fit and Mind

Amazon

If you don’t mind a manual massage that involves some effort on your part, DEER JUMP's Massage Ball Kit is a cost-effective choice. The portable six-in-one set easily fits inside the included carrying case, making it perfect for on-the-go use.

If you’re sore from a particularly strenuous workout, simply use your body weight to soothe muscle knots or soreness. The massage balls can be used from head to toe, so you can target your neck, shoulder, chest, arms, or back. When they’re in need of cleaning, they just have to be rinsed with water.

Price at time of publication: $24

4.9

Amazon

Warm up your whole body with a heated foot massager. While some only soothe the soles of your feet, Renpho’s Shiatsu Foot Massager covers both feet entirely, targeting your heel, arch, midfoot, and forefoot. You can choose from a 15- or 30-minute session and three intensity levels. You can also turn off the heating function.

If you plan on sharing the massager within the family, the piece features removable liners that can be cleaned after each use. Featuring a compact design, it can easily fit under most desks or in front of the couch. It’s accommodating of most foot sizes, up to a men’s size 12.

Price at time of publication: $160

4.4

Theragun

The Theragun Pro is a pioneer in the massage gun trend. If you prioritize versatility, you’ll appreciate the six various attachments and the five built-in speeds for tackling multiple muscle needs.

It comes with two batteries (which reach a total of 300 minutes of battery life) and it weighs close to 3 pounds so you can take it with you on all of your stops throughout the day. It also boasts an amplitude that reaches 60 percent deeper into muscle compared to others on the market—allowing a quick bounce back from sore rest days.

Price at time of publication: $599

Courtesy of Amazon

Thanks to the hi-tech features and automatic design, massage guns can cost a pretty penny. If you're a beginner to the tool or not yet sold on if it's right for you, start off with this budget option. VYBE's Premium Muscle Massager Gun conveniently features up to four hours of battery life, so you can use it in increments throughout the day.

As your workouts vary, so will your recovery needs, so the gun features four attachments and five speeds to target various muscles and degrees of soreness. It's also one of VYBE's quietest models, working at 50-60 decibels, so you can give your muscles the care they need without disturbing fellow gym-goers.

Price at time of publication: $81

Naipo Care

While it may look like a scarf at first glance, it does much more than keeping your shoulders warm. Complete with three levels of intensity, Naipo’s Shiatsu Massager features both heat and Shiatsu kneading functions.

Primarily originating from Japan, the Shiatsu technique focuses on pressure points, aiming to restore balance in the body. While it’s ideal for shoulders, it can also be used on your back, neck, or thighs.

Price at time of publication: $60

4.8

Amazon

In addition to eight massage rollers, Real Relax’s Zero Gravity Massage Chair includes a built-in heater, zero-gravity setting, and Bluetooth connectivity. Customization is prioritized with this pick, which is complete with an adjustable reclining angle, six modes, and three levels of roller speed.

No region of the body is left out with this massager, which has 50 airbags placed in the shoulder, arm, seat, and leg areas of the chair. Measuring 29.9 x 49 x 53 inches when upright, the chair is available in three color combinations.

Price at time of publication: $1,100

Amazon

If you prefer a full-body massage, Snailax’s Vibration Massage Mat allows you to customize the experience by region of the body. Sectioned by leg and thigh, lower back, mid-back, and shoulder and upper back, the mat includes five massage zones, four heating pads, and three levels of intensity.

Complete with a remote, the mat can be propped up in a sitting position or laid down horizontally. It's also attached to a plush pillow so we won’t blame you if you fall asleep. But if you do, it automatically shuts off after 30 minutes for safety. It also easily folds up when it’s not in use, making it a great portable option for travel.

Price at time of publication: $90

Amazon

Upgrade your shower routine with Maxsoft’s Scalp Massager, which simultaneously massages the scalp and promotes blood flow—making it especially helpful if you’re in the midst of growing out your hair. Designed with a convenient handle, the waterproof brush is gentle on the scalp and safe to use on tangled wet hair.

Aside from the massage benefits, the massager exfoliates the scalp, helping you manage dandruff, and fully works in your shampoo so you can get that post-salon, deep clean feeling.

Price at time of publication: $10

What Our Editors Say

"I use this scalp massager every day in the shower after I condition my hair. Not only does it feel amazing on my scalp and instantly relaxes me, but it also increases blood flow to my scalp, which experts say helps with hair growth. I can’t attest to whether or not it has helped me with hair growth, but I can say that my hair looks healthier since I started using it! I love that the handle is easy to grip, even when your hands are slippery and soapy." — Isabella Broggini, Commerce Editor, Verywell Fit and Mind

Amazon

If you’re constantly on the go, a portable massager may be your best bet. Renpho’s Handheld Massager features five various head attachments, including round, one-point, three-intensive, three-point, and curved. Equipped with four percussion modes, you can customizable intensity based on your body’s needs.

Lasting 140 minutes on a full charge, it’s complete with an extra-long, ridged silicone handle to prevent any slipping. Even better? It’s cordless so there’s no need to mess with wires.

Price at time of publication: $50

Lunix Inc.

Whether you're constantly typing on a keyboard or using your phone, the Lunix LX3 can help provide relief to achy hands. This massager is complete with six intensities, two vibration modes, and one heat function, which reaches up to 120 degrees in minutes.

With six massage modes, the massager can localize on your wrist, fingers, and palm, or full hand. Though you can only massage one hand at a time, it's compact and portable, weighing only 2.3 pounds. As a perk, the massager also comes with a manual finger massager.

Price at time of publication: $160

Final Verdict

For anyone experiencing back or neck stiffness, Xyllion's Shiatsu Massager (view at Amazon) is an easy-to-use pick that will tackle kinks and stiffness with the press of a button. Using reverse-rotating nodes, the massager provides the same benefits as a spa deep tissue massage. It also includes a heat function for even more relief for sore muscles.

If you're willing to make an investment, the Theragun Pro (view at Amazon) checks all of the boxes. The splurge-worthy pick makes it easy for you to squeeze in massage sessions no matter where you are without disturbing those around you.

What to Look For in a Massager

Manual vs. Electric

While manual massagers tend to be more affordable, an electric choice may be better suited for you if you prefer exerting less effort and want high impact. Electric picks may or may not be cordless, so consider where you’re likely to use a massager most.

Battery

Many options will have an auto-shutoff feature after a certain amount of time for your safety, especially if there’s a heat function. If you expect to use a massager for a while in between charges, you may prioritize generous battery life.

Noise Control

Consider your daily environments when choosing a massager. Manual pieces have little to no noise, making them ideal for office or gym use. Battery-operated massagers with motors are likely more suitable for usage at home. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to target areas near your ears, like your shoulders, a quieter piece may be more ideal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are massagers safe for anyone?

Massagers are safe and effective for most people as long as they're used with care—most risks come with improper use. It's generally advised to avoid direct contact with the spine or any injured or visibly inflamed areas of the body. Experts also advise against using a massager on the throat or sides of the neck, which in rare cases, has led to stroke.
If you're pregnant, it's best to first discuss with your healthcare provider whether it's safe to use a massager. A massager is not recommended for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies or certain pre-existing conditions.
How do I know when to replace my massager?

If your massager is consistently causing you pain or discomfort, you might want to try a different model. For example, if a percussive therapy massager is feeling too intense, a vibration therapy or manual massager could be a better fit.
The lifespan of these devices varies. If you're running into problems with your massager, contact the manufacturer to troubleshoot any issues before immediately replacing it.

Why Trust Verywell Mind

Tori Zhou is a writer and Associate Health Commerce Editor at Verywell. She enjoys staying up-to-date on wellness trends and products, with a focus on holistic health. The Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager (view at Amazon) is a shower essential of hers.

Best Overall

Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager with Heat

What Our Editors Say

Best Budget

DEER JUMP Massage Ball Kit

Best for Feet

Renpho Foot Massager

Best Massage Gun

Theragun PRO 4th Generation

Best Budget Massage Gun

VYBE Premium Muscle Massager Gun

Best for Neck and Shoulders

Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager

Best Massage Chair

Real Relax Zero Gravity Massage Chair

Best Massage Mat

Snailax Vibration Massage Mat with Heat

Best for Scalp

Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager

What Our Editors Say

Best Portable

RENPHO Rechargeable Handheld Massager

Best for Hands

Lunix LX3 Electric Hand Massager