The 7 Best Back Massagers – [2022 Reviews & Guide]

Relieve your back pain, we break down this year's top back massagers

Oh, the aches and pains of daily life! Have you ever wished you could enjoy a good back massage in the comfort of your own home or car?

Well, believe it or not, you can. And, you won’t have to pay anyone an outrageous fee to provide it for you.

Massagers come in many shapes and forms. Each has its own specialty and range from seat cushions, mats to pillows and handheld wand massagers.

Home massage has become a popular treatment for women on the go who find it difficult to make time for an appointment. It’s also a great option for those who are not comfortable with having strangers’ hands on them.

Best Back Massagers

Snailax Full Body Massage CushionZyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager with HeatViktor Jurgen Handheld Back Massager
editorschoice
Style:Mat MassagerPillow MassagerHandheld Back Massager
Heat:YesYesNo
Shiatsu:NoYesNo
Power:ElectricRechargeableElectric

For more of my massage gear recommendations, see these guide links: Acupressure Mats, Neck Massagers, Calf Massagers.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Back Massagers For 2022

  1. Snailax Massage Mat with 10 Vibrating Motors
  2. Zyllion ZMA13BK Shiatsu Pillow Massager
  3. VIKTOR JURGEN Handheld Back Massager
  4. Mynt Shiatsu Seat Massager with Heat
  5. Snailax Cordless Shiatsu Back Massager
  6. Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massage Chair
  7. Back Buddy Self Massage Tool 

We’ve reviewed the top rated back massagers, followed by a comparison table and buying guide to help you decide on the right one for you. We believe these are the top back massagers on Amazon.

Back Massager Reviews

#1 Snailax Full Body Massage Cushion

Snailax Full Body Massager Cushion at a Glance:

  • Massage: Vibration massage only, 5 levels, 3 intensities
  • Soothing heat with 4 heat zones
  • Easy to use hand-held controller
  • Electric with AC adapter
  • Rating 4.3 / 5.0

This Cushion massager has five different massage modes, four selective massage zones and three intensities available to sooth your tired body.

Feel aches and pains go by the wayside with 10 invigoration motors massaging away the fatigue of a long day.

The cushion massager is easily used on a floor, a bed, a chair, a couch, just about anywhere. It can be folded for easy storage or transport.

Made of 100% soft polyester, it is plush and ultra-comfortable to use. You can relax knowing that this excellent massager has an auto shut off after 30 minutes.

The optional heating pads target four areas in the upper and lower back, thighs and calves. The only downside is there is a no kneading option in the Snailax massager

Overall we think the Snailax is the best massage cushion available!


#2 Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager with Heat

Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager at a Glance:

  • Multi-directional powerful 3-dimension deep-kneading Shiatsu massage nodes
  • Advanced heat module – easy on off
  • Built in controls
  • Rechargeable and portable
  • Rated 4.4 / 5.0

The pillow massager is a good choice for the person on the go with its convenient car adaptor! Powerful 3-Dimension Deep-Kneading Shiatsu Massage Nodes relax overused and tight muscles.

These nodes change directions automatically every 60 seconds. This compact massager can be used for any part of the body with good success.

It has a 20-minute automatic shut off to ensure safety, and prevent overuse.

There are convenient straps to secure this moldable pillow massager to a chair, seat or another object as needed. This is the perfect portable massage pillow for those on the go.

It’s Hard to go wrong with this convenient pillow massager. The one-year warranty speaks to the quality and you can return this item for any reason. They even pay the return shipping.

When you purchase the ZMA-13 Shiatsu massager, you’re getting the best shiatsu massager for your back, neck and shoulders.


#3 Viktor Jurgen Handheld Back Massager

Viktor Jurgen Handheld Back Massager at a Glance:

  • Interchangeable heads, adjustable settings, deep tissue massage
  • Heat free professional strength massager
  • Built in control switches for a variety of modes
  • Extra-long 71” AC cord
  • Rated 4.3 / 5.0

This unique handheld massager has removable heads allowing for several massage options. You can focus efforts on all body areas from the neck to back, legs and feet.

The powerful motor (up to 3,350 pulses per minute) can be managed and customized with several settings. It’s easy to hold and has an extra-long cord for convenience.

This personal masseuse can give you deep tissue massage for all over relief! Let it help ease your muscle tension and pain.

It can help enhance circulation thus increasing healing oxygenation to your sore/fatigued muscles. With its strong rubber grip, it offers a non-slip, firm user hold.

The Double-head massager design imitates real masseur’s hands providing a therapeutic massage experience. The Viktor Jurgen is great for the frequent traveler and the best handheld back massager!


#4 Mynt Shiatsu Seat Massager with Heat

Mynt Shiatsu Seat Massager with Heat at a Glance:

  • Dual Therapy, 8 node, kneading and Shiatsu. Fully customizable functions
  • Gentle optional heat to massage heads
  • Easy operation hand-held control
  • AC power cord and car adapter included
  • Rating 4.6 / 5.0

Another great choice, this portable seat massager offers the popular shiatsu therapy option along with a kneading massage. You even get the flexibility to use both massage styles simultaneously.

It is easy to set the massage area, rotation and heat with the press of a button! Even better, you can target a specific pain point with the ability to select a specific pinpoint treatment area.

Enjoy the warming sensation of the optionally heated rollers as you massage your pain and worries away!

This massager is built to last and to be easily transportable for use when and where you need it. A seat cover style made of dual material designed for durability, comfort and being gentle to the skin.

A car adaptor is included, and this massager can be used just about anywhere! Enjoy the warming sensation of heat as you massage pain and worries away! This massager is built to last and leave your sore muscles feeling refreshed.

The Mynt is the best shiatsu back massager on our list with its combination of shiatsu massaging and heat therapy.


#5 Snailax Cordless Shiatsu Back Massager

Snailax Cordless Shiatsu Back Massager at a Glance:

  • Multi-functional Shiatsu roller with 4 traveling massage nodes, deep kneading with pinpoint capabilities.
  • Optional gentle, soothing heat
  • Handheld remote for easy control
  • Wireless, rechargeable battery operation, with charging cord.
  • Rating 4.8 / 5.0

This cordless massager is perfect for someone on the go! The rechargeable battery fully recharges in 2.5 hours. It can last for 70 minutes or more.

Take it with you to soothe fatigued muscles, aches and pains anywhere you are. The roller nodes are flexible to better fit the body curves. And, the all-around ergonomic design provides maximum back comfort and support.

The customized functions allow you to concentrate the kneading action on one area for pin-point therapeutic focus, or enjoy a full cushion massage.

The optional heating function can relax muscle knots and improve blood circulation. A mere 15 minutes a day can change your world.

And remember, any day is a good day to gift that special person in your life with this wonderful relaxation tool. If your looking for the best portable back massager that’s perfect for your car, the Snailax cordless is for you.


#6 Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massage Chair

Naipo Shiatsu Back Massage Chair at a Glance:

  • Multifunctional Massage: kneading, rolling, Shiatsu, vibration
  • Soothing heat with customized selections
  • Handheld control for custom massage selections
  • Electric, comes with AC and car adapters
  • Rating 4.2 / 5.0

Your whole body will benefit from this amazing product with four 3D nodes designed to cover the whole back area. You can have a more targeted massage by focusing the eight rolling nodes to specific body areas.

This product, which is our Editor’s Choice for good reason, provides the highly popular Shiatsu deep kneading massager neck cushion with two setting choices.

This versatile electric massager provides optional heat settings to provide soothing warmth to loosen stiff tendons and relax tired muscles.

The rotational kneading massage rollers give a sensation of talented human hands to deliver a great massage to relieve aches and fatigue.

Enjoy a full body massage or focus your massage on one of the three specialized massage zones. The eight deep-kneading Shiatsu components can be adjusted up or down. Body massages with the Naipo Back and Neck Massager can be used by people between 63”and 70.9” tall. (1.6m-1.8m.)

You can enjoy a relaxing massage whether sitting or lying down. Experience the benefits of this massager on you neck, shoulders and back.

The hand-held control unit lets you apply your desired massage effect easily. Includes an AC and car adapter is our Editors Choice for the best electric back massager.


#7 Back Buddy Self Massage Tool

Back Buddy Self Massage Tool at a Glance:

  • Landmark Design – 11 accurately placed therapy knobs, easy grip flattened sides
  • Heat free manual design
  • Manually manipulated, self-controlled
  • Stationary, non-electric manual usage
  • Rating 4.7 / 5.0

Each Body Back Buddy is made in numbered batch lots from high quality, high density polyethylene; which is a BPA, PBDE, TBBPA free material and subject to US Health and Safety Standards.

This handheld massager is at least 3x stronger and easier to grip than similar cylinder-based designs. The round canes slip and swivel in your hands complicating use, but not this one!

With its flattened sides and weighing only 1.25 pounds, it can accommodate anyone’s needs.

The perfected design of the Body Back Buddy offers 11 accurately placed therapy knobs that allow you access to every pressure point in your entire body.

You can use it to relieve spasms, muscle knots and trigger points. The included instruction manual will help guide your self-treatment.

No one tool is a better solution for trigger point therapy, myofascial release (MFR) and deep tissue massage therapy if you are without a power source and on your own to seek relief.

Body Buddy is made in the USA from components to finished product. It’s hypoallergenic, and be used in the shower. With the lifetime guarantee, if you are not satisfied, they will make it right. Medical professionals have recommended the Body Buddy for years.

Try it for yourself. This is the best lower back massager for those who may not always have a power source at hand, yet need effective neck and back pain relief. Perfect for use in the shower.


Back Massager Comparison Table

Back MassagerStyleHeatShiatsuPowerRating
Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massage ChairChair Seat CushionYesYesElectric and car adapter5.0 / 5.0
Snailax Full Body Massage CushionFull Body Massager CushionYesNoElectric4.3 / 5.0
Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager with HeatPillow MassagerYesYesRechargeable4.4 / 5.0
Viktor Jurgen Handheld Back MassagerHandheld Back MassagerNoNoElectric4.3 / 5.0
Mynt Shiatsu Seat Massager with HeatChair Seat CushionYesYesElectric and car adapter4.6 / 5.0
Snailax Cordless Shiatsu Back MassagerMassage Chair PadYesYesRechargeable battery4.8 / 5.0
Back Buddy Self Massage ToolSelf Massage ToolNoNoN/A4.7 / 5.0

How to Choose the Best Back Massager – Buyers Guide

best electric back massager

Portability

If you require a massage unit that you are able to transport easily, be sure the one you are interested in will offer you that option. You can use our handy comparison chart to determine which model might best suit your needs in this area.

Functions

The functions of various massagers are as individual as the people who utilize them. You can choose a model offering all the bells and whistles, all the way down to a completely manual model. This buying guide will assist you in choosing the right functions and features for you.

Cost

There are as many different price-points, as there are features. There is sure to be a model that offers you the best available features, at a price you can afford. Careful comparison and product education will work in your favor to be sure you get the best quality for the money.

Versatility

The ability to use a neck and back massager in your home, office, vehicle, or even while enjoying time in the great outdoors is an important consideration. We have compiled the information you need to choose the product that is best suited to your versatile and changing needs in a portable electric massage unit.

Return Policy

A quality product will be backed by an equally quality guarantee. This is one of the valuable offerings all of our top back massagers have in common. We did the research, so you can purchase with confidence.

best shiatsu back massager
Naipo Back and Neck Massager Shiatsu Massage Chair

FAQ’s About Neck and Back Massagers

Q: Are back massagers good for you?

A: There are many benefits of using a back massager. Whenever you are using a back massager to help with a specific medical problem, be sure to consult your doctor before beginning massage therapy. If you have any underlying medical conditions, it’s also important to speak with your physician.

However, people that regularly use a back massager have reported improved blood circulation and lower stress levels as well as reduced pain levels and improved flexibility. As your muscles release their tension and knots melt away, you might see those same benefits.

Q: Can you use a back massager too much?

A: It is possible to use a massager too much. Most people who report negative effects from back massagers used it too often or for sessions that were too long when first starting out. When you get your new massager, be sure to start slow, with short sessions just a few times a week.

Gradually, you may be able to increase the frequency of your back massage sessions. And then you can increase the amount of time you spend using it each time. If you ever feel any discomfort or pain, or any other negative side effects, you should stop using the massager and consult your medical provider before continuing.

Q: Is it safe to use an electric neck and back massager in the shower?

A: No, it isn’t. If you would like an option for use in water, you need to go with a design that has no electronic parts. Not only will water likely destroy the electric unit and void the warranty, but could result in personal injury.

Q: What is the best choice for me if I want an electric massager that I can use while relaxing?

A: The best choice for this preference would be either a mat massage or a chair massager with an easy to operate hand control unit.

Q: Are the Shiatsu style back massagers easy to take when one is on the go?

A: Most are designed to be transport friendly, or even usable during travel. Refer to our comparison chart to identify the one that best matches your requirements.

Q: Is it safe to use the heating feature on the electric neck and back massagers?

A: Typically, yes, it is. Most all of these units have a convenient timer to prevent overuse of the heat therapy. They are also designed to only reach a safe and gentle temperature during use.

Helpful Tips For Back Massagers

#1 Never use electric neck and back massages in or near water, as it can cause personal injury and result in damage to the product.

#2 If you want the freedom of an all-over treatment by your electric massage machine, yet need specific areas targeted at times, look for one that offers pinpoint capabilities. See our comparison chart to help you select one that fits all of your personal massage needs.

#3 If you travel often and plan to take along your new Shiatsu style electric massager, you may want to invest in the most space saving model possible.

#4 If you enjoy camping or other activities where there isn’t always access to electrical service, you would benefit by purchasing a rechargeable battery operated back massager.

#5 For the most relaxing massage session, it is suggested you choose an electric neck and back massager that comes with a hand-held control unit for ease of operation.

Relax and unwind as the stress of your day melts away!

We truly hope you will enjoy your new massager. Whether your preferences are simple, or all out luxury, there is something for everyone on our list of the 7 Best electric massagers. We even included a non-electric option for those who prefer to work out those tight muscles in a hot, steamy shower.

Relax, as your new electric massager kneads away at those stiff muscles. Meanwhile the soothing heat will gently melt away your aches and pains into oblivion. Your body will thank you for it!

How We Researched

To come up with the top back massagers, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Walmart, Target and Overstock.com along with our own personal experience.

The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.

By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.

With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.

The staff authors have a wide and varied background as trainers, health coaches and fitness experts. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.

Sources


Notice:

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