Massage Chair Test 2026

The selection of massage chairs is vast. But which one is really worth its money? Our ergonomics expert Carlos has compared the top massage chairs for you. Discover the best chairs for every price range in our overview and find the perfect companion for your daily well-being with confidence.

You can test NAIPO massage chairs at various locations in Germany.

You can generally test all models directly at our location in Hamburg.

At the locations of our cooperation partners, you can use selected models and also receive advice depending on the location.

It is also possible to book a consultation appointment directly on our website free of charge.

Get more info here.

Tips for using a massage chair

If you don't exercise much, we recommend starting slowly.

Massage chairs affect the body like a workout program.

So it can happen that a day after using a massage chair, you might feel a tension similar to muscle soreness.

Generally: don't overdo it - especially not at the beginning

How often can you use massage chairs?

Massage chairs should not be used carelessly.

For beginners, we definitely recommend shorter sessions first.

Practical: Most NAIPO massage chairs have an automatic timer integrated.

The optimal time for a session in the massage chair is 15-20 minutes.

15-20 minutes may not sound long, but the first uses on a professional massage chair should be approached like a new sport: slowly.

Many of our customers sometimes report muscle soreness that occurs after the first uses in a massage chair. But this is no cause for concern: All customers who reported this initial muscle soreness also reported that they felt their body was significantly more relaxed after the initial muscle soreness had subsided.

After that, you can steadily increase the frequency of use.

You achieve optimal effects if you use your massage chair 3-4 times a week.

Are you looking for a massage chair, but overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices?

Are you at your wit's end trying to navigate the mass of available features and functions to finally find the right chair?

In this article, we want to guide you step-by-step through the various buying criteria for a massage chair, so that your new home accessory is perfectly tailored to all your needs and also fits your budget.

We will fight our way through the thicket of information and want to concentrate on the essentials, so that you get a clear plan without unnecessary distractions. This will make the search for the right model child's play. Let's get straight to the point!

Massage chair – how long to use?

Most massage chairs offer preset lengths for massage sessions.

Start with the shortest ones and use the shortest program for a week.

Within this week, you should be able to better assess how you feel.

Increase the duration in small steps if you haven't exercised for a long time.

This way, the body can adapt optimally to the massages.

How to choose a good massage chair?

There are two key questions you need to ask yourself before you even start. These are:

1. How much do you need to spend?

2. Why do you want to buy a massage chair?

The answers to both of these questions form the basis for your decision-making. If you can answer the questions, the question "how to find the right massage chair" is much easier. However, answering both questions can be more complicated than you think.

Learn important terms now that you should know before buying a massage chair: Massage Chair Glossary Technical Terms

How much do you have to spend?

The question of the necessary budget is quite simple. You know your expenses, and you know how much money you have available. To broadly classify massage chairs, use the following information as a general guideline:

Affordable Chairs

These are inexpensive and also perform basic functions. In some cases, massage chairs in this category are based on outdated (though sometimes well-implemented) technologies. In other cases, they only use a reduced backrest or offer fewer functions. Many customers complain online about the often clunky designs.

With the A150 massage chair for an average of €550, Naipo has developed a modern massage chair that combines a relaxing massage with a discreet design that fits even in the smallest space.

Thus, the A150 does not appear "clunky & shapeless," but convinces with an attractive, timeless silhouette.

The minimal size makes the chair seem inconspicuous - but the massage always surprises in relation to its size.

Mid-Range Chairs

This broad price range includes the vast majority of massage chairs available on the market today. Here you will find a variety of options. From well-equipped all-rounder chairs to real specialized massage chairs that use more limited, but exceptionally well-implemented functions and are tailored to specific massage needs.

Particularly popular in the mid-range is the A350 massage chair in beige or black.

High-End Chairs

In this huge category, you can pay up to €12,000 or more per model.

And of course, the more money you are willing to spend, the more features and better design you can expect.

Some of the chairs in this group are true masterpieces. They can do almost anything and have feel-good functions that give the happy owner pure pleasure.

However, we are convinced that some newer functions often do not justify a price of, for example, €15,000.

The experience of the Naipo development team has shown that some test subjects who tested massage chair models often felt no difference compared to an €8,000 or €15,000 model.

An absolute luxury model is the MGC-8900, which is available in three colors. This massage chair will give you an unforgettable experience. The model covers all imaginable functions that a high-end massage chair should have.

[VIDEO] See now how the MGC-8900 chair brings a statue to life:

After many years of development, this masterpiece convinces with all the functions that a modern massage chair should have. The technical features include a tablet, with which the chair can be controlled.

Even if the chairs at the lower end of the price spectrum are more limited in terms of features, there are excellent models in every price range, so no matter your budget, you can find something you'll be completely satisfied with.

Feel free to browse through the large selection of different models yourself: Click here

Why do you want a massage chair?

The second question is a bit trickier, but here the industry makes it a little easier for you.

There are two basic types of massage chairs: therapeutic and recreational massage chairs.

Therapeutic Massage Chairs

Therapeutic chairs are designed to meet specific medical or chiropractic needs. The reality is that 8 out of 10 Germans will suffer from severe back pain at some point in their lives. The numbers are not too different in other parts of the world.

Although relief from back pain is the most common reason people consider buying a therapeutic massage chair, they can certainly also be used to treat a range of other conditions. These include neck and shoulder pain, leg pain, high blood pressure, and stress-related conditions.

Depending on your specific needs, the "ideal" range of functions for you will also change.

Hobby/Leisure Massage Chairs

Recliner chairs with massage function are more general in nature.

They often have some therapeutic functions, but tend to place as much, or even more, emphasis on leisure functions such as MP3 support, programmable and memorizable massage settings, LED lights, and the like.

Here, some people may simply want a TV chair with a massage function.

Of course, there is considerable overlap here, and even if your primary needs are therapeutic, that doesn't mean you wouldn't miss certain comfort functions, but we'll get to that in the next section.

So - how much do you need to spend, and what do you need the chair for?

Because if you suffer from chronic back pain or sciatica, or if you have a job where you work many hours under stress, then all these factors point to very specific characteristics.

If, on the other hand, at the end of a long working day you just want a chair where you can lean back and enjoy a soothing massage, then the search leads you to completely different products.

Massage Chair Functions: Features, Features and More Features

Once you have the answers to the basic questions about need and price above, the next step is to figure out which features of the massage chair are most important to you.

The features can be broadly divided into three categories:

- Basic massage chair technology (core technology)

- Therapeutic features

- Comfort features

It is best to list all the functions you are interested in here, and then rank them in order of priority before buying a massage chair.

Let's look at each category one by one.

Main technology for massage chairs

These are the essential elements that are found (or can be found) in almost every massage chair.

Consider these as the core framework around which the rest of each design is built.

Core technologies include:

Massage Track

Any discussion of a massage chair must start here, and there are three different variations of massage tracks:

• Fixed Frame - This is a simple rectangular frame, found on cheaper chairs, on which stationary massage heads are mounted. Since the heads do not move, they may not provide a first-class massage experience.

Essentially, the heads simply vibrate in place. If the tense areas in your back then happen to coincide with the position of the heads, this can lead to a decent, but not exceptional, massage. If not, the experience will be rather subpar.

Each of these models will provide you with a soothing massage: Click Here

Note that in some cases, a fixed frame is used in conjunction with movable rollers. In these cases, however, the rollers are limited to moving only along the X and Y axes. The frame does not follow the curvature of your spine, which means the massage quality is somewhat inferior.

• S-Track - This is the current industry standard. Unlike products with a fixed frame, it is shaped to follow the curvature of your spine. The rollers mounted on it run from the neck to the tailbone, providing a consistently excellent massage experience.

• L-Track – This is the latest massage chair technology. The L-track, or hybrid L/S-track, combines the standard S-track with an extension that bends under the seat, allowing the rollers to massage from the neck to the glutes and back of the thighs.

Roller Array

The rollers are the executive force used for massage. The current industry standard is the use of quad rollers, although some massage chairs use tri- or dual rollers as a cost-saving measure. Currently, there are also a few models that use a six-roller array. However, these are still rare.

As a rule of thumb: more rollers = better massage experience.

Remember when we mentioned above that some budget chairs use older technologies?

This is one such case. Some chairs use stationary massage heads or connected pairs of massage balls instead of rollers.

These tend to produce a second-rate result. However, massage balls are the best choice among low-cost options, as they do not significantly degrade the overall experience.

Roller Adjustment Technologies

There are four options here.

• No Roller Adjustment Option – This technology is rare, but some budget chairs forgo any kind of roller adjustment. Where the rollers are positioned in the chair is where you get your massage. If they are aligned with your body's pressure points, you get a good massage. If not, you're out of luck, unless you want to slide back and forth in the chair until you find a better position.
• 3D Body Scanning – This is the most common method for adjusting the roller position and massage area width. Each time you use the chair, before your massage begins, the onboard computer scans your pressure points and adjusts the roller position accordingly.
  Unfortunately, the technology sometimes fails, and if the massage chair does not also offer a manual adjustment option, you are reliant on the massage chair's 3D body scan.

NAIPO models offer both automatic body scanning and a manual adjustment option: Click Here

• Manual Adjustment – Some massage chairs forgo computer-controlled roller and massage area alignment. Here, the user can make manual adjustments using the remote control. It takes a little time to get the roller positions just right, but this ensures that the rollers are always exactly where they are most effective.
• Hybrid Approach – These chairs offer the best of both worlds: a body scan for convenience and manual adjustment buttons that allow for fine-tuning if the body scan technology is not 100% accurate. You will pay a little more for such a chair, but most people consider it a worthwhile investment.

Massage Technique Options

Roller-based massage can be performed in various ways. Generally, the more you are willing to pay for your chair, the more massage techniques will be available to you.

The techniques fall into two categories: Basic and Advanced Techniques.

Basic techniques are exactly what they sound like, and include fundamental massage forms such as kneading, tapping, rolling, and similar.

Advanced massage techniques are usually named after the country that invented them: Swedish, Thai, Shiatsu - in the case of the massage technique originating from Japan - and so on.

Most massage chairs offer some way to adjust the massage via speed and intensity levels with a remote control, but this is not always the case.

Some inexpensive models only have a single setting, so it's worth doing a little research to find out how you can get more customization options for your money.

All NAIPO massage chairs can always be adjusted via a control panel.

Airbag Massage Mode

Most massage chairs offer two different types of massage: roller massage and airbag massage. Since airbag massage technology is now in its second generation of development, it is important to know whether the airbags in your desired chair are first or second generation.

Generally, the more airbags, the better the massage.

As with roller-based massage, most airbag chairs allow you to customize the experience via a gradual intensity setting on the remote control. However, this is not a given. There are a few low-priced models that only offer a single intensity level for air massage.

These chairs offer an excellent number of airbags, which optimize the massage experience: Click Here

As you can see, there's a lot more to massage chair basic functions than meets the eye!

Massage Chair Operating Methods

There are four main methods for operating a massage chair.

• Many models feature a remote control for easy operation during the massage.
• Furthermore, various massage chairs can be controlled with integrated buttons and knobs, in addition to remote control.
• Very modern massage chairs from various brands such as OSIM and Fujiiryoki feature app control, allowing you to access the chair's functions via your smartphone.
• In addition, there are models that completely dispense with traditional remote controls and offer control via tablet.

Therapeutic Functions

These features, simply put, are included in massage chairs to make you feel better and to alleviate and eliminate certain symptoms.

There is no "perfect" massage chair, and no chair currently available on the market bundles all the therapeutic functions in this category as well as all the features from the "Leisure" section. Therefore, it is even more important to think about what you really want when it comes to therapeutic functions.

Deep Tissue Massage

While an ordinary roller-based massage feels great and even has some therapeutic value, deep tissue massage is even better.

You will find this in massage chair model descriptions in two ways. Sometimes manufacturers simply speak of "deep tissue massage." Elsewhere, however, they list this function as "3D" or "4D" technology.

The term "4D technology" needs an explanation. The reason it was introduced was simply that in an S- or hybrid L/S-track chair, the rollers already move three-dimensionally, as the track is curved to adapt to the curvature of the spine and allows for a certain degree of movement along the Z-axis.

Relax in Zero Gravity

This small but important feature that enhances the massage experience should not be underestimated. By positioning the chair so that your knees are slightly above your heart, you are given a feeling of weightlessness. In addition, this position allows your body to press more firmly against the chair's backrest due to your body weight, which in turn enables the rollers to provide a deeper massage.

About a third of the massage chairs on the market today offer a Zero-G function. These models have 1-3 different seating positions.

Massage Chair with Heating Function - Therapeutic Heat

As good as the massage is, heat + massage is even better. About half of the chairs on the market today offer some form of heating function. The overwhelming majority of these models often only offer heat in the lumbar region.

Some selected massage chairs offer several heating options. Some offer it in the leg massage openings (if the chair has them), others can generate more back heat. One even has a heated blanket and back heat to give you the full-body heat program.

As a rule of thumb: the more heat that can be generated, the more expensive the chair. While uncommon, sometimes you can find models that allow for precise temperature control. This is certainly a nice side effect, but if the function is missing, it rarely deters a purchase.

Body Stretch

The body stretching function (e.g., Thai stretching) is undoubtedly one of the most influential therapeutic functions that modern massage chairs can have. Stretching the body provides immediate pain relief by relieving pressure on compressed spinal discs.

Note that there are two other functions that offer the same benefit, but are less intense: waist rotation and hip swing. There are a few massage chairs that offer these functions along with body stretching. This seems redundant at first glance. However, if you think about it, it's actually a very good thing from the user's perspective.

Consider chronic pain. From one day to the next, pain intensity can vary greatly. On days when the pain is particularly severe, body stretching might be too intense to use. In this case, it's good to have a less intense option available.

Precisely for this reason, body stretching, hip rotation, and hip swing are sometimes combined in therapeutic models.

Point and Zone Massage Modes

Another fantastic therapeutic feature. With this feature, you can pause any current massage program and have the rollers knead exactly where you need them. You can then take as much time as necessary to work out the knots and tension from your back before continuing with the chosen massage program.

Calf and Foot Massage

About two-thirds of the chairs on the market today are equipped with leg massage recesses. Mostly, calf massage is performed by airbags and foot massage by two rollers. Some cheap massage chairs use a simple vibration-style sole massage.

More expensive chairs offer more advanced massage functions, such as triple or quad rollers for the soles of the feet, different massage types (How about a Shiatsu foot massage? Of course, possible with a Shiatsu massage chair!), heated massage openings, and more.

Comfort Features

Although these features do not directly enhance the massage experience, certain users place particular importance on them. The most common comfort features available are:

Space-Saving Design

This is an important point and extremely vital for people where space is at a premium. Most massage chairs require a clearance of about 45-60 cm between the backrest of the chair and the wall against which it is placed. Given that the chairs are quite large anyway, they can certainly fill a room.

Chairs built with a space-saving design only require about 10 cm of wall clearance, making them a fabulous piece of furniture for almost any room.

Extendable Ottoman

Most massage chairs are designed for individuals between 150 cm and 185 cm tall. About half of the chairs on the market today come with an ottoman and extension module, making them suitable for users up to 195 cm tall.

Hideaway Ottoman

Aesthetics are very important to some people, and if there's one thing that makes a massage chair look like a stump in the room, it's the protruding leg massage openings.

The hideaway ottoman offers an ingenious solution to this problem. When not in use for a massage, the leg massage supports can be folded into the chair itself, making it look like a normal piece of living room furniture.

You pay a slight premium for this feature, but if aesthetics are important to you, then the investment is worthwhile.

MP3 Support

This is one of the most popular comfort features on the market today, because who doesn't love listening to their favorite music while enjoying a relaxing massage?

There are three possible implementations for this feature in chairs that offer it:

• SD card slot: from the user's perspective, certainly the most inconvenient solution.
• A USB port, which allows you to load your music onto a USB stick and connect it to the chair. This represents the "standard" implementation.
• Bluetooth compatibility, allows you to wirelessly connect your smartphone or tablet to the speakers in the massage chair.

Air Ionizer

Air ionization is only offered in about 10% of the chairs on the market today. It's a small feature that some users find additionally relaxing. By gently drawing ionized air across the user's face while the massage is being performed, relaxation is promoted.

Buying a Massage Chair: Making the Right Choice

Now that you have an idea of what features a massage chair can have, the real fun begins.

Once you know your budget and have a good sense of why you want a massage chair, you should start thinking about which features are most important to you. Are therapeutic functions more important to you, or is comfort and leisure a priority? You should now create a list of desired features. A good rule of thumb is:

• Choose five features (including basic functions) for a budget chair
• Nine for a mid-range chair
• As many as you like for a high-end chair

Then base your search for a massage chair on the features that are a priority for you. You may not find an exact match, but with the large number of chairs available on the market today, you will come very close to your dream piece!

Test Your Dream Chair in Hamburg

As a leading provider in the field of massage devices, you can test NAIPO massage chairs, for example, in our official showroom in Hamburg.

The address is: Am Grasbrookpark 1, 20457 Hamburg

In addition to massage chairs, you will also find various massage devices for shoulders, legs, arms, back, and feet - NAIPO's products cover the entire body.

Test Massage Chairs Outside of Hamburg

Hamburg is too far for you?

No worries!

We are regularly expanding our locations.

For example, you can test our chairs free of charge at selected locations with the appropriate ambiance. These include shopping centers, cinemas, and restaurants.

This way, you can combine business with pleasure and test massage chairs in a pleasant environment.

Extra: Book a free, personal consultation

Individual customer consulting is very important to us.

In addition, modern problems require modern solutions. This also applies to the so-called Corona period.

For this reason, we have integrated a booking system on our website.

We would like to point out that booking is optional and you can still visit official NAIPO showrooms during regular opening hours.

Nevertheless, we currently advise – for the benefit of all customers – to make a booking beforehand.

The entire booking process is, of course, a 100% free service and can be accessed via this link: https://www.naipo.de/collections/showrooms

We look forward to seeing you!

Is there a massage chair test from Stiftung Warentest?

Unfortunately, there is currently no official test of massage chairs by Stiftung Warentest.

However, we have possible reasons for this:

The government no longer wants to financially support the foundation.

The German government is considering giving a larger share of its budget to the Federation of German Consumer Organizations (VZBV) than to Stiftung Warentest.

Accordingly, the foundation will receive 970,000 Euros this year and another 490,000 Euros in 2023.

According to a report by "Die Welt", the German government is considering giving a larger share of its budget to the Federation of German Consumer Organizations (VZBV) than to Stiftung Warentest.

For this reason, it remains to be seen whether there will still be a test of massage chairs by the foundation in the near future.

We would very much welcome it!

History of massage chairs - How it all began

There is evidence that massages were practiced worldwide in various ancient countries such as Greece, China, and Rome.

Even ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs indicate the use of massages.

Massage chairs: How it all started

In the 1950s, the first mechanically operated massage chair was introduced.

They started as very simple devices, but have evolved into the complex machines they are today.

The very first massage chair was developed by a Japanese man named Nobuo Fujimoto in the city of Osaka in 1954.

Working in a public bath, Nobuo was always thinking of new ways to help his customers relax and recover.

Baseballs, wooden boards, and parts of bicycle chains were some of the discarded items he used to build his first prototype.

Slowly but surely, the chair became popular in resorts and public baths, but massage chairs were not yet offered to private customers.

How much electricity does a massage chair consume?

Which massage chairs are recommended for commercial use?

Theoretically, you can also use the same massage chairs for commercial use that are intended for private customers.

This makes particular sense if, for example, you run a gym and there is an exclusive area to which only premium members have access.

Otherwise, we can recommend modern, coin-operated massage chairs.

Buy massage chairs on account

Buying on account is possible with Klarna at Naipo.de.

Buy massage chairs in installments

Buying massage chairs in installments is possible with Klarna or EasyCredit.

You select the payment method during the ordering process and complete the order as instructed.

Buy massage chairs in Switzerland - Here's how

If you are not from Austria or Germany, but still want to buy a massage chair from the test, we can reassure you:

You can easily buy ASPRIA massage chairs and PASITHEA SERIES massage chairs on naipo.ch.

Shipping costs apply, but we have not yet experienced any problems with customs.

The current delivery time for massage chairs to Switzerland is currently 30 days.

Conclusion: How to choose a massage chair?

As you can see, the question of how to choose a good massage chair is much more complex than it first appears.

However, with this process, it is easy to find the perfect massage chair for you and your family.

You will have a clear sense of what you want and how many features you can reasonably expect at each price point, bearing in mind, of course, that there will be differences from model to model.

Do you need more help?

You are welcome to contact our trained staff by email for a free consultation:

support@mustbuy.eu

By phone:

• 040 88369018
• or: 040 57199390

Sources

www.Naipo.de

www.google.de

trustedshops.de

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massagesessel

https://www.presseportal.de/pm/38757/4726993