There is a wide selection of massage chairs. But which one is really worth the 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.
| Compare | Rank | Model | Features | Technology | Rating | Price | Action |
|---|
The most important things at a glance
- The track decides. An S+L track massages from the neck to below the buttocks, a pure S-track ends at the lower back. In this comparison, the tracks range from 112 to 135 cm.
- 2D, 3D, 4D. 2D moves the rollers across the surface, 3D additionally in depth, 4D changes the speed. The step from 2D to 3D is particularly noticeable.
- Body size is a guideline. The models here cover 150 to 200 cm. From about 190 cm, a test sitting is worthwhile. Usually, it still fits.
- Price range. The compared models are between 1,799 and 8,690 euros. The difference lies in the track, programs and workmanship, not in the number of airbags.
- Test sit once. At over 40 locations in Europe, in Hamburg in the Relax Lounge HafenCity and at Ballindamm.
Transparency: This is a manufacturer comparison of our own models, not an independent test. The technical data comes from the datasheets, the assessments from daily consultations in our lounges.
Massage Chair Test 2026 – NAIPO Ranking
Current recommendations with price, technology and direct product link.
The order is based on internal customer feedback as well as aggregated online and offline data and is updated daily.
You can test NAIPO massage chairs at various locations in Germany.
You can generally test all models directly at our Hamburg location.
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.
Tips for using a massage chair
If you don't exercise much, we recommend taking it slow.
Massage chairs affect the body like a workout program.
It can happen that a day after using a massage chair, you might feel 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 without careful consideration.
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 a 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 arises after the first uses in a massage chair. But this is no cause for concern: all customers who have reported this initial muscle soreness have also reported that they felt their body was significantly more relaxed after the initial muscle soreness 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 wits' end trying to navigate through 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 purchase 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 focus on the essentials, so that you get a clear plan without unnecessary distractions. This will make finding the right model a breeze. Let's get straight to it!
Massage chair – how long to use?
Most massage chairs offer predefined 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 optimally adapt 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:
-
How much do you need to spend?
-
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 these questions, the question "how to find the right massage chair" is much easier. However, answering both questions can be more complicated than one might think.
Learn important terms you should know before buying a massage chair: Massage Chair Glossary Technical Terms
How much do you have to spend?
In detail with all price levels: How much does a massage chair cost?
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:
Budget-friendly chairs
These are inexpensive and also fulfill 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 subtle design that fits even in the smallest spaces.
Thus, the A150 does not appear "clunky & shapeless", but impresses with an attractive, timeless silhouette.
Its minimal size makes the chair seem inconspicuous - yet the massage always surprises in relation to its size.
Mid-range chairs
This broad price category 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 special 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-quality 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 wellness functions that provide pure pleasure to the happy owner.
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 tried 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 provide you with an unforgettable experience. The model covers all conceivable 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 impresses with all the functions a modern massage chair should have. The technical features include a tablet with which the chair can be controlled.
Even though 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 you can find something you'll be completely satisfied with, regardless of your budget.
Feel free to browse through the wide selection of different models yourself: Click here
Why do you want a massage chair?
The second question is a little trickier, but here the industry makes it a bit 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.
While back pain relief 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
Relaxation 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 storable massage settings, LED lights, and the like.
Here, some people may simply want a recliner 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 features, 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 under strain for many hours at a time, all these factors point to very specific characteristics.
If, on the other hand, at the end of a long working day, you simply want a chair in which you can lean back and enjoy a soothing massage, then the search will lead you to completely different products.
Massage Chair Functions: Features, Features, and More Features
Once you have the answers to the basic questions of 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's best to simply list all the functions you are interested in and then prioritize them before buying a massage chair.
Let's look at each category one after the other.
Main Technology for Massage Chairs
These are the essential elements that are present (or can be present) in almost every massage chair.
Consider these the core framework around which the rest of any design is built.
Core technologies include:
Massage Track
Every discussion about a massage chair must start here, and there are three different variants of massage rails, also called "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 offer a premium massage experience.
Basically, the heads simply vibrate in place. If the tense areas in your back happen to align with the position of the heads, this can lead to a decent, but not extraordinary, 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 spinal curvature of your body, which means the massage is of slightly inferior quality.
- S-Track - Is the current industry standard. Unlike fixed frame products, this is shaped to follow the curvature of your spine. The rollers mounted on it run from the neck to the tailbone, offering a consistently excellent massage experience.
- L-Track - 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 hamstrings.
Roller Array
The rollers are the executive force used for massaging. 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 inexpensive chairs use older technologies?
This is one such case. Some chairs use stationary massage heads or connected massage ball pairs instead of rollers.
These tend to produce a second-rate result. However, massage balls are the best choice among the inexpensive options, as they do not significantly worsen the overall experience.
Roller Alignment Technologies
There are four options here.
- No Roller Alignment Option – This technology is rare, but some inexpensive chairs forgo any kind of roller alignment. You get your massage wherever the rollers are positioned in the chair. If they align 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 the width of the massage area. Every time you use the chair, before your massage begins, the onboard computer takes a scan of your pressure points and adjusts the position of the rollers accordingly.
Unfortunately, the technology sometimes fails, and if the massage chair does not also offer a manual adjustment option, you are reliant on the 3D body scan of the massage chair.
NAIPO models offer both automatic body scanning and a manual adjustment option: Click Here
- Manual Adjustment - Some massage chairs forgo computer-controlled alignment of the rollers and massage area. Here, the user can make manual adjustments using the remote control. It takes a little while 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 doesn't work 100%. You'll pay a bit 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 the like.
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 customize 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 be adjusted via a control panel in any case.
Airbag Massage Mode
Most massage chairs offer two different types of massage: roller massage and airbag massage. As 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 chairs with airbags offer you the option to customize the experience via stepped intensity adjustment on the remote control. However, this is not a given. There are a few low-priced models that only offer a single intensity level of air massage.
These chairs offer an excellent number of airbags, which optimize the massage experience: Click Here
As you can see, even with the basic features of massage chairs, there's a lot more 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 easier 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 like OSIM and Fujiiryoki feature app control, allowing access to the chair's functions via smartphone.
- Additionally, there are models that completely forego conventional remote controls and offer tablet-based control.
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. This makes it 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 the model descriptions of massage chairs 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" requires an explanation. The reason it was introduced was simply that with an S- or hybrid L/S-track chair, the rollers already move in three dimensions, as the track is curved to conform to the curvature of the spine and allows 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 you in a posture where your knees are slightly above your heart, the chair imparts a sensation of weightlessness. Furthermore, 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 deliver 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 Heat 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 heat function. The overwhelming majority of these models often offer heat only in the lumbar area.
Some selected massage chairs offer multiple heating options. Some offer this 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, you can sometimes find models that allow for precise temperature control. This is, of course, a nice side effect, but if the function is missing, it rarely deters a purchase.
Body Stretch
The ability to stretch the body (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 the compressed spinal discs.
Note that there are two other functions that offer the same benefit, but are less intense: waist twisting and hip swinging. There are a few massage chairs that offer these functions along with the body stretching function. This seems superfluous at first glance. But if you think about it, from the user's perspective, this is actually a very good thing.
Think of chronic pain. From one day to the next, the intensity of the pain 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 twisting, and hip swinging are sometimes combined in therapeutic models.
Spot 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 your 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 quadruple rollers for the soles, 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 improve 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 important for people where space is limited. Most massage chairs require a distance of approx. 45-60 cm between the backrest 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 with a height between 150 cm and 185 cm. About half of the chairs currently available on the market are equipped 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 tree 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'll 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 enjoy 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: certainly the most inconvenient solution from a user's perspective.
- 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, allowing 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 over 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 a sense of the features a massage chair can have, the real fun begins.
Once you know your budget and have a good understanding 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 the priority? You should now create a list of desired features. A good rule of thumb is:
- Choose five features (including basic functions) for an inexpensive 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 chair!
Test your desired 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. Second location in the city center: Ballindamm. Secure an appointment in advance: Book a consultation appointment.
In addition to massage chairs, you will also find various massage devices for shoulders, legs, arms, back and feet - NAIPO products cover the entire body.
Test massage chairs outside of Hamburg
Is Hamburg too far for you?
No worries!
We regularly expand our locations.
For example, you can try our chairs for free at selected locations with the right 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.
Furthermore, modern problems require modern solutions. This also applies to the so-called Corona era.
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, for the benefit of all customers, we currently advise making a reservation in advance.
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 by Stiftung Warentest?
Currently, there is unfortunately no official test of massage chairs by Stiftung Warentest.
However, we have possible reasons:
The government no longer wants to financially support the foundation.
The German government is considering allocating 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 allocating 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 the foundation will still conduct a test of massage chairs 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 in ancient times worldwide in various countries such as Greece, China, and Rome.
Even ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs suggest 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 constantly thought of new ways to help his customers relax and recover.
Baseballs, wooden planks, and parts of bicycle chains were some of the discarded items he used to build his first prototype.
Slowly but surely, the chair gained popularity 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. For continuous operation, there are special models with coin insertion, and for companies, an ROI calculator.
This makes particular sense if, for example, you run a fitness studio 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
Purchase on account is possible with Klarna for all massage chairs in our assortment. If you want to try it out first, you can rent a massage chair.
Buy massage chairs in installments
Installment purchase of massage chairs is easily 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:
All models from this comparison can also be ordered via naipo.ch, including the Pasithea series.
Shipping costs apply, but we have not yet encountered any customs issues.
The current delivery time for massage chairs to Switzerland is currently 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Massage Chair Test
Which massage chair is the best?
There isn't one best massage chair, but rather one that's best for your height, your space, and your budget. If you want to reach both your neck and lower back equally, you need an S+L track. If you primarily want to relax, a 2D technology will suffice. In this comparison, Tai Chi Flow (P50) covers the entry-level, Model L (S89) the upper class.
How much does a good massage chair cost?
The models in this comparison range from 1,799 to 8,690 Euros. Below approximately 1,500 Euros, track length and craftsmanship are usually lacking for daily use. Details can be found in our guide How much does a massage chair cost?
Is 4D worth it over 3D?
The noticeable leap is between 2D and 3D: only then do the rollers work in depth. 4D additionally varies the speed, which feels more refined but is less often a decisive factor in purchase. Anyone who experiences both one after the other will decide in five minutes.
Does a massage chair fit for someone 195 cm tall?
The manufacturer's specifications are guidelines, not limits. The models here cover 150 to 200 cm, and from about 190 cm we recommend trying them out – in most cases, it fits perfectly. Appointments are available at over 40 locations.
How much space does a massage chair need?
The crucial factor is not the footprint, but the distance to the wall in the reclining position. Many models move forward when unfolded instead of backward and then only require a few centimeters. The room and space advisor calculates this for your room.
Is there an independent massage chair test?
Stiftung Warentest has not yet tested massage chairs. This comparison is a manufacturer comparison of our own models. If you are looking for an independent assessment, you will most likely find it in customer experiences and by trying out the chairs yourself.
Can you test a massage chair before buying it?
Yes. In Hamburg, at the Relax Lounge HafenCity and at Ballindamm, and outside of Hamburg at partners in over 40 locations. If you prefer to test it for longer, you can rent a massage chair.
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.
Three tools will assist you in the pre-selection: the massage chair finder, the room and space advisor, and the direct model comparison.
Do you need more help?
You are welcome to contact our trained staff via email for a free consultation:
By phone:
Sources
naipo.de
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massagesessel
https://www.presseportal.de/pm/38757/4726993
Written by NAIPO Editorial Team · Massage & Product Experts from Hamburg
Product experts, service technicians, and massage enthusiasts at Alsterwell GmbH — specializing in massage technology for over a decade, with our own workshop and showrooms for test-sitting.
Fact-checked by David Eberst · Mitgründer von NAIPO
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.