Having a backache is for sure one of the most annoying things that can happen to you, making it impossible to carry on with your daily activities. Even though massage and stretching can do wonders, there are times when you don’t have the time, energy, or money to go to a massage therapist, and you need something that you can do on your own. That’s when a massage chair comes in handy.
For your convenience, we’ve tested 17 models and come up with the 6 best massage chairs under $1000 not to break your bank. Our Editor’s Choice nomination goes to the Real Relax Zero Gravity Full Body Massage Chair. You’ll find several models with a zero gravity mode that will make you feel weightless, as well as a heating function for extra relaxation. If you’re unsure that these chairs last long, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with models that have a warranty of up to 3 years.
Extra features: wheels for easy portability, timer function
Most people don’t have a separate therapy room. If you’re investing in a massage chair, chances are it will be placed in your living room. With this chair that’s no problem as its exterior looks stylish and modern. It’s bound to blend in with existing furniture and as it weighs much less than many other items on this list, it will be easier to move around during cleaning. The two wheels also help with this.
Setting up this one is very user friendly and within 15 minutes of receiving yours, you can have your first massage. Operating it is easy thanks to an included remote control. You don’t have to move any of your limbs to make adjustments—the ultimate luxury! There’s an HD screen that makes it easy to manage your massage. The only drawback is that you can’t really operate the foot rest and back rest independently of each other.
This is another model that caters for each and every part of your body: even your toes are given therapy and the back rest is high enough to cradle your neck & head.
Apart from the four different programs this chair also allows some massage customization. Perhaps you’re aware of a pain in a certain area of your body? Focus the massage features independently on those muscles and get the problem sorted.
Note that this chair automatically sets itself to the zero gravity position when you turn it on. Not everyone prefers this position, but it’s easy to change: you can make adjustments via the remote. What you will appreciate is the ergonomic design which cradles your arms in the perfect positions.
Despite it being lighter, this chair has quite a high weight capacity: it can handle over 400lb.
Extra features: extra massage function to target stress-relieving “tsubo points” on neck
If it’s the deep tissue massaging of a Shiatsu program is what you need, this may be your winning chair. It’s designed to simulate the Japanese technique, very similar to acupuncture. Therefore it’s a wise option, especially if you need more than just a relaxing massage. However, thanks to the power rollers you’ll walk away super relaxed, after they’ve countered any muscle tension. Thanks to the massage heads, you can even target your neck optimally.
The chair also impresses with its various settings, appropriate to different stages of your session. With a Recovery, Extend and Relax program to pick from, you can customize your experience to your body’s needs.
Apart from Shiatsu you can pick a simple kneading or opt for knocking and tapping. This one chair does it all which makes it a wise investment when different people require massage therapy. One expense that covers it all.
The settings’ effects are optimized with the heat therapy system. Just note that this only works in the foot and waist areas.
Using the chair is effortless as even adjusting it is done with a remote control. When everything is automated there’s also less chance of you hurting yourself while preparing the chair for a massage. There’s a large dashboard from which you can operate the chair. It may seem daunting, but the images make it quite easy to understand.
We love the fact that the chair’s Sleeping Mode will prevent it from returning to the upright position. If you fell asleep during your massage session, your chair won’t move and wake you up.
Of course your position is vital during a massage. That makes this chair impressive because it will adjust to the contours of your back. You’ll get the support you need and feel comfortable throughout the sessions.
Extra features: advanced HD VFD display screen
If you’re buying a chair to help you relax and counter tension you don’t want the chair itself adding to your problems. This is why this chair by BestMassage is such as favorite: It sets up pretty easily in under an hour. Secondly it has a remote for operation that is fairly easy to understand and use. In modern society, tech can easily become too complicated for the average consumer to enjoy. With this chair, it won’t be the case. The remote also has an allocated storage pocket so it won’t be in the way while you enjoy your massage.
But of course, the chair must work well in massaging too. That happens thanks to various features: you have a lot of massage options to manage via that remote. You’ll love the power massage you get from over 35 air bags. These are very well placed so your entire body will enjoy the effect, even your legs. The brand even incorporates heat therapy. Just note that it only works in the back area, not in the leg or foot area as on some other designs on this list.
Your feet do get the benefits of air and roller scraping massages, so your entire body will feel refreshed once you get up.
If you don’t want to spend time customizing you can use the preset programs. There are three to choose from so you should find one that suits your preferences.
This is also one of the chairs that cater for taller individuals by allowing the footrests to extend. Very handy!
Extra features: advanced HD VFD display screen
Luckily, thanks to advances in technology there’s really something to fit everyone’s pocket. This one comes at an extremely affordable price, while still offering you great massage options.
The focus with this design was giving you variety, which means your budget buy can still give you a range of options. This includes vibrations, airbag massaging on various areas of the body and pulsed as well as roller massaging. Just note the latter is mostly for the feet area.
Here’s a great bonus: even on a budget, you can enjoy heating features.
You have the option of customizing a session for yourself, but you can also use one of its presets. Everything has been designed to give you optimum massage treatments that benefit your entire body.
As the seat is sold unassembled, be prepared to spend some time on putting it together. You’ll most likely receive parts in three different boxes. What counts in your favor is that this is a lighter massage chair, so you should manage to set it up yourself. Set aside about an hour to get this one ready to go.
Of course, you can’t expect the best in all areas. Note that this chair’s weight capacity is lower than some others, at only 220lb. Luckily, it still works for tall people, even comfortably massaging someone of 6’.
The chair has different strength settings, which means it can cater for different conditions and for both children & their parents: one chair for the entire family to enjoy. It will also withstand the rigors of regular use since the exterior is covered in durable leather. Although it’s synthetic, it’s quite soft and it’s super easy to clean. The chair’s durability is echoed in the 3-year warranty the brand offers you.
More features: modern style
If you are looking for a massage chair that features a contemporary style, then your search may be over. This Zero Gravity Massage Chair is a stylish unit with many desirable qualities
This massage chair is one of the affordable models that you will find in brick and mortar stores as well as virtual ones. This chair provides compression massage from the neck to the feet. Shoulders, thighs, arms, and calves are the other body parts that this massage chair works on.
You can control the chair to work on each area independently. The design includes air pressure detector sensors, which monitor the intensity of the massage to prevent over compression.
This chair has a heating function that helps increase blood flow around the lumbar area. Two heating pads that are part of the construction are responsible for the heating function. You can combine the massage and heating features for optimal relaxation.
Seat vibration is another feature that is making this massage chair a favorite among many people. The soothing vibration from the seat stimulates, detoxifies, and relaxes the surface tissue. This, in turn, promotes better blood circulation in the groin area.
Extra features: built-in music player with Bluetooth and USB
This one jumped onto our radar because of the unique heater aspects. This one covers quite a large area of the body by placing heaters in the foot and the seating area. This not only helps for comfort, but can affect metabolism and blood circulation. In conjunction you have a total of fifty airbags that provide high quality massaging, which are often only found in high-end chairs.
In general, the design of this chair is comfortable to sit on and the brand created soft seating with its upholstery method.
But here’s what many consumers appreciate the most: this brand kept in mind that each user is unique. The footrests can extend to create a more comfortable and practical position for tall individuals to receive an optimized massage. That’s a definite selling point if you want to make sure your back and neck get the treatment they need.
This is also one of the models that take modern tech to the next level: use your favorite tracks to help you relax by playing audio via the Bluetooth music player. There’s even a USB connectivity option too if you want a more secure connection. This will also charge your phone if needed.
Your massage experiences can include vibrations and air squeezing, as well as the heat factors. It’s a chair for the whole family, no matter their needs. And everything is controlled by a remote console in your hand. Just note that some users find it confusing to operate. However, assembly is super simple and quick. Just note that there are some wires you have to connect, so read instructions carefully before you start. We do wish these directions were a bit clearer for those who aren’t used to assembling furniture.
You’re making quite a large investment in your future health and you should ensure you enjoy each minute on your massage chair optimally. We want to help you get it right: Use our detailed buyers information to guide you in your decision making.
Are you still cautious as whether to make this investment? There’s no reason to hold back. This is a smart decision whether you’re facing health concerns or not. When you start using this on a regular basis, you’ll enjoy these benefits:
Above we reviewed budget buys in the massage chair industry (you can also check out our reviews of the best massage chairs under $500 if you’d prefer an even more affordable option). Your greatest benefit from looking at these items is the money saving factor. You won’t spend all your savings on the spa any longer. For under $1000 you can have daily massages at home that benefit your health without breaking the bank.
Now you just have to find the best one for you from our list of examples. Although they’re all great, you may want a chair to treat something specific. This buyers guide will help you gauge what you really need. Then you can make the best choice in terms of cost and application. Here’s what’s important and what will give your chair value for money.
Massages depend on how your chair is rigged to provide treatment. You should ask:
Of course, you also want the treatment types to match your need. Popular types are:
Your massage chair may be a place you’ll spend a lot of time on, especially if you’re using it to treat problems in your body. Even sitting on a soft chair for long periods can cause fatigue, which is why reclining positions are so valuable. The further your chair can recline the better, and if you’re planning on sleeping there, it’s ideal if it can fully extend. However, slightly less at about 160° is also impressive.
Zero gravity reclining is a unique positioning of the body. Imagine astronauts in a space shuttle. When they’re launched into space they take up a specific position to put as little pressure as possible on their joints. The position distributes their body weight optimally, so muscles and joints don’t experience a lot of tension. This position is used in massage chairs and given the name “Zero Gravity Mode”. So no, you won’t be floating around in the chair, but it benefits your body be relieving tension all over.
In this position you’ll experience the most comfort and your muscles & joints are given a chance to relax and recuperate optimally.
The chair may have multiple airbags across its surface. As these airbags inflate and deflate, they apply pressure to the body parts next to them on the chair. This is to simulate the massage technique of squeezing the large muscles of the body to provide stimulation and relieve pressure. In a massage chair the bags inflate thanks to a compressor that forms part of the chair’s design. Just note that this function easily becomes noisier as the chair gets older.
Another aspect that helps with improving overall health is when your chair heats up. This heat gets absorbed by your body and can have a positive effect on your blood flow. Proper blood flow is essential to helping muscles recuperate as more oxygen will reach your cells. It also means toxins are transported away from inflamed areas faster. This is a great feature to invest in if you’re searching for a chair to use as therapy. This same feature can even stimulate your metabolism.
Size is an important part of your vetting process. The only way you’ll get an optimal massage is when the chair’s massage features align with your body. Therefore, if you’re very tall and you sit on a chair designed for short individuals, your neck & shoulders won’t have support, meaning they won’t be massaged optimally. If you’re on the tall side, you can try out chairs with adjustable features (usually foot rests) such as the Real Relaxer Shiatsu Recliner seen above.
Firstly, this is not a light piece of furniture, no matter which option you pick. However, you should still consider weight details as it can make usage slightly easier. For example, if you have to install yours in an upper story and lug it up stairs, you should opt for a lighter model. However, many chairs will arrive in different parts such as the Real Relax model that is sent in three different boxes. This way you can carry each component separately, which makes it more practical.
Weight may also affect the chair’s capacity as it’s determined by the chair’s design, sturdiness and size. You’ll find chairs that can handle 200lb, while others can take up to 400lb. If you’re heavier you may have to invest in a larger, heavier model to prevent damaging the chair when you use it.
This isn’t a priority feature since most people have their own sound systems or simply play music via their mobile phones. However, it’s very convenient if your chair can play your tracks nice and loud, such as the TissRelax Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair. The enhanced audio experience can help you relax even more and it’s convenient if you can manage everything from your seat.
You’ll see most of the chairs on our list have leather exteriors. This is usually a synthetic type, especially in this price range. Make sure it’s soft and doesn’t have a plastic feel. At the same time, it must be durable, easy to clean and resistant to wear & tear – if you’re using your chair daily it shouldn’t wear out quickly.
Upholstering will affect your comfort. Ensure that it’s stuffed properly: soft enough to stay comfortable, even if you sit for long periods of time.
You’ll probably be surprised that even in this price range you can get quite long warranty periods. Simply look at the OOTORI that will have you covered for three years. Others only offer one year, and that can sometimes be a sign of lower durability. It’s worth it to pick one with a long warranty period, as you’ll be using this chair a lot and you want to use it for a long time, right?
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First on our list is the TissRelax Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair. It’s dynamic because it has so many important aspects of massage chairs rolled into one unit. Whether you need some heat or you’re after the zero gravity benefits, this one works. Even though it doesn’t have the highest number of air bags on this list, it excels in many different areas. That makes it a wise purchase for almost anyone, and definitely for a family with multiple users.
If you love the air bag massages though, the BestMassage Electric Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair is a consumer favorite. With 35 bags your entire body can get a very luxurious massage. It’s also one of the best options for taller people, making this one more versatile than some others.
You also can’t go wrong if you pick the Real Relax Zero Gravity Chair. It’s a best massage chair under $1000 if you’re on the heavy side, because it can handle an extremely high amount of weight. That also makes it one of the most durable options here and the three-year warranty proves it. Its user-friendly control system is an added bonus.
Now you just have to decide what rates highest on your priority list and then pick your favorite. Enjoy the pampering!
