13 Best Expert-Approved Back Massagers To Soothe Sore Muscles In 2023
Give your back that much-needed relief from pain and soreness with these tools.
Dr. Dave CandyDPT, OCS, ATC, FAAOMPT
Expertise: Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Experience: 10 years
Dr. Dave Candy is a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy with 10 years of experience. He is also the owner of More 4 Life in St. Louis, MO. He specializes in helping people aged 40 and above deal with chronic, nagging a... more
Expertise: Fitness, Health, & Home
Experience: 4 years
Shreya is a commerce writer who is passionate about reviewing products related to fitness, health, and home. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricenten... more
Aditi NaskarDiploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 years
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She i... more
Image: Shutterstock
Everyone loves a good back massage; whether it is foam rolling or at a spa, a good back massage can relax you and do wonders for your mood. However, sometimes you can’t afford a spa visit or have a foam roller and instead want to use the best back massagers money can buy. Shaped like a gun, these massagers instantly reduce backaches, soreness, and stiffness, all at the push of a button. While these massagers are primarily designed for massaging your back, you can use them to massage other areas of your body. The manufacturer usually provides multiple attachments that make it easy to massage your thighs, calves, neck, and shoulders. Because of their shape, weight, ease of use, and operation, these massagers are ideal for all ages. With many brands crowing the shelves and vying for your attention, picking up an inferior or counterfeit product is very much possible. To avoid this, you can refer to our article and check out our list with the links to buy the best and genuine back massagers for yourself.
In This Article
13 Best Back Massagers To Soothe Sore Muscles In 2023
1. Best High-Capacity Battery:RENPHO Electric Percussion Massager
Image: Renpho Stressed by regular aches in the joints, shoulders, and neck? The RENPHO Electric Percussion Massager will help you relax your muscles. With a powerful motor of 3600 pulses per minute, this product delivers a deep tissue massage within the comforts of your home. It comes with 5 interchangeable massage head attachments that target different areas of your body from the neck to your arms and legs. This electric back massager also comes with 5 percussion modes for you to switch between them depending on your level of pain and discomfort. Check out this video featuring an in-depth review of the product along with the user’s hands-on experience with it.
Pros
- 140-minute run time
- High-capacity battery
- Anti-slip silicone handle
- Cordless handheld massager
- Offers massages on 5 intensity levels
Cons
- Slightly heavy
ProTip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 13,146 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
2. Best Versatile: Snailax Shiatsu Neck Massager
Image: Snailax Get professional-grade massages from the comfort of your own home with the Shiatsu Neck Massager by Sanilax. It has received thousands of positive reviews from verified users on the internet for its innovative design and functions. This versatile device can be used on your neck, shoulders, waist, and legs, providing relief and relaxation where you need it most. The U-shape ergonomic design conforms to the contours of your body, maximizing the effectiveness of each massage. With 8 rotating nodes, this massager delivers an intense kneading massage, targeting acupressure points to relieve tension, ease tightness, and soothe sore muscles.
Customize your massage experience with the detachable intensity control flap, which allows you to adjust the strength of your massage. The optional heating function provides additional relief, boosting blood circulation and promoting relaxation. The massager features an overheating protection system, with an automatic shut-off after 15 minutes of use to ensure safety.
Pros
- Instant relief
- Has a heating function
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Ergonomic
- Value for money
Cons
None
3. Best Lightweight:Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager With Heat
Image: Zyllion Swing between a hot massage for muscle tightness to just basic massages to relax after a tiring day with the Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager With Heat. This massager is rigorously tested for safe use, durability, and effectiveness. Enabled with 3D deep-kneading Shiatsu massage nodes, this product eases aches and automatically switches between clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. This upper back massager’s soothing heat function helps improve blood circulation. If the temperature runs higher, the massager shuts down automatically to prevent overheating. This arms-free compact pillow massager can easily fit on your upper back, calves, abdomen, thighs, and behind the neck.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
- Easily fits on car seat
- Includes car adapter
- Breathable mesh cover
- 20 minute auto shut-off sessions
Cons
- Not a rechargeable massager
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 17,140 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
RENPHO Electric Percussion Massager Best High-Capacity Battery | Snailax Shiatsu Neck Massager Best Versatile | Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager With Heat Best Lightweight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.8 Kilograms | 4.32 Pounds | - |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | Faux Leather | - |
| Batteries | 2 Lithium Ion batteries required | - | - |
| Dimensions | 15 x 3 x 4.5 inches | 5.1 x 15.7 x 21.3 inches | 13 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Color | - | Black | - |
| Weight | - | - | 3.9 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 13,146 | 3,502 | 17,140 |
| Price | $39.99 | $39.99 | $49.95 |
4. Best Ergonomic Handle:HoMedics Percussion Action Handheld Massager
Image: Homedics Powered with heat and variable speed control, this massager offers an extremely relaxing experience. The 2 pivoting massage heads offer percussion action of up to 3100 pulses per minute. The dual head moves up and down quickly for a professional massage experience. With a constant flow of soothing heat, this massager makes you feel super relaxed and calm. Designed with an ergonomic rubber handle, it is comfortable to use and hold, while deep kneading modes mirror the hand movements of actual massage therapists.
Pros
- Lightweight
- 4 speed settings
- Ergonomic handle
- Loosens tight knots
- Custom attachments
Cons
- Slightly noisy
"I've been using this massager multiple times a week, treating myself to an intense, deeply satisfying vibration, especially on my strained lower back. While it's heavier its dual heads cover a wide area comfortably. I love the different settings and improved design."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 5,068 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
5. Best Easy To Hold:Wahl Deep-Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Massager
Image: Wahl Looking for a massager that is as good as hand massage at the therapist’s clinic? If yes, this percussion massager with rapid thumping deep tissue massage is exactly what you need. The variable speed dial allows you to select the intensity for a deep and appropriate massage. It comes with 4 interchangeable heads that can be twisted and detached easily to be replaced. The deep muscle percussion head goes up to 3300 pulses per minute and has an acupoint attachment that pinpoints pressure on concentrated areas, while the 4-finger flex head replicates a manual massage. If you want to cover a large area, you can make use of the flat disk attachment. Check out this review for practical insights into the details of the product.
Pros
- Easy to hold
- Reduces fatigue
- Ergonomic design
- 9-foot power cord
- Great for use all over the body
Cons
- Some may find the vibrations slightly intense
"The massage tool is beneficial to me, helping break up adhesions and heal my joints. Though the motor is not incredibly strong, correct attachment use makes it effective. Its long handle reaches tough-to-reach spots too. It's an aid I'd recommend."
ProTipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 4,436 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
6. Best Cordless:Mighty Bliss Handheld Massager
Image: Mighty Bliss Constantly in pain with unbearable knots and spasms? This massager with meticulously crafted features like the 3700 rpm percussion motor promises an enhanced user experience. This heavy duty back massager will knock out those knots and will relieve you of back and muscle pain in an instant. The vibrating massage therapy improves your blood circulation efficiently and loosens tightened muscles. So, the next time you complain of a backache or joint pain after a long day at work, remember to just use this massager for instant relief. With 6 different massage heads, you can pick between the kind of massage you want within the comforts of your home with this vibrating back massager.
Pros
- Cordless
- Lightweight
- Battery lasts 120 minutes
- Recharges in 60 minutes
- Lifetime free replacement
Cons
- May not offer deep tissue massage
"I've had this handheld massager for a couple of years now and it adequately does the job. I find it great for rarely accessible spots such as my back, thanks to the long handle. Despite frequent usage, it's still going strong with incredible battery life. Ultimately, I'm content with this purchase."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 6,787 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
7. Best Portable: RESTECK Shiatsu Kneading Shoulder & Neck Massager
Image: Restteck Enjoy the benefits of a deep massage anywhere, anytime with the RESTECK Portable Shiatsu Kneading Shoulder & Neck Massager. With its compact, portable design, this neck and shoulder massager pillow can be easily taken on the go, making it the perfect solution for busy individuals who want to relieve stress and tension on the go. Whether you’re at work, on a road trip, or camping, you can enjoy a rejuvenating massage whenever you need it. This massager features multiple stimulation modes and heat therapy settings, allowing you to customize your massage experience. The bidirectional kneading nodes deliver a deep and relaxing massage, eliminating acute pain, reducing fatigue, soothing neck stiffness, and improving blood circulation. You can use this versatile device all over the body, including the neck, shoulders, glutes, calves, and feet.
Pros
- Excellent range of motion
- Powerful battery life
- Portable
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 21,815 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
8. Best Easy To Use:Hangsun Percussion Handheld Massager
Image: Hangsun Looking for a premium-quality massager that can loosen the tightness of muscles? Enjoy a premium hands-on experience with the Hangsun Percussion Handheld Massager that offers you optimal relaxation with its 3500 pulses per minute motor. This professional back massager will drill through the muscle knots and relieve you of knots, aches, muscle tension, and pains after a good session of full body massage. The dual head percussion delivers deep targeted massage and promotes blood circulation, relieving swelling.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Comfortable grip
- Ergonomic design
- Multiple speed options
- 98-inch long power cord
- 3 interchangeable massage heads
Cons
- May not glide easily
"I've been using this massager daily for about four months and it's been particularly helpful for easing back and leg muscles. Though the vibrations may feel a bit peculiar on the hand, over time they work wonders on the body. There's a wide variety of head options, but I stick to my favourite. It's a robust and effective product that I am pleased to recommend."
Caution9. Best Sturdy: Medcursor Massage Chair Pad
Image: Medcursor The versatile Medcursor Massage Chair Pad acts as a back, shoulder, and neck massager all in one, delivering relief to all the areas you need it most. The product has underwent multiple rounds of testing to ensure effective recovery of your sore muscles. The seat cushion uses a combination of functions, including shiatsu, rolling, heating, kneading, and vibrations, to provide a fully customizable massage experience. You can adjust the height of the chair to fit your body, and the removable neck cover offers a gentler massage, while the flexible heating massage pillow adds extra comfort. The massage rollers move up and down, providing a deep tissue massage to your full back area. You can even focus the rollers on one point for spot treatment, with 2 levels of shiatsu intensity available. The 3D kneading nodes mimic a professional massage therapist’s hands, delivering the ultimate comfort. The optional heating function in the massage nodes soothes sore muscles and improves blood circulation throughout your body. In addition to the back massage, the seat cushion also includes 2 additional vibration levels, designed to relieve tightness in your lower back, thighs, and hips.
Pros
- Improves posture
- Ideal for targeted massage
- Durable
- Suitable for different heights
- Adjustable intensity
- Sturdy
- Value for money
Cons
- Not quiet. May make some noise
"My experience with the massager has been mostly positive. It allows me to feel the easing up of tension in my back and neck. It's well-constructed and I like the strong massage pressure. It's a valuable addition to my relaxation tools."
10. Best Gentle Heat: Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager
Image: Comfier Relieve muscle pain, reduce fatigue, and ease tension with the Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager. This innovative massager features 2D/3D finger pressure shiatsu, compression, rolling, vibration, and heat for a full-body relaxation experience. The 4 vertically adjustable neck shiatsu nodes and adjustable width accommodate people of different heights. The soft rolling massage along the spine provides relief for your entire back. The massager seat has a targeted massage function for pinpoint relaxation, and the convenient app control on your smartphone allows for easy adjustments. The timer allows for a 15-minute massage session, and the heating pad delivers gentle heat to your back. Choose from 3 adjustable intensity settings and control compression massage techniques to personalize your experience.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Provides excellent pain relief
- Full range of motion
- Ideal for targeted massage
- Pressurized airbags
- Fully adjustable
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 5,647 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
11. Best Easy To Store:Beurer Handheld Mini Massager
Image: Beurer If you aren’t looking for anything intense and just an easy massage session to calm yourself, this Beurer Mini Massager is ideal for you. You can carry it along with you and use it in between work calls or just to relax at home. It uses vibration massage to relieve you of kinks and sore muscles. Unlike other massagers, it isn’t too heavy and is really easy to use as it doesn’t oscillate between multiple speed or pressure settings. If you are a beginner in the world for massagers, this could be a good first buy. It is ideal to use on arms, back, neck and legs.
Pros
- Easy to store
- Compact design
- Comes in 2 colors
- Batteries included
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- May not offer deep tissue massage
"It's a gentle, yet effective tool for easing tension in my neck and shoulders, helping with my migraines. I've even found it handy for plantar fasciitis pain. A convenient, multipurpose device to have around."
12. Best Versatility:Resteck Back Massager
Image: Resteck Alleviate acute pain and muscle soreness with the Resteck Back Massager. This massager kit is hailed by an overwhelming number of global reviewers who testify that it eliminates fatigue, eases stiffness, soothes your aching muscles, and boosts blood circulation. In addition, this massager comes with four buttons to control the heat as per your needs. You can use this massager on your legs, shoulder, neck, waist, abdomen, thighs, and calves.
Pros
- Storage bag
- Auto shutdown
- Versatility
- Easy to use
- Durable
Cons
- Rough fabric
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 21,815 great reviews on Amazon.
13. Best For Stress Relief: Homedics Shiatsu Elite 3D Shiatsu & Vibration Massage Pillow with Heat
Image: Homedics Enjoy a relaxing massage wherever you go with the portable and versatile 3D Shiatsu and Vibration Massager Pillow by Homedics. Its deep kneading nodes provide deep muscle relaxation through functions such as shiatsu, vibration, rolling wave motion, spot massage, percussion, and air compression. The integrated controls and 6-foot cord make it convenient to use. The home spa massager also includes a soothing heat function and vibration to penetrate deeply into the muscles in your neck, back, shoulders, and legs, boosting circulation and easing soreness. You can use the functions separately or together for a customized massage experience. The stress reducing massager has a compact design that makes it easy to transport to the office or on the go. The pillow fits on most chairs, making it a versatile solution for your massage needs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Long cord
- Auto shut off
- No overheating
- Durable
Cons
None
"The product offers good neck relief but can be a bit tense on the muscles. The automatic shut-off and adjustable heat settings make it user-friendly. It has great pressure and is amazing for neck and shoulder massages. It's compact and has a strong motor. It's definitely a useful device."
Now that you are caught up with the 13 best back massagers, here’s a look at how you can pick the one that suits you best.
How Do I Choose The Best Back Massager?
Here are a few things you can keep in mind to find the best one.
- Your needs
With the back massager market flooded with an overwhelming number of products, it can be easy to get lost in the fancy settings. However, it is important to figure out what your body really needs, if it is just an occasional back pain, it makes sense to buy something low maintenance such as the Beurer Mini Massager.
- Deep tissue massage
If you are looking for an intense massage session to loosen those knotted tight muscles or just to relieve back and neck pain, opt for a deep tissue back massager. You can pick between WOQQW Shiatsu Neck Back Massage Pillow, Wahl Deep-Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Massager, and RENPHO Electric Percussion Massager.
- Office Chair back massager
While handheld massagers are great, they may not be suitable when you want to get a massage while working. In such a case, you can invest in one that fits your office chair and also has a cushion for comfort. Choose something like the WOQQW Shiatsu Neck Back Massage Pillow and Naipo oPillow Back And Neck Massager to enjoy a calming massage while at work.
Now that you know how to pick a massager that will be perfect for you, here’s a look at how to use one.
How To Use Back Massagers?
Here are a few steps you can follow to have an effective back massage.
- Warm up
Gently rub your skin and knead the area against your muscle to figure out your pain spots first. This will help you identify the target areas and warm up the body before you place a massager.
- Sitting position
Make sure you are sitting in the upright position with a straightened back and then apply the massager directly.
- Get your settings right
With so many heats, rotation, and power settings, it is important that you find the golden middle in terms of speed, intensity, and heat to enjoy a soothing massage.
- Don’t overdo it
Keep your massage session set to a regular time. Do not exceed over 20 minutes or you may injure your muscles.
- Relax
After a massage, take a moment to reflect on how your back and body feels and sit with that soothing feeling for a while.
The Bottom Line
Back pain is a common condition caused due to improper posture, unhealthy lifestyle, and wear and tear. At the same time, you can always hit the nearest spa or get a therapist to reduce the pain. You can also treat those lower back muscle cramps using massagers as they decrease inflammation, relieve pain and muscle tightness, and relax the spine and lower back muscles. In addition, massage stimulates blood circulation to wash away toxic waste in your muscles. The RENPHO Electric Percussion Massager delivers versatile deep tissue massage with its customizable intensity settings, the Snailax Shiatsu Neck Massager offers effective and relaxing massage in the neck area with an optional heat setting, and the Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager With Heat is an excellent portable option that can cater to full-body massage requirements. These devices target different body parts like the neck, legs, and arms and help in reducing pain. They have an ergonomic design, are easy to use, and are lighter. However, some products might be bulky and noisy. In addition, few may not have long battery life. Remember to check the buying guide and choose a massager that meets your needs. Further, if you are experiencing severe muscle soreness that refuses to ease away, do consider consulting a healthcare specialist.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shreya Vishwanathan is a health & fitness enthusiast who advocates the importance of using back massagers to relax and uplift your mood. After in-depth research and checking reliable user reviews online, she has picked the best back massagers for her readers. All the products mentioned in the list can reduce backache, soreness, and stiffness, all at the push of a button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are back massagers good for your back?
Yes, back massagers offer relief from back pain, improve flexibility, and increase blood circulation.
How long should you use a back massager?
To promote muscle recovery, using a back massager can be beneficial. Spend two to three minutes massaging smaller muscle groups, and increase the time to five minutes for larger muscle groups. This helps relax and soothe the muscles, relieving tension and aiding in the recovery process.
How often can you use a back massager?
Use a back massager thrice a week to witness the best results.
Can a back massager make back pain worse?
Yes, a back massager can worsen back pain if it is not used the right way. Make sure that you are not hurting your muscles while massaging your body. It is also recommended to consult a massage therapist before using a back massager at home.
Can I use a back massager when pregnant?
No, it is not recommended to use a back massager during pregnancy.
