How Well Do At-Home Massagers Actually Work? Real Testers Weighed In (2024)

The TL;DR on the Best Back Massagers

Our Top Picks

Power source: Corded electric | Heat: Yes

This back massager forms to the contours of your body, whether you're targeting your lower back or neck, and uses deep tissue-style movements to apply just the right amount of pressure to tense muscles. "I’m anurse, so my back and neck are always sore," wrote one Amazon reviewer. "This massager gives much needed relief." The heat is a major bonus, since it helps relax your muscles as they're getting worked on. Although this massager needs to be plugged in, it can easily be used at home, in the car, or at the office, thanks to its compact design.

Power source: Rechargeable | Heat: Yesway.

Shape senior commerce editor Kristen Geil swears by this portable back massager. “It’s only about the size of my hand, but it delivers instant relief to my low back after a tough tennis match,” she explains. She notes that the adhesive is “the perfect level of sticky — it stays put, but it doesn’t rip my skin when I take it off.” Heads up, you do need to replace the pads occasionally; the back massager comes with three reusable pads that work for up to 20 uses each, although Geil notes she hasn’t had to replace hers yet after several uses. Our only con is that the battery dies pretty quickly, especially when you’re using the heat and vibration at the highest intensity levels. However, since it’s rechargeable and so easy to use, we’re willing to overlook that.

Power source: Rechargeable | Heat: No

We can’t believe it took us this long to find a handheld massage gun that actually reaches those random spots in the middle of the back. The Renpho Extend has a clever handle extension that makes it easier than ever to treat your own muscle pain. The handle is detachable, so you can use the massage gun with or without (and trust us, it’s much easier to transport this massage gun in two separate pieces vs. with the extension attached). It is still a bit awkward and can get heavy depending on the angle you’re using, but for under $50, we think this is a great buy for people who want a hands-on way to address back pain.

Power source: Corded electric | Heat: Yes

The ergonomic U-shaped design of this Shiatsu massager comfortably forms to your body whether you're using it for the lower back, your neck, or legs. Simply grab hold of the arm straps and wrap the massager around the area you want to target. With three adjustable speed settings, it's easy to control the depth and intensity of the massage. This convenient tool also comes equipped with a heat function — with an auto shut-off — that applies warmth to tense muscles while massaging them. It's easily able to knead deep, boost circulation, and relieve muscle tension and tightness. While the over-the-shoulder position is one of the best for actually relieving tension, your hands will be somewhat limited in what they can do while harnessed in the wrap's slings. You'll be able to play on a phone, but you won't be able to type or multitask in many other ways.

Power source: Corded electric | Heat: Yes

This portable back massager features four 3D massage nodes and infrared heating that targets muscles through deep-tissue movements. It also automatically shuts off after 15 minutes to prevent overheating, so you can safely use this massager anywhere with peace of mind. However, since this back massager is on the cheaper end, it's not as durable as other premium models. The fabric tends to show wear after time.

Power source: Corded electric | Heat: Yes

Treat your entire back to a relaxing deep tissue massage by propping up this massage chair cushion on the couch, at the office, or even in the car. Its versatile massage nodes effortlessly move up and down as you sit back, relax, and let them do all the work. The cushion also provides a heating element (the seat itself doesn't heat up, but it does vibrate), and the controls allow you to focus on one area and adjust the intensity level. If you do want to use this back massager in the car, note that you'll need to purchase a car adapter to plug it in.

Power source: Corded electric | Heat: Yes

Four deep-kneading massage nodes and a heating function combine in this massager to give your tense muscles the relaxation they so desperately need. The compact massage pillow easily fits behind your back and neck or underneath your legs. An adjustable comfort flap acts as a plush buffer between your skin and the pillow's nodes for a softer massage. The model's cord is long enough to be easy to use on hard-to-reach knots. On the downside, the heating device was lukewarm and doesn't provide as much relief as expected, so if you may want to look elsewhere if you're looking for a better recovery tool.

Power source: Manual | Heat: No

As funky as it may look, this inventive tool has been trusted since its inception back in the '90s. Body Back Buddy is designed to directly target pain points and relieve tense muscles and knots using 11 strategically placed knobs in three specific and varying shapes. The curved two-hook design allows you to comfortably reach from the shoulders to the lower back and even down to your feet. Plus, the manual device makes it easy to control the amount of pressure you apply to your sore or knotted muscles. It does take some time to practice using this back massager, so don't give up if you don't immediately find the perfect spot to apply pressure.

Power source: Corded electric | Heat: Yes

We were low-key obsessed with this neck massager, especially considering the affordable price tag. This back massager is pillow-shaped and straightforward to use, and the pressure of the four massage nodes felt absolutely amazing on our neck and shoulders. An auto-shutoff feature kicks in after 15 minutes, and it comes with elastic straps to secure it to a chair if you want. This back massager isn’t fancy (there’s only one heat setting and one speed), but it was incredibly effective. “This was so comfortable to use and my neck feels amazing now,” praised one editor testing the tool. “I didn't want the test to be over.”

Power source: Corded electric | Heat: Yes

If you really want to go all-in on a back massager, try a massage chair. With six automatic programs and a lower back heating function, we felt instantly at ease when we sat down in the Real Relax Massage Chair. We could easily control the settings and pressure (Shiatsu, kneading, or knocking) using the LED screen, and we were delighted to discover the foot massager, which rolled the knots out of our feet. We could even hook our phone up to the chair’s speakers via Bluetooth to play some relaxing music. Seriously, it’s like being at the spa. On the whole, this massage chair was pretty gentle, so if you prefer a really deep massage, it might not be the best fit for you. Also, this is a large and in-charge chair, not something you can tuck away in a corner. The leather material and giant curvature of the chair’s back make this best suited for an office or a basement, unless you have furniture that matches.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Giving Yourself a Massage at Home