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We’ve compiled the 10 top models that are sure to bring you relief. We found that these versatile units offer everything from deep tissue massages to heated relaxation. To get an idea of what’s ahead, check out a couple of our favorite picks below.

Naipo’s Shiatsu took the top spot as best overall. It is soft, comfortable, and quickly relieves sore muscles. Its arms help to get the massager positioned right where you want it.

Zyllion’s Shiatsu is equally impressive in that it provides exceptional relief from tired, achy muscles. Its compact design makes it a great travel companion for massaging on the go.

Top 10 Best Back Massagers

We have 8 more innovative and effective massagers left. We’ll look at the above 2 in greater detail, as well. Regardless of your achy needs, we’re sure there’s one for you.


1. Naipo Shiatsu Review - Best Overall

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  • Excellent design
  • Arms work well
  • Heat mode
  • Versatile
  • No cordless feature
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It’s only by coincidence that the first 2 entries share the same name. Naipo’s Shiatsu is quite similar to Zyllion’s model below. However, Naipo includes innovative arms that branch out from the unit.

This makes it easy to position the massager nearly anywhere you want. Having a hard time reaching the middle of your back? No problem for this device. You can throw one arm over your shoulder and grab the other.

There are loops you can slip your hands into in order to get a better grip. This is a great way to work the nubs into tight muscles for greater relief. There’s even the option for heating if you’re having a really sore day.

We like how you can wrap the base anywhere you like using the arms. It’s easy to just set it and forget it while you enjoy deep, relaxing, massaging action. You get a portable adapter for use in the car, too.

Features

  • 15 x 6.3 x 8.2 inches
  • Optional heating
  • Car adapter
  • 4.4 pounds

Ease of Use

The arms/straps go a long way in providing a user-friendly experience. More importantly, this unit works really well at relieving painful areas. Its buttons are easy to reach and operate, too.


2. Zyllion Shiatsu Review - Best Design

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  • Quality materials
  • Lots of relief
  • Soft design
  • Effective
  • No cordless mode
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This compact back and neck massager is designed like a pillow that you lean your back against. It’s equipped with 4 round nubs that rotate under soft mesh fabric. The rest of the unit is made with smooth, vegan leather.

There’s a heated option that helps to loosen tight muscles even more. Every minute, the nubs change their direction to better relax your body. We really like this feature, as it prevents soreness and helps to stimulate.

Zyllion’s Shiatsu kneads your sore muscles via automatic movement. We like that there are no batteries or charging to concern yourself with. You simply plug it in and turn it on. That being said, there are some who will miss having a cordless option.

For added convenience, the Shiatsu comes with straps. You can place these over your car seat for massaging on the go. And yes, you get a car adapter to power the device while you’re mobile.

The versatility of this device is most excellent. It’s shaped in a way that makes it easy to position wherever you get the most relief. It’s very soft to the touch, too, and never feels uncomfortable.

Features

  • 13 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches
  • Automatic shutoff
  • Optional heating
  • 4 pounds

Ease of Use

Zyllion designed the Shiatsu to be quite user-friendly. Operation is simplistic, and there’s even a 20-minute automatic shutoff to prevent overheating. We really appreciate safety features like this.


3. RENPHO Deep Tissue Massager Review - Best Portable Massager

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  • Highly-portable
  • Well-made
  • Adjustable
  • Versatile
  • Can’t use while plugged in
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RENPHO delivers a portable cordless charger that works well to loosen tight areas on your back. You’ve likely seen several variations of this unit over the years. But RENPHO’s is our favorite so far.

It is ergonomically designed, making it easier to handle. And it’s lightweight, too. But it’s also very effective in calming a sore back.

Perhaps the best feature of RENPHO’s massager is the interchangeable heads. You get 5 unique attachments that have different designs.

You use these depending on the kind of pain you’re having. We like that you can change up the vibrations to find the pulse that helps you the most.

You can look forward to getting up to 140 minutes of use on a single charge. It’s a great device to take with you on trips, as it’s not too bulky and is designed for portability.

Features

  • 15 x 3 x 4.5 inches
  • Rechargeable
  • 1.76 pounds
  • Cordless

Ease of Use

The RENPHO has a nice grip to it and is easy to go to those difficult places. There are just 4 buttons on the unit to learn for simplicity and effectiveness. The only real bummer here is that you can’t use the massager while it’s plugged in.


4. Comfier Shiatsu Review - Most Comfortable

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  • High-quality design
  • Plenty of comfort
  • Unique delivery
  • Adjustable
  • Expensive
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Another “Shiatsu” ranked highly with us. This model from Comfier is quite possibly the most relaxing of all entries.

For soothing relief of an achy back, you simply sit down in your favorite chair. The Shiatsu is shaped like a plushy car seat, complete with expert stitching and upholstery.

There are a total of 10 points on the seat that work to deliver an all-over massage. You get a combination of kneading, air, and heat to work out tight muscles.

We like that the nubs move up and down as they rotate, ensuring more of your back is attended to. It’s a very effective system that is worth the investment.

It’s pretty pricey compared to traditional massagers. But you’d be hard-pressed to find one that delivers such a complete and thorough massage.

Features

  • Optional heat and air
  • Adjustable position
  • Washable material
  • 24 pounds

Ease of Use

You simply set the Shiatsu seat over your favorite chair and sit down. You can adjust the delivery of your massage easily. It is quite user-friendly, and one of the more enjoyable to use.

This is the perfect companion after a hard day of work. You can look forward to coming home and sitting down. The Comfier Shiatsu will take care of the rest.


5. MaxKare Back Massager Review - Best Value

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  • Optional heat
  • Comfortable
  • Adjustable
  • Affordable
  • No cordless mode
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MaxKare takes a page out of Zyllion’s book to bring you their version. Admittedly, the design is pretty standard, but you might mistake the 2 at first glance.

Upon closer inspection, it’s plain to see that Zyllion is the superior unit. But don’t let that deter you from giving MaxKare a look. They offer a similar unit that provides the same kind of massaging, yet at a lower cost.

You’re getting a contoured pillow in a mesh fabric. Underneath this material are 4 nodes that work to loosen tight muscles and reduce pain.

There’s even a heating option to help work out really stubborn areas. You can safely use the massager in your car, as well as home or the office. A mobile adapter is included to ensure you always have power.

Features

  • 13 x 4.5 x 8.5 inches
  • Adjustable speed
  • Optional heat
  • 2.86 pounds

Ease of Use

You simply plug it in and turn it on. MaxKare’s massager is easy to operate, and can be cleaned by hand. We like that you can adjust its speeds depending on your needs.


6. HoMedics Percussion Action Massager Review - Best for Stiffness

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  • User-friendly
  • Ergonomic
  • Affordable
  • Effective
  • Bulky design
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HoMedics is one of the most well-known names in home massagers. They’ve been providing the public with various devices for quite some time now.

The Percussion Action is similar to other models they’ve made in the past. But where this one differentiates itself is in its unique design and shape.

Gone is the traditional wand style that many of us are used to. It’s been replaced with a larger head and a looped handle. The head closely resembles E.T., if you can imagine it.

There are two large “eyes” that provide flexible massaging to your muscles. These surprisingly work out stiff muscles really well. We love the sensation it delivers.

The handle is made so that you get a better grip. We found this helps a lot when you’re trying to get to those hard-to-reach areas.

Heat is on deck, too, if you choose to use it. HoMedics’ entry is a bit bulky, sure. But it’s effective and comes at a reasonable price.

Features

  • 17.13 x 5.94 x 5.51 inches
  • Optional heat
  • 2.48 pounds
  • Dual heads

Ease of Use

There are both heat and speed settings at your command. This makes it easy to get just the right level of massaging, while avoiding unnecessary bruises or further soreness.

The bulky shape might prove difficult for travel. If this is important to you, it may be best to look elsewhere.


7. Viktor Jurgen Handheld Back Massager Review - Best Budget Wand

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  • Solid performance
  • Quiet operation
  • Lengthy cord
  • Affordable
  • No heat
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As one of the better affordable options we reviewed, the Viktor Jurgen massager performed admirably. We were pleased with its results, as it worked really well to reduce soreness and tightness.

The wand features two heads that deliver strong vibration. They can be interchanged with different attachments, too. This is a great way to home in on certain areas so that you get just the massage you need.

Another nice feature that we would like to see on all massagers is that of a long cord. At 71 inches, you should have no trouble reaching where you need.

Some of the hard, plastic construction tends to cause additional pain. But this can be remedied by a blanket or towel. You won’t find a heating option, either.

Features

  • Interchangeable heads
  • 6.7 x 5.5 x 14.6 inches
  • Adjustable speeds
  • 3.45 pounds

Ease of Use

A single power button and switch on the unit controls everything you need. It’s easy to change speeds to your liking by simply sliding the switch up and down.


8. RESTECK Massager Review - Most User-Friendly

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  • Soft materials
  • Easy to use
  • Well-made
  • Effective
  • No cordless mode
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RESTECK’s Massager is very similar in design to Naipo’s Shiatsu. It sports large arms that you can drape over your shoulders for effortless massaging.

This model is a bit larger than Naipo’s, but it provides the same level of comfort. It’s a user-friendly setup that is effective and well-made.

You get a total of 8 nubs that rotate to help relieve sore muscles. It’s a versatile unit that is designed to work on all areas of the body.

We were quite pleased with the results, as our tightness was comfortably worked out with little effort. Heat is optional if you need a little extra help with stubborn spots.

Features

  • Optional heating mode
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Car adapter
  • 4.6 pounds

Ease of Use

All the buttons are conveniently placed along one of the arms, making it easy to adjust without looking. You get a nice carrying bag with the unit, too.


9. Mighty Bliss Deep Tissue Massager Review - Best for Knots

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  • Comfortable heads
  • User-friendly
  • Lightweight
  • Cordless
  • No heat
  • A bit pricey
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Mighty Bliss delivers another wand entry that is familiar yet new. It comes with differently-shaped head attachments that work wonders on a tight, painful back. And it’s cordless, giving you greater freedom to massage.

Each head sports unique textures that target specific areas. It would have been nice if Mighty Bliss included a heating option. Unfortunately, it’s nowhere to be found. This is quite the oversight considering the high price tag.

The massager is nicely-constructed, though. It feels solid and sturdy, with an ergonomic design that makes it easy to reach where you need.

You’ll get about 120 minutes per charge. And to fully recharge the battery takes just 60 minutes.

Features

  • Interchangeable heads
  • 120-minute battery life
  • Ergonomic design
  • 3.4 pounds

Ease of Use

We found the Mighty Bliss Massager to be straightforward and user-friendly. Sure, it’s missing a heating option, but the heads work well in providing relief.


10. Back Buddy Review - Best Budget Runner-Up

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  • Unique concept
  • User-friendly
  • Affordable
  • Effective
  • Takes some getting used to
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Do you prefer a more manual approach to loosening your muscles? The Back Buddy might be right up your alley. The concept is simple, yet effective. It’s an S-shaped tool that’s made of fiber-infused plastic with handles.

There are knobs sticking up in certain sections that you use against your back muscles. It’s easy, basic, and affordable.

It’s actually quite incredible how versatile this unit is. There are all kinds of ways to position the Back Buddy so that you get all of your muscles loosened.

We like the strength of this massager, too. It’s very durable, and never feels like it’s going to snap.

Features

  • 25 x 16 x 1 inches
  • Fiber-infused
  • 1.25 pounds
  • 11 knobs

Ease of Use

It doesn’t get much easier. Just grab onto each handle and work the knobs over your muscles. It might be basic in design, but it’s highly-effective in loosening up a tight back. It can take some getting used to. We still find ourselves learning new techniques.