Best Back Massagers in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 17, 2024
Sedentary life is no good for our health and often leads to back pains. If you've got the same problem, it's time to buy a back massager and get rid of muscle tension once and for all. Here we've reviewed some of the best and most popular back massagers for you to choose the right one. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
SHAPE
CONSTRUCTION
APPLICATION
KINDS OF MASSAGE
OPERATION
FUNCTIONALITY
WEIGHT
WARRANTY
 
PROS

Shiatsu massage mode will give you a chance to experience a professional-like massage any time you want. Meanwhile, the back cover can be washed in a washing machine.

CONS
The model is rather heavy.
OUR VERDICT

Versatile, functional, and customisable, the HoMedics Deluxe Massage Chair is a perfect choice for home and office use. You'll be able to enjoy a pro-like massage without visiting a manual therapist. It's a real find for anyone spending hours sitting at their work desks.  

detailed parameters
SHAPE
Chair back massager
CONSTRUCTION
2 double massage nodes, Rotating massage mechanism
APPLICATION
Back, Shoulders, Upper legs
KINDS OF MASSAGE
Shiatsu, Spot shiatsu, Rolling, Vibration, Soothing heat
OPERATION
Electric
FUNCTIONALITY
14 massage programmes, Remote control, Adjustable height, Adjustable intensity, Adjustable headrest, Deluxe washable back cover, Heat on/off button
WEIGHT
7.22 kg
WARRANTY
2 years limited
PROS

The patented drive system provides a powerful and at the same time smooth action and a long service life of this massager. At the same time, the True Speed feedback system prevents the engine from stalling at low speeds.

CONS

The design is not very balanced.

OUR VERDICT

The Thumper E501 NA Sport massager comes with two sets of heads of varying firmness and with the variable speed control so you can customize it to your needs. It is easy to clean after use.

detailed parameters
SHAPE

Handheld

CONSTRUCTION

Interchangeable massage spheres (one set of gray (soft) and black (firm) spheres included)

APPLICATION

Neck, Shoulders, Back, Waist, Arms, Legs, Feet

KINDS OF MASSAGE

Percussion, Vibration massage

OPERATION

Electric

FUNCTIONALITY

Variable speed control from 20 to 40 pulses per second, True Speed feedback system

WEIGHT

1.4 kg

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

This massager has a wide range of functions. You can set the impact zone (Full back, Upper back, Lower back), as well as acupressure, while it is possible to set the timer for 5, 10, or 15 minutes to relax and not worry about the time period.

CONS

It takes the massager up to 20 minutes to heat up.

OUR VERDICT

A massager in the form of a Snailax chair is useful both at home and in the office. This unit will deliver a deep impact and the heat, if needed. The overheat protection thermostats are responsible for the safety of electrical equipment, and the remote control offers convenient settings. You can adjust the intensity of the massage with a removable and washable cape.

detailed parameters
SHAPE

Chair back massager

CONSTRUCTION

4 deep kneading nodes in the back, 2 vibration nodes in the seat

APPLICATION

Upper back, Lower back, Waist and thighs

KINDS OF MASSAGE

Vibration, Kneading, Soothing heat

OPERATION

Electric

FUNCTIONALITY

The detachable intensity control flap, Flexible massage nodes, 3 massage zones (Full back, Upper back, Lower back), Spot massage mode, 3-level vibration intensity, On/off heat, Integrated strapping system, Timer (5, 10, 15 min), Corded hand controller, Overheat protection

WEIGHT

2.65 kg

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

The 8 massage heads (4 big and 4 small) have the ability to change the direction of rotation, and their effect can be adjusted to 3 speeds for various needs.

CONS

The instructions are incomplete.

OUR VERDICT

The InvoSpa massager is ergonomically shaped and can be adjusted to massage a variety of body areas. The auto shut-off after 15 minutes of use ensures safety. The covering is made of high quality material; a practical storage case is included in the package.

detailed parameters
SHAPE

Shoulder massager

CONSTRUCTION

4 big nodes and 4 small nodes

APPLICATION

Neck, Shoulders, Back, Waist, Arms, Legs, Feet

KINDS OF MASSAGE

Shiatsu, Soothing heat

OPERATION

Electric

FUNCTIONALITY

3 speed/strength levels, 2 massage directions, On/off heat, 15-minute auto shut-off, Includes a wall power adapter, a car charger, carry bag

WEIGHT

2.1 kg

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

This model is equipped with a powerful motor that provides the speed of 3600 pulses per minute for a quick relaxation. The 5 interchangeable nozzles of various configurations and hardness will be useful for the thorough impact on a particular area of the body.

CONS

It is more challenging to hold the device on the highest setting due to intense vibrations.

OUR VERDICT

This portable massager can work continuously for up to 140 minutes when fully charged. It is very light and equipped with a non-slip handle. The device not only massages, but also improves blood circulation and lymph flow.

detailed parameters
SHAPE

Handheld

CONSTRUCTION

5 interchangeable head attachments

APPLICATION

Feet, Calf, Shoulders, Neck, Back, Muscle, Arms, Legs

KINDS OF MASSAGE

Percussion

OPERATION

Electric

FUNCTIONALITY

20-minute auto shut-off, Built-in rechargeable battery (140 minutes of working time), 3 strength modes, 4 speed modes, Wall charger included

WEIGHT

0.8 kg

WARRANTY

1 year

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HoMedics Shiatsu Max 2.0

Optimal Functionality

If you’re looking for a back massager, functionality is the first and foremost thing to take into consideration. The HoMedics deluxe back and shoulder massage chair is a luxury massager that can bring you to a whole new level of body relaxation by upgrading your home massaging experience. 

What really makes this massager stand out is the number of massaging modes it offers. Choose from Shiatsu, rolling, vibration, and soothing heat massage to relieve tension and pain, relax your body after a tiring day at work, and soothe the sore muscles if you’ve put too much passion into a workout. 

While the Shiatsu kneading ensures the precision and deep effect, being very close to the professional hand massage, the rolling, vibration, and heat will further enhance it. What’s more, this handy chair will improve blood circulation in the back area. 

Give your health and wellbeing a well-deserved boost without leaving home. The HoMedics massage chair saves you time (and money) on a visit to a local parlor, being right there for you at any time of day. Perfect if you need regular back massaging sessions – but don’t want to go the extra mile.

Review of HoMedics Shiatsu Max 2.0 Deluxe Back and Shoulder Massage Chair

A Fit for Everyone

Who wouldn’t like the versatile and effective massaging sessions right at their home? With the Spot Shiatsu mode, you’ll be able to adjust the position of rotating massage nodes to get to the right spot. If you need the pain relief a.s.a.p., this feature will come in very handy, and you won’t be wasting any of your time.

The HoMedics has as many as 14 massage programs to meet the needs of the most demanding users and tackle various issues. Whether you need the machine for relaxation or as part of your treatment program, it will (most probably) meet your expectations. Also note that all the massager functionality is accessible and adjustable from a remote control. This makes using it a real breeze, and you won’t have to search for the right button.

And finally, this multi-functional back massager will fit users of different height and stature, since you can adjust the headrest height and massage reach width to your body. Likewise, the adjustable straps allow fitting the massager onto most types of home and office chairs.

Overall, this practical and versatile massaging unit is exactly what you need for solid relaxation or pain relief in the comfort of your home.

HoMedics Shiatsu Max 2.0 Deluxe Back and Shoulder Massage Chair in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £198.84
Stock In stock
ASIN B01D1ATJSY

 

Thumper E501 NA Sport

Full Body Massage

Who doesn’t get tired after a long working day? Give your back and body the much-needed relief and alleviate the stress with the Thumper percussive massager.

Let’s start with the fact that this unit can cover your entire body thanks to the ergonomic, user-friendly design. Massage anything and everything, from neck and shoulders to thighs and feet. The Thumper can be used for relieving muscle tension, alleviating stress, or warming up the muscles before a workout. Save yourself a trip to a massage parlour – and use this device for a pro level experience.

The long 4m cord will make sure that you can reach any body part with ease – and without effort. Yes, you’ll have to sometimes put it over your shoulder to get it out of the way. But then, there is no need to change the batteries, and you can go on massaging for as long as you want.

Weighing the mere 1.4 kg, the Thumper won’t make your arm fall off, although it could be slightly more well-balanced for your convenience. Still, you’ll have a lot of freedom when moving it all over the body. And if you need a travel case, you’re always welcome to buy one separately.

Review of Thumper E501 NA Sport Percussive Massager

Pick Your Speed

The Thumper lets you tailor the massage strength with two sets of spheres. The grey will give you a soft and soothing massage, while the black will provide a really firm massage for pain relief and body stimulation. Whatever option you pick, be sure that you’ll get exactly what you’re aiming for.

The drive system in the Thumper guarantees that the massaging session will be even and comfortable. Thanks to the True Speed feedback, this device eliminates the annoying low speed stalls. You can adjust the pulses per second from 20 to 40, depending on your needs or tastes. Note that your hands won’t suffer from the kickback even when the speed is high.

If you’re looking to relax with this massager, great news: it’s really quiet and won’t disturb you with excessive noise. Use it confidently when other people are in the room – or when you don’t want to scare off your pets.

Finally, cleaning this device is one easy task. All you have to do is wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

All in all, this user-centric back & body massager is a sound alternative to the pricey visits to the parlour. Get one for yourself – or make it a surprise gift for a friend or co-worker.

Thumper E501 NA Sport Percussive Massager in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £139.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B009GEQNJS

 

Snailax Home Office use

A Back Health Booster

Massage, heat, or vibration, the Snailax back massager has it all. If you’re looking to soothe the back pain or relax after a tiring working day, look no further than this practical device.

To begin with, this unit offers 4 massage nodes for deep kneading that travel up and down, allowing you to relax the entire back. Perfect for pain relief or soothing muscles after a good workout, they bring you the top massaging experience at home. Why spend your time on visiting the parlour when you can have it all at literally any moment?

With the Snailax, you’re free to choose from 3 massage zones: full, upper, or low back. Target the exact problematic area, and the much-needed relief will be coming very soon. Note, however, that the upper back massage can be rather intense, and if you feel this way, using a towel is a good idea. Pick a softer and smoother massage – or max it out with the intensity control flap (detachable).

But that’s not all; the massage knobs can be customized to the max 3mm height to smoothly fit your body curves. The pinpoint massage mode is also available for this versatile unit.

Review of Snailax Home Office use Back Massager with Heat

Vibro & Heat

Want some vibration during the massage? Couldn’t be easier with the Snailax. Get the first-class hip and thigh vibro-massage at 3 convenient intensity levels. Relax with ease or do away with the pain and muscle soreness thanks to this feature – but don’t forget, it’s only for the seat.

Now to the heat therapy that is so useful for relieving muscle tension anywhere on your back. The only downside here is that the unit takes up to 20 minutes to heat up. Boost your back health during the cold days – and never worry about overheating. The handy thermostats ensure the full safety of this device, so you can always use it confidently.

Need to limit your massaging session? No problem at all. The Snailex includes the 5/10/15-minute timer, so you don’t need to pick the phone and search for one yourself. If the massage is part of your therapy program, follow it easily with this handy feature.

Even better; the massager comes with a remote control for the fast and comfortable setup. It doesn’t have backlighting, though, so using it in a dark room could be a bit tough.

To sum up, the Snailex massager is a quality solution to your back pain or relaxing needs.

Snailax Home Office use Back Massager with Heat in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07F9PRTYR

 

InvoSpa Shiatsu

Massage Every Area

Looking for a back and neck massager for using it at home or in the car? The InvoSpa shiatsu heat massager may be the answer to your needs.

This corded unit has as many as 8 roller balls and 4 big/small nodes for extra nice massaging sessions. Go full deep tissue on the neck, shoulders, back, and legs; the 3D massage is as effective as it is enjoyable. What’s more, you can get into every nook and cranny with this flexible device.

Need to go hard or soft with the massager? The InvoSpa offers 3 speeds/strengths for your ultimate convenience. Opt for a smoother massage to relax after long hours at the office – or pick the max speed to stimulate the muscles and get rid of the annoying pain. The choice is always up to you – and your treatment or relaxation needs.

Even better; try the 2 massage directions that mimic the professional hand motion. Why spend your time (and money) on an extra parlour visit when you have the InvoSpa at home? This practical massager will auto-reverse every 60 seconds to boost the massaging effect. Just what you need after a tiring day or a rather intense workout.

Review of InvoSpa Shiatsu Back Neck and Shoulder Massager with Heat

A Soothing Effect

The InvoSpa massager offers not only the deep tissue massage, but also the heat therapy. The infrared heat will help you deal with muscle stress and tension, boosting the blood circulation. The unit warms up in about 2-4 minutes and doesn’t get too hot on you. It’s moderate and soothing, which is great for gentle relaxation.

This user-centric massager is very ergonomic and can be used in a variety of ways. Wrap it over your shoulders while relaxing on a sofa or put it on when driving; the choice is always up to you. No need to distract yourself from the TV if you want a good massaging session. The InvoSpa includes a wall power adapter as well as a car charger for home, office, or on-the-go use. A handy case will help you move it around or store it in between the sessions.

What if you feel so comfy during the massage that you fall asleep? Don’t worry, the massager has a 15-minute auto shut-off. Use it confidently and be sure that InvoSpa cares about your wellbeing as much as you do.

Overall, this practical body massager is a real find for active people, office workers, or just about anyone looking for relaxation or back pain relief.

InvoSpa Shiatsu Back Neck and Shoulder Massager with Heat in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B074S9BJ6B

 

RENPHO Deep Tissue

A Strong Massage

Not every handheld massager is really powerful, but the RENPHO deep tissue model is definitely on the list. If you need to relieve the back pain, soothe the muscles, or simply relax after you get home from work, this may very well be your best choice.

To start with, the RENPHO can be used on multiple body parts, including your neck, shoulders, back, arms, and legs. The muscle stiffness or soreness is no match for this device, which gives your health and wellbeing a big boost.

Now let’s reveal the real power of this impressive unit. The RENPHO provides up to 3600 pulses/minute, being really good for pain relief. This massager doesn’t compromise on strength, always packing a good punch. Say “bye” to your aches and pains after just a few sessions with the unit; this includes medical conditions as well as post-workout pain.

Worried about the overheating? You shouldn’t be, as this device has a 20-minute auto shut-off. This feature is also useful to prevent accidental damage to your body. Just don’t forget to let it cool down before you turn it on again. If you do, the massager will serve you well for an extended period of time.

Review of RENPHO Deep Tissue Massager for Muscles Back

User-Centric to a ‘T’

This massager is not only handheld, but also cordless. No annoying wires that only seem to get in the way; you’re absolutely free to use the device when – and where – you want. Relax while watching your favourite TV shows or take it to the office to soothe your back during the break. The battery will last for up to 140 minutes when fully powered up, which is more than enough to not worry about recharging every now and then.

But when you do need to recharge, the entire process will take up around 2.5 hours. Not too long, since you won’t have to do it often.

Weighing only 0.8 kg, the RENPHO is a pleasure to hold during the long massaging sessions. The only downside is that the highest setting gives such strong vibrations that holding the device becomes rather challenging. But apart from that, you won’t have any trouble using it.

Control your experience with ease thanks to the handy built-in buttons. It takes one touch to turn on the massager – and a couple pushes to fully adjust the modes. Younger and older customers will find this unit equally convenient.

In short, the RENPHO handheld massager is a very strong and practical device for home or on-the-go use.

RENPHO Deep Tissue Massager for Muscles Back in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01N4B6VY4

 

Infographics

Comparison of Back Massagers

What Is a Back Massager?

At some point in life, most of us have to cope with back pains either due to prolonged sitting at the computer, sleeping in an uncomfortable pose, experiencing hypothermia or sitting in a draught. Is this problem familiar to you? If it is, then the best way to alleviate discomfort and help painful sensations is via a back massage. What's more, you don't even need to visit your massage therapist. With the help of a back massager, you will be able to massage your back yourself anytime you want. In addition to saving time and money, with a back massager on hand, you will be able to self-massage various parts of your body on a regular basis, carrying out preventive or therapeutic treatment of your back and lumbar region. In some sense, this item can substitute manual massage procedures, reducing tension in your muscles, improving blood circulation, and eliminating backache.

One other device you might be interested in is a foot massager. With the help of a foot massager, not only will you be able to quickly soothe tired feet after a workday, but also warm them and improve blood flow.

What Features to Compare

Shape and Construction

The first thing to do when selecting a back massager is to consider the unit's design. This is important to do because you need to be sure massaging your back will be convenient.

Some of the most popular back massagers used today are chair back massage models. What makes them so popular is that they can be used while sitting letting you fully relax and enjoy your massage.

When it comes to handheld massagers, these have advantages too. One of them is that you can change the area of application, apply more or less force and vary the massage speed according to your personal preferences. However, keep in mind that in order for you to use it with comfort, the device should be ergonomically shaped and have a relatively light weight. In general, there are two types of handheld back massagers: mat models and cane-shaped. Both of them have their own pros and cons and both can provide effective massage enabling you to use them even on delicate body parts.

One other thing to consider is how many rollers, spines and motors a massager has since the more it has, the larger body area it will be able to cover per go.

Types of Massage and Target Zones

To proceed with massage characteristics, you should pay attention to the types of massage the chosen device can provide and which body zones it can be applied to. In general, most massagers are designed for reducing tension in your back and lumbar zone, however, some models will be more functional, letting you apply them not only to your back but also to your neck, shoulders, legs, and other body parts. How do you know which one will work best for you? Before anything else, decide on the massage type you need. There are four of them: shiatsu, rolling, vibration, and acupressure.

Shiatsu kneading massage technique is based on massaging a human body with fingers and thumbs. The massager performing such a kind of massage can melt stress and muscle fatigue away allowing you to drift into complete relaxation.

A rolling massage will prove to be more effective for people engaged in serious physical activities. The rotating movements of the massager will help restore your muscular activity and make the back muscles more elastic.

When it comes to a vibration massage, its main advantage is that it can improve blood circulation, blood supply, and mobility of neck and back muscles. If applied on a regular basis, this massage will result in better well-being by supplying your organism with more oxygen and reducing tiredness. To add to that, it can be used in combo with a heat function to enhance the relaxing effect of the massage and speed up the process of recovery.

Finally, an acupressure massage. It is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine that is performed by stimulating target zones with spikes. As a result, it helps improve the blood flow and makes it easier to relax and shake off stress.

Functionality

Finally, consider the functionality of the massager. If you're planning to use the massager mostly on the go, rather than opting for an electric unit that requires a connection to a wall outlet, go with a handheld device. With a handheld massager, you'll be able to have a back massage anytime and anywhere you are. The remote included in the package will let you vary and adjust massage settings such as speed, vibration, etc. right in the process without getting out of bed. While the auto switch-off function will make sure the device turns off after a certain period of time, giving you nice peace of mind.

Hopefully, with these tips, choosing a back massager will be way easier!

Sources:

1. Back Massagers Buying Guide, eBay. March 3, 2016.

2. Can Massage Help Your Back Problem? Spine-health.

3. How to Choose a Massager, SwimOutlet.

4. How to Choose a Back Massager: Expert Advice, Tipings.

5. Debby Mayne Back Massage Benefits, LIVESTRONG.COM. September 16, 2015.

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