The best massage seats pads to soothe and relax you

Get a deep tissue massage, every day of the week.

The best massage seats

by Marina Avraam |
Updated on

I think we can all agree that a good massage can be life-changing. Muscles are relaxed, tension has gone out the window, and you feel like you're on another planet.

Sadly, popping to a spa every day isn't exactly an option, and our sore backs deserve more than just the occasional neck rub by a partner or friend. This is where massage seat pads come in.

Unlike bulky massage chairs that take up half a room, massage seat pads can be placed on any chair, sofa or even car seat to thoroughly relax your muscles and relieve tension. The majority of these also provide a heat source, further exuding comfort and promoting relaxation.

Knowing where to start is always a challenge, so we've created a rundown of the best massage seat pads available on the market in terms of price, performance and customer reviews.

Related: The best foot massagers to help you relax

How often should you use a massage seat?

Massage seats can be used daily, but experts recommend spending up to fifteen minutes at a time in the chair. This is to prevent muscle bruising and damage, and this is especially important if you are new to massagers.

What to look out for when buying a massage seat

With so many options out there, you need to make sure you are choosing the right massage seat for you.

One of the first things to look out for is the type of massage offered by your massage chair or seat. One type commonly found on electric massagers is the Shiatsu massage, a technique that targets pressure points to relieve tension and pain. Other massagers offer more simple deep tissue massages, while others might focus on specific areas of your body.

Budget is another important factor to take into account, as the cost of massagers can vary from £65 to £200. High-end massagers usually come with USB ports, boast a smarter look, as well as plush, top-quality material.

Finally, ensuring that your seat comes with a lengthy warranty is always advised, particularly for pricier models.

The best massage seats at a glance

Best affordable option: Comfier Shiatsu Back Massager with Heat

Best for compression massage: Comfier Back & Neck Massager with Heat

Best for real spa-like experience: HoMedics ShiatsuMax 2.0

Best for lower back pain: Snailax Back Massager with Heat

Best value: Snailax Memory Foam Back Massager

Best easy to use: Aront Back Massager with Heat

Best for use in car: Naipo Car Seat Massage Cushion Back Massager

Gallery

The best massage seats

Comfier Shiatsu Back Massager with Heat1 of 7

Comfier Shiatsu Back Massager with Heat

Best affordable optionThis Shiatsu back massager mimics the movement of real hands to perform a blissful, deep tissue massage, targeting knots and tension in your muscles. The Shiatsu balls can also heat up, to increase soothing and overall relaxation. For a fully customisable experience, you can choose where you want your massage to focus, a particularly useful feature if you have a problem area.Rating: 4.6 out of 5**Review: "**I've always liked deep tissue massage on my back, and this product replicates Shiatsu massage perfectly. For a while I was feeling so much pain and I knew I needed a massage. I am so glad to have purchased this massager for such a great price! I'll no longer need to spend hundreds going to someone. I was very impressed by the strength of the nods, really good! Wish I had found this sooner!"

Comfier Back&Neck Massager with Heat2 of 7

Comfier Back & Neck Massager with Heat

Best for compression massageEliminate fatigue after a long day of slouching with this fabulous Shiatsu back massager. The portable seat harnesses the power of four unique massage nodes to provide a deep tissue massage, in the form of kneading, rolling and compression, with an optional addition of heat. The compression massage gently squeezes your hips together, targeting your lower back and providing a satisfying and relieving sensation.Rating: 4.5 out of 5**Review: "**This deserves nothing less than five stars. I'm a 6ft 1 male who really enjoyed deep tissue massage. This relieves upper, lower back and neck pain with ease. Lots of useful features. Well built and sturdy, feels luxury and I use it daily. Has really made a difference."

HoMedics ShiatsuMax 2.03 of 7

HoMedics ShiatsuMax 2.0

Best for a real spa-like experienceAfter a luxury spa-like treatment all day, every day? The HoMedics Shiatsu back massager is as close as you'll get. With two double massage nodes and 14 massage programs, including Shiatsu and rolling massage, you'll enjoy an invigorating treatment from the top of your neck, all the way down to your thighs. Intensify your experience by turning up the heat, and personalise your massage as much as you like with just the touch of a button.Rating: 4.4 out of 5**Review: "**After 8 years of severe back-pain, I now have a gadget that supplies relief! I know that this isn't a cure, but to be able to get some respite is fantastic! I've tried so many appliances, none of which has proved of any use. I LOVE this massager. Many thanks."

Snailax Back Massager with Heat4 of 7

Snailax Back Massager with Heat

Best for lower back painReduce stiffness, relax muscles and alleviate any pain with the Snailax Shiatsu massager. Targeting shoulder, upper back, lower back, or thighs with an optional heating function to top things off, you'll feel more calm and destressed than ever before. You can also choose between three levels of vibrations, perfectly tailoring your massage to what you like.Rating: 4.4 out of 5****Review: "I am very pleased with this purchase, I have suffered from lower back pain for a few months and this back massager has made a lot of difference. I particularly like the fact you can pick a particular spot for it to stop at so it really works on the part of your back you need it on the most. Would definitely recommend fantastic purchase and great value for money."

Snailax Memory Foam Back Massager5 of 7

Snailax Memory Foam Back Massager

Best valueSay au revoir to back pain because the Snailax back massager has made an entrance. With six powerful vibrating motors targeting upper, mid and lower back, all your tension and dreaded tech neck will be gone within minutes. The heat therapy mode radiates gentle warmth to loosen tightness and improve blood circulation, and the plush cushion will make any chair ten times more comfy.Rating: 4.3 out of 5**Review: "**Excellent product and comfortable seat, relaxing, something to look forward to in the day. Particularly liked the control unit which indicates the areas being massaged by lighting up, such as upper back, lower back, hips and thighs. Also 6 different settings such as pulsating, rolling, auto etc. Heat was soothing. Overall a great product, value for money and easy to use on the sofa, chair and in the car. Not bulky, so I can take it anywhere."

Aront Back Massager with Heat6 of 7

Aront Back Massager with Heat

Easiest to useShake off all the tension from your day with this great affordable option by Aront. Four spiral kneading massage nodes will mimic the feel of a professional massage, and the added heat will promote blood circulation and overall comfort. With three vibration levels, your hip and thigh muscles will loosen up, removing all stiffness from the day. Rating: 4.3 out of 5**Review: "**Wow, never used a product like this before and my word it is great! Sounds like a low hum even with the base vibrating; minimal sound! Absolutely fantastic after my first 15 mins on there! I give 4.5 stars for comfort as, initially, while the knots are massaged out it was a tad uncomfortable and I found myself leaning forward for the first 5 mins! Then, as you relax into it, you find yourself leaning into the massage plastic bits! The feeling afterwards is just great! Very strongly recommended."

Naipo Car Seat Massage Cushion Back Massager7 of 7

Naipo Car Seat Massage Cushion Back Massager

Best for use in the carWith eight motor vibrations and two built-in heaters, this seat pad can target specific areas or multiple muscles to relieve soreness and rejuvenate your joints. You'll be able to pick from four different massage options including pulse, tapping percussion and modes, as well as three different speed settings.Rating: 4.1 out of 5**Review: "**Bliss, chronic back pain in my family so also bought one for my dad. Very gentle so if you can't stand the nobbly bits of a shiatsu massager, this is perfect. Heat and vibration only and many settings. Really good range of length is long enough to reach top of legs. We love it."

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**Marina Avraam**is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for Mother&Baby, Heat and Closer. She has a passion for psychology, reading and fashion writing.S

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