Luckily, you don’t need an in-house masseuse (or a spa appointment) to reap these advantages. Instead, add an at-home massager like a gun or a mat to your self-care routine for some instant relief. Ask yourself if a manual or electric massager is preferable, and with electric options what kind of battery life to expect. Noise is also a factor to consider, depending on where you plan to use your massager. Based on our research, here are the best massagers on the market. Designed for long car drives, the massager includes straps to attach to a car seat and an adapter. Customers tell us it makes very little noise, so consider it safe for work. One caveat is that it needs to be plugged in, so while it’s portable, a wall plug needs to be within reach. Price at time of publication: $85 If you’re sore from a particularly strenuous workout, simply use your body weight to soothe muscle knots or soreness. The massage balls can be used from head to toe, so you can target your neck, shoulder, chest, arms, or back. When they’re in need of cleaning, they just have to be rinsed with water. Price at time of publication: $24 If you plan on sharing the massager within the family, the piece features removable liners that can be cleaned after each use. Featuring a compact design, it can easily fit under most desks or in front of the couch. It’s accommodating of most foot sizes, up to a men’s size 12. Price at time of publication: $160 It comes with two batteries (which reach a total of 300 minutes of battery life) and it weighs close to 3 pounds so you can take it with you on all of your stops throughout the day. It also boasts an amplitude that reaches 60 percent deeper into muscle compared to others on the market—allowing a quick bounce back from sore rest days. Price at time of publication: $599 As your workouts vary, so will your recovery needs, so the gun features four attachments and five speeds to target various muscles and degrees of soreness. It’s also one of VYBE’s quietest models, working at 50-60 decibels, so you can give your muscles the care they need without disturbing fellow gym-goers. Price at time of publication: $81 Primarily originating from Japan, the Shiatsu technique focuses on pressure points, aiming to restore balance in the body. While it’s ideal for shoulders, it can also be used on your back, neck, or thighs. Price at time of publication: $60 No region of the body is left out with this massager, which has 50 airbags placed in the shoulder, arm, seat, and leg areas of the chair. Measuring 29.9 x 49 x 53 inches when upright, the chair is available in three color combinations. Price at time of publication: $1,100 Complete with a remote, the mat can be propped up in a sitting position or laid down horizontally. It’s also attached to a plush pillow so we won’t blame you if you fall asleep. But if you do, it automatically shuts off after 30 minutes for safety. It also easily folds up when it’s not in use, making it a great portable option for travel. Price at time of publication: $90 Aside from the massage benefits, the massager exfoliates the scalp, helping you manage dandruff, and fully works in your shampoo so you can get that post-salon, deep clean feeling. Price at time of publication: $10 Lasting 140 minutes on a full charge, it’s complete with an extra-long, ridged silicone handle to prevent any slipping. Even better? It’s cordless so there’s no need to mess with wires. Price at time of publication: $50 With six massage modes, the massager can localize on your wrist, fingers, and palm, or full hand. Though you can only massage one hand at a time, it’s compact and portable, weighing only 2.3 pounds. As a perk, the massager also comes with a manual finger massager. Price at time of publication: $160
Battery
Many options will have an auto-shutoff feature after a certain amount of time for your safety, especially if there’s a heat function. If you expect to use a massager for a while in between charges, you may prioritize generous battery life.
Noise Control
Consider your daily environments when choosing a massager. Manual pieces have little to no noise, making them ideal for office or gym use. Battery-operated massagers with motors are likely more suitable for usage at home. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to target areas near your ears, like your shoulders, a quieter piece may be more ideal.
Why Trust Verywell Mind
If you’re pregnant, it’s best to first discuss with your healthcare provider whether it’s safe to use a massager. A massager is not recommended for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies or certain pre-existing conditions. The lifespan of these devices varies. If you’re running into problems with your massager, contact the manufacturer to troubleshoot any issues before immediately replacing it.
