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Few things compare to the feeling of a back massage after a long day. You don't even need another person willing to massage your back to enjoy this recovery practice. Back massager devices make unwinding easy and help soothe tired and sore muscles at the end of your day. If you're looking to boost your recovery routine or improve your self-care routine, a back massager is a useful and practical product to add to your cart.
The Best Back Massagers - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Boriwat Back Massager with Heat
- Best Handheld: Theragun PRO
- Best Portable: Theragun mini
- Best Budget: Mighty Bliss Deep Tissue Back and Body Massager
- Best Heated: Resteck Massager for Neck and Back with Heat
- Best Back Massager Chair: Snailax shiatsu Neck & Back Massager
- Best Manual: The Orb Extreme Deep Tissue Massager Ball
- Best Back Massager Pillow: Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massage Pillow
- Best Gentle Back Massager: TriggerPoint Acucurve Elite
- Best for Lower Back: Relxbit Pro Handheld Massager
There are many different types of back massagers, from massage guns to ones you wear strapped to your back. Different features distinguish the different back massagers, and with so many unique choices, there is an ideal model for everyone. Because not all massagers are created equal, we've broken down our top choices for the best back massagers and highlighted the features that make them stand out.
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ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts, including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall - Boriwat Back Massager with Heat
SPECS
- Size: 15" x 2" x 13"
- Weight: 3.95 lbs.
- Heat: Yes
The Boriwat heated back massager is a pillow-style back massager that you lean back on while it massages you. You can prop it up at an angle to sit up and use it or lay flat on it. It has two heating zones with two different heating levels. The heat helps to increase the effects of the massage to provide relief and comfort.
The massage intensity is adjustable, with three different intensity settings. This massager is great for massaging the neck, upper, and middle back area. Automatic shut-off after 15 minutes helps you target the ideal massage time frame and avoid overuse.
What We Like
- Adjustable heat settings
- 3 different massage intensity settings
- Easy to use
- Automatic shut off
What We Don't Like
- Can cause soreness if used too much
- The power cord is not very long
BUY: Boriwat Back Massager with Heat
Best Handheld - Theragun PRO
SPECS
- Size: 10" x 7.1" x 3"
- Weight: 2.9 lbs.
- Heat: No
The Theragun PRO is a high-end massage gun that relieves muscle stress and tension. The massage attachments are intentionally designed with closed-cell foam (rather than the standard plastic) because it is easy to clean and high quality.
The Theragun PRO delivers an effective massage with a high-power motor, but you wouldn't guess it based on the sound; this massage gun is designed to be super quiet, even given its high-power capacity. Additional features include 300-minute battery life, a rotating arm, customizable speed, and easy-to-clean attachments.
What We Like
- High-quality design
- Washable, non-plastic materials
- Wireless
- Longer battery life
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Can be a bit complicated when first figuring out how to use it
BUY: Theragun PRO
Best Portable - Theragun mini
SPECS
- Size: 6" x 5.3" x 2.25"
- Weight: 1.43 lbs.
- Heat: No
The Theragun Mini is the travel-friendly version of the Theragun PRO. This handheld massage gun is small and compact. The powerful motor still delivers an effective massage, even at such a small size. This massage gun is functional and aesthetically pleasing as well, and it is available in four different colors.
If you're looking for a back massager that can easily be thrown in your suitcase or gym bag, this is the one for you. The 150-minute battery life is slightly shorter than the Theragun PRO's, but it is longer than some other options. This massage gun is also designed to be nearly silent when in use.
What We Like
- Compact, travel-friendly design
- 4 different color options
- Quiet design
What We Don't Like
- Hard to use on your back unless you have someone to help you
- Higher price point
BUY: Theragun mini
Best Budget - Mighty Bliss Deep Tissue Back and Body Massager
SPECS
- Size: 7.6" x 7.52" x 3.27"
- Weight: 3.46 lbs.
- Heat: No
The Mighty Bliss handheld massager can be used all over the body to soothe muscles and provide relief. This massager delivers a powerful massage to muscles and is easy to use with a lightweight design and long handle. This massager comes with six interchangeable massage heads for specific body areas.
With a cordless design, this massager is easy to use anywhere. It can hold a charge for up to two hours and only takes one hour to fully charge back up. This one's for you if you're looking for an easy-to-use handheld massager at a lower price than a typical massage gun.
What We Like
- Wireless and rechargeable
- Long-lasting battery
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Interchangeable massage heads
What We Don't Like
- No heat settings
- Makes some noise when being used
BUY: Mighty Bliss Deep Tissue Back and Body Massager
Best Heated - Resteck Massager for Neck and Back with Heat
SPECS
- Size: 15.98" x 8.23" x 7.24"
- Weight: 4.63 lbs.
- Heat: Yes
The Resteck massager works best on the neck and upper back, though it can also be used elsewhere on the body. This massager has a heated feature and works well on the go. With a lightweight and wireless design, you can use this massager just about anywhere.
Simply drape it over your shoulders and hold onto the handles. The massage area will rest on your neck, providing a deep, relaxing massage. It also comes with a convenient carrying case so you can easily take it when traveling or going to work.
What We Like
- Can be used all over the body
- Lightweight and easy to take on the go
- Heating feature provides additional relief
What We Don't Like
- It isn't wireless, so you need to have a power outlet nearby to use it
- Not ideal for someone who wants a light or gentle massage
BUY: Restock Massager for Neck and Back with Heat
Best Back Massager Chair - Snailax shiatsu Neck & Back Massager
SPECS
- Size: 7" x 17.8" x 32"
- Weight: 15.55 lbs.
- Heat: Yes
This chair-style massager can be placed on top of any office chair or couch to turn your favorite seat into a massage chair. Enjoy a full neck, shoulder, and back massage from the Snailax back massager. This massager uses three different massage zones, so you can choose if you want to target your full back, lower back, or upper back.
This massager is a bit on the larger side, so it is ideal for use at home or work. It has two different levels of intensity, so you can decide how gentle or how intense you'd like your massage to be. With a heat setting, this massager also adds gentle warmth to help soothe sore muscles.
What We Like
- Provides an effective massage to the back and shoulders
- You can choose from two different intensities
- Heat features provide extra comfort
- Adjustable to account for different heights and spine widths
What We Don't Like
- It is larger than other options, so it wouldn't be ideal for travel
- Adjusting it to work well for your height can take some trial and error
BUY: Snailax shiatsu Neck & Back Massager
Best Manual - The Orb Extreme Deep Tissue Massager Ball
SPECS
- Size: 4.5? diameter
- Weight: 1.4 oz.
- Heat: No
This manual massager makes muscle recovery an easy and straightforward process. If you need an extra boost to your recovery routine, but the electronic massager options seem too complicated for you, then this is a great option.
The Orb is a high-density ball that can be used for deep tissue massage by simply rolling it and firmly pressing it into muscles. The textured exterior is designed to work on your muscles. It can be used on the hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and IT band. This massager is also made from non-toxic material.
What We Like
- Small, compact design
- Easy to use
- Reasonable price point
- Made with non-toxic material
What We Don't Like
- Might be difficult to use on your back unless someone can help you
- Might not be as effective as an electronic massager
BUY: The Orb Extreme Deep Tissue Massager Ball
Best Back Massager Pillow - Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massage Pillow
SPECS
- Size: 13" x 9.5" x 3.5"
- Weight: 4 lbs.
- Heat: Yes
The Zyllion massage pillow can be used along the back, neck, legs, and calves. This massager can be laid on or strapped to the back of a chair for usage. It isn't wireless, so you'll need to have an outlet nearby to use it.
This massager is small and easy to use. You can easily take this massager with you when traveling. It has a heated feature, and it comes equipped with overheating protection. You can use the included sleeve to lessen the heat if it is too intense.
What We Like
- Versatile and easy to use
- Heat protection feature ensures safety
- Uses four massage nodes to mimic a real-life massage
What We Don't Like
- Not wireless
- Not as many massage settings as other options
BUY: Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massage Pillow
Best Gentle Back Massager - TriggerPoint Acucurve Elite
SPECS
- Size: 18" x 8"
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Heat: No
The TriggerPoint Acucurve Elite is a versatile manual massager that can be used in many areas of the body. The long handle allows users to easily massage their own back without assistance. The reversible tip offers a customizable experience for each unique person.
This massager can help to rub out knots in the neck, back, and shoulders. Because it is manual, you don't have to worry about charging it up or being near a power outlet to use it. It also has a textured roller that can be used for larger muscle groups.
What We Like
- There are many different ways to use this massager
- You don't have to be near a power source or worry about charging it
- Can be used in many different areas of the body
What We Don't Like
- Requires more work than an electric massager since you have to use your strength to create pressure
- Probably won't massage as deep as an electric massager
BUY: TriggerPoint Acucurve Elite
Best for Lower Back - Relxbit Pro Handheld Massager
SPECS
- Size: 7" x 2.4" x 9.4"
- Weight: 1.7 lbs.
- Heat: No
The Relxbit Pro is a professional massage gun with long battery life, quiet vibrations, and ten different speed settings. This versatile massager comes at a higher price point than some of the other options, but it comes with features that make the pricing worth it. It is made with durable rubber and glass fiber that is made to last.
With 7 hours of battery life, you will get a lot of usage out of each charge. This massage gun is designed to provide a deep tissue massage. It is great for personal use and for professionals, like therapists or chiropractors, to use on clients.
What We Like
- 7-hour battery life
- Many different speed settings
- Quiet vibrations
- Lightweight
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- If you want to use it on your lower or middle back, you'll probably need to have someone help you
How to Choose the Best Back Massager
When shopping for the best back massager, you'll want to consider what you're looking for in a back massager to figure out which one will work best for you.
Manual or Electric
Some personal massagers are manual. This type of massager is usually in the form of a foam roller, massage wand, or textured ball. You apply pressure yourself to work out knots and soothe tired muscles. This type of massager can be easy to use and less complicated than an electric one since it usually comes with fewer parts, and you don't have to worry about charging or plugging it into a power source.
On the other hand, electric massagers can boast more features and usually provide a deeper massage. Electric massagers can be more effective, but they usually come at a higher price point, as well. If you've tried a manual massager and it wasn't working well enough, then an electric one may be a great choice. If electric massagers seem complicated and overwhelming, a manual one may be a better choice.
Heating Features
Some electric massagers offer heating features to help soothe muscles and relieve pain. Some users like for the massager to have heat, while others do not. If you are unsure whether you want a heated massage, make sure to find a massager that allows you to turn this feature off or adjust the amount of heat.
Wireless or Wired
Electric massagers may be wireless, or they may require a power source for each use. Think about when and where you plan to use your massager to figure out if you want it to be wireless or not. If you'll mostly use it at home, it probably doesn't matter if it is wireless. Wireless may be better if you want to use your massager on the go, such as in the car or when traveling.
FAQs About Back Massagers
Is a back massager worth it?
Back massagers can provide muscle relief and be a relaxing way to unwind after a long day or a strenuous workout. Think of a back massager as a supplement to your recovery process. It can help you feel better, but it likely won't be a solution to any major back or neck issues.
How often should you use a back massager?
Back massagers come with unique instructions on how to use them and how long they can be used. Read the user manual before using your back massager to figure out how long you should use it. Some recommend only using them for 15 minutes at a time for up to three times per day. This amount will vary for each massager. Some electric massagers come with an automatic shut-off feature to avoid overuse. You may want to plan when you use your massager. For example, you could use it as a recovery method after your daily workout.
Can back massagers get rid of knots?
A back massager can help with knots in your back. Using a back massager may help to loosen up the tight muscles to provide relief. If you have severe back pain, see a professional before trying to massage it yourself.