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10 Best Back Massagers for Chairs UK 2024 | HoMedics, Snailax and more

Nowadays, it’s difficult to bring to mind an occupation that doesn’t put some kind of stress on your back. A trip to a professional masseuse will get you feeling better, but many full-time workers struggle to find the time, not to mention the money. Luckily, back massagers, can be used from the comfort of your own home and offer a satisfactory substitute for a trip to the massage parlour.


These days there are so many massage products vying for consumers’ attention it can feel impossible to know which one to choose. So, before you fork over your hard-earned money, read our handy buying guide on massage chair pads and pillows to make sure you’re picking the right product for you and your muscles. We've even ranked the top 10 best back massagers in the UK on Amazon, eBay and Argos!

Last updated 27/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Back Massager for a Chair in the UK – Buying Guide

Many people put pressure on their back every day. Manual labourers lift and carry heavy objects, office workers put their backs at risk with bad posture, and shop workers often experience lower back pain after being stood on their feet all day. Read through our buying guide to learn how to pick the best chair back massager for relaxing at the end of a hard day. 

1

Fid the Right Type of Chair Back Massager for Your Needs

It’s sensible to start your search for a massager by answering one simple question; which areas of your body need the most attention? It's a question worth asking, as some massagers will focus primarily on certain areas of your back, while others can be used across multiple areas of your body.

A Full-Chair Massager Relieves Tension in Your Back

A Full-Chair Massager Relieves Tension in Your Back

Full-chair back massagers, often known as seat cushions, sit comfortably on top of a regular office chair. These will usually cover the backrest, as well as the actual seat itself. 


As you sit, a series of nodes spread throughout the massager, will rotate (or vibrate, depending on the model) to gently massage your back. These can be set to massage one area at a time, or several simultaneously. You can even find ones that massage your thighs too!


For a comprehensive full back massage, without having to worry about changing positions, a full-chair massager in an excellent choice. Just be aware that although they can easily be folded to fit in your car boot, it's quite a hefty piece of kit, and one that you’ll be more likely to keep at home.

Massage Pillows are Better for Targeting Specific Areas

Massage Pillows are Better for Targeting Specific Areas

The other style of massager available is the much smaller massage pillow, or neck and back massager. Simply place one behind your head and it'll give your neck and shoulders a lovely massage. Despite the name, these massagers can be used across all areas of the body, and can be moved to ease tension in the lower back, and even the calves.


If you want versatility and the option of massaging lower down areas, such as your legs, you’ll want to consider a smaller massager. Massage pillows are also much easier to carry with you, meaning you’ll be able to receive a soothing massage, wherever you are. Just know that using it in certain places may earn you odd looks from strangers!

2

Shiatsu Massagers Use Deep Pressure and Multiple Nodes for Extra Levels of Stress Reduction

Shiatsu Massagers Use Deep Pressure and Multiple Nodes for Extra Levels of Stress Reduction

But how many nodes does your massage chair really need? The answer comes down to how many areas of your body you’d like to have massaged at the same time. A massager with more nodes will be able to massage several muscles simultaneously, meaning you're likely to reach a state of relaxation much quicker.


However, more isn’t always better. Many full chair massagers feature fewer nodes that travel progressively up and down your back. While you won’t be able to have several areas massaged at the same time, it will more closely resemble an authentic massage with a professional masseuse - after all, unless they have super powers, a masseuse is only able to massage two points at one time!

3

Programs Offer an Exciting Range of Massage Experiences

Programs Offer an Exciting Range of Massage Experiences

Many chair massagers offer a number of unique programs. These are a series of tailored massages, which use different motion patterns and levels of pressure to create unique relaxation experiences


Some programs will focus specifically on a single area of your body, which is particularly useful if you’ve been doing a lot of lifting and carrying that day. Others will allow you to experience different massage styles, such as a deep kneading, or rolling massage.


Massagers that don’t feature programs will do the job more than adequately. However, programs can impart extra levels of relief as you are able to choose a massage that focuses specifically on a problem area. These will also allow you to switch things up and keep your daily massages interesting!

4

Vibration Therapy is a Great Stress Relief

Vibration Therapy is a Great Stress Relief

Many massage chairs use vibration therapy to help give your muscles relief. Vibration is a commonly used massage technique, which uses small trembling motions to increase circulation, stimulate nerves and decrease muscular tension. Particularly when done at a slower pace, vibration therapy can also have a calming, soothing effect on recipients. 


Owing to these benefits, most massage chairs have some form of vibration feature. Often this is on the base of the seat, where it'll gently soothe your thigh muscles as you sit comfortably. When used in conjunction with a shiatsu massage, vibration therapy offers one the most deeply relaxing experiences available, without a visit to a professional masseuse.

5

Turn Up the Heat to Soothe and Loosen Your Tired Muscles

Turn Up the Heat to Soothe and Loosen Your Tired Muscles

As if the idea of a tension-relieving massage wasn’t enough, many massagers for chairs now offer additional heating modes for extra levels or relaxation. Heat is an effective measure for combatting back pain because it helps to boost your circulation, which, in turn, repairs damaged muscles and relieves inflammation.


In fact, heat is so effective that it’s becoming increasingly common to find massagers that utilise it. So sit back and relax as the 3D nodes knead your pressure points while a comforting heat loosens and soothes your tired muscles. What could be better?

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Top 10 Best Back Massagers for Chairs in the UK

Now you know a little more about the impressive massage technology that’s available at home, it’s time to share our ranking of the top 10 best back massagers for chairs in the UK! Why not take a look at the list of our favourites online, to help you pick the best back massager for you?
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

HoMedics

Shiatsu Max 2.0

HoMedics Shiatsu Max 2.0 1

£120.91

High Mid

Supreme Relaxation at an Affordable Price

2

Comfier

Back and Neck Massager With Heat

Comfier Back and Neck Massager With Heat 1

£199.99

High

A Spa Day in a Massage Chair

3

Snailax

Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager

Snailax Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager 1

£43.99

Low Mid

A Clip on Massage Pillow for a Secure Fit

4

Snailax

Shiatsu Back Massager With Heat

Snailax Shiatsu Back Massager With Heat 1

£93.98

Mid

The Closest Thing to a Professional Massage at Home

5

Naipo

Neck and Back Massager with Heat

Naipo Neck and Back Massager with Heat 1

£41.99

Low Mid

A Portable Massage Pillow for All Areas

6

Naipo

Shiatsu Back Massager Chair Seat Cushion with Heat and Vibration Function

Naipo Shiatsu Back Massager Chair Seat Cushion with Heat and Vibration Function 1

£74.99

Mid

An In-Depth Massage Experience for Your Back and Thighs

7

Zyllion

Shiatsu Pillow Massager With HeatZMA-130-BK

Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager With Heat 1

£119.99

High Mid

A Compact Pillow That's Perfect for Relieving Pressure

8

HoMedics

Shiatsu Back and Shoulder Massager

HoMedics Shiatsu Back and Shoulder Massager 1

£64.99

Mid

A Massager That Simulates the Hands of a Professional Masseuse

9

MaxKare

Neck and Back Massager Shiatsu Massage Pillow

MaxKare Neck and Back Massager Shiatsu Massage Pillow 1

£29.99

Low

An Affordable Way of Soothing All Areas of the Body

10

Snailax

Memory Foam Massage Seat Cushion

Snailax Memory Foam Massage Seat Cushion 1

£59.99

Mid

A Vibrating Massage for Your Whole Back

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

HoMedicsShiatsu Max 2.0

Shiatsu Max 2.0 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£120.91
High Mid
Reference price
£120.91
High Mid

Supreme Relaxation at an Affordable Price

HoMedics Shiatsu Max 2.0 is the ultimate chair for targeting individual areas of the body, featuring separate massage sections for the upper back, lower back, and upper legs. It's also incredibly comfortable to sit on and comes with a headrest.


It's certainly versatile, coming with an impressive 14 massage modes. These include deep kneading and rolling vibrations, as well as a soothing heat mode. All these amazing features come at a great price too, making this our favourite massage chair currently available in the UK!

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No.2

ComfierBack and Neck Massager With Heat

Back and Neck Massager With Heat 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£199.99
High
Reference price
£199.99
High

A Spa Day in a Massage Chair

This is one of the most versatile massage chairs out there, with adjustable settings including 2D and 3D finger pressure shiatsu massage, air compression and a variety of vibration settings. Use these features together to make it feel like you're having your very own spa day! 


This seat has enough modes and settings to keep everyone happy. So if you don't enjoy the more intense features, you can always adjust the settings for a softer massage. For those willing to pay the premium price, this really is the seat that has everything.

No.3

SnailaxShiatsu Neck and Back Massager

Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£43.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£43.99
Low Mid

A Clip on Massage Pillow for a Secure Fit

It can be difficult to attach a massage pillow securely to your chair. Unlike those that use straps, this one clips firmly to the top of your chair to ensure that it doesn't loosen with your movements. 


Its nodes rotate in opposing directions, mimicking the motions of a real massage therapist. Not only does this ensure that you'll feel rejuvenated after every use, but makes it suitable for use on several areas of the body. 

No.4

SnailaxShiatsu Back Massager With Heat

Shiatsu Back Massager With Heat 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£93.98
Mid
Reference price
£93.98
Mid

The Closest Thing to a Professional Massage at Home

Perhaps not for the faint-hearted, this full shiatsu massage chair pad from Snailax offers relief comparable to that of an intense professional massage. The results are totally worth it, as afterwards you'll feel more relaxed than you ever have before. 


It's incredibly versatile with massage nodes that can be moved up and down until they're at the perfect position for you. Throw in a load of extra features, such as heat and vibration functions too, and you've got one of the best back massagers out there!

No.5

NaipoNeck and Back Massager with Heat

Neck and Back Massager with Heat 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£41.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£41.99
Low Mid

A Portable Massage Pillow for All Areas

Naipo's massage pillow won't target multiple areas of your body at the same time, but its small size means is can be easily moved around to focus on specific areas that need extra attention. It's highly portable, so you can take it with you to work or while travelling


Its ergonomic design makes it extremely comfortable, and should you desire a deeper massage, you can simply lean back into the pillow to increase the pressure. It can also be heated up to 40 degrees.

No.6

NaipoShiatsu Back Massager Chair Seat Cushion with Heat and Vibration Function

Shiatsu Back Massager Chair Seat Cushion with Heat and Vibration Function 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£74.99
Mid
Reference price
£74.99
Mid

An In-Depth Massage Experience for Your Back and Thighs

This massager uses the latest in massage technology to ensure an intensely relaxing experience. Its 3D nodes mimic the hands of a masseuse, and provide a deep shiatsu-style massage that kneads your muscles to relieve deep-seated tension. It also has three massage zones to ensure that your entire back gets full attention.


The nodes can be heated to 40 degrees, which is the perfect temperature for improving your blood circulation without causing you discomfort. This seat isn't just for your back, it vibrates beneath you to massage your hips and thighs for a truly thorough massage.

No.7

ZyllionShiatsu Pillow Massager With HeatZMA-130-BK

Shiatsu Pillow Massager With Heat 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£119.99
High Mid
Reference price
£119.99
High Mid

A Compact Pillow That's Perfect for Relieving Pressure

One of the most impressive things about Zyllion's massage pillow is its size. It's compact enough to carry with you wherever you might need it, something that is particularly useful for office workers.


However, don't let its small size fool you! It provides a deep massage that alternates its direction every minute to mimic a professional massage. It also offers the perfect amount of pressure for relieving stubborn neck pain. It's a little on the pricey side, though, especially when you consider there are similar products available for a third of the price.

No.8

HoMedicsShiatsu Back and Shoulder Massager

Shiatsu Back and Shoulder Massager 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£64.99
Mid
Reference price
£64.99
Mid

A Massager That Simulates the Hands of a Professional Masseuse

HoMedics have been providing quality products since 1987, and today are one of the most popular manufacturers of massage technology in the UK. It's easy to see why when you consider how much they offer, for a such an affordable price.


This chair features dual nodes that simulate the motions of a real massage therapist to target all areas of your back - particularly the lower areas, which are especially prone to aches and pains. It doesn't have as many features as the Max 2.0, but use this massager for just 15 minutes a day and you will notice a difference. 

No.9

MaxKareNeck and Back Massager Shiatsu Massage Pillow

Neck and Back Massager Shiatsu Massage Pillow 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£29.99
Low
Reference price
£29.99
Low

An Affordable Way of Soothing All Areas of the Body

MaxKare's Shiatsu Massage Pillow is perfect for soothing your neck and shoulders while sitting. It can be used for soothing several other areas of the body as well, such as the lower back or legs.


Its gentle heat and soft, undulating nodes are great for easing pain after, or even during, a hard day's work. Unfortunately, its power cable is rather short, meaning you're restricted as to where you can sit while using it, but it's hard to argue with the £29.99 price tag.

No.10

SnailaxMemory Foam Massage Seat Cushion

Memory Foam Massage Seat Cushion 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£59.99
Mid
Reference price
£59.99
Mid

A Vibrating Massage for Your Whole Back

Rather than a shiatsu massage, this massage cushion from Snailax uses vibration to ease your tired muscles. It utilises a series of 5 nodes, spread evenly across the chair, offering you simultaneous relief across all areas of your back and your thighs.


It's soothing heat and plush memory foam are so comfortable that you'll feel like you're sinking into a nice hot bath. It also features 5 programs, so you can target whichever area of your back needs the most attention. It's a shame that there's no option for a shiatsu massage, but for £59.99, this massager isn't bad at all.

Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy!

Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy!

When it comes to ensuring the health and happiness of you and your loved ones, you can never do too much. To make things a little easier for you, we’ve gathered together some of the best products available in the UK to help you relax and unwind. Get yourself comfortable and dive in!

Summary

Purchasing a back massager can be daunting, but we hope that after reading this article, you feel able to make an informed and confident decision. With the right back massager, you'll be feeling refreshed and relaxed in no time!



Author: Ben Willimett

Top 5 Back Massagers for Chairs

No. 1: HoMedicsShiatsu Max 2.0

No. 2: ComfierBack and Neck Massager With Heat

No. 3: SnailaxShiatsu Neck and Back Massager

No. 4: SnailaxShiatsu Back Massager With Heat

No. 5: NaipoNeck and Back Massager with Heat

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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