Aside from the obvious discomfort, a sore or tight back can easily interfere with your day-to-day activities, whether you spend hours sitting at a desk or standing on your feet. Fortunately, it’s possible to manage and even eliminate back pain with a back massager. We've tested dozens of massage devices over the years, and our research currently crowns the Snailax Shiatsu Neck And Back Massager as the best back massager if you’re seeking neck and back relief. For those who only wish to target their back, the Theragun Prime is a standout option with a powerful motor and ergonomic handle.
“Back massagers target muscles to loosen up your joints, promote a wider range of motion in everyday activities and alleviate pain,” says Heather Jeffcoat, DPT and owner of Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy. “The massage helps stimulate circulation and decrease muscle tension, aiding you with greater ease in movement.”
Whether it’s your desk job to blame for a stiff back or pent-up tension, find your match from our selection of the best back massagers.
Best Back Massager Overall: Snailax Shiatsu Neck And Back Massager
Best Budget Back Massager: Mighty Bliss Deep Tissue Back and Body Massager
Best Massage Gun For Back Massages: Theragun Prime
Best Pillow Back Massager: Zyllion Shiatsu Back And Neck Massager
Best Heated Back Massager : Hyperice Venom 2 Back Wrap
Best Portable Back Massager: TheraGun Mini
Best Back Massager For Athletes: Theragun Pro Plus
Best Lower Back Massager: Homedics Back and Neck Massager
Best Wearable Back Massager: Nekteck Shiatsu Neck And Back Massager
Best Back Massager Overall
Unwind The Knots At Work And At Home
Snailax Shiatsu Neck And Back Massager
Best for: Work mode | Weight: 15.5 pounds |Battery Life: Wired connection |Heat: Yes
Pros:
- Heating element
- Three massage zones
- Versatile
Cons:
- Heavier than a massage cushion
- Wired connection required
Our best back massager overall, the Snailax Shiatsu Neck And Back Massager helps relieve tension if you’re sitting for long periods of the day. Its design, which fits against virtually any chair, allows for a massage on the sly at work, or at home when you’re in need of immediate relaxation.
Controlled by the press of a button via a remote control, the multi-functional features deliver on various fronts. Whilst the four-node Shiatsu back massager features adjustable rolling massage nodes that rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise to work the length of your back, the spot massage pinpoints tougher knots across three zones—the lower, upper and entire back—with a built-in heating pad to enhance the experience. You can also enjoy a rolling back massage with nodes traveling straight up and down your back, and its adjustable massager can tackle neck cranks to alleviate the pain that strikes from a bad night’s sleep.
In case you need it, there’s also a two-level vibration seat massager that works your hips and thighs.
Best Budget Back Massager
Instant Relief For Those Hard-to-Reach Spots
Mighty Bliss Deep Tissue Back and Body Massager
Best for: Hard-ro-reach spots | Weight: 3.48 pounds |Battery Life: 120 minutes per charge | Heat: No
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Six included massage heads offer variety
Cons:
- Not as powerful as corded options
Some back massagers are bulky and expensive—the Mighty Bliss is neither of those things. What it is is slim, affordable and effective. We also love that it's cordless, which allows for use all over the house, or at the office or gym if you'd prefer to bring it with you. Six massage heads provide variability, and the ergonomically designed handle allows you to hit all those hard-to-reach spots without straining. Using this massager is as simple as picking which massage head suits your needs and twisting the integrated dial to increase or decrease the intensity of the massage.
While the Mighty Bliss does provide mighty amounts of bliss, it's not as powerful as its corded counterparts. However, it still manages to provide a respectable 3,700 pulses per minute—and at just 3.5 pounds, you won't get an accompanying sore arm using it on your sore back.
Best Massage Gun For Back Massages
A Percussive Massager That Delivers Power, Speed And Precision
Theragun Prime
Best for: Everyday use | Weight: 2.2 pounds |Battery Life: 2 hours |Heat: No
Pros:
- High amplitude
- Ergonomic design
- App integration
Cons:
- Relatively high price tag
- Heavy for smaller users
Based on price point and functionality, the Theragun Prime provides the best bang for your buck from the Theragun brand. Its smart percussive therapy delivers a powerful performance in the form of a deep tissue massage, despite being the lightest model in this range—its QX65 brushless motor uses QuietForce Technology to limit the noise level to 65 decibels. Keep in mind, some reviewers have noted it’s louder than expected.
Just like the Theragun PRO, the Prime model has five built-in speeds ranging from 1,750 to 2,400 percussions per minute (PPM), wireless charging and smart app integration via Bluetooth—although it comes with two less interchangeable attachments.
A sleek ergonomic handle for those hard-to-reach spots on your back is designed to reduce any strain on your hands and wrists. It also has an amplitude (stroke length) of 16mm, faring on the higher end of most electronic massage tools on the market.
Incorporating the brand’s key features in a polished design, thousands of 5-star reviews concur the Theragun Prime showcases sleek technology and high-level performance.
Best Pillow Back Massager
Versatile And Compact For A Seated Back Massage
Zyllion Shiatsu Back And Neck Massager
Best for: Lazy days | Weight: 4 pounds |Battery Life: Wired connection |Heat: Yes
Pros:
- Entry-level price
- Heated massages
- Overheating protection
Cons:
- Must be plugged in
- One speed setting
The Zillion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager (ZMA-13) is a handy cushion to relieve tension as a result of fatigue, working out and receptive strain. Its 3D massage nodes change direction on a one-minute cycle and glide across muscles in a motion that mimics the natural touch of a manual Shiatsu massage.
The cushion flaunts a vegan leather design that contours snuggly to your upper and lower back, and is versatile enough for the office, car or living room. It also features a soothing heat function that claims to promote blood flow and circulation throughout your body, and if nothing else, it offers a bit of additional comfort.
One of the drawbacks of the design is its one-speed setting which may deter those who prefer to switch up the intensity.
Best Heated Back Massager
Feel The Burn—In A Good Way
Hyperice Venom 2 Back Wrap
Best for: Heated relief | Weight: 2.3 pounds |Battery Life: Up to 3 hours |Heat: 3 levels
Pros:
- Variable heat and vibration levels
- Lightweight design that forms to your body
Cons:
- Pricey
If massaging alone just isn't going to cut it, try adding heat to the equation with Hyperice's Venom 2 Back Wrap. This cuff-style back massager uses the brand's proprietary HyperHeat technology to deliver consistent, even heating—and Hyperice says its back massager heats up six times faster than a standard heating pad.
The Venom 2 Back Wrap's surface area is twice as big as its predecessor's, and HyperHeat allows for a more consistent distribution of heat across the device. Three levels of heat, paired with corresponding vibration patterns, bring near-instant relief, and the neoprene material forms to your body so you won't experience any gaps in treatment. Like other Hyperice products, this heated back massager is pricey—but can you put a price on relief?
Best Portable Back Massager
Find Relief Wherever You Roam
TheraGun Mini
Best for: Portability | Weight: 1 pound |Battery Life: 2 hours |Heat: No
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight for travel
- Great amplitude at 12 millimeters
- Ergonomic triangular handle
Cons:
- Pricey for a mini massage gun
- Only three attachment heads included
This pint-sized massage gun is ideal for travel if you’re tight on space. Delivering speeds up to 2,400 percussions per minute (PPM) across three speed settings, the Theragun Mini still packs a powerful punch. It’s ideal for working out the odd knot or kink on the go. And with an amplitude of 12 millimeters, it’s just as powerful as a number of full-size massage guns. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in power and portability—weighing only one pound, it’s convenient for toting in your carry-on, and it's TSA-friendly as well.
The design, which features a silicone, ergonomic handle for a simple grip, comes with three attachment heads that cater to different muscles that need attention.
Best Back Massager For Athletes
The Ultimate Percussive Device To Take Care Of Sore Muscles
Theragun Pro Plus
Best for: Workout relief | Weight: 3.6 pounds |Battery Life: 2.5 hours |Heat: Yes
Pros:
- Rotating arm improves massage angles
- Heated head attachment provides a noticeable difference
- App integration and customization settings
Cons:
- Expensive relative to other massage devices
- Heavier than most other massage guns
The latest-gen Theragun massager from Therabody, an industry leader in massage guns, the Theragun Pro Plus is an app-enabled device that delivers in function and design. Its professional-grade motor packs a powerful punch, with six attachments targeting the hardest-to-reach spots. What’s more, those massage heads now include a heated head attachment to loosen stiff muscles and facilitate recovery, and a cold-therapy head can be purchased separately to reduce inflammation and pain.
While all that sounds rather remarkable on its own, the Pro Plus goes on to offer near infrared light therapy to stimulate circulation and boost healing, and a dedicated vibration mode eases the massager’s intensity for sensitive areas. Use the built-in biometric sensor for immediate heart rate readings from the device, practice breathwork with guided routines and use the app to further customize the settings to your liking.
The Pro Plus is so much more than a massage gun ever needs to be, but if you’ve got the budget for all the bells and whistles, this is as good as it gets. To learn more about the Pro Plus, read our in-depth review.
Best Lower Back Massager
Work Out Those Knots With Ease
MOST POPULAR
Homedics Back and Neck Massager
Best for: Lower back pain | Weight: 4.18 pounds |Battery life: Corded; 6-foot, 120-volt cord |Heat: Yes
Pros:
- Integrated controls mean no extra parts to misplace
- Heat and massage combo are extra relaxing
- Small enough to travel with
Cons:
- Cord limits where you can use this
- A little small
Sometimes targeted relief is in order—whether you've pulled a muscle or lifted too much weight recently, the lower back tends to take the most abuse. That's why our editors like the Homedic Back and Neck Massager. The shiatsu-style massaging unit uses a circular kneading movement to work out aches and pains right from the comfort of your chair, bed or couch.
Technically, this massager could be used anywhere on your back, but we like it best for its lower back benefits. The pillow shape molds nicely to the contours of the body, and integrated controls make switching the settings a breeze. This pad also comes with a heated setting for days when you need a little extra relief.
It's worth noting this is a corded model; although the included cord stretches to six feet in length, you'll need to be strategic where you plug in to relax.
Best Wearable Back Massager
A Handsfree Back And Neck Massage
Nekteck Shiatsu Neck And Back Massager
Best for: Downtime | Weight: 4.6 pounds |Battery Life: Wired Connection |Heat: Yes
Pros:
- Safety auto shutoff
- Three intensity levels
- Deep tissue massage
Cons:
- Wired connection
- Not hands-free
The multi-purpose Nektech Shiatsu Neck And Back Massager conveniently drapes over your shoulders to hone in on areas of tension in the upper back and lower neck. With built-in hand grips to hold it in place, its eight kneading massage nodes work in tandem with its infrared heat system to restore tight muscles and inject soothing warmth, changing directions automatically at one-minute intervals. Or, loop it around your lumbar region (lower back) to loosen rigid muscles.
Its three speed settings allow you to alter the intensity, whilst multiple users have commented that you can increase the pressure by pulling down on the hand grips. An automatic 15-minute shut-off prevents it from overheating.
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’re all about finding the best tools to keep your body in tip-top shape. This is especially true if back pain plagues your day-to-day routine. We’ve covered everything from the best mattresses to the best office chairs along with foam rollers and massage guns that serve as a remedy for back pain. Suffice it to say, we know our way around the human body and what it takes to make it better.
- We’ve undertaken widespread research to find the best back massagers, including filtering through firsthand reviews from both professional testers and independent consumers. Only products with at least a four-star rating and an overwhelming majority of positive reviews made the final cut. We’ve also enlisted the expertise of a licensed physical therapist, taking into account their recommendations for massage gun specs such as stall force, percussions per minute and amplitude.
- This guide was co-written and updated by contributing editor Hayley Helms, who has spent over a decade covering fitness and outdoor gear. She also contributes to other publications, including Ski Mag, Field Mag, Gear Junkie and more.
- To bolster our recommendations, we spoke with doctor of physical therapy Heather Jeffcoat, owner of Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy, who has extensive experience treating patients with back pain.
- To keep you up-to-date on the best back massagers, we routinely re-visit this guide for clarity and accuracy, and so that availability, prices and ratings remain up to date. We also re-evaluate our back massagers during each update to ensure that they (in our opinion) represent a selection of the best options in their respective categories. It was last updated in August 2024.
How We Chose The Best Back Massagers
When it comes to back massagers, there are a LOT of brands on the market—and it can be hard to tell online between quality goods and subpar offerings. Understanding the factors that make up a decent back massager—features, heat and safety mechanisms—helps to ensure you buy quality every time.
- Budget: Most back massagers will range between $30 and $300 dollars, with the larger, more robust models sitting near the higher end of the price spectrum, and the smaller, less powerful products sitting toward the more approachable price points.
- Features: If you’re looking for a richer feature set, expect to pay a higher premium. If you don’t mind corded options and less feature-filled picks, you can get away with spending less than $100.
- Heat: Not all back massagers come with heat, but if you’re interested, it aids in relaxing sore muscles even more than standard massaging.
- Safety Mechanisms: Always check to make sure the back massager you purchase has a built-in auto shut-off feature. Safety first!
- Warranty: Back massager warranties range from days to years. Make sure you read the fine print to find the warranty that suits your needs.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Back Massagers
There are hundreds of back massagers on the market to meet your every need, and they differ in terms of functionality, safety, portability and weight, which begs the question: Which back massager is right for you? Here are some features to consider before investing a back massager.
Budget
Whether you’re shopping on a budget or wish to invest in a top-notch back massager, there are plenty of options. On the cheaper end you can find a plethora of models in the $30-$100 price range, which boast a variety of functions to help massage away the kinks. For serious gym-goers who want to up the ante with a powerful, sturdy massager, the sky is the limit—you can easily spend hundreds of dollars on a massager. High-end models tend to have special features such as noise reduction technology, premium materials and a wider range of speed settings.
Features
Generally speaking, the more expensive a back massager, the more features it offers. For example, budget massagers are constructed from less durable materials than their more expensive counterparts, and likely offer less customizable modes. Having said that, you can also find budget products that compete with big brand names. For example, budget-friendly massage guns sell for less than $100, but they give the likes of the Theragun Prime a run for its money in terms of speed settings and available attachments. Though Theragun’s quiet force technology, ergonomic handle and longer warranty are additional selling points that may justify the big-ticket price tag.
Heat
The application of heat not only encourages muscles to relax, but has been deemed a successful treatment (alongside massage therapy) for delayed-onset muscle soreness following exercise. Many back massages have a heat option, most with an automatic switch-off for safety. Look out for this function for an added layer of soothing for your muscles.
Safety Mechanisms
Many back massagers have an auto-shut off feature to prevent overheating that can lead to fires—this is true whether the product contains a built-in heat function or not.
Warranty
On the subject of warranty, always scour the small print prior to buying a massage gun for warranty details. A warranty can range from 30 days to 2 years, and some manufacturers offer even broader warranties. The strength of the warranty can certainly make or break your decision when purchasing a specific massager over another, as peace of mind goes a long way if the massager malfunctions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Back Massagers Actually Work?
Yes, back massagers work. Massage guns are an effective therapy for the treatment of muscle stiffness as both a warm-up and rehabilitative device. A 2021 literature review found that they can also benefit your range of motion, more so than foam rolling and other forms of self-myofascial relief. The same review also found them to improve perceived muscle soreness.
For the best results, Dr. Jeffcoat suggests spending between one to two minutes on each muscle when using a massage gun, or 10-15 minute increments up to three times a day when using a massage chair or neck devic. “Be mindful that there is a risk of injury if back massagers are used inappropriately or with too much force,” she notes.
Are Back Massagers Worth The Money?
A back massager can do wonders to prevent delayed onset muscle soreness following a grueling workout, says Dr. Jeffcoat. “Make sure to use the massager in the areas involved during exercise for the best results.”
Keep in mind, back massagers do not prevent all injuries, and although they are great for treating chronic pain, they only provide temporary relief, adds Dr. Jeffcoat. She explains: “People with chronic pain will typically exhibit abnormal movement patterns that cause the pain, in which case a physical therapy program may be the best option for long lasting relief.”
In short, back massagers are worth buying to iron out the kinks and knots that flair up from time to time, but are not a replacement for medical intervention if you suffer from chronic pain or an injury.
Which Is Better, Shiatsu Or Vibration?
Whilst both Shiatsu and vibration massages help relieve tension and stress in the body, they differ in application. Shiatsu is a type of Japanese bodywork that adopts the root principles of Chinese acupuncture by pinpointing specific areas of the body with a hands-on, manual massage. Translated to “finger pressure,” Shiatsu adopts a variety of techniques, including kneading, pressing and stretching to ease areas of muscle tension and promote blood flow.
Vibration, on the other hand, is a shaking motion that stimulates muscles in the body to improve blood circulation and reduce post-workout soreness. Research has found a scope of massage techniques, including kneading and vibration, to be beneficial for muscle tension, so you can’t go wrong with either.