The Best Massage Chairs Under $500 Of 2024 Helpful Guide

Updated October 12th, 2023

Massage chairs can provide a very good therapeutic massage. If you’ve never tried one before I highly recommend it. My first experience was in a mall in my wife’s home town in Taiwan. She told me I had to sit down in one and try it out. I was very surprised by just how much the chair could do and how it could work on different parts of the body. If a massage chair sounds like a good idea to you then read on for our recommendations for the best massage chairs under $500.

Below are our top picks for best massage chairs under $500. Keep reading for more detailed reviews, guide, and FAQ.

The Top 5 Best Massage Chairs Under $500

Below are our top 5 picks for best massage chairs under $500. We considered features, price, durability, and customer service in our recommendations.

1 – Esright Massage Recliner Chair

☆ Top Pick

• 5 Relaxing Function – Relax in this wonderful recliner chair with vibrating, reclining, heating, 360° swivel, rocking features.
• Thick Padded, Double Comfort – Soft and sturdy faux leather design suitable for intensive use, padded with extra thick foam for back cushion and armrest.
• Elegant and Friendly Design – 2 cup holders and extra storage bags to rest your drinks and hold magazines, good for taking a rest or watching TV
• Manual Control Massage Recliner – This upholstered recliner has 140° manual control recline feature, comes with remote controller and power cord for massaging function, 5 control modes, and 2 intensity levels.

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Summary

The Esright Massage Recliner Chair is a comfortable recliner with some massage functions. It has 8 fixed massage nodes or vibrators built in that can be operated with a few levels of intensity. The nodes are setup in 4 pairs. They are in your head, back, thighs and calves. They feel good after a long day working or standing when you want to relax for a while without being very intense or deep.

The 5 massage modes are variations on vibrations. They range from pulsing vibrations to constant vibrations.

The heating function on this chair is a little weak. You can feel it warm up but it’s not too hot. It could use a little more power with a few levels of intensity.

This chair can recline back up to 140 degrees which is far enough to comfortably lay back and sleep in. It is not a Zero Gravity position with your legs above your heart. The foot rest is activated by using a pullcord that come up between the cushion and side next to your leg. It works well to release the footrest. It can stick. Sometimes the footrest will struggle to get latched back in.

The material choices are either PU leather or textile in a variety of colors. The materials feel good enough to last a few years.

The Esright Massage chair is a comfortable recliner that can give a little massage for a pretty good price. This makes it our top choice amount the best massage chairs under $500.

Specifications

• Track – 8 fixed massage points
• Airbags – No
• Programs – No
• Zero G Positions – No
• Max user size – 300 lbs
• Chair Dimensions – 33.1 x 35.8 x 43.2 inches
• Chair Weight – 92 lbs

What we liked

• Cup holders and pockets
• Very comfortable chair to sit in
• Varying massage function

What we didn’t like

• Heat isn’t very strong
• Pull cord function to release foot rest

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2 – OWAYS Massage Chair

☆ Editor’s Choice

• FULL BODY RELAXATION – massage rocking chair comes with deep kneading massage nodes and vibrating motors, which provide different mode massage on your neck, shoulders, back, and hips.
• PERSONALIZED DESIGN – The rolling massage nodes move up and down from upper back to lower back, which allows you to concentrate shiatsu massage on specific area for pin-point relaxation.
• VIBRATION SEAT MASSAGE – With 2 levels of intensity vibration on the seat, OWAYS massage chair provides a comfortable mild massage for hips and thighs while massaging both your neck and back.

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Summary

The OWAYS Massage Chair is one of the few under $500 massage chairs to use rollers. This chair has 2 rollers in the adjustable neck and shoulder cushion. It has a second set of rollers on an S-Track under your back. The back rollers are with a set of vibration nodes. Together they can do shiatsu, kneading and tapping and a few other massage techniques.

The 2 shoulder/neck rollers are in an adjustable pillow that can be located higher or lower on the chair. This allows it to work well for a variety of user heights and sizes.

This massage quality from this chair is quite good. There is a single automatic 20 minute program. There are many manual modes with varying intensity and technique controlled from the remote.

This chair is very stylish looking and does not look like a typical robotic massage chair. This is perfect for those who don’t want something really bulky and large in their home or office.

The recliner on this chair doesn’t go back very far. It cannot lay you down into a Zero Gravity position or anything close to it.

Overall this is a really great massage chair for the price. This is my top pick among the best massage chairs under $500.

Specifications

• Track – 2 adjustable rollers under neck. S-track with 2 rollers and 2 vibrators under back. 2 Fixed vibration nodes under thighs
• Airbags – No
• Programs – 1
• Zero G Positions – No
• Max user size – 330 lbs
• Chair Dimensions – 51.2 x 29.4 x 19.7 inches
• Chair Weight – 41 lbs

What we liked

• Massage rollers under neck and back
• Adjustable height for the neck/shoulder massager and cushion
• Massage quality from an inexpensive chair

What we didn’t like

• Not good for larger users
• Chair doesn’t recline very far

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3 – Best Choice Products Massage Recliner

☆ Best Value

• MASSAGE + HEAT – Loosen up from top to bottom with heat in the chair’s backrest, plus massage points in the seat and ottoman to knead the upper and lower back, lumbar, thighs, and calves
• CHARMING FURNITURE – This comfy addition to your living space also provides an elegant, inviting appearance
• COMFORTABLE RECLINE – A double-padded backrest reclines for blissful relaxation, while soft armrest, seat, and ottoman cushions provide optimal comfort.
• CONTROL OPTIONS – Wireless controller lets you conveniently switch between 5 pre-programmed massages, 9 intensity levels, and 2 modes to get the most soothing lounging experience possible

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Summary

The Best Choice Products Faux Leather Massage Recliner is a more stylish massage chair. It is good for those who want something more low profile instead of a big bulky looking recliner.

This chair has 8 vibrating nodes for massaging. It does not knead, tap or any other massage techniques that higher end chairs can do. It only vibrates. The massage programs consist of varying the vibration rhythms and pulses to give different massage effects. It is a step up from having to manually choose different vibration modes.

The chair is a little complex to assemble. There are many videos online showing how it goes together. Anyone should be able to get it together and working. It’s only 45 lbs making it a lot easier to move around than most massage chairs.

Many users complain that the chair smells when new. The smell fades after a few days. You may want to put it in an area of your house you don’t use a lot for the first few days after unboxing it.

The chair is only rated to 250 lbs and many users who were near that weight and tried it ended up with chairs that broke quickly. The chair is better suited to users closer to 200 lbs and below.

The Best Choice Massage recliner is a good comfortable chair with stylish appearance that can give some massage and heat at a very low price. This makes it our best value pick among the best massage chairs under $500.

Specifications

• Track –
• Airbags –
• Programs – 5
• Zero G Positions – No
• Max user size – 250 lbs
• Chair Dimensions – 46 x 29 x 41 inches
• Chair Weight – 45 lbs

What we liked

• Has massage programs
• Stylish appearance
• Comfortable to sit in

What we didn’t like

• Not suitable for heavier users
• New product smell is unpleasant

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4 – Mcombo Power Lift Recliner Chair with Massage

☆ Best Massaging Lift Chair

• Power Lift Assistance – Counter-balanced lift mechanism with TUV certified actuator pushes the entire chair up to assist the user to stand up easily without adding stress to back or knees
• Full-body Vibration & Lumbar Heating – It has 8 vibrating points around the chair and 1 lumbar heating point.
• Clean Easy & Durable Upholstery – The chair features high-quality faux leather for easy cleaning while still providing superior comfort and aesthetics.

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Summary

The Mcombo Power Lift Recliner Chair with Massage is a power lift recliner with a lift function built in. It has 8 fixed massage nodes that vibrator that operate with 5 modes and 3 intensity levels. The nodes are setup in 4 pairs under your head, back, thighs and calves. The massage functions feel good while your sitting back for some TV, sports or a movie.

The 5 massage modes are different modes of vibrations. They range from constant vibration to oscillations or pulses.

The heat is under your lower back in the lumbar area. It is warm enough to feel it but not so hot to be uncomfortable.

The foot rest is activated by using a pullcord that come up between the cushion and side next to your leg. It works well to release the footrest. It can stick. Many users find they have to try several times to get the footrest to latch back into position.

The lift function is easy to operate and works well. For users close to 5′ the chair can be a little bit and hard to get in and out of.

The Mcombo Power Lift Recliner Chair is a good choice for those who need a lift chair and want a little massage to go with it.

Specifications

• Track – 8 fixed massage vibration nodes
• Airbags – No
• Programs – No
• Zero G Positions – No
• Max user size – 350 lbs
• Chair Dimensions – 36.7 x 34.6 x 41 inches
• Chair Weight – 117 lbs

What we liked

• Lift function
• 5 different massage modes
• Comfortable to sit on

What we didn’t like

• The footrest is difficult to get latched
• Not suitable for shorter users.

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5 – Real Relax Favor 03 Massage Chair

☆ Best Under $1000 Massage Chair

• Updated Favor 03 Plus – Bluetooth audio play and changing LED light, 6 auto modes, more functional and affordable.
• Zero Gravity – One button zero-gravity design, feel virtually weightless. Built in heater to lower back and foot.
• Full Body Massage – 8 massage neck back rollers, 50 airbags placed by the shoulders, arms, hips, calves, and feet, lower back heating, and foot roller massage.
• Customize Massage – Use the remote to set rollers and airbags massage body parts, speed and strength (3 levels), adjust the back up and down.

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Summary

The Real Relax Favor 03 is one of the best values in massage chairs available today. It has a low price but is still has a lot of functions. It won’t do everything the chairs that cost 2-3 times more will. It will still do a lot.

This chair has 50 airbags for massaging. It has leg airbags and foot rollers for giving foot massages. The biggest compromise comes in the back rollers. Instead of a track with a moving set of rollers, this has an S-track with 8 fixed rollers on it. This are rotating ball type rollers that can only spin. This massage chair can’t do tapping, kneading, shiatsu or any of the techniques that a chair with 4 3D rollers can do.

The back rollers work okay. Most users thought the neck set was not strong enough and the lower back set was too strong. The positioning can’t be changed so how they feel depends how they line up on your body and how you sink into the seat cushions.

The Zero Gravity setting works well for a laid back relaxing massage. The airbag massage modes work well. Some airbags can be a little aggressive when they squeeze.

We miss the 3D rollers and a little more level of control, the chair overall performs very well for it’s cost. If you are looking to save a little bit and still get a satisfying massage, this could be the chair for you. This makes it our top pick for best value in massage chairs.

Specifications

• Track – S-track with 8 massage points
• Airbags – 50
• Programs – 6
• Zero G Positions – 3
• Max user size – 6’1″ 400 lbs
• Chair Dimensions – 30 x 63 x 54 inches
• Chair Weight – 217 lbs

What we liked

• Low cost
• Good airbag technique
• Good back massage for only 8 fixed roller points.

What we didn’t like

• Chair and legs are narrow for larger (300 lb plus) users
• Shoulder rollers are not effective

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Massage chair guide

There is a lot of things to think about when purchasing a massage chair. It is going to cost a considerable amount of money even for a low end massage chair. At a minimum you’ll spend several hundred dollars. For a high end chair, you’ll spend many thousands of dollars. I would recommend you try out a massage chair somewhere before buying one to know what they feel like.

Some Massage chairs don’t make great chairs to sit around and watch TV in. The track and roller mechanisms aren’t comfortable to sit on when you are not getting a massage. Some massage chairs are very comfortable to sit and but only offer a mild massage. You want to make sure you get the massage you are looking for from your massage chair.

Benefits of a massage chair

Massage chairs can provide theraputic massage therapy. Going to a massage therapist on a regular basis can become very expensive. Having a massage chair can allow you to get a therapeutic massage without going to a therapist. Therapeutic massage can provide the following benefits.

• Health maintenance and/or health promotion – massage helps general tissue health and healthy lifestyle
• Stress management – Massage helps relieve stress
• Post-operative care – Massage can help reduce the need for pain medicine and speed recovery
• Emotional and/or psychological disorders – Massage releases endorphins which can help with depression
• Terminal illness – Massage helps reduce pain and discomfort that can come from long term bedrest
• Chronic pain – Massage helps reduce muscle pain by reducing muscle tightness
• Pre and/or post athletic activity – Helps speed up recovery after participating in athletic activity.

Go here to learn more about therapeutic massage and it’s benefits.

Considerations

Before shelling out tons of money for a massage chair there are a few considerations you should think about. It is a major purchase and you want to get the best fit for you.

Price

Massage chairs can run between $300 at the low end and over $15,000 at the high end. Like everything you else in this world, you get what you pay for. There are some much better values out there than others. In the under $500 range you will get a chair with a few features but missing many of the things higher end chairs have.

Most chairs in this price range come from off brands and have fixed vibration points for giving massage. They do not have tracks or robotic rollers. They can do varying patterns of vibrations to give different effects. These chairs are usually more for sitting in comfortably while watching TV or using a computer and getting a very mild massage. There are a few chairs such as the Oways Massage Chair that have robotic rollers that can give some form of therapeutic massage.

At a little over $1000 you start getting into chairs that have most of the major features of really expensive massage chairs where you can get a quality therapeutic massage.

Warranty

Massage chairs are very complex machines. Some have upwards of 50 independently controlled airbags as well as 3D robotic rollers, tilting mechanism, heating, vibrations and so on. You get the picture. There is a lot going on inside that chair. A warranty and good customer service are really important. You spend a lot on a good massage chair and need it to last and need to be able to get service if something goes wrong.

Construction and Materials

If your spending a lot on a massage chair then good materials are important. You should look for things such as a steel frame, high quality motors and good materials. Many massage chairs use a combination of real or synthetic leather materials.

Size

Massage chairs have an ideal size range they work for. If you are shorter you may want to look at the chairs by Infinity. If you are taller you might want to look at Kahuna. Make sure you pick a massage chair that is suitable for your size and weight.

Available space

How much space do you have in your house for a massage chair. Some chairs have space saver designs that can be placed within a few inches of a wall. Other chairs need to be farther away. Make sure you have enough space in your home for the chair you want to get.

Massage features

The more you spend on a massage chair the more features it will have. L-tracks, 3D rollers, 4 or 6 rollers, more airbags come on more expensive massage chairs. The materials of the chair also improve with the cost. Choose a budget for your massage chair and find the best chair you can with the best features for your budget.

Massage Chair FAQ

Q: What is Shiatsu massage?

Many massage chairs claim to perform Shiatsu massage. What is Shiatsu massage? Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique. Shiatsu means “Finger pressure” in Japanese. Shiatsu massage involves kneading, pressing, soothing, tapping, and stretching. It is performed with finger pressure through light clothing without oils. Shiatsu massage originated in the early 1900’s along with acupuncture and amma massage as part of a resurgence in traditional Japanese medicine.

Go here to learn more about Shiatsu massage. The below video explains more about Shiatsu Massage technique.

Q: Is it worth getting a massage chair?

The average therapeutic massage costs $75. If you were to get a massage weekly for a year the cost would be $3900. Double that if you get one twice a week. You can see that it doesn’t take that long to recover the cost of a $1000 massage chair. You can use the massage chair as often as you wish. Clearly, a massage chair is worth the money even if the chair costs thousands of dollars. To learn more about the costs of massage go here.

Q: Is it bad to use a massage chair too much?

Yes. Using a massage chair that performs therapeutic massages too often and for too long can cause bruising and damage to muscle tissues. You should not use a therapeutic massage chair for more than 3 to 4 times a week. You get maximum benefit from theraputic massage sessions after 15 minutes. If your massage chair only uses mild vibration without kneading or other high intensity techniques, you can use the chair much longer. Consult a physician before using any massage chair to learn what your use limits should be.

Q: Do massage chairs use a lot of electricity?

Most massage chairs use between 100 and 200 watts of electricity while they are running. For comparison a microwave can use 1000-2000 watts. The cost of the electricity to run a massage chair is very minimal and should not be a reason for not getting one. The massage chair will still save you money over getting frequent massages from a therapist.

Q: How long should you use a massage chair?

You get the maximum benefit from your massage chair after 15 minutes. After 15 minutes it may still feel good but you are no longer getting any therapeutic value from it.

Q: Are zero gravity chairs good for you?

The Zero Gravity seating position was developed by Nasa and is regarded as one of the healthiest postions to sit in. There are many health benefits to sitting in a fully reclined position where your legs and feet are above your heart. Sitting on your back fully reclined gives you a feeling of weightlessness which is where the term comes from. The benefits of Zero Gravity seating include the following.

• It allows your spine to decompress
• Increased blood circulation
• It helps relieve lower back pain
• It relives pressure off of your heart

To learn more about Zero Gravity Benefits go here.

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