From heated massage office chairs to a basic lumbar vibrating office chair massage, there are so many different types to choose from. But one thing is for sure, sitting at a desk all day can do a number on your back. And speaking from experience, back pain is no joke.
More than ever before, people are transitioning from traditional office spaces to their own work at home offices. Finding the right chair is crucial, and why not enjoy an office chair that massages? You’ll get the blood flowing, ease your sore muscles, and stay productive at work, all without even leaving your chair.
All of these chairs featured below were evaluated based on the following criteria.
- Massage Type
- Value for the Money
- Comfort and Support
- Additional Features
We’ll take a look at some heated and non-heated massage chairs in different styles. Click below in the Table of Contents to jump ahead if you’ve got a feature in mind. Otherwise, let’s dig in… like the rollers of a Shiatsu massage. (That’s a stretch. Sorry.)
- Types of Massage Office Chairs
- Best Office Chair with Massage
- #1.) Homcom Heated Vibration Massage (Best Overall)
- #2.) Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair (Best Shiatsu Massage)
- #3.) BestOffice Big and Tall 500lb Chair (Best Big and Tall)
- #4.) Nokaxus Reclining Gaming Chair (Best Recliner)
- #5.) GoPlus Massage Gaming Chair with LED Lights (Best Gaming Chair)
- #6.) Vinsetto Heated Vibration Massage (Best Fabric)
- #7.) BestOffice Vibration Massage (Best Budget)
- Luxury Upgrade
- Benefits of an Office Chair Massage
- Office Chair Massage Pad Vs. Office Chair with Massage
- Verdict
Types of Massage Office Chairs
When you’re looking for massage office chairs, the styles vary greatly, and it can be confusing as to what you’re really getting. Some of them offer a Shiatsu massage. Some are simply vibrating massages. Some have heat, while others don’t.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences, so you can feel confident in what it is you really need.
Shiatsu Massage
A Shiatsu massage is a form of deep tissue massage that applies pressure to certain points of the body to stimulate and promote energy flow. In massage chairs, they use rolling balls that work their way up and down your back to massage joints and muscle tissues.
This is good when you have a lot of muscle tension. Most of these types of massage chairs aren’t made for the office, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. They’re just less common than vibrating massage chairs.
Vibrating Massage
Most office chairs with massage really mean a vibrating massage, not a Shiatsu massage. A vibrating massage is still a great idea because it gets your muscles to contract and relax. It also helps to improve circulation, which is important when you’re sitting at a desk all day.
Studies have shown that vibration massage helps to increase bone density by producing osteoblasts, which are bone-forming cells. This type of massage can help relax the muscles in the lower back.
Six-Point Vibration
Six-point vibration means the vibration is spread to cover six massage points over three parts of the body. These are usually spread out so there are two in the upper back, two in the lower back and lumbar region, and two in the hips and thighs area on the seat. Basically, the massage points target the parts that are actually hitting the chair.
Lumbar Vibration
Lumbar vibration refers to a vibrating mechanism in the lumbar region. Many office chairs with massage only have this in the lumbar region, since that’s where a lot of people experience pain.
Although working in a chair all day can provide upper back stiffness, the lower back is what helps you maintain your posture, which is why an ergonomic office chair usually features an adjustable lumbar pillow.
Heated Massage
Some office chairs offer a heated massage, while others only offer a non-heated vibration massage. Adding heat helps with tense muscles and decreases stiffness in areas where it’s applied. It helps improve your circulation more quickly and allows blood to flow while relaxing and soothing those sore muscles.
Not everyone wants or needs the heat, though. It’s best for people dealing with back stiffness caused by sitting all day.
Best Office Chair with Massage
#1.) Homcom Heated Vibration Massage (Best Overall)
Pros
This heated massage chair features a six-point heated vibration massage for ultimate muscle relaxation. This means your upper back, lower back, and thighs will get the spa treatment, so you can get the blood flowing while churning out a report.
The timed massage feature lets you set your massage for however long you need with 15, 30, or 60-minute increments. It also comes with a remote control to set the timer, which rests conveniently in a side pouch off the armrest when not in use.
You can adjust the height of this chair up to four inches, so you can find the right height for you and your legs. The armrests are padded, but they’re not adjustable. You can remove them if you feel so inclined since they’re not crucial to the support of the chair. The very roomy padded seat is four inches thick and 21.5 inches wide!
The executive style also looks great in any office with its durable PU leather material. It comes in 4 colors: black, brown, white, or an incredibly bold red. The sturdy five-point base features smooth-rolling caster wheels that swivel 360 degrees and support up to 265 pounds.
The chair reclines up to 135 degrees, so you can lean back while you get a massage. You can also rock back and forth if you’re not one to sit still all day. The back padding is an impressive 5.5 inches thick and sits 36 inches high from the seat.
Cons
This Homcom office massage chair won’t last as long as some other chairs, with some complaining that the chair starts to show signs of wear and tear after a year of heavy use.
And although this has heat, it’s more of a warm feeling than a hot massage.
Lastly, the massager itself is rather loud. This could be a problem if you don’t work in an office alone. If you do, the benefits of the massage may outweigh the negatives of the noise.
Bottom Line
Overall, with its six-pointed heated vibration massage, reclining back, adjustable height, and price point under $200, we like this as our best overall massage office chair.
#2.) Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair (Best Shiatsu Massage)
Pros
This is the only chair on the list that features a Shiatsu-style heated massage, as opposed to the other vibrating massage options. The rolling massage kneads up and down the back for a more intense massage than a vibration massage.
You can use the massage while sitting up or lying down. It does not have a heat option, although the massage does naturally warm your back up while it’s on. There are 8 massage nodes, which work your neck, shoulders, upper back, and lower back.
This chair is portable with a folding, space-saving design. The four caster wheels allow you to move it around the room with ease, then simply fold it down to save even more space or tuck it away under a desk.
This executive office chair comes in black or brown PU leather, which will peel and crack over time, giving the otherwise nice-looking chair a worn look.
The soft cushions can be found in the seat, the backrest, and the armrests, although the armrests cannot be adjusted or removed. There is a built-in remote control in the armrest area, so you don’t have to worry about losing a remote. Just simply control your massage with the push of a button.
Cons
The price is high, setting you back almost $300. It’s the most expensive chair reviewed here.
It’s also not great for anyone bigger than 180 pounds. It’s a relatively small chair with a lower weight capacity.
Bottom Line
Although it’s the only chair on the list with a heated Shiatsu massage, this is still worthy of being called the best Shiatsu massage office chair, although it’s limited to those who aren’t so tall. With its compact and portable design, it’s worth a look if the price doesn’t turn you away.
#3.) BestOffice Big and Tall 500lb Chair (Best Big and Tall)
Pros
A built-in, USB-powered lumbar vibration massager adds an extra level of back comfort so you can work for longer periods of time while receiving a chair massage.
The large, extra-thick seat cushion maintains its shape over time and allows airflow to pass through and keep you cool. It also holds up to 500 pounds, making this great for the big and tall. The extra-large seat is an impressive two feet wide by 21.5 inches deep.
This executive office chair is made of durable PU leather and comes in 3 colors, including black, dark brown, and a rather lovely white. It also adjusts in height up to 3 inches and rolls smoothly on nylon casters with a 360-degree swivel.
The thick cushioning from the seat is also found on the tops of the armrests.
Cons
The assembly isn’t the easiest, and you may have some trouble lining up the screw to their holes.
The armrests can’t be adjusted or removed if they get in the way or don’t fit right.
A tilt function allows you to recline up to 120 degrees, but you can’t lock it into place.
Bottom Line
This big and tall ergonomic office chair holds up to 500 pounds, and also made our best big and tall office chairs list, and it’s one of our top choices for the best office chair under $200. With its extra-wide seat, 500-pound support, lumbar massage, and great price point, this is one of the best big and tall office massage chairs.
#4.) Nokaxus Reclining Gaming Chair (Best Recliner)
Pros
This is great for a gaming chair, but it will also add some pizazz to your office. If you want it to look more like an executive office chair, choose the all-black. Otherwise, it comes in pink, red, or a Captain America-style red, white, and blue.
There is a lumbar vibration massage in the lumbar support pillow of the chair. When you don’t want to use it, you can tuck the cords back into the seat for a nice, clean look. If it’s not hitting you in the right spot, simply move it to wherever it works best.
Both the headrest and lumbar support pillows are removable, so you can adjust them where you want or get them completely out of the way if you don’t want the extra padding.
The PU leather looks nice and wipes clean easily. So no need to worry when you spill your drink while having a rest.
There are only 16.5 inches of useable seat width because the sides wing up, but it is very deep at 20 inches. It does have an extendable footrest that really comes in handy when you recline all the way back.
The slightly padded arms are adjustable nearly 3 inches in height. You can also adjust the height of the chair with pneumatic controls from over 19 inches to over 22 inches high.
The chair fully reclines back to 180 degrees, so you can actually take a comfortable nap during your breaks. The sturdy base is made of nylon casters that allow a 360-degree swivel. It can support up to 350 pounds, making it a great big and tall chair.
This comes with a 2-year warranty and free exchange on damaged or missing parts for up to 1 year. You also get peace of mind knowing you have 30 days to return your chair.
Cons
The seat isn’t very wide because of the winged edges. Even though it holds a lot of weight, it might be a tight squeeze for larger people.
The armrests are not well padded, and even though they adjust up, the plastic isn’t very comfortable.
The footrest isn’t as sturdy as the chair, so it can feel slightly wobbly.
Bottom Line
If it’s mid-day naps you value, this is a great option. Fully recline, kick up your feet, and give yourself a little massage. This sturdy chair is great for larger people, making it a great option, not just for gamers.
#5.) GoPlus Massage Gaming Chair with LED Lights (Best Gaming Chair)
Pros
This slick-looking racecar-style gaming chair is made of durable, PU leather that comes in black with bright green trim or black with pink trim. The adjustable lumbar pillow makes it a good ergonomic office chair, and the built-in vibrating massage stimulates circulation. It plugs in via a USB cord, which can be tied up under the seat when not in use.
The padded headrest can be used as a neck pillow since it can be adjusted or simply removed if you don’t want it at all.
There is a retractable footrest, so you can kick your feet up when you need a break… or if you want a massage in style. The footrest extends about 15 inches from the front of the seat, so it might be too short if you’re on the taller side of things.
This reclining chair goes from an upright position to a 150-degree recline, allowing you to kick back and relax. You can lock it in at other angles, too, depending on how far you want to lean back.
You can adjust the chair up to 4 inches, from 18 to 22 inches off the ground. It also holds up to 330 pounds, which is more than the average office chair.
The armrests can be adjusted both up and down or in and out. They have slightly curved padding, which isn’t as cushioned as others, but the adjustability is the best part. No more useless arms that sit too low.
Another cool feature that sets this chair apart is the LED lights that run along the edge of the chair. They can be changed with an included remote control that can be slipped away in the side pocket so you don’t lose it.
Cons
The seat padding is a little thin, making it uncomfortable after long periods of time. The footrest is also a little flimsy and short for some taller people.
The 21-inch wide seat doesn’t feel that wide with the wings cutting into your legs, so even though it accommodates more weight, it might not be as comfortable if you’re on the wider side.
Bottom Line
The LED lights make for a very cool gaming atmosphere. Although the footrest isn’t the longest, it’s still nice to have the option. And if you can deal with a small seat, you’ll be rewarded with a good massage, comfortable footrest, and stylish chair. We also picked this as our best LED gaming chair.
#6.) Vinsetto Heated Vibration Massage (Best Fabric)
Pros
With 6 massage points and a heated vibrating massage, your upper back, lower back, and thighs will reap all the benefits. You will feel it more when you recline, which you can do up to 130 degrees with the lever.
The heat and vibration can be controlled separately, so if you just want a toasty seat in the cold winter months, you can have it. If you want a vibrating massage, choose it with or without heat.
This is only a vibration massage, so if you’re expecting something intense, you won’t find it here. But if you know what you’re getting, it’s a nice feature, especially with the separate heat controls.
The chair is height adjustable 4 inches, sitting from 18 to 22 inches high. The roomy seat is 20.5 inches wide and almost 20 inches deep. At its highest point, the top of the chair stands nearly 46 inches tall.
This beautiful gray fabric office chair supports up to 265 pounds, which is a little more than the standard. It rolls smoothly with caster wheels and features a 360-degree swivel.
Cons
The armrests are not adjustable, nor removable. So if they don’t sit high enough, you can’t get them out of the way.
Although it looks cozy and well-padded, many people complain that the cushions are too thin and not comfortable for heavy use, despite how much padding there seems to be. If you don’t like a firm seat, you may not like this.
Another complaint is the short power cord for the massager, so you may need to find an extension cord if you’re too far from an outlet.
Bottom Line
With a slightly better than the average weight capacity of 265 pounds, beautiful fabric material, and adjustable height, this 6-point heated massage is our favorite for best fabric office chair.
#7.) BestOffice Vibration Massage (Best Budget)
Pros
This office chair may be our best budget, but that doesn’t mean it comes without features. It has a vibrating massage powered by a USB cable, which can be tied up when not in use. The massage is built into the removable lumbar pillow, and there is a handy remote control to control the vibration.
If you’re finished with your massage or don’t need the extra lumbar support for some reason, you can simply remove it. It can also be adjusted to fit where you need it most, so you could theoretically give yourself an upper back massage.
The height can be adjusted 4 inches, sitting from 19.5 to over 23 inches off the ground. The seat is also quite spacious for a budget chair, at nearly 22 inches wide by 21 inches deep.
The neck pillow is removable, so you can get rid of it if you don’t want it or simply move it to the part that needs the most support.
At right around $100, this is one of the most affordable office chair massagers you can buy. The chair reclines back from 90 degrees upright to 135 degrees, and you can lock them into place when you find your perfect tilt.
Not only does it recline, but it also has an extendable footrest. So if you want to enjoy a little nap while you’re having a massage, just lean back, pop out the footrest, and enjoy some comfortable rest!
The chair supports up to 250 pounds, only average, but still not bad. The caster wheels do allow a 360-degree swivel, so you can grab things with ease.
Cons
There’s not much padding on the seat, so it can be uncomfortable if you like a cushioned seat. You may need to look elsewhere or get a separate seat cushion. If you like a firm seat, this won’t be a problem for you.
The USB cable for the vibration massage is a bit short, so you’ll need an extension cord if you’re not near an outlet.
The plastic arms could use some padding. They’re also not adjustable, so if they don’t sit high enough for you, you can’t do anything about it.
Bottom Line
Coming in well below $200, this is our best budget massage office chair. With that, you get the adjustable lumbar vibration massage, removable headrest pillow, and extendable footrest! It’s really a great value if you don’t mind the racing-style look.
Luxury Upgrade
Upgrade: Real Relax Zero Gravity Massager
If you want the ultimate massage recliner, this chair has it all. It’ll cost you more, and it will take up more space. But if you really want to treat yourself, you can’t do better than this.
This chair features a full-body shiatsu massage. It’s not just great for your back. It targets your arms, legs, back, and neck. If you’re sore from a long day, this will ease your pain.
How much room do you need? The whole unit is over 5 feet tall, but it’s only 2.5 feet wide. You’ll need about 5 feet of clearance to recline all the way back, so you should make sure it doesn’t sit too close to a wall.
This recliner will hold up to 400 pounds, so it’s a great option for heavier people. It isn’t recommended for anyone over 6’1, however. Don’t worry if you’re on the shorter end of things because the footrest adjusts 5 inches so you can retract it if it’s too tall.
If you’re worried about the color clashing with your home, in addition to the all-black, it also comes in navy blue or deep brown with a stylish off-white on the outside.
In addition to the 8 massage rollers in the back and neck areas, it has 50 airbags that are placed throughout the chair to work on all parts of your body.
There is a remote control that can be used to customize where you want the massage, how fast you want it, and how strong. It also adjusts the back rollers up and down. Adjust the recline to experience a zero-gravity massage – either slightly leaning back or completely flat.
This thing may be heavy (over 200 pounds) and bulky, but it’s still easy to move around the room with the 2 back wheels.
It also has lower back and foot heating, which will not only aid in recovery time if you’re sore, but it also feels great on a cold day.
The maximum amount of time you can set the massager for is 30 minutes. If you want something longer, you will have to keep resetting it. And if you’re in zero gravity mode, it will return you to an upright position. So don’t plan to sleep longer than 30 minutes.
It supports a lot of weight, but it’s not good for tall people, especially if you’re all legs. The footrest doesn’t extend long enough for tall people over 6 feet. If you’re under 5’5, it’s probably not great for you, either, as you won’t get the full effects of the neck massage.
Bottom Line
If you’re between 5’5 and 6 feet tall and want a spa experience within your own home, this massage recliner will leave you feeling relaxed after a long, hard day.
Benefits of an Office Chair Massage
There are many benefits to getting an office chair with massage already built-in. Not only do the massages get your blood flow circulating, but they also help loosen your muscles and provide relief from tightness caused by sitting all day.
Massage office chairs can help ease pain, which I personally found to be a huge relief when I had lower back pain. Massages can reduce stress and anxiety and help increase your energy, allowing you to better focus on the tasks at hand.
With office chair massages, you don’t even need to stop your work to experience these benefits. They are just a button push away.
Office Chair Massage Pad Vs. Office Chair with Massage
What are the main differences between massage office chairs and office chair massage pads?
Portability
Where massage office chairs are limited to your office space, an office chair massage pad can move around with you. If you do want to use it in a different room, or you need to work outside of your home, massage chairs offer that flexibility.
Bulkiness
Massage office chairs are a good option if you only want a quick massage while working and don’t want the added bulk of a massage chair pad. Chair pads can raise your seat, depending on the thickness of the pad, which can make it uncomfortable or difficult to fit under your desk.
Comfort
Office chairs with massage are also designed for comfort. The chair is designed to be sat in all day, where office massage chair pads are designed to be used, then put away. The massage nodes make it uncomfortable to sit in for long periods of time.
Convenience
If you’re only working from home and just want a quick mid-day massage, massage office chairs are a more convenient option. You don’t have to store a chair pad separately, and you don’t need to get it out every time you want a massage. The chair already has these built-in features, so you simply need to push a button.
Features
Massage chair pads do offer more features, however, since they aren’t designed to be used for an 8-hour workday. You can target the areas you want to massage, and you can experience a true deep tissue massage. Office massage chairs usually come with a vibration massage, since massage nodes aren’t comfortable when not in use.
Power Cords
Both massage office chairs and chair pads will need to be plugged in, so you have the same problem of the wheels potentially getting caught in the cords. It’s important to note whether the office chair has a convenient way to store the cords when not in use because a chair pad can simply be unplugged and stored away.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a stylish executive chair with six heated vibrating massage points, adjustable features, and above-average support at a reasonable price, you should choose the Homcom Office Massage Chair. This chair looks great and will deliver a good massage for those long, stressful days.
If the vibration isn’t enough for you, and you need a little more power, you should try the Full Body Shiatsu Massage Office Chair. And if you want a fabric heated massage chair, try the Vinsetto Heated Vibration Massage.
If you’re big and tall, you can’t go wrong with the 500-pound weight capacity of the BestOffice 500 Pound Massage Office Chair. Check out some of our other big and tall office chairs here.
For a good gaming chair, the fully reclining Nokaxus Gaming Chair or the stylish GoPlus Massage Gaming Chair with LED Lights are great picks.
Lastly, if the price is your biggest concern, try the BestOffice Massage Office Chair. It’s a great value for your money.
What matters most to you? What type of massage do you prefer? Full body, lumbar, shiatsu? Whatever you like, there’s an option for you. And one thing’s for sure, we could all use a little more relaxation in our workday.
