What’s your best massage chair? It’s a simple question and one we get asked frequently. The answer, however, isn’t simple.

If you ask this question of Google, you’re bound to find four or five links at the top of the page advertising “Top Massage Chairs of 2021” or “Best 5 Massage Chairs” or “Buyers Guide: Top Massage Chairs.” These links are all advertisements. They’re hosted by massage chair brands, massage chair stores or advertisers who earn money off of your click. That’s not to say there’s bad information here – it’s very biased and selective (even if it’s not obvious.)

When we’re asked which massage chair is the best, our short answer is, “the chair that’s best for you.” That may seem like a bit of a cop-out but you’re the person(s) who are going to be using this massage chair and if you’re not happy, it’s not the right chair.

When it comes to “YOU,” there are some personal factors you need to consider before purchasing a massage chair. They include:

• WHY – Are you getting this massage chair because of a medical condition? Are you looking for a way to relax at the end of the day? Do you participate in strenuous work/play that requires advance recovery? LESSON: Prioritize your reasons for buying and the choice becomes clearer.
• BUDGET – You don’t have to spent a fortune to get a premium massage chair. Sometimes, with more expensive massage chairs, you may be paying for features that you won’t use or don’t need. LESSON: Determine the features that you must have, those you’d like to have and those you can live without. And don’t forget to ask about financing – it’s a great way to spread your payments out and make the purchase manageable.
• SPACE – Massage chairs aren’t small pieces of furniture. They take up space. But no more than dad’s favorite recliner. A typical premium massage chair will take up about 6’ x 3’ when fully reclined and extended. Some chairs, like the Genesis Max (https://laidbackma.comproduct/genesis-max/) have a “space saving” feature which allows you to put the back of the chair 2-3” from the wall. The Genesis Max slides forward as it reclines – always maintaining the 3” wall space. Other chairs may require up to 16” of space in order to recline. We also have the Riage CS (https://laidbackma.comproduct/riage-cs-massage-chair/), a recliner/massager that is ideal for small rooms and apartments. LESSON: Figure out where you’re going to put the chair before you buy.

While on the topic of things to consider when purchasing a massage chair, here are some other things YOU should consider:

• BRAND – We have people who come in to LAIDBACK and tell us they have a massage chair but it broke and they can’t get service/parts. LESSON: Find a brand that’s been around and has a solid track record of delivering quality products and standing behind them should there be a problem.
• ROI – Are you one to get a professional massage? How much does that cost? $80? $100? Add a tip and it can add up. With a massage chair you can get unlimited massages every day. If you finance the chair you may find that your monthly payments are similar to getting 1 professional massage a month. LESSON: Think about how the purchase of a massage chair will benefit you for years to come….and pay for itself in the process.
• WARRANTY/SUPPORT – This goes hand-in-hand with the brand but also where you purchase the chair. At a minimum the parts should be covered for 3 years. At-home service for 1-3 years is a great addition. Equally important is who to turn to when/if there is a problem. Is the store able to support you if there’s a problem? What about the brand? Will they be there to help? Will parts be available? LESSON: Make sure you fully understand the warranty. Explore extended warranty options as well.

LAIDBACK:

At LAIDBACK we have chairs that range in (selling) price from $900 to $7500. Many assume that the $7500 massage chair is the best simply because it’s the most expensive. After trying different chairs, many are surprised to learn the $3500 chair will meet their needs…and fit their budget. LESSON: sit in a number different chairs in order to determine which chair best fits your needs. Don’t discount a chair simply because of price.

We’ve partnered with Infinity Massage Chairs, the leading distributor of premium massage chairs in North America. They’ve been selling chairs for over 15 years. Infinity makes great chairs, values quality and has been a great partner when a problem arises. They offer unlimited technical support, stock parts for all their models and take support for their products very seriously.

At our sister company, Engage Wellness Solutions, we’ve been bringing massage chairs into offices to massage employees as part of an employee wellness or employee appreciation program. These chairs travel (and rest) in a trailer. They get hot or cold depending on the season, they get bounced around on the highway, they get moved in and out of offices and they deliver hundreds of massages per week. And they keep on working! If we have any reservations about the quality of the chairs we sell, they are put to rest with our experience here.

LEARN MORE:

Looking for additional information on buying a massage chair? Check out Infinity Massage Chairs’ buyer’s guide here.