The Best Back Massagers Of 2024, With Advice From A Physical Therapist

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 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 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 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 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 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 for: Workout relief | Weight: 3.6 pounds | B