9 Best Back Massagers to Work Out All the Kinks at Home

It’s tough to find a back massager more universally beloved than the Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager. It’s a 4.5-star Amazon product with over 49,000 global ratings, and 73% of those reviews give it a perfect score.

This massager is 13x9 inches, which is about the size of a small throw pillow. It comes with adjustable straps that let you affix it to the back of a seat so that it can be angled right to the area with the most tension. Its four red massage balls rotate to administer a rhythmic, Shiatsu-style massage. Plus, the device is heated for added relief.

Users love its versatile design, with one saying, “Super easy to use in a chair or when lying down. I also like how it switches direction after like a minute.” Its price point also makes it a nice — but still affordable — gift.

More: This Simple $10 Massage Ball Is Perfect for Anytime Relief

You don’t need to make an appointment at a salon to use a massage chair, and you certainly don’t need to buy a full-size massaging recliner when you have the Snailax Shiatsu Massage Chair Pad. This plug-in device can be layered right on top of any seat with a back, and it can be operated via its corded remote control.

The four kneading massage balls rotate up and down the back, and the seat vibrates. You have control over the area of the massaging, the intensity of the vibration, and even whether or not you want a little heat on top of it for further relief.

The TRIDUCNA Shiatsu Back Neck and Shoulder Massager can be looped around your neck or back to allow its eight bi-directional nodes to rotate back and forth on your problem areas. You can program your preferred speed and heat level for added relief. Its arm pockets also allow you to hold the massager in place while you use it.

Even if it isn’t the sleekest device, its simple yet effective functionality helps undo tension in those hard-to-reach places. Says one reviewer, “It's been a year and a half since purchasing this, and I still love it. It is a bit bulky, but it helps when you've had a knot in your back for days! The heat function is no joke and feels amazing.”

If you’re looking for something with a little more power behind it for targeted relief instead of all-over relaxation, a percussive massage gun like the HeaDot Deep-Tissue Massage Gun could be a good option for you.

It has 30 speed levels and a 6-hour-long rechargeable battery, and it comes with ten different massage heads to either blunt or concentrate the sensation as needed on your muscles. Its long handle also gives you plenty of flexibility to angle it behind you to different spots on your back, though reviewers use it anywhere from their arms to their chest to their glutes.

Keep in mind that massage guns may not be appropriate for everybody because of their intensity. Dr. Hayden says, “I would recommend this for specific application, such as athletes with myalgia (muscle pain) or muscle spasms. This instrument would work well where there is significant muscle mass, but it might be injurious to someone who is slender, elderly, or debilitated.”

Ever since Gwyneth Paltrow showed up on the red carpet with telltale red cupping marks back in 2004, the ancient Asian therapy technique has taken the world by storm. The Achedaway Cupper gives cupping new meaning, thanks to its powered-up cupper that attaches to your body.

Delivering intense pulses for up to 12 minutes, this device includes three different-sized plastic cuppers that attach to a round device with buttons for suction mode, red light therapy, and intensity control.

Since it can be difficult to reach the cupper mid-session, it also links to an app with Bluetooth, where you can control the five different suction modes (Wake Up, Relaxing, Massage, Professional, and Powerful) and switch the red light therapy on and off. It leaves telltale cupping marks behind after only a few minutes of use, so be forewarned if you have an event.

Even the lighter modes can feel fairly intense, so start cautiously and increase intensity as your body gets more used to the device. One shopper raves, “It works wonders for muscle pain.”

The Homedics Quatro Mini Handheld Massager provides more of a feel-good, relaxing sensation than intense muscle kneading. This battery-operated, handheld back massager has just one vibratory massage mode, but at less than $5, it’s one of the most affordable devices you can buy!

Its handle allows you to hold it in place at the shoulders or lower back, though reaching the upper back with this device may require some assistance.

Many people who live with chronic pain and/or have limited mobility love this device because it's lightweight, easy to control, and the massage is very gentle yet soothing. One happy customer says, “I have pain from fibromyalgia and bad arthritis, and a small vibrating massager like this is easy for me to use on the painful places on my calves and near my knees. It gives me great relief when I need it — and I never find it uncomfortable to use.”

If you’re looking for a back massager that won’t break the bank, the Comfier Heated Massage Pad is worth a try. Its wraparound design makes it best for targeted lower back massaging, though you can also lay it flat across your entire back or even your stomach and legs. While not as powerful as some of its peers, it does offer enough massaging to alleviate some lower back pressure. Two different heating modes are a welcome addition, while the soft, plush fabric feels great against the skin. The overall sensation is more soothing than Shiatsu-like, but if you don’t enjoy being pummeled by your massager, this is the one for you. However, even with the additional Velcro adjuster belt, it’s worth noting that it may not fit all body types.

Comfier has a host of different heating pads and back massagers available, but this combines both heat and massage, making it our preferred choice.

One reviewer says, “I was looking for a dual purpose massager and a heating pad, this fit the bill to a T. I like that there are multiple settings for both the massage as well as the heat. It is worth every penny.”

Sometimes you’re really jonesing for a massage, but just don’t have the time — or money — to make it to the spa. When that happens, simply reach for the Nekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager. The eight different rolling massage nodes truly feel like a person’s hands kneading your back, neck, and shoulders. This back massager has three different intensity levels — though even level one is pretty hard, so it’s best to start low and work your way up. It also includes two different heating levels. While you can slip your arms through the openings and wear it like a shrug, I’ve actually found it’s better to just hold it in place, especially since you can move it to different areas throughout the 15-minute session. (Or, as I often do, two 15-minute back-to-back sessions. Pun intended.)

This back massager ranks #4 in Electric Back Massagers on Amazon, and has an impressive 54,902 global ratings, with 70% giving it a perfect five-star rating.

“Sweet, sweet relief!” writes one shopper. “It’s great if you carry a lot of tension in your neck or shoulders, but I’ve been using it all over my back. Took it on a trip with me and got almost immediate relief after a 5-hour flight. Forget the massage therapy, do it at home!”

If you’re into intense workouts — or you’re looking to gift someone who is — the Hypervolt 2 Massage Gun is an ideal choice. While the design may look a bit scary and overwhelming at first, it’s actually a very intuitive device with tons of customizable options. Take, for example, the five different massage head attachments (fork, ball, cushion, flat, and bullet), all contained in a convenient zip pouch. The cushion attachment is best for beginners; the round works on large muscle groups and the fork works on areas like upper traps, ankles, and calves; while the small bullet will give you the deepest, most intense pressure and localized muscle treatment. It even includes an app with Bluetooth access for speed and routine variation.

The three different percussive speeds let you control how much pressure you’re getting, though even level one is pretty intense. “It deals with problem muscles and soreness in ways that nothing else can,” writes one reviewer. “I work out regularly and I use it with high frequency. Really get to the muscle point,” says another. “This little gem is great right after a run for easing some of the stiffness,” raves another shopper. “I also like to use it right before going to bed — it seems to keep me from having quite so stiff quads and glutes in the morning.