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The benefits of neck massage are well-documented, and we go over several of those benefits below. With busy schedules getting to the spa seems impossible.
Now you can get a thoroughly relaxing neck massage at home with the best neck massager whether it be a cushion, pillow, or wrap. Also see, How To Choose A Neck Massager – Buying Guide.
Best Neck Massagers
| Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager | ResTech Electric Shiatsu Back & Neck Massager | Zyllion Back and Neck Shiatsu Pillow Massager | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Type of Massage | Shiatsu with heat | Shiatsu with heat | Shiatsu with heat |
| Nodes | 8 | 8 | 4 |
| Materials | PU leather, breathable mesh, mesh protection cloth | High-quality quilted leather | High-quality leatherette |
| Customer Ratings | 4.3 / 5.0 Stars | 4.8 / 5.0 Stars | 4.4 / 5.0 Stars |
Also see: Best Neck Massagers Comparison Table
Quick Answer: The 5 Best-Rated Neck Massagers – [2020]
- Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
- ResTech Electric Shiatsu Back & Neck and Massager
- Zyllion Back and Neck Shiatsu Pillow Massager
- InvoSpa Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
- MaxKare Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager
Neck Massagers Reviews
Whether your neck is stiff after many hours at the computer at work or a long day at home with kids, the best massage machine can help you to unwind and de-stress any time you need to.
We’ve reviewed the best electric massager of various types focusing on the neck and shoulder area. Some can even be used to massage areas of the back as well. Which of these is the best choice for you? We’d love to know which you picked.
#1 Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
- Type of Massage: Shiatsu with heat
- Nodes: 8
- Auto Shut Off: 20 minutes, overheat
- Home or On-the-Go: Both
- Materials: PU leather, breathable mesh, mesh protection cloth
Expand To See More Shiatsu massage is quite common in both at-home neck massagers and in spas where you can receive a professional Shiatsu massage. The heat with three different levels of intensity help to relax neck and shoulder muscles while the 8 nodes move in a set pattern to help work out the knots that form after a long day. A long power cord ensures you can sit comfortably where you would like and still be able to reach an outlet. This Naipo massager comes with both a DC adapter for home or office use and a car adapter to help you relax on the way home from work or while on a long trip. For safety reasons, the massager turns off automatically after 20 minutes or if the temperature of the unit gets too high. It is also highly versatile, easily used for lower back pain, menstrual pain, or even for calf and foot relaxation.
#2 ResTech Electric Shiatsu Back & Neck and Massager
- Type of Massage: Shiatsu with heat
- Nodes: 8
- Auto Shut Off: Not Listed
- Home or On-the-Go: Both
- Materials: High-quality quilted leather
Expand To See More We refer to it as a body massager because you can literally use it to help relax away tension from the top of your neck to the tips of your toes. It easily fits many contours of the body making this a versatile at-home massager. Lower back, menstrual or foot pain subsides while stiffness in your neck and shoulders, glutes, and even legs melts away. Not only can this massager adapt to various locations on the body, but you can also adjust the heat intensity and the direction and speed of the massaging nodes. This allows you to customize your massage in a way that works best for you and the area you are targeting. With both a wall adapter and one for the car plus a long cord, you can relax where you’d like without being chained to the closest outlet. It easily travels with you with the included, matching carrying and storage bag. An automatic shutoff feature ensures you stay safe while relaxing.
#3 Zyllion Back and Neck Shiatsu Pillow Massager
- Type of Massage: Shiatsu with heat
- Nodes: 4
- Auto Shut Off: 20 minutes, overheat
- Home or On-the-Go: Both
- Materials: High-quality leatherette
Expand To See More We chose it for this list of best neck and back massager products due to portability and ease of use. Just one button controls both the heat and massage nodes. By pressing the button multiple times, you cycle through the massage, massage with heat, or heat settings. Pressing it enough times turns off the unit completely. Two nodes on each side of the pillow move in circles to provide deep massage. Every 60 seconds, the rotation direction changes for both sides. If you are relaxed enough to fall asleep, the massager will automatically shut off after 20 minutes or if it gets too hot. Zyllion manufactures and tests their products in an FDA-approved facility and covers this item with a 1-year replacement guarantee. This model comes with a long electrical cord and an adapter for both home and your vehicle. A rechargeable version (Zyllion Shiatsu Back Neck Massager) is also available.
#4 InvoSpa Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
- Type of Massage: Shiatsu with heat
- Nodes: 4 small, 4 large
- Auto Shut Off: 15 minutes
- Home or On-the-Go: Both
- Materials: Not Listed
Expand To See More Four small and 4 large massaging nodes work in a rhythmic pattern that changes every 60 seconds. The use of two different sized nodes helps to provide a deeper massage without being too rough on tense muscles. To help you get the customized massage you need, three levels of speed and strength are available. Infrared heat helps to slowly eat tension and also promotes blood circulation which has many physical and cognitive benefits. The back and neck massager can also be used on other areas of the body such as the lower back, shoulders, feet, and legs. It will automatically shut off after 15 minutes of use. With both a wall adapter and a car adapter, you can take this massager with you wherever you go. This massager is great after a long day at work, during a long road trip, or even after a hard day at the gym. Whatever reason you need to relax and de-stress, this massager is ideal.
#5 MaxKare Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager
- Type of Massage: Shiatsu with optional heat
- Nodes: 8
- Auto Shut Off: 15 minutes, overheat
- Home or On-the-Go: Both
- Materials: premium breathable mesh, PU leather
Expand To See More As a best body massager, it can be used on the neck and shoulders as well as around the waist for either lower back pain or menstrual pain. Even sore thighs and calves after a visit to the gym or a long day on your feet can benefit from this Shiatsu massager. The 8 nodes are designed to simulate the feeling of an actual massage, acting like real hands in many ways. It also shuts off automatically after just 15 minutes which is the recommended length of daily use. The wall adapter and car adapter mean you can take this with you on family trips, to the office, on business trips, and anywhere else you might be headed. The products MaxKare designs and manufactures are both UL-listed and FDA-approved. The high-quality materials help to disperse heat and allow you to feel the full benefit of the massager. Approved and recommended for daily use, this Shiatsu neck and shoulder massager can help relieve and prevent tension and stress.
Neck Massagers Comparison Table
| Best Neck Massagers | Price | Type of Massage | Nodes | Materials | Customer Ratings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager | Price not available | Shiatsu with heat | 8 | PU leather, breathable mesh, mesh protection cloth | 4.3 / 5.0 Stars | |
| ResTech Electric Shiatsu Back & Neck and Massager | $49.95 | Shiatsu with heat | 8 | High-quality quilted leather | 4.8 / 5.0 Stars | |
| Zyllion Back and Neck Shiatsu Pillow Massager | $49.95 | Shiatsu with heat | 4 | High-quality leatherette | 4.4 / 5.0 Stars | |
| InvoSpa Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager | $49.97 | Shiatsu with heat | 4 small, 4 large | Not Listed | 4.0 / 5.0 Stars | |
| MaxKare Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager | Price not available | Shiatsu with optional heat | 8 | Premium breathable mesh, PU leather | 4.3 / 5.0 Stars |
Benefits of the Best Home Neck Massager
Not only is the thought of a massage anytime you feel like it a stimulating one, but so is the massage itself which can have many and varied positive effects on both physical and mental health.
Are you still not sure whether the best back massager that helps to reduce tension in the neck and shoulders as well as which is the right choice for you?
Let’s look at all the benefits of a neck massager so you can decide if this is the right choice for you and others in your family.
Physical Benefits
Both physical and mental stress affects our bodies in different ways and one of the best ways to help prevent the physical effects of stress as well as reduce them if you’re already suffering from them is regular neck massage.
The physical effects of stress can include a stiff neck, neck pain, headaches, and other symptoms.
Mental Benefits
When we get stressed, we can often suffer from symptoms such as anxiety and panic. These things can lead to sleep that is less than restful.
These mental effects of stress can then lead to even more severe physical symptoms. The vicious cycle of physical and mental stress can usually be stopped with regular massage with the best neck and back massager.
Cognitive Benefits
When you are suffering from a stiff neck and also a headache, it may be due to the constricted blood flow caused by tense muscles in the neck and shoulders.
When this blood flow is restricted, not only are their physical symptoms like headaches, but also issues with memory and concentration. Releasing the tension in your neck, shoulders, and back can help improve cognitive function.
How To Choose A Neck Massager – Buying Guide
- Targeted Areas
- Type of Massage
- Heat Intensity & Levels
- Nodes & Modes
- Customized Massage
- FAQs
- Tips
- Banish Your Stiff Neck & Headaches
What features are most important when choosing the best neck massager for you? Everyone will develop different symptoms of stress and tension and with therefore need a neck massager with different features. Which of these are most important to you?
Targeted Areas
If you mostly feel the tension in your neck and shoulders, then you may not need to invest in a massager that can be used on other areas of the body.
However, even a massager that is designed to target the neck and shoulders may also be designed in a way that it can be used elsewhere.
You really never know when you might suffer a pulled muscle or other injury and one of these versatile massagers can be helpful
Type of Massage
All of the neck massagers we’ve reviewed use the Shiatsu massage technique. This has long been known as one of the most effective types of massage for tension in the neck and shoulders.
When combined with heat therapy, Shiatsu massage is proven even more effective.
Heat Intensity & Levels
As we mentioned above, when heat therapy is combined with Shiatsu massage, it can be very effective in reducing the tension in neck and shoulder muscles.
However, it may be important that you can turn the heat off if you’d prefer not to use it during that session or that you can adjust the intensity level of the heat. Adjustable or optional heat can
Nodes & Modes
Each Shiatsu neck massager will have a different number of nodes and they will be arranged in a different way. This means that the massage you get can be quite different from massager to massager.
The configuration of these nodes can be used to specifically target shoulder muscles, or neck muscles, or offer all-over tension relief. Some massagers also have different modes that can change the way the nodes move as well as the pressure they exert on your muscles.
Customized Massage
You may not want the same type of massage each time you use the machine. You may be using it to target a different area of your body or you may just want a more intense massage on occasion.
Being able to customize the massage options on your new neck massager is also a great feature if the massager will be used by more than one person.
FAQs About the Best Neck & Shoulder Massager Options
If you still have questions about the best neck massager for you, we’ve answered the most common questions we see for you.
Most consumers have at least a few questions about purchasing something like this so let us know if you have a question and if you have an answer for any of these, let us know!
Q: Where will you need to use your neck massager the most?
A: All of the neck massager reviews above focus on those that can be used anywhere, even in the car. Because they come included with a wall adapter power cord and a car accessory adapter power cord, you can easily bring the massager from your living room couch to the front seat of your car for long car rides. Having that wall adapter also allows you to travel by plane or train with your neck massager.
Q: Will there be more than one person using the neck massager?
A: If the massager machine will be used by more than one person, it’s important to be able to adjust settings such as heat intensity or speed and pressure of the node massagers. Not everyone who uses it will prefer the same settings so these should be adjustable.
Q: Do you need massage for other areas of your body as well?
A: We reviewed 5 of the top neck massagers available, but while each of them can be used in more areas than just your neck and shoulders, not all of them can be used from neck to toe. If you will only need back and abdominal discomfort relief, any of the ones we reviewed will work for you. If you’d like to use the massager for your glutes, legs, and feet as well, you may want to choose one that can target more areas of the body.
Q: Is a certain type of massage more beneficial to you?
A: Shiatsu has been proven over hundreds of years to be very beneficial for tension relief. In fact, this massage technique was perfected in ancient China and many emperors enjoyed regular Shiatsu massages. However, there are also Swedish massages, hot stone massages, deep tissue massages, etc. A Shiatsu massage can be a great addition to your daily relaxation ritual but adding a professional massage every so often can also help to keep stress at bay.
Q: What is your neck massager budget?
A: A neck massager is a very affordable way to help you de-stress and relax any time of day. In fact, it can help to prevent depression, anxiety, and memory problems. Considering the numerous benefits of a neck massager, investing in one is also an investment in your physical and mental health. However, it’s also important not to go over your budget when purchasing one or you may be more stressed than you were. Remember, you can always upgrade to a more expensive one, one with more features, etc. in the future. Most consumers never have to upgrade, however.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your New Neck Massager
Once you’ve chosen the best neck and back massager for you, it’s time to learn what you can do to get the most out of your newest health and wellness investment. These are our top 5 tips for using your new massager.
Tip #1: Schedule Massages Regularly
There’s no rule saying you only have to use your massager when your neck is stiff, you have a headache, or your back hurts. Creating a daily relaxation routine can help you stay less stressed and will give you something to look forward to each day.
Tip #2: Adjust the Settings Properly
Sometimes it’s not about using the most intense heat or the most intense node pressure. A neck massage should be relaxing and never painful. In fact, using more comfortable settings can be more beneficial than turning up the volume, so to speak.
Tip #3: Find the Best Neck Massager for YOU
Not every neck massager will be the right one for everyone. You will have to consider when and where you will most likely be using the machine as well as what type of massage you need. If you have a neck injury, for example, you may need more heat settings and fewer massage nodes and modes.
Tip #4: Schedule a Professional Massage Every 2-3 Months
A neck massager is an excellent way to de-stress. However, investing in a regular professional massage is definitely worth it. Every two to three months, schedule a massage and try to schedule it with the same masseuse. The masseuse can get to know the type of massage you like, the pressure that works the best for you, as well as which areas they need to focus on to help you truly relax.
Tip #5: Always Clean the Massager After Use
Because an element of heat is usually involved, you should put a clean towel or a thin piece of fabric between your skin and the massager. Not only will this help prevent your skin from overheating, but it will also keep sweat from building up in the fabric surfaces of the machine. After each use, wipe it down using the method recommended by the manufacturer.
Banish Your Stiff Neck & Headaches
Investing in a neck massager is also investing in your physical and mental wellbeing. Even if you aren’t used to using a neck massager or don’t regularly get professional massages, choosing the best neck and back massager is as easy as reading through our reviews above. Give one a try and you won’t want to go a day without a massage.
Notice:
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