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Best Massage Chair Reviews UK 2023 – Are They Really Relaxing?

Last Updated on January 10, 2023

Our Favourites

Editor’s Choice: Cherry Tree Executive Recline
Best for Office Use: Bramley Power Leather High Back
Anti-Slip Choice: HoMedics Shiatsu Max 2.0 Grey

Are you sitting comfortably? If your answer is a resounding “no” to that question, then it might be time to start searching for the best massage chair in the UK. After all – what could be better than a massage chair to gently knead and vibrate the aches and pains of the day away?

Massage therapy is one of the oldest, and most well-renowned practices for dealing with pain, anxiety, and stress. Used correctly, it improves circulation, relieves tension, and even helps to eliminate uncomfortable nerve problems. The trouble is, few of us have the time or money to visit a masseuse every weekend, or after a particularly tough day at work.

The good news is that there could be a simpler way to get the support you need. Electric massage chairs in the UK are surprisingly affordable these days. They each come with a range of features and functionalities designed to tackle specific problems. You can even buy a chair to take with you to the office.

If you’re keen to join the scores of people discovering what massage chairs can do for their everyday comfort, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to check out some of the leading contenders on the market, and what they can do for you. Prepare to find a chair that transforms everything you thought you knew about comfort.

How We Compared Massage Chairs

To find the right massage chairs we considered multiple factors including:

  • Features
  • Size and Design
  • Durability
  • Accessories
  • Massage Strength

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

To find out more about our process please see here.

Best Massage Chair Reviews – Top 9 Picks

1. Cherry Tree Executive Recline (Editor’s Choice)

cherry-tree-executive-recliner

When it comes to massage chairs, you can easily spend too much money, depending on your preferred features and brand. For those who want something simple to use in the office, the Cherry Tree Executive Recline chair is effective and affordable.

With a built-in controller attached, the Cherry Tree recliner offers a 6-point massage, intended to cover all the problem areas around the spine. The faux leather upholstery feels quite robust, and the chair itself is strong and stable. You won’t feel like it’s going to crumble underneath you. When it comes to reclining, there’s not a lot of motion in this chair. You can only get a slight recline before it stops moving. Additionally, the armrests don’t move at all, so if they’re not in the right position, you’re going to have trouble.

Pros:

  • Simple and affordable
  • Easy to put together
  • Multiple levels of massage available
  • Comfortable padding

Cons:

  • Wired controller is a little cumbersome
  • Armrests don’t move at all, and the recline is limited
  • Faux leather can begin to strip off after a few months.

2. Bramley Power Leather High Back (Best for Office Use)

bramley-power-leather-high-back

If you’re looking for the best massage office chair in the UK, then you’ll probably have slightly different requirements than someone seeking a product for home use.

Office chairs need to be a little higher up, and somewhat less bulky than the standard massage armchair. The good news is that an office chair is also generally more affordable than some of the more extensive options intended for your living room.

This Bramley Power Leather High Back chair is an excellent piece of furniture, complete with durable padding. You can recline the seat and lock it into place, and the massage remote is easy to use too. There are 6 motors in total for your buttocks, back, and legs. Just be aware that the maximum weight is 125kg. The main issue we had with this product was how awkward the headrest is for the neck. The top of the chair pushes your neck forward slightly, which can make you feel uneasy, depending on your height.

Pros:

  • High back support with double padding
  • 6 motors for a complete massage
  • Luxury bonded leather design

Cons:

  • Head support feels awkward for the neck
  • Quite difficult to put together unless you’re a DIY enthusiast
  • Massage function is very light (more of a vibration in the seat)

3. HoMedics Shiatsu Max 2.0 Grey (Best with Anti-Slip)

homedics-shiatsu-max-2-0-grey

This model is certainly one of the best massage chairs on the market today. It is designed to allow everyone to enjoy a relaxing massage and release pain, stress and anxiety after work.

The Max 2.0 is more of a seat cushion that you can put on any chair. It is excellent for people who want a genuinely customisable relaxation experience. You can use the controls to adjust every aspect of your seat, including where the massage points hit on your back. That means that you can tackle very specific problems with muscles.

If you don’t want to spend forever playing around with your massage options, the HoMedics cushion seat also has plenty of pre-programmed modes. With 14 options to choose from, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a treatment that suits you. There’s also a smart strapping system that will keep it in place if by chance you fall asleep during your massage.

The biggest issue with this product is how uncomfortable it can get if you’re not sitting upright. Slouching will seriously start to hurt after a while. However, on the plus side, your posture will get better eventually.

Pros:

  • Highly customisable
  • 14 pre-programmed modes to choose from
  • Anti-slip feature
  • Easy-to-use controls

Cons:

  • Quite painful when not sitting upright
  • The picture shows more massage points than there is
  • It’s not ideal for use if you’re a slim person

4. More4Homes Caesar (Luxury Choice)

more4homes-caesar

If you’re looking for luxury, it doesn’t get much better than this. The Caesar massage chair by More4Homes was designed to give you everything you need for home comfort – and we mean everything!

More of a home massage armchair than something you could use in the office, it’s upholstered with super-soft bonded leather. That means you won’t see the finish starting to peel within a couple of months.

Additionally, the Caesar comes with plenty of features beyond just massage. At the press of a button, you can recline the seat for full lumbar support. There’s also a rocking function perfect for parents, and a 360-degree swivel, so you’re never left out of the action. If you want extra comfort without the massage function, you can also turn on the “seat heating” feature. Combine all of that with features like drink holders and storage pockets, and it’s hard to find anything this chair can’t do.

The biggest problem with the Caesar is that it’s difficult to put together. Invite your friends over and get some help when you’re setting it up. Additionally, you’ll find that if you do have any problems, arranging returns isn’t simple. It’s a pretty bulky chair after all.

Pros:

  • Countless comfort features, including heat pad and rocker
  • Recline, swivel and massage with 8 individual massage points
  • Storage pockets and drink holders
  • Complete lumbar support and end-to-end comfort

Cons:

  • Tough to set up (definitely more than a one-man job)
  • Hard to arrange for a return
  • The material can feel a bit thin in certain places

5. HoMedics Shiatsu Back & Shoulder (Best Value)

homedics-shiatsu-back-shoulder

Sometimes, the best massage chair in the UK has to be the one that you can take with you all over the city.

Designed to give you a more relaxing life around the clock, the HoMedics Shiatsu Back and Shoulder system is a seat pad you can take on the go. Simply unstrap it, fold it up and use it in your office, at home in the living room or even on your dining room seats.

This portable seat pad focuses specifically on 3 zones through your back using rotating, kneading, and heating actions for the best results. According to the manufacturer, it only takes fifteen minutes to unlock absolute relief. We particularly liked the convenience of the integrated control panel. Just hit one button for heat and another for massage. It’s that simple. Unfortunately, this seat pad massager is not designed for taller people. If you’re over 5 foot eight, it’s not going to hit your shoulders. You can still get a good low to mid-back massage though.

Pros:

  • Brilliant Shiatsu-style massage over 3 zones
  • Soothing heat feature
  • Portable with a strap to attach to any chair
  • Simple control panel (anyone can use it)

Cons:

  • Not great for taller people as the neck won’t be supported
  • Settings don’t have a lot of difference between them
  • The massage setting is quite rough – it takes some getting used to.

6. Julien Bowen Malmo (Best Vintage Design)

julien-bowen-malmo

When you start looking for a massage recliner chair in the UK, you’ll need to ask yourself what you plan on using it for. The Malmo is great if you want everyday use and comfort.

If you’re just looking for a way to relax now and again, there are plenty of other options out there. If you want something that’s going to be comfortable all day – regardless of you using the massage function, then you need the Malmo by Julien Bowen.

With a walnut laminated base and soft-touch leather fabric, this massage chair looks great. There are 8 vibrating massage points in the backrest, which give a broad, therapeutic experience.

The biggest issue is that the faux leather isn’t designed to last long. As soon as you have a hot day, it will begin to crinkle and peel. Still, you can always put a throw over it.

Pros:

  • Very comfortable, regardless of whether you’re using the massage function or not
  • 8 vibrating massage points for full therapeutic comfort
  • Highly durable

Cons:

  • Leather peels very quickly
  • Massage can be quite strong if you’re not used to it
  • A little bit complicated to put together

7. More4Homes Tuscany (Elegant Choice)

more4homes-tuscany

Sometimes, you just want a chair that looks as good as it feels. The More4Homes Tuscany Bonded Leather recliner is a stunning massage chair, available in a range of colours.

Along with an 8-point massage system, the chair can also be reclined and adjusted to suit your needs. There’s even a matching footstool for extra comfort.

Although this chair is fantastic at delivering its primary massage function, it’s the design that stands out. In any of the available 3 colours, the smooth curves of the seat mean that it would fit well in basically any interior décor scheme. We particularly like the circular wooden base. One major issue is that everything comes flat-packed. There’s a lot to put together, and some of the parts are heavy. If you’re not used to DIY, it’s a good idea to get some help with this piece.

Pros:

  • Stunning design, great for any home
  • High-quality bonded leather and durable padding
  • Eight-point massage unit with 2 intensity settings
  • Durable ball tensioner recline

Cons:

  • Difficult to put together
  • Only has a 1-year warranty
  • Can be a little uncomfortable when you’re not using the massage function.

8. HOMCOM Luxury (Best Small)

homcom-luxury

The design of the HOMCOM Luxury faux leather massage chair is quite similar to the More4Homes seat.

The circular base on both the chair and footstool are very attractive. The whole product looks great in pretty much any room. Designed for use at home or in the office, this chair can work behind a desk, but it would probably be too low to use with a computer.

The 6-point therapeutic massage function is very effective at targeting multiple points along your back and spine. There’s also a great cushion around the upper portion of your back that you can adjust to suit your needs. Because the chair is set on casters, you can also move it around the office or home with very little trouble. The main issue with this chair is that it’s a bit small for more prominent people. Another is that the footstool is quite high so it might not fit well under your desk.

Pros:

  • Beautiful natural leather design
  • 6-point therapeutic massage function
  • Easy to move around

Cons:

  • Quite small and snug for larger users
  • The footstool is quite high
  • Not tall enough to use as a computer chair

9. HoMedics Shiatsu Back and Shoulder Max (Best Portable)

homedics-shiatsu-max-2-0-stone

One of the biggest problems that consumers often face when looking for the best shiatsu massager is that not all types of pain are the same. Depending on the kind of work you do, and the tension your body is exposed to, you might need a different level of massage therapy. Fortunately, the HoMedics Shiatsu Max back and shoulder cushion seat gives you more targeted support.

It is similar to the other HoMedics Max 2.0 product we have reviewed although this one comes in a light stone colour. The Shiatsu Max Stone is a portable solution that you can take on the go. As well as a heat option, there are also two “double massaging” nodes. This means that you get great results all over your back. There are also 14 different massage functions to choose from. If you need to target a specific spot, just adjust your therapeutic experience with the simple remote control.

Keep in mind, however, that this massage cushion seat is for deep shiatsu massage. If you’re not used to this kind of back support, it may feel a little rough to you at first.

Pros:

  • Complete massage function for the whole back
  • Dual massage modes with spot focus functions
  • Soothing heat treatment
  • Portable design

Cons:

  • Quite a strong massage for beginners
  • No speed or pressure regulation options
  • Won’t target your neck if you’re on the taller side

How to Choose the Right Massage Recliner

young-woman-relaxing-on-a-massage-recliner

Looking for the right memory foam pillow, sofa bed and such that’s perfect for your home is no simple feat, but it’s well worth the effort. Finding the best massage chair in the UK is no different.

The benefits of massage therapy stretch all the way from better sleep, to reduced risk of depression and anxiety. Some people even believe that regular massage can help with your digestion. Given all the advantages of massage, it’s no wonder that these chairs have grown so popular. They’re generally more convenient and affordable than a masseuse after all. The question is, how do you choose from all the great options that we’ve outlined above? Here are some things you’ll need to think about.

1. Features

Electric massage chairs often have several different features to choose from. For instance, there are chairs that do a specific massage technique like shiatsu. This kind of massage targets specific pressure points in your muscles with rolling and pressing movements. Some people love it, while others find it too strong for their needs. There are also zero-gravity chairs out there that make you feel like you’re floating in space. Additionally, there are even some that are not really chairs but are more of portable seat pad massagers that you can put on any chair and bring with you anywhere.

It’s difficult to know for certain which features you need until you try them out for yourself. If there’s a local furniture store near you that sells massage chairs, it might be a good idea to go and try a few before you look for the cheapest one online. This is a particularly good idea if you’re looking for a seat that can tackle specific problem areas around your neck, lower back or shoulders.

2. Size and Design

Just as different chairs come with their own unique massage functions, each also has a specific design. Many of the seats intended for home use mimic the style of an armchair, which means they’d be tough to fit in your typical office. There are some more streamlined chairs available, but they may be too low to give you access to your desk or computer when you need it.

When you’re looking for the ideal massage chair, make sure you measure the size of the room it will be going in. For your office, check the desk height and the height of the chair itself if necessary. Also, remember that if your chair reclines, you’ll need to have space in front of, and behind the seat.

3. Durability

a-small-library-full-of-books-and-with-a-comfortable-electronic-furniture

When you invest in a massage chair, you want to enjoy the health benefits for as long as possible. Since these products come with many moving parts, components, and even electricals, they can break. It’s important to find a design that’s durable enough to stand the test of time.

You won’t be able to test the resiliency of a chair before you buy it. However, you can check out the reviews left by other customers to find out how long their product lasted. If you find that a lot of people report that the chair falls apart fast, you’ll know that it’s not worth the money. Remember, sometimes you may need to spend a little more to get a chair that won’t have to be immediately replaced.

4. Other Points to Consider

There are various other points that you can consider when buying your massage chair. For instance, you might want a chair that has plenty of presets, or an option to customise your therapy. Some people prefer chairs that have “spot” treatment options for targeted issues. A chair with a wide range of features is often a good choice if you’re buying one that will be used by multiple people.

Some massage chairs also come with accessories available. For instance, you might be able to get products with a removable cushion for extra padding. A particularly common accessory is the presence of a separate leg or footrest. Sitting in a reclined position with your feet up is excellent for certain spine and back conditions.

Remember to check the available massage strength too. If you’re not used to having a massage function in your seating, it’s best to start with something gentle. Alternatively, you can try a chair with multiple modes.

Choosing the Ultimate Massage Chair

Only you can decide what the best massage chair is for you. As with most things in life, it will all depend on what you’re trying to accomplish with your new purchase. If you want an armchair that doubles up as a source of health therapy, the product you’ll need will be very different from someone who wants a massage chair for their office.

Of all the products that we have researched, we believe that the best massage chair in the UK is the Cherry Tree Executive Recline. This versatile massage chair will look fabulous either in a gaming room or in a corporate setting. Well-padded and height-adjustable, you can tilt the back and lock it in a reclining position. Enjoy a six-point vibration massage from the upper back to your thighs for a truly relaxing experience. It also comes with a wired controller to easily access the massage features.

What do you think about our list of the ultimate massage chairs? Let us know which are your favourites in the comment section below.

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