Yahoo Movies The 10 Best Neck Massagers of 2023
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Our top pick is the Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager for its portability, versatility, and heating function.
Real Simple / Alli Waataja
Whether you're sitting at a desk all day, frequently looking down at your phone, or waking up with a crick in your neck, a neck massager can help alleviate your aches and pains. They're an easy way to relieve tension at home, so they're more budget-friendly and time-saving than a trip to the masseuse.
To find the best neck massagers, we thoroughly researched dozens of models while comparing them for factors like type, size, style of massage, intensity, speed, and bonus features (like heating capabilities). We also spoke with Lindy Royer, a physical therapist and Balanced Body master instructor, for her tips on using and selecting a neck massager.
"The benefits of neck massagers include reduction in pain, soreness, and muscle tension, which, in turn, may improve mobility and function," says Royer.
Our top pick is the Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager, an electric device with an automatic shutoff function that offers multiple massage speeds and a heating function.
Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager with Heat
Best Overall Neck Massager
Who it’s for: People who want a versatile heated massager.
Who it isn't for: People who want a cordless massager.
The Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager kneads your muscles with four nodes to relieve tension. It's the shape and size of a small pillow and weighs less than four pounds, which means it can be easily transported just about anywhere—it even comes with a plug-in car adapter. It also features Velcro straps to secure it to the back of your desk chair for a soothing mid-work massage.
As for bonus features, the nodes heat up for extra tension relief, and the device will automatically shut off after 20 minutes to prevent overheating and overuse. You can use this massager all over your body and not just on your neck—just place it wherever you're experiencing aches and pain. The only downside to this product is that it requires an outlet, as it cannot run on batteries or hold a charge.
Price at time of publish: $85
Product Details:
Type: Electric
Use: Whole body
Settings: 1 speed
Voyor Neck Massager
Best Budget Neck Massager
Who it’s for: People who want a handheld massage device that they can maneuver manually.
Who it isn't for: People who want a neck massager with a heating component.
An at-home massage certainly feels like a luxury, but you don’t need to spend lavishly to find an effective neck massager that can handle all your knots and soreness. The Voyor Neck Massager has a unique U-shape with two firm yet soft rotating silicone balls. Depending on your specific aches and pains, you can maneuver the device as needed, whether you're squeezing pressure points or kneading tense areas.
Though this neck massager isn't hands-free, you have complete control over the intensity, direction, and placement of the nodes—ideal for those who want a tailored massage. While the ergonomic curve of the massager is designed to fit the contours of your neck, you can also use this device on other areas, like your shoulders and legs. At around 10 ounces and with no pesky wires or outlets required, this pick allows you to fit in a quick massage from just about anywhere.
Price at time of publish: $22
Product Details:
Type: Manual
Use: Neck, shoulders, legs
Settings: N/A
Comfier Neck and Back Massager
Best Splurge Neck Massager
Who it’s for: People who work at a desk all day.
Who it isn't for: People who want a portable neck massager.
This large-scale neck and back massager can almost replace a trip to the spa. Its impressive power and performance unwind even the most unwieldy knots and cricks, making it worth the splurge for those who work at a desk all day, as well as anyone who wants a full-size neck and back massager.
There are two zones that target the neck and back with various massage styles like shiatsu, vibrations, compressions, and even a heating element. The nodes can roll up and down to tackle knots, or you can use the spot massage function to target specific areas. This massager also offers a bonus feature: a compression massager on the waist and hips with three intensity settings. If you sit in a desk chair all day, this massager can soothe all your aches and pains.
Price at time of publish: $240
Product Details:
Type: Electric
Use: Neck and back
Settings: 4 massage styles, 3 compression intensities
:
HoMedics Shiatsu Deluxe Neck and Shoulder Massager
Best Neck Massager With Heat
Who it’s for: People who want a portable, deep massage experience.
Who it isn't for: People who want a hands-free experience.
This handy shiatsu-style neck massager is a compact option, making it great for bringing on the go. The four massage nodes can be programmed to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on your preference. They also heat up to provide additional relief for deep aches and pains. And if you fall asleep during your massage, no need to worry—it has a 15-minute automatic shutoff function. The nodes can also vibrate at three speeds, so you can control the intensity.
The device wraps around your neck and shoulders, hugging comfortably to your body with handles on both sides that allow you to pull the massager closer for more intensity. The only downside is that this massager isn't hands-free—you have to hold on throughout the treatment cycle. On the other hand, you can also wrap the massager around your legs and calves.
Price at time of publish: $120
Product Details:
Type: Electric
Use: Neck, shoulder, back, legs
Settings: 3 vibration speeds
InvoSpa Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
Best Shiatsu Neck Massager
Who it’s for: People who want a shiatsu massager that can be placed nearly anywhere on the body.
Who it isn't for: People who want a hands-free experience.
The InvoSpa massager wraps comfortably around your shoulders for a targeted neck massage, with straps on either side that allow you to control the pressure. This device features eight nodes for the ultimate shiatsu massage that can target locations all over your body that need special attention.
The nodes have three-speed levels and rotate clockwise and counterclockwise—switching directions every minute for maximum massage benefits. The InvoSpa Shiatsu Massager also has a heating option and can be positioned anywhere on your body for a deeply soothing shiatsu massage.
It comes with a car adapter if you want to use it on a long car ride, and it has a 15-minute auto-shutdown timer for added safety.
Price at time of publish: $100
Product Details:
Type: Electric
Use: Whole body
Settings: 3 speeds
Miko Kumo Mini
Best Pillow Neck Massager
Who it’s for: People who want a wireless massage pillow.
Who it isn't for: People who want a massager specifically for their neck.
Unlike the rest of the electric neck massagers on this list, this pillow massager is wireless, meaning you don't need to be tethered to an outlet to seek relief. This feature is handy if you plan to use it around the house or in locations where you don't have an outlet easily accessible.
Though it's a compact device—it weighs just 4.5 pounds—it packs a punch with its massage capabilities. The Miko Kumo Mini has six shiatsu-style nodes designed for your neck, shoulders, back, and feet; two massage styles (rolling and tapping); and two speed settings to customize your massage. It also offers a heating function. For added comfort, the entire massager is made with an extra-soft fabric, which makes it exceedingly comfortable to use.
When your massage is complete, you don't have to worry about storing this device—it doubles as a lumbar support pillow. Perhaps most impressively, this device comes with an eight-year limited warranty.
Price at time of publish: $100
Product Details:
Type: Electric
Use: Neck, shoulders, back, feet
Settings: 2 massage styles, 2 speeds
:
LiBa Back and Neck Massager
Best Handheld Neck Massager
Who it’s for: People who want a targeted treatment.
Who it isn't for: People who want an electric massager.
Ah, the proverbial knot in the neck. If you want to target a specific area in your neck, opt for this hook-shaped massager from Liba. Its various knobs provide targeted pressure to specific points, from your neck to your feet. The large hook has two small nodes to target trigger points—you can run these up and down your neck for near-immediate relief.
The massager is strong but lightweight, weighing in at less than a pound, and curves in many different directions to allow you to reach any part of your body. The fiberglass-infused material ensures that it doesn’t break easily, even when you apply lots of pressure. Because this is a manual massager, it is also much more affordable than most electric models. That said, your massage will require a bit of elbow grease, which could be a drawback for some. Others will love the specific deep pressure offered by this tool.
Price at time of publish: $36
Product Details:
Type: Manual
Use: Neck, back, legs, feet
Settings: N/A
Therabody Wave Duo
Best Neck Massager for Travel
Who it’s for: People who want a neck massager that doubles as a foam roller.
Who it isn't for: People looking to stay on budget.
The Therabody Wave Duo is a manual rolling massager that is small but still delivers powerful vibrations to virtually any part of your body. This massager is made of high-density foam with grooves that provide extra pressure to your neck and back.
When fully charged, the battery lasts 200 minutes—long enough for a flight, train ride, or post-workout recovery at the gym. The battery also powers the device's Bluetooth technology, so it can sync with an app for a range of customizable exercise routines. Even without a charge, you can still use this massager as a foam roller.
Price at time of publish: $99
Product Details:
Type: Electric
Use: Full body
Settings: 5 vibration frequencies
:
Manual Massage Ball Pain Relief Back Roller
Best Neck Massager Ball
Who it’s for: People who want a budget-friendly manual massage tool.
Who it isn't for: People who want pressure on hyper-specific points.
The Zongs Manual Massage Ball is one of the simplest, most affordable massagers on the market that can target the neck and entire body. It has one node, a massage ball set in a base that allows it to spin 360 degrees. You can manually place it on any body part for a quick massage: Just glide the ball smoothly across your neck, shoulders, back, and/or limbs. You can even use light pressure anywhere on your skin to encourage blood circulation.
The massage ball is also incredibly portable, weighing just five ounces. While it doesn't provide hyper-targeted pressure or heating capabilities, we still think it's an effective, simple massage tool.
Price at time of publish: $10
Product Details:
Type: Manual
Use: Full body
Settings: N/A
Resteck Neck and Back Massager
Best Massager for Neck, Shoulders, and Back
Who it’s for: People who primarily suffer from neck and back pain.
Who it isn't for: People who want a hands-free experience.
The Resteck massager comfortably wraps around your neck and shoulders, though you can use it anywhere on the body. In its primary configuration, it provides a shiatsu-style massage to your neck, shoulders, and back. The massager has a pillowy feel when wrapped around you, and you can move the handle loops to increase the pressure as desired. It has four side buttons that allow you to customize the direction and speed of your massage experience, not to mention the heat function that can help loosen your sore muscles.
We love how portable this massager is—you can fold it into the included carrying bag for easy transportation and storage. It also comes with a car charging adapter and a lifetime warranty.
Price at time of publish: $65
Product Details:
Type: Electric
Use: Whole body
Settings: 3 speeds
:
Final Verdict
Our favorite neck massager is the Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager for its ease of use, automatic shutoff function, heating feature, and versatility. For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the Voyor Neck Massager, which is a small manual option that allows you to squeeze in a massage from practically anywhere.
How to Shop for Neck Massagers Like a Pro
Type
There are many types of neck massagers, but the two main categories are manual and electric. Manual massagers are typically more affordable, but electric massagers are easier to use passively. Some massagers are designed for just the neck, while others can also be used elsewhere on the body, like the feet and back. Versatility is beneficial, particularly for those with various aches and pains.
Settings & Features
The best neck massagers have multiple settings, which can refer to massage styles, intensities, and speeds. "Ideally, a neck massager should have a variety of settings, so the user can control the application and feel safe," says Royer. Besides the massage aspect, some neck massagers have additional features that are nice to have. "The inclusion of heat or cold is an additional benefit for those who respond well to these applications."
Ease of Use
Look at the manufacturer's instructions before deciding on a product. Some massagers require you to manually move them over your body or hold them in place—that alone requires a certain level of mobility and fitness. For easy, hands-free use, look for neck massagers that can attach to chairs.
Questions You Might Ask
Are vibrating neck massagers good?
"There is limited research specific to the use of neck massagers, however, it is clear there is an association between certain types of vibration and pain reduction," says Royer. "Additionally, automated massage is thought to help reduce pain, decrease stress, and promote a sense of relaxation. In this respect, we can say that neck massages can be beneficial in some cases."
How long should you use a neck massager?
Royer notes that some experiments suggest using massagers for 20 to 30 minutes three times per week for maximum relief. "The use time depends on many variables, including the properties of the device, the manufacturer’s recommendations, the specific condition of the user, and, most importantly, the unique response of the user," she says.
Can you use a neck massager every day?
Refer to the manufacturer's directions regarding the frequency of use and consult your physical therapist or doctor for guidance. We recommend staying in tune with your body—if a neck massager is causing pain rather than relieving it, you should stop using it. "In the beginning, it’s better to be conservative with the use of the device to assess the effects," says Royer, who also suggests that "a full program for the relief of neck and shoulder pain should also include active therapies such as exercise."
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Stefanie Waldek. Stefanie is a contributing writer for Real Simple with nine years of writing experience and four years of experience reviewing products. To come up with these recommendations, Stefanie spent hours researching neck massagers, and she ultimately narrowed down the list based on type, settings, and ease of use. She also tapped physical therapist Lindy Royer, a Balanced Body master instructor, for expert tips.
:
For more Real Simple news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Real Simple.
