Portable Massage Chairs

Whether you’re building a business or searching for home pleasure, finding quality portable massage chairs is a good investment.

But if you actually start to search for one, the amount of the products in the market will make you suffer from the famous analysis paralysis.

And while we’ve covered all sorts of massage tools — including the best massage chairs under 1000, the best zero gravity massage chairs, and the best neck and shoulder massagers — In this article, I’ll share with you what I consider the 8 best portable massage chairs in the market, saving you a ton of research. Ready when you are!

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The 8 Best Portable Massage Chairs: The Detailed Reviews

In this section, we’re going to take a close look at what makes every chair stand out: features, pros, cons, everything! First, check out all these portable massage chairs that might be what you are looking for.

1. Master Massage Rio Portable Massage Chair– Best Overall

Master Massage has been developing high-quality massage chairs since 1998. And Rio is among their best.

It’s constructed from aircraft aluminum. This material is known for its exceptional strength at relatively low weight. That’s why this chair can hold up to 600 pounds of working weight and 1200 pounds of static weight.

The chair legs are supported with nylon inserts reinforced with fiber-glass. This provides optimal non-slip and safe experience.

Every part of this chair can be adjusted to your user’s needs. This includes the face-cradle, the arm-rest, the chest pad, the seat, and even the knee pads.

However, the seat pad can only pivot around the chair’s base. You won’t be able to precisely adjust the height.

If you’re a professional therapist, you can compactly fold the chair and put it in its wheeled case after finishing your work. This way, carrying this 24-pound chair is seamless.

In case you’re unsatisfied with this product for any reason, you’re covered with a lifetime warranty from Master Massage.

Due to its superb features, this chair is great for home and professional use.

Features

Working weight capacity: 600 lb
Static weight capacity: 1200 lb
Comes with a wheeled carrying case

Pros

Strong aircraft aluminum construction
Suitable for heavyweight users
Leg inserts are reinforced with fiber-glass
Fully adjustable
Lifetime warranty

Cons

Expensive
Limited seat height adjustment

2. Master Massage Blue Portable Massage Chair – Runner-up

Frankly, I wanted to choose this chair as my top pick, but Rio surpassed it by a small margin. This chair features the same aircraft aluminum but weighs 15 pounds only, which is quite unique between other chairs.

Moreover, at about 650 pounds, it can support a slightly heavier weight than the Rio model.

Additionally, it features the No-Mark technology found in most of the Master Massage chairs. This way, the frame is guaranteed to retain its clean matte finish against rust and scratches.

This chair is padded with multi-layer small-cell foam which is much more comfortable than regular foam. Polyurethane is the main material used for the upholstery alongside a denim reinforcement. This guarantees prolonged durability and enhanced breathability.

There are three accessories shipped with the chair. A sternum pad that improves the user’s posture. A memory-foam layered pillow that you can use anywhere you want. And a luggage-style wheeled case to easily carry the chair.

If you’re searching for a well-balanced portable massage chair, this should be your perfect option.

Features

Working weight capacity: 650 lb
Polyurethane and denim upholstery
Comes with a sternum pad, memory foam pillow, and a wheeled case

Pros

Strong aircraft-aluminum construction
Suitable for heavyweight users
The frame is resistant to rust and scratches

Cons

Polyurethane upholstery
Limited height

3. Earthlite Vortex Portable Massage Chair – Best for Traveling

It can be a tiring task to carry your chair to different places, especially if you’re a professional therapist. If this applies to you, then the Vortex massage chair should be your best choice.

Earthlite constructed this chair from aircraft-grade aluminum, which is responsible for the lightweight, yet strong construction. It weighs 15 pounds and supports 300 pounds of user weight.

Additionally, it provides a quite unmatched experience for the user with its patented NaturSoft upholstery and Pro-Lite double cushioning. Earthlite claims that these features make a comfortable durable surface that feels soft on your skin.

Moreover, the chair comes with an additional sternum pad to provide additional comfort for the user. You can also match your exact posture preference with the adjustable face-cradle, arm-rest, and seat.

And to meet your preferred taste, you can choose your favorite chair color from a set of 7 options.

The carrying bag is made from sturdy rugged nylon material. For easy holding, it’s equipped with a padded shoulder strap.

But my favorite feature of this chair is its generous warranty. Earthlite has a lifetime warranty for the frame and a 3-year warranty for the padding. Make sure you also check our guide to the best foot massager for plantar fasciitis.

Features

Working weight capacity: 300 lb
NaturSoft upholstery
Pro-Lite double padding
Comes with a sternum pad and nylon carrying case

Pros

Lightweight strong aluminum construction
Adjustable
Extended warranty

Cons

Quite expensive
Not suitable for heavyweight users

4. Master Massage Apollo Portable Massage Chair – Best for Heavyweight Users

The Apollo chair from Master Massage is what I strongly recommend for heavyweight users. It can support up to 650 pounds of working weight and 1,000 pounds of static weight. This tremendous capacity comes with a construction that weighs 18 pounds only, which is quite surprising.

What’s the secret? Again, it’s the aircraft-grade aluminum. To make the chair even better, Master Massage used their No-Mark technology where they coat the frame with electrostatic powder. This made it resistant to rust and scratches.

It measures 19″ in width, 29″ in length and 50″ height. This puts it among the tallest massage chairs in the market while maintaining a small footprint.

For the padding, Master Massage used its patented Small Cell foam. This material is quite comparable to memory foam but at a notably lower price.

However, Master Massage picked a polyurethane material for the upholstery. They claim it’s a top-quality material, but it’s still polyurethane. I always prefer other materials, like leather, which offer better breathability.

Have you searched endlessly for a product that can hold your weight? This chair is guaranteed to end this.

Features

Working weight capacity: 650 lb
Working weight capacity: 1,000 lb
Small Cell foam padding
Polyurethane upholstery
Comes with a luggage-style wheeled case

Pros

Lightweight strong construction
Small footprint
Electrostatic-powder coating

Cons

Quite expensive
Polyurethane upholstery

5. BestMassage Portable Massage Chair – Best for Budget

Who said massages have to be pricey? You can find portable massage chairs that fit your budget and simultaneously maintain acceptable quality.

This massage chair is a superb option considering its price. Its construction supports up to 300 pounds of working weight. The chair itself weighs nearly 23 pounds, which is somewhat heavy compared to other chairs with the same capacity.

But this is understandable since it’s made from regular steel. Lowering its weight would’ve compromised its working integrity.

It’s padded with a high-density sponge that measures 2.5 inches in thickness. This provides an acceptable level of comfort for sessions that last around 20 minutes. That’s why it’s not suitable for users who already experience high discomfort levels.

The only thing I wish was different is the chest pad size. At 8 inches only, it’s notably smaller than other chairs.

Aside from this, the chair performs well. It has an adjustable face-cradle, arm-rest, chest pad, and seat. It also comes with a sturdy nylon bag to make it easier to carry around. You may also like some of the best foot and leg massager for diabetics from our list, so be sure to check them out.

Features

Working weight capacity: 300 lb
High-density sponge padding
Comes with a nylon carrying case

Pros

Highly affordable
Adjustable
Easy to assemble

Cons

Not suitable for heavyweight users
Weighs 23 pounds
Not comfortable for long sessions
Small chest pad

6. Eearthlite Avila II Portable Massage Chair – The Most Durable

If you plan to use the massage chair consistently, I’d recommend investing in a trustworthy product that won’t fail after a couple of years.

Frankly, if durability is your first concern, then Earthlite should be your go-to brand. Avila II is a notable example.

Its sturdy composite-carbon construction can support up to 350 pounds of working weight. Personally, I wish it could support more, but it’s acceptable considering its other features.

Thanks to its adjustable parts, it fits users with heights ranging from 4’6” and 6’6”. I think this adds much to its value.

Considering the extras, the chair comes with an accessory pouch attached to the arm-rest. This is where you can conveniently store your personal belongings until you finish.

Additionally, it comes with an extra removable sternum pad that adds extra comfort to the user.

You’ll be able to easily carry this chair in the wheeled case shipped with it. This is especially helpful as the chair weighs about 25 pounds. It can be tiring to carry it around in a regular shoulder-mounted case.

This chair would be great for folks who want to buy a chair that lives the longest.

Features

Working weight capacity: 350 lb
Comes with an accessory pouch, a sternum pad, and a wheeled case

Pros

Sturdy durable construction
Highly adjustable

Cons

Not suitable for heavyweight users
Weighs 25 pounds

7. Stronglite Ergo Pro II Portable Massage Chair – The Most Ergonomic

Most portable massage chairs don’t feature a removable knee pad. This is the best feature of the Ergo Pro II from Stronglite.

What’s important about this feature? Some users may have varying degrees of injuries or disabilities that prevent them from bending their knees against the chair pads. With the Ergo chair, you can easily remove them to properly fit your condition.

Considering the construction, it’s made from aluminum like most chairs. But what makes it stand out is the T6 heat treatment applied to the aluminum. This drastically improves the strength and durability.

Instead of the famous single-rod design, this chair is supported by two rods that run throughout the chair. This allows the chair to support users up to 600 pounds.

This chair can be moved easily around the house thanks to the pivoting offset wheels.

What I don’t like about this product is the shoulder-mounted case it’s shipped inside. The chair weighs about 24 pounds, which can be a bit of a nuisance to lift on the shoulders.

Stronglite opened a small hole in the bag so that the chair wheels can be used instead of a wheeled case. But this might make it wear rapidly.

Features

Working weight capacity: 600 lb
Removable knee pad

Pros

Strong T6-treated aluminum construction
Suitable for heavyweight users
Movable design

Cons

Quite expensive
Doesn’t come with a wheeled case

8. Giantex Portable Lightweight Massage Chair – A Notable Mention

I couldn’t end my list without mentioning this excellent chair from Ginatex.

It measures 30“ in length, 19″ in width and 45″ in height. This places it among the moderately sized chairs, which allows you to fit it almost anywhere.

Its aluminum construction provides a working weight of up to 350 pounds. Additionally, the frame is powder-coated.

In case you aren’t familiar, this coating method produces a durable finish that’s resistant to scratching at an affordable price.

What I like the most about this product is the upholstery. Ginatex chose durable polyurethane leather. This material provides better breathability and easier cleaning than the regular polyurethane used in other chairs.

Throughout the chair, Ginatex put a 2-inch layer of small-cell foam as padding. Together with the upholstery, the user will have a seamless massaging experience.

The chair comes with a sturdy shoulder-mounted nylon case. It should be easy to carry it since it weighs 20 pounds only.

Does black fit your personality? If not, then this product won’t be suitable for you as this is the only available color. On the other hand, if it’s your favorite color, then this chair would satisfy your needs and taste.

Features

Working weight capacity: 350 lb
Polyurethane leather upholstery
Small Cell foam padding

Pros

Strong aluminum powder-coated frame
Moderately-sized
Lightweight

Cons

Not suitable for heavyweight users
Some users reported that the case is not durable
Available in black color only

What to Consider When Purchasing Portable Massage Chairs

We’re going to discuss how you can pick the chair that suits you best. If you’re a professional therapist, you’ll be able to choose one that takes your business to the next level.

Portability

I know what you’re thinking, considering portability for portable massage chairs doesn’t seem to make sense.

All portable massage chairs can be moved around. But some chairs are much easier than others. This depends on two factors: the weight and the carrying case.

The lightest chair in the market weighs about 15 pounds. There’s no upper limit, but they can be as heavy as 30 pounds.

Nearly all chairs are supplied with a carrying case, either shoulder-mounted or wheeled.

How to Choose

When you consider portability, you have to bear in mind your intended use. If you’re purchasing the chair for home use, then portability shouldn’t be an issue. All the chairs are light enough to easily carry around the house.

On the other hand, if you’ll be traveling to clients to deliver home massages, choose a light model with a wheeled case.

The lighter you go, the better. Small differences of 1-5 pounds may not seem like a big deal. But they’ll absolutely feel like a burden after carrying the chair for a couple of months.

Instead, if you have your own place where you’ll be receiving clients, opt for a heavier model with whatever case that comes with.

Capacity

The massage chair’s capacity is defined by two parameters: static and working capacity.

Static capacity is how much weight the chair can hold if the user remains still without massaging force. This usually ranges between 500 and 1,000 pounds.

As you might’ve guessed, working capacity is how much a chair can handle while massaging. It ranges between 250 and 650 pounds.

The working capacity is, of course, the most important. However, higher static capacity usually means a stronger and more durable construction.

Sometimes brands try to oversell their chairs by promoting the static capacity only. Pay attention and don’t let the big numbers tempt you.

Construction

The chair’s construction material directly affects its capacity.

The most commonly used material is aluminum. This is due to its high strength at relatively low weight. Some brands subject it to heat treatment in order to enhance its capacity even more.

Other brands use composite-carbon. This achieves higher strength at much lower weights. Steel, on the other hand, is seldomly used owing to its heavy nature.

Adjustability

As you opt for more expensive chairs, you’d be getting higher adjustability.

The Basic Level

Nearly all portable chairs share the same basic adjustability. The face-cradle and the arm-rest can be adjusted in angle and height. Where the seat and the chest pad can be adjusted in angle only.

The Seat

Some products are designed with ladder-shaped frame indentations on which you can move the seat bar to gain additional height.

The Chest Pad

Like the seat, some products feature a zigzag frame on which you can move the chest pad to fit tall users.

The Knee Pad

Some users can’t bend their knees against the knee pad. That’s why some brands have made it possible to easily remove it or adjust its angle.

The Sternum Pad

A removable cushion that’s put in the middle of the chest pad in a vertical direction. This is especially useful for women to properly support their chest.

Comfort

If we assume that the chair fits the user perfectly, comfort will be left to two factors: the padding and the upholstery.

Padding

Sponge and different types of foam are among the most famous paddings used for massage chairs.

Usually, small 15-minute massage sessions won’t highlight the material difference. Hence, you can use the budget-friendly sponge.

But as you go longer, you should opt for more advanced foam paddings, like small-cell and memory foam.

Upholstery

Most brands commonly use polyurethane (PU), leather, or PU leather. There are two problems with polyurethane: poor breathability and difficult cleaning. On the other hand, leather is much more expensive.

That’s why PU leather is gaining popularity among manufacturers. It provides acceptable breathability, easier cleaning, and a fair price.

Warranty

Having an extended warranty ensures that you get the best out of your money. I’d recommend going for a lifetime warranty on frame and 2-3 years warranty on the padding.

Bonus: Tips for Better Chair Massages

Always make sure that you’re standing upright. People who hunch and lean over the chair put force on their lower back, leading to early fatigue and chronic pain.

You can massage from two positions relative to the chair: front and side.

Front Position

With your fingertips, gently massage the base of the skull and the scalp. Press down on the shoulders to relieve strained triceps. You can also knead the arm muscles.

Side Position

Use your forearm to apply pressure on the shoulder muscles. This is preferred than using hands as it delivers a uniform feel. But it’s still a good idea to variate. Then, apply pressure on the edge of the shoulder blade with your elbow.

After you finish the upper back, move down while gently pushing with your palms on both sides of the spine. It’s preferable to stay away from the spine itself as it might be uncomfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy a portable massage chair or a portable massage table?

This depends on your intended use.

A chair is mainly suitable for back and neck massages. It’s much easier for you to lean against and maneuver around. It also tends to cost less and occupy a smaller space.

On the contrary, a massage table is a must for full-body massages. As it has a relatively simple design, it’s usually cheaper.

Should I buy covers that can protect my portable massage chair?

Yes. You can buy disposable covers to put on the face-cradle since it’s the only part that touches the user’s skin.

Moreover, some brands sell machine-washable fabric covers that perfectly suit their chairs. I highly recommend using those. It doesn’t only make cleaning easier, it also adds a luxurious and soft surface that promotes comfort.

How to maintain my portable massage chair?

Clean the chair with non-alcoholic baby wipes after each use. At the end of the day, wipe it with a damp cloth and make sure to dry it promptly.

To properly maintain the upholstery in its best form, avoid the use of any products that contain alcohol, citric acid, or bleach. Also, avoid exposing the chair to direct sunlight.

The Verdict

In my opinion, Rio from Master Massage is the best portable massage chair. It has a strong aircraft-grade aluminum construction that can hold up to 600 pounds of working weight.

Aside from the seat height, you can fully adjust the height and angle of all chair parts. Moreover, the knee pads can be removed to suit the injured and disabled users. You can easily carry the chair around in the wheeled case shipped with it.

If this product is out of your price range, consider the BestMassage Portable Massage Chair. It’s a sponge-padded chair that can support up to 300 pounds of working weight.

Lastly, I hope this article helped you decide which portable massage chairs are best for you. I wish you the happiest and most comfy massages!