Studies show that a relaxing massage is effective in lowering anxiety levels, improving blood circulation, and managing hypertension. This is why body massage chairs aren't just expensive pieces of furniture. The benefits they offer go beyond that.
After heeding to our avid readers' calls, we reviewed and tested more than 50 body massage recliners and came up with the best budget massage chair recliner of the year. All you have to do is sit back, relax (pun intended), and read on.
The 5 Best Budget Massage Chairs in 2020
Esright 360° Massage Recliner
With a fully upholstered smooth rocker and a 360-degree swivel seat, there's no doubt we have the Esright 360° Massage Recliner on top of the best massage recliner list. The ergonomic thick pads for the seat, armrest, and high back cushion work best to ensure comfort after a tiring day at work.
This budget body massage chair recliner has two convenient side pockets where you can place the remote or any reading material you'd like. The massage chair is also straightforward to assemble, easy to clean, and water-resistant.
You'll be just as impressed as we were with its 8 vibrating body massage nodes, 2 vibrating kneading intensity, and 5 modes with a functional heat quality for lumbar.
The handy remote also makes it easy for you to manage the heat and massage features.
Key Features:
- 5 Different Body Massage Programs
- Manual Massage Chair
- 8 Vibrating Nodes
- Space Saver Design
- 360 Degree Swivel Function
- Heated Function Body Massage
Relaxzen 360° Massage Chair with Ottoman
If you’re looking for the best body massage chairs with zero gravity, check out this Shiatsu massage chair. It includes an Ottoman and has an affordable price. This beautiful zero gravity will certainly be a nice addition to your living room.
The upholstery is made of microsuede, which is durable and stain-resistant, and the wood base gives it a nice touch of class.
The feature you’ll probably enjoy most is the ability to choose independent full body massaging modes or 9 programmed random modes.
It also has 5 kneading intensity levels for you to fine-tune your massage chair experience. Plus, it has heat technology.
This one has four target massage points with a focused approach in the upper and lower back, calves, feet, and thighs.
Though it may not have an air massage feature, airbags, calf rollers, foot rollers (or foot massage rollers), deep tissue massage, and full body scan technology, this zero gravity high chair can be great in alleviating feet, neck and lower back pains.
Key Features:
- Durable Plush Padding
- Heating and Massage Options
- 8 Vibration Motors
- Targets 4 Body Massage Points
- Zero Gravity Design
Giantex Zero Gravity Massage Chair
Third on this list is the Zero Gravity Giantex Massage Chair. It has 2 intensity options, 5 body massage techniques, and 4 massage chair settings to target individual areas of the body.
Its L-Track body massage effect is specially designed to fit the full body’s curve from the neck, lower back, lumbar area, shoulder, waist, hips, feet, and legs at any position - the full body zero gravity Shiatsu effect.
It even has a deep massaging function called the S-Track Design, which increases the intensity and strength of the massage depending on your preference. You get all these features at a budget-friendly price.
Key Features:
- L-Track Design and Cycle Massage Techniques
- S-Massage Track and Neck Massage
- Compact Size and Easy Transport Rollers
- Simple and Easy Installation
- Space Saver Design
- Zero Gravity Design
Dorel Upholstered Massage Recliner Chair
This is one of the low-priced best massage high chairs upholstered with easy-to-clean microfiber fabric, thick padding, and a sturdy frame.
It offers casual style in addition to therapeutic relief for the whole body.
The only downside is that it only has 2 massaging modes, which limit the ability to target key areas of the body, especially the major muscles.
However, you do have the option of turning both zones on at the same time or using them independently.
This massage chair also lacks a full body scan feature, deep tissue massage, foot and calf rollers (or foot massage rollers), heating function, and air massage chair functions.
So yes, it may not have fancy features like your run-off-the-mill full body zero gravity Shiatsu massage chair that boasts an air massage system or airbags, but it does the trick nonetheless. Simple and clean, no fuss.
Key Features:
- Sewn-in Seat and Lower Back Area Cushions
- Padded Support for Legs and Knees
- High and Low Zone Massage Settings
- Great for Back and Body Massage
- Full Featured Quality Massage Chair
Merax Body Massage Chair
Our final recommendation for the best massage chairs is this full body massage chair right here.
However, this body massage chair doesn’t swivel or have handy armrest cup holders. It also lacks front pockets for storing things. This may be one of the reasons why it has a very affordable price tag.
It has a cheaper price than a zero gravity Shiatsu massage chair, but you get the luxury of remote, heated cushions and 5 massaging modes. It relaxes your muscles well, and it can even lower blood pressure.
It may not have an air massage, deep tissue back massage, full body scan technology, or foot rollers, but it comes with an extra intensity level that’s something worth getting excited about.
Key Features:
- 8 Vibration Massage Chair Modes
- Soothing Lumbar Back Heat Therapy
- Extra Wide Armrest
- 1 Year Warranty from the Manufacturer
- Great for Feet, Neck, Lower Back Pain and Full Body Massage
Key Considerations Before You Buy
In looking for the best massage chairs, there are a few things you’ll want to consider in regards to form and function. Paying attention to these features will help you find the best massage reclining chair for your needs.
Affordable Massage Chair with Remote Control
A remote is a must-have feature for any affordable massage chair. It lets you quickly and easily adjust your massage chair’s movement or pressure massage from the click of a button. (Check more smart items here.)
This is a whole lot better than having to fiddle with buttons on the side of the massaging chair to get it to work. If you like this convenient feature, this would probably what you’ll look for in budget massage chairs.
Heated Budget Massage Recliner Cushion
Heated cushions can take your massage session to the next level, and the best massage chair also offers this feature.
It helps the massaging vibrations seep into every part of your body, and works its way well into the tightest muscles for a relaxing stretch.
A heated cushion on your massage chair would be a handy feature during cold winter months and provide heat even without turning on the massage mode.
360-Degree Swivel
When it comes to cheap chair massagers, you’ll find that most of them are stationary. However, there are a few good options out there that provide a 360-degree swivel feature. This feature may sound expensive, but no, you can find a low-price chair that offers 360-degree swivel.
What this feature does is lets you spin the massage chair around in a full circle. Not only does it make your massage chair more fun to sit in, but it’s also a good option to have if you want to be able to see in a variety of directions.
Zero Gravity Budget Massage Chairs
A zero gravity full body massage chair reclines in a way that evenly distributes your weight across the entire surface. This reclining chair also puts your calves and feet above your heart, which reduces swelling and minimizes stress on the heart, thus improving blood circulation.
Other than the zero gravity feature as well as various massage options, a modern-day zero gravity Shiatsu massage chair may also provide a full body scan. What body scanning does is determine how long your spine is, as well as read your body’s direction. After all, an ideal massage always takes all your bodily parameters into account to minimize the chance of exacerbating any injuries.
All of the normal positions for sitting are still available, from upright to full recline, and comes with a locking mechanism.
Material of Cheap Massage Chairs
Affordable massage chairs come in two types, leather and upholstered. The choice really comes down to personal preference, but here are a few good things to keep in mind about each option.
Leather is a durable material that is easy to clean, but it does tend to get very warm and not allow heat or moisture to escape. Upholstery is more prone to wear, and it’s more challenging to clean, but it lets moisture and heat escape, and it’s good for a refreshing massage experience. [1]
Weight Capacity
Just like any piece of furniture, cheap massage chairs also have a maximum weight limit for the person sitting in it.
If this may be a concern for you or someone in your household, you’ll want to make sure that you get a reclining chair that can handle the proper weight.
The weight capacity of most cheap massage chairs is good for 250-300 pounds.
And the #1 Cheap Massage Chair Is…
After one of our most relaxing reviews, we recommend Esright 360° Massage Recliner as the best budget massage recliner chair of this year.
We were impressed with the chair's 5 comfortable massage programs, 360-degree swivel, and soft and sturdy faux design. The space-saving massage chair also comes with 2 cup holders and extra storage space for your magazines and books.
This massage chair is easy to assemble and easy to clean, too, as it is made with durable waterproof material. It also comes with a remote for easy operation of the best massage and heat features we've seen.
Esright 360° Massage Recliner
Our #1 Recommendation
- 5 Different Body Massage Programs
- Manual Massage Chair
- 8 Vibrating Nodes
- Space Saver Design
- 360 Degree Swivel Function
- Heated Function Body Massage
