7 Best Portable Massage Chairs for Professionals on the Go

By
Robert Bernal
Robert Bernal
Research Writer
Robert is a professional writer who creates incredible science fiction short stories. When not writing about the alien invasions, he focuses on some more trivial topics maki read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
William Barnett
William Barnett
Expert Consultant
William is a top sales manager in one of the local furniture stores, which sells recliners among others. Like nobody else, he knows what specs to look for to fulfil each cli read more
Last updated: August 09, 2023
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Many people assume that any portable massage chair on the market can work for them, it’s unfortunate that they don’t always work the way they expect. This is especially true if you pick your massage chair without doing enough research. You end up making a mistake. In case you’re a new user looking for the best portable massage chair, then BINGO, your home. A good massage chair is light and versatile, making it an excellent option for those who provide massage on the go. If you’re going to find the right portable chair, you must be aware of your potential options. Keep reading as we make it easier for you to make the ideal choice.

Our review and buying guide aims to help you sample the top 7 portable massage chairs in the market. The Master Massage Professional Portable Massage Chair deserved our Editor’s Choice nomination. We have considered essential aspects you need to concentrate on when looking to buy your chair. These factors include purpose, working weight, upholstery, accessories, dimensions, and weight. The weight and dimensions of the chair are essential for convenient storage and transport. Below is a comparison table that allows you to have a glimpse of the top products.

Quick Summary

Top 7 Portable Massage Chairs Review 2024

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9766 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.8
Features
  • Purpose: professional use
  • Working weight: 650 lbs
  • Accessories: adjustable face cradle, pillow, session pouch for storage, and a wheeled carrying case
  • Upholstery: PU
  • Dimensions: 11 x 20 x 43 inches, 43 x 22 x 14 inches
  • Weight: 15.2 lbs.

More features: lightweight; strong; the aircraft-quality aluminum frame

Despite weighing only 15.2 lbs, Master Massage Professional Portable Massage Chair can support a maximum of 650lbs. This is only one of the several notable features that make it the best portable massage chair for heavy people. The lightweight aircraft aluminum steel frame is scratch and rust-resistant, which ensures your chair looks new for years. Our editor’s choice features a face cradle with a pillow. You can easily adjust the headrest in six different ways to cater to different needs for your client. The cushions ensure that your forehead or cheekbone doesn’t hurt, allowing maximum comfort for you or your client. You can also adjust the angle depending on where you want them to face.

Small cell foam on all padded surfaces from the chair’s chest bolster down to the seat and knees pads ensures added comfort even for heavy users. It’s advisable to remove your glasses or jewelry when you’re attending a massage session. If you’re wondering where to place them, the session pocket has you sorted. You can also put other personal items in the pouch. This is a perfect chair for the traveling masseuses, sports therapists, and massage students since the transport case with its luggage-style wheeled design helps you in easy movement. The oil and water-resistant PU upholstery ensure it’s easy to maintain and keep clean.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Lightweight
  • Adjustable
  • Luggage-style carry case
  • Comfortable
  • Storage pocket
    What could be better?
  • The bag's handle should be reviewed for easier handling
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8172 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.7
Features
  • Purpose: professional use
  • Working weight: 600 lbs
  • Accessories: attached wheels, valuables pouch, and a rugged ballistic nylon carry case
  • Upholstery: nylon
  • Dimensions: 43 x 22 x 14 inches
  • Weight: 24 lbs.

More features: adjustable; ergonomic design; lifetime limited warranty

The STRONGLITE Portable Massage Chair Ergo Pro II features weighs of 24 lbs and has an impressive weight capacity of 600 lbs. The sturdy heat-treated T6 aluminum alloy makes the frame a very durable option. The powdered exterior gives this professional portable massage chair a clean glossy finish, and you’re sure it will provide you with years of service. The Ergo Pro II is compact and folds easily for storage. Something appealing about this chair is the adjustable height that accommodates up to 6’6″. You can adjust the face cradle, the chest pad, and the seat for quick and versatile positioning even though you can’t change the height of the armrests.

Now, if you don’t like the standard black color for chairs, you can opt for royal blue, teal, burgundy, or purple. Yes, you can choose from the five colors available. A cleverly hidden pouch holds your items like glasses and jewelry as you enjoy your therapy. When you’re through using your chair, the attached wheels make it easy to move. The carry case with a padded strap, heavy-duty zipper and handles makes it easy for you to carry your chair. The only complaints users made was that the chair squeaks on use and that they couldn’t adjust the height of the armrest.

    What do we love it for?
  • High weight capacity
  • Mobile with wheels
  • Exceptionally strong and comfortable
  • Adjustable features
  • Carrying case
  • Adjustable seat, chest, arm, and head parts
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Squeaks
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8613 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.5
Features
  • Purpose: professional use
  • Working weight: 350 lbs
  • Accessories: a large bag
  • Upholstery: PU leather
  • Dimensions: 30 x 19 x 45 inches
  • Weight: 20 lbs.

More features: ergonomic design

The Giantex Portable Massage Chair is a sturdy, budget-friendly product featuring a powder-coated aluminum frame. It weighs 20 lbs and has a working capacity of 350 lbs, a weight ideal for medium weight clients. An excellent portable massage chair should be oil and water-resistant so that it’s easier to keep it clean. The beautifully textured PU leather in this massage chair ensures your chair is free of stains and dirt. The protective footpads give this chair a non-slip resistance and keep your floor from damage. With the compact foldable space-saving design, the chair is easy to handle and transport. You need to be comfortable if you’re sitting in one place for a couple of minutes.

The comfortable 2-inch thick high-density cushion padding is among the most appealing features for this chair. It makes the chair super comfortable for regular use. The adjustable soft head support, armrest, chest pad, and seat allow for position changing and caters to different body types. Users of this chair recommend its affordability, bearing in mind the versatility it offers them. You will love the fact that you can transform this portable chair into a massage office chair by removing the headrest. The strong large carrier bag helps you move the chair wherever you need it. It’s a good option for professionals since you only need to fold your chair flat and store it in your bag.

    What stands out?
  • Adjustable
  • Durable powder-coated aluminum chair frame
  • High density padding
  • Sturdy build
  • Resistant to water and oil
  • Protective foot pads
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Small head cushion
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7108 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.3
Features
  • Purpose: home or office
  • Working weight: 400 lbs
  • Accessories: PU storage pocket
  • Upholstery: PU leather
  • Dimensions: 36 x 27.6 x 11.8 inches
  • Weight: 42 lbs.

More features: adjustable; vibration and heat function; overheat protection

Shiatsu massage is more than just the typical massage. If a therapist does it for you, they use their thumbs and fingers to target specific points instead of palm to cover the entire body. Using the Shiatsu-inspired relief, this compact Shiatsu Massage Chair replicates the real massage experience. It comes with six deep-kneading massage node pads for deep tissue massages on your neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, and waist. This kind of massage helps relieve sore muscles, gets rid of stress, and can finally relax. While some users complain that the in-build rollers push too hard on the body, don’t worry. The electric back massager has multiple protection designs.

A timer that automatically shuts off after 15 minutes and an overheat protection guarantees your chair doesn’t overdo it. The heating function, coupled with three levels of rhythmic vibration, efficiently stimulates the muscles on the neck, back, and thigh area. This reduces muscle stiffness and promotes the circulation of blood in the whole body. A heavy-duty frame construction supporting up to 400lb, and a highly flexible ergonomic design allows easy adjustments for the headrest, chest pad, and seat. I’m sure you will love the built-in USB charging port that ensures your phone doesn’t go off as you relax. Additionally, the PU leather upholstery is easy to keep clean while the storage pocket is a great place to store some small personal items like jewelry.

    What do we love it for?
  • Comes fully assembled
  • Adjustable
  • Foldable
  • Vibration and heat function
  • Overheat protection
  • Built-in USB charger
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Heavy
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4017 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.1
Features
  • Purpose: home or office
  • Working weight: not specified
  • Accessories: USB charging port
  • Upholstery: polyester; PU leather
  • Dimensions: 24 x 27.5 x 36 inches
  • Weight: 35 lbs.

More features: 3D massage; heavy duty steel frame

Giantex Folding Shiatsu Massage Chair is a sturdy and heavy-duty steel frame chair with Black Spray Treatment for extra durability. This Portable Heating Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair has adjustable backrests for ultimate comfort during the massage. The vibrating seat with variable intensity levels is one of the selling points for this Shiatsu Massage Chair. You can select which mode you want for your therapy. You can also turn on the heating and target it to the exact part you need to massage. The rotating massage balls give you a deep massage to relax the neck and back muscles in minutes. They can hurt a bit, but if you can stand this, it is incredibly therapeutic, both on your mind and body. You can help this by slightly shifting your body and controlling the intensity of the balls. An easy to fold design gives you an easy time packing and setting up when you need it. When you’re not using your chair, you can also opt to fold it flat and lean it against the wall. It features an easy to operate hand controller to customize your massage. Unlike other touch screen control panels placed on the armchair, the hand controller in this model will last for long since it won’t be touched accidentally when not in use. You can put it in Velcro mesh under the chair for easy reach. What’s more, if you want to charge your phone during your therapy, the USB port makes that possible. You can also charge your other devices.

    What stands out?
  • 3D massage
  • Heavy duty steel frame
  • Charging USB port
  • Three vibration modes
  • Rust free
  • Back massage with heating
  • Space saving
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • The massage is very deep, and some might find it too hard
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5838 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.9
Features
  • Purpose: home or office
  • Working weight: not specified
  • Accessories: not specified
  • Upholstery: not specified
  • Dimensions: not specified
  • Weight: 45.5 lbs.

More features: built-in USB charging port; heated back; three vibration settings; easy to control panel

The TruMedic Insta Shiatsu Folding Massage Chair doesn’t cut any corners. The manufacturer went the extra mile to make a convenient, foldable, portable package all in one. Featuring eight deep-kneading shiatsu massage rollers, you have a massage targeting specific pressure points on your back. If your client has muscle tension on the neck, the two rollers in the headrest can give much-needed relief. This portable shiatsu massage chair features airbags in the seat and backrest. With three different compression and vibration mode settings, they work harmoniously for a full massage that closely rivals the skills of a professional masseuse. If you’re looking for the best portable heated massage chair, search no more.

The built-in heat feature that adds heat to your lower back makes this an excellent remedy for aches and tension on your back. This massage chair has an easy to control panel built in the armrest that allows you to control what you want. Tru Medic InstaShiatsu Folding Massage Chair is relatively heavy and makes an excellent choice for home or office. It is easy to use since you only need to unfold, and there you are enjoying a relaxing Shiatsu massage. It folds up nicely for convenient storage in small spaces. Finally, the built-in USB charging port enables users to charge their devices while using the chair.

    What makes it special?
  • Foldable
  • An easy to control panel
  • Adjustable
  • Portable
  • Built-in USB charging port
  • Heat massage
    What cons did we find?
  • Heavy
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6733 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.7
7
Best Folding System

Flex HQ Massage Chair

Features
  • Purpose: professional use
  • Accessories: a carrying case
  • Upholstery: faux leather
  • Dimensions: 38 x 21 x 10.7 inches
  • Weight: 24.1 lbs

More features: lightweight; easy to store; adjustable; money back guarantee

Flex HQ features a sturdy frame thanks to the robust tubular steel construction. For extra protection, the powder coating offers an extra layer for added durability and rust resistance. Here is among the most viable options if you’re looking for the best portable folding massage chair for your beauty spa, tattoo shop, or physical therapy center. The dense, premium foam thick padding gives you or client a comfortable position during the session. If the portable massage chair you see in the market is not foldable, you’d better continue searching. An excellent portable massage chair should fold easily. It should also be easy to install. Flex HQ is easy to set up or fold without needing any tools.

Besides, the quick-release lock system feature allows you to collapse or unfold your chair with ease. The easy to fold design make it simple to store at the back of your car. It’s also easy to carry it by hand, thanks to the tough nylon bag that comes with the package. Using the knobs on the chair, you adjust the angle of the headrest, armrests to your desired positions. You can also change the height of the arm and seat. A slip-free foot padding significantly reduces the risk of accidents by ensuring the chair doesn’t move unnecessarily. Available in black color, the upholstery features soft, oil and water-resistant faux leather.

    What are its best features?
  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy frame
  • Durability
  • Resistant to corrosion
  • Quick release lock system
    What could be improved?
  • The straps could be stronger

Things to Consider

A portable massage chair is a perfect solution for professional massage therapists and domestic use, especially for people recovering from surgery. A portable massage chair makes your job more comfortable if you wish to travel and visit clients wherever they are. Since most of the portable massage chairs are light in weight, you can carry them even at the back of your car with ease. While portable massage chairs differ from their automatic counterparts, you can get the benefits of a massage in these compact models. Here are some advantages of owning a portable massage chair.

Advantages of a portable massage chair

7 Best Portable Massage Chairs for Professionals on the Go

Below are the merits of owning a portable massage chair.

Lightweight -Without having to state the obvious, portable massage chairs are lightweight and easy to carry. Besides, shifting them from one corner of the room to another is as easy as pie. Better still, some of these chairs come with wheels, which make them even more portable. Setting it up inside your premise is easy too. They rarely weigh above 75lbs, and some are as light as 15 lbs. It’s especially useful to professional massage therapists since they might need to move frequently.

Ergonomic design-The designers of portable massage chairs know that a good massage chair should be foldable and easy to adjust. Many massage chairs include features like the adjustable armrest, headrest, leg support, chest pad, etc.

The ergonomic design in these chairs allows them to fold easily and fit in small tight spaces, sometimes as compact as the back of your car seat or car boot. Additionally, some portable chairs can fit in bags that you can carry as you carry your other luggage.

 

Oil and waterproof material-An oil stain can be an eyesore to you- if you are a clean freak. I’d rather have it on my jacket, since it’s easier to buy another than have it on my favorite massage chair, huh? You’ll probably use essential oils and lubricants in your sessions, and sometimes you’ll get some spillage. Good news- most of the portable massage chairs won’t stain or get damp. Most manufacturers prefer PU leather and sometimes nylon for upholstery. The waterproof and oil-resistant materials keep the surface fresh and grease-free.

Features to consider before you buy a portable massage chair

Portable massage chairs come in different models and designs. Shiatzu massage chairs, for instance, target pressure points on your body through compression, percussion, and deep massage by pressing, rolling movements. You’re less likely going to use all the features in massage chairs; especially, it’s for home use. It’s essential to figure out what you need the most.

You must be keen on which part of your body requires special attention and buy a massage chair that caters to your need. Whatever portable chair you choose, there are basic features that you must consider before digging in your pocket to purchase.

Purpose

The most necessary factor you need to consider when searching for the best portable electric massage chair is why you need to buy one. You might need to pick the most versatile option to cater to different clients if it’s a commercial option. You might want to try the Master Massage Professional Portable Massage Chair. It’s super light and has an amazing working capacity of 650lbs. On the other hand, if you’re buying a portable massage chair for domestic use, it’s imperative to know which parts of your body often need therapy. For instance, if you want a deep massage with vibration and heating, the Giantex Folding Shiatsu Massage Chair is an excellent option. The full-back and neck heating massage with hip vibration will offer quick relief to stiff, aching muscles.

Working weight

7 Best Portable Massage Chairs for Professionals on the Go

Working weight is the amount of pressure a professional portable massage chair can comfortably hold when you’re using it. It factors in the pressure you or your client asserts, as well as the user’s weight and movement. High weight threshold models such as the Master Massage Professional Portable Massage Chair and the STRONGLITE Ergo Pro II can accommodate bigger body sizes and weights without squeaking and causing alarm. Both have a working weight limit of 600 lbs. When choosing the best portable massage chair, you should opt for something with strong and robust construction. No matter who is using the chair for massage, a good chair should handle bodyweight with complete comfort.

If you’re a professional massage therapist, go for the chair that offers maximum working weight.

 

Accessories

A portable massage chair extra features’ make your work easier is more convenient to use. One of the qualities that many people admire about the best portable massage chairs is user-friendliness. This includes ease of assembly. Every user would appreciate a machine that doesn’t require hours trying to figure out what to fix where. The quick-release lock system featured in Flex Q portable massage chair allows you to collapse or unfold your chair with ease, making its use straightforward and fun. Additionally, a portable massage chair with a protective footpads is necessary to protect your floor from damage. The Giantex Portable Massage Chair features foot pads that protect the floor from dents and scratches.

Accessories you might want to consider are storage pockets, carrier bags, and USB functions.

 

Upholstery

Most massage therapists use creams, lotions, and oils for massage. If oil spills on your chair, it most likely forms a stain that refuses to go. Make sure you purchase a chair with a material that is easy to clean. The most common materials for upholstery include faux leather and vinyl. You would never go wrong with the upholstery for the portable massage chairs on our list. If you want to choose colors, you’d want to select the STRONGLITE Ergo Pro II model. Go for black if you want a color that is easy to keep clean, especially if you’re using it frequently. The Giantex Portable Massage Chair features a black textured PU leather that is oil and waterproof, making it a good option for business professionals.

Dimensions

The size of your portable massage chair and space you want to place your chair matters. A good massage chair should be compact and should fit in small spaces. When folded, the STRONGLITE Ergo Pro II model and the Master Massage Professional Portable Massage Chair have almost similar dimensions of 43 x 22 x 14 and 43 x 20 x 11 inches, respectively. The two models are fit for larger clients and are foldable, which reduces the dimensions if you have limited spaces. They are both compact with retractable and foldable designs that reduce the overall dimensions for convenient storage. If you’re too tall to fit in a small massage chair, be sure your clients will be uncomfortable.

Make sure you get a suitable size to suit everyone.

 

Weight

7 Best Portable Massage Chairs for Professionals on the Go

The weight of a portable massage chair is of utmost importance for massage therapists who need to travel with their portable massage chair wherever they go. You ought to look for something light yet durable. The best portable massage chair should be easy to transport and should be light in weight. For instance, the Master Massage Professional Portable Massage Chair has a lightweight, sturdy aircraft-quality aluminum frame that weighs 15.2 lbs and a carrying case with wheels, making it easy to transport. You can carry this with ease and comfort. If you prefer a more versatile option like Flex HQ Massage Chair, this model is heavier in weight but comes with a carrier bag that improves mobility. The STRONGLITE Ergo Pro II is also heavy but comes with wheels that roll the chair smoothly.

FAQ

Is it difficult to assemble a portable massage chair?

No. Assembling a portable massage chair, doesn’t have to be complicated. You can do it without much help. It is simple and straightforward for most of the chairs, while some come already preassembled. The setup instructions include a systematic guide instruction on how to open, adjust, and fold the chair. They require minimal assembly time by attaching the headrest and pads and adjusting the height and angles to your preferences. The good thing is you don’t need to disassemble the parts for the foldable models. Most of them retract, and you can fold them into compact sizes without removing any component.

Is it safe to use a portable massage chair?

A massage chair is in no way an alternative to medicine. Unfortunately, many people tend to overuse the portable massage chair, especially if you have it at home. As a rule of thumb, you should not use your chair for more than 30 minutes per session. You should also avoid massage on a specific part of the body for more than five minutes. This could lead to irritation or tissue injury. If you have kids who need to use the chair, they should only do so under supervision. If you’re in doubt, always consult your doctor before using the chair to ensure it’s safe to do so.

Our verdict

From our review, it’s apparent that no chair is a perfect fit for everyone, and as you can see, our top three picks are all fantastic products in their ways. We, however, gravitated to the Master Massage Professional Portable Massage Chair as our Editor’s Choice. What we love about it is its versatility. It’s sturdy, durable, highly portable, and has the best working weight on our list.

It wasn’t easy deciding on the second best, so we chose Stronglite Ergo Pro II and Giantex Portable Massage chairs as the runner-ups. The Stronglite Ergo Pro II is a user-friendly massage chair with a working capacity of 600lbs thanks to its sturdy and robust make. It’s also highly adjustable accommodating users of up to 6’6″. You’ll also find it in multiple colors. Giantex Portable Massage chair is a reasonably priced and lightweight model that offers several adjustments and comfortable 2-inch thick high-density cushioning. We recommend it for those who want something versatile on a budget. We hope our review and guide help your search for the best portable massage chair among the list.

References

1.
Benefits of a Massage Chair
Massage chair history, techniques (including swedish, shiatsu), and massage chair components are discussed in this article.
2.
Portable Massage Chair
Setup Guide
9,8
Total Score
Master Massage Professional Portable Massage Chair - Editor’s Choice
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