Homedics Massage Chair Reviews: Which Model is Best?
Which HoMedics massage chair is best?
Since Homedics has about 14 different shiatsu back massager cushions, we wanted to narrow it down for you to the 3 highest-rated HoMedics back massager chairs of 2022.
HoMedics massage chairs offer shiatsu (deep kneading) massage, rolling massage, or both, and some models have a heat option – to target your back & neck muscles with just the right pressure.
In this post, you’ll find the best models for the money and their pros and cons, to help you make the best back pain relief choice – for you.
👉 In a Hurry? see our comparison table below, or jump to our detailed Homedics massage chair reviews.
| Homedics Massage Chair | Our Rating | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Homedics Shiatsu Elite II | 🥇Best Value | Shiatsu/rolling/spot massage 12 nodes 3 programs Adjustable width | ✅ Check Price on Amazon |
Homedics Triple Shiatsu  | Best for Muscle Knots | Shiatsu/rolling/spot massage 4 nodes 3 massage zones Adjustable width | ✅ Check Price on Amazon |
Homedics Gentle Touch  | Best Budget | Kneading/rolling/vibration massage 4 gel nodes 2 programs | ✅ $199 at Homedics |
Overview
What is The Best HoMedics Back Massager Chair?
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The HoMedics back massage cushions are made to use on a chair (or sofa) and allow you to sit down and relax while you enjoy an effortless vibrating or deep kneading back & neck massage. You can use it anywhere – at home, at the office, and when you are traveling.
You can strap it on a chair and choose if you want to use the heat option to boost muscle relaxation and pain relief during your massage.
👉 We’ve also reviewed the best handheld back massagers of 2022!
Right now, there are about 14 different Homedics back massager units, with completely different features and prices.
Some of them offer a shiatsu massage (kneading massage) and some a vibration massage (without a moving mechanism, less recommended) and some combine heat with the massage (highly recommended).
The different models also vary in the number of massage nodes, speed options, and how well they cover the entire back.
We have found the 3 best Homedics massage chair models – according to how well they do the work, how effectively they reach your back muscles, their extra (important features), and of course – the price.
1. HoMedics Shiatsu Elite II (with Heat) Best Value
Homedics Elite II – view on Amazon
- Size: 30 x 7.8 x 19.6 inches
- Weight: 17.45 pounds
- Warranty – 2 years
The unique feature of the Homedics Elite II model is the spot massage option, which allows you to pinpoint a specific trouble spot for targeted treatment.
The Elite II massage cushion offers 3 massage styles – kneading shiatsu, rolling (with width adjustment), and spot massage, and you can choose from 3 preset programs, and add deep penetrating (infrared) heat.
The best feature is the adjustable height of the neck/head massager, and the chairs’ ease of use. The pre-programmed options allow you to easily customize the height, width, heat on or off, rolling, or kneading to your body’s content.
You can customize the neck massage height and direction
And the price is lower than competing chairs with the same features!
Elite II Pros
- Spot massage option – great for muscle knots!
- 3 preset programs so you won’t get bored
- Adjustable width – adjusting to your height and body build
- 3 back massage zones you can choose from or use all simultaneously
- Easy to use handheld controller
- The strapping system keeps it in place
- Quiet
- Can only be used on a chair, not on a bed, or in the car
- Kneading may be too aggressive for some people
✅Price – $289 at Homedics, lower price on Amazon
RELATED: The 7 Best Massage Pillows of 2022
2. HoMedics Triple Shiatsu Massage Cushion – Best for Muscle Knots
HoMedics Triple Shiatsu Massage Cushion – view on Amazon
- Weight: 11 pounds.
- Size: 24 x 17.1 x 6.7 inches
- Warranty – 2 years
The HoMedics Triple Shiatsu Massage Cushion offers a traveling shiatsu massage with 12 (!) independent nodes.
You can use the 12 nodes in 3 different ways: kneading for deep massage, rolling for a gentler one, and spot shiatsu for focused kneading.
This massage chair is great for relieving tired and knotted back muscles and is comfortable and easy to use. However, some customers have reported the balls are too aggressive. That’s what you get if you want a deep-tissue massage.
Follows the unique curves of your back – true deep tissue massage
This is a good fit for people with a lot of muscle mass, and less fitting for thin and “bony” body types.
RELATED: Massage Gun for Back Pain Pros & Cons
- High-quality materials
- High massage intensity
- Very adjustable
- Automatic turn-off
- Includes spot-Shiatsu
Cons
- A bit bulky and heavy, massage is aggressive
- Won’t cover the entire back if you’re very tall
- Not fitted for cars
I would say this model is pretty bulky and heavy. Not ideal if you need it to be portable, but made with high-quality materials.
The back is about 5-1/2 inches thick and overall the unit is very hard and rigid. It’s not a wimp.
Massage Options: Shiatsu (Circular, deep kneading action) and rolling (Gentle up and down action rolls across muscles).
Heat: the massage nodes emit gentle heat, which relaxes the muscles and boosts blood circulation while relieving muscle knots and aches. This feature is optional and can be turned on or off.
Remote control: the chair comes with a corded remote control, which allows you to choose the massage area (upper/low/middle/full) and the heat on/off switch.
Adjustable width: the removable cover lets you customize your massage intensity, and the integrated strap system fits most chairs.
This cushion can be placed on just about any type of chair, sofa, and couch, although it will work better on a firm base than a squishy one. The more vertical the chair, the more effective the massage.
✅ Price – check the price on Amazon
3. Homedics Gentle Touch Massage Chair – Best Budget
Homedics Gentle Touch – view at Homedics
- Size: 19″L x 18.5″W x 30″H
- Weight: 12 pounds
The Gentle Touch massage cushion comes with 4 massage nodes – deep-kneading (with adjustable gel nodes) and rolling massage with width adjustment – that cover your entire back properly.
If the deep kneading turns out to be too much for you, the unique gel nodes can be changed to a lower intensity and to switch to the gentle vibrating mode – with the handheld remote.
Gel nodes allow to lower intensity and swtich to vibration massage
Extra Features – the chair comes with an integrated strapping system. The LED illumination lights up the massage mechanism in blue, allowing you to see it in action.
- Adjustable width
- Automatic turn off
- Gel-coated nodes, that feel more like a real human massage, and are gentler
- Zone control allows you to choose the specific area you want to focus on
- Soothing heat option
- 2-year warranty
✅ Price – $199 at Homedics, or check the price on Amazon
Cons
- Can not be used in a car
- Heat is not very hot
Note: If your problem area is the neck, this model is not for you. I would recommend a separate neck massage pillow and consider doing neck traction at home, which can be extremely helpful for neck pain.
Does it Work in a Car?
It is not recommended to use in the car, because it may interfere with your driving. The rollers could suddenly feel very uncomfortable as the passenger’s back applies sudden pressure as the car moves forward, sending the passenger backward. This could be dangerous.
Width Adjustment – the “width” button on the remote control allows you to adjust the width of the rollers to comfortably fit your body.
Heat – you can turn on heat via the remote control. The heat makes such a difference! the wonderful warmth just relaxes your tensed back.
Massage Chair Alternatives
The best massage chair alternatives include:
- For full body vibration massage – Electric massage mats
- For targeted muscle groups – vibrating foam rollers
- For lower back pain – back massage pillows
Bottom Line
If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a pricy zero gravity massage chair but still want more than a decent massage – Homedics Back Massagers are perfect for you.
If you find relief for muscle knots and muscle tension I would say both of them are worth every penny.
And now over to you:
I must have left a few unanswered questions here, and I would love to know if you have any, plus any personal experience with shiatsu back massage cushions, in the comments below… :)
To your health and happiness,
The Back Pain Relief Products Team
