Best Small & Compact Massage Chairs — Your Buyer’s Guide
With more people working from home, massage chairs are proving to be an increasingly valuable addition to any home. The easy access to health and wellness benefits provides welcome relief from work-related physical and mental stress.
Because of their expansive features, massage chairs can take up a fair amount of real estate in a room, so full-sized chairs may be challenging to fit within smaller homes, condos or apartments. Thankfully, there’s a range of compact massage chairs that provide the same great benefits of a full-sized chair while taking up less space within a room.
What Is a Compact Massage Chair?
While there’s no strict definition for what makes a massage chair “compact,” in general it comes down to space-saving design features that reduce the dimensions or weight. That’s not to say that compact necessarily means small massage chairs or that they’re lacking in features. Modern compact massage chairs are designed to provide a similar range of functions compared to full sized chairs, so there’s no need to sacrifice comfort for utility!
How Compact Massage Chairs Work
Compact massage chairs work like any other massage chairs, and are just smaller in some areas to reduce height, width or length. Most space-saving massage chairs are built so that the frame of the massage chair can fit in smaller places while still effectively cradling the body.
It’s important to understand that compact doesn’t mean “cheap.” Well designed, modern, compact massage chairs are built to balance ergonomics, massage features and quality with space efficiency, so they can include many of the high-end functions of other massage chairs.
This does mean that compact massage chairs will lack the full range of features offered by a high-end standard sized massage chair. One smaller massage chair may lack a leg massage function, while another may not have heat therapy to save space and weight.
Benefits of Compact Massage Chairs
Compact massage chairs provide all the same great benefits as full-sized modern massage chairs. Massage therapy helps to:
- Alleviate chronic pain
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Lower blood pressure
- Address symptoms of depression
Best of all, owning a massage chair allows you to receive a massage therapist-quality massage conveniently at home, whenever you want. The added benefit of a “compact” chair is that they’re easier to move and assemble within a space – allowing you to enjoy these great massage benefits without having to organize an entire room around a massage chair.
What to Look for in a Compact Massage Chair
Because compact massage chairs will need to cut a feature or two in order to reduce size, you’ll need to determine what your “must have” features are for your massage chair. Do you need heated seats, arm massage, foot massagers and zero gravity positioning – or are you comfortable with not having one or more of these features?
To better identify your best compact massage chair option, it’s important to understand some specific terms:
- 3D vs 4D massage – Refers to the capabilities of massage chair rollers. 3D massage operates on the X, Y and Z axis and can move up, down, left, right and diagonal. 4D also offers variable roller intensity to adjust pressure.
- L-Track vs S-Track massage – Refers to the positioning of the massage chair roller track. S-Track is shaped to follow the curve of the spine and ends at the lower back. L-Track extends past the back, reaching the glutes or hamstrings.
- Inversion Therapy vs Zero Gravity – Zero gravity is a reclining function that places your body in a gravity neutral position that evenly distributes your weight, which lowers your heart rate, reduces tension and boosts healthy circulation. Inversion lowers your body even deeper, to about a 180 degree angle, to elongate your spine for a decompression stretch.
- Body Scanning – This feature allows the chair to scan the dimensions of your body, allowing it to properly adjust its positioning so that the massage techniques can reach the correct areas of your body.
- Space Saving – Also referred to as wall-saver massage chairs, these chairs are designed to recline and rotate in such a way that they can be placed closer to the wall than a regular massage chair and still fully recline. Be sure to review the specifications of a massage chair, as not all chairs marketed as “space saving” are all that compact.
To truly measure if a massage chair is small or compact enough for your space, you’ll want to look at and compare the actual dimensions. For example, here are the dimensions of a “regular” sized Infinity IT-8500 X3 3D/4D.
|
Upright Chair Dimensions 35″w x 59″l x 46″h |
Reclined Chair Dimensions 35″w x 74″l x 36″h |
Chair Weight 265 lbs |
In comparison, here are the dimensions of a more compact Infinity Riage CS.
|
Upright Chair Dimensions 23″w x 38″l x 38″h |
Reclined Chair Dimensions 23″w x 54″l x 29″h |
Chair Weight 87 lbs |
Top Compact Massage Chairs
In our review of the best compact massage chairs, we especially like the following Top 5 options. They are ordered from smallest dimensions to largest.
One of the most compact models you’ll find, the Infinity Riage CS can easily fit into any home. Enjoy targeted massage from one of four auto programs, or create your own custom massage. Lumbar heat function and leg rest vibration loosens tense muscles and aids in circulation.
Price: $999.00
Features:
- Adjustable Pillow
- Calf Vibration
- L-Track Quad Rollers
- Lumbar Heat
- Rocking Technology
- Zero Gravity
Dimensions:
- Upright Chair Dimensions: 23″w x 38″l x 38″h
- Reclined Chair Dimensions: 23″w x 54″l x 29″h
- Chair Weight: 87 lbs
Despite its compact frame, the Kyota Genki M380 offers many high-end massage features. Enjoy 360 degree sweeping 4-node back massage mechanism with five different massage techniques for a variety of massages across your body. Total Sole Reflexology foot roller, Total Calf kneading and oscillating calf feature provide high-end treatment for your legs. Its compact frame features Zero Wall Fit™ Space-Saving Technology, allowing the massage chair to require just 2″ of wall clearance.
Price: $4,999.99
Features:
- 360 degree 4-Node Plus Massage
- Chromotherapy Lights
- Complete Calf Kneading + Oscillation
- Lumbar Heat
- Total Sole Reflexology
- Truefit Body Scanning
- Zero Gravity
- Zero Wall Fit™ Space-Saving Design
Dimensions:
- Upright Chair Dimensions: 30″w x 46″l x 57″h
- Reclined Chair Dimensions: 30″w x 74″l x 40″h
- Chair Weight: 255 lbs
“The Genki M380 advanced Intelligent Voice Command + Control combined with the MyMassage™ Memory Program means you can simply ask the M380 Genki to run your favorite massage program! Overall it has a great package of features, including a special 360° sweeping 4-node back massage mechanism with five different massage techniques, triple foot roller Total Sole Reflexology and a Total Calf™ kneading and oscillating calf feature normally found on chairs twice the price. And if you are worried about space, relax, this chair is equipped with Zero Wall Fit™ Space-Saving Technology and requires just 2″ of wall clearance.”
— The Massage Chair Store Review Team
With a lightweight and compact frame, the Infinity Prelude combines simplicity with a wide array of popular features including air massage, decompression stretch and spinal correction. Its intuitive design and sleek style make it the perfect fit for any user and any home or office.
Price: $3,499.00
Features:
- Adjustable Air Massage Intensity
- Decompression Stretch
- Lumbar Heat
- Rolling Foot Massagers
- Spinal Correction
- Zero Gravity
Dimensions:
- Upright Chair Dimensions: 31″w x 53″l x 48″h
- Reclined Chair Dimensions: 31″w x 68″l x 28″h
- Chair Weight: 154 lbs
For a compact model, the Kyota Kofuko E330 massage chair carries many features that are usually only found in more expensive models. Full back scanning automatically makes micro-adjustments for your body specifics while traveling L-track, 4-node massage works the back from the neck and shoulders down to the gluteus muscles. Zero Wall Fit™Space-Saving design allows the massage chair to take up less space within a room.
Price: $2,499.00
Features:
- 4-Node Massage
- Airbag Compression Therapy
- Foot Reflexology Rollers
- L-Track Rollers
- Lumbar Heat
- Truefit Body Scanning
- Zero Gravity
- Zero Wall Fit™Space-Saving Design
Dimensions:
- Upright Chair Dimensions: 32″w x 53″l x 45″h
- Reclined Chair Dimensions: 32″w x 58″l x 33.5″h
- Chair Weight: 185 lbs
Though larger than most compact models, the Kyota Kaizen M680 3D comes equipped with Zero Wall Fit™Space-Saving Technology to allow it to fit comfortably within smaller areas. The unrivaled 4D 6-Node Back Mechanism provides the broadest possible back massage coverage while the Tri-Zone heat located in the back, arms and feet helps loosen up sore muscles. Both the Advanced Kneading Arm Mechanism and Complete Calf Kneading + Oscillation mechanism ensure that it’s not just your back that’s receiving therapeutic massage.
Price: $6,999.99
Features:
- 6-node 3D Back Mechanism
- Adjustable Shoulder Airbags
- Foot Reflexology Rollers
- Targeted Arm Therapy
- Tri-Zone Heat
- Truefit Body Scanning
- Truefit Footrest Extension
- Zero Gravity
- Zero Wall Fit™Space-Saving Design
Dimensions:
- Upright Chair Dimensions: 34.5″w x 55″l x 53.5″h
- Reclined Chair Dimensions: 34.5″w x 68″l x 38″h
- Chair Weight: 300 lbs
How We Picked the Best Compact Massage Chairs
To select the best compact massage chairs, our team identified and tested a variety of massage chairs with space saving designs and more compact dimensions, while also accounting for different settings and features. We decided on these recommendations by comparing four important factors: Price, brand reputation, functionality and extra features. We also considered the overall quality of each massage chair’s materials, build, comfort and style.
Read more about our in-depth massage chair selection process.
Our Massage Chair Store team has been in the business of manufacturing, repairing, selling and testing massage chairs for almost 15 years. They’ve spent hundreds of hours sitting in and using different massage chairs to test their functionality, features and overall comfort.
Where to Buy Your Massage Chair
You can find small and compact massage chairs for purchase both online and in certain stores. Many brands have showrooms at their headquarters where you’ll be welcome to browse, sit in and test their massage chairs.
Massage Chair Store carries many of these featured models along with other compact and standard sized massage chairs. All of our massage chairs also come with a risk-free 100-day trial and free delivery. Contact one of our massage chair specialists and we’ll help you select the best massage chair that fits your needs and meets your relaxation goals.
How We Picked These Massage Chairs
Our goal was to identify the best compact massage chair options that had a balance of smaller dimensions and space saving design. We accounted for different settings and additional features and prioritized models that also offered a range of “must-have” features for massage chairs, including targeted massage techniques, zero gravity recline and heat therapy options.
Our team bases our recommendations by comparing four important factors:
- Price — We try to prioritize a range of options, from more budget-friendly choices to higher-end luxury massage chairs. Our goal is to provide a list of massage chairs that can suit many different budgets. We want to offer something for everyone, no matter your price range.
- Brand Reputation — We’ve been in the industry long enough to know that different brands offer different levels of customer support. We consider a brand’s level of customer service, support for warranty claims and their capability to provide customer support whenever we recommend massage chairs.
- Features — Different massage chairs target different parts of the body and offer an array of massage techniques, intensity settings and targeted muscle groups. We try to prioritize massage chairs that will offer a good baseline of essential massage features and then present a wide range of options across different price points.
- Extras — The right extra features can turn a good massage chair into a great one, but sometimes bells and whistles don’t add enough to the experience. We take a balanced approach by prioritizing massage chairs that offer a decent set of extra features for their price range.
Our team assesses each massage chair by reviewing its features and then testing a sample model. We not only test out each massage chair’s features and functions, but also the quality of its materials, build and accessories. We also consider the overall comfort and style of the massage chair.
After testing each chair, we assign it an internal score that we feel reflects its overall value. We revisit this list on a regular basis to ensure all massage chairs are in stock, continue to meet our high standards and offer our customers the value they deserve.
Our Massage Chair Expertise
At Massage Chair Store, we’ve been in the business of manufacturing, repairing, selling and testing massage chairs for almost 15 years. Our team of trained massage chair specialists not only know the ins and outs of every chair we sell, they’ve spent hundreds of hours sitting in and using different massage chairs to test their functionality, features and overall comfort.
Our team of testers includes a range of body types and sizes. We always ensure that our ratings are based on a balanced consideration of features and budgets to provide our customers with maximum value no matter their price point.
Our expertise is one of the reasons we’re ranked #1 in customer service with thousands of verified five-star reviews that satisfied massage chair owners have left us through Trustpilot.
