Hydromassage vs. Massage Chairs: Which Is Best for You?

Hydromassage refers to the technique of using pressurized water jets to apply pressure to specific parts of your body. Also called hydrotherapy, you may have experienced hydromassage if you’ve ever used the water jets in a hot tub to apply pressure to your back. The technique is essentially the same, although hot tub jets are limited in the areas of your body they can reach.

Hydromassage devices can include lounge-style chairs, tables or even full beds. These devices circulate water within a waterproof cover to apply pressure while keeping you dry. The cover is strong enough to withstand the pressure of the jets, but also thin enough so you can feel the pressure. These jets move to deliver massage pressure across a wider area of your body.

Hydromassage devices are designed to provide many of the same benefits as traditional massage, including:

• Treatment for stress, anxiety or depression
• Relief for stress and tension headaches
• Lower back pain and sciatica pain relief
• Improved comfort to aid with sleep

Hydromassage can be a popular post-workout option to loosen up tense muscles and provide targeted relief for aches and pains. You can also find hand-held devices that provide hydromassage, similar to how a percussion massager — or massage gun — can be used.

If you’re looking for quick access to massage therapy, then hydromassage is a viable option. But, what makes it unique and how does it stand out when compared to other methods?

Hydromassage Pros:

• Regular hydromassage sessions are typically less expensive than seeing a massage therapist. Use of a hydromassage device at a gym or health club may require a subscription fee of anywhere from $10-$15 a month, where a 60-minute session with a massage therapist typically costs around $100 or more. Also, if you’re uncomfortable with being touched by another person, hydromassage can offer massage without direct, personal contact.
• Installing a hydromassage chair or bed is often less costly and maintenance than a hot tub. Additionally, there’s no need to get wet or change your clothes.

• Hydromassage devices can use heated water, providing heat therapy to help relax your muscles.
• Some people may find the feel of water pressure to be therapeutic or relaxing compared to being touched or using other compression devices such as airbags and massage rollers.
• Hydromassage devices can offer quick relief in a short amount of time. Some gyms or spas may even allow for walk-in service, depending on their membership. Of course, if you own your own device, then you have access to hydromassage 24/7.

Hydromassage Cons:

• Hydromassage devices can be hard to find, as there aren’t as many manufacturers compared to other massage devices. If there’s no local gym or spa offering hydromassage, you might need to order a device to be shipped directly to you.
• If there is a local gym or spa that offers hydromassage, they may require that you purchase a membership to use their facilities. This can come with some restrictions (such as having to purchase a larger subscription package) or inconveniences (such as booking times or difficulties with membership cancellation).
• If you choose to buy your own device, be prepared for a significant initial cost, especially compared to more affordable options. Even used hydromassage beds can be priced up to $10,000 when searching online.
• When compared to other massage devices, such as massage chairs, hydromassage devices may have a more limited selection of features and functions. Today, even the most inexpensive massage chair models offer extra features such as zero-gravity recline, different treatments for arms and legs, even body scanning. You’re not likely to find similar features with hydromassage devices, except on the most premium models.
• Because hydromassage beds and chairs are such specialized devices, they can be very challenging and expensive to repair, especially after the warranty period ends. And just cross your fingers that the cover never springs a leak!

Massage chairs offer similar benefits to a hydromassage device, including convenient access to massage therapy that’s less expensive than seeing a therapist. Unlike hydromassage water jets, massage chairs use a combination of devices to apply pressure.

Within a massage chair, the main points of pressure come from massage rollers along a track in the back of the chair. Other types of pressure can come from airbags or similar compression devices within the massage chair. Modern massage chairs are also designed to provide a range of features and functions, such as targeted heat therapy, customized programs, bluetooth connectivity and body scanning.

Pros:

• Massage chairs are a very convenient source of massage therapy because you don’t need to book an appointment or travel to another location. You can enjoy massage therapy directly within your own home and according to your own schedule.
• When you own a massage chair, regular treatments are very cost-effective because the sessions are free!
• Modern massage chairs are designed to provide a full-body massage experience. While the main rollers work your back and shoulders, airbags and other compression devices massage your legs, feet, arms and hands.
• Massage chairs are very easy to use. Many come with automated programs that offer a full massage at the push of a button. Some are even voice-activated, allowing for hands-free use.
• All massage chairs offer an array of features, with premium massage chairs providing luxury benefits such as chromotherapy for relaxation, air ionizers, foot reflexology and a wide choice of different massage techniques to enjoy.
• Massage chairs can also be used as a recliner within any room. There’s no need to create a special or a complicated setup.

Cons:

• Because massage chairs have movable parts and electronic controls, there is always the possibility of breakdowns or malfunctions. Always check your massage chair’s warranty information to make sure they cover parts and labor.
• Massage chairs do require an initial investment that will cost more than a one-time visit to a massage therapist. Premium massage chairs are priced nearly the same as hydromassage beds or chairs, though you can find many certified pre-owned massage chairs and simpler models for less than $5,000.
• Since you control the massage treatment with a massage chair, there is the risk of over-targeting certain areas of your body. Always take care when using high-pressure programs and consult with your physician if you’re thinking about purchasing a massage chair to help address a chronic condition.

How do hydromassage devices compare directly with massage chairs?

Cost:

Hydromassage treatments will generally cost more, whether you’re just renting time or looking to purchase a device. Time with a hydromassage device will generally cost you a $10-$15 subscription added on to a club or gym membership. You can expect to spend around $10,000 for a pre-owned hydromassage bed or chair.

Convenience:

It can be hard to find local gyms or spas that offer hydromassage treatment. Hydromassage manufacturers can also be hard to locate. Hydromassage devices can also be very bulky, heavy and awkward to place within a home. Massage chairs are much easier to find and purchase, and will also take up less space. They can even be used as everyday furniture.

Features and Functions:

While you’ll find modern controls and features on both hydromassage devices and massage chairs, you’re more likely to find a greater range of options and choice of features with massage chairs.

Warranty and Repair:

Hydromassage devices are very specialized pieces of equipment, so not only can they be harder to repair, they may offer a more limited warranty. While massage chairs may need the occasional fix, they’re generally less complicated to repair and come with greater warranty options.

Hydromassage devices can provide a convenient source of massage relief, but we feel that massage chairs provide even greater convenience, value and wellness support. We should know, because at Massage Chair Store we specialize in top-of-the-line products that deliver comprehensive massage relief.

If you’d like assistance with your massage needs, you can fill out a consultation form to start a free conversation with one of our certified Massage Chair Specialists. We’ll be happy to help you find the massage chair of your dreams.

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.