In a Nutshell:
Although the Real Relax Massage Chair has many shortcomings — fixed position massage points, and a lack of massage programs and customization options — it’s a good option if you’re on a budget. With features like shoulder massage, arm massage, and calf and foot massage complete with foot rollers, you get a full body massage for a low price.
Overall Massage Quality
Customization options
Ease of Use
Value for the Money
Overall Rating
2.8/5
Benefits
Drawbacks
Recommended For: Hobbyists looking for a good deal on a standard recliner or for those who suffer from foot/leg pain.
Unfortunately, the Real Relax Massage Chair has been discontinued. We recommend checking out the Real Relax 2020.
As you’ll learn in this Real Relax massage chair review, it’s important to take the time to learn everything you can about a chair before making your purchase.
Here’s why:
From the outside, the Real Relax massage chair looks like your typical robotic massage chair. It would be reasonable to assume it has everything other chairs have. But a closer examination reveals several important details you won’t want to skim over if a high-quality, therapeutic massage is important to you.
But don’t worry:
We’ve got you covered. We’ll walk you through all the details and specifications of the Real Relax massage chair and give you a side-by-side comparison with a similar model. When you’re done reading this review, you’ll be armed with all the information you need to make an educated buying decision.
Let’s start with the features and functions of the Real Relax massage chair…
| REAL RELAX MASSAGE CHAIR VS BESTMASSAGE EC 06CCOMPARISON CHART |  |  |
| Fixed position massage points | ✓ | ✗ |
| Roller Massage | ✗ | ✓ |
| Body scan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Air massage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shoulder massage | ✓ | ✗ |
| Arm massage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Side flap armrest design | ✗ | ✓ |
| Leg and foot massage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foot massage rollers | ✓ | ✗ |
| Foot massage nodes | ✗ | ✓ |
| Powered backrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Powered footrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Independent backrest and footrest motors | ✗ | ✓ |
| Lower back heat therapy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foot heat therapy | ✓ | ✗ |
| Vibration therapy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full size remote | ✗ | ✓ |
| Handheld remote | ✓ | ✗ |
| Color Variants | Black, Khaki & Burgundy | Black, Brown & Burgundy |
| Number of massage techniques | 0 | 4 |
| Number of massage programs | 2 | 4 |
| Manual massage controls | ✓ | ✓ |
Features and Functions of the Real Relax Massage Chair
Fixed Position Back Massage Points
This is the most important detail you need to understand about the Real Relax massage chair:
Instead of having massage roller heads mounted to a roller track, the Real Relax massage chair uses a series of eight fixed position massage points in the backrest of the chair. These massage points do not move up and down the back like regular massage points!
Six of the fixed position massage points are located in the lower and middle section of the backrest. They are positioned along the spine and are evenly spaced to provide more coverage on the back. Two more massage points are located in the upper portion of the backrest, providing massage for the upper back.
While the fixed position massage points are motorized and perform a kneading, rubbing action, they are very limited in their massage capabilities. They offer no customization — i.e. you can’t adjust their range, width, or speed — and have only one massage technique.
If you’re looking for a massage chair that will give you options and the potential to customize the massage to meet the needs of your unique body, the Real Relax massage chair is not for you. However, for the low-price, the fixed position massage points may suit you well if you’re simply after a casual massage experience that doesn’t cost a lot of money.
Air Massage
While the back massage system of the Real Relax massage chair comes up short, the chair does feature a fairly comprehensive air massage system. 35 airbags are located throughout the chair, providing compression massage to the shoulders, arms, hips and thighs, and calves and feet.
Arm Massage
One of the redeeming aspects of the Real Relax massage chair is its arm massage system. The armrests of the chair are lined with airbags and designed to offer 360-degree coverage. The arms slide into the armrests, where they are completely surrounded by the airbags that perform a pulsing massage on the forearms, wrists, and hands.
Leg and Foot Massage
Another area where the chair’s air massage system is utilized is in the leg ottoman. The legs and feet are held in slots that are lined with airbags and are massaged as the airbags inflate and deflate. While not as thorough or adjustable as the leg and foot massage systems of higher-end chairs, the Real Relax chair offers an adequate means to relax your calves and feet.
Foot Massage Rollers
In addition to the air massage capabilities of the leg ottoman, a set of spinning massage rollers are located under the soles of the feet. When activated, these rollers spin and pulse, stimulating the soles of the feet and helping to reduce tension, stress, and fatigue.
Extendable Leg Ottoman
To accommodate users of various heights, the ottoman of the Real Relax massage chair is extendable. It works on a spring-loaded telescopic system and is extended by simply pressing with the feet.
Zero Gravity Recline
One of the main selling points of the Real Relax massage chair is that it offers zero gravity recline. This means that when the chair reclines, the backrest comes nearly parallel with the floor and the leg rest moves up slightly higher than the heart. This position distributes the user’s body weight evenly throughout the chair, which allows the muscles and spine to deeply relax and decompress.
The one downside to the zero gravity recline system of the Real Relax massage chair is that the leg ottoman and backrest are interconnected — i.e. when you recline the backrest, the leg ottoman automatically elevates. This greatly reduces your ability to customize the position of the chair and may inhibit you from becoming truly comfortable.
Built-In Heat
A nice touch incorporated into the design of the Real Relax massage chair is built-in heat for the lower back. Although it’s not the fastest or strongest heating system on the market, it adds a soothing warmth to your massage.
Seat Vibration
Another nice touch of the Real Relax massage chair is vibration therapy built into the seat. Adding vibration to a massage can help relax the muscles and reduce soreness and built up tension.
LED Handheld Remote
The massage functions of the Real Relax massage chair are controlled by a simple LED handheld remote. A set of basic buttons allow you to turn on and off the air massage, back massage, heat, and vibration, and a bright display screen shows what is currently active.
Since the Real Relax massage chair offers little in the way of customization options, massage techniques, and massage programs, the remote control is inherently bare bones. When not in use, the remote is stored in a convenient pocket on the front of the right armrest.
Synthetic Leather Upholstery Available in Three Colors
Soft, breathable synthetic leather covers the Real Relax massage chair. The upholstery is available in black, burgundy, and khaki.
Caster Wheels
Since the Real Relax massage chair is quite large and heavy, two caster wheels are added to the chair to make it easier to maneuver. Although it’s technically possible for a single person to move the chair, two people make the task much easier.
Massage Techniques and Programs of the Real Relax Massage Chair
No Massage Techniques
Unfortunately, the Real Relax massage chair is extremely limited in terms of massage techniques and programs. Since the chair uses fixed position massage points instead of a typical massage roller system, there are no massage techniques — the massage points simply turn on and perform their one action.
Two Automatic Massage Programs
While it’s best to think of the Real Relax massage chair as fully manual, it does offer two distinct automatic programs. There is no description given for the two programs, they are simply different combinations and sequences of the fixed position massage points and air massage. They last for 15 minutes total and shut off when complete.
If you’re looking for a chair with lots of techniques, programs, and customization options, look elsewhere.
How Does it Compare? Real Relax Massage Chair vs. BestMassage EC 06C
Thankfully, there are seemingly endless options when it comes time to buy a massage chair. You can tell by our review of the Real Relax massage chair that we aren’t very impressed with the chair — it’s very limited and lacks many desirable features of modern massage chairs.
But just because we aren’t impressed doesn’t mean it isn’t right for you. If you want to keep your massage chair purchase under $1,000, the Real Relax massage chair could be a good option. Still, let’s take a look at how it compares to a slightly better option around the same price range: the BestMasssage EC 06C.
About the BestMassage EC 06C
Do a search for the Real Relax massage chair and chances are the BestMassage EC 06C will come up right alongside it. It’s easy to see why.
The BestMassage EC 06C is in the same camp with the Real Relax massage chair: it’s low-priced, coming in under $1,000; it’s decently attractive and wouldn’t look out of place in the modern home; it offers a suite of massage features that appeal to those looking for a comprehensive, full body massage.
Now, let’s take a look at how the BestMassage EC 06C compares to the Real Relax massage chair feature by feature…
Fixed Position Massage Points vs. Track-Mounted Massage Rollers
The most significant difference between these two chairs comes down to core massage components. While the Real Relax massage chair has fixed position massage points, the BestMassage EC 06C feature honest-to-goodness track-mounted massage rollers.
With the BestMassage EC 06C, a pair of “intelligent” massage roller heads move up and down your back, kneading your muscles. This difference alone is reason enough to buy the BestMassage EC 06C over the Real Relax massage chair.
Body Scan vs. No Body Scan
Related to the massage roller system of the BestMassage EC 06C, the chair features a body scan function that measures the user’s height and weight. The chair uses these measurements to customize the massage rollers to the user for greater massage efficiency.
Admittedly, the body scan feature of the EC 06C is weak and limited in comparison to the systems of higher-end massage chairs. But it does offer significantly more massage customization over the limited fixed position massage points of the Real Relax massage chair.
Shoulder Air Massage vs. No Shoulder Air Massage
Overall, the air massage systems of both massage chairs are very similar. The main difference between the two is that the Real Relax massage chair features shoulder air massage while the BestMassage EC 06C doesn’t.
Different Armrest Designs
Both massage chairs feature air arm massage, and both provide full coverage for the arms. The difference between the two system is primarily aesthetic.
The Real Relax massage chair has armrest massagers that are in a fixed position. The BestMassage EC 06C, on the other hand, uses a side flap armrest design that gives the chair a more casual look and allows the armrests to be used as standard armrests when not used for massage. To use for massage, the synthetic wood-trimmed armrest flaps are flipped up at which point the arms can be slipped into place.
Foot Massage Rollers vs. Foot Massage Nodes
Air massage for the legs and feet is offered on both massage chairs. The Real Relax massage chair, however, has a slight advantage over the BestMassage EC 06C as it features foot massage rollers instead of foot massage nodes.
The foot rollers of the Real Relax massage chair provide a more intense and vigorous massage for the soles of the feet than the nodes of the BestMassage EC 06C.
Lumbar Heat vs. Lumbar and Foot Heat
Both massage chairs feature built-in heating pads, but the BestMassage EC 06C offers heat for the soles of the feet in addition to the lower back.
Linked vs. Independent Backrest and Footrest Operation
Powered recline is featured on both chairs, but the BestMassage EC 06C has a significant advantage over the Real Relax massage chair as it has independent backrest and footrest motors. With the EC 06C, you have control over both the backrest and footrest, whereas with the Real Relax massage chair, both the backrest and footrest move in unison.
If you have trouble settling down and getting comfortable, the additional control over the backrest and footrest offered by the EC 06C will go a long ways in your massage session. But, the one thing the Real Relax massage chair has that the EC 06C doesn’t is zero gravity recline.
No Massage Techniques and Limited Massage Programs vs. A Variety of Massage Techniques, Programs, and Manual Controls
As we covered at length, the Real Relax massage chair is extremely limited in terms of massage control, customization, and options in general. The BestMassage EC 06C is a great alternative if you value having options and a variety of massage techniques and programs.
With the BestMassage EC 06C, there are four massage techniques available: rolling, kneading, shiatsu, and compression. There are also four automatic massage programs: recovery, extend, relax, and refresh. Additionally, a suite of manual massage controls allows you to customize your massage experience with the ability to adjust the width and intensity of the massage rollers, the specific air massage zones in use, and the addition of heat and vibration therapy.
With the Real Relax massage chair, you essentially only have manual controls with the exception of two automatic massage programs. The bottom line is if you want more options go with the BestMassage EC 06C.
Final Comparison Notes
Given both massage chairs cost roughly the same, it’s hard to imagine a situation in which you would choose the limitations of the Real Relax massage chair over the BestMassage EC 06C. That said, the shoulder massagers and foot massage rollers of the Real Relax massage could sway your purchase.
Real Relax Massage Chair Review Conclusion
It’s amazing how many options are available when shopping for an affordable massage chair. Although this Real Relax massage chair review was critical of many of the chair’s shortcomings, dollar for dollar, it’s a great option if you simply want a massage chair for not a lot of cash.
References and Resources:
- Real Relax Massage Chair, Official Brand Website.
- Massage Therapy Styles and Health Benefits, WebMD.
- Benefits of Heat Therapy for Lower Back Pain, Spine-Health.
- Full Body Massage, Massage Education.
- The Benefits of Shiatsu, Shiatsu Therapy.