Best Back Massage Chair Reviews and Ratings 2024

Our Pick: Inada Dreamwave Massage Chair

The Inada DreamWave massage chair often appears on “best of” lists, and for a good reason. It has been one of the top performing massage chairs ever since its introduction. Moreover, when it comes to back massage specifically, few massage chairs can compete with the Inada DreamWave’s advanced technology. To learn more about this chair, check out our full Inada Dreamwave massage chair review here.

Here are a few reasons why the Inada DreamWave is the best overall massage chair for back pain:

1,200 Inches of Back Massage Coverage

The Inada DreamWave has a remarkable 1,200 inches of massage coverage. That means that practically every part of your back will receive the benefit of the chair’s high-tech roller system. After all, if you want a massage chair that specifically excels at back massage, you want it to cover your entire back, right?

3D Massage Rollers with Optical Point Sensor

You’ll notice that most of the massage chairs that made our list feature 3D massage rollers. And there’s a good reason for that:

3D massage rollers move in and out in addition to the conventional up and down and side to side movements. This extra dimension of movement allows the rollers to actually press into the muscles with varying pressure instead of simply rolling over them. The result is more massage penetration and more pain relief.

The 3D rollers of the Inada DreamWave are some of the best on the market. Since the DreamWave is made in Japan, the roller system is built with the highest quality components available and manufactured to exacting standards. The result is a system that will last an incredibly long time and provide a high level of massage found on few other massage chairs.

Making the 3D rollers of the Inada DreamWave even more effective is the chair’s Optical Point Sensor scanning system.

Here’s how it works:

Before a massage program initiates, the chair scans the user’s back using both the rollers and a series of infrared sensors. The scan measures the user’s body size and shape while also determining specific shiatsu points across the back. When the scan is finished, a unique “profile” is generated, which is then matched to one of the chair’s 106 pre-programmed profiles.

During a massage program, the body shape and shiatsu point profile is used to customize the movement of the massage rollers. This is to ensure the most accurate and therapeutic massage attainable.

Heat Therapy for Lumbar and Seat

Athletes and physical therapists have long known that applying heat to sore or injured muscles is one of the best ways to speed along recovery.

For this reason, the Inada DreamWave features heating pads in both the lumbar portion of the backrest and the seat of the chair to help relax the muscles and increase blood flow to those areas.

With 3D rollers, optical point sensor body scanning, and built-in heat therapy among other features such as full body air massage, the Inada DreamWave provides the overall best back massage of any massage chair currently available.

Highlights of the Inada DreamWave Massage Chair

Runner-Up: Ogawa Active Supertrac

Relatively new to the scene, the Ogawa Active SuperTrac massage chair has quickly gained a strong reputation as one of the best back massage chairs available — specifically for lower back pain.

Here are a few features that make the Ogawa Active SuperTrac a great option for those struggling with back pain:

SuperTrac Roller Technology

The roller system of the Ogawa Active SuperTrac is truly one-of-a-kind. You’re probably familiar with the concept of S-Tracks and L-Tracks. An S-Track is a curved roller track found only in the backrest of a massage chair while an L-Track extends into the seat of the chair. In essence, the Ogawa Active SuperTrac combines the best of both S-Tracks and L-Tracks. Here’s what we mean:

The SuperTrac is essentially a two-piece roller track that extends throughout the entire height of the backrest (like an S-Track) and into the seat (like an L-Track). However, the key aspect of the SuperTrac is its two-piece construction.

With a hinge at the point where the upper and lower portions of the track connect, the chair can recline to become completely flat. This is something unattainable with a conventional L-Track.

When the chair is in the upright position, the rollers perform massage along the upper portion of the SuperTrac. Then, when the chair reclines into the Zero Gravity position, the rollers can travel into the seat as well.

Another unique feature of the SuperTrac is its Smart Curve technology design, which is essentially an even better version of the conventional S-Track. This allows the rollers to stay in direct contact with your muscles throughout the entire range of the massage. In particular, the lumbar region which most massage chairs have trouble reaching effectively.

Advanced Body Scan System

Enhancing the therapeutic benefits of the SuperTrac roller system, the Ogawa Active SuperTrac massage chair features an advanced body scan system. Using proprietary scanning technology, the chair thoroughly scans and measures your body before a massage begins.

This will customize the location and action of the massage rollers throughout the massage. Since no two users are exactly the same in size or shape, this scanning system ensures that everyone gets the most benefit out of their back massage.

Spinal Stretching Programs

Another feature of the Ogawa Active SuperTrac specifically geared to back massage is its stretching programs. During the stretching programs, the chair’s airbags are used to hold your body in place. Then, the massage rollers strategically move up and down your back, carefully stretching the muscles along your spine.

With one of the most advanced roller systems on the market, proprietary body scanning technology, and some highly effective spinal stretching programs, the Ogawa Active SuperTrac is hands down one of the best back massage chair available, especially if you struggle with lower back pain

Highlights of the Ogawa Active SuperTrac

Budget Pick: Human Touch Wholebody 7.1

If you’re massage chair shopping on a budget, don’t think that you need to spend a ton of money to get a chair that will give a great back massage. Many times, the main difference between lower-priced and higher-priced massage chairs is in the extra features you get.

So while you can’t expect to spend less than $2,000 and get everything you want, you’d be surprised by the outstanding quality of back massage from a massage chair in that price range, as long as you choose wisely.

Enter the Human Touch WholeBody 7.1.

Human Touch massage chairs are recognized by the World Federation of Chiropractic as being reputable supplements to back massage treatment. The massage chairs that Human Touch designs and produces have a strong emphasis on therapeutic use.

Human Touch massage chairs have also won a huge number of ADEX design awards, which speaks highly to not only their technological designs but the aesthetics of the chairs as well. One of these award-winning Human Touch chairs is the WholeBody 7.1, which won the ADEX Gold Award in 2015.

So what makes this affordable back massage chair so great? To answer that, let’s take a look at a few of its back-massage-friendly features:

FlexGlide 3D Orbital Back Massage Rollers

You’ll notice that the WholeBody 7.1 massage chair doesn’t have many bells-and-whistles. Therefore, for that matter, it doesn’t have many of the features commonly found on full body massage chairs such as air massage.

But what the WholeBody 7.1 does have is an incredible 3D massage roller system that uses what Human Touch calls FlexGlide Orbital massage technology. The WholeBody 7.1 is one of the only — if not the only — massage chair under $2,000 to feature 3D rollers.

So what does FlexGlide mean?

FlexGlide refers to Human Touch’s proprietary roller design used in the WholeBody 7.1. In addition to being 3D, the rollers are specifically designed to provide resistance-free massage. Made of a durable rubber material, the rollers glide over the muscles in a very fluid movement thanks to the unique movement of the massage mechanism.

The focus of these back massage chair reviews is expressly on features related to back massage, but we can’t help but tell you about the other unique massage system of the Human Touch WholeBody 7.1.

In addition to massage rollers for the back, the WholeBody 7.1 also features paddle massage for legs and feet using Human Touch’s proprietary FigureEight CirQlation technology. If you’re curious about this innovative foot and leg massage system, check out our full-length review of the Human Touch WholeBody 7.1.

BodyMap PRO Massage Programs

Using the chair’s FlexGlide roller system, the WholeBody 7.1 massage chair offers four therapeutic massage techniques that are utilized in five different automatic massage programs. But in addition to the automatic programs, the WholeBody 7.1 also provides a series of BodyMap PRO massage programs. Allow us to explain…

On the handheld remote of the WholeBody 7.1, a body figure diagram allows you to select specific areas on your body in which to receive massage. This allows you to focus the massage rollers only on your sore areas or areas that need extra attention.

So if you wake up one day and your lower back is particularly tight, simply sit down in the WholeBody 7.1, choose the lower back BodyMap PRO program, and you’ll be loosened up in no time.

Warm Air Technology

To help your muscles get loosened up even faster, the Human Touch WholeBody 7.1 features a heating system found only on other Human Touch massage chairs — warm air technology.

Unlike other massage chairs that use heating pads to administer heat therapy, the WholeBody 7.1 uses warm air to deliver a steady stream of heat to the lumbar muscles. Small perforations in the upholstery of the chair allow the warm air to pass through, which then gently warms the muscles of your back.

Adding heat to your massage is one of the best ways to quickly relax your muscles to get the most benefit from the action of the massage roller.

While you won’t find air massage, a music system, or any of the other “extra” features on the WholeBody 7.1, your back will benefit greatly from the chair’s advanced roller system and warm air technology. You simply won’t find a better back massage chair for the price than the Human Touch WholeBody 7.1.

Highlights of the Human Touch Wholebody 7.1

Also Great: Titan Pro Executive

While not as low-priced as the previous chair, the Titan Pro Executive is another excellent buy, particularly if you’re looking for an affordable massage chair with 3D rollers. But this chair, however, is a real full-body massage chair with a lot going on. Let’s take a look at its back massage features:

3D Massage Rollers

The Titan Pro Executive is perhaps the only full body massage chair (with a roller and air massage) to feature 3D rollers. Mounted to a 32-inch S-Track, the 3D rollers cover a huge range of your back, providing five different massage techniques. This includes a phenomenal kneading technique with deep-tissue-like action.

3 Stage Zero Gravity

One of the keys to a great back massage is finding the most comfortable position possible to allow your body to relax completely. And thanks to three-stage Zero Gravity, finding that perfect position is very easy with the Titan Pro Executive.

Many massage chairs offer Zero Gravity reclining, but few offer three stages. Each successive Zero Gravity stage reclines the chair deeper, shifting more body weight to the back to help your muscles and spine decompress and relax.

With more weight over the backrest, the more downward pressure is naturally applied to the 3D rollers, resulting in a deeper, more intense back massage.

Massage Memory Function

The Titan Pro Executive features six automatic massage programs that combine roller and air massage in different full-body combinations. But if you want more control over the chair’s massage functions, it’s best to use the chair in manual mode.

When you find your ideal combination of roller massage techniques, air massage, and foot massage, you can use the chair’s memory function to store your custom massage settings for convenient use in the future.

With three memory programs available, it’s as if you get three extra automatic massage programs that can be custom made specifically for a back massage!

Other cool features such as moving armrests, lumbar and knee heat therapy, mechanical foot rollers, and built-in speakers make the Titan Pro Executive not only one of the best back massage chairs for the price but one of the best all around massage chairs on the market.

Highlights of the Titan Pro Executive Massage Chair

What is the Best Back Massage Chair Overall?

If you’re shopping for a massage chair that specifically excels at back massage, any of the four models we’ve recommended today are sure to exceed your expectations. But you’re probably wondering… Which is the very best?

Although each chair offers something special in terms of back massage, few can only compete with the huge massage range and high-quality Japanese-made components of the Inada DreamWave. With its 3D rollers, Optical Point Sensor scanning system, and lumbar and seat heat therapy, the DreamWave delivers exceptional back massage.

So if you’re shopping for the best back massage chair and price isn’t an issue, go with the Inada DreamWave. If you have to stick to a tighter budget, get either the Human Touch WholeBody 7.1 or the Titan Pro Executive.

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References & Resources

• Inada, Official Brand Website.
• Ogawa, Official Brand Website.
• Human Touch, Official Brand Website.
• Titan Chair, Official Brand Website.
• Causes of Upper Back Pain, Spine-Health.
• Why Massage Chairs Are THE Thing For Lower Back Pain?, Lower Back Pain Relief.
• Massage Chairs Provide Relief Of Low Back Pain And Arthritis, SteadyHealth.