You’re sitting at your workstation when you’re suddenly hit with intense pain in your back. It’s strong enough to make you want to lie down. But sadly, since you‘re at work, you have to stay put and bear it in silence. You return home and try to lie down on your bed or couch still the pain doesn’t go away.

Now imagine staying in this agony for the next couple of days until it finally becomes chronic.

Paints a rather unappealing picture, no?

The best solution when you suffer from back pain is to buy a back massager. These machines are fitted with several massaging nodes and heads to target your pressure points, relieving any pent-up tension or pain. There's a reason why it's a great gift for moms everywhere.

Fortunately, there are several models with compact and portable designs, so you can carry them to work or relax at home while you watch TV.

Read on as we discuss the ten best back massagers available on the market.

The Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager is a top-notch product that ranks above most of its competitors because of its super-slim ergonomic design, noteworthy features, and functional design.

This back massager has also met the standards and guidelines set up by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that the product is safe to use as it's made using good quality materials.

This particular is very appealing to users because of its well-thought features. Zyllion's Shiatsu massager has been integrated with an advanced heating function that will help you relax your muscles. This can also be helpful to smoothen any muscle cramps, reducing the pain suffered by users.

The best part of the Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager is the 4 deep-kneading nodes that rotate and get heated up, providing relief from muscle tension. These nodes change direction every minute and even have an overheat protection feature that prevents the massager from getting too hot.

The portable and compact design widens its applications as well. You can use this pillow-style product for massaging your back and neck whether you’re at home, work, or even in your car. It comes along with a DC car cigarette lighter adapter.

Adjustable straps are placed on the back of the massager to secure its position when it's placed on car seats. Made of top-quality vegan leather, the only prominent flaw we found was the lack of rechargeable batteries.

Key Features
  • Heating function allows faster heating
  • 4 deep-kneading nodes for massages
  • Adjustable straps for better hold
  • Provides overheating protection
Specifications
  • Battery Life: Pillow
  • Operating System: Shiatsu
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Zyllion
Pros
  • Can be used in a car
  • Super-slim ergonomic design
  • Simple and easy to operate
  • Portable
Cons
  • Has to be connected to a power source
Buy This Product
Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager

The Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager is an adaptable, functional, and creative massage chair pad that combines various kinds of therapies for the ultimate massaging experience, such as finger pressure, rolling, shiatsu, vibrations, air compression. As if this wasn't enough, it also has a heating function that further enhances this experience.

The chair pad uses a novel technology to create a two-dimensional as well as three-dimensional finger pressure-shiatsu massaging concepts to provide a great level of comfort to your body.

The well-thought and planned layout of the massage chair ensures to target exact areas to help ease your tight muscles and relax any pain or discomfort. Comfier has made sure that this back massager gives you the same level of comfort you would feel after availing the services of a professional masseuse.

What makes the Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager so unique is the Omni design that earmarks areas of the shoulder, waist, back, neck, and thighs. It is further equipped with four special massaging nodes, which give two types of rotating deep tissue massage to the body. Apart from this, another feature that boosts the effectiveness of the device is its ability to perform rolling and spot massage.

The soft and continuous rolling sensation is focused all along the spine to reduce any pain you would feel in the muscles of the surrounding areas. It's also highly versatile letting you place the massaging pad on the dining chair, couch, recliner, sofa, or office chair.

Key Features
  • 2D and 3D Shiatsu back massage
  • Provides air compression massage near the waist and hip
  • Has a heating function
  • Detachable and washable cover
  • Comes with a remote control
Specifications
  • Battery Life: Chair Pad
  • Operating System: Finger pressure, rolling, shiatsu, vibrations, air compressio
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Comfier
Pros
  • Nearly massages the whole body
  • In-built heating function for extra relief
  • Versatile
Cons
  • Costly
  • Heavy and bulky
Buy This Product
Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager

Beurer has created a loyal customer base for itself because of its great quality and performance. Over the period of a century, the brand has manufactured more than 500 varieties of different products

On the design front, the company has merged a modern design with a futuristic structure that can work wonders for tired muscles. The device has aesthetic built-in LED lights that emit two lively colors whenever you operate it.

The Beurer Handheld Mini Body Massager is a portable and compact mini massager that weighs around 4 ounces and can easily fit in your palm. Its size allows you to carry the device to work or anywhere you would want. Owning this travel-friendly device ensures you enjoy all the benefits of a vibration-based massager anytime, anywhere.

This device can be a very handy tool that provides relief from discomfort or pain caused by sore muscles and cramps, and it is especially ideal for areas such as the neck, back, legs, and arms.

The Beurer Handheld Mini Body Massager has a single input interface that is meant for power. There is no need for you to press and hold the on/off button for vibration as well. You'll need 3 AAA batteries to run this device, but the good news is that these come along with the product.

Overall, it can be an excellent back massager if you're willing to overlook its limited vibration speed. But, if you like a bit more intensity in your massages, take a look at other products on our list.

Key Features
  • Attractive and innovative design
  • Built-in LED lights
  • Single-button operation
  • Compact size
  • Produces gentle massaging vibrations
Specifications
  • Battery Life: Mini tool
  • Operating System: Pressure Point
  • Onboard GPS: No
  • Offline Media Storage: Beurer
Pros
  • Pocket-friendly price
  • Portable
  • Versatile
Cons
  • Not suitable for people who prefer intense massages
Buy This Product
Beurer Handheld Mini Body Massager

The Body Back Buddy Trigger Point Back Massager cane is considered one of the top choices for myofascial release. It isn't powered by a motor — unlike most of massaging devices — but rather draws inspiration from the concept of self-massage.

This device has an “S” shaped design where the handles have been strategically placed with knobs that can pinpoint and set off trigger points. Usually, these pressure points are hard to reach and often go unattended.

There are in total 11 knobs sticking out of the handheld massage stick meant to press the soft spots of your body. The design of the cane also includes two handles situated on each side to ensure a proper grip over it.

You can take advantage of the length of the cane to set up myofascial release on the bigger muscle groups. The main body parts that can benefit tremendously by using the back massager are the trap section on the back, quad muscles on the legs, chest, and foot, especially the muscles at the heels.

The product is based on self-realization and self-effort, yes. But the fact that the device can certainly hit on pressure points that most massage products fail to reach is a huge advantage.

Apart from this, it enjoys an extended life when compared to its electric counterparts. If used properly, the Body Back Buddy Trigger Point Back Massager can last for a longer period. It comes with instructional videos that can be accessed online for learning the right ways to use the product.

Key Features
  • “S” shaped smart design
  • 11 knobs sticking
  • 2 pieces of the handlebar
  • No electric power source needed
Specifications
  • Battery Life: Cane
  • Operating System: Trigger point
  • Onboard GPS: No
  • Offline Media Storage: Body Back
Pros
  • Easy to store
  • Made with unique fiber materials providing 30 percent extra strength.
Cons
  • Using the device can be a little complicated at first
Buy This Product
Body Back Buddy Trigger Point Back Massager

The Viktor Jurgen Handheld Back Massager has been aimed to provide the user with a spa-like massage service at home, and at their own convenience rather than booking appointments and working as per the service provider’s schedule.

This handheld electric device uses a dog head design with a non-slip and comfortable grip, allowing you to use the massager easily. It comes along with three different heads – each having their own advantages – that can be used for performing different massaging techniques. The head type consists of an acupuncture head, deep shiatsu head, and lastly, air cushion sticks.

As for the overall looks, the color combination of white head with a black grip hold blends well and makes it look quite classy.

Integrated with a copper motor that runs on 3,350 pulses per minute, this back massager permits you to choose their desired speed, intensity, and the overall exerted power.

The 71 meters long power cord is another impressive feature. The longer length ascertains the device can be used in different areas of the house even if the power sockets are not close-by.

You can use the back massager on your head, neck, shoulder, back, and legs — nearly the whole body. Simply use the device on affected areas to get relief from pain or tiredness while relaxing at the same time. In fact, the Viktor Jurgen Handheld Back Massager is specially designed to ease pain in target areas.

Key Features
  • Double head points for larger area coverage
  • Has an acupuncture head, deep shiatsu head, & air cushion sticks
  • Adjustable speed and intensity controls
  • 71 meters long power cord
  • Strong motor generates 3,350 pulses per minute
Specifications
  • Battery Life: Hammer
  • Operating System: Deep Tissue Percussion
  • Onboard GPS: No
  • Offline Media Storage: Viktor Jurgen
Pros
  • Non-slippery grip
  • Effective
  • Excellent after-sale service
Cons
  • Can overheat at times
Buy This Product
Viktor Jurgen Handheld Back Massager

With the Naipo Back Massager, you can convert any seating arrangement in your home or workplace into a professional massage service provider place.

This versatile massage chair is a multitasking product that can work on different parts of your body — at the same time. You simply have to sit on the massage chair and let it work its magic. The main points of interest in this massager are the four-plus four nodes that target areas such as the neck, waist, and back. Naipo has taken special care to strategically place all the eight nodes in designated areas.

However, your shoulder blades and the lower sides of your hip are left out.

Still, you can also adjust the height of the back massager as needed. It has a heating function with a temperature range of around 95°-113°F as well. This will supply additional relaxation and easement to the already tight muscles.

The whole operation of the Naipo Back Massager can be controlled and managed by a remote controller. It even allows you to customize settings such as the intensity of the nodes, heating options, and vibration level. There's also an auto-timer feature, which will automatically turn the massager off after 20 minutes of use.

The massage chair is also easy to maintain. The fabrics are removable and can be washed for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. Given the height of the seating pad, it will be most suitable for users who have a height range between 163cm-185cm.

Key Features
  • 8 rolling massage nodes
  • Foldable design
  • Has 13 airbags
  • Heating function
  • Built-in auto timer
Specifications
  • Battery Life: Massage chair
  • Operating System: Deep kneading, rolling, vibration, air compression
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Naipo
Pros
  • Removable and washable fabric
  • User customization options available
Cons
  • Doesn't focus on the shoulder blades or lower hip area
Buy This Product
Naipo Back Massager

Renpho's Hand-Held Massager for deep tissues can fortuitously affect the deep muscles in our body. It has an ergonomic design with curved handles to ensure that the device fits comfortably and properly within your grip.

The structure of the massager also allows the users to carry it around places needed by them, and the built-in 2600 mAh batteries are rechargeable — so you can use it on the go without worrying about power sockets. A 100 percent charge can give users around two hours and 20 minutes of battery life.

The back massager has five interchangeable heads that are meant for the different parts of the body. The handheld design allows you to take it wherever you go, which can be great for people with tight schedules.

A prominent feature of the massager is its five massaging heads that can work on every part of your body. Fitted with special massage heads, the unit has acupuncture points to relax the tired muscles of users.

The powerful motor offers 3600 rpm. A control panel is fitted on the handle of the massager that can be used to turn on/off the power, increase or decrease intensity, and selecting the preferred massaging modes.

This body massager consists of seven different heads or nodes that can be used to provide different types of massages. The intense action movements when coupled with the produced vibrations to comfort and relax your body. The heating function is another plus that enhances the effectiveness of the massaging heads.

Key Features
  • 5 massaging heads
  • Ergonomic design with control panel handles
  • 2600mAh battery
  • Overheat protection
  • Powerful motor offers 3600 rpm
Specifications
  • Battery Life: Hammer
  • Operating System: Deep Tissue
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Renpho
Pros
  • Offers different types of massage heads
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Adjustable intensity
Cons
  • Short battery life
  • Durability needs to be improved
Buy This Product
Renpho Hand Held Deep Tissue Massager

The HoMedics Percussion Action Massager is an easy-to-use hand-held massager with an ergonomic handle that houses buttons for activating heat and adjusting the vibration intensity.

It's incredibly lightweight on top of being very portable. Over the years, several customers have given top ratings to this back massager because of its effectiveness and efficiency.

At first glance, the device looks futuristic with its out of the box design, and a never seen before structure. It has a long handle with a good grip hold, while the top part features a double pivoting head for providing percussion action massaging.

In fact, the dual pivoting massage heads are mainly responsible for providing an effective massage replicating the hand movements of a professional massage therapist. These nodes move in an inward and outward direction when switched on, giving deep tissue massage on sore and tight muscles. You have the option of choosing among four-speed levels to select the massage experience that suits you the best.

Another feature that adds value to the HoMedics Percussion Action Massager is the nodes. These are interchangeable to provide a softer or firmer approach, plus, the head operates at a speed up to 3100 pulses per minute.

Every package comes with two pairs of massaging heads that can be differentiated on the basis of their color and function. The light gray one is for light or mild press, whereas the darker one is more suitable for a hard press.

Key Features
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Intensity adjustable feature
  • Dual pivoting massage heads
  • Heating function
  • Generates 3100 pulses per minute
Specifications
  • Battery Life: Hammer
  • Operating System: Percussion action, pivoting
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: HoMedics
Pros
  • Portable design
  • Easy to use
  • Effective
  • Produces strong vibrations
Cons
  • Noisy
  • Large and bulky
Buy This Product
HoMedics Percussion Action Massager

Snailax's Massage Mat is entirely made up of plush and super soft polyester and is covered by lavish hemming. The main purpose of the mat is to reduce fatigue and improve relaxation.

It has full-body vibrating massage pads that can help promote sleep, controlling any pain, especially after an intense day at work or from other activities. The massage mat has ten powerful motors laid out in a manner that lets it cover the shoulders right to the calf section.

In addition to this, the massaging mat is programmed with five different types of massage modes to perform a mixture of massages, a combination of which can further enhance results. Aside from these, there are three vibration levels/speeds as well.

All these features can help you find the perfect intensity to reduce any pain or discomfort on affected body parts. The well-positioned motor covers areas starting from the shoulders, back, waist, hips, thighs, to the legs.

For heating pads are also incorporated into the mat for creating heat to intensify the massaging effects. For your safety, there is an overheating protection system enabled in the mat and as well as timer control. This control will automatically shut off the device after 30 minutes of inactivity. Keep in mind that the maximum heating temperature stands at about 124°F.

However, we didn't like the noisy operation of the Snailax Massage Mat with Massager Cushion. Also, the motor tends to stick out on the back, which may not be comfortable for everybody.

Key Features
  • Integrates 10 motors for vibration
  • 5 pre-programmed massage modes
  • Can produce 3 levels of vibrations
  • Equipped with 4 heating pads
  • Includes a remote control
Specifications
  • Battery Life: Mat
  • Operating System: Vibration
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Snailax
Pros
  • Almost covers the entire body
  • Easy to store
Cons
  • Motor tends to stick out
  • Noisy
Buy This Product
Snailax Massage Mat With Massager Cushion

Mynt Shiatsu Back Massager Cushion aims to provide the benefits of kneading massage and shiatsu therapy separately — or both together at the same time.

It has eight nodes to enact the shiatsu-styled massages. Also, since the cushion has the outline of a seat pad, it can be used over multiple seating furniture like sofas, chairs, coach bags, and even car seats. The product comes along with a car seat adaptor letting you plug the device directly to a power source when required.

The various settings and features offered by Mynt’s Shiatsu Seat Massager Cushion can be controlled and adjusted via a remote that comes linked to the seat pad with wire. It has been manufactured using FDA-approved material that is skin-friendly, soft, and cozy. The dual fabrics are made to last long thanks to its premium quality.

As for the customization of the seating pad, the massage section is enhanced with the heat function, followed by rotation directions. All three functions can be easily executed by the simple press of a button.

There are three different timed massage cycles programmed in the seating pad as well. A built-in timer stops the massaging movements after 20 minutes of use time to prevent the discomfort brought forth by any extra massaging. Even the heating function is smartly controlled to ensure safe temperature whenever the seat heating pads are activated. The temperature range is maintained between 95-100°F.

Key Features
  • Made from FDA-approved materials
  • Remote-controlled operations
  • 8 built-in nodes to for enhance massaging experience
  • Seat heat function
Specifications
  • Battery Life: Massage cushion
  • Operating System: Shiatsu, kneading
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Mynt
Pros
  • Portable
  • Covers large portion of the body
Cons
  • Seat design can be improved
Buy This Product
Mynt Shiatsu Back Massager Cushion

Back massagers can work wonders for people suffering from fatigue, muscle cramps, and of course, back pain. However, there are several companies that sell lower quality massagers that turn out to be a total waste of time and money — something that you should do your best to avoid.

In addition to this, there are different kinds of back massagers offering several necessary —and not-so-necessary — features, which is why you need to be aware of certain criteria to find a model that works best for you.

Let’s take a look at features to keep in mind when you buy a back massager:

Size

It’s important to determine the size of your back massager after considering the kind of coverage you want and whether or not you want it to be portable. Think about your lifestyle and needs in this case, and then make a decision.

Shape

Back massagers are available in different shapes. You can find massage chairs, massaging guns, pillows, or simple S-shaped models to target pressure points. Your priority would be to look for a back massager that firstly reaches where you want it to go, and should feel comfortable while using it. Don't forget to consider storage availability, as well.

Model Type

Electric back massagers or non-electric back massages — figure out which one between the two would you prefer. While the former can be operated through rechargeable batteries or after plugging it into a power source, the latter is more hassle-free but slightly less convenient to use.

Massage Type

Interestingly, different back massages offer different styles of massages. They have certain modes and massaging heads that produce vibrations, knead, or perform a deep tissue massage. You can take your pick among shiatsu, kneading, wand, vibration, or percussion massaging styles. Several models offer a mixture of these massage styles, too.

Heating Feature

Back massagers often have a heating feature that can help enhance the massaging sensations. This works effectively to reduce any pain or muscle tension you might be feeling.

If you’re looking for a model that has heat function, we would also recommend looking for ones that have overheating protection. This will keep you safe in case of any accidents.

Settings

Looking for a back massager that lets you control intensity and speed settings to give you a more personalized experience. It's also more convenient to let you choose the intensity and speed that you feel most comfortable with when operating the back massager.

Resources— Best Women's Workout, The Spruce