Human Touch Massage Chairs [Review & Buyer’s Guide 2023]

There are only a few brands in the whole massage chair industry that are reliable and worthy of paying attention.

One of those brands is Human Touch.

With 95+ models that come out this year from the top companies alone, you need to know which band to trust.

Even within the same brand, not all models are created equal.

Some are overpriced; some lack essential features or BOTH.

We will look into the best human touch massage chair models and will suggest a better alternative if available.

Human Touch is the only brand that’s officially endorsed by the World Federation of Chiropractic.

All of them are quality-made, with various intensities, shapes, and designs, so how can you choose the right Human Touch chair?

We’ve selected some of the best massage chairs from Human Touch below.

We also offer some BETTER alternatives to some models.

About Human Touch Brand

Founded in 1999, Human Touch develops and manufactures various massage and wellness products, including massage chairs.

This brand is focused on providing robotic massage chairs that feel almost human, so they want to mimic the techniques professionals use so their customers can reap the benefits.

Human Touch has a good reputation on the market, probably because they’re interested in developing and patenting new technologies to deliver the best massage chairs.

Human Touch has won various Design Journal Awards for Design Excellence because its chairs are ergonomic, stylish, and functional.

Their patented technologies can actually improve health issues like fibromyalgia and high blood pressure, and that’s because they cooperate with the medical community when designing their products.

Some other top brands similar in quality with great chairs are Infinity Therapeutic Brand, Luraco Technologies Brand, and Titan Massage Chairs.

Image	Title	Price
	Human Touch Novo XT	Check Price
	Human Touch WholeBody 7.1 Swivel-Base Massage	Check Price
	WholeBody 5.1	Check Price
	Human Touch Super “Novo”	Check Price
	ZeroG 5.0″ Premium	Check Price
	iJoy-2580 Premium Robotic	Check Price
	Human Touch iJoy Active 2.0	Check Price
	Navitas Sleep Massage	Check Price

Human Touch Massage Chair Reviews 2023

The Human Touch Novo Xt Chair is our top pick, but there are other models to compare it with below:

Novo XT

(top of the line chair from Osaki)

The Novo XT2 Massage Chair has a supple design and a top-notch performance, so it’s specifically designed for therapeutic massage.

Featuring 35 Auto-wellness programs and zero-gravity massage, plus Cloud Touch Acupressure, the built-in Altec Lansing sound system will help you relax even more with soothing music.

Comparatively, the Novo XT features 5 intensity settings too, and you can customize your massage experience courtesy of the 3-deep tissue massage programs.

The Novo XT features 35 massage programs too, including zero-gravity, and boasts an L-track design.

The Novo XT-2 features the S- and L-Track Unibody Design for deep spinal massage, music, acupressure, and Calf and foot Massager. You can find most of these features in the Novo XT too.

You can use this chair for many purposes, including recovery or relaxation.

The LCD remote control can adjust the intensity, width, speed, focus, direction, and massage duration.

Thanks to the warm air technology, your lumbar area will be soothed instantly with both Novo XT and XT-2.

Plus, you get a 5-year factory warranty.

The only drawback of course might be the high cost, but if you have a budget – you can look at this as an investment into your health and long-term well-being.

The Novo XT costs less than the Novo XT-2, though it doesn’t have some of its extra features like the upgraded Altec Lansing speaker system. It has the best sound system at the moment of all HT massage chairs and any other brand.

Summary: Although expensive, the Novo XT-2 is a great investment, providing comprehensive and customizable massage options.

Best Alternative – Luraco i7 PLUS

The USA-made Luraco i7 PLUS can be considered a better chair at the same price range because it can be used for medical purposes.

You’ll get a quality 3D robotic massage thanks to its automatic body shape detection.

There’s full-body heat with this chair, not just in the lumbar area, and the massage is done in three layers.

The Luraco i7 PLUS features 9 programs, fewer than the Novo XT-2, but you get a unique body swivel with twist stretching apart from acupressure and other options.

WholeBody 7.1

At an affordable price, the WholeBody 7.1 has five auto-massage programs to target various body parts.

It features warm air technology, too, focused on the lumbar area.

This robotic massage chair offers the BodyMap PRO massage feature to focus on specific body parts.

A swivel-based chair, this product is space-saving, it can help you relieve pain, stress, and tense muscles, even leading you to sleep.

Another patented feature is the “CirQlation” Figure-8 Technology for feet and leg massage to improve blood pressure and relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.

With no assembly required, there don’t seem to be many problems with this chair recliner.

However, the massage can feel a tad harsh at first, and the chair is a little stiff, so it’s uncomfortable if you want to use it as a regular chair.

Summary: WholeBody 7.1 offers a harsh massage, but it’s one of the best to improve blood circulation.

Opus – Exclusive Limited Edition

This is a smaller chair, so it’s space-saving, but it’s not for full-figured people.

It has plenty of features that recommend it, though, and a massage system based on the powerful 3D FlexGlide 360° engine that offers increased flexibility.

The Opus is easily put into a zero-gravity mode for relieving spinal pressure.

It also features the BodyMap PRO for targeted muscle massage and heat therapy technology with two heating modules for the lumbar area.

The remote control allows you to set the intensity, from mild to intense.

Other benefits include the 4 manual massage techniques, the Figure Eight technology with under-foot rollers for the best massage plus Cloud Touch for shoulders and hips.

Summary: TheOpus is a flexible, option-packed robotic chair, but it, unfortunately, can’t support full-figured people.

HT-135

The GT-135 is another customizable massage chair, and we love the patented HTMS system because it feels so natural, just like a human massage therapist.

There are 3 built-in programs, each about 15 minutes long.

The ergonomic design of the HT-135 is quite comfortable, keeping your spine in a natural position.

It’s a 3D chair, with a foot massager plus a full-body stretching option.

Besides, the luxurious leather lets your skin breathe, plus the seat cushions have memory foam.

Summary: The HT-135 feels like a personal massage therapist at an affordable price, though it’s not as feature-packed as other Human Touch chairs.

HT-136

The HT-136 is made with the same luxurious leather and feels just as natural as the HT-135, though there are some spots on the back that need a bit of actual human touch, in our modest opinion.

That said, the HT-136 gives you customized options, with three 15-minute built-in programs for a full-body robotic massage.

In fact, the Robotic Massage Technology this chair provides is very advanced, following the natural spine curvature.

The remote control operation is another advantage, and you have four massage modes, including the gentle Rolling, circular Kneading, firm Compression, and the tapping Percussion.

However, we love the healing therapy that’s missing here, plus it’s a big chair that takes up a lot of space.

Summary: An ergonomic, comfortable massage chair recliner that offers a complete massage, the XT-136, could be a lot better with the built-in heat therapy.

Best Alternative – Kahuna 6800

The Kahuna 6800 has more features for almost the same price, including 6 built-in programs, a 30-minute timer, shoulder airbags, and extra foot padding for added comfort.

WholeBody HT-5040

With white glove delivery and plenty of massage functions, this chair is based on swivel massaging technology to offer the best massage.

Plus, it can transform into an ottoman, so it’s also a versatile piece of furniture.

The patented foot and calf massage technology patented by Human Touch chairs pushes the blood away from your feet, decreasing your blood pressure.

There’s a downside, though: the footrest is pretty short, which means it’s recommended for shorter people.

With a combination of kneading, compression, percussion, and various intensity options, this chair feels like a human therapist.

Plus, there are 3 built-in relaxing programs for pain, stress, and relaxation that can focus on your upper, lower, or whole back.

Summary: The Whole Body HT-5040 is the best calf massager, but definitely not for tall people.

AcuTouch HT-9500x

The HT-9500x offers a full body massage; it features memory foam and an extendable foot-and-calf massager that can turn into an ottoman.

This is an ergonomic chair made from premium leather, and we love its AcuPoint detection system, which can figure out where your pressure points are.

Another patented massaging technology is Figure 8 CirQlation to improve high blood pressure, but we also appreciate the dual lumbar back heat and under the seat massage.

Besides, the contoured comfort neck pillow is really supportive.

The downsides? It’s a big chair that takes up quite a lot of space, plus all its awesome features come at a high cost.

Summary: One of the most comfortable robotic massage chairs, this one can improve your blood pressure but takes up a lot of room.

WholeBody 5.1 Swivel-Based

WholeBody 5.1 is a robotic massage chair that includes base swivels for flexibility and dual-motors to independently adjust your back and leg.

The targeted muscle abilities plus CirQlation technology to improve blood pressure are additional benefits, and we love the 3 included massage programs.

We also like the FlexGLide orbital massage technology that’s really relaxing, plus the rehabilitation advantages offered by the three massage techniques and three massage programs.

Besides, the included neck pillow is quite comfortable and supportive.

On the downside, you can’t use this as a regular chair because of the massage knobs.

Another disadvantage is that the chair is built for tiny people shorter than 5’6″, even if the maximum height is 6’2″.

HT-5320 WholeBody

With a full-body stretch option and full body massage options, this touch robotic chair recliner offers a supportive power recline backrest.

The footrest extension is comfortable, just like the arm and thigh air massage sleeves.

The pulsating seat massage is great for your hamstrings, but there’s a calf-and-foot massager built-in.

Besides, the Acupoint Detection System identifies and concentrates on the sore spots on your body.

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iJOY® Active 2.0

The iJoy Active uses three types of motions: stretch, orbit, and glide to mimic the natural feel of a massage therapist’s movements.

There are three auto-programs, plus the FLexGlide orbital massage technology is sensitive and relaxing – all at an affordable price.

This is a space-saving chair that can be used as living room furniture, and you can also recline it to almost 180ᵒ.

Besides, it’s really lightweight, making it portable and easy to move around, but it can feel too small for taller people.

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iJOY 2.1 Chair One Size Espresso

This Human Touch iJoy massage chair is affordable, made with sturdy polyurethane, compact design, and a good-looking Bone upholstery.

The FlexGlide massage technology relieves stress, there are 3 auto-programs, and the recliner mimics a professional massage therapist’s movements.

The recline strap is easy to use, and you get bonus zippered side pockets.

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iJOY 4.0

Another great recliner, this imported polyurethane chair has a compact design.

Among its great features, the Flex guide duo massage engine massages your back and bum simultaneously.

The targeted muscle techniques plus the built-in massage programs feel quite therapeutic.

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Gravis ZG

The Gravis ZG chair provides the benefits of a zero-gravity massage chair, relaxing, and taking the pressure off your spine.

The Air Massage Technology used is soothing yet powerful, but this chair also offers heat therapy plus targeted muscle benefits.

It’s fully adjustable, and includes a remote control, a Gravis ZG app, and a modern, ergonomic design.

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Forti

The Forti is a robotic  massager that provides a vigorous shiatsu massage, thanks to features like the 3D FlexGlide® 360 engine, the optional shoulder plus hand, and seat Cloud Touch massage.

This is a smart 3D Shiatsu massage chair, but it’s better suited for people under 6”.

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ZeroG Volito

This chair zero gravity recliner boasts a comfortable polyurethane SofHyde material, 3 auto programs, neck and shoulder support, dual motors, and the powerful FlexGlide Massage Engine.

Although it’s a bit noisy, it has a relaxing reclining design, a retractable ottoman, and a sturdy build.

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ZeroG 2.0

Another gravity recliner by HT, this chair offers body-match customization via remote control, zero-gravity massage, 4 built-in programs, and a smart 3D massage engine that helps you reach an immersive experience.

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ZeroG 3.0

This chair zero gravity recliner is a black HT product that’s best for people under 6’2” who want to experience a moderate-intensity massage.

This recliner boasts targeted muscle benefits, custom 3D-intensity, the smart 3D FlexGlide technology, an extendable foot and calf massager, and 3 auto-massage programs.

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Human Touch ZeroG 5.0

This gravity chair offers a full-body massage, 4 built-in programs, a 3D FlexGlide engine to reduce stress, plus localized heat therapy and a thorough foot and calf massager.

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Bali

Best for vigorous, therapeutic massages and free white-glove service, this chair features AcuPoint detection to identify pressure points, retractable arm massage wells, 9 vertical heights, and adjustable massage intensities.

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AcuTouch® 6.1

For people who prefer moderate-intensity massages, the AcuTouch 6.1 is based on the 3D Flexglide massage technology and boasts the S-track system for your anatomic spine curvature.

There’s an LCD controller, AcuPoint Detection, removable sleeve covers for the retractable foot massager, plus the relaxing CloudTouch massage.

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Human Touch Novo

Offering a vigorous massage for athletes and professionals, this chair boasts the L-Track massage system to cover over 60% of your back.

Other remarkable features include 3D massage, 32 auto-wellness programs, zero-gravity massage, full-body stretch, calf massager, Cloud Touch Acupressure, and lumbar heat therapy.

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Human Touch Chairs (Problems & Issues)

The main problem with Human Touch Chairs is their price tag!

The more expensive ones are obviously the best choice because they’re feature-packed and offer a very natural massage, identifying all (or most pressure points).

Conversely, cheap massage chairs require a lot of research.

Some are better suited for short people or some for the very tall.

Others can’t be used as living room furniture because they don’t have fully retractable knobs.

Some models might disappoint because they’re only sold in one color, while others, like the WholeBody 5.1 Swivel-Based, don’t offer heat therapy benefits.

Still, the most serious issue is with models like ZeroG 5.0, which reportedly tend to overheat after a year if they’re used a lot in the meantime.

This issue could easily be solved courtesy of the warranty, though.

On the other hand, Human Touch Gravis doesn’t have the best customer support to take full advantage of the warranty.

Sometimes they’re not friendly at all; other times, they simply require you to pay for transporting the malfunctioning chair, with freight costs adding to $250 depending on the chair size.

Are Massage Chairs Worth the Money?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked that question. Not by friends but by friends of friends. The people on this side of the equation are a little less brazen, but there’s also a nagging tendency to be conned by the folks selling chairs massage . If you’re spending money on a massage chair, it should work right out of the box. After all, you probably aren’t going to drop nearly $1,200 on a massage chair without seeing if it actually works right. Sure, there are aftermarket options if you have some time to shop around and are willing to shell out some cash, but you shouldn’t take the chances if you’re not sure the investment will pay off. But are there any faults with the Sofa Massage, which starts at $1,799?

Of course, there are some cons to consider before you pull the trigger, especially since this massage chair is only available in Europe right now. The biggest question is how comfortable it is, especially because of the reclining function with Omni motion silhouette. Even the base is adjustable and fairly heavy, so if it can recline without too much of a problem, it’s likely going to be comfortable to sit in for extended periods of time. But one of the biggest perks of the Human Touch Perfect Chair is how easy it is to maneuver. The base is well-built and the headrest tilts as well, so the chairs are easy to get in and out of. The reclining function has to be activated with the press of a button, which takes about 10 seconds to set up. But once it’s set, it’s easy to operate. It moves in a good amount of directions, including forward and back, which is great for people who experience severe back problems.

How Much Should You Spend on a Massage Chair?

The ideal budget for a massage chair depends on a variety of factors, including the quality of the chair, the features it offers, and your personal preferences and needs. Generally, massage chairs come in a wide price range, spanning from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. However, it’s important to consider the scientific and therapeutic aspects when determining how much to spend.

Higher-end massage chairs often incorporate more advanced technologies, such as 3D roller systems, body scanning, and a wider array of massage techniques. These features can provide a more precise and effective massage experience, targeting specific pressure points and muscle groups with greater accuracy.

Scientifically speaking, investing in a mid-range to high-end massage chair can provide better potential therapeutic benefits. For instance, chairs with adjustable intensity levels, heat therapy, and various massage programs offer a comprehensive approach to relaxation and potential relief from muscle tension.

Moreover, a higher budget can correlate with better build quality, durability, and ergonomic design, which can contribute to long-term comfort and overall satisfaction. It’s essential to consider the chair’s warranty and customer reviews to gauge its performance and longevity.

Ultimately, your budget should align with your personal wellness goals and the specific features that align with your needs. Prioritize chairs that integrate scientifically grounded massage techniques, advanced technologies, and ergonomic design to ensure the most effective and satisfying massage experience within your budget constraints.

Are Luxury Massage Chairs Worth It?

Determining the worthiness of luxury massage chairs requires an assessment of both their features and the individual’s wellness needs. Scientifically speaking, luxury massage chairs often offer advanced technologies and features that can potentially enhance the therapeutic benefits of massages. These features may include precise body scanning to customize massage sessions, a wider variety of massage techniques such as shiatsu and reflexology, and multi-dimensional roller systems that mimic human touch more accurately.

Moreover, some luxury chairs incorporate heat therapy, which has been scientifically shown to improve blood circulation, relax muscles, and potentially alleviate pain. Additionally, zero-gravity positioning, a common feature in luxury chairs, can reduce spinal pressure and enhance relaxation, based on biomechanical principles.

However, it’s important to align the features of the chair with your individual needs. If you have specific muscle tension or wellness goals, a luxury chair’s customizable settings, and targeted massage techniques can be particularly beneficial. Consider any medical conditions you have; for example, heat therapy might not be advisable for certain conditions.

In terms of build quality, luxury massage chairs typically use higher-grade materials and are crafted with greater attention to detail, potentially resulting in improved durability and comfort over time. Customer reviews and expert opinions can help gauge the effectiveness and satisfaction of a luxury chair.

Where to Buy

There are lots of stores that retail HT chairs – one is the actual Human Touch website. But perhaps the best option is Amazon.

This is a trusted store that offers fast shipping and some of the best prices on the market, especially considering you can buy used Human Touch massage chairs.

Another benefit of Amazon is the convenient return policy, much more expensive than buying directly from the HT website.

That said, never buy from untrustworthy websites or offline retailers.

These might pass used and malfunctioning chairs as new and don’t offer reliable warranties or good return options.

Where Are Human Touch Chairs Made?

Chairs are Engineered in the USA at California headquarters but the components are manufactured in Taiwan, and the assembly is done in China. The company also provides in-house customer service and factory-backed warranties. Human Touch has been an industry leader for 40 years by concentrating on key areas to fulfill the best quality and experience.

Can Massage Chairs Be Harmful?

Heat Stroke. You have been at the spa for hours and it is now time to relax. However, if you continue sitting in a hot massage chair for longer than necessary, you could end up with a heat stroke. Going too long in the chair and never getting up can also cause damage to the muscles and tendons in the legs. Stress Injuries. Massage chairs put pressure on various body parts. The extra pressure can cause injuries to the muscles and ligaments of the leg muscles. You must take into consideration the amount of pressure you are putting on the chair while you are in it. Always be mindful of this and make sure you are moving around every two hours.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. You don’t need to be an expert to know that overusing any part of your body is bad for it. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused when your wrist becomes inflamed because you are pressing on it for too long. One of the main causes of this problem is not moving around enough in the massage chair. It is important to take frequent breaks and use these to stretch your wrist.

Is Sitting in a Massage Chair Good for You?

Since it’s fairly cheap and there are tons of different styles, they are great for people who don’t have the money to treat their aching and stiff muscles. My massage chair has been getting me through some days lately. I go home, take off my clothes, and put on a pair of fuzzy socks. I slip into a warm, comfy bath, and listen to my favorite music while a happy relaxation environment takes over my body. This is the closest I can come to a place to go to cry.

Because I do cry… a lot. But once I am in my chair and listening to my music, I am transformed. The tears dry, the aches and stiffness are smoothed out, and the knots in my back relax and release. It’s like a great big hug that helps me so much.

Final Thoughts

HT is one of the most reputable brands when it comes to retailing top-quality massage chairs.

Considering these might seem a bit expensive, Panasonic massage chairs might be another good alternative.

In fact, many models have good alternatives, like the Luraco I7 Plus for the high-range, the Infinity 8500 for the middle range, and the Kahuna 6800 for the lower range.

As for the whole rand, the Human Touch Chair Novo Xt model is the signature option for this brand.

They’re the most expensive and the most feature-packed and comfortable, with lots of raving fans.

But what is the best option for you? Which massage chair are you going to buy?

Have you tried a massage chair till now? Let’s talk in the comments below!