10 Best Portable Massage Therapy Chair Reviews: TOP Models [2024]

If you’re like me, you know that having a portable massage chair is essential for any therapy practice and you are giving at-home massages.

A good chair may influence your massage efficiency by up to 200% so your clients can feel better faster.

The best portable massage chairs are compact, light, with sturdy frames, comfortable padding, easily adjustable, great for deep tissue massages, and so on.

But, not all massage chairs are created equal…

Well, I’ve talked to some experts, tested some chairs, and now written this article to help you compare and choose the best portable therapy chair for your needs.

10 Top Portable Massage Chair Review

Without further ado, here’s my number one choice.

1. Master Massage Professional – Best All-around Value – #1

With 11 x 20 x 43 inches and 15.2 pounds, this chair is compact and lightweight, which makes it very easy to carry; plus it comes with a carrying case that looks like a wheeled luggage bag, but unfortunately, it’s a bit difficult to keep it straight. Construction-wise, this is a comfortable and durable chair, with 2-inch multi-layer small cell foam that has a high density and thus proves ergonomic.

It is a waterproof chair, with polyurethane upholstery in a stylish royal blue color. The reinforcement gives this model additional durability, but it also looks amazing considering that it comes in royal blue.

The aircraft aluminum frame is light and strong, with no-mark finishing and electrostatically-powdered so that the MasterMassage resists rust and scratches. Besides, this strong frame can support people up to 650 pounds. It comes with included accessories such as the adjustable face cradle that you can adjust in six positions or the memory foam pillow.

The session pouch allows users to stash their eyeglasses or rings without fear of misplacing them.

Summary: The Master Massage Professional has the best all-around value, and it’s a feature-packed, resilient chair.

2. Stronglite Ergo-Pro II Portable With Wheels – Best Chair for Heavier Bodies

This is another light and sturdy chair, with a high degree of portability, considering it’s made from T6 aluminum alloy and a high gloss powder-coated finish. It is suited for heavier users, considering it has a patented double tube that makes it stabler than other portable chairs.

At 24 pounds, this model is versatile and can fit users between 4‘6” to 6’6”, with easy-to-make adjustments of the chest and seat area, though the chair might squeak a bit. This modelalso features an ergonomic design, and the armrests are easy to adjust, though you can’t put too much pressure on them, while the leg pads are easy to remove. With wheels, ballistic nylon carries case, and valuables pouch, this model is easy to move and store.

Summary: The Stronglite Ergo Pro II is the best massage chair very resistant chair that proves quite versatile and comfortable.

3. Earthlite Vortex Portable Package – Best Pro Chair to Travel With

The Earthlite Vortex massage chair includes the whole massage chair package you need for traveling, including a case that’s resistant to water because it’s made from rugged nylon.

The case comes with a padded shoulder strap for extra comfort and a sternum pad to take the weight off your back. Besides, the chair only weighs 15 pounds. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, the frame is light, yet tough, allowing the chair to fold easily. The upholstery supported by this frame is made from resistant dual-density Pro-Lite cushioning. Above it, the Natursoft upholstery proves quite soft, but it’s also durable.

That model allows you to make plenty of adjustments to accommodate users, plus it’s easy to set up and fold. Unfortunately, it’s not a chair meant for bigger users, and the armrest might feel too low.

Summary: The Earthlite Vortex includes the complete massage chair package, so it’s easy to travel with.

4. Comfort 4 Portable Chair – Best On a Budget

If you’re on a budget, this chair is resistant and comfy, though it’s better for masseurs who only work part-time or are going through their apprenticeship. At a more affordable price range, this unit can also double as a tattoo chair, and it seems it’s better for this purpose.

However, it’s a comfortable model, filled with high-density foam, and can easily be folded. Although the advertised maximum static capacity is 700 pounds, the user manual states it’s just 250 pounds. So this model can’t fit bigger users. Still, the upholstery is made with PU leather that’s water and oil-proof, so you can easily clean it.

It is compact, easy to set up and fold, and weighs just 23 pounds.

Summary: The Massage Chair Comfort 4 is an affordable and comfy chair, but lacks in durability.

5. Therabuilt Apex Massage Chair

The Therabuilt Apex massage chair is portable, weighs just 18.5 pounds, comes in a stylish black, and has a 250 pounds working weight limit, so it can’t accommodate heavy users. Besides, it comes with a free case that’s comfortable to use.

This is not a particularly durable chair, as the warranty offers 1 year against manufacturer frame defects and 3 months for the face cradle. Speaking of which, I liked how easily-adjustable the face cradle is, and I thought the 3.5-inches thick foam is particularly plush. While some users might complain that the screw to assemble the armrest is shorter than it should be, that isn’t the case, and you can easily find a YouTube video showing you how to set the chair up correctly.

Summary: The Therabuilt Apex massage chair has great cushions and an easy assembly, but it’s not the most resistant on the market.

6. NRG Grasshopper

This is another fairly durable chair considering that its frame is manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminum, which also renders it light. This 18 pounds chair can support a 300-pound working weight. The upholstery is made from soft vinyl, which is a soft, cozy material. Besides, Levante vinyl is resistant to stains and easy to clean.

This professional portable massage chair is covered with 2.5-inch foam, which adjusts to your body shape and is, therefore, ergonomic and cozy. The seat, chest, head, and armrests are all easily adjustable, while the chair is easy to fold and carry courtesy of the included storage case. One downside is that the screws used for adjusting the movable parts tend to get a little loose with time, so you need an Allen wrench handy.

Summary: An easy-to-clean, comfy chair, the NRG Grasshopper could use better knobs.

7. Oakworks Massage Chair – Portal Pro 3

At 19 pounds and with a 350 pounds weight capacity, this Oakworks portal massage chair is easy to use, allowing you to massage your patient’s head, shoulders easily, and back. This chair is compact, sturdy, and light, so it’s easy to set up anywhere.

The instructional video is very clarifying, and the case is quite reliable for transport. This chair can fit people up to 300 pounds, and with a height of 4’11” to 6’4”, so it’s not meant for tall users.

However, the chair is easily adjustable, just like the armrest and face rest, that can be locked with only one hand. This chair is stable even if it has portable wheels, its frame is made from aluminum, and it’s upholstered with PVC-free Terratouch, that’s easy to clean.

Summary: The Oakworks Portal Pro 3 is a chair meant for petite users, but it’s durable and easy to use.

8. Ataraxia Deluxe Portable Folding Massage Chair

One of the most affordable portable chairs on the market, the Ataraxia Deluxe certainly has its shining features, like the fact that its upholstery is made from oil-resistant and waterproof synthetic leather.

Like all the chairs above, this one can be folded and comes with a carrying case that features a strap. However, the chair can’t be folded easily, and the carry case seems a bit shabby. This is a solid chair, with a steel frame, but some of its other parts will definitely wear faster with prolonged use. Steel is a durable material, but it’s heavier than aluminum, so the couple extra pounds added might inconvenience you.

However, this is an easily adjustable chair, with a comfy foam system for the price, while the quick-release lock system is fairly safe.

Summary: The Ataraxia Portable Folding Chair has a surprisingly sturdy and quiet frame for the price, but some of its other parts are less resistant.

9. Earthlite Avila II

The Earthlite Avila II is not an inexpensive massage chair, but it’s highly adjustable for users between 4’6” to 6’6”. The chest pad is comfortable, sliding, and tilting, while the face cradle is very comfortable and easy to adjust, just like the armrests.

However, you need a bit of time to learn how to tweak these adjustments to perfection. Besides, since the seat height isn’t adjustable itself, the clients can sit comfortably, but the massage therapist needs to work on them from a weird angle. Although the chair weighs 22 pounds, it can support a maximum working weight of 350 pounds.

That’s because the frame is made from carbon composite, that’s light and particularly resilient, and you can easily replace the pads. Plus, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty to attest to its longevity. It features removable cushions that are quite good, while the Natursoft upholstery is made from very soft polyurethane.

The chair is easy to transport thanks to the ballistic nylon carry case that sports durable urethane wheels.

Summary: Deemed the most easily adjustable chair on the market, the Avila II would certainly use an adjustable chair height.

10. Stronglite Massage Chair – Stronglite Ergo Pro

The first thing I loved about this chair is the fully adjustable face cradle and the very comfortable face pillow that’s made from STRONGLITE.

This chair has all the bells and whistles, including a valuable pouch, transport wheels and a carry bag made from rugged ballistic nylon that features a strong zipper and padded strap.

The frame is resistant, yet light, considering it’s manufactured from T6 aluminum alloy that’s heat-treated. Besides, the patented double tube design makes this chair particularly stable, although it weighs just 19 pounds. However, the chair could use more padding to make it more comfortable and to ensure it lasts longer.

The chair can fit clients between 4’6” to 6’6”, thanks to the height-adjustable seat. This seat also allows you to reverse the clients quickly, while the leg pads are easy to remove and serve disabled clients.

Summary: The Stronglite Ergo Pro is a strong chair with a durable frame, but it could use more padding.

Some Other Good Portable Massage Chair Models to Consider

After reading the top 10 above, let’s see what other terrific chair models you can consider:

VIVOHOME Folding Chair Adjustable Face Cradle

Earn the relaxing experience to your house with VIVOHOME’s chair – a well balanced, and crafted model made of the highest quality leather that holds wear and tear, presenting it simple to clean up. Built with a heavy-duty metal frame that can hold up to 250 pounds. You can just pack it away fold it up,  in the added bag, and set it cautiously out of the way. What’s more, this model is highly adjustable, so you’ll come away with the most pleasant experience.

• Sturdy Frame – Built with a heavy-duty metal frame that is sturdy and durable and will not bend, tilt, or damage your floors
• Height-Adjustable – The height of the hip rests, head, hand rests, are adjustable so any height person can hold this chair
• High-Quality Material – Made of durable leather to repel water and oil and is simply cleaned with a dry or slightly damp cloth
• Space Saver – intended to be folded when not in use so it will not take up space in your house or office
• Wide Application – pErfect for hospitals, hotels, offices, salons, salons, etc

Massage Therapist Chair Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you’re here, you must still have some questions:

What Should I Look for When Buying a Portable Massage Table?

The importance of achieving just the right one. The hands-down most important thing to look for in a massage table is the accessories. It’s going to be a serious investment and you want to make sure it is going to provide you with a safe, comfortable, and hassle-free experience. High-quality – the heavier and larger the table, the higher the price. It’s better to go with a lesser-priced table than to go with one that is priced significantly higher than the competition.

The heavier and larger the table, the higher the price. It’s better to go with a lesser-priced table than to go with one that is priced significantly higher than the competition. Carry handle – It is preferred to get a table with a built-in carry handle so you don’t have to worry about bringing it in and out of your home.

It is preferred to get a table with a built-in carry handle so you don’t have to worry about bringing it in and out of your home. Anti-slip materials – Avoid using wood or rubber straps, as they will absorb the heat, causing the table to sizzle and burn your client. Instead, opt for table pads and massage sleeves, which are made from soft materials that won’t burn your client and will still keep the table cool.

Can You Sit in a Massage Chair Too Long?

You’ve been hearing about massaging your back while lying down, but do you know if you can do it while sitting in a massage chair? If you’re a chair-lift rider, you probably already know this, but if you ride down to get your massages, the difference between up and down can have a big impact on what’s on your back. Here are the things you should know: Elevated/pedestal massage chairs are designed to be self-explanatory.

They’re designed to lower so you can lie down on your back and get your massage while the chair slowly rises back up. Lift chairs, however, generally look similar, but because they are designed to allow riders to get up and move around, they can cause the same side effects as chair lifts, but they are not designed for lying down. If you are prone to side effects of massages in chairs, these may be your main concern. If you have a physical or health condition that causes you to need to sit upright for long periods of time, then you need to talk to your therapist about how long you can lie in the massage chair.

Can Massage Chairs Be Harmful?

Does the massage chair put you to sleep? How about the massage chair and a relaxing movie? New research shows that these devices can sometimes take you to the Land of Nod……trouble breathing. According to the researchers, massage chairs have been popular for decades but were not studied until now. Their findings are the subject of a study published in the journal of the American Thoracic Society. Researchers found that people’s levels of carbon monoxide—a gas produced by burning fuel or natural gas—increased when they lay back on a massage chair. And levels increased, the study showed, when a person watched an hour of a documentary.

In fact, the findings suggest that watching a movie can put people at risk of having a dangerous level of carbon monoxide build-up in their blood. This can happen when high levels of carbon monoxide are trapped in the body, causing people to fall asleep. Of course, it’s difficult to be sure whether the findings apply to home devices like the massage chair since there’s no way to measure.

Do Shiatsu Massage Chairs Work?

Massage chairs that incorporate the techniques of Shiatsu massage are designed to provide a therapeutic and relaxing experience. Scientific research supports the effectiveness of Shiatsu massage in relieving muscle stiffness, improving blood circulation, and reducing stress.

These chairs utilize mechanical rollers and airbags to simulate the targeted pressure and kneading motions used in Shiatsu massage. While they may not match the precision and intuition of a human therapist, such massage chairs can still offer notable benefits in terms of relaxation, pain reduction, and overall well-being.

How to Choose a Professional Portable Massage Chair?

When selecting a professional portable massage chair, several key factors should guide your decision-making process to ensure both quality and functionality. Firstly, consider the chair’s construction material. Opt for lightweight yet durable materials such as aluminum or high-grade steel, as they provide stability without adding unnecessary weight. This ensures portability while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Next, evaluate the chair’s design ergonomics. Look for a model that offers adjustable features to accommodate various body types and massage techniques. Adjustable components such as the height, seat angle, and face cradle position allow for customized comfort and optimal client positioning, enhancing the massage experience and therapist’s efficiency.

Assess the padding and upholstery quality for comfort and durability. High-density foam padding with a water-resistant, oil-resistant, and easy-to-clean upholstery material ensures longevity and hygiene. Additionally, choose a chair with removable cushions for convenient maintenance and replacement if needed.

Portability is a critical aspect of professional portable massage chairs. Opt for a model that folds compactly and comes with a carrying case for ease of transportation. Lightweight chairs with quick-release mechanisms facilitate setup and breakdown, allowing therapists to efficiently move between appointments or locations.

Consider the weight capacity and stability of the chair to ensure safety and support for clients of varying sizes. A sturdy frame design with reinforced joints and secure locking mechanisms enhances stability during use, minimizing the risk of accidents or discomfort for clients.

Evaluate additional features and accessories offered with the chair. Look for integrated accessories such as armrests, headrests, and carrying pouches for added convenience and functionality. Some models may also include adjustable chest pads or side arm extensions to accommodate different massage techniques and client preferences.

Prioritize chairs with a warranty or satisfaction guarantee to safeguard your investment and ensure customer satisfaction. Manufacturers’ warranties typically cover defects in materials or workmanship, providing peace of mind and support in case of any issues.

Finally, consider budget constraints while balancing quality and features. While investing in a high-quality portable massage chair is essential for professional use, opt for a model that meets your specific needs and preferences without overspending.

In conclusion, choosing a professional portable massage chair involves careful consideration of construction materials, ergonomic design, padding and upholstery quality, portability, weight capacity, stability, additional features, warranty, and budget. By prioritizing these factors, therapists can select a chair that enhances their practice and ensures client comfort and satisfaction.

Where to Buy

There are plenty of online and offline businesses that retail these massage chairs, but you should look for a reputable place, with good shipping like Amazon.

This website allows you to compare and contrast user reviews, and it even offers reliable return policies.

Conclusion

If you’ve read my portable massage chair comparison above, you know that my personal favorite is the Master Massage Professional. It’s fairly affordable, resistant, comfortable, easy to use, and feature-packed.

All in all, it has the fewest disadvantages when you compare it to all the other chairs in this review. That’s my recommendation. What will you get and why? Let’s talk in the comments below. Also, reviews of professional massage tables are coming soon! Stay tuned!