7 Best Portable Massage Chair Models IDEAL for Therapists [REVIEW]

Being a massage therapist is probably one of the most hectic jobs that there is, not to mention the huge responsibility that comes with it of setting things right in somebody else’s body.

And, the primary requirement for this is to have a proper massage chair that delivers top-notch performance and benefits for both the therapist and the client alike.  

Portability is a major issue for massage therapy chairs as more often than not therapists are required to travel with the necessary equipment in case of urgent calls or meetings.

So, if you’re looking for the perfect portable massage chair package, we’re here to help you!

We have reviewed 7 of the best portable massage chair products for therapists in this article that are definitely going to provide you with a clear perspective of what to look for in one.

What’s more? They come at prices that are going to be anything but a damper on your aspirations!

So, check it out!

The 7 Top Portable Massage Chair Reviews

Master Massage Professional

The Master Massage Professional is one of the top-rated in the field of portable massage chairs.

It is designed to provide care and comfort to users of all ages and builts.

The best thing about this chair is that it is pretty lightweight but at the same time very durable.

It could be easily carried off for traveling purposes.

Features and Benefits

This model has a mark-resistant frame that is built using aircraft-grade tubular aluminum that makes it strong enough to sustain a significant amount of weight.

It has several layers of small-celled foam that are also known as memory foam and is denser than regular foam.

This easily adjusts to any body frame and ensures maximum comfort for users and delivers a satisfying massage experience for the client.

It has an ergonomic and compact design with the product dimensions of 11”x 20”x 43”, which makes it very easy to lift and carry for transport requirements.

That model is manufactured and handcrafted using only premium quality materials.

The product finishing is made of eco-safe powder coating, and the manufacturing process itself adheres to sustainable practices and approaches.

It is resistant to water or oil damages, and the powder coating makes it rust-proof as well.

This model also comes with a session pouch that makes it very convenient for you to store any small objects and accessories such as a watch or jewels safely during use or traveling with it.

It comes equipped with a 6-way face cradle and an entirely cushioned bolster for the sternum for added comfort and ease.

All in all, you do actually get the value for the money you invest in this model.

It is pretty affordable and is made of quality material to ensure proper comfort and portability, all together.

Earthlite Vortex

This is one of the lightest massage chairs for professional masseurs and therapists, weighing approximately around 15 pounds only.

This makes it a very portable device that easily fits traveling requirements for everyone.

Features and Benefits

This model is made of an aircraft aluminum frame that makes it very sturdy and durable.

The chair features a Pro-lite foam padding for its seats with a dual-layered supportive structure.

It is better than regular PU quality, and the brand uses its patented Naturesoft upholstery for providing maximum comfort and ease to the users.

This chair is easy to assemble and is highly adjustable details to suit the user’s requirements.

You can adjust the height of the seat, armrest, and sternum pad on this chair, according to the user’s measurement.

An extra sternum pad that is readily available with the chair itself can be added for extra comfort for the client.

Also, the height and the angle of the face pillow can be adjusted as per client's requirements.

The chair includes a durable nylon duffle-sized and zippered carry bag that helps accommodate accessories and spares.

It also comes with an adjustable shoulder pad and an extra thick protective pad for your sternum.

The space-efficient and compact design of the chair fold neatly and can be placed anywhere when not in use.

Stronglite Ergo Pro II Portable Chair

The actual selling point of this model is its high-quality construction and built-in features.

It is moderately lightweight, portable, and comes equipped with integrated wheels, which ensure that it can be moved around easily.

Features and Benefits

This massage chair is manufactured using double tubes of T6 aluminum alloy with a powder coat high-gloss finish which makes it highly durable.

It is a versatile unit that can comfortably accommodate a height range of 4’6” to 6’6”.

The winning point for this is that the entire unit can be adjusted manually.

You can easily tilt and slide the pad or tilt, raise and lower the seat to suit the user’s requirements.

You can also fully adjust the face cradle.

This unit also allows you to elongate its armrest and footrest to match the user’s height for ultimate comfort.

Not only can you make these necessary adjustments in this chair, but it even allows you to detach the knee rests and leg pads on it entirely.

This makes it very easy and comfortable for differently-abled people or people with leg injuries.

This is a highly portable unit that comes with an integrated wheel structure which makes it very easy to move around and makes for hassle-free travel equipment.

Professional Comfort 4

This is one of the most affordable therapists’ massage chair that is out there on the market.

It is a portable and highly adjustable unit that allows you to customize the angles of the hand, headrest, and seating positions.

Features and Benefits

The cushions and upholstery consist of soft PU foam and leather finish that provides the utmost comfort to the user.

It is water or oil damage-resistant, and the stains can be easily cleaned off with only a piece of wet cloth and some mild detergent.

It has got an extensive padding structure of 2.5 inches of soft foam and 2 inches of foam for the knee rest.

This offers maximum comfort and contributes to a satisfying massage experience.

It is hugely adjustable and allows you to manually alter the seating positions for different height requirements for the user and therapist alike.

You can also adjust the armrest and footrest on this unit for the same purpose.

The reclinable seat support provides a balanced posture for the user and prevents any unnecessary pressure or strain on the spine or any other pressure point on the back.

However, we did feel that it is a pretty heavy massage chair and weighs close to 30 pounds.

Although it is lighter than most other massage chairs, it makes for a durable and sturdy stationary unit.

Also, this makes it stronger than most other massage chairs, and it can sustain up to 300 pounds of working weight.

Ataraxia Deluxe Portable Folding Massage Chair

This is a beautifully designed therapist massage chair that comes at an amazingly inexpensive price tag.

It makes for an ideal option for those who are just starting out in their profession and don’t feel the need to invest heavily.

Features and Benefits

It has a comfortable thick foam padding with a synthetic leather finish.

Although it is not the most luxurious massage chair out there, it does provide for easy cleaning and maintenance and is resistant to oil and water damage. 

Moreover, it is easy to set up and compact enough to be folded up neatly for storage purposes.

It allows you to adjust the height of the armrest, seat, and chest pad.

You can also customize the angle and height of the face cradle of this unit.

Although the massage chair folds up neatly and can be stored anywhere, it is pretty heavy to carry around.

It weighs almost 25 pounds but serves as a good stationary massage unit.

Earthlite Avila II Portable

This is a well-built and sturdy therapy massage chair that offers a significant extent of portability and adjustability.

It can easily accommodate a height range between 4 to 6 feet and can sustain a working weight of up to 350 pounds.

Features and Benefits

The Earthlite Avila II is made using a carbon composite material and is exceptionally strong and durable.

The cushions on this chair can easily be removed for cleaning purposes.

The upholstery is of good quality and can endure a good amount of pressure for a considerable period.

It is also resistant to water and oil damage.

You can tilt and slide the chest pad and the face cradle on this model.

You can also adjust the armrest to suit the needs of your clients. It is designed for comfort and rightly delivers on its claims.

However, the only disadvantage to this model could be its weight, which is around 22 pounds.

It is a bit heavy, and it takes some effort to haul it out of its carrying case, which by the way, comes with the unit and is fitted with sturdy urethane wheels for easy movement.

It can instead be an ideal stationary massage unit for a therapist’s office or home.

Dolphin II Portable Therapist Massage Chair

This is a charmingly designed model that really is pretty lightweight and portable.

It is an excellent addition to any office or spa simply because it looks so good.

Features and Benefits

The innovative “telescoping” design of his particular massage chair allows the user to rest their body from a vertical to a horizontal position.

This alleviates any unnecessary pressure or strain on the back that at times can happen if you’re using an uncomfortable and poor-quality massage chair.

It also maximizes the comfort level of the user and allows the therapist to work intensely on the body with ease. 

It helps you perform several therapeutic procedures in the seated position.

Moreover, it gives the therapist access to the lower back area and relieves tension from the muscles.

This device consists of a powder-coated aluminum frame that makes it very strong and durable.

The welded and fixed base on this chair provides strength and stability to the ones who have a large and heavy frame.

One of the things that we really liked about this one is that the chair has no intrusive bars going in between your legs, which makes it very comfortable to work with.

It includes cushioned shoulder straps and wheels and can easily be moved or carried around, as well as traveled with.

Is a Massage Chair Worth It?

I've been curious about this for a while and thought I'd try to do it justice with some of my own conclusions. The other day I saw someone on Facebook bemoaning the 'downside' of their nice massage chair package, massage tables like Oakworks Portal Pro at a 'nice hotel' (presumably the Sheraton), and how much it was cutting into their afternoon. I know this sounds petty (I get it – it was a $1,000 chair), but I could see how they were getting back at the manager.

I'm a regular reader of ‘The Motley Fool’, and by now you've probably seen a half dozen articles explaining the potential of massage chairs and using them in your workplace. I've known for a long time that one of the ways to reduce turnover and decrease the amount of time that your people sit at their desks bored out of their minds is by adding things that bring them joy, or comfort. You can throw out the notion that you need to come up with 'marketable skills' for your workers because we've already been over that.

Is it Bad to Use a Massage Chair Everyday?

Could any good work come from using a massage chair as often as needed? My solution has been to take one to work to use in the morning and one to the gym in the afternoon. If you use it at a low setting to activate the vibration or try to soften up your muscles before you sit for too long, it's not so bad. I do not understand what happens to the circulation if you sit in one for long, so I avoid that.

I do not want a massage. I do not like touchy massage chairs. I can appreciate a full-body massage. But I do not care to sit in one, especially a massage chair. I try not to take many deep breaths. And I do not like the constant vibration, especially after a warm shower or sauna and I'm trying to get comfortable. I do think it helps my posture, however. I have difficulty with my spine and neck. I also find it easier to go through the day without getting stiff. I have found that sitting in it for short periods also helps me reduce the time I need to spend on the toilet. I may not want a deep tissue massage.

Can Massage Chairs Be Harmful?

Recent studies seem to be confirming that massage chairs might not be all that bad for your health, at least in the short term. But do they pose long-term risks? New research seems to be indicating that we need to be careful, based on a long-term study of more than 10,000 people conducted over a 15-year period. Researchers discovered that people who used chairs for long periods of time over a period of 30 years were at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, and even memory problems and depression. So, is the potential health risk of massage chairs being overblown? And if so, why? Back in 2008, when the study started, it was anticipated that the health risks of extended usage of massage chairs were minimal. However, they found that just one exposure was associated with a 22% increase in the risk of heart disease.

Can You Sleep On a Massage Chair?

This is the question we've all been asking ourselves, but here's a much simpler test for you: Can you sleep on a massage chair? No? Well, there is one sure way you can sleep on a massage chair. Just fold it up and lay it on the floor. Then you'll have a comfy massage chair (and also probably an indentation where your legs used to be). Ever wake up in the morning and just absolutely cannot move?

Some days, my neck and back are so stiff, it takes me an hour to get moving. If I get up from bed, the sensation of gravity doesn't feel right. So I drag myself into my computer chair with a groan. Not that this is that bad, but on really rough days, I don't even get up. I just stay in bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Alternative to a Massage Chair?

An alternative to a massage chair, with comparable therapeutic benefits and scientific backing, is the use of a foam roller in a practice known as self-myofascial release (SMR). SMR is a technique used to alleviate muscle tension, improve flexibility, and enhance overall musculoskeletal health. It is grounded in principles of biomechanics and neurophysiology, making it a scientifically supported option for addressing muscular discomfort and promoting relaxation.

Foam rolling involves using a cylindrical foam roller to apply pressure to specific muscle groups, triggering a process known as autogenic inhibition. This neurological response helps reduce muscle tension and enhances blood flow to the targeted areas, akin to the effects of a massage chair. SMR also aids in breaking down adhesions or fascial restrictions, thereby improving the range of motion and overall muscle function.

Scientific studies have demonstrated the efficacy of foam rolling for various benefits, including reducing muscle soreness, increasing joint flexibility, and enhancing athletic performance. When performed correctly and regularly, it can be as effective as a massage chair in promoting muscular relaxation and recovery.

Furthermore, SMR is cost-effective, portable, and allows individuals to target specific muscle groups, tailoring the therapy to their unique needs. Combining foam rolling with proper stretching and hydration can offer a holistic approach to maintaining musculoskeletal health without the need for a massage chair, making it a scientifically sound alternative worth considering for those seeking therapeutic benefits at home or on the go.

What is the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Massage Chairs?

The difference between cheap and expensive massage chairs is multifaceted, encompassing factors related to design, engineering, technology, and overall therapeutic effectiveness. Understanding these distinctions is essential for individuals seeking the most suitable massage chair to address their specific needs.

1. Build Quality and Materials: Expensive massage chairs typically employ higher-quality materials and superior craftsmanship. This results in a more durable and long-lasting product compared to cheaper alternatives, which may use lower-grade materials that wear out more quickly.
2. Massage Mechanisms: High-end massage chairs often feature advanced massage mechanisms, such as 3D or 4D rollers, airbag systems, and multidimensional movement. These mechanisms provide a more precise and customizable massage experience, adapting to the user's body contours and preferences. Cheaper models may have simpler, less sophisticated massage mechanisms.
3. Massage Techniques: Expensive massage chairs offer a wider range of massage techniques, including kneading, tapping, shiatsu, and more. These chairs can mimic the techniques used by professional massage therapists, providing a more diverse and effective massage. Cheaper chairs may have limited massage options.
4. Customization and Programming: Costlier models often come with extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their massage sessions to specific areas of the body and intensity levels. Cheaper chairs may have fewer customization features, providing a less personalized experience.
5. Additional Features: Expensive massage chairs frequently include extra features like body scanning technology, zero-gravity positioning, heating elements, and Bluetooth connectivity for music and smartphone apps. These features enhance the overall massage experience but are typically absent or less advanced in cheaper chairs.
6. Durability and Warranty: Premium massage chairs usually come with longer warranties and better customer support, reflecting the manufacturer's confidence in their product's durability. Cheaper chairs may have shorter warranties and less robust customer service.

In summary, the difference between cheap and expensive massage chairs lies in the quality of materials, sophistication of massage mechanisms, range of massage techniques, customization options, additional features, and overall durability. While both may provide relaxation and relief, expensive massage chairs are more likely to offer a superior and scientifically advanced massage experience, making them a worthwhile investment for individuals seeking long-term therapeutic benefits.

Conclusion

So here is our extensive review of some rather impressive portable massage chairs for therapists.

But, in our opinion, the Master Massage Professional takes the cake for being the best in quality, portability, and adjustability of the rest of them.

Not only does it come with an attractive price tag and provides a satisfying massage experience for both client and therapist, but it also adheres to sustainable practices in its manufacturing process.

And, this should be duly appreciated.