Ogawa Massage Chair Review (2023) | #1 TOP Model & [Alternatives]

Testing and reviewing massage chairs is not as relaxing as it might seem.

Researching the Ogawa massage chairs below wasn’t easy either.

Luckily, Ogawa has customers across the globe, and I believe this is a competent, ethical company.

But are all its massage chairs perfect? Far from it.

I’ve read about and tested so many massage recliners that I’m an expert in deciphering the technical features.

And I can tell you that Ogawa’s massage chairs bring plenty of health benefits to the mix, which you can read about below.

But I only selected five top models, three of which take the podium. Drum-roll!

I’ve detailed the pros and cons of each massage chair too, so you can compare, contrast and make an informed decision.

About The Company

Ogawa is a reputable brand in the world of top massage chairs for over two decades.

The official company's mission is to meet the needs of all its customers, so its products are innovative, and its customer support system is reliable.

Ogawa manufactures its own massage chairs in China, which is a plus in terms of developing new features and patenting better technologies.

As such, they can improve their products according to customer feedback promptly.

The quality control checks are effective, and they conduct extensive testing of their massage chairs.

Ogawa has various branches catering to the US market.

They manufacture elegant massage chairs in California, and they have offices in Covina.

Ogawa hires smart industrial designers to ensure they craft effective massage chairs.

It boasts free curbside shipping, lifetime support, and extended warranties.

The massage chair products feature 5-year limited warranties, as well as a 30-day return period.

You can get a full refund too if you’re not happy with your massage chair.

Top 3 Ogawa Massage Chairs Comparison & Review

If I have to pick one chair, it would be Ogawa Smart 3D product due to of its complete set of features.

But I’ll discuss all those below. There are other reliable chairs I like, and I included them in the reviews below.

Choose a massage chair that can fit your budget, your lifestyle, and your home, plus solve your particular needs in terms of pain or stress release.

Smart 3D Massage Chair

If you want to delight in a proficient Shiatsu massage, the Smart 3D boasts various smart features that make the massage unique.

Features and Benefits:

The Ogawa Smart 3D is Ogawa’s top-of-the-line massage chair. It’s a quality, effective product, with intelligent features.

For instance, you don’t need to browse through multiple massage options before selecting the right massage for you.

The installed tablet has a memory function with various customized profiles, which save your preferences.

As such, the Smart 3D is a versatile, customizable piece of equipment. You can select various combinations between techniques and auto-programs, to personalize your massage.

On the other hand, this self-programming requires a bit of learning curve before you become familiar with the chair’s options.

The Smart tablet is HD and intuitive, so that will help you control and select your options.

There’s a pre-installed smart app too, and you can easily use the touchscreen navigation for the app. The 3D rollers are smart too, with plenty of options.

You can adjust the massage depth, so the rollers travel 3 inches from the track into your spine for a deep-tissue Shiatsu massage.

You can also adjust the massage intensity to six levels. Whatever you choose, the 3D rollers offer a lifelike experience. There are 12 techniques to choose from, six of which are advanced.

My favorite was the vigorous Thai Stretch because it alleviated my spinal pain instantly.

This Thai Stretch is rejuvenating, and you can use it on other body parts too, like your ankles, knees, or arms.

While the S-track is short, the body scan technology accurately measures your shape and size to deliver an effective massage and target the sore spots on your back.

The airbag massage is another smart feature. Called Smart Sense Air Compression, this technology places your body in the optimum position for a wide array of stretches.

It also effectively compresses your muscles to improve your circulation and to release tension, thanks to patented sensors that can tell how much pressure (human touch) you need.

I also liked the massage foot rollers, which offer a deep, therapeutic foot massage in combination with the airbags. Unfortunately, there is no foot heat for this chair.

The Smart 3D features various types of massages, with different benefits. The Zone/ Partial massage focuses on a specific tight knot to alleviate chronic pain.

Lumbar heat releases lower back pain, while vibration improves blood circulation and helps to detoxify your muscles.

Color therapy is relaxing and can improve your endocrine processes because it positively stimulates the brain.

There’s also a zero-G position, which can effectively take the weight from your spine and press it on the rollers.

This decompresses spinal discs, improves your circulation of blood and makes the massage deeper.

The Smart 3D boasts several special technologies, including self-diagnosis and adjustable shoulders, plus a Smart Sense ottoman to adjust to your height.

With that in mind, the Luraco i7 Plus might be a better alternative. Registered with the FDA, CE, and UL, the i7 Plus is a medical chair.

Although it’s not smart and it has fewer massage techniques and just five memory slots, it has more therapeutic benefits.

For instance, the blood pressure and heart monitor make sure you get the right massage intensity.

Active L Massage Chair

The Active L is a massager for relaxation and muscle release, promoting body wellness.

Features and Benefits:

The main features I liked are zero-gravity, chromotherapy, performing foot rollers, SL track, plus heat therapy, and deep, elongating stretches.

The Active L massages you from head to toe, with nine auto-programs that use various Shiatsu styles.

The programs target different problem areas on your body, like the neck and shoulders, spine, lower back, and glutes.

The stretch options vary from gentle to vigorous so that you can choose the best option for your needs.

You can make this selection easier, as the touchscreen remote is intuitive.

The Active L allows you to create a sketch of your entire body so that you can adjust the rollers on your sore spots.

If you have chronic pain, choose the zone massage option, add the technique you need, and turn on the heat for an effective, comprehensive massage.

This chair features zero-gravity too, which releases spinal pressure, increases the massage intensity and improves circulation.

There are two zero-G positions, so you can choose the one that’s most comfortable for you.

The foot rollers cover your feet completely, but you can also turn on the air massage to release more tension.

However, I would have liked to see heat therapy for the foot massage, which can only make the massage more effective in terms of pain release.

Otherwise, I appreciate the hybrid SL track which extends from your nape to your upper thighs.

This hybrid track offers an optimum, ergonomic shape and a comprehensive massage.

You can choose between six massage techniques, two of which are advanced styles; Shiatsu and Swedish.

This chair features an HD sound system, Bluetooth compatibility, and auto leg extension to fit people up to 6’3”.

The quiet technology and overheat safety features are user-friendly, but, unfortunately, there are no memory settings as in many other Ogawa products.

As the Active L model is a reliable chair, but with no memory slots, there might be better alternatives. One of these alternatives is the more expensive Infinity 8500X3.

Although this chair has fewer auto massage programs, a shorter S-track, industry-standard quad rollers, and two stages of zero-gravity, it comes with some therapeutic features.

The Spinal Correction option uses a Tru-Grip V Stretch to correct your posture. The Waist Twist option massages your lower back and swivels your hips to alleviate sciatica pain.

The airbag massage is effective, with 38 air cells, while the reflexology foot rollers use acupoints on your soles for a deep-tissue massage.

Another worthy alternative to consider is the 3D Kahuna Exquisite Rhythmic. The 3D massage balls offer a deep tissue massage, promising to touch all your pressure points.

This massage system employs very elastic rollers that look like small balls, to cover your entire back.

The Kahuna product has a hyper-long hybrid SL-track, which covers 51.2 inches. Besides, this model offers a rare head massage feature, which is effective against stress.

The Kahuna features 15 massage programs, so six more than the Active L, plus healing feet heat to improve blood circulation in your feet and to unwind sore muscles.

Touch 3D

The Touch 3D product boasts therapeutic features like 3D dual rollers for a deep-tissue massage, chromotherapy for relaxation, and self-diagnostic software.

Features and Benefits:

Resembling the Smart 3D, Touch 3D brings some unique advantages of its own. The 3D rollers can travel 3 inches from the track for a deep massage, but you can also adjust the massage intensity on six different levels.

The 3D body scan is accurate, as it takes into account the shape of your spine, not just your shoulder width. You can also adjust the roller position as you go.

There are nine built-in massage programs and six manual massage techniques, including the advanced Shiatsu and Swedish.

The unique advantage of Touch 3D is that you can combine these massage techniques, to enjoy endless variations of your massages.

The touch screen remote looks like a tablet, and it’s intuitive so that you can adjust these massage options quickly.

The SmartSense Aircell Technology uses 64 airbags to deliver a comprehensive, full-body air massage, but it also controls the airbag pressure via patented sensors.

As such, the compression massage auto-adjusts the intensity on the spot, according to your needs.

I also liked chromotherapy, as the blue light is very relaxing and is said to improve your brain chemistry, allowing you to relax. In turn, this regulates your mood and your endocrine system.

There are two stages of zero-gravity to decompress your spine and relieve pain.

The mechanical foot rollers offer a deep tissue massage, and you can relieve pain even faster if you add the compression massage. However, feet heat would have made the massage more effective.

With a patented air suspension system, the Touch 3D is a quiet chair. The self-diagnosis feature, Bluetooth compatibility, and 5’2” to 6’6” user height is additional user-friendly features.

The Touch 3D is similar to Smart 3D, but there are no adjustable airbags, the remote is not wireless, there are fewer programs, and the ottoman can't be electronically adjusted.

For a similar price, the 3D Kahuna Rhythmic might be a better choice.

Like I said before, the Exquisite Rhythmic offers a high-quality air compression massage with a patented technology to improve the circulation of blood and reduce toxins.

Besides, the Exquisite Rhythmic features whole body heat and has a 17 air partial control system with five levels of intensity for the compression massage.

Refresh Plus

The Ogawa Refresh Plus aims to refresh both your body and your mind, getting rid of tension and pain.

Features and Benefits:

The Smart Curve Technology uses an S-track with quad rollers, that apply constant pressure and can touch all your painful knots.

While the S-track is short, I particularly found that my upper back, neck, and spine were comprehensively massaged, which alleviated pain and improved my posture.

The full-body air massage improves blood circulation, with acupuncture nodes that stretch and unwind sore muscles. I enjoyed the arms, hands, and shoulders air massaging the most, as it helped alleviate my joint pain.

The foot and calf massage is comprehensively done with both mechanical foot rollers and air compression.

My feet were covered from side to side, plus the acupressure points on my soles were kneaded effectively, which released tension in my feet after a day of hiking.

The two stages of zero-G are a plus for the price range. Zero-G puts your body in a weightless position, to reduce heart rate and take pressure off your spine.

This improves blood circulation and makes for a deeper, pain-relieving massage.

I also liked the spot option, which is excellent for a painful knot or chronic pain.

There are six auto programs, with speed and intensity adjustments, plus seven manual techniques, including the advanced Swedish and Shiatsu.

Lumbar heat therapy is another good way to improve the circulation of blood and alleviate sore muscles, especially if you have sciatica.

Seat vibration can also alleviate sciatica pain and to stimulate blood flow and nerve regeneration.

With that in mind, the Kahuna LM6800 might be a better choice for the price.

This model features three stages of zero-gravity, feet heat plus a vigorous Thai stretch to relieve spinal pain.

It also boasts a hybrid SL track that extends to your glutes, for a more comprehensive massage.

Active Supertrac (Discontinued Model)

The Ogawa Active Supertrac is a customizable, feature-packed massage chair, for a sophisticated massage experience.

Features and Benefits:

Although this is a discontinued model, you can still find it on websites like Amazon.

That’s why it’s good to know it has features like the Smart Curve technology for an accurate roller placement to target your painful knots.

The Active Supertrac boasts nine auto programs and six massage techniques, including the advanced Shiatsu and Swedish.

You can adjust the intensity on five levels, and the massage area width on three levels, plus you can use the removable back pad to lower your intensity.

The adjustable footrest is another user-friendly feature.

I like the spot massaging option for painful knots, while the lumbar heating pads can unwind sore muscles in your lower back area.

But the Supertrac technology is the best feature, in my opinion, because it helps the rollers extend to your glutes, making the massage highly effective for lower back pain.

There are two stages of zero-gravity, which place you in a weightless position. This helps reduce your heart rate, therefore improving your blood circulation.

It also takes the pressure off your spine because all your weight is pressing on the rollers. In turn, this means you’ll enjoy a deeper massage.

The foot massage is comprehensive, with high-quality rollers and airbags to improve blood circulation and to knead sore muscles.

The air massage is highly effective, as there are 56 air cells to envelop your whole body.

Is a Massage Chair a Good Investment?

When you go to a massage parlor, you might think a massage chair is a crazy gift to get for your significant other. After all, what woman wants a massage chair in her house? But, let's say she's a spa-oriented woman. Maybe she's the type that tries to match all of her items to her personality. If that's the case, you might want to consider getting her a massage chair for her home. This is a funny thing to gift to a friend or a significant other, but after speaking to the experts, they believe they're not that expensive.

Most stores like IONA and JohnEdison offer them for under $200. It's easy to find a great deal like this, so don't let the price stop you from buying one. It's even possible that it's even cheaper at the massage parlor. The price on a recliner at a local spa will probably be less than $200," said John Edison President Michael Pylman. Many people are shocked to learn that you can even get a positive posture massage chair for that price. They're definitely under $200. They have them at one of our spas for less than $200," said Edison. Of course, not all massage chairs are created equal.

Is Massage Chair Worth the Money?

If you are looking for a good chair to get your back feeling good, you should consider investing in the best massage chair money can buy. However, many people wonder if massage chairs are worth the money. The best massage chair is going to do more than simply provide a massage and a relaxing feel, it will also relieve your tired body. The first key factor to consider when you are investing in a massage chair is comfort. All the best massage chairs will provide excellent back, neck, and shoulder massages. They will also provide firm lumbar massages, hip massages, and abdominal massages. These massages will also help to decrease back and leg tension and to relax your whole body.

The next step in your choice process will be to select a massage chair that is ergonomic. A foam roller is a great tool for easing muscle soreness, but there's a lot more to getting relief from muscle pain and knots. One of the best ways to do that is with a massage chair. And with so many massage chairs on the market, the question is: "Is the Deluxe Reclining Self-Adjusting Back & Shoulder Massager chair worth the money?

Is it Bad to Use a Massage Chair Too Much?

If you're one of the four million people who order the "Netflix and Chill" subscription, you may be thinking that your only source for self-care is a pair of fuzzy slippers, a warm drink, and a good movie. Well, the flip side of that is you don't want to show up to your yoga class too dinged up. One of the most common ways to get to the bottom of a sore back is by checking in with a medical professional to rule out any major underlying causes.

While more and more people are trying to "de-stress" from their busy lives by moving away from personal grooming products (sorry), you may be depriving your body of the crucial, back-fat-loving long-term results that come from professional services. And since many forms of massage, including back and shoulder massage, are things you can give yourself at home with a few high-tech products, it's easy to overdo it—but how much is too much? We talked to fitness and wellness expert, Sarah Keyes, the host of the podcast Body Conscious.

How to Move Ogawa Massage Chair

If you want to begin your search for the ideal moving company, you’re going to need to understand all of the laws and regulations that go along with that endeavor. In order to comply with these laws and regulations, it is necessary to speak with a specialist to get started. Regardless of what you need to move, it’s a good idea to speak with a specialist to make sure you are going to get it done correctly. Weighing Equipment. Just as you would expect any piece of furniture that weighs over 50 pounds to be lightweight, the moving industry agrees. Many companies have employed “truck stretchers” that are specially designed to hold up the heaviest pieces of furniture.

Ogawa vs OSIM

Ogawa and OSIM are prominent competitors in the massage chair industry, offering a range of high-tech products designed to enhance relaxation and well-being. To conduct a thorough comparison, we must assess key factors including technology, design, functionality, customer satisfaction, and pricing.

Technology: Both Ogawa and OSIM integrate cutting-edge technology into their massage chairs. Ogawa is known for its proprietary Smart Curve technology, which customizes massages based on individual body contours. OSIM, on the other hand, boasts V-Hand with 720-degree roller balls for a comprehensive massage experience. In this regard, both companies excel, with their technology continually evolving to provide better user experiences.

Design: Ogawa and OSIM prioritize aesthetics and ergonomic design. Ogawa's chairs often feature sleek, modern designs with attention to detail, while OSIM combines form and function with elegant upholstery. Both brands offer a range of styles to suit diverse customer preferences.

Functionality: Functionality is a crucial aspect of massage chairs. Ogawa offers a wide variety of massage techniques, including Shiatsu, kneading, tapping, and more, with customizable intensity levels. OSIM also provides an array of massage programs and customization options, ensuring users can tailor their experience. It's worth noting that the specific features and capabilities may vary among individual models from each brand, so careful consideration is needed based on your preferences.

Customer Satisfaction: Customer reviews and satisfaction ratings are indicative of a brand's success. Both Ogawa and OSIM generally receive positive feedback for their products. However, personal preferences and individual experiences can vary, so it's advisable to try out the chairs if possible and read reviews to gauge customer satisfaction for specific models.

Pricing: Pricing can be a deciding factor for many buyers. Ogawa and OSIM offer a range of products at different price points, making it possible to find a chair that suits your budget. Generally, OSIM tends to position itself as a premium brand, while Ogawa offers a broader range of price options.

In conclusion, the choice between Ogawa and OSIM ultimately depends on your specific preferences, needs, and budget. Both brands excel in technology, design, functionality, and customer satisfaction. Therefore, thorough research and testing should guide your decision to ensure the massage chair you select aligns with your individual requirements.

Final Words

I’ve reviewed the five Ogawa massage chairs above. The best is Smart 3D because it’s a feature-packed, versatile massage chair, with a wide array of options, though the Luraco i7 Plus is a more therapeutic model.

In the second place, the Ogawa Active L is a relaxing model, with chromotherapy, vigorous stretches, advanced massage techniques, and a comprehensive back massage.

However, the Infinity 8500X3 offers more therapeutic benefits for sciatica pain, correcting poor posture, and massaging foot acupressure points.

The Kahuna Exquisite Rhythmic can also be a better choice for the price range thanks to its 3D spinal massage balls, a hyper-long hybrid track, and the patented rhythmic technology to improve blood circulation and reduce blood toxins.

Finally, Touch 3D, a similar massage chair to Smart 3D, wins third place.

This is a reliable chair for a deep spinal massage and a complete foot massage. However, the Kahuna Exquisite Rhythmic might be a better option too.