While most muscle recovery tools involve a bit of manual labor (foam rollers, massage guns, massage balls, etc.), one category allows you to truly kick back and recuperate with little to no effort.
Enter: massage chairs.
If you regularly see a masseuse for deep tissue work, you can save time and money over the long haul by investing in one of these valuable pieces of recovery equipment. After all, why deal with setting up appointments, driving to a facility, and racking up additional costs like gas, taxes, and tips when you can enjoy a customized massage experience from the comfort of your own home?
In this Relaxe Massage Chair review, I’ll peel back the curtain on this zero-gravity recliner that can offer incredible functionality, adjustability, and comfort at a rock-solid price point. So, whether you’re looking for lumbar pain relief, enhanced muscle recovery, or even improved sleep quality, I’ll show you why this full-body massage chair can be a wise investment in your health and wellness.
Our Relaxe Massage Chair Review, Summarized
The Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair features four back massage rollers, 28 airbags, 12 massage modes, heat therapy, Bluetooth connectivity, and surround-sound audio. Although it’s more expensive than the average massage chair, you can find it on sale for well under its list price of $5,330. GGR Director of Content Nicole Davis was highly impressed by this chair’s build quality and performance, awarding perfect scores in six categories, including adjustability and ergonomics.
How We Test Massage Chairs
We evaluate the different massage modes and settings a chair offers, including speeds, massage techniques, programs, intensities, and more. To score a 3 out of 5 in this category, the chair should offer several speeds and preset programs but may lack added variety. We give higher ratings to models with a wide range of customization options.
Comfortability is one of the most pertinent factors in assessing a massage chair, so our testers evaluate all the available adjustment points. These can range from reclining options to leg extensions, or even width adjustments on the massage rollers. We give a 3-out-of-5 rating if the chair is generally comfortable with moderate adjustability.
The best massage chairs typically cost anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000, with some even reaching the $10,000 mark. We compare the price of each massage chair adjacent to its build quality and features to make sure the cost is justified. To earn a 3 out of 5 here, the chair should offer sufficient features and build quality, but it doesn’t necessarily stand out for its value in comparison to its competitors.
We developed a comprehensive massage chair testing methodology that encompasses everything from the materials and motor to the space requirements and assembly process. Our expert product testers explore the various massage techniques, intensity settings, adjustability options, and extra features to provide accurate ratings using a 1-5 scoring scale.
The Garage Gym Reviews team includes certified personal trainers, Olympic-level athletes, and fitness enthusiasts who utilize portable recovery options like foam rollers and compression boots along with more sizable solutions like saunas and massage chairs. Our squad has tested more than 10 chairs to date, and we look forward to expanding that number.
With three different reclining positions and tons of adjustable massage modes, speeds, and intensities, the Relaxe Zero-Gravity Massage Chair is a high-quality massage chair with a mid-range price. It claims to support people up to 6 feet and 4 inches in height and up to 330 pounds in weight, but the chair encloses around the shoulders, which could be an issue for people with broader shoulders. Still, with the capacity for a full-body massage from neck to feet, this is a high-value massage chair for its price point.
What our tester says:
“The intensity could definitely be too much if I wanted it to be, which is perfect—I scaled back in some areas. It’ll take several uses to figure out what works best for you, but I thoroughly enjoyed the several preset programs I tried.”
What to Know Before You Buy
- Although this massage chair is listed for $5,330 MSRP, you should be able to find it on sale for much cheaper. We’ve seen it available for as low as $2,999—an excellent value, especially when you factor in its three-year warranty.
- The Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair caters to a wide array of body types. Although the seat may feel a bit narrow for larger individuals, the chair is designed to fit users up to 330 pounds between 5’1” and 6’4”.
- Tipping the scales at 199 pounds, this chair is not particularly portable. It also takes up quite a bit of space when fully reclined, so we recommend measuring your available area before buying to ensure you can utilize it without any restrictions.
- Relaxe offers a unique return policy that allows you to try the chair for a full year. If you’re unsatisfied, you can get a full refund (minus the cost of return shipping).
Is the Relaxe Massage Chair Worth It?
As someone who lifts weights five days a week, I’ll be the first to tell you that you need to prioritize your recovery as much as your training. Of all the tools at your disposal, a massage chair can offer a unique combination of physical and mental health benefits—including pain reduction, muscle stiffness improvement, cognitive function improvement, and even mental fatigue decline1.
Looking at this model from Relaxe, it’s easy to see why it earned a top spot in our best massage chairs roundup. You have ample options to find the ideal intensity and massage mode for your needs. It’s equipped with 28 airbags and four back rollers that work in tandem for a synchronized, double-massage system. Plus, it has convenient features like Bluetooth connectivity and surround-sound audio, so you can stream your favorite playlist or show while you’re kicking back and recuperating.
Earning a strong overall score of 4.5 out of 5, this chair checks (nearly) all the boxes we look for in this emerging category. If you’re a fitness enthusiast who trains hard and wants to continue doing so, this can be a high-quality recovery tool that can support such efforts. If you can snag it on sale, not only will you be able to save thousands of dollars, but you’ll still have 365 days to try it out before committing, as well. And if you decide to stick with it, Relaxe’s three-year warranty should give you added peace of mind about this purchase.
Still deciding if you should go with the Relaxe route? Read on to find out some key specs and metrics for this zero-gravity massage chair.
Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair: Key Features & Specs
| Price (Original MSRP) | $5,330 |
| Dimensions | 61.5” – 69.5″ L x 30″ W x 33″ – 44.5″ H |
| Massage Chair Type | Zero-gravity |
| Materials | PP, ABS, iron, PU leather, sponge pad |
| Weight Capacity | 330 lbs |
| Massage Roller Tracks | 53-inch SL track |
| Massage Coverage | Full-body massage |
| Intensity/Speed Levels | 5 adjustable speeds, 3 adjustable widths, 3 adjustable air pressure intensities |
| Included Programs and Features | 12 automatic massage modes, built-in heater, Bluetooth connectivity, surround-sound audio, extendable footrest, smart remote control |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty |
Our Experience With the Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair
GGR Director of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, gladly took on testing duties for this massage chair. While you might think all she did was sit back, relax (pun intended), and enjoy a break from being a busy mom of three, that’s not exactly the case.
As she’s done with other massage chairs, Nicole explored all the massage modes, intensity settings, and other features to identify its strengths and weaknesses. As you’ll learn below, she found many similarities to the Costway Therapy 22—another chair she rated highly based on our testing methodology.
Overall, though, the Relaxe’s premium features made a strong impression, and most importantly, delivered a high-quality experience. “I used this machine three times, and with its customization and power, it delivers a truly nice massage,” Nicole says.
Naturally, a massage chair isn’t going to be an ideal fit for every home gym. After all, they’re one of the largest pieces of recovery equipment available, and fitting one into a small apartment or confined workout room can be a hassle. However, for those with ample space (and budget), they can be an excellent tool for hands-free recuperation. Just select your preferred program and nestle into a worthwhile recovery session.
Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC
Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair Rating
Value
Investing in a massage chair is no cheap feat. According to our research and testing, the average model costs nearly $3,800, so you should be prepared to spend a hefty chunk of change to secure a high-quality chair with all the bells and whistles.
The Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair certainly measures up from a features standpoint (more on that later), but does it provide good bang for your buck? Based on its list price of $5,300, we think it delivers rock-solid value.
Nicole rates it a 4 out of 5 for the category, since it provides the same features as the Costway Therapy 22 at a lower price point (about $600 MSRP). However, she notes that you can find the Relaxe chair on sale for closer to $3,000.
“This is a banging deal for what this chair provides,” Nicole says. “I’m not sure if this is a company in which the chair is always on sale, but if it is, then the value would be even higher.”
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Materials
When you’re spending thousands of dollars on a massage chair, you likely expect it to be made from high-quality materials that won’t fray or rip over time. While we can’t report on the longevity at this juncture, Relaxe, who offers this chair in three colorways (hickory brown, black, or coffee tan), deserves credit for the brand’s attention to detail.
“The leather is soft, the stitching is high quality, there are no signs of wear and tear, and I know that thing gets used frequently in the office,” Nicole says, rating the chair a 4 out of 5 in this materials category.
Although she was by no means disappointed in the build quality, Nicole highlighted how the Relaxe model is a bit different from the similarly priced Costway Therapy 22.
“The material definitely seems durable and I’d even say premium, but in comparison to the Costway, I think it’s a little less luxurious,” she explains. “The Costway just looks a bit fancier and has a bigger screen.”
Size, Portability, and Space Requirements
Unfortunately, this is one category where the Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair falls short of our standards. Weighing 199 pounds, this is a heavy, cumbersome chair that isn’t exactly easy to move. As such, we docked several points off this score, settling on a 2.5 out of 5.
On the plus side, though, this chair is actually better-suited for smaller spaces than the Costway model. Nicole points out that while both chairs are 28 inches wide, the Relaxe profile is about 6 inches shorter. Overall, the chair takes up 14 square feet when fully reclined.
“It would work better in rooms with shorter ceilings or potentially even smaller spaces,” she says. “It’s still a large chair, though, and it’s hard to move on your own.”
Ultimately, Nicole says you’d need a dedicated place for this chair, and because it reclines, you’ll need even more room than the actual upright footprint. According to Relaxe’s website, you only need to place the chair 2 inches away from the wall in order to fully operate it.
Extra Features
It’s hard not to be impressed by everything this chair offers. Fittingly, we rated the extra features at 4.5 out of 5. To make things easier to digest, here’s an overview of all its capabilities and conveniences:
- Built-in heater for your lower back and feet
- Foot massage roller
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 28 total airbags covering the shoulders, arms, calves, and feet
- Three zero-gravity angles
- Smart remote control
- Extendable footrest
We’ll dive more into how effective some of these features are below, but on paper, you can see why this chair earned a near-perfect score in this category.
“The Costway offers a bit more in customization with levels, and it also has a nicer screen, but the Relaxe is still very nice,” Nicole adds.
User Experience
Regardless of the measurements and added bells and whistles, what matters most is whether a chair can deliver an effective massage experience. Luckily, this Relaxe model meets our threshold for a perfect score in this all-important category.
Nicole used this chair three times, and while she also enjoyed the Costway model, she came away most impressed by Relaxe.
“The Relaxe is customizable and truly delivers a nice massage,” she explains. “The compression is legit—especially in the calf area—and the rollers provide a deep massage, particularly in the back.”
As a busy mom and wife who trains hard, Nicole sees a chiropractor monthly to help her stay aligned. While this chair can’t replicate a human’s touch or intuition, it certainly made her appreciate its kneading capabilities.
“I tend to have a sore neck and tight traps on the regular, and the rollers in the neck really got in there,” she says. “Would it replace my chiropractor? No, but it feels very similar to using a massage gun on myself, and with this, I can just sit back and truly relax.”
Ordering, Shipping, Delivery, and Set-Up
From checkout to unboxing, you can look forward to a stress-free purchasing experience with this luxe-filled massage chair. Ordering is straightforward: Simply select your preferred colorway and add the chair to your cart. Relaxe offers financing options through Affirm or Shop Pay that allow you to spread the total cost over more manageable payments—a nice perk that contributes to the high customer experience score (more on that later).
We also appreciate that this chair comes with free shipping. According to the Relaxe website, massage chairs are shipped and delivered within two to five business days. You can also upgrade to a premium delivery service for $149 where professionals will deliver the chair to your room of choice. Keep in mind, though, that this upgraded treatment takes eight to 12 business days.
Best of all, this chair works right out of the box. With no assembly required, you don’t have to worry about putting pieces together or following complicated instructions. Simply plug the chair in, and you’ll be ready to relax in style.
Speeds and Massage Modes
Let’s just say, you should have no trouble finding the right setting for your massage preferences. After all, Relaxe designed this chair with customization in mind. Here’s a breakdown of what you have at your disposal:
- 12 automatic massage modes, including full body, back and waist, and chiropractic
- 5 adjustable speeds
- 3 adjustable widths
- 3 adjustable air pressure intensities
You can toggle between any of these settings using the remote control that has a nice LCD color display. This allows you to tailor your experience based on your needs.
“It could definitely be too much if I wanted it to be, which is perfect—I scaled back in some areas,” Nicole says. “It would take several uses to figure out what works best for you, but I thoroughly enjoyed the several preset programs I tried.”
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Power, Force, and Motor Quality
Relaxe equipped this chair with a 120-watt brushed motor rated for 110-120 volts. Nicole describes the motor as “heavy-duty” and highly effective at delivering a deep-tissue massage, particularly in the lower body.
While brushed motors are typically noisier than brushless motors, they’re also oftentimes more durable and reliable. We rate the motor at a 5 out of 5, because it has the power to deliver a more penetrating, targeted pressure than a lesser-powered massage chair. This can make it a great choice for active athletes—including powerlifters or CrossFit competitors—who want relief from post-training or post-competition soreness.
Amplitude and Range of Motion
We evaluate the stroke length and placement—meaning how far the rollers travel and how well they are positioned along the spine and key muscle groups—to determine if the chair reaches important areas effectively. To no surprise, the Relaxe Massage Chair earns a perfect score in this category thanks to its full-body coverage.
“You can feel the rollers in every area of your body, particularly in your feet, lower and upper back, and along the neck/traps,” Nicole says.
This stems from the 53-inch SL track that’s ergonomically designed to fit the curve of your body. This track is quite a bit longer than the average (43.5 inches), as well, meaning it can provide a more complete, full-body massage.
“If you have back pain this would be great—it really got in there, so much so that I felt like my back was arching off the machine,” Nicole says.
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Adjustability and Ergonomics
Even if a massage chair is effective, you won’t be encouraged to use it if it isn’t comfortable. However, you don’t have to worry about that with this model.
“I’m 5’4″ and weigh 150 pounds; this was very comfortable for me,” Nicole explains.
Designed to fit users up to 6’4” and 330 pounds, this chair can work well for both smaller and larger individuals alike. However, while we rated it a 5 out of 5 for ergonomics, Nicole says the seat itself seems narrow for people with bigger bodies.
“While there was definitely some clearance for me in both the feet and the head area, I’m not sure if someone who’s a whole foot taller than me would get the same benefits, just because they wouldn’t fit as snugly,” she says.
Customer Experience
We give Relaxe a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5 for the customer experience. As mentioned earlier, this chair comes with a three-year warranty, which is slightly longer than the industry average of 2.33 years.
What truly separates Relaxe from other manufacturers, though, is its unparalleled 365-day trial. Essentially, you get an entire year to use this chair before deciding if it’s the right fit for you. If you want to return it, you can get a full refund minus shipping costs.
We also appreciate that Relaxe offers multiple contact methods for customer service, including e-mail, phone, and live chat. The company website also features an FAQ section where you can find answers to common queries.
Customer Reviews
The Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair has earned an average rating of 4.8 stars based on 887 reviews on the company website. Customers appreciate that there’s no assembly required—a nice perk considering some chairs can be a bit complicated to put together. Many responses also praise the chair’s effectiveness at helping them deal with muscle soreness, tension, and stiffness.
Here are direct testimonials from the Relaxe website:
Relaxe Massage Chair Vs
As the massage chair market continues to grow, consumers have more viable options at their fingertips. While we’re obviously big fans of the Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair, there are a few alternatives you could consider, as well.
Perhaps the most comparable is the Costway Therapy 22—another zero-gravity chair that includes built-in wireless speakers and an LCD screen. Like the Relaxe model, it has 28 airbags and a bevy of massage modes. Additionally, although it’s listed for $5,839, you can find it on Amazon for closer to $3,100.
At that price point, you could also consider the Bob and Brad iMaster Pro Massage Chair. This sleekly designed model made a strong impression on our team, earning an overall score of 4.5 out of 5.
“With some massage chairs, you feel like you’re sitting on hard lumps, but on this [Bob and Brad] chair, there was plenty of cushioning to prevent that,” one of our expert product testers notes. “I felt like I was lying in a lounge chair, not hard rollers.”
Ultimately, you should go with the chair that fits your needs and budget best. Explore all your options and pay attention to each company’s return policy before you make a final decision.
| Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair | Bob and Brad iMaster Pro Massage Chair | Costway Therapy 22 | |
| Price (Original MSRP) | $5,330 | $3,299.99 | $5,839 |
| Dimensions | 61.5″ – 69.5″ L x 30″ W x 33″- 44.5″ H | 45.28″ L x 29.13″ W x 45.28″ H | 31″ L x 60″ W x 49.5″ H (upright), 31″ L x 68″ W x 42″ H (reclined) |
| Product Weight | 199 lbs | 213 lbs | 251 lbs |
| User Weight Limit | 330 lbs | 265 lbs | 352 lbs |
| Roller Track Length | 53” | 51.4” | 53” |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty | Not listed | 3-year warranty |
Final Verdict of Our Relaxe Massage Chair Review
The Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair is a top-tier option for folks looking for a full-body massage experience at home. This model offers a host of features and capabilities that can help you recuperate from tough training sessions, relieve stress, and even support better sleep. If you’ve got the budget and space, this can be a great investment that offers excellent value.
- The zero-gravity positioning can help reduce spinal pressure and promote deeper relaxation.
- The 365-day, risk-free trial is a major differentiator that allows you to get a true feel for whether this chair is the perfect fit for your space.
- If you want to expand your recovery options with Relaxe, we also recommend looking into the Caldera Infrared Sauna, which includes a red light therapy panel and chromotherapy lighting.
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Relaxe Massage Chair Review: FAQs
What are the pros and cons of the Relaxe Massage Chair?
Some standout features of the Relaxe Zero-Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair include three zero-gravity settings, 12 automatic massage modes, Bluetooth connectivity, a three-year warranty, and a 365-day return policy. Drawbacks include the overall size and weight of the chair, and the price tag may be a bit steep for budget-conscious buyers.
What features should I look for in a massage chair?
When shopping for a massage chair, look for adjustable massage rollers, multiple massage techniques, and a range of intensity and speed settings. Extras like heat therapy and zero-gravity positioning can provide more value and versatility for your recovery experience, but they’re not necessarily must-haves.
Are massage chairs worth the money?
Considering they can cost thousands of dollars, massage chairs can be worth it if you’ll utilize them regularly for stress relief, muscle relaxation, and other recovery benefits. However, they require a substantial upfront investment, and you may be able to save money (and space) by scheduling regular sessions with a professional masseuse or skilled therapist.
References
- Youn, B.-Y., Cho, H., Joo, S., Kim, H.-J., & Kim, J.-Y. (2024). Utilization of massage chairs for promoting overall health and wellness: A rapid scoping review. EXPLORE, 20(3), 285–297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2023.10.002
