5 Best Full Body Massage Chair for Deep Tissue Massage in 2023

The technological development of the massage chair has come a long way since its invention in the 1950s. From the very first mechanized massage chair that had only one pair of rollers that moved vertically, to the modern full body massage chair with rollers that moved vertical, sideways, in and out with variable speed along your spine to glutes, airbags strategically placed all around the massage chair, and sophisticated programs that operate them to mimic human-like motions of kneading, tapping, rolling, stretching, etc., we can see how much it has evolved since its conception.

Not only is the modern massage chair getting closer to that of human-like massage, but it can also work on the user’s entire body (neck, shoulders, back, arms, calf, feet) simultaneously, literally a simultaneous full body massage, something even a human can’t do, unless you get three massage therapists working on one client!

With hundreds of models of massage chairs out there and tons of confusing jargon like S-track, L-track, SL-track, 4D massage, Zero Gravity, airbag compression, Bluetooth speakers, etc., we have done the hard work for you to list out 5 of the best full body massage chairs out there, each with its unique selling point.

What are the best full body massage chairs in 2023?

Here are 5 of the best full body massage chairs worth considering in 2023.

1. Osaki OS-Pro Maestro LE (Limited Edition) – Best Deep Full Body Massage

The Osaki OS-Pro Maestro LE comes with all the best features you would expect from a high-end full body massage chair such as 4D massage, SL-track, heat therapy, Zero Gravity, body scan technology, airbag compression, and space-saving recline. However, this massage chair has some features that make it stand out from its competitors.

One of the standout features is its 8 levels of depth adjustment for its rollers (more than others on the market), allowing the user to adjust from a gentle to an intense massage for his muscles.

It also has heated rollers that mimic a hot stone massage; this allows them to work on your neck, back and glutes, which conventional heating pads cannot do.

It is also worth noting that it has a long SL-track compared to others in the market. This allows the rollers to reach the base of the skull, pushing the head upwards and stretching the neck.

This massage chair also has really impressive calf and feet massage features. The inner calf air bags can make circular rotations like that of a kneading hand. The unique dual rotating foot rollers can also knead the heel, sole, and arch of the feet, activating acupuncture points along the way.

If you have the budget, then the Osaki OS-Pro Maestro LE is the best massage chair for an amazing deep tissue full body massage experience unlike any other.

Features

• 4D massage – Fine-tune massage with 8 levels of depth, 5 levels of speed, and 5 levels of strength
• Heat therapy using heated massage rollers
• 52.8″ SL-Track
• 32 air bags
• Oscillating inner calf air bags for calf kneading
• Foot roller
• Zero Gravity Recline
• Body Scan Technology
• Space-saving recline – 5 inches of wall clearance
• 8 auto massage programs
• 4 manual massage techniques – kneading, tapping, shiatsu, and rolling (able to combine two of each)
• Touchscreen LCD remote 
• HD Bluetooth Speakers
• Wireless & USB Charger
• Quick Controls at the side of the armrest – Power on/off, play/pause, switch programs, switch to Zero Gravity, adjust intensity. 
• Chromotherapy – Calming light at the base of the chair that improves mood (when used in a dim room).
• Can be operated through Android or Apple apps. 

Pros:

• One of the longest L-Tracks in the market (52.8”) that can reach from the neck, lower back to glutes
• Really long footrest extension (up to 8 inches).
• 8 levels of adjustable intensity allow for gentle to intense massages
• The best massage chair for a deep full body massage
• Has heated rollers which are better compared to the traditional lumbar heat in other massage chairs.
• Impressive foot and calf massage features
• Touchscreen LCD display has an easy-to-navigate interface.

Cons:

• Limited massage programs

Price:

• Osaki OS-Pro Maestro LE (Limited Edition) – $9,999

2. Human Touch Super Novo – Most Immersive and Personalized

If you are looking for something more than just an excellent full body massage, the Human Touch Super Novo might just be the full body massage chair for you.

It has all the features of a modern massage chair and more, like 4D massage, airbag compression, Zero Gravity Recline, and body scan technology.

It boasts one of the Bluetooth best speakers in the market with its Altec Lansing premium speaker that will definitely immerse you in your favorite music or its built-in soothing nature sounds.

It also has an innovative Alexa-enabled Virtual Assistant that allows you to tell the Super Novo the kind of massage you want without having to reach for your controls, your massage preferences are also stored so that it can be used in the future. You can even control Super Novo from an Android or Apple app.

Furthermore, compared to other massage chairs, the Super Novo has one of the most auto massage programs, making you spoilt for choice.

All these features make the Human Touch Super Novo the best massage chair for an immersive and personalized full body massage experience.

Features

• Alexa Enabled Virtual Assistant for hands-free controls
• 4D massage – Fine-tune massage with 8 levels of depth, 5 levels of speed, and 5 levels of strength
• Heat therapy on the lumbar, knee, calf, and foot 
• SL-Track
• Airbag compression massage
• Foot roller
• Zero Gravity Recline
• Body Scan Technology
• Space-saving recline – 2 inches of wall clearance
• 38 auto massage programs
• LCD remote control with magnetic dock holder
• Altec Lansing Bluetooth Speakers with built-in sounds of nature
• USB Charger
• Advanced fingertip controls at the side of the armrest – Power on/off, play/pause, switch programs, adjust recline angle, heat on/off, volume control, return the chair to full height.
• Can be operated through Android or Apple apps 
• Backup battery in case of a power outage to allow the chair to incline one time

Pros:

• Highly customizable 
• One of the most extensive ranges of auto massage programs
• One-of-a-kind Alexa-enabled Virtual Assistant asks you the kind of massage you want. The information is stored and customized to your preferences. 
• Suitable for tall and big people
• Altec Lansing Bluetooth Speakers are one of the best speakers for a massage chair

Cons:

• Uses dual lumbar heating pads which are not as satisfying as heated rollers
• Calf and foot massages are not as good compared to an Osaki massage chair

Price:

• Human Touch Super Novo – $9,999

3. Osaki OS-4D Pro Ekon Plus – Best for Tall and Big People

The Osaki Ekon Plus is a full body massage chair that offers an intense deep massage from the neck, shoulders, back, glutes, calf and feet, just like the Maestro. In fact, the Ekon Plus might just be a little more intense than the Maestro. No wonder it has the named ‘Ekon’, a name given to African people which means ‘strong’. Also, it is a really great massage chair for tall and big people.

Some key differences of the Ekon Plus would be the slightly shorter SL-track (49” compared to 52”), heating pads on the lower lumbar instead of heated massage rollers, more air bags, and more auto massage programs. 

The Ekon Plus has superior calf and foot massage capabilities. It has a roller behind each calf which is uncommon in massage chairs, coupled with the rotating air bags compressing the calf and pushing them into the calf roller, allowing for a deeper and more invigorating massage. 

The Ekon Plus also has outstanding stretching capabilities compared to other SL-track massage chairs. It has a ‘Massage Extend’ 4D program that inflates the shoulder and calf air bags to hold you in place while the calf rest extends out to give you a nice tight stretch. The shoulder, hip, and lumbar air bags can also work together to twist your torso, which is absolutely rejuvenating. 

Features

• 4D massage – Fine-tune massage with 5 levels of depth, 6 levels of speed, and 3 levels of width.
• Heat therapy using dual heating pads on the lower lumbar – 3 levels of adjustment
• 49” SL-Track
• 44 air bags
• Oscillating inner calf air bags for calf kneading
• Roller at the foot and calf
• Zero Gravity Recline
• Body & Leg Scan Technology
• Space-saving recline – 5 inches of wall clearance
• 12 auto massage programs
• 6 manual massage techniques – Shiatsu, kneading, tapping, knocking, rhythm and sync.
• Slim LCD remote control
• HD Bluetooth Speakers
• USB Charger
• Quick Controls at the side of the armrest – Power on/off, play/pause, switch programs, switch to Zero Gravity, adjust the intensity, reclining positions, and heating functions.
• Chromotherapy – Calming light at the base of the chair that improves mood (when used in a dim room).

Pros:

• Suitable for big & tall people – 5’1″-6’9″ Tall | 300 lbs
• Good for an intense and aggressive overall massage for your muscles
• Can vary from gentle to intense massage
• Excellent features for a very deep, intense stretch
• Impressive foot and calf massage features with calf rollers for a more intense calf massage
• Deep Zero Gravity recline, nearly to the point of inversion.

Cons:

• Lumbar heating pads are not as satisfying compared to heated massage rollers which can travel along the track from the neck to the glutes.

Price:

• Osaki OS-4D Ekon Plus – $6,999

4. AmaMedic Hilux 4D – Best Value for Money

If you’re looking for a more mid-price option with many features of top-tier full body massage chairs, then the AmaMedic Hilux 4D is the way to go. It’s an outstanding massage chair because it is engineered and manufactured by Osaki.

Some of its features that it shares with top-end massage chairs include 4D massage, SL-track, 2-stage Zero Gravity recline, heated massage rollers, body and leg scan, full body airbag compression massage, Bluetooth speakers, and an assortment of auto massage programs.

It also boasts impressive foot and calf massages that is common in many Osaki massage chairs. One nifty feature is its adjustable shoulder airbag pushed inward to give your shoulders a tighter massage.

It comes with an LCD touchscreen display with a simple interface to navigate (like the Maestro LE) and Quick Controls at the side to make adjustments to the intensity, go into Zero Gravity or switch between the massage programs. 

One downside is that there are reviews online that mention that the heat on the rollers can’t be felt very much. But other than that, there have been a ton of raving reviews about this massage chair!

Features

• 4D massage – Fine-tune massage with 8 levels of depth, 5 levels of speed, and 5 levels of strength
• Heat therapy using heated massage rollers
• 52.8” SL-Track
• 18 airbags
• Adjustable should airbags
• Oscillating inner calf airbags for calf kneading
• Foot roller
• 2 Stage Zero Gravity Recline
• Body & Leg Scan Technology
• Space-saving recline – 5 inches of wall clearance
• 8 auto massage programs
• Touchscreen LCD remote 
• HD Bluetooth Speakers
• Wireless & USB Charger
• Quick Controls at the side of the armrest – Switch programs, switch to Zero Gravity, adjust the intensity, reclining positions and heating functions

Pros:

• Value for money
• One of the longest L-Tracks in the market (52.8”) that can reach from the neck, lower back to glutes.
• Impressive foot and calf massage features
• Touchscreen LCD display has an easy-to-navigate interface.

Cons:

• Heat therapy is not great
• Not many airbags

Price:

• AmaMedic Hilux 4D – $4,999

5. Osaki OS-Pro First Class – Best Mid-Price Massage Chair

The Osaki OS-Pro First Class is a mid-price massage chair with many great features. With its 3D massage function and SL-track, it can deliver an excellent deep massage for your tired muscles while also being adjusted to something gentler. 

For its price, it has really impressive calf and foot massage features like inner calf airbag oscillation for calf kneading and triple foot rollers for better foot reflexology.

It also has a lot of auto massage programs to choose from, including some excellent stretching programs.

One great feature that the OS-Pro First Class massage chair has that is not present in other Osaki massage chairs is its experimental built-in negative ionization therapy which removes harmful pollutants from the air around your head and helps boost your mood. 

Features

• 3D massage – Fine-tune massage with 5 levels of depth
• Heat therapy using dual heating pads at the lumbar area
• 50” SL-Track
• 24 airbags
• Adjustable should airbags
• Oscillating inner calf airbags for calf kneading
• Roller at the foot and calf
• Built-in negative air ionization therapy that removes harmful particles from the air
• 2 Stage Zero Gravity Recline
• Body Scan Technology
• Space-saving recline – 1.5 inches of wall clearance
• 23 auto massage programs
• 5 manual massage techniques – kneading, flapping, Swedish, grasping, and Shiatsu
• Touchscreen LCD remote 
• HD Bluetooth Speakers
• USB Charger
• Quick Controls at the side of the armrest – Power on/off, switch programs, switch to Zero Gravity, angle of recline, legs and foot extension
• 3 custom memory settings

Pros:

• A large number of auto massage programs
• Impressive foot and calf massage with triple foot rollers for better foot reflexology and a calf roller for more intense calf massage
• Has negative particle ionization therapy which is not common in massage chairs
• Has custom memory settings that allow you to save your favorite settings

Cons:

• Only has 3D massage (instead of 4D), hence the speed of the roller cannot be adjusted
• It does not work on glutes so much
• No wireless charging

Price:

• Osaki OS-Pro First Class – $6,999

What are the best features of a top-end full body massage chair?

If you are looking for the best of the best full body massage chair, it would definitely need to come with minimally the five features mentioned below.

1. L-Type Roller Tracks

If you are researching massage chairs, you might get confused between terminologies such as S-track, S-type track, L-track, SL-track, etc.

The track is the component where the rollers travel along (like a railway track) and is situated in the back rest of all massage chairs.

The most basic track that any massage chair would have is the S-track, it is a track that conforms to the curvature of a spine and runs from the neck to the lower back. Some say the “S” in the S-track refers to sinusoidal, but I’d instead like to image the track being in the shape of an “S”.

The problem with S-tracks is that they stop at the lower back and do not travel to the glutes; that’s where the SL-track comes in. Sometimes referred to as an L-track, but it is actually referring to the same thing as an SL-track.

The SL-track is a track shaped as an L (and not given some fancy name like longitudinal) that runs from the user’s neck to the lower back, and all the way to the glutes. A more expensive full body massage chair would typically incorporate an SL-track instead of an S-track.

The only issue with the SL-track is that, since it is a rigid frame, it remains fixed during recline and is unable to provide the user with a nice stretch at the hip. The S-track, on the other hand, is able to stretch the hips more during recline.

2. 4D Massage

The “D” refers to the number of dimensions the roller can travel. A 1D roller can only travel vertically along the y-axis and is probably used in the most primitive massage chairs of the past.

A 2D roller is one that can travel vertically and sideways on the y-axis as well as the x-axis. Most massage chairs these days, even the most basic ones, would use a 2D roller. This would already be quite sufficient to give someone a nice relaxing rub on the back.

A 3D roller adds one more dimension to a 2D roller which allows the user to adjust its depth, hence allowing them to be adjusted on the z-axis. This allows the roller depth to be adjusted 2-3 inches to adjust the pressure on the user’s back. More advanced massage chairs would come with 3D massage.

A 4D roller can move in all directions like the 3D roller but have the element of variable speed, allowing it to slow down or speed up midway along the travel. This change in speed is able to mimic the movements of a human-like massage more precisely. Only the best massage chairs would come with 4D massage function.

And finally, a 5D roller is one that can travel into an alternate universe. Alright, just joking with that.

3. Airbag Compression Massage

Sometimes referred to as air cells, airbags are placed strategically around the massage chair where the rollers on the main track cannot reach, such as the shoulders, hips, arms, sides of the calf, and the feet.

They can inflate and deflate independently of each other. They work in unison with the rollers to give the user a truly simultaneously full body massage.

One of the benefits is, that a full body massage chair can create maneuvers that are otherwise impossible such as stretching and twisting the body.

4. Zero Gravity Recline

Zero Gravity Recline refers to the massage chair’s ability to cause you to levitate like you’re in outer space. Alright, I’m kidding again. But then again, the features of a massage chair do sound like they are coming out of a spaceship. I am not sure if you’d be surprised to know that NASA astronauts’ feeling of weightlessness in outer space inspired the idea of Zero Gravity Recline.

Zero Gravity Recline refers to the massage chair’s ability to recline to a position where the user’s head and feet are above the heart (not kidding this time); this promotes better blood circulation. This allows the user to have the feeling of weightlessness as the body weight is evenly distributed across the full body massage chair, allowing for a better massage on the back.

Some chairs have two stage Zero Gravity recline, the first stage is a smaller recline where your thighs are about level with your back, and the second stage recline will put you in a position where your feet are above your heart for better blood flow.

The Zero Gravity Recline feature is a mainstay in a modern full body massage chair; this is a feature you should expect any massage chair to have.

5. Body and Leg Scan Technology

Different users have different heights, so how would a massage chair know precisely where the person’s neck, lower back and feet are, and how much pressure to apply?

A body scan is necessary to provide a personalized massage to every user. You don’t want chair to be massaging the empty space above a short person’s head, right?

The massage chair roller system has a pressure sensor, they start moving from the lower back up to the crest of your shoulders where there is no more pressure, and this length is used as the reference for the person’s height.

If a massage chair has a leg scan feature, it will also have an extendable footrest that will contract until it touches the base of the user’s feet and this is marked as the leg’s length.

Based on the height and width of the body scan, the massage chair will know the acupressure points of the individual and how much pressure to apply to different areas of the body.

6. Heat Therapy

A standard feature in a good massage chair these days would be heat therapy. Most chairs would have dual heating pads in the lumbar region to relax your muscles as the rollers work on your back. Some even have heating pads in the calf rest to provide heat therapy for the knees and calf.

The more sophisticated chairs have heated rollers to simulate a hot stone massage and allow them to provide heat therapy through the neck, back and glutes, and not just the lumbar region.

Are full body massage chairs good for you? Is it worth the purchase?

If you can drive and need to commute to work every day, would you choose to buy a car or take a cab? Having a car would cover the cost of commuting daily with a cab after a few years, not to mention you don’t need to wait for a taxi.

The same idea goes with a full body massage chair. You have constant bodily pain that’s giving you chronic stress, you need to make an appointment with your massage therapist, travel there, pay $60-$100 for a session and travel back. And if you do this weekly, you would have spent enough money to buy yourself a decent full body massage chair.

With a massage chair, there are no fully booked appointments and all your appointments are free (except for the electricity). Each massage can significantly improve your psychological health and relax your aching muscles after a long day at work. You’ll be feeling rejuvenated in no time.

Also, you might have taken all the necessary precautions to look after your back posture, such as setting up an ergonomic workspace in your home office and getting yourself a highly adjustable ergonomic chair for back pain. Still, these are all just preventive measures to take care of your back. What if you are already suffering from chronic back pain? Taking preventative measures is not enough; you will need to take corrective actions for your back pain.

In our fiercely competitive global economy, people are getting more stressed than ever. In 2020, the National Institute of Mental Health has shown that 8.4% of U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode in their life. Our minds and body are deeply connected to each other, mental stress can cause bodily ailments, likewise, poor physical health can also lead to mental disorders. By looking after your body with a massage chair, you are also looking after your mental health.

It is a major investment (like buying a car), but its long-term benefits to your physical and mental health definitely outweigh the costs. Remember that you still need to consider if you have enough space in your living room!

Which full body massage chair should you choose?

It might sound cliche to say this, but it all depends on your budget and preference.

Best Value for Money

If you have a smaller budget but still want all the best elements of a great full body massage chair, then the AmaMedic Hilux 4D would be the ideal choice.

Best for Tall and Big People

If you are a tall and big person who wants a solid deep tissue massage for your muscles, then the Osaki OS-4D Pro Ekon Plus would be the chair for you.

Most Immersive

If you want to be immersed in the sounds around you and be taken off into faraway fantasy land with flowing creeks and chirping birds, and if you like having many options, then the Human Touch Super Novo is the way to go. The Super Novo can also accommodate a large person and there have been reviews about the superb intensity of the massage as well.

Best Full Body Massage

If you have the budget and just want the best massage chair to give your aching muscles a nice, deep-tissue full body massage experience, then look no further than the Osaki OS-Pro Maestro LE.

Conclusion

It isn’t easy to make purchase decisions, especially if the purchase costs a couple of thousand dollars. We hope we have provided you with enough information to decide what is best for you.

We didn’t want to go into the nitty-gritty of each massage chair; otherwise, that might confuse you, but at the very least, you need to know what makes each massage chair stand out from another.

We hope that you will find our recommendations helpful and get yourself the best massage chair to relieve your aching back!