It’s a question you may have asked yourself before: massage chair vs massage cushion, which is best? It’s an especially important question if you’re on a budget because even the most deluxe massage cushion only costs a fraction of what a good massage chair will run you. But, in terms of performance, how good are the cushions anyway?
If you’ve been wondering, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out!
Massage Chair vs Massage Cushion — Initial Considerations
In making this comparison, it’s important that we look at the full range of capabilities both product classes offer, so we’ll be evaluating and comparing based on the following criteria:
That should give us a pretty clear picture of which one comes out on top and which one is better under certain circumstances. With that as our starting point, let’s take a closer look!
Overall Massage Quality
Here, the comparison of massage chair vs massage cushion is closer than you may think. While it’s true that even a modestly priced massage chair will give you far more options than you’ll find on a massage cushion, what the massage cushion does, it actually does pretty well.
Even better, there’s a staggering array of types of massage cushions, so you can get anything from a simple neck pillow with massage balls inside to a full-sized chair cushion, complete with airbags!
The point is that for what it does, the little neck massage cushion is actually really good. And if you get a high-end massage cushion with massage balls instead of simple vibration plates, it can do an admirable job at mimicking the Shiatsu and/or rolling massage you get from the far more expensive massage chair.
It comes down to knowing what you want and understanding what your massage needs are, and buying accordingly. In this case, believe it or not, we’d rate it as a virtual tie.
Total Number of Options Available
Naturally, in most cases, the massage chair wins in this dimension. That’s as it should be, really, given that they are vastly more expensive than cushions. Even so, depending on which models you compare, the massage cushion vs chair contest isn’t quite as lopsided as you might think.
For example, you can find high-end massage cushions that offer a limited airbag massage, in addition to having massage balls capable of rendering a decent Shiatsu massage and includes heat to boot!
Granted, the heat and air massage modes on a massage chair will be superior most of the time, but the fact that they’re present in any form on the far less expensive cushion is huge!
Even so, most good-quality massage chairs will offer at least 4-5 different massage techniques and a few pre-programmed massage options to boot. Many even come with memory slots that allow you to save your favorite settings for one-touch recall later on.
That’s the kind of thing that a simple massage cushion can’t really compete with.
Customization Options on Offer
This dimension of our massage cushion vs massage chair comparison again goes to the massage chair, and, again, we’re not really surprised. After all, given the price difference, you’d expect more in the way of speed and intensity settings, pre-programmed massage routines, more advanced techniques, Zero-G seating options, and the like.
While it’s possible to find massage cushions that offer a couple of different speed settings, and every once in a while, you can find one that tries to offer multiple intensity settings, the massage chair is simply a better platform for providing those types of options.
Extras and Finishing Touches
This is yet another dimension in our comparison where the massage chair comes out clearly on top. At the end of the day, no matter how fancy it is, a cushion is still a cushion. There’s just not a lot of room to add extras and finishing touches.
Some models offer a simple massage timer, but that’s about as close to an “extra” as you’re likely to find on a cushion, while many massage chairs are fairly brimming with extras, including built-in USB ports, Bluetooth speakers, and other finishing touches that are simply not to be found on a massage cushion.
Portability and Ease of Use
This is where the tables start to turn. Massage chairs have a decided edge in options and extras, but one thing they’re not is portable. Most massage chairs weigh close to two hundred pounds, with several of them weighing a lot more than that.
Even the lighter ones, though, aren’t portable. It’s not like you can pick it up, toss it in the trunk, and take it with you when you travel.
Once you get it where you want it in your house, that’s its home—forever. And that’s fine if you’re home a lot, but the second you hit the road for business or pleasure, you’re without your trusty massage chair.
With a cushion, you never have to be without it. You can just roll it up and take it with you, and that’s a pretty compelling advantage.
Cost
Massage cushions win in this category, too—and by a wide margin. A very good massage cushion might set you back a couple of hundred dollars.
A very good massage chair will set you back at least a couple thousand, and the price can go as high as ten thousand and beyond.
That’s fine for those who can afford it, but if money’s tight at your house, you may not have several thousand dollars to invest in a good massage chair. If you don’t, but your back is hurting, a massage cushion can start to make an awful lot of sense. It packs a tremendous amount of value into a package that doesn’t cost a ton of money.
Massage Chair vs Massage Cushion Conclusion
Ultimately, when making the massage chair vs cushion comparison, there is no “best,” or at least no one definitive best. There’s only what’s best for you.
Massage chairs tend to be best for people who:
On the other hand, massage cushions tend to be better for people who:
So which category best describes you?
References & Resources:
- Timing Is Key to Massage’s Benefits for Neck Pain, WebMD.
- Swedish Massage Techniques, Acupuncture Massage College.
- What Causes Chronic Back Pain? Here Are the 5 Most Common Culprits, HealthPartners.
