What are the disadvantages of a massage chair?

Massage chairs have a lot going for them, but they are not for everyone. Before you buy, it helps to know the downsides as clearly as the upsides. Here are the main disadvantages, explained plainly.

Cost

A full-body massage chair is a major purchase, often comparable to a large piece of furniture or more. Prices vary widely by size, features and build quality. Our guide on how much a good massage chair should cost explains what tends to drive the price.

Some people find a chair good value compared with frequent professional massages. Others buy one, use it for a few weeks and then rarely sit in it. If you are not sure you will use it regularly, that is worth thinking about before you spend the money.

Size, weight and noise

Massage chairs are big. Most full-body models are bulkier than a standard recliner, and many need clearance behind or in front of them to recline fully. Some “space-saving” designs need less room behind them, but they still take up a fair amount of floor space.

They are also heavy. That makes delivery, getting the chair up stairs or through narrow doorways, and moving it later more of a job than with ordinary furniture. Measure your room, doorways and stairs before you buy.

Motors, rollers and airbag pumps all make noise. Some chairs are quieter than others, but none are silent. If you want to use the chair while others watch TV, or late at night in a small home, the sound may bother you or them.

One size fits few

This is one of the most overlooked drawbacks. Every chair is designed for a certain range of user heights and a maximum weight, which should be listed in the specifications.

• If you are taller or shorter than the chair’s range, the rollers may stop short of your shoulders or press in the wrong spots.
• If you are heavier than the stated limit, the chair may not work properly and you risk damaging it.
• In a household of very different body sizes, one chair may suit some people far better than others.

Checking the height and weight range is one of the most important steps in choosing a massage chair.

Maintenance and repairs

A massage chair is a machine with moving parts, airbags, wiring and upholstery. Over time:

• Upholstery needs cleaning and can wear or crack.
• Airbags, rollers and motors can wear out.
• Electronics and remotes can fail.

Because chairs are heavy, repairs can be a hassle. It pays to read the warranty carefully, including who does repairs and whether service is in-home or requires shipping the chair back. See our notes on whether massage chairs need maintenance.

Not a therapist, not a treatment

A massage chair follows programs. It cannot feel how your muscles respond, adapt to an injury or reach every area the way a trained massage therapist can. And it is not a medical device: it does not treat or cure any condition.

There are also people who should not use one without a doctor’s approval, including those who are pregnant, have had recent surgery, or have blood clots, osteoporosis, a pacemaker or another health condition. Overuse or very strong settings can leave even healthy users sore.

Is a massage chair still worth it?

None of these drawbacks mean a massage chair is a bad buy. For people who will use one regularly, have the space and pick a chair that fits them, it can be a much-loved part of the home. The key is to go in with clear expectations. For a balanced look at the decision, read are home massage chairs worth it.