Neck and shoulder pain is increasingly common nowadays, and it poses a severe threat to your physical and emotional health.
If you can’t afford a weekly massage with a professional, at least you can treat yourself to a relaxing massage at home with one of the best neck massagers below.
Some of them, like the Exogun Dreampro, are versatile and portable! With your at-home massager, you can put yourself at ease whenever you want.
In this review, we talk about some of the best neck massagers you can get for your money.
1- Exogun DreamPro, Percussive Massager Gun
Often, it’s not just your neck that is in pain but also the rest of your body. The Exogun Dreampro is a versatile massage gun that offers percussive therapy to relieve pain and muscle tension.
Moreover, it speeds up recovery, reduces anxiety, lessens stress, and boosts circulation.
Featuring a powerful massage motor, Exogun delivers deep tissue massage with the right amount of pressure. Since it has four massager heads, you can customize it for use on any part of the body. Additionally, you can choose between six-speed levels to get the massage of your liking.
Being cordless and lightweight, the muscle massager gun can be carried around conveniently. With its convenient carrying case, you can take it on your work trips and use it wherever you want.
Most importantly, it is very safe and extremely easy to use, the anti-slip design allows you to use the massager on yourself with extreme accuracy and ease.
Features
- Four massager heads
- Six-speed settings
- Anti-slip ergonomic grip
- ShockSmart Sensitivity
- Cordless and portable
Pros
- Can be used for different purposes on any part of the body.
- Has a powerful percussive massager motor
- Not noisy
- Allows massage customization
- Recommended by professionals and athletes
Con
- Don’t heat
2- Shiatsu Back, Neck & Shoulder Massager With Heat
The Shiatsu muscle massager is a reliable massager, which can help you relax and alleviate neck pain.
Firstly, it has eight massage roller balls for providing deep tissue massage on your neck, back, shoulders, waist, and feet.
Secondly, it allows you to adjust the massage intensity. You can choose from the three-speed settings to get the right amount of pressure.
Plus, the massager is bi-directional, giving you the experience of a 3D massage.
Unlike many other neck massagers, the Shiatsu muscle massager has a heat function. The Infrared Heat from the massager helps enhance blood flow to the stressed or aching parts of your body.
Along with being highly functional, it is also quite portable. It comes with a car charger, so you can relieve yourself of pain during long trips.
For at-home use, it works with a wall power adapter.
Features
- Two massage directions
- Eight massage roller balls
- Heat function
- Three massage strengths
- Auto-Reverse technology
Pros
- Can be used in the car too
- Bi-directional motion mimics an in-person massage
- Auto-reversing distributes massage effects evenly
- Has customized nodes for each body part
Con
- Questionable heat functionality
3- LiBa Cordless Shiatsu Massager Pillow With Heat
The LiBa cordless pillow is one of the best neck massagers with Shiatsu massaging function. Sporting a U-shaped ergonomic design, the pillow sits comfortably under your neck, thighs, and back.
Meanwhile, it uses traditional Japanese massage concepts to enhance blood circulation through your body.
While improving blood flow, it also massages the pressure points, relieving pain and stress.
Since it’s cordless, the LiBa massager pillow is very convenient to use. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to one and a half hours, allowing you to use the massager anywhere.
Besides, it comes with adjustable straps for your office chair or car.
You can attach the neck massager to your office chair’s headrest and relieve stiffness during work. The heat mode helps in relaxing your muscle after a long day in the gym or at work.
If you want a heatless massage, the heat mode can be turned off.
Features
- 1.5 hours of battery life
- Straps to an office chair and car seat
- Heat mode
- U-shaped ergonomic design
- Shiatsu massage therapy
Pros
- Is highly portable
- Has a comfortable fit
- Can be secured to car seat
- Massages muscles from every angle
Cons
- Has only one-speed setting
- Straps aren’t stretchy enough for all chairs
4- NURSAL 3D Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager
If you want an in-person massage experience at home, you can trust the NURSAL Shiatsu neck massager to do it.
Being one of the best neck massagers out there, it features a heat mode for your neck and shoulders.
The heat from the massager improves blood circulation and alleviates fatigue.
Moreover, it has a hand vibration function you can control with a single button. If you type all day or have to take non-stop calls, your hands need relaxation. The massager’s vibration technology provides a human-like massage that will make you forget about the pain.
Plus, it has three strength levels, ranging from low to high. So, you can choose the pressure and intensity of the massage accordingly.
With four massage balls, this neck massager can distribute the effects evenly. The 3D kneading balls provide relief to your tissues and muscles, leaving you relaxed and pain-free.
Not only is it incredible for pain relief, but it’s also very safe. The massager has an auto-shutoff feature, which turns it off after 15 minutes to prevent overheating.
Features
- Hand vibration technology
- Head mode
- Four massage balls
- Directional control
- Three massage strengths
- Overheating protection technology
Pros
- Comes with a car charger
- Is safe to use
- Provides a human-like massage experience
Con
- Isn’t cordless
5- SereneLife Electric Neck Massager Adjustable Heat
The SereneLife massager is another great massager for getting acupuncture massages at home.
You can adjust everything from the heat and vibrations to the intensity, personalizing the massage for maximum comfort.
Furthermore, it has six preset massage modes with different timer settings.
No matter how big or small your neck is, the massager’s flexible collar will fit you. It features a wrap-around style, which is ideal for everyone.
Additionally, the massager is portable, so you can relax anywhere. Whether you're in the office or on vacation, you can take it along.
Most importantly, it comes with remote control. You can either use the LCD digital display for adjusting the settings or simply put the remote to use.
Features
- Six preset massage modes
- Flexible neck collar
- LCD digital display
- Remote control
- Universal size
- Acupuncture-type massage therapy
- Built-in rechargeable battery
Pros
- Can be controlled in different ways
- One size fits all
- Is comfortable around the neck
- Presets allow the convenience of use
Con
- Not comfortable for extended use
What to Look For in a Neck Massager?
Neck massagers come in different shapes, sizes, and power settings. The features and functionality of some neck massagers make them stand out from the rest.
Here are some of the features a neck massager should have:
-
Massage Technique
First of all, you must focus on the kind of massage a neck massager delivers.
Nowadays, you can find options ranging from simple vibrational massage therapy to acupuncture and Shiatsu.
It depends on what you intend to use the massager for and how intense you need the massage to be. You can choose the massager with a specific massage technique accordingly.
-
Adjustable Speed
Although it sounds like a must-have, most massagers do not feature adjustable speeds.
So, you’re stuck with just one speed that you cannot change. This isn’t always doable, especially when you need a more intense or lighter massage.
Thus, look for neck massagers that have adjustable speeds.
-
Massager Type
The most common massager for neck and shoulder is the wrap-around style, but it isn't the only one. The other types include pillows and massage guns.
While pillows and wrap-around massagers have limited functionality, a muscle massager gun provides relief to the whole body.
-
Heat Function
Just like adjustable speed, not all massagers have a heat function. If you want relief from muscle soreness and improve blood circulation, look for neck massagers with a heat function.
Along with warming up your muscles, the heat also enhances the sensation of a massage.
-
Power Source
Neck massagers are either battery-operated or work with a wall power adapter.
If you’re looking for a portable massager, you’d be better off with a massage gun. In contrast, if you want an at-home massager, the ones with wall adapters are suitable.
Some massagers also come with a car charger, so you can use them on a long trip.
-
Portability
If you don’t want to sit close to a power outlet whenever you want to have a massage, it’s essential to choose a portable massager.
While some massagers have a cord that limits your movement, others are battery-operated. For example, a muscle massager gun offers the best portability as you can take it anywhere with a full charge.
Similarly, some neck massager pillows are also cordless, allowing you to move without restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s take a look at the frequently asked questions to have a better understanding.
What Is the Best Neck Massager on the Market?
Currently, there are many reliable neck massagers you can use for at-home massages. For instance, Exogun is a muscle massager gun with adjustable settings, multiple massager heads, cordless functionality, and a powerful motor.
If you’re looking for a pillow massager, you can opt for the LiBa neck massager with heat function and U-shaped fit. Similarly, there are many wrap-around options, too.
Are Neck Massagers Safe?
Whether neck massagers are safe or not is an on-going debate. It’s important to keep in mind that, if used correctly, a neck massager would do you no harm.
However, if you use it for too long or crank up the heat too high, the massager can lead to physical damage. In some instances, extended use of a neck massager may even cause a stroke.
Thus, follow the instructions of the manufacturers when using the neck massager to stay safe. Also, do not leave the massager unattended if you have kids at home.
How Long Should You Use a Neck Massager?
Just like everything else, you should use a neck massager in moderation. Using a massager for about 30 minutes is thought to be sufficient.
However, neck massager should not be used daily. Use the massager no more than three times a week.
Can a Neck Massager Make Neck Pain Worse?
In some cases, a neck massager can make your neck pain worse. If you suffer from chronic pain or have a sports injury, get it checked by a doctor before using a neck massager at home.
It’s possible that using a massager for long periods might worsen the pain or increase inflammation, leading to more stress.
Is a Massage Gun Better Than a Massage Pillow?
It depends on how you intend to use the massager. If you want a full-body massage at home, a massage gun is your ideal choice. A muscle massager gun is hand-held, so it gives you full control.
On the other hand, neck massage pillows are suitable if you just want a neck and shoulder massage. Most of these pillows are cordless like massage guns, so they're easily portable too.
When Should You Not Use a Neck Massager?
Although neck massagers are pretty beneficial for most people, they’re not universally helpful. If you suffer from digestive or circulatory system diseases, do not use a neck massager without your doctor’s permission.
Also, patients of chronic pain must use massagers according to their physician’s directions. Pregnant women should consult their doctors before using a massager at home.
Final Words
Whether you’re using a massage gun or a wrap-around neck massager, it’s amazing to have an at-home facility for relieving pain and tension.
Along with alleviating pain, a good massage also puts you in a pleasant mood and helps release stress.
So, it's good for your physical and emotional wellbeing to have a neck massager at hand.
From muscle massager guns to neck massage pillows, we have included a wide range of options in this review. We hope it helps you in making the right decision.