The 9 Best Neck Massagers

Jun 07, 2023

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At-home neck massagers can be a beneficial tool for reducing neck and shoulder pain. In this roundup, we’ve included several different types you can try for short-term pain relief and relaxation.

Research from 2017 indicates that massage, including self-massage, can provide short-term pain reduction and benefits such as stress relief. In addition, there’s evidence that the relaxation produced by massage therapy can help reduce pain.

Of course, chronic pain, or abrupt pain that comes on without warning, should always be checked out by a healthcare professional.

There’s a wide range of neck massagers — from small manual rollers to massage chairs with heat and vibration. Some simulate massage techniques like shiatsu or Swedish massage.

Popular types of neck massagers include:

Neck massagers range in size, function, and price. They can provide some benefits if you’re looking for short-term neck, shoulder, and back pain relief, and to reduce stress and increase relaxation at the end of a long, hard day.

The neck massagers on this list come from trusted, transparent manufacturers. We analyzed customer reviews and feedback about each product and manufacturer on multiple sales sites and on sites like the Better Business Bureau.

We included products that received significantly more positive feedback than negative. With budget in mind, we included products at various price points.

Neck massagers range significantly in cost. At the low end are handheld, manual massagers that don’t need power to operate. These can cost less than $25. At the high end are rechargeable or electrical devices that provide multiple options for speed and power. These can cost $200 or more.

For this roundup, we’ve indicated price as follows:

When it comes to neck massagers, price isn’t an indicator of quality, effectiveness, or power.

If you’re new to these devices, look for a massager that comes with a trial period and full money-back guarantee.

When considering which product to buy, ask yourself the following questions:

If you have minor neck and shoulder pain from a strain or an injury, resting the area for a few days may help.

Keep in mind that everyday activities, like working on a computer or holding a phone up to your ear for long periods, can strain your neck and shoulders. If you can, try to take a break from these activities.

Here are some other tips for managing neck and shoulder pain:

Neck and shoulder pain may have underlying causes that need medical support. Most of these underlying conditions respond well to over-the-counter treatments. Others may need prescribed treatments, including physical therapy, medication, or surgery.

Potential causes of neck and shoulder pain that may need a doctor’s care include:

Get acute, severe pain that comes on abruptly checked out by a healthcare professional. Chronic pain that interferes with your day-to-day, including sleep, also requires a healthcare professional’s input.

The sooner you can get a diagnosis, the sooner you can start treatment and begin to feel better.

It depends. Some neck massagers, like massage pillows, are designed for overnight use.

If your massager is not specifically meant for this purpose, don’t sleep with it on. You can over-ice or overheat the area.

Electrical devices that are attached to your neck or shoulder also pose a strangling hazard.

Given the wide range of neck massagers available, the best rule of thumb is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

There are no professional guidelines for using neck massagers. However, people who use them do sometimes mention overuse is possible.

If you feel discomfort, pain, or irritation while using your massager, you’re overdoing it. Talk with a healthcare professional to get their advice about daily use and timing for your needs.

Pregnancy massage, including vibrating massage from a device, is usually safe for most people after the first trimester.

However, people with certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, may be better off avoiding neck massagers.

No matter what your medical history is, talk with your OB-GYN before using a neck massager.

Self-massage may have benefits for pain reduction and stress relief.

Many types of neck massagers can be used to alleviate back, shoulder, and neck pain at home.

Neck massagers can provide relief from neck pain caused by strains, sprains, and conditions such as osteoarthritis. In addition, they can be used to reduce the discomfort caused by tension headaches.