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

Research from 2017 indicates that massage, includingself-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.

How we chose

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.

There’s a wide range of neck massagers — from small manual rollers to massage chairs with heat and vibration. Some simulatemassage techniqueslike 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.

Best overall massager

InvoSpa Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager

  • Price:$
  • Details:This massage pillow contains eight bidirectional, deep-kneading shiatsu roller balls that users say feel like human hands. This is a corded, electric device. The control panel and DC power port are located in the positioning handles. It has three speed strength levels and an infrared heat option.
  • Pros:You can use this massager on your upper or lower body. It has a 15-minute automatic shutoff, so you don’t have to worry about overdoing it. It also comes with its own carrying case, charger cord, and car charger.
  • Cons:Some users report that the quality of the product isn’t what they would expect for the price.
Shop now at Amazon

Best massagers for the neck

VOYOR Neck Massager

  • Price:$
  • Details:This product contains two pliant silicon balls on each side of the inner rim. The balls are strategically placed to apply pressure on tight neck muscles. All you have to do is manually massage your neck while holding the ergonomically designed handles.
  • Pros:This budget-priced neck massager doesn’t require batteries or any power source to operate.
  • Cons:Some people report that the opening for the neck is tight, and wish the product was made of a sturdier material.
Shop now at Amazon

Best handheld massager

RENPHO Rechargeable Handheld Deep Tissue Massager

  • Price:$
  • Details:This rechargeable, handheld massager has multiple percussion speed options. It comes with five interchangeable massage nodes and a charger. Each charge lasts for up to 140 minutes.
  • Pros:It gets high marks from users for giving a powerful, deep tissue massage.
  • Cons:It doesn’t come with firmness controls.
Shop now at Amazon

Best massager for sports recovery

Vybe Percussion Massage Gun

  • Price:$
  • Details:如果你正在寻找一个深刻而有穿透力的马萨ge, this handheld massage gun may be a good choice for you. It comes with three different massage tips, designed for large muscle groups, small muscle groups, and deep tissue massage. You can choose between six percussion vibration speeds ranging from 500 to 2,400 strokes per minute. It comes with a carrying case and two rechargeable batteries.
  • Pros:It can be used anywhere on the body, including the neck, shoulders, biceps, and calves. Ninety-degree rotation lets you fit the massager comfortably into the nape of your neck, without missing any aching spots.
  • Cons:Users mention it has a short battery life. According to the manufacturer, this massage gun is loud. You may want to avoid using it on public transportation or an airplane.
Shop now at Amazon

Best massagers for neck and shoulders

truMedic Shiatsu Neck, Back and Shoulder Massager with Heat

  • Price:$$$
  • Details:This battery-operated, rechargeable massager is designed to mimic the feel of human hands. It sits along the shoulders, supplying heat and massage to your neck, shoulders, and upper back.
  • Pros:The controls for massage direction, pressure, and heat are located within adjustable arm straps that you place your hands into. It comes with an AC adaptor for easy recharging at home or on the go.
  • Cons:Some users report this massager to be a bit heavy and bulky.
Shop now at Amazon

Best massagers for neck and back

Comfier Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager

  • Price:$$$
  • Details:这个按摩器就像一个孩子但对于汽车座位adults. It supplies adjustable rolling and spot massage, plus 2-D and 3-D finger-pressure shiatsu compression. It also has optional heat.
  • Pros:Strategically situated rotation nodes let you massage your neck, shoulders, back, waist, and thighs. Two airbags squeeze and compress the hips, waist, and lower back, for full back pain relief.
  • Cons:If you’re on the shorter side or the taller side, the massage points may not match up to the correct areas of your body.
Shop now at Amazon

Best shiatsu massager

Sharper Image Realtouch Massage Wireless Neck and Back Shiatsu with Heat

  • Price:$$$
  • Details:This wireless, rechargeable massager has six comfortable gel nodes that grip underneath muscle, for a 3-D shiatsu-style massage. It also includes an optional heat mode.
  • Pros:Users say it feels like hands and thumbs.
  • Cons:This massager is controlled manually by pulling on arm straps worn in front of the body. It may not be a good choice for anyone with an inability to grip easily, or with weakness in the hands.
Shop now at Amazon

Best manual massager

Zongs Manual Massage Ball

  • Price:$
  • Details:This small, manually operated massager uses a durable roller ball to apply pressure to aching muscles. You can use it on your neck while sitting or reclining. You can also use it on your shoulders or back by laying down on a hard surface with the massage ball underneath you.
  • Pros:Its simple design, effectiveness, and low price get high marks from customers on several sales sites. One Amazon review mentioned that it’s a good fix for weight lifters withshoulder impingement.
  • Cons:Some people report that the ball doesn’t stick out far enough from the plastic to be effective.
Shop now at Amazon

Best intelligent massager

HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS Unit EMS Muscle Stimulator

  • Price:$$
  • Details:This TENS device is battery operated and sends small, electrical impulses to the body through electrodes implanted in adhesive pads. Each pad is labeled for the body part it’s intended for.
  • Pros:A large LCD display gives information about the type of massage you should choose for each area of the body. These massage types include kneading, acupuncture, andcupping.
  • Cons:People with certain health conditions shouldn’t use TENS devices. Talk with your doctor before buying this device.
Shop now at Amazon

Best acupressure massager

Aku Roller

  • Price:$$
  • Details:This handheld roller uses antimicrobial metal spikes to apply pressure to acupressure points on the skin.
  • Pros:You can use it directly on your neck, back, shoulders, or any other area of the body.
  • Cons:If you’re giving yourself a neck massage, cover the hair at the nape of your neck so that it doesn’t tangle in the spikes.
Shop now at Aku

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:

  • What type of massage am I trying to simulate?
  • Will I be massaging myself or someone else?
  • If I’m massaging my own back, neck, and shoulders, can I effectively control this massager?
  • Is it important to me to have multiple percussion and power options?
  • Is heat massage important?
  • Do I have enough strength in my hands to effectively use a manual massager?
  • What is my budget for this device?

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.