Top best manual neck massagers 2020-2021

Updated: 04/22/2021 15:47:27

Expert: Elizaveta Rubinstein

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Massage devices support muscle performance and stimulate blood circulation. They help prevent the development of degenerative diseases and other pathologies of the spine. Our rating presents popular neck and shoulder massagers from trusted companies.

How to Choose the Best Neck and Shoulder Massager – Buying Guide

Before you purchase a neck massager, we've created a handy buying guide to walk you through every aspect of the selection process.

Massage technique

As you've probably noticed, not every massager works the same. Each room has a unique massage technique. So which one is right for you?

Shiatsu massage

This is the most common method in the products on our list. This technique is applied by rolling the palms, fingers and thumbs over specific pressure points to provide muscle relief and relaxation. The massagers in our guide simulate this with units rotating on an axis.

Kneading

Another of the most popular methods of working with commercial massagers is deep tissue kneading. It is applied by pressing the soft tissue against the hardness of our bones. This sounds a little intense, and it is, but it's not without good reason.

This technique is great for treating tight muscles and also increases blood circulation, which is very important for a healthy body. It can also help improve flexibility, which is great for athletes, those who are active, and those looking to improve their fitness.

Vibration

Not all massagers on our list include vibration, but it can definitely help. You will see this technique more often in larger massage chairs; however, it is included in some neck massagers. Vibration works mainly to loosen your muscles and stimulate blood flow.

Heat therapy

This is not so much a “massage” technique as it is simply a general relaxation and wellness technique. The heat works to warm your muscles as they stretch. As you can probably guess, this helps improve your flexibility and also rid your body of tight muscle knots.

In addition, heat improves blood circulation, which, as we just mentioned, is very important for a healthy body.

This is because the blood transports oxygen to your muscles at a faster rate, which also means it will get rid of more lactic acid in your muscles, relieving them of soreness and tightness. Third, heat can help reduce inflammation and increase your immunity.

Energy source

As you can see, not every neck and shoulder massager uses the same power source.

There are various methods:

110V from standard output
12V car adapters
Rechargeable Li-Ion Batteries

Battery-powered massagers

They use a battery for their power. This makes the massager much more portable and versatile. Typically, you will see these types used with lithium batteries, which typically provide about 2 hours of use.

As you use more features you will see this amount of time decrease, with heat therapy reducing battery life the fastest. Some will use rechargeable batteries and some will not. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage of rechargeable batteries is that you don't have to go out and buy new batteries every time they run out. However, once this rechargeable battery runs out you will have to buy a new unit.

Electric massagers

They don't have a battery, so you'll have to plug them in every time you want to use it, which might be a little inconvenient for some. If the device has a longer power cord, or has a car adapter with it, it will certainly expand your horizons.

Top 10 Best for Neck and Shoulders

It is advisable to know in advance which device is suitable in your particular case. To do this, you need to read the following information.

Manual

Dolphin AMG 6093 Gezatone

Dolphin AMG 6093 Gezatone – infrared warming vibration massager . Includes 3 attachments:

point;
needle-shaped;
nozzle for the whole body.

Power supply 220 V. Price 1990 rubles.

Beurer MG80

Beurer MG80 – impact massager , 2 massage attachments, price 5,000 rubles.

Casada Tappymed 3

Casada Tappymed 3 is a hand-held percussion massager. The central part of the device is made of jade, which provides gentle heating during the massage. Price – 6000 rubles.

We invite you to watch a video about the Casada Tappymed 3 massager:

Roller

Medisana NM 860

Medisana NM 860 is a battery-powered massage collar with 4 massage heads that provide comprehensive treatment of muscles and joints. Price – 4200 rudders.

We invite you to watch a video about the Medisana NM 860 massager:

Kragen(GESS-012) Gess

Kragen(GESS-012) Gess – 2 massage heads with 4 roller elements, providing intense kneading massage. It has weighting agents, which makes it fit more tightly to the massaged area . Price – from 6000 rubles.

We invite you to watch a video about the Kragen(GESS-012) Gess massager:

Casada Neck Massager 2

Casada Neck Massager 2 - has heating and vibration functions , quite heavy - 1.5 kg, but it provides high quality massage, there are loops for putting your hands through them to further increase the load. Price – from 7500 rubles.

We invite you to watch a video about the Casada Neck Massager 2:

YAMAGUCHI AXIOM NECK

YAMAGUCHI AXIOM NECK – runs on batteries, creates an electromagnetic field and infrared heating. 4 massage rollers provide high-quality massage . Price – 15,000 rubles.

We invite you to watch a video about the YAMAGUCHI AXIOM NECK massager:

Drums

Healthy Back New Bradex

Healthy Back New Bradex – provides uniform vibration and heating of the massaged area. Has 12 operating modes and 9 pressure levels. Price – from 1500 rubles.

Cervical massage shawls

Cervical massage shawls is an easy-to-use device with 2 modes - automatic and manual. 9 speeds and 38 settings to program the optimal massage intensity. Price – from 2000 rubles.

We invite you to watch a video about the Cervical massage shawls:

Rumba Us Medica

Rumba Us Medica – two massage techniques – effleurage and tapping . The sound is reminiscent of a rumba, hence the name. Powered by network. Price – 8900 rubles.

We invite you to watch a video about the Rumba Us Medica massager:

Price of neck massagers

This brings us to the next point, which is the budget you have. How much are you willing to spend on your new neck massager? While we will say that the most expensive massager is not necessarily the best, you will see a noticeable increase in benefits if you are willing to spend a little more.

As the price goes up, you typically see more massage modes, benefits like heat or vibration, improved portability, ease of use, LCD screens, and more.

Indications and contraindications for neck and shoulder massage

Among the clear contraindications to massage procedures:

venous and arterial hypotension;
osteoporosis;
severe hypertension;
pregnancy;
injuries in the neck area during the acute period;
ARVI in the acute period;
the presence of malignant tumors.

If you suffer from diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, intervertebral hernias, protrusions), the use of massage devices should be agreed with your doctor.

Indications for the use of massagers are as follows:

fatigue and muscle strain due to sedentary work, study;
intense strength training, after which muscle pain appears due to the release of lactic acid;
cervical osteochondrosis;
recovery from neck and/or spine injuries;
decreased tone, fatigue, decreased performance.

Benefits of neck massagers

First of all, you will get relief in the neck, shoulders and upper back. Your neck massager simply needs to be used on these areas. If you have an option that can be used all over your body, you now have a full body massager that can provide you with relief wherever you need it, even your feet!

You will also experience better, deeper sleep. These massagers are good not only for the muscles, but also for the brain. They keep your muscles more relaxed and reduce stress levels in your body. With these lower levels, you'll be able to sleep better and feel more at ease, which provides countless benefits.

Increased blood circulation is a benefit that we have touched on several times in this article. When your muscles are stimulated, your local blood circulation increases. Our blood works to transport oxygen, nutrients, and white blood cells to muscles and joints.

Increasing oxygen supply helps restore muscle as well as nutrients. White blood cells help reduce inflammation, fight infection and more, which are key to a healthy body.

You will also find that if you experience headaches, you will now have fewer of them due to the muscle contractions in your head and neck lowering and relaxing. Sure, you could just take a painkiller and be done with it, but wouldn't you rather give your liver a break and live pain-free?

Tips for using a neck massager

Tip #1: If you use heat, it should always be on low and used in moderation

Heat therapy is not designed to burn you. Also, use this type of massage sparingly, as it may actually harm your muscles rather than make them better.

Tip #2: If the intensity is too much for you, either lower it (if you can) or place a towel between your body and the knots

Deep tissue massage may be too intense for some to use on bare skin or just with thin clothing in between.

Tip #3: Never use it while driving a car.

This goes without saying, but using anything that can distract you from paying full attention to the road is a bad idea. If you need a massage in your car, then choose a massage chair

Top best manual neck massagers 2020-2021

Arealer Heat Cervical Massager

Drape the Arealer massager around your neck and enjoy the pleasure of 8 Shiatsu massage heads that work to release tension and relax your muscles.

The Arealer Neck Massager is described as a pocket-sized pendant design that allows you to control movement and intensity by pulling down on the handles to increase force.

You can also further customize your massage using the control panel located on the massager, allowing you to easily switch between three different speed and intensity settings. Consider neck massagers for osteochondrosis.

With the AC adapter and car charger, you can use your massager anywhere and anywhere on your body. Many users mentioned that they enjoyed it on their legs, back and waist.

Those who work in an office all day and struggle with neck pain simply love the massager. In fact, one user was kind enough to pass it around the office, and now everyone enjoys a daily massage!

Renpho Handheld Neck Massager

It delivers 3600 pulses per minute. You can control the intensity by depending on the type of massage.

It comes with four different massage modes for you to try on your neck, from continuous pulse to two pulses per second.

Since the massager is rechargeable, this means you can use it anywhere in the home, as well as in the office or even on vacation. Once charged, this handheld massager can last for over two hours, so you can enjoy a number of sessions before charging.

The tapping massager has 5 interchangeable attachments including a round head that better fits your neck and a massager for more sensitive areas.

Fans of the Renpho massager rave about the amazing massage they can enjoy at such a reasonable price. They also explained that while the product was durable, it was still easy to hold, making it ideal for those who have previously avoided hand-held massagers due to their weight.

Vive Handheld Neck Massager

Sometimes it's not always convenient to carry a massager with you on the go, which is why Vive developed its massage roller with a ball.

This is a really simple product that is small enough to just throw in your bag, but can still deliver a satisfying neck massage.

This comfortable massage roller ball glides over your skin smoothly and with minimal effort. Plus, since you control the intensity, you can enjoy it gently or deeply. It is said to be an ideal gift for those suffering from arthritis if they struggle to control the massager with their hands. Find out about the best percussion massagers for your back and neck.

Plus, to make your massage even more indulgent, you can add essential oils to the roller ball so you can relax more and smell amazing.

Reviewers of the product who suffer from stiff necks especially liked the massager because they could keep it in the car or at work to help them relax as they struggled with pain. They couldn't believe how such a simple product could do a massage so well, but sometimes in life, the simplest things are the best.

In addition, it includes two videos.

Shiatsu neck massager Resteck

Choose a massager that provides an intense and satisfying deep tissue massage by investing in the Resteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager.

This massager was truly designed with your neck in mind, as the kneading pad delivers a powerful massage straight to the source of your pain.

The knobs mean you can control the intensity, but the massager also comes with eight different massage modes, a built-in heat function, and direction and speed control options to really tailor your massager.

Resteck created their neck massager for on-the-go use as it comes with a convenient carrying case as well as a car charger.

The knobs were rated for controlling intensity, and many reported instant relief from pain.

Arealer Neck Massager Pillow with Heat

If this is the massage pillow you are looking for, then you can't go wrong with the Arelaer massage pillow.

Inside the pillow you will find four large and four small massage nodes that you can use to ease tension in your neck.

You can change the direction of the massage nodes and enjoy the pleasure of the satisfying heat function, which can be controlled at the touch of a button. It also has three different pressures and speeds to choose from.

The Arealer massage pillow comes with a strap so it can be easily positioned on your car seat or on your chair as it works on your neck. However, don't be tempted to use it while driving as it can be a seriously relaxing experience!

Many users treat their neck pain by lying on their back on a pillow. A car charger relieves pain after traveling long distances.

Neck massager Naipo

The Naipo Cordless Massager is ideal for travel, but is also good if you just want to use the massager when you're not near the plug.

When fully charged, it can be used for up to two hours, making it a great buy if you struggle with neck pain while traveling.

With 8 massage nodes, a heating function, directional settings and intensity options, this cordless massager gives your neck a relaxing experience.

When using the Naipo massager, you have the option of using the hand straps to control the pressure and placement of the massage, or alternatively you can use the convenient hook and loop attachment to keep the massager in place. Consider our review of the best Shiatsu massagers.

The hands-free feature was a hit with users who felt it made the massage experience more enjoyable. One user even claimed that it made them question the necessity of human relationships!

The Muscle Stick Advanced Massage Roller

You don't always need an electrical device to get to the source of your neck pain.

This massager has stainless steel rollers that help relieve muscle tension that is causing neck pain.

With rubber compression handles, you can position the roller anywhere and control the intensity easily.

Buyers of the product found that the roller did a great job of relieving muscle tension, and although the rollers may look a little scary, they described that they felt soft on the skin.

Plus, it comes in a range of different colors so you can choose the one that best suits your mood.

Acupressure pillow Ajnamat

While it's not technically a massager, the Ajnamat Acupressure Pillow may be just what your neck needs.

Acupressure has a huge number of health benefits and has been shown through research to help relieve neck pain. Covered with nearly 1,500 specially designed spikes, this mat is ideal for long trips or use during a yoga session.

Made from a linen and cotton blend, the Ajnamata Acupressure Pillow is available in several different colors and comes infused with buckwheat and lavender to encourage a deeper level of relaxation. Consider infrared neck massagers.

Some seriously relaxed users commented on how the pillow was the neck pain treatment they were looking for, and at such an affordable price. For many, it has become a daily staple with more people replacing their night pillow with the Ajnamat Acupressure Pillow.

Nursal heated neck and shoulder massager

Kneading and pinching your neck and shoulders makes the Nursal massager feel like the hands of a real masseuse.

Hand straps can be used to control the intensity, however you also have the benefit of different speed options so you can get your massage done with a heating function.

The Nursal massager truly relieves your neck pain by providing optimal support so you can try and relieve your pain.

Also, this may seem like a small feature, but the massager also has a silent feature. This allows you to use the massager without annoying background noise to disturb your peaceful moment.

“Intense” was the word used by many reviewers who loved the feeling of such a deep massage.

People agreed that Nursal achieved its goal of creating a massager that felt like the hands of a real masseuse, and people were happy to have it in their home.

Best Electric Neck Massagers

Electric neck massagers are multifunctional. They are universal devices that are suitable for warming up the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips. They can be supplemented with heating options, a 3D massage effect, operate on mains or battery power and have different effects on muscle groups. The price of electric massagers also varies, and you can buy them in online stores or medical equipment stores. The rating presents four nominees who became the best in terms of quality and efficiency.

Richter Relax

This electric back and neck massager is more suitable for car use. It has the shape of a headrest, is equipped with a comprehensive massage system, having eight rotating rollers. It warms up muscles and tissues using infrared radiation, the control panel is located directly on the device body, and the sensor ensures comfortable use. Maximum massage time is 20 minutes.

Advantages

Easy;
Beautiful design;
Rotation speed is adjustable;
Easy to maintain;
Long warranty.

Flaws

High price;
Short adapter cord.

Buyers note that when buying Richter Relax, they have to buy an adapter separately, since the original cable included is quite short. Despite this, the effect of using the device is obvious; the massager kneads and relaxes muscles, increases blood circulation, and relieves tension.

Medisana MNV

Collar massager operating via a remote control. Power is supplied via mains or batteries, the device is small in size and relatively light in weight. There is a heating function, IR radiation, rotating balls are placed on the collar, but vibrations pass throughout the entire body. The Medisana MNV device is intended for the neck and shoulders, but judging by the reviews, customers have adapted to using it for the legs and hips.

Advantages

Well made;
Modern design;
Automatic shutdown after 15 minutes;
Car adapter included;
Pleasant to the touch.

Flaws

Loud;
Batteries run out quickly.

Almost all users note the relaxation effect from using the device. The device relieves fatigue, relaxes and tones muscles, warming them up.

US-Medica Rumba

A massage cape designed to relieve fatigue from the shoulders, collar area, buttocks and lower back. There are pockets in the front; if you lower the cape over your hips, you can massage your legs and lumbar region. The US-Medica Rumba device is multifunctional; it has five operating modes that can be switched using the remote control or built-in sensor. The modes are varied: patting, tapping, vibration operate at different speeds.

Advantages

Silent;
Has IR heating;
Material eco leather;
Compact size;
Mobility.

Flaws

Works only from the network;
Small LCD screen.

For all its advantages, the price of US-Medica Rumba is quite high. However, buyers leave positive reviews; the neck massager quickly kneads and relaxes stiff muscles, and helps relieve pain from osteochondrosis of varying degrees.

Gess Kragen

A universal device designed for massage of different areas. Folding, the device is easy to transport and use, even in a car. It has three speed modes that can be set using a small control panel. Gess Kragen operates continuously for 20 minutes, and users can set a timer. Made from high-quality medical leather, the device is equipped with comfortable, long handles with which its position can be adjusted.

Advantages