5 Best Portable Massager Reviews In 2023

New and modern portable massagers are truly impressive small devices that can help you relax, eliminate the pain and refresh at the same time. Of course, in order to get all three and not just one benefit, you will need the best portable massager.

The models we have tested and reviewed here offer a lot of features and advantages, they are simply the best types available on the market today. Read on to see which type you are looking for.

Comparison Chart of The Best Portable Massager

Best Portable Massager Reviewed

1. Pure Wave CM-7: Best Portable Handheld Massager

The Pure Wave CM-7 is one of the best portable handheld massager. The advantages and the list of benefits it offers are truly epic.

This unit looks modern and well-designed. It is practical, convenient and it can be used for multiple purposes. And yes, when used as instructed, the massager will eliminate muscle pain, knots, and all possible deep issues, hence enhance blood circulation.

Thanks to the cordless design, you can use it anywhere you want when looking for a neck shoulder massage. Recharging the battery is simple and fast.

2.Unimed Massager Pro: Best Portable TENS Unit Massager

Unimed Massager Pro is the best portable TENS model we were able to find. The tested model is a combination of PMS and TENS unit. What this means is that it is mostly focused on pain relief.

The battery can last up to 20 hours of usage, which is more than sufficient. The massager works by sending electrical impulses deep into the tissue which will then stimulate the nerves, stopping the pain signals reaching the brain. All of this release endorphins, which are natural painkillers.

3. Breo IPalm520s: Best Portable Massager For Hand

Keep in mind that this isn’t a handheld device. It is a portable hand massager designed and made for a soothing and relaxing hand massage. All you have to do is to place your hand inside the massager, turn it on and you are done. Relax and observe how this wise invention massages your hand.

4. Brookstone Cordless Shiatsu: Best Portable Massager For Neck

There is no need in telling you that this is the best electric portable massager for your neck. It is designed specifically for this purpose. 

The tested unit was more than just powerful and comfortable to use. To enjoy using this massager, all you have to do is place it on your neck and hold the handles. By pulling the handles you can literally adjust the pressure intensity. Of course, you can select the vibration mode as well.

This portable neck massager is designed to simulate the shiatsu massage, and we can add that it does it cleverly and to the point. If you are a fan of shiatsu massage, getting this will be far more affordable than going for frequent, shiatsu massages.

5. Brookstone S8 Shiatsu Seat Topper: Best Portable Massager For Back

All of you who are looking for ways to make any chair become a real massage chair should really appreciate this model we have here. The main advantage this sea topper has is that it offers massage for both the back and neck, whereas many other similar units offer either for back or neck massage only.

Of course, there are also a few advanced features as to why we choose this model as the best back portable massager. Let’s check them out.

Buyers Guide for The Best Portable Massager

Now you know which are the best-rated portable massagers, but how do we actually decide this list?

Modern massagers are all but simple. They have dozens of features, they are based on a different design principle and they are based on different technologies. Yes, almost all of them are portable, but what kind and which features are we actually looking for. Check out the buying guide below.

Type of Massager

Here we can see three main types.

a) Using Vibration

The first type is the one that uses vibrations, achieved thanks to the electric motor. They are the smallest and the most compact handheld massagers on the market. Some of them are even smaller than an average smartphone.

On the other hand, they are used for simple massages and they are not extremely effective for the whole body. Due to their size, they are more used for spot massaging.

b) Using Impulse

The second type is a massager that uses impulses. Those models are commonly known as PMS and TENS units. They have electrodes which will have to be carefully positioned and they can be used for different parts of a body. You will control them via the control panel which is stationary.

Also, they are great when it comes to spot massaging, but there is a special feature they offer. These units are perfect for pain management. They send electrical impulses to the tissue which activates the nerves and eliminates pain. They also affect the endorphin levels in the blood. They increase them.

c) Using Shiatsu Technique

The third type is massagers which use nods or mimic shiatsu massage. They are more common for neck and back massages and they are extremely beneficial. You are going to love these shiatsu massagers and enjoy every minute while using them. However, they are massive in size and they are usually developed for home use targeting your whole body.

Targeted Areas

This is the second main factor to consider. What part of a body will you want to massage?

If you are looking for a back, you will need a massager that is designed for back massages specifically. If you are looking for hand massager, you will need an appropriate unit. Basically, there are massagers which are designed for massaging one spot on the body. It may be the neck, hand, back, feet, shoulder and etc.

It is essential to choose a model that can be used for massaging one spot or several ones if you have a need. For example, the first model we have mentioned here can be used for massaging feet, back, neck and even face.

Facial Massage

Power Source

There is no need to tell you that nowadays massagers come with several power options. Users can choose between two main types. The first one is old-school power cord models. As the name tells you, they have a power cord which will have to be plugged in a socket. The main benefit is the fact you always have a fully optimized and powerful massager which offers great results. You don’t have to worry about the battery. There are drawbacks as well. These models are bigger and more complicated to use. Also, they can’t be used in remote locations.

The second type is battery-powered massagers. These models are the best when it comes to practicality. They literally can be used on a desert island and they will still provide excellent results. Yet, you will have to worry about the battery. Most of them can last up to 7 hours when fully charged and will require one hour to recharge, but the run time will decrease with the age of the massager!

There is a third type of massagers, but they are rare and commonly classified as the battery-powered units. Basically, they run on batteries, or they can use them, but they also offer a power cord so they can be plugged in devices.

Size

Let’s face it, the size of a massager can make a huge difference. You will need a small and practical model if you are planning to use it while on the go. On the other side, we have much bigger models which are designed for stationary use. Those units are typically designed to be used on chairs, so transporting them may be an issue.

The main advantage is the quality and the type of a massage they offer. They have different modes and they are superb when it comes to massaging the whole body or large areas.

Weight

You will hold your portable massager in the hands the entire time, so the last thing you want is a high weight. Always look for lightweight models, unless you are getting a chair-based model. In that case scenario, the weight is irrelevant.

A good thing is the fact that new models are made of special material, so they are extremely strong, yet lightweight and durable. Here you can see the different fabric, leather, plastic, composite materials and etc. The factor should be taken into consideration even when you are purchasing a small, handheld unit. As the name suggests, it will be in your hand the entire time, so a low weight is the best option.

Heating Feature

Additional Tips or Heads

It refers to the additional tips a massager can be paired with. Some are designed to be used on the face, others for specific body parts while the third ones are purpose-made tips.

For example, the first model we tested comes with 6 different tips. You will definitely want all of them, due to the fact this makes the massager far more useful and more advanced. We can say that these tips make a huge difference between average and a state of the art massager.

Vibration

Almost all massagers come with this feature. Obviously, there is no need to explain it. What we must explain is that the intensity adjustment must be your priority. It makes a huge difference in general and it makes a massager just perfect. This is the feature to look for if you need pain relief or a relaxation-focused massager.

Nods

Nods are specific and they are present in massagers which are bigger. They are nothing more than balls which will be rotated and moved across your back or neck. For most users and we also agree with that claim, nods offer the best form of massage in general. In this case scenario, you will want to look for the number of nods, their size and the movement possible. The more is always merrier in this case.

Modes

Modes are basically massages you will be able to use. Here we can see shiatsu, Swedish massage, acupuncture, tapping and etc. Without any doubt, this is a feature to look in.

More modes will make a massager more desirable and better for frequent use. It also means that the unit will be capable of providing much better results and will put a smile on your face. We also like the fact users can switch between different massage modes and choose the one that makes them feel the best at that particular moment.

Foldability

How well can you fold your new massager? For smaller units, this isn’t a relevant factor. Almost all of them can fit a pocket. On the other hand, we can see massive massagers which can be folded and packed in a small bag. You need this factor if you are looking for a unit which will be used in different locations.

Car Option

An interesting and small factor we have here. Basically, it means that a massager can be used in a car, so it will come with a car lighter support. Not all models come with this advantage and it isn’t something you can add later on. Car uses 12V while your house uses 220V. For taxi drivers and users who spend a long time in their cars, this is definitely a feature to look for.

Control Panel

How and where you will control your new massager? Once again, this refers to bigger models only. They come with a remote controller or a control panel where all the buttons are. Look for units which have modern and simple remote controllers. A professional handheld massager must come with easy to use control panel. Users don’t want to waste hours in looking for the right button.

Material

A type of material which is used in the manufacturing process makes a huge difference. Most, handheld models are made of plastics. Now, you should look for heavy-duty plastics. They have vibrations, so cheap plastics will be useless and will provide just a few weeks of use. Heavy-duty one will last for years.

If you are looking for a bigger massager, look for heavy-duty and rough fabric or material in general. Basically, this is something that can make a massager last longer than usual.

Warranty

Some massagers come with a warranty of one year only, while others come with a warranty of 3 years. This is an individual matter and it cannot be generalized. On our list, we have mentioned only the best models with the best warranties. Look for units that offer a long warranty, but also a money back guarantee.

The second guarantee is the most important when it comes to the new models which are still fresh on the market so there are no many users who have been using them for a longer period of time. Try to remember that a massager will be frequently used, so you don’t need a model that can’t last long. After all, you are paying for the quality.

Final Verdict