by Philip |
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Who Would Use A Portable Massage Chair?
Whether you’re working full-time as a licensed massage therapist, studying to become a qualified masseuse, or simply offering “mini-spa” treatments for friends and family, a good-quality portable massage chair is a worthwhile investment.
These chairs are a fantastic advertisement for you and your services, conveying a professional image even if you’re just getting started. A good-quality massage chair will last many years. It’s a sensible investment for massage students who are looking for equipment that will last them through the early years of building up a business to a point of true profitability.
One of the main benefits of portable massage chairs is that they are ideal for therapists who work in their clients’ homes or workplaces, or those who offer their treatments at holistic wellness fairs and community events – if you are looking for a chair for this purpose, remember to check that a carry case is included in the price.
Massage chairs are a better option than massage tables, as chairs offer greater adjustability options, and are easier when you need a client to change position; they are also more ergonomic from the therapists’ point of view, being easier to lean across and maneuver yourself around while working. They also typically take up less floor space, making them the most suitable option for working at events.
We set out to pick 5 of the best but ultimately after much review and research, we can only confidently recommend these 4 portable massage chairs. Other budget chairs were very affordable but problematic in quality. Another had a very unique characteristic (could be reclined) but ultimately, the price point could not justify some of its flaws. After much deliberation, the below are the portable massage chairs that made the cut:
Best Quality: Oakworks Portal Pro
If you are looking for the best quality chair with no budget constraints, then you should take a look at the Portal Pro. It is several times over more expensive than the cheaper brands but the quality and make is unmistakable.
Dimension: 73 x 31 x 36 inches
Item Weight: 30 pounds
Pros of the Oakworks Portal Pro
- It is portable and lightweight, and yet strong
- It can bear a maximum weight of 350 pounds
- Construction is very solid and clients will instantly feel comfortable and secure whilst seated
- The padding is excellent
- The face cradle, seat, armrest and sternum pad are all height adjustable while the face pillow is fully articulated
- Allows a 360 degree access to your client
- Comes with a carry case
- You can purchase parts like the leg pads separately so you can extend the life span of your chair
- Lots of colors to choose from in case you want to make it match with your brand colors
- Responsive customer service
Cons of the Oakworks Portal Pro
- Expensive
- The sternum pad is sold separately
- Package includes: Adjustable Chair with TerraTouch Fabric, Quick Lock Face Rest Platform, Aero-cel Face Crescent Cushion, Carry Case. and...
Last update on 2025-04-29 at 17:24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best for Large Clients: Stronglite Ergo Pro II
Apart from Oakwood, another quality brand when it comes to portable massage chairs is Stronglite. The Stronglite chairs are designed alongside professional contemporary chair massage therapist David Palmer, founder of TouchPro, and one of the first chair massage therapists, with over 30 years of experience.
Of all their models, we like the Ergo Pro II the best so far. Yes, it’s pricey when compared to the budget chairs on this list but it’s definitely worth the investment. You will get a quality chair that will last you years and that will pay you back in good service and customer comfort.
Dimension: 32 x 19 x 45 inches
Item Weight: 24 lbs
Pros of the Stronglight Ergo Pro II
- Very strong materials used; uses T6 aluminum alloy
- Working weight is 600 lbs (and for once, we believe it; the chair is very stable and sturdy)
- Ideal for clients 4′ 6″ to 6′ 6″
- Has all manner of adjustments thus accommodating different body types. For example, the chest pad slides and tilts, while the face cradle and seat rises, lowers, and tilts. It also has adjustable armrests and removable leg pads for injured or disabled clients
- No bar between clients’ legs
- Doesn’t tip when a client gets up from it
Cons of the Stronglight Ergo Pro II
- Heavier than some portable chairs
- More expensive than the budget chairs
- Some smaller clients feel like they are sliding backwards
Last update on 2025-04-29 at 17:24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Cushioning: Earthlite Vortex
The Earthlite Vortex is one of the favorite brand names for portable massage chairs. They received the American Spa Professional’s Choice Awards as Favorite Treatment Table Manufacturer for 9 years.
It is fully adjustable, comes in a wide range of colors if you’re partial about aesthetics, and is really lightweight at only 15 pounds. It is easy to assemble, folds easily, and is very portable.
The cushioning on this chair is excellent. The contouring of the face cushion is very well done. The sternum pad is also very comfortable and well-designed for endowed clients.
Despite the 300 pound weight capacity, we’d recommend it for those with small to medium-sized clients. A handful of clients find it uncomfortable because they find the armrest too low, their knees too bent, and the seat too small.
Dimension: 29 x 19 x 51 inches
Item Weight: 15 lbs
Pros of the Earthlite Vortex
- Really lightweight
- Adjustable and portable
- Excellent cushioning especially the face and sternum cushion
Cons of the Earthlite Vortex
- May not be suited for large clients
- Some complaints that it wobbles
- Color: Amethyst
- Oval tube
- Aircraft Aluminum frame design
Last update on 2025-04-29 at 10:24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Budget Choice: Master Massage
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If you can get past the aggressive marketing blurbs like aircraft-grade metal or 600-pound capacity, the chair is actually a pretty adequate one and a pretty good purchase for the price. (As per the flyer that comes with the chair, its capacity is 250 lbs.)
For the low price, you’d think that clients would find this portable massage chair uncomfortable but it’s just not so. Clients get very comfortable on this chair because of the wide build and design. It sits them comfortably and gets them in that zen for a good massage experience.
The drawback is the weight. The Master Massage is rather heavy when compared to the most lightweight portable massage chairs. The good news is that it’s got a great carry case. In fact, the suitcase-style bag is one of our favorite features. You can just comfortably roll it along and not have to heft it over your shoulders and carry all that extra weight.
If you are buying this for your office, home, or for your own spa, then the weight is a non-issue. If you ARE moving around a lot and commuting to your clients’ homes, then the suitcase-style carry case makes the slightly higher weight more manageable. Sometimes, you have to balance the clients’ comfort on a stable chair as opposed to a super lightweight chair.
Lastly, the price is also not as prohibitive as some of the brands on this list and is definitely more practical if you’re on a budget.
It is Amazon’s Choice for face down equipment after eye surgery.
Dimension: 43 x 11 x 20 inches
Weight: 15.2 pounds
Pros of the Master Massage
- Affordable price
- Easy to assemble
- Bigger seat size
- Ideal for tattoo work since you don’t apply too much pressure
Cons of the Master Massage
- The face rest may leave an impression on the client’s face due to a poorly-located seam. A remedy is to use a padded or fleece cover.
- Chest and face cradle are a little stiff and difficult to adjust
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Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Massage Chairs
Who needs a portable massage chair?
Portable massage chairs are ideal for therapists who offer a range of therapies, as it is easier for a client to move, or be moved, into position on a chair than on the traditional table. The latter is also heavier and more cumbersome if you are doing a lot of work at events. It takes up more floor space than a chair, making it less than ideal at popular, busy functions or smaller venues.
A portable massage chair may also be suitable for other practitioners such as tattooists and beauticians thanks to its increased versatility in movement over more traditional work surfaces such as tables and couches.
Lastly, a lot of patients who have received eye surgery are also making budget purchases for use in aftercare.
How do you choose the best portable massage chair?
The four primary factors to consider when buying a massage chair are the following: price, features, weight, and customer service.
If you are a beginner in your profession, shop for the best value within your budget. Later, once you’ve built up your clientele and your business, you can invest in a prime piece of equipment that will not only improve your customer’s experience but will last you for many years. Whether you are a massage therapist, a tattooist, or a patient who has recently had eye surgery, you can evaluate what features are crucial or unnecessary even for your needs. Now, if you are mobile and having to take public transport, make sure to balance quality and features with the weight of your portable chair. Lastly, ensure that the brand you are purchasing is known for good customer service especially if you are investing a lot of money into your purchase.
What additional features are nice-to-have in a portable massage chair?
Most good chairs have armrests, but not all will have them. A good sternum pad is also a good support for people with ample figures or rounded bellies. Also, make sure your purchase comes with a carrying case if you travel for work. Wheels are great and will save your back.
Where can you bring a portable massage chair?
If you are a massage therapist or a tattooist, you can set up a booth in fairs, festivals, corporate and promotional events, and trade shows. Charity events are also a good place to meet people who can help you with future bookings. Make sure you keep up with up-and-coming local happenings in your area and network with event coordinators.
Why don’t you have more budget chairs on your list?
Believe me, we tried. Unfortunately, a lot of the budget chairs we looked at are simply not up to par. They are either poorly constructed or made with substandard materials. We don’t want your clients falling off chairs or losing their balance because of a poor piece of equipment. Having said that, we’ve had to cross out a handful of expensive chairs too due to having a serious design flaw or simply not being value for money.
Author: Philip Andrew
A writer and teacher who enjoys lazing around and building winter nests out of duvets. “Most are too itchy. You’ve got to be picky.” His goal is to create a complete home spa for 24/7 access to rest and relaxation. Next on the agenda: a barrel sauna for the garden. Connect with Philip on Twitter @completehomespa.