Best Neck and Shoulder Massager in 2022 (Complete Reviews and Buying Guide)


In today’s busy life, we’re constantly putting a strain on our necks and shoulders. From looking down at our mobile devices and computers to lifting heavy bags, the continuous pressure takes a toll on our bodies, especially such high-impact regions.

One effective way to reduce muscle stress is to use an electric massager for these areas. Since it’s not a great idea for your wallet to book a masseuse every single day, you need to find the best neck and shoulder massager instead!

Today, we’ll be helping you make the perfect purchase, with a list of our top 5 best neck and shoulder massagers and a detailed buying guide. So let’s not waste any time and dive right in!

In a Hurry? Here’s our Top Pick!

Benefits of Neck and Shoulder Massagers

Neck and shoulder massagers are becoming more and more popular since they offer numerous benefits that aim to boost your overall quality of life. Here are a few advantages of buying and using such a device:

Better Circulation 

When you suffer from neck stiffness due to stress, trauma, or improper body posture, the arteries residing inside the neck vertebrae can’t efficiently supply blood to your brain. The reduced blood flow can cause headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and dizziness.

As neck massage helps relieve muscle tension and ease stiffness, it can be useful in preventing or resolving such circulation issues.

Helps with Muscle Pain

One of the common reasons why people use neck and shoulder massagers is to help relieve painful sensations related to muscle aches and injuries. According to a study published in 2017 concerning the effect of massage therapy for shoulder pain, it was found to cause a significant reduction in pain over short and long-term treatment.

Cost-effective

Investing in a neck and shoulder massager is an excellent way for you to save money in the long run. Instead of booking a masseuse every day and spending a fortune, a massager offers you effective kneading anytime you want for the mere price of its one-time payment.

Portable experience 

A particularly neat aspect of owning your very own neck and shoulder massager is that you can take it with you just about anywhere you want! You can use it at the office or pack it along for trips.

Some brands also come with car adapters so you can charge the massager on the go.

Best Neck and Shoulder Massager Reviews

If you feel like pampering yourself and diving into a luxurious spa experience, the RESTECK Neck and Shoulder Massager can be the perfect match for you, offering remarkable reliability and convenience.

Product highlights

Showing off thousands of soaring reviews, the RESTECK Massager packs an impressive set of features aiming to give you the ultimate massage. 

Starting from its construction, this massager is made of premium-grade leather with high-quality craftsmanship and durable stitching to ensure long-term service.

The RESTECK Massager carries 8 massage nodes working together to deliver a thorough deep kneading massage, melting away your stress and easing the pain of sore muscles.

The ergonomic design allows the RESTECK Massager to hug the curves of your neck and shoulders region, maximizing the relaxing effect of the shiatsu kneading. You can find 4 buttons on the side of the massager to help you personalize your experience.

The speed button allows you to pick one of 3 different levels, the direction switch lets you alternate between clockwise and anticlockwise motion, while the heating button produces a comfortable warmth that relieves knots and tension.

What’s to like about the Resteck Neck and Shoulder Massager

The RESTECK Massager is the most expensive product on our list, however, it does include extra accessories that add decent value to the purchase. 

This massager comes with a leather carrying bag, so you can simply take it wherever you want without any trouble. The package also includes a wall charger and a car charger to maximize the massager portability.

What’s not to like about the Resteck Neck and Shoulder Massager

The cost is almost twice as much as other candidates on our list, so it may not be the best option for your wallet.

PROS
  • High-quality materials
  • Multiple speed levels
  • Comes with a leather carrying bag
  • Car adapter available
CONS
  • Minimal heat

On the more affordable side, the RENPHO Neck and Shoulder Massager promises to deliver all the benefits of a professional massage anywhere you want with great flexibility.

Product highlights

The RENPHO Neck and Shoulder Massager offers impressive tension and stress relief, featuring 8 massage nodes working to provide you with a relaxing deep-kneading shiatsu massage experience.

This machine also strives to mimic the movements of kneading by human hands so it has 3D massage nodes that rotate to give you enhanced real-life performance. Moreover, you get to choose your preferred massage direction at any given time, so you won’t be bothered by sudden changes.

You can also pick the optimal massage intensity according to your body needs, thanks to the adjustable speed feature with 3 different modes: low, medium, and fast.

The RENPHO Massager is made of sturdy leatherette material, which is soft on your skin yet durable to endure wear and tear. It’s also lined with breathable mesh fabric to deliver a cushioned intensity, avoiding direct contact between the massage nodes and your body so you don’t feel any pain.

Additionally, the RENPHO Massager automatically shuts off after 15 minutes of use so as not to overwork your neck and shoulders. If you feel like you need more time, just restart the machine and enjoy your session.

What’s to like about the Renpho Neck and Shoulder Massager

Besides the incredibly soothing optional heating function, the RENPHO Neck and Shoulder Massager has a built-in vibration mode that’s totally independent of the shiatsu kneading, so you can turn it on and off depending on your mood.

What’s not to like about the Renpho Neck and Shoulder Massager

We do think the heating function is a nice touch, but it’s not quite the high temperature you may be searching for.

Also, the control buttons are a bit tricky to figure out.

PROS
  • Sturdy leatherette construction
  • 15-minute safety shut-off timer
  • Independent vibration function
  • 8 massage modes
  • 3 speeds
CONS
  • Heat function can be improved
  • Control buttons can be confusing

An excellent choice for shoppers on a budget, this Neck and Shoulder Massager from Snailax will provide you with all the benefits of an effective massage without putting a dent in your wallet.

Product highlights

The Snailax Neck and Shoulder Massager adopts the deeply relaxing shiatsu massage technique, which aims to carefully apply pressure on specific spots to relieve tension and soothe sore muscles. 

This massager is equipped with 8 rotating nodes, moving simultaneously to give you a thorough massage. There’s also a built-in 3D roller that glides against your skin with finger pressure motion to let you further indulge in your session.

The intuitive control pattern on the Snailax Massager grants you total control over your massage experience using simple buttons that you can easily get the hang of. 

Along with a straightforward On/Off switch, you’ll find 3 other buttons that you can use for customization. You can choose between low or high shiatsu intensity as well as clockwise or anticlockwise kneading direction. 

There’s also a button that activates an integrated heating function, which serves to enhance your overall experience by using infrared heat to boost blood circulation.

To really back up the entire process, the Snailax Massager includes 2 safety features to ensure a risk-free operation. The automatic shut-off timer stops the machine after 15 minutes to avoid overstimulation, while the overheating protection system prevents painful temperatures.

What’s to like about the Snailax Neck and Shoulder Massager

The Snailax Massager is the most affordable candidate on our list, a plus for those looking for a real bargain. It also comes with an extra detachable flap that you can use to soften up the intensity of the massage, as well as a car adapter so you can enjoy it on the go.

What’s not to like about the Snailax Neck and Shoulder Massager

The Snailax Massager doesn’t really offer a whole lot of speed variation, so it needs some work in this aspect.

PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Overheating protection
  • Simple controls
  • Flap to adjust the intensity
  • Comes with car charger
CONS
  • Needs more speed settings

Last but not least, the InvoSpa Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager combines innovation and comfort to create a relaxing massage anytime and anyplace you want.

Product highlights

To deliver a truly thorough deep tissue massage, the InvoSpa Massager is equipped with 8 massage roller balls, divided into 4 big nodes and 4 small nodes that are strategically placed to hit each spot with the right amount of pressure.

Additionally, the InvoSpa Massager lets you choose your preferred kneading intensity with 3 levels of progressing speeds. It’s also programmed to switch between 2 massage directions every minute during the session to achieve a 3D effect and better distribute the soothing waves.

The InvoSpa Massager, like most other neck and shoulder massagers, offers a heating function via infrared technology to boost your massage quality and do a better job of easing your muscle aches. The inner mesh lining of the massager allows for improved heat penetration without being too painful.

What’s to like about the Invospa Neck and Shoulder Massager

The folks at InvoSpa designed this massager bearing portability in mind. If you’re always traveling or commuting, you’ll appreciate the included items in the InvoSpa package. 

You get a sturdy carrying bag to transportation a breeze, as well as good quality wall and car chargers to power your massager indoors or outdoors.

What’s not to like about the Invospa Neck and Shoulder Massager

The InvoSpa Massager is a bit too bulky which makes it awkward to properly position. Plus, it can be a pricey option you’re on a budget.

PROS
  • Powerful nodes
  • Low, medium, and high speeds
  • Includes a carrying bag
  • Easy to get the hang of
  • Allows portable car charging
CONS
  • A little bulky

Best Neck and Shoulder Massager FAQ’s

What is a Neck and Shoulder Massager?

Ever seen one of those travel pillows that you place around your neck and over your shoulders? 

Well, this is the basic idea of a neck and shoulder massager. The device rests against your neck region, extends to cover your shoulders, and continues to form handles that you can grab on for better adjustment and pressure application.

A neck and shoulder massager is typically equipped with built-in nodes and rollers which are responsible for delivering the kneading effect of the massage by rotating and vibrating. 

They usually come with various intensity and speed options, allowing you to pick the best rhythm for your current needs. An infrared heating function may be added to further improve blood circulation and work on tension knots.

How to use a Neck and Shoulder Massager?

When it comes to using a neck and shoulder massager, it’s all about learning the controls and correctly positioning the device over the targeted area.

First, you need to take the time to figure out what buttons correspond to which function. Generally, you’ll be able to at least 4 buttons for different functions. 

One switch will turn the massager on and off, while the remaining buttons will enable you to customize the intensity and direction of the kneading nodes according to your needs. If your massager offers a heating option, there’ll be a switch to activate this function.

Once you feel like you’ve figured out the controls, proceed to put the massager on your neck. The common U-shaped design will allow the device to easily wrap around and cover your shoulders.

Make sure the massager closely “hugs” the curve of your neck and rests tightly against your shoulders so you can actually feel the movement of the nodes and rollers at a satisfying pressure.

Remember, you may need to do some experimentation with the device placement and massage controls before you’re able to create the perfect massage every time.

Can you use a Neck Massager for Migraines?

Besides the general relaxing effects following a neck massage, a neck massager can also help with headaches and migraines, as multiple evidence suggests.

According to a 2012 study regarding the reduction of current migraine headache pain following neck massage and spinal manipulation, it was found that the intensity of headache pain was significantly decreased after the massage treatment when compared to initial values. There was also no side effects accompanying the neck massage method.

In 2008, another study was done to assess the effect of head and neck massage focused on myofascial trigger point on patients with tension-type headache. The group of patients who received a massage treatment reported less frequency of headache episodes with reduced pain intensity. This group also showed an improved pressure-pain threshold compared to the placebo group who didn’t receive massages.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best neck and shoulder massager can get tricky, especially with the different brands and features available out there.

That being said, if you’re looking for a reliable massager to give you consistent and effective performance with outstanding quality, then the RESTECK Neck and Shoulder Massager should be right up your alley!However, if you’re for a more budget-friendly option, check out the Snailax Neck and Shoulder Massager for a decent yet affordable experience.

An avid yoga practitioner, massage enthusiast, and wellness advocate since 2008. From then on, she has helped countless people alleviate muscle pains, tension and stress, to ultimately achieve wellness and balance in life.