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The 12 Best Neck Massagers And Pillows To Relieve Neck, Back, And Shoulder Pain, Per An Orthopedist

Say goodbye to tech neck.

By Roveena Chand Jassal and Jasmine Gomez
best neck massagers
Courtesy

Considering how much time you probably spend bending your neck to look at your phone, laptop, and remote control (that counts too!), it's totally normal if you tend to carry pain, tension, or stress in your neck, shoulders, or upper back. So, if you're looking for relief, it may be a good idea to invest in a quality neck massager.

Though often called neck massagers, most of them can also work out the kinks in other parts of your body, like your shoulders or even legs. "In general, massagers that target both neck and shoulder muscles can be used to try and improve muscle discomfort in the neck and trapezius muscles," says Dr. Rahul Shah, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Premier Orthopedic Associates in New Jersey.

See some of the best neck massagers below:

  • 1
    Kneading Pillow

    Best Overall

    RESTECK Kneading Pillow

    $60 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Neck Shoulder Massager

    Best Deep-Kneading Massager

    U/B Neck Shoulder Massager

    Read more
  • 3
    Deep Kneading 3D Massager

    Best Masseuse-Like Massager

    truMedic Deep Kneading 3D Massager

    Read more
  • 4
    Travel Neck Massager

    Best For Travel

    Travel Neck Massager

    Read more
  • 5
    Heated Shiatsu Massager

    Best For Back Pain

    InvoSpa Heated Shiatsu Massager

    Read more

It's overwhelming to see all of the different options you can choose from online, though. There's pillows, massagers with heat and vibration, handheld massagers, and so much more. This list will help ya.

Below, find the best neck massagers that have been narrowed down depending on what your preference and needs are. Each of them make a great addition to your self-care nights.

1
Best Overall

RESTECK Kneading Pillow

Kneading Pillow
1
Best Overall

RESTECK Kneading Pillow

$60 at Amazon
Pros
  • Comes with a carry bag
  • Can heat up
Cons
  • Requires being near an outlet

Everyone loves a deep tissue massage, but who really has the time (or money) to book weekly appointments at the spa? With an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 35,000 people, RESTECK knows what they're doing. This kneading pillow comes with heat therapy and bidirectional kneading nodes.

And, it also comes in a little purse, so you can even get a massage on-the-go.

Rave Review: "Easy to use and powerful enough to put more pressure on the area you’re massaging. Very versatile massager and far better to reach tough spots on your back compared to a handheld system. Also appreciate it came with a car adapter so you can take it out on the road."

2
Best Deep-Kneading Massager

U/B Neck Shoulder Massager

Neck Shoulder Massager
2
Best Deep-Kneading Massager

U/B Neck Shoulder Massager

Pros
  • Made with long shoulder straps
  • Designed with eight massage nodes
Cons
  • Can feel a little bulky

This all-in-one massager has eight deep-kneading massage nodes that work just as well on the neck as they do does wrapped around your legs (great if you're a runner). Instead of only being used for the neck, other desperately aching joints can be relieved, too. This is great for people who need a quick way to release muscle tension, getting you an effective, heated massage in just 20 minutes.

Rave Review: "It's very impressive for the price. Does what it advertises with noticeable results. Honestly, I couldn't ask for more. Don't waste your money on a more expensive version of the same product when you will get everything you're looking for with this one."

3
Best Masseuse-Like Massager

truMedic Deep Kneading 3D Massager

Deep Kneading 3D Massager
3
Best Masseuse-Like Massager

truMedic Deep Kneading 3D Massager

Pros
  • You can play around with pressure by pulling on straps
  • Designed with infrared heat
Cons
  • On the pricier side

If you're looking for a device that feels like human hands, this is it. Say hello to a magical masseuse in your very own living room. No wonder this massager is one of Oprah's favorite things.

Rave Review: "If you can't make it to your massage therapist, this is a great substitute! You create the pressure with the straps to pull down and there is heat as well to help penetrate the muscles. Good to use on legs, calfs, shoulders, and lower back. May be a bit cumbersome, but feels SO good."

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4
Best For Travel

Travel Neck Massager

Travel Neck Massager
4
Best For Travel

Travel Neck Massager

Pros
  • Great for travel
  • Designed with three levels of adjustment
Cons
  • Has to be connected to outlet or USB to work

Gone are the days of those uncomfortable little airplane cushion pillows. This adjustable massaging pillow will keep you sleeping soundly throughout your journey. Careful, though—you'll be the envy of everyone on your flight.

Rave Review: "I really was not expecting much with this, but it surprised me. Three speeds and it's not just vibration..there is some variation to it. It actually helps my neck pain. It's comfortable and you can use it lying down, on your back or side, or sitting up."

5
Best For Back Pain

InvoSpa Heated Shiatsu Massager

Heated Shiatsu Massager
5
Best For Back Pain

InvoSpa Heated Shiatsu Massager

Now 50% Off
Pros
  • Designed with two massage directions
  • Three speed level settings
Cons
  • You usually have to hold it in place

If you suffer from back pain, InvoSpa might be the next best thing to getting a spa massage on the daily. Between the comfortable, adjustable straps and penetrating rollers, happy reviewers feel noticeably less achy in their back after just a few uses.

Rave Review: "I got it for my mom because she gets these really big knots on her back and I can’t rub the whole trigger point out, but by golly this contraption does. I’ve even used it when my neck gets really tight. At first it hurts for obvious reasons, but once it’s done you can tell a MAJOR difference. I recommend it."

6
Best Top-Rated Massager

Homedics Neck Massager

Neck Massager
6
Best Top-Rated Massager

Homedics Neck Massager

Now 16% Off
Pros
  • Designed with three vibration speeds
  • Includes heat
Cons
  • On the pricier side

This deluxe massager does more than just look good. With a plush cushion and padded support, you'll likely leave it on even when you don't have the massage function on. The Amazon bestseller is a fan favorite amongst people looking for a comfortable, spa-like deep tissue massage.

Rave Review: "It works wonderfully. The heat feature feels so relaxing and the reverse feature is great for switching it up and really loosening up the muscles thoroughly. I use it all the way down my back. It’s not a real human massage, but it’s the next-best thing!"

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7
Best Affordable Option

Homedics Vibration Neck Massager

Vibration Neck Massager
7
Best Affordable Option

Homedics Vibration Neck Massager

Now 36% Off
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Designed with two speed settings
Cons
  • Requires you to hold it to keep it in place

If you're on a budget, this quality neck massager emphasizes its Shiatsu massage setting along with a soothing heat option, so you're not sacrificing any cool features for the price.

Rave Review: "This is an excellent way to ease a stiff neck and other upper muscle problems. It is well made and performs as stated. The fact that it is electrically-driven and not battery-driven gives it an extra performance rating."

8
Best Handheld Massager

RENPHO Handheld Deep Tissue Massager

Handheld Deep Tissue Massager
8
Best Handheld Massager

RENPHO Handheld Deep Tissue Massager

Now 20% Off
Pros
  • Easy to hold
  • Comes with five interchangeable heads
Cons
  • Some customers found it heavy

If your body is constantly changing and aching in a different way and new place every day, this is the massager for you. With five levels of control and five interchangeable heads that have the ability to pinpoint the tiniest of joints, you'll love this handheld massager.

Rave Review: "This thing is built like a tank. Battery lasts for hours at a time. Gives very powerful massages, but has a low setting as well. Massager is heavy (due to battery), but I think that is a plus. Your arms will get a workout while you massage yourself. Do this before bed it will help you sleep!"

9
Best Splurge Massager

Therabody Deep Tissue Massage Gun

Deep Tissue Massage Gun
9
Best Splurge Massager

Therabody Deep Tissue Massage Gun

Now 30% Off
Pros
  • Easy to hold
  • Comes with six attachments
Cons
  • Pricey

If you're going to splurge, this massager's worth every penny. It includes attachments in different shapes to give you the most advanced massage yet and to get into the deepest layers of your muscles. It's super quiet (great if you have roommates or a sleeping baby) and even connects through Bluetooth so you can curate your very own personalized wellness routine.

Rave Review: "I was skeptical on the effectiveness of these massage guns, but now that I have one I love it. It's perfect for using to warmup before workouts, and to relieve soreness afterwards. The handle on the Theragun is much easier to hold and position than other brands, and I really like how this version has an adjustable head position. Highly recommend!"

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10
Best Full Body Massager

Hyperice Hypervolt GO

Hypervolt GO
10
Best Full Body Massager

Hyperice Hypervolt GO

Pros
  • Cordless and rechargeable
  • Three different speeds
Cons
  • Pricier than other massagers

Super powerful and easy to use, the Hyperice Go can help melt pain away with its two attached heads which allow you to drill into your problem areas. The best part is once you're done with your neck you can go in on other parts of your body, and since it's cordless and rechargeable, there's no need to deal with messy wires.

Rave Review: "Works extremely well for really sore, tight muscles, especially when you need relief now and can’t get to a masseuse. Feels like a deep tissue massage. The pain relief was amazing. Best results I’ve ever had from a massage tool."

11
Best Vibrating Massager

SUVIUS Vibrating Peanut Roller

Vibrating Peanut Roller
11
Best Vibrating Massager

SUVIUS Vibrating Peanut Roller

Now 15% Off
Pros
  • Designed with vibration
  • Rechargeable, can last up to 90 minutes
Cons
  • Can feel a little hard or intense to some

You've likely seen and used massage rollers at the gym for years, but this one allows you to pick from different vibrations and wave patterns that last up to four hours. It's even sturdy enough to lay down on the ground to roll your back on.

Rave Review: "I was looking for something to use on my back and shoulders while sitting watching some TV and this one does a good job. It has some powerful vibrations and is easy to charge quickly. The charge lasts a long time IMO."

12
Best For Sensitive Skin

VOYOR Dual Trigger Point Shoulder Massager

Dual Trigger Point Shoulder Massager
12
Best For Sensitive Skin

VOYOR Dual Trigger Point Shoulder Massager

Now 51% Off
Pros
  • Can be used on other parts of the body besides neck
  • Weighs less than an apple
Cons
  • Requires you to manually operate it for massage

Between the minimalist design and golf ball rollers, this neck massager is surprisingly affordable. The rollers are great at targeting pressure points just as effectively as heavily-padded neck massagers, too.

Rave Review: "I take this with me everywhere since I got it and I swear I and everyone else love it. We all work in a sitting/slouching office environment and this is amazing for the neck and really anywhere on your body. I use it on my legs and arms, too."

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Are there different types of neck massagers?

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There are a ton of options out there when it comes to neck massagers, but the best ones add just the right amount of pressure to the joints without straining or stressing out your muscles.

The kind of pressure and amount you want is different for everyone (and can change based upon your lifestyle), but the very best neck massagers knead and roll the muscles in the same way a masseuse might in order to reduce pain—at a fraction of the cost.

These types of massagers can fall into several different categories including handheld massagers, massage therapy guns, pillow massagers, massage balls, massage cushions, acupressure instruments (like mats and balls), and electrical stimulation instruments (while they technically don't apply pressure to muscles, they do stimulate muscles), says Dr. Shah.

How should I choose a neck massager?

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Choosing a new massager comes down to what your individual needs are. Some questions Dr. Shah recommends asking yourself are "Where will I use the massager?" or "Where on my body will I use the massager?" This will help you narrow down your options. "For example, a neck massager that is handheld may not be a good fit for someone who has bad shoulders and cannot raise their arms to use it," says Shah.

When it comes to electric massagers, like massage pillows, cushions, or guns, Shah suggests a trial and error approach to see if the tool is compatible with your body. If it's working, Shah says you should see improvements in your pain within 24 to 48 hours. If not, you may need to seek another option or see a doctor. "For example, if the neck becomes stiff after the massage and that is coupled with pain that goes into the arms, this could indicate the problem is beyond the muscles and may extend into the neck nerves as well," explains Shah.

When you first start using a neck massager, Shah recommends going slow and giving yourself at least a few days of rest in between each use of the new apparatus to ensure that the effects are doing more good than harm.

What are some ways people can manage neck and shoulder pain?

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If you want to prevent neck and shoulder pain, make sure you get stretches and exercise in. "Gently turning and holding from left and right for 20 seconds will suffice if done four times per week," says Shah.

Exercise can also help retrain your muscles to work better together and improve endurance. "A combination of strength exercises, such as lifting dumbbells, and aerobic movement, such as walking or running, will put one's back and neck in optimal alignment [and further prevent pain]," says Shah.

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How often should I use a neck massager for neck pain?

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Be wary of overusing your product. You shouldn’t use a neck massager for more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time and no more than a few times a week, says Shah.

If your pain doesn't improve within a few weeks, it may be a time to see a doctor. "I use the rule of twos to categorize a pulled muscle. It will either last two hours, two days, or two weeks. If the muscle pain is not improving within a few days, and there are no other symptoms such as pain that trickles into the arms or hands or goes into the chest, then seeing a physician within a few weeks is advisable," says Shah.

If you do experience these symptoms or any kind of chest pressure, then it's best you see a doctor at lot sooner.

Headshot of Roveena Chand Jassal
Roveena Chand Jassal

Roveena Chand Jassal is a freelance journalist and author who’s all about shining light on underrepresented and multicultural lifestyle and beauty stories. Roveena has had a pen in her hand and curiosity for life as soon as she could walk, inspiring her to write for established outlets like InStyle, Byrdie, BRIDES, Chatelaine, and An Injustice. Being a writer is part of her identity, but she also loves nerding out over anime and Webtoons, debating on buying more graphic tees, and thinking about which ice cream flavor she should try next.

Headshot of Jasmine Gomez
Commerce Editor

Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.  

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