7 Best Portable Massage Therapist Chair Reviews: TESTED [Aug. 2022]

If you're a massage therapist without a dedicated space, you know how much travel can take out of you. Going to see clients in their homes or offices instead of the other way around can take a real toll.

It's hard on your body and may take up a lot of your time.

If your business is portable, your tools have to be as well.

A portable massage therapist chair is a way to go.

But here is the kicker...

You have to pick the right model, not some overpriced & heavily marketed chairs such as THIS ONE HERE (ALERT). It is expensive + lacks in features needed for a successful practice.

Top Models

There are literally thousands of models of massage therapist chairs for sale, and they run the gamut on price, weight, and quality. You really have to do your homework before you buy.

There are used and new, cheap and expensive, manual and electric chairs, those with wheels and those without. Having the most lightweight, durable, dependable massage chair is one of the most important investments you can make.

After hours of research and trial, we've compiled a list of the six top models for 2018, and how they stack up against one another.

Best Overall

#1 Master Massage Professional

One of the most consistently best-rated models, the Master Massage Professional wins top marks again this year.

Whether you're a massage therapy student, a professional massage practitioner, or a sports therapist traveling with a team, you'll love this super light, yet incredibly sturdy and well-made model.

It weighs only 15.2 pounds, and the mark-resistant frame is constructed of aircraft aluminum, making it so strong it can handle up to 650 pounds of weight. It won't rust or show scratches.

It's ergonomic, and at only 11" X 20" X 43", very compact, making it portable and easy to carry, lift and transport.

It's water- and oil-proof, and the high-tech, two-inch, multiple-layered, small-cell foam adjusts to every client's specific needs. Session pouch for keeping your possessions.

It's hand-crafted and finished with an environmentally safe powder coating. Master uses the most exclusive materials and practices sustainable construction.

At under 200 dollars, this is the top pick for price, quality, features, weight, and craftsmanship.

First Runner-up

#2 Earthlite Vortex

Earthlite vortex is the lightest of the bunch at only 15 pounds, this foldable model is the ultimate chair for massage therapist bliss.

It's got all the best features. It's light, yet sturdy and strong because it's constructed with an aircraft aluminum frame.

It folds up easily, making it incredibly compact and portable.

It comes with a durable nylon carry bag that has a nice thick pad to protect your sternum and an adjustable padded shoulder strap.

Therapists and clients alike love the double-density cushions and super soft upholstery, making it as comfortable as it is durable.

It's easy to set up, and you can quickly adjust the arms, seat, and face cradle to perfectly suit any body type or shape.

One of the leading and most trustworthy names in the industry, Earthlite backs up the Vortex with a lifetime warranty on the frame and three years for the upholstery and cushions. We love this chair and so does almost everyone who purchases it.

You can't go wrong with any of the features, and the quality is top-notch.

It won't break your back at a mere 15 pounds, but it was just barely eased out of first place by a nose due to it costing a bit more than the Master.

Best Quality and Design

STRONGLITE Ergo Pro II

It was co-developed by David Palmer, who introduced the very first professional massage chair in 1986. No one possess more knowledge about the right design and function of massage equipment (such as chairs and massage tables) than David.

Most folding massage chairs boast portability and ease of use, but the STRONGLITE Ergo Pro II stands out for its high-quality construction, moderately light overall weight, adjustability, and integrated wheels.

Constructed with double tubes of T6 aluminum alloy and a powder coat high-gloss finish, this is a very strong and stable unit for the 19 pounds of weight. You can adjust the armrests, and seat, and remove the leg pads if necessary.

Easily adjusted to fit heights from 4' 6" to 6' 6", this is one of the most versatile, professional massage chairs available.

You can tilt and slide the chest pad; tilt, raise, and lower the seat; and fully adjust the face cradle. It comes with a carrying case made of heavy-duty nylon, and the bomb-proof zipper is heavy enough to withstand a lot of use.

It folds up compactly, and the integrated wheels make it extremely portable, and easy to pack up, move, and store. You get a limited lifetime warranty included in the purchase with three years for the cushions and upholstery.

Best on a Budget

Professional Portable Massage Chair Comfort 4

At just under 63 dollars, this is a good choice if you're on a budget or giving the massage therapist profession a trial run. You can adjust the hand and headrest as well as the seat.

The cushions are made of soft upholstery and it comes with a carrying case. It's a heavy chair so not ideal for portability, as it weighs close to 30 pounds.

It can withstand up to 300 pounds of working weight.

It folds up but its lack of lightweight materials and construction make it best for a stationary location or for those who won't be traveling or using it extensively.

Best Budget Runner-up

Ataraxia Deluxe Portable Folding Massage Chair

Another in the budget category, this one will set you back less than 100 dollars, so if you're not flush with cash, or you're trying out the profession, this is a good option.

It's a little heavier than its competitors, with a steel frame weighing 25 pounds.

The face cradle, armrests, seat, and chest rest are all adjustable.

The synthetic leather is not as luxurious as the upholstery of the other chairs, but it does resist oil and water, and it's easy to clean.

It comes with a carrying case and strap.

The thick foam in the cushions is comfortable and adaptable, and setting it up is easy, requiring no tools.

Really Good Chair

Can I Use Massage Chair Daily?

If you are interested in practicing massage, you will need a massage chair. These chairs come in all sizes and styles. A good massager will give a deep tissue massage for $20 to $100 per hour. How Do I Get Started With Massage Chair Massage? Most experts advise that if you are new to this type of massage, start slow, learning the tools, the process, and the skills. This way you can ensure you are doing the moves properly and developing your technique.

The things you will learn as you do this are how to properly hold the massage tool, the techniques to massage a person's back, the timing for each massage, and then, of course, how to get the most out of the massage. To learn more about massage chairs, read our complete guide to massage chairs.

What are the Disadvantages of a Massage Chair?

Anyone who has spent any time near a massage chair can tell you that the job is, let’s say, harder than it looks. Massage chairs are not magic potions and they won’t do your back any good if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’re not experienced with massage chairs, it may take you a long time to learn how to use the controls and what to do with the joystick and foot pedals. It’s extremely difficult to find a massaging chair that offers clear instructions on how to use the foot controls, and even more difficult to find one that offers clear instructions on how to use the joystick.

EARTHLITE Avila II

The EARTHLITE Avila II is a bit heavier than its competitors, as it's made from a carbon composite.

Very strong, it is able to withstand up to 350 pounds.

The cushions are removable for easy cleaning and padded for superior comfort. The super-soft commercial grade upholstery is high quality and will hold up to years of use.

Your clients will be comfortable no matter their height, as you can adjust for people who range anywhere between four foot six to six foot six. The chest pad tilts and slides, and the face cradle armrests are fully adjustable.

The positions are endless in this model, as you can adjust to fit any body size or type.

It folds up, and the sturdy nylon carrying case has built-in, heavy duty, urethane wheels.

This model has a few disadvantages that put it at the bottom of the list. It's less stable than other chairs, which makes it less desirable if you're someone who is going to be moving it around a lot.

If you are on the go and travel to clients, another of the reviewed brands will better suit your needs.

It's not as easy to set up and take apart. And the adjustments, while many, take a while to perform and get used to, making this less seamless than its competitors.

Finally, at just under 400 dollars and weighing 22 pounds, this is on par with a traditional massage chair that is best left in one place, such as a studio or practice space.

Another in the budget category, this one will set you back less than 100 dollars, so if you're not flush with cash, or you're trying out the profession, this is a good option.

It's a little heavier than its competitors, with a steel frame weighing 25 pounds. The face cradle, armrests, seat, and chest rest are all adjustable. The synthetic leather is not as luxurious as the upholstery of the other chairs, but it does resist oil and water, and it's easy to clean.

It comes with a carrying case and strap.

The thick foam in the cushions is comfortable and adaptable, and setting it up is easy, requiring no tools.

Other good brands to consider is Dolphin, Heaven Massage, BestMassage. Their Dolphin II model is pretty popular among many massage therapists.

Whether you're a student of massage therapy, a seasoned pro, or a sports therapist, portability and durability are key when you're purchasing a new chair.

There are thousands of chairs and chair packages to choose from, ranging in price, service, and construction, so it pays to do your due diligence.

Picking the right chair will not only serve your clients and make for happy repeat customers, it will also pay untold dividends on your own health and wellbeing.

Massage therapy is hard work and takes a toll on your body in and of itself.

When you travel for your work, it's even more so, as the wear and tear of breaking down, setting up, hauling, and moving your chair is significant.

Choose your next massage product chair wisely.

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