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No matter what you do for a living, whether you work at a desk, on the road, or on your feet, you’ve likely run into soreness or stiffness in your neck at some point. And maybe you’ve had an injury that needs some help recovering. Or maybe you work out regularly and need some upper body relief. A warm massage can help you no matter what the cause of your neck pain/stiffness is, and luckily, there’s an easy way to get one at home.
Neck massagers are pretty affordable for the most part and can become an essential part of your daily or weekly routine pretty quickly. Most of them offer a variety of speed settings and bi-directional rotation of the massage heads so you can cater your massage to your needs. Most of them also have a heat setting! Talk about comfort.
If a neck massager sounds like the kind of luxury you need in your life, we’d love to help you find your perfect fit. Neck massagers will vary in things like price, massage type, speeds, weight, wearability, versatility, power type (corded vs. cordless), and more! And every feature will affect how much it helps you.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best neck massagers in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
Cordless Pick: Snailax Shiatsu Cordless Neck Massager
2-in-1 Pick: Snailax Shiatsu Lower Back & Neck Massager
Budget Pick: Aerlang Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager Pillow
The Nekteck LMS-801 Shiatsu Back/Neck Massager has a lot of features worth admiring. With three speed settings and bidirectional massage nodes, you’ll be able to cater the intensity of each massage to your exact needs each day. Plus, with a little bit of fiddling, you can use this massager on your lower back, upper back, calves, and more! It’s way more than a neck massager.
Since it’s essentially silent while operating, you’ll be able to read or watch TV while getting your massage without any distractions. The heating function is optional and can add a lot of comfort to an already great massage. It’s wearable, too, so you can sit upright on the couch instead of lying down. Plus, since it comes with a car charger, you can take it anywhere! It’s easy to wipe clean, too.
One of the only reasons you might choose to keep looking is if you require a neck massager that won’t need to tie you to an electrical outlet. You’ll have to stay in one spot while getting your massage since it isn’t cordless. Also, the price might feel a bit high for some people who are only experiencing mild symptoms.
Overall, the Nekteck LMS-801 Shiatsu Back/Neck Massager is nearly flawless. As long as you’re okay with hanging out in one spot for your massage, there’s nothing to dislike. A few minutes with this massager will give you the relief you’re looking for. It even travels well!
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers are very happy with the Nekteck LMS-801 Shiatsu Back/Neck Massager. The heating function is very effective and makes the massage feel even better. The power is perfect for light-medium tissue massages, and they enjoy how easy the controls are to use. Some people use it for back and leg pain and it works fairly well for that too. It can be a bit awkward, though.
Buy If…
You’d like to use your neck massager while staying upright
Versatility is important to you
You’d like to get a massage while focusing on other things
Easy cleaning is important to you
Don’t Buy If…
You want to be mobile while getting a massage
Dimensions: 15” x 8” x 7”
Weight: 3 lbs
Massage Type: Shiatsu
Two-Way Rotation: Yes
Automatic Shutoff: 15 mins
Speeds: 3
Corded or Cordless: Corded
Wearable: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
The Comfier 6302CA Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager has a lot going for it. It’s one of the easier neck massagers to use since it can be worn around the neck — it will naturally settle into the right position for your massage. Plus, with the arm loops, you can keep it secure and apply extra pressure when needed without sacrificing the use of your hands for the duration of your massage!
We also really like that there are two speed settings to help adjust the massage intensity, as well as automated bidirectional massage nodes to make sure you get the most out of it as you possibly can. The massager comes with a removable wrap so you can wash it easily and swap it between family members hygienically, and it has a great heating function to help your muscles relax even more.
The only problem you might encounter with this one is its lack of portability/travel-friendliness. It’s larger than other wearable neck massagers, and heavier too, so it doesn’t pack as well as other options. Also, since it’s a corded model, you’ll need easy access to an outlet whenever you want to use it.
Overall, the Comfier 6302CA Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager is a very well-rounded wearable neck massager. It can be used on different areas of your body and offers the perfect amount of heat to loosen and relax muscles. It’s pretty affordable, too!
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 4.5/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers have great things to say about the Comfier 6302CA Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager. It sits comfortably on their shoulders and provides a very effective massage for their neck and upper back. It won’t overheat even if they use it for a while, and the arm loops make it easy to wear while reading or doing other seated activities. The price was right and it’s holding up well to heavy use in every home.
Buy If…
You like a warm massage
You’ll want to use your hands while getting your massage
You have multiple sore spots on your body
The massager will be shared with family members
Don’t Buy If…
You need something really travel-friendly
Dimensions: 15.7” x 8.3” x 7.3”
Weight: 4.2 lbs
Massage Type: Shiatsu
Two-Way Rotation: Yes
Automatic Shutoff: 15 mins
Speeds: 2
Corded or Cordless: Corded
Wearable: Yes
Warranty: 3 years
We like a lot of the features offered by the Snailax Shiatsu Cordless Neck Massager. Since it’s wearable and cordless, you’ll be able to use it pretty much anywhere — in the car, at home, and at the office. And you can walk around during your massage if you need to! You’ll also get to enjoy the versatility of two speed modes, bidirectional massage nodes, and even a heating function.
One of the things we like most about this one is the included dust cloth. Not only does it give you an extra barrier to provide more comfort during your massage, but it also makes it really easy to keep the massager clean. Also, with a 15-minute automatic shutoff, you’ll be able to fully enjoy your massage without worrying about overdoing it. And if you need more time, you can just turn it back on for another 15!
There are a few things we want to warn you about before you fall completely in love with this one. First, the heat output is quite a bit lower than you’d expect, so if that’s a key feature for you this is not a great choice. Also, don’t forget that you’ll be limited by the battery life unless you’re charging it every day. Lastly, this option is more expensive than the average wearable neck massager.
All in all, the Snailax Shiatsu Cordless Neck Massager is a great option for folks who are not looking to be tied to an outlet while they get their massage. It’s not quite as high-end as other options, and you’ll have to pay attention to its battery life, but it offers way more convenience than you’d usually get.
Performance: 4.5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 3/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers have a high opinion of the Snailax Shiatsu Cordless Neck Massager. It relieves stiffness and muscle soreness very effectively, even on other body parts such as calves and lower backs. The cordless design makes it easy for them to find relief while in the car and moving around the house. The heat output isn’t as strong as they’d like, but it does still help a bit.
Buy If…
You’d prefer an additional layer between your skin and the massage nodes
You’d like to stay mobile while getting a massage
You wouldn’t mind an extra boost to your circulation and comfort during a massage
You don’t want to pay attention to the time
Don’t Buy If…
You’re looking for a budget-friendly option
You don’t want to be limited by battery life
You like a lot of heat with your massage
Dimensions: 15.7” x 7.3” x 7.3”
Weight: 4.9 lbs
Massage Type: Shiatsu
Two-Way Rotation: Yes
Automatic Shutoff: 15 mins
Speeds: 2
Corded or Cordless: Cordless
Wearable: Yes
Warranty: 2 years with registration, 1 year without
The Snailax Shiatsu Lower Back & Neck Massager has a lot working in its favour. And yours, too, come to think of it. Since this massager has bidirectional nodes, three heat settings, three massage speeds, and three vibration levels, you’ll be able to customize every massage to your needs and tolerance. Plus, it comes with a removable cover to adjust the intensity even more precisely.
In addition to its versatility, we’re really pleased by its quality. You can carry this massager around, lay on it every day, and it will still perform flawlessly as time goes on. It’s truly built to last. Since you can use it on just your neck, your entire upper back, your legs, or your abdomen, and since each setting can be controlled independently, you have all the freedom you need to get your body feeling its best.
One of the only things we’d change about this massager is the price. It’s double the price of the most affordable options out there, and we’d prefer that it was more accessible to different families. Also, it seems to be designed for smaller bodies, as people with larger body types will have some trouble getting it placed perfectly for comfort and effective massaging. Definitely something to think about before you buy.
Overall, the Snailax Shiatsu Lower Back & Neck Massager is one of our favourites this year for people who have muscle tightness or pain all over their body. This is an incredibly versatile massager that can be used in almost any space and provides tons of relief.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers are very pleased with the Snailax Shiatsu Lower Back & Neck Massager. They have used it on a wide variety of muscle groups and the massage is very effective on all of them. The straps help it stay well-positioned in office chairs, and it’s comfortable for most people to lay down on. People with larger body types have a harder time getting it to sit comfortably, though.
Buy If…
You need a massager that’s equally effective on a variety of muscles
You’d like to use your massager while lying down or sitting in a chair
Versatile massage options are a must-have
Don’t Buy If…
You aren’t looking to spend very much money
You have a larger body type
Dimensions: 13” x 4.3” x 15.9”
Weight: 4.1 lbs
Massage Type: Shiatsu
Two-Way Rotation: Yes
Automatic Shutoff: 10 mins
Speeds: 3
Corded or Cordless: Corded
Wearable: No
The Aerlang Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager Pillow has a number of features that will provide your sore and tired muscles with some much-needed relief. It can be used on more than your neck and shoulder muscles, too. Your lower back, thighs, calves, and even abdomen can all benefit from this machine. You really can’t beat the price for a full-body massage!
One of the standout features of this massager is its portability. As one of the smallest and lightest neck massagers out there, it makes for a great travel buddy. Even if it's just to and from the office. It’s also perfect for road trips! It can attach to your seat to provide relief on the move, and with the included car charger, you won’t need a power bank to get it working.
There are a couple of things that we just aren’t happy with, unfortunately. First of all, the controls are just way below our standards. The power button and speed button are both placed in really awkward places, so it’s easy to turn it off or make changes accidentally. The power button also controls the heat and node direction — it’s a bit convoluted to remember how to change each thing. Also, versatility is severely lacking with this one — the three speed settings feel almost identical.
All in all, the Aerlang Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager Pillow is one of the best options you’ll find at this price point. It isn’t as versatile or user-friendly as higher-end options, but it sure gets the job done. And it’s one of the most portable options around.
Performance: 4/5
Usability: 4/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Reviewers have mixed feelings about the Aerlang Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager Pillow. It isn’t the most comfortable thing to lay on and there isn’t much variation between the speed levels. The controls are also quite awkward. They’re really happy with the heat output and its portability, though, and the massage nodes do a good job. They feel it has enough value to be a worthwhile purchase at this price point.
Buy If…
Affordability is your priority
You want a massager that’s easy to use on all body parts
You’ll want to use your massager in the car
Portability is important to you
Don’t Buy If…
Straightforward controls are ideal
You need a high level of versatility
Dimensions: 12.6” x 7.9” x 3.9”
Massage Type: Shiatsu
Two-Way Rotation: Yes
Automatic Shutoff: 15 mins
Speeds: 3
Corded or Cordless: Corded
Wearable: No
Some neck massagers cost less than $35, and at the high end, they can approach $200. In general, more expensive neck massagers will offer the convenience of a cordless design, more versatility in massage settings, better heat output, and a more durable design for the long term.
An automatic shutoff is an essential feature in a massager. Massaging too long can actually leave your muscles feeling worse than when you started. The average automatic shutoff time is 15 minutes, but some will quit after 10 minutes. We recommend only looking at a massager that has an automatic shutoff in place for your safety and convenience.
Most neck massagers will offer at least two, if not three, massage speeds. The versatility in this feature is a great thing because it allows you to adjust the intensity based on your sensitivity and pain. Almost every neck massager will also have bidirectional nodes, some of which can change directions automatically, to provide a more well-rounded and effective massage.
Many neck massagers are wearable, and if you prefer to sit upright and use your hands while getting a massage, a wearable model is certainly the way to go. They aren’t as easy to use on other body parts, though. You’ll have to decide carefully which style will suit your needs more closely.
Almost every neck massager out there will be corded, but you can find the rare cordless option as well. Cordless models will offer you more freedom and mobility, but you’ll also have to watch the battery life and remember to charge. They’re also more expensive than corded options.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.