"Note that the products discussed on our site are independently selected by (obsessive) editors. At no extra cost to you, things you buy through our links may earn us a commission"
10 Best Human Touch Massage Chairs: (Reviews & Buyer Guide 2023)
Modern life offers some pretty luxurious conveniences. From the fanciest self-driving cars to programmable refrigerators, we have access to advanced, well-designed technology. In terms of comfort and relaxation, massage chairs are examples of such modern-day technological achievements.
This buying guide will give you a rundown of the 10 best human touch massage chairs for 2023.
Personal massage chairs are a luxury. You may want them for your business, to help you and your clients relax. You may also be planning to purchase one for your home. In both cases, you will want to pay attention to features as well as overall design and look. Each chair has its own aesthetic, ranging from simple and fairly typical to sleek and modern.
Massage chairs are an investment, and this buying guide will feature some options for those on a budget as well as some options for those looking for higher-end chairs. The average price a consumer might expect to pay for one of these chairs is a few thousand dollars, but they can be found for under $1,000 for the truly frugal.
Human Touch offers a wide selection of massage chairs in a range of prices. A company that has focused on wellness since 1979, their chairs are the only ones endorsed by the World Federation of Chiropractic to supplement other therapies for back pain relief.
Comparison Chart: Best Human Touch Massage Chairs 2023
I have included for easy reference a table that describes Human Touch’s top 10 best buy massage chairs for 2023. In creating this list, I have considered what consumers may be looking for in terms of features. I have also found chairs to fit a wide range of budgets.
As you review the list, you should decide on your price range and determine your must-haves. The more expensive the Human Touch massage chair, the more features it tends to offer. All of Human Touch’s massage chairs do offer their patented 3D Flexglide Massage technology as well as different massage techniques and auto massage programs.
Once you’ve settled on your must-haves, from there it’s an easy transition to knowing exactly what you can live without. For example, if you aren’t worried about the style of the chair, you don’t need to pay extra for a chair that’s designed to fit a distinctly modern aesthetic.
Research suggests that the mere addition of features can create a demand for something we didn’t know we wanted. Humans have a need to “keep up with the Joneses,” as the saying goes. This can create feelings of confusion as you try to figure out what you are looking for in a personal massage chair.
Add to that conflicting reports on review sites or elsewhere from consumers who have their own expectations of what the product should be, and you may be trying to figure out if an investment like this is worth pulling the trigger on.
The answer is yes. Our massage chair buying guide does the work of wading through reviews, testing products and researching reliability for you. Hopefully, once you have skimmed our reference table and read our product reviews, you’ll have a better idea of the chair that will best fit your lifestyle, home and relaxation needs.
This is the chair from the future! It features some of the most advanced technology on the list. Our best value for those who don’t mind a big price tag, the Novo XT Zero-Gravity Massage Chair is a striking example of how design and comfort can change the game entirely.
A massage chair that has a zero-gravity feature is a chair that reclines your body into a “zero gravity position.” This allows your weight to be evenly distributed across the chair. This technology was invented by NASA for its astronauts and is meant to relieve the pressure of gravity on your back.
The Novo XT Zero-Gravity can be used by people who are as tall as 6’9”. Its striking design cushions your body and allows the L-track massage system to cover 60% more of your back than a more typical massage chair.
Another feature that sets this apart is the “bend and stretch” option, intended to allow your spine to stretch out. The massage chair has five different intensity levels for the massage power, and it also offers targeted air acupressure.
The Human Touch Novo XT Zero-Gravity Massage Chair has 35 pre-programmed massage options. It offers extendable foot and calf massage with multiple speed options as well as intensity levels.
The chair uses both rollers and airbags to deliver massage. Its max weight capacity is about 300 pounds. It is a space saver design, so you only need two inches of wall clearance to recline. The chair also comes in multiple colors to fit in with your home décor.
PROS
Users give it a BIG thumbs up, reporting reduced body pain and better sleep after use
Lumbar heating option
Space saving design
Five different intensity levels
Adjustable for users up to 6’9”
Head to toe massage options
35 programmed massage treatment options
Bluetooth speakers, USB Port, and LCD remote control
Specially formulated Sofhyde chair upholstery
CONS
Big price tag
Has a big footprint at 31” wide by 63” long by 43” height
The intensity settings do not affect the programmed massages, only the manual ones
The Wholebody 7.1 Massage chair is a great example of what you can get from a typical massage chair at an average price tag. Its remote features the BodyMap Pro, which allows you to simply push where on your body you’d like to target for an easy start to your massage.
The chair can move from semi-reclined to full extension. The ottoman can massage your calves or can be flipped over to serve as just a footrest. Massage power and speed is adjustable.
The Auto-Massage programs allow you to select whether you want kneading for pain or stress relief or for physical therapy or relaxation. The intensity is adjustable up to three levels. No assembly is required.
It can swivel up to 55 degrees though the massage chair is not intended to be used as a recliner only; users report that it is slightly uncomfortable when not being used to massage. The Wholebody 7.1 uses 3D Massage that allows the chair to replicate as much as possible the feeling of a masseuse kneading sore muscles.
The Flexglide Orbital Massage technology allows for a smooth massage that does not pinch the skin. It offers five programmed massage options and can couple that with Patented Warm Air Technology and CirQlation Figure-8 leg massage to improve blood flow.
PROS
BodyMap Pro remote allows you to easily select painful areas for the chair to massage
Removable padding to help adjust massage power
Five Auto-Massage programs
Three intensity levels
Looks similar to a regular recliner
Lumbar heating option
Adjustable for users up to 6’2”
CONS
Some taller users report the chair is too small
The foot rest is not extendable for taller users
Some users report the massage intensity may be too strong
The ZeroG 5.0 Massage Chair is a zero gravity chair with many of the same technology options as the Wholebody 7.1. With this technology as its base, the ZeroG 5.0 also offers the added feature of the zero gravity.
Human Touch considers the ZeroG 5.0 to be a fan favorite as it is reasonably priced with all the luxury basics of a massage chair in this price range. The chair reclines to a variety of positions all the way into zero gravity position. For the additional comfort of taller users, the foot rest is extendable.
The massage is customizable. Intensity can be adjusted through changing the recline position (where further back is more intense), removing the removable padding or adjusting the intensity settings on the remote.
The remote itself has an easy start massage button as well as the BodyMap PRO for quick selection of target areas. The BodyMap PRO remote is an example of Human Touch’s advanced technology that allows you to hone in on pain by actually touching where it hurts.
The ZeroG 5.0 offers a calf and foot rest and massage with your choice of vibration or rollers. In addition, the ottoman can be rotated to become a foot rest only. Manual settings offer the choice of four different massage techniques.
PROS
Zero gravity position
Heated lumbar option through Patented Warm Air Technology
Easy-to-use BodyMap Pro remote
Smart 3D Massage to mimic a smooth massage
Adjustable-height foot and calf massager for taller users
4 manual massage techniques and 4 pre-programmed options
A press-and-hold button to take you to zero gravity in one step
The Human Touch WholeBody 5.1 Swivel-Base Massage Chair is a best value buy. It contains much of the same base technology as the WholeBody 7.1.
However, the WholeBody 5.1’s cheaper price tag might make it a great option for budget-conscious users, especially if you can catch it on sale for under $1,000. This massage chair still offers advanced massage functionality, including programmed options; to accommodate its lower price, there is no heat option.
The base of the massage chair can swivel, and users can recline it in a variety of positions. In addition, the massage intensity can be adjusted up to three different levels. Users report a high level of satisfaction with the chair’s massage options and function when compared to the cost of the chair.
Included in the base technology of the WholeBody series is the Flexglide 3D massage. This patented achievement mimics the feel of a smooth warm oil massage that does not pinch your skin.
Its leg and foot rest can be converted into a massage that improves circulation. The chair is made from HumanTouch’s patented SofHyde fabric and comes in the color black.
PROS
Flexglide Orbital Massage feels like warm oil massage
Swivel massage chair
3 manual massage techniques in addition to the 3 pre-programmed choices
Adjustable for users up to 6’2” in both the back and leg areas
The ottoman is retractable and uses the same CirQlation Technology as more expensive Human Touch massage chairs
CONS
Pre-programmed options are limited to just three
The chair is not very attractive as a home décor option
Only comes in one color
The lack of heated lumbar massage is a definite disappointment
The AcuTouch 9500x Massage Chair takes us back into the higher price range of massage chairs. Made from real leather rather than Human Touch’s SofHyde, this chair is designed to be luxurious with quite a few bells and whistles.
The AcuTouch 9500x lacks the modern and sleek look of the Novo XT Zero-Gravity Massage chair, but this chair is made with a different aesthetic in mind. Instead, it is designed to fit into your living room like a typical recliner would. This chair also functions like a typical recliner in that the ottoman fully retracts into the chair.
The AcuTouch9500x offers a contoured neck pillow. It is made from real premium leather, and the memory foam you’re sitting in is designed for maximum comfort, whether you use it as a regular arm chair or in its massage function.
A few perk features that justify its more expensive price tag include the Acupoint Detection System. This system uses technology to scan your back for problem areas, which will allow it to target your particular pressure points. This takes the decision making out of your hands.
Like other human touch chairs, the AcuTouch9500x also features a rolling, rotating massage for feet and calves in their extendable ottoman. This is part of Human Touch’s CirQlation technology. In addition, the chair offers not just one lumbar heating system, but two!
PROS
Full-back body scan to map pressure points
Made from real leather and designed for comfort
Dual lumbar heated massage
Retractable ottoman and multiple reclining positions
8 pre-programmed massage options
Adjustable intensity options
Adjustable foot rest for users up to 6’2”
CONS
Higher price tag
Users report wear and tear problems or parts breaking within few years
The ZeroG 4.0 chair hits the market as an example of the best of Human Touch’s midrange massage chairs. It offers 4 pre-programmed full-body immersion massages as well as different massage techniques to choose from.
Like several other Human Touch massage chairs, the remote features BodyMap PRO that allows you to hone in on target areas. Start your massage in one easy step by pushing the remote’s corresponding body area to target specific issues.
As a zero gravity chair, the ZeroG 4.0 lets you choose a recline position that evenly distributes your weight, taking pressure off your body to allow for a more complete relaxation and additional lung capacity. The further back you recline, the more intense a massage you’ll experience.
You can also adjust the intensity of the ZeroG 4.0’s 3D massage technology by selecting up to four different levels or by removing some of the padding for more direct contact.
If you suffer from tired legs and feet or are looking for something to improve circulation, the CirQlation technology is an excellent way to ease pain in achy legs and feet. This chair also lets you adjust the width of the foot and calf massager.
This chair comes in black or espresso.
PROS
Four Auto-Immersion Massage programs for your whole body
Four intensity levels to choose from
BodyMap PRO remote
Adjustable foot and calf massager with CirQlation technology
Smart 3D Massage for a deep and penetrating massage
Hold down the ZeroG button on the remote to arrive at zero gravity in one step
Zero-gravity rocking option
CONS
No heated lumbar modules
Only comes in two colors
Users above 6 feet will be too tall for this chair
Users report it is not comfortable unless using the massage feature
The Human Touch iJoy 2580 Massage Chair is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious consumers and was awarded Consumer Digest’s Best Buy rating in 2013.
The 2580 is meant to fit in with any décor. It does not look like a massage chair at first glance though it is designed for your comfort. As a Human Touch chair, it features advanced massage technology that allows you to choose from different massage techniques like rolling, kneading, compression and percussion.
The massage chair allows you to choose from different pre-programmed auto massage options that target stress or pain relief or relaxation. Intensity is adjustable on the remote as well as through increased recline and removable padding.
The 2580 features a contour pillow as part of its comfortable design. In terms of convenience, the cup holder is a unique feature, and a power outlet will allow you to charge your devices during your massage. It is a relatively small chair so it will not take up too much space in your home.
The iJoy massage chair can recline to nearly 180 degrees with just the pull of a lever. It does sit low to the ground, as users mention, but users also report that to compensate for its lowness, the chair is comfortable without the massage turned on.
PROS
A cupholder is always nice touch
Built in power outlet is very convenient
The inexpensive price tag
3 pre-programmed auto massage options
Control panel is easy to access
Comes in black or espresso
CONS
Lack of lumbar heating
No foot rest or leg massage option
Users who are taller than 6 feet will find this chair too small
Only adjustable up to two levels of intensity; some users report the massage is not powerful enough
The Human Touch Forti Massage Chair offers you an full body massage experience, including your hands and feet. This chair comes in espresso or dark grey and is upholstered in Human Touch’s patented SofHyde material. Its features are relatively different than other Human Touch massage chairs while retaining much of the brand’s reliable massage technology. The chair comes with 3D FlexGlide massage to give you the feel of a realistic, non-pinching relaxation experience.
Forti in Latin stands for strong, and you will surely experience a strong immersive massage in this chair. It is one of the only chairs in this review (the Novo XT being another one) that allows you to adjust up to five levels of massage power.
The Human Touch Forti Massage Chair uses CirQlation technology, which features a fully encompassing calf massager. It also uses Cloud Touch Acupressure to target key healing areas in sore muscles. Let’s not forget that the Human Touch Massage Chair offers pop up arm, wrist, and hand massage wells, too! The Forti Massage Chair comes with a comfort pillow as well, which is pretty standard in Human Touch products within this price range.
PROS
Five levels of intensity options
Adjustable shoulder width to allow you the best fit
Removable and washable foot and calf covers for improved hygiene
3D FlexGlide massage technology for a smooth experience
Ottoman is adjustable for users up to 6 feet tall
Arm and hand massage options
Sofhyde upholstery
CONS
Users who are taller than 6 feet will find this chair too small.
The iJoy Active 2.0 is a sleek and compact chair that is designed to fit in smaller spaces in a home or office setting. It is one of the smallest chairs in this round up and also comes in as the most affordable option.
Designed for users under six feet tall, the iJoy Active 2.0 is upholstered in SofHyde material in the colors of espresso or bone. The bone color option makes this chair stand out in this round up because typically massage chairs are offered in darker colors like espresso or black.
As with other Human Touch chairs, the iJoy Active 2.0 also features 3D Flexglide Massage technology, which is designed to give the best and smoothest massage without pinching your skin. Human Touch claims it mimics the feel of a warm oil massage.
The chair will recline into various positions and comes with three auto massage programs to choose from. Another nice feature for a more affordable chair like this to offer is the adjustable pillow that you can move up or down for better comfort.
The massage intensity is adjustable up to four levels to provide users who want a deeper massage that option. This is a surprising option given the chair’s low price tag.
Finally, the chair has a fold up design to allow it to become more compact for easier storage.
PROS
Compact, space-saving design
Foldable chair for easy storage
A great value for the money
3D Flexglide Massage technology
Three pre-programmed massage options
Adjustable intensity up to four levels
Comes in espresso and bone color choices
Weighs just 45 pounds for easier portability and storage
The Human Touch HT-3300 Wood-Accent Massage Chair is another unique chair in this round up due to its design. The chair frame resembles an office chair more than a typical recliner, and the arm rests feature a wood accent to enhance the look.
The HT-3300 also comes with an extendable calf and foot massage ottoman that uses upward rolling and rotation to improve blood circulation. It is built to accommodate more of our taller users than some of the other chairs in this price range as it is adjustable for users up 6’2”.
The HT-3300 comes in black Sofhyde upholstery and also offers Human Touch’s patented 3D Massage technology that feels like real hands massaging your back. The massage chair has full power recline to allow you to relax as well as adjust the intensity of the massage.
Kneading, rolling, percussion and compression massage techniques are all available for you to choose from using a corded remote control that you can easily attach to the side of the chair so you don’t lose it.
The foot and calf massage ottoman is retractable. It will also rotate over to be a mere foot rest if you don’t want a leg massage during your experience.
PROS
Adjustable for users up to 6’2”
Sofhyde upholstery
Choose from four different massage techniques and three auto massage options
Power recline button for easy recline
Adjustable for up to three intensity levels
Different look featuring wood accents
CONS
No heated lumbar modules
A few users report “sliding out of the chair” once the massage experience begins
The hard armrests look nice but are not as comfortable
It lacks some features of chairs you could get on sale in for a similar price
Scientific studies suggest that massage has many benefits beyond relaxation. The National Institute of Health backs the idea that massage may help ease depression, back pain, headaches and other issues associated with health problems as wide-ranging as fibromyalgia, cancer and HIV/Aids.
While masseuses can offer specialized care, the time investment of booking appointments, traveling and preparing for an appointment can add up. Couple this with the sheer cost of paying for an hour of massage, and investing in a top rated massage chair begins to seem like a smart and cost effective way to achieve relief or relaxation.
What to Look For:
– Massage Functions
The featured functions of your massage chair are probably the most salient feature you’ll want to look for. Basic models may offer vibration-only. Higher-end chairs, on the other hand, come packed with programs, chair features and options like Zero Gravity or shiatsu massage. Human Touch chairs typically come with a minimum of four massage techniques for variety.
– Heat
While the basic models of massage chairs may leave off heated seats and/or seat backs, users report heightened relaxation in models that do carry this feature. Heat improves massage efficacy by loosening up tense muscles in tandem with the chair’s massagers. I’ve taken note for every chair that does not offer a heat option.
– Intensity
Everyone has different pressure needs when it comes to rubbing out sore or tense muscles. Pay attention to the adjustable power options offered by your massage chair since you may find that some days require more intense kneading than other days. Most Human Touch massage chairs offer between three and five levels of intensity adjustment.
– Positions
The extent of the massage positions is also important. Some chairs will massage everything from your toes to your forehead while others tend to stick with a basic back rub. You’ll find that most fall somewhere in the middle, providing a combination of leg massage with the more typical back, shoulder and neck kneading.
– Massagers
Massage chairs are made with a combination of different massage tools. First, many chairs use airbags and compression to deliver massage to specific areas like the legs and feet. Second, most chairs come equipped with rollers to deliver the promised pressure and kneading. Some rollers are customizable. Chairs that use both airbags and rollers offer the most comprehensive massage. Human Touch uses 3D rollers that mimic the kneading of hands in the back region.
– Programming
Many massage chairs come with pre-programmed massage options. These programs will time the massage, interchanging neck and shoulder massage with lower back and calf kneading. In more advanced chairs, the programs are designed to target specific problem areas. Programs can be selected using remotes in most Human Touch chairs. Look for chairs with the BodyMap PRO remotes which feature one-touch targeting of problem areas.
– Chair Options
Other things to be on the lookout for have to do with the chair itself. What sort of fabric do you want? The more expensive chairs will be made from synthetic upholstery that is specially designed to withstand the heat and wear and tear. Most of Human Touch’s massage chairs are upholstered in their patented SofHyde. However, genuine leather is another option as well.
An additional aspect of comfort related to the chair itself is whether or not it will recline. Many users prefer models that offer different recumbent positions for relaxation. If you are tall, you will want to pay attention here to whether adjustable foot rests are offered. Some chairs feature a zero gravity position that relieves pressure from your whole body.
– Warranty
As is the case with any technological investment, warranties can add quite a bit of value to the product you buy. Take note of how long the chair has guaranteed backing, particularly for the in-home repair and parts and labor as you will want as hassle-free an experience if things break down as possible.
– Delivery
Many Human Touch chairs come with something called white glove delivery, which brings a fully assembled chair into your home. Other delivery options are more standard and will bring the chair to your door or curb.
Clearly, there is a wide range of Human Touch massage chairs on the market today. Your price range will help you narrow down a list of preferred choices, and from there, our buying guide can help you identify the best fit for your needs!
Paul is a compulsive tinkerer and inventor who loves writing about latest machines technology. He is especially inclined towards home improvement, exercise and outdoor equipment that every sports enthusiast and house dweller would love to get their hands on.
This is the chair from the future! It features some of the most advanced technology on the list. Our best value for those who don’t mind a big price tag, the Novo XT Zero-Gravity Massage Chair is a striking example of how design and comfort can change the game entirely.
The Wholebody 7.1 Massage chair is a great example of what you can get from a typical massage chair at an average price tag. Its remote features the BodyMap Pro, which allows you to simply push where on your body you’d like to target for an easy start to your massage.
The ZeroG 5.0 Massage Chair is a zero gravity chair with many of the same technology options as the Wholebody 7.1. With this technology as its base, the ZeroG 5.0 also offers the added feature of the zero gravity.
The Human Touch WholeBody 5.1 Swivel-Base Massage Chair is a best value buy. It contains much of the same base technology as the WholeBody 7.1.
The AcuTouch 9500x Massage Chair takes us back into the higher price range of massage chairs. Made from real leather rather than Human Touch’s SofHyde, this chair is designed to be luxurious with quite a few bells and whistles.
