Buying a Massage Chair in 2026: The Complete Guide to Making the Right Choice | Thuiswellness.nl
Buying a massage chair is a big decision. Prices range from €799 to over €3,000. Features vary greatly. And every provider claims to be the best.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know before buying a massage chair. Which features are truly important? What should a good chair cost? And how do you choose the model that suits your body and situation?
What is a massage chair?
A massage chair is an electric chair that massages your back, neck, shoulders, arms, hips, and legs using a combination of rollers, airbags, and heating elements.
Modern massage chairs have dozens of functions and automatic programs. They can scan the shape of your back and adapt the massage to your body. They recline to a zero-gravity position to relieve pressure on your spine. And they combine multiple massage techniques simultaneously.
The result: a massage experience comparable to a professional salon treatment—but at home, whenever you want.
Why buy a massage chair?
A massage chair is an investment. But if you compare the costs with regular visits to a masseur or physiotherapist, it quickly pays for itself.
- A professional massage costs an average of €65 per session
- With one massage per week, that totals €3,380 per year
- A Relif™ massage chair costs a one-time fee starting from €799
- With a 5-year warranty, you can use it daily for years
Besides the cost, a home massage offers another great advantage: no appointments, no travel time, and no waiting time. You're in it within 30 seconds.
Which features are truly important?
SL-Track or L-Track
The track determines how far the massage rollers move along your back. An S-Track only follows the upper back. An L-Track extends to the lumbar region. An SL-Track—the best option—follows the full curve from neck to buttocks.
Always choose an SL-Track if you suffer from lower back pain or tension in the lower back.
Zero gravity
In the zero-gravity position, your knees are higher than your heart. Your weight is evenly distributed over the chair, reducing pressure on your spine by more than 50%.
This position is scientifically proven to be effective in relieving pressure on intervertebral discs. It is one of the most important features for people with back problems.
Body scan
A body scan measures the length and shape of your spine before the massage begins. The chair adjusts the rollers to your specific body shape.
This is crucial for people with an unusual body length or back shape. Without a body scan, rollers can press on the wrong spots.
Heat function
Heat in the back and lumbar area relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation. It makes the massage more effective—especially for chronic muscle tension.
Air pressure massage
Airbags in the armrests, hips, calves, and feet exert rhythmic pressure on your muscles. This promotes blood circulation and helps in the recovery of fatigued muscle tissue.
Stretch function
The stretch function gently extends your spine in a controlled manner. This relieves pressure on intervertebral discs and improves flexibility. Comparable to a chiropractic treatment.
This function is available in the Elite Line of Relif™—the Comfortbron and the Windrust.
What should a massage chair cost?
The price of a massage chair depends on its features and quality. Here's an honest overview:
Under €800 — budget
Chairs in this segment have limited features, no body scan, and a shorter lifespan. They are suitable for occasional use but not for daily intensive use.
€800 to €1,500 — mid-range
In this segment, you'll find chairs with full body massage, zero gravity, shiatsu, and heat function. The Relif™ Essential Line (Calma, Hemelrust, Rustpunt) falls into this segment. Suitable for daily use and most common complaints.
€1,500 to €2,500 — premium
Chairs with body scan, extensive air pressure massage, and more automatic programs. The Relif™ Comfort Line (Harmonie, Altura) falls into this segment. Excellent for people who want a more personalized massage experience.
Above €2,500 — elite
Chairs with stretch functions, intensive air compression, and the most advanced programs. The Relif™ Elite Line (Comfortbron, Windrust) falls into this segment. Suitable for people with severe or chronic conditions.
How to choose the right model?
Step 1 — Determine your main goal
What do you want to use the chair for?
- Daily relaxation after work → Essential Line
- Back pain or neck problems → Comfort Line or Elite Line
- Muscle recovery after sports → Elite Line
- General well-being and stress reduction → Essential or Comfort Line
Step 2 — Check your body height
Not every massage chair fits every body. Always check the range of the massage rollers. People under 1.60m or over 1.90m should pay extra attention to the specifications.
All Relif™ models are suitable for heights between 1.55m and 1.95m. In doubt? Use our selection tool or send a message via WhatsApp.
Step 3 — Measure the available space
A massage chair needs space to fully recline. Allow at least 50 to 70cm of clear space behind the chair for the reclining mechanism.
Some models have a space-saving mechanism, allowing them to be placed closer to the wall. Inquire about this when purchasing.
Step 4 — Set a budget
A good massage chair for daily use starts at €799. For people with specific ailments, we recommend a budget of at least €1,299.
Payment in installments is possible via Klarna. This way, you spread the costs without interest.
What to look for when buying?
Trial period
You don't buy a massage chair in fifteen minutes. You need weeks to know if the chair truly suits you. Always choose a provider with a home trial period of at least 30 days.
Relif™ offers a 60-day trial period—the longest trial period in the Netherlands. Not satisfied? We will pick up the chair for free.
Warranty
Choose a chair with at least 2 years of warranty. Relif™ offers a standard 5-year manufacturer's warranty on all models.
Delivery and installation
A massage chair weighs 80 to 150 kilograms. Make sure delivery and installation are included. Relif™ delivers within 48 hours and installs the chair at your home for free.
Customer service
Choose a provider that is available for questions. Thuiswellness responds on average within 30 minutes via WhatsApp.
Relif™ massage chairs — overview
Essential Line — daily relaxation
- Relif™ Calma — €799 — full body massage, shiatsu, zero gravity, heat
- Relif™ Hemelrust — €1.199 — extensive full body massage
- Relif™ Rustpunt — €1.299 — SL-Track, zero gravity, heat
Comfort Line — personalized massage
- Relif™ Harmonie — €1.299 — body scan, air pressure massage
- Relif™ Altura — €1.549 — body scan, extensive airbags
Elite Line — intensive therapy
- Relif™ Comfortbron — €2.349 — stretch function, intensive air compression
- Relif™ Windrust — €2.999 — top model, most advanced programs
Frequently asked questions
How long does a massage chair last?
A quality massage chair lasts 8 to 15 years with normal use. Relif™ offers a 5-year manufacturer's warranty as an additional assurance.
Can I use a massage chair daily?
Yes. Daily use of 15 to 30 minutes is safe and effective. Avoid sessions longer than 30 minutes at a time.
Is a massage chair suitable for the elderly?
Yes. Massage chairs are ideally suited for the elderly with muscle pain, stiffness, or circulation problems. Start with a low intensity and gradually build up.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. Payment via Klarna is possible for all Relif™ models. This way, you spread the costs over several months.
What if I want to return the chair?
All Relif™ models come with a 60-day trial period. Report your return via WhatsApp or our contact page. We will connect you with our transport partner for free collection. Money back within 7 days.
Ready to choose?
Not sure which model suits you? Use our selection tool. Answer 7 short questions and discover your ideal massage chair in less than 2 minutes.
Or view our full range of massage chairs directly—all with a 60-day trial and free delivery.