Neck pain can be debilitating, as it affects nearly every movement we make in our everyday lives. From constant twinges and pinches to sleepless nights, it can seem never ending, especially as it’s not always possible to get an appointment with a massage therapist to have the knots kneaded away.
If you regularly suffer from a stiff neck then investing in a neck massager is sure to be well worth your while. To help you get some much needed relief from neck pain we’ve ranked 10 of the best neck massagers in the UK. From at-home shiatsu to heat therapy and electrical impulses for deep tissue massage, keep reading for our top picks on Argos, Amazon and eBay!
Quick List - Top Neck Massagers
Oliver James
Comes With a Handy Carry Case and Car Adapter for on the Go
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Table of Contents
The most well known type of neck massagers are shiatsu massagers, which use a kneading action to apply pressure to the muscles to relieve tension and stiffness. Their rotating massage nodes work over your muscles, leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
These massagers are worn around the neck and shoulders rather like a scarf, and you can adjust their position to get just the right massage action for your needs. However, they do tend to be bulkier and heavier than alternatives, so you’ll need to find somewhere comfortable to sit while you wear it and make sure you have adequate space for storage.
Electric neck massagers use electrical impulses transmitted deep into your skin to stimulate the muscles and achieve deep relaxation. The massager uses metal pads that sit close to your skin to conduct the electrical pulses. This works to quickly reduce neck pain, muscle tension, and also promotes blood circulation to aid healing.
The sensation of the electric pulses can take a while to get used to as it feels quite strange at first. In fact, some people simply cannot tolerate how it feels, so they may not be for everyone. It is also worth noting that electric massagers are not suitable for use by those fitted with a pacemaker.
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The most important area to consider is the different massage settings tour device has. Shiatsu massagers have varying numbers of massage nodes, which are the moving parts that knead and press your skin. You should take into account the number of massage nodes, as this will give you an indication of how deep and through a massage the device will give you.
Electric massagers have multiple massage modes that use electrical pulses to target specific areas and create different effects. These can also vary in number and can range from deep healing functions that simulate shiatsu massage and acupuncture, to lighter and more relaxing massages.
You should also look at the number of intensity levels that you can select from, as this allows you to personalise the massage to your preferences. While some people really like to ramp up the power, not everyone loves a deep and intense massage. The more intensity levels the device has the easier you’ll be able to make sure it's just right for you.
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Massagers that also provide heat therapy can be wonderfully relaxing and even more effective. This is because heat can also work to ease tension and relieve pain in sore and tired muscles.
Heat is known for its therapeutic benefits, as it helps to improve blood circulation and reduces inflammation, as well as promotes relaxation. Heat also has the ability to penetrate underneath the skin, which provides pain relief deeper into your muscles.
Neck massagers all require an electrical power source of some variety to power the internal mechanisms which provide the massage action. There are several ways this can be done, and most will have a mains power lead, so you can plug your massager directly into a power socket.
Some also have a car power adapter, so that you can also use the massager when out and about. This is something that could be especially useful when stopping for breaks on long drives. More and more commonly you will find neck massagers that use batteries or have a rechargeable internal battery. These massagers are totally wire-free, making them perfect for use anywhere, without the need for a power socket!
Most neck massagers have a preset automatic shut off time, which helps avoid the risk of damage or injury if the massager is left on for prolonged periods of time. This is great if you're prone to forgetfulness.
If a neck massager has this feature, you should take this time into account. If you prefer a longer massage, it may become frustrating having to restart the massager before you feel the benefit.
In most cases, neck massagers will have integrated controls that allow you to change the intensity or mode of the device as you use it. These are usually very easy and intuitive to operate, making it as easy as possible to change the settings while its in use.
Some massagers have a remote control, rather than controls on the massager itself. This makes it even easier to change the settings while you relax. If you feel you would benefit from a remote control, then this is a very handy feature to look for.
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Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Michark Electromagnetic Pulse Neck Massager | ![]() | A Powerful Neck Massager to Help Ease Pain | |
2 | Bodi-Tek Neck & Shoulder Massager | ![]() | Quiet Enough to Be Worn in the Office or Outside | |
3 | Fuhaieec Neck Massager | ![]() | A Compact Neck Massager That's Ideal for Travel | |
4 | Oliver James Shiatsu Neck Back and Shoulder Massage | ![]() | Comes With a Handy Carry Case and Car Adapter for on the Go | |
5 | XLL Shiatsu Neck Shoulder Massager | ![]() | Higher Level of Heat Makes This Relaxing to Use | |
6 | iKristin Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager | ![]() | Offers Effective Heat Therapy and Adjustable Pressure Levels | |
7 | Nekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager | ![]() | Deep Massage With Fantastic Heat Therapy | |
8 | ANLAN Portable Electromagnetic Pulse Neck Massager | ![]() | Additional Pain Relief for Other Areas of Your Body | |
9 | Piroir Electromagnetic Pulse Neck Massager With Heat | ![]() | Lightweight and Comfortable to Use | |
10 | HoMedics Gel Massage Shiatsu Back, Neck & Shoulder Massager | ![]() | Gel Massage Nodes Give the Feel of a Real Masseuse |
This electric neck massager is virtually silent, thanks to its noise-reducing design. Simply use the remote control to fully experience the benefits of 3 different modes and 15 intensity settings.
It fits closely fits the curves of your neck and shoulders, and is comfortable enough to wear for longer periods of time with a soft silicone finish that won't rub or irritate your skin. This is fantastically powerful massager for both its size and cost, which is why we’ve chosen it as our top pick!
Melt away tension and aching muscles with this massager from Bodi-Tek! It fits snugly around your neck to give you an effective massage, using a combination of electrical pulses and heat to relax and soothe tired and aching muscles.
A fantastic way of keeping any pain or tension at bay, we really love the different functions on offer. The device is easy to wear, while also being super quiet, making it a good choice for wear in the office or on the train without disturbing others.
This neck massager has been designed using the latest 3D smart bonding technology, which means that it can be adjusted to the size of your neck for a closer fit and a better massage. We like its compact size and rechargeable battery, making it ideal for taking with you on trips away.
The massager itself offers a deep and intense massage that's very effective in easing the pain and discomfort of aching muscles. Best of all, it fully charges in as little as 1 hour!
This massager comes with a car adapter and a handy carry case, making it ideal for taking with you on long car journeys and road trips. The unit itself is made from soft and breathable materials, and it has 3 adjustable speeds that will allow you to find just the right level of pressure to relieve your aches and pains.
This massager is quite heavy, so lifting it onto your neck and keeping it in place could be difficult for some. That being said, once it is in position, it gives a surprisingly deep massage that’s sure to please even the hardiest of massage lovers!
The heat feature on this massager has been upgraded to allow for a higher level of heat to be distributed across the neck. The technology used means it's quieter when in use, and the bi-directional rotating nodes give the feel of a real massage.
Fans of a more gentle massage may find the nodes on this massager too intense, but those after a deep tissue massage will love it! Overall, it's a top choice to help you really unwind at the end of a long day.
The ergonomic design of this massager fits to the contours of your body to sit comfortably on your neck and shoulders. When paired with wider and longer arm hangers, it gives a constant level of pressure for deep relaxation.
The arm hangers can be pulled down to increase the pressure at just the right spot. Plus, the heating function promises the same output and sensation as a hot compress. Once again, this massager can be tricky to position correctly. But once you get the knack, it will provide instant relief to an aching neck.
Nekteck have made their neck massager using a high-quality, breathable mesh fabric, that aims to provide even heat distribution across the affected area. The 8 rotating nodes have bi-directional rotation, giving you even more relief, and the handy car charging cable means you can use it while taking breaks on the road.
The design of this massager isn’t very flexible, so it feels a bit rigid against your neck, and the high position of the buttons makes them tricky to reach when in use. But, it has to be said, the heat function is fantastic for a deep and warming massage.
This massager provides two options for heat to help ease tension in the neck. It's convenient to control with integrated buttons on the side of the massager and 16 levels of intensity.
Despite having 5 different massage modes, as enjoyable as they are, we couldn’t feel much of a difference between them. That aside, it is very quiet to operate and uses a micro USB cable to charge, which is very handy!
Piroir’s electric massager has an ergonomic design to fit the curve of your neck. This helps it to work more effectively and means it's comfortable to wear, which is ideal for avoiding further neck aches.
The deep touch massage quickly releases muscle tension and pressure, and the wide range of modes and intensity settings give you a more personalised massage. Sadly, the heat function doesn’t seem to be up to scratch, as it can barely be felt above your body’s natural temperature.
The nodes on this massager from HoMedics are made using gel, which gives a softer and more natural feel. The deep kneading action relaxes tired muscles and loosens stubborn knots, while the soothing heat comforts aches and pains.
The reverse technology changes the direction of the massage, just like the hands of a therapist. However, it can be difficult to find the right position as it’s quite cumbersome. If you can get the positioning down, this gives a really good massage with a realistic feel that's easy to adjust to suit your preferences.
Written and researched by Catherine Torrance
No. 1: Michark |Electromagnetic Pulse Neck Massager
No. 2: Bodi-Tek|Neck & Shoulder Massager
No. 3: Fuhaieec|Neck Massager
No. 4: Oliver James|Shiatsu Neck Back and Shoulder Massage
No. 5: XLL|Shiatsu Neck Shoulder Massager
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