Muscle tenderness, stiffness and knots affect many adults, some of us daily. But with a portable neck and body massager, it’s now possible to ease muscle aches and pains wherever you may be.

A portable neck and body massager is a therapeutic device that helps stimulate blood circulation and ease muscle pain. And if you’re wondering if massage actually works in easing pesky strains and pains, it’s a resounding yes! In fact, massage has been used effectively since as far back as ancient times, and according to Musculoskeletal Australia, it’s a proven hands-on method for managing muscle pain today. With a portable massager that does the work for you, it’s never been easier to take on tender areas at a time that suits you.

To help you find the right massager, we’ve scoured the reviews, consulted our community and put Australia’s favourite portable neck and body devices in one spot for you. But first, let’s take a look at the types of massagers available and how to choose the right one for you.

Types of portable massagers suitable for the neck and body

While all body massagers aim to relieve muscle pain and tension, there are different formats to choose from.

These are the most common in Australia:

• Massage guns are all about deeper tissue massaging and really getting the blood flowing, and they usually come with a variety of heads to get into different spots. If you’re someone who likes to work out or does manual labour, a massage gun is perfect for getting to knots on the calves, legs, back and arms.
• Shawl massagers, such as the Philips Shawl Massager, are ideal for the shoulders and upper back. They’re also hands-free, so ideal if you want to continue working, reading or getting the baby to sleep while getting some much-needed relief.
• Manual massagers are cheaper than electric options and give the user complete control of the pressure they apply.
• Handheld massagers can be manual or electric and include massage guns. They’re ideal for targeting specific areas of your body, even hard-to-reach areas, and often come with multiple attachments for varied therapy.

 11 Best Portable Neck & Body Massagers

A portable massager lets you manage neck, back and body pain from the comfort of your own home – or gym! Whether you’re after a massage gun or a shawl, you’ll find it in this shortlist.

Philips Massage Shawl, $199

In a convenient wearable design, the Philips Massage Shawl offers hands-free tap-and-punch massage to almost any area of the body. Drape it over the shoulders to help alleviate neck and upper back pain, or wrap it around limbs for post-workout relief. It comes with six different massage strengths and 11 various modes (including heat!), so you can customise your therapy to suit your needs. Plus, you have a two year warranty for extra peace of mind.

Reviews indicate this is a popular choice for neck pain and fantastic for use while watching TV or taking a break. Many happy customers love it just as much for relaxation as for muscle relief. And that heat function is heavenly for melting away built-up tension.

Philips Mini Back Massager, $249

What looks like a cushion is actually a multi-functional heated massager, purpose-built for melting away tension. It comes with four modes of operation, including clockwise and anti-clockwise heating and kneading to help promote blood circulation and ease muscles. A one-key control makes it a cinch to operate and the 3D massage nodes provide next-level relaxation when you need it most. Like other massagers in the Philips line, this comes with a two-year warranty.

Reviewers love how convenient this clever unit is, particularly the fact that it is cord-free and easy to transport. And as you’d expect, it gets a big thumbs up when it comes to working from home!

Philips Mini Massage Gun, $299

With a two-year warranty, the Philips Massage Gun uses an AI algorithm to provide portable therapy to multiple parts of the body, even sensitive areas. Four gentle skin-friendly massage heads protect the body from force while soothing tired, aching areas – and the delicious hot compress gets the blood flowing. Fabulous for the back of the neck, entire back and lower body, think of it as your best friend for tired muscles. And can we talk about the rose gold accents?!

Reviewers unanimously adore the design and pink finish of the Philips Massage gun, as well as its compact and lightweight format. Many said it’s effective at easing tension and wonderful for relaxation as well. Battery life is said to be great, with one reviewer particularly loving the LED charging indicator.

Therabody Theragun PRO Portable Massager, $899

A standout in the sporting world, the Theragun PRO massager offers portable pain relief for the entire body. It’s equipped with four built-in routines, which you can view on the OLED screen, including Sleep, Warm-Up, Recovery and Theragun Break. The ergonomic design makes it easy to manoeuvre and the adjustable speed range ensures the right pace for your particular needs. It comes with six massage attachments and is 20% quieter than previous models!

The consensus among reviewers is that the Theragun PRO is one of the most effective recovery tools around. One reviewer even pointed out that it’s easy to use on yourself because the angle of the head can be adjusted, although it can get heavy to hold after a while. While this model is meant to be quieter, one reviewer did mention that it was quite noisy and another said the battery life is lacking.

Renpho Active Massage Gun, $179.99

Portable, effective and quiet – the Renpho Active Massage Gun ticks all the boxes. It delivers from 1800 to 3200 RPM to awaken muscles, stimulate the soft tissue and help with recovery. It comes with five different massage heads and a USB charging cable and it boasts six hours of battery life! It’s the bestie you want by your side through the workday.

With over 26,000 positive reviews on Amazon, it’s pretty clear that the Renpho Active Massage Gun is a favourite in Australia. Many reviewers praise its lightweight format and the fact that it’s not too noisy. Another reviewer was impressed with the battery life, saying that it just keeps going! However, one reviewer mentioned that the lowest setting was still too strong.

Renpho U-Neck 2 Portable Neck & Back Massager, $99.99

The Renpho U-Neck 2 is a wearable neck and body device ergonomically designed to mimic the feel of hands-on massage. Three levels of heat therapy relax muscles and stimulate blood circulation while eight deep-tissue pressure nodes offer much-needed relief to tired and tight muscles. It features a four-button control panel and comes with an AC adapter and car adapter, making it perfect for taking everywhere.

Reviewers of the Renpho U-Neck 2 Massager say it’s an effective and convenient way to ease muscle pain and tension. One reviewer particularly loves the fact that it shuts off automatically after 15 minutes for extra peace of mind. Another says is the perfect device for easing sore areas around the neck and back.

Homedics Vibration Neck Massager, $39

Equipped with two different speed settings and a heat function, this portable neck and body massager from Homedics melts away neck pain and invigorates muscles. It features simple integrated controls. handy straps on both sides and a power adapter. But if you thought this was only for neck pain, think again. Completely multi-purpose, you can use it on the thighs, calves and lower back – wherever a little extra help is needed.

Reviewers of the Homedics Vibration Neck Massager say it’s super handy for neck tension One reviewer explains that it’s a great addition to nighttime routines and even helps with sleep.

Beurer Portable Mini Body Massager, $19

After a portable massage device that you can fit in your handbag? Look no further! The Beurer Portable Mini Body Massager comes in a choice of green or red and offers on-the-go massage therapy when it’s needed. It is lightweight and ergonomically shaped and boasts an LED light, simple on/off switch and three rounded massage nodes. As far as fuss-free and affordable massagers go, this is tough to beat!

The Beurer Portable Mini Massager has received many 5-star reviews, with most customers very happy with how it works.

Therabody Theragun Mini Massager 2.0, $299

Smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the Theragun Mini fits all the benefits of larger percussion therapy devices into one compact, handbag-friendly unit. It has three different speeds and comes with three heads for customising your therapy to your body. A smart design makes it easy to hold and the handy USB adapter makes charging a cinch.

Reviewers love the Theragun Mini 2.0, with several saying it is excellent value for money and a great size for getting into tight spots. Other reviewers say it’s great for tackling longstanding pain issues.

Medcursor Handheld Percussion Massage Gun, $89.99

Whether you’re after a single device to tackle the whole family’s muscle woes, or just extra versatility, the Medcursor Percussion Massage Gun is a must-see. With six different massage heads, it offers a wide range of therapy for various muscular aches and pains. It has five different speed settings, all controllable from the main power button, and a rechargeable long-life battery gives you up to 4.5 hours of charge.

Reviews say the Medcursor Percussion Massage Gun is great value for money and powerful, excellent for tackling tough knots. Customers love the handy carry case and overall design.

VOYOR Shiatsu Neck Massager, $28.50

The beauty of the VOYOR Shiatsu Neck Massager is that it gives the user full control over the pressure, direction and angle of the device. It features two silicone balls and an ergonomic handle that fits the curve of the body and helps relieve muscle tension on the neck, shoulds and limbs. Battery-free, there’s no fear of this one running out when you need it most!

Some reviewers say the VOYOR Shiatsu Neck Massager is easy to use, while others say the design limits where you can use it. One customer mentioned that the balls don’t rotate, with another saying you a lubricant of some kind so that it glides smoothly.

FAQs

Are neck massagers worth it?

Neck massagers are SO worth it! Who wouldn’t love a soothing neck massage anytime, anywhere?! Whether you’re looking to knock out some knots or soothe away stress, neck massagers are worth investing in to help give relief to niggles. And when you consider the cost of regular massage, a neck massager is far more cost-effective – it will pay for itself in no time.

Can I use a massage gun on my neck?

Yes, you can use a massage gun on your neck. But, you do need to make sure you steer clear of your spine and never use a massage gun on the front of your neck.
Because massage guns help improve blood circulation within muscles, they relieve pain by getting fresh oxygen to the muscle tissue, so they do work really well on sore and tight neck muscles to relieve pain and tightness.

Here’s a great video that explains exactly where to use a massage gun on your neck, and where not to use it. And of course, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you’re using your device safely and appropriately.

How do I choose a massager?

The first step in choosing a portable massage device for the neck and body is to consider the exact location of your pain or discomfort. From there it’s easier to choose an appropriate device, such as a massage gun for deep-tissue limb massage, a shawl massager for the neck and shoulders or a handheld device for on-the-go, targeted relief.

Also, consider the modes you’ll actually use on each device so that you’re not paying for features you don’t need. Many devices have features like heating elements, rollers, percussion, vibration, acupressure or a mixture of these treatments.

Another great way to ease tired muscles is a soak in the tub. Take a peek at Australia’s best bath pillows in our sister site’s shortlist!