Massage chairs: the downsides, first

Good Housekeeping's only con is that it's pricey compared with the other models on its list.

Wirecutter's testers were mixed: some found the warming just right, others too hot or hard to adjust.

There's no touchscreen. Because it uses a handheld remote, you may have to pull your arms out of the arm massagers to change programs or settings (Wirecutter).

Wirecutter says it usually retails for $7,000 (often on sale for $4,000) yet lacks some bells and whistles. Its buying links showed $2,799 at Amazon and $6,715 at Home Depot.

Although rated for 6'1" and 300 lb, a 5'10" Wirecutter tester felt the torso wasn't high enough, and the body scan set a 5'9" tester's shoulders 'at a weird position,' so programs missed their targets.

Most Wirecutter testers found the heat unsatisfactory, and three said it 'should have been warmer.' Amazon's summary says some owners find the heat isn't noticeable.

Amazon's summary says some owners find it very intense on the lower back and functionality gets mixed reviews. A 1-star reviewer says that after about two and a half months it made an odd sound and some rollers hit painfully hard, with no support.

Amazon owners say even the 'gentle' mode is quite aggressive and deep, that they felt a little bruised after day one, and that intensity can only be reduced in manual mode. An 81-year-old reviewer found most programs too rough, and another described the rollers suddenly jumping to maximum.

Amazon's review summary says some owners report loud knocking noises. A 1-star reviewer says that after 10 months of daily use it began knocking, locking up mid-recline and shutting down. A 3-star reviewer lists bugs: an airbag section not activating, Bluetooth staying connected after power-off, and legs retracting fully in zero gravity.

Good Housekeeping lists no calf kneading as its con. An Amazon reviewer says the SL-track stops well short of the hamstrings and barely reaches the glutes. Another notes the body scan isn't saved, so it repeats every session.

Garage Gym Reviews' first con is price: $7,999 MSRP, though it was listed at $5,000 on the brand's site at testing time.

At 202.8 lb, the tester says even with wheels you need the ability to lift heavy things to move it yourself.

The tester thought the neck massage options could be more comfortable, and that the back rollers sometimes push you far forward without much resistance.

Men's Health lists it as expensive, bulky, very heavy and one of the largest chairs it tested, with a love-it-or-hate-it look: 32.5 x 59 x 54.5 inches upright and 72 inches long reclined.

Men's Health says it's backed by only a one-year warranty, with a paid extension it considers worth buying.

Wirecutter notes there's no scientific evidence that its chromotherapy or aromatherapy has any therapeutic effect, though some may enjoy the multisensory experience.

Men's Health says that fully reclined it isn't effective for users over six feet: the rollers and airbags miss, and taller testers found it awkward, bordering on uncomfortable. Forbes says it isn't ideal for people over six feet or 240 pounds, and the Amazon listing gives a 240 lb maximum.

Men's Health calls the one-year warranty its main gripe, below most other makers. Good Housekeeping also lists a 1-year warranty.

Good Housekeeping's con is that the Favor-03 ADV is S-track only and doesn't reach the buttocks and hamstrings. Forbes says it has fewer modes and only one zero-gravity setting. A 1-star Amazon reviewer found it weak on the neck and shoulders, too much pressure for family members, and says the Bluetooth paired with only one of ten devices.

Most Wirecutter testers said it didn't envelop the body, especially at the neck and calves, and there's no real foot massage unless you're short enough to rest your feet on the calf massager. Forbes says it lacks zero gravity and arm and glute coverage.

Amazon's summary says some owners find the intensity too hard, and some say it leaves their back sore and bruised. A 3-star reviewer says the rollers protrude aggressively mid-back, pushing you out of the chair when reclined.

Amazon's summary says some owners report it breaking after three months. Men's Health found the polyurethane material feels cheap and the remote less intuitive than rivals, with no advanced roller options.