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Wirecutter's top pick after testing 25 chairs: the most accurate body scan, a massage that felt 'deep without being uncomfortable' and a secure zero-gravity recline, for users up to 6'2" and 300 lb. Testers were split on the heat, and you control it with a handheld remote rather than a touchscreen.
Top complaints
- Heat is hit or miss
Wirecutter's testers were mixed: some found the warming just right, others too hot or hard to adjust.
Source: Wirecutter - Remote-only controls
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).
Source: Wirecutter - Few frills for the list price
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.
Source: Wirecutter
What owners love
- Accurate, deep massage
Wirecutter says it had the most accurate body scan of the chairs tested and gave consistent, well-positioned massages for the neck, back, arms, legs and feet. One tester said it felt 'deep without being uncomfortable.'
Source: Wirecutter - Comfortable, secure zero gravity
A clearly labeled button slowly reclines the chair to nearly horizontal; a tester said it felt secure while other chairs made them anxious (Wirecutter).
Source: Wirecutter - Strong warranty and support
Four years on the structure, two on parts and one on labor, with New Hampshire-based support and parts available after the warranty (Wirecutter, Kyota).
Source: Wirecutter, Kyota
- You want a touchscreen or armrest controls
- You're sensitive to strong heat
- You won't wait for a sale (often listed far above its street price)
- Taller and heavier users (up to 6'2" and 300 lb)
- A deep but well-targeted massage
- A chair that doesn't look gaudy
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (guide updated 2024-10-30): 12 programs, voice assistant, three custom memory slots, the best body scan tested. Heat was divisive and it has no touchscreen.