ConsFirst / Neck & shoulder massagers

Viktor Jurgen

Viktor Jurgen Shiatsu Back & Neck Massager with Heat: the downsides first

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#2 of 8
$Shiatsu pillowScore 3.6/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)

Health.com's best overall: a simple, cheap pillow with two speeds, two directions and heat. The thin cover may tear, and Amazon owners report units that stop suddenly and weak heat.

Top complaints

What owners love

  • Very easy to use

    Health.com says you just set it down, press power and lie on it; it has two speeds, two directions and optional heat.

    Source: Health.com
  • Feels like hands

    Health.com calls the massage amazing for the price. Amazon owners say it feels like human hands and relieves sore shoulders and legs.

    Source: Health.com, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Portable, with auto shutoff

    A 15-minute auto shutoff and a compact size that Health.com says suits flights or the office; adjustable straps attach it to a chair.

    Source: Health.com
Good for
  • The easiest possible setup
  • Strapping to a desk chair or lying on it
  • Travel and the office (compact)

Scores (tap for why)

  • Intensity & coverage4.0
    Why 4.0?An amazing massage for the price (Health.com); some owners find it too rough on the neck.
    Source: Health.com, Amazon.com product page
  • Fit & positioning4.0
    Why 4.0?Lie on it or strap it to a chair and adjust it onto the exact spot (Health.com).
    Source: Health.com
  • Heat3.0
    Why 3.0?Optional heat, but Amazon owners are mixed and some say it's almost nonexistent.
    Source: Health.com, Amazon.com product page
  • Controls & noise4.5
    Why 4.5?One-button simplicity, two speeds, two directions, 15-minute auto shutoff (Health.com).
    Source: Health.com
  • Durability2.5
    Why 2.5?Thin exterior may tear (Health.com); owners report sudden failures (Amazon).
    Source: Health.com, Amazon.com product page

What experts say

  • Health.com: Best overall (updated 2026-09-28): effective, affordable and very easy to use. The thin exterior may tear.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked neck & shoulder massagers whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in neck & shoulder massagersMirakel Shiatsu Neck Massager with Heat

Forbes Vetted's best overall and Health.com's deep-tissue pick: cheap, strong and easy to steer with the arm stirrups. It's corded, your hands stay busy, and Amazon owners are split on the heat and on comfort.

Its catch: heat can be weak or missing#3 in neck & shoulder massagersNekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager

Good Housekeeping's best overall: every tester said it relieved tension, and the kneading goes deep on knots. It's corded, the buttons sit high on the belt where you can't see them, and Amazon owners report units that break within a few months.

Its catch: units that stop working#4 in neck & shoulder massagersPapillon Back Massager with Heat (shiatsu pillow)

A cheap shiatsu pillow that Health.com named best with heat and Forbes Vetted picked for the car. The Velcro straps aren't very sturdy, and Amazon owners report units falling apart or quitting early.

Its catch: falls apart or stops working

Head-to-head

See all 8 neck & shoulder massagers ranked →