Quick answer: Most massage chairs reach your arms with airbags in the armrests, and some add hand massage under the palms. On our site, examples include the Osaki Ai Monarch LE (hand reflexology massage), the Titan Jupiter LE Premium (arms and hands, 80 airbags) and the Daiwa Supreme Hybrid (shoulders, arms and hands zones). Check that the armrest fits your arm length.
How do massage chairs massage your arms and hands?
Mostly with air. Airbags inside the armrests inflate around the forearms and, on some chairs, the hands, squeezing and releasing in rhythm. A few product pages describe hand massage with specific wording such as "Hand Reflexology Massage." See how massage chair airbags work.
Arm airbags vs hand massage: what's the difference?
Arm airbags squeeze the forearm. Hand massage reaches the palm and fingers inside the armrest. Not every chair with arm airbags lists hands, so check the air massage line on the product page.
Which chairs we sell include hand massage?
| Chair | Air massage areas (as listed) | Airbags | Price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookstone BK-550 | Shoulders, arms, hands, calves and feet | 30 | $2,499 |
| Osaki Ai Monarch LE | Shoulders, arms, calves and feet; hand reflexology massage | 58 | $2,999 |
| Titan Jupiter LE Premium | Headrest, outer shoulders, arms and hands, seat, lumbar, waist, calves and feet | 80 | $3,799 |
| Inner Balance Jin 2.0 | Shoulders, arms and hands, calves and feet | 42 | $3,999.99 |
| Osaki OS-Highpointe 4D | Shoulders, arms, hands, seat, waist, lumbar, calves and feet | 44 aircells | $4,999 |
| Luraco i9 Max Plus | Shoulders, arms, hands, lumbar, waist, thighs, calves and feet | 100 | $13,490 |
| Daiwa Supreme Hybrid | Shoulders, arms and hands, waist and hips, lumbar, calves and feet | 50 | $13,500 |
*Prices change; see the product page for today's price.
Some chairs list arms but not hands. The Osaki OP-4D Master, for example, lists neck, shoulders, arms, waist, lumbar, seat, calves and feet. For more picks, see our best massage chairs.
Will it fit long or short arms?
Very long or short arms may sit outside the airbag zone. Check the chair's height range on the product page and the arm position in the owner's manual. Our guide to reading a spec sheet explains where to find these numbers.
Can you turn arm airbags down?
Yes, on most chairs. Lower the airbag intensity, or rest your arms on top of the armrests instead of inside. See how to make your chair gentler or stronger and the massage chair glossary.
Which arm setup suits you?
| Pick | If you... |
|---|---|
| Monarch LE or BK-550 | want hand massage at a lower price on our site |
| Jupiter LE Premium | want arms and hands with 80 listed airbags |
| Daiwa Supreme Hybrid or Luraco i9 Max Plus | want arms-and-hands coverage in a flagship |
Side-by-side: the chairs in this guide
Here's how the arm-massage chairs in this guide compare on air massage coverage, fit and space.
| Feature | Osaki Ai Monarch LE | Titan Jupiter LE Premium | Osaki OS-Highpointe 4D | Luraco i9 Max Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massage Roller | 3D Quad Style Roller with Sonic Technology | 3D Quad Style Roller | 4D Quad Style Roller | 3D/4D Quad Style Butterfly Massage Roller |
| Massage Roller Track | SL-Track | L-Track | SL-Track | Split Track |
| Foot Massage | Foot Rollers and Air Compression | Foot Roller and Compression Massage | Massage Rollers and Air Compression with 2 Speeds | Massage Rollers and Air Compression |
| Calf Massage | Air Compression Massage | Air Compression Massage | Air Compression with Kneading + Massage Roller | Air Compression and Massage Rollers |
| Air Massage | Shoulders, Arms, Calves, and Feet | Headrest, Outer Shoulders, Arms and Hands, Seat, Lumbar, Waist, Calves, and Feet | Shoulders, Arms, Hands, Seat, Waist, Lumbar, Calves, and Feet | Shoulders, Arms, Hands, Lumbar, Waist, Thighs, Calves, and Feet |
| Total Airbags | 58 | 80 | 44 aircells | 100 Airbags |
| Airbag Intensity Adjustments | See product page | 5 Levels of Adjustment | 5 Intensity Adjustments | 5 intensity adjustments through 6 independently controlled regions |
| Heat Therapy | Lumbar and Calves | Heated Rollers, Lumbar, Seat, Legs | Lumbar, Calves, and Heating Pad for the front | See product page |
| Automatic Programs | 12 Programs | 10 | 16 Massage Programs | 9 Automatic Programs |
| Ottoman Length Adjustment | Automatic | Automatic with Foot Stop | Automatic | Automatic 3 Tiered Legrest |
| Zero Gravity Recline | Yes | Yes | 2 Stage Zero Gravity Recline + Sleep Mode | True Zero Gravity Recline |
| Warranty | 3 Year Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty | 10 Year Limited Warranty |
| Height Range | 5'0-6'1" | 5'0" - 6'6" | 5'0" - 6'4" | 4'7" to 6'10" |
| Recommended Weight | 270lbs. | 280lbs. | 270 lb. | 300lbs |
| Dimensions Upright | 58.7”L x 29.5”W x 45.3”H | 60"L X 32"W X 50.3"H | 61"L X 34.5"W X 48"H | 66”L x 38”W x 48”H |
| Dimensions Recline | 68.9”L x 29.5”W x 32.7”H | 60"L X 32"W X 37.5"H | 69"L X 34.5"W X 41"H | 87”L x 38”W x 47”H |
| Distance to Wall | 2.3" | 3.2" | Less than 1 inch | 12" |
Specs as listed on each product page. "See product page" means that row isn't listed for that model.
Delivery, setup and room planning
Osaki Ai Monarch LE
- Box size: 73.1”L x 30.3”W x 34.8”H
- Box weight: 217.2lbs.
- Weight out of the box: 181.9lbs
- Upright size: 58.7”L x 29.5”W x 45.3”H
- Reclined size: 68.9”L x 29.5”W x 32.7”H
- Distance to wall: 2.3"
Titan Jupiter LE Premium
- Box size: 59.48"L x 31.1"W x 40.55"H, 49.02"L x 16.14"W x 25.79"H, 20.87"L x 17.52"W x 21.26"H
- Box weight: 224.4lbs, 48.4lbs, 38.5lbs
- Weight out of the box: 213.8lbs
- Upright size: 60"L X 32"W X 50.3"H
- Reclined size: 60"L X 32"W X 37.5"H
- Distance to wall: 3.2"
Osaki OS-Highpointe 4D
- Box size: Main Body Box: 58.5" x 31.7” x 38" / Armrest Box: 40" x 16.7" x 24.4"
- Box weight: 336 lb.
- Weight out of the box: 305.6 lb.
- Minimum door width: 34.5" Assembled / 30" Disassembled
- Upright size: 61"L X 34.5"W X 48"H
- Reclined size: 69"L X 34.5"W X 41"H
- Distance to wall: Less than 1 inch
Luraco i9 Max Plus
- Box size: 71"L x 34"W x 70"H
- Box weight: 380lbs.
- Weight out of the box: 310lbs.
- Upright size: 66”L x 38”W x 48”H
- Reclined size: 87”L x 38”W x 47”H
- Distance to wall: 12"
Standard shipping is curbside: it ships by freight to the 48 contiguous states, and the freight company delivers to a carport or first-floor entryway. From there, plan on two or more people to move the box inside, and measure every doorway, hallway turn and stair landing on the way to the room, not just the room itself. Assembly is required and can take 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the chair. Many product pages also list In-Home Delivery (inside your home, no stairs, just inside the doorway) and In-Home Delivery and Assembly; check the product page for the options and cost for your model. Once it's in place, leave the listed wall gap so the backrest can recline fully and leave room in front for the leg rest to extend. Check the owner's manual for power and outlet guidance before you plug it in. Try several programs in the first days so you can raise any fit questions early. If you return a chair, a return fee applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all massage chairs massage hands?
No. Many cover arms with airbags only. Check the air massage line on the product page for "hands." In our table, the Brookstone BK-550, Titan Jupiter LE Premium and Daiwa Supreme Hybrid all list hands.
Can I keep my hands out of the armrests?
Usually yes. You can rest your arms on top of the armrests or lower the arm airbag intensity. Check your owner's manual for whether your chair lets you switch arm air off.
Are arm airbags strong?
They can feel firm at default settings. Lower the airbag intensity one step at a time, and stop the program if it's uncomfortable.
Is it OK to use a massage chair if I have a health condition?
Check with your doctor first if you have a health condition, are pregnant or have an implanted device. Also read your chair's owner's manual for its own safety guidance, and check the height and weight range on the product page before you buy.
Specs and prices as listed on each product page; prices change, so check the product page for today's price. Prices change; see each product page for today's price. Written by the eMassageChair team.