Bluetooth Speakers and App Control on Massage Chairs

When I first saw a massage chair with Bluetooth speakers and an app, I thought the speakers were a gimmick. Then I tried one in a showroom with a podcast playing. It was fine, but I realized I almost always massage with my eyes closed and prefer quiet. The speakers can be useful if you like music or a guided meditation, but check where they sit relative to your ears. Some chairs put them near the shoulders, and the sound can feel thin. If you live with others, you may not want your chair broadcasting anything.

App control is more interesting to me. On a chair with an app, I can adjust intensity, pick a program, or pause without reaching for a remote. That helps when my hands are relaxed or when the remote has slipped between cushions. But apps need updates, and updates can change labels or add steps. I treat the app as a convenience, not the main control. Before buying, I ask whether the chair works fully without the app and whether the remote is included. I also check how the app connects, because a flaky connection is worse than a simple button.

Simple remotes still matter. A physical remote with clear buttons is easy to use when I am half asleep, and guests can operate it without installing anything. I like a remote that has a dedicated stop button and a few direct programs. If a chair relies on a touchscreen remote, I test whether the screen is readable at an angle and whether it times out. I also ask about replacement remotes and app support, since software can age faster than the chair. I do not assume a company will support an app forever; I check the current terms and support page.

For me, the extras are worth it only if they support the massage, not distract from it. I would pay a little more for a chair that feels good and has a straightforward remote. I would not pay extra for speakers I will rarely use. If you are comparing models, look at the basics first, then decide whether app control fits how you relax. I found some useful comparisons at Zero Gravity Massage Chair Picks when I was sorting through features.

— Kevin Brooks