Almost everyone loves a good, relaxing massage from time to time. Most people think of the back or feet when they think of massages, but don’t forget the neck! Like all massages, a neck massage can relieve stress and make it easier for you to relax. They can also be a great way to ease neck pain, tension headaches, soreness, tightness, or stiffness. Whether or not you’re prone to neck pain, you may want to invest in a neck massager to keep at home so that you can give yourself a massage when those knots form in your neck. Here are a few we recommend.

What to Consider in a Neck Massager

Here are a few things to think about before buying a neck massager:

• Type: There are three main types of neck massagers. The most common are wearable. These neck massagers rest around your neck and shoulders to provide heat and pressure to alleviate neck pain. The other type is a manual device that you hold in one hand and run across your neck. Wearable neck massagers are much more portable, while manual ones can be used more easily on other parts of your body. Pillow models are also available, which you may prefer since they can be used while lying down.
• Functions: All neck massagers will have varying degrees of strength. Some will have more speed, intensity, and heating options than others. Some offer a deeper massage, while most electric ones have infrared heat. Others have an ergonomic design to better contour the shape of your neck and shoulders. And some manual models have interchangeable head attachments to switch out at will.
• Price: Like many electronic devices, neck massagers can run on the pricey side depending on certain factors. Manual models tend to be more affordable than wearable or pillow ones, and generally, the more functions or features the device has, the more expensive it will be.

Best Overall: Naipo Shiatsu Neck Massager

This wearable neck and back massager likely possesses all the nice features you want. This synthetic leather, U-shaped neck massager drapes across the back of your neck and over your shoulders. It comes equipped with eight deep-kneading, 3D-rotation Shiatsu massage nodes to hit all the right places and give your muscles as light or strong a massage as they might need. The adjustable intensity button lets you choose between low, medium, and high speeds. Whether your neck muscles are tired and in need of soothing or tight and in need of loosening, this massager has you covered. Also built-in is an advanced heat function system to warm and further ease your neck muscles. The heating system automatically shuts down after 20 minutes for safety purposes. While designed for the neck, shoulders, and back, this massager can be adapted for use on the legs or waist. A power adapter and car adapter come included with your purchase.

Most Portable: RESTECJ Massager for Neck and Back with Heat

Neck massagers don’t have to be limited solely to home use, as this wearable Shiatsu model proves. It’s light and portable, easy to take on vacations, camping trips, road trips, and more so that you can enjoy a massage wherever you want. The complimentary leather pouch makes transporting and storing the neck massager even easier. This model is ideal for minimizing acute pains, soothing aches, and easing stiffness in your neck, thanks in part to the bidirectional kneading nodes. A neck massage from this device may also help to reduce your fatigue and help promote circulation. The four buttons along the left side let you conveniently regulate and control the heat and stimulation to suit your personal preferences. It can be used on your legs and feet as well as your neck, shoulders, and back.

Most Versatile: Zyllion Shiatsu Kneading Massage Pillow

This neck pillow massager is highly versatile and can be used almost anywhere on your body. The pillow is ergonomically designed to fit around the contours of your neck, lower back, upper back, abdomen, calves, thighs, and feet. The Shiatsu massage nodes are strong and knead deeply to help relax and loosen your neck muscles, automatically switching direction every minute as they rotate to massage you. The pillow is equipped with an advanced heating function that is ideal for soothing aches and pains. It also has a safety device that automatically shuts off the motor when the massager exceeds its working temperature to keep you safe, and it won’t allow you to turn the pillow back on until the temperature goes down. The on and off switch controls both the heat and the massage nodes. Note that this massager needs to be plugged in during use and isn’t rechargeable.

Best Handheld: RENPHO Rechargeable Handheld Deep Massager

If you prefer a handheld, cordless massager over any other sort, this is the model for you. The percussion technology and powerful motor give you the deepest possible massage, helping to relax the muscles of your neck, back, and shoulders. It also comes with five different head attachments that you can switch in and out as desired to best suit your wants and needs. Since the device is handheld, cordless, and lightweight (weighing less than 2 pounds), it’s highly portable and flexible and can be used on your arms, legs, torso, and feet as needed. It’s also equipped with a safety device that causes the massager to switch off after 20 minutes to prevent overheating. Due to its cordless design, this neck massager has a built-in, rechargeable battery that lasts for over 2 hours on a full charge. Note that the massager can’t be used while it’s charging for safety purposes. A wall charger, stand, and user manual all come included with your purchase.