The 6 Best Handheld Infrared Massagers (2023 Reviews)

Though mostly small and lightweight, infrared massagers are available in many types and sizes and if you know how to choose one, it can be one of your best helpers for muscle pain and joint pain relief, blood circulation boosting, and even cellulite reducers – anywhere in your body.

Why?

Because Infrared heat can double the pain-relieving and blood-circulation-boosting ability of any electric body massager.

Don’t settle on a regular massager when you can use the healing power of infrared heat to supercharge muscle pain relief, boost blood circulation, and even reduce cellulite.

best infrared massagers

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Surprisingly, a handheld infrared massager won’t cost much more than the average massager.

Infrared Massager Benefits

Combining massage therapy with infrared therapy applied to an injured area in your body immediately increases blood flow and permeability (which leads to faster recovery). It also penetrates deeper into the tissues, relaxes tight muscles, reduces stress, eliminates toxins, reduces cellulite (by destroying white fat cells),  and speeds up healing.

(See a list of studies at the end of the post)

👉 In a Hurry? see our top picks compared below:

Infrared MassagerOur RatingFeaturesPrice
Snailax Infrared Percussion Massager
Best VibrationCordless
Vibration massage
4 attachments
Speed control
heats to 130 F
$38 with code WMD25 at Snailax
Urikar PRO 2 Infrared Massage Gun
🥇Best ValueCordless
Infrared Therapy Massage Gun
8 attachments
5 speed-levels
$119 with code SB30 at Urikar

Mo Cuishle
Best GripPercussion
2 attachments
Many speed settings
3-year warranty
Check price on Amazon
Snailax Foot Massager
Best Foot MassagerShiatsu
Air compression
$84 with code WMD25 at Snailax
Comparing the best infrared massagers according to features and price.

How to Choose an Infrared Massager

Here’s what I looked for when I researched the best infrared massager:

1. It is lightweight. If you plan to use it by yourself, you don’t want your massager to be too heavy to hold for more than a minute.

2. It is reliable and high quality, so it won’t break down after a few weeks.

3. It has a long electric cord. You don’t want your movement to be limited.

4. It has a relatively big handle so you can use it comfortably.

5. It has different intensity levels so you can find the best one for you

6. It has additional accessories, such as interchangeable heads or attachments, to target different areas of the body.

Note

If you need an infrared foot massager – make sure to see our 2023 research results and the 7 BEST infrared foot massagers (with heat)- for heel pain, Neuropathy, diabetes, flat feet, varicose veins, and more!

Through my 10-hour research, these are the 6 best infrared massagers in 2023 – reviewed and compared:

The 6 Best Infrared Massagers for Muscle Pain & Cellulite

Here are our detailed infrared handheld massagers reviews:

1. Snailax Infrared Massager Best Vibration

infrared body massager snailax
Snailax portable (cordless) infrared body massager – view at Snailax
  • Size: 15*5.5*3.7 inches
  • Weight: 1.8 pounds
  • Power: 100-240V input voltage for the charging adapter.
  • Power Cord: 6.5ft

The Snailax infrared body massager is 100% portable (just recharge and take it anywhere with you), it’s powerful enough even on a low setting, and it has variable speed settings and 4 attachments.

One of them allows you to use deep massage acupressure points.

And of course – it includes an infrared heat feature (After 15 minutes using, it will go up to 130℉).

snailax infrared massager review

The Snailax infrared massager is highly versatile – it comes with 4 interchangeable massage heads, 3 automatic massage modes, and 3 adjustable speed settings.

We found it to be one of the best infrared body massagers for pain relief and cellulite reduction – because it’s powerful yet gentle enough to treat cellulite areas in your body.

Snailax infrared massager Pros

  • Can be used on the go – The battery can last for 80 minutes on a full charge!
  • Sturdy, well-built
  • Powerful – has enough pressure even on the low setting
  • Comfortable grip
  • Quiet – makes a low humming sound
  • 2-year warranty

Cons

  • Offers only vibration massage

Available at Snailax ($38 with coupon code WMD25)

2. Urikar Infrared Massage gun Best Value

best infrared massage gun
Urikar Pro 2 Heated Massage Gun – view at Urikar

The Urikar Pro 2 Massage Gun Infrared Massage Gun is a powerful percussion massager (above-average 12mm amplitude and a powerful stall force) – with a heated tip, that boosts your blood circulation even more – to alleviate chronic pain, quickly relieve DOMS, and enhance injury recovery.

The intense heated percussion massage is delivered through a ceramic head that warms up to 104-113 degrees Farenheight and can be replaced with non-heated heads that come with it – if you wish.

urikar heated massage gun review

Compared to the more expensive Tim Tam heated massage gun, this one comes with up to 3,600 RPMs (compared to TimTam’s 2,800 RPMs) and costs about half its price.

The 8 interchangeable heads allow you to change the type of massage, and you further adjust with 4 massage programs and 5 speed levels.

The battery lasts for 2-5 hours on a single charge, and the lifetime warranty protects your investment.

And a unique feature you have to know about is the impressive ergonomics with a rotating arm (180-degree rotation), which helps greatly with reaching most of your back areas.

Urikar Heated Massage Gun Pros

  • A heated ceramic head (which can be removed and changed to other heads) delivers heat into your muscles
  • Powerful percussion massage
  • Highly adjustable (massage type, modes, and speed levels)
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Budget-friendly massage gun
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • A shorter stroke length (12mm) may be limiting for some athletes

Available at Urikar ($119 with coupon code SB30)

3. Mo Cuishle Percussion Back Massager Best for Cellulite

infrared cellulite massager vibration massage
Mo Cuishle infrared massager – view on Amazon
  • Weight: 2.4 pounds
  • Voltage: AC110V
  • Power: 28w
  • Cord Length: 2 meters

This handheld Infrared lightweight massager has a powerful motor and a wide range of speed levels you can choose from.

It has a long, anti-slip handle that is comfortable to use when you glide it over your aching muscles or cellulite areas – without any massaging oils.

The massage heads are made of silicone and the shell is made of ABS, which is high quality and environmentally friendly. The “body scraper” attachment is especially good for cellulite treatment, combined with heat.

You can use it with or without heat, but I recommend always using heat.

The Mo Cuishle is one of the best IR body massagers to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms and pain, and reduce cellulite.

how to use an infrared massager

Mo Cuishle infrared massager pros

  • Includes infrared massage therapy
  • Easy to use, massager slides on the skin without massage oils (but can be used with them – if they are not alcohol-based
  • 3-year warranty and 90 days money-back guarantee!
  • Good customer service
  • Can be used on any muscle in your body, and reaches everywhere
  • Designed to slide along the back, avoiding the spine.
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • Heart patients and pregnant women are advised to not use it
  • Could be a little heavy for some people
  • You can’t use the added attachments when you use the heat feature

Available on Amazon

4. Snailax Foot Massager Best Foot Massager

The Snailax infrared foot massager is made for foot pain relief, achy feet, and total relaxation after a day’s work.

Heated Shiatsu or vibrating foot massagers can be the best natural solution for Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain), neuropathy, running recovery, flat feet, Varicose Veins, and more.

snailax infrared massager for feet
Snailax Shiatsu Foot Massager – view at Snailax 

The Snailax infrared massager offers shiatsu massage and air compression with 3 massage modes and 3 pressure levels, so it’s fully adjustable for anyone up to US men size 12.

Discover the Top 6 Infrared Foot Massagers!
We’ve dedicated a full review post with the top 6 heated shiatsu foot massagers of 2023 – including vibrating foot massagers, shiatsu foot massagers, and the best foot and calf massagers. Check it out!

5. Naipo Back Massager Best Dual Head

naipo hand held infrared body massager
Naipo infrared percussion massager – view on Walmart
  • Size: 13.8 x 5.9 x 4.1 inches
  • Weight: 1.98 lbs
  • Power: 110-120V

The Naipo double-head percussion muscle massager is a powerful heated massager (pulses at up to 3,400 times per minute) and comes with 3 different massage heads, and 2 variable speed settings you can choose from.

One massage node is great for trigger points and acupressure. The round-shaped nodes make the best fit when you use the heating option. The heat range is 95°F – 113°F.

Note that you can’t use this massager directly on your skin, only with clothes on.

naipo infrared percussion massger review

Naipo Percussion massager pros

  • Lightweight (0.9 kg)
  • Easy to grip and reach everywhere – long, anti-slip handle
  • Quiet
  • Versatile – you can use it for deep kneading or a gentler massage

cons

  • You can’t use the heat without using the massage attachments
  • Can’t be used on the skin directly

Available at Walmart ($44)

6. Homedics Infrared Percussion Massager (with Heat)

homedics infrared massager
Homedics Percussion Massager – view at Homedics 
  • Size: 17.1 x 5.9 x 5.5 inches
  • Weight: 2.48 lbs
  • Power: 120 V

Lightweight and portable, this Homedics infrared heated percussion massager weighs about 2.4 lbs and comes with 2 sets of massage nodes and a control.

It has 4 speed settings and 2 sets of attachments. However, the heat feature works best without the massage nodes, when the red light is exposed.

homedics infrared massager review

It is one of the most popular infrared massagers on Amazon and is reasonably priced.

Available at Homedics ($49), and on Amazon ($45)

👉 Related: Homedics Foot Massager Reviews

How to Use an Infrared Massager

To use an infrared massager for the best results, make sure that it is switched off when you plug it in. Then choose your preferred treatment head. Switch the device on, set the desired massage speed, and whether you want the heat on or off. Use both your hands to guide the massager to any area on your body (excluding your face and scalp).

You can stand, sit, lie down, or massage another person.

Massage intensity can be changed depending on how hard you press it against your skin. I recommend massaging each area for no more than 3-4 minutes.

Infrared Massager Side Effects

The most important warning regarding infrared heat massagers is for diabetics. Diabetics cannot use these massagers because due to nerve damage, they cannot feel how hot the massager gets and can burn their skin unknowingly. Otherwise, if you take a few minutes to figure out the right massage head and the right speed level, you’re not supposed to experience any side effects other than pain relief, muscle relief, and stress relief.

Can You Use a Heated Massager During Pregnancy?

You can not use an infrared massager on your back or stomach when you are pregnant, because the electric impulses can stimulate uterus contraction and can cause premature labor. However, you can safely use it on your legs or arms – at a low speed and gently.

Can You Use an Infrared Massager for Fat Burning?

Near Infrared therapy (low-level laser), combined with vibration massage, is proven to result in a significant reduction of fat thickness and cellulite. Most studies have shown visible results after 12 weeks of treatment. These results were not diminished even after the treatment was finished.

I hope this guide was helpful and saved you some time (and money). If you have any questions please use the comment section, or message me on my Facebook Page – I answer every one.

To your health and happiness,

Meital

P.S

Are you aware of the powerful massage & infrared heat combo for cellulite reduction?

Studies

Tsai SR, Hamblin MR. Biological effects and medical applications of infrared radiation. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2017;170:197-207. doi:10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.04.014

Romero C, Caballero N, Herrero M, Ruíz R, Sadick NS, Trelles MA. Effects of cellulite treatment with RF, IR light, mechanical massage and suction treating one buttock with the contralateral as a control. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2008 Dec;10(4):193-201. doi: 10.1080/14764170802524403. PMID: 18991154.

Do-Won Kim, Dae Woon Lee, Joergen Schreiber, Chang-Hwan Im, Hansung Kim, “Integrative Evaluation of Automated Massage Combined with Thermotherapy: Physical, Physiological, and Psychological Viewpoints”, BioMed Research International, vol. 2016, Article ID 2826905, 8 pages, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/2826905

Savoia A, Landi S, Vannini F, Baldi A. Low-level laser therapy and vibration therapy for the treatment of localized adiposity and fibrous cellulite. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2013 May 23;3(1):41-52. doi: 10.1007/s13555-013-0026-x. PMID: 23888254; PMCID: PMC3680639.

Meital James
Founder and CEO of 4 healthy living blogs, has a background in Naturopathic medicine, research, journalism, and nutrition. Her blogs are the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and experience and all the posts are verified by scientific findings.

13 thoughts on “The 6 Best Handheld Infrared Massagers (2023 Reviews)”

  1. I suffer from restless leg syndrome & degenerate back & neck disease, I am looking for a full massage mat that I can lay on in my bed with or without heat. What can you recommend? Do not want a hand held device.

    Reply
  2. Such an amazing post. Thanks a lot for another great information. This website has been my gateway to information :)

    Reply
  3. I notice that none of your information on infrared lamps, saunas or massagers refers to their relief for myofascial pain, trigger points, etc. When you refer to deep tissue, which is also an issue for me, it concerns me because deep tissue and myofascial are tremendously different types of pain. Just as a Registered Massage Therapist would do specific types of treatment, including Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, and Lymphatic Drainage…I am looking for a handheld device that would also treat all of the above. Please reply with your advice at your earliest convenience.

    Reply
    • Generally I would say yes, but I think that the massage would be way too hard on your face. It’s not a gentle massager, it’s meant for muscles like the back muscles. It would be painful to use on your face. There are smaller infrared massagers, designed to use on the facial skin.

      Reply
    • Yes, you definitely can, and I think it will be helpful. However, listen to your body and see how this feels, and adjust accordingly (treatment time/distance etc). Rooting for ya:)

      Reply

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