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Best Massage Tables

Updated April 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
EarthLite Harmony DX
EarthLite
Harmony DX
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Sustainable & Durable
Bottom Line

High-quality massage table ideal for people with various recovery and relaxation needs.

Pros

Lovely maple construction. High weight limit. Convenient carrying case. Sustainably sourced wood. Built to last with nonslip hardwood legs and ergonomically optimal adjustment knobs.

Cons

Lacks some of the accessories and extra features of other models.

Best Bang for the Buck
BestMassage Portable Salon Bed
BestMassage
Portable Salon Bed
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Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

Perfect starter kit for any student, home user, or professional therapist.

Pros

Lightweight and easy to set up. Comes with plenty of accessories. Made of durable, quality materials. Easily adjustable height and dense padding.

Cons

Pad is thinner than more expensive models (but high-density foam is plenty for most).

Inner Strength E*2
Inner Strength
E*2
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Designed for Comfort
Bottom Line

A mid-range option designed with comfort in mind.

Pros

Firm and strong with sturdy headrest. Thick 3-inch cushioning for exceptional comfort. Table height is adjustable. Good variety of upholstery color options.

Cons

Heavier than some models. Carrying case and accessories lower quality than some more expensive models.

Saloniture Lightweight Memory Foam Massage Table
Saloniture
Lightweight Memory Foam Massage Table
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Comfort & Support
Bottom Line

Very comfortable, memory foam-padded table that supports weights up to 450 pounds.

Pros

Memory foam padding provides additional comfort and relief. Durable and thick padding. Durable, hardwood frame supports weight up to 450 pounds. Easy to transport; less than 45 pounds. Easy assembly and disassembly as necessary.

Cons

Padding may not be ideal for professionals who require increased durability.

Saloniture Professional Folding Massage Table
Saloniture
Professional Folding Massage Table
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Strong & Sturdy
Bottom Line

Well-rounded pick with a sturdy and comfortable design, as well as an affordable price tag.

Pros

High-density foam padding is plush and comfortable. Quality wooden frame and steel support cables. Accommodates up to 450 lbs. Adjustable headrest is resistant to bending and warping. Secure, nonslip, and non-marring feet.

Cons

Some are not impressed with the quality of the headrest.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
161
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for best massage tables

For giving a massage with the best results, a massage table is necessary to properly support the receiver of the massage. Massage tables may look similar, but there are a handful of features you should carefully consider before making your decision.

Massage tables vary in their design, construction, and upholstery. Portable tables fold in half for easy storage and are light in design, but they may have a lower weight limit. Stationary tables can support heavier patients and have sturdy designs, and hydraulic tables can easily be raised and lowered. Different types of upholstery and padding will result in a different feel. Considering your available space and who will be using the massage table will help you determine which table is best for you.

Any massage table is a significant investment. Whether you are purchasing a table for home or professional use, you should consider all factors before making a purchase.

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People who participate in sports can benefit from two to three massages a week.

Massage benefits

So why would anyone want to receive a massage in the first place? It’s more than just a feel-good experience.

  • Massage can help relieve pain stemming from soft tissue strain. Athletes with injuries, sore muscles, and joints often benefit from massage.

  • Massage can bring relief to individuals with chronic pain issues including fibromyalgia and temporomandibular joint pain.

  • Doctors believe that massage can help manage symptoms associated with digestive disorders, headaches, and insomnia.

  • Massage can often help alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

  • Even if you don’t have an injury or chronic health issue, massage can help relax you.

Massage table types

Let’s take a look at the three main types of massage tables available for purchase: portable tables, stationary tables, and hydraulic/electric tables.

Portable massage tables

A portable massage table is exactly what it sounds like: a table that folds easily and is lightweight enough to carry from place to place.

  • If you’re hoping to receive or give a massage while on vacation or at a friend’s house, a portable massage table is a convenient option.

  • Portable massage tables typically cost less than other types of massage tables.

  • Notably, portable massage tables consist of many moving parts that can make a lot of noise. They also feature a middle hinge that may not support larger individuals.

"If you’re purchasing a portable massage table, weight is the most important consideration. It’s harder to lug around a 30-pound massage table than it is to carry a 20-pound massage table."
STAFF
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Stationary massage tables

Unlike portable massage tables, stationary massage tables are designed to stay in a single location, so they’re usually heavier and sturdier.

  • There is no middle hinge in a stationary massage table. Therefore, a stationary massage table is a better choice for larger clients.

  • Stationary massage tables tend to have a mid-range price tag. They aren’t the cheapest massage tables available, but they aren’t the most expensive, either.

  • Stationary massage tables often include some storage space for linens, bolsters, and other accessories.

  • Stationary massage tables are heavy. If you need to move the table, you’d likely need at least one helper.

  • Stationary massage tables usually don’t allow for much adjustment, so you may not be able to raise or lower it.

Hydraulic/electric massage tables

A hydraulic or electric massage table can be easily raised or lowered. This is great for clients who may have difficulty climbing aboard.

  • Hydraulic or electric massage tables are usually very sturdy and durable.

  • They offer more adjustability than any other type of massage table.

  • They also tend to be the most expensive type of massage table. If you’re only buying a massage table for home use, a pricey hydraulic table is probably not worth the investment.

  • Hydraulic/electric massage tables often require repair work, which can be costly.

  • Hydraulic/electric tables aren’t easy to move. If you do need to move one, you’d likely need to enlist the help of others.

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Did you know?
Oils can damage a massage table’s surface. If you use oils or lotions in your massage practice, place a cover on the table first to protect it.
STAFF
BestReviews

Questions to answer before buying a massage table

Which type of massage table would be best for you?

Granted, you’re the only one who knows what you need. But we posit the following recommendations.

  • For home use, a portable massage table is usually the best option. It’s lightweight, easy to move, and can be taken on trips. If you’re training to be a massage therapist, a portable table is also a good beginner option.

  • For professional use, a stationary massage table is a great solution. You can leave the table out all the time, and it will accommodate a larger population of clientele than a portable massage table would.

  • For office-bound professionals, a hydraulic or electric massage table is another good choice. Many therapists and clients appreciate the adjustability this type of table affords. However, it’s a pricey option.

Would you prefer a massage table with a wood or metal frame?

Wood-framed massage tables tend to be heavier, but they have a classic look that many people prefer. A massage table with an aluminum frame is lighter in weight and very strong, but some people just don’t like the way they look.

How much table weight can you handle?

For stationary and hydraulic massage tables, weight is not usually a major issue because the table isn’t designed to be moved. But for portable massage tables, weight is a key factor. We advise potential buyers to opt for a table weighing between 22 and 30 pounds.

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Caution
When you’re giving a massage, don’t push too hard. While it’s okay to press more deeply to unravel knots, you should use only enough pressure to make the muscles move painlessly under the skin.
STAFF
BestReviews

What massage table width and height do you need?

Massage tables vary in size, so it’s important to choose one with the right width and height for your needs. Both the therapist and the receiver of the massage need to be comfortable.

Most massage tables range from 28 to 35 inches in width and 20 to 36 inches in height. The width isn’t adjustable, so it’s important to get a size that not only accommodates the individual on the table but also the massage therapist, who will be bending over the table while massaging. Typically, a width of 29 to 31 inches works well.

Some massage tables allow you to adjust the height, so you can raise or lower the table within a range of at least 10 inches. Ideally, the table should touch the hip joint of the individual giving the massage.

What type of upholstery do you prefer?

Many massage tables are upholstered with vinyl plastic. This material is strong, durable, and water- and oil-resistant. However, it’s not an environmentally friendly material, which could be an issue for some people. Other tables are upholstered with PU leather, a synthetic material that is very soft and durable. PU leather is a more environmentally friendly option, but it doesn’t resist water or oil.

What type of padding will you get?

For the sake of comfort, a good massage table will have some foam padding beneath the upholstered material. But how much padding should it have, and which kind? High-density foam doesn’t sag or flatten over time, so it’s worth paying a little more for. However, you should usually avoid massage tables that have more than three inches of foam padding. These tables are often uncomfortable, because the hard brick foam typically found beneath the upholstery doesn’t provide adequate cushioning.

What types of massage table accessories would you find helpful?

Most massage tables come with accessories that increase comfort and make the table more functional.

  • A face cradle gives the massage receiver a comfortable resting place for his or her face. Most cradles are removable and can be placed at either end of the table.

  • Some massage tables come with bolsters. A bolster can be placed under the ankles and knees for proper positioning.

  • Some massage tables come with linens designed to protect the upholstered surface.

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Did you know?
Most massage table face rests are removable and can be inserted at either end of the table.
STAFF
BestReviews

How much should you pay for a massage table?

Massage tables vary in price based on type, materials, and accessories, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 and $2,000 for one.

  • For an entry-level portable massage table, a price tag of $60 to $125 is reasonable.

  • For a high-quality portable massage table, the cost will be higher. Expect to pay somewhere between $125 and $400.

  • For a stationary massage table, you’ll usually pay between $450 and $1,000.

  • For a hydraulic or electric massage table, you’ll usually pay between $1,200 and $2,000.

Tips

  • Invest in a quality massager. One of our favorites is the percussive Theragun Elite. It's not only good for giving another person massage; the Theragun can be used for self-massage, too.

  • Clean your massage table after every use to avoid spreading germs. Wipe it down with a mild solution of soapy water, and dry it thoroughly with a clean towel.

  • Enhance user comfort with a table cover. Table covers are available in a variety of materials, including fleece, that can keep you feeling warm and cozy. Some table covers are made of memory foam for extra cushioning.

  • Regularly examine your massage table for mechanical problems. Pay particular attention to the frame, braces, and legs for signs of damage.

  • Periodically move the face cradle to the opposite end. This helps prevent one end of the table from sustaining too much wear.

  • Store your massage table carefully. When it’s not in use, always cover your massage table to protect it from possible tears, rips, and spills.

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Massage can bring relief to individuals with fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint pain, and other chronic pain issues.

FAQ

Q. What features can make a massage table more comfortable?

A. Look for a table with a good combination of foam thickness and density to provide adequate cushioning. High-density foam typically holds its shape better than other types of foam. It may cost more, but having this type of foam beneath your upholstery will enhance durability and user comfort.

Q. What’s the difference between the working weight and static weight of a massage table?

A. A table’s working weight refers to how much weight the table can support when it’s spread evenly across a surface. You should not massage a client whose body weight exceeds your table’s working weight.

Static weight refers to the amount of weight the table can take dropped onto it to test its strength. Manufacturers may boast a 2,000-pound static weight limit, but that doesn’t mean the table could hold a 2,000-pound person!

Q. How long does a massage table last?

A. A massage table’s lifespan depends on the quality of its construction and frame material. Those made with hardwoods like birch or maple can last ten years or more. Models made with soft wood or aluminum may last only a few years.