Advertising Disclosure
Are Handheld Massagers Actually Comfortable? We Tested 3 to Find Out
Are Handheld Massagers Actually Comfortable? We Tested 3 to Find Out
Writtten and Edited by: Benjamin White
January 29, 2025
EUNOIA™ Cortisol Reduction Capsules
- Most Clinically Studied Ingredients
- Helps manages healthy weight levels
- Naturally improves energy levels
After a long day of work and a drive home in traffic, a full-body massage sounds amazing. But let’s be real — finding time to visit a massage therapist isn’t always easy, and it can get expensive. That’s where portable handheld massagers come in.
These devices promise comfort, relaxation, and even smoother skin — all from home. To see what they really do, I picked up a mix of full-body and scalp massagers and brought in my sister Asia to help put them to the test. Asia has dealt with neuropathy in her arms and legs for years, so massage has always been an important way for her to ease pain and find relief.
If you would like to see the video of me testing these massagers watch at this link:
THE LINEUP
$39.99 (at time of filming)
This massager is marketed as a lymphatic drainage and anti-cellulite tool designed to improve circulation and provide deep tissue relief.
It includes:
- Adjustable vibration levels (up to 30)
- Adjustable temperature with red light heat function (up to 30)
The claim: deep tissue pain relief, improved circulation, and comfort.
$32.99 (at time of filming)
This device offers multiple massage modes and light therapy features.
Modes include:
- Slow Mode (Purple Light)
- Fast Mode (Blue Light)
- Mixed Mode (Yellow Light)
It also includes a red light function and is marketed as a scalp massager, but the packaging claims it can also be used for full-body massage and even facial cleansing.
$47.87 (at time of filming)
This comb-style device is designed specifically for scalp massage and hair care.
Features:
- Quick Mode
- Slow Mode
- Mixed Mode
- Built-in reservoir to dispense oil or serum during use
However, during testing, the device stopped working and would not turn back on even after overnight charging — making it unusable for the test.
COMFORT TEST (ARMS & LEGS)
We started by testing comfort on Asia’s most painful areas — her arms and legs.
Intelligent Cordless Massager
Asia said it felt mostly vibrational rather than like a true massage. She actually felt more vibration in the hand holding the device than in the arm being massaged. When placed on her leg, it performed slightly better, especially as the heat function activated, adding some comfort — but it still lacked a true massage feel.
Melonsun Massager
The reaction was immediate. Asia became excited as soon as she used it, saying it felt like real hands massaging her. In Mixed Mode (alternating fast and slow), she loved the variation instead of constant repetition. On both her arms and legs, she described it as deeply relaxing and effective.
NECK TEST
Asia then tested both devices on the back of her neck.
- Melonsun: Immediate positive reaction. She called it a “game changer.”
- Intelligent Cordless: Same result as before — vibration, but not a true massage sensation.
COMFORT SCORES (1–5)
Asia then tested both devices on the back of her neck.
- Intelligent Cordless Massager → 2 / 5
- Melonsun Massager → 5 / 5
Perfect score for Melonsun.
SCALP MASSAGE TEST
The Scalp Massage Comb failed during testing and would not power back on — even after charging overnight — so it was eliminated from this portion of the test.
We then tested scalp massage using the Melonsun Massager.
Asia loved the experience. She said the small bristles reached deep into the scalp, especially in areas she normally struggles to reach when scratching manually. It provided a thorough, satisfying scalp massage and performed extremely well in this category.
FINAL VERDICT
So which massager came out on top?
Without hesitation, Asia chose the Melonsun Massager.
She said it felt like being at a real massage therapist and could comfortably use it for extended periods. The Intelligent Cordless Massager, while not terrible, felt more like vibration than an actual massage — which may work for some people, but wasn’t her preference.
If you’re looking for a true at-home massage experience, the Melonsun Massager is the clear winner.
