Best neck massagers

Top pick: TheraPexa Neck & Shoulder Massager V2 — a dedicated neck-and-shoulder unit with a near-perfect rating from a large pool of owners, which is the best sign that the kneading and heat actually help day to day. It's the one I'd buy first.

Who the others suit:

• Nekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager — if you want a proven, well-rated shiatsu with heat that also works on your back and shoulders.
• Cotsoco Cordless — if you want to move around the house without a cord.
• SKG H5 Mini — if you want something small and light to wear while working at a desk.
• HiZoo — if you want adjustable intensity and heat and don't mind paying for the premium build.
• VIKTOR JURGEN — the budget way to try shiatsu heat before spending more.

Look for heat plus adjustable intensity; cordless matters if you'll use it away from an outlet.