Best shoulder massagers

Top pick: TheraPexa Neck & Shoulder Massager V2 — the strongest all-rounder for neck and shoulder tension, with a huge, very high rating base and a simple, focused design that sits on the shoulders rather than fighting you.

Who the others suit:

• Nekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager — best if you want heat and deep-tissue kneading and also want to use it on your back; widely sold, so easy to replace.
• HiZoo Neck & Shoulder Massager — best for control freaks: gentle-to-intense levels, two heat settings and cordless use for about 40 minutes.
• Snailax 3D Shiatsu with Heat — best budget corded option with a solid rating; plug-in power means no charging.
• Snailax Cordless with Heat — best if you want to move around: long battery life and two heat settings.
• Comfier Cordless 6702 — best for travel, compact and rechargeable.
• MIKO WAVE — best if you like app control and a big battery.
• MedMassager Neck Massager — best for long sessions, with up to two hours of battery.

Skip corded models if you want to walk around; skip cordless ones if you want maximum kneading force.