Inada still claims after 9 years after its release that the Inada Dreamwave is the World’s Best Massage Chair. It may have been back then, but today there are definitely some better alternatives on the market for the price.
The Inada Dreamwave now retails for $8,799 after it latest price increase, which happens every year even though it’s the same chair. You would think with the price increase that there were some significant changes. That’s not the case and it has not been upgraded in years other than a few new programs and losing the Sogno from the name.
Over the last couple months, we have had tons of emails asking us about alternative massage chairs that are comparable to the Inada Dreamwave, but are actually worth the price in terms of features. So today I will be suggesting some alternative from some of the top brands in the industry. These have tons of advanced features, better price tags, a stylish look and of course are great quality massage chairs.
Let’s check them out below.
Ogawa Smart 3D Massage Chair
Manufacturer: Ogawa Massage Chairs
Retails: $6,999
This is the most advanced massage chair that we have seen hit the market. It was recently released by Ogawa one of the top health & wellness brands in the world. The Ogawa Smart 3D is well….Smart. It comes with a fully usable Samsung HD Tablet that has a pre-installed Smart app that allows you to fully control your massage experience. During setup it asks for some biometrics and then creates a customized massage program based on each unique individual. It is the only massage chair that is fully updatable by WiFi and you can even download new programs when they become available. It has patented SmartSense technologies which are airbags that have sensors in them so they can to adjust the PSI of the compression for each user so it never will squeeze to strong. It also has action foot rollers, self diagnostics and whisper quiet motors. This is truly one of the best massage chair that we have ever experienced. It is worth checking out since the technology is light years ahead of the Inada Dreamwave.
Check it out here – Ogawa Smart 3D
Panasonic EP-MA73 Massage Chair
Manufacturer: Panasonic Massage Chairs
Retails: $7,999
The Panasonic EP-MA73 is the latest release from Panasonic, and an upgrade to the popular Panasonic EP-MA70. Panasonic is the best selling massage chair brand in Japan. Yes, even over Inada. Their 3D roller technology is one of the most advanced roller mechanisms in the industry. It provides a deep tissue massage along the entire spine, which is much deeper and humanistic than the Dreamwave. The 3D rollers are also heated, which is unique to the MA-70/73 models. The Panasonic EP- MA73 is one of the best quality massage chairs on the market. The Panasonic EP-MA73 retails for $7,999, and is a great alternative to the Dreamwave especially if you’re looking for a deep tissue massage.
Check it out here – Panasonic EP-MA73
Osaki-JP Premium 4S Japan Massage Chair – ( same as the Fujiiryoki EC-3900)
Manufacturer: Osaki Massage Chairs
Retails: $6,995
Osaki JP Premium 4S Japan is a new release from Osaki and is their only massage chair that is actually designed and manufactured in Japan. The Osaki JP Premium 4S Japan is actually manufactured by Fuji Medical, which is the parent company of Fujiiryoki. Fujiiryoki is the company that invented the robotic massage chair back in 1954, and is are the real pioneers of the massage chair. Like Panasonic, these massage chairs feature some of the best roller technology. It features a 3D roller mechanism that has speed adjustments to make it feel more humanistic, and it offers more massage techniques combinations on any massage chair. The Osaki-JP Premium 4D currently retails for $6,999 with its current discount. This makes it one of the best deals on the market for a true 100% Japanese massage chair. If you did not know the Inada Dreamwave is made in Japan, but it does have some Chinese parts in it. The final assembly is just done in Japan
Check it out here – Osaki JP Premium 4S Japan
Luraco iRobotics 7 (7th Generation)
Manufacturer: Luraco Massage Chairs
Retails: $8.495
The Luraco i7 is the flagship massage chair from Luraco the only massage chair brand that can claim to be made in the USA. It is one of the best quality massage chairs on the market, and offers more features for the price than the Panasonic or Osaki Japan massage chairs. The Luraco i7 feature a 3D mechanism, touch screen remote, full body heat, program memory, optional blood pressure monitoring, and zero gravity recline. This Luraco i7 is very similar to the massage of the Inada Dreamwave, but also has a real 3D mechanism and zero gravity recline. The Luraco i7 is one of the best quality massage chair on the market today, and retails for $8,495.
Check it out here – Luraco iRobotics 7
Ogawa Active SuperTrac Massage Chair™
Manufacturer: Ogawa Massage Chairs
Retails: $4,999
The Ogawa Active Supertrac is our last recommendation. This is the newest release from Ogawa one of the top massage chair manufactures in the world. The Ogawa Active Supertrac is one of our favorite massage chairs for the price. It features exclusive Supertrac technology that massages from the neck all the way in the seat to the glutes . It is one of the only massage chairs with a glute massage on the market today. It also has everything you want in a full body massage chair: next generation body scan technology, full air compression, heat, tons of customizations, zero gravity recline, bed position, and deep kneading foot rollers. This Ogawa Active Supertrac is one of the best buys on the market right now it is actually made on the same assembly line as the Panasonic EP-ma73, so the quality is incredible. The Ogawa Active Supertrac retails for $4,999, and is one of our top picks for best buys this year. You will not find a better massage chair for the price.
Check it out here – Ogawa Active SuperTrac
Final Thoughts:
I hope this helps you in your search for a massage chair. We do agree that the Inada Dreamwave is a great massage chair. It just lack some features for the price. The massage chair industry has come a long way over the last ten years, and we feel there are better alternatives on the market today in terms of features and price point.
If you would like to learn more about these Massage Chairs visit our preferred partner at Emassagechair.com.
~Troy A.
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It looks like Fujita and Osaki make the same chairs (i.e. the Fujita KN7005 & the Osaki OS-7000). Do you know the relationship between the two? I assume they come out of the same factory? Looks like you can get a better price on the Fujita units but its hard to find any information in terms of reviews from customers.
Great questions Nathan. There is no relationship between Osaki and Fujita. Many massage chair companies borrow design aspects from one another because of their popularity with customers. We’re not sure which facilities manufacture each chair and in these cases this is proprietary information. We’ve used both the KN7005 and Os-7000 massage chairs and know they are the same quality and have a ton of similarities between the features. As for pricing, Fujita is slightly more from an MSRP standpoint (around $5) but in most cases you find comparable or better promotions on Fujita. If you want to compare models or learn about current promotions on Fujita or Osaki visit our preferred partner at emassagechair.
~Steph
I am considering a high end massage chair and I am particularly interested in the Infinity Iyashi and the Osaki OS 3D Pro Dreamer. I am interested in a chair that has roller massage down to the buttocks/thighs, but I am also intrigued by the 3D technology. If I were to purchase an Infinity Iyashi, would I be sacrificing quality/intensity of the massage due to the lack of 3D technology, especially in the upper shoulder area?
Thanks for your input.
Cheers,
Bevan
Hi Bevan,
That is a great question. The Infinity Iyashi has one intensity and the strength will slightly change in different programs. If you want to have complete control over the massage roller we suggest getting one that you can adjust, like the Pro Dreamer. The Iyashi has a lot of high qualities with the butt massage and because of the back scanning you can make sure your neck gets good coverage. You can also do spot massage on both chairs to make sure you get a quality neck massage. If complete control of the massage roller is what you’re looking for we suggest the Osaki OS-3D Pro Dreamer, or the new Osaki Os-3D Pro Cyber.
We hope this helps you pick the right chair!
~Steph
Hi Steph,
I am deciding between the Infinity Iyash, the osaki os 3D and the Fujita KN9003.
Is a present for my grand parents. Wich one do you recomend?
I want a easy use one, with a very good massage in all body and properties like heat, 3D, etc..
You know any cheap shop that could sent the massage chair to Spain?
Thank you very much.
Hi Jenny,
Great questions. If you are looking for a 3D roller, only the OS-3D Pro series will have 3D capability. The best chair in the Osaki OS-3D Pro series is their 3D Pro Dreamwer which will have all the features you listed above. The Iyashi is a very cool chair but doesn’t have a 3D roller, it does have a very long roller stroke, does massage the whole body, and has heat. The KN9003 is a very Deep Tissue massage chair and isn’t the best for older people. Definitely check out chairs in Osaki’s Pro Series to get started. Not sure how much it costs to ship a chair to Spain, we don’t have any info on international shipments. Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help.
~Steph
Also I would like to know wich one is better between Fujita KN9003 and Fujita SMK9100
Thank you very much
Hi Jenny,
We prefer the KN9003, because it has a smoother massage roller, however it is very strong, and more comfortable to just sit in. The SMK9100 gives a strong massage but seems bulky when you’re sitting in it. It’s also bigger and doesn’t have as nice of airbags as the KN9003. Let me know if that helps. I know you were looking at some other chairs as well, so I would start there, and feel free to contact me with any other questions.
~Steph
Hi Steph,
Thank you very much for your information, is very useful.
You can see that I don´t know very well which massage chair I can choose. I am going to explain you a bit more, so you can help me for the best decisión.
I want to buy the best massage chair for my parents (64 years old). They are healthy persons, only sometimes have pain back or neck pain or shoulder pain or stress from the job. I don´t care the money if it´s worth.
Please help me with your experience, which massage chair do you recomend me? Inada sogno, Iyashi, Osaki 3D, or any other one you know.
I wish you could help me to choose the correct massage chair, because is too much money and I would like to be sure of the buy.
I stay tuned for your reply.
Thank you very much, you are really helpful.
Big hugs
Hi Jenny,
So sorry for the late reply. I see your other comment and will offer some suggestions there.
Big Hugs right back :).
~Steph
Hi Steph,
Do you have a response? I want to buy the massage chair as soon as possible.
I am doubting betweeen Iyashi and Inada Sogno (authentic leather or synthetic leather, what´s better?) and Osaky 3D pro dreamer.
I hope you can help me to make the best choice. If you have any other massage chair better tan these three ones, please tell me also.
Thank you very much.
I stay tuned for your reply.
Hugs
Hi Jenny,
Based on your needs and getting a chair that can help accommodate then with the most options, I would recommend the Osaki OS-3D Pro dreamer out of the ones you mentioned. We really like the Infinity Iyash because of the long roller stroke that covers the buttocks, and we really like the foot massage. But for complete control on massage strength we suggest looking at chairs with a 3D roller, this will allow your parents to control the strength and depth of the massage. However if they like a medium to strong massage and the contemporary design the Iyashi is a great chair. Compared to other chairs available, you can get a better massaging machine for the amount of the Inada Sogno.
A new chair that is now available is the Panasonic EP-MA73 which is an upgraded version of the EP-MA70. Panasonic chairs are the highest quality chair you can buy, and offer one of the most lifelike massage experiences. They are also very easy to use and are great for people who want a chair to last 10 years. I hope that helps, I’m here if you need me.
~Steph
I was in South Korea last week and in the hotel was an i-rovo. I could care less about any options like heat or 3d or vibration. I have a ruptured disc in back and it was the best I had felt in a long time because of the rollers. What do you suggest to buy? Thanks Tracy
Hi Tracy,
Thank you for asking us such a great question. There are a few massage chairs that we can recommend for you. It sounds like you want something less expensive but with a quality massage experience. Here are a few chairs that we would recommend. We really like the ease of use and simplistic functions of the Infinity It-7800. If you want something with Zero Gravity you can check out the Cozzia 16028 massage chair. This chair will have more massage functions and controls that the Infinity It-7800 but both offer a great massage experience. Check out the links below to learn more.
Please feel free to reach out with any other questions Tracy, I’m happy to help.
~Steph
Infinity It-7800
Cozzia 16028
Stephanie,
I’m ready to make the purchase and I’d love your recommendation for the best high end massage chair for my situation. I have degenerative discs. I’ve had fusions in the cervical area, none in the lumbar and intense pain in the lower back. Poor posture is at the root of my issues (which I am working on). Acupuncture has helped the lower back pain, and I’ve read that some chairs target acupoints (does that imply similar relief as acupuncture?).
Lastly, the best stress reducing features are a bonus.
Best regards,
Sidney
Hi Sidney,
Thank you so much for asking such a great question. Before I dive in I just want to suggest that any true medical advice come from your doctor. Now, lets get started. My recommendation is to look for a chair that has complete roller control and heat for lower back massage, either zero gravity or a deep recline for stress, and a good stretching feature for posture. We noticed that when it comes to targeting acupressure points, which is similar to acupuncture, the Panasonic EP-ma73 provided the best targeting, as well as the Fujiiryoki EC-3800. The Infinity Iyashi is great for relaxing and lower back massage because of how far down the massage roller can travel. Your going to find some chairs that may have some of the features and not all. I think understanding the massage strength like soft, hard, very hard, will also help determine which chair will be right for you.
Please feel free to reach out with any other questions Sidney, I’m happy to help.
~Steph
Panasonic EP-MA73
Fujiiryoki EC-3800
Infinity Iyashi
Stephanie,
You gave me exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you.
Sidney
Stephanie,
I tried to act on your on your recommendation by contacting Panasonic. The online support person told that Panasonic does not have any of the EP-MA 73 and could not tell me when they would. I called the sales support number and that rep said that they have models in Canada, but not the US. I asked her if that meant they do not sell that model in the US or if they were out of stock. She did not know the answer.
So I called Fujiiryoki and they told me that they have no dealers anywhere near New Orleans. I asked her how I could tryout the item before I buy it, and she said if I paid two way shipping of $600, they would send me one.
Is this consistent with the industry? Do most people buy these products without ever trying it first?
Thanks,
Sidney
Hi Sidney,
We do hear from a lot of people that they will purchase a chair without trying it. Most have used a massage chair before so they have a point of reference. That’s weird about Panasonic, I know the new EP-MA73 is definitely available for purchase in the US, but maybe there aren’t any in store yet to try. That is cool about Fujiiryoki but seems like a hassle since from our experience most returns include some sort of shipping plus restocking fees.
What I know has worked for others is to find local furniture stores that may carry massage chairs, or looking up stores like Relax The Back who usually have different massage chairs to try – unfortunately I don’t think they have a location in New Orleans. That will help give you an idea, and if you speak to someone in customer service at emassagechair they’ll be more than happy to help you compare and understand the differences. Great insight Sidney, thanks again.
~Steph
Hello Stephanie,
Thank you for this thoughtful forum. I am looking for a massage chair that most replicates an actual deep tissue massage. The size and seat roller of the Infinity are big positives, however, I have read that the neck massage is not very good. Would you agree? I have neck, upper back and hip issues which chair might serve me best?
Thank you kindly for your response,
Kamran
Hi Kamran,
Thank you for asking such a great question. Both the Infinity IT-8500 and the Infinity Iyashi are deep tissue chairs so you’re on the right track. The IT-8500 has a strong back roller and does a better job at the neck, mainly because of the way the backrest pillows are situated. The Iyashi has a much longer range of massage covering the neck down to the buttocks, and we’ve heard of people moving the pillow padding to get a better neck massage. When you removes the padding it helps the back scan detect the shoulders better. There is also “Partial” Manual programs that you can focus on a specific part of the body like the shoulders and neck.
The one thing we did hear a lot of feedback on is the quality of the Iyashi’s stretch program, which helps the hips. We’ve also heard that the Iyashi has the best foot massage out of any other chair. The heat in the Iyashi is very good and will help make the massage more effective. I’m not sure if there’s anywhere in your area but you can reach out to Emassagechair.com and I’m sure they’d be happy to help.
I hope that helps, and feel free to reach out with any other questions Kamran.
~Steph