Massage Tables We Also Tested

After 480 minutes of massages on 13 different tables, only 10 impressed us enough to earn spots on our final list of recommendations. While these three massage tables had some nice features, they didn't quite meet our rigorous testing requirements to be selected as top picks.

• AmazonCommercial's Portable Folding Massage Table is budget-friendly, easy to adjust, and has a great height range. However, both massage therapists and testers felt the table was difficult to set up, stiff, and of low quality overall.
• Saloniture's Portable Massage Table is another budget-friendly option, but we thought it wasn't strong or durable enough to withstand hard pressure. However, for the low price point, we liked how intuitive it was to set up and felt it was comfortable.
• Although we liked its ease of setup and height adjustability, Uenjoy's Folding Massage Table felt narrow and unstable. Its headrest came loose twice during testing, adding to our lack of comfort and confidence in the table.
  

What to Look for When Shopping for Massage Tables

• Setup: Both setup and clean-up are important, especially during home or office visits, Dreon says. Choose a table that is easily assembled and has all of the necessary equipment (like the headrest, wipes, and sheets) on hand and ready to go. Fumbling during setup or taking too long to clean up and leave can disrupt the energy of the whole massage experience, Dreon adds.
• Adjustability: A highly adjustable table is essential for both therapist and client, Lovell says. You want to ensure it’s easy for the client to get on and off the table, regardless of their height. It should also be adjustable to accommodate the therapist's height so they can get enough leverage to administer a restorative massage. Some higher-end models are electric, which allows for easy adjustments, and most tables have a face cradle that can be positioned at different angles for maximum comfort.
  
• Type: Before buying a massage table, it’s essential to establish how you’ll be using it. For example, personal, esthetic, sports, or chiropractic massage are common uses, says licensed massage therapist Beret Loncar. She explains that some of the most popular types are hydraulic tables (which go up and down in height), pregnancy tables (modified with holes for the belly and breasts), inclining tables for esthetics or pregnancy usage, and stationary tables with storage. Additionally, there are heavy folding tables that can be easily stored but are hard to move and lightweight travel tables.
• Materials: According to Loncar, tables are typically made with aluminum, wood, high-density foam, and vinyl. While the frame needs to be sturdy, the top should be as comfortable as possible. In addition to using aluminum composite, Loncar notes that less expensive tables will have lower-quality vinyl and less padding, but that's probably fine for occasional use. You'll want to invest in something more durable for more frequent use.
• Size: Most massage tables range from around 24 inches to about 34 inches in width. Their length can start around 72 inches, and some can extend to over 80 inches, which is great for taller clients. The size of the table is important for storage, portability, and use. If you’re dealing with a wide range of clients with various needs, a longer one with ample room for adjustment will ensure you can accommodate everyone.
• Portability: While stationary tables are often more durable and stable, portable tables can still offer a great experience with added benefits. Determine whether your table will remain in one place for a long period or if you'll need to move it frequently. A foldable table may be a good choice if portability is a factor.
• Affordability: Massage tables can have varying price points. If you're planning on using the massage table more often, investing in a higher-quality option may be a good idea. However, if you plan on using it less frequently or temporarily, plenty of solid options are more budget-friendly.
• Accessories: Some tables come with wedges and additional padding for positioning, which can be helpful if you can't lay flat, notes physical therapist and RRCA-certified run coach Kathleen Gassner, DPT. Others come with extra parts that can allow pregnant clients to lie face down.
  

How We Tested the Massage Tables

To curate our list of the best massage tables on the market, we tested 13 highly rated massage tables. When testing massage tables, we evaluate each one based on the following key criteria.

• Ease of Setup: It’s essential that your massage table is easily accessible, whether for personal or business use. We time the entire setup process from unboxing to ready-to-use, noting the total time, if the legs easily slot into place, and if any accessories need to be attached. The massage therapist prepares the table by cleaning it, laying down a sheet, and adjusting the height to their preference. Tables that have a seamless setup receive a high score in this area.
• Comfort: What good is a restorative massage if you’re uncomfortable? After setup, we get on the table and receive our 15-minute massage from one of the three on-site massage therapists. During the massage, we note several things: How do we feel on the table? Is the table supportive, or does it feel wobbly? Do we have enough room, and is it suitable for our body type? We prioritize tables with high scores for comfort.
• Adjustability: Adjustability is vital when it comes to massage tables. Massage therapists and their clients come in all heights, shapes, and sizes, says Lovell. We evaluate the adjustability of each table by paying special attention to how easy it is to adjust and the range of available adjustment options. Tables that are intuitive and highly adjustable receive high scores for this attribute. 
• Value: After we rate the above attributes and get perspective from our licensed massage therapists, we check the price of each massage table and determine if we feel it's a good value. Massage tables get high scores if we believe they perform well in the above attributes and are worth their price tag (or even more budget-friendly than expected).

Our Experts

During our testing and research process, we consulted with several experts. Jeffrey Dreon, Dawn Lovell, and Betty Hastie administered 15-minute massages, while Karah Faison and Beret Loncar provided additional expert insights. Although we choose products independently, we use expert input to influence our choices.

• Jeffrey Dreon, licensed massage therapist and naturopathic doctor in New York
• Dawn Lovell, licensed massage therapist in Brooklyn, New York
• Beret Loncar, licensed massage therapist and owner of Body Mechanics Orthopedic Massage in New York City
• Betty Hastie, licensed massage therapist in New York
• Karah Faison, licensed massage therapist and Silver Lining Day Spa owner in Charlottesville, VA
• Kathleen Gassner, DPT, physical therapist and RRCA-certified run coach

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can a massage table hold?

In general, massage tables can hold 250 to 1,500 pounds. Be sure to look at the table's working weight capacity and weight to determine if it's the right fit for you.

How high should the massage table be?

Many tables feature an adjustable height, which allows for easy access on and off the bed. During a massage session, the height depends on the masseuse's preference and the client's needs. Faison notes that hydraulic tables help adjust the client into position and support good body mechanics for the therapist.

What size massage table is best?

Standard massage tables are typically 30 inches wide and 73 inches long, with thickness ranging from 2 to 5 inches. But you can find tables that span from 28 to 32 inches wide, and 63 up to 84 inches in length. If you're a massage therapist who will be using the table for a variety of clients, we recommend choosing a table that'll fit a variety of body types.

What's the difference between a physical therapy table and a massage table?

A physical therapy table and a massage table differ in how they are used and, therefore, in their appearance. Physical therapy tables may be larger and lower to the ground, and some have a motorized height adjustment option. A massage table typically has a face cushion, is often higher, and may have more padding than a physical therapy table.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A health and wellness enthusiast, researcher, and Verywell Fit writer, Melissa Forrester is careful to only recommend products that actually work for her readers. Melissa understands the importance of selecting and investing in the proper equipment to help elevate your performance and achieve your fitness goals. She reviewed testing insights from to help compile the top picks for this list.