Portable massage tables allow you to take your set of skills to the clients’ home or business instead of waiting for them to come to your location. They offer you the possibility to extend your business without investing in a new parlor and without bringing clients into your home. In the following article, we review the best portable massage tables. Further, in the article, we explain how each of the massage table’s features can affect your and your clients’ massage experience, and how to find the right model for your business.
We’re certain that after reading our portable massage table reviews and the comprehensive buying guide we prepared, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on which is the right model for your practice.
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What Is The Best Massage Table for My Practice?
Choosing the best massage table for your practice really depends on what your practice actually is.
People who specialize in Sports Massage should look for a massage table that’s very stable and that can support a heavier working weight. Athletes and people who practice sports are usually not short and slim, so you should invest in a massage table that’s both wide and long to accommodate more customers.
People who specialize in Reflexology Massage don’t have to invest in a massage table that has to support a heavy working weight. However, they should go for a model that has an average width and length to accommodate a wide variety of customers.
Most people who specialize in Thai Massage prefer to practice it on a mat, not a table. However, if you want to purchase a massage table suitable for this type of massage, you should go for the models that offer the highest working weight.
If you specialize in Shiatsu Massage, you should go for the massage tables that support a high working weight. Due to the nature of the massage, the table has to support part of your weight alongside that of the client.
People who practice Deep Tissue Massage should go for the massage table models that offer an average length and width so they can accommodate more customers.
Those who practice Aromatherapy Massage should choose a very comfortable massage table. They should either select a massage table that comes with a small cell foam, or one that uses a high-density one.
Swedish Massage practitioners should go for a massage table that supports a medium to high working weight and that has an over the average width and length. This will allow them to receive a wider variety of clients.
Which Quality Level Is For You?
The quality level of your massage table should be reported to your massage proficiency. If you’re just a beginner or an enthusiast, you shouldn’t invest a lot of money in a massage table because it might turn out to be just a hobby, nothing more. On the other hand, people who make a living out of massages should invest more in their massage tables. They should go for the models that can accommodate more people and those who offer a better massage experience.
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Best Portable Massage Tables Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Sierra Comfort All-Inclusive Portable Massage Table |
| View On Amazon | |
Saloniture Professional Portable Massage Table |
| View On Amazon | |
EARTHLITE Harmony DX Portable Massage Table Package |
| View On Amazon | |
Master Massage Balboa Pro Portable Massage Table |
| View On Amazon | |
EARTHLITE Avalon Portable Massage Table |
| View On Amazon | |
Luxton Home Premium Memory Foam Massage Table |
| View On Amazon | |
Yaheetech Massage Table Spa Bed |
| View On Amazon |
Best Portable Massage Table Reviews (Updated List)
1. Sierra Comfort All-Inclusive Portable Massage Table
The Sierra Comfort All-inclusive is a very effective massage table, despite its low price. This model is made out of beech hardwood, and it’s very durable and stable during the massage session.
A great thing about this model is that it comes at a cheap price. This makes the All-inclusive the go-to product for people who are just starting to learn different massage techniques, such as students or massage enthusiasts.
All in all, this model still manages to offer a comfortable massage experience even though it comes at a cheap price. The massage table comes with helpful accessories, so you won’t have to spend money on them.
Read more: Sierra Comfort All-Inclusive Portable Massage Table
2. Saloniture Professional Portable Massage Table
The Saloniture massage table is a good option for professionals and amateurs alike. This model is made out of hardwood and it has a very nice design. All the table’s accessories fit in nicely in their allocated spaces, and the deck is very comfortable.
A good thing about this massage table is that it’s very easy to transport. This model weighs just over 30 lbs and it’s very easy to fold and unfold when needed.
The nylon carrying case will allow you to carry the massage table with ease, which might be an advantage for people with a short and slim figure.
Read more: Saloniture Professional Portable Massage Table
3. EARTHLITE Harmony DX Portable Massage Table Package
The Earthlite Harmony is a very good model that offers an all-in-one solution for your massage parlor. This model has an adjustable height, and it comes with a very comfortable deck. The massage table is easy to set up and fold, and most people will be able to set it up quickly once they’re used to the process.
One of the advantages of using this model is that it’s very durable. The massage table comes with a full-length piano hinge that folds and unfolds without squeaking, and its support cable system is rated at 1,000 lbs.
This is a very good model that can be used by amateurs and professionals alike.
Read more: EARTHLITE Harmony DX Portable Massage Table Package
4. Master Massage Balboa Pro Portable Massage Table
If you’re looking for a massage table that offers you the possibility to provide a comfortable massage experience for your clients, you should take a closer look at the Master Massage Balboa Pro. This massage table comes with a small-cell foam decking that’s covered in oil and water-resistant upholstery, and it can support a working weight of 650 lbs.
The massage table’s frame and legs are made out of hardwood, and their hi-gloss finish complements the upholstery and looks good with any decor.
Overall, this massage table looks very professional, and it will provide a comfortable massage experience.
Read more: Master Massage Balboa Pro Portable Massage Table Package
5. EARTHLITE Avalon Portable Massage Table
The Earthlite Avalon is one of the best-rated massage tables available today, and it’s easy to see why. This massage table is made out of hardwood, it’s stable, comfortable, and it comes in a wide variety of colors that will make it fit right into your home or parlor.
A good thing about this model is that it’s not too heavy. Most people will be able to transport the massage table with ease, and the nylon carrying case distributes the table’s weight between your hands and your shoulder, facilitating its transport.
All in all, this is one of the best massage tables in its price range.
Read more: EARTHLITE Avalon Portable Massage Table Package
6. Luxton Home Premium Memory Foam Massage Table
A massage without the necessary props and setting is a guaranteed failure. Props wise, this table will deliver due to the many functionalities and perks it has. The padding is, in fact, 5cm., which would seem comfy enough, but having a top layer of memory foam on it gets you in the mood.
If you don’t have a lot of space to just layout furniture all over it, or if you like things tidy, the foldable function will be to your liking. It also comes in handy when your clients want a home visit.
Face cradle, side armrests, and legs are adjustable to meet any needs. With a high weight limit of 551lbs, you can depend on it. The table itself weighs 38lbs; it is 73 inches long and 28 inches wide, excluding the armrests.
The padding material is made of PU Leather, which is a dense polyvinyl material. This material allows quality and easy sanitizing. You shouldn’t use it without covering it with wax paper sheets, so you don’t have to sanitize excessively.
Pros:
- Very adjustable
- Good padding
- Foam memory to layer
- High weight limit
Cons:
- Weak carrying bag
7. Yaheetech Massage Table Spa Bed
The two inches thick padding will make it easy for your clients to relax and even fall asleep while you work your magic and healing on them.
A positive note is the reduced weight of the massage table to 33.5lb, which is a bit at the expense of the weight capacity remaining at 220lb. Not that it is so necessary, and it also depends on the specific needs of each professional. However, to avoid awkward and unpleasant incidents, always have the weight capacity in mind and think of your clients before making a final purchasing decision.
The table’s dimensions are 83.9 x 32.3 x 25.2-33.7 inches (L x W x H), folded size, and 36.4 x 23.6 x 7.3 inches (L x W x H), which allows you to tidy it away behind the couch, wardrobe, or under the bed. It will come fully assembled to you. You just have to unfold and start using it.
If you are looking for a budget table, this spa bed will perform its worth.
Pros:
- Portable
- Lighter weight
- Thick padding
Cons:
- Not very solid construction
A Complete Buying Guide For Portable Massage Tables
As you could see from our short reviews, there are a lot of portable massage table models that offer different things. They have different sizes, use decks made out of different materials, and their frames are made out of different materials.
In the following section, we explain how each feature influences the massage table’s performance, massage table purchase considerations, and how each can affect your and your client’s massage experience.
When it comes to massage tables, there is no such thing as a universal model that can allow everyone to have the best possible experience. Each of them has different advantages and disadvantages, but there is certainly a model out there that will match your demands and provide the best experience for you and your clients.
After reading this short buying guide, you should be able to make an informed decision on which massage table model can be more helpful for your particular needs and demands.
Size
The size of the massage table not only influences the maximum size of your clients, but it also affects the table’s portability. Sure, larger massage tables will allow you to accommodate more clients on your table, but they will also be more difficult to manipulate and transport.
Table Length
The length of the table determines how tall a person can be and still enjoy a massage. If the clients are tall and the table is too short for them, their legs might hang outside the edge of the table, making the massage session uncomfortable.
- 73” – The standard length of portable massage tables is 73”. This length is used by many manufacturers because it provides the best balance between accommodation capacity and portability. Sure, you might get a client or two who are taller than 73”, but if you buy a face cradle, the table’s length can be extended by up to 82”, which will accommodate most people currently living in your area.
- Shorter Than 73” – Some manufacturers choose to develop massage tables that are shorter than 73”. These models are lighter, so you will be able to carry them from one place to another with less difficulty. You might consider the missing inches a downside, but again, the face cradle can be very helpful. If you mount a face cradle on these models, the length of the tables can be extended to 77”, making it suitable for most people.
- Longer Than 73” – Other manufacturers produce massage tables that are longer than 73”. These models are heavier, so they will be more difficult to transport. The extra 2 or 3 inches might not seem like much, but they can add enough weight to the table to make it uncomfortable. However, if you know you’re going to have a lot of tall clients, these models might come in handy.
Table Width
The width of the table determines how large a person can be and still fit comfortably on your massage table. If the massage table is too narrow for your clients, the massage session won’t be comfortable for them.
- 28” – The standard width of portable massage tables is 28”. This size is considered wide enough to accommodate most clients while still allowing you to reach them and transport the table with ease. If you notice you have multiple clients who would be better treated if you had a wider table, you can always mount winged arm extensions on your massage table
- Narrower Than 28” – Some manufacturers produce massage tables that are narrower than 28”. While these tables will surely be easier to carry from one place to another, they might be too narrow for your larger customers to use. Sure, you can mount winged armrests on this type of tables to extend their width, as well, but some people might find it difficult to turn from one side to another on a narrow massage table
- Wider Than 28” – Other manufacturers produce massage tables that are wider than 28”. While the extra inches will make the table more appropriate for larger customers, they will also add a few pounds to the table, making it more difficult to transport. Even though this type of massage tables might be more difficult to transport, they offer a good solution if you plan to have a lot of elderly people as customers. However, you should avoid buying a wide table if you have a short and slim build because you’ll have a hard time carrying it, and you’ll find it difficult to reach its center.
All the massage tables we reviewed have an adjustable height. Their legs come with multiple holes you can use to adjust their height, thus adjusting the table’s overall height in the process.No matter which type of adjustments you choose, you should be able to adjust your massage table’s height in about 3 minutes or less. You can choose between two types of adjustment methods.
Twist Knobs
Most wooden massage tables come with this type of adjustment method. Some of them come with a single twist knob, while most come with two of them. Even though adjusting the table’s height might take longer using two knobs instead of one, the two knobs will provide more stability to the table, especially when you set it at its highest setting.
Telescopic Adjustments
Telescopic adjustments are usually used on aluminum massage tables, but you can sometimes see them in wooden tables as well. These adjustments are very simple to use. To change the legs’ height, you simply have to press the button, stretch or reduce the length of the leg, and release the button.
Massage Table Frame
The frame of the massage table can either be made out of wood or aluminum. The frame offers the table its stability and durability, but it also plays a role in its aspect and functionality.
Wooden Frames
Wooden frames not only look nice, but they’re also very stable and durable. However, wooden frames are more often than not heavier than aluminum frames that offer the same working weight. Wooden frames are also more likely to produce noises during the massage session, especially if you treat a heavier customer or you’re really leaning in on them.
Aluminum Frames
Aluminum frames entered this market more recently, and most massage instructors advise their students to avoid them. Unfortunately, they most likely formed a poor opinion on low-quality aluminum frames, and they don’t differentiate between them and the higher end ones. The main advantage of aluminum over wood is that it’s lighter and stronger. An aluminum massage table will provide the same working weight as a wooden table, but it will be lighter by at least 4 pounds.
However, you should be aware that low-quality aluminum tables still exist, and you should avoid them. If the table has cheap plastic joints or uses plastic instead of the steel support cables, you should not buy it.
Table Weight
If you’re looking for a portable massage table because you actually want to make regular call-outs or visits to your clients, the table’s weight should be one of your first concerns.
Massage tables come in different weights, and the weight is more often than not disproportionate to the price. The higher the price, the lower the table’s weight.
However, if you intend to carry the table from one place to another, the lighter the table is, the better.
Your clients won’t always be located on the first floor. Some of them might live or work in buildings that don’t use elevators. You will have to carry the massage table from your car to the client’s location using the strength of your arms and back. And if the massage table you choose is heavy, you might soon need regular massage sessions yourself.
If you want a light portable massage table, you should opt for a high-quality aluminum one or a high-end wooden model. No matter what you choose, both of these options will be expensive.
You can also invest in a small trolley to push your massage table in front of you instead of carrying it all the time.
However, if you plan on using the massage table in your home then the weight doesn’t really matter. You’ll end up adjusting the table’s height from time to time, but that’s about it.
Working Weight
The working weight represents the weight the table can hold if it’s spread out evenly across its surface. In other words, the working weight represents the maximum weight the table can hold. Keep in mind that this is not the weight of the customer alone. So if your massage table has a working weight of 300 lbs, you won’t be able to treat a customer that weighs 300 lbs unless you tickle them with a feather.
Every time you’re massaging, you’re leaning in on the table, so part of your weight will be distributed on it, as well. You should also keep in mind that every time your customers turn, they tend to use their knees and elbows to help themselves. These joints act like veritable pressure points, and instead of distributing the weight across the whole surface of the massage table, the whole weight is actually distributed in a maximum of 4 points at a time. You should help your customers when turning to avoid this situation.
Static Weight
The static weight is the weight the manufacturer used to test the strength of a massage table. Now, this weight is not useful for you in any way. Sure, your table withstood a weight of 3,000 lbs that spread evenly on its whole surface when the manufacturer placed it gently upon it using a crane. How can that be helpful for your practice?
Foam Thickness
The thickness of the foam is important because it provides your client comfort and support during the massage session, and it also affects how the decking will look after several months or even years of use. The type of foam used is also very important.
- A low-density foam will feel very soft at first, but after a few weeks or months of use, it will change its shape. This can lead to an uncomfortable experience for your clients, as their muscles will get sore during the massage.
- High-density foam is definitely better. This type of foam is soft, but not as soft as the low-density one. However, this type of foam will deform and come back to its original form multiple times without any sign of wear and tear.
- Small cell foam is a type of high-density foam that’s even better. This type of foam offers increased stability, and it will return to its original shape no matter how often you use it. The lower part of the foam provides stability and the higher part provides comfort, so your clients will have a great experience. They can even fall asleep on the table, it’s so comfortable.
The standard foam thickness is 2”. However, many manufacturers started using 2.5” thick foam or even 2.75” thick. As long as the foam has a high density, the thicker the foam, the better.
Table Upholstery
-There are two main types of materials used for upholstery nowadays. Manufacturers either use PVC vinyl leather or PU leather.
PVC Vinyl Leather
This type of leather is similar to what you might find on imitation leather couches. The vinyl looks good, it’s pretty resilient, and it’s rather thick. The material is water and oil-proof, so it’s pretty durable. And the best thing is, the material has low maintenance, and you can clean it using a mild detergent and warm water.
PU Leather
This is the closest thing you can buy for natural leather. PU leather is a great substitute for natural leather, and it’s very soft to the touch. The material feels good against the skin, and it’s pretty strong. However, this material is not water and oil-proof, it’s water and oil-resistant. If you spill something on it, it won’t get stained immediately, but it might do so eventually. If you clean it constantly after each massage session, you should be fine, though.
Even though the type of upholstery is an important criterion for most people, it really shouldn’t be. Your customers will more likely never see or feel the leather underneath them because you should always use covers or sheets for hygienic reasons.
Instead of spending extra money on one type of upholstery or another, you might be better off investing them in sheets and protective coverings. These accessories are not expensive, and they will make the world of difference for your practice.
Cable System
The massage table you choose should have a support cable system. These cables are usually made out of high-quality steel or aluminum, and they increase the massage table’s strength and stability. The cables will prevent the table from moving sideways or back or forth during the massage session. Some models don’t come with a cable support system. Others use a plastic system instead of one made of steel. You should avoid buying these models.
Guarantee
One should always make sure your massage table comes with a satisfaction guarantee. You should be able to set up the table and test it before you decide if the model is right for you or not. You might lose the return fee, but it’s better than investing in a massage table you’re not satisfied with.
Warranty
Most manufacturers offer warranties for their products, but there still are some manufacturers that don’t specify if they offer one or not. You should make sure your massage table comes with at least a 1-year warranty on the frame. An ideal warranty for the frame would be one for 5 years. Anything above this is a bonus. You should also look after a model that comes with a warranty for the deck and upholstery. These elements are not usually covered by the warranty, but they’re the first things your customers will come in contact with, so they might show signs of wear and tear sooner than the frame.
Wood vs Aluminum Portable Massage Tables
As you could see from our reviews, some massage tables are made out of wood, and others are made of aluminum. Both of these materials have advantages, and both have disadvantages.
Wood Portable Massage Tables
Pros:
- Aesthetically Pleasant
- Durable
- Steady
- Recommended by Instructors
- Classic Design
Cons:
- Heavy
- More Difficult to Adjust
- More Difficult to Fold and Unfold
- Can Squeak
Aluminium Portable Massage Tables
Pros:
- Easy to Adjust
- Easy to Set Up
- Durable
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Stable
Cons:
- Can Groan
- Not Impressive Looking
- Expensive
Wrap Up
Now that you’ve read our portable massage table reviews and buying guide, you know what to look for, so you can easily find a good model for your practice.
Keep in mind that finding the right model for your business doesn’t only mean you should find the best lightweight portable massage table. It also means you should find a model that can withstand the work weight you intend to put it through, that is long and wide enough to accommodate your customers, and that’s comfortable enough for them to contact you again.
Don’t forget that you can always invest in better accessories, even if your massage table comes with some. Sometimes, not every aspect of the massage table will satisfy you, but if most do, you should go ahead and buy that model.