If you’ve been on Facebook lately, you’ve probably seen the Relaxe massage chair ads everywhere. In fact, in my video I call it “the most popular chair on Facebook”—because their marketing is absolutely everywhere. But popularity doesn’t automatically mean performance.
I’m Dr. Eric Duncan (“The Wellness Doc”), and I review massage chairs for a living—breaking down what’s real, what’s hype, and what actually matters for your body. Below is my blog-style Relax massage chair review written for anyone trying to decide if this chair is worth it, especially compared to a 3D massage chair or 4D massage chair.
Quick Take: What the Relaxe Chair Actually Is
The RELAXE is primarily a 2D massage chair. That’s the key detail many buyers miss until after purchase. A 2D system can move up/down and left/right, but it does not provide true push-into-the-back depth like a 3D or 4D mechanism.
Once you realize it’s a 2D chair, your expectations should change—especially when you compare it to what a good 3D or 4D massage chair can do for deep tissue work, muscle recovery, and tight mid-back areas.
2D vs 3D vs 4D Massage Chairs (Simple Explanation)
If you’re shopping and want a chair that actually fits your needs, understanding these terms is everything:
- 2D Massage Chair: rollers move up/down and left/right. Pressure depth is limited and more “surface level.”
- 3D Massage Chair: rollers move up/down, left/right, and in/out (depth). This is where you start getting real deep-tissue capability and better contouring.
- 4D Massage Chair: adds speed/rhythm variations plus depth control for a more “human hands” feel and better customization. Many times the rollers speed up or slow down. Some 3D massage chairs perform just as well (or better) than a 4D massage chair, so it's important to speak to someone who is familiar with the chair.
If you’ve been searching phrases like “Relaxe massage chair 2D or 3D” or “is Relaxe a 3D massage chair”, the short answer is: it is 100% a 2D massage chair, and that matters.
Price vs Value: What a 2D Massage Chair Should Cost
In my video, I’m blunt about it: a 2D chair should not be priced like a premium 3D massage chair. My general rule is that a 2D chair should stay in a lower price bracket, because you’re not paying for depth control, advanced mechanisms, or higher-end engineering.
If you’re paying “3D money,” you should be getting a true 3D massage chair (or better)—because that’s where the major upgrade in massage quality happens.
Noise Claim Check: “Whisper Quiet” (Is It?)
One of RELAXE’s ads uses the phrase “whisper quiet”. I specifically tested this in the video so you can hear it for yourself. My conclusion: it’s not whisper quiet. It's actually one of the loudest chairs on the market. There’s noticeable mechanical sound/buzzing during operation.
If silence is important—like using it while someone is sleeping, during calls, or in a quiet home—this is something you should factor in before buying.
Intensity Controls: A Common Point of Confusion
Many people assume “intensity” always means roller pressure (deep vs light). With the RELAXE, that’s not how it feels in real use. In the video, I point out that what’s labeled as intensity can relate more to airbag intensity rather than giving you true deep-tissue roller depth control. If you are able to get a hold of anyone on the phone they will use every description of the chair to try to trick you into thinking this is a 2D chair.
Bottom line: if you want the ability to truly dial in deep pressure through the back rollers, that’s typically where a 3D massage chair has the advantage.
Who the Relaxe Massage Chair Is For
I’m not here to say it’s “all bad.” The RELAXE can make sense for the right buyer—especially if your goal is more general relaxation than deep tissue.
- Good fit if you want: a good return policy (you're going to need it)
- Not ideal if you want: multiple family members to use the chair. Deep tissue, strong roller depth control, high adjustability, or premium quiet operation
What I Recommend Instead (If You Want Real 3D Massage)
If you’re shopping because you have tight shoulders, chronic mid-back tension, or you want that “hands digging in” feel, you’ll usually be happier stepping into a true 3D or 4D massage chair category. That upgrade is often the difference between:
- “This feels ok” vs “This actually works the knots out.”
- Limited adjustability vs customized depth control that matches your body.
If you book a free one-on-one phone call with me I'll go over the best chair for you , I focus on chairs that deliver real value at each tier—so if you’re comparing a viral chair like RELAXE to a legitimate 3D option, that’s exactly the type of decision I help people make.
FAQ: Relaxe Massage Chair Questions People Ask
Is the Relaxe a 2D or 3D massage chair?
The RELAXE performs like a 2D massage chair. If you specifically want 3D depth control, you’ll want to compare it to true 3D models before you buy.
Why is the Relaxe massage chair so popular on Facebook?
The marketing is everywhere. The ads are aggressive, the offer looks appealing, and it creates a “viral product” effect—but that doesn’t automatically mean it competes with higher-end 3D massage chairs. The ads are very misleading.
Is the Relaxe massage chair actually quiet?
Based on my real-world test in the video, I would not describe it as “whisper quiet.” Noise levels may not bother everyone, but it’s not silent.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the RELAXE Chair?
If you’re expecting a premium deep-tissue experience, understand what you’re buying: the RELAXE is a 2D massage chair that became famous through Facebook ads. For light relaxation it may be fine—but if you want true performance, customization, and deep tissue capability, you’ll likely be better served by a quality 3D massage chair (or 4D) from a brand/model with clearer specs and stronger overall value.
If you want help choosing the right chair for your body and budget, that’s what I do every day—reach out by booking a free call here https://thewellnessdoc.shop/pages/chairchat and I’ll point you in the right direction.