You’ve got your eye on a massage chair. You’re already picturing those relaxing nights—feet up, rollers working their magic, total peace and quiet. But then a thought hits: Wait… are massage chairs loud?

It’s a fair question, especially if you live in a small space, have roommates, or just don’t want your relaxing moment to sound like a construction site. The answer? Massage chairs make some noise—but it’s usually not as bad as you might think.

Yes, Massage Chairs Make Sounds

Let’s get this out of the way—they’re not totally silent. You’ve got motors, gears, rollers, airbags and sometimes heating elements all doing their thing. And with all that movement, there’s bound to be a little hum, buzz or even a whirr.

But here’s the good news: most modern massage chairs are built to be pretty quiet. We’re not talking blender-level loud or anything that’s going to wake the neighbors. In fact, the sounds are usually on par with a quiet fan or a soft mechanical purr.

What Kind of Sounds Can You Expect?

Depending on the model and what features you’re using, you might hear things like:

(1) Motor noises: A gentle hum as the chair adjusts or moves rollers.

(2) Air pump sounds: A light whooshing when airbags inflate or deflate.

(3) Vibrations: A soft buzz during vibration massage.

(4) Reclining mechanisms: A mechanical click or glide when changing positions.

(5) Heating elements (rare): Some low-key crackle or warmth-related hum, but usually barely noticeable.

Nothing too wild. You won’t need earplugs. But if you’re expecting total silence, you might be surprised by how much you notice in a quiet room.

Real Relax PS6500 AI massage chair internal structure

Are Some Chairs Louder Than Others?

Absolutely. Not all massage chairs are built the same, and a few things can affect how noisy one is:

1. Build Quality

Higher-end massage recliners usually come with better insulation, smoother motors and tighter engineering—all of which help reduce noise. Cheaper models? Not always as refined. You might hear more rattles, clicks, or motor strain over time.

2. Features in Use

Some features are noisier than others. For example:

(1) Airbags inflating can sound like a small air compressor.

(2) Vibration massage adds a noticeable buzz.

(3) Rolling and kneading functions are usually quieter.

So depending on which setting you choose, the noise level can change.

3. How Old the Chair Is

Like anything with moving parts, wear and tear can make a chair noisier over time. A brand-new massage chair might whisper; an older one might creak a little more as the parts settle.

4. The Floor It’s On

Hard floors like tile or wood can amplify vibrations, while carpets or mats can absorb them. It’s a simple fix, but it makes a difference.

Can You Do Anything to Make It Quieter?

Definitely. If your massage chair’s a bit louder than you’d like, try these tricks:

Use a Floor Mat or Rug

Place a thick rug or anti-vibration mat under the chair. This helps dampen the sound and reduce echoes, especially in rooms with hard floors.

Keep It Clean and Maintained

Dust and debris in the moving parts can cause extra friction (and noise). A little upkeep goes a long way.

Check Bolts and Screws

Loose parts can cause unnecessary rattling. Every few months, check if anything needs a quick tighten.

Avoid Overloading

If the chair’s working too hard—like if it’s reclined at max with all features running at once—it might get louder. Try adjusting the settings for a smoother ride.

Are Real Relax Massage Chairs Noisy?

Let’s talk about Real Relax massage recliners for a second, because they’re super popular for home use. The good news? They’re designed to be quiet enough for everyday living. You’ll hear the motors and a little airflow from the airbags, but nothing disruptive.

Most people find the background noise pretty soothing—kind of like white noise. And if you’re watching TV, listening to music, or even chatting with someone nearby, you probably won’t even notice it.

Real Relax Favor-05 massage chair massage quietly enough

Want a Totally Silent Experience?

Okay, total silence isn’t realistic with a massage chair. But if you're after a super quiet setup, here are a few bonus tips:

(1) Use headphones with relaxing music or white noise.

(2) Position the chair away from walls to avoid echo.

(3) Choose chairs with brushless motors, which tend to run quieter (often found in higher-end models).

(4) Opt for airbag-only modes when you want near silence. Those are usually gentler in sound.

Will It Annoy the Whole House?

Unless your walls are made of paper, probably not.

Massage chair noise is usually contained to the room you’re in - and even then, it’s not overwhelming. If someone’s asleep in the next room, just maybe skip the full-body deep-tissue setting at midnight. But otherwise, you’re good.

Massage chairs do make a little noise—there’s no way around that. But in most cases, it’s soft, consistent, and totally manageable. Some people even find the hum relaxing, like a soft fan or low-level white noise.

If noise is a deal-breaker for you, look into models known for their quiet operation (Real Relax is a solid place to start), and set it up in a space that won’t amplify every little sound. A rug, a few tweaks, and maybe some chill music—and boom, you’ve got a peaceful little relaxation corner.

Bottom line is, the sound is a small price to pay for daily back rubs on demand.