After a stressful day, long periods of sitting or walking, tired legs need rest, care, and treatment. Specially designed for this purpose whirlpool baths will help to cope with fatigue, reduce swelling, improve blood circulation, while caring for the skin of the feet. Massage baths can be used at home, they are affordable, portable, and convenient for regular foot care.
We have compiled a rating of the best portable foot spa based on customer reviews and model features. If you adore relaxing after a hard day, you can also use a portable hot tub.
Portable Foot Spas Under $50
This category includes basic models that are suitable for regular foot baths. Some models have massage functions. The principle of their control is simple and straightforward. These are the most affordable, simple portable foot spas, equipped with the basic, most necessary functions.
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Conair Foot Pedicure Spa
This option lacks bubbles, massage rollers, or inserts, making it the few-frills alternative to the pricier options without being a bucket (which we also tested; more to come on those).
The heat function didn’t actually increase the heat of the bath like the HoMedics, but it did slow down the cooling process: It lost 11 degrees over 25 minutes, compared to a plastic bucket, which lost 16 degrees in the same amount of time.
Of our picks, this is the easiest to clean because the bumps on the bottom surface are practically flat and provide no friction against a paper towel, and you don’t have to work around massage rollers or clean any inserts.
The splash guard is removable so it can be taken out of the way and rinsed independently. The Conair has a massage attachment situated on the top center of the spa, designed to provide extra pressure on the foot when grazed over. Several others have similar accessories but we opted not to test these, instead of focusing on the main features of the bath.
Giantex Foot Spa Bath Massager
One of the reasons we really liked this particular foot spa is because of how easy it is to use. Giantex’s simple controls mean you no longer have to push a lot of buttons and hope you’re doing it right to get the right temperature.
With this model, you just turn the control knob (3 selections) and let the massager do the rest of the work. The removable rollers make it super easy to clean. A removable splash guard makes it easier to remove your feet from the tub.
Consider the best foot massagers for varicose veins. All of these features, including infrared heat, make it a top choice. Placing your feet in the water-filled tub will give you incredible comfort.
The hydro-jets are placed in recesses so that they effectively affect the entire foot area, regardless of the size of your feet. And there are special rubberized protrusions all over the inside surface of the device. This is done to keep your feet from slipping and shifting throughout the entire massage session.
As a result, you will be able to sit comfortably in your favorite chair without changing the position of your body and legs, which means you will be completely relaxed.
MaxKare Foot Spa Bath Bucket Massager
This whirlpool bath has amazed customers with its performance. This model has a huge number of features aimed at quality foot massage. To begin with, there are powerful hydro jets, so you can enjoy a great hydro massage.
The vibrating plates will give your feet a relaxing massage, just like a point massage from a professional masseur. A nice addition is the infrared radiators, which are responsible for warming your muscles and joints.
This design solution will help you relieve tension in your legs in just a few minutes after the start of the session. It also comes with removable attachments.
There are also 3 rotating rollers under each of your legs that can be installed or removed as you wish. The unit is controlled by keys on the front panel for easy selection of massage mode.
A built-in timer gives you the ability to set the exact time of your session. Even if you are completely relaxed and forget everything, the device will turn off automatically when the time expires.
You’ll also love the water heating feature to give you extra comfort. You can choose one of the available temperature modes. That way, the device will not only reach your set temperature within minutes, but it’ll keep it set for the entire session. The value you set will be shown on the display, which is also a big advantage.
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Yosager Foot Bath Spa
The vibration massage thoroughly treats tired leg and foot muscles. This mode can be used with or without water.
There is also a hydromassage and water temperature maintenance. A session of this massage will allow you to forget everything and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of relaxation. The presence of water is obligatory.
Complex mode, which combines the two above – this is something that is sure to please every user with a pleasant massage.
The only thing is that people with sensitive skin types may need some time to get used to the intense effects of vibration and bubbles.
Also included is a splashguard. With it, a single drop will not spill on the floor during the session, and non-slip feet guarantee the stability of the device. A rotating massage roller in the center allows you to make a point massage on a specific area of the foot. In this way, you can get even more pleasant sensations.
Another important detail of this model is the shape of the inner part of the tub. It follows the curve of your feet, to provide the best effect of vibration massage and hydro-massage. The foot recesses are wide enough to be comfortable for both women’s and men’s feet.
Portable Foot Spas Under $100
Portable foot spas in this price category include models with mechanical and electronic control. At the same time, many of them have the same types of massage as the more expensive devices. They also have a heating function.
HoMedics Bubble Spa Elite Footbath
For about two-thirds the price of the Ivation, this HoMedics foot spa has fewer features and they aren’t as customizable.
A single button controls the heat booster and bubbles, which means you can’t adjust those functions independently, as you can with the Ivation. The HoMedics also lacks a digital thermostat.
But while you’re unable to set the temperature, you can turn up the heat. While the bath doesn’t list vibration as one of the features, there is a vibration along with the heat and bubbles when you press the button.
Be careful not to overfill this bath (or any of them for that matter) because when the jets churn, the water leaps out of it a bit. If you have larger feet, be especially wary because the water will rise quite a bit even if you fill the bath below the maximum line.
Because the inserts are removable, this bath is extremely easy to clean. It has a handle so you can easily carry it to the sink, wash the inserts separately with soap and water, then graze over the whole interior with a soapy cloth.
Ivation Foot Spa Massager
What’s more, the control panel lets you individually manage each function, rather than lumping certain functions in with each other—other baths had the massage rollers and bubbles in one function, for example.
The Ivation bath has ridged massage rollers located on each side of the bath and they are tightly intertwined, unlike other baths, where the massage rollers are bumpy or have nodules that stick out.
It makes the Ivation’s massage feel less like you’re being jabbed and more like, well, a massage.
The bath allows you to control the heat with a panel that displays the degrees in Fahrenheit. Others simply offer an on and off button or no heat at all.
The maximum temperature setting is 122 degrees, but Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist and the founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City, suggests keeping the bath between 92 and 100 degrees, especially if you have any ailments that make you sensitive to heat.
This bath is easy to carry with or without water because of the smartly designed splash guard that transforms into a handle.
Foot Spa Misiki Foot Bath Massager
At the same time, the probability of splashing water is completely eliminated, because there is a wide safety bar on top.
Also, when the device is not in use, you can store it both vertically and horizontally, pre-hiding the cord in the compartment provided.
To dip your feet into the tub and not overflow the water, the housing has a mark of the largest water level. At the end of the session, it will not be difficult to drain the water.
Just tilt the device forward slightly, and all the water will pour out through the conveniently located spout. But, be very careful, because getting water on the internal components of the device is in no case allowed.
Since the whirlpool keeps the water warm – your feet will be comfortable and warm, even if the room temperature is not the best.
RENPHO Foot Spa Bath Massager
Roomy compartments allow you to place your feet comfortably so they stay in a natural position throughout your session.
Hydro jets create the so-called “bubbling effect” as if you are not at home but in a professional spa. Based on your own preferences, you can choose the best mode for you.
To stretch your skin and leg muscles, the manufacturer has provided four massage rollers. Two of them are located near the hydro-jets so that you can use them directly during the session.
At the same time, 2 rollers are located on top of the body, allowing you to effectively massage your feet, even when the device is off. And the tub can keep the water warm for a while, so you’ll feel cozy and warm even when it’s freezing outside.
It has two infrared radiators, which provide good heating of your feet and improve blood circulation. The effect of the infrared heat in the body significantly accelerates metabolism. It has a positive effect on the appearance of the skin, as well as on your well-being.
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Ovitus Foot Spa Bath Massager
It helps to fully immerse yourself in an atmosphere of relaxation and relieve tension in your feet in an incredibly short time. You just need to install the device on a flat and solid floor covering.
Then fill the tank with the desired amount of water and choose the desired program of the 3 possible programs and the massage bath will do the rest for you.
Note that the device is not recommended to use without water, even in the mode of only vibrating massage, so the presence of water in the tank is mandatory.
As a nice addition to the front, there is an infrared emitter. It generates rays invisible to our eyes, which penetrate deep into the muscles, warming them, and improving elasticity.
Splashguard keeps water from splashing. Thanks to the non-slip feet, the likelihood of the unit sliding on the floor is minimized. With this functional bathtub, taking care of the appearance and condition of your feet is very easy.
Pay attention to the rubberized roller with spikes in the center. It is designed for point foot massage, to effectively work on those areas where you feel the most discomfort. So, by pressing on certain parts of your feet, you can quickly relieve pain, get rid of tension, and feel a rush of vigor and energy.
Portable Foot Spas Under $150
These are more expensive and functional models. Some of them come with an electronic display, where the choice of functions is made by buttons rather than a mechanical switch. Such tubs are used in both salon and home settings. Some of them even have a remote control. This is very convenient if you can’t often bend over to switch modes.
Dr. Scholl’s Invigorating Pedicure Foot Spa
This is why if you want a foot spa that doesn’t have too much going on over the surface, Dr. Scholl’s pedicure foot spa might spa just be the right product for you.
Because this product is literally the limit of how basic you can get without sacrificing the most important features a foot spa has to offer.
One look at Dr. Scholl’s foot spa is enough to be able to differentiate it from the rest of the foot spas on this list, particularly because this foot spa only features a singular roller massager, located in the middle of the device, unlike the rest that features these rollers under each foot instead.
However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, because it lets you enjoy your foot bath without being bothered by the grinding massage under your feet, letting you massage your feet when you feel like it instead of constantly having to feel them under your feet.
The model even offers a removable pumice stone and 4 other pedicure attachments, making it pretty easy to work on those calluses on your feet while you relax and soak them in hot, salted water. That’s right the Dr. Scholl’s is completely safe to use with bath salts and essential oils, meaning you’re free to enhance your foot spa experience as you like.
It’s just a real bummer that the model can’t heat up water on its own, relying instead on you to pour warm water instead. It is, however, able to keep the water poured inside it hot for long periods of time, so at least that’s a relief.
All in one Foot spa Bath Massager w/Motorized Rolling Massage
There is also an adjustable timer so you can choose how long you want the massager to run. It starts at 20 minutes and goes up to 60 minutes.
Customers have also come to love the hand rollers, which can be removed and put back in as you choose the position yourself. This gives the user much more control than those that have electric rollers or manual rollers, but they are not adjustable.
The massager has leakage protection and insulation. If you are going to fill it on a regular basis and use it in your home, this is an especially important feature.
The manufacturer recommends that you fill the tub with warm water to get the most enjoyment out of the whirlpool right away. The device will maintain the temperature of the water and will not let it cool down during the whole session, so you can fully relax in a few minutes.
It is also desirable to pour pre-cleaned water to avoid the formation of limescale on the walls of the body and on the key internal mechanisms.
Foot Spa Bath with Heat and Massage and Bubbles
The Shiatsu massage is an extra feature that makes the Ovitus massager a good choice.
The combination of rollers, heated water, and oxygen bubbles help circulation in your feet and greatly helps in reducing fatigue in your legs at the end of a long day.
While the Shiatsu massage is a feature of this model, there are many other great features that have also impressed buyers. It’s more eco-friendly than other foot spas because it allows you to choose between different powers.
So, you can quickly heat the water in the tub using the higher wattage. You can then maintain that desired temperature by using a lower wattage. This feature by itself can save you up to 30% more energy than other spas.
It is self-draining, works quietly, and can accommodate foot sizes up to size 47. Many other massagers only accommodate feet up to size 45. This model costs a bit more than the other models on our list, but the benefits are worth the extra money to give your feet the break they deserve.
When it comes to the duration of the massage, there are no strict limits. Go with your own feelings to determine the best time for your feet. Usually, enough for many people 15-20 minutes to get rid of pain and discomfort in the legs, as well as complete relaxation. The main thing to remember is to let the hot tub cool down for about 15 minutes before using it again.
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Foot Spa Bath Massager with Heat
No matter what the category, a premium product is one that not only has all the features a user would need from it, but does each of them extremely well too.
While it does face some severe competition from the rest of the entries on this list, we believe the ACEVIVI foot spa more than deserves its top spot on our list, beating out even very well-known companies like Kendal, Conair, and HoMedics in this regard.
This product has everything you could want from a foot spa, from the extremely basic features like adjustable heating and massaging rollers to the more sophisticated ones like a rotating pumice stone for pedicuring your feet and infrared light for sterilization.
Even the massage rollers on this foot spa are quite sophisticated, offering two different kinds of massaging motions (Tai Chi wheels on the four corners, and Corncob rollers in the middle) to give you a better foot massage, based on foot acupuncture techniques.
The ACEVIVI even has a few extra features for convenience, the most notable of which are the detachable wheels on the underside of the foot spa for easy transport, and the gravity flow valve port for easy drainage. Add a folding bucket handle to the top, and you’ve got a spa that’s pretty easy to carry around.
For a product as good as this, it’s quite hard to find something it doesn’t do right. This is why we were only able to come up with two legitimate concerns:
One, the ACEVIVI is pretty large (size 17), and women with small feet can’t seem to make full use of it, and two, the ACEVIVI doesn’t have a remote, so you’re going to have to bend down every time to change the settings. Otherwise, this is truly one great product.
FAQ for portable foot spas buyers:
Can I use sea salt in the portable foot spa?
It all depends on your model. Some manufacturers allow the use of sea salt or herbs, while others strongly advise against adding them to the water. Please refer to the instructions that come with the device.
Is it true that using a portable foot spa during pregnancy is strictly forbidden?
In almost every manual there is information that pregnant whirlpools are strictly contraindicated. This is due to the fact that there are a large number of points on the feet, the pressure on which can provoke contractions.
The inner surface of the device is periodically covered with white spots. What can this be caused by?
The appearance of white spots is the result of using low-quality water with a high degree of hardness. Try to pour in pre-treated water and you will get an incredibly long life out of your water foot spa.
Are there any safety precautions that you should be aware of?
Given that a portable foot spa is an electrical appliance and at the same time is in contact with water, you need to be aware of precautions:
- Install the device only on a flat surface, otherwise, the hydro jets may not work properly.
- Take care not to allow the tub to tip over, as water entering the internal components and the electronic unit can render the device inoperable.
- Do not touch the mechanical controller with wet hands.
- Do not use the bathtub in a standing position, as your weight may deform the body. You can only enjoy the massage while sitting.
Is it safe to use the portable foot spa with several family members?
Yes, but don’t forget the basic rules of hygiene. Make sure you wash your feet with soap and water and dry them with a towel before you put them in the portable foot spa, to avoid the growth of bacteria. If you have open wounds or acne on your feet, refrain from massaging to avoid spreading infection. Change the water after each session, even if the frequency between uses is minimal.