You may not be familiar with Bob and Brad, but since 2011, the American physiotherapists have made it their mission to “help people stay healthy and pain-free”. Thanks to their in-depth, easy-to-follow videos and down-to-earth approach, the duo have amassed over 2.5 million subscribers on YouTube.
Alongside their helpful tutorials, the pair also have a dedicated range of massage tools to help you smooth out knots and relieve pain at home. The brand appears in our round-ups of the best massage guns, the best sleep gadgets and the best eye masks, too.
I’ve always struggled with sore neck and back muscles, so when I was given the opportunity to test out the brand’s EZBack-R back and neck massager, naturally, I was all in.
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Tempted by the idea of spa-like massage from the comfort of your living room? Read on for my honest Bob and Brad back massager review.
What is the Bob and Brad EZBack-R?
The EZback-R is a massage pillow with four deep-kneading nodes to mimic a shiatsu-style treatment. The device (which weighs 1.5kg) plugs into the mains, and features three adjustable intensity levels, three distinct massage modes and the option to add heat. You can tinker with the settings on the device or via the handy remote control.
It shuts off automatically after 15 minutes and although it’s designed to target the back and neck, you can also use it to provide some sweet relief for your shoulders, stomach and leg muscles.
How we tested
As the Good Housekeeping Institute’s health and wellness tester, I used the massager regularly over a seven-day period, assessing a range of factors in line with our protocols, including quality of instructions, design, ease of use and, of course, overall performance. Once the testing period was complete, I collated my results and awarded the product an overall score.
My Bob and Brad EZBack-R review
Score: 87/100
The pros
It provides a hands-free experience
Unlike massage guns, which can be a little cumbersome, the EZBack-R provides a hands-free way to soothe your sore muscles, making it a great choice if you have limited mobility as well as a tight back.
Plus, it really does target your back, whether you have pain around your shoulders and traps or across your lower back – it can be extremely tricky to reach these areas with a bog-standard massage gun. All you need to get going is a chair or a sofa with a high back.
It’s simple to use
Just plug it in, switch it on, choose your desired settings and sit back – it’s as easy as that. There’s a user-friendly remote control to adjust the intensity, massage style and add some heat if you fancy. The whole process is pretty foolproof. As a bonus, there's a neat adjustable strap to secure it to your chair and keep you comfortable.
The heat setting is impressive
I've tried a lot of massage guns with a warming plate but, for me, they don't quite hit the sweet spot. With the Bob and Brad EZBack-R, on the other hand, the heat is noticeable and feels extremely soothing. I loved the warming sensation in combination with the kneading motion.
The massage function is highly effective
I felt thoroughly relaxed and massaged after using the EZBack-R. I also loved the firmness, with the rotating nodules mimicking an intense shiatsu massage. If you prefer less pressure, you can simply turn down the intensity and turn off the heat. There’s a setting to suit all needs and preferences.
The cons
It’s not wireless
I was a touch disappointed to find that the EZBack-R isn’t a cordless device – you have to position yourself close to a power socket when you fancy a massage. The power cable is a decent length, but it’s still restrictive and prevents you from using the device anywhere around the house or when you’re on the go.
There's no storage case
It isn't the prettiest product to leave lying around, and it’s quite bulky, so we would have appreciated a storage case to stash it out of sight neatly.
It's best for the back
Though the gadget can be used all over, it’s best suited to the back, neck and shoulders. I tried it on my hamstrings and calves, but found I wasn’t able to direct the pressure as much as I would have liked. It was surprisingly comforting around my stomach and would work well to help ease period pain, though.
Final verdict: Is the Bob and Brad back massager worth it?
Like many people, I carry stress in my back, so having the EZBack-R to soothe my aches and pains has been incredible. In fact, the knot I’ve had between my shoulder blades for almost two years has disappeared since using it.
Sure, it’s not without its flaws – it’s not wireless and it's better suited to some areas – but it’s an effective piece of kit that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s not for professional use or dedicated gym goers, but it’ll do the job nicely if you have sore back muscles and could do with a satisfying shiatsu-style massage on a weekly basis.
The Bob and Brad EZBack-R is available to buy on Amazon.
More GHI Approved recovery tools
Score: 98/100
Hyperice Venom Back 2
Score: 89/100
Hyperice Vyper 3 Vibrating Foam Roller
Score: 86/100
Therabody SmartGoggles (2nd Generation)
Score: 77/100
Kim Hawley
Health and Fitness Tester
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
