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Panasonic MAK1 review: buy or skip?

Consider8.6/10 research score

Quick answer

Consider it, if you want the most refined massage feel. Why: premium chair with refined massage techniques. The catch: very expensive.

By Buyrskip Editorial Team Updated 1 min read

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Panasonic MAK1

Our verdict on the Panasonic MAK1

Buy it if
you want the most refined massage feel.
Skip it if
you want value.
Best for
Premium Japanese
Key feature
Premium chair with refined massage techniques
Typical price
$5,999–$7,999
Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Key specifications

TrackL
Rollers4D
Zero gravityYes
HeatYes

Who should buy it, and who should skip it

A good fit if you

  • you want the most refined massage feel
  • value refined techniques
  • can spend around $5,999–$7,999

Skip it if you

  • you want value
  • mind this: very expensive
  • mind this: heavy

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Refined techniques
  • Excellent build
  • Quiet
  • Heat

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Heavy

The verdict in one breath

The Panasonic MAK1 is a good massage chair for the right buyer, not an automatic pick. Its strength: premium chair with refined massage techniques. Check the skip-if line before you order.

Reasons to buy

  • Refined techniques
  • Excellent build
  • Quiet
  • Heat

Reasons to skip

  • Very expensive
  • Heavy

The specs that matter

  • Track: L
  • Rollers: 4D
  • Zero gravity: Yes
  • Heat: Yes

Worth knowing

Panasonic’s massage motions are among the most realistic.

Buy it or skip it?

Consider it if you want the most refined massage feel. Skip it if you want value; the Osaki OS-Pro Maxim 3D LE is the better buy then. Everything else is in our list of the best massage chairs.

Alternatives worth considering

Osaki OS-Pro Maxim 3D LE

Osaki · Massage chairs

Osaki OS-Pro Maxim 3D LE

Buy it if you want a capable full-body chair under $4,000.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Full-body value
Typical price
$2,999–$3,999

Pros

  • SL track
  • 3D rollers

Cons

  • Large
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review
Kahuna Elite Nova

Kahuna · Massage chairs

Kahuna Elite Nova

Buy it if you want deeper rollers under $3,000.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Value 4D
Typical price
$2,499–$2,999

Pros

  • Deeper rollers
  • Zero gravity

Cons

  • Plastic finishes
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy the Panasonic MAK1?

Consider it, if you want the most refined massage feel. Why: premium chair with refined massage techniques. The catch: very expensive.

When should I skip it?

Skip it if you want value. The Osaki OS-Pro Maxim 3D LE is the better buy then.

What does the Panasonic MAK1 cost?

Usually $5,999–$7,999 on Amazon.com. It tends to dip during Prime Day and Black Friday.

Buyrskip Editorial Team

Part of the Buyrskip research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we research products Editorial policy

Panasonic MAK1: the full buy-or-skip review

Is the Panasonic MAK1 worth buying? Short answer: consider it, if you want the most refined massage feel. This review explains what this Panasonic model gets right, where it falls short, what it usually costs in the US and which massage chair to buy instead if it is not the right fit for you.

What the Panasonic MAK1 does well

The headline: premium chair with refined massage techniques. Key specs: Track: L; Rollers: 4D; Zero gravity: Yes; Heat: Yes. In our list it is the pick for: premium Japanese. It usually sells for $5,999–$7,999.

Panasonic's massage motions are among the most realistic.

The trade-offs

Good: refined techniques, excellent build, quiet, heat. Not so good: very expensive, heavy. Read the skip-if line before you order: skip it if you want value.

What to buy instead

Instead, consider the Osaki OS-Pro Maxim 3D LE ($2,999–$3,999): SL-track 3D chair with zero gravity and heat. Better if you want a capable full-body chair under $4,000.

Instead, consider the Kahuna Elite Nova ($2,499–$2,999): 4D-style chair at a mid price. Better if you want deeper rollers under $3,000.

Instead, consider the Kahuna LM-6800 ($1,499–$1,999): SL-track chair with zero gravity at a lower price. Better if you want full-body massage on a budget.

Before you buy

Track: an SL track follows the spine from neck to glutes; 4D rollers let you set intensity. Fit: check the height range; most chairs suit about 5'1" to 6'3". Warranty and delivery: look for multi-year parts and labor coverage and white-glove delivery, as chairs weigh 200+ lb.

US buyer tip

Massage chair prices drop most on Black Friday and Father's Day; ask if white-glove delivery and setup are included before ordering.

Prices on Amazon.com move in a pattern. The deepest cuts land on Prime Day in July, Prime Big Deal Days in October and the Black Friday to Cyber Monday week, with smaller drops around Presidents Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and back-to-school. Judge a deal against the usual price we show, never against the crossed-out list price.

Order from Amazon itself or the brand's official storefront so the US manufacturer warranty applies, keep your order confirmation and register the product with the brand. Most items can be returned within 30 days, and holiday purchases often get an extended return window into January.