Are foot spas and foot massagers the same thing?

While there is some overlap for some devices, foot spas and foot massagers are not the same. A spa will typically involve immersing your feet in the water, and there may be heated elements, rollers, and more. A foot massager has a heated function that tends to tired feet with a massage or kneading motions while not necessarily using water.

Are all foot spas heated?

Not all foot spas have heating elements. Some can help maintain the heat of the water and others can actually be activated to warm the water up. Be sure to determine if your foot spa actually increases the temperature. And some basic foot spas don't heat the water or maintain its temperature.

Can you add epsom salt to foot spas?

It's always best to read the manual that comes with your foot spa. For some of the simpler designs, especially those that don't have any jets, it's okay to add Epsom salt or soothing essential oils to the water. However, excessive amounts of products or build-up can interfere with the efficiency of some foot spa jets. "While salt does provide general soothing, it can also dry out the skin, so use with caution if this is part of a regular routine. Adding oil to the bath can keep feet from drying out," suggests Dr. Damian Roussel, DPM and FACFAS , a board-certified podiatrist at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics. Dr. Jackie Sutera, DPM , board-certified podiatrist and member of the Vionic Innovation Lab, shares some of the reasons why adding epsom salts may be beneficial to your soaking experience. "Use your favorite salt and/or oil for all the benefits known such as relaxation, anti microbial, to reduce swelling and just overall treat for yourself!"

What are the benefits of using a foot spa?

According to Dr. Sutera, the benefits of using a foot spa are many. "Relaxation, avoiding crowded nail salons, prevention of contagious infections like fungus, warts and bacteria. Most are affordable, easy to use and maintain in the comfort of your home," she says. "The jets, heat, and vibration of these machines can help by soothing mild aches, increasing circulation, and just providing comfort and relaxation," she continues.

How often should you use a foot spa?

You can use a foot spa as often as you would like, according to Dr. Sutera. "Daily use can't hurt but most people will use it weekly or even biweekly," she says. She shares some tips on getting the most out of your foot spa. "Make sure the water isn't too hot. Make sure you dry your feet and in between toes well and clean the spa after each use (check the package insert for cleaning instructions which can vary from machine to machine)." She continues, "I also caution the use of foot spas if you are diabetic, have neuropathy, have poor circulation, open wounds or any infection. In these cases, you should seek treatment and advice from your podiatrist."

We Tested the Best Foot Spas–Here Are Our Picks

The 6 Best Foot Spas of 2022 — The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

A foot spa offers the opportunity to pamper yourself with a relaxing experience in your own home anytime you like. We purchased 12 foot spas and put them through a series of tests in The Lab in Industry City, Brooklyn, rating each on design, effectiveness, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

Here are the best foot spas to pamper your feet.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Ivation Foot Spa Massager at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best All-in-One:

Costway Foot Spa Bath Massager at Amazon

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Best Budget :

Homedics Bubble Mate Foot Spa at Amazon

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Best Features :

Best Choice Products Motorized Foot Spa Bath Massager at Amazon

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Best No Frills:

Conair Foot Spa at Amazon

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Best Heated:

Zircon 5 in 1 Foot Spa/Bath Massager at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Portable:

Ste Collapsible Large Fold Foot Soaking Tub at Wayfair

Jump to Review

Best for Kids :

Cra-Z-Art Shimmer ‘n Sparkle 6-in-1 Real Massaging Foot Spa at Walmart

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Tested
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

4.9

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target

Our Ratings

Design

4.5/5
Effectiveness

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Overall Value

4.9/5

Ivation Foot Spa Massager Review

What We Like

Heats up quickly
Deep massage with rollers and vibration
Easy-to-control temperature

What We Don't Like

Bulky

If you are willing to spend a bit more for a luxurious foot spa, this one from Ivation has all of the features guaranteed to impress. You can control the exact temperature of your water with the easy-to-understand LED display, turn on the bubbles for an added luxurious feel, or set a timer for your foot spa beforehand.

Our tester loved that the rollers on the bottom of the spa had grooves and motorized rollers for a deep massage that was amplified by bubbles. You can set the temperature up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, and an easy interface lets you adjust the temperature during use. Since the manual mentioned that bath salts were fine to use, we tossed about half a cup of Epsom salt in—and our tester left feeling like she had softer feet.

Just keep in mind: The spa itself is a bit bulky and hard to store, costing the unit one point in the design. But overall, the abundant features and included accessories make this pick worth the price.

Price at time of publish: $81

_{Dimensions: 16.5 x 14.9 x 9.2 inches | Weight: 6.7 pounds | Heated: Yes}

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
The Spruce / Rebekah Joan
The Spruce / Rebekah Joan
The Spruce / Rebekah Joan

4.8

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Home Depot

Our Ratings

Design

5/5
Effectiveness

4.5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Overall Value

4.5/5

What We Like

Included brush with different attachments
Can control bubbles and vibration
Manual rolling massage

What We Don't Like

Not a lot of heat settings

The Costway Foot Spa Bath Massager has three settings that control the vibration, jets, and red light that heat the water. Our tester loved the jets specifically, noting that it felt like they were getting a pedicure right from home.

While the vibration does add a new element to the soaking experience, our tester preferred the manual rolling massagers on the bottom of the spa. These make it easy to target different parts of your foot that need the most care. While the red light works to keep the water warm, our tester recommends that you start with hot water for a consistent temperature throughout your pampering session. She wished that there were more heat settings to keep the water temperature perfect. Still, the different settings, the included scrubbing accessories, and the reasonable price point make this another top choice.

Price at time of publish: $54

_{Dimensions: 16 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 6 lb. | Heated: Yes}

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

4.2

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Homedics.com

Our Ratings

Design

3/5
Effectiveness

3.5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Overall Value

3.5/5

What We Like

Easy to clean
Relaxing
Affordable

What We Don't Like

Loud

The Homedics BubbleMate Foot spa is an incredibly affordable product that’s perfect for soaking and massaging tired feet. It has a heat setting, but it is best to start out with hot water in the tub. However, it will maintain the temperature of your water, letting you soak for a longer period without getting chilly.

Once you plug in the spa, the toe-touch control activates the vibration. Also, in the center of the foot bath is a pumice attachment for targeting calluses. Our tester loved the relaxing massage the raised nodes and vibration created, but wished that it did not make quite as much noise, which can take away from the spa-like experience.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Size: 15.38 x 14 x 6.85 inches | Weight: 3.65 pounds | Heated: Yes}

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

4.6

Best Choice Products

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bestchoiceproducts.com

Our Ratings

Design

4.5/5
Effectiveness

4.5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Overall Value

4.5/5

What We Like

Heat settings
Waterfall feature
Rolling massage

What We Don't Like

Large tub can make this difficult to sit back when using

This deep foot spa is perfect for soaking and massaging while warming up tired feet. The LED display of the Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Bath Massage Spa allows you to control the temperature of the water as well as the settings of your massages and the duration of your soak. For added luxury, turn on the flowing waterfall that covers your feet to your ankles.

Our tester loved the massage and waterfall features that made this stand out from the rest, but the deep bucket can make this option a bit difficult to lean back and relax in. But, the wheels make this easy to maneuver and store, and the large tub is ideal for those looking to soak more of their feet at once.

Price at time of publish: $70

_{Size: 18 x 14.5 x 15 inches | Weight: 11.3 lb. | Heated: Yes}

4.2

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Beallsflorida.com

Our Ratings

Design

3/5
Effectiveness

2.5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Overall Value

3/5

What We Like

Water remains warm
One-year warranty
Affordable

What We Don't Like

No special features

The Conair Foot Pedicure Spa with Soothing Vibration Massage may only have basic features, but it has everything you need to unwind and relax tired feet. Turn the foot spa on and off with your toes so you don't even have to lift a finger. The vibration offers a gentle massage, and a heat setting keeps your water warm, but it is best to start with hot water.

While our tester wished there were more features surrounding the heat or additional jets, they dubbed it a great basic option that won't break the bank. And you can use the scrubber in the middle of the spa to remove calluses or dead skin.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Size: 7.5 x 14.63 x 16.63 inches | Weight: 11.2 lb. | Heated: Yes}

4.2

Amazon

View On Amazon

Our Ratings

Design

4/5
Effectiveness

3.5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Overall Value

3/5

What We Like

Easy-to-control heat settings
Comes with tea tree oil foot soak

What We Don't Like

Massage is nothing special

No more worrying about your foot bath getting cold after just a couple of minutes with this heat-controlled option from Zircon. You can even turn on the red light or the bubbles or a soothing vibration, or use the grooves on the bottom of the spa for a manual massage.

The best part of this spa was the ease with which you can control the temperature from 95 to 118 degrees to fit the perfect temperature for every user. But, the massage and vibrations are nothing special compared to other picks, according to our tester. Still, those looking for a warm soak will get a lot of use out of this and the included tea tree oil foot soak is a nice touch.

Price at time of publish: $90

_{Size: 16.26 x 13.27 x 8.11 inches | Weight: 4.56 lb. | Heated: Yes}

4.3

Amazon

View On Wayfair View On Walmart

Our Ratings

Design

5/5
Effectiveness

2/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Overall Value

3/5

What We Like

Portable and easy to fold
Comes with towel and hook to hang
Manual massagers

What We Don't Like

No special features

For those looking for a no-frills way to soak their feet, opt for an affordable tub that does the job perfectly. Simply fill the Ste Collapsible Large Fold Foot Soaking Tub with warm water, add in your favorite Epsom salt, bubble bath, or essential oil and watch your worries melt away.

While our tester noted that there are no special features included in this foot spa, they loved the accessibility of the tub, saying "The collapsible design is convenient for storage, and the built-in handle makes it easy to carry or hang." It collapses for easy storage and it also comes with a hook to hang on the wall when not in use. The included towel is also a nice touch for everything you need for a relaxing soak.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Size: 20.35 x 16.65 x 3.03 inches | Weight: 3.17 lb. | Heated: No}

4.2

Amazon

View On Walmart

Our Ratings

Design

4/5
Effectiveness

3/5
Ease of Cleaning

3.5/5
Overall Value

3/5

What We Like

Color-changing lights
Lots of accessories
Waterfall

What We Don't Like

Requires special battery

Kids can have the full experience of going to a nail salon and getting a luxurious massage right at home with this foot spa designed just for them. The Shimmer ‘n Sparkle 6-in-1 Real Massaging Foot Spa from Cra-Z-Art comes with four bath fizzes, one pair of slippers, and two toe separators for the perfect pedicure. It even includes a bubbling waterfall and rolling foot massagers on the bottom.

The waterfall and the different colored lights add to the excitement of this pick, although there are no heat settings. Our tester loved this pick for a child but noted that the special batteries required can be a bit frustrating.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Size: 14.17 x 11.42 x 8.27 inches | Weight: 2.56 lb. | Heated: No}

		Overall Rating	Design	Effectiveness	Ease of Cleaning	Overall Value	Heated	Weight	Size
Best Overall: Ivation Foot Spa Massager	Amazon	4.9	4.5	5	5	4.9	Yes	6.7 pounds	16.5 x 14.9 x 9.2 inches
Best All-in-One: Costway Foot Spa Bath Massager	Amazon	4.8	5	4.5	5	4.5	-	-	-
Best Budget : Homedics Bubble Mate Foot Spa	Amazon	4.2	3	3.5	5	3.5	-	-	-
Best Features : Best Choice Products Motorized Foot Spa Bath Massager	Amazon	4.6	4.5	4.5	5	4.5	-	-	-
Best No Frills: Conair Foot Spa	Amazon	4.2	3	2.5	5	3	-	-	-
Best Heated: Zircon 5 in 1 Foot Spa/Bath Massager	Amazon	4.2	4	3.5	5	3	-	-	-
Best Portable: Ste Collapsible Large Fold Foot Soaking Tub	Wayfair	4.3	5	2	5	3	-	-	-
Best for Kids : Cra-Z-Art Shimmer ‘n Sparkle 6-in-1 Real Massaging Foot Spa	Walmart	4.2	4	3	3.5	3	-	-	-

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Ivation Foot Spa Massager due to its various easy-to-control features, fast heating time, and spa-like bubble settings. For a more affordable option, opt for the HoMedics Bubble Mate Foot Spa. The hands-free concept fosters ultimate relaxation while the vibration and added pumice stone allow you to suit the spa experience to your liking.

We tested 12 foot spas side-by-side in The Lab in Industry City, Brooklyn. We started with real-time unboxing and setup, and then evaluated the foot spa's features, effectiveness, design, and ease of cleaning.

Our testers used each foot spa for over 20 minutes to get a feel for the product. They consulted the user manuals to ensure that every aspect was tested correctly. Next, testers filled each unit with water and went through the motions of cleaning them. After soaking and examining all of the features, the top picks were decided. Our editors took all of the consistently applied testing data and boiled it down to the eight foot spas we believe are the best.

Heating Element

The most relaxing foot soaks require, at a minimum, a tub of hot water. Many of the foot spas on the market keep your water hot through a heating unit, while more basic models don’t. Some simply keep the water warm while others are more high tech, and allow you to choose the exact temperature you desire on an LED display. No matter if the foot spa is heated or not, we always advise to begin with hot water for the best experience.

Size

Some foot spas have amazing features, but they tend to take up a lot of space. If you know your storage space is limited, double-check all measurements, and opt for a foot spa that can fit under a bed or on a closet shelf. Some of the more basic models are even collapsible, making them perfect for small spaces.

Noise Level

Jets and bubbles can be loud and may disrupt your experience if you plan to use your foot spa while relaxing in front of the TV. If noise is an issue for you, look for an option with massagers instead of jets. Foot spas are meant to be relaxing, so a loud noise can surely distract from the experience. However, the addition of jets and bubbles are bound to add a bit of noise. For those, we recommend putting on some calming music to drown it out.

Foot Spa Group — The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

FAQ

Are foot spas and foot massagers the same thing?

While there is some overlap for some devices, foot spas and foot massagers are not the same. A spa will typically involve immersing your feet in the water, and there may be heated elements, rollers, and more. A foot massager has a heated function that tends to tired feet with a massage or kneading motions while not necessarily using water.
Are all foot spas heated?

Not all foot spas have heating elements. Some can help maintain the heat of the water and others can actually be activated to warm the water up. Be sure to determine if your foot spa actually increases the temperature. And some basic foot spas don't heat the water or maintain its temperature.
Can you add epsom salt to foot spas?

It's always best to read the manual that comes with your foot spa. For some of the simpler designs, especially those that don't have any jets, it's okay to add Epsom salt or soothing essential oils to the water. However, excessive amounts of products or build-up can interfere with the efficiency of some foot spa jets. "While salt does provide general soothing, it can also dry out the skin, so use with caution if this is part of a regular routine. Adding oil to the bath can keep feet from drying out," suggests Dr. Damian Roussel, DPM and FACFAS, a board-certified podiatrist at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics. Dr. Jackie Sutera, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and member of the Vionic Innovation Lab, shares some of the reasons why adding epsom salts may be beneficial to your soaking experience. "Use your favorite salt and/or oil for all the benefits known such as relaxation, anti microbial, to reduce swelling and just overall treat for yourself!"
What are the benefits of using a foot spa?

According to Dr. Sutera, the benefits of using a foot spa are many. "Relaxation, avoiding crowded nail salons, prevention of contagious infections like fungus, warts and bacteria. Most are affordable, easy to use and maintain in the comfort of your home," she says.
"The jets, heat, and vibration of these machines can help by soothing mild aches, increasing circulation, and just providing comfort and relaxation," she continues.
How often should you use a foot spa?

You can use a foot spa as often as you would like, according to Dr. Sutera. "Daily use can't hurt but most people will use it weekly or even biweekly," she says.
She shares some tips on getting the most out of your foot spa. "Make sure the water isn't too hot. Make sure you dry your feet and in between toes well and clean the spa after each use (check the package insert for cleaning instructions which can vary from machine to machine)."
She continues, "I also caution the use of foot spas if you are diabetic, have neuropathy, have poor circulation, open wounds or any infection. In these cases, you should seek treatment and advice from your podiatrist."

This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She's also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product round-ups, interviews with experts, and more.

Before conducting testing, she scoured brand and retailer websites and considered price, verified customer reviews, features, and design when selecting the foot spas to test. She also did thorough research on the options available to determine the best for different people of different ages and with different needs.

To select the best foot spas, Fields also consulted with medical experts in the field. Dr. Jackie Sutera, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and member of the Vionic Innovation Lab. Dr. Damian Roussel, DPM and FACFAS, is a board-certified podiatrist at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics.