Synca CirC+ vs Hisho: Which Massage Chair Is Best?
Estimated read time: 4 minutes
A massage chair is one of those purchases where the difference between two models isn't always obvious from a photo. They both recline. They both massage. So why does one cost nearly twice the other?
Having sold hundreds of Synca massage chairs across Australia, we can tell you the difference matters — and it comes down to what kind of massage you're actually looking for. The CirC+ and Hisho are built for two very different people, and this guide will make that clear so you can invest with confidence.
The Quick Comparison
| Feature | Synca CirC+ | Synca Hisho |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,999 (RRP $3,499) | $3,699 (RRP $4,999) |
| Massage Track | SL-Track | Extended SL-Track |
| Roller Type | Quad Roller | Quad Roller (2D) |
| Massage Coverage | Back, glutes, legs | Neck, shoulders, back, glutes, arms, calves, knees, feet |
| Air Compression | No | Yes — shoulders, arms, hips, calves, feet (14 airbags) |
| Foot Rollers | No | Yes — reflexology kneading rollers |
| Heat Therapy | Lower back and legs | Lumbar (carbon fibre heaters) |
| Zero Gravity | Yes | Yes |
| Massage Techniques | Multiple (via 8 auto programs) | 7 techniques (kneading, knocking, shiatsu, tapping, sync, rubbing + compression) |
| Auto Programs | 8 (incl. Energise, Relax, Sleep) | 6 (incl. Full Body, Boost, Recovery) |
| Body Scan | No | Yes — maps spine length and curvature |
| Remote | Wireless | Wired (simple 6-button layout) |
| Max User Weight | 120 kg (264 lbs) | 136 kg (300 lbs) |
| Max User Height | — | Up to 6'3" (190 cm) with extendable footrest |
| Wall Clearance Needed | Standard recline | Zero-wall: only 10 cm (4") behind the chair |
| Upright Dimensions | 107 × 60 × 92 cm | 114 × 71 × 145 cm |
| Product Weight | 47 kg | ~80 kg |
| Warranty (Motor) | 5 years | 3 years (frame, parts, labour) |
| Design | Japanese "Shibui" — looks like an accent chair | Full-size massage chair — black or brown synthetic leather |
Synca CirC+ — The One That Doesn't Look Like a Massage Chair
The CirC+ is designed around a deceptively simple idea: hide a serious massage robot inside a chair that looks like it belongs in a design magazine. Synca calls it Japanese "Shibui" design — understated, elegant, nothing wasted. At a glance, most people just see a stylish accent chair. They don't expect what happens when they sit down and press the remote.
The SL-Track system runs quad rollers from your upper back through to your glutes and legs, delivering deep-tissue kneading that genuinely surprises people given the chair's compact size. The rollers are the same quad-roller technology used in full-size massage chairs, so the massage quality isn't watered down — you're getting real pressure, real coverage, and real relief.
Heat therapy targets the lower back and legs, and the zero-gravity recline tilts you into the NASA-developed position that takes all pressure off your lower vertebrae. It's the position chiropractors recommend as the healthiest way to sit, and when combined with a deep kneading massage, the tension release is immediate.
With 8 auto programs including Energise (morning pick-me-up), Relax (end-of-day unwind), and Sleep (designed to help you drift off), the CirC+ covers a wide range of use cases without any complexity. The wireless remote keeps things clean and simple.
At just 47 kg and with upright dimensions of roughly 107 × 60 cm, it fits into spaces where a full-size massage chair simply wouldn't work — a bedroom, a home office, even a living room where aesthetics matter.
Best for: Anyone who wants a genuine deep-tissue massage in a compact, furniture-grade package. Ideal for apartments, living rooms, offices, and people who don't want a chair that screams "massage chair."
Synca Hisho — The Full-Body Experience, Head to Toe
The Hisho is what happens when you stop compromising on coverage. Where the CirC+ focuses on your back and glutes, the Hisho massages everything — neck, shoulders, back, glutes, arms, hips, calves, knees, and the soles of your feet. It's a fundamentally different experience.
The extended SL-Track system follows the natural curvature of your spine from the base of your neck all the way down and underneath the seat to reach your glutes. Synca engineered the track to curve inward at specific angles near the neck and lumbar region, which means the rollers maintain deep, consistent pressure through every contour of your back rather than losing contact on curves.
On top of the roller system, the Hisho wraps your entire body in air compression therapy via 14 strategically placed airbags. These inflate and deflate rhythmically around your shoulders, arms, hips, calves, and feet — mimicking the squeezing pressure of a professional masseuse. The unique high-rise calf airbags even extend coverage up to the knees, which is unusual at this price point.
The reflexology foot rollers are the other major upgrade. Built into the footrest, they deliver a deep kneading massage to the arches and soles of your feet — the kind that relieves the ache of a long day on your feet. The open-style footrest design makes it easy to get your legs in and out, unlike closed-toe designs on some competing chairs.
The Hisho also includes body scan technology that measures the length and curvature of your spine before each session, automatically adjusting the roller positions to fit your specific body. This means every person in the household gets a massage calibrated to their frame, not a one-size-fits-all pattern.
With 7 massage techniques — kneading, knocking, sync, tapping, shiatsu, rubbing, and compression — and 6 auto programs, the Hisho covers everything from gentle relaxation to deep-tissue recovery. The controller is deliberately simple: a power button and six program buttons. No menus, no sub-menus, no scrolling. Press a button and you're getting a massage.
One practical detail worth mentioning: the Hisho's zero-wall design means it needs only 10 cm of clearance behind the chair to fully recline. Most massage chairs need 30 cm or more. If space matters, this is a significant advantage — you can place it almost flush against a wall.
The extendable footrest accommodates users up to 6'3" (190 cm), and the max user weight is 136 kg — more generous than the CirC+.
Best for: Anyone who wants a complete, head-to-toe massage with air compression, foot reflexology, and body-scanning personalisation. Ideal for recovery after training, chronic tension and soreness, couples or families who'll share it, and anyone who wants the closest thing to a professional massage at home.
So, Which One Should You Buy?
"I want a massage chair that fits in my living room without looking like one" → CirC+. Japanese design, compact footprint, genuine deep-tissue quality in a chair your guests won't even recognise as a massage chair.
"I want the most complete massage possible at home" → Hisho. Full-body air compression, foot reflexology rollers, body scan, 7 massage techniques, and coverage from your neck to your toes.
"I'm mainly dealing with back and shoulder tension" → CirC+. The SL-Track quad rollers are excellent for focused back and glute relief, and the heat therapy adds genuine therapeutic value.
"I'm on my feet all day and my legs ache" → Hisho. The calf airbags, knee coverage, and reflexology foot rollers specifically target lower-body fatigue — a feature the CirC+ doesn't have.
"I'm over 120 kg or taller than average" → Hisho. Higher weight capacity (136 kg vs 120 kg), extendable footrest for users up to 6'3", and a more spacious overall frame.
"Budget is a factor" → CirC+. At nearly half the price of the Hisho, it delivers remarkable massage quality for the investment. It's the most affordable way to get genuine SL-Track quad-roller technology at home.
Both Are Made by Synca Wellness — Built by Johnson Health Tech
Synca Wellness is part of the Johnson Health Tech family — the same company behind Matrix, Horizon, and Schwinn, and the same manufacturer that supplies commercial gym equipment to Snap Fitness, REVO, and BFT across Australia. Both chairs come with Australian warranty support and free metro shipping on all brand new massage chairs.
Try Them in Person
The best way to decide is to sit in both. Visit our showrooms in Dandenong South (VIC) or Wynyard, Sydney (NSW), or call us on 0438 081 696 for a personalised recommendation.
Browse All Synca Massage Chairs →
All prices shown are current at time of publishing and may vary during promotional periods. Check each product page for the latest pricing and availability.