The 3 Best Inversion Tables of 2024 for Reducing Back Pain

Inversion Table with Adjustable Headrest — PEOPLE/LETICIA ALMEIDA

Back pain is, for many of us, an unfortunate side effect of getting older. Thankfully, there are a number of ways you can cope with back pain — we don't recommend ignoring it — but many people turn to physical therapy to help lessen the sting of back pain. One tool in a physical therapist's toolbox is an inversion table. You can also buy one for your home!

Inversion tables help reduce back pain by flipping you upside down and lessening the force of gravity on the disks in your spine. It's akin to a good stretch, and it can provide immediate relief for some people and help you to stand up taller. PEOPLE tested 10 inversion tables, and we found the top three inversion tables to help relieve back pain.

Here are the best inversion tables that PEOPLE tested.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Teeter EP-560 Inversion Table at Amazon ($249)

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Best Value:

Innova ITX9600 Inversion Table at Amazon ($125)

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Best Portable:

Skybike Mini Inversion Table at Amazon ($90)

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Best Overall

Teeter EP-560 Inversion Table

Amazon

View On Amazon $249

Our Ratings

Setup

4.9/5
Design

4.9/5
Ease of Use

4.9/5
Value

4.5/5

Pros

Assembling the Teeter EP-560 was a breeze; it took us only 15 minutes to set up.
The cushioning under the head makes this table super comfortable to lie on.
It's easy to use and safe to fully invert.

Cons

It is a little bulky to store compared to the other options.

The Teeter EP-560 inversion table in one word: easy. It comes mostly pre-assembled, and what you have to set up on your own is intuitive and pretty much impossible to do incorrectly. Unlike some of the other tables we tested that took hours to build, the Teeter only took 15 minutes.

Once built, it's simple to use. Rather than using a lock and pin to adjust the angle of inversion (like many inversion tables, this Teeter uses a strap, so you can easily select your precise inversion degree. It also doesn't flip too quickly, avoiding the dizzy-head rush that can sometimes happen. The ankle straps and clever design also made us feel safe using this table alone.

While inverted, it's also quite comfortable. There's generous cushioning under the head (which also keeps your spine aligned) and the rest of the table is solid and supportive. It also has nodules to target specific pressure points in your back that can be moved around to meet your needs.

One downside is that it's a bit bulky to fold and store, and it's a little heavy as well. While the assembly is simple, it does require two people. Overall, if you're looking for a sturdy, versatile, and effective inversion table that's easy to set up, you can't go wrong with this one.

Weight: 58.2 lbs. | Dimensions: 48.5 x 30 x 8.9 inches | Height Range: 4'8" to 6'6" | Weight Max: 300 lbs.

Best Value

Innova ITX9600 Inversion Table

Amazon

View On Amazon $125 View On Walmart $125

Our Ratings

Setup

4.5/5
Design

4/5
Ease of Use

3.5/5
Value

4/5

Pros

This table is a good, basic inversion table option.
It's fairly simple to set up — we were able to set it up quicker than most other tables we tested.
The ankle straps felt super sturdy and secure.

Cons

It flips you over really fast — like, really fast — and may shock you if you're not expecting it.

For those looking for a simple, no-frills, cost-effective inversion table, the Innova is a great choice. Assembly took about 30 to 45 minutes — quicker than many of the tables we built — and was relatively straightforward as well. Once assembled, the table was easy to use, and we felt well-strapped in while inverted. The headrest and backrest are comfortable, and the ankle straps felt very secure (the sturdiness of the ankle straps was probably the standout feature of this table).

Just be aware that when you invert, the table pretty much whips you backward, so it's important to hold on. One tester said the inversion is so jarring that "it would be a shock to your system if you had never used an inversion table before and were attempting for the first time on this one."

The Innova is a good choice for experienced inversion table users looking for an affordable option. Just be aware that the inversion experience is less subtle than other models.

Weight: 58 lbs. | Dimensions: 46 x 28 x 63 inches | Height Range: 4'10" - 6'6" | Weight Max: 300 lbs.

Best Portable

Skybike Mini Inversion Table

Amazon

View On Amazon $90

Our Ratings

Setup

5/5
Design

5/5
Ease of Use

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

It's super comfortable to get on and off of because it's used on the floor rather than on a table.
It's easy to use and get started with, and there was very little learning curve for use.
The lightweight design makes it easy to move around from room to room.

Cons

It doesn't actually fully invert you, it just provides a similar stretch.

If you're tight on space or unsure inversion tables, the Skyline Mini is an ideal option. It takes up very little space, and it comes assembled right out of the box.

We found this one really comfortable to get on and off of because you use it on the floor (rather than having to invert your whole body on a table). This also made it feel safe — if for some reason you did fall off, you wouldn't fall far. The foam rollers help you get an effective upper back stretch (not a full inversion), so we didn't mind hanging out in the inverted position on this table for a while.

While it doesn't fold up, you don't really need it to: It's compact, lightweight, and easy to carry and store. We don't say this often at PEOPLE Tested, but we wouldn't change anything about this table. It was effective and comfortable and a moderate size that would fit in most homes.

Weight: 7 lbs. | Dimensions: 17.5 x 17 x 16.5 inches | Height Range: No limit | Weight Max: 300 lbs.

Things to Consider Before Buying an Inversion Table

Size

How much room do you have for a table? Will you keep it out, or store it? These are important questions to ask yourself before purchasing an inversion table. If you're tight on space, you might consider a portable one, like the Skybike Mini.

Height and Weight Limits

Every inversion table has different height and weight maxes and minimums, so make sure to read the product's description before purchasing. Most of the inversion tables that we tested were rated to hold up weight up to 300 lbs., and height up to 6 feet, 6 inches tall.

Assembly Requirements

Be forewarned: Some models take a very long time to put together, or you may need an extra set of hands! This is an important thing to consider when choosing an inversion table, as some really do need two people. If you're looking for a table that's very simple to set up and can be done by one person, then the Teeter EP-560 is a great choice (it comes mostly assembled and took us only 15 minutes to set up!).

How We Tested

Our team at PEOPLE Tested tried out the top 10 inversion tables on the market to see which ones were most helpful for easing back pain.

Assembly: We evaluated how easy they were to assemble, whether they fit a wide variety of body shapes and types, and how easy they were to use.
Evaluation: After assembling them and strapping in, we looked to see how safe we felt in the inverted position, how durable it was when weight was dropped on it, and how easy it was to fold, move, and store the table. Lastly, we evaluated whether we thought it was a good value.
Rating: Once the testing period was complete, we rated each inversion table on a one to five scale against the following attributes: ease of setup, design, ease of use, and overall value. The options with the highest average ratings earned a spot on this PEOPLE-Tested list of the best inversion tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you hang upside down on an inversion table?

To prepare for a complete upside-down inversion, start by acclimating to more moderate positions for up to one minute at a time over several days. Once you're comfortable in a full upside-down position, only remain there for a maximum of a few minutes to avoid dizziness or head pain. Before using an inversion table, check with your doctor to confirm that you don't have any underlying conditions that might be aggravated by hanging upside down (such as high blood pressure or heart conditions).
What angle is best for an inversion table?

Choosing the right angle for an inversion table depends on a person's health status, age, and experience with inversions. The best inversion tables offer several angles so you can start gradually and work your way up to a comfortable inversion. An angle of 10 to 30 degrees is usually an appropriate place to start. Over time, users may work up to an angle of 60 degrees or more for short periods.
How safe and comfortable are inversion tables?

Most people find inversion tables comfortable and completely secure. When hanging at higher angles or upside down, some may experience pressure on their ankles due to the locking mechanisms, but this can often be alleviated by wearing shoes and socks or padded boots. High-quality inversion tables are quite secure as long as you use all of the included safety components.
Are inversion tables easy to adjust?

Yes, inversion tables are easy to adjust. Each model has its own adjustment system — most use heavy-duty pins to lock angle and height settings in place.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Sara Gaynes Levy is a freelance writer for PEOPLE with experience covering home goods, outdoor products, and general health reporting. For this story, Sara consulted extensive testing insights provided by our PEOPLE Tested labs, which included notes from testers of different sizes, ages, and genders. This story was most recently updated by staff writer Cai Cramer, who has years of experience writing about health and fitness equipment.

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