As former college athletes, runners, mountain bikers, skiers, golfers, equestrians, and general exercise enthusiasts, our team has experienced quite a lot of back pain over the years. It comes with the territory, and sadly seems to get worse the more we age.
The best inversion tables on our list below have permanent residence in our office. Our testing studio is downstairs, but we keep these tables as close as possible because we often “hang out” on them during breaks.
Like a fitness routine, consistency is important in recovery, too. Although we regularly invert for only a few minutes at a time, we do so to reap the maximum benefits of inversion therapy. If you’re here, you probably have back pain, so let us help you find the best inversion table.
Our top three choices are clear and obvious winners, frankly, because they’re that good.
Best Inversion Tables of 2025 – Our Experts’ Top Picks
Keep reading to learn about each of these inversion tables below.
Teeter FitSpine LX9
Best Inversion Table
- UL tested and certified to the highest industry standards
- 300 lb weight limit
- Supports people 4’8” up to 6’6”
- Included boarding platform
- FDA registered as a 510(k) medical device
- EZ angle tether strap
- EZ ankle locking system
- Folds
- Larger footprint with boarding platform
- A little pricier than others, but worth it
The features that set it apart from the X3 make the LX9 easier to use. You’ll find the boarding platform, storage caddy, and an easier folding mechanism. These all allow for easier and quicker use of the table while also making it a more comfortable experience.
The LX9 also comes with a measured and marked angle tether that lets you set your desired angle with 20, 40, and 60-degree markings.
You’ll also find the best ankle support system on the market—bar none. It is called the Deluxe EZ-Reach Ankle System. It has a micro-adjusting ratchet mechanism that fastens the comfortable ankle cuffs around your ankles. All this is controlled with a lever with a palm-activated button on the top, making it incredibly easy to fasten and unfasten without bending over.
Apart from features, another aspect that makes this the best is the company that backs the LX9. When people think of inversion tables, most people think of Teeter.
Most people think of Teeter not only because the founder’s name is perfect for a machine that teeters you back and forth but also because Teeter was the company that pioneered the modern-day inversion table way back in 1981 after suffering from debilitating back pain. As an engineer, Roger Teeter then set out to build the best-quality inversion tables for back pain—and we think that is what Teeter has done.
We rate the Teeter FitSpine LX9 as our top-rated inversion table for 2025 because of Teeter’s commitment to quality and durability. The Teeter FitSpine series is independently certified by the industry’s highest UL safety standards.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Teeter FitSpine LX9.
Interested in the Teeter FitSpine LX9?
Teeter FitSpine X3
Best Inversion Table Runner-Up
- Includes EZ-reach ankle system
- FDA cleared as a 510(k) medical device
- 11-gauge steel heat-treated steel frame
- FlexTech 8-point suspension bed
- UL safety tested and certified
- Folds
- Fairly heavy
- Fairly large, even when folded
The FitSpine X3 has a comfortable specialized suspension bed, EZ-Stretch traction handles, Deluxe EZ-Reach ankle system, EZ-Angle tether, and oversized Stretch Max Handles. All of these features make the X3 more comfortable and more effective in helping you with your pain. Giving options for better angles and better stretches on top of the already beneficial inversion therapy.
The X3’s ankle support system is just like the LX9 and is one of the most secure and most comfortable that we’ve ever used. It is very adjustable especially since the rotating foot pads were added which allows for a unique height adjustment.
With the X3, you’re still getting a product that has been through extensive UL testing, which led to its passing and certification as safe. It also got the FDA’s approval to classify it as a safe and effective 510(k) medical device. No other brand on the market can say the same thing.
X3 vs. LX9
The Teeter FitSpine X3 is just as functional and effective as the LX9, but it does lack some features. What it does have is the amazing EZ-Reach Ankle System, FlexBed, EZ-Angle Tether, and EZ-Stretch Traction Handles.
However, it doesn’t come with the storage caddy or boarding platform, which both make using and storing the inversion table easier. Everything else is the same.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Teeter FitSpine X3.
Interested in the Teeter FitSpine X3?
Teeter FitSpine X1
Best Adjustable Inversion Table
- UL-certified
- FDA approved 510(k) medical device
- Thick heat-treated 11-gauge steel
- FlexTech 8-point suspension bed
- Padded ankle supports
- Folds
- Have to bend forward to adjust ankle supports
- Fairly heavy
The X1 uses a pin system to secure your ankles in its super comfy ankle cuffs. It comes with acupressure nodes, a lumbar bridge, and one of the best beds found on inversion tables. Like the other Teeter Inversion Tables, it is very adjustable and can work for a wide range of heights.
The FlexTech 8-Pt floating suspension system gives you flexibility when inverting without hindering the decompression effect. It also has spaces and gaps through the bed’s face to attach the eight included acupressure nodes.
There are so many spaces, which gives you complete control of the placement of the acupressure nodes.
X1 vs X3
The Teeter FitSpine X1 provides the same high-quality inversion therapy as the X3 but with fewer bells and whistles that make the machine easier to use. The X1 doesn’t come with the EZ-Reach Ankle System, EZ-Angle Tether, and EZ-Stretch Traction Handles.
So, if you don’t want those features but still want an amazing inversion table, this would be a great choice.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Teeter FitSpine X1.
Interested in the Teeter FitSpine X1?
Innova ITM5900
Best Inversion Table With Heat
- Easy to set angles of inversion
- 300 lb weight limit
- 6’6” height limit
- Convenient ankle support system
- Doesn’t fold
- Ankle cuffs might not adjust small enough
The Innova ITM5900 is our number four pick in the best inversion tables for the 2025 lineup. It features a unique 6-pin locking system, a two-way adjustment system, and a vertical heat and massage pad. It also comes with a True Balance system that helps you find a well-balanced tipping point that can be controlled by extending your arms.
The ITM5900 is built using a robust steel frame designed to hold users up to 300 pounds. It also has a lever-activated ankle lock system that keeps you comfortably in place while you’re inverting and can be activated without bending over very far. This inversion table has a heavy-duty build, which is what you need when inverting.
If you’re looking for an inversion table that offers a bit more features like heat and massage, then check out the Innova ITM5900.
Interested in the Innova ITM5900?
Innova ITX9600A
Best Budget inversion Table
- Affordable
- Six-pin system
- Fits a wide range of heights
- Surelock ratchet ankle system
- Hard to fold
- Half of the ankle locks are foam rollers
The Innova ITX9600A has a few unique features that make it a good choice for an inversion table. It is inexpensive and has a specialized angle system. The 6-pin angle system lets you preset what angle you’re comfortable with.
So as a beginner, if you want to try a 15-degree incline, it’s as easy as screwing the locking pin into the designated slot.
The bed has a foam covering that makes inverting comfortable. Included with the Innova ITX9600A also comes a lumbar pillow that can help take some of the pressure off of your lower back. The ankle support system is adjustable for 4’10” people to someone who is 6’6”. This huge range allows it to fit all sorts of users. And with a 300-pound weight capacity, you can be sure that this inversion table will fit you.
If you’re looking to save on an inversion table, this is one to check out. The Innova ITX9600A is what we consider to be the best budget inversion table, and it is available on Amazon.
Interested in the Innova ITX9600A?
Body Vision IT9825
Best Folding Inversion Table
- Foldaway backrest
- Transport wheels
- Three-pin angle system
- Well-priced
- Limited features
- Older ankle support technology
- Only a 250-lb limit
One of the strengths is that the Body Vision IT9825 will fold almost completely flat which is a plus when you’re tight on space or you don’t want your living room looking like a gym.
It has a comfortable backrest with a headrest pillow and adjustable lumbar support. Both of those are attached using a velcro strap.
This inversion table has an interesting design in that it can only go 1 of four angles: 20, 40, 60, or 90 degrees, which are all preset before you invert.
The ankle supports are an older design but are still functional. They consist of foam rollers that secure your ankles instead of using an ankle cuff support system as the Teeter models do. It still works great and it’ll keep you from falling out but it most likely won’t be as comfortable as the others. Check this one out if you’re looking for the best folding inversion table.
Interested in the Body Vision IT9825?
Teeter EP-560
Best Compact Inversion Table
- Affordable
- UL-certified
- FDA-registered
- 300-lb limit
- For heights 4’8”-6’6”
- Folds
- Fairly heavy
- Have to bend forward to adjust ankle supports
We recommend checking out this inversion table if you want a cheaper alternative to Teeter’s top three tables. This one is available on Amazon for purchase.
We like that the bed offers some flexion to move with you when you’re inverted and stretching. The handles also help provide support with balance and stretching when you need it. The adjustable lumbar support and acupressure nodes allow you to remove and place them wherever you need tension relief. The design also folds up and can handle up to 300 lbs, like the inversion tables from Teeter.
The padded cups around the ankles allow for comfort and stability when inverting the Teeter EP-560. You do have to bend over to reach the adjustment knob to tighten and loosen to ankle supports, though.
Interested in the Teeter EP-560?
Benefits of Inversion Therapy
Safety precautions for all users of inversion tables: There are many benefits to using an inversion table, but it’s always a good idea to check with a qualified and licensed health professional before you use an inversion table.
This is especially true if you have any health issues. It’s also a good idea to have another person with you as you enjoy your inversion therapy.
Also, make sure you read the documentation that comes with your inversion table, as it has helpful information as to the function of the machine as well as precautions and warnings that’ll keep you safe.
Alleviates Back Pain
Inversion tables function on the principles of inversion therapy. As you’re inverted, the effects of gravity are taken off of the spine, allowing it to decompress. Upon decompression, the spinal disc undergoes a fluid exchange that can lead to disc rejuvenation and renewal.
Toxins are flushed from the disc as new fluid floods it. This leads to more cushion between each vertebra as well as available space between the facet joint and nerve roots.
Some studies support that those who suffer from back pain are more likely to get better if they perform inversion therapy.
For instance, one study found that surgery was avoided in 76.9% of patients from a randomized control group who used inversion therapy and physiotherapy who were awaiting surgery for pure lumbar discogenic disease. It was only avoided by 22.2% of patients in the control group who didn’t receive inversion therapy, only physiotherapy.
It’s important to always confirm that inversion therapy is right for you with your doctor before trying, however.
Joint Pain Relief
Sometimes joints tend to experience stress after heavy workout sessions. This is where inversion therapy helps reduce the build-up of excess stress on the joints. Hanging upside down elongates and stretches the muscles surrounding the joint area, thereby eventually reducing the pain.
Moreover, there may be potential misalignment caused due to one-sided activities like tennis. Inversion therapy eventually corrects any miss alignments that may have occurred. Also, people with arthritis can incorporate this therapy into their daily routine for a reduction in joint pain.
Joint and Muscle Pain Relief
There are many reasons for joint and muscle pain. They can happen when you exercise too much or too little. Even your desk job can wreak havoc on your back, causing the overcompensation of certain back muscles, eventually resulting in muscle spasms.
The way inversion tables help issues like these is that when you do a normal stretch, you experience a neural reflex arc that protects you from muscle tears and over-extension. This arc takes up to a minute to release, and that’s when the real stretch begins.
With an inversion table, you normally invert for 2-5 minutes (more than that can result in spikes of intraocular, intracranial, and blood pressure).
This allows the neural reflex arc to release the protective muscle contraction and initiate a good, deep stretch. There are many ways to stretch your back, but an inversion table stretches some of your least complying muscular groups like your traps or erector spinal muscle. You even get a pretty good stretch in your abs and legs.
In terms of joint health, a good inversion table will take the pressure off of your knee joints and give you some relief.
Improves Blood Circulation
As we go about our day-to-day lives, gravity puts constant pressure on us in a downward direction. This eventually leads to a compression of our skeleton, but it mainly affects our spinal column.
By inverting (flipping upside down), you’re using gravity to stretch you out and decompress what it compressed in the first place. Inversion therapy causes your muscles to stretch and relax. Tight muscles can inhibit optimum blood circulation. Blood is still going where it needs to go, but not as efficiently as it could.
By relaxing those muscles, you’re taking the pressure off and straining off all those capillaries, arterioles, veins, and arteries. This makes it easier for the blood to get around. Better circulation is always a good thing.
Finding the Perfect Inversion Table: Features to Consider
Construction Quality
Not all inversion tables are considered equal. Just because it does the same thing doesn’t mean it’s made out of the same stuff. When buying an inversion table, it’s important to make sure it was built using high-quality materials and by expert craftsmen. Inversion tables that use low-quality materials can result in serious injury while inverting.
In terms of padding, there are a couple of different arguments. Some say that padding is a must for people with sore backs and is one of the necessary additions you should look for. The other side argues that padding actually inhibits spinal decompression because the foam cradles your body instead of letting it stretch.
Both arguments make sense, so it comes down to your preference. However, something to keep in mind is that there are beds that don’t include foam but are just as comfortable as their foam counterparts (like Teeter).
Stability
Tables that wobble are ones you don’t want to be on. Stability is key when you’re hanging upside down. All of the tables we’ve listed will be stable (assuming they’re assembled correctly and without manufacturer defects).
High-end Features
While investing a good amount in inversion tables, users should look for at least some of the features like a comfortable bed, angle tethers and high-quality ankle supports, an inversion pin locking system etc.
Height & Weight Limit
Inversion tables have height and weight limits. Make sure you are within those limits before you purchase one. A lot of tables out there support a height range from 4’8” to 6’6″ and a body weight between 250 lbs to 350 lbs.
Warranty Period
Regular usage of the inversion table will undoubtedly wear out the table with time. However, products that have long warranty coverage generally communicate that the product will last longer than those with a year warranty.
Think if a crappy product were given a 5-year warranty. The company would go bankrupt, fixing its product time and time again. Therefore, a longer warranty generally means that there is a significantly smaller chance of breakdown or defect. In essence, the warranty protects you and the manufacturer.
Company
One of the most important things a buyer should consider while buying an inversion table is the company. While you look at reviews the of inversion tables pay attention to what previous/current customers are saying. A lot of times this can give you a few clues into how reputable the company is and if they resolve any customer issues.
References Cited
Frequently Asked Questions
Do inversion tables help with neck pain?
Yes, inversion tables can be used to help with neck pain. Just like they help alleviate pressure on the spine, they can do this for the neck as well. An inversion table can especially help relieve pain in your deck if the vertebrae in your neck are compressed.
When should you not use an inversion table?
Inversion tables hang you upside down, which causes more blood flow and pressure to go towards your head. People who have hypertension and circulation disorders shouldn’t use inversion tables. Extra pressure will also go towards your eyes, so those with glaucoma or problems with retinal detachment should avoid inversion tables as well.
How long should you use an inversion table?
You should only use your inversion table for a few minutes at a time. When you first start out, only a couple of minutes or even just one minute might be long enough. You should only use your inversion table for a maximum of up to five minutes at a time.
