Head-to-Head Comparison
HoMedics Smart Space Elite vs Brookstone Aqua-Jet: Which Foot Spa Is Best?
Both are excellent premium foot spas with maintained heat, but they serve different priorities. The HoMedics wins for most families with its collapsible storage design, while the Brookstone offers deeper motorized massage for those with dedicated storage space.
Winner
HoMedics
Smart Space Elite Footbath with Heat Boost
8.3
$90VS
Brookstone
Aqua-Jet Heated Foot Spa Massager
8.2
$120R3 Research Verdict
Both are excellent premium foot spas with maintained heat, but they serve different priorities. The HoMedics wins for most families with its collapsible storage design, while the Brookstone offers deeper motorized massage for those with dedicated storage space.
Updated Jan 26, 20266 attributes comparedBy R3 Research Team
The HoMedics Takes It for Most Families
Research-backed recommendation
For most families, the HoMedics Smart Space Elite is the smarter choice. The collapsible design solves the real-world problem of where to store a foot spa, and the price difference can go toward quality foot care products.
However, if you have chronic foot pain like plantar fasciitis and want the deepest possible massage, the Brookstone's motorized shiatsu rollers deliver therapeutic intensity that fixed nodes cannot match. If you have a dedicated closet or cabinet for storage and massage intensity is your priority, the Brookstone premium is worthwhile.
Bottom line: Collapsible convenience and lower price make HoMedics the winner for most; massage enthusiasts with storage space should consider Brookstone.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Quick summary of each product's strengths and weaknesses
HoMedics
Smart Space Elite Footbath with Heat Boost
Winner
Pros
- Better Storage Design
- Better Price
- Better Weight
Cons
- Loses on Massage Type
- Loses on Basin Size
- Loses on Massage Intensity
Brookstone
Aqua-Jet Heated Foot Spa Massager
Pros
- Better Massage Type
- Better Basin Size
- Better Massage Intensity
Cons
- Loses on Storage Design
- Loses on Price
- Loses on Weight
Who Wins Each Category?
A quick breakdown of how these products compare head-to-head
Massage Type
Brookstone
Win
Brookstone rollers provide deeper massage
Storage Design
HoMedics
Win
HoMedics reduces storage by 60%
Price
HoMedics
Win
HoMedics is $30-40 less
Weight
HoMedics
Win
HoMedics easier to move and empty
Basin Size
Brookstone
Win
Brookstone holds more water
Massage Intensity
Brookstone
Win
Brookstone better for therapeutic use
Winner
Tie
Which One Is Right For You?
Personalized recommendations based on your priorities
Buy HoMedics If You...Winner
- Families with limited storage space
- Apartment and small home dwellers
- Users who prioritize portability
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting premium features
- Occasional to moderate foot spa users
Buy Brookstone If You...
- Users with chronic foot pain needing deep massage
- Homes with dedicated storage space
- Those who prioritize massage intensity over portability
- Users with larger feet (size 14+) needing bigger basin
- Therapeutic use for plantar fasciitis or arthritis
Head-to-Head Comparison
Detailed attribute-by-attribute breakdown
HoMedics
vs3
Brookstone
3
| Attribute | HoMedics | Brookstone | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massage Type Brookstone rollers provide deeper massage | Fixed nodes + bubbles + vibration | Motorized shiatsu rollers | Brookstone |
| Storage Design HoMedics reduces storage by 60% | Collapsible to 5 inches | Fixed 15 inch height | HoMedics |
| Price HoMedics is $30-40 less | $80-100 | $110-130 | HoMedics |
| Weight HoMedics easier to move and empty | 5.2 lbs | 7.2 lbs | HoMedics |
| Basin Size Brookstone holds more water | 2.0 gallons | 2.5 gallons | Brookstone |
| Massage Intensity Brookstone better for therapeutic use | Medium - Good for relaxation | High - Great for pain relief | Brookstone |
HoMedics
3 Wins
Brookstone
3 Wins
Massage Type
Brookstone
Fixed nodes + bubbles + vibration
Motorized shiatsu rollers
Brookstone rollers provide deeper massage
Storage Design
HoMedics
Collapsible to 5 inches
Fixed 15 inch height
HoMedics reduces storage by 60%
Price
HoMedics
$80-100
$110-130
HoMedics is $30-40 less
Weight
HoMedics
5.2 lbs
7.2 lbs
HoMedics easier to move and empty
Basin Size
Brookstone
2.0 gallons
2.5 gallons
Brookstone holds more water
Massage Intensity
Brookstone
Medium - Good for relaxation
High - Great for pain relief
Brookstone better for therapeutic use
$Price Analysis
HoMedics typically sells for $80-100 while Brookstone runs $110-130. The $30-40 savings with HoMedics can purchase Epsom salts for a year. Wait for Prime Day or Black Friday sales when both often drop 20-30%.
Best Time to Buy
Both products are available year-round, but best prices appear during Amazon Prime Day (July), Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. HoMedics frequently runs sales; Brookstone less often but with deeper discounts.
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Independent Research
No sponsored placements. Data-driven verdicts.
1,000+ data points
Updated January 26, 2026
R
R3 Research Team
•Evidence-Based Review BoardOur multidisciplinary team of researchers, parents, and medical advisors dedicated to finding the safest products for your family.
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