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The Best Zero-Gravity Chairs for Ultimate Relaxation

Their ergonomic designs are so comfortable, you’ll feel weightless.

A Zero Gravity Chair we recommend on a colorful background
Photo:

Real Simple / David Hattan

Zero-gravity chairs are extremely comfortable and perfect for lounging because they keep your body in a neutral position that makes you feel weightless. The best ones not only provide the proper support for your body, but they are also easy to adjust, recline smoothly, and lock into different positions. A padded headrest, padded armrests, and lumbar cushioning are must-haves, too.

To find the best zero-gravity chairs, we researched various options on the market while comparing their materials, size, weight capacity, and added features. We also spoke with Grant Radermacher, owner and chiropractor at Ascent Chiropractic, and John Gallucci, Jr., CEO of Jag-One Physical Therapy, for expert input. From oversized models that fit two adults to chairs with built-in canopies and cup holders, there’s a zero-gravity chair on this list that you’ll want to kick back and relax in.

What Stands Out
  • This pick is stylish, available in many colors, and has a high weight capacity.

What Could Be Improved
  • There’s no canopy or padded armrests.

The roomy and comfortable Phi Villa Oversize XL Padded Zero-Gravity Lounge Chair has plush seating, a removable padded headrest, and the ability to recline anywhere from zero to 170 degrees so you can relax comfortably.

A convenient detachable tray can accommodate two drinks and a phone or tablet, so you don’t need to worry about getting up every time you need a sip of water or want to check your texts. It has a weight capacity of 400 pounds, and the steel frame is sturdy and rust-resistant. To avoid the panic of falling backward, there’s a locking system for extra safety and peace of mind. 

This zero-gravity chair comes in several colors to match your existing outdoor decor. It’s even foldable and compact enough to store in a shed or garage without taking up too much space. And if you want to bring this chair to a beach, campsite, or lake, you can easily toss it in the trunk.

Dimensions: 35.4 by 30 by 44.9 inches | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Material: Alloy steel, padded polyester

What Stands Out
  • This affordable, comfortable chair has breathable fabric and a padded headrest.

What Could Be Improved
  • It only has a 200-pound weight capacity.

The Amazon Basics Zero-Gravity Folding Reclining Chair has the comfort of a high-quality option at a fraction of the cost. It has a removable padded headrest pillow and gently contoured arms that invite you to unwind. Even though it only has a 200-pound weight capacity and is suited to smaller and shorter people, it still has a lot of perks, especially considering its reasonable price.

The breathable, weather-resistant textilene seat is attached to the powder-coated steel frame with double-bungee supports, so you won’t feel as if you’ll rip through the seat. When folded, it takes up minimal space, and although there isn’t a carry handle, you can easily hold it by the frame if you want to take it on the go. It comes in navy blue, black, beige, and burgundy, and it arrives fully assembled and ready for you to sit back and relax.

Dimensions: 26 by 41.14–65.11 by 29.76–43 inches (adjustable) | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds | Material: Alloy steel, textilene fabric

What Stands Out
  • This chair has a plush full-length seat that makes it feel more like sitting on a mattress than a chair.

What Could Be Improved
  • The seat is fairly narrow.

The Lafuma Air Comfort Reclining Chair has a full-length mattress-style pad for plush, ergonomic support, making it ultra-comfortable—so much so that you might even doze off while relaxing. Though the material is thick and sturdy, it’s breathable and resists sticking to your thighs and back on a hot day. The alloy steel frame chair can recline but does not lay flat, and there’s a movable headrest that spans the entire width of the chair. 

This zero-gravity chair only weighs 18.1 pounds, so it’s easy to move around and carry. The manufacturer also provides a two-year warranty. While we love the additional padding on this chair, it does come at a higher price than our other selections and has a fairly narrow seat at 25.5 inches. If you need a chair with more space or a higher weight capacity, we recommend opting for another selection from our list.

Dimensions: 25.5 by 46 by 32.7 inches | Weight Capacity: 309 pounds | Material: Alloy steel, Batyline

What Stands Out
  • It has a 500-pound weight capacity and a detachable soft and comfy cushion.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s heavy and bulky, so it’s hard to move around.

The KINGBO Oversized Zero Gravity Chair is perfect for those who need a little extra room and support. Its larger size and high weight capacity make it a comfy option for users of all sizes. The chair has a sturdy alloy steel frame that won’t be blowing away in gusts of wind thanks to its 23-pound heft. The increased weight might, however, make it harder to transport for some people. 

The chair’s oversized design includes a wider-than-average seat and backrest, ergonomic armrests, and a double bungee support system that makes the chair feel all the more durable and stable. The reclining mechanism, operated by a simple ring-pull knob, allows you to easily find the best position for you. There’s also a moveable padded cushion that can be positioned at the head, neck, or lumbar region—wherever you feel you need the extra support.

While the alloy steel frame is black, you do have the option of either black or brown for the full-length chair cushion. It’s plush and has a durable and waterproof polyester cover specially designed for regular outdoor use; it can withstand rain and sun without fading or degrading.

Dimensions: 29 by 77 by 45 inches | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Material: Alloy steel, polyester

What Stands Out
  • Its two-in-one rocking and zero-gravity comfort and benefits.

What Could Be Improved
  • There’s no option to remove the rocking capability, and it doesn’t fold up for easy storage.

There’s no denying the comfort that comes from a rocking chair. This one from Outsunny is a two-in-one option that combines the soothing nature of a rocking chair with the added benefits of a zero-gravity chair. Despite this added feature, it’s even cheaper than some other similar zero-gravity chairs, but with a bowed frame that allows the chair to rock with your body movement.

To use, there’s no special trick, tip, or mechanism; simply sit down and lean back. Aside from the rocking base and a detachable pillow that stays in place with velcro, the chair doesn’t come with any added extras, which is reasonable for its low price. But it does have a durable, water-resistant, and breathable, linen fabric available in a choice of three colors. 

The chair can hold up to 265 pounds, and the thin armrests, which are basically part of the frame, have a slight padding so that they’re not uncomfortable. The base, again, a continuation of the frame, also has padding to keep your patio or outdoor flooring safe and scratch-free. Unfortunately, there is no lock that can convert the chair into a stationary one if you wanted to turn off the rocking feature for whatever reason. 

Dimensions: 56.75 by 24.75 by 33.1 inches | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Material: Steel, polyester

What Stands Out
  • This 42-inch-wide seat is designed to fit two people.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s only available in beige and doesn’t have a built-in cupholder.

The Caravan Canopy Zero Gravity Chair comfortably accommodates two people and is ideal for picnics, festivals, and beach trips. The seat is 42 inches wide and has two pillows, so each person can have their own. With an impressive weight capacity of 500 pounds and a durable, rust-resistant, iron phosphate powder-coated steel frame, you can lounge effortlessly and safely. 

The outdoor-grade, textilene mesh fabric is breathable so you don’t get too hot (even if you’re snuggled up) and is attached to the steel frame with a double-bungee rope to ensure it stays in place. The dual finger tip locking design makes it easy to recline and lock the chair, and unlock to bring it back up. It comes fully assembled so you can put it to use right away.

Unfortunately, it’s only available in this black frame and beige fabric option, so there’s not a lot of choice if you wanted to perfectly match it with your existing outdoor decor, although its design is pretty universal. We also feel that a cup holder (or perhaps two) would make it even more convenient.

Dimensions: 42 by 40.5 by 40 inches | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Material: Textilene fabric, alloy steel, iron

Goplus Zero Gravity Lounge Chair With Shade Canopy
PHOTO: Amazon
What Stands Out
  • This chair comes with additional accessories for a sunny day at the beach or lounging in the garden.

What Could Be Improved
  • The pillow could be a little softer.

This zero-gravity chair has all the features you need for ultimate comfort and convenience, along with a spacious 32-inch seat. The flexible overhead canopy is adjustable to keep you in the shade no matter how the sun is angled. The cup holder can be placed to your right or left, has two slots for drinks, and has another two spaces for your devices or reading materials. The footrest is also non-slip and ensures that the chair stays put. 

The breathable material wicks sweat away so you can stay cool, even on scorching summer days. This chair also has a removable pillow—albeit not the softest available—but you can adjust it in any position you like. The chair reclines and locks in your desired position and is one of the most lightweight options at just 18.5 pounds, making it a breeze to carry with you. We also appreciate that it’s available in five different colors, including bright hues and subtle neutrals.

Dimensions: 37 by 32 by 48 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Alloy steel, plastic mesh fabric

What Stands Out
  • It’s portable and has added cushioning for comfort.

What Could Be Improved
  • We wish it had a sun canopy.

If you’re an avid camper, the Syril Folding Zero Gravity Chair will keep you comfortable, relaxed, and cool, even on hot summer days. The polyester fabric is water-, fade-, and UV-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about it sitting in the outdoor elements. There are nine color options to choose from, too. This chair is easy to fold and transport, making it ideal for camping trips, picnics, or any outdoor adventure. 

The fabric has a double bungee system securing it to the chair’s durable powder-coated metal frame, giving it a 330-pound weight capacity. There are also ergonomically shaped armrests for added comfort that are padded and covered in a stylish tan faux leather. The reclining mechanism allows you to find your preferred position easily, and the locking system ensures you stay safe. 

It has an adjustable headrest that can be removed or adjusted to your preferred height, either at the head or the lower back, and a sturdy detachable tray with slots for two drinks, phones, and tablets. It folds down into a compact size, leaving plenty of room in the car for all your other camping gear. The only thing it’s missing is a good sun canopy. 

Dimensions: 33 by 30 by 35 inches | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Material: Metal, polyester

What Stands Out
  • The plethora of color choices and comfy padded seating.

What Could Be Improved
  • There’s no sun canopy.

The Best Choice Oversized Padded Zero Gravity Chair has plush padding running down the length of its weather-resistant polyester fabric, offering a cozy and comfortable sitting experience—so much so that you might even doze off while relaxing. The chair only weighs 20 pounds and folds down compactly (like a beach chair) so it is easy to transport and take with you on picnics or camping trips. 

Ramping up the comfort factor, the padding is designed to conform to the body, and there are also ergonomically shaped armrests. As one of the roomier single zero-gravity chairs around, it offers 29-inches of width and has a 300-pound capacity. The chair glides and locks into the desired positions effortlessly, and no assembly is required as it comes ready to use straight from the box.

The chair comes with a detachable tray table with slots for cups, electronic devices, and books, but there’s no sun canopy. It comes in an impressive array of 24 different colorways, with both bold and subtle options, so you can perfectly match the chair to your outdoor decor scheme or style preference.

Dimensions: 29 by 40 by 46 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Material: Polyester, steel

What Stands Out
  • These chairs come with removable cup holder trays to keep your beverages and devices nearby.

What Could Be Improved
  • The steel frame isn’t powder coated so could potentially rust if left outside uncovered.

This set of folding chairs from Arlmont & Co. is not only affordable but has many of the added perks we want in a quality zero-gravity chair. The mesh fabric is highly breathable but durable enough to accommodate up to 250 pounds. Each chair has its own side tray with two slots for drinks, plus two additional slots for books, magazines, or devices. 

These chairs also have a removable and adjustable headrest pillow you can move down to provide back support. The reclining knobs are conveniently located on the arms to tighten the chair, so you can easily lie down and get back up without strain. We like the range of color selections too; you can choose from black, brown, gray, navy, or red. The chairs are certified by the American National Standards Institute, which means they can be used as seating in public areas, and they come with a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.

Dimensions: 60.5 by 25.5 by 43 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Steel, mesh fabric

What Stands Out
  • Its high-quality construction and effortless mode switching.

What Could Be Improved
  • There’s not a whole lot of color options.

The super comfortable Freeform Zero Gravity Chair has a solid construction and comes at a reasonable price for what it offers. It has an innovative lever at the side that allows users to effortlessly lift the leg portion of the chair up, but you can also lean as far back as you want to get your desired position before locking it in place. 

The locking mechanism freezes the selected position securely, but the chair will also stop itself when you lean back so you’ll never have to worry about tipping over. You can’t lie all the way flat, however. Double bungees loop through the grommets in the material for added durability, and the chair is lightweight and easy to fold up for portability. 

Hanging down the side of the chair is a small pouch with two pockets made from the same fabric as the chair—these serve as holders for a drink and a phone. While this is not as sturdy as a plastic tray or a deep mesh pocket that some other chairs might have, it’s still a useful addition. The chairs come already folded up in the box and no assembly is required. 

Dimensions: 30.3 by 43.1 by 35 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Material: Nylon mesh, steel

What Stands Out
  • This set of affordable zero-gravity chairs has a handy detachable tray with cup holders and a comfy removable headrest.

What Could Be Improved
  • The chairs are not weatherproof.

If you want multiple zero-gravity chairs for your outdoor space, we recommend this affordable set from Best Choice Products. The chairs come in an impressive selection of 23 different colors, designs, and patterns to choose from, meaning you can find something that coordinates with your outdoor decor. Each chair also comes with a cup holder with slots for a phone, book, or tablet. 

The chairs can recline up to 160 degrees for maximum relaxation, while the headrest keeps you supported and comfortable. They are just 16.3 pounds each, so you can easily bring them on your next outdoor excursion. Unfortunately, the alloy steel frame is not weather resistant; so if you leave them outside all year, they may begin to rust. We recommend storing them away in a covered area when not in use.

Dimensions: 25 by 32.5 by 44 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Alloy steel, mesh fabric

Final Verdict

With its 400-pound weight capacity, plush seating, removable padded headrest, and detachable cup holder tray, the Phi Villa Oversized Padded Zero-Gravity Chair is our top pick. The chair can recline from zero to 170 degrees, and the padded fabric is durable, breathable, washable, and waterproof. If you want all the comfort of a zero-gravity chair on a tight budget, opt for the Amazon Basics Zero-Gravity Folding Reclining Lounge Chair—it doesn’t have many bonus features, but still gives you that weightless feeling. 

How to Shop for Zero-Gravity Chairs Like a Pro

Material

Zero-gravity chairs come in a variety of different materials, both for the frame and the seat fabric, each with its pros and cons. The frame is usually made from a sturdy material like steel or plastic, and the seat and back are typically some type of fabric, like mesh or polyester, sometimes with additional padding for extra comfort.

Frame Materials

Steel: This is a strong and durable material that can often support a greater weight capacity. The steel frames in zero-gravity chairs, whether plain steel or a steel alloy, are commonly powder coated to make them rust resistant as long as the coating isn’t scratched or damaged. It’s a little heavier than some other metal options, but this only adds to its sturdiness.

Aluminum: This is the most lightweight frame option, something that makes it super easy to transport whether you want to move it around the garden or take it with you on a picnic or camping. It’s also rust resistant. Since they’re so light, aluminum zero-gravity chairs don’t tend to have as much of a weight capacity as steel or wood options, and they could even bend under too much pressure. 

Iron: Iron is incredibly strong and durable (and attractive), making it an excellent choice for zero-gravity chairs that need to support a lot of weight and don’t need to be moved around a lot—these things are heavy! Iron frames are often treated to resist rust, but they can still experience corrosion if the coating is damaged. While it’s rare to find an entirely iron zero-gravity chair, there are some frames that have iron along with another metal, like steel (for example, the Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Loveseat).

Wood: Arguably the most aesthetically pleasing frame material, wooden zero-gravity chairs are heavy, durable, and sturdy, and they don’t have as much of a “temporary” look about them. If they’re well-maintained, they could last many, many years. Talking of maintenance, they do need quite a bit of looking after, i.e., a yearly weatherproof coating or oil to make sure they stay safe in all types of weather. 

Plastic: Plastic zero-gravity chairs are lightweight, weather- and rust-resistant, need very minimal maintenance—perhaps a rinse with the garden hose once in a while—and they’re less expensive than many other options. They’re not the prettiest option, however, and plastic can crack or chip with heavy use, but they can last a long time if treated properly.

Seat Fabric Materials

Textilene: This is a fabric commonly used for outdoor furniture, including zero-gravity chairs. It’s breathable, UV resistant, durable, and dries quickly. It doesn’t need any maintenance and doesn’t easily rip or tear. The fabric isn’t as soft as some other materials, and there’s not much of a texture variety, either. 

Polyester: Polyester is a soft and comfortable fabric, with many color, pattern, and texture options to suit your outdoor decor scheme and tastes. It’s inexpensive, but it isn't as durable as Textiline, for instance, and it can fade in the sun.

Mesh: This is the most breathable fabric you can find in a zero-gravity chair as it’s basically covered in lots of tiny holes, making it quick drying, too. Ideal for hot weather, mesh offers great ventilation, but it’s not known for being super comfy. Sometimes mesh is combined with other materials to increase its strength and comfort.

Olefin: This outdoor fabric has been designed to be resistant to moisture, mildew, and chemicals, making it a durable and long-lasting option for outdoor furniture use. It comes in many colorways and can even withstand harsh weather conditions. It’s often one of the most expensive fabrics, but it’s made to last.

Batyline: With many useful perks, like durability, UV resistance, and breathability, Batyline is a high-quality fabric made from PVC-coated polyester. It dries quickly and is resistant to mold and mildew. It is generally on the expensive side when it comes to outdoor fabrics and isn’t as soft as polyester.

Nylon: Nylon is an affordable, strong, elastic, and lightweight material that dries quickly and is resistant to scratching and tearing. It’s often used in outdoor furniture as it’s also resistant to mold and mildew. It’s less breathable than other fabrics meaning it might be a bit uncomfortable in those really hot months, and it could fade and degrade if left out in the sun.

If you intend to use your zero-gravity chair mostly outdoors, Radermacher says to look for one that's made of durable and weather-resistant materials, like a steel frame and UV-resistant mesh fabric.

Size and Weight Capacity

Most zero-gravity chairs come in the same or similar sizes, ranging from 60 to 80 inches in length and 24 to 40 inches wide. Weight capacities also vary, starting at 200 pounds and going up to 550 pounds. When selecting a zero-gravity chair, check the product specifications to make sure it can accommodate your body length and weight comfortably.

“Some zero-gravity chairs are designed for larger or taller people, while others are more suitable for smaller or shorter people," Radermacher says. "You should also measure the space you want to use it in and make sure that you have enough room to recline fully without hitting anything.”

You should also consider your strength and stability while shopping, according to Gallucci. “The chairs are essentially suspending you into a reclined position,” he says. “It can lock in the upright or reclined positions. When you want to recline, the chair will gently fall, and when you want to sit back up, you will use some strength from the lower legs and core to sit back upright, and the chair will gently come back to the upright position.” 

If you find it very difficult to get in and out of reclined chairs, Gallucci suggests an Adirondack chair or lawn chair with more stability.

Features

Some zero-gravity chairs have a bevy of added features like cup holders, tray tables, canopies, headrests, and added padding, which can further improve the comfort and convenience of your chair as you recline. 

Whether you’re taking your chair on a trip or using it at home, a canopy is a great feature to create some shade over your seating area. Other extras include rocking capabilities to further up the relaxation factor. Depending on your personal preferences, consider what add-ons might make for a more enjoyable experience in your zero-gravity chair.

Questions You Might Ask

What are the benefits of zero-gravity chairs?

Experts recommend zero-gravity chairs for their range of benefits. “They reduce stress on your spine and joints by aligning your body in a neutral posture, and improve circulation by elevating your legs above your heart level,” Radermacher says. “In addition, they relieve muscle tension by reducing the number of pressure points on your body and promote better breathing by opening up your chest and lungs.”

Since outdoor zero-gravity chairs don’t allow you to lay completely flat, the body's position when upright or reclined in this chair ensures that the hips and knees stay slightly flexed. “This positioning is more comfortable and preferred for those suffering from lower back pain or back issues,” Gallucci says. “An added benefit of a zero-gravity chair is that it helps to evenly distribute weight across the chair, which in turn reduces pressure on one's spine and helps with blood circulation.”

What is the difference between a zero-gravity and an anti-gravity chair?

You might see “zero-gravity” and “anti-gravity” used interchangeably to describe these outdoor chairs. “Both chairs offer similar mechanics and body positioning options, allowing for a comfortable upright or reclined position,” Gallucci says. 

“Zero-gravity chairs distribute your body weight to create the weightless sensation of an astronaut in space, hence the name zero-gravity,” Radermacher says. “So-called anti-gravity chairs are just a clever marketing attempt to rebrand zero-gravity chairs—there's no difference between the two.”

Do zero-gravity chairs lay flat?

Most zero-gravity chairs don't allow you to lay completely flat but recline to an angle of about 120 to 130 degrees from the ground. “This is the optimal position for reducing stress on your spine and joints,” Radermacher says. “If you want to lay flat on your back, opt for a regular lounge chair instead.”

While you can recline comfortably in a zero-gravity chair, your hips and knees will remain slightly flexed, Gallucci says. “This position allows for someone to evenly distribute their weight across the chair and sit up and lay back down with ease with the use of the hydraulics from the chair,” he says.

How much should you spend on a zero-gravity chair?

Zero-gravity chairs can vary greatly in price depending on the brand, material, extra features, and weight capacity. There are some models that cost around the $50 mark, and there are some high-end zero-gravity chairs that will set you back a couple thousand dollars. We don’t believe that you need to take out a small loan to buy a good zero-gravity chair, however. The picks on our roundup start from $68 (the Amazon Basics Zero-Gravity Lounge Chair), with the most expensive being priced at $330 (Lafuma’s Futura Air Comfort Zero Gravity Recliner).

The chairs on the lower end of the price scale may, understandably, not be as durable as some pricier options. For instance, they might not be rust proof, weather proof, or have a high weight capacity. They’ll also need a little more care than other options; you’ll probably have to remember to store it after each use in case it rains. If you’re able to increase your budget slightly, it will get you a good, high-quality chair that can withstand the elements and last you more than just one season.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat researched multiple zero-gravity chairs, researching and considering factors such as dimensions, material, size and weight capacity, and value. She also spoke to Grant Radermacher, the owner of Ascent Chiropractic, and John Gallucci, Jr., the CEO of Jag-One Physical Therapy.

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