The Best Zero-Gravity Chairs of 2024 for Ultimate Relaxation, Tested
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Zero-Gravity Chairs of 2024 for Ultimate Relaxation, Tested and hope the blog can help you.
Relax in a zero-gravity chair. Our test team kicked back in these uber-comfortable lounge chairs—find out which ones we liked best.
Zero-gravity chairs balance body weight to relieve muscle tension while providing a sense of weightlessness. NASA initially designed them to protect astronauts’ bodies from gravitational force during launch, but today, they’re one of the most popular outdoor lounge chairs. The Bob Vila test team tackled the tough task of chilling on various best-selling models, and we found a favorite. The Portal Elite Mesh Zero-Gravity Lounger took top honors thanks to its wide width, padded seat, and mesh back.
Zero-gravity chairs offer exceptional support, help reduce stress, maintain neutral spine alignment, and promote circulation. Read on to learn more about these loungers and find out how the following models earned a spot in our lineup of the best zero-gravity chairs.
- BEST OVERALL: Portal Elite Mesh Zero-Gravity Lounger
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Amazon Basics Zero-Gravity Chair
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Timber Ridge Zero-Gravity Oversized Recliner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CUSHION SET: Jtangl Zero-Gravity Chairs With Cushions
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PADDED SET: Ever Advanced Oversize XL Zero-Gravity Recliners
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COLOR SELECTION: Best Choice Products Zero-Gravity Chair
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ROCKING: Outsunny Folding Zero-Gravity Reclining Rocker
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Zero-Gravity Chairs
Selecting zero-gravity chairs for testing wasn’t as easy as you might think. We wanted to try out nearly every chair we researched, so we had to narrow the list to models with the best ratings and customer reviews. To get a well-rounded group, we selected chairs with diverse features, including padding, breathable fabric, increased weight capacity, and overall size. We also considered the cost.
Testing was challenging. It required lounging on the chairs for hours over several weeks while noting how comfortable they were. We did things like read books and sunbathe to pass the time.
We noted how easy it was to set up these folding chairs and whether any assembly was necessary. We also documented overall durability, build quality, and portability. We rated each chair based on a rubric—the better it performed on a test or assessment, the higher the points it earned. After testing, we averaged the points to determine our top pick and categorize the chairs by their best use.
While we enjoyed testing these chairs, one thing all the testers agreed on was that manufacturers should include straps or locks to secure the chairs when folded. Carrying a 20-plus-pound chair would be easier if it didn’t keep opening. Also, we’d love for them to consider adding a beverage tray or holder to all zero-gravity chairs. Most have them, but if they don’t, they’re truly missed.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 10 |
| Time spent testing | Several weeks |
| Tests performed | 4 |
| Price range | $65 to $135 |
Our Top Picks
Whether you’re looking for a camping chair to keep your feet up and away from chiggers or a relaxing chair for a casual living room, you’ll find a zero-gravity lounger on this list to suit your needs.
Portal Elite Mesh Zero-Gravity Lounger
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Comfort 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Material: Steel, mesh, oxford polyester, wood
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
- Accessories: Attached side tray, adjustable head/lumbar pillow
What We Like
- Comfortable seat, mesh back, and sliding head/lumbar pillow
- Side tray folds in for storage and easy transport
- Overall excellent value with a thoughtful design
What We Don’t Like
- On the heavy side at 24 pounds
We used this chair before and after an interstate move, and each moment we spent in it felt like a gift! Its wide seat, mesh back, and sliding head/lumbar pillow are supremely comfortable, and its reclining mechanism is smooth and easy to use. Despite leaving it on our deck during three thunderstorms (one with hail!) and dropping it on a cement pad several times, the powder-coated steel frame and breathable mesh backing on this chair remain in excellent condition.
This lounge chair from Portal comes ready to use right out of the box, and unlike some other options we tested, its side table folds in and stays attached during transport and storage. It is on the heavier side at 24 pounds, which adds to its stability but detracts from its portability. Still, once you get this Portal chair where it’s going, you’ll be glad you made the effort. Though almost all zero-gravity chairs claim a 170-degree recline, the experience of lying down in this one felt the best to all five of our testers.
Get the Portal zero-gravity chair at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Amazon Basics Zero-Gravity Chair
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Comfort 5/5; Durability 4.8/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Material: Powder-coated carbon steel, Texteline polyester mesh
- Weight capacity: Up to 300 pounds
- Accessories: Adjustable pillow
What We Like
- Made from hard-wearing, weather-resistant fabric
- A padded headrest pillow adds to the comfort level
- Supports up to 300 pounds and offers very good value for money
What We Don’t Like
- Does not come with extra features
Enjoy the weightless feeling a zero-gravity reclining chair offers without spending a lot. The Amazon Basics zero-gravity lawn chair features a steel frame alloyed with other elements to improve strength and durability. We found its mesh fabric to be both strong and breathable, which is crucial for spending time in hot, humid weather.
The support pillow was a bonus, but it tended to slip downward if we sat up straight. It wasn’t hard to slide back up, though, so it’s a small price to pay for the comfort this affordable chair offers. It comes in a neutral beige tone, so it fits in with virtually any outdoor decor, and we found it easy to push the chair into the reclining position that suited our mood. The under-handle locks (one on each side) are intuitive and easy to flip down just by feel.
This Amazon Basics zero-gravity chair doesn’t come with many bells and whistles—we would have liked a cup holder for a beverage. Still, it’s built from quality materials, and it weathered blistering sun, high winds, and rain without showing any signs of damage or fading. Plus, it folds easily, and at 17.8 pounds, it’s easy to transport around the yard.
Get the Amazon Basics zero-gravity chair at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Timber Ridge Zero-Gravity Oversized Recliner
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Comfort 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Material: Alloy steel, oxford polyester
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
- Accessories: Attached side tray, adjustable head/lumbar pillow
What We Like
- Durable frame and sturdy build
- Chair padding and pillow provide excellent support
- Smooth functioning adjustments
What We Don’t Like
- A bit more expensive than similar products
The Timber Ridge zero-gravity chair earned our Upgrade Pick for its durable construction, supersmooth functionality, and exceptionally comfortable 170-degree recline. It’s a bit more expensive than some of our other picks, but we think it’s worth it. With a steel frame and a resilient oxford polyester seat and backrest, this sturdy chair supports up to 350 pounds. It held nearly still when we rocked vigorously from side to side and still worked perfectly after we let it fall—both open and closed—-several times on concrete.
We liked how effortlessly we could adjust all parts of the chair to open and close, lock the sitting position, and move the sitting position. It never felt too loose or too stiff. Best of all, it offered the right amount of comfort and support. It was comfortable in every position, particularly when completely opened. We especially liked the versatility of the adjustable pillow. It can slide into place as a headrest, neckrest, or lumbar support.
Get the Timber Ridge zero-gravity chair at Amazon.
Best Cushion Set
Jtangl Zero-Gravity Chairs With Cushions
Photo: Wayfair
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Comfort 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Material: Metal, polyester
- Weight capacity: 440 pounds
- Accessories: Removable cushion, small side tray
What We Like
- Comfortable padded cushions and adjustable pillows
- Supports up to 440 pounds
- Durable and well made
What We Don’t Like
- Locking mechanisms are slightly difficult to engage
We found Jtangl’s zero-gravity chairs very relaxing, and much of that was due to the cushions and the adjustable headrests, which make a huge difference in comfort level. These heavy-duty chairs are designed to support up to 440 pounds, although we didn’t push them that far. Four people tested these chairs, including some teens who quickly claimed them as their favorite outdoor lounging spots.
While the cushions are super comfy, in temps upwards of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, they seemed to retain a bit too much heat. When it got that hot, we preferred lounging on the chairs without the cushions.
The locking mechanisms held the chairs in the desired position, but they were a little difficult to push into place. Maybe they’ll loosen up a bit with use. After a couple of weeks of being outdoors in the weather, we thought we could see a dot of rust forming on one of the chairs. It was very small and limited in size, but it might indicate that these chairs will last longer if they’re kept out of direct rain.
At 19 pounds, the Jtangl zero-gravity chair set is light enough to carry short distances but too heavy to carry more than a quarter of a mile or so unless you’re especially fit. Overall, they’re durable and well made and would be a great addition to any outdoor entertainment furniture collection.
Get the Jtangl zero-gravity chairs at Wayfair.
Best Padded Set
Ever Advanced Oversize XL Zero-Gravity Recliners
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Comfort 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Material: Aluminum, polyester
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
- Accessories: Headrest, side tray
What We Like
- Zero setup required; arrives ready to go
- Pop-out drink tray is a nice touch
- Folds up easily and neatly
What We Don’t Like
- Packaging was sparse; no instructions
Testing this double zero-gravity chair set from Ever Advanced couldn’t have been simpler. They are fully assembled right out of the box, so there was zero setup required (which we loved). The aluminum frame felt sturdy enough to support the 350-pound capacity, yet at just under 20 pounds, it was still lightweight enough to carry around in search of a favorite lounge spot.
We especially appreciated the cushioned headrest that easily slides up and down the back of the chair to adjust to different user heights. Of course, we also enjoyed the slide-out cup holder tray, which was so sturdy that, even while getting in and out of the chair, our drink didn’t wobble or spill. Impressive!
We tested this set at home with four other family members. One downside we noticed was that shorter users seemed to struggle with reclining the chair fully without help. Taller users had no issue with this, perhaps because the extra-large size of the chairs requires a little more leverage from longer legs. That said, it didn’t feel like much of a big deal, and we really liked the roomier feel of the oversize seat. Another slight disappointment was that the delivery packaging was a little sparse, and despite not really needing any instructions, it would have been nice to have something to show us how to slide out the cup holder tray.
Get the Ever Advanced zero-gravity chairs at Amazon
Best Color Selection
Best Choice Products Zero-Gravity Chair
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Comfort 5/5; Durability 4.8/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Material: Steel, polyester
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Accessories: Adjustable headrest, side tray
What We Like
- Wide, fully padded seat for extra comfort
- Detachable side table is convenient
- Large array of color options
What We Don’t Like
- Padding does not breathe as well as mesh
The Best Choice Products zero-gravity patio chair we tested came in so many color combinations, we had a tough time choosing the hue we wanted. We eventually settled on a pretty purple/violet combo that adds a splash of welcome color. With more than 30 color options, neutral colors included, there’s a good chance you’ll find one that enhances your outdoor area.
Like other models we teste