The Best Reclining Lawn Chair In 2023 | Reviews & Buying Guide

After sitting out the whole year on various recliners, I have become somewhat of an expert on outdoor chairs. By an expert, I mean that I have got to know many bad ones and now I can separate the good from the bad.

There are many designs for reclining lawn chairs. Some of the designs were inspired by NASA, and some had inspiration from dads during the weekend. No matter the source, you won’t have to go back to google to find the best reclining lawn chair.

The first thing you have to do is to decide about your budget and portability. After that, you have to pick the one from the reviews that match your requirements. We have got the best for every budget.

Types of Reclining Lawn Chairs

Before getting to the reviews, you should have a clear idea of reclining lawn chairs. Firstly, let us clarify that we are only talking about reclining chairs that are fit for outdoors.

Along with your lawn, these can also be used in your patio, poolside, balcony, and garden. If you are getting a portable one, you may also take it to the games, fishing, camping, and possibly any outdoor activity.

If you are clear on what we meant by reclining lawn chairs, here are the different types of them-

1. Regular zero gravity
2. Two person zero gravity
3. Extra padded zero gravity
4. Zero gravity rocker
5. Canopy recliner
6. Wicker recliner
7. Reclining lounge chair

These differentiations will help you decide the perfect one for you. We have listed the best recliner lawn chair for each category in the reviews.

Top 10 Reclining Lawn Chair Reviews

Getting a full understanding of a product can be tricky. That’s why we have divided the reviews into clear sections so that you can easily comprehend and compare the products.

1. Best Choice Products Lounge Chair Recliners – Most Popular

We are starting the review with the most popular reclining chair in the market. And why won’t it be popular if people are getting two for the price of one.

It is a classic zero gravity lounge chair and the best option if you don’t have any special requirements. Here is why-

Construction and Built Quality

The main build martial of the lawn chair is steel. Powder-coated stainless steel is used to make the frame. And a steel mesh base of 600D PVC is the material for the backrest.

This synthetic fabric is supported by a heavy-duty elastic cord which gives it the most comfort. And this reinforcement allows the chair to take 250 pounds with ease.

Recline

The chair features a push-back reclining system that can be bent to 160°. Fixing the bent angle is done by a key. The build quality of the lock is average, but unlocking is swift.

Portability

Portability is a big concern for zero gravity chairs. And this one is foldable and easily adjustable. And it weighs about 16.3 pounds. Any average person should have no problem carrying it around.

Comfort

Everything comes down to this. And it gets a straight A for comfort. Because the chair distributes the weight equally in every angle.

Moreover, it has a very soft adjustable pillow as a headrest. You can also use it as lumbar support. Small touches like the curved armrest made it better than others.

The Holding Tray

You won’t understand the importance of this unless you have used it before. This holding tray has a strong and adjustable joint with space for two cup holders, a phone mount, and a tablet rest.

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2. Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair – Best Heavy Weight

This is the hulk of the team. You might be eyeing the weight and the price. But this is the best zero gravity reclining chair for heavy people. And definitely overkill for regular people.

Construction and Built Quality

The 500 pounds stated weight capacity is the biggest selling point of this outdoor recliner chair. And Timer Ridge has a name for making the most durable products, and this particular one can go as much as 600 pounds.

However, instead of steel, they opted for an aluminum frame with powder coating. The fabric is 600D polyester embossed, which almost made it an all-weather proof material. But the wooden armrest was the hindrance to that title.

Recline

You push back to recline to nearly 170°. You can fix it in any angle you desire. For the locking mechanism, you have two small clams on the sides.

Portability

Folding it is a matter of seconds. You unlock the tray, put it inside, then push the two sides of the chair together, and you are done. The weight is on the heavier side, though.

Comfort

After the weight capacity, the padded seat and back are the biggest highlights. It also features an adjustable pillow that can be fixed in any position. Reclining and standing back is as easy as it gets.

The seat design allows no pressure points. So, you won’t be having any aches later.

The Holding Tray

A cup holder is curved out in the flat tray. This tray looks and feels more premium than most other holding trays. It is removable and sits on the right side of the chair.

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3. Amazon Basics Outdoor Zero Gravity Folding Reclining Lounge Chair – Best Affordable

 

If you were looking for a budget option that performs like a premium one, then this is for you. It has everything you want in the most comfortable outdoor lounge chair but for a small price tag.

A clear underdog of the market.

Construction and Built Quality

Even though the small price, the frame is made of stainless steel. There is a mesh fabric for the seat that is suspended with elastic bungee cords. The cords are double layered so that they can take sudden shocks, which can be double the weight capacity of 200 pounds.

Weather-Resistance

I want to mention this separately because you don’t see all-weather resistant construction even in some premium-priced chairs. But this one can take anything from the UV-rays after your sunbath to the rain when you forget to fold it inside.

Recline

The reclining process is as like any other zero gravity patio chair. The push-back recliner locks with a knob.

However, it doesn’t recline as much as other more expensive versions. When fully reclined, the length is a little over five feet.

Portability

This is one of the easiest to carry primarily because of the low weight. The dimensions also help to carry it anywhere.

Comfort

The cost reduction is mainly in the material and marketing section of the product. But the design is as good as any high-end reclining lawn chair. Weight distribution, surface feel, leg support, everything is designed to perfection. It also has curved armrests.

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4. Best Choice Products Double Wide Zero Gravity Lounge Recliner Chair – Best Versatile

We promised you the best of every category of reclining outdoor chairs. And this one is one of a kind.

Having your legs rub around your partner’s under a calm sky is a satisfaction in itself. And this two-person zero gravity chair is the perfect product for that bond.

Construction and Built Quality

Constructed with aluminum, this chair is both strong and lightweight at the same time. The mesh fabric is all-weather resistant. So, you can have it outside all year round.

The stated weight capacity is 450 pounds. But I won’t be surprised if it takes more. The elastic cords are replaceable, but they don’t come with the product.

Recline

Going back and forth is super easy. This function might be leveraged for two people and definitely feels smoother than needed with one person. You have 160° of reclining clearance.

Portability

The weight is as low as it can be. You can take it anywhere. You can even use it as an indoor sitting place.

Comfort

It is one of the most ergonomic lounge chairs we have reviewed. Along with the comfortable seating, you also have a padded headrest. The elastic cords and the mesh takes the shape of your body. It’s the perfect chair for having a nap.

Holding Tray

Like any other premium reclining outdoor chair, this one also features a holding tray. The holding tray has a tablet rest, a phone mount, and two cup holders. Nevertheless, I expected two trays on each side. I also didn’t like the way it was mounted.

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5. HITO Outdoor Lounge Chairs – Best Adjustable

With this product, we enter into a new arena of lawn reclining chairs. This and the next product is a padded lounger. This is like any other zero gravity loungers but more comfortable and durable. And we found the ones that were priced reasonably as well without compromising the quality.

Construction and Built Quality

It has one of the best built-quality. And the primary credit goes to the manufacturers who chose the perfect materials and designs. This made the chair both a premium option while charging almost a below-average price.

You have aluminum alloy locks and a mesh seat. The mesh is held in place with premium double-layer latex rope.

On the other hand, the main frame and legs are thick ABS steel with a firm triangle structure to give it the best strength. It also features a safety screw helmet.

This frame allows you to put a maximum of 440 pounds weight on it. If you can ever be that heavy.

Recline

Although, it has the same push-back reclining system, it is far better than other chairs. It smoothly turns back to a maximum of 170°. The angle locking lever is a release-and-lock lever. It is the best locking system we have seen yet.

Portability

Selective material picking made the most of lightweight alloy materials. On top of that, the chair is easily foldable and transportable anywhere. But the cotton pad might cause some problems with that.

Comfort

The hole chair is built around the concept of maximum comfort. And it’s just not the extra cotton-padded seat and back.

The chair is designed to support your spine. Even after this much padding, a pillow is included that is adjustable and can be used as lumbar support. Moreover, the armrests are ergonomically designed to match anyone’s hand.

In the summertime, you can remove the upper padding and sit on the breathable mesh base. The base is supported with double strand latex rope that is unique for a chair like this.

Holding Tray

Hito calls their holding tray a storage rack. And that rack features a cup holder and a phone mount. There is also space for keeping other items in the flush part of the tray.

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6. KINGBO Oversized Zero Gravity Chair, Lawn Recliner – Big and Wide

 

I liked this type very much. That’s why I am giving you a 2nd option of the same kind. This one is wider and bigger. It is more like an upgrade from the previous extra padded reclining chair.

Construction and Built Quality

Kingbo is the second lawn chair on our list that can take 500 pounds. This capacity is achieved with the thick steel tube frame paired with a durable polyester fabric. It is a mesh fabric that is connected to the main frame with the bungee cords.

In the summertime, you can remove the padding and enjoy the breathable fabric. The padding is also water-resistant. However, you shouldn’t leave it outside.

Recline

When fully reclined, the length is about 77 inches. It can recline up to around 170°. And that can be controlled with the lever that smoothly shuts off the gravity for you.

Portability

As with most of our chairs, there is no need for assembly. You just pull the head and footrest of the recliner together, and it will fold into a size that is easy to transport. But the removable padding needs to be carried separately.

Comfort

The thick padding marks the relaxation focus of the chair. You have soft pearl cotton inside the soft padding cover. Moreover, it is designed ergonomically, including the armrest that also helps you to have good elbow support when reading books.

Holding Tray

The tray does have a cup holder and phone mount. However, I hoped it would be larger.

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7. Outsunny Zero Gravity Reclining Lounge Chair – Best Folding Rocker

 

This chair is a unique combination of a zero gravity chair and a rocker chair.

Rocker

This chair has both regular legs and rocker bottoms. The legs can be flipped over to allow the chair to rock. The rocker works better when the chair is fully reclined.

Construction and Built Quality

The total construction is made of solid steel. It has a powder coated finish to protect it from sun and rain. The frame can take 265 pounds with the help of the Textilene sling fabric.

It has a polyethylene mesh which is both resistant to water and UV rays. It can also adjust to your body shape, giving you an even weight distribution. And that is complemented by the double bungee support system.

Recline

A smooth reclining function is the mark of a premium built. And we have that here. Moreover, it had to be smoother as the rocker doesn’t work that well when the chair is upright.

The side knob has a unique structure that makes recline adjustment easier. You get your thumbs inside the hook and pull it to release the pressure to recline.

Portability

It is just about 20 pounds. So definitely one of the lightest chairs in the market for steel construction. Folding is easy. And you can take the folded chair anywhere you want. The folded version seems a little meaty, though.

Comfort

I have already mentioned that the mesh back is very comfortable to the back. For a headrest, this product features a padded pillow. This is removable and has the same protective qualities as the seat mesh.

Holding Tray

The tray is fairly large. It has separate space for two cup holders, a phone mount, and also a place for tablets or books. These spaces have open spaces in the bottom so that liquids don’t accumulate.

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8. Best Choice Products Zero Gravity – best Outdoor Recliner with Canopy Shade

 

Yes, the canopy. That is the highlight here. If you wanted to have one with a canopy shade, this should be in your bucket. Here are more details-

Construction and Built Quality

The frame is made from durable steel. And changeable elastic cords support a high-quality Textilene mesh. These are UV resistant, and water can’t do any bad to them.

All these reinforcements allow the company to promise a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds.

Canopy Shade

The frame of the canopy and the fabric are made from the same material that the other parts of the chair are made of. You can adjust the height and even put it back when you don’t need it. However, horizontal freedom of movement would have been much better.

Recline

You have the pushback recline system. For adjusting the recline, there is a lever which is the best method of recline adjustment. The maximum recline angle is 160°.

Portability

Comparatively, it is very low weight. Fold the chair and take it anywhere. When folded, the height and length are so small that they will fit in any corner of your car.

Comfort

It is ergonomically designed. With the help of the mesh fabric, the chair takes the shape of the back. So, you have maximum comfort from the fabric.

Holding Tray

Like most other companies, this one also has a tray on the left side which has places for two cup holders, a phone mount, and a tablet rest. The mounting and dismounting system is very easy.

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9. Art to Real Outdoor Recliner – Best For All Weather

 

With this wicker reclining lawn chair, we enter a new area of the best outdoor recliner chairs. It is, of course, a premium, high-end option. Don’t compare it directly to the zero gravity recliners because it is designed for different needs.

Construction and Built Quality

The wicker recliner chair is built on an aluminum frame.  The wicker is densely packed. It is a high-quality polyethylene (HDPE) resin rattan wicker approved for 3000 hours of UV resistance. It is completely resistant to sun and water, making it a perfect pool material.

On top of that, the aluminum frame is powder-coated. So there won’t be any internal rusting problem. And it will also carry about 330 pounds.

Assembly

Assembling a recliner is always a bummer. But manufacturers tried to make it as easy as possible with all the accessories and an assembly guide.

Recline

It is a three-way recliner that allows you three reclining positions. They are-

• 90°
• 100°
• 135°

Here, to recline, you have to push the armrest and apply force on the backrest. I know it doesn’t seem comfortable, but it’s not that hard.

Portability

General zero gravity recliners are not that fit for indoors. But you can use this recliner anywhere in the house. Along with the patio, lawn, garden, you can also use it indoors as a living room sofa or on the balcony. It can also be a poolside recliner.

However, it is not meant to be portable for long distances, even though the weight is not that much.

Comfort

The cushions on top of the chair make it look a lot like a lounger sofa. These waterproof cushioned seats are filled with a soft sponge. You can get the sponge out and clean the cover with a washer. The total thickness of the cushions is more than five inches.

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10. Kozyard Adjustable Reclining Lounge Chair – Best For Strong Extendable Metal Frame

This has the heaviest construction for a recliner chair. The design is more like a chaise lounge which will fit nicely into any lawn, poolside, patio, or balcony.

Construction and Built Quality

The whole frame is made of solid steel. NO, it’s not tubing. The whole thing is solid stainless steel. Coupled with the corrosion-resistant finish, you can hope to use it for years, if not decades. Because this finish protects the chair from UV rays.

The cushion is also protected from such kinds of rays. Because they are made of olefin fabric. All the while taking a maximum load of 300 pounds.

Assembly

After getting the chair, you have to assemble it. All the tools and parts needed for the assembly are provided by the sellers. And the instruction guide that comes with the chair is also well-illustrated.

A little tip: Apply silicone grease on moving parts when assembling.

Recline

To recline, you have to push back the backrest. Although this can be an easier option for some, we liked the lever options more. However, it is, of course, a more durable option.

Portability

Now, this is not meant to be that portable. The weight is more than 50 pounds, and there is no way to fold it. So, no points for portability.

Comfort

Sitting on this chair is a luxury experience paid by luck of finding it at the right time. Because it looks luxurious and feels like that as well. But the secret is that it is not priced as such. You can comfortably take a nap without any problems.

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How to Get the Best Reclining Lawn Chair from the Market

Sitting the whole pandemic year on many of these chairs has sure made me a little nerdy for these recliners. So, I am gonna be showing you everything you need to know to evaluate and find the best lawn chair recliner.

Frame Structure

The frame is the basic skeleton around which the chair is built. It tells you the structural integrity, longevity, and ease of use. Stainless steel and aluminum are the most favorite here.

Steel will last longer but will cost more. On the contrary, aluminum is much more portable and less pricy, but it might have problems earlier than a steel chair does. But I prefer aluminum for its lower weight.

Seat Quality

Firstly, look at the quality of the material of the seat. Some of the high-quality materials for the seat are high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Textilene mesh or sling, and PVC. If you are taking PVC, make sure it is more than 550 deniers. The main point is that they should be synthetic. They should also be water and sun-resistant.

High quality bungee cords or double-layer latex ropes should be connecting the seat fabric to the frame for a better suspension.

Then make sure that you have a thick and comfortable cushion. Cotton and sponge cushion are the most popular. Sun and water resistance is also compulsory for cushion covers. Easy cleaning is another big plus.

Weight Capacity

You will see weight capacities from 200 pounds to 500 pounds. Contrary to the general understanding, a higher capacity is not unnecessary.

Because even if you are 100 pounds, any sudden shock or pressure can peak even double your body weight. So, go as high as your budget allows you. But the minimum threshold should be 200 pounds.

Portability

Unless you are taking a large lounge chair like the last two products on our list, you should also count portability to evaluate your chair.

For a regular zero gravity chair, the weight shouldn’t be more than 26 pounds. And a two-person or extra wide recliner can go as much as 35 pounds.

The chair should be easily foldable, and the folded dimension should go into your vehicle with ease.

Seat Width

Pictures can be deceiving. So, I would urge you to investigate the width of your chair. Because seat width is very important for comfort. Generally, anything above twenty inches is considered to be wide enough.

And if you are taking a two-person chair, then the width should be more than thirty inches.

All-Weather Protection

This means that the chair will be resistant to natural forces like-

• Moisture from rain
• UV-rays from the sun

Give preference to metal and synthetic materials. Metals should be coated with rust resistant chemicals. Take a good look at the screw holes and joints because, these are the places where coating is less and are more susceptible to corrosion.

Weight Distribution

It is a key element in designing a reclining chair. If the weight balance is not perfect, pressure points will be created.

You might not detect them instantly, but you will have an ache in the pressured area. And this is the last thing you want in your outside recliner chair.

Headrest

Lawn chairs with pillows are significantly better than the ones that don’t have this feature. Adjustable ones are even better as they can be used as lumbar support and for people of different heights. It should be completely removable and also resistant to the sun and rain.

Armrest

A procrustean armrest can cause all kinds of problems. Make sure the armrest is designed to hold the shape of your hand. A good height is also required for comfortable elbow support while reading or drinking.

Versatility

Let’s be real; you are not going to spend your whole life on the lawn. So make sure your foldable recliner is suited for patios, gardens, yards, balconies, poolsides, beaches, parks, and even indoors.

Why the hustle, you ask?

Because you can get one with the same price.

Some recliner outdoor lounge chairs can also be used indoors. But they are generally pricier.

Noise

Squeaking noises are common for these chairs. Even chairs from market-leading brands have this problem. This noise means improper fitting, which can lead to damage with time.

So, if you have one with it, try to return and change that as soon as possible.

Recline System

Zero gravity recliners are generally relined by pushing forth the end of the footrest. You can fix the tilt at any angle with the locking mechanism. And lounge recliners generally have push back systems with specific angles of tilt.

In modern recliners, levers and knobs are more popular. However, we think that the levers are substantially better because of the quick lock and unlock feature. But knobs are not all that bad if they are coming from a reputed company.

Holding Tray

This is very important for reclining patio chairs. The tray needs to be moderately sized. Detachable trays are always better so that you can attach them to any side you want.

There should be separate spaces for cup holders, phone mount and a place to keep books, newspapers, tablets, etc. Clever designs of these holders include holes in the bottom so that rainwater or other liquid can’t stand.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is not possible to describe everything in the main flow of the article. That’s why people have questions. And we answer them here-

Q: Why Is It Called a Zero Gravity Chair?

A: Zero gravity is a sensation of weightlessness. Zero gravity chairs lift your feet in alignment with your heart and also rest your head, creating the zero-gravity feeling. That is where it got its name.

Q: Is It Okay to Sleep In a Zero Gravity Position?

A: There is nothing wrong with it. Instead, the zero gravity position is beneficial in many ways.

Q: How Long Do Reclining Lawn Chairs Last?

A: It entirely depends on your use and the quality of your chair. But the ones we have reviewed should last a minimum of three to five years, even with regular use.

Q: Do Zero Gravity Chairs Lay Flat?

A: Most of them don’t. Because then it wouldn’t be a zero gravity, would it?

Q: How to Transport These Chairs Easily?

A: There are bags available for zero gravity chairs. They don’t come with the chair. But getting them separately will make transportation a lot easier, especially for women.

Final Thoughts

Wow, you are still here.

Not many reach this far.

And for that, I am telling you my personal favorite from the ten chairs we reviewed. It is the HITO outdoor lounge chair. It is an anomaly in the market. If you have no special requirements, then get this one now.

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