The best zero gravity chairs in 2023

Zero gravity chairs aren’t quite a trip to a planet with a different gravitational pull, but they are a way to have a healing experience by simply sitting down. The chairs perfectly position your body so your feet and head elevate above your body at about a 120-degree angle, which helps to take pressure off your spine and lumbar. Many use the chairs to help recover from an injury or to just relax after a tough workout or demanding work day. Read on to find the best zero gravity chair for you.  

How we chose the best zero gravity chairs

When it comes to grading, rating, and choosing the best zero gravity chairs, comfort is key. A zero gravity chair that doesn’t immediately make you forget your body is there simply isn’t worth the space it’s taking up. Beyond comfort, ease of use is important, as is the ability to adjust the chair to a desired reclining level. When it comes to a top-quality zero gravity chair, you’re going to want it to be built with sturdy, long-lasting materials that are easy to keep clean—all things we kept in mind when considering chairs. Price is a factor, too, so we included options under $100, those that cost a few Benjamins, and one high-end option if you want it to blend seamlessly with your living room decor.

The best zero gravity chairs: Review & Recommendations

While the reason you need a zero gravity chair might range from needing a comfy place for an afternoon nap to needing a seat that helps you heal from an injury, you still want a reliable way to unwind. From zero gravity chairs that fold for easy transport to ones made from leather to fit into the fanciest of decor, these are the top picks for taking a load off and staying a while (which means the facilities at NASA are out).

Best overall: Amazon Basics Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair

Specs

• Weight: 17.8 pounds
• Size: 31.5″D x 26″W x 33.9″H
• Frame material: Alloy steel

Pros

• Lightweight and foldable for easy carrying
• Low price point given its features
• Small profile for reclining chair
• Contoured armrests for comfortable arm positioning

Cons

• Design is more about utility than good looks
• Narrow width may be uncomfortable for some

The Amazon Basics Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair hits all the notes you want in a zero gravity chair, and it does it for a price that won’t take all your banknotes. Heck, you might even be able to get one for every member of the family at this price. The Amazon Basics chair is marketed as an outdoor chair at home on your patio, poolside, or next to your RV, but nothing stops you from setting it up in your office, garage, or wherever you want to put your feet up. It comes in four attractive colors—beige, black, burgundy, and navy blue—to match whatever decor or color scheme you’ve got in mind. Truly, this is a go-anywhere chair.

Coming in at under 18 pounds, it’s light enough to move around or take to the beachfront or lakeside easily, and the powder-coated steel alloy frame also means it’s durable enough to hold up to 300 pounds. The smaller footprint of 31.5 inches in diameter by 26 inches in width and 33.9 inches in height works for tight spaces and for collapsing and folding up for storage in a closet or your vehicle’s backseat. Some people may find that 26 inches isn’t as wide as they’d prefer, but those with a smaller frame might be able to squeeze in with a dog or cat without much trouble. Its portability is a big factor in its place at the top of this list of zero gravity chairs.

As for features, the elastic mesh material of the seat and backrest allows for airflow and is easy to spray off if it gets dirty. And the corded bungee attachment to the frame is also key to its comfort. There’s also a detachable headrest you can reposition anywhere on the back portion of the chair. 

The chair’s starting position includes a bit of a recline, which may be enough on some days. For the moments when you need to relieve pressure on your back, spine, or life in general, you can go from upright to way back with ease by simply tilting backward. In fact, some customers think it’s almost too easy to recline in. However, once you’re in a near recline position, it’s nap-time city. And when you’re done, simply tilt forward to return to the upright position. Knobs on the side help to secure the chair at your desired recline.

The chair is missing a few things you might want in a zero gravity outdoor chair: a side table to hold drinks or your favorite novel or an overhead umbrella to protect from the sun. Some users report adding additional padding at the footrest or on the back panel of this chair for an experience that brings you closer to the classic recliner experience without the price or bulk.

Given that the Amazon Basics Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair can collapse and is relatively lightweight, you may find this zero gravity chair taking the place of your regular patio furniture or even subbing in for your favorite armchair. And, at such an accessible price, the chair is a fantastic entry for newbies into the zero gravity chair world, and it comes with very few drawbacks.

Best outdoor: PHI VILLA Oversized Zero Gravity Chair

Specs

• Weight: 24 pounds
• Size: 35″D x 29″W x 45″H
• Frame material: Alloy steel

Pros

• Comes with attachable cup holder
• Wide armrests for comfort
• Wide seat accommodates wider bodies 
• Headrest pillow can be repositioned as needed

Cons

• Reclines just short of horizontal
• Heavier chair weight makes portability an issue

The PHI VILLA Oversized Zero Gravity Chair is the overstuffed version of the foldable zero gravity chair. With padding from tip to toe on its very roomy seat, the chair offers a lot of comfort, whether in its normal chair position or fully reclined to near vertical. Its adjustable headrest doubles down on the cushy theme, and the respectably sized armrests with faux wood grain add further comfort and visual appeal.

This oversized zero gravity chair comes in five color choices—navy blue, aqua, black, green, and gray—to mesh with whatever visual color palette you’d like to use. The fully padded seat is attached to the steel alloy frame via a double bungee system to support up to 400 pounds of weight.

As a folding zero gravity chair, you might be tempted to pick this one up and haul it to the campground or from the car to the ocean. At 24 pounds, the chair isn’t the lightest foldable zero gravity chair on the market, but those with strong arms or a wheeled beach cart may find it’s worth hauling the extra weight to recline in style, especially with the detachable drink holder. Stylish enough to wriggle its way into permanent indoor status, the chair would be equally at home in a den, office, closed-in porch, or bedroom for those who like to relax without the distraction of nature. 

Best for gaming or reading: Zinus Lotus Zero Gravity Chaise

Specs

• Weight: 27.2 pounds
• Size: 59″D x 23″W x 28.5″H
• Material: Textile, foam

Pros

• Dense foam material is easy on the body
• Fabric cover zips on and off for easy spot cleaning
• Comes with lumbar pillow for extra comfort

Cons

• Cover could fit more tightly over foam base
• Larger adults may find the width a bit narrow

The Zinus Lotus Zero Gravity Chaise takes a different approach to the zero gravity chair experience. It uses a molded dense foam to cradle the body in a sort of bumpy C-shape. Your head will sit a bit above the feet when seated in the chair, but the feet, calves, and thighs are boosted and supported to take the pressure off the joints and muscles. Likewise, the back, neck, and shoulder get a boost in the reclined seated position, making the chair ideal for semi-active reclined activities such as gaming, reading, or watching television. Some people find it comfortable enough to nap in.

For a chair that essentially has you lying down, it takes up a scant amount of floor space, with a 59-inch diameter, 23-inch width, and 28.5-inch height. Some find the width a bit narrow. The maximum weight recommendation is 250 pounds, which is less than some of the other zero gravity chairs on this list, although as it’s made of foam vs. a crackable frame, the ramifications for overloading it are less dire.

The chair comes in multiple fabric choices—including dark gray and oatmeal. With an ergonomic shape and friendly, soft lines, the chair fits well into the living room, bedroom, family room, or gaming room. Toss a fancy blanket over it, and you’ve got a cozy reading nook or just a space to stare out the window and watch the seasons change.

Best for kids playroom: Moonpod

• Weight: 12 pounds
• Size: 10″D x 5″W x 5″H
• Material: Cotton, spandex, and polyester cover

Pros

• Expanded polystyrene bead filling creates a floating sensation
• Removeable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning
• Optional lunar footrest and crescent backrest for more lounging options
• Lightweight and easy to move from room to room

Cons

• Larger adults may not fit as well
• Without the optional crescent backrest and footrest, it’s hard to get true zero gravity positioning

The Moonpod proudly calls itself an “adult bean bag,” although we think it’s pretty good for kids of all ages. The bulbous chair is different from the other zero gravity chairs on this list in that it’s highly flexible and can be morphed into whatever shape the user prefers, much like a beanbag. Sitting down, leaning back, laying down—each position is possible with this chair that’s more of a baguette than a bun in shape. That said, calling it a chair is a stretch, but it will support up to 300 pounds. 

Anyone looking for a traditional chair shape and off-the-ground profile, including older people or those who have trouble getting up off the floor, may want a more traditional zero gravity chair experience. Kids, on the other hand, will love its ability to quickly morph into whatever shape they’d prefer, and as they tend to be smaller and weigh less, they’ll have no problem splaying out and being fully supported. Bonus points for parents: Due to its shape, it’s easier to stuff this into a corner when not in use vs. a traditional space-hogging bean bag chair.

The Moonpod has a removable, machine-washable cover that comes in five colors: blue, charcoal, gray, navy, and pink. The cover is a polyester, spandex, and cotton blend. Then there’s an inner shell that holds the responsive high-density beads that the company says are the secret behind the chair’s floating-on-air feel (and weight, it’s just 12 pounds). The nice thing about a beanbag — ahem, Moonpod — is that you can buy extra refill beads if you want your chair a bit firmer or take some out if you want it a bit more squishy. You can also accessorize by purchasing the optional footrest and crescent backrest for a truly luxurious nap session.

Best for a splurge: Perfect Chair PC-420 Classic Manual Plus

Specs

• Weight: 145 pounds
• Size: 43″D x 31″W x 47″H
• Material: Premium or top-grain leather and wood finishes

Pros

• Attractive look with quality finishes blends into high-end decor
• Full support head pillow for comfort
• Easy-to-use recline lever for ease
• Adjustable lumbar support for easy positioning
• Customizable finishes, including Memory Foam PLUS and Jade Heat

Cons

• Comes with the high-end furniture price tag
• With a reclined dimension of 64 inches, it takes up a lot of space

Think of this as the classic Lazy-Boy recliner but updated for a more modern decor and a more discerning zero gravity audience. It stands apart from the other zero gravity chairs on this list in both looks (it feels like a substantial piece of furniture) and cost (it costs what you’d pay for a lounge chair at a pricey furniture store). In the seated position, the Perfect Chair PC-420 Classic Manual Plus is 43 inches in diameter by 31 inches in width and 47 inches in height. You’ll want to leave room for its expanded length of 64 inches, too. That 5-plus feet of expansion means you really get to stretch and receive the benefits of the zero gravity positioning, even if you’re on the taller or heavier side (holds up to 400 pounds).

There’s no skimping on looks or luxury extras with this chair. Finishes include either premium or top-grain leather and wood. Bonus features like an adjustable neck pillow and lumbar support add value to what is, admittedly, a very expensive zero gravity chair. It’s even possible to upgrade by adding upgrades including Memory Foam Plus or internal heat control. You’ll get your feet above your heart in comfort and style in this executive-worthy chair that will look perfect in the drawing room, library, or, yes, even the plain old living room. 

What to consider when buying the best zero gravity chairs

Here’s what you should consider when shopping for zero gravity chairs:

How much floor space do you have for your zero gravity chair?

Zero gravity chairs come in a wide range of styles and sizes. Some fold up for easy storage, while others come permanently in the reclined position. When choosing the right zero gravity chair for you, consider if you’ll want to leave it out all the time, or if you’d rather be able to move it from room to room or, perhaps, store it in a closet when it’s not in use. 

Do you want to take your zero gravity chair with you outside in nature?

The good news is that portable zero gravity chairs suitable for outdoor use are on the cheaper side and are made with durable materials meant to withstand what nature can throw at it. Portable zero gravity chairs are also usually foldable, which means you can pop one in your trunk to take it down to the lake for a relaxing day of napping and then stow it in your garage for storage.

Do you want your zero gravity chair to double as a real piece of furniture?

When it comes to zero gravity chairs, there’s function—will this chair elevate my legs and offer the circulatory, digestion, and muscle and joint benefits I’m after—and then there’s form. Will this chair look great in my living room? Once you figure out what amount of form and function you’d like your zero gravity chair to offer, you’re on your way to picking the perfect one for you.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best zero gravity chairs

The best zero gravity chairs are comfortable to sit in and easy to recline to a zero gravity position. You might opt for a chair that folds for easy transport or one that’s more furniture-like to make it a centerpiece in your room. Likewise, you might prefer something made of soft foam or filled with beads over a leather and wooden statement piece. If you’ve ever come home after a long day at work and wanted to get your feet up, a zero gravity chair might be just your ticket to the relaxation train.

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