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The Spruce
Zero-gravity chairs are super comfortable for lounging out on your patio, but have you ever wondered why? These chairs were actually first designed for astronauts, as the signature reclined position helps to reduce the tension placed on their bodies during space launches. By distributing weight evenly across all pressure points, zero-gravity chairs make you feel weightless. They take the pressure off your spine and can promote circulation in the legs.
When shopping for a zero-gravity chair, there are lots of variations to choose from, including padded chairs and ones with accessories like cup holders and canopies. Many are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, and some even fold flat, making them suitable for traveling.
We researched some of the best zero-gravity chairs to add to your outdoor or indoor space. Read on for our top picks.
Best Overall: Lafuma Futura Air Comfort Zero Gravity Recliner
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Many zero-gravity chairs are simply lined with mesh, but if you’re looking for a bit more padding, the Lafuma Futura Air Comfort Zero-Gravity Recliner is the way to go. This chair is lined with the brand’s “AirComfort” seat pad, which is made up of three layers cushioning wrapped in a breathable, quick-dry fabric that comes in several colors.
The Lafuma chair has a steel tubing frame that reclines into multiple positions, including the signature zero-gravity position, and its unique suspension mechanism provides a firmer seating area than other chairs. When not in use, it folds up for easy storage and portability, and it gets top marks from our tester, who enjoyed its padded comfort.
"The adjustable pillow is made of the same material as the rest of the padding and is equally comfortable. Given how substantial the padding is, you probably could live without the pillow, but I have to admit it was nice to have and made this chair extremely nap-ready."—Justin Park, Product Tester
Best Budget: Sunjoy Zero-Gravity Chair
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Zero gravity chairs can be quite pricey, but one more affordable option is this model from Sunjoy. It has a sturdy steel frame and lockable reclining system, adjusting comfortably to your body as you relax on your patio or deck. The chair is lined with UV-resistant mesh that’s available in six colors, and it includes an adjustable headrest that you can also use as a lumbar support pillow.
This chair can hold up to 300 pounds, and it folds down into a compact form, allowing you to bring it on camping trips or to the beach. The stay-cool material won’t stick to your skin, even on hot summer days, and its armrests are contoured for maximum comfort. Not too shabby for a budget pick!
Best with Cup Holder: Goplus Folding Zero Gravity Reclining Lounge Chair
You’ll be able to keep your drink and other patio essentials within arms reach with the Goplus Zero-Gravity Lounge Chair. It comes with a removable side tray that has spaces for a beverage, phone, and other small items, and the chair itself has an aluminum and steel frame that can support up to 300 pounds. It comes in eight colors, and its fabric is water-resistant and breathable, keeping you from getting uncomfortably warm during the summer. Plus, the chair folds flat for storage and is lighter than most at around 16 pounds.
"While [the molded plastic tray] seems like a cheap add-in at first glance, I was impressed with the design put into it. There are two cup holders, a rectangular phone slot, and even a magazine/book holder slot. When I was laying out, it was nice to have those items in reach and held in place."—Justin Park, Product Tester
Best Set: Arlmont & Co. Rowell Zero Gravity Reclining Sun Lounger Set
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If you only have one zero-gravity chair, chances are your family will end up fighting over who gets to sit in it, so you might as well get a set like this one. The Rowell Zero Gravity Reclining Sun Lounger Set comes with two chairs and a matching table, giving you everything needed to set up a comfortable lounge area on your patio—or even to take camping.
The zero-gravity chairs have steel tube frames with all-weather PVC-coated polyester fabric seats, and each can support up to 220 pounds. The chairs are available in beige or black colors, and each one comes with an adjustable headrest pillow. As for the matching table, it has two built-in cup holders and folds flat for easy storage and unbeatable portability.
Best for Camping: Caravan Canopy Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair
Any camping gear needs to be portable, and if you plan to take your zero-gravity chair into the great outdoors, you’ll want a folding model like the Caravan Sports Infinity Zero-Gravity Chair. This budget-friendly chair comes in several colors, and it folds down into a 6-inch form, allowing you to pack it into your car more easily.
The chair boasts a steel tube frame, and its seat is made from a durable textaline fabric that’s suspended by a double bungee system. There’s an adjustable headrest for comfort, and the smooth recline function locks in any position using the dual-fingertip locking system. The steady frame can support up to 300 pounds, and its fabric is suitable to use outdoors, so you don’t have to worry if it gets rained on while you’re camping.
Best for Back Pain: Wayfair Padded Reclining Zero Gravity Chair
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One of the major benefits of zero-gravity chairs is that they reduce pressure on your spine, which can provide relief for those with back pain. The Wayfair Padded Reclining Zero Gravity Chair is a solid choice if you’re hoping to ease aches and pains, as it offers an extra-large size and padded surface for extra comfort.
This zero-gravity chair has a steel frame and weather-resistant polyester fabric, and it can be reclined into any position using its simple locking system. The oversized padded seat is suspended by a double bungee system for durability, and the wooden armrests are contoured for comfort. The chair comes with a cup tray and adjustable pillow, and it can support up to 300 pounds.
Best with Canopy: Best Choice Products Folding Zero Gravity Outdoor Recliner
The Best Choice Products Folding Zero Gravity Outdoor Recliner can help keep the sun out of your eyes thanks to its built-in canopy, making it perfect for reading during the summer. This zero-gravity chair comes in seven colors, and it’s decked out with all the accessories you could ever want, including a headrest and cup holder tray. Oh, and did we mention it’s incredibly affordable, too?
The Best Choice Products chair has a rust-resistant steel frame with all-weather, UV-resistant textilene mesh that’s supported by replaceable elastic cords. Both its canopy and headrest can be adjusted to suit your needs, and the side tray includes two cup holders, a phone mount, and a tablet holder. The lightweight design can support up to 250 pounds, and it folds flat for portability.
Best Design: Kardiel Gravity Chaise Lounge
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The majority of zero-gravity chairs have a similar utilitarian appearance, but if you’re hoping for something a bit more attractive, the Kardiel Gravity Chaise Lounge is as stylish as they come. Its contemporary design features a unique sliding support system that lets you assume the zero-gravity position, and a series of flexible suspension straps hold up the comfortable foam cushion.
This indoor lounge chair has a powder-coated steel base with a polished stainless steel body frame, and you can choose between several materials for its cushion, including boucle fabric, patterned cowhide, or plain leather. It comes with a headrest pillow, as well as leg caps to protect your floor, and its sleek mid-century design is sure to garner compliments in your home.
You can't go wrong with the Lafuma Futura Air Comfort Zero Gravity Recliner, which gets high marks for its comfort and breathable, quick-dry fabric. For a more budget-friendly option, go with the Sunjoy Zero Gravity Chair (view at Amazon). Sturdy and comfortable, it folds down into a compact form for easy transport and storage.
What to Look for in a Zero Gravity Chair
Comfort
While all zero gravity chairs are designed with comfort in mind, some are more comfortable than others. Your personal preferences will largely determine which type of materials you find most comfortable in a chair, and help you choose between padded, unpadded, and other styles. You may also want to consider factors such as how breathable the chair's material is and, if you intend to keep it outside, how much heat it retains.
Features
Beyond making you feel weightless, some zero gravity chairs also come with extras to make your lounging even more comfortable. Some have canopies to shade you from the sun, while others come complete with a side table to hold your drink. If you’re planning to keep yours outside, make sure you choose durable fabrics, and if you plan to take it on the go, opt for one that’s light and easy to fold up.
Size
You'll want to make sure that your chair fits well in your space, but also that the people who'll use most frequently fit well in it. Many zero gravity chairs are adjustable and fit people of all builds, but those who are on the taller or shorter side should make sure to find one that’s comfortable for them.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer who’s an expert on all things home. She’s taken several courses on interior design and furniture, and she has firsthand experience testing sofas, as well as other pieces of decor.
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