The 11 Best Zero Gravity Chairs for 2023

Feb 15, 2024

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Because trying to relax on the beach with back pain is a drag.

For campers and backyard loungers alike, finding the right chair takes a fair bit of research, understanding of your intended purpose, and of course, sitting. While there are tons of lawn chairs and loungers to choose between from outdoor rockers to full backyard furniture, a popular options for many users is the zero gravity chair.

The science behind zero gravity chairs is based on the concept of neutral body posture, developed by NASA in the 1970s while astronauts spent time at Skylab, the first U.S. space station. While we’d love to geek out on the topic here, all you really need to know if you’re in the market for one of these popular loungers is that they’re designed to take pressure off your body—particularly your joints and back—so you can relax in complete comfort. If that sounds like your jam, read on for our top recommendations.

Obviously you want your zero gravity chair to last for a while, and while durability is sometimes hard to test without years of time for each product, there are tons of markers to look for. Considering most zero gravity chairs will spend the majority of their use outdoors, weather and water resistance is key. Most zero gravity chairs either are made with water and UV resistant materials or treat the fabric with them after the fact.

This discussion extends to the metal frames as well where resistance to rust, corrosion, and water damage are key to longevity. Many zero gravity chairs, like our top pick from Goplus, have metal frames with a powder-coated top layer to protect it from the elements.

Beyond this, make sure to keep in mind the weight limit for your chairs as well. While most sit at or above 300 pounds, which should generally be enough for most individual sitters, but some lighter models have weight capacities of between 200 to 250 pounds. These lower weight limits may cause some issues with slight bends in the frame or tears in the material over time.

Many zero gravity chairs are designed for travel and outdoor use in camping or beach settings alongside your backyard. As a result, they fold into a more travel-friendly shape and oftentimes come with carrying cases or straps. The foldable models may also stack on top of one another, particularly those part of matching sets.

For those expecting to carry their zero gravity chairs (even for short distances), the weight of the entire item is also key. Generally, chairs that weigh less than 20 pounds are much easier to move around by hand.

In terms of comfort and durability, the fabric and materials used on your zero gravity chair are key. Obviously, a basic level of weather and water resistance are key, but beyond this, the fabric of your chair changes how it feels when you lie down. The classic textilene fabric offers a bit of bounce and solid durability while nylon and batyline offers a bit more sturdiness and less bounce.

Some zero gravity chairs also come with thicker cushioning embedded into the fabric for a more comfortable sitting (and laying) experience. Other options come with sunshade canopies or completely flat reclining while others have a rocking base or built-in head pillows.

All of the zero gravity chairs featured below have an average user rating of four stars or more. Quality of materials and durability were our top considerations, and we read through countless customer reviews to gauge pros and cons before making our final selections. We cover a range of styles, some with special features like those mentioned above, and offer options across price points, from budget to high-end.

For more comfortable additions to your seating setup, check out our picks for the best ergonomic office chairs, standing desk chairs, and best gaming chairs.

This zero gravity chair has a similar design to many other options, but adds a tray that can hold drinks, a smartphone, and other small items. The chair has a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame and a weather-resistant woven polyester fabric attached with a strong black bungee cord.

It folds and locks into a reclining position, plus there's a detachable headrest. Each Goplus zero gravity chair has up to 160 degrees of reclining capability and a strapped-on head pillow.

The chair is available in seven colors ranging from neutral tones to vibrant hues, including lime green and bright blue.

This zero gravity lounger features an adjustable sunshade, which is always handy to have, particularly on blazing-hot summer days. The chair's fade-resistant, durable vinyl fabric is attached to the rust-resistant metal frame with an elastic bungee cord, and it locks into a reclining position. It also folds down flat and has a removable padded headrest.

The chair gets rave reviews from customers, with an average 4.9 stars, and it comes in a light beige in addition to the soft medium blue that's shown, but it has a relatively low, 250-pound maximum weight capacity.

If you don’t want to spend a lot on a zero gravity chair, it’s tough to beat the price point on the Amazon Basics choice. It's covered in a woven fabric made of PVC-coated polyester yarn that's attached to its black powder-coated steel frame with a thick elastic cord.

The folding chair locks into a reclining position and weighs a mere 16 pounds. As a result however, the maximum weight capacity is just 200 pounds, one of the lowest on our list. If you want your chair to match your existing patio furniture, this one comes in four stylish colors: black, navy, beige, and burgundy.

If you want a well-priced zero gravity chair with extra padding, this option is your best bet. It adjusts in multiple positions and locks into place, and is covered with a durable, fade-resistant oxford polyester fabric. The alloy-steel tubular frame is powder-coated in a black finish to prevent rust, and there are protective caps on the base to prevent skidding.

Alongside the extra padding, the Arlmont & Co. chair comes with an adjustable headrest and a side table for a more holistic relaxation experience.

You may be unfamiliar with the brand Lafuma, but the French outdoor furniture company has been around since 1954. It’s based about an hour south of Lyon in the village of Anneyron, and this zero gravity lounger is one of the more popular chairs in its line.

It features a thick, cushioned pad covered in a breathable and quick-drying three-layer fabric, with a firm suspension system to provide extra back support.

Other highlights include a removable headrest pillow and a protective cover around the footrest. It also folds and is available in neutral taupe and pretty coral blue, along with basic black.

These best-selling zero gravity chairs come out to less than $60 each, which makes the set a value-packed deal.

Their alloy steel frames are coated in a rust-resistant black finish, with a durable woven polyester fabric used for the seats. They also lock into a reclining position and come with detachable headrests.

Each chair comes with its own side table designed with slots for your phone, cups, and book, so nothing will slide off if you shift your weight.

Color options are plentiful: there are 14 from which to choose, including steel gray, cobalt blue, and poppy burnt orange. Their maximum weight capacity is 250 pounds.

If you’re in the market for a sleek and modern zero gravity chair, look no further than this attractive option from Bay Isle Home. The ergonomic chaise features a PVC-coated polyester mesh fabric and a lightweight gray steel frame, with black rubberized grips on the arms.

What sets it apart from other zero gravity chairs (besides the futuristic design) is the rocking mechanic, so you can move back and forth while in a completely relaxed position.

You can use it on the patio for lounging poolside, or put it on a patch of grass in the backyard. There’s also a detachable headrest included, though it’s on the small side and isn’t very plush. The chair's maximum weight capacity is on the low end at 265 pounds.

Built to be folded up and toted with you to a campground, the Sunjoy zero gravity chair is compact and easy to store. The foldable design doesn't take away from the reclining capabilities or comfort as the chair still comes with an adjustable headrest.

The lightweight frame is just 18 pounds, but the maximum weight capacity is just 225 pounds as a result.

Sunjoy offers six unique colors, so you should be able to find one that both fits your personal taste and the color scheme of your camping our outdoor gear.

While not quite a traditional zero gravity chair, the Costway rocking chair angles in the same ways to give you that weightless feeling. That being said, it is mostly built as an outdoor rocking chair you can use just about anywhere.

Despite the rocker-style look, the chair is actually still foldable and relatively easy to travel with at just 16.5 pounds. The biggest drawback from the rocking chair is the lack of front leg support.

While it does have a bar to rest your legs on, it lacks the same reclining power of many other options.

For a little extra wiggle room on the sides, this option is an excellent choice. This oversized zero gravity chair’s frame is 33.5 inches wide and features a durable, two-tone 600-denier polyester fabric strung to the black powder-coated steel frame with a thick elastic bungee cord.

There’s decent padding on the seat and it locks into place while you’re reclining. The removable headrest can also be used as a lumbar support pillow, plus the chair features natural wood armrests. It comes in four color combos.

Another option from Arlmont & Co., the Danny-Junior zero gravity chair is unique for its striped design. The set of two look just as in place in an old-school cabana on the beach as they would in your own backyard.

Each zero gravity chair comes with a side table with designated holding slots for your book, phone, and drinks, and the bungee-style design gives you more stretch and comfort when laying down.

The only issue is the striped design only comes in one color, so if you were hoping for a Sky Blue or Sunshine Yellow, you're fresh out of luck.

Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.

Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Commerce for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling. He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.

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