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Finding the right chair to relax in outdoors can take a fair bit of research. There are tons of options, from rockers and loungers to camp chairs and patio furniture. Though if you're looking for a chair that's specifically designed for head to toe relaxation, what you really need is a zero-gravity chair. These chairs have an elastic nylon cord attaching the bed to the frame, to suspend your body in a neutral position while your feet are elevated.
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 about these popular loungers is that they take pressure off areas like your joints and back. If that sounds like your jam, read on for our top recommendations.
Best Zero Gravity Chairs
- Best Overall: Goplus Zero Gravity Chair
- Best With Canopy: Red Barrel Studio Shildon Zero Gravity Chair
- Best Value: Amazon Basics Zero Gravity Chair
- Best Extra-Padded: Arlmont & Co. Mccullough Zero Gravity Chair
- Best Premium: Lafuma Futura Air Comfort Zero Gravity Chair
What to Consider
Material
Considering zero-gravity chairs are intended for outdoor use, protection from things like water damage, corrosion, and fading are key. The two most common fabrics used for zero-gravity chair beds are PVC-coated polyester (often under the name brand Texteline), which offers a bit of bounce, and nylon, which is a bit stiffer. Both are water- and UV-resistant.
As for the frame, nearly all are made of alloy steel with a powder-coated finish to prevent rust, just like our top pick from Goplus.
Capacity
Most zero-gravity chairs rate at 300-plus pounds, but some have weight capacities that range from 200 to 250 pounds. Over time, lighter-weight chairs may have issues with frames bending or hardware becoming loose.
Portability
Many zero gravity chairs are designed for travel, camping, or the beach. As a result, they fold and oftentimes come with carrying cases or straps. The foldable models may also stack on top of one another, particularly those that are part of matching sets. Generally speaking, single zero-gravity chairs are roughly 15 to 25 pounds.
Extra Features
Some zero gravity chairs have thicker cushioning embedded into the fabric and integrated pillows for extra comfort. Other options come with sunshade canopies or have a rocking base. There are also extras like built-in side tables and drink holders.
How We Selected
Quality of materials and durability were our top considerations, and we drew from our own experience covering similar outdoor furniture to inform our research. We sought to offer a selection that includes styles with a wide range of features and extras to suit different needs in terms of comfort and portability. We also aimed to provide variety across price points, from roughly $60 to $300.
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.
Pros
Strap-on headrest- Great color selection
- Side table for cups, books, or tablets
- Lightweight but high weight capacity
Cons
- Doesn't recline flat
This zero-gravity chair offers solid quality for a relatively affordable price — plus it has a nice lineup of features and the best color selection of all the options we cover.
Its design is similar to most other zero-gravity chairs, but adds a tray that can hold drinks, a smartphone, and other small items, along with a detachable headrest. There are seven colors to choose from, ranging from neutral tones to vibrant hues, including lime green and bright blue.
The chair has a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame and a weather-resistant woven polyester bed. It folds and locks into a reclining position up to 160 degrees.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 35.5 x 25.5 x 43.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 15.5 lb. |
| Capacity | 350 lb. |
| Colors | 7 |
Pros
- Adjustable overhead canopy
- Detachable headrest
- Folds down flat
Cons
- Low weight capacity
- Only two color options
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 nylon cord, and it locks into a reclining position. It also folds down flat and has a removable padded headrest.
The chair 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.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 35.4 x 27.2 x 45.3 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 22.1 lb. |
| Capacity | 250 lb. |
| Colors | 2 |
Pros
- Cushioned design
- Side table with built-in cupholder
Cons
- Plastic locking mechanism may crack over time
For 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.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 35 x 26 x 45 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 18.3 lb. |
| Capacity | 300 lb. |
| Colors | 3 |
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Pros
- Extra cushioning throughout
- Lightweight design with high weight capacity
- Removable headrest
Cons
- For some, extra features may not justify high price
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. It also comes in four styles, including extra-long.
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.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 32.7 x 25.5 x 46 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 18.1 lb. |
| Capacity | 309 lb. |
| Colors | 4 |
Pros
- Includes side tables
- Massive color selection
- Lightweight
Cons
- 250-pound weight capacity
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 slides 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. Each has a 250-pound maximum weight capacity.
Key Specs
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 32.5 x 25 x 44 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 16.3 lb. |
| Capacity | 250 lb. |
| Colors | 17 |
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Adjustable headrest
Cons
- Very low weight capacity
If you don’t want to spend a lot on a zero-gravity chair, it’s tough to beat the price point of this option. It's covered in a woven fabric made of PVC-coated polyester 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. However, the maximum weight capacity is just 200 pounds, one of the lowest on our list.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 31.5 x 26 x 33.9 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 17.8 lb. |
| Capacity | 200 lb. |
| Colors | 4 |
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Pros
- Rocking mechanism
- Detachable headrest
Cons
- Low weight capacity
For a sleek and modern zero gravity chair, we recommend this attractive option. 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.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 24.8 x 58.3 x 33.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 26.5 lb. |
| Capacity | 265 lb. |
| Colors | 1 |
Pros
- Wider seat
- Cushioned material
Cons
- Heavier frame
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 nylon 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.
Key Specs
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 21.6 x 33.5 x 44.9 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 25 lb. |
| Capacity | 300 lb. |
| Colors | 5 |
Pros
- Folds into a compact package
- Easy carry handle when folded
Cons
- Low weight capacity
Built to be folded up and toted with you to a campground, this 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.
The zero-gravity chair comes in six colors, so you should be able to find one that both fits your personal taste and the color scheme of your camping or outdoor gear.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 26.4 x 70 x 48 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 18 lb. |
| Capacity | 225 lb. |
| Colors | 6 |
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Pros
- Less-common rocking design
- Foldable
Cons
- Lacks leg support
While not quite a traditional zero-gravity chair, this rocker has a similar design 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. And while it does have a bar to rest your legs on, it lacks the same reclining power of many other options.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 33 x 25 x 45 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 16.5 lb. |
| Capacity | 250 lb. |
| Colors | 1 |
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
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
Associate Reviews Editor
Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Reviews 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.
