Zero gravity chairs balance your body weight to release tension as you recline. Designed to evenly distribute body weight for better comfort and support, zero gravity chairs help reduce stress, maintain neutral spine alignment, and promote circulation.
Developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), these chairs were designed to protect astronauts’ bodies from gravitational force while launching into outer space. While you may not be headed for outer space, you might just experience a world of comfort once you find the best zero gravity chair to meet your needs. Read on for our top recommendations across a range of categories, as well as shopping considerations to look out for when choosing a zero gravity chair.
- BEST OVERALL: AmazonBasics Zero Gravity Lounge Folding Chair
- BEST BUDGET: Goplus Folding Zero Gravity Lounge Chair
- UPGRADE PICK: Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair Oversized Recliner
- BEST PAIR: Best Choice Products Zero Gravity Recliners
- BEST PADDED: PHI VILLA Oversize Padded Zero Gravity Lounge Chair
- BEST OVERSIZED: Coastrail Outdoor Oversized Zero Gravity Chair
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Zero Gravity Chair
At their best, zero gravity chairs are comfortable, durable, and beneficial for relaxation. Plan to look for features that suit your specific preferences and needs, such as size, weight capacity, materials, and other safety and convenience features.
Size
Depending on your length, width, and weight capacity requirements, you can choose from standard size or oversize zero gravity chairs. Many manufacturers offer oversize zero gravity chairs to accommodate users who might need a longer chair and wider seat for comfort or an above-average weight capacity for safety.
In general, a standard-size zero gravity chair is about 43 inches long by 25 inches wide by 36 inches high. An oversize chair may measure around 45 inches long by 29 inches wide by 36 inches high. Oversize chairs offer wider seats and greater weight-bearing capacity, and some are longer to accommodate tall people.
For storing and transporting your zero gravity chair, take note of its folded dimensions too.
Material
Zero gravity chairs feature fabric seats suspended from metal frames by cords or bungees. The quality of the fabric may add to your comfort as well as the chair’s durability.
Most zero gravity chairs are constructed with steel frames. Some are alloy steel, which means that other elements are added to the steel for extra strength and resistance to corrosion.
Because zero gravity chairs are generally intended for outdoor use, many of them feature breathable, weather-resistant fabric seats. Some also offer a UV-resistant coating to deter fading from the sun. In some cases, padded seats, usually polyester, provide additional comfort.
Comfort and Support
Zero gravity chairs are designed to balance your weight as you recline while simultaneously raising the level of your feet. You cannot lie on your stomach in a zero gravity chair, and you cannot lie completely flat, as you might on a bed. Instead, a zero gravity chair’s design allows you to approximate a feeling of weightlessness as your position adjusts to relieve pressure points and release tension.
For additional comfort, some zero gravity chairs feature padded seats or head pillows that can be detached and used for lumbar support. If you plan to use your chair in hot weather or an area that gets a lot of direct sunlight, you might look for one with breathable fabric, such as nylon mesh.
Side Tray and Cup Holder
For added convenience, many zero gravity chairs feature side trays to help you keep your drinks, snacks, and electronic devices handy while you relax. Many of these are detachable, and most provide at least one cup holder, if not two. Made from molded plastic, these trays are weather-resistant and fold compactly for storage or transport. These are especially beneficial if you don’t want to bother with a patio side table, or if using your zero gravity chair in a smaller area.
Canopy
If sun protection is important to you, consider a zero gravity chair with a canopy. If you plan to use your zero gravity chair at the beach or other sunny spot, a canopy could be a welcome feature to keep you cool, comfortable, and sunburn-free.
Many zero gravity chair canopies offer adjustable positioning, so you can optimize your shade. Additionally, you can fold the canopy back out of the way when you don’t want to use it.
Locking Mechanism
A zero gravity chair uses your body weight to tilt backward as you recline in a balanced position. This relieves pressure points along your spine and lets your entire body relax to relieve stress.
Most zero gravity chairs feature locking systems that allow you to maintain your favorite position. Generally, the locking mechanism is operated by a knob or lever under the armrest. This means you can recline in comfort and lock or unlock the chair with a quick and easy movement of your hand.
You can select any position from upright to reclining to suit your personal preference. The arc of movement can range from 0 degrees to 170 degrees. Because of the zero gravity chair’s tilting and balancing action, having a proper locking system can provide additional safety. When you recline to your optimally comfortable position, simply engage the lock to rest securely and safely.
Weight Capacity
Standard-size zero gravity chairs typically support up to 200 or 250 pounds, while an oversize chair can bear 350 to 400 pounds. When shopping for your perfect zero gravity chair, always be sure to check its weight capacity specifications.
The chair’s weight capacity is largely determined by the elastic cord system or bungees that attach the chair’s fabric seat to its metal frame. For increased load-bearing capacity, oversize chairs are constructed with sturdy frames and strong fabric seats as well as powerful, corded suspension systems that ensure safe usage with increased weight capacity.
Portability
You may be looking for a zero gravity chair that you can easily bring with you to the beach, sporting events, camping trips, or outdoor gatherings.
Most zero gravity chairs fold for portability as well as storage. Look for the folded dimensions specified in product descriptions to determine how much space it will take up while stored or packed.
In addition to compact folded dimensions, you may want to select a lightweight zero gravity chair for easy transport. While most zero gravity chairs weigh 15 to 22 pounds, some lightweight models weigh as little as 11 pounds.
Our Top Picks
The following products represent excellent zero gravity chairs that provide comfort, sturdy construction, and portability as well as a range of size options and weight capacities to suit individual needs.
Photo: amazon.com
The AmazonBasics Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair allows you to relax and enjoy a weightless feeling that relieves stress. The steel frame is alloyed with other elements to improve strength and durability. Breathable, weather-resistant Textilene fabric is attached to the frame via a bungee support system, keeping you cool and promoting relaxation while a padded headrest and contoured armrests add even more comfort.
This outdoor gravity chair weighs a manageable 16.5 pounds and can support up to 200 pounds of weight. It’s available in four attractive colors to complement your porch or patio decor. Measuring 43.3 by 25.5 by 35.5 inches, the chair is foldable and easy to transport or store.
Product Specs
- Material: Steel frame with textilene fabric
- Weight Capacity: Up to 300 pounds
- Accessories: Headrest pillow
Pros
- Moisture-resistant, breathable textilene fabric
- Comes with padded headrest and contoured armrest
- Supports up to 200 pounds
- Comes in multiple colorways
Cons
- No lock mechanism when folded
- Not suitable for people of all heights
Get the AmazonBasics zero gravity chair on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Relax in the summer sun while you shade your head and eyes from ultraviolet rays. This zero gravity chair from Goplus offers an adjustable canopy and seat made from durable fabric that resists weather and fading. If you don’t want to use the canopy, you can fold it back out of the way. Convenient features include a detachable tray with two cup holders and slots for your phone and tablet as well as a detachable pillow for your head or lumbar support. To rest securely in your favorite reclining position, simply engage the locking system.
The frame of this chair is constructed from steel alloyed with other elements for added strength and corrosion resistance. It measures 32 by 37 by 48 inches when open and weighs 18.5 pounds.
Product Specs
- Material: Steel frame with fabric mesh
- Weight Capacity: Up to 250 pounds
- Accessories: Cup holder, removable pillow, canopy shade
Pros
- Steel frame and weather-resistant fabric
- Locking reclinable feature
- Adjustable canopy and headrest included
- Comes in multiple colorways
Cons
- No handle for carrying when folded
Get the Goplus zero gravity chair on Amazon and at Lowe’s.
Photo: amazon.com
Adjust your position from upright to fully reclined for maximum stress relief in this oversize chair that can bear up to 350 pounds. A locking system allows you to recline in safety and comfort at any angle ranging from 0 to 170 degrees. Recline to your preferred position, then simply push the locking lever under the armrest.
The fully-padded seat is made of breathable, weather-resistant nylon and polyester. Ergonomically-designed armrests are constructed from smooth, natural wood for added comfort and an attractive appearance. Use the removable, padded headrest to support your head and neck, or move it lower for lumbar support. The attached tray provides a cup holder and phone holder for added convenience. This oversize chair from Timber Ridge is foldable for portability and storage. Weighing in at 24.3 pounds, the fully reclined length of the chair is 72 inches. Overall dimensions when open are 43.5 by 22 by 21.3 inches.
Product Specs
- Material: Powder coated steel frame, wood armrests, polyester fabric
- Weight Capacity: Up to 350 pounds
- Accessories: Cup holder, removable pillow,
Pros
- Fully padded, weather-resistant nylon and polyester seat
- Fully reclinable and foldable
- Supports up to 350 pounds
- Comes with wooden armrests, adjustable headrest, and tray
Cons
Get the Timber Ridge zero gravity chair on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
With multiple features for comfort and durability, as well as 12 colors to choose from, you might have trouble selecting your favorite pair. Each chair supports up to 250 pounds, thanks to strong elastic cords that attach the flexible and UV-resistant fabric to a sturdy, alloy steel frame.
Each of the detachable trays provides two cup holders as well as a tablet holder and a phone holder, so you can keep snacks, drinks, and digital devices close at hand. A removable, padded headrest adds to your comfort. In an open position, each chair measures 32.5 by 25 by 44 inches. When folded, each chair measures 38 by 25 by 6 inches.
Product Specs
- Material: Steel frame with textiline fabric
- Weight Capacity: up to 250 pounds
- Accessories: Cup holder, removable pillow,
Pros
- Comes with two chairs
- Strong elastic cords and UV-resistant textilene fabric
- Comes with headrest and detachable tray
- Comes in multiple colorways
Cons
- No handle for portability when folded
- Heavy
- Expensive
Get the Best Choice Products zero gravity chair on Amazon and at Best Choice Products.
Photo: amazon.com
Adjust this fully padded chair to any position that suits your preference, relieving pressure points and tension. Then, activate the easy-to-use locking system for safety. The padded seat is suspended from the frame by a double bungee system, and the steel frame is alloyed with other elements to offer durability and corrosion resistance.
In addition to comfortable padding, this chair also offers oversize dimensions and a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds. The chair back can be adjusted from 32.48 inches to 44.9 inches to accommodate taller people. In an open position, this chair measures 29.14 by 35.43 by 44.9 inches but can be folded for storage or transport.
Product Specs
- Material: Stainless steel frame and Oxford fabric
- Weight Capacity: Up to 400 pounds
- Accessories: Adjustable headrest, cup holder
Pros
- Double-bungee system and steel frame
- Padded seat, headrest, and oversize dimensions
- Holds up to 350 pounds
- Accommodates taller people
Cons
- Oversize construction may limit storage capability
- Heavy
Get the PHI VILLA zero gravity chair at Amazon, Phi Villa, The Home Depot, and Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
This oversize zero gravity chair by Coastrail is fully lined with thick bungee cords to suspend the extra-strength polyester fabric from the steel tube frame. Due to its sturdy construction, this chair will support up to 400 pounds. The 33.5-inch width of the seat provides extra room for relaxation as you recline. A flexible locking system provides security while in your favorite position, and a metal latch pin keeps the chair from folding up until you remove the pin.
The polyester seat is fully padded for comfort, and a detachable pillow can be used either for your head or for lumbar support. A detachable side tray with both a cup and phone holder lets you keep necessities close at hand.
Product Specs
- Material: Powder coated steel with polyester fabric
- Weight Capacity: Up to 400 pounds
- Accessories: Removable pillow, cup holder,
Pros
- Thick bungee cord and steel tube frame
- Extra-strength padded polyester fabric
- Detachable pillow and tray included
- Comes in multiple colorways
Cons
- Limited weather resistance
- Expensive
- Oversize construction may limit storage capability
Get the Coastrail Outdoor zero gravity chair at Amazon, Wayfair, and The Home Depot.
Our Verdict
With a strong bungee support system and steel frame, a moisture-resistant textilene fabric seat, and a padded headrest and contoured armrest, the Amazon Basics is our top pick for the best zero gravity chair. This chair can support up to 200 pounds of weight while also coming in four different colorways for a convenient, foldable option for the beach, patio, or campsite.
Alternatively, the Timber Ridge oversize chair is padded with weather-resistant nylon and polyester fabric for added comfort. Made with a durable steel tube frame, this chair has an adjustable canopy, headrest, and removable tray and comes in three available colorways.
How We Chose the Best Zero Gravity Chairs
The right zero gravity chair can provide ample comfort by releasing tension from your back and legs. Many of the above options have solid constructions, breathable seats, weather resistance, and special features to make outdoor sitting comfortable and enjoyable wherever you roam.
Many of our top picks are made with steel frames and bungee cords for durability and moisture resistance. There are also varying options for seat material including nylon, polyester, and textilene, and some of the seats are padded for added comfort.
The above models are also reclinable and come with locking features to remain in position. For a touch of luxury, many of these zero gravity chairs also come with headrests, removable trays, and wooden armrests for convenience.
FAQs
Zero gravity chairs are designed for comfort, portability, and weather-resistant outdoor use. At first glance, the design may appear unusual, but these chairs offer distinct benefits.
Q: How do zero gravity chairs work?
As you recline in a zero gravity chair, your body weight is evenly distributed along the chair’s length, relieving pressure points, stress, and tension.
Q: How do you sit in a zero gravity chair?
You can start in an upright position, then lean back to recline in a position that is balanced by your body weight. Engage the locking mechanism for added security.
Q: Are zero gravity chairs good for your back?
Because zero gravity chairs are inspired by the NASA-designed seating that helps astronauts endure the gravitational force of takeoff, you can understand why they provide beneficial support for your back. The reclining position distributes your weight to relieve tension and takes pressure off your spine.
Q: Can you sleep in a zero gravity chair?
You may be so relaxed in a zero gravity chair that you fall peacefully asleep. For users who experience back pain, sleeping in a zero gravity chair might be preferable to sleeping in a bed. However, you cannot lie on your stomach or stretch out flat in a zero gravity chair.
