Buying guide for best zero gravity chairs

If you need a chair for the outdoors, you may just assume some discomfort comes along with the territory. Most people know those classic hard, plastic loungers all too well. And then there are those metal folding chairs that can’t even stand up to wind. Finally, there are canvas chairs with zero lumbar support – and the majority of them don’t recline. Not exactly great chairs to kick back and enjoy nice weather.

Luckily, companies have addressed these issues by making zero gravity chairs. The main appeal to these chairs is that the back of the chair and footrest move back and forth in one graceful motion to keep you in a coordinated ergonomic position at all times.

This design is based on how astronauts reclined while going into space when comfort is a must. It’s comfortable because reclining back evenly doesn’t put too much pressure on any single part of the body, hence the name “zero gravity chair.”

Zero gravity chairs have several other features to keep you comfortable for hours, from quality craftsmanship to padded chair backs and headrests. 

The name “zero gravity chair” comes from the position the body tends to naturally assume while floating in zero gravity. A person’s legs float slightly above the level of the heart, like someone in a zero gravity chair in full recline.

Types of zero gravity chairs

Orbital

This type of chair looks downright space age.

Two metal rings intercross with each other to form a sphere shape. Two sides of the metal rings act as armrests and the other two sides support the chair on the ground.

They do not recline as much as the more traditional zero gravity chairs, but they sure look cool.

Two-person

This model is like the chair above, but it’s extra wide to fit two people. These chairs can usually support up to 600 pounds.

Sets of two

A common way to buy zero gravity chairs is in pairs. Two packs are the standard recliners that come together, which is convenient for couples, groups, or families and ends up saving money.

Patio recliner

Patio recliners are the most common type of zero gravity chairs. These chairs consist of a mesh fabric that is suspended to a durable steel frame with stretchy cording. It’s almost like sitting on a very comfortable trampoline molded to your body. The chairs recline back, taking the pressure off of the back. The whole chair is weather proof and can last years with good care. They tend to hold up to 300 pounds.

Extra large

Extra large patio chairs support larger people, or loungers who simply want more room to sprawl out. The chairs come built with a little extra width, but are still meant for one person. These chairs typically hold up to 350 pounds.

Indoor

You might be surprised to learn that there are indoor zero gravity chairs. The chairs look like traditional furniture pieces. Indoor zero gravity chairs are made out of high-end materials like leather covers with a wooden base. The seats are padded; however, they recline back just like patio chairs, with the chair back and foot rest moving together to keep you in a specific ergonomic position that alleviates extra pressure off the body.

Massage

Massage chairs also fit in with the zero gravity designation. Massage zero gravity chairs are padded leather or faux-leather chairs that encase the arms, legs, and neck. Then the chair gives a complete, full-body massage. Because they recline back in the same fashion as the other types, they count as zero gravity chairs.

Quality outdoor zero-gravity chairs are typically made of a mesh-like material that’s breathable yet strong. We assess the comfort and durability of the material in the models we consider.

While most zero-gravity chairs are designed for outdoor use, some indoor models are available. They offer the same reclining capabilities as outdoor models, providing optimal head, neck, back, and leg comfort. We include both outdoor and indoor options in our research.

We factor in the head and neck support of each chair we research, noting that some models have pillows that are adjustable to fit individual needs.

Some zero-gravity chairs have a canopy that keeps the sun out of the occupant’s eyes while relaxing outdoors and can be removed when not in use. We check to see if this feature is offered when we conduct our research.

Some chairs are available in sets of two. We make note of 2-for-1 options and recommend them for anyone who needs more than one chair as well as for budget-minded shoppers.

When researching the best zero-gravity chairs, we assess the padding. While some models have padding that’s fairly thin, quality chairs tend to have extra-thick padding for optimal support and comfort.

We want to know if the chairs we evaluate are available in a choice of colors. This feature is important to consumers who want a good match for their décor.

We find out whether the zero-gravity chairs on our research list have cup holders. A cup holder comes in handy when lounging with a beverage. When a cup holder is offered, we examine its placement for convenience and ergonomics.

Massage is a function offered by some indoor zero-gravity chairs. We note the chairs that offer this in our research.

Weight capacity is an important feature in a chair. We evaluate weight limits, which typically range from 300 pounds for a patio model and up to 600 pounds for a large two-person chair.

Features of zero gravity chairs

Head and neck support

These chairs tend to come with a lot of different head and neck support add-ons. The standard head and neck option is simply a padded pillow addition strapped to the top of the chair. Another option includes flatter padding wrapped around the whole top third of the chair’s back. Some pillow attachments may also be wider and puffier that the standard pillow additions.

Canopy attachments

A popular feature is the canopy attachment for those who don’t want to be fully exposed to the elements. It’s a sheet of fabric that’s attached to two metal rods and a frame. Those rods attach to the back of the chair, holding the fabric above your head to block the sun.

Some indoor zero gravity chairs have electronic recline controls.

Extra padding

Many models come with padding in the fabric for extra comfort. Depending on the model, the padding may be more pronounced (looking like an outdoor padded recliner) or have some understated padding built into the mesh.

Breathable mesh

Some chairs focus on the breathability of the material. Zero gravity chairs typically come in mesh material, but some use a type of mesh that is so breathable you can see right through the chair due to wider holes in the material. The breathability helps prevent overheating on hot days.

Colors

One feature that appeals to the style-conscious consumer is the vast array of colors the chairs come in. From understated neutral shades to wild neon pinks and blues hues, there’s a chair to fit into any color scheme. If the chair is going to be a key piece on your patio, deck, or porch, the color is important.

Cup holders

Some chairs have a place to keep a drink – a simple but often important extra. You can usually find these around the arm rest somewhere, usually built right into the end.

Angle lock

Some chairs come with a system that allows you to lock into several different positions between the sitting-up position and the full-reclined zero gravity position where the legs are above heart level. This feature is important if you plan to recline and don’t want the chair to move out of position until you want to sit up.

Cost of zero gravity chairs

Prices of these chairs range widely. Most chairs can be priced as low as around $40 to $200, but can be as high as $1,000 for indoor models. Zero gravity massage chairs can be upwards of $3,000. Below is a price tier breakdown of certain chairs.

$40-$100

This price range contains basic zero gravity patio chairs. Extra large chairs are in this price range, as well as sets of two chairs. Two-person zero gravity chairs are also at the top of this price range, as are orbital zero gravity chairs.

$100-$200

This range pertains to chairs with more advanced materials, like highly breathable mesh. Most indoor zero gravity chairs sit at the top of the price range.

$200 and up

Many types of indoor zero gravity chairs will be at this price point, which can exceed $1,000 in some cases. Zero gravity massage chairs can cost more than $3,500, though some limited massage features (ie. just encasing the legs) put the price around $1,000.

Zero gravity chairs are associated with all sorts of health benefits, like reduced stress on the spine, improved circulation, easier breathing, reduced muscle tension, reduced cardiovascular stress, reduced tension on joints, and reduced chance of varicose veins, all because you are not putting greater pressure on certain parts of the body over others.

Zero gravity chairs FAQ

Q. I’ve heard zero gravity chairs are good for pain relief. Is that true?

A. Zero gravity chairs can help with back pain. The chair reclines the back and feet together so that you are putting even weight on all parts of the body. That lessens the strain you put on your back, especially your lower back.

Q. How much weight can a patio zero gravity chair support?

A. Most zero gravity chairs will hold up to 300 pounds, though you may want to check the specifications of the chair to be sure. Extra large varieties can hold up to around 350 pounds. Two-person zero gravity chairs will hold anywhere between 450 and 600 pounds.

Q. I’ve just seen the patio chairs. Can I use zero gravity chairs inside?

A. Yes, there are indoor zero gravity chairs. These come in typical furniture materials, with wooden frames, padding, and leather or faux leather coverings.