What Is a Zero-Gravity Chair and Why Do You Need One for Summer? (2024)

When shopping for niche furniture, like zero-gravity chairs, we're always after the best. So in our search for the best zero-gravity chair on offer, we encountered quite a few honorable mentions that deserve a spot on our list. Before we introduce our favorite pick, though, allow us to explain what a gravity chair is exactly: It looks and acts like a folding lounge chair, but it reclines in such a way that lifts the legs slightly above the heart, which evenly distributes blood flow and body weight, reducing stress and tension on the spine. Whether or not you have back or joint issues, a zero-gravity chair is a good idea. At the very least, it will hit you with an instant sensation of calm.

What to Look for in the Best Zero-Gravity Chairs

Size

Any time you're shopping for furniture, we'd recommend considering the size before adding it to your online cart. After all, you need to make sure it will fit in your space. When it comes to zero-gravity chairs, though, you'll need to think about weight capacity in addition to the literal dimensions of the piece. If you weigh more than the weight capacity of the chair designed to make you feel weightless, it likely won't work the way it's supposed to. It may even break after a few uses.

Material

The material is a bit less crucial than the size, but still important. If you'll be using your zero-gravity chair outdoors, which is where most people tend to enjoy them most, you'll want a material that won't corrode or grow mold and mildew if it gets wet. Materials like polyester and weather-proof PVC are always reliable options. As for the frame, go with metals that aren't prone to rust, like galvanized steel. Here's the thing, though: Zero-gravity chairs are like folding lawn chairs in that they're amazing while you're using them, but they aren't meant or designed to be outdoors all day and night. They can take a bit of humidity and even a light shower or two, but they aren't going to hold up against real weather.

Special Features

If you're someone who doesn't want to get back up shortly after sitting down in your zero-gravity chair, opt for one that comes with everything you'll need, including a drinks tray, headrest, and even a canopy so that you can forgo sunglasses. Otherwise, just look for one that reclines to at least 170 degrees.

On sale for more than 20% off, this set of zero-gravity chairs are some of the best on the market. For starters, they come in 24 colors (including a punchy American flag print), so they'll pair well with any existing outdoor furniture you may already have. That said, these aren't exactly designed to be permanent patio fixtures. When you're not using them, simply fold them up and stow them away. They come with removable drink trays and adjustable headrests that make zero-gravity lounging even more comfortable. Did we mention there are more than 37,000 five-star ratings? One happy customer said, "First of all, the chairs were super easy to set up. All we had to do was take them out of the box, unfold them, and snap on the cup holder trays. We were all lounging in no time! The steel mesh material of the chairs was also a major plus - it kept us cool on a hot summer day and was surprisingly comfortable to sit on."

Zero-gravity chairs are often more about function than fashion, but this Lafuma pick combines both. It comes in four pastel shades and really does feel like you’re floating in air, courtesy of the ergonomic design that reclines to optimal lounge position. It also employs Batyline fabric that boasts a high resistance to rot, mildew, UV radiation, and fading, so feel free to use it outdoors without having to worry about it falling apart. You may not guess that such a high performance fabric would be Oeko-Tex certified, but rest assured that it's free of harmful toxins and irritants and it's eco-friendly

With a maximum loading capacity of 500 pounds, this zero-gravity chair is tall- and large-friendly. Aside from the padded seat back and cushioned headrest, what makes this chair so unique is its locking system that can be adjusted to any position between 0 and 170 degrees. One reviewer noted, "This chair is perfect for someone plus sized as it is extra wide, holds up to 500lbs, and is very comfortable. I bought one and liked it so much, I purchased another one! If you are thinking of buying a zero-gravity chair, I couldn't recommend this product enough. It shipped super fast; take it out of the box and enjoy - simple." Though it is ideal for tall people, this chair will work just as well (and just as hard) for people of all sizes, so even if you fall on the petite end of the spectrum, you will enjoy this chair just as much as those on the other end.

At 40 inches wide, the Infinity reclining camping loveseat, also known as a zero-gravity chair, is big enough to comfortably seat two, so next time you're lounging by the fire enjoying a glass of wine, invite a friend to join you. It folds up like a classic lawn chair, so when you're not using it, feel free to slide it into a narrow nook or cranny in a nearby closet. It won't take up any space. Plus, it's only 37 pounds, so it's pretty easy to move from place to place.

Most of the zero-gravity chairs on our list are meant to be stored wen not in use, which is why they fold up to be just a few inches wide. This one, however, doubles as a pool lounge chair, making summertime hangouts much more relaxing. Plus, it's on sale for just over $100, so if you have a large space, you may want to grab two. Let's not forget that it gently rocks back and forth! Is there anything more soothing than a chaise lounge that doubles as an outdoor rocking chair? We think not.

Coming in at just $64, this affordable find is a must for summer and beyond. From the super-strong powder-coated steel frame to the double bungee support system that securely connects to the weather-resistant Textilene fabric, this is an easy purchase, if you ask us.

If this Best Choice Products zero-gravity chair looks familiar, that's because it's basically the same as the first one on our list. This one, however, is a bit different. For starters, it's a bit cheaper. Second, in addition to the tray and adjustable headrest, it also comes with a matching canopy for extra sunny days.

Lastly, allow us to introduce what we'd consider one of the best gravity chairs on the market, which also happens to be more than 50% off right now. Not only is it stylish enough to leave on display all summer long, but it really works, giving you that weightless feeling every time you get settled in. Get it in any of the five available shades, but don't wait too long because a deal this good won't last.

There's no time limit for sitting in zero-gravity chairs. In fact, if you're able, you can sleep in them! Zero-gravity chairs are a good option for anyone with back or joint pain because they elevate the legs above the heart, reducing the pressure on the spine. Some have even gone so far as to say that 20 minutes of lounging in a zero-gravity chair does as much good for your back as an eight-hour sleep.

Zero-gravity and anti-gravity chairs are similar in many ways, except one big one: their reclining abilities. The former can recline as far back as 170 degrees, while the latter often sits upright like a regular chair.

Zero-gravity chairs aren't quite as common as, say, dining or lounge chairs, so when the shopping editors set out to find the best ones on the market, you can trust that we put quite a bit of research into all of our top picks. From aesthetics to special features, these are so good, we'd buy them for our own homes.