There is nothing quite like soaking up the sun’s rays. Spending time outdoors is a rarity for some, so when those precious summer days arrive, you want to make the most of it.

Zero gravity chairs are the ultimate in flexible seating because they are upright chairs that can be reclined almost vertically so you can get the most from the sun, and when you are done, they fold nearly flat, to enable for convenient storage.

Which zero gravity chairs are the best? We review four top sellers to see which one is worth your time and money.

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1Caravan Sports Infinity Chair

  • Textilene fabric
  • Headrest and lumbar support
  • 300 lb weight capacity
  • Folds to 6.3 inches wide
  • 60-day warranty

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2Sunjoy Zero Gravity Chair

  • UV resistant mesh
  • Removable head support
  • Six color choices
  • Textilene fabric
  • 6-month warranty

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3Best Choice Set of 2 Zero Gravity Chairs

  • 250 lb weight capacity
  • UV resistant mesh
  • Removable pillows
  • Cup holder tray
  • 90-day warranty

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4Phi Villa Oversized Zero Gravity Chair

  • 350 lb weight capacity
  • Durable Oxford fabric
  • Wooden armrests
  • Cup tray
  • 1-year warranty


1

Caravan Sports Infinity Chair

This Caravan Sports infinity chair can hold a maximum weight of 300 lbs, made possible by the powder-coated steel frame and the double bungee system that suspends the Textilene fabric. As with other chairs featured in this review, it has an adjustable headrest, but where this chair differs is that the pillow slides down to act as lumbar support too, so when you recline you won’t suffer any lower back strain.

This recliner benefits from a dual fingertip locking system that enables the user to adjust the chair with their finger, and when you are ready to pack it away it folds down to a size of 6.3 inches wide. It weighs 18 lbs, which seems to be the average for this kind of chair, but it is still a lot heavier than the Sunjoy Zero Gravity Chair, which weighs a mere 11 lbs.

Negatives include that the locking clips are plastic, meaning that it isn’t uncommon for them to fail. Moreover, this recliner suffers from the same issues as the other chairs featured in that it is excellent while upright or fully reclined, but anything in between seems to cause problems.

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Pros

  • Looks good
  • Textilene outdoor grade material
  • 300 lb weight capacity
  • Folds very flat
  • Lumbar support

Cons

  • Locking mechanism fails
  • Won’t stay in position


2

Sunjoy Zero Gravity Chair

This Sunjoy zero gravity chair comes in six bright color varieties, so whatever your mood or taste, there is sure to be a chair that suits you. It is constructed of powder-coated steel with a weight capacity of 300 lbs, and the fabric is Textilene, a highly durable and UV resistant material that can withstand whatever the elements can throw at it. The breathable nature of Textilene fabric means it won’t cling to your skin on the hottest of days, thus enabling you to have a more comfortable experience.

It is the cheapest chair featured on the list, and given the numbers that have sold on Amazon, we had to make this out Budget Pick. It is also the lightest chair featured, weighing in at just 11 lbs, meaning that you won’t throw your back out when the time comes to store it away.

On the downside, this seat feels cheaply made, and many report that the locking mechanism is effective only when the chair is fully reclined. In addition, this seat can be a little uncomfortable because there isn’t much give in the fabric.

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Pros

  • Cheap to buy
  • Powder-coated steel frame
  • 300 lb weight capacity
  • Removable pillow
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • The reclining lock is only useful when fully reclined
  • Feels cheaply made
  • Mesh fabric feels uncomfortable

3

Best Choice Set of 2 Zero Gravity Chairs

This Best Choice set of chairs comes in seven color choices, ranging from vibrant blue to a more subdued tan. It can withstand 250 lbs of weight, and because the material used is UV and weather-resistant, it will stay looking good for years to come.

The headrests are adjustable as well as removable, so should you decide you don’t want them, simply slide them off and store them somewhere safe. The frame is made from tubular steel, so should be sturdy and robust, and because the elastic cords that hold the material are replaceable, you can keep your favorite recliner looking at its best. The reclining system is operated by two controls under the armrests, making the whole process easy and smooth, and this chair set is supplied with attachable cup trays for added convenience.

On the downside, the mesh isn’t as durable as the Textilene fabric used on the Sunjoy Zero Gravity Chair, and because it isn’t as breathable, you might find that you sweat more when in full sunshine. Also, the paint on the steel frame chips away easily, causing rust to set in very quickly. These chairs also seem to suffer the same problem as the Sunjoy: they aren’t the best at staying in position, with the locking nuts loosening over time.

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Pros

  • Comes as a set of two chairs
  • Seven color choices
  • Cup tray
  • Adjustable headrests

Cons

  • Cheaply made
  • Frame chips and rusts
  • Locking mechanism works loose

4

Phi Villa Oversized Zero Gravity Chair

This Phi Villa model is the first chair that caters for the larger end of the spectrum. It is wider than the average chair, coming in at 29.14 inches wide x 35.43 inches deep x 44.88 inches high, and the back of the chair is adjustable in height too, enabling it to extend from 32.38 inches to a maximum of 44.88 inches. It can also handle 350 lbs of maximum weight.

This chair is the most expensive on the list, and the added price is reflected in the build quality and materials used. The durable Oxford blue fabric is extra padded for comfort and is weather, UV, and stain resistant. This fabric is also ventilative, meaning that your skin can breathe while you are sitting in this chair.

The reclining mechanism is operated via a clip that you push forward to unlock and backward to lock, making it one of the most straightforward systems to feature on the list, and because of clever mathematics, this chair is designed around a triangular shape, meaning that the loads are spread evenly making this a well-balanced chair that can recline to 168 degrees.

A significant fault with this chair, though, is that there is a crossbar that is located in the exact spot where your legs go, meaning that after a few minutes it causes your legs to go numb, making it really uncomfortable. This chair is also heavy, coming in at 24.6 lbs, making it less maneuverable and movable than others in its class.

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Pros

  • Quality materials and construction
  • 350 lbs weight capacity
  • Extra wide
  • UV and stain resistant

Cons

  • The design means that some might find it uncomfortable
  • This chair is heavy

Comparison Chart

Sunjoy Zero Gravity ChairBest Choice Set of 2 Zero Gravity ChairsCaravan Sports Infinity ChairPhi Villa Oversized Zero Gravity Chair
Weight Capacity300 lbs250 lbs300 lbs350 lbs
Textilene✓X✓X
Weight11 lbs18.7 lbs18 lbs24.6 lbs
Dimensions26.4 x 70 x 4832.5 x 25 x 4436 x 26 x 4529.14 x 35.43 x 44.88
UV resistant✓✓✓✓
Price$$$$$
Warranty6-month90-day60-day1-year

Buyer’s Guide:

Zero Gravity Chairs

If you are the outdoors type or a sun worshipper who likes to feel the warm rays on your skin, then you will love a zero gravity chair. They are the ultimate in garden furniture, giving you the flexibility to use them as patio chairs until you want to kick back and stretch out in your zero gravity chair. They are also handy if you have elderly relatives who find that climbing out of a traditional deck chair too difficult. The way these chairs pivot forward into a fully upright position makes the process of getting out of the chair a little easier.

You don’t have to have a zero gravity chair to enjoy the garden; other chairs will do the same thing. Traditional patio chairs are just as comfortable for you and your guests when the weather is warm enough to sit outside, but how do the two different seating options compare?

Zero gravity chairs – What makes these chairs unique is their ability to bridge the gap between chairs and recliners, offering something in between. Having the ability to recline to a seating position that feels like you are almost vertical and yet, when the need arises, using the chair as a standard piece of furniture, is a real bonus. Also, unlike many garden chairs, most zero gravity chairs are constructed from breathable fabric like Textilene, which allows your skin to stay cool and avoid sweating.

Traditional patio sets – These sets are designed for the purpose intended, so if you want a lovely patio table and chairs, then that’s what you will get. Fixed chairs though do not afford you the luxury of being versatile. So, when the BBQ is finished and you want to stretch out and catch the sun, you will have to swap to a recliner, or a separate zero gravity chair, which means twice the expenditure. That said, patio sets come in much more pleasing designs and offer a greater variety of choice.

PROSCONS
Zero gravity chairs
  • Provide head and foot support
  • Easy to store
  • Adjustable
  • Less maneuverable as a garden chair
  • The arms may restrict access under garden table
  • Prone to rust
Garden chair sets
  • Fits neatly under the garden table
  • Available in a greater variety of designs
  • More robust to weather conditions
  • Single use
  • Cost a lot more to buy
  • Cumbersome to store

  • Why are they called zero gravity chairs?

  • It is a space-age kind of name, but they are so called because they are supposed to offer that feeling of floating like the astronauts get when in deep space. It’s all based on the center of balance and how your weight is distributed that gives the zero gravity effect.

  • Which is better: aluminum or steel-framed zero gravity chairs?

  • It all comes down to weight. Aluminum is a lot lighter than steel, so it will be easier to lift and carry, putting less strain on your back. Also, aluminum doesn’t rust, so if you intend leaving your chairs in all weather conditions, then aluminum may be the best option.

    Steel is a cheaper alternative to aluminum and is used in chairs that have a lower price point, so if you have a budget you may find that steel is your only option. Powder-coated technology protects the metal from the rain, but over time, the frame will start to rust. If you want to prolong the life of your zero gravity chair, then buy some weatherproof covers, or store them inside, away from the elements.

  • Are there health benefits to using a zero gravity chair?

  • While there might not be any direct health benefits to using a zero gravity chair, they can help to relieve tension and promote relaxation. Zero gravity chairs work by distributing your weight evenly, so that you decrease any pressure on your spine or back, while at the same time, increasing the feeling of relaxation on your neck.

Final Thoughts

There are many zero gravity chairs available on sites like Amazon, but not all models are as good as the four we have selected. If you are seeking a top-end chair, then you should focus your attention on the Phi Villa Oversized Zero Gravity Chair. It doesn’t quite have enough to make it our overall favorite, but it does have many things to recommend it, like additional padding, a greater width and weight capacity, and a full year warranty.

However, our HowToHome Pick has to be the Caravan Sports Infinity Chair for looks, design, and quality. It isn’t the cheapest chair on the list, but the price point is just right, and you know you are getting a quality item. For those with an eye on the money, the Sunjoy Zero Gravity Chair is easily the best budget option, with a Textilene UV-resistant material, a powder-coated steel frame. Weighing in at just 11 lbs, you get a lot for the small price tag.

Whichever chair you choose, do it soon because if you procrastinate for too long, the summer will be over and you’ll have to wait another year to top up that tan.

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