Best Zero Gravity Chair – Buyer’s Guide

Recliners are arguably the most comfortable seating for a single person at home. However, not all people are able to get the most out of traditional recliners. Whether due to injury, stress, or general fatigue, many people find that traditional recliners either do not support their back comfortably or do not provide as luxurious an experience as they would prefer.

Thankfully, the best zero gravity chair has you covered. With a reclining motion that is specifically designed to help support your back especially your lumbar vertebrae and raise your feet to aid in circulation, zero gravity chairs have traditional recliners beat right out of the gate. Still, many of these chairs go even further to provide high-end features to further enhance their experience.

Best Zero Gravity Chairs 2021

Of course, figuring out which is the right chair for you can be difficult. That is why we have put together a list of the 5 best zero gravity chairs, highlighting their specialty. Then we provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you can find the best zero gravity chair to suit your needs.

1. Svago Zero Gravity Recliner – Best Massaging Zero Gravity Chair

If you are looking for a top of the line zero gravity chair, then Svago is likely one of the best companies around. While their chair has a tendency to run a bit more on the pricey side, this brand makes it a point to provide a luxury product that is commensurate with the cost.

It is also worth noting that Svago only makes 2 different products in totality, both of which are slightly different takes on their zero gravity chair.

Luxury Features

Adjustability

Another great quality about the Svago zero gravity chair is the numerous adjustments that can be made to your sitting position as well as features designed to accommodate a wide variety of positions. For instance, the headrest and the footrest can be adjusted independently of one another in case you do not wish to remain in a constant posture the entire time you are sitting.

Beyond the positional adjustments, this zero gravity chair also features a removable headrest pillow and lumbar pillow. To ensure that you are comfortable regardless the posture, the headrest is articulated and the armrests are extended to provide comfort throughout the entire reclining motion.

Drawbacks

There are not too terribly many things about this chair that are not either premium manufactured or infinitely adjustable. That said if there is one thing that might not be ideal for all people it is the fact that the footrest and reclining motion are tied together. Basically, you must recline a bit in order to adjust the footrest. This may not be comfortable for all people especially those with particular back dysfunctions who are purchasing a zero gravity chair for its ergonomic benefits.

2. Human Touch Perfect Chair “PC-610” – Most Stylish Zero GRavity

When it comes to high-end chairs that are designed specifically for their ergonomic capabilities, few companies are able to compete with Human Touch. As one of the more established and storied companies on our list, Human Touch has amassed an impressive 16 different awards over its 35-year history. Even better is that all of those awards have been earned within the past decade including three earned in 2017.

“Optional”

It bears noting that the Human Touch PC-610 also goes by the name “Perfect Chair.” This is a fairly lofty claim to make, but Human Touch actually does one of the better jobs on our list in living up to that self-proclaimed title. However, there is definitely a catch to this: most of the luxury options that can come with the Human Touch zero gravity chair are optional. What this means is that on top of the fact that this is already the most expensive zero gravity chair that we reviewed, if you want many of the luxury options that come standard on either comparably priced or lower competing zero gravity chairs, you will have to shell out even more cash to the point where you may spend twice the amount of a competitor’s model.

Variation

Construction

Beyond the various styles that the Human Touch PC610 offers, its standard construction is impressive enough in its own right. For one, the frame of this zero gravity chair is made out of hand-crafted Hevea Brasiliensis, otherwise known as the rubber tree. When properly cured, as Human Touch does, this yields one of the strongest woods available. This means that you can rest comfortably knowing that not only does the wood look elegant, it is also incredibly durable. On top of that, the reclining mechanism uses a nickel-plated steel which has also been powder-coated. This allows for a fluid reclining motion that is also able to stand up to years of use without fail.

3. StellarComfort Collection UC680 – Best Lifting Zero Gravity Chair

Ultra Comfort is another company that specializes in recliners, though they have a tendency to focus more on the elderly. This can be seen through their classic design choices as well as their use of fabrics something that is actually fairly rare at the luxury end of zero gravity chairs. That said, this is still an exceptionally well-made product and is arguably the most well-constructed zero gravity chair that we saw.

Construction

Make no mistake, there is virtually no other zero gravity chair available which puts the same kind of effort and consideration into the construction of their product.

Comfort

Another focus of the Ultra Comfort zero gravity chair is comfort. This begins first and foremost with the cushions which are far thicker than any other chair that we reviewed. Though this chair does not come with the headrest and lumbar pillows commonly found with zero gravity chairs, the plushness of the cushions make that factor more or less negligible. On top of that, this chair features a much wider seating area than most of the others which is perfect for a comfortable, roomy fit as well as for larger customer. Finally, this is the only chair that we reviewed which features a lifting mechanism to help you stand up if you otherwise have difficulty doing so.

4. Fjords London Swing Relaxer Zero Gravity Recliner – Best Rocking Zero Gravity Chair

Of all the companies on our list, few have the kind of experience and dedication to craft that Fjords does. With a history stretching back over 75 years, this company continues to produce high-end, luxury furniture in exquisite modern styles. While this might mean that their products are a bit pricier than some and their style may not suit all tastes, it also means they known what it takes to make a luxury zero gravity chair though they actually do not specialize either in zero gravity furniture nor chairs.

Movement

This zero gravity chair has a few advantages in terms of movement over its competitors that might just justify its somewhat higher than average cost. First, this is the only zero gravity chair that we reviewed which features a rocking motion. It is worth noting that the Fjords uses a traditional foundation rocking motion and is not a glider. That said, the rocking motion can be utilized simultaneously with the other movement mechanism found only on the Fjords. This chair is able to swivel in place 360 degrees. This allows the Fjords to fit in virtually any space available and still be just as convenient regardless of its interior design position.

Comfort

5. Cozzia Dual Power ZG Recliner – Best Budget Zero Gravity Chair

If you look closely, you will notice that the Cozzia zero gravity chair actually bears a striking resemblance to other products on our list. This may be coincidence, but it is worth noting that Cozzia does not actually specialize in zero gravity chairs exclusively. That said, they do definitely still focus primarily on recliners of some sort. However, it seems that the primary focus of Cozzia is to provide massaging furniture and products with the different types of recliners simply an extension of that mission.

Adjustability

Luxury

Though it is not all that uncommon among high-end recliners, it is still a nice addition that the Cozzia frame is made out of solid beechwood. Aside from the fact that this is inherently more prestigious than synthetic or metal materials, it is also exceptionally strong. Beyond the frame, this is another zero gravity that provides a massaging function which utilizes 6 different massaging motors to help relax your tense muscles.

Moreover, the Cozzia also provides heat to further help your back muscles to relax. The only potential downside of these features is that they are limited to 15-minute intervals which must be re-engaged once a cycle completes.

Drawbacks

Though Cozzia has done an excellent job presenting a luxury zero gravity chair at a fraction of the cost of its competitors, there are definitely points which you can distinctly see where they cut their costs. There are likely no better examples of this than the upholstery which is the only one on our list that only comes in genuine leather. While it could be worse, top-grain leather would be far superior. On top of that, this zero gravity chair does not come with a remote control, so you must use the controls positioned on the armrest which may be a bit awkward for some users.

Best Zero Gravity Chairs – Buyer’s Guide

The upholstery of the zero gravity chair will impact a number of different qualities of the chair as well as some potential personal lifestyle choices. One of the more relevant qualities impacted includes the durability. From a general sense, leather is often seen as the most durable material, though it actually comes in a number of different grades. Comfort will always be a major factor when it comes to seating furniture, and fabric has a tendency to place highest in this category. Ultimately, you will have to weigh your preferred qualities to figure out which upholstery is right for you.

Full-Grain Leather – Full-grain leather is considered the highest grade of leather available. This leather is made out of both the top and lower layer of skin and is by far the most durable material used for zero gravity chair upholstery available.

That said, unless the full-grain leather is treated with special softening chemicals, it is unlikely to be the most comfortable material as it has a tendency to be stiff and takes a while to break-in. It is worth noting that few brands we saw even offer a full-grain leather option with their zero gravity chairs.

Top-Grain Leather – This is generally considered the second grade of leather, but it is also the grade used most for products that people will wear or sit on. This is because top-grain leather is able to made exceedingly soft and comfortable while still maintaining plenty of the durability that makes leather such an attractive upholstery material in the first place. Top-grain leather is made by using on the top layer of skin which allows it to be manufactured such that it is far more supple and already broken-in when compared to full-grain leather.

Genuine Leather – Genuine leather is the lowest grade of leather available, but it also happens to be the most affordable grade of leather available as a well. This grade of leather is not actually designated by any specific layer or layers of skin used and is instead fashioned by gluing or bonding strips or sheets of leather together.This ultimately allows genuine leather to look and feel fairly similar to top-grain leather, but it also limits its overall durability when compared to any of the other grades of leather as well.

Polyurethane – Polyurethane, or PU, is technically a type of plastic but it is noted for numerous qualities that actually allow it to be treated similarly to leather. In fact, polyurethane is one of the most common materials that is marketed as faux leather. While it may not provide the same level of prestige as leather, polyurethane is able to provide a similar experience without violating vegan or cruelty-free lifestyles. Moreover, polyurethane is far less susceptible to damage from liquids than leather, though its overall durability is far more on par with genuine leather than either top-grain or full-grain leather.

Fabric – Though fabric is an incredibly common material used for upholstery in general, it is surprisingly rare to find a zero gravity chair upholstered in fabric. This may be due to the fact that fabric is not generally seen as a luxury material, though there are certainly exceptions to the rule. Regardless the reasons, fabric does prevent arguably the most comfortable material for a couple reasons. First, fabric is simply softer than all but the most carefully treated top-grain leather. Second, fabric is inherently breathable and will not trap heat between your body and the upholstery. The biggest downside of fabric is that it is one of the less durable materials used and far more likely to either stain or absorb odors over time.

Vinyl – We found only a single brand that used vinyl in the making of their zero gravity chair and even that brand offer different options when it came to the upholstery. That is good news for the brand as vinyl should be seen as one of the worst materials used for upholstery. Keep in mind, it is not so much that vinyl is a terrible material as much as it is that it simply does not compare to the others that we saw. While it is waterproof, it is not nearly as durable as the other synthetic materials nor will it account for this lack of durability with enhanced comfort.

Extras

Since zero gravity chairs are inherently a bit of a luxury item, it should come as little surprise that many manufacturers see fit to further improve their standings among the competition by adding further luxury features. While most of these types of features seek to synergize with the natural effect that a zero gravity reclining motion provides, some of them simply seek to provide functions that a smaller niche will appreciate while also offering the expected standard of quality one would demand from a chair that costs over $1000.

Massage – This is definitely one of the more luxurious of the additional features found on zero gravity chairs, but it combines well with the intention of the zero gravity reclining mechanism. Remember, the point of the zero gravity reclining mechanism is to provide a biomechanically sound position to help alleviate the strain and tension placed on the back. When you throw in a massaging function, especially if it is targeted to specific points, you end up with a chair that should be able to ease all back pain away in a matter of 30 minutes.

Heat – Heat could be seen as a bit of a consolation prize when compared to a massage function. This is in a large part because both extra features ostensibly attempt to alleviate the same issue: back pain. That said, one of the advantages that heat presents over a massaging function is that it often does not need to be quite as focused to be effective. With the massaging function, if the massagers are positioned properly, they may not be terribly effective. Considering bodies comes in all shapes and sizes, there is more than a reasonable expectation that the massagers will not perfectly align.

Lift – It seems almost like a match made in heaven, the combination of a zero gravity reclining action with a lifting action, but there are actually few manufacturers which find it pertinent to combine the two. This may be in part due to the complex nature that combining the two mechanisms require as the zero gravity chairs with a lifting mechanism we saw do not allow for a push-back reclining motion. That said, few of the zero gravity chairs we reviewed allow for that type of action whether a lifting chair or not.

Rocking – While it may not be too terribly common, there are a few zero gravity chairs out there that are able to incorporate a rocking action to accompany the already relaxing zero gravity reclining action that defines them. While this can take the form of a traditional swinging action, technically sliding rockers may also present with a zero gravity reclining action though we did not see any. The only potential issue with this additional feature is that it will present further stress on the various moving parts of the zero gravity chair and could potentially lead to failure of one or more mechanism sooner than non-rocking versions.

Conclusion

As we can see, there are a wide variety of different types of zero gravity chairs available many of which are specialized for a specific market niche. This means that no chair will work best for everyone, but there is likely a chair on our list that will work best for you.

If you are looking for a luxury chair with great additional features, it is difficult to find one better than the Svago. Aside from the fact that it is made out of durable parawood and soft top-grain leather, it also comes standard with both massage and heat functions to help relax away the stress and ache of the day.

Of course, zero gravity chairs can be fairly expensive, and some people may be purchasing them for medical or ergonomic benefits more than just for luxury. In this regard, the Cozzia offers a solid range of features at a much more affordable price. Though it only uses genuine leather, it still comes standard with massaging and heating functions for full relaxation.