Key takeaways
- A decent zero gravity chair costs about £35 for a single and £55 to £100 for a pair, so buying two is usually the better deal per seat.
- The recline lock is the feature that matters most. Cheaper chairs slip out of position under weight.
- Textilene (mesh) dries fast and suits full sun. Padded Oxford-fabric chairs feel plusher but hold water after rain.
- Check the weight limit before you buy. Standard frames take about 100kg to 110kg, XXL frames closer to 200kg.
Zero gravity chairs are one of those things that quietly climb the Amazon garden charts every July, and this summer is no different. The idea is simple: you recline until your legs sit level with your heart, which takes the pressure off your back and just feels good on a warm afternoon. With another run of hot spells forecast, people are buying them for the garden, the beach and the campsite. Here are six worth looking at right now, with the trade-offs spelled out.
How we picked these
We looked at the current best sellers in Amazon UK’s Garden Chairs list and cross-checked them against the criteria that reviewers like Which? use for garden recliners: a recline lock that actually holds, a stable powder-coated steel frame, a sensible weight rating, and fabric that suits British weather. We favoured chairs with lots of recent ratings over shiny new listings with none, and we’ve noted where a chair is a single versus a pair, because that changes the price comparison a lot. Prices move around, so treat the figures below as a guide rather than a promise.
At a glance
| Chair | Best for | Single or pair | Rough price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straame Set of 2 | Best pair overall | Pair | £70 |
| REQUISITE NEEDS | Best budget buy | Single | £36 |
| KEPLIN XXL Padded Set of 2 | Larger frames | Pair | £100 |
| Harbour Housewares Set | Durability | Pair | £54 |
| Jamiah with Cushion | Single for comfort | Single | £60 |
| BSESEL with Bag | Camping and days out | Single | £60 |
Straame Zero Gravity Chairs, Set of 2
Best pair overallTwo textilene chairs with a steel frame, a 170 degree recline and a lock lever on each side. The breathable mesh is the sensible pick for a sunny patio because it doesn’t trap heat against your back, and at this price you’re getting two seats for what some brands charge for one.
The catch: the side cup trays are small and a bit wobbly, so a full mug of tea isn’t safe on them.
Textilene mesh, folds flat, set of two · around £70
Check price on AmazonREQUISITE NEEDS Zero Gravity Chair
Best budget buyA single textoline recliner with a head cushion and a cup holder for about the price of a takeaway for two. It does the core job, reclining back and locking, and it folds down small enough to sling in the boot for a day at the beach.
The catch: it’s one chair, not a pair, and the frame feels lighter than the pricier sets, so it moves around on soft ground.
Single chair, textoline, cup holder · around £36
Check price on AmazonKEPLIN Set of 2 XXL Padded Zero Gravity Chairs
Best for larger framesWider seats and a padded diamond-quilted cover, sold as a pair. The extra width and the thicker padding make a real difference if a standard mesh chair feels tight, and the adjustable headrest and phone holder are useful rather than gimmicks.
The catch: the padded fabric soaks up rain, so you’ll want to bring these in or cover them rather than leave them out.
Padded XXL, adjustable headrest, set of two · around £100
Check price on AmazonHarbour Housewares Zero Gravity Chair Set
Best for durabilityA two-chair set with a 110kg load rating and a locking system that holds its angle better than most at this price. Harbour Housewares is a familiar UK garden brand, and the powder-coated frame shrugs off the odd shower better than the very cheapest steel chairs.
The catch: the seat fabric is firm rather than cushioned, so for a long afternoon you may want to add a pad.
110kg load, locking recline, set of two · around £54
Check price on AmazonJamiah Reclining Zero Gravity Chair with Cushion
Best single for comfortA single chair with a removable padded cushion and a side cup holder, and one of the higher-rated options in the search. If you only need one seat, say for a balcony or a small patio, the cushion lifts it above the bare-mesh feel of budget chairs.
The catch: being a single, it works out dearer per seat than the two-chair sets if you eventually want a second.
Single chair, removable cushion, cup holder · around £60
Check price on AmazonBSESEL Folding Zero Gravity Chair with Bag
Best for camping and days outA single recliner that comes with a soft cushion and a carry bag, which is the bit that makes it worth packing for camping or a festival. It folds flat, the cushion adds a layer over the mesh, and the bag keeps it from scratching everything else in the car.
The catch: the carry bag is thin and the zip feels like the first thing that will give out.
Single chair, cushion, carry bag · around £60
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Are zero gravity chairs actually good for your back?
Reclining with your knees raised above your hips takes load off the lower spine, which is why a lot of people find these chairs comfortable for a bad back. They’re a relaxation aid, not a medical device, so if you have a specific back condition it’s worth checking with a physio first.
Textilene mesh or padded fabric?
Mesh (textilene or textoline) breathes well, dries in minutes and is the better bet if the chair lives outside in full sun. Padded Oxford-fabric chairs feel softer and warmer, but they hold water after rain and take longer to dry, so they suit people who bring the chairs in or use a cover.
Will a zero gravity chair hold my weight?
Most standard frames are rated around 100kg to 110kg. If you’re near or over that, look for a chair that states a higher limit, often labelled XXL or heavy duty, which typically go up to about 200kg. The stated figure is on the product page, so check it before buying rather than after.
Can you leave them out in the rain?
A powder-coated steel frame will cope with the odd shower, but no zero gravity chair is really meant to live outdoors year round. Mesh chairs handle getting wet better than padded ones. For longevity, fold them away or throw a cover over them when the weather turns.