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Because trying to relax on the beach with back pain is a drag.

The science behind zero gravity chairs is based on the concept of neutral body posture, developed by NASA in the 1970s while astronauts spent time at Skylab, the first U.S. space station. While we’d love to geek out on the topic here, all you really need to know if you’re in the market for one of these popular loungers is that they’re designed to take pressure off your body—particularly your joints and back—so you can relax in complete comfort. If that sounds like your jam, read on for our top recommendations.

Finding the perfect zero gravity chair is largely based on personal preference, but there are a handful of things to keep in mind while shopping. The vast majority fold, lock into a reclining position, and have a thick elastic cord attached to the seat’s fabric, which is typically polyester or vinyl. Frames are almost always metal, and many are made of rust-resistant powder-coated steel. Most have a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds or more, but some cap off at 250 pounds or less (we note the ones that do below). Some chairs have extra cushioning or are extra-wide, and features run the gamut from sunshade canopies to removable headrests to drink trays. There are also zero gravity chairs with rocking bases. Expect to find options sold singly and in sets of two.

All of the zero gravity chairs featured below have an average user rating of four stars or more. Quality of materials and durability were our top considerations, and we read through countless customer reviews to gauge pros and cons before making our final selections. We cover a range of styles, some with special features like those mentioned above, and offer options across price points, from budget to high-end.

For more comfortable additions to your seating setup, check out our picks for the best ergonomic office chairs, standing desk chairs, and best gaming chairs.

If you don’t want to spend a lot on a zero gravity chair, it’s tough to beat the price point on this option. It's covered in a woven fabric made of PVC-coated polyester yarn that's attached to its black powder-coated steel frame with a thick elastic cord.

The folding chair locks into a reclining position and weighs a mere 16 pounds, but their maximum weight capacity is on the low side at 200 pounds. If you want your chair to match your existing patio furniture, this one comes in four stylish colors: black, navy, beige, and burgundy.

This zero gravity chair has a similar design to the option above, but adds a tray that can hold drinks, a smartphone, and other small items. The chair has a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame and a weather-resistant woven polyester fabric attached with a strong black bungee cord. It folds and locks into a reclining position, plus there's a detachable headrest.

The chair is available in seven colors ranging from neutral tones to vibrant hues, including lime green and bright blue.

You may be unfamiliar with the brand Lafuma, but the French outdoor furniture company has been around since 1954. It’s based about an hour south of Lyon in the village of Anneyron, and this zero gravity lounger is one of the more popular chairs in its line. It features a thick, cushioned pad covered in a breathable and quick-drying three-layer fabric, with a firm suspension system to provide extra back support.

Other highlights include a removable headrest pillow and a protective cover around the footrest. It also folds and is available neutral taupe and pretty coral blue, along with basic black.

These best-selling zero gravity chairs come out to less than $60 each, which makes the set a value-packed deal. Plus, they get high marks from over 43,000 customers, who give them an average 4.5 stars. Their alloy steel frames are coated in a rust-resistant black finish, with a durable woven polyester fabric used for the seats. They also lock into a reclining position and come with detachable headrests.

Color options are plentiful: there are 14 from which to choose, including steel gray, cobalt blue, and poppy burnt orange. Their maximum weight capacity is 250 pounds.

For a little extra wiggle room on the sides, this option is an excellent choice. This oversized zero gravity chair’s frame is 33.5 inches wide and features a durable, two-tone 600-denier polyester fabric strung to the black powder-coated steel frame with a thick elastic bungee cord. There’s decent padding on the seat and it locks into place while you’re reclining. The removable headrest can also be used as a lumbar support pillow, plus the chair features natural wood armrests. It comes in four color combos.

This zero gravity lounger features an adjustable sunshade, which is always handy to have, particularly on blazing-hot summer days. The chair's fade-resistant, durable vinyl fabric is attached to the rust-resistant metal frame with an elastic bungee cord, and it locks into a reclining position. It also folds down flat and has a removable padded headrest.

The chair gets rave reviews from customers, with an average 4.9 stars, and it comes in a light beige in addition to the soft medium blue that's shown, but it has a 250-pound maximum weight capacity.

If you want a well-priced zero gravity chair with extra padding, this option is your best bet. It adjusts in multiple positions and locks into place, and is covered with a durable, fade-resistant oxford polyester fabric. The alloy-steel tubular frame is powder-coated in a black finish to prevent rust, and there are protective caps on the base to prevent skidding.

The chair comes with a detachable headrest pillow and a cup tray, and it’s also available in blue or gray.

This zero gravity chair has an upscale contemporary look, featuring an all-weather polyethylene rattan material in handsome espresso brown. The tubular powder-coated steel frame is coated in a rust-resistant black finish, with nonslip rubberized corners on the base. The chair has a ring pull for easily locking it into a comfortable reclining position, plus it folds for storage.

While its minimalist design is ultra-appealing, the lack of a headrest may be a drawback for some. The chair has a 250-pound maximum weight capacity and is sold singly, or in a set of two for roughly $130 at the time of this writing.

If you’re in the market for a sleek and modern zero gravity chair, look no further than this attractive option. The ergonomic chaise features a PVC-coated polyester mesh fabric and a lightweight gray steel frame, with black rubberized grips on the arms and rocking base.

You can use it on the patio for lounging poolside, or put it on a patch of grass in the backyard. There’s also a detachable headrest included, though it’s on the small side and isn’t very plush. The chair's maximum weight capacity is on the low end at 265 pounds.

Plenty of zero gravity chairs are sold in a set of two, but a double-wide chair like this one is a lot harder to find. This model features a rust-resistant powder-coated steel frame that locks into place when you recline, and two supportive neck pillows. There are also nonskid feet at the base and the chair collapses easily for storage.

The vast majority of customers report that the zero gravity chair is “comfortable” and “sturdy,” and one reviewer says “it’s like a bed outside.” It only comes in beige, and a few buyers note that the true color is slightly darker than the photo.