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When it comes to couches, we’re already spoiled for choice, with thousands of available options to buy. But when it comes to putting your feet up, none of these can hold a candle to the recliner. If you’re looking to tip back and grab a cosmically satisfying nap, take a look at our picks for the best recliners available.
What to consider when buying a recliner
Space
Just as you’d carefully measure for a large sectional sofa, considering your available footage for a smaller purchase like a recline is key. “It's important to keep in mind how much empty space you have behind the chair,” warns Tara McCauley, an interior designer based in New York City. “You'll need substantially more space than you would with a stationary chair.”
Power
“An electrical recliner sounds great, but it does present a dilemma unless you have a power source right by the chair,” says McCauley. “If your recliner is nowhere near an outlet, you'll need to whip out an extension cord every time it needs a charge. You may be better off buying a manual recliner in that case.” If you are purchasing a power recliner, make sure to double-check the fine print with its warranty.
Construction
“When choosing a recliner, strong consideration should be given to its material and construction,” says Isfira Jensen of Nufacet Interiors. “A durable frame ensures longevity and high-quality cushion material will mean an item retaining its shape over time. The upholstery of the piece—leather vs fabric—also offers different looks and provides varying levels of comfort.” Tip: Our guide to the best leather sofas has in-depth advice about purchasing furniture upholstered with this material.
Our top picks for the best recliners
Best budget recliner: Raymour & Flanigan Baylor Glider Recliner
As you’ll see further down this list, recliners can get pretty expensive, especially when you start getting into powered and leather-upholstered options. There are some more wallet-friendly options on the market, though, and for Jensen, this is the pick of the bunch. “It’s a sturdy piece with a high level of comfort for a low price,” she says. “The easy transition to the reclining position often makes this a client favorite.”
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 33 inches wide x 37 inches deep x 41 inches high
- Weight: 83 pounds
- Material: Polyester chenille
- Type: Manual
- Price on publish: $599.95
What we like:
- On the less expensive end for a nice recliner
- Removable seat back for easier movement throughout home
What we don’t like:
- Only one color option
The bottom line:
A super comfortable manual recliner for a reasonable price.
Baylor Glider Recliner
Best recliner for older adults: Irene House 9188 Lay Flat Lift Recliner Chair
For older adults who need not just somewhere comfy to sit, but a little help getting in and out of the chair, Irene Houses’ flat lift recliner is a great place to start. Along with the ability to lie completely flat—always a bonus should the urge to nap strike—the motorized chair rises up to help you stand when you’re ready.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 33 inches wide x 38.5 inches deep x 42.5 inches high (medium) - 37.8 inches wide x 40.9 inches deep x 46 inches high (extra large)
- Weight: Not listed
- Material: Faux leather
- Type: Powered
- Price on publish: $719.90 - $1,099
What we like:
- Heat and massage functions
- Lots of color and size options
- Side storage space
What we don’t like:
- Might not suit taller or larger people without going up a size
The bottom line:
A powered recliner designed to help older people sit and stand more easily.
Irene House 9188 Lay Flat Lift Recliner Chair Heat Massage Dual Motor Infinite Position Up to 300 LBS Electric Power Lift Recliners, Medium(Brown Faux Leather)
Best luxury recliner: Benchmade Lilly Recliner Chair
Those seeking a chair both relaxing and luxurious should try sinking into Benchmade’s Lilly recliner. “This modern take on a wingback chair is highly customizable, with a ton of fabric and leather options, as well as three metal finish options for the base,” says McCauley. It’s also great for people who don’t necessarily want to advertise that it’s a recliner, since the footrest folds up invisibly underneath when not in use.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 32 inches wide x 39 inches deep x 41 inches high
- Weight: Not listed
- Material: Performance fabric or leather
- Type: Manual
- Price on publish: $3,822
What we like:
- Modern look
- Hidden footrest
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
An elegant, if pricey chair that doesn’t immediately scream, “Recliner.”
Benchmade Lilly Recliner Chair
Best recliner for neck pain: Human Touch Perfect Chair
Those with neck pain will understandably be looking for a recliner that better supports their head and spine, which is exactly what the Human Touch Perfect Chair is designed to do. Built to help distribute body weight evenly, reducing stress on the spine in the process, it also features a full support head pillow that cradles the head and neck, as well as a motorized reclining system that gently lowers you into an ideal “zero-gravity” position. If you need additional support, take a look through our guide to the best pillows for neck pain.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 32 inches wide x 46 inches deep x 46 inches high
- Weight: 80 pounds
- Material: Leather
- Type: Powered
- Price on publish: $2,799
What we like:
- High-end look
- Great neck and spine support
What we don’t like:
- Might not work for taller people
The bottom line:
A great-looking recliner built from the ground up to support your neck and spine.
Human Touch Perfect Chair® PC-350 Classic Power Zero Gravity Leather Electric Recliner For Office, 3-Year Warranty, 46D x 32W x 46H Inch, Dark Walnut Espresso
Best power recliner: American Leather Elliot Power Recliner
Who has the energy for yanking on a lever when it’s time to lie back and relax? There’s none of that with a powered recliner, and this offering from American Leather adds more than a touch of luxury, too. “Not only is this recliner sleek and beautiful, but the craftsmanship and comfort is top notch,” enthuses Jensen. Shopping tip: American Leather also made our list of the best sleeper sofas and the most comfortable couches.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 29 inches wide x 37 inches deep x 41 inches high
- Weight: 163 pounds
- Material: Leather
- Type: Powered
- Price on publish: $5,399
What we like:
- USB charging
- Removable back
- Chaise-style recline with multiple positions
What we don’t like:
- Heavy
- Expensive
The bottom line:
A luxury powered option designed to bring you supreme comfort, so long as you can live with the price.
Elliot Power Recliner
Best recliner for back pain: Homall Massage Recliner
If our pick for neck pain made you wince thanks to its high price, get some relief with our more budget-friendly pick for back pain. Featuring a massage function with multiple intensity levels and vibration modes to help alleviate tension and promote relaxation, as well as lumbar support and seven different color options, you get a lot for your money with this model.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 19.8 inches wide x 35.8 inches deep x 38.6 inches high
- Weight: 61.6 pounds
- Material: Faux leather
- Type: Manual
- Price on publish: $120
What we like:
- Very inexpensive
- Lots of color choices
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t recline flat
The bottom line:
An inexpensive but still feature-packed recliner that’ll help soothe away your back pain.
Homall Recliner Chair, Recliner Sofa PU Leather for Adults, Recliners Home Theater Seating with Lumbar Support, Reclining Sofa Chair for Living Room (Leather, Dark Black)
Best recliner for sleeping: La-Z-Boy Pinnacle Platinum Power Lift Recliner
Considering recliners were essentially invented to let you take a sneaky nap, this is a pretty competitive category, but La-Z-Boy’s Pinnacle Platinum Power Lift Recliner romps away with the win thanks to its absurdly soft, comfortable feel and smooth, motorized reclining and lift functions. The back, leg rest, head rest, and lumbar support can all be adjusted individually, too, so you’re sure to find a position that works for you.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 33.5 inches wide x 39 inches deep x 45 inches high
- Weight: 152 pounds
- Material: Polypropylene
- Type: Powered
- Price on publish: $2,359.99
What we like:
- Insanely comfortable
- Independently adjustable sections
What we don’t like:
- Heavy
- Expensive
The bottom line:
A powered, exceptionally comfy recliner that you might never want to get up from.
Pinnacle Power Lift Recliner with Power Headrest and Lumbar
Best manual recliner: Hulala Home Genuine Leather Swivel Rocker Recliner
Despite their ease, a powered recliner might not be to everyone’s taste, particularly those who might find themselves trapped in a fully reclined seat during a power outage. For a great manual option, take a look at Hulala’s leather swivel rocker: As the name implies, as well as being a recliner, it can swivel a full 360 degrees, and functions as a rocking chair, too.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 30.3 inches wide x 37.5 inches deep x 40.2 inches high
- Weight: 96 pounds
- Material: Leather
- Type: Manual
- Price on publish: $789.99
What we like:
- Full rotation swivel
- Rocker function
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t recline flat
The bottom line:
A stylish but highly functional recliner with a few extra tricks up its sleeve.
HULALA HOME Genuine Leather Swivel Rocker Recliner, Manual Glider Recliner Chair with Adjustable Backrest & Footrest, Modern Home Theater Lounge Sofa Armchair for Living Room Bedroom, Camel
Best modern recliner: Grandin Road Shelby Recliner
While recliners are comfortable, they’re not always the most stylish or modern-looking pieces of furniture, tending towards either overstuffed behemoths or private members club leather armchairs. This offering from Grandin Road neatly puts a more streamlined, modern twist on the recliner, keeping things elegantly simple. It also features stain-resistant performance fabric to make life that little bit easier.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 35 inches wide x 38.5 inches deep x 38.25 inches high
- Weight: 73 pounds
- Material: Performance fabric
- Type: Manual
- Price on publish: $999
What we like:
- Modern design
- Performance fabric
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t recline flat
- Pricey for so few extra features
The bottom line:
A modern-looking recliner that admittedly sacrifices some recliner functions in the name of style.
Shelby Recliner - Livesmart Performance Fabric Presley Pearl - Grandin Road
Best reclining sofa: Raymour & Flanigan Skye Power Reclining Sofa
What’s better than a reclining chair? A reclining sofa, obviously! With thick cushioning and enough room to comfortably seat three people, Raymour & Flanigan’s Skye power reclining sofa is a soft, stylish, and practical option for anyone wanting to turn their living room into a haven of relaxation.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 89 inches wide x 39 inches deep x 41 inches high
- Weight: Not listed
- Material: Microfiber
- Type: Powered
- Price on publish: $1,499.95
What we like:
- Soft
- Comfortable
- Reasonably priced
What we don’t like:
- A small minority of customer reviews raise concerns about longevity
The bottom line:
An affordable and extremely comfortable power reclining sofa.
Skye Microfiber Power Reclining Sofa
How we selected the best recliners
All of our recliner picks were made through an exhaustive mix of personal experience, expert advice, and scouring customer reviews to check that most people who’ve bought these models are happy with the experience.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What brand of recliner is the best?
Jensen recommends American Leather for recliners, but other options from our list–such as La-Z-Boy, Benchmade, and Raymour & Flanigan–are all well worth checking out.
Which recliners last the longest?
“A manual recliner made with solid, quality construction will tend to last the longest,” says Jensen. “A recliner with a solid wood frame and a high-density foam can last you for up to ten years.”
How much should you spend on a recliner?
“Ultimately, how much you should spend on a recliner depends on individual needs, and the materials selected,” says Rick Lovegrove, president of upholstery at Four Hands. “Choosing between full grain leather and polyurethane, regular textile and performance fabric, are all purchasing decisions that are going to determine where pricing falls.”
Which lasts longer, a manual or power recliner?
According to Jensen, manual recliners generally last for longer, since the electrical components in power recliners tend to break down more quickly.
Is leather or fabric better for a recliner?
“Leather recliners are durable and easy to clean, providing resistance against stains and wear,” says Mariya Snisar, head of interior design at Renowell. “Their downside is that they tend to be pricier. Fabric recliners, on the other hand, offer a variety of colors, textures, and are usually more budget-friendly than leather. Their drawback is that they’re more susceptible to staining and wear.”
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