While you may be familiar with traditional outdoor seating options such as pool chairs and camp chairs, there’s another style on the market you should get to know: zero-gravity chairs. These loungers look like regular lawn chairs but are designed specifically to take pressure off joints—and the science behind them is based on NASA-backed research on weightlessness. Along with offering a ton of comfort, there are even some potential health benefits. Learn more about the far-out history of the chair and which options we recommend below.

What is a zero-gravity chair?

Zero-gravity chairs are designed to mimic the neutral body posture that occurs in weightless environments. This was initially observed and named by NASA after research on the position on the Skylab, the first space station launched by the United States. The body posture refers to a position, which in microgravity, requires zero muscle contraction to hold.

Zero-gravity chairs mimic that position. Instead of lying flat, zero-gravity chairs elevate your knees and legs while also angling your torso slightly up and back. Most have at least one position to elevate your legs above your heart, too. The most common and affordable zero-gravity chairs are folding lawn chairs with powder-coated steel tube frames and polyester or nylon water-resistance seats and backs. Some have added features like headrests, cup holders, and canopies, and most have carrying straps.

• Best Overall: Goplus Zero Gravity Chair
• Best Value: Best Choice Products Zero Gravity Lounge Chair Recliners (Set of 2)
• Best Premium: Lafuma Futura Air Comfort Zero Gravity Recliner

If you want a zero-gravity chair that provides comfort, cushioning, and even storage for loose items, this option from Goplus is hard to turn down. The chair balances affordability with a sturdy aluminum and alloy steel frame as well as a fast-drying weather-resistant fabric.

While slightly more expensive than our Best Value pick below, this chair offers several small, but key upgrades, including a higher weight capacity of 350 pounds. Considering the less than 16-pound frame, this is a significant figure.

The bungee cords and polyester fabric also offer a ton of flexibility and give for cradling your body in a neutral position. It folds and locks into a reclining position up to 160 degrees, but one downside is that it doesn't lie down flat.

This set of two bestselling zero-gravity chairs cost a mere $60 each, which is great value for your money.

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 just like the best overall Goplus, come with detachable headrests.

Similarly, the chairs also include attached side tables with slots for your phone, cups, and book, so nothing slides off if you shift weight. This is actually a feature that even the premium pick on our list does not have.

Like any good zero-gravity chair, the reclining feature is freely adjustable, meaning you can stop it and lock it into place at basically any point up to 160 degrees.

Color options are plentiful: There are 26 to choose from, including steel gray, cobalt blue, and poppy burnt orange. Each has a 250-pound maximum weight capacity, which is on the low side.

This French outdoor furniture company has been around since 1954 and is based about an hour south of Lyon in the village of Anneyron. While the brand has many zero-gravity offerings, this lounger is one of their most popular.

Unlike the other two options on our list, this chair features a thick, cushioned pad which provides a lot more support than the classic polyester or nylon materials. The fabric covering the cushioning is breathable and quick-drying so you don't have to worry about accidentally leaving it out in the rain.

It also comes in four styles, including extra-long. Like the other chairs, it includes a removable headrest pillow and folds down for easy storage. The chair also comes with a protective ring on the footrest for durability over time.

This zero-gravity chair is available in neutral taupe and pretty coral blue, along with basic black.

Each of the three models on this list were chosen for utility, durability, comfort, and price relative to quality. We paid close attention to the materials used, including how well they'll hold up to outdoor elements over time, plus we evaluated them based on the number of reclinable positions and available specs, like maximum weight capacity. The chairs we write about are designed to fold and stack, and we also looked for included special features like those we mention above to find options that offer good value.

How do zero-gravity chairs work?

Zero-gravity chairs have hinges at two points on the frame (approximately at your hips and knees) so you can recline in multiple positions and the beds are connected to frames with bungee cords. The majority are adjustable within a certain range for personalization. The seats also have a wide base to support your body while your center of gravity shifts. Most also fold down flat for easy storage and portability.

What are the benefits of zero-gravity chairs?

Research shows that there are health benefits to laying in a neutral position. Doing so takes pressure off your joints, which can help relieve pain, particularly on your neck, hips, and lower back. Another touted benefit is increasing blood flow. With your legs resting in an elevated position above your heart, zero-gravity chairs improve circulation and reduce swelling. While you can also achieve this simply by placing pillows under your legs on a couch or bed, zero-gravity chairs provide those benefits while you're lounging outdoors.