10 Best Recliners for the Most Comfortable Seat in the House

July 2024 · 10 minute read

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.

Our top picks for the best recliners

Best budget recliner: Raymour & Flanigan Baylor Glider Recliner

Best budget recline

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.”

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The bottom line:

A super comfortable manual recliner for a reasonable price.

Best recliner for older adults: Irene House 9188 Lay Flat Lift Recliner Chair

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.

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The bottom line:

A powered recliner designed to help older people sit and stand more easily.

Best luxury recliner: Benchmade Lilly Recliner Chair

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.

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The bottom line:

An elegant, if pricey chair that doesn’t immediately scream, “Recliner.”

Best recliner for neck pain: Human Touch Perfect Chair

Best recliner for neck pain

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

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.

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The bottom line:

A great-looking recliner built from the ground up to support your neck and spine.

Best power recliner: American Leather Elliot Power Recliner

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.

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The bottom line:

A luxury powered option designed to bring you supreme comfort, so long as you can live with the price.

Best recliner for back pain: Homall Massage Recliner

Best recliner for 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)

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.

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The bottom line:

An inexpensive but still feature-packed recliner that’ll help soothe away your back pain.

Best recliner for sleeping: La-Z-Boy Pinnacle Platinum Power Lift Recliner

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.

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The bottom line:

A powered, exceptionally comfy recliner that you might never want to get up from.

Best manual recliner: Hulala Home Genuine Leather Swivel Rocker Recliner

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.

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The bottom line:

A stylish but highly functional recliner with a few extra tricks up its sleeve.

Best modern recliner: Grandin Road Shelby Recliner

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.

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The bottom line:

A modern-looking recliner that admittedly sacrifices some recliner functions in the name of style.

Best reclining sofa: Raymour & Flanigan Skye Power Reclining Sofa

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.

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The bottom line:

An affordable and extremely comfortable power reclining sofa.

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.

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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