Some of the very best recliners on the market do a lot more than just tip back and let you put your feet up. You’ll find models with all kinds of impressive deluxe features, but which ones will be more of a pain than a comfort? We’ve tested all the top brands to bring you this full review and buying guide.
Some recliners rock or glide with a smooth, comforting motion. Others swivel a full 360 degrees, making it easy to keep things within reach without needing to get up.
Some recliners even have a built-in massage feature with soothing vibrations that help reduce back pain so you can unwind after a long day at work. Many are also self-heating—perfect for chilly winter nights!
To find the top recliners with cutting-edge features and optimal support, we tried quite a few options on the market. You’ll find rockers and gliders, massage recliners, swivel recliners, and your basic old-fashioned recliners for the purists among us.
Some were great. Others, not so much. We’ll be honest: there are some that didn’t make the cut. Every company says that its products are the best, but some were stiff, unstable, not very sturdy, or just plain uncomfortable to sit in for long periods of time.
DO NOT risk buying one of those, as they could cause muscle and joint pain as well as ruin your posture.
Eventually, we settled on nine recliners that we feel represent the best of the best. These chairs offer a variety of different sets of features, and each one is ideal for a different kind of use.
We’ve reviewed each of these nine amazing recliners to help you choose the very best for your particular needs. Whether you’re looking for something affordable or you’ll spare no expense for the best of the best, you’re in the right place.
The Top Rocking, Swiveling, Gliding, and Massaging Recliners
1. Larkinhurst Rocker Roller
Looking for a dynamic recliner that blends stylish, visually appealing design with functionality? The Larkinhurst Rocker Roller from Ashley Furniture might just be the perfect recliner for you. With a versatile form factor, separate footrest and recliner mechanisms, and a rocking mechanism built on top of a stable bottom base, this versatile multipurpose recliner is great for lounging, sitting upright, sleeping and more.
Manufactured and sold by Ashley Furniture, a top national brand, this recliner is one of the most popular of its kind. It ranks in the top thirty home living chairs on Amazon, and for good reason. Scores of positive reviews from satisfied customers praise its comfort, sturdy design, and adaptability for people with disabilities. It’s also a great recliner for sleeping.
During our testing, we were very impressed with the chair’s comfort factor. The cushioning is relatively firm—though not too firm—and the high back provides quite a bit of lumbar support, even for people over 6’2”.
The chair is designed to rock gently, using more of a sliding mechanism. Due to the design of the chair’s base, it’s quite gentle on flooring, making it a great choice for sensitive hardwood or marble floors that scratch easily.
Aesthetically, this chair’s design has traditional sensibilities. Its light, slightly dappled brown color is visually versatile and can work with many decor styles and color schemes.
One drawback is that this chair does not come in more than one color. It also requires significant assembly. If you’re not handy with tools, make sure to invite a friend to help out.
2. DaVinci Piper Recliner and Swivel Glider
The first thing that stood out to us about the DaVinci Piper All-Purpose Upholstered Recliner and Swivel Glider was its striking visual design. Sleek and minimalistic, this contemporary recliner/glider compliments any mid-century modern interior. Its soft, heather-grey hue is remarkably pleasing to the eye.
The upholstery is quite soft and pleasant to the touch. If you have reservations about sticky vinyl or leather, this might be the chair for you. The reclining and gliding mechanisms are quite effective, yet skillfully hidden within the chair itself—no ugly metal pieces sticking out!
With a plush leg rest and built-in lumbar pillow, this recliner is surprisingly comfortable, much more so than it might look at first glance. We’re impressed with how well it blends form and function—this is one of the nicest looking chairs we’ve ever tested.
The DaVinci Piper was designed specifically with new and nursing mothers in mind, with a remarkably gentle gliding motion that’s perfect for soothing a fussy infant or just unwinding after they’ve finally gone to sleep.
If you’re looking for something more stylish and sophisticated than your typical gliding recliner, we can’t recommend the DaVinci Piper enough. It’s gorgeous, comfortable, quiet, and smooth with a durable design that will stand the test of time.
3. Merit Brown PU Leather Glider Recliner
Among the many rocking, rolling, and gliding recliners we tested out, The Merit Brown PU Leather Glider Recliner is one of the very best deluxe recliners for sleeping and napping. It’s incredibly comfortable to sit in, with a firm but supportive bottom seat and a unique concave curvature. Made from high-quality synthetic leather, it has a pleasing, gentle dark brown color that’s aesthetically versatile.
It’s got quite a bit of cushioning and padding with solid lumbar support. This makes it a great choice for people with back pain or soreness. Its solid, well-constructed wooden frame is also highly durable, making this a top glider-recliner for heavier people (over 250 lbs). Despite being robust and well-built, it’s relatively lightweight, weighing in at a modest 128 lbs.
And yet, it strikes a remarkable balance between softness and firmness, with an overall texture and consistency that’s just about perfect. The deluxe PU leather is smooth and comfortable, with a deep brown color that’s aesthetically versatile and easy on the eyes.
4. Magic Union Power Lift Massage Recliner
If you’re looking for a great recliner for back pain, the Magic Union Power Lift Massage Recliner is a fantastic choice. This massaging recliner comes with the works—fully electronic control system, two separate remotes, and an amazing multi-zone massage system.
This chair is more than just a simple recliner: it’s a full-on massage system. It targets multiple areas of the body prone to aches and pains by using gentle vibration that can be set to different time cycles for easy relaxation and pain relief. The comfort factor is further enhanced by a built-in pillow cushion that’s great for reclining or napping.
This is one of the most impressive chairs we’ve tested! It’s outfitted with an impressively extensive suite of features. The lifting function makes it easy for seniors and people with disabilities to easily stand up from the sitting position, making this a great choice for people with physical health issues that make it harder to move around. Its ample seat width and solid, well-constructed wooden frame make it a sturdy option for tall or heavy users.
We love the self-heating feature, and the massage function is fantastic. The chair targets four different areas of the body with gentle vibrational massaging to soothe pain and promote healthy blood circulation. Even better, the lift and massage features are both whisper-quiet.
It’s also outfitted with built-in cup holders, and spacious leather pockets for holding TV remotes, books, magazines, and more.
If you’re looking for a deluxe chair that really offers the works, this is one that we’d definitely recommend.
5. The Homall Single Recliner Chair (Home Theater Seating)
Grab the popcorn and get ready for some serious relaxation! The Homall Single Recliner Chair Padded Seat (Home Theater Seating) recliner’s unique and simple design was created to mimic the comfort of luxury theater seating. With that said, it’s a great addition to any living room, TV room, or gaming den.
When it comes to value, this recliner can’t be beat. Of all the many recliners we tested, this is one of the most affordable. Not only that, but among chairs at its price point, this was by far the best in terms of comfort and function.
The upholstery is smooth, relatively comfortable, and quite easy to clean. The seat features a sleek, curved shape, with ample space.
The price may seem too good to be true, and honestly, we were skeptical at first. But after watching a 2.5-hour superhero epic and still feeling like we were sitting on a throne fit for an Asgardian god, we put our skepticisms to rest. If you’re not in a position to drop your life savings on a living room chair, this might just be the recliner for you.
One thing to keep in mind with this chair is that its maximum weight capacity is lower than many of the other chairs we’ve reviewed. If you weight over 265 lbs, this chair might not be the best choice, as some heavier users have reported that the chair has structural integrity issues if this weight limit is exceeded.
Overall, this recliner offers great value for the price without sacrificing comfort and functionality.
6. Homall Gaming Recliner
Another recliner from Homall, this gaming chair is suited for much more than just epic space battles and all-night esports tournaments. The Homall Gaming Recliner has been crafted to be the end-all-be-all of entertainment chairs.
With an adjustable recline of up to 180 degrees, this chair is perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows, gaming, working, and napping. With extra soft (yet easily cleanable) cushioning as well as lumbar and head support, sitting for hours on end won’t cause pain or tension. If fact, this chair was designed specifically for those who need to sit for long periods of time.
This gaming chair looks very stylish and would make the perfect addition to a game room or a man cave. It’s also great for kids’ rooms due to its lightweight and compact design. It is easy to move around for sleepovers and much easier to clean under than other recliners.
While this chair has great support and is truly comfortable, tall people may not get the same benefits. The seat back measures just 40” and the fully reclined length is only about 5 ft. All of our testers found this chair comfortable, but most of the male testers found their feet hanging off when fully reclined.
7. The Esright Massage Recliner Chair
This is another recliner that does it all. It massages, it vibrates, and it self-heats. The Esright Massage Recliner Chair is a great choice if you’re looking for comfort and ergonomics. If you’ve got back pain, body aches, or other health issues, the massage and heating features are great for soothing sore muscles. This is one of the best recliners for lumbar pain, too.
Adjust everything using the power controls, which feature five built-in control modes and two massage intensity levels. The different settings offer a lot of versatility without being overly complicated to control.
Equipped with the ability to swivel a full 360 degrees, the Esright recliner provides a surprising amount of mobility to the user without the need to get up. The extra padding and sturdy faux leather are remarkably durable—this chair has a weightier, more solid feel than many of the other recliners we’ve tried. And that’s despite weighing in at a remarkably light 92.6 lbs, making it one of the lightest recliners in our list.
The built-in cushion for head support makes this a great recliner for sleeping—no pillow required! The extra thick sponge padding in the back and armrests is extremely comfortable for sitting and reclining, but it retains a bit of bounce so it’s not hard to get up, either. We also love the convenience of the built-in pockets and cup holders. It’s got four spacious storage pockets on the sides that can hold remotes, magazines, books and more.
For a quick break or a long nap, this chair is a fantastic choice. It reclines to a maximum angle of 150 degrees for comfortable sleeping and resting.
8. The La-Z-Boy Reece Reclina-Rocker Recliner
This rocker recliner is brought to you by none other than La-Z-Boy, the biggest name in recliners worldwide. Known for its patented frame design, construction, and reclining adjustment mechanisms, this company’s built a reputation for quality over decades of innovation.
Offering a smooth, gentle rocking mechanism, The La-Z-Boy Reece Reclina-Rocker Recliner is a great choice for nursing mothers as well as anyone who enjoys a soothing rocking motion. The recliner features easy-to-use manual controls and the back and footrest can move either together or independently. You can adjust the tension settings for the back and leg rest as well as enjoy three different reclining positions by using an easy locking mechanism.
The polyester upholstery fabric comes in a dappled sandy color and is comfortable to the touch yet durable and easy to clean. As far as aesthetic design goes, it was made to look great in any space.
Comfortable, ergonomic, and relatively compact, this is an all-around great chair if you’re looking for a rocker recliner that’s sturdy and well constructed. But for everything this chair has, we found it strange that it doesn’t feature powered controls. This may make the chair a bit difficult to use for the elderly.
9. The FDW Wingback Recliner Chair
A great value for the money, The FDW Wingback Recliner Chair is one of the least expensive options we’ve reviewed. Often used for home theater seating, this budget option is just as much at home in your living room or den. It’s got a frame made from solid hardwood, and it’s sturdy despite weighing in at just 50 lbs. Due to its very lightweight and its compact size, it’s a popular choice for smaller spaces, including studio apartments and even RVs.
This lightweight chair was meant to be taken from place to place, and even makes a great outdoor chair due to its UV resistant upholstery (though you shouldn’t leave it outside for an extended period). Perfect for hauling to a tailgating event or as an alternative to a park bench for an elderly loved one, the FDW allows you to bring back support and comfort anywhere.
If you’re looking for a solid option at a budget-friendly price point, the FDW Wingback is an ideal choice. That said, there are a couple of minor issues to mention. Some users have reported that it’s not great for people who are very tall. If you’re over 6’2”, this might not be the best choice.
Buying Guide: Recliners that Rock, Swivel, Glide, and Massage
Our experts have chosen some of the top recliners available, but choosing the right one for YOU is a different story. Understanding the differences between types of recliners as well as the features available will help you choose a recliner that suits your needs. Find out everything you need to know in this complete buying guide.
Types of Recliners
Do you need a relaxing massage, full-powered luxury comfort, or just a place to rock and glide while reading a good book? There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a recliner. The following are the models you can choose from.
Basic Recliners
The recliner chair is a staple of the American living room and has been for decades. Invented back in the 1850s, today’s modern recliners were patented in 1928 by the founders of La-Z-Boy, the best-known recliner brand.
These plush, comfortable living chairs have a headrest that tilts back at an angle and a footrest that’s concealed in the upright position and pops out when you recline. Some have a back and footrest that are connected via the same mechanism, while others allow you to adjust them separately.
Available at a variety of price points, recliners offer all the functionality of a standard chair but with the ability to lean back so the user can relax or sleep.
Rocking Recliners
A rocking motion is uniquely soothing for children as well as adults. Some modern recliners integrate this rocking functionality. Most have a stable base, and unlike many traditional rocking chairs with curved bottoms, they’re easy on delicate flooring like marble and hardwood. Rocking recliners are an especially good choice for parents with infants or toddlers.
Gliding Recliners
Some recliners glide back and forth along a track rather than following a curved path like a rocker. This functionality is similar to that of a rocking chair but much smoother. These recliners have the added benefit of sitting on a solid base that holds the glider track, making them safe for all floors.
Swiveling Recliners
Swiveling recliners make it easier to keep everything around you within reach. These are great chairs for nursing mothers, seniors, and people with disabilities. Swiveling recliners are mounted on a round base and can move freely around an arc from 180 to a full 360 degrees.
Massage Recliners
Some recliners have a built-in massage feature. These chairs are great for people with back pain, muscle aches, or high stress. Inside the chair, a system of gears, rollers, and wheels create vibrations that soothe muscles and joints. These massage functions are powered by an electric motor. Many also have rollers that move in ways designed to mimic the movements of human hands during an actual massage. Most come with multiple settings and intensity levels.
What to Look For When Buying a Recliner: Key Features
When you’re shopping around for a new recliner, you’ll want to find one that has a set of features that you need (and none that you don’t). Keep an eye out for the following features when shopping for a recliner.
Reclining Angle
Recliners extend back to a certain angle, usually somewhere from 140 to 160 degrees. Recliners with a larger maximum angle are often more comfortable for sleeping, though they can be more expensive as well.
Rocking and Gliding
Many recliners are built to either rock or glide. Make sure to check the extent to which your chair moves. Some rockers move slightly, while others will really take you for a ride. Also, be aware of how your size and weight factor into the movement of the chair. Changing the center of gravity of a lightweight chair may cause it to tip over.
Swiveling
Recliners that swivel on a wide arc make it easier to keep things around you within reach. But not all chairs swivel around completely. Some turn around a full 360 degrees, while others move 180 degrees or less.
Heat
Heat can be great for soothing sore muscles and back pain. You’ll find this feature in quite a few high-end recliners, particularly massage recliners. Though if you live in a warm place or are prone to sweating, this might not be a feature worth investing in.
Pockets and Cup Holders
Tired of constantly losing your TV remote? Try a recliner with built-in side pockets. Many recliners feature large, spacious pockets for holding books, magazines, remotes, and more. A cup holder is also convenient (especially on game day) and helps to prevent spills.
Power Controls
While traditional recliners use manual controls (usually a lever or button on the side), others have power controls. These are quite common with massage recliners, but you’ll find them on standard recliners as well. Power controls offer improved accessibility and convenience.
Remote Control
Recliners with power controls may come with an included remote, making it more convenient to adjust the chair’s settings. A remote control is ideal for those who suffer from limited mobility.
Accessibility
How easy is it to get in and out of the chair? Soft, plush cushioning will make it harder to get up, while bouncy, sponge cushioning will allow for easy access. For people with physical disabilities, power-lift chairs offer superior accessibility, allowing them to easily get out of the chair without needing to hoist themselves up.
Design
Aesthetics are important. After all, your recliner will be the centerpiece of your living room. Make sure you take into account how your chair will fit into your room in its sitting and reclined positions. Does it block any entryways? Does the color vibe with the room? Don’t do all the work of getting it inside just to discover that it bumps your coffee table every time you want to recline.
Size
For people who are relatively tall, (particularly those over 6’2”) a chair with a high back is a must-have for comfort and proper lumbar support. Recliners also vary in seat width and maximum weight capacity. Heavier people should look for a solidly built recliner that has a roomy seat.
Choosing the Perfect Recliner for You
Here’s what to look for in a rocking, swiveling, gliding, or massaging recliner depending on your particular set of needs.
If You’re Tall or Heavy: If you’re tall, look for a recliner with a high back of over 48”. You might also want something with built-in lumbar support. If you’re heavy, look for a recliner with a wide seat and a high maximum weight capacity.
If You Have Back or Joint Pain: Recliners with heating and massage functions are great for helping with pain. You might also want a lift chair that’s easy to get out of. Power controls can help you avoid too much exertion, especially when a remote is included.
If You Need a Place to Nap: Look for a recliner with a relatively large maximum reclining angle of at least 150 degrees. Softer cushioning will lead to less tossing and turning and won’t aggravate pressure points as you snooze. Built-in head cushions are also a plus.
If You Have Children: If you have a newborn, a remote-controlled rocker will make it easy to get out of the chair or go to sleep yourself if you don’t want to get up and risk waking the baby. Also, the smooth motion of a glider is perfect for nursing. For older children? Choose a durable chair with a good warranty!
If You Have Limited Mobility: Those with limited mobility will need a powered swivel chair with a lengthy list of features. Make sure the chair has powered head and footrests as well as a powered lift option. The chair must be able to swivel around over 180 degrees to ensure optimal accessibility. The recliner should also have numerous pockets and a cup holder, and it should be easy to clean as the user will probably take meals while sitting.
If You Want Pure Luxury: Go all out with real leather, remote controlled reclining, massage, and heat, and a full 180-degree recline for napping. We recommend a heavier chair, as it will last longer and take your hard-earned dollars further.
Sit Back and Relax
After testing out dozens of the best recliners that rock, swivel, glide, and massage, our experts have chosen the top nine on the market. All of their picks have some special qualities that put them on this list, but any of them will make a blissfully comfortable addition to your home.