SMUG Set of 2 Zero Gravity Chairs Review: The Ultimate Verdict on Patio Comfort

There’s a universal moment we all know: the end of a long, grueling day. Your back aches, your feet are tired, and all you crave is a quiet moment of blissful escape. Too often, we step out onto our patios or into our gardens seeking solace, only to be met by rigid, unforgiving outdoor furniture. That standard-issue patio chair, with its straight back and hard angles, offers little more than a place to perch. It doesn’t invite you to linger, to unwind, to truly let go. This search for genuine outdoor relaxation—the kind that melts away stress and soothes sore muscles—is what leads many of us down the path to finding the perfect lounger. It’s not just about having a seat; it’s about creating a personal sanctuary, and the right chair is the centerpiece of that experience.

What to Consider Before Buying Outdoor Recliners

An outdoor recliner is more than just an item of patio furniture; it’s a key solution for unlocking a new level of comfort and well-being in your outdoor spaces. These chairs are engineered to combat the physical stresses of daily life, offering a reclining position that elevates the legs and reduces pressure on the spine. This “zero gravity” posture can lead to better circulation, reduced muscle tension, and profound relaxation. The main benefits extend beyond simple comfort; they provide a dedicated space for de-stressing, sunbathing, reading, or even taking a restorative nap in the fresh air, transforming a simple backyard into a resort-like retreat.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values comfort and relaxation and has an outdoor space like a patio, garden, deck, or even a larger balcony. They are perfect for individuals dealing with back pain, homeowners who love to entertain or relax outside, and frequent campers or RV enthusiasts seeking portable comfort. However, they might not be suitable for those with extremely limited storage space, as even when folded, they have a considerable footprint. Likewise, if you require a chair for dining or tasks that demand a fully upright, 90-degree posture, a dedicated patio dining set might be a better alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Always measure your intended space before buying. Consider the chair’s footprint both in its upright position and when fully reclined. You’ll need ample clearance to recline without bumping into walls, railings, or other furniture. Also, check the folded dimensions to ensure you have a suitable place to store them during the off-season or bad weather.
• Capacity/Performance: The weight capacity is a critical safety and durability indicator. The SMUG Set of 2 Zero Gravity Chairs boasts a 330-pound limit, which is quite robust for this category. Also, evaluate the reclining mechanism. How smoothly does it operate? Does it lock securely at various angles, or does it slip? A reliable locking system is paramount for a safe and relaxing experience.
• Materials & Durability: The frame is the chair’s backbone. Most are made of powder-coated steel, which is strong but can be prone to rust if the coating is chipped. The seat material is typically a durable, weather-resistant fabric like the polyester used here, or Textilene mesh. These materials are designed to withstand sun and rain and are easy to clean, which is essential for outdoor use.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A major advantage of many zero gravity chairs is that they come fully assembled. Portability is another key factor; consider the item’s weight if you plan on moving it frequently for camping or beach trips. For long-term care, look for materials that can be easily wiped down with soap and water to prevent mildew and keep them looking their best.

While the SMUG Set of 2 Zero Gravity Chairs is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the SMUG Chairs: First Impressions and Key Features

Our experience with the SMUG Set of 2 Zero Gravity Chairs began with a single, surprisingly manageable box arriving at our doorstep. The best feature revealed itself immediately upon opening: zero assembly required. This cannot be overstated. The chairs were folded neatly inside, ready for immediate use. This instant gratification is a massive win in a world of flat-pack furniture and confusing instruction manuals. As one user aptly put it, “setup was literally 30 seconds.” Our only task was to clip on the included side trays, which slide easily onto the frame. The initial feel is one of sturdiness. The metal frame feels solid, and the elastic lacing that connects the fabric to the frame appears robust and well-tensioned. The Classic Black polyester fabric is taut and has a quality feel, suggesting it will hold up well to regular use. Unfolding them is intuitive and smooth, and they lock into their open position with a reassuring sense of stability. The entire package, from box to patio, took less than five minutes, letting us get straight to the important business of testing them out.

A Deep Dive into Performance: How the SMUG Chairs Held Up in Our Tests

A chair can look good and feel sturdy, but the true test is in the sitting—or in this case, the reclining. We spent weeks using the SMUG Set of 2 Zero Gravity Chairs in various settings: on a sunny patio, under a shady tree in the garden, and even took them on a weekend camping trip. Our goal was to push them beyond a simple first impression and understand how they perform in the real world, focusing on the core pillars of their design: comfort, durability, and everyday convenience.

The Zero Gravity Experience: Comfort and Ergonomics Explored

The term “zero gravity” isn’t just marketing jargon; it refers to a specific reclining posture inspired by NASA that evenly distributes your body weight, reducing stress on your joints and spine. The moment you lean back in one of the SMUG chairs, you understand the appeal. The transition from sitting to reclining is seamless. There are no clunky levers to pull; you simply lean back, and the chair glides with you into your desired position. We found the motion to be fluid and controlled, allowing for micro-adjustments until we hit the perfect angle. The included pillow, which slides along a track, is essential for proper neck support. We were able to easily position it for taller and shorter users, ensuring comfortable head and neck alignment. This focus on ergonomics is a significant factor in their appeal; one user who suffers from lower back pain noted, “When I lay in the sun lounging, I feel so much relief.” Our testing confirmed this sentiment. The gentle curve of the chair supports the lumbar region beautifully, and in the fully reclined 160-degree position, you truly feel a sense of weightlessness. It’s an ideal posture for napping, reading, or just closing your eyes and listening to the world go by. It is important to note, as one user accurately pointed out, that the chairs do not achieve a fully upright 90-degree position. Their most “upright” state is still slightly reclined, making them pure relaxation loungers rather than task chairs. But for that purpose, their comfort level is genuinely exceptional.

Build Quality and Durability: A Closer Look at the Frame and Fabric

For any piece of outdoor furniture, durability is paramount. The SMUG Set of 2 Zero Gravity Chairs are built on a foundation of a sturdy metal frame. While testing, we found the frame to be rigid with very little flex, even when shifting our weight or getting in and out of the chair. The manufacturer specifies a maximum weight recommendation of 330 pounds, and our experience suggests this is a realistic capacity. The chair felt stable and secure, validating a user’s comment that it “can actually hold weight.” The entire seating surface is suspended from the frame by a double-bungee elastic cord system. This is what provides the gentle give and smooth gliding motion. The cords on our test models were thick and tightly wound, showing no signs of stretching or wear during our evaluation period. The polyester seat material proved to be both comfortable and resilient. It’s not as breathable as a mesh fabric on a hot day, but it feels more substantial and supportive. After a light rain shower, we observed that water beaded up and rolled off, and the fabric dried relatively quickly in the sun. Cleaning was simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth was enough to remove dust and pollen. We did, however, take note of one user’s report of a sharp edge from a bad weld on their chair. We meticulously inspected our units and found no such quality control issues; all welds were smooth and well-coated. Nevertheless, it serves as a good reminder to always perform a quick visual and tactile inspection of any new furniture upon arrival. Based on our hands-on testing, the overall build quality offers fantastic value and suggests these chairs, with proper care, will provide many seasons of relaxation. You can check the latest price and user ratings online.

Functionality and Convenience: Portability and Onboard Features

Beyond comfort, the practicality of the SMUG Set of 2 Zero Gravity Chairs is one of their strongest selling points. Weighing in at just over 15 pounds each, they are surprisingly manageable to move around. Folding them is a one-step process—simply lift the back of the seat, and they collapse into a flat profile that’s easy to carry or slide into a car trunk. As one user mentioned, they “fold flat and store on top of one another,” making them ideal for those with limited garage or shed space. This portability makes them incredibly versatile; they’re just as at home at a campsite or a child’s soccer game as they are on the patio. Once you find your perfect reclining angle, two small locking levers under the armrests are there to hold you in place. We found these locks to be effective at preventing unintentional slipping. However, we agree with the user who noted the levers “could be more stout.” They are made of plastic and require a firm push to engage fully. While they did their job without fail during our tests, a more robust, heavy-duty locking mechanism would inspire even greater long-term confidence. The final piece of the convenience puzzle is the clip-on side tray. It’s a fantastic addition, with two cup holders, a phone slot, and a bit of extra space for a book or snacks. It held everything securely, but its design has one notable flaw: it can only be mounted on the right side of the chair. For the left-handed among us, as one reviewer pointed out, this is an undeniable annoyance. Despite this, the combination of no-assembly setup, easy portability, and the useful tray makes these chairs incredibly user-friendly and a joy to own. The thoughtful design is a feature that really sets it apart in its price range.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment from other users of the SMUG Set of 2 Zero Gravity Chairs is overwhelmingly positive. The most frequently praised attribute is, without a doubt, their comfort. We saw numerous comments like, “Love these, the move from sitting to lying is seamless” and “so comfortable I go home from work and just sit in them for a few minutes.” This aligns perfectly with our own findings. The ease of use is another major highlight, with many, like us, celebrating that they are “ready to use as soon as you get them out of the box.”

However, no product is perfect, and the user feedback provides a balanced perspective. The most common piece of constructive criticism, which we also identified, is the design of the cup holder tray. One left-handed user expressed their frustration, stating, “The cupholder tray is only able to be on the right side… for the lefties like me will find this annoying.” There was also an isolated but important report of a quality control issue involving a sharp metal edge from a bad weld. While this appears to be a rare occurrence, it’s valuable feedback that encourages new buyers to perform a quick safety check upon unboxing.

How Does the SMUG Set Compare? Top Alternatives in 2024

The SMUG Set of 2 Zero Gravity Chairs offers a fantastic balance of features and value, but the market has several other compelling options depending on your specific needs. We’ve analyzed how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.

1. Suteck Zero Gravity Reclining Lounge Chair

The Suteck Zero Gravity Chair is an excellent alternative for the solo relaxer or someone who wants enhanced comfort for all-season use. Unlike the SMUG set, this is typically sold as a single chair and often includes a full-length, removable cushion. This makes it a cozier option for cooler evenings or for those who prefer a softer seating surface than the standard polyester fabric. If you only need one chair and prioritize plush padding, the Suteck is a strong contender. However, you lose the outstanding two-for-one value proposition offered by the SMUG set.

2. YOMIFUN Oversized Zero Gravity Chair

If space and capacity are your top priorities, the YOMIFUN Oversized chair demands your attention. As its name implies, this is a heavy-duty option, boasting an extra-wide 29-inch frame that provides ample room to shift and get comfortable. It’s an ideal choice for larger individuals or anyone who simply desires a more spacious lounging experience. This model often comes with premium add-ons like a storage bag and a footrest cushion. The trade-off for this enhanced size and feature set is a higher price point per chair and a much larger, heavier footprint, making it less portable than the more nimble SMUG chairs.

3. Amazon Basics Zero Gravity Folding Lounge Chairs with Side Table (2-Pack)

This offering from Amazon Basics is perhaps the most direct competitor to the SMUG Set of 2 Zero Gravity Chairs. It also comes as a pair of chairs and is aimed at providing value for outfitting a patio. The key difference lies in the accessories. Instead of individual clip-on trays, this set includes a separate, standalone side table. This can be a pro or a con depending on your preference. The separate table is generally larger and more stable than a clip-on tray, but it’s one more item to move and store, and it can’t be positioned as conveniently close as the integrated tray on the SMUG chairs. Your choice between these two excellent value sets will likely come down to whether you prefer the convenience of attached trays or the stability of a separate table. By comparison, the SMUG set’s integrated approach feels slightly more modern and streamlined.

Our Final Verdict: Are the SMUG Set of 2 Zero Gravity Chairs Right for You?

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our conclusion is clear: the SMUG Set of 2 Zero Gravity Chairs deliver outstanding comfort and convenience at an incredibly competitive price point. They excel in the areas that matter most for a relaxation lounger. They are exceptionally comfortable, require absolutely no assembly, are easy to fold and move, and provide a genuinely therapeutic reclining experience that can help soothe an aching back after a long day. They represent one of the fastest and most affordable ways to instantly upgrade the comfort of any outdoor space.

While we acknowledge the minor shortcomings—namely the right-side-only cup holder and a locking mechanism that could feel more robust—these are far outweighed by the product’s overall quality and value. For couples, families, or anyone looking to purchase two high-quality loungers without breaking the bank, this set is an enthusiastic recommendation. If you’re ready to transform your patio, deck, or campsite into a true oasis of comfort, we are confident you will be thrilled with this purchase. You can find the best price and order your own set for immediate relaxation right here.