Best sun lounger

Relax and soak up some rays in these sun loungers. We gathered options for sunbathers, travelers, and campers.

sun lounger
(Image credit: Roman Raizen via Unsplash)

When you want to relax on your patio or by the pool, chances are you want to do it in a sun lounger. Sun loungers are made of many different materials, and not all of them suit every environment. They also recline at many angles and are different lengths, so you’ll want to find the perfect fit. We've gathered a list of the best sun loungers to add to your outdoor area. Read on to check them out. 

Staff pick

sun lounger

(Image credit: Ostrich)

Ostrich chaise lounge

Light enough to take it with you

Get more comfortable when lying face down with this relaxing option.

Pros:

  • Alloy steel frame
  • Built-in pillow
  • Four backrest angle adjustments
  • Holds up to 250 pounds

Cons:

  • Fabric may rip easily
  • A bit narrow

If you like to use a sun lounger while you are getting a tan, then you will really appreciate this Ostrich chaise lounge. When it's time to lie on your stomach, there is a hole near the top of the backrest to comfortably rest your face. This will prevent uncomfortable sideways positioning and getting a tan on only one cheek. The framing is made of alloy steel, so it will hold up through trips to and from the beach. And, to maximize comfort, the backrest can adjust to four different angles. It's available in pink, blue and white stripe, teal, and red.

Camper’s friend

sun lounger

(Image credit: The Coleman Company, Inc.)

Coleman Converta cot

Toss it in your car

This lounger is built for the outdoors and camping.

Pros:

  • Four back positions
  • Two foot positions
  • Mildew-resistant fabric

Cons:

  • Difficult to adjust
  • Fabric doesn't breathable
  • Only holds 225 pounds

Do you love the outdoors? Chances are, you have a lot of camping gear that you don't want to be without. We think that this Coleman Converta cot is another item you'll want to add to your collection. For starters, it folds three times to fit in your trunk, so it won’t hog much of your valuable packing space. Once you bring it to the campsite, it unfolds to act as a chair or a temporary elevated bed. This lounger is an ideal base for your sleeping bag so you can steal an afternoon nap.

Zero gravity

sun lounger

(Image credit: HITO)

HITO outdoor sun lounger

Take the strain off your back

Feel super relaxed as you alleviate pressure with this unique design.

Pros:

  • Breathable
  • Locks into position
  • Holds 440 pounds

Cons:

  • Thin cushions
  • Paint could use improvement
  • Heavy

If you are frequently suffering from back pain, then the type of chair you're sitting in becomes incredibly important. By using a zero gravity chair as your place to relax in the sun, you'll give your back the relief it needs. The fabric on this HITO lounger is breathable and comfortable. Once it's positioned comfortably, you can then lock it in place. To add to your comfort, the headrest is fully detachable, and there is a cup holder included. Since the lounger holds up to 440 pounds, you know that it's very sturdy. 

Modern style

Kozyard Alan lounge chair

(Image credit: Amazon)

Kozyard Alan lounge chair

Perfect for any poolside

This model is suited for shallow water areas, due to its weight. 

Pros:

  • Breathable fabric 
  • Wheels for moving 
  • Adjusts into five positions

Cons:

  • Thin fabric 
  • Bulky and hard to store

If you have a modern-looking pool area, this is the sun lounger for you. The clean lines and aluminum frame will be an excellent complement to the scene, while also bringing much-needed seating. Unlike other sturdy loungers that are difficult to move around, this option has built-in wheels on the bottom. While moving them is easy, storage is a bit more difficult. They do not fold up into a smaller package, but they are stackable. We think their sturdiness is a decent trade-off with the amount of storage space they require.  

Perfect pair

sun lounger

(Image credit: Amazon)

Christopher Knight Lahaina wood outdoor chaise lounge set

No assembly needed

This duo is made from two types of lumber for a natural look. 

Pros:

  • Folds up to store 
  • Splash-resistant 
  • Each holds up to 250 pounds 
  • Comes assembled

Cons:

  • A little low to the ground 
  • Can become stained by weather

These gently-curved wooden chairs offer ergonomic comfort while you lounge on a sunny day. They will arrive fully assembled so you can start using them right away. Constructed of both acacia and eucalyptus wood, they are quite durable. Over time the wood may begin to show a bit of patina, which adds to its charm. However, we wouldn't recommend leaving these chairs outdoors when they are not in use. Thankfully, each chair folds to make storage easy and has a built-in carrying handle on the side.  

Your next sun lounger

Choosing a sun lounger doesn't have to be difficult. For most people, we think the Ostrich chaise lounge will deliver the features expected of this style of seating. It comes in vibrant colors, making it easy to spot along the shoreline. When it comes to working on your tan, it's the only option in our collection that has a place for your face so you can comfortably lie on your stomach. We also think the backrest offers enough angles to get relaxed.

If you're looking for something a bit sturdier, then consider the Kozyard Alan lounge chair. While it is not the easiest to store, its durability and design make it worth the sacrifice. If you have a sun shelf in your pool, this is the lounger you’re looking for since it works well in shallow waters. Plus, the bottom of the frame has a textured surface to prevent the chair from sliding around. 

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.  

Nicole Cozma is a freelance writer for Future. She's known for being inquisitive and finding the tiny details that may otherwise go unnoticed. When she's not writing about products, she can be found playing Blizzard game titles, doing copy editing work, cooking, or expanding her photography skills.