The Best Power Recliners for Relaxing

A power recliner offers relaxation in ways not even the most comfortable couch can provide. With motorized adjustability, power recliners allow users to achieve ideal positioning and can take stress off the back, legs, and even neck. Depending on a shopper’s needs, these chairs may also recharge electronics or even tilt and raise the seat to help users get up safely. 

After swimming through the many options out there, we came to understand just how many different styles and extra options there are to consider when shopping for a power recliner. Our research led us to a number of favorites, like our top overall pick, the Latitude Run Faux Leather Power Lift Recliner. Aside from being fond of its stylish design, we also appreciated just how much control it gives users over its many features. 

We had a number of favorites, each of which stood out for different reasons. Our curated list of the best modern recliner chairs can be a helpful starting point for that next major furniture purchase. Read on to browse our top picks and learn about some important features to consider when searching for the perfect power recliner fit.

1. BEST OVERALL: Latitude Run Faux Leather Power Lift Recliner
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: MCombo 7040 Electric Power Heat and Massage Recliner
   ↓ Jump to Review
3. BEST POWER LIFT: Ashley Yandel Power Lift Recliner 
   ↓ Jump to Review
4. BEST WITH HEADREST: Valencia Tuscany Italian Leather Home Theater Seating
   ↓ Jump to Review
5. BEST BIG-AND-TALL: Red Barrel Studio Oversize Lift-Assist Power Recliner 
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. BEST LEATHER: Palliser ZG5 Zero Gravity Leather Recliner 
   ↓ Jump to Review

Power Recliners Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

From big and tall to cushy and small, there’s an ideal power recliner for almost every space and user. The recliners included in the top picks list all share motorized convenience and customized comfort, and they make up some of the best power recliners in specific categories. 

This Latitude Run massaging recliner chair features four massage zones that work on thighs, lower legs, back, and lumbar areas. Users can choose between five rhythm options, including pulse and wave modes, and two intensity levels, in addition to a heat function in the backrest. It’s covered in soft faux leather, has a thick back cushion, and sports a large headrest. This recliner features two reclining positions and a lift function that enables those with limited mobility to get in and out of the seat easily by raising them to a standing position.

One feature that stood out was the backup battery, which operates the lift in case of a power outage. Additional features include cupholders and a side pocket for remotes and magazines. 43 inches high by 32 inches wide by 31 inches deep, this recliner offers a smaller profile than traditional recliners, making it a good option for tight spaces, although it does require plenty of clearance to recline fully.

Get the Latitude Run power recliner at Wayfair.

The MCombo 7040 electric power recliner offers the convenience of motorized recliner positions, along with a robust assortment of convenience features. For example, users can adjust the headrest and footrest on this electric recliner chair and soothe sore muscles with massage and heat functions while sitting or reclining. The two integrated cupholders help keep drinks handy, and you can place remote controls in the front or side storage pockets while charging smart devices with the two built-in USB ports. 

While it has a lower price tag than the average power recliner, we weren’t shocked to see that there’s a catch: selection is limited. The chair only comes in a polyester material, which some shoppers might not love, but there are several possible color options available. 

Get the MCombo power recliner at Amazon or MCombo. 

With this power recliner chair’s dual motors, users can adjust the footrest and back independently for ultimate comfort. This power lift chair recliner offers easy sitting for those with limited mobility, like older adults or those with physical limitations. The lift chair’s simple operation makes it easy to adjust. There are multiple options to customize the seat, footrest, and back, so the power recliner chair can be set for ideal personal comfort. 

Power lift recliners aren’t just for use by older adults who may need a more reliable way to sit or stand up from a soft seat. They can also be helpful for anyone recovering from an injury. Even if you’re in perfect health, a power lift recliner can be a good investment in a piece of furniture that can be used for decades. As a plus, the Yandel power lift recliner also comes with a backup battery system in case of power outages. 

Get the Ashley Yandel power recliner at Amazon. 

Shoppers looking to recreate the comfort of high-end theater chairs at home may want to consider this option from Valencia. Its Tuscany recliner is made from top-grain leather, available in various colors, and it includes thick and comfortable cushions to provide the perfect seating area to enjoy the entire day. 

To us, this recliner’s standout features are its lumbar support, adjustable headrest settings, massage features, USB charging ports, and an LED-lit cupholder to help guide users to their drink of choice while enjoying a movie experience in a darkened room. 

Additionally, while most recliners usually require significant back clearance, this model reclines in such a way that it can be placed just 5 inches from the wall. And as for its appearance, the diamond-stitched leather pattern is also a timeless look that looks great and never goes out of style.

Get the Valencia power recliner at Amazon or Valencia Theater Seating.

This Red Barrel Studio oversize power recliner offers power recliner options in a plethora of fabric colors that easily fit into many decor styles. Built on a steel seat box and boasting heavy-duty reclining mechanisms, this pick for best big-and-tall recliner comes with eight vibration massage areas with oversize plush cushions. With a 350-pound weight capacity, these big-and-tall power recliner chairs are designed to hold up to just about anything. 

The Red Barrel Studio recliner offers 10 massage modes for the shin, thigh, lumbar, and shoulder areas. Because this is a recliner chair with a remote included, users can take advantage of the included remote control to easily select their ideal settings.

Get the Red Barrel Studio power recliner at Wayfair.

The Palliser leather power recliner offers the luxurious feel and durability of real leather (with partial leather options for the cost-conscious). Customize the upholstery with various grades of leather in this sumptuous power recliner, choose a blend of leather on main chair touch points such as the armrests and the seat, and “color match” leather on larger sections like the sides and back. Make it truly customized with a choice of chrome or wooden legs to match existing decor. 

When it comes to lying back, get the most relaxing recline with “zero-gravity” power-recline options, named for their resemblance to how astronauts are positioned in rockets. Zero-gravity chairs are noted to be great for tired or swollen feet, legs, or backs. Zero gravity recliners are said to be beneficial for circulation, lymphatic drainage, and even anxiety reduction. Adjust the seat to the perfect degree with an adjustable headrest pillow and a one-touch power-recline mechanism. 

Get the Palliser power recliner at Palliser. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Power Recliners

While reviewing the best power recliners, the first factor that comes to mind is size. It’s also one of the more variable traits among the power recliners on the market. From seat widths for various hip sizes to chair widths that impact delivery, it’s a smart idea to do a lot of measuring before purchasing a power recliner. 

Price is another key factor we considered, as a power recliner can easily cost more than a large couch. Durability can drive up prices, so how much does longevity matter to you? A higher price tag doesn’t always reflect a higher-quality upholstery material (such as leather), but many leather recliners come with longer manufacturer warranties and repair contracts. 

We curated a durable group of power recliner chairs and tried to showcase the best of what’s available today. Both typical overstuffed models and sleek, modern designs are included. There is a range of sizes included on this list, as recliners need to match the user, and one recliner definitely does not fit all. 

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Power Recliners

Power recliners can be excellent options for premium relaxation. But before deciding on a new recliner, consider and compare some key features first. Beyond the type, size, upholstery, and other details, power recliners need access to a power source to operate. While some can be powered from a battery pack as a backup, they are designed for outlet power and will need to be situated near a convenient power source. 

Types of Power Recliners

Like other types of chairs, power recliners come in many different designs to fit a range of tastes and ergonomic preferences. While all power recliners need power to operate, some come with (or can accommodate) a supplemental battery pack so they can operate temporarily during a power outage. 

There are big-and-tall styles along with chairs that allow users to rock or swivel as needed. Especially helpful as chairs for the elderly or those with limited mobility, a lift chair recliner tilts its seat to help users get up or sit down more easily. During research for a previous article on the best recliners for seniors, we spoke with Dr. Logan DuBose, the co-founder of Olera Care, a nationwide community platform for connecting family caregivers to service providers in the senior care industry, funded by the National Institute on Aging. He shared some thoughts about the struggles seniors go through and how these impact the products designed for them. He told us that “Seniors frequently grapple with physical limitations, including diminished hand strength, coordination, and joint stiffness,” and that typical motions younger folks would take for granted “become notably difficult, presenting formidable obstacles.” As such, lift chair recliners tend to be not just comfortable, but extremely useful for those facing such challenges.

If you’re looking for a chair to share with the whole family that has lots of reclining or power chair options, consider a recliner sofa or a seat-and-a-half power recliner, as these offer enough space for more than just one person.

Reclining Options

Because power recliners use a motor (or a series of motors) to recline, they offer more options than a traditional manual recliner chair. Often, the head, neck, and back positions can be adjusted, as well as the leg and foot positions. 

Since power recliners’ adjustments are made with electronic buttons, users are usually not limited to a set number of positions. They can often be adjusted in multiple ways for individual users’ comfort. Some models also offer adjustable head and lumbar area support. The best power recliners allow you to recline to a comfortable, supported position and can even make good spots for napping.

In addition to traditional recliner features, some power recliners offer motorized adjustments. With designs referred to as “wall huggers” or “wall recliners,” the chair moves forward to recline instead of moving backward to recline, allowing the chair’s base to be placed closer to a wall. 

Size

Power recliners take up about the same amount of space as a normal recliner or stuffed armchair. Before searching for a new chair, it’s important to determine who will be using the chair, where the power recliner will be placed, and how much space is available. 

The best size options often depend on the space limitations in the room and the size of the user. Modern power recliners offer different models for “big-and-tall” users that can accommodate heavier weights or taller users with additional cushioning or extended chair sizes. 

Some power recliners can also fit into smaller spaces without sacrificing comfort. These models for small spaces can be great for smaller rooms or for moving the chair through narrow hallways or stairways. Carefully measure the intended space, as well as necessary entry doorways, hallways, and staircases, before making a final decision on a power recliner to ensure it can easily be installed in the space.

Space

Beyond price and style, space is probably one of the biggest considerations for a power recliner. Measuring the intended spot for the chair and comparing it to chair measurements will help narrow the options. Most recliners fall into one of three sizes and require the following space: 

• Small power recliners that are usually 30 inches wide require a space that’s about 35 inches in width.
• Medium power recliners that are usually 32 to 38 inches wide require a space that’s about 40 to 45 inches in width.
• Large power recliners that are usually 40 to 44 inches wide require a space that’s about 50 inches in width or more.

For all chairs, 5 inches between the top of the chair when fully reclined and the wall or any nearby furniture is needed to provide the appropriate head clearance for most average-size users. Remember to also measure doorway width, as enough space is needed for chair delivery.

Upholstery

Upholstery options for recliners seem to vary infinitely. There are options for different fabric styles, from leather and fabric to synthetic materials that are great at repelling spills and stains. Often, sofa brands offer custom fabric choices, so it’s possible to match unique style preferences or match the chair to existing furniture in a home. 

Many of the best power recliners also offer luxurious leather material options as well as synthetic materials and eco-friendly fabrics. Consider the home’s style and the potential users of the chair when choosing a fabric. Some fabrics can be cleaned more easily or wiped down when spills or pet messes occur, while many fabric treatments offer stain resistance or even antimicrobial features. If there is a specific need, talk to a furniture dealer about cleaning options and compare potential repair costs for specific types of power-recliner materials.

Advanced Features

While many reclining positions are available with the press of a few buttons, there are also many other conveniences to consider. Some models come with additional options such as built-in cupholders, spaces to hold remotes or reading materials, or massage and heat functions. One of the most unique aspects of a power recliner is the customizable features offered with some models. 

Because power recliners require electricity, many now come with convenient USB outlets for charging smartphones and other devices. These power chairs can also include optional massage and heat functions for ultimate relaxation. Finally, power recliners can swivel, rock, or even tilt and lift to help a user sit or stand up more easily.

FAQs

Q. What is a power lift recliner?

A power lift chair or recliner is an armchair that can be raised to an angle to help the user sit or stand.

Q. How long should a power recliner last?

With proper care and maintenance on motorized parts, power recliners can outlast manual models. Performing regular cleaning of the base and underneath the chair helps keep the power mechanism operating correctly and prevents overheating. 
In addition, keep the chair in a warm and dry room, avoid damage to the power cord, and plug the chair directly into a power source to ensure optimal operation. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for regular cleaning and maintenance instructions. With regular care, a quality power recliner can last between 10 and 20 years.

Q. Can power recliners be operated manually?

A power recliner needs electricity to operate, either from an electrical outlet or a supplemental backup battery pack (for temporary use during power outages).

Q. Is it OK to sleep on a recliner?

When fully horizontal, sleeping in a recliner can relieve muscle tension. However, limit sleeping in a seated position (not fully reclined) in order to prevent blood clots.

Q. Why do I sleep better in a recliner than in a bed?

Sleeping in a recliner chair can feel pleasant when in a fully horizontal position, as it can take pressure off a sore back, improve blood circulation, and improve digestion and breathing.

Q. How much does a good recliner cost?

A high-quality recliner—one with luxury materials such as leather upholstery and durable metal motor mechanisms and frames—can cost between $600 and $2,000 or more, depending on the features. If you time your purchase right, you might be able to score a better deal.

 

The Best Holiday Gifts for 2025

Whether you’re shopping for a new homeowner or a serious hobbyist, we’ve got a gift idea for you.

See the Gifts