I Tested a Top-Rated $300 Porch Swing—Here’s Why It Rivals a $700 One

When we built our new house a couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to fulfill the dream of including a meditation garden in my backyard. This special spot provides a serene retreat to enjoy some quiet and relaxation. In order to maximize the space, I chose a porch swing to place outside in the garden. Nothing is more calming than swinging back and forth while listening to birds chirping and the trickling water of the fountain. Plus, the porch swing provides a much-needed shady area in the garden.  

For 2.5 years, I enjoyed my porch swing. However, a few weeks ago, the metal support pole snapped in half, and I fell to the ground. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to find a more durable—and comfortable—porch swing option. The Purple Leaf 3-Seat Deluxe Outdoor Patio Porch Swing has been a game-changer and a major step up from the previous one I owned. Here is my experience assembling and enjoying the new porch swing over the last several weeks.

Delivery and Assembly

The swing arrived in two separate boxes, with the larger box being approximately 6 feet long and quite heavy. Moving it from your delivery point to the assembly site is a two-person job, so keep that in mind. The parts all arrived in perfect condition and were labeled individually, which made the unboxing process easy. While the instructions are generally well written, they lacked specific guidance on where and how to attach the included solar lights, which was a minor frustration during an otherwise smooth setup.  

When it’s time for assembly, make sure you have a large, flat area cleared to spread out all the parts for constructing the porch swing. I highly recommend assembling it exactly where you plan for it to sit on your property. I learned the hard lesson that it’s best to build it in place because the finished unit is so heavy, and the swing mechanism makes it unwieldy to move. 

Design and Quality

This is a high-quality product that punches well above its roughly $300 price point. Sitting on landscaping stones under a tree in my backyard, this swing felt incredibly sturdy and secure. The craftsmanship is evident in how the parts fit together. I love how it features two foldable multifunctional side tables with integrated cup holders, which is a luxurious touch rarely found with comparable models. It also features a larger, stronger canopy that can be adjusted based on the direction of the sun, held firmly in place by heavy-duty Velcro. This swing is available in four different attractive colors to match your outdoor decor. 

Comfort

My previous swing had pretty thin, flimsy cushions, but the Purple Leaf offers a whole new level of comfort. The cushions are exceptionally thick and soft, and a matching lumbar pillow offers extra back support or a place to rest your head. The seat is spacious enough to hold two or three people sitting or one person lying down for an afternoon nap. Finally, Velcro straps keep the cushions anchored to the frame, so you won’t find them scattered across the yard after a windy day. 

Performance and Durability

During the testing period, the weather fluctuated between warm, sunny days and short, overnight bursts of rain. Throughout this time, I noticed how the fabric did an impressive job of repelling water, with droplets beading on the surface rather than soaking into the foam. This meant the swing was dry and ready to sit on shortly after the rain stopped. I also didn’t spot any fading from sun exposure during this time. Another benefit is that there are zippers on the cushions that allow the foam inside to be removed, making it easy to wash the beige seat covers. 

Value

While the Purple Leaf 3-Seat Deluxe Outdoor Patio Porch Swing looks and feels like a $700 designer product, its actual price makes it an incredible value. It is significantly sturdier and more comfortable than previous models I’ve tested. Given my experience using it in my meditation garden, I think it would provide a sanctuary piece for anyone looking for comfort, sturdiness, and style for their garden, patio, or porch. 

Room for Improvement

The only performance issue I noticed was the swing’s trajectory. If the seat begins to swing slightly to the left or right, it can bump into the side poles. You’ll want to be mindful to direct the motion of the swing straight forward to maintain a silent, smooth experience.

 

The Latest (and Greatest) Deals

What’s better than when you find a great price on what you need? We’ve curated our favorite deals on power tools, portable generators, and more.

SEE THE DEALS