Relaxing at home in a nice, comfortable piece of furniture doesn’t have to be expensive. That is why we’re bringing to you the best recliners under $500 so that you can enjoy the rest you deserve after a long day of work. These recliners are of excellent quality and, as you’ve already guessed, are also quite affordable.
In this guide of the best recliners under $500, we’ve examined 42 different models. Through our research, we’ve found ten products that we liked the most. Among the ten recliners, our favorite is our Editor’s Choice, the Signature Design by Ashley Yandel Power Lift Recliner. We love the craftsmanship of this electric recliner with its faux leather feel and metal reinforced seat for better durability. There are also nine other amazing recliners that we’ll review in-depth to really help give you an idea of all the great options available out there.
In our review of the best recliners under $500, we’ve identified a few key features that make these recliners the best ones. It took us 58 hours to visit multiple official websites to gather this information and ask experts to help us. More specifically, we’ll take a look at the type of recliner, whether they are electric or operated manually, the upholstery materials used to make it, the color options, its dimensions, and finally, weight capacity. These factors are all important, and we’ll discuss why as we go along. After you’re done with the detailed reviews of the ten best recliners under $500, we’ll take you through our buying guide section, where we’ll discuss the key features as well as answer the most frequently asked questions that are common to recliners. Let’s get started!
More features: 20-inch seat height, thick cushions, metal reinforced seat, side pocket, remote control, includes instructions, hardware and tools
Our favorite recliner is also our Editor’s Choice, the Signature Design by Ashley Yandel Power Lift Recliner. This is a contemporary power lift recliner that marries a perfect style with amazing comfort. Available in either the saddle or black colors, this recliner is one of the best leather power recliners under $500.
You can easily recline back in this chair with the simple push of a button on the remote control. However, some users have pointed out that the remote can stop working fairly early if you are not very careful with it, so be mindful of that.
The chair is also designed for your maximum relaxation in mind with thick cushions and a high back. It can support up to 300 pounds thanks to its metal reinforced base. In terms of sizing, this recliner measures out to 35 x 40 x 42.5 inches with 20-inch seat height and 69 inches at the maximum reclined length.
The upholstery is a smooth, saddle brown polyester fiber blend that looks like leather. Another great thing about this recliner is that it is incredibly easy to assemble and install as it comes with the instructions, hardware, and tools required.
Overall, this recliner is a real treat to have because, with just a push of a button on the remote control, you can be sitting upright or lying nearly flat in this incredibly comfortable recliner.
More features: dual-zone massage with high/low settings, remote control
Our pick for the best value is the Dorel Living Padded Dual Massage Recliner. This recliner is a rocking chair, and you’ll have to recline this seat back manually by using the lever on the side of the chair. Once you do recline, you’ll be in a very comfortable position thanks to the seat and back sewn-in foam cushions that help to provide tremendous support for your head, back, and legs.
The microweave suede upholstery is a nice alternative to leather or faux leather materials and is very smooth to touch. This recliner, however, only comes in two colors, tan and chocolate, and, unfortunately, it does not come in a darker color either.
If you want to become even more relaxed, this recliner has the massage function. You can use the remote control to operate both zones and select between high or low settings. As great as this chair is, it unfortunately only has a maximum weight capacity of 225 pounds, which is the lowest capacity in our list of the ten best recliners under $500. But it is hard to complain about this since the price tag is very affordable.
More features: outlet and USB-ports, swivel tray, cup holders, arm storage area
If you prefer a dependable and high-quality option, you’ll definitely enjoy our Premium Pick chair, the Pulaski Power Home Theatre Recliner. We can vouch for this recliner as we think it is the best recliner under $500 for home theater thanks to its perfect design. It comes in a few different colors as well to go with the aesthetic of your theatre room. You won’t have to be distracted while watching your movie at home with this electric recliner that operates with the push of a button. More importantly, you’ll want to feel comfortable while watching your movie, and you can let your body ease into the faux leather design of this recliner.
This is a great option if you’re planning on watching the big game as well in your home theatre as it is equipped to give you everything you need. It has a swivel tray that allows you to put your nachos or popcorn on so that you don’t need another table for it. It also comes with cup holders installed into the armrests providing you with the perfect place to put your favorite beverage. Lastly, this recliner also comes with a USB port allowing you to charge your phone so that you don’t have to miss a minute of the game or movie! Make sure to have two spare electrical outlets for it. Premium comfort and premium features come equipped with this Pulaski recliner.
More features: 8-point electric massage system, dual cup holders, side pockets, remote control
One of the best overall models on our list is our choice for the best swivel recliner, the Homegear Recliner Chair with 8 Point Electric Massage and Heat. This recliner is known for its amazing relaxation coupled with its versatility.
First of all, you can manually adjust the angle of this recliner while facing in any direction you want. This chair can freely rotate so that you can watch the TV and then turn around to see your kids! Unfortunately, as a few users have pointed out, this recliner doesn’t come with a swivel lock.
In terms of build, it is incredibly sturdy as well as it can accommodate a maximum weight of 485 pounds, making this chair one of the best recliners for big men under $500! This Homegear model comes with a very nice leatherette upholstery in three different colors: black, brown, and cream. What’s great about this recliner is that it does not take up all that much room either, with dimensions of 34 x 38 x 43 inches.
Perhaps, the best feature of this recliner is that it comes with an 8-point electric massage system that is controlled via remote control. If you’ve had a long day at work, the first thing you’ll want to do is go for a relaxing massage in this chair. After you’ve had your massage, take a sip out of your beverage that is placed in a cup holder right at your fingertips.
More features: semi-flat, extra-wide design, overstuffed padded seat, and armrests
There is something inviting about taking a nap in the Christopher Knight Home Gavin Bonded Leather Gliding Recliner. We’re calling this recliner the best one to take a nap on because of its comfortable and ultra-plush cushions and the fact that it can recline into a great semi-flat sleeping position. It can be just as comfortable as your bed as well because of its extra-wide design that gives even more comfort because you can actually move around! At 40 inches wide, it’s more than enough space to shift your body around while taking your nap.
In terms of design, this recliner is actually a rocker, and you’ll have to adjust your position by pulling the lever manually. Some users pointed out that after prolonged use, the lever can get stiffer and harder to use. As for the upholstery, it comes in a velvety smooth, bonded leather material that adds to the comfort of this recliner. Moreover, it is very easy to clean. Unfortunately, it only comes in one brown color, but that still shouldn’t deter you from getting this prime napping piece of furniture.
More features: model with two-point massage system available, side pocket, remote control
Another fantastic lift recliner on our list is the Giantex Power Lift Chair. The Giantex model is very easy to operate, and it sports ultra-quiet lift mechanisms.
It features an ultrasuede material but, unfortunately, only comes in the one, chocolate, color. This Giantex recliner is quite narrow in size, but if you’re someone that doesn’t like all the excess space on a chair and just want one that fits a bit more snug to your body, the Giantex is probably the best bet.
Despite it being much narrower, there’s a good reason for this as this recliner is available with a two-point massage system. Having a narrower chair allows the massage function to work your body and get into the tough areas of your back much better than a wider chair would. With a maximum capacity of 330 pounds, just about anyone can take advantage of this gently massaging feature too. This chair is powered via an electric motor and comes with remote control. We should also point out that the frame of this chair is made of steel, which should last you a number of years.
More features: 4 massage areas, heating function, two cup holders, front and side pockets
The only wall hugger model that made it to our list is the fantastic U-MAX Massage Chair Power Lift Recliner. Like most wall huggers, this one has a bit more of a straighter back, but it still has convenient reclining and lift mechanisms that can be operated with one of the two remote controls. The other remote control is used to adjust the back and footrest.
The chair itself is made of beautiful and soft polyurethane leather. It has extra thick sponge padding on the head, back, and armrest areas to provide maximum comfort. Speaking of maximum, the weight capacity on this chair is at a very good 330 pounds, which should let most people enjoy the comfort of this recliner. You can also enhance your relaxation experience by using the massage function. This recliner is fantastic because it gives you five different massage modes that focus on four particular areas of your body. You can also warm up your back by using the heating function.
One notable issue that users had with this U-MAX recliner is that the mechanisms were too slow. Some of them also reported issues with remotes. Still, if you do experience some problems with it, you can use the 1-month full warranty or the 1-year parts warranty to replace any defective parts.
More features: 2.2 HR foam, heavy-duty steel reclining mechanism
Lane Home Furnishings has a good reputation for making some fantastic pieces of furniture, and that’s no exception with our choice for best rocker recliner, the Lane Home Furnishings Rocker Recliner.
Lane Home Furnishings calls this recliner the, “perfect large scale recliner that’s masculine, sturdy, and strong”, and it’s really hard to disagree with this statement. It’s able to withstand a maximum capacity of an incredible 500 pounds, thanks to its reinforced, heavy-duty steel frame. It’s probably the best recliner for big men under $500 you’ll find out there today. It also offers an extra-tall seat back for larger and taller men as well.
The recliner sports a 2.2 HR Foam, a comfortable yet solid type of padding for your chair. You’ll achieve maximum comfort in this recliner because it can recline up to 80 inches, which is almost the length of a king-size mattress! Perhaps because of its heavy-duty build, one particular downside of this recliner is that it can be quite noisy when it’s reclining, but if you don’t mind that, then you should definitely consider this model.
If you really like what you see with this Lane Home Furnishings Rocker Recliner, you might be inclined to take a look at some of Lane Home Furnishing’s more expensive models that feature extravagant chenille upholstery with a variety of colors to choose from.
More features: elegant style
Next up on our list is our choice for the most elegant recliner, the Christopher Knight Home Merit. Christopher Knight is another home furniture company that has a sterling reputation for making contemporary furniture, and they hit the mark with this recliner.
At first glance, this recliner just looks so inviting to sit and take a nap. And it is true – relaxing in this recliner is exactly as comfortable as it looks. It’s made of premium polyurethane leather in the lone black berry color. This is a manual recliner, which means that you’ll have to use the gilder (handle) to adjust it. It doesn’t take much space and sports a 42 x 39 x 40 inch dimensions, making it the perfect size for your living or theatre room.
The entire chair, including the armrests, is perfectly cushioned to help provide extra support and comfort. The PU leather doesn’t feel stiff like some other materials, and this recliner allows your body to sink into it. It has a maximum capacity of 300 pounds, which should enable just about anyone to enjoy the relaxing benefits of this rocker recliner. If there’s one thing owners had issues with, it’s that this recliner seemed to be a bit too wide for their liking.
More features: dual cup holders, USB-ports, side pocket, 1-year warranty
Lift recliners are great for those who need a bit of assistance getting out of their chair, and that’s exactly what the Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair Sofa provides. This electric model slowly lifts and reclines, which is great for elderly people. It can be operated with a push of a button.
It is the only recliner in our list to be made of linen material, and that’s not a bad thing at all as some people prefer feeling a not-so-cold fabric when they sit on the chair. It comes in two different grey tones as well as in brown color, and its maximum weight capacity is 320 pounds. This recliner also has a few extra features as well. It has two cup holders, allowing you to have the refill of your favorite beverage right there with you. Just be mindful that when you’re lifting yourself out of this seat, that your drinks aren’t full or else they’re going to spill all over the chair and floor. And since this model has linen upholstery, it can be very harder to clean.
It also has two USB-ports and a side pocket, so that you can leave your favorite magazine or book in there to read the next time you’re relaxing in this Mcombo recliner.
Now that you have the full knowledge of the ten best recliners under $500, it’s time to turn our attention to the buying guide. With such a huge variety of products available on the market, it can be hard to decide which model you should pick. In this section, we will explore the most important features of the products to give you a clear idea of what you should be looking for. It is our hope that this information helps you get the most comfortable recliner.
When it comes to choosing the best recliner under $500, there are a few things to think about. Here, we’ll talk about the different types of recliners, how they are operated, various materials used for the upholstery, dimensions, maximum capacity, and how far you can recline them. Also, we’ll take a look at extra features that can affect your experience and overall comfort. As we go through this section, it can be a wise idea to take down some notes, which can help you with your choice later. Let’s get started!
There are many different types of recliners, and here, we are going to describe five of them.
A regular or push-back recliner is one of the most common types of recliners. The person sitting in this recliner would push or lean back on the back of the chair to change the position and use the lever to set it back.
A rocker recliner allows you to rock in your chair, with the exception that you can also recline. This option is great for mothers who need to rock their child to sleep, and then they can recline the chair to also get some rest for themselves!
The wall hugger recliner provides more efficient space use since they sit up straighter than most recliners. They can even go up against a wall with minimal clearance required. Because of this, they are perfect for smaller rooms.
A lift recliner is designed to help you get off the chair when needed, which can be very useful for elderly people.
Lastly, a swivel chair is exactly what it sounds like. These recliners can freely rotate while also being able to recline as well.
As for the power of your reclining chair, it can be either a manual or an electric model. If it’s manual, it generally means you’ll have to pull or push a lever in order to adjust the chair. These mechanisms are very easy to use. Furthermore, they are quite reliable and long-lasting.
With electrical models, you’ll have a remote control or a button at hand, which you need to push to change the position. The motor smoothly changes the position, and you don’t even have to get up. However, don’t forget about the spare wall socket nearby.
In terms of upholstery, we see a few trends when it comes to the materials that are used to make these recliners. We’ve found that leather and suede are two of the more common types of materials used. For leather, this includes polyester faux leather, regular faux leather, polyurethane leather, bonded leather, and leatherette. For suede, we see microweave suede and ultrasuede.
While both are great materials for your recliner, in terms of maintenance, leather materials, especially those made of polyurethane, are easier to clean from any stains that may get on the upholstery. If you want to avoid the fuss of cleaning, we recommend the U-MAX Massage Chair Power Lift Recliner.
Removing stains from your suede recliner requires a little bit more of a thorough cleaning process, but it is still doable. However, it can be much harder if you go for a model with linen upholstery.
The big thing to remember is that if your recliner does have a stain on it, you should remove it as quickly as possible in order to not having it soak into the fabric and ruining it.
Finding the right recliner color for you is simply a matter of preference. Fortunately for you, many of them come in a variety of different colors. If you’re trying to find one that complements the design of your room, whatever color matches your room’s aesthetic is the way to go. If you have kids in the house and you’re worried about stains getting on your recliner, you might want to opt for a darker recliner because it can hide stains and marks better than lighter ones.
The good news about having a recliner in your living room, or any room in your house, is that they don’t require a lot of space. You can comfortably put it just about anywhere in your living room so it wouldn’t feel like it’s too big there. That being said, you should look to carve out roughly 50 inches wide by 50 inches deep in your living room in order to comfortably fit your recliner.
The largest model we see in our list is the Lane Home Furnishings Rocker Recliner, which should be incredibly comfortable for bigger people as measures out to 40 inches wide and 48 inches deep. In contrast, the smallest recliner is the Giantex Power Lift Chair Recliner at 31 inches wide and 41 inches deep. Thus, they can definitely range in size.
When it comes to the chair angle, we’re talking about how flat it will lay and how much space it will need behind. Generally speaking, they can recline at an angle of 40-45 degrees, so you need to take this into account before you designate the space for your chair.
You’ll want to be mindful to keep the recliner away from walls as it might damage your wall if it is too close to it, or you simply won’t be able to adjust the angle.
If you want to avoid these issues, check the U-MAX Massage Chair Power Lift Recliner, which requires only a few inches of clearance.
Just like the size of the recliners, the maximum capacity can greatly vary as well. There really is no standard weight when it comes to maximum capacity, but we can see a small trend of roughly 300 pounds being considered normal for recliners. The range of the capacity stretches from 225 pounds with the Dorel Living Padded Dual Massage Recliner all the way up to 500 pounds with the Lane Home Furnishings Rocker Recliner. With such a large range, you’re bound to find a recliner that suits your capacity needs.
Some models offer extra features that can enhance the overall value of that recliner. For instance, if you’re the one who frequently uses your phone, you might be happy to know that some models, just like the Pulaski Power Home Theatre Recliner, come with USB-ports, so you won’t have to get up to charge your device.
If you need a place to keep your drink while watching the big game, some recliners have their own cup holders and even a swivel tray so that you don’t need a table near it.
Moreover, some models feature massage or heating functions. The massaging capabilities on recliners can vary, as some can have 2-point massage systems, whereas others offer 8-point massage systems. If you are looking for an excellent massage chair, the Homegear Recliner Chair with 8 Point Electric Massage and Heat can be ideal for you.
Here, we are going to identify three recliners that really stood out for us.
First, our Editor’s Choice, the Signature Design by Ashley Yandel Power Lift Recliner, was a hit for us because of its incredible overall quality. It has a perfect size, comes in great faux leather material, and flashes a nice stylish color. We love that it’s incredibly comfortable, and with the push of a button, you can adjust your position.
Next up, we have the affordable Dorel Living Padded Dual Massage Recliner. There’s something to be said about having the massage while you’re in a comfy chair, and this recliner does just that with its dual massage system. The foam cushions and the microweave suede are excellent touches that enhance the comfort of this chair.
Lastly, with our Premium Pick, the Pulaski Power Home Theatre Recliner is an amazing chair to watch the big match or a movie with your favorite beverage and snacks at hand.
We hope that this information was useful, and all that is left to do is to pick the best recliner under $500 and enjoy your time with it.