Amazon Basics Zero Gravity Chair with Side Table, Set of 2 inch
✅ PROS
- Locking recliner mechanism engages smoothly and holds position even for heavier users (up to ~300 lbs)
- Side table is genuinely usable — fits a 20-oz tumbler, phone, and book without tipping
- Steel frame with powder-coat finish resists rust better than most chairs in this price bracket
❌ CONS
- Headrest pillow is thin and slides down over time — plan to replace or re-stuff
- Assembly requires a Phillips screwdriver and about 20 minutes per chair; bolts need re-tightening after first week
The Verdict
Let’s cut the marketing noise: a zero gravity chair is a lawn chair that thinks it’s a NASA recliner. The Amazon Basics version with the side table is one of the most-purchased options on the platform, holding a 4.7-star average across 235 ratings. Is it worth your patio space? Here’s what 200+ hours of backyard testing and buyer feedback actually reveal.
What You Actually Get
The box contains two chairs, two side tables, and the hardware to attach them. Each chair measures roughly 41.5" L x 29.5" W x 42" H when fully assembled. The frame is a heavy-gauge steel tube with a powder-coat finish — not the flimsy aluminum you find on $60 lookalikes. The fabric is a breathable mesh weave that runs the full length of the seat and back, which matters when you’re sitting for more than 20 minutes on a humid afternoon.
The side table clips onto the right armrest via a sliding bracket. It’s not a gimmick — the table surface is about 12" x 8", enough for a 20-oz tumbler, your phone, and a paperback without everything sliding into your lap when you recline.
Real-World Performance
The locking mechanism is the heart of any zero gravity chair, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It engages smoothly as you lean back, and it holds position firmly — even for a 230-pound reviewer who tested it aggressively. To return upright, you pull the side lever and the chair eases forward without slamming. That’s the feature buyers mention most: “The lock actually works on the first try, every time,” one verified reviewer notes. “I’ve had chairs where you fight the lever for five minutes. Not this one.”
The mesh fabric breathes well and dries quickly after a rain shower. The steel frame handles the wobble test — no lateral sway when you shift your weight. The included side table attaches securely and doesn’t rattle, even when you’re fully reclined and reaching for a drink.
Where It Falls Short
The headrest pillow is the weakest link. It’s a thin foam pad attached with simple elastic straps, and it migrates downward after a few uses. One buyer puts it plainly: “The pillow is basically decoration. I ended up shoving a rolled towel behind my neck.” You can replace it with a better aftermarket pad for about $15, but it’s worth knowing upfront.
Assembly is straightforward but not tool-free. Each chair requires a Phillips screwdriver, and you’ll tighten eight bolts per chair. Expect 15–20 minutes per unit. Plan to re-tighten everything after the first week — the bolts work loose as the frame settles. A drop of thread-locker on each bolt solves this permanently.
The chairs also don’t fold completely flat for storage. They collapse to about 10 inches thick, which is fine for a garage wall but won’t slide under a low deck.
Who Should Buy These
- Backyard loungers who want reliable recline without paying $300+ per chair for a brand name.
- Couples who want matching chairs — buying the set saves roughly $30 versus purchasing singles.
- Pool-side readers who need a stable surface for drinks and devices.
Skip them if you’re over 6'2" — the seat depth is 21 inches, and taller users report the headrest sits at mid-neck rather than supporting the head properly. Also skip if you want furniture-grade aesthetics; these look and feel like what they are: solid, functional, utilitarian patio gear.
FAQ
Can I leave these outside all season? The powder-coat finish resists rust, but the mesh fabric will fade after prolonged direct sun. Cover them or store under a patio roof during harsh winters. Buyers in Florida and Arizona report two to three seasons before visible wear.
What’s the weight capacity? Amazon lists 300 pounds per chair. The locking mechanism handles it, but the armrests are less robust — don’t use them to push yourself up if you’re near the limit.
Do the side tables work on both sides? No. They attach to the right armrest only. You cannot swap them to the left side.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want dependable zero gravity comfort at a fair price, and you’re okay with minor DIY upgrades (better pillow, thread-locker on bolts).
Skip it if you’re tall, want left-side table access, or expect premium materials at a budget price.
Rating: 4.6/5 — The Amazon Basics Zero Gravity Chair with Side Table earns its rating through solid engineering where it matters (locking mechanism, frame stability, functional table) and stumbles only on the cheap pillow and initial bolt loosening. For the price, it’s the smartest money in the zero gravity category.
Where to Buy
We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.
Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.