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  4. 10 Best Reclining Beach Chairs in 2022 (RIO, Coleman, and More)
  • 10 Best Reclining Beach Chairs in 2022 (RIO, Coleman, and More) 1
  • 10 Best Reclining Beach Chairs in 2022 (RIO, Coleman, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Reclining Beach Chairs in 2022 (RIO, Coleman, and More) 3
  • 10 Best Reclining Beach Chairs in 2022 (RIO, Coleman, and More) 4
  • 10 Best Reclining Beach Chairs in 2022 (RIO, Coleman, and More) 5

10 Best Reclining Beach Chairs in 2022 (RIO, Coleman, and More)

Looking to hit the beach for a good tan? Don’t want to rest on the hot sand after swimming? Get a beach chair! But stationary chairs don't always offer you the right amount of comfort. That's why reclining beach chairs are the perfect item for lazy days in the summer sun!


When buying the best chair, there are a lot of factors to consider, such as accessories, attachments, fabrics, and frames. That’s why we’ve prepared a buying guide for you to find the best fit for your needs! We loved the Ostrich 3-in-1 Reclining Beach Chair for its versatility, comfort, and unique design. Take a look at our Top 10 guide to see the rest of our picks!

Last updated 09/26/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Reclining Beach Chair - Buying Guide

The best reclining beach chairs must suit your particular needs and wants. To help make the decision easier, we have included a comprehensive buying guide to inform you about any details that can help lead you in the right direction.

1

Check Your Frame and Seat Materials

What your beach chair is made of can make all the difference - especially if you want one that can last throughout the years.

Make Sure to Pick Aluminum Chair Frames

Make Sure to Pick Aluminum Chair Frames


Chair frames are generally made of one of three materials: steel, aluminum, or wood. Wood frames are stylish, steel is durable, and aluminum is rust-free. However, as beach chairs can be used before or after swimming, water resistance is a must! 


We highly recommend aluminum frames because they won’t be affected by water and are amazingly light to carry. While wood frames look nice, they have a higher chance of becoming moldy unless dried well.

Pick a Fabric That Works for You

Pick a Fabric That Works for You

Cotton, canvas, nylon, and polyester are common materials used for chair fabric. Cotton and canvas create the best comfort, while polyester and nylon are better if you want them to last through unexpected weather conditions.


Denier, the measurement used for fabric thickness and weight, is also an important decision-making factor. Aim for 420 – 600D for the most durable beach chairs.


As a bonus, when looking at chair fabric, choose mesh when possible, as it is the most breathable material! They're often quick-drying as well.

2

Choose Between Standard and Lounge Chairs

Choose Between Standard and Lounge Chairs

There are two major types of beach chairs: standard and lounge. Choose the best one to fit your lifestyle!


Standard chairs are your regular sitting chairs and often come with adjustable reclining positions. They sometimes include a lay flat feature, but are less padded than a full-length lounge chair.


Lounge chairs are meant for laying down on – meaning that they have a longer section for your legs to comfortably sit on. With more length, these can be heavier to carry.


If you plan on getting in a good tan or just a midday nap, we highly recommend a lounge chair. For reading, drinking, or taking a break, a standard chair is a good fit!

3

Check the Height of the Chair

Check the Height of the Chair

A big ask when choosing a beach chair is how far off the ground you would like to be. There are low chairs, with which you can enjoy putting your feet in the sand, or higher options for more leg room. 


A standard beach chair is 8 to 12 inches off the ground, which is comfortable for people of average heights. This means that anyone shorter than 5 feet can opt for a chair lower than 8 inches, and someone taller than 6 feet should look for a seat that is 12 inches or higher off the ground - especially if the chair is only equipped with one position. 


Likewise, how tall the back of a chair also matters for tall people. As reference, the Classic RIO Gear Beach Chair, which is perfect for people of average height, has a back rest height of 16.25 inches. If you're 6 feet or taller, you'll want to find a beach chair with more inches - preferably 20 inches or higher.

4

Make Sure to Check Weight Restrictions

Make Sure to Check Weight Restrictions

Making sure to check the weight restrictions before purchasing a beach chair is an absolute must. On average, the most popular beach chairs can support weights in the 200 - 280 pound range.


Other chairs in the same line can usually be found that support more weight, so make sure to pay attention to the product descriptions when buying, or you may end up with a quick-to-break item! 

5

Find One That's Easy to Use

Find One That's Easy to Use

Beach chairs can come with a lot of accessories, such as coolers for your food, cup holders, side trays, and pillows. For more comfort, go for chairs with cushioned headrests. When you want to relax with a cold beverage, get a chair with a cooler and cup holder. However, make sure to keep in mind that extra gadgets can mean extra weight! 


Moving a beach chair can be a hassle. What if you have to walk 20 minutes to get to the perfect sunbathing spot? To make carrying the chair easier, pay attention to how much it weighs


Likewise, carrying style is important. Look out for included shoulder straps, carrying bags, and backpack style chairs for the most convenience when transporting the chairs from your home to the beach. Backpack style chairs distribute weight evenly on both shoulders, making it the easiest type to carry. No matter what style you choose, make sure it comes with a handy way to carry it!

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10 Best Reclining Beach Chairs

When choosing a beach recliner, it’s important to consider the portability, adjustability, and material. You want to be comfortable when relaxing by the beach, and for your seat to be durable and long-lasting.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Ostrich

3-in-1 5-Position Reclining Beach Chair

Ostrich 3-in-1 5-Position Reclining Beach Chair 1

$179.99

High

A Beach Chair-Lounge Hybrid Perfect for Relaxing With a Book

2

Sport-Brella

3-Position Recliner Chair with Removable Umbrella

Sport-Brella 3-Position Recliner Chair with Removable Umbrella 1

$59.99

Mid

A Beach Chair With All the Bells and Whistles

3

RIO Gear

Portable Beach Lounge Chair

RIO Gear Portable Beach Lounge Chair 1

$50.77

Mid

A Beach Lounger That Goes Back to Basics

4

RIO Gear

Ultimate Backpack Chair With Cooler

RIO Gear Ultimate Backpack Chair With Cooler 1

$74.03

High Mid

A Beach Chair That is Washable and Designed for Flexibility

5

RIO Gear

5-Position Lay Flat Folding Beach Chair

RIO Gear 5-Position Lay Flat Folding Beach Chair 1

$49.99

Mid

A Basic Beach Chair With Vibrant Designs

6

RIO Gear

17" Extended Height 4-Position Folding Beach Chair

RIO Gear 17" Extended Height 4-Position Folding Beach Chair 1

$54.49

Mid

Tall Beach Chair With a Built-in Cup Holder

7

REDCAMP

Portable Low Beach Chair

REDCAMP Portable Low Beach Chair 1

$49.99

Mid

A High Back Chair With Breathable Mesh Fabric

8

RIO Gear

5-Position Steel Backpack Chair

RIO Gear 5-Position Steel Backpack Chair 1

$45.99

Low Mid

A Durable Chair With Plenty of Pocket Space

9

Coleman

Lightweight Utopia Breeze Chair

Coleman Lightweight Utopia Breeze Chair 1

$36.99

Low

A Trusted Brand That Delivers in Comfort and Ease

10

UNIPRIDE

Beach Chairs For Outdoor Relaxing

UNIPRIDE Beach Chairs For Outdoor Relaxing 1

$64.99

High Mid

Lightweight Lounge Chair That's Close to the Sand

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Ostrich3-in-1 5-Position Reclining Beach Chair

3-in-1 5-Position Reclining Beach Chair 1
Source:walmart.com
Reference price
$179.99
High
Reference price
$179.99
High

A Beach Chair-Lounge Hybrid Perfect for Relaxing With a Book

With its unique cushioned face rest and armholes, Ostrich has created the best chair for reading a book while laying on your stomach! It also has 5 adjustable positions and 3 footrest positions, making it extremely versatile. As for transport, you can carry it around easily with its adjustable shoulder strap.


Some reviewers did note that the chair is a bit bulky when folded and that your legs tend to dangle over the end of the chair if you're taller than average, but many more loved the fact that you could lay down flat. It's perfect for people who want to sunbathe or tan while engrossed in their favorite book!

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No.2

Sport-Brella3-Position Recliner Chair with Removable Umbrella

3-Position Recliner Chair with Removable Umbrella 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$59.99
Mid
Reference price
$59.99
Mid

A Beach Chair With All the Bells and Whistles

This Sport-Brella Beach Chair was one of our favorites because it includes a ton of extras and protects you from the sun! The detachable umbrella provides UPF 50+ protection


It also has multiple pockets for storage, including an insulated drink pouch to keep your drinks cold. Though the chair does not lay out flat, it comes with 3 adjustable positions for you to be at your most comfortable!


Some reviewers mentioned that the umbrella is an odd shape, and only adjusts back and forth. However, many reviewers loved all the pockets included in the chair and how easy it is to open. The cooler was the biggest highlight of the beach chair!

No.3

RIO GearPortable Beach Lounge Chair

Portable Beach Lounge Chair 1
Source:amazon.com
Portable Beach Lounge Chair 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$50.77
Mid
Reference price
$50.77
Mid

A Beach Lounger That Goes Back to Basics

The Portable Beach Lounge Chair is simply designed, comfortable, and perfect for those who want the most essential features for the right value.  It’s made with a quick-drying fabric that will prevent you from carrying home a wet chair, and the backpack straps make it convenient to carry on your back instead of one shoulder. 


It even has unlimited reclining positions for the ultimate comfort! A few reviewers mentioned that it is best to not sit directly in the middle of the recliner, as it can tip over. 


On the other hand, reviewers loved the backpack straps, the large cargo pocket, and how easy it is to transport. This beach chair is perfect for people who want a lightweight lounger to stretch their legs out on!

No.4

RIO GearUltimate Backpack Chair With Cooler

Ultimate Backpack Chair With Cooler 1
Source:amazon.com
Ultimate Backpack Chair With Cooler 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$74.03
High Mid
Reference price
$74.03
High Mid

A Beach Chair That is Washable and Designed for Flexibility

The fabric of this beach chair is attached to the frame with elastic cords, making it flexible and conforming to the body. As an added bonus, the sling is ventilated and can even be washed! 


The chair has 5 different reclining positions, including a fully flat feature, and can be carried as a backpack, making it easy to bring from the car to the beach.


Some reviewers warned to look at the instructions on how to unfold and close the chair, as it can be a little tricky. Others recommended this chair because the fabric is breathable and dries easily even when wet. Another loved how the height of the chair was a perfect medium - not too low and not too high.

No.5

RIO Gear5-Position Lay Flat Folding Beach Chair

5-Position Lay Flat Folding Beach Chair 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$49.99
Mid
Reference price
$49.99
Mid

A Basic Beach Chair With Vibrant Designs

This chair is a standard entry-level chair with plenty of designs to choose from. It is one of the most lightweight adjustable beach chairs on our list, making it easy to carry even if your spot on the beach is far away. It even has a lay-flat option!


One reviewer thought that it wasn't comfortable to lay on the chair when it is fully flat. The bar at the top of the chair can make it difficult to find a good head resting position. Most reviewers raved about the color choices and how vibrant they were. They also loved how sturdy and portable the chairs are!


Be sure to double-check which pattern you buy if you decide on this chair, as only the patterns with images of a cup holder attached to them will include the cup holder.

No.6

RIO Gear17" Extended Height 4-Position Folding Beach Chair

17" Extended Height 4-Position Folding Beach Chair 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$54.49
Mid
Reference price
$54.49
Mid

Tall Beach Chair With a Built-in Cup Holder

The tallest chair on our list, this 17-inch folding beach chair can be set up right next to the ocean and sat on comfortably with your feet in the water! The built-in cupholder provides ease of access when you're reaching for your drink and an included padded shoulder strap also makes it easy to carry on one arm. 


Molded armrests add an additional touch of comfort to this easy to use the chair. A reviewer noted that the cup holder is shallow, but still provides ample support for your drinks. 


The biggest highlight for reviewers was the height and how easy it is to get in and out of the chair. One also mentioned that the chair does not sink into the sand like others!

No.7

REDCAMPPortable Low Beach Chair

Portable Low Beach Chair 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$49.99
Mid
Reference price
$49.99
Mid

A High Back Chair With Breathable Mesh Fabric

This chair is built with a high back and can comfortably support taller heights. With padded armrests and backrests, you can take a restful nap on the beach. It also comes with a handy carry bag and can be used for the beach, camping, or a trip to the lake! 


A reviewer mentioned that the chair sags when sat on, so it can feel lower than the actual 7.5 inches. However, other reviewers noted that the mesh back is sturdy and allows the breeze to come through. People also loved the high back and extreme comfort.

No.8

RIO Gear5-Position Steel Backpack Chair

5-Position Steel Backpack Chair 1
Source:amazon.com
5-Position Steel Backpack Chair 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$45.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$45.99
Low Mid

A Durable Chair With Plenty of Pocket Space

This chair includes a large cooler and pouch for you to fill with all your necessities. It also adjusts to 5 positions, has stylish wooden armrests, and includes a padded headrest for extra comfort. You can transport it backpack-style and the steel frame also makes it very durable!


A couple of reviewers said that the chair is heavy and tough to carry long distances. It's best to decide your spot on the beach before you bring this chair! However, many more reviewers loved the pocket room and multiple compartments on the back and side of the chair.

No.9

ColemanLightweight Utopia Breeze Chair

Lightweight Utopia Breeze Chair 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$36.99
Low
Reference price
$36.99
Low

A Trusted Brand That Delivers in Comfort and Ease

Coleman has been in the outdoor goods business since 1900. As a trusted brand, quality is ensured. This chair is one position and comes with a handy carrying bag that matches the cute pattern of the chair


Just sling the packed chair over your shoulder and enjoy how easy it is to carry onto the sand. Some reviewers, including one who is 5'4", thought that the back wasn't long enough to support their heads. 


However, even more reviewers loved how comfortable the chair was and how the cup holder folds away nicely when packed and can swivel when you don't want to use it. One reviewer even mentioned that it was light enough to carry while they biked to the beach! 

No.10

UNIPRIDEBeach Chairs For Outdoor Relaxing

Beach Chairs For Outdoor Relaxing 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$64.99
High Mid
Reference price
$64.99
High Mid

Lightweight Lounge Chair That's Close to the Sand

At 5.34 pounds and coming in a set of two, these lounge beach chairs are perfect for people who want more for less! The length of the chair sits flat on the sand, while still providing support with its elevated back. Its simple design makes it easy to pack - even for overseas beach vacations.


Some reviewers felt that the chair was too thin and not padded enough but comfortable when used on a soft and sandy beach. Many more reviewers enjoyed using the chairs for sunbathing. They also liked the convenient pouch on the back and how portable the chairs were.

Check Out These Other Beach Necessities

Going to the beach can take a lot of preparation. To get a head start on essential packing when going to the sea, take a look at these other products!

Top 5 Reclining Beach Chairs

No. 1: Ostrich3-in-1 5-Position Reclining Beach Chair

No. 2: Sport-Brella3-Position Recliner Chair with Removable Umbrella

No. 3: RIO GearPortable Beach Lounge Chair

No. 4: RIO GearUltimate Backpack Chair With Cooler

No. 5: RIO Gear5-Position Lay Flat Folding Beach Chair

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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