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Best Power Lift Recliners (2023): 10 Top Power Lift Chair Reviews

By Maurice

Best Power Lift Recliners

Relaxation & Healing

Golden EZ Sleeper With Twilight Technology

Easy to Clean

MCOMBO Faux Leather Lift Chair

Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair Sofa with Massage and Heat for Elderly, 3 Positions, 2 Side Pockets and Cup Holders, USB Ports, Faux Leather 7040 (Medium, Dark Brown)

Easy 

Maintenance

U-MAX Wall Hugger Recliner

U-MAX Lift Recliner Power Lift Chair for Elderly Wall Hugger PU Leather with Remote Control (Brown)

As our population ages and health conditions become more and more common, the need for medical equipment is also on the rise. One of the most common, and most useful, types of medical equipment are comfortable power lift recliners. More people than ever are finding themselves in need of a durable and reliable power lift recliner but they don’t know where to start. That is what this guide is for.

This is the only guide you need to the best power lift recliners in 2021. We go over the basics, including:

 

  • How lift recliners work
  • What their benefits are
  • Common features

Then we break down the top ten best power lift recliners of every type for every need. Finally, we break down the major comparison points between each kind of lift recliner, go over some tips for buying as well as alternatives such as used chairs and rentals.

By the end of this guide, you will have every piece of relevant information you need to make an informed decision regarding your next powered lift recliner.

What is a power lift recliner?

Lift Chair Rental Near Me

A power lift recliner is a chair that is designed to help people get back onto their feet after sitting down.

If you have ever needed a hand getting up out of a low riding chair or couch then you know how it feels to be stuck sitting. That happens to millions of people all the time but not everyone has a handy friend or family member nearby at all hours to help them up. That is where the lift recliner comes in.

Using modern technology and powerful motors, lifting chairs rise into the air and gently tip forwards which helps people regain their footing from seated. These chairs have helped improve mobility, independence, freedom, and comfort for many people.

How do power lift recliners work?

Power lift recliners work via a large central motor. The body of the chair is very similar (if not identical to) standard recliners that we all know and love. However, inside is a motor that is used to raise and tilt the chair to help people get to their feet. This motor is run on power from a nearby wall outlet, thus the name powered lift recliner, and needs to be plugged in all the time to work effectively.

Using the electricity from the outlet, the motor engages to push the whole body of the chair upwards and then tilt it forward. The result is a person is put in a position where they can get back to balanced on their feet without any pulling, tugging, pushing, or balance issues. The chair supports their backside the entire way which prevents accidents and has a whole host of other benefits.

Check out how lift chair motors work in this handy video.

Benefits of power lift recliners

Power lift chairs have many benefits that go far beyond simply helping you to get up. Being able to get to your feet on your own, without help, increases independence. Independence in the elderly or infirm massively helps with mental health. Lift chairs also help reduce the risk of accidents due to balance issues. They lower the risk of re-injury in people recovering from an ailment or surgery.

Lift chairs also can help people transfer from a chair to a wheelchair, walker, or scooter much easier than trying to stand and do it. Once standing upright, supported by the lift chair, transferring to another piece of durable medical equipment is that much easier. Lift chairs can also elevate different parts of the body to reduce swelling and inflammation.

All in all, these chairs do so much more than simply help people get up. They have a myriad of health benefits that runs the gamut from helping injured to elderly people and back again.

Best power lift recliners available now

Best Overall: Golden EZ Sleeper With Twilight Technology

The Golden Technologies EZ Sleeper With Twilight Technology is the pinnacle of power lift chair design. It is one of the most comfortable chairs ever created and features a whole slew of modern features that transforms standard lift chairs into a vessel of ultimate relaxation, healing, and coziness. This is all possible due to Golden Technologies’ proprietary package of Twilight Tech which enhances comfort at every level.

The EZ Sleeper includes five separate zones of comfort which each come with their own individual adjustments and controls. These zones cover the lower body, upper body, head, lumbar area, and a Twilight Tilt. Whether you need a lift chair for healing, age, or preference, this chair has something for everyone. It can lift 375lbs, has a 7-year warranty, and multiple options for upholstery customization. But that is not all.

It also includes an internal computer that will diagnose issues and help keep the chair running in peak performance, outside of the warranty. It also includes power pillow technology. This is one of the most loaded chairs you can get right now. But all of that amazing technology comes at a steep price, this chair has an MSRP that is north of $2500.

You can’t expect to get the absolute best at a basement price.

Best Featuring Heat and Massage:Magic Union Power Lift Recliner

MAGIC UNION Power Lift Massage Recliner Faux leather Heated Vibration with Remote Controls Wheels for Elderly Catnap Sofa- Brown

Are you looking for heat and massage on a budget? Look no further. Many high end chairs include heat and massage. In fact, a vast majority of chairs over $1200 include either massage or heat features. Very few chairs on the budget end of the price spectrum include these things. But the Magic Union Power Lift Recliner does. This chair is just $400 and includes a list of features you simply won’t believe for the price.

This chair includes four distinct areas of massage including five separate modes to choose from. It also includes a deep lumbar heating zone. In addition, it also includes 300lbs of lifting power as well as a solid wooden frame and faux leather upholstery. It has two cup holders and deep side pockets for putting TV remote and other handy things. Again, all of this can be had for right around $400. We featured this chair here because it is so affordable. If you want these kinds of features on a budget, this is one of the best options available right now.

Best Leather Power Lift Recliner: MCOMBO Faux Leather Lift Chair

Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair Sofa with Massage and Heat for Elderly, 3 Positions, 2 Side Pockets and Cup Holders, USB Ports, Faux Leather 7040 (Medium, Dark Brown)

The MCOMBO Faux Leather Lift Chair makes this list because of its unique combination of features. It has a plush leather exterior, comfortable padding, large dimensions, heat and massage, USB chargers, 320lbs of lifting power, and convenient cup holders. All of that can be had for just over $500 making it one of the best bargains on this list. If you are looking for a comfortable faux leather chair with all of the modern amenities at a shockingly low price, this is the chair for you.

This chair has eight vibration points that can be put on a timer as well as one deep lumbar heating zone. The heat and vibration can be used separately from one another depending on your need. This is all possible because of the soft faux leather upholstery that is comfortable and easy to clean. It is hard to put heat and massage into a chair with traditional cloth upholstery. MCOMBO won us over with their abundance of features at a super fair price.

Best Big & Tall Power Lift Recliner: MCOMBO Large Lift Chair

Mcombo Large Power Lift Recliner Chair with Massage and Heat for Elderly Big and Tall People, 3 Positions, 2 Side Pockets and Cup Holders, USB Ports, Faux Leather 7517 (Large, Dark Brown)

MCOMBO realized that many recliners simply are not designed to fit tall people. That is why they claim to have started work on this chair by “analyzing the physical traits of tall people” in order to better make a chair that fits people of larger statures. The difference between this chair and their well regarded faux leather chair is that they extended the height of the backrest and deepened the seat to provide enhanced comfort throughout the chair.

Additionally, this chair has MCOMBO’s excellent heat and massage features, affordable price, a 320lbs weight capacity supported by a steel alloy frame, and USB charging ports for your low power devices. MCOMBO took one of their best selling chairs and tweaked it for big and tall people and for that, we appreciate them.

Best Heavy Duty Power Lift Recliner: Pride Mobility Heritage XL

Many chairs today are simply not heavy duty. They have lightweight aluminum frames mixed with cheap wood. They can often only lift 300lbs which definitely will not work for everyone. If you want a true heavy duty chair, you want the Pride Mobility Heritage XL. This is an XL chair with true heavy duty features that will equally appeal to bariatric users and people who simply value lasting quality over cheap deals.

The Heritage XL chair has a durable steel frame that is protected by a 7 year prorated warranty. It can lift up to 500lbs which is almost double the industry standard. The seat is a super large 26” wide by 22” deep that is both comfortable and spacious. If you are looking for a chair guaranteed to last, this is the chair for you. And even if you have problems, you really can’t top the 7-year warranty administered by Pride Mobility’s excellent customer service department.

Best Wall Hugger Power Lift Recliner:U-MAX Wall Hugger Recliner

U-MAX Recliner Power Lift Chair Wall Hugger PU Leather with Remote Control (Brown)

Some power lift chairs require an obscene amount of space from the wall in order to operate properly. We have seen some models require as much as 27” of space between the chair and the wall. That is simply too much. If you are someone who has a small living space or simply cannot place furniture that far from the closest wall then this is the chair for you.

The U-MAX Wall Hugger Recliner only requires 17” of clearance from the wall which is much less than the average which is usually between 20” and 24” of required wall clearance. In addition to being a true wall hugger recliner, the U-MAX chair can also lift up to 330lbs and has spacious dimensions for extra comfort during extended use. It also includes basic heat and massage, cup holders, and a deep seat that you will love the feel of.

Best Oversized Power Lift Recliner: Signature Design by Ashley Ernestine  Oversized Recliner

Signature Design by Ashley Ernestine Upholstered Power Lift Adjustable Oversized Recliner, Brown

If you are looking for that classic overstuffed look out of your recliner this is a chair for you. You do not have to sacrifice that comfortable bulk in order to get a lift chair that works entirely for you. Not only does this chair feature generous dimensions measuring 40 x 38.5 x 43 inches but it can also lift up to 300lbs. It comes in a natural tweed-like upholstery that is as traditional as it is comfortable.

If you are someone who doesn’t like all of the bells and whistles that come with modern lift chairs or want something that will blend seamlessly with your style then this is the chair for you. Upon first glance, you can’t even tell that this is a lift chair at all.

Best Pride Mobility Power Lift Chair: Pride Mobility VivaLift! Escape

The VivaLift! Escape by Pride Mobility is a fantastic lift chair. In fact, the entire VivaLift! line is one of the best in the business when it comes to high quality lift chairs packed with modern amenities. It has a large 400lb weight capacity, a USB remote with soft buttons, a battery backup to ensure the chair is always able to return to normal, even when the power is out, and a dual motor system that gives you refined control over the headrest, extended footrest, and lifting mechanism.

The chair is super comfortable, has a classic look, and comes with all of Pride Mobility’s experience in design and motor construction. If you are looking for a shining example of the best Pride Mobility has to offer, this is it.

Best La-Z-Boy Power Lift Recliner: Astor Platinum Power Lift Recliner

La-Z-Boy is the top for quality, performance, and customization and has been for a long time. They are a household name known for crafting the best and most comfortable recliners in America and they have continued that tradition of excellence with their Astor Platinum Power Lift Recliner. This chair is absolutely packed with amazing features and an almost unlimited catalog of customization options.

The Astor Platinum features six motors for massage including three distinct massage modes. It has three levels of soothing healing heat. It includes a comfortable zero gravity mode. It can hold 350lbs and only needs 11” of wall clearance to function properly. While all of these amazing features come at a rather steep price, it is worth it if you have the budget for it.

Best Golden Technologies Power Lift Recliner: Golden Cloud

Golden Technologies is home to many quality power lift recliners and choosing one to represent the entire brand was a challenge. The Golden Technologies Cloud Power Lift Recliner is a wonderful example of lift chairs done right. It features a large 375lb weight capacity, heat and massage functionality, special lumbar support technology, and multiple upholstery options. All of this comes together in a large chair that is extremely comfortable and is paired with Golden’s excellent industry leading warranty.

This combination is one of the best in the business and it is no wonder that Golden Technologies continues to make the lists featuring the best chairs available now.

Complete Buying Guide For Power Lift Recliners

We don’t just want to throw a bunch of different chairs at you and call it a day, we really want people to understand the differences between these chairs, what the terminology means, and how they actually stack up against one another. That is why we have constructed an all encompassing buyer’s guide that will strive to hit all of the key terms and answer all of your most pressing questions.

How to compare power lift recliners – full comparison between the best chairs

Chair Position Capacity

Heat and Massage

Size Upgrades
Golden EZ Sleeper

Infinite

375lbs

No

Large

Yes

Magic Union Power Lift Recliner

Three-position

300lbs

Yes

Medium

Yes

MCOMBO Faux Leather Lift Recliner

Three-position

320lbs

Yes

Large

Yes

Pride Mobility 

Heritage XL

Three-position

500lbs

Optional

Xtra Large

Yes

Ashley Ernestine Oversized Recliner

Three-position

300lbs

No

Large

No

Positions

There are multiple different types of chairs with various configurations for positioning. These are the most common power lift chair positions that you might come across while shopping:

Two-position

A two-position lift chair is the most basic kind of chair available. These chairs do not even have built-in reclining features. They only sit at a ninety-degree position and then a forward lifting position. Hence the term two-position. There is no reclining angle and no special features beyond that. Two-position chairs are basic and affordable and they are made to do one job – lift you to your feet.

Three-Position

Three-position chairs are more common. These power lift recliners lift, sit upright and recline. The reclining angle varies depending on the brand on the model but they all have the ability to kick back and relax in them. They differ from two-position chairs by adding the reclining ability which counts as the chair’s third position.

Infinite

An infinite position chair is an upgrade over the typical three-position chair. Instead of simply reclining, infinite position chairs can go all the way down to flat and are able to stop at any reclining angle from ninety to one hundred and eighty. This large range of motion and tons of different reclining angles is what gives these chairs the name infinite position.

Zero gravity

Zero gravity is a single type of position that other chairs are either able to take or not. Zero gravity means that the chair lifts your legs so that they rest over your heart. This is a comfortable position with many benefits. This has made it a popular modern upgrade to the traditional power lift chair. It is important to note that a three-position or infinite position chair can also be a zero gravity chair. Zero gravity is simply an additional feature to an existing type of chair.

Capacity

Another critically important feature to consider while comparing powered lift recliners is their weight capacity. Since the main purpose of any lift chair is to push a person back onto their feet after an extended sit, the ability to lift them is key. Lift chairs are not infinitely powerful, they all have an upper limit to what the motor can handle. If you overload the motor, you are going to break it so it is important to pay attention to the capacity.

Many chairs have a basic lifting capacity of around 300lbs but some chairs can go much higher. Everyone’s needs are different and no one wants to burn out an expensive lift chair right after they buy it.

Heat and/or massage

These are a pair of features that often go hand in hand and are becoming more common in the lift chair market. This simply denotes whether or not a lift chair includes heat and massage features. Heat provides a warming feature from embedded heating coils to provide a person with a soothing or healing zone for sore muscles. Massage can be anything from simple vibrations to full shiatsu routines that are preprogrammed into the chair. There are many different kinds of heat and massage functions that a chair can possess so be sure to dig deeper into what exactly that entails.

Size

Size matters. Not everyone has a cavernous living space to cram a gigantic chair into. Some people have space constraints. Others simply don’t like oversized chairs. Some people only like overstuffed chairs. The size of your lift chair may seem trivial when you are purchasing it until it shows up at your house. Be sure to check the dimensions carefully of any lift chair before you buy. Even a couple of inches can turn a great chair into a cramped chair depending on your individual space. If you have questions about sizing your lift chair take a look at these helpful hints given by a leading online retailer for lift recliners.

Warranty and customer care

Warranty and customer care are another point of comparison that many people do not make until it is too late. No one ever wants to think about their brand new item breaking in the near future but it happens all too often. Taking a look at what kind of warranty options, brand reputation, and after sales customer service that a product is provided is important. It may not be flashy to pick a chair because it has a three-year warranty instead of a one-year warranty but if the motor goes in year two, that choice could have made all the difference.

Quality of life upgrades

In addition to the standard features and basic upgrades that all lift chairs are equipped with, there is now a growing number of quality of life upgrades hitting the market that go beyond the standard features. Here are some of the most common quality of life upgrades to keep an eye on.

Cupholders

Cup Holders may seem like a simple thing but for some people, they are absolutely necessary. Not every chair comes with cup holders built-in and if you are someone who enjoys a solid cup holder with your recliner, this is a feature to keep your eye on. Some chairs will feature a single cup holder or dual cup holders in the arms.

USB chargers

Since all powered lift recliners need to be plugged into the wall to function properly, they all have power running through them at all times (if they are functional). This has allowed new manufacturers to include USB charging ports in their chairs. This allows you to easily plug in your phone, accessories, or a speaker into the chair without having to search out another outlet for your cords. Genius.

Lighting

Some chairs have built-in lighting either in the USB charging ports or the cupholders. Some chairs have soft nightlights built-in that will gently illuminate the room at night. These are another example of a simple upgrade that could add a lot of value to the right buyer.

Pockets

Some chairs do not include pockets but some do. These pockets typically hang off the sides of the chair and allow the user to place things like magazines, phone chargers, remote controls, and other items that you want nearby into the pocket. If the idea of being able to slide the TV remote into a handy close by pocket appeals to you, keep your eyes peeled for this kind of upgrade.

Best brands for power lift recliners

There are a growing number of companies producing lift chairs for the masses these days but not all of them are consistent in their quality. Over the years, we have come across a few brands that consistently stand above the rest. These are not the cheapest or most available brands on the market, but they certainly are the best.

Golden Technologies

Golden Technologies makes a whole host of products designed to increase mobility and independence for infirm and elderly people. They have been creating high quality products for many years. Their expertise includes everything from comfortable wheelchairs to large powerful lift recliners. They offer one of the best warranties in the business and have always exercised excellent customer service from top to bottom.

Their lift chairs are on the higher end of the typical price range for lift chairs but their dedication to excellence, engineering, and performance is truly something special.

Pride Mobility

Pride Mobility is another company that focuses on specializing in certain products that boost mobility and independence. Pride Mobility actually only makes two major kinds of products: scooters and lift chairs. Those two things run on a powerful central electric motor and that is where their focus is. Pride Mobility has some of the best electronics work in the business and their motors are top notch. If you are looking for a product that will last and a company that puts its attention on the most important part of the lift chair then Pride Mobility is the brand for you.

La-Z-Boy

Lastly, we have a household name when it comes to comfortable recliners. La-Z-Boy has been making iconic furniture for a generation and they continue to do so today. La-Z-Boy takes their legendary comfort and quality and they have added modern lift chair components to create some of the best power lift recliners available today. If you love La-Z-Boy’s workmanship and style you will love their lift chairs. La-Z-Boy also offers the best customization options in the business.

La-Z-Boy chairs are iconic and comfortable but they are expensive. They also have the benefit of having a large brick-and-mortar footprint so you can check out their chairs in person for yourself before you spend any money.

Typical price range for quality chairs

How much should you pay for a power lift recliner? The answer depends on your budget and what your expectations are. The most basic chairs are very affordable but they do not offer much in the way of optional upgrades and modern features. There are chairs made by foreign companies that pack in many of the upgrades you want at a low price but longevity and customer service can be a concern with those kinds of brands. There are plenty of chairs that offer you the world but they also expect a world of cash in return. It all depends.

Here are the typical price ranges for chairs at every purchase point.

Cheap / Budget

Everyone loves a deal and finding a great cheap or budget chair is at the forefront of many people’s minds. Cheap chairs are available and on some platforms such as Amazon and Wayfair, they are abundant. Cheap, or budget, chairs start at $400 and run to about $600. If you can find a reliable chair with features you love between $400 and $600 you are doing a great job.

There are a few chairs that can be found for less than $400 but they are rare. Every once in a while we will see a sale that has decent lift chairs listed at just below $400 but anything significantly cheaper than $400 should be seriously reconsidered as it is probably too good to be true.

Midrange

Midrange chairs make up the bulk of the chairs on the market. These chairs are found from better brands, have more upgrades and extras, and are more reliable than budget chairs. These chairs can often be found between $600 and $1400. This price range has a larger amount of variability due to the large number of options you can find. There are many brands that all price their chairs differently, there are tons of different options when it comes to lifting power, accessories, and upholstery that can change the price dramatically.

A good number of chairs will fall into this price range and it is a great place to start for any prospective buyer of a new powered lift chair.

Expensive / High end

Lastly, we have expensive chairs. These can run anywhere from $1500 to $3000 depending on the options. These are the chairs made to last a lifetime and are perfect for people who want to invest heavily in their most used furniture. These chairs come from household brands like La-Z-Boy and they come with excellent warranties and vast customization options. You can find chairs in this price range with fully programmed shiatsu massage routines, genuine Italian leather upholstery, and deep lumbar heating. These are advanced chairs that can border on luxury depending on where you are buying.

If you are someone who has a very large budget or knows they are going to get a ton of use out of a high end lift chair, this could be the price range for you.

Cheap / Budget $400-$600
Midrange $600-$1400
Expensive $1500+

Will Medicare pay for my power lift recliner?

Yes. Medicare will absolutely pay for your power lift recliner as long as their requirements for reimbursement are met. Lift chairs are considered durable medical equipment that has  legitimate medical use. Since lift chairs are durable medical equipment Medicare will cover them but there are a few steps that must be taken.

medicare logo

First, you have to get a lift chair prescribed by a doctor as a medically relevant need. Equipment like lift chairs gets prescribed like any other medication. They will write a script explaining that a lift chair is necessary for your health.

Once you have the prescription for the lift chair, you take it to a supplier that is enrolled with Medicare. The chair you purchase must come from an approved dealer in order to be eligible for reimbursement. You cannot buy any chair you like online and expect to get it covered.

You can search for Medicare enrolled suppliers and vendors here.

After you find a chair you like from an approved dealer, you purchase the chair and then file for reimbursement. If everything gets approved Medicare will cover 80% of the total cost leaving you responsible for the other 20%.

Where can I rent power lift recliners? Rentals near me

There are medical equipment rental outfits in almost every city, you just have to look for them. They are very present near hospitals, retirement communities, and rehab facilities. If you search for medical equipment rentals, you should get some local results. Do not be put off if they are advertising IV stands, oxygen tanks, and other similar products. Lift chairs count as durable medical equipment and are in the same category of those things.

Renting lift chairs for short periods of time can be an easy way to save money if you do not need to use a lift chair constantly. Medicare will even cover the cost of a rental at the same rate they cover the purchase of a new chair which can make the savings even larger.

There is no secret to finding lift chaHow ir rentals other than finding nearby rental places and calling around for the best rates. If you are struggling to find a rental place near you you can ask your doctor, your insurance agent, or Medicare and see if they have any local suggestions for nearby rental locations.

Where can I buy a used power lift recliner? Used chairs available near me

Not everyone needs a brand new lift chair, some people are perfectly content buying used chairs for a bargain price. You can find used chairs in a variety of places online and in person. The easiest place to look for used chairs is online via used item websites such as eBay and Craigslist. You can also find used chairs in person. Many times rental places will have old used chairs for sale or you can negotiate with a rental place to allow you to rent-to-own used chairs.

When purchasing a used chair be sure to ensure that the lifting mechanism is working properly. The central motor and lifting column are the most important, and most expensive, parts of a lift chair. A lot of times, people are trying to get rid of old chairs because there is a problem with the motor. And always remember, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Tips for buying a power lift recliner and how to get the best deal

When choosing your next powered lift recliner simply remember your ABCs. Action, budget, and comfort. These three things form the solid base in which you can choose the perfect chair for you.

Action

The action of the chair is how it moves. Is it a two-position chair or an infinite position chair? How much can it lift? Does it vibrate or massage the user? These are all things the chair can do. Pick a chair based on what it does and how those actions fit your life. Not everyone needs a chair with heat and massage but some people might really enjoy a zero gravity position. Keep in mind the chair’s actions when making a purchase.

Budget

The next thing to consider is your budget. It will only be disappointing if you set your heart on a chair that is way out of your price range. Now we know that cheap chairs can be found for around $500 and expensive chairs can push $2000 or more. It is important to set a budget so you can narrow your search and temper your expectations based on how much you are willing to spend and whether or not you can get Medicare or your insurance to cover part of the cost.

Comfort

Lastly, don’t forget about comfort. A lift chair isn’t worth much if you never want to sit in it. If a chair is uncomfortable and you don’t use it, you won’t need to be lifted out of it. Comfort is important when choosing a chair, especially if you are going to be spending a lot of time in it. Be sure to look for the chair’s dimensions, the positions, and what kind of upholstery the chair has.

If you remember your ABCs, you will be on track to pick a chair that is just right for you and your lifestyle.

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