As we age, we need every helping hand we can get, especially when it comes to mobility. Ask most young people, and they would scoff at the idea of struggling to get in and out of a chair, but the harsh reality is sitting, and standing can be a challenge for some people. 

The best lift chairs give us a way out of this dilemma. They offer hope to the less mobile, those with hip and back issues, and anyone suffering a medical condition that severely hampers their ability to move. 

The 8 Best Lift Chairs

#1. Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair Sofa with Massage and Heat for Elderly

This Mcombo is a 3-position lift chair, so you can adjust the seating position for different levels of comfort. It reclines, has a TV position with raised feet, and a lift setting to provide easy access. 

The material is faux leather, and you can get this chair in 7 vibrant colors ranging from cream to fire red. You get two cup holders, side pockets to store your favorite book, magazine or newspaper, and push-button control. It even has two USB charging points for your tablet or smartphone. 

You also get a full-body massaging vibration and lumbar heating covering 8 points across your body. It has a maximum weight capacity of 320 pounds, and the motor is TUV certified as a stamp of quality. 

Be aware that the USB charging points are only compatible with low-power devices, so you might struggle to charge your laptop. 

#2.  Esright Power Lift Chair Electric Recliner

If you want your lift chair to come with environmentally-friendly credentials, this Esright could be a good choice. The wood used in construction is sourced from eco-friendly producers, and their wood boards are guaranteed to be formaldehyde-free. 

It also conforms to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) P2 requirement. The silent-lift motor moves the seat to a 150-degree angle to allow you easy access in and out of the chair. 

Unlike the Mcombo, this chair only has 4 points of massage, but you still get the USB charging point and double cup holders. You also get heated lumbar supports and 5 massage modes, including auto, press, wave, pulse, and normal. 

This is a soft fabric chair, so you might find you overheat in the summer, and the USB points are intended for low-power devices. However, it costs a lot less than the Mcombo, so its shortcomings may not be such an issue. 

#3. Flamaker Power Lift Recliner Chair

Thi Flamaker chair has 3 positions; recline, TV, and lift. You get 8 individual massage points for the head, lumbar region, thighs, and ankles to help with joint and muscle pain as well as improving circulation. 

You get the obligatory twin cup holders, a side pouch for storage, a 15, 30, and a 60-minute timer for the massage settings. Plus, the lumbar region is heated to ease back pain. 

Styled in synthetic PU leather material, this chair is comfortable, functional, and can take a maximum weight of 360 pounds. 

When you compare this chair on a like-for-like basis, it seems to do everything the previous models do, so it’s a mystery why this one costs almost $200 more. The price might be the reason why you would choose a different model. 

#4. Signature Design by Ashley Yandel Upholstered Power Lift Recliner

The price of this chair is similar to other models featured, but it lacks some of the key features, like massage settings and heated lumbar support. It has the same faux leather material with two color options; saddle and black. 

From recline to fully lift, it only takes 1 minute, so the emphasis is on gentle action, which should suit most elderly users. 

While this is an oversized chair with comfort at its core, it will struggle to compete with similar models that offer so much more without the extra price tag.

#5. CANMOV Power Lift Recliner Chair

Instead of having set positions like the other chairs, this CANMOV allows you to choose the recline angle, giving you complete freedom. It also has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds.

You get super-soft cushions and armrests, as well as a pillow for head and neck support. Generous side pockets give you ample storage, and the remote control is so simple to use, with just two buttons. 

The obvious downside is the lack of features. It costs the same as other comparable chairs, so it is hard to justify why. 

#6.  Harper&Bright Designs Smoky Brown Wilshire Series Heavy-Duty Power Lift

This Harper and Bright chair also comes in brown faux leather, but it has the addition of casters to make maneuvering it easier. The maximum weight it supports is 330 pounds, and it lifts to a maximum angle of 160 degrees. 

The cushions have been designed to provide extra support at key points of the body, like the neck, lumbar region, and knees. 

This chair has the styling of an old leather armchair, thanks to the nailhead trimming on the front panels and the armrests. It is also competitively priced, costing a couple of hundred dollars less than other models, so you can forgive its lack of features. 

#7.  Furgle Large Power Lift Chair Electric Recliner Chair with Massage Vibration

So, we come to our first push-back recliner, which means you don’t get fancy electric buttons and power reclining. If you want to recline this chair, you need to use arm and leg strength, which might be an issue if you suffer from severe mobility issues. 

On the plus side, this looks like a standard chair, so it doesn’t have that oversized look, so it should blend in better in your lounge. Also, it uses a high-density sponge, so the seating is super comfortable. 

It comes in 3 colors, ranging from white, gray, and brown, and you can upgrade to a faux leather chair with cup holders, but that would cost you extra.

Thanks to large padded arms and waterproof material, this chair is both comfortable and robust. However, there is always a downside, and for this model, it’s the price. You can get better chairs with more features for the same price and, in some cases, a lower price. 

#8. ERGOREAL Power Lift Recliner Chairs

This ERGOREAL chair is environmentally friendly because the materials are sourced from eco-friendly producers, and their wooden boards and materials contain zero formaldehyde, lead, or arsenic, so it’s kind to your pets too. 

You get 5 modes, with two intensity settings and 8 massage points to relieve stress on your joints and muscles. 

You also get 2 remotes and a side pocket, plus the seat cushions have been stress-tested over 2,000 times to ensure they stay comfortable and keep their shape. It also has heated lumbar supports and 4 seating positions, ranging from 100 to 150 degrees. 

This chair has more modern styling, so it should fit most room schemes, and the casters make it more maneuverable. 

What Is a Lift Chair?

A lift chair is a super-comfortable seat designed to aid the elderly, disabled, and those with other medical or mobility issues to sit and stand. Typically they have a minimum of 2 or 3 seating positions from fully reclined to raised, and they come with a range of bonus features. 

They have extra lumbar support, remote controls, cup holders, side pouches, with some even providing USB charging points and massage zones. 

Types of Lift Chairs

2 Position

2-position lift chairs have an upright seating position and a lift setting that raises you to almost standing height. They lack a recline setting, making them cheaper because they give you fewer options and less comfort. 

3 Position

You get the same positions as the previous 2-position chair, but you also have the option to recline to 45 degrees. 

Infinite

As the name suggests, infinite chairs have no preset seating positions. You can adjust the chair to any angle you choose within the highest and lowest angle parameters. These are great because you can set up the chair for your individual needs. 

They also have 2 motors, so you can recline with the footrest down and operate the footrest independently. 

Lift Chair vs. Normal Chair

When you compare the two, there are fundamental differences. Lift chairs serve the elderly and less able because the chair lifts the seated person to a height that means they are almost standing. 

It relieves strain on bones, joints, and muscles, giving those with mobility issues more independence. They often come packed with features like massage zones, heated lumbar support, and cup holders. 

However, all this fancy gadgetry comes at a price. Lift chairs cost a lot more than standard models, mainly because the audience is so niche. And where there is a niche, there is an added cost. 

Standard recliners are more for general use. While the elderly might enjoy reclining in a chair, they don’t offer that final level of comfort to get them into a standing position. Typically, regular recliners are also manually operated. 

Again, this makes them unsuitable for some because they require a degree of arm and leg strength to get them into the recline position and back again. Trying to get the most comfortable position could be like getting a gym workout. 

Considerations When Buying the Best Lift Chairs

So, what should you be on the lookout for when shopping for a new lift chair? What are the critical points you should not ignore? Let’s find out.

Reclining Options

The 3-position lift chair is the most commonly sold type today. It reclines to an angle of about 45 degrees. These chairs typically have one motor, so you need to extend the footrest if you want to activate the recline position. They are ideal for watching TV and taking a nap.

Infinite chairs have no preset positions, so you can choose the angle that suits you. Also, because they have 2 motors, the footrest can stay down while the backrest reclines. They are more expensive, but of all the options, infinite chairs are the most comfortable. 

Budget

To put it simply, the more features you want, the more you have to pay. Some chairs seem to have everything, like USB charging points, heated and massaging cushions, and cup holders, while others mainly focus on their reclining capabilities. 

You should expect to pay somewhere between $300 and $800, depending on how much technology the chair has. 

The most budget-friendly chairs are the basic 2-position models. Plus, the material you opt for makes a difference to the overall cost. Leather chairs are more expensive than cloth materials. 

Functionality

It all comes down to how you intend to use the chair. If you want a comfortable seat that aids you to stand and sit and reclines when reading your favorite book, opt for the 2 or 3-position models. 

If you select the chair for a specific medical or mobility reason, you might want to buy the more expensive infinite chair with its array of different settings. Additionally, if you suffer from back problems, getting a chair with lumbar supports is vital. 

Size/Measurements

Some of these lift chairs are big, so making sure it fits into your space is crucial. If the chair is too big, it will dominate the room and make it feel cramped.  Also, you need a certain distance between the chair and the wall for it to recline.

You should allocate additional space for the width and depth, as well as the height, and also consider you size/height. You wouldn’t want your head and feet hanging over the edge of the chair. 

Upholstery

The type of upholstery you have makes a difference in your comfort levels. Most cloth seats are fine, but they can become warm in the heat of the summer. Likewise, faux leather makes you sweat more. 

Then there is the color. Does it match your color scheme? Most lift chairs come in sober browns and beiges, especially the faux leather models. And keep in mind that if you spend a lot of the time in the chair, you wouldn’t want a material that generates sores

Cloth varieties are more cheerful, with a host of vibrant shades, increasing your color choices. 

Bells and Whistles

If you are spending big, you want to get the most for your dollars. Lift chairs are typically packed with additional features like cup holders, heated lumbar supports, massage zones on the crucial parts of the body, and USB charging points.

Keep in mind that the more gadgets you want, the more you will spend, ramping up the purchase costs by hundreds of dollars. 

Warranties

Most chairs come with a 1-year warranty but bear in mind, the more complicated the chair, the more likely it will malfunction. So, while you are spending a lot of money, keep one eye on the future and possible mishaps. 

A warranty gives you peace of mind, knowing that no matter what, if the chair malfunctions due to a manufacturer defect, you are covered.

Will Insurance Cover the Cost of My Lift Chair?

Medicare typically won’t pay for the lift chair in full but it may cover the lift mechanism if it malfunctions under Medicare Part B and C if your doctor determines the chair is part of your medical needs to help with your condition. 

Everyone Needs a Lift

A lift chair can make an immense difference to an elderly relative’s life. It can help the less able and aid those with medical conditions that mean they don’t have the mobility of non-disabled people. 

We get that lift chairs aren’t going to win any design awards or that they are cumbersome and take up valuable space, but that is a small sacrifice to make to bring additional comfort to the life of someone you love.