For the elderly and the physically challenged, getting in and out of a chair can be strenuous. Electric lift chairs solve this problem by using a motor to slightly change the chair’s angle, making it easier for you to sit down, bend over, and then return to the closest position. The main question is: how can you choose the best elevator chair when there are so many chairs that have so many features such as different reclining positions, dimensions, weight capabilities, and even heating and massage?
To make it easier for you to choose, we researched the eight most popular power chair lifts on the market. We took a closer look at the technical features and read reviews of hundreds of users to make their choices, and we believe our options can cover what you’re looking for.
Top 8 Best Lift Chairs by Consumer Reports
[table id= 88 cache_table_output=false/]
1. Golden Technologies Power Cloud Lift Chair
This premium lift chair from Golden Technologies continues to garner reviews from users who find it incredibly comfortable. The armchair has a relatively wide and deep shell seat and plush arm grip. The chair is designed for users taller than 5’ 7’’. One of the best things about this chair is that it is covered with leather. Although it may feel a little sticky on hot summer days, consumers have found that there is simply no substitute for the natural feel of leather, making it a chair with one of the nicest materials on the market. The leather also increases the stability of the chair since the material itself does not stain or break easily. The back of the chair is equipped with a Headrest Power Pillow from Golden Technologies, which helps improve the alignment of your spine.
There are no fancy extra features in this armchair like built-in massage or a cup holder. However, there is a simple remote control that has its own pocket on the side of the chair.
Sample customer review… Mom loves the rear back padding. Fits her much better than her previous recliner. She likes the forward tilt ability which helps her stand without lifting her. The old recliner would slide backward when she sat down hard. This chair stays in place. Quiet motors and predictable speed of movement assures Mom she’s in control, not the chair. Mom likes the ability to lowers herself back when “resting her eyes” while watching TV. The control is easy to use (rapid learning curve). It would be nice to exchange the useless headcloth (slips down the back on use) for a functional remote holder that is mounted on the arm (currently in a pocket on her right side).
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
2. MCOMBO Power Lift Chair
This affordable lounge chair is an easy choice for a wide range of users. Although it has soft sleeves and an adjustable head, consumers find it to have a tougher texture than other fabric chairs in the same price range. If you are worried about sinking deeper into the power lift chair, you won’t have to worry about that with this chair. This armchair can be adjusted to up to 140 degrees, which allows most people to sleep comfortably.
The adjustment mechanism and center can be easily controlled using the wired remote control, which has only forward and backward buttons for simplicity. Also, consumers have found the fabric soft and silky, adding to the overall comfort of the chair. However, it is relatively easy to stain, so you need to be careful if you plan to eat or drink in this chair.
Sample customer review… Love this chair! It is perfect, support just where I need it since most chairs are too big. Have had 2 knee replacements, shoulder surgery, ankle surgery, have spine problems, and am about to have a hip replaced. Love the massage and heat, and that you can manually adjust the massage features or turn them off (press the little green buttons) so you just have heat. Lift works great, saves my back and hip. Be sure the sides are all the way in place before you put them back on, or the chair will seem a bit unsteady – took me a couple of tries to figure that out. I put it together myself and everything works fine, no trouble connecting everything. If you’re tall this probably isn’t the chair for you, but I’m overjoyed to find a chair that fits.
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
3. Yandel Power Lift Chair
This comfortable elevator chair features Ashley Furniture’s signature design. Its twin motor allows you to bend your legs freely and lift your legs to achieve the perfect sitting position. With the remote control, you can easily control the chair without having to push any unusual buttons. The seat itself is spacious, provides plenty of space to sit, and can hold up to 300 pounds. Being 19’’ wide and 21″ deep, this lift chair is perfect for users who need extra space, as well as users who want to stretch at leisure. In particular, this model will make a great reading chair.
Consumers found that the polyester padding provided the best strength level. When sitting on it, they felt like they could sink into the chair. Even so, polyester can stain more easily than leather, so be careful if you plan to eat or drink while sitting on this chair. Although this elevator chair does not come standard with a warranty, Ashley Furniture offers a five-year contract for only $11, which is definitely worth it because it protects you from engine damage for five years.
Sample customer review… This is a good-looking chair! I purchased this for my husband who has recently developed serious mobility issues and needed something comfortable and easy to get out of as our stationary furniture just wasn’t working for him. Not only is it attractive and amazingly comfortable, but it’s also extremely functional. Super quiet and smooth when using the power controls – you can’t even hear it. It reclines fully and also lifts much higher than shown in the photos provided on the sales page. It’s very heavy and seems to be well constructed with a lot of metal reinforcement. The fabric is really nice too…sure looks like leather but actually feels better as it’s much softer and not sticky like vinyl. The color is good and fairly true to the photos shown.
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
4. CANMOV Power Lift Chair
This luxurious chair made of fabric is incredibly comfortable and relaxing. It comes with a crowded base, armrests, and a backrest that allows users to lean back and sink into a chair. When you lie down, a back helps keep your back in alignment, although users have a list of things to do to help reduce pressure on the pelvis. The chair can stand at 110 to 145 degrees, making it an ideal choice for sleeping. The footrest can be lifted without tilting the chair back, which is appreciated by the users. Lying is controlled by a simple cable remote control, with only up and down buttons for easy operation.
Consumers find this elevator chair relatively durable. However, it is worth noting that it only comes with a one-year warranty and is designed to keep it safe for only 300 300. Fabric contamination can also stain more easily than synthetic leather. So it would help if you were careful not to eat or drink around this armchair.
Sample customer review… Esthetic is great. We went for the brown and my grandma loved that she could choose from the multiple options and get something that went with her current decor. We bought two of these after my grandma’s knee replacement surgery. It has been so helpful for her post-operative recovery. Her pain has even improved with the use of this chair. The two buttons on the controller work well for her, as this makes it easy to use. The positions that the chair has available work well for her. The lift option is really helpful and I’m glad we got this instead of a normal recliner. The price was good in my opinion, we researched the price of recliners for a few days and went with this as it is a good balance of features and price. The assembly was easy, click in the back to the bottom part and put in 4 bolts and nuts on the bottom. Took about 15 minutes to unbox and put together. The only thing that I would change is the armrests. These are pretty low and soft. You the user needs armrests to hoist up, this might be an issue.
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
5. Mega Motion LC-200 Lift Chair
This Mega Motion chair is excellent for small people, especially for those who offer comfortable support in length, which is less than 5 to 4 inches tall. And there is a lot of room for people of that size. The chair has 19 “wide and 22” deep cushions and can hold up to 325 pounds. Unlike many other chairs in our summary, this is a 2-position chair, designed primarily to move between a straight and approximately 45 ° reclined chair. It can make it difficult for people with severe disabilities to get out of a chair because they still have to get up from a sitting position.
The chair is made of polyester, which is very soft in the cushion but can be quite strong in the back. Some users found the chair comfortable, while others needed a foam cushion to soften the backrest. A welcome feature of this chair is that it has an emergency power supply. It means you can leave the chair as usual, even if the power goes out unexpectedly. The chair also comes with a one-year warranty, during which time you get in-house service to solve any problem.
Sample customer review… I received it earlier than expected and I love it – and I needed it. Although I could have gone through medicare for partial payment, I did not. I am 5’4″ and would have appreciated having the footrest extended and have it go a bit more horizontal – for naps, my feet hang over the footrest. It is quite comfortable and quiet during the lifting process. It also has good lumbar support which I did not see in the other reviews on the chair. I would strongly suggest this purchase ( I recently had back surgery 3 months ago ), it is great for my situation.
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
6. U MAX Massage Lift Chair
This U-Max electric lift chair offers almost everything you want in a chair. The chair is made of synthetic leather, which gives it an excellent shape. The material makes the chair comfortable to sit in in every possible climate except in hot weather. It can be tilted backward at an angle of about 45 degrees. The seat itself is about 20 inches in diameter, making room for most people, but it’s not the widest chair on the market.
Some users have also found it hard to sit up straight in this chair. Also, tall users found that the chair was too small and that your feet could end up resting over the fossa and in the air when you lie down.
Despite these cons, it’s still the best massage chair under $1000. The internal massage has four separate contacts that extend throughout the chair. You can also choose from five different massage methods for your at-home massage.
Sample customer review… Let me start by saying that I don’t understand some reviews that say 2 people are needed to put this chair together. Yes, the base is approximately 100lb heavy, but assembly took me less than 30 minutes all by myself and without having to look at the instructions but once!. I plugged the chair and immediately hopped on it for a test drive. All I could say was WOW! It is soft and so comfortable. I’m 5’11” and fit perfectly on it. It reclines and lifts very smoothly. We already own a massage chair with rolling shiatsu features (that cost us a little fortune), but the vibrating massage of this chair is absolutely heavenly and can hardly be heard unless you are sitting on the chair. Bought it for my spouse that suffers from advanced cancer. The lift option will become handy for freedom of movement and independence. Overall, it is a great chair with great features for such a low price! I think I want one too!!!!!
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
7. Harper & Bright Designs Power Lift Chair
This stylish and sturdy rescue chair from Harper & Bright Designs is an excellent choice for users weighing up to 30kg. The chair is made of plush plastic, so you can find a perfect way to sit in it that’ll provide padding for your arms and neck. Although consumers have softened the microfiber fabric through contact, be aware that it can easily stain if you eat or drink while sitting in the chair.
The main disadvantage of this elevator chair is that the seat is a bit small. At just 17.3 inches wide, this chair may feel a bit restrictive. However, although this chair is narrow, it’s not too big of an issue because the pads fit in its grip when you come in front of it. Another disadvantage of this chair is that the back and leg lifting methods do not work independently. When the chair is fully upright, the chair bends slightly, and you cannot rein in the chair without lifting the lizard.
Sample customer review… Purchased for 90 years plus father as a replacement for a major brand 3 motor chair with a bad circuit board that was not available as a spare. This is a single motor chair and I was skeptical but pleasantly surprised. The chair is sized right for getting through doors, easy to assemble, the fabric is very soft microfibre but at 6 months of daily use seems to be wearing well. Dad has remarked on several occasions that he really likes this chair. He did not think he needed the lift assist at first, but is now grateful for it and quite pleased. The full recline is very comfortable. The chair serves well as a favorite spot for reading, email with a laptop, television, napping. This was good value and better engineering (mechanical, more direct w/o frills to break) than what it replaced.
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
8. Catnapper Power Lift Chair
This poly lift chair is exceptionally comfortable thanks to the gel-rich foam filling under the soft polyester padding. The pillow and backrest are both plush and bold, so you can easily relax in the chair without feeling overwhelmed. Meanwhile, the pillow is 19 inches deep and 21 inches wide, allowing you to move around and find a place that feels better.
The chair can be tilted between the front and the backrest, as the brand name suggests, and is perfect for getting up quickly, for blinking. The footrest does not work independently of the stretcher, so you have to have a full chair to get the footrest all the way.
Sample customer review… I purchased this chair for my dad just based on reviews! He LOVES it. It has really changed his life. The cushion makes his backside more comfortable and the slightly raised seat location helps in that he is not pulling himself up so much when getting up. It is now more of a natural motion to a standing position. His lower recliner was really hard on his knees and for a long time, I wondered if we’d need to hire part-time help. Now he gets up and down with astounding ease. This is one purchase I am SOOO tickled about particularly sight unseen! What a buy! What a life-saver! The company changed the shipment location for me EN-ROUTE! I can’t say enough good things! Beautiful color! Thank you! 11 STARS!
Read more reviews on Amazon.com
9. CANMOV Power Lift Recliner Chair
This Canmov recliner combines modern style with comfort and functionality. Although it is average-sized, its heavy-duty motor allows it to support up to 300 pounds. It comes with a simple, 2-button remote that controls the chair, which can be adjusted from a standing position to a nearly-flat reclining position, or anywhere in between. The seat of the recliner, measuring 18.5 wide and 21 inches deep, is fitted with soft anti-skid cushions to provide comfort when sitting and safety when getting up. The back, head, and armrests of the chair are also overstuffed and lined with the same easy-clean fabric as the seat.
This recliner is designed to be as simple to use as possible, with Canmov claiming that installation takes less than 10 minutes. Every function of the chair can be controlled with the simple, 2-button layout of the remote. Canmov also provides a full year of warranty with the product, so you can rest assured that the product will work properly.
Sample Customer Review… My elderly mother can’t find anything wrong with this chair. It’s sturdy and comfortable, quiet, does exactly what it’s supposed to do. It’s also plush and the perfect color for our family room. It was so easy to assemble in only five minutes. We are very pleased with this power lift chair and would recommend it to all.
See more reviews on Amazon.com.
10. EGOREAL Power Lift Recliner
This ERGOREAL recliner packs a ton of features in a small, affordable package. This recliner is narrower than most, allowing it to fit in tighter spaces, and doesn’t require much clearance space in the back (only 15”). Yet despite its small size, this chair comes with massage and heating features in addition to USB ports and the standard reclining/standing function. The chair is lined with waterproof linen fabric and comes with overstuffed cushions. Assembly is easy and can be done in 5 minutes without the use of a single screw. The chair also comes with a 1-year warranty and 24/7 customer service to ensure that everything is working properly. Overall, this recliner is a perfect option for those who want an option that doesn’t take up too much real estate or too much out of your wallet.
Sample Customer Review… It is Amazing!!! This chair is too comfortable to sit on. Despite its weight, it only took me five minutes to assemble, it is very quiet when the chair is lift or recline, it is not as loud as I expected by the way. The material of the backrest is very suited to my favor, much more comfortable than leather and much more aesthetics than leather seats, The chair comes with wheels and is very convenient to move. Unlike a leather chair, this chair is also waterproof. When I searched for chairs on Amazon, I saw that many merchants have similar products, but they do not provide heating and massage functions. Even if the prices are similar, to be honest, you should lie in bed if you do not need a chair that can heat and massage. I highly recommend this product, it’s worth it.
See more reviews on Amazon.com.
Buying Guide: Best Lift Chairs Consumer Reports
The motor can lean towards front of chair to go out and quickly or towards the back so that the seater leans back. As a rule, electric lift chairs are controlled by remote control or an integrated keypad that is easy to operate with just a few simple buttons.
Lifting, lying, and chair positions
Powerlift chairs are available in a variety of options depending on the degree of inspection and control required. The most comfortable electric lift chairs are known as two-position chairs. You can quickly go in and out between 45 and 45 to easily enter and exit. The next step in handling versatility is the 3-position chair
Height and weight restrictions
Electric lift chairs are available in different sizes for those who use the best suits in other circles. These height differences affect not only the chair’s overall size but also design aspects such as lumbar support space. Additionally, power chair lifts are rated for more than one weight class.
Massage, heating, and supplementation
Some electric lift chairs have additional features, such as a built-in massage or heater, which can significantly improve the chair’s comfort. Other welcome additions include cup holders in the arm of the chair and strip pockets on the chair’s sides. All of these features make a difference, especially if you’re looking for a lift chair for the elderly.
Check Out Some Other Products Reviews You Might Find Interesting
Written by Jennifer Hoang and Zev Ross