9 Best Bean Bag Chairs, According to Expert Testing
Bean bag chairs have never been so comfortable and fashionable.
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The lumpy and bumpy bean bag chairs of yesteryear are long gone: Today's are comfortable, versatile and (dare we say it?) even stylish, especially in comparison to ones of decades past. Whether you're searching for a practical style for a dorm room or a larger design for your den, there are plenty of options available that are lightweight, easy to move around and perfect for TV watching, cat napping or playing video games.
The Best Pick for Most People: Big Joe's Milano Beanbag Chair has a practical chair-like design with a structured back and cushioned seat that testers loved to sit on for working and gaming, and it's priced under $60 — a total steal.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we evaluate all sorts of furniture including top-rated sofas and recliner chairs. To find the best bean bag chairs available, we researched popular brands and worked with product experts to test these top picks in the Lab and at home. We ultimately reviewed more than 400 answers to questions covering everything from ease of setup to overall comfort. The picks ahead are from brands we love that have unique features, great value and received high scores from our testers.
Just keep in mind: While bean-bag chairs can be a comfy addition to your space, they pose potential safety risks if children or pets ingest the fill material or slip beneath the chair. For this reason, we do not recommend these selections for households with small children.
- Best Overall: Big Joe, Fuf Foam Beanbag Chair
- Best Value: Big Joe, Milano Beanbag Chair
- Most Popular on Amazon: Chill Sack, Bean Bag Chair
- Best for Gaming: Moon Pod
- Best Faux Fur: Pottery Barn Teen Faux Fur Bean Bag Chair
- Best Luxury: LoveSac, SuperSac
- Best Convertible: CordaRoy's Bean Bag Chair
- Most Stylish: PB Teen Vegan Leather Modern Lounger
- Best Colorful: Brentwood Home Repreve Bean Bag
Big Joe Fuf Foam Beanbag Chair
Pros
- Pressure-relieving, shredded memory foam
- Great for lounging
- Machine-washable cover
Cons
- Some testers said it was hard to get up from
Available in eight sizes (several of them giant), three types of fabric and tons of colors, this bean bag chair was a favorite among our product experts and at-home testers. It earned the highest scores across the board from testers who said the memory foam filling was extremely pressure-relieving, making it the perfect choice for lounging or napping.
This pick came compressed, similar to a mattress in a box, which meant the setup process was more involved: Unbox the bean bag chair, stuff it inside the machine-washable cover and wait for the foam to expand. The brand says you should let the shredded foam expand for 48 hours before use. The dense foam fill is heavier than some bean-filled options on our list, but testers agreed that the end result is well worth the cumbersome setup.
Our analysts were impressed with the durable foam and found this bean bag chair easy to fluff up, even after having countless testers sit in it. One GH analyst described the foam filling as "lofty and more substantial" than your typical bean bag chair. The analyst further added, "It feels more like a regular piece of furniture."
Taller testers, including one 6'4" user, also fit comfortably on the large size with room to sprawl out, but some testers found it difficult to stand up from after sinking into the foam.
Material: Polyester cover with and polyurethane foam fill | Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-large XX-large, Large Teardrop, Media Lounger, Wild Things | Listed dimensions: 49" x 38" x 38" (Large) | Weight: 33.3 lbs (Large)
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Big Joe Milano Beanbag Chair
Pros
- Great for sitting or gaming
- Sturdy yet lightweight
- Smart Max fabric is water- and stain-resistant
Cons
- Testers found this pick wasn't great for lounging
With more than 16,000 reviews and an average of 4.4 stars on Amazon, this bean bag chair was popular among our testers for its firm fill, structured look and excellent back support — plus, it's just a fraction of the cost of other picks on our list. Rather than a standard rounded design, this style has a built-in seat with a segmented back for a more traditional chair-like feel. One tester praised its shape, calling it the "perfect chair" for sitting on to work on her laptop, and it's also great for gaming. However, its structured style means it's not the best design for lounging.
It comes in several fabrics, but an analyst in our Cleaning Appliances and Products Lab notes that the SmartMax material is easy to clean and likely won't become as dirty as other fabric bean bag chairs. At just 4.5 pounds and designed with convenient handle, this lightweight option is a breeze to move from room to room.
Material: Polyester cover with and polystyrene foam fill | Sizes: Kids, Standard, Large | Listed dimensions: 28" x 30.5" x 28" (Standard) | Weight: 4.5 lbs (Standard)
Chill Sack Bean Bag Chair
Pros
- Cushioning foam fill
- 26 different color options
- Generous size for one to two people
Cons
- Reviewers said the foam fill takes time to expand
Available in 26 colors, this 5-foot bean bag chair is designed to be comfy for adults of all ages, providing ample space for one or two people to relax. It's one of the most popular bean bags on Amazon, boasting nearly 20,000 reviews, and it's available with convenient Prime shipping. Several online reviewers said the bean bag chair is soft and comfortable enough to sleep in. One even claimed, "This is by FAR the best and cheapest piece of furniture I own."
Filled with shredded memory foam, the bean bag will conform to your body and provide comfort and support as you lounge. Just note that some online reviewers have had issues with the foam fill, so we recommend being patient and allow the foam to expand fully during setup. According to reviews, it's also likely that you'll need to fluff up the chair regularly, especially after using it for long periods of time. And if there are any large or particularly hard and lumpy chunks of foam, reviewers recommend breaking them up by hand for a more even feel.
Material: Polymer microfiber cover with and unspecified foam fill | Sizes: Giant | Listed dimensions: 60" x 60" x 34" | Weight: 27.9 lbs
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Pros
- Zero-gravity, weightless feel
- Can be used for sitting, lounging and lying
- Responsive material provides pressure relief
Cons
- Amorphous shape may not fit well with other home decor
Backed by more than 1.2 million dollars in Kickstarter funding, the fan-favorite bean bag chair known as the Moon Pod is designed to provide a completely weightless experience when lounging. It's filled with high-density beads for support and flexibility while remaining lightweight, making it an extremely versatile piece of furniture for any room.
We love the unique teardrop shape and structure of this bean bag chair that allows it to be used for sitting, lounging and lying. This ergonomic, versatile bean bag chair is a great candidate for everything from reading a book to playing video games. It can be propped for more structured support or smushed flat for the ultimate relaxation. One tester called it "life-changing," and several highlighted the full-body pressure-relieving feel of the responsive material.
The brand also offers a larger size for two people and other accessories, like the crescent backrest and lunar lift footrest for additional support that one tester said "more than upgraded the incomparable feel of the Moon Pod." Keep in mind that the its amorphous shape may not vibe with all types of home decor.
Material: Unspecified cover and unspecified bead fill | Sizes: Standard, Double | Listed dimensions: Approximately 50-56” x 20-24” x 20-24” (Standard) | Weight: 12 lbs (Standard)
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Moon Pod
Pottery Barn Teen Faux Fur Bean Bag Chair
Pros
- Soft, plush fabric
- Earned high scores for style
- Cushioned feel
Cons
- Removable cover is dry-clean only
For a more stylish bean bag chair, opt for this faux fur pick from Pottery Barn Teen. With a sleek appearance and a soft, plush outer fabric, the chair earned top scores from testers for style. One tester said it blended in perfectly with her pre-existing home decor. During our evaluations, we noted that this chair seemed higher quality than others we've tried. It's filled with a lofty foam that testers rated highly for comfort. One tester who was impressed by the comfy feel described the bean bag chair as "soft and cushiony."
Like other featured styles, the cover is removable, but it's not machine washable and needs to be dry cleaned. This one comes in a medium and large size, but if you prefer something larger or are interested in other materials, Pottery Barn Teen carries a wide variety of bean bag chairs. Plus, the brand offers the option to buy the slipcovers separately, so you can rotate them out to switch up your aesthetic.
Material: Polyester cover with and polystyrene foam fill | Sizes: Medium, Large | Listed dimensions: 31-in. diameter (Medium) | Weight: Not listed
Pros
- Cloud-like comfort and support
- 60-day trial and lifetime guarantee
- Tons of fabrics to choose from to match your home
Cons
- Expensive
Offered in 14 types of fabric and more than 160 different colors and patterns, this bean bag chair from LoveSac can coordinate with any room in your home whether you prefer plush faux fur, breathable linen or soft velvet. The brand allows you to test up to five free fabric swatches before choosing your favorite. Some of the more popular fabrications are ready to ship quickly, while others may take up to eight weeks to arrive, according to the brand.
The bean bag chair is filled with shredded foam for a cloud-like, cushiony feel that one of our testers called "luxuriously soft and comfortable." Other users told us that they choose this bean bag chair over other seating options in their home because of how comfortable and unbelievably supportive it is. After trying it out, one GH analyst said, "It was much sturdier and nicer than I expected."
The mega-sized SuperSac option is LoveSac's most popular version, but the brand offers five different sizes and shapes for you to choose from, including bean bag chairs that accommodate a single user and one that can seat up to four. And while this pick is more expensive than others on our list, we love that the brand offers a 60-day home trial and a lifetime guarantee.
Material: Cover dependent on fabrication with unspecified foam fill | Sizes: CitySac, PillowSac, MovieSac, SuperSac, The BigOne | Listed dimensions: Approximately 60" x 46" (SuperSac) | Weight: 75 lbs (SuperSac)
CordaRoy's Bean Bag Chair
Pros
- Machine-washable cover
- Soft material
- Transforms into a "bed"
Cons
- Some online reviewers said foam is lumpy to sleep on
Designed to be used as as an extra sleeping surface, this bean bag chair from CordaRoy's transforms from a cozy seat into a "bed." Simply unzip and remove the cover and unfold the inner bean bag to reveal a Full, Queen or King-size rectangular pad (unlike other bean bag chairs with rounded bags of fill). Some online reviewers said the bed is a bit lumpy because of the shredded foam fill, so don't expect the sensation of lying on a luxury mattress, but it's a great option for small spaces like dorm rooms or apartments.
The soft outer cover can be machine washed and dried for easy cleaning, and the brand offers a water-resistant cover to protect the inner foam if you're accident-prone. Online reviewers highlighted that the bed takes time to fluff up and recommended following the brand's video instructions when setting it up for optimal results.
Material: Cover and fill material not listed | Sizes: Full, Queen, King | Listed dimensions: 42" x 42" x 42" (Full) | Weight: 32 lbs (Full)
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Pros
- Chic shape and appearance fits with other home decor
- Offers support for the back, hips and arms
- Soft and comfortable for lounging or sitting
Cons
- Spot-clean only
Pottery Barn Teen makes our list again with another sleek option that earned the top scores for its chic appearance in our evaluations. This faux-leather style can blends in with both traditional or modern furniture, so it won't look out of place in most homes. Its cube-like shape sets it apart from the average bean bag chair and offers ample cushioning for the back and hips with extra support for the arms.
Our experts are frequently impressed with the high-quality construction and fill of the brand's bean bag chairs, and this lounger is no exception. It comes ready to sit on right away with no waiting for the foam to expand or fluffing required. If you're looking for a different fabrication or even more sitting room, the brand carries a variety of materials and double versions that are comparable in size to a loveseat sofa. Because it's faux leather, this particular lounger is spot-clean only.
Material: Polyester and polyurethane blend cover with unspecified fill | Sizes: Small, Large | Listed dimensions: 28" x 28" x 22" (Small) | Weight: 13 lbs (Small)
Pros
- Six gorgeous shades
- Excellent cushioning feel
- Machine-washable outer cover
Cons
- Not the best choice for taller users
Add a pop of color to your home with this bean bag from Brentwood Home, which comes in six vibrant shades that add a bold flair to any room. It's a favorite of GH staffers including one who shared that it's "super soft and comfortable" and said she loves how well it has held up to long-term use.
The bean bag chair has a removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning and comes with a handle so you can move it around from room to room with ease. We also appreciate the unique blend of CertiPUR-US certified foam and polyester gel fiber for a soft, responsive and cushioning feel. Just note that while we found the "teen" size provides ample seating for adults, this option might not be the best for taller users who want more room to sprawl.
Material: Polyester and nylon-blend cover with CertiPUR-US-certified foam blended with recycled polyester gel fiber fill | Sizes: Kids, Teens | Listed dimensions: 42" x 42" (Teens) | Weight: 21.9 lbs (Teens)
How we test bean bag chairs
The Good Housekeeping Textiles Lab has a strong background in evaluating all kinds of home products, from sleeper sofas to the best mattresses on the market. To determine which bean bag chairs are worth the splurge, we researched top brands before bringing several bean bag chairs into our Lab and homes for further testing. We reviewed more than 400 data points regarding factors like ease of setup, construction and long-term durability.
- Ease of setup: In the Textiles Lab, we partnered with GH home editors to gauge how difficult the bean bag chairs were to set up. For memory foam-filled options like the one shown here, we also noted how often we needed to re-fluff the fill between testers and how much effort it took to do so.
- Durability and construction: We also took a close look at the firmness of the fill and any stitching to ensure our top-tested picks would stand up to long-term use, without the fear of having the seams burst and creating a mess in your home. We noted any changes in firmness over time.
- Consumer testing: For this test, we enlisted a diverse panel of consumer testers of various heights and sizes to come into our Lab to try different bean bag chairs before providing scores on firmness, appearance, texture, overall comfort and more. In this photo, a tester sits on a bean bag chair while reading a book.
What to consider when shopping for the best bean bag chair
Bean bag chairs can be tough to shop for. While they seem like a simple purchase in comparison to larger pieces of furniture such as couches or beds, they still take up a decent amount of space, need to be comfy and are not always so affordable. Here are some things to keep in mind as you narrow down your best bean bag chair.
✔️ Purpose: Are you looking for a bean bag chair for sitting or lounging? While there are versatile options out there, most are better for one use over the other. More structured bean bag chairs are best for sitting while softer, free-form options are ideal for lounging.
✔️ Fill material: While bean bags are known for their "bean"-like filling, these days you can find bean bags made from a variety of materials.
- “The most popular fill is still expanded polystyrene. This type of material is similar to styrofoam and offers good rigidity and comfort while being extremely lightweight. Older bean bags are likely to use standard polystyrene, which has similar properties and a denser, less airy feel.
- Another common option is shredded memory foam which provides excellent cloud-like cushioning and pressure relief, making bean bag chairs with this fill great for lounging. The caveat is that these products often need to be fluffed on a normal basis and can be harder to stand up from.
✔️ Cover material: Polyester or synthetic fabrics tend to be the most common and affordable material for bean bags. These fabrics range from plush microfiber to more durable choices such as water- or stain-resistant synthetic materials that are good for outdoor or frequent use and even faux leather, which has a more refined look. Keep in mind that while plush or shaggy fabrics, including synthetic faux furs, feel soft and comfortable, they are often harder to maintain. Some brands offer bean bags in natural fibers like cotton or linen, but these are less common and tend to be less durable than synthetic materials.
✔️ Care: Some bean bag chairs will come with a removable outer cover for easy laundering while others can only be spot-cleaned. Depending on the fabric, you may be able to gently clean some with a steam cleaner or vacuum, similar to cleaning a couch.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Grace Wu, textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, oversaw recent in-Lab and consumer tests. She regularly tests mattresses, bedding and apparel and used her expert background to make selections for the best bean bag chairs. Prior to joining GH, Wu earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.
Amanda Constantine is a home and apparel reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and has been with the brand since 2022. Constantine regularly reviews and covers bedding and home goods including mattresses, sleeper sofas and recliner chairs. She used her relative expertise when updating the article and making new picks for the best bean bag chairs.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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