When you think about how rest impacts your physical and mental health, leisure time is an art to be taken seriously.
Knowing that, you must do everything you can to make your patio the perfect place to unwind, and that includes choosing the ideal patio swing. Luckily for you, we’ve already done all the work to find the best ones on the market, so read on!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Outsunny 2-Seat Patio Swing Chair
Best Budget-Friendly Option:
Best Choice Products 2-Person Outdoor Patio Swing
Best Splurge:
PURPLE LEAF 3-Seat Deluxe Outdoor Patio Porch Swing
Best Overall
Outsunny 2-Seat Patio Swing Chair
To optimize relaxation, the best patio swing should offer more than just a place to sit and rock. The Outsunny 2-seater model is a great example.
In addition to cushy seats that hold up to 264 lbs. each, the middle contains a console with two drink holders, a tabletop with enough space to hold a plate or two, and a fabric container for storing snacks, devices, books, and other items. You could enjoy hours of swaying back and forth with a beverage, food, and entertainment, satisfying your mind and belly at the same time.
The steel A-frame is tough, sturdy, and resistant to rust and water, and the seats are enhanced with mesh that keeps them cool and dry no matter the weather. Also, the canopy can be tilted to provide shade at any time of day, so you never have to move to a different spot.
Pros
- Comes with a console equipped with tabletop, storage, and cup holders
- Has adjustable canopy
- Mesh seats maintain dryness and cool temperature
- Each seat holds 264 lbs.
- Strong, weather-resistant frame
- Priced affordably
Cons
- Cup holders are best suited for small beverages
- Seats are somewhat low to the ground
- Easily carried off by wind
Best Budget-Friendly Option
Best Choice Products 2-Person Outdoor Patio Swing
You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a great patio swing. The Best Choice Products 2-person model is proof of that.
With powder-coated steel and polyester fabric, the frame and canopy are unlikely to be damaged by water, rust, or UV rays. The generously wide canopy is adjustable, too; even though it gives ample shade when flat, you can also tilt it to your liking as the sun changes position.
Although this patio swing is intended for two adults, it could fit three small bodies or perhaps two adults and a dog. You just have to make sure the total weight doesn’t exceed 450 lbs. Plus, you can remove the cushions to be cleaned or washed as needed, so if the dog does hop on, you can easily address any shedding!
Pros
- Supports up to 450 lbs.
- Steel is rust- and water-resistant
- Canopy is UV-resistant
- Has adjustable canopy
- Cushions are removable
- Easy to set up
- Available in several colors
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Cushions are not particularly comfortable
- Easily knocked over by high winds
Best Splurge
PURPLE LEAF 3-Seat Deluxe Outdoor Patio Swing
Are you ready to treat yourself to luxury? Have a look at the PURPLE LEAF 3-seat deluxe patio swing. You can fit more people and/or pets up to a whopping 750 lbs.–as they say, the more, the merrier–and as a bonus, each side has a small table that you can prop up or fold down at will. Since the steel is rust- and water-resistant, it stands up to all kinds of weather.
Each cushion is soft, cozy, and removable so that you can wash them. The large polyester canopy repels UV rays and tilts back and forth so that you’re never without the shade you need, but that’s not the best part! It’s lined with solar lights to create a cheerful, pleasant atmosphere at night.
Whether you’re relaxing by yourself or with company, this patio swing helps you make the most of it!
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Seats three people up to 750 lbs.
- Includes two side tables
- Removable cushions
- Steel frame is rust- and water-resistant
- Has adjustable canopy
- Canopy blocks UV rays
- Comes with solar lights
- Available in several colors
Cons
- Expensive
- Instructions are hard to follow
- Loses stability in high winds
Best for Solo Use
Highwild Hanging Hammock Chair Patio Swing
If you live alone or simply wish for more time to yourself, a solo patio swing could be just what you need. Cue the Highwild hanging hammock chair.
True to a traditional hammock, this patio swing is built to help you recline your cares away. The big, soft, fluffy cushions enhance the experience. The whole swing can carry up to 500 lbs., but there are also anti-slip rings to keep the rope sturdy no matter who is in it. Since it’s meant to hang from a roof or overhang, you can decide how high or low it hovers above the ground.
Finally, the hammock swing comes with a steel spreader bar that ensures you can sway steadily back and forth. You will love every second!
Pros
- Available in several colors/styles
- Holds up to 500 lbs.
- Very comfortable cushions
- Includes anti-slip rings for the ropes
- Very affordable
Cons
- Requires a roof or overhang, which not all patios have
- Does not include hanging hardware
Best for One-on-One Quality Time
PURPLE LEAF 2-Seat Patio Swing with Stand
There’s nothing like a little quality time to enrich your relationship with a child, sibling, spouse, or other loved one. The PURPLE LEAF 2-seat patio swing can help make that happen.
The swing is made for just two people, and the seats are situated close enough to encourage snuggling. There are small foldable side tables on both sides so that you and your loved one can enjoy food and drinks together without breaking physical contact. Plus, the adjustable canopy is adorned with colorful solar lights, which can give the patio a beautiful ambience or simply make the evening more fun!
As patio swings go, this one is particularly sturdy and weather-resistant because of the powder-coated steel and anti-skid frame. You can use it any time of year and in any weather. It also comes in several lovely colors, but if your goal is to share it with a significant other, the passionate red might be best!
Pros
- Great size for cuddling
- Comes with two side tables
- Includes multicolored solar lights
- Steel is rust- and water-resistant
- Has adjustable canopy
- Built with anti-skid technology for extra sturdiness
- Available in several colors
Cons
- Cushions are a little thin
- Instructions may be hard to follow
Best for Luxurious Comfort
Campfun 3-Seat Gazebo Patio Swing
When you want ultimate comfort, it’s hard to beat the Campfun 3-seat gazebo patio swing.
This model boasts an elegant multipoint canopy with strong, durable frame and stakes of the best backyard gazebos. It’s tough enough to stay put in severe storms and support 600 lbs. In addition to powder coating that protects the steel from rust, the frame is built with a drainage system to safely dispose of rainwater and melted snow.
The swing attached to the roof is actually a mattress that can be propped up as a three-person seat or laid down as a cozy bed. Either way, the three pillows make the space extra cozy. Mesh netting is attached to each post on the frame, so just let them loose if you want to block out pests, precipitation, or UV rays. With the double-canopy roof, you’ll still get adequate airflow.
Just a few minutes in this patio swing will make you feel royal!
Pros
- Has the strength and aesthetic style of a gazebo
- Drains water
- Mattress can be used as a bed or three-person seat
- Comes with pillows
- Includes UV-blocking mesh curtains
- Double-roof canopy encourages airflow
- Modest price for all it offers
Cons
- Mattress cushion is not particularly comfortable
- Instructions are hard to follow
- Time-consuming to assemble due to weight and multiple parts
Buyer’s Guide for Patio Swings
Although any of these patio swings would be a worthwhile investment, your shopping experience will go more smoothly if you have general information on what they are and what to prioritize.
Types of Patio Swings
Traditional patio swing designs are fairly simple, consisting mainly of wood or vinyl planks or bars, along with rope or chains to hang them from a roof or overhang. They usually fit three to four people. However, talented engineers have come up with many other designs.
For example, the mere addition of cushions to the traditional design did wonders for diversity. With time, though, bed and loveseat patio swings have become popular options, especially for couples and families.
Hammocks, lounges, and nest-like egg shapes are in demand for shoppers who favor solo swings. Lounges, in particular, differentiate themselves from other patio swings by swaying from side to side rather than back and forth!
Materials Used for Patio Swings
All types of patio swings can be built from a variety of materials. Vinyl, aluminum, plastic, steel, metal alloy, and wood are all common materials for the frame itself, in addition to extra furnishings, like side tables. Depending on the model, there may also be polyester or hemp ropes to suspend the seat unless metal chains are used instead.
Anything with cushions, pillows, and canopies require fabrics. Polyester is fairly durable and cheap to make, so that’s what you’ll see most often. However, more expensive models may use cotton or other natural fibers. In any case, you could always upholster your patio swing with fabrics of your choosing.
What to Look For
Considering the structural complexity of even the simplest patio swing, as well as the fact that they stay outside throughout the year, they’re vulnerable to all kinds of wear and damage. No amount of protection can guarantee that something could happen to them. That’s why it’s important to get a swing with a warranty.
Other than that, narrow your search according to your personal preferences. Frames made from aluminum or vinyl and fabric made from polyester are all inexpensive, low-maintenance, and more likely to come in multiple colors, though they also only last a few years. If you prioritize longevity and eco-friendliness, regardless of price or maintenance requirements, get wood and/or steel frames with cotton fabrics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Patio Swings
You may know all the basics of patio swings now, but most shoppers still have questions at this point. We’ll answer the most common ones for you!
What are the benefits of having a patio swing?
You already know that a patio swing is a desirable feature in any home. However, do you know the science behind that?
Experts theorize that humans love gentle swaying motions because they mimic a mother’s womb. Instinctively, people find it calming, so many are drawn to objects that swing if they need to rest or alleviate stress. In fact, patio swings are proven to improve focus and blood circulation. The act of rocking also strengthens your core, leg, and arm muscles without feeling like work or exercise.
Besides all this, patio swings are fun and attractive, so they easily add both aesthetic and entertainment value to your home. Your guests will enjoy coming over more often, and you’ll better enjoy the time you spend there yourself.
What maintenance do patio swings require?
Patio swings come with lots of parts that require your attention if you want them to last. For example, the hinges may need oiling every six to twelve months or whenever they get squeaky. You’ll also want to apply anti-rust spray for any metal parts annually. Wood and vinyl should receive new coats of paint or stain every two or three years as well.
If you buy a patio swing with removable cushions, wash them every week or two, just like your other laundry. After all, they’re constantly exposed to the elements.
What considerations should you take for the patio swing’s location?
The first step you should take is to measure the dimensions of your patio so that you know how big your swing can be. However, don’t forget to consider how far the swing can go in each direction. You can’t set it up too close to a wall or other object. Give your patio swing ample space to move in order to avoid bumping into anything breakable or interrupting your groove.
You may also want to improve your time on the patio swing with additional items, like footrests, coolers, dog beds, or side tables if you don’t choose a model that already has them. Make sure you leave enough room for any furnishing that strikes your fancy.
Choose Your Favorite Patio Swing!
No matter which patio swing you buy, you’ll be amazed and delighted with the way it upgrades your leisure time. It could be one of many steps you take to transform your backyard into your personal paradise.
When you’re ready for more inspiration, you’ll find it in the backyard living section of our website!