Power vs manual recliners: which suits you?

Recliners are brilliant for putting your feet up after a long day, but the first big choice is between a power recliner and a manual recliner. Both get you to the same comfy place. How they get there, what they cost and where you can put them are quite different.

How each one works

A manual recliner uses a lever, a pull cord or a simple push-back action. You pull the handle and the footrest pops up, then lean back with your body weight to recline. Push-back models have no handle at all: you just lean back.

A power recliner uses an electric motor. You press a button, usually on the side of the chair or a small remote, and it moves smoothly to any position you like. Many electric models also include USB charging ports, and some add massage, heat or a power headrest.

Positioning and adjustability

Manual recliners usually have a small number of set positions, often upright, part-reclined and fully reclined. That’s plenty for most people.

Power recliners can stop anywhere along the way, so you can find exactly the right angle for reading, watching TV or having a nap. If you like to fine-tune your comfort, this is the biggest difference you’ll notice.

Power source and placement

A manual recliner can go anywhere in the room. A power recliner needs to be near a plug socket, or you’ll need a cable running across the floor. Some models come with an optional battery pack, which solves that if your layout is tricky.

Whichever you choose, leave space behind it. Standard recliners often need 30cm or more from the wall to recline fully, while wall-hugger designs slide forward as they recline and need much less.

Physical effort and mobility

Manual recliners need a bit of effort, both to pull the lever and to push the footrest back down. For most people that’s no problem at all.

If anyone in your home has limited strength, a bad back or stiff joints, a power recliner is much easier to live with. For even more help getting up, look at a rise and recline chair, which tilts forward to help you stand.

Weight and moving it about

Power recliners are heavier because of the motors and wiring. Manual recliners are lighter and simpler to move when you’re rearranging the room or moving house.

Maintenance and how long they last

Fewer moving parts means less to go wrong, so manual recliners are generally simple to look after. Power recliners have motors, switches and cables that can occasionally need attention. Check the warranty on any electric model, and keep pets and children well clear of the mechanism.

Price differences

Manual recliners are usually the cheaper option. Power recliners typically cost more for the same size and fabric, and extras like massage and heat add to the price.

Manual recliners worth a look

Power recliners worth a look

So which should you choose?

• Choose a manual recliner if you want a simple, lighter, lower-cost option that can go anywhere in the room
• Choose a power recliner if you want smooth, any-angle adjustment, have mobility in mind, or love extras like USB charging and massage

Either way, check the measurements, the clearance behind and the seat height before you buy. Browse all our recliner sofas and recliner chairs.