Manual vs Electric Recliner: Which one should you choose?
In Chair | 02 Jul 2025

Manual vs Electric Recliner: Which one should you choose?

Manual vs Electric Recliner: Which one should you choose?

As the name suggests, a recliner chair or recliner sofa is slightly new and modern yet highly comfortable sitting furniture that allows you to lean back, recline, and fully relax your body and soul. The incredible built-in reclining mechanism of recliner sofas lets you relax and recline with just a push of a lever. Recliners are the perfect comfort furniture that can fully justify the phrase, “Art of Relaxation”. This means you can have your space to do nothing but take a break and relax.

As they are comparatively new for relaxation as compared to our traditional sofas, it is easy and common to get confused, especially if your buying recliner online. From economy models to high-end luxury recliners, there are numerous options and variants available on the market. To begin with, if youre buying a recliner sofa set for the first time, understand that in terms of mechanism, there are two main types of recliner sofas:

  • Manual Recliner Sofa
  • Electric Recliner Sofa

Both offer ultimate comfort and relaxation, but they have different features and mechanisms. Each recliner chair serves a different purpose depending on the requirement and home space.

Simple Guide for First-Time Buyers

If youre a first-time recliner buyer, then start with basic questions that you can ask yourself before buying a recliner chair. An ideal recliner for you depends on your requirements and space. Heres the simple guide that you can follow.

1. Understand your needs

Before jumping into choosing your recliner online, make sure to assess your purpose for buying motorised recliner sofa or recliner chair. You can ask yourself as many questions as possible to understand your preference better. If you want a simple and reliable option, then you get a manual recliner, but if youre looking for some advanced features, buy electric recliner online.

2.Measure your space

Its important to clearly understand the space where youre planning to keep your recliner sofa set. Manual recliners are lighter and can fit easily in a smaller space; on the other hand, electric or motorised recliner sofas are bulky and require electric socket nearby.

3.Decide on a budget

A manual recliner is more affordable than an electric recliner. To find the best recliner for you, check its features and price. Manual recliners are cost-effective, but electric recliners, with their advanced features, offer better comfort and relaxation.

4.Test before buying

Try out as many recliners as possible at the store when buying a recliner chair. You can test and try both a manual recliner and a motorised recliner sofa and find out which one is more comfortable and suits your needs.

Manual Recliner Vs Electric Recliner

Manual Recliner Vs Electric Recliner

Features

Manual Recliner

Electric Recliner

Price

Lower

Higher

Mechanism

Lever on push-back

Button/remote (electric)

Reclining angles

Limited (few preset options)

Multiple reclining options

Maintenance

Basic

Advanced (massage, heat, USB)

Placement

Easier

Needs servicing for electrical parts

Ease of use

Need some strength

Very easy, good options for limited mobility


MANUAL RECLINER

MANUAL RECLINER

How does it work?

Manual reclining furniture is strictly mechanical and is usually either operated with a lever or with a gentle backwards push by the user.

Key Features

  • Manual lever
  • Manual recline function
  • Push back with body weight
  • Basic reline function (2-3 preset positions)
  • No electrical parts

Pros

  • No power needed
  • Simpler & reliable mechanism
  • Affordable price
  • Lightweight
  • No electricity required

Cons

  • Fewer recline options
  • Sometimes noisy mechanism
  • Requires more strength
  • No advanced features


ELECTRIC RECLINER

ELECTRIC RECLINER

How does it work?

A motorised recliner sofa, or an electric recliner, is a motorised chair equipped with an electric motor that controls the reclining function. Unlike a manual recliner that requires physical effort to adjust, a motorised recliner sofa operates smoothly and effortlessly with a push of a button or switch.

Key Features

  • In-built reclining mechanism
  • Multiple reclining positions
  • Quiet operation
  • Additional advanced features (Massage, heat, USB)

Pros

  • Effortless recline
  • Synchronised footrest and backrest
  • Additional features
  • Multiple recline angles

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Need a power outlet
  • Heavier & bulkier

Final Thoughts

In our chaotic world, filled with stress and anxiety, relaxation time has become more vital than ever. At the end, choosing between a manual recliner and an electric recliner depends on some basic yet important factors, like your lifestyle, your comfort preference, your relaxation style, and your home space. Both of these recliner chairs offer the best comfort and relaxation with their distinguished features and mechanisms. No matter which you choose, investing in a quality recliner is a step towards creating a cozy, restful sanctuary where you can unwind and enjoy the true art of relaxation.

FAQs

Manual recliners are a more affordable option than electric recliners. But it doesn't necessarily mean that manual recliners are better. Choosing a perfect recliner for yourself depends on your needs and space. If you’re looking for an affordable yet functional option, you can go with manual recliners.

There is no single best option. A manual recliner chair is budget-friendly and simple to maintain as compared to an electric recliner chair. A manual recliner chair has a relatively simpler mechanism as compared to an automatic recliner chair. On the other hand, an automatic recliner or motorised recliner sofa offers effortless reclining with just a push of the button and has added features such as a massager as well. If you’re looking for a simple and cost-effective option, then a manual recliner can be ideal for you. If you want advanced features in your recliner along with power convenience, then go for an electric recliner.

Manual recliners generally last longer, as they do not require power or other mechanisms to function. The simple design and reliable mechanism make them more durable and easier to maintain. The motorised recliner sofa's electric parts may require time-to-time service for smooth functionality.

The best reclining mechanism depends on your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Manual mechanism are simple, reliable, and easy to use as compared to electric recliners. The manual recliner chair is operated by a lever or by pushing back with your body weight; there’s no electricity required.

As per research, the ideal way to sit in a recliner is at the reclining angle of 135 degrees, which is slightly more than halfway between sitting upright and lying flat. This posture is healthiest for your spine and reduces back.

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