The Best Hammocks for Backyard Lounging [Tested and Reviewed]
Updated: Jun. 04, 2024
Sure, a patio chair is nice. But have you tried relaxing in a hammock? We tested eight hammocks with stands to find the best pick for your backyard.
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There are few memories I crave more than the carefree summers of childhood. I slept in late, lounged at the pool, read as many books as I could carry home from the library and licked massive soft-serve cones. More importantly, I had no real responsibilities from June to August.
Of course, that all changed when I turned 16 and got my first job. Now, as an adult, those blissful days are long gone unless I take special care to kindle that nostalgic feeling. Luckily, one of my favorite methods is incredibly simple: All you need is a humble hammock. I challenge you to kick your feet up, settle in with a good book and wait for the stressors of daily life to melt away.
To achieve this summer bliss, you must choose the right hammock. But there are so. many options. Should you opt for a single or double hammock? What’s the ideal weight capacity? How are you planning to hang it? Then, you’ll need to juggle price, fabric and style considerations.
To cut through the noise, we put eight of the internet’s most popular hammocks to the test. Our picks are all but guaranteed to make you feel like a kid again. Happy lounging!
Best Overall
Suncreat Double Hammock with Stand
Pros:
- Extra-large size is incredibly comfortable
- Sturdy stand
- Easy to assemble
- Supports two people and a range of body shapes
- Wide variety of patterns and styles
Cons:
- Tricky to clean
There’s a lot to love about the Suncreat double hammock. It checks nearly all the boxes for what the best hammock should look like: It’s easy to assemble; there are over 18 prints, colors and patterns for any backyard style; and, perhaps most importantly, it’s incredibly relaxing.
As a self-proclaimed hammock connoisseur, this is the most comfortable hammock I’ve ever used. Its extra-large double capacity means I’m cradled in every direction—with room to spare! That added room makes shifting around on the hammock easy without fear of tipping over. Think of it like lying on a twin bed vs. a queen. The latter has way more space to spread out.Â
When this hammock arrived on my doorstep, it came in a large box. I could lift it fairly easily, but it would be seamless with two people. To assemble, you simply slide the stand pieces together until they snap into place, then hang the hammock net from the attached carabiner hooks. I find my hammock only fits on the first few rungs of the chain, which means as the net stretches with time, I’ll be able to pull it tighter and prolong its use.
Like most hammocks, we suggest taking your time getting into it; otherwise, you might slip or flip out. Ensure the hammock is on a completely flat surface, too. Once you’re in, it provides ample support and feels secure. I’ve laid in this hammock multiple times by myself and with my husband. While we don’t meet the advertised 475-pound capacity, I’m confident this hammock can hold diverse body types. (My husband is 6-foot and has no issues!)
The only downside? There’s no great way to clean the hammock bed. Since the rope is interwoven with the netting, you can’t separate the two to run the cover through the wash. I’ve had no issues so far, but I also bring the net into my garage after each use.
Most Stylish
Amazon Basics Double Hammock with Stand
Pros:
- Stylish
- Easy to assemble
- Supports two people and a range of body shapes
- Includes a carrying case
Cons:
- Only one color available with the lace detail
Looking for a little backyard flair? We love the lace details on this Amazon Basics double hammock. “The last thing I want is for my backyard to look cluttered or too busy,” shares Senior Shopping Editor Caitlyn Fitzpatrick. “So I appreciate the neutral colors and easy design. I love the lace detail, as it adds a little something extra and makes it look a bit nicer hanging in my backyard.”
The 9-foot stand is a bit shorter than other models we tested, but it still holds two people and up to 450 pounds. Plus, it’s easy to assemble. “Putting together any backyard accessory or piece of patio furniture can be intimidating, but the Amazon Basics hammock was truly easy from start to finish,” Caitlyn says. “You’ll barely get through listening to a few songs before it’s complete and you’re ready to relax.”
Caitlyn found the fabric sturdy but not uncomfortable, and the design cradles around your body. “It feels like you’re in a little cocoon and aren’t going anywhere,” she says. “This hammock is very supportive. You don’t hit the ground in it but, of course, the more weight, the lower it’ll go.” Both petite Caitlyn and her over 6-foot husband found the hammock comfortable, even though it’s not specifically designed for a taller person.
Best Budget
Mainstays Hammock with Stand
Pros:
- Very budget friendly
- Surprisingly sturdy stand and quality hammock net
- Includes a carrying case
Cons:
- Advertised to hold two people, but Pamela notes it's better suited for one
- Only two color options
A good hammock doesn’t have to break the bank. This hammock with stand from Walmart’s Mainstays line is the most affordable option we tested, with a price tag under $55.
“This seems to be a really nice hammock. I was impressed by the quality of the steel stand,” shares Product Reviewer Pamela Bondurant. “I had expected some thin aluminum but found really thick steel. Setting it up was a breeze. It required no tools and took me less than 10 minutes (and would be much faster now that I know how it goes together).” The hammock itself is made of a sturdy polyester and cotton fabric that reminded Pamela of tweed.
Before lounging, you’ll need to set the hammock to the correct height, which Pamela admits is a little tricky. “The height of the hammock is adjustable by moving the pole attachments to new positions, which is a little frustrating because it requires trial and error,” she says. “You have to move the attachments, hook up the hammock and then try it out. My first two attempts had me hitting the ground, but on the third attempt, it was just right.”
The hammock is comfy to lie in, cocooned or with legs and arms stretched to the sides. It also comes with a carrying case for easy toting to the beach or a campsite.
Easiest to Clean
Veikous 2-Person Hammock with Stand
Pros:
- Removable cover makes this hammock easy to clean
- Sturdy stand
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Only a handful of colors available
If your backyard is full of dive-bombing birds or your idea of a perfect summer day is sipping sticky strawberry margaritas, an easy-to-clean hammock is essential. That’s why we love this Veikous double hammock. The padded topper separates from the net for seamless care. “The vinyl cover is small enough to fit into a washing machine should the need arise,” Pamela says.
And that’s not its only admirable feature. Like almost all the models we tested, this hammock is well-made and easy to assemble. “It has thick steel construction and tool-less assembly and didn’t even require hand tightening any parts since it uses button locks to connect the steel poles. It took about 15 minutes to assemble and some time to tie on the vinyl cover and pillow.”
Like her last hammock, finding the proper height required trial and error. “It was somewhat strenuous to stretch the hammock into the setting that would be at a suitable height, but most should be capable of getting it hooked up,” Pamela says. This hammock holds two adults and up to 450 pounds. Thanks to the added cover, it’s also incredibly comfy. No rope burns here! “My pit bull mix found it extraordinarily comfortable,” Pamela quips.
Best Brazilian-Style
Best Choice Products Double Hammock with Stand
Pros:
- Swaddling, cozy hammock style perfect for napping
- Supports two people and a range of body shapes
- Solid variety of patterns and styles
Cons:
- A bit tricky to assemble
- May be too hot for warmer climates
When comfort is king, look no further than the Best Choice Products Brazillian-style hammock. This cozy swaddler envelops the user for top-notch naps. “This hammock is super comfortable to lay in,” says Content Director Nicole Doster. “It’s a cocoon-style hammock that wraps around you to keep you inside. While I prefer the breeziness and style of a lay-flat hammock, I have to admit that laying in this hammock was like being swaddled!”
Nicole found this hammock a bit tricky to put together. The instructional diagram leaves much to be desired, and she accidentally installed the S-hooks incorrectly. But once assembled, it’s supportive and sturdy with a capacity for two people and a weight limit of 450 pounds. “It’s nice that you can also adjust the hammock to be higher or lower by adjusting the placement of the S-rings on the vertical poles,” says Nicole. “You have to untangle yourself a bit to get out of the ‘swaddle’ but the hammock doesn’t tip or flip as much as the other lie-flat model I have. It really wraps you up tightly!”
Keep in mind that this style of hammock may not be ideal for warmer climates, as it is akin to being wrapped in a blanket. There are also no manufacturer cleaning instructions.
Other Hammocks We Tested
While the five hammocks above passed our rigorous tests, three options did not:
- Sunnydaze Rope Hammock: If you’re looking for a solid rope option, this hammock is perfectly adequate. However, its 275-pound weight limit is not as diverse as other options we tested. Our reviewer also noticed some fraying on the pad right out of the box, and the care instructions were finicky.
- Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with Stand: We liked the bright colors and easy assembly of this hammock, but it did not meet its advertised 450-pound weight limit. Even on the highest rung, our tester sagged so far to the ground she could feel the metal bar beneath her. While this hammock could work for children or small adults, it certainly could not support two people as it claims.
- Style Selections Quilted Hammock with Stand: This hammock looks attractive in the backyard, but it’s incredibly slippery. I tested this hammock and found I needed to focus to keep my center of gravity stable—not exactly conducive to relaxing! Plus, the bed itself is fairly short, so anyone over 6-foot will find their head or feet butting into the spreader bars. The pillow also provides minimal support.
How We Found the Best Hammocks
To find the best hammocks, I first had to narrow down to one type. After all, there are so many options to choose from, including standalone nets and hammocks designed for camping. To best serve our readers (who love to relax in their backyards!) I focused on hammocks bundled with stands. This style is generally the easiest to set up and is versatile for use in treeless backyards or on a patio. The downside is that they’re less portable.
Next, I spent several hours researching brands and reading user reviews. I considered a mix of popular merchants—including picks from Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot and Lowe’s—as well as a variety of price points.Â
Next, I assembled a crew of five testers and called in eight hammocks. Collectively, we spent over a month assembling, relaxing and cleaning our hammocks in backyards across the U.S. We rated each hammock on its packaging, delivery, assembly, comfort, sturdiness, longevity, care instructions and overall value.
Why You Should Trust Us
At Taste of Home, we spend a lot of time testing and reviewing outdoor products. To date, we’ve tested over a dozen pizza ovens, 15+ gas and charcoal grills and a bevy of smokeless fire pits. We put in the time and effort so you can feel confident spending your hard-earned money on vetted products. For this hammock test, we utilized five team members with expertise in reviewing furniture and summer essentials. Collectively, we have over 35 years of professional experience.
Originally Published: June 04, 2024
