Known for their comfort and fun design, bean bag chairs are a surprisingly versatile seating choice. They're most commonly found in dorm rooms and kid's play areas, but you could also use a bean bag chair in a casual living room or home office. They are easy to move around and store in a closet when you want to clear space.
From sink-in sacks to structured options that resemble traditional seating, there’s a wide variety of bean bag chairs suitable for every space and lifestyle. So, we thought it was only fitting to research and test the most popular bean bag chairs in The Lab. We've spent over 700 hours testing bean bag chairs, considering setup, comfort, material, design, durability, size, and overall value.
Of course, our tests wouldn't be complete without evaluating each chair's "flop factor" as well. No matter your desired purpose for this chair, our list includes the best bean bag chairs on the market, from design-forward options to that ideal for a kid's room.
Testing Stats | |
Products Tested | 39 |
Hours Spent Testing | 735 |
Tests Performed | 6 |
Unique Testers | 20 |
Best Overall
Yogibo Max Bean Bag Chair
Extremely versatile
Body-conforming
Machine-washable cover
Wide range of colors
Not best for smaller spaces
The Yogibo Max isn’t your average bean bag chair: It’s 72 inches long and 24 inches tall (the same length as some futons and sofas!), allowing it to be used as a chair, a recliner, a bed, or even a couch. This versatility is in part what made us rank it as our top pick. Conforming to your body, it provides cocoon-like coziness while you read, watch TV, or play video games.
The Yogibo Max comes in more than a dozen color options, and its washable cover is made from a comfy cotton-spandex blend. We liked its oversized form, which can accommodate up to four people at a time. It’s also filled with expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads, which do a great job of cradling the body to maintain comfort in any position. The Yogibo Max is one of the larger bean bags on this list, but we still found that it was light enough to move around with ease and required only one person to move from one location to another.
Although the Yogibo scored just below the Sofa Sack Ultra Soft Bean Bag Chair, we deemed it our best overall winner because of its versatile design and larger size. Plus, we found it to be the most comfortable bean bag chair we tested, which gave it an edge over other options on this list. When the Yogibo was laid flat on the ground, multiple people were able to sit side-by-side comfortably, making it a top pick for busier households.
Because it’s so large, note that the Yogibo Max may not be the best choice if you plan to put your bean bag chair in a small space. While this specific model is only available in one size, the brand does offer several similar bean bag chairs that are more compact.
Material: Cotton-spandex cover and EPS beds | Height: 24 inches | Sizes: One size | Weight: 19 pounds
Best Overall, Runner Up
Sofa Sack Bean Bag Chair
Cozy and comfortable
Stylish appearance
Wide range of colors
Less durable materials
The Sofa Sack Bean Bag Chair looks like a classic bean bag, but it’s actually filled with memory foam stuffing that makes it cozy and comfortable to sit in. (The foam filling also prevents a huge mess if the bag ever breaks.) Memory foam also provides a more structured cushion and better support compared to EPS beads.
We liked the bag’s clean and structured appearance, which would look great in a playroom, bedroom, or den. It has a microsuede cover that comes in a variety of colors, and there are several sizes to choose from, including 2- and 3-foot options. We tested the 3-foot option and found it was a great size for one adult, while the 2-foot option may be better suited for kids and teens. Or, if you need more seating space, opt for an extra large 6-foot model that can seat multiple people at once.
While this chair impressed us with its comfort and size, we do think it could be made from higher-quality cover material. It didn’t seem quite as durable as other products we tested. When hair and Cheerios were scattered over the bean bag, it took several passes for the hair to be sucked up by a handheld vacuum. If you have a household with pets, this is worth noting.
Material: Microfiber cover and memory foam fill | Height: 24 inches | Sizes: 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, and 6 feet | Weight: 32 pounds (3-foot size)
Best Budget
Big Joe Milano
Lightweight construction
Very comfortable and durable
Can be refilled
Refilling could be messy
If you’re looking for a more classic bean bag chair and don't have much room in your budget, then we recommend the Big Joe Milano. Its chair-like design makes it a comfortable spot to sit and lounge, and it's covered in a smooth, thick polyester fabric we found durable and easy to vacuum. And because the seat is higher off the ground than a traditional bean bag chair, it’s easier to get in and out without much struggle.
With a weight capacity of 200 pounds, it’s a great choice for kids and adults (though perhaps not both at once). The brand even sells refill bags that allow you to re-stuff your chair if it sags over time. However, we recommend refilling this chair outside since the beads could be messy. We found this bean bag was exceptionally comfortable as is, but we appreciate the option to adjust the filling level when needed.
This chair is available in more than two dozen colors, so you'll easily find an option that suits your space. We tested the navy color and found it consistent with the pictures online. Because of its durability and ease of cleaning, this affordable pick would be particularly well-suited for homes with kids and pets.
Material: Polyester cover and polystyrene beads | Height: 28 inches | Sizes: Standard, large, and kids | Weight: 4.5 pounds (standard size)
Best Oversized
CordaRoy's Nest Adult Bean Bag Chair
Filling expands into a mattress
Washable cover
Device pockets in cover
Can be difficult to re-fold filling
CordaRoy's Nest Adult Bean Bag Chair may look similar in size to other designs on this list but it's hiding one major wow factor: a mattress-sized filling insert. Instead of containing loose foam or bead filling, this bean bag eliminates your need for a blow-up air mattress for overnight guests. The Nest bean bag comes in four sizes that coordinate with standard mattress sizes: youth, full, queen, or king. Unlike an air mattress, the insert also won't deflate in the middle of the night, and you can easily re-fluff it.
We also love that the chenille cover is washable so it's easy to care for in a busy household. However, you may find that vacuuming this cover (to remove crumbs or pet hair) is a bit challenging because of the soft dimpled texture. We love that there are two pockets on the cover for keeping track of remotes or small devices while you lounge.
Re-inserting the filling into the cover is a two-person job, and you may find that it's difficult to get the insert in the perfect position for a "chair" shape. Luckily, CordaRoy has an FAQ section on its site with helpful demonstration videos for re-assembling and caring for the bean bag chairs.
Material: Polyester chenille, polyfoam fill | Height: Not listed | Sizes: Youth, full, king, queen | Weight: 20 pounds (youth), 34 pounds (full), 48 pounds (queen), or 62 pounds (king)
Best for Kids
Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Beanbag
Structured design
Ideal size for children
Monogramming available
Greenguard Gold certified
Very firm
Pottery Barn's Anywhere Beanbags are ideal for children, thanks to each option's compact form and wide range of designs. These bags are available in numerous fabrics, including cotton twill, faux fur, and sherpa—even cute animal-shaped chairs that young kids would love. It's available in one size, which we think is perfect for a small toddler.
During our tests, we found the bean bag was a bit cumbersome to assemble—some of the fill was leaking, and putting the cover on was a two-person job. But once it was put together, we found it incredibly comfortable and supportive. It even provides enough structure for kids to do their homework or use it as a reading chair, but some kids may find it a bit too stiff if they want a plush option.
The bag can be customized with your child’s name for an additional fee, and it’s Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it's met rigorous chemical emissions standards. We also appreciated that the bean bag cover is removable, so it can be machine-washed and dried to remove stains. Cotton is typically easy to care for, and most stains come out with stain remover.
Material: Cotton twill cover and polystyrene beads | Height: 31 inches | Sizes: One size | Weight: Not listed
Runner Up, Best for Kids
Ultimate Sack 3000 Bean Bag Chair
Wide range of colors
Soft, comfortable fabric
Easy to clean
Doesn’t offer much support
Another top choice for kids is the Ultimate Sack 3000—the smallest Ultimate Sack size available, at around three feet in diameter. It comes in a wide range of colors with either suede or faux fur fabric, and we loved the soft, silky feel of the suede material during testing.
One of the reasons the Ultimate Sack is great for kids is it’s easy to clean. We found the chair was easy to vacuum and didn’t even get staticky, and the cover can also be machine washed. These bean bag chairs are filled with shredded polyurethane foam instead of traditional beans, and while it’s certainly comfy to sit in, we found the material feels somewhat clumpy in spots. The bean bag needs to be fluffed up after use to retain its shape, but we like that it comes with a 10-year warranty—much longer than most brands offer.
Material: Polyester cover and shredded polyurethane foam | Height: 22 inches | Sizes: 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet, kids sack, lounger, floor pillow | Weight: 28.79 pounds (3-foot size)
Best for Teens
Aspyn Shag Bean Bag Chair
Attractive style
Built-in handle
Larger size is comfortable for teens
Not the most durable
Teens will love the luxe appearance of the Aspyn Faux Fur Bean Bag Chair, which is available in two trendy colors. The chair has an oversized 44-inch form, ideal for lounging, and we found it one of the most comfortable options we tried. This bean bag chair has a polyester faux fur cover (we tested the white color), and its materials and design received perfect scores. Just note that while the fabric is exceptionally soft, it might be overly warm on hotter days.
Additionally, this bean bag chair scored somewhat low in terms of durability: When we went to vacuum hair and crumbs off of the cover, the crumbs were harder to suck up once they became embedded in the faux fur shag. The two color options available—white and gray—could also stain easily compared to darker colors. Because the cover is not machine washable, large spills or stains would be extremely difficult to clean.
During our tests, we found this bean bag is a bit cumbersome to move around. There's a handle on the top, but we didn't notice it right away because it was buried in the faux fur shag. Despite these design concerns, we still think this bean bag chair is a great choice for older kids who want a stylish piece of furniture in their dorm room or childhood bedroom.
Material: Polyester cover and beads | Height: 24 inches | Sizes: One size | Weight: 11 pounds
Best Leather
Pottery Barn Teen Vegan Leather Lounger
High-quality vegan leather
Comfortable to sit in
Easy to clean
Needs to be regularly fluffed
For a luxe addition to your living space, you can’t go wrong with the Vegan Leather Modern Lounger. The chair comes in two sizes, and unlike many traditional bean bag chairs, it has a backrest and arms that make it supportive and comfortable to sit or lounge in for long periods. We tested the smaller size (28 x 28 x 22 inches), which would be a good choice for smaller homes or apartments.
In our testing, we liked that the faux leather doesn’t feel slick or plasticky. the material is also Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it doesn’t release harmful chemical emissions. The material also felt very high-quality and looked like real leather.
This cube-shaped bean bag chair would be a stylish addition to a mid-century modern living space, and at least 65 percent of its polystyrene bead filling is recycled. While we thought the chair was comfortable to sit in, it does need to be fluffed after use. The faux leather material is easy to clean, but liquid can seep into the seams if you don’t wipe it up quickly. Dried crumbs and hair vacuumed up nicely, though.
Material: Polyester-polyurethane cover and polystyrene beads | Height: 22 inches (small), 23 inches (large) | Sizes: Small, large | Weight: Not listed
Best for Gaming
Homguava Bean Bag Chair Sofa
Tall back offers ample support
Washable linen cover material
Plush memory foam and cotton filling
Takes 24 to 48 hours to expand
Those who enjoy gaming will want to consider purchasing a bean bag chair with ample support to keep you comfortable for long periods. This Homguava bean bag chair has a higher back, which is tall enough for most people to lean their head and neck against. We appreciate the bean bag’s ergonomic shape, large size, and thick construction, which will feel cozy and supportive, even when playing video games for hours.
The removable outer cover is made with a linen fabric and can be machine-washed for a refresh. The filling is made from memory foam and cotton, providing a plush and fluffy texture. We also like that the bean bag chair has a handle on the back for easy transport. Just note this product comes vacuum-sealed, which means you’ll have to give the bean bag chair 24 to 48 hours to fully expand after unboxing.
Material: Linen cover, memory foam and cotton filling | Height: 32 inches | Sizes: One size | Weight: 27 pounds
Best Outdoor
West Elm Sunbrella Outdoor Bean Bags
Waterproof acrylic cover
Taller back resembles traditional seating
Casual yet refined look
Outdoor furniture protectors sold separately
Bean bag chairs aren’t just suitable for indoor use—the stylish yet functional seating option can elevate your patio, pool deck area, or backyard. The Sunbrella Outdoor Bean Bags from West Elm have an acrylic canvas cover that’s water-repellent and resistant to fading and staining. Filled with EPS beads, these bean bag chairs also offer sink-in comfort, while the chair-like shape and tall back provide more of a traditional seating experience.
These bean bag chairs are also available in four design-forward colors and patterns that match lots of decor styles, offering a casually refined look. According to West Elm, the outer fabric is durable enough to withstand mildew, chlorine, and natural elements. Additionally, we appreciate the bean bag’s simple care instructions: To clean, use a soft brush and cleaning solution, rinse thoroughly, and air dry.
However, the retailer recommends using outdoor furniture protectors when not in use or during severe weather. Note that these are sold separately for an additional $189, but if you have an outdoor awning or protection, that might do the job for you.
Material: Acrylic cover and polystyrene beads | Height: 24.5 inches | Sizes: One size | Weight: Not listed
Best Recycled Fill
Brentwood Home Bean Bag
Made with up-cycled memory foam
Teen bean bag includes matching pillow
Removable and washable cover
Not intended for adults
If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly bean bag chair, the Repreve Bean Bag from Brentwood Home is a great option. The foam fill is made with a 90/10 blend of upcycled foam and recycled polyester gel fiber, which makes it very comfortable. This bean bag’s filling offers more support and structure than EPS beads and will maintain its shape longer.
The fabric cover is made with the company’s proprietary Repreve material, a performance fabric sourced from recycled plastic water bottles. We like that both the outer fabric and fill meet the Global Recycled Standard, ensuring the verification of materials and responsible practices.
We also appreciate that the cover is removable and washable, so you can easily care for the material in case of spills or other messes. This bean bag is available in six colors, offering vibrant and neutral hues. The kid-sized model, which measures 27 x 27 inches, is suitable for smaller children and more compact spaces. The bean bag’s teen size is 42 x 42 inches and has a matching pillow for extra comfort.
Material: Polyester, Repreve material, nylon cover blend, Upcycled foam and recycled polyester gel fiber fill | Height: 27 inches, 42 inches | Sizes: Kid, teen | Weight: 19.6 pounds (kid), 21.9 pounds (teen)
Final Verdict
For a bean bag chair that's versatile, well-made, and extremely comfortable, we recommend the Yogibo Max Large Bean Bag, our best overall pick. This oversized chair came out on top in our testing, as it cradles your body to keep you comfortable in any position, and we loved that it can be used as a chair, floor pillow, couch, and more. You should also consider the Big Joe Milano Standard Bean Bag Chair, our best budget pick, and a versatile and durable option that also proves to be incredibly supportive.
How We Tested the Bean Bag Chairs
Over the past few years, we've tested a total of 39 different bean bag chairs in The Lab. First, we evaluated the setup procedures, from unboxing to stuffing them and getting the covers on. In order to test the comfort of each chair, we used the "Princess & the Pea" method of placing objects like toy blocks and staplers under the bean bags to see whether we could feel them through the fill. Our editors also worked on the bean bag chairs for an extended period of time to judge long-term comfort.
We also assessed the design by sitting on each bean bag chair for extended durations in different positions to see whether we felt the shape and construction were comfortable enough to sit in for work or to watch a movie. We also tried to move each bean bag and noted any that were too heavy or awkward for one person to do by themselves. During our testing, we found that the ones with handles were much easier to transport from one place to the other.
We then considered the size of each product, noting how many people could fit comfortably on the bean bag chair at once, and if there was enough space to lay back. While most bean bags are designed for just one person to use at a time, we found that many of the options we tested were big enough to lounge on, rather than limiting you to an upright position.
Additionally, we assessed the material quality of each product, noting how many fabric and color options are offered. We reviewed any care instructions and noted whether the cover could be machine-washed, easily vacuumed, or spot-cleaned. Additionally, we put cereal crumbs and hair onto the bean bag chairs, noting how easy the material was to vacuum and care for.
To evaluate the bean bags' durability, we dropped heavy bowling balls into them to see whether they would lose any loft over time. Of course, we couldn't resist just plopping down and leaping into them!
Finally, we scored the overall value of each product by considering both performance and retail price. Our editors took all of the consistently applied testing data and boiled it down to the 11 bean bags we think are the best.
What to Look for in a Bean Bag Chair
Filling
Traditional bean bag chairs are filled with expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads, which are styrofoam-like pellets. Many of the bean bags we've featured on this list have this type of filling, including our best leather pick, the Pottery Barn Teen Faux Leather Caramel Modern Lounger. Bead filling also provides that “sink-in” feeling many people love about traditional bean bag chairs. They make for a flexible bean bag chair that moves with you, but the filling can lose its shape over time.
It's always a good idea to shake your bean bag after each use to re-fluff it. Just note that moving and adjusting the filling can be quite noisy, emitting a slight rustling sound. Bead-filled bean bag chairs also tend to be more affordable than bean bags filled with foam.
Foam filling can be made from a variety of materials, including polyurethane and recycled materials. This bean bag filling offers a more contouring and supportive seat, but we found during testing that it has a tendency to clump together compared to polystyrene beads. Our runner up, best overall pick, the Sofa Sack Bean Bag Chair, has a foam filling, which makes it a much denser and heavier option. That being said foam-filled bean bag chairs are a better choice for those who prefer a loftier and more structured bean bag chair that won’t require constant fluffing.
Cover Material
The cover material of a bean bag chair has a big impact on the aesthetics and comfort of the chair. A wide variety of cover materials are popular, ranging from stretchy knit fabrics that are easy to remove to upscale leather or suede covers.
“The ideal cover material for your perfect bean bag meets the sweet spot of your style preference and its level of maintenance,” according to Gruber. While a kid’s play area may require a machine-washable performance fabric for the cover, “for an adult-only, pet-free household, you could be more flexible choosing your preferred material.”
When shopping, you'll also find microfiber or shag covers, like our best for teens pick, the Aspyn Shag Bean Bag Chair. These soft-to-the-touch fabrics make for an especially cozy spot to curl up. We recommend prioritizing your search based on the care requirements you'd prefer and the aesthetics you want for your bean bag chair.
If you live in a household with kids or pets, you may want to look for a bean bag chair with a removable cover instead of one that's spot-clean only. The Yogibo Max Large Bean Bag, our best overall pick, has a removable and machine-washable cover, which makes it a low-fuss option in the case of spilled beverages or pet accidents.
For outdoor use, you’ll want to ensure your bean bag chair is waterproof and can withstand the natural elements. Our best outdoor pick, the West Elm Sunbrella Outdoor Bean Bag, is made with an acrylic waterproof cover and is both chlorine- and mildew-resistant.
Support
The amount of support offered by a bean bag chair will vary, largely depending on the filling. Polystyrene beads offer the least support, as they easily shift when compressed. Bean bags with shredded memory foam offer the most support, with many conforming to the contours of your body.
However, they will require regular rotation and fluffing to maintain a full appearance. Some bean bag designs even come with additional filling, so you can add or remove as much as you want, to achieve your desired support level. If you want a bean bag that you know you can easily re-fill in the case of spilled or lost beads, the Big Joe Milano (our best budget pick) is easy to maintain over time because the website also sells separate bags of filling.
The shape of the bean bag chair will also affect the support level of the seat. For those who plan on sitting in their bean bag chair for extended periods, you may want to opt for one with a high back and ergonomic shape, such as our best for gaming pick, the Homguava Bean Bag Chair Sofa.
Size
When shopping for a bean bag chair, you'll definitely want to consider its size and how it will fit in with the rest of your space. “The key to successfully placing a bean bag in a small space is choosing the correct scale: Use masking tape on your floor to double-check the dimensions within your space to make sure you maintain enough space to still move around freely,” recommends Gruber. “Keep the overall look and feel of the room light & airy, declutter, and always stick to your chosen interior décor style.”
If you want to be able to stretch out and sink into the chair, and if you have enough space for it, you may want to opt for a larger-sized bean bag chair, which will cocoon your body and provide a ton of comfort. We especially recommend the CordaRoy's Chenille Nest Adult Bean Bag Chair, our best oversized pick, which has an insert that can convert into a standard mattress.
However, if you're shopping for a young child or don't have a ton of space to work with, choose a bean bag chair that's a bit more compact. Our best for kids pick, the Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Beanbag, offers a size suitable for small spaces.
Beanbags with a width of 37 inches—or a little more than 3 feet—should be suitable for most users. This will give you plenty of space to lounge and relax, without taking up too much valuable real estate in your home.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a writer for The Spruce who covers everything bedding, bath, and home decor-related. For this roundup, she selected products to include in this list using scores and testing insights from firsthand testing in The Lab. Product testers put each bean bag chair through a number of tests, evaluating them on factors such as material, size, durability, and comfort. Their scores were then used to rank the bean bags and sort them into categories based on their ideal use.
Additionally, she assessed online customer reviews, pored through product specs, and conducted supplemental research before landing on the final picks. She has also worked on numerous related roundups, including Best Sleeper Sofas, Best Throw Blankets, and Best Essential Oil Diffusers.
Our Experts:
- Lucia Gruber, Interior Designer
- Heather Adams, senior editor at The Spruce
- Emma Phelps, associate editor at The Spruce