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The 8 Best Hammocks of 2024

A comfy addition for lounging in your outdoor space

In This Article

In This Article

A hammock we recommend on a blue background

The Spruce / Amelia Manley

Offering a comfy spot to hang out, lounge around, and maybe even take a nap outside, hammocks are a great addition to any backyard. Once you find the right size and location for yours, it'll be the seat of choice for any guests and a gorgeous addition to your patio furniture and decorations.

The main consideration when buying a hammock is space. You will need ample room around the hammock to get in and out and for the hammock to move. Therefore, it's helpful to choose where you will hang your hammock first. On average, hammocks measure 9 to 14 feet in length, but you'll want to add a few extra feet if you want your hammock to be taut with a lot of tension.

This also factors in the size of the hammock itself and the weight capacity. Determine who will use the hammock—some are family-sized, while others are strictly for solo swinging.

Where you place your hammock can also help determine the right material for you. If you plan to use your hammock outdoors, look for weather-resistant materials that won't fade or become damaged over time. For covered awnings or enclosed porches, you have more options when it comes to suitable materials.

We researched today's best options, considering each pick's versatility, aesthetic appeal, and easy setup requirements to find the best option for your space and style.

Best Overall

Yellow Leaf Hammocks Signature Hammock

Yellow Leaf Hammocks Signature Handwoven Hammock

Amazon

What We Like
  • Durable yet soft and stretchy

  • Extra-large two-person capacity

  • Sturdy, anti-flip design

What We Don't Like
  • Stand not included

If you ask us, the best hammock is Yellow Leaf's Signature Handwoven Hammock. This thoughtfully designed outdoor lounger is handwoven from acrylic performance yarn that promises not to fade in direct sunlight while standing up to moisture damage, mold, and mildew, so it's great for outdoor use. It's triple-reinforced with a special looming technique with over 150,000 interwoven loops that prevent it from tearing, sagging, or becoming misshapen. The material is also surprisingly soft and stretchy, offering a weightless feel while cradling your body while you sway in the breeze.

This generously sized hammock boasts a 2-person capacity—the flexible woven structure can expand wider than a queen-size bed and supports up to 400 pounds of weight. It also comes in a family size that holds up to 550 pounds with three more feet of width and one more foot of height. While it's not the largest on our list, the family size has the highest weight capacity we recommend, so it's ideal for families who want to pile onto the hammock together.

You can hang it between two trees or on almost any hammock stand. (The brand makes an accompanying stand if you want to ensure compatibility, but it's sold separately.) Not only that, but the wobble-free, anti-flip design remains stable and secure no matter where you set it up. Your purchase also comes with a convenient hammock bag for easy touting and an informational guide with helpful tips for hanging and carrying your hammock.

The price is a little steep for this type of product, especially since it doesn't come with a stand. But considering the versatile, comfy, high-quality design, we still think it's a great value.

Size: 10 x 6 feet | Material: Performance acrylic yarn | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds

Best Budget

Anyoo Garden Cotton Hammock

Anyoo Garden Cotton Hammock

Amazon

What We Like
  • Durable with high weight capacity

  • Includes tree-friendly straps

  • Anti-rollover design

What We Don't Like
  • No spreader bars

On a budget? We highly recommend the Anyoo Garden Cotton Hammock. It's made of durable cotton and polyester and has an impressive load capacity of 660 pounds. It's not only strong enough but also big enough to accommodate two adults for some outdoor relaxation. We also like that the anti-rollover design has a shorter and longer side to create a flatter sleeping surface and minimize flipping over while relaxing.

The hammock comes with two 6-foot tree-friendly straps and two carabiners for easy setup on a tree in your backyard. The hammock weighs just under 4 pounds and includes a storage bag, so you can take it camping, to the beach, or throw it in a bag for easy transport.

If you plan to use this hammock on a stand (sold separately), we recommend the Anyoo option with spreader bars instead. This gives you a bit more space to get onto the hammock, but for trees or hooks attached to a porch, this option without spreader bars works perfectly.

You can choose from eight colorways, including multiple bold striped patterns and a plain black option. For under $25, you really can't go wrong with such a sturdy, versatile product.

Size: 7 x 5 feet | Material: Cotton, polyester | Weight Capacity: 660 pounds

Best for Trees

Original Pawleys Island DuraCord Rope Hammock

Original Pawley’s Island Large Meadow DuraCord Rope Hammock

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Pared-down, versatile design

  • Included tree hooks and chains

  • Durable, weather-resistant materials

What We Don't Like
  • Not particularly soft

You'll feel like you're escaping to a warm-weather beach vacation with this classic rope hammock from Pawleys Island. Thanks to the included tree hooks and chains, it's easy to hang it from two trees or wooden posts. The handwoven lattice-inspired design has an attractive, pared-down appeal that'll complement most outdoor design schemes.

It's made of DuraCord rope (a cotton-poly blend), which isn't the softest material you'll find for a hammock, though it's incredibly durable and long-lasting with impressive weather resistance. What's more, the oak wood spreader bars are dipped in a marine-grade varnish to prevent fading, mildew, rot, and insect infestations, while the zinc-plated metal hardware stands up remarkably well to the outdoor elements, which you can't avoid when hanging your hammock between trees.

This hammock is generously sized, with a weight capacity of 450 pounds—it's big enough to fit one or two people, depending on body size. The roped design is supportive while cradling your body as you sway gently in the outdoor air. Nearly $300 is somewhat steep for a hammock that doesn't come with its own stand, but considering the overall quality, durability, and exceptional comfort, we think the price is reasonable for those looking for a permanent outdoor hammock.

Size: 13 x 4.5 feet | Material: DuraCord cotton-poly blend, oak wood | Weight Capacity: 450 pounds

Best Splurge

Crate & Barrel Pillowtop Stripe Hammock

Pillowtop Stripe Outdoor Hammock
What We Like
  • Plush padding

  • Resists fading, mildew, and moisture damage

  • Elegant bowed wood stand

What We Don't Like
  • Stand sold separately

Crate & Barrel's Pillowtop Stripe Hammock is a stellar choice for those open to splurging on a high-end option. This ultra-comfy piece is crafted from top-tier materials, including Brazilian teak wood spreader bars and a plush padded bed with a Sunbrella exterior. Designed specifically for outdoor use, the Sunbrella fabric is resistant to fading, mildew, and weather damage. Whether you opt for black or beige, the bold striped design adds a tasteful modern appeal to this classic backyard staple.

With zinc-plated steel hardware and brass grommets, this hand-sewn hammock is also notably durable. Not only that, but it comes with its own stand, so you can set it up almost anywhere. The stand is made of cypress wood and flaunts an elegantly bowed, boat-inspired aesthetic.

This outdoor lounger is easy to clean with soap and water—after washing or wiping it down, you can let it air-dry in the sun without worrying about fading. But in the winter, you'll want to cover the stand or place it indoors to prevent the wood from warping or cracking. If the steep price is within your budget, we think this hammock is well worth the investment.

Size: 13 x 4.5 inches | Material: Sunbrella fabric, polyester, teak wood, cypress wood | Weight Capacity: Not listed

Best for Backyards

Lazy Daze Hanging Rope Hammock Chair

Lazy Daze Hanging Rope Hammock Chair
What We Like
  • Comfy upright seat

  • Sturdy, long-lasting materials

What We Don't Like
  • Hanging hardware not included

  • Low-ish weight capacity

The Lazy Daze Hammock Chair is the perfect addition to your backyard. It can be hung from a tree, a hook on your covered porch, or a C-stand, which you'll have to buy separately. Most hammocks are designed for horizontal lounging, but this one cradles you in an upright position, allowing you to sit back and relax or curl up with a good book, a cup of coffee, or a cocktail while enjoying your outdoor space. This chair swing is designed to fit one person, but if you have extra room, you might think about getting two and placing them side by side.

While the cushions on this hammock add extra comfort while you lounge, they can also get wet and fade easily. Therefore, we recommend this option for those who live in drier climates or plan to use their hammock under an awning or inside a sunroom.

The ropes and canvas seat are woven from a durable, long-lasting cotton-polyester blend, and the support beam is solid wood. Although the weight capacity is on the lower side for a hammock (the lowest on this list at 300 pounds), it's not too unreasonable, considering it's made to fit just one person. One thing to note is that this product doesn't come with any hanging hardware, so you'll need to buy a metal hook or carabiner and hammock chain separately. But considering the wallet-friendly price, it's still a great value.

Size: 3.25 x 1.5 feet | Material: Cotton, polyester, wood | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

Best Rope

Castaway Living Traditional Hand Woven Rope Hammock

Traditional Hand Woven Rope Hammock
What We Like
  • Soft, supportive cotton

  • Resists knots and fraying

  • Weather-resistant metal hardware

What We Don't Like
  • Must stretch to size

For those partial to rope hammocks for the traditional beachy look, we recommend this netted design from Castaway Living. This hammock is made of a soft yet dense cotton rope created with a precision weaving technique that prevents knots and cocoons your body while ensuring you stay secure. At 4.5 feet wide with a 450-pound weight capacity, it's big and strong enough to comfortably accommodate two adults. As for the spreader bars, you're looking at solid hardwood with countersunk holes that minimize friction between the rope and wood, ultimately enhancing the product's durability.

Rope hammocks tend to be extremely sturdy, but can often be less comfortable than a fabric alternative. Robe hammocks often hold up well to outdoor elements as well. Unlike a fabric option like our best splurge pick, the Pillowtop Sand Stripe Outdoor Hammock, you can leave this rope hammock out year-round through rain and snow without worry. Therefore, this option is suitable for all climates.

While this hammock doesn't include a stand, you'll get all the necessary hardware for hanging it from trees or posts, including metal chains and sturdy tree hooks. All hardware components are coated in zinc to prevent rusting in outdoor environments. One thing to mention is that since this hammock is made of 100 percent cotton, it'll be a couple of feet shorter than expected when you first unbox it, but it'll stretch to size when you hang it up and sit in it the first few times.

Size: 13 x 4.5 feet | Material: Cotton, wood | Weight Capacity: 450 pounds

Best Portable

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock with Tree Straps

Amazon

What We Like
  • Extremely lightweight

  • Two sizes available

  • Five available height adjusters

What We Don't Like
  • Large size may only fit one tall adult

Need something for on-the-go use? Check out the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock. This portable and incredibly lightweight hammock weighs only 1.5 pounds at its largest size, plus it condenses down to the size of an eggplant and stuffs into an attached storage sack. Needless to say, it's a breeze to pack for a hiking, camping, or beach trip.

This hammock comes in a single and double size to accommodate one or two adults. They span 9 and 10 feet respectively with an impressive weight limit of 400 or 500 pounds depending on the size. While the large size is made to fit two adults sitting upright, we recommend this size for taller individuals.

Made of rip-resistant nylon, it's weather-resistant and easily washable in the washing machine on a cold cycle. The manufacturer does recommend hanging it to dry. The ideal height for this hammock is around 18 inches off the ground. This is easy to achieve due to the two included 9-feet straps with five loops to adjust the height as needed. Plus it comes with two carabiners for securing it to trees, poles, or boat masts. We also love the nearly 20 color options available, so you can match your tent or backpack when camping or just pick your favorite color for a stylish touch.

Size: 9 x 4.5, 6.5 x 10 feet | Material: Nylon | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds

Best for Camping

Arlmont & Co. Saffo Camping Hammock

Arlmont & Co. Saffo Camping Hammock

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Quick-drying, fade-resistant material

  • Tree strap and carry bag included

  • Unique shaded design

What We Don't Like
  • No UPF rating

  • Assembly required

For folks interested in camping hammocks, we recommend the Arlmont & Co. Saffo Hammock. The circular, teardrop-shaped design provides a secluded spot to crawl in, curl up, and relax while spending time in the great outdoors. It's made of a quick-drying cotton-polyester fabric that resists water damage, mildew, and fading in direct sunlight. While it doesn't have a UPF rating (short for ultraviolet protection factor—the SPF equivalent for textiles), you'll still get shade and some protection from the sun's harmful rays.

This outdoor-friendly hammock comes in three sizes measuring 4, 5, and 6 feet in diameter. The smaller options are great for kids, and the largest can accommodate one or two adults. It comes with a handy tree strap, allowing you to hang it from almost any sturdy branch when you set up camp. The Saffo Hammock also has its own carry bag, making it easy to pack. We should mention that you'll have to assemble the ring and hanging system each time you use it, but it's a quick, tool-free process.

Size: 4 x 4 feet, 5 x 5 feet, 6 x 6 feet | Material: Cotton, polyester | Weight Capacity: 440 pounds

Best Freestanding

Sand & Stable Winnie Classic Hammock with Stand

Winnie Double Sunbrella Classic Hammock with Stand
What We Like
  • Padded quilting and bolster pillow

  • Durable, all-weather materials

  • Versatile and visually appealing

What We Don't Like
  • Only one colorway

  • Assembly required

Looking for something that comes with its own stand? Sand & Stable's Winnie Double Classic Hammock might be your best bet. Once assembled, it can become a permanent part of your outdoor space without the fuss of constantly assembling, hooking, and unhooking your hammock. This option is made of low-maintenance, easy-to-clean, quick-drying Sunbrella performance fabric that stands up to mildew, fading, and other forms of weather damage, so it's perfect for outdoor use.

While we wish it came in more colors, the simple diamond quilted pattern is undeniably versatile. With an attached bolster pillow for your neck and soft padding throughout, this outdoor essential is just as comfortable as it is stylish. The sizable design is large enough for one to two adults and boasts a 350-pound capacity.

While the hammock and the stand take up over 13 feet in length, the hammock itself is just a little over 7 feet, the smallest on this list. But, you'll have enough room to sprawl out solo or sit with a buddy horizontally. And the weight capacity is on par with other larger hammocks, which we love.

Constructed with ropes and slatted support beams, this hammock attaches to its curved pine wood frame with metal ring hooks. The super-strong and durable stand features a special laminated finish to prevent water damage and fading while ensuring it'll last for years. Just a heads up, you'll have to assemble the stand at home, but it should be a relatively quick process requiring minimal tools. All things considered, we think the price is fair for such a well-made, visually appealing hammock.

Size: 7.3 x 4.3 feet | Material: Sunbrella fabric, wood | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Yellow Leaf Hammocks Signature Handwoven Hammock. This best-selling outdoor staple is made of a durable yet soft and stretchy fabric and boasts a sturdy, anti-flip design big enough to comfortably fit two adults. If you are looking for something a little more affordable, our best budget pick, the easy-to-hang Colel Double Cotton Canvas Hammock, is an excellent choice.

What to Look For in a Hammock

Type

There are a few types of hammocks to consider, including rope, fabric, tent, free-standing, and chair. Here's what to know.

  • Rope hammocks like our favorite rope pick, the Castaway Living Traditional Cotton Rope Hammock are a common, classic style. They feature a netted design with interwoven ropes that support and cradle your body.
  • Fabric hammocks are made with a solid piece of textile rather than interwoven ropes. They offer more of a cocoon feeling and may sag less than the roped variety. While they are often more comfortable than rope hammocks, they often lack weather resistance, so they'll need to be stored away during rain or snow.
  • Tent hammocks, like our best camping option, Arlmont & Co. Saffo Camping Hammock, provide shade and protection from the sun.
  • Free-standing hammock, like Sand & Stable Babs Double Sunbrella Spreader Bar Hammock, are attached to a stand and can be placed nearly anywhere, even if there are no trees nearby.
  • A chair hammock is essentially a roped chair swing. It cradles you upright rather than in a horizontal lying position.

Size

Think about how much room you have to fit a hammock before buying one. "A free-standing hammock on a stand will take up a considerable amount of patio or deck space, while a hanging hammock chair will take quite a bit less," says Constance Hedd, outdoor design specialist at Outdoor Decor and Design.

If you're really short on space, consider a compact chair model, like the Lazy Daze Hammocks Hanging Hammock Chair Swing, our best for backyards. The largest hammock we recommend is 13 x 4.5 feet (three options on this list are this size), which is ample space for two adults or one person to spread out for a midday nap.

Weight Capacity

You'll also want to pay attention to the intended capacity of the hammock. As with our best overall pick, the Yellow Leaf Hammocks Signature Handwoven Hammock, some are large enough to accommodate up to two adults and can support 400 or more pounds of weight or 550 in the family size (the largest on this list).

However, other models are substantially smaller and intended for only one person. The smallest weight capacity we recommend is 300 pounds (our best for backyard pick, the Lazy Daze Hammock), which is still ample enough to carry one child or adult.

Material

Hammocks can be made of various materials, including rope, canvas, nylon, or performance fabrics, such as Sunbrella. Some people consider padded options like our favorite splurge hammock, the Crate & Barrel Pillowtop Stripe Outdoor Hammock to be the most comfortable hammocks, while others prefer fabric or ropes. It's ultimately a matter of personal preference and depends on how you like to be cradled when lying down.

"Natural materials give a softer feel, while a synthetic may last longer," says Hedd. "Brightly colored fabrics look great on your patio, but some can fade over time in the sun, so a neutral color is preferable."

You should highly consider the amount of moisture and wind your hammock will be exposed to when selecting the material. Synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, will withstand the elements much longer than plant-based materials, such as cotton.

Traditionally, rope hammocks are made with cotton, but a cotton blend, such as our best for trees choice, the Pawley’s Island DuraCord, has been engineered with man-made materials to maintain the softness of cotton while providing a more durable, color fade-resistant rope. In addition, rope hammocks are often treated with a varnish or zinc to protect them from rot, mold, mildew, and rust.

Portable hammocks for hiking and camping are made of lightweight nylon, which is breathable and quick to dry, such as our best portable pick, the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in home design, recreation, and outdoor living. For this article, she interviewed experts who offered tips and considerations for buying a hammock. Next, she researched today's best hammocks, narrowing them down to options that stood out for durability, comfort, easy setup, and aesthetic appeal. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019. You can read more of her stories on Travel + Leisure and People.

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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