Recliner sofas can be the most comfortable seats in the room—or the biggest layout mistake if you underestimate the space they need when fully extended. For this guide, we focused on three widely available models that cover the most common buying paths: a classic manual recliner you can keep for years, a value-first power recliner built around convenience features, and a premium power option designed for more precise adjustability.
Table of Contents
Product Overview
This quick snapshot is meant to help you match the sofa to the way you actually lounge (and the room you’re putting it in) before you get lost in fabric names and add-ons.
| Product | Price | Capacity | Type | Material | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La-Z-Boy Trouper Reclining Sofa | $2,699 | 3 people | Handle recline | Fabric or leather (many upholstery options) | Dependable manual reclining with brand support |
| Ashley Next-Gen DuraPella Power Reclining Sofa | $1,999 | 3 people | Power recline | DuraPella (faux leather) | Convenience features for casual TV lounging |
| Stressless Emily Wide Arm 2 Seater with 2 Power Seats | $9,195 | 2 people | Power recline | Leather (multiple leathers) | Premium comfort and refined, adjustable support |
Prices shown reflect the configurations we referenced for this comparison. Your final price can change with upholstery, power options, and retailer promotions.
Testing Team Takeaways
- Manual recline still makes sense if you want fewer moving parts to think about. The Trouper delivered the most straightforward day-to-day experience.
- Convenience features can be worth paying for when they match how you actually use the sofa. The Ashley’s drop-down console, charging options, and easy-care upholstery made it the most “TV-night friendly” at the lowest price.
- Premium power reclining feels different when the engineering is better. The Stressless Emily stood out for smoother adjustability, stronger build impressions, and a more tailored sit—at a much higher cost.
- Open depth is the number that breaks layouts. Don’t shop on width alone—measure the fully reclined depth and the clearance behind the sofa.
Recliner Sofa Comparison Chart
Use this chart to compare overall size and reclined footprint before you decide which features matter most.
| Product | Price | Seating Capacity | Recline Type | Overall (upright) dimensions | Open depth (fully reclined) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La-Z-Boy Trouper Reclining Sofa | $2,699 | 3 | Manual | 85"W x 42"D x 41.5"H | 65" |
| Ashley Next-Gen DuraPella Power Reclining Sofa | $1,999 | 3 | Power | 86"W x 39.5"D x 43"H | 67" |
| Stressless Emily Wide Arm 2 Seater with 2 Power Seats | $9,195 | 2 | Power | 78.74"W x 43.7"D x 34.25"H | 54.33" |
How We Tested It
We scored each recliner sofa across five categories: comfort, build quality, ease of use, temperature control, and value. The goal was to keep the testing practical—focused on how these sofas feel and function in a real living room, not just on spec sheets.
- Comfort: We paid close attention to seat depth and height, cushion feel, lumbar support, and whether the recline and head support felt natural for longer sessions.
- Build quality: We looked for consistent stitching, frame stability, and a recline mechanism that felt solid and repeatable, not flimsy or wobbly.
- Ease of use: We evaluated how intuitive the recline controls are (handle vs. power buttons), how smoothly the sofa transitions between positions, and how much wall clearance it needs.
- Temperature control: We considered breathability and how warm the upholstery feels over time—especially during longer, relaxed lounging.
- Value: We weighed the comfort and feature set against the price, while also factoring in warranty information and the practical costs of owning a power mechanism long term.
Recliner Sofa: Our Testing Experience
Below are the three models we spent the most time with. Each one is a good fit for a different kind of room and a different kind of shopper—so the “best” pick depends on whether you want simplicity, features, or refined adjustability.
La-Z-Boy Trouper Reclining Sofa
Our Testing Experience
The Trouper is the kind of recliner sofa that feels familiar in the best way. It’s a traditional, handle-recline design with two reclining end seats, and it prioritizes everyday comfort over flashier add-ons. In use, it felt supportive without being overly firm, and it did a good job holding you in a comfortable lounging position without a lot of fiddling.
What we liked
- A balanced sit that works for both upright TV watching and relaxed reclining.
- Simple manual operation—no outlet planning and fewer components to troubleshoot.
- Independently reclining end seats let two people stretch out without sharing controls.
- A wide range of upholstery choices makes it easier to match your room and lifestyle.
Who it is best for
- Households that want a classic recliner sofa without the complexity of power mechanisms.
- Shoppers who value brand support, service options, and long-term parts availability.
- Living rooms where you can comfortably plan for the full reclined footprint.
Where it falls short
- No built-in console or charging features.
- Manual recline isn’t as adjustable as power systems with headrest or leg-support tuning.
- The center seat doesn’t recline, so it’s better for two loungers than three.
Details
- Category: Reclining sofa
- Upholstery: Fabric or leather (many options)
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs per seat
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty; reclining mechanism parts listed as lifetime with one year of labor coverage
- Price: $2,699
- Dimensions (upright): 85"W x 42"D x 41.5"H
- Open depth (fully reclined): 65"
- Seat height: 20.6"
- Seat depth: 20.6"
- Recline type: Manual handle
Review Score
Overall Score: 8.1/10
- Comfort: 8.6/10
- Build Quality: 8.0/10
- Ease of Use: 8.0/10
- Temperature Control: 8.0/10
- Value: 7.8/10
Notes on availability & ongoing suitability: This model is broadly available through La-Z-Boy channels, but pricing and lead times can shift depending on upholstery and how you order. If you’re customizing fabric or leather, treat the timeline more like a planned purchase than a quick-ship order.
Ashley Next-Gen DuraPella Power Reclining Sofa
Our Testing Experience
This Ashley model is built around convenience. The power recline, adjustable headrests, and drop-down center console give it a home-theater vibe—especially if you like having your drink, remote, and phone in the same place. The feature set is the main reason it earned its spot in this lineup: it’s a lot of functionality for the money.
What we liked
- The console and charging options make it easy to settle in for longer TV sessions.
- Power recline and adjustable headrests help you fine-tune your position more than most manual models.
- DuraPella wipes down easily, which is useful in busy households.
- Strong value for a power recliner sofa with multiple convenience features.
Who it is best for
- Shoppers who want power reclining and practical features without moving into premium pricing.
- Families who treat the living room as the default “movie room.”
- Homes that prefer wipe-clean upholstery over natural leather or textured fabrics.
Where it falls short
- Power features add complexity, and more components generally means more potential failure points.
- Faux leather tends to feel warmer and less breathable than many fabrics.
- The look is more casual and bulky, so it may not suit every room style.
Details
- Category: Power reclining sofa
- Upholstery: DuraPella faux leather
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs per seat
- Warranty (manufacturer): limited warranty information lists recliner mechanisms at 5 years with 1 year of labor coverage
- Price: $1,999
- Dimensions (upright): 86"W x 39.5"D x 43"H
- Open depth (fully reclined): 67"
- Seat height: 20"
- Seat depth: 21"
- Arm height: 25"
- Recline type: Power
Review Score
Overall Score: 8.0/10
- Comfort: 8.0/10
- Build Quality: 6.8/10
- Ease of Use: 8.8/10
- Temperature Control: 7.0/10
- Value: 9.0/10
Notes on availability & ongoing suitability: The Next-Gen DuraPella line is sold through many Ashley channels. Feature sets can vary by listing and SKU, so it’s worth confirming that the exact version you’re buying includes the console and charging features you care about.
Stressless Emily Wide Arm 2 Seater with 2 Power Seats
Our Testing Experience
The Stressless Emily is the “buy it for the feel” option. Compared with mainstream reclining sofas, it delivered a more tailored sitting posture and more refined adjustability—especially around head and neck support. It’s also a modular-style approach that’s aimed at shoppers who want premium materials and a cleaner, more design-forward look.
What we liked
- Adjustable headrests and power leg support make it easier to dial in a comfortable angle.
- A more supportive, shaped sit that holds up better during longer sessions.
- Stronger build impressions overall, from seams to structure to the feel of the power motion.
- More manageable reclined footprint than many large, deep power recliners.
Who it is best for
- Couples who want premium comfort and are willing to pay for refined ergonomics.
- Rooms where you want power reclining without the deepest open-depth requirement.
- Shoppers who prefer a cleaner, more modern look than bulky “home theater” styling.
Where it falls short
- Price is the biggest trade-off, and upgrades can raise it further.
- Seating capacity is two, so it’s not ideal if three people need to lounge at once.
- Premium materials may require more careful day-to-day upkeep, especially with lighter leathers.
Details
- Category: Power reclining sofa
- Upholstery: Leather (multiple leathers)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs per seat
- Warranty note: internal mechanism and construction are guaranteed for 10 years; some terms list 5 years for electrical parts and motor on power mechanisms (regional terms vary)
- Price: $9,195
- Dimensions (upright): 78.74"W x 43.7"D x 34.25"H
- Open depth (fully reclined): 54.33"
- Seat height: 17.7"
- Seat depth: 22.8"
- Max height: 39.37"
- Recline type: Power
Review Score
Overall Score: 8.6/10
- Comfort: 9.0/10
- Build Quality: 9.4/10
- Ease of Use: 9.2/10
- Temperature Control: 9.0/10
- Value: 6.5/10
Notes on availability & ongoing suitability: This is typically a dealer-style purchase with multiple configuration choices. Delivery timing and final pricing can vary depending on how you configure the sofa, so plan for a longer purchasing process than you would with a mass-market model.
Compare Performance Scores of These Sofas
This score table highlights where each sofa stood out—and where it made trade-offs.
| Product | Comfort (10) | Build quality (10) | Ease of use (10) | Temperature control (10) | Value (10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La-Z-Boy Trouper Reclining Sofa | 8.6 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 7.8 |
| Ashley Next-Gen DuraPella Power Reclining Sofa | 8.0 | 6.8 | 8.8 | 7.0 | 9.0 |
| Stressless Emily Wide Arm 2 Seater with 2 Power Seats | 9.0 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 9.0 | 6.5 |
The Stressless Emily led on build quality, ease of use, and temperature control, and it delivered the most refined reclining experience overall. The La-Z-Boy Trouper scored well across the board, especially for comfort and practical day-to-day use. The Ashley delivered the best value score and the most “feature per dollar,” but its build-quality score was the clearest trade-off.
How to Choose a Recliner Sofa
Start with the reclined footprint. Open depth (fully reclined) is what determines whether a recliner sofa works in your room. Measure from the wall to the front edge of where the footrest will land, and leave room for walkways and doors.
Choose between manual simplicity and power adjustability. Manual reclining is straightforward and doesn’t require outlet planning. Power reclining makes it easier to fine-tune your angle and can add features like adjustable headrests—but it introduces more components that can fail over time.
Pick upholstery based on your real lifestyle. Faux leather and some leathers wipe down easily, but many can run warmer than fabric. Fabric can feel cooler and cozier, but you’ll want to check cleaning codes and stain resistance—especially with kids or pets.
Pay attention to fit, not just “three-seat” labels. Center seats rarely recline, and deep seats can feel great for lounging but awkward for shorter sitters. Seat height, seat depth, and arm height matter more than the marketing description.
Be honest about feature use. Built-in consoles, cup holders, and charging are great when you actually use them. If you won’t, you may be paying for complexity you don’t need.
Limitations
- This guide focuses on three models that represent different price tiers and recline styles, not the full range of reclining sofas on the market.
- Specifications and features can vary by upholstery, configuration, and retailer listings, so it’s important to confirm details on the exact version you’re buying.
- Warranty terms can differ by region and by component (frame vs. mechanism vs. upholstery), so always check the official terms for your purchase channel.
- Comfort is personal—seat depth and cushioning feel can be decisive, so use our notes as a filter, then confirm fit with measurements and (if possible) a sit test.
Recliner Sofa Vs. Alternatives
Why choose a recliner sofa: If reclining is a non-negotiable part of how you relax, a recliner sofa gives you lounge-friendly support without needing multiple individual chairs. It also tends to be a better solution for households that want two people reclining in the same “main seat” area.
Alternatives to consider: If you want a different look or a different feature set, it can be worth comparing power reclining collections from brands such as Hydeline (noted for zero-gravity reclining options), modular power recliners like the Povison Minimalist Power Recliner Sofa Pro, or premium motion-sofa lines from brands like Natuzzi.
Pro Tips for Recliner Sofa
- Measure open depth before you buy. A sofa that “fits” upright can become unworkable when fully reclined.
- Plan outlet access for power models. If you don’t have a nearby outlet, you’ll either need a different layout or to plan for a clean cable solution.
- Expect a break-in period. Many recliner sofas feel slightly firmer out of the box and relax with use.
- Check cleaning guidance. Upholstery labels and cleaning codes matter more on recliners because hands and headrests get frequent contact.
- Keep the mechanism clear. Small objects under footrests can create noise, resistance, or uneven reclining over time.
- Think about delivery paths. Recliner sofas are heavy and awkward—measure doors, stair turns, and tight hallways early.
- Don’t ignore the center seat. On most reclining sofas, the middle position doesn’t recline and feels firmer than the ends.
FAQs
Do power recliner sofas feel “more comfortable” than manual ones?
Not automatically. Power reclining mainly adds adjustability—especially if you get features like adjustable headrests or more precise leg support. Comfort still comes down to cushioning, seat depth, and how well the sofa supports your back and neck.
How much space should I plan for when reclined?
Plan around the fully reclined open depth. In this lineup, the tested models ranged from about 54" to 67" when fully reclined. Measure your room with that extended footprint in mind, and leave space for walkways.
Which option is easiest to keep clean for a busy household?
Easy-clean upholstery makes the biggest difference. Faux leather like DuraPella is typically quick to wipe down, while leather can also be practical but may need periodic conditioning. Fabric can be comfortable and forgiving, but you’ll want to confirm cleaning codes and stain resistance.
What’s the most common “fit mistake” people make?
Shopping on width and style, then discovering the sofa doesn’t work when it’s fully reclined. Open depth, wall clearance, and walkway space are the three measurements that prevent expensive surprises.
