Here Are the Best Freestanding Hammock Stands for All-Day Relaxation

Freestanding hammocks let you lay back and relax outdoors—no trees required. Since they include both a stand and a hammock, these outdoor living pieces make it easy to turn virtually any area into a comfortable retreat. Still, the fact that they come in so many different sizes, styles, and capacities can make it tough to know which standalone hammock​ is worth the investment. 

To help you decide, we researched dozens of highly rated hammocks before selecting five to test. We spent 3 weeks using them, evaluating them on everything from assembly and comfort to their ability to withstand sun, wind, and rain. Once our tests were complete, we chose the Suncreat Quick-Dry Hammock With Stand as our favorite hammock for its easy setup, roomy two-person design, and overall value. Read on to learn more about each of the best freestanding hammocks that made our list so you can find the right one for your outdoor space. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Suncreat Quick-Dry Hammock With Stand
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Amazon Basics Double Hammock With Steel Stand
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3. BEST FOR CAMPING: Tranquillo Universal Canvas Hammock & Foldable Stand
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4. BEST WOOD: Vivere Double Cotton Hammock With Solid Pine Stand
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5. BEST CHAIR: Torevsior Hammock Chair With Stand
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6. BEST DOUBLE COTTON: Vivere Double Cotton Hammock With Steel Stand
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7. BEST FOR TWO PEOPLE: Arlmont & Co. Harrington 2-Person Hammock With Stand
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Freestanding Hammocks Comparison

Our Top Picks

Regardless of their size or style, freestanding hammocks for outdoors are designed for effortless relaxation, meaning users won’t need to learn how to hang a hammock or worry that they’ve chosen an inappropriate spot. Each portable hammock below is simple to set up, built to support at least 350 pounds, and durable enough to withstand inconsistent spring and summer conditions. 

Best Overall

Suncreat Quick-Dry Hammock With Stand

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What We Like

• Textilene fabric is breathable and dries quickly
• Hammock bed is big enough for two
• Comes with a removable pillow
• Suncreat sells a compatible cover and wheels 

What We Don’t Like

• Needs to be stored or weighed down when windy
• Getting in and out can be a challenge

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Specs 

• Type Poolside/seaside
• Material Textilene
• Capacity 2 people
• Weight limit 450 pounds

Our Ratings

This freestanding hammock​ from Suncreat offers an excellent mix of comfort, ease of use, and value. Made from Textilene fabric, the hammock is breathable, quick-drying, and weather-resistant, making it durable enough to leave up as spring and summer conditions change. It features 55-inch wood spreader bars, upgraded hand-woven ropes, and a removable polyethylene-stuffed pillow. At 78.7 inches long by 55.1 inches wide, it’s roomy enough to support two adults and has a maximum weight capacity of 450 pounds.

Together, this ultralight hammock and stand are only about 36 pounds, so it’s safest to store it when it’s windy or put sandbags over the stand. We had several gusty days during our testing period, and more than once, we went outside to see that the amply-sized bed had acted almost like a sail, knocking the entire unit over on its side. Also, getting in and out of this style of hammock takes a little getting used to, but if for those looking for a sleeping hammock or one comfy enough to share with a partner, friend, or child, this pick is hard to beat.

What our tester says: “This is a classic backyard hammock. Once I got the hang of getting in and out, it quickly became a favorite for my whole family. It’s incredibly comfortable for either one or two people, and its lightweight design makes it easy to move into or out of the sun.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Suncreat freestanding hammock at Amazon, Walmart, or Suncreat.

Best Bang for the Buck

Amazon Basics Double Hammock With Steel Stand

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What We Like

• Excellent price for a double hammock
• Comes with a carrying case
• Available in bright and neutral designs
• No tools necessary for assembly

What We Don’t Like

• Feels a bit cramped with two people
• Metal loop reinforcements tend to slip out of place
• Thick fabric takes time to dry

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Specs 

• Type Brazilian
• Material Cotton and polyester
• Capacity 2 people
• Weight limit 450 pounds

Our Ratings

This double hammock from Amazon Basics is a budget-friendly way to increase outdoor relaxation opportunities. It comes with a 9-foot steel stand, carrying case, and everything needed to complete its straightforward assembly process. The cotton and polyester hammock bed is available in multiple striped patterns in a variety of colors.

As much as we loved this affordable pick as a one-person hammock, we did feel a bit squished any time we tried it with two. Still, we found that its ability to comfortably cradle users made it an excellent sleeping hammock. The breathable fabric also tends to fold in around the user, for a little added sun protection. 

However, the cotton and poly bed doesn’t seem especially weather resistant, as it’s thick enough that it can stay wet for many hours after it rains. Also, while we appreciated that the rope loops that fit over the stand have internal metal reinforcements, the metal often slips out of place, which could impact durability if users don’t reinsert them. 

Get the Amazon Basics freestanding hammock at Amazon.

Best for Camping

Tranquillo Universal Canvas Hammock & Foldable Stand

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What We Like

• Simple setup process
• Available with wood or sewn-in spreader bars
• Highly portable and height adjustable
• Frame design makes it easy to swing alone

What We Don’t Like

• Rope doesn’t seem strong enough for 600 pounds
• May tip over in wind

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Specs 

• Type Camping
• Material Canvas
• Capacity 2 people
• Weight limit 600 pounds

Our Ratings

This camping hammock by Tranquillo is easy to set up in just a few minutes—just unfold it and click everything in place. The powder-coated steel stand is rust-resistant and height-adjustable. Instead of regular hooks, it uses smooth ball bearings that allow for comfortable and noiseless rocking. In fact, the smooth rocking motion was probably our favorite thing about this freestanding hammock.

The version we tested had wood spreader bars that helped the canvas bed lay flat, but Tranquillo also makes a similar option with sewn-in spreaders some users may prefer. Our main concern with this camping hammock is its long-term durability at or near maximum weight capacity. Though the frame and bed fabric seem durable enough, the fairly thin rope ties don’t seem strong enough for 600 pounds. That said, we didn’t think it was quite big enough to fit two people comfortably anyway. Like our best overall pick, it also tended to tip over on very windy days. 

Get the Tranquillo freestanding hammock at Amazon or Tranquillo.

Best Wood

Vivere Double Cotton Hammock With Solid Pine Stand

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What We Like

• Incredibly stable stand makes getting in and out easy
• Provides an upgraded aesthetic compared to others
• Easily supports 450 pounds
• Comfortable for sitting and lying down 

What We Don’t Like

• Requires two people to move
• Wood stand requires maintenance

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Specs 

• Type Brazilian
• Material Cotton
• Capacity 2 people
• Weight limit 450 pounds

Our Ratings

Freestanding hammocks with steel frames may get points for durability, but they aren’t always the most attractive or easy to get on and off of since they are light enough to tip while users get settled. This Vivere double cotton hammock has a solid wood frame that remedies those issues, offering stability as well as an aesthetically appealing place to relax. Since it’s made without spreader bars, the 87-inch bed creates cocoon-like comfort and plenty of space to stretch out to sleep or sit up to swing. 

During testing, we found that this hammock required a bit more effort to assemble than most others. It comes with assembly tools, but we found the process went much faster using a socket wrench. It may also be a good idea to weatherproof the frame with a wood sealer, to help ensure that the 8-foot pine stand can withstand harsh weather. Still, this hammock offered a cradling comfort that surpassed the competition and made it a favorite despite its bulk.

What our tester says: “This hammock is so comfortable that my family practically fights over who gets to use it when it’s time to kick back. It’s nice whether you want to sit or lie down, and the heavy wood frame keeps it in place as you get in and out.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Vivere freestanding hammock with solid pine stand at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Vivere.

Best Chair

Torevsior Hammock Chair With Stand

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What We Like

• Makes a relaxing swinging motion 
• Has a pillow and a phone pocket
• Small footprint makes it an ideal hammock for a patio
• Supports up to 350 pounds

What We Don’t Like

• Assembly can be tricky
• Cotton fabric may wear in weather

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Specs 

• Type Brazilian
• Material Cotton
• Capacity 1 person
• Weight limit 350 pounds

Our Ratings

This hammock chair from Torevsior is practically sized for smaller spaces yet still offers the comfort and coziness that hammocks are known for—plus it’s durable enough to support up to 350 pounds. However, we found assembly to be a bit tricky. One screw was too short to accommodate a washer and one step was easier with an extra person holding the frame so it didn’t collapse. 

Once assembled, we tucked this relatively small hammock under a fruit tree and found it to be a cozy place to read or relax without having to lie down. The chair’s soothing swinging motion is perfect for unwinding, and the included pillow and exterior pocket add to its comfort and convenience. Though its dimensions are smaller than a regular hammock, it’s not collapsible for storage. 

What our tester says: “When I want to sit outside and be cozy without lying down, I head straight for this chair. I love its gently swinging motion and the fact that there’s plenty of fabric so my head stays supported.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Torevsior freestanding hammock at Amazon.

More Great Options

Though we haven’t had a chance to test them yet, we found two more freestanding hammocks worthy of being included on our list of top picks. 

Best Double Cotton

Vivere Double Cotton Hammock With Steel Stand

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What We Like

• Durable polyester end strings
• Comes in a variety of colors and patterns
• Also available in polyester, mesh, and Sunbrella 
• Comes with a carrying case

What We Don’t Like

• Cotton might mold from rain if not laid out to dry

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Specs 

• Type Brazilian
• Material Cotton
• Capacity 2 people
• Weight limit 450 pounds

This Vivere double cotton hammock is a classic Brazilian-style hammock that combines durable construction and easy assembly with a comfortable design. The double bed is 94 inches long by 63 inches wide, has a 9-foot space-saving steel stand that fits neatly inside the included carrying case, and supports up to 450 pounds. 

Though the bed of this hammock is 100 percent tightly woven cotton cloth, it has durable polyester end strings built to last longer than traditional cotton ones. It’s also available in polyester, mesh, and Sunbrella fabrics for those worried about how well cotton will hold up in wet weather. With over 15 colors and patterns available, it comes in a range of styles to complement virtually any outdoor space.

Get the Vivere freestanding hammock with steel stand at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Target, or Vivere.

Also Consider

Arlmont & Co. 2-Person Hammock With Stand

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What We Like

• Comfortable two-person hammock
• Machine washable 
• Comes with a pillow
• Polyester bed is lightly quilted 

What We Don’t Like

• May blow over in heavy wind
• A-frame design makes adjusting height harder

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Specs 

• Type Poolside/seaside
• Material Polyester
• Capacity 2 people
• Weight limit 450 pounds

This freestanding hammock from Arlmont & Co. features a lightly quilted polyester bed and pillow, providing comfortable outdoor relaxation for two people with a combined weight of up to 450 pounds. Its sturdy steel frame uses an A-frame design that enables a range of heights, though making those adjustments may be a bit inconvenient. Still, the stand is durable and weather resistant, and the polyester bed is machine washable for easy maintenance.

Weighing just 12 pounds, this pick is light enough to move as desired, and its bed 74 inches long by 55 inches wide, which offers plenty of space to stretch out solo or alongside a friend. However, like our top pick, its flat design may be prone to catch wind and tip. Those in breezy areas may want to anchor the frame using sandbags or remove the bed for storage when not in use.

Get the Arlmont & Co. freestanding hammock at Wayfair.

How We Chose and Tested the Best Freestanding Hammocks

When selecting the best freestanding hammocks for our guide and tests, we prioritized durability, capacity, weight limit, assembly, and overall design. We focused on fabrics that were both comfortable and long-lasting, beds big enough for up to two people, and sturdy frames built to withstand changing weather conditions.

To test the hammocks, we assembled them and evaluated their comfort while sitting, lying down alone, and lying down with another person. We assessed how easy they were to get in and out of, how well they held up to 3 weeks of sun, wind, and rain, and whether we could break them down for storage or move them around the yard alone. Since the models we tested cost between $65 and $250, we also considered whether features like pillows and height-adjustable stands added to their overall value. 

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Freestanding Hammock

Many backyard or lounging hammocks have wooden spreaders (or poles) along each end, which keep their beds flat during use. Others omit spreader bars, meaning the hammock cocoons around the user for a more enclosed feel. While choosing between these styles is an important step, considering all of the following features will ensure you find the best hammock for your needs.

Size and Capacity

Length is less important than width when it comes to comfort. The rule of thumb for length is to look for something at least 2 feet longer than the user’s height. For width, the wider the hammock, the roomier it will feel. For this reason, many people purchase hammocks that are big enough for two people, even if they want to use them alone. 

All hammocks have a “carrying capacity,” with weight limits ranging from 150 to 500 pounds. Solo hammocks usually top out at about 250 pounds, while hammocks for couples are designed to hold 350 to 600 pounds. Weight limits only apply to static weight capacity; jumping, swinging, and other vigorous activities will lessen the total weight capacity as well as shorten the lifespan of a hammock.

Bed Material and Weather Resistance

The most suitable hammock material depends on the desired use and style preference. The various hammock styles are associated with certain fabrics, so we’ll discuss materials first.

• Cotton: Hammocks made of tightly woven cotton are among the most affordable. This fabric is breathable, soft, and has a bit of stretch, allowing it to contour comfortably to the body. On the downside, cotton can easily fade in sunlight and does not resist stains as well as other options. It also absorbs moisture and dries slower than other materials, so it’s more likely to develop mold and mildew.
• Nylon: This lightweight, synthetic fabric offers more durability than cotton, resisting water damage and staining. Plus, since it dries quicker, it’s less likely to develop mold and mildew. Nylon holds color well unless exposed to UV rays, making it better suited to shady areas.
• Polyester: This synthetic material shares many attributes of nylon. The main differences are that polyester costs less and is more resistant to UV damage and heat. However, compared to nylon, it has a lower strength-to-weight ratio, though it’s still considered durable.
• Textilene: Textilene is a synthetic fabric made of high-strength polyesters with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) compound. It is UV resistant, so it won’t fade in the sun, and it’s also comfortable and easy to clean. The fast-drying material is even resistant to mold and mildew.
• Olefin: This synthetic fiber is made from polyolefins, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. It is resistant to stains, sunlight, abrasion, sunlight, fire, and chemicals. The material is fast drying and easy to clean, and it won’t fade because it is UV resistant.
• Sunbrella: Sunbrella is a synthetic fabric that’s made of 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic. Sunbrella is weather resistant, mold- and mildew-resistant, fade-proof, UV-resistant, and stain-resistant.

Stand Construction

In general, the most affordable hammock stands are made of steel tubing. These are less expensive and plenty strong, but they might only last a few years before corrosion becomes an issue. 

For those who want a more luxurious touch for their expensive hammock, wooden stands that resist rot and harsh weather might be a better choice, though they will require a bit of maintenance. Those interested in a wooden stand but not its expense may want to consider making a DIY hammock stand.

Style

Hammocks are available in several styles, including those made for camping to those whose sole function is to provide a place to rest. 

• Rope hammocks feature an open-weave design which, as with rope for tree swings, can be cotton or synthetic. Since breezy rope hammocks provide maximum airflow, they are great for warm climates. Some contain a wooden spreader bar that creates a flat-lying surface, and others have a cozy, cocoon-like design that wraps around the user. 
• Quilted hammocks have two layers of cotton or polyester fabric with padding in between. They’re often reversible, with a solid color on one side and a pattern design on the other. Since they don’t have holes or gaps on the surface like rope hammocks, they’re a safer option for families with children. Quilted fabric hammocks usually include spreader bars. 
• Mayan hammocks are constructed of thin cotton or nylon with no spreader bar. The flexible and lightweight design allows users to cocoon themselves inside the fabric. Mayan hammocks are often bright and colorful.
• Brazilian hammocks are handwoven from cotton fibers, which are crafted into a cozy and thick cover. The thickness of the fabric makes it suitable for cooler climates. Brazilian hammocks are often accented by bright colors, sometimes with an ornamental fringe. Most Brazilian hammocks do not have spreader bars. 
• Poolside and seaside hammocks are designed to resist moisture, fading, ultraviolet rays, and salt exposure. While some feature cotton, those made with Textilene, olefin, and Sunbrella fabrics offer the most UV resistance and are the quickest to dry. These categories sometimes use spreader bars and sometimes do not.
• Camping hammocks are lightweight, portable, and typically made of nylon or polyester. They can withstand most weather conditions and might even come with a mesh net to protect from bugs. Some freestanding options feature a pop-up stand rather than the typical Y-shaped versions.

Setup

Putting a hammock together largely comes down to setting up the stand. Both space-saving steel stands and wood stands are usually straightforward to put together, requiring users to slide a few poles into one another, tighten a few bolts, and hang the hammock from the hooks. Some feature hex-head bolts and nuts, so a set of wrenches and sockets will speed up the process—just be sure to tighten everything completely before getting on the hammock. Also, keep in mind that the chains on most spreader bar hammock stands provide quite a bit of height adjustability, so don’t worry about cutting off excess links.

Accessories

Consider how you plan to use your hammock to decide if you need any of the following extras.

• Carrying bags are included with most portable hammocks for easy storage with other vacation, seasonal, or camping gear. 
• Canopies may come with camping or backpacking hammocks to shield users from rain and too much sun.
• Sleeping pads and pillows come with some hammocks, usually as a detachable accessory.
• Storage pockets are included with multiple types of hammocks to keep phones, books, sunscreen, and other small items off the ground.
• Covers aren’t often included with a freestanding hammock, but a hammock with a cover may last longer in the elements, so consider purchasing one separately. 

FAQs

If you still have a few extra questions about hammocks, the answers to these frequently asked questions may help.

Q. What is the most comfortable hammock material?

Cotton fabric is considered very comfortable. It is breathable, soft, and has a bit of stretch that helps it contour to your body.

Q. What is the best brand of hammock?

Some of the best hammock brands include Vivere, Suncreat, and Arlmont & Co. 

Q. Which freestanding hammocks are most comfortable?

Among the most comfortable hammocks are Brazilian-style options, which have a cocoon-like effect on the body. Quilted fabrics and built-in pillows also enhance comfort. 

Q. How long is a typical hammock? 

A traditional hammock is between 9 and 15 feet long.

Q. What is the best height for a hammock? 

The bottom of the hammock should hang about 8 inches off the ground when using it, so hang it about 5 to 6 feet high. Those familiar with how to hang a chair from the ceiling will likely recognize that hammocks sit quite a bit lower chairs. 

Q. What is the safest hammock? 

The safest hammock is one that can hold a user’s weight. Check product details for weight capacity, and always keep an eye on the stand. If the stand is rusting or cracking, consider buying a new frame or a new freestanding hammock altogether. 

Meet the Tester

Michelle Larson is a writer and editor with a lifetime of experience camping and using outdoor-living goods. She combines detailed research with hands-on testing to deliver straightforward, value-driven recommendations to help everyone enjoy their time outside a bit more.

Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor and Tiffany Lewis 

 

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