I cannot think of a better way to spend an afternoon than lounging on a luxe pool float like this one. From Frontgate, a brand which will—spoiler alert—make multiple appearances on our list, this lounger is the ideal pick for adults who like to keep it simple. 

There’s no inflation required; this foam mat is ready to use out of the box; just unroll and climb on. The built-in pillow is the chef’s kiss as far as comfort goes, and the foam material never overheated in the direct sun. 

Another good sign is that during our weeks of testing, we never noticed any fading or degradation, which bodes well for its longevity. To avoid damage, we won’t be dragging it across the pool deck when pulling it out and putting it away, but I’d say it’s a good idea to avoid that sort of roughness with any of our picks.  

While certainly not our the only criteria, it’s worth noting this float is comfortable to use wet or dry, so if you’re the kind of person who likes to alternate between floating and laying out on the pool deck as you dry off, you’ll easily be able to pull this one to shore for that. Just be warned that, unlike a few of our other picks, there’s no attached cupholder for this one. 

In between uses, we stored it leaned up against the fence. If you don’t have that sort of space, we could see rolling it up in between uses to be a bit of a pain. When it first arrived, it took a few full days to fully flatten, and we’re not eager to repeat that. 

_{Dimensions: ‎74 x 26 x 2 inches | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Recommended Age: Not listed}

Confession: I am new to the world of water hammocks, but I’m already very impressed. If you like options as you float, you’ll be a fan of this clever design.

Picture a mesh, hammock-style seat suspended between two inflated arm rests. The mesh hangs into the pool with you in it, and the armrests (or head rests, or foot rests, depending on your mood) stay afloat, so you can use it as a hammock, chair, drifter, or saddle.  

This versatility is easy to come by, too. To inflate the cushions, our tester used a portable tire pump. She estimated it took her about 30 seconds to get it set up (her exact words were “quick and hassle-free”).

The multipurpose design is really what makes this float such a great option (coming from someone who regularly contorts pool noodles in an attempt to get more comfortable!). Our tester also noticed how, even in her hot Florida climate, the material remained cool to the touch. 

We’ve also been pleased that after encountering the edges of the pool on windy days, it hasn’t sustained any noticeable wear and tear. 

Overall, we’re big fans of this option, and we consider it a great value (we do wish it came with a pump, but with such a low price, it’s a reasonable omission). However, note that it does require a bit more balance than some other options, and it’s not as supportive in certain positions.  

_{Dimensions: 44 x 26 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Recommended Age: 15 years and up}

If you want comfort and convenience, look no further than the Ledge Laze Hammock.

Similar to our most versatile pick, this float has two cushions on either end, with a mesh hammock in between them. In this case, however, there’s no inflation needed—it arrives filled with buoyant foam beads.

For added convenience, it also has built-in straps that make it easy to carry and store. There are also removable foam pillows, so you can machine-wash the cover (which is very unique among pool floats!).

We also have a lot of faith in the material and overall durability, too. In fact, our tester even called it “outdoor-proof,” speculating that it wouldn’t have any issues with sunlight or pool edges. 

Like any hammock-style float, it may be awkward for some to get into a comfortable position. Our 5-foot-five tester noticed that she wasn’t able to lay flat, which comes with the territory for this style.   

This float is one of the pricier options on our list, but given its comfort, portability, durability, and extra features, we think it could be right for some users–and we’re also understanding of the cost given that it’s handmade to order.

_{Dimensions: 44 x 30  inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Recommended Age: Not listed}

Another Frontgate offering, the Lana King Pool Float is fit for a king or queen. The massive size can accommodate two people laying side-by-side, or a solo user with arms outstretched. 

It’s made with heavy-duty Sunbrella material that manages to be both attractive and comfortable, and proved to be impressively quick to dry. In between float sessions, the spacious design is comfortable both in the water and on dry land, with buoyant foam beads doubling as cushioning. 

It doesn’t get too puffy either, and stays reasonably low to the water level (it’s only 6 inches tall), so we didn’t have any trouble climbing on or off. A removable strap makes it easy to pull out of the water or attach a drink caddy. 

The shape and size does, however, make it really tricky to store, and there’s not really a way to fold or break it down once pool season is over. You’ll likely want to keep it in a garage or storage shed (we initially tried to store it in a closet and found it way too cumbersome). 

As long as you have the space though, we think you’d be hard-pressed to find something that has as much to offer when it comes to size, comfort, and quality.  

_{Dimensions: 73 x 58 x 6‎ inches | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds | Recommended Age: Not listed}

Funboy’s version of the classic inner tube is hard to beat–it’s fun, easy to use, and the brand deserves an extra shout-out for the stylish colors and retro designs it offers. 

This one stayed comfortably inflated during our testing window with no noticeable air escaping. We also noted it was never uncomfortably hot in the sun, and that the donut-shaped design was great for letting us stay partially submerged (it’s not the float for you, however, if you prefer to fully recline or want a cushion that keeps you out of the water completely).

Our tester used an electric air pump to inflate this tube (not included), which made the process really straightforward and easy for her. The valve is smartly designed so that air doesn’t escape when you remove the pump (or take a break to catch your breath). And then, when you’re ready to deflate it, you can pull the tab so air quickly escapes.

The built-in cupholder is one of our favorite features for the added convenience it provides. We did miss having a handle for better grip when you’re moving it from shore to pool, but overall, as our tester put it, the “design and functionality were excellent.”

_{Dimensions: 50 inch diameter | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Recommended Age: 14 years}

For those who love to lounge, this mat has a lot in common with our best overall pick (the Frontgate Resort Pool Float), only in a more pared down package. 

It’s super convenient since it doesn’t require any inflation, and it’s very comfortable for lounging and laying fully reclined. There’s a built-in headrest, too. 

The differences? It’s roughly 4 inches shorter, 1/4-inch thinner, and has a weight limit that’s 100 pounds less, at 250 pounds. The material is also smooth and free of any texture.

The buoyant foam construction is lightweight for carrying to and from the pool, though it is a bit bulky to store in between swim sessions. It can be rolled up, and we may be a bit more inclined to do that with this float than our best overall—but it takes up some space (like a rolled-up sleeping bag). 

The material feels relatively durable, but our tester did notice a few marks on the surface after leaving it in the water for a while—so, you’ll want to plan accordingly and give it the chance to dry when it’s not in use. And we do wish there was a cupholder, too.  

_{Dimensions: 70 x 26 x 1.75 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Recommended Age: Adult}

This floating lounger gives you the best of both worlds, in my opinion—your upper body can be out of the water, while your lower half can dip into the pool. Your legs can dangle in the water, or you can prop them on the lower edge of this float.

The fabric is comfortable too, and for added relaxation there’s a built-in drink holder, so your favorite summer beverages never have to be more than an arm’s length away. 

It also has a handy fold-up design and comes with a carrying case for easy transport. The valve system is also really clever and doesn’t allow extra air to escape (which will help if you ever find yourself blowing it up on the go). 

We did note that it’s tricky to get into this float by swimming up to it; instead, it’s much smoother to step in and sit down in from a step or shallow area (which is common for floats!). 

During our initial weeks of testing, this float held up well. Our savvy tester, however, did compare this to a similar float that they’re experienced with, and noted the possibility of fabric bleaching, so we’re keeping an eye on that. In the meantime, we’re appreciating its overall comfort and convenience, especially for on-the-go usage.

_{Dimensions: 17 x 17 x  2.5 inches | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Recommended Age: 15 years}

If your top priority for your pool float are the vibes it creates, then look no further. This pick includes solar-powered color-changing lights, creating a fun and pretty scene that reflects on your water. 

Along with the visuals it creates, there are two cupholders for your convenience (maybe one for a drink and one for a mini waterproof speaker?). 

Of course, we wouldn’t recommend it if it wasn’t also comfortable. The backrest is supportive, and the seat is easy to get in and out of, and the design makes it easy to reach around the float tube to paddle with your arms and hands.

What’s especially nice about the lights is that they don’t take much effort or maintenance from you—they charge in the sun, and glow when it gets dark. Even when it’s not in use, the lights make for a colorful, fun sight that our tester enjoyed while having drinks by their pool. 

We’re confident in this float’s construction in a pool setting, but be warned if a pet with sharp claws got to it, or you tried it in a river, it feels like it could be punctured. This reality, and the bulky size (which was a frequent issue with many of our picks) are the main hiccups we could see with this otherwise fun and festive float.

_{Dimensions: 47 x 47 x  inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Recommended Age: Adults}