Glider vs. Recliner vs. Rocker: What's Actually the Difference?

Listings use these words almost interchangeably, which makes comparison shopping harder than it needs to be. Here's what each one actually describes.

Rocker

The oldest, simplest mechanism - curved runners on the base let the whole chair tip forward and back in an arc, the same motion as a traditional rocking chair. Nothing reclines; the seat and back stay at a fixed angle relative to each other.

Glider

Instead of rocking on a curved base, a glider moves in a smooth forward-back arc along a fixed mechanism, usually feeling steadier and quieter than a true rocker. Many gliders also recline a bit, but the defining feature is the gliding motion itself, not the recline.

Recliner

Defined by the backrest and footrest angle changing - the seated position itself changes, not just the chair's position in space. A recliner may or may not glide or rock; some do both, which is where "glider recliner" as a combined term comes from.

Power vs. manual applies to any of these

Regardless of which motion a chair uses, it can be either manually operated (you push, pull, or lever it into position) or powered (a motor does that work via remote). See our breakdown of whether the motor is worth the extra cost for that specific decision.

See the full review of a power glider recliner with all three motions combined.