The Different Types Of Backyard Hammocks (& Which Is Best On A Budget)

Is there a more cozy backyard essential than a hammock? It lets you rock under the bright sunshine, its comfy cocoon enveloping you as all your worries and cares float away. Even just reading this might make you want to hop into the nearest one. But before you head over to a random strangers yard and scare them silly, why not learn a little more about the different types out there and which are best for your budget? After all, like everything else in the world, hammocks come in varying sizes, shapes, and designs. 

While you're bound to get the same comfort out of most of these, there might be one type that suits your needs better than the others. From rope and quilted to Brazilian and Mayan, there are a fair few options, each offering a slightly different experience when lounging. Another perk is that some can be thrown in the washing machine so they're easy to clean for summer. The good news is once you get your own, you won't need to sneak into a neighbor's yard and risk a turf war!

Let's begin with the most traditional style: Mayan hammocks. Even thousands of years ago, the Mayans used the time-honored craft of hammock-making to build these cocoon-style loungers or beds. The styles on offer today are replicas of these. 

These designs are shaped like cocoons to keep you from tumbling out while you sleep, which is why these are great for if you plan to snooze in your hammock. The sides pull up around you, keeping you nested inside while still allowing for air flow thanks to their light material. They also offer large sizing so multiple people can fit inside. Budget-wise, Mayan hammocks seem to range from $80 to over $100, making them among the pricier options. However, this Breezy Point hammock from Amazon can easily fit two and costs just $89.99. You can hang these between two trees, posts, or any other solid items that will hold some weight. They are also very popular for camping and used as sleeping bags or just a place to relax.

Brazilian hammocks are similar to the Mayan designs in a lot of ways. Their woven cloth provides comfort as well as support for those who want to nap, rest, read, or just hang out. However, they're slightly smaller than the Mayan versions, so they're better if you're working with less space. They still offer the cocoon shape that keeps you secured inside, though, and the airy fabric allows for a cozy respite whenever you're in the mood to take a load off. 

With a deep-set interior that allows you to "sink" into the lowest center of gravity when inside, it's almost impossible to fall out of a Brazilian hammock. They're usually secured to poles or trees with suspension ropes, though you can also DIY your own TikTok stand if you're up for the challenge. Brazilian beds are also great for camping because you can sleep in them off of the ground and nearly enclosed. You can find them in small, double, or family size. Target sells them for as low as $14.99, making them the most affordable options for a standard hammock.

American hammocks might be the type you're used to seeing around your neighborhood, and they have one very significant difference to Brazilian and Mayan style loungers. Unlike the cocoon shape, American versions have what's called a spreader bar. This rod stretches the rope, netting, or cloth out for a more flattened bed that doesn't completely wrap around you. Once you're inside your American hammock, you'll still sink down toward the center of gravity, but these flatter versions resemble the more typical sleeping system that you're used to. 

The spreader bar also makes it easier to get in and out of your hammock, as it helps keep everything a little more balanced. While they can be made from different kinds of materials, rope and net are the standard. And similarly to the Brazilian hammocks, they can be hung from suspension cables between trees, solid objects, or standalone bases. They start around $60 (check out this one on Amazon) and go up from there depending on their size and material.

A spin on the American hammock is the quilted version. There are a number of benefits to these designs, mainly because they're thicker and made with materials meant to offer more support. If you enjoy sleeping in your hammock, quilted selections are meant to insulate — great for when using them in cooler weather. The fabric also protects the entire piece from mildew and other fungal growth, maintaining the piece's integrity so it lasts longer. There's polyfill inside the material, which is usually made to be weatherproof. This extra layer of cushioning is a big difference from the rope versions and the single layer of fabric in other hammocks. 

When deciding between a quilted or standard American hammock, it really comes down to preference and what you will be using it for. Prices vary between $50 and $500, the latter leaning toward those that come with a base rather than suspension ties. For more budget-friendly options, Amazon has quilted designs starting at $42.99.

Hammock chairs are the biggest differentiation from all the other types simply because they're smaller and built in a more chair-like fashion for one person. They're still very relaxing, but you're mostly limited to semi-upright positions or those similar to what you get from a recliner. And while you can sink down into the chair, it's trickier to lay fully down unless you're very small or flexible. 

The other factor to consider when it comes to hammock chairs is that they seem to be one of the more expensive options. This could be because they require a stand more often than not so that they can hang independently of a tree beam. There are models that can be hung with a suspension cable, though, so if you have a branch, tree, or area that can hold a hammock chair, there are less expensive choices. The standalone models that come with their own base range on the higher side, starting around $185 for the Sunnydaze Outdoor Hanging Hammock and going into the thousands. But the suspension versions, which can be used indoors or outdoors, cost between $20 and $100 (here's one on Amazon for $69.99).