The Neal vs. The Astor: Which La-Z-Boy Recliner is Right For You?

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***Please note that the Neal Recliner is currently discontinued. If you like this review, take a look at some similar review articles.*** 

• Review of the Astor Recliner
• Review of the Rosewood Recliner
• Review of the Redwood Recliner

For over 90 years, La-Z-Boy has created many unique recliners for families to enjoy for generations.

However, with so many recliners in our showrooms and online, you might notice that some may look similar to each other. Don’t let this fool you; La-Z-Boy has not run out of ideas! 

Racha Pharaon, a design consultant at La-Z-Boy Kanata, tells us, “Though some recliners look similar, they are all unique in their own way.

By taking a closer look at both the Neal and Astor Recliners, you can see that they’re both taller recliners that provide maximum comfortability for larger users. 

With that being said, they are many differences that set these two recliners apart. 

This article will compare these two familial-looking recliners by examining their unique features, customer reviews, and which recliner is right for you.

In This Article…

1. Unique Features
2. Sizes & Dimensions
3. Options & Upgrades
4. Cost
5. Warranty
6. Customer Reviews
7. Neal vs. Astor: Which One is Right For You?
8. Neal vs. Astor: Comparison Breakdown

Unique Features

Comparatively speaking, there are many similarities and differences between the Neal and the Astor Recliner.

Key Differences

Starting with the Neal, this recliner is built to exude a neat and tailored look. Racha says, “Just by looking at this recliner, you can already tell it is huge.” This is because the Neal comes standard with many of La-Z-Boy’s “Tall” enhancements. 

Tall enhancements can be to any recliner. However, the Neal already comes standard with tall enhancements, featuring a taller base, elongated reclining handles, deep chaise seating, and high-density foam cushioning. 

In comparison, the Astor may not be our largest recliner, but it is definitely our tallest recliner. While this one is also built on a taller scale, it does not feature the same tall enhancements as the Neal.

The Neal is also made with a newly updated design that features an extra-long headrest. Racha also mentions the channelled cushioning, which is another feature that sets this recliner apart from the Astor.

Channelled cushioning helps keep your body in the middle of the seat, which helps keep you relaxed and comfortable.

While the vertical channelled cushions of the Neal help cradle your body, the Astor’s three horizontal cushions–shown on the tall pillowed back–can adjust to your body’s contours. The chaise seat and the padded flared arms provide optimal comfort.

Racha says that because Astor’s sitting is not vertical, its cushions will have a firmer feel to them. “There is definitely more of a firmness with the Astor, but both chairs are very puffy and cushiony.”

Further, “The stitching for the Neal and the Astor are different – the Neal has vertical stitching, while the  Astor has horizontal stitching, which is clearly shown when they are seen in leather,” she says.

Key Similarities

Although these two recliners have many differences, there are still some similarities between the two of them.

Aside from both of them having padded arms and deep seated cushions, they are both meant for taller users, as told by Racha.

One of the most significant similarities between the Neal and the Astor is their furniture frames, with both of them coming in a rocking recliner and a wall recliner. 

While not in a reclining position, rocking recliners allow you to rock in a smooth and graceful motion. Wall recliners can be placed mere inches away from a wall while still being able to recline fully.

There are also many similarities with their options and upgrades, which we will get into in the options and upgrades section.

Sizes & Dimensions

As mentioned before, both of these recliners are very big and not meant for any small users or small spaces. If you are looking for Recliners for Short People or Recliners for Small Spaces, refer to these articles for assistance.

Racha says that while the Neal is larger in width, the Astor has a taller scale by just 0.5”, living up to its reputation as one of the tallest recliners at La-Z-Boy. 

“Both recliners have a height and width that is meant for taller people, meaning anyone with a bigger or taller body size will enjoy sitting in these two recliners.” Both recliners have recommended seating for people with a height of 6’3” and up.

Before purchasing, it is always recommended to come in for a sit test to see if the Neal or the Astor is comfortable for your body type. To learn more, take a look at How to Find a Recliner That is The Best Fit For You.

Further, given that these two recliners are notably bigger than our other recliners, it is especially important to Measure Your Space before putting any new furniture in a room.

Here is a breakdown of both the Neal and the Astor Recliner, as well as the Astor Recliner.

Neal Recliner Dimensions (Inches)

Astor Recliner Dimensions (Inches)

Astor Power Lift Recliner Dimensions (Inches)

Options & Upgrades

When comparing each recliner, the Neal and the Astor both have plenty of options and upgrades to choose from – some similar and some different. Always remember that all options and upgrades to custom furniture will increase the price of your furniture. 

Fabric & Leather Options

La-Z-Boy has over 800 fabrics and leathers to choose from, making the experience of personalizing your furniture seemingly endless. 

Each recliner has select fabrics and leather that are specifically chosen to compliment the design of the Neal and the Astor. Presently, both recliners have a total of 10 select fabric covers, making both the Neal and the Astor one of the more large select fabric selections at La-Z-Boy. 

While they both have the same number of select fabrics, each recliner has different select fabric colours to choose from.

Further, both the Neal and the Astor also have the same number of select leather covers, being 2 select leathers. You can learn more about La-Z-Boy’s Leather Selection by checking out this article.

Select fabrics do not have an additional fee to the starting price. Should you choose to purchase any fabrics or leathers that are not included in Neal’s or Astor’s select fabric selection, you will be subjected to an additional fee. 

Leather options, even select leather, will always increase the overall cost. Ultimately, the choice of choosing fabric or leather is up to you if you’re willing to spend extra cash on leather products.

In addition to the cover options mentioned above, the Neal and the Astor are offered in specialty fabrics with unique features and benefits …

Stain Resistant Fabric

Innovative iClean Technology surrounds each fabric fibre, creating a barrier that repels spills before turning into stains.

Pet-Friendly Fabric

Tested and formulated to withstand the scratches and wear that a pet can cause to ensure a durable and easily washable fabric.

Antimicrobial Fabric

Antimicrobial properties surround each fibre to protect against mould, mildew, and odour-causing bacteria.

Performance

Superior stain and fade resistance properties make fabrics easy to clean and incredibly durable.

Eco-Friendly

Conserve Sustainable Fabrics are soft, durable and made from recycled water bottles.

Cushion Upgrade

At an additional cost, Neal’s and Astor’s cushions can also be upgraded to include firmer cushioning, meaning over time, your furniture will remember your unique figure and enhance the comfort of your furniture.

​For more information, view our Motion Furniture Collection catalogue and our in-depth Review of La-Z-Boy’s Chair and Sofa Seat Cushions.

*Please note that reclining furniture purchased before January 2021 had the option to upgrade to airform™ cushions.  This cushion includes a two-inch layer of premium quality memory foam added on top of the standard foam base within the seat, chaise, and leg rest of the unit.

Power Upgrade

Both Neal and Astor recliners have the ability to be upgraded to power. Instead of using a handle or a latch, like on the manual furniture, the power furniture has control panels on the side of each furniture piece, allowing you to recline at the touch of a button.

The rocking and wall recliners have a side-mounted 4-button control panel that reclines in multiple positions. Each power upgrade also has USB ports next to the control panels to charge your electronic devices.

If you are unsure of how to use the Neal or Astor control panels, check out La-Z-Boy Power Furniture: How to Use the Control Panel & Remote. 

Additionally, all power upgrades have the option to be cordless, thanks to our rechargeable battery pack. This allows you to use your power recliners anywhere without worrying about plugging them into an electrical outlet.

If you would like to learn more about battery packs, read this review of the rechargeable battery pack offered at La-Z-Boy.

Power Lift Recliner (Astor Only)

One upgrade that sets the Astor apart from the Neal is the ability to upgrade a power lift recliner.

The Astor Platinum Power Lift Recliner features a handy remote that can help raise the recliner up or down from off the ground. The remote also allows you to get in or out of the Astor or fully recline in several positions.

The seat and back move together in one smooth motion, eliminating gaps and providing full body support in all reclined positions. The power lift recliner also features a power tilt and independent back and legrest motion.

To learn more about the Astor Power Lift Recliner, take a look at this review article.

It is important to note that lift recliners only come in fabric and not leather. To learn more about lift recliners, check out the article What to Expect When Shopping at La-Z-Boy for Elderly People or People with Mobility Issues.

Adjustable Headrest & Lumbar Support

Both Neal and Astor power recliners can be further upgraded to include adjustable headrest support. 

With this, you can adjust the headrest with a power tilt to cradle your head and neck with the handy wired remote. 

Adjustable lumbar support is also offered for Neal and Astor power recliners. In this case, the lumbar support can expand or deflate to perfectly match the unique curvature of your lumbar spine. 

What’s more, the recliners each have two memory settings that allow you to save any of your favourite relaxing positions. This way, you can easily recline back to the position you favour quickly and accurately. 

To learn more about the headrest & lumbar upgrade, check out the Review of La-Z-Boy Power Recliners with the Headrest & Lumbar Feature.

Heat & Massage Upgrade (Astor Only)

Additionally, the Astor Power Lift Recliner can be upgraded to include Heat & Massage, something the Neal does not offer.

Customers can enjoy this incredibly comfortable lift recliner with two high & low heat settings and six motor-massage settings for their back and thighs. 

PowerReclineXR® is also included in this upgrade, which lets the user experience full reclining comfort in any position, thanks to an independently operating back and legrest.

To learn more, check out a Review of the Heat & Massage Upgrade at La-Z-Boy. 

Cost

Regarding cost, both the Neal and Astor recliners fall within the mid-high price range at La-Z-Boy.

Racha says that these recliners are considered more expensive “because of the amount of puffy cushioning and larger size.”

With that being said, the Neal recliner is slightly more expensive than the Astor recliner options, as shown in the table below. 

It is also important to note that La-Z-Boy furniture is considered more expensive in the market. The cost of all La-Z-Boy products, including the Neal and Astor,  is reflected in the quality of materials and craftsmanship. With this, the investment tends to be worthwhile if you are looking for long-lasting furniture.

To learn more about the Cost of a Recliner, or the Cost of a Lift Recliner, check out these articles.

Please note that La-Z-Boy prices listed in this article are subject to change without notice. Information is current as of June 6, 2023. Contact your local Ottawa or Kingston location by phone or in person for up-to-date pricing.

Warranty

The Neal and the Astor are covered by La-Z-Boy’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, which covers the repair or replacement of the frame, spring systems, and the mechanism, given that they are quality-crafted and built for long-lasting comfort.

While still quality-crafted, other aspects of the product, such as fabrics, leather, and cushion, are not meant to last a lifetime. However, these parts are still covered by the La-Z-Boy Manufacturer’s Warranty for a given time.

To learn more about the warranty at La-Z-Boy, take a look at the article Are La-Z-Boy Recliners Guaranteed for Life?

To further protect your purchase, La-Z-Boy offers an extended warranty plan at an additional cost.

Customer Reviews

The Neal and Astor recliners are both enjoyed by many La-Z-Boy customers. This table shows how our customers have rated each piece of furniture out of five.

Star ratings can only tell you so much. Here are some reviews from satisfied customers …

Neal Vs. Astor: Which One is Right For You?

Now that you know everything you need to know about both the Neal and the Astor recliners, there is still one question that remains unanswered. Which recliner is right for you? 

To help answer this question, let’s take a look at the budget, functionality, and style.

Firstly, when looking at the prices, there is definitely a lot to consider. As mentioned before, the cost of these recliners varies slightly, with the Neal having a more expensive bill than the Astor. 

Racha mentions that there is roughly a $200 price difference between the two recliner families. However, if you were interested in purchasing the Astor Lift Recliner, there is almost a $600 difference from Neal’s power recliners, meaning you’d be spending much more for Astor’s lift recliner than anything else.

At La-Z-Boy, we know how expensive our products can be, which is why we know we are not meant for everyone. However, with any high-quality purchase, our products are known to be an investment.

So, if you’re looking for furniture products that will last a long time, it might be worth spending a little bit more initially, so you don’t have to spend more on a new furniture item sooner than you think.

In terms of functionality, we’ve mentioned throughout this article that size is the defining factor for both of these chairs. The Neal and the Astor are both meant for larger individuals. 

If you are someone who is shorter than 6 feet or has a small space, you might not find these recliners enjoyable to sit in.

Racha explains, “These chairs are meant for open concept spaces and taller men and women who carry their weight in the shoulders. Not only can the Astor Lift Recliner be used for older individuals who have a hard time getting up, but it can also be used for people recovering from surgery or people who need a little help getting up from a seated position.”

Lastly, in terms of style, both recliners seem to have modern inspirations drawn from them. But, here are certain features that ensure that one is more traditional than the other. 

Racha informs us that people who like traditional furniture pieces might enjoy the Neal more than the Astor “Because of its puffier and more rounded arms.” Neal’s rounded arms are also one of the main reasons why this recliner is larger in width.

If you’re looking for a more modern recliner, the Astor Recliner might be the better choice for you.

If you want to learn more about Modern Recliners, take a look at this article.

Neal vs. Astor: Comparison Breakdown

Still not sure which recliner is right for you? Here is a recap of the comparisons made in this article … 

What's Next?

Now that you have a more knowledgeable understanding of both the Neal Recliner and the Astor Recliner, you can confidently decide which recliner is the right recliner for you. 

If you want to learn more about these recliners individually, both Neal and Astor have individual review articles that you can check out.

That said, Why not discover these recliners and our other furniture families in person?

You can start shopping by visiting one of our local showrooms located in Ottawa or Kingston. You can also schedule a visit online before coming in.

Our design consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how the Neal could fit in your home design. 

We also have other furniture comparison articles available, which you can find right here:

• Paxton vs. Alani
• Meyer vs. Collins

Related Articles:

Review of the Stratus Recliner

Recliner for Tall People

Secret Recliners at La-Z-Boy