Great question—and it really depends on the style and intended use of the benches.
If you're looking at lightweight, foldable, or modular benches (like those made from aluminum, resin, or thin wood slats), then yes, they are generally easy to move around. Some even come with built-in handles or are designed to be carried by one or two people. These are perfect for spaces where you like to rearrange the layout often, such as a patio or deck where you host parties, or a garden bench you want to reposition to chase the sun or shade throughout the day.
On the other hand, heavy-duty benches made from thick teak, stone, concrete, or cast iron are much harder to move. They're built for stability against wind, weather, and daily use. If you have a public park, a commercial courtyard, or a windy beachfront property, you’ll likely need to bolt these down—not just to prevent theft, but to prevent tipping or sliding. Some models include pre-drilled anchor holes for that exact purpose.
So here's the short version: If you want flexibility in your outdoor seating, go with a medium-weight, portable bench. If safety, permanence, or weight capacity are priorities, then a bolted-down bench is the better choice. In a home garden where mobility is nice but weather isn't extreme, I'd personally recommend a portable bench with a solid metal frame and removable cushions—easy to move, but stable enough for real use.