Should you even care? It’s just a chair, right? Do you really need one of the best gaming chairs? Sure, some folks take their choice of gaming throne a little more seriously than others. But the fact of the matter is, between work and play, us gamers put in some long hours in our chairs. It makes sense to find something comfortable and supportive.
If you’re noticing your back hurting during gaming or even after you get up, it might be time to seek aid. I myself switched to a quality chair a couple of years ago, and I’ve never looked back. Now, the new chair didn’t completely eliminate my back pain. But alongside the habit of taking regular breaks, the pain has diminished to the point that it’s not taking up valuable headspace (and gaming time) anymore.
Resources for further research:
- The Top TV Chairs for Console Gaming
- The Most Comfortable Bean Bag Chairs
- 10 Chairs for Big and Tall Gamers
There’s no practical way to test out every chair before you find “the one.” So we’ve laid the groundwork for you. Below, you’ll find our list of the 22 best gaming chairs followed by our things to look for and chair buying guide.
Zoom Out: Top 22 Gaming Chairs Comparison
For a closer look at HGG’s top console and best gaming chairs picks, head to our Zoom In section below.
Image | Chair | Type | Styles | Weight | Verdict | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. SecretLab Omega | Racing Seat | 21 | 66 lbs | Best chair overall | ||
2. GTRACING GT099 | Racing Seat | 7 | 50 lbs | Best value chair | ||
3. Respawn 900 | Swivel Recliner | 5 | 49 lbs | Best living room gaming recliner | ||
4. SecretLab Titan Evo 2022 | Racing Seat | 19 | 77 lbs | Best high-end chair | ||
5. X Rocker Pro Series H3 | Rocker | 1 | 17 lbs | Best rocker chair w/ speakers | ||
6. OFM Essentials Racing Style | Racing Seat | 9 | 37 lbs | Best around $100 | ||
7. noblechairs ICON | Office Chair | 4 | 62 lbs | Best leather chair | ||
8. E-WIN Calling Series Racing Style | Racing Seat | 10 | 50 lbs | Best budget racing chair | ||
9. Anda Seat Dark Wizard | Office Chair | 1 | 73 lbs | Most comfortable chair | ||
10. Devoko Massage Gaming Recliner | Theatre Seat | 2 | 50 lbs | Best TV chair | ||
11. AKRacing California Series | Racing Seat | 3 | 60 lbs | Best small gaming chair | ||
12. Corsair T2 Road Warrior | Big & Tall Racing Seat | 5 | 54 lbs | Best big gaming chair | ||
13. Homall High-Back Racing | Big & Tall Racing Seat | 7 | 42 lbs | Best value big gaming chair | ||
14. Respawn 200 | Racing Seat | 5 | 51 lbs | Best mesh chair | ||
15. Flash Furniture Articulate Mesh | Task Chair | 16 | 37 lbs | Best office chair for gaming | ||
16. X Rocker Trident Pedestal | Pedestal | 1 | 40 lbs | Best pedestal gaming chair | ||
17. Razer Iskur | Racing Seat | 1 | 67 lbs | Best lumbar support | ||
18. Big Joe Dorm Bean Bag | Bean Bag Chair | 6 | 5 lbs | Best bean bag | ||
19. Steelcase Leap | Task Chair | 6 | 46 lbs | Best ergonomic chair | ||
20. Respawn 110 | Racing Seat | 10 | 52 lbs | Most popular chair | ||
21. Embody Gaming Chair by Herman Miller x Logitech G | Task Chair | 1 | 52 lbs | Best splurge | ||
22. Cooler Master Caliber R2 | Racing Seat | 1 | 48 lbs | HGG Team pick |
Zoom In: A Closer Look at the Top 22 Chairs
Now let’s take an in-depth look at the top TV and PC gaming chairs from the section above. Surely, you will find something to take your man cave (or woman cave) to the next level.
1. Secretlab Omega
The most popular gaming chair
Manufacturer: SecretLab | Type: Racing Seat | Material: PU or Genuine Leather | Weight: 66 lbs | Weight Capacity: 240 lbs | Recline: 165° | Colors: 21 | Price: 💰💰💰
The Omega is Secretlab’s best-selling flagship chair. Our favorite part? You can customize the Omega to your heart’s content using Secretlab’s slick website. We’ve got a hands-on review of the chair right here.
Choose a more subtle styling, or go all out — mild or wild, it’s your choice. Quality components, quick delivery, and up to 49-day returns have further elevated Secretlab’s Omega (and their other models) in terms of popularity. They now have a legitimate claim to the throne for the King of gaming chairs.
You can get the Omega in your choice of vegan PRIME PU Leather, Softweave Fabric, or luxurious NAPA leather. NAPA leather is featured in many luxury car seats as well as high-end boutique leather goods like designer bags and wallets. We wouldn’t necessarily classify NAPA leather as a need in the whole need vs. want debate, but hey, we’re talking gaming chairs here. And honestly, it does roll off the tongue quite nicely.
- USERS LIKE
- Industry-leading design
- Great customer support and website
- Cool Game of Thrones and superhero editions
- USERS DISLIKE
- Thin head and neck pillows
- Too small for individuals over 6 foot
- No adjustable lumbar support like the Titan
2. GTRACING GT099
The best value gaming chair
Manufacturer: GTRACING | Type: Racing Seat | Material: PU Leather | Weight: 50 lbs | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs | Recline: 170° | Colors: 7 | Price: 💰
Many a gaming chair is paired with an eye-popping price tag. Not this one! For gamers on a budget, GTRACING found a way to offer a feature-rich racing style gaming chair for under $150. Quality PU leather, neck and lumbar pillows, adjustable armrests, and reclining from 90-170° round out this chair nicely. Add that all together, and you’ve found our pick for the best gaming chair for the money.
It isn’t a slouch in the looks department, either. The GT099 model features stylish racing stripes, matching pillows, and colorful accents on the five-star base. Plus, GTRACING offers this gaming chair in 10 color styles, so you’re sure to find one that looks sweet with your setup. Another nice feature? The GT099 can rock back and forth — making it the fidget spinner of chairs.
- USERS LIKE
- Neck and lumbar pillows
- Best looking chair under $150
- Attractive design offered in many colors
- USERS DISLIKE
- PU leather can get warm
- Not much in the way of ergonomic features
- Plastic parts, stitching, upholstery not super durable
3. Respawn 900 Recliner
The best gaming reclining chair for the living room
Manufacturer: Respawn | Type: Swivel Recliner| Material: PU Leather | Weight: 49 lbs | Weight Capacity: 275 lbs | Recline: 135° | Colors: 5 | Price: 💰💰
The Respawn 900 Gaming Style Recliner is Respawn’s latest model. In our humble opinion, the absolute must-have feature on this chair is the cup holder built into the left arm. Another round of drinks, you say?
In addition, there’s a removable side pouch that hangs off the left arm that’s easy to access too. And Respawn didn’t stop at 135 degrees of recline — they’ve also built in a fully extendable footrest for ultimate comfort while gaming. It doesn’t get better than the Respawn 900 for comfortable, laid back play sessions.
- USERS LIKE
- Fully extendable footrest
- Available in black, grey, blue, red, white
- Reclines up to 135 degrees and swivels 360 degrees
- USERS DISLIKE
- Limited warranty
- Lacks lumbar support
- No right side cup holder
4. Secretlab Titan Evo 2022
The best high-end PC gaming chair
Manufacturer: SecretLab | Type: Racing Seat | Material: PU, Fabric, or Genuine Leather | Weight: 76 lbs | Weight Capacity: 285 lbs | Recline: 165° | Colors: 30+ | Price: 💰💰💰💰
A chair of godly proportions, the Secretlab Titan EVO 2022 is the latest edition of the Titan bloodline that continues to exceed our expectations.
The Titan Evo features 3 different material options, and almost too many colors and special edition styles to count. But the customization doesn’t stop there. This gaming chair package is one of the most polished we’ve seen and exemplifies Secretlab’s keen attention to detail. From the precise stitching to the fluid adjustment knobs, to the robust 77-pound frame and aluminum base, the build quality of this chair is top tier.
We also dig the integrated lumbar adjustment system knob. By twisting this knob located on the side of the backrest, the lumbar zone of the chair protrudes or recedes to your preference — sort of like a built-in adjustable lower back cushion. This chair has received one of our best review scores to date. At an eye-popping regular price of $500, we encourage our readers to look for it on sale. Secretlab will sometimes get pretty aggressive with their sales, and at these times, we’ve seen some of their models up to $200 off.
We’ve featured specs for the “Regular” size, but keep in mind that Secretlab produces the Titan Evo in a Small size (<5’6″) and in XL (5’11”-6’9″). Making it one of the most versatile chair styles in our list, and one of the best gaming chairs for large gamers.
- USERS LIKE
- Lumbar adjustment knob
- Red stitching with black is lovely
- Titanic 77 pound chair (also could be a con)
- USERS DISLIKE
- Added on comfort features are spendy
- Some users do not like the firmer padding
- Cost — time to sell some of those bitcoin gains
5. X Rocker Pro Series H3
The best rocker gaming chair with speakers
Manufacturer: X Rocker | Type: Baseless Rocking Chair | Material: PU Leather | Weight: 17 lbs | Weight Capacity: 275 lbs | Recline: N/A | Colors: 1 | Price: 💰💰
The X Rocker Pro Series H3 is hands-down the best all-purpose gaming chair for the living room.
The four integrated front speakers and 4-inch subwoofer offer plenty of oomph. Supplement that oomph with the vibration motors that sync with the audio’s bass tones, and you have a force to be reckoned with. Another neat feature about this model is that you can connect this to other X Rocker chairs and play in multi-game mode. It’s sure to be a smash hit at your next LAN party.
- USERS LIKE
- Great sound quality
- Rocking motion is nice when gaming
- Vibration makes games and movies even more immersive
- USERS DISLIKE
- Slight latency with the wireless audio
- Chair is pretty heavy and hard to move
- Users say vinyl upholstery can fade in direct sunlight
6. OFM Essentials Racing Chair
Best gaming chair around $100
Manufacturer: OFM | Type: Racing Seat | Material: PU Leather | Weight: 37 lbs | Weight Capacity: 275 lbs | Recline: 125° | Colors: 9 | Price: 💰
If you must find a gaming chair under $100, we’ve got one you need to check out: the OFM Essentials Racing Style Chair. With a whopping 9 colors to choose from, they’ve likely got your favorite color calling your name. Notably, some colors are priced higher than others — we’ve seen the green color as low as $65. But in most cases, this chair will leave you around $80 lighter.
The two-tone design and contoured padding are aesthetically pleasing. It may not deliver the same number of style points that a full racing style chair does, but there’s no denying its got some flair.
- USERS LIKE
- Armrests flip-up
- Sub $100 price
- Looks sharp for a cheap chair
- USERS DISLIKE
- Few ergonomic features
- No lumbar or neck pillow
- Armrests aren’t height or width adjustable
7. Noblechairs ICON
The best leather gaming chair
Manufacturer: noblechairs | Type: Office Chair | Material: PU or Genuine Leather | Weight: 62 lbs | Weight Capacity: 330 lbs | Recline: 135° | Colors: 4 | Price: 💰💰💰💰
German gaming brand Noblechairs makes some exceptional equipment for gamers. If you’re not a fan of the oftentimes gaudy appearances of some of the racing type chairs, Noblechairs’ ICON chair has an understated and elegant look. The chair’s quilted pattern on the backrest — and metal accents throughout — both exude style and professionalism.
In fact, Noblechair’s entire line-up of gaming chairs is beautifully crafted and designed with world-class ergonomics and components. One prominent standout feature worth mentioning in the ICON Series Chair is the genuine leather upholstery option. Get real top grain leather or go all-out luxurious with Nappa leather. Read more about Noblechairs in our hands-on review of the ICON Real Leather Midnight Blue and Graphite model.
- USERS LIKE
- Genuine leather is premium quality
- Classy looking quilted pattern on backrest
- Choose from PU, top-grain, or Nappa leather
- USERS DISLIKE
- No padding on the armrests
- Premium quality = premium price
- Neck and lumbar pillows aren’t great
8. E-WIN Calling Series
The best budget racing gaming chair
Manufacturer: E-WIN | Type: Racing Seat | Material: PU Leather | Weight: 50 lbs | Weight Capacity: 275 lbs | Recline: 155° | Colors: 10 | Price: 💰 💰
If you simply want a racing chair with the key features for a fair price, look no further than E-WIN. Of course, with a sub $250 price, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. But E-WIN delivers the chassis in a surprisingly stylish package.
The combination of PVC materials on the sides and bottom, soft PU leather upholstery, and a nylon base is a formula for success in the gaming chair world. E-WIN followed this formula well and found a way to offer the goods for a fair price. This Calling Series Racing Chair is a serious contender for the best cheap racing style gaming chair for the money.
Interested in hearing more? You can read our full review here.
- USERS LIKE
- Easy assembly
- Adjustable arms and backrest
- Better than average poly leather
- USERS DISLIKE
- Narrow seat and armrests
- Wiggle/play in the backrest
- Material doesn’t breathe well
9. Anda Seat Dark Wizard
The most comfortable PC gaming chair
Manufacturer: Anda Seat | Type: Office Chair | Material: PU Leather | Weight: 73 lbs | Weight Capacity: 400 lbs | Recline: 160° | Colors: 1 | Price: 💰💰💰💰
Anda Seat is one of the leading gaming chair brands in Asia, and they are making their move on the US market. If you have a penchant for extra pillowy seating such as La-Z-Boy type chairs, Anda Seat’s Dark Wizard chair will be right up your alley. We should know. One of our team members uses this chair on a daily basis, and they now turn up their noses at the sight of lesser chairs. It is easily one of the best gaming chairs under $400.
One of the highlights of this chair is the included neck and lumbar pillows with extra cushioning. The unique deluxe neck pillow that comes with this chair accommodates the neck and head exceptionally well. A matching lumbar pillow will care for your back, while a high-density foam padded seat unit takes care of the rest.
It is a shame that they decided to skimp out on the armrests, which unfortunately don’t feature any padding. That didn’t stop it from making our list — the sleek all-black style with a premium presence and feel won’t disappoint. We have a full review of the chair here, if you want a closer look at all the details.
- USERS LIKE
- Pillowy neck and lumbar cushions
- Carbon fiber leather and black color is sleek
- 30 day trial period + 18-month comprehensive warranty
- USERS DISLIKE
- Very heavy
- No armrest padding
- Lesser known brand
10. Devoko Massage Gaming Recliner
The best chair for gaming in front of the TV.
Manufacturer: Devoko | Type: Theatre Seat | Material: PU Leather | Weight: 50 lbs | Weight Capacity: 280 lbs | Recline: 160° | Colors: 2 | Price: 💰
A recent addition to our list, the Devoko massaging gaming recliner is an excellent choice for those gaming on a TV. The faux leather is comfortable, and the massaging feature is going to create a perfect way to relax. The installation is a breeze, and Devoko also includes a 12 month warranty and easy-to-reach customer service. Relative to many of the chairs on our list, this is a smaller chair and as such we do not recommend it for taller and/or heavier gamers.
- USERS LIKE
- Solid build for the price
- Easy to move due to it’s size
- Quick assembly under 5 minutes
- USERS DISLIKE
- Massage feature is a little weak
- Armrests aren’t very comfortable
- The lumbar pillow is not removable
11. AKRacing California Gaming Chair
The best small gaming chair
Manufacturer: AKRacing | Type: Racing Seat | Material: PU Leather | Weight: 60 lbs | Weight Capacity: 330 lbs | Recline: 165° | Colors: 3 | Price: 💰💰
For women and men of shorter stature, there are pretty slim pickins when it comes to gaming chairs. Californian company AKRacing decided to fix this problem with the one-of-a-kind Californian Series.
Most gaming chair manufacturers design chairs for men and seem to think the bigger and heavier the chair, the better. If you’re on the shorter side, say under 5 feet 2 inches, and you want a high-quality gaming chair, this is it. It’s assembled in minutes and boasts fantastic craftsmanship for petite folk.
For more gaming chair options for those gamers with a smaller stature, check out our best gaming chairs for short people roundup.
- USERS LIKE
- Quick assembly
- Quality build and pillows
- Great for shorter individuals under 5’2”
- USERS DISLIKE
- Pricey for the size
- Only 3 color styles
- Armrests are too easy to move side-to-side
12. Corsair T2 Road Warrior
The best gaming chair for big individuals
Manufacturer: Corsair| Type: Big Racing Seat | Material: PU Leather | Weight: 54 lbs | Weight Capacity: 400 lbs | Recline: 170° | Colors: 5 | Price: 💰💰💰💰
The ultra-tall back and wide seat of the T2 Road Warrior is suited for the big dawg gamers. With a weight limit of 300 pounds and accommodating heights over 6 foot 6 inches, even the Dr. Disrespects of the world will be happy as a clam in this chair. A solid steel chassis will handle everything you throw at it, and the perforated PU leather and matching seat cushions offer comfort in style.
Plus, Corsair is renowned in the gaming world, and their customer service is top-notch. Expect reliable performance and overall quality with the T2 Road Warrior.
- USERS LIKE
- Trusted gaming brand
- Rollerblade wheels are super fast
- Contoured padding is comfortable
- USERS DISLIKE
- PU leather isn’t very breathable
- Five-star base constructed with plastic
- Users say the armrests are uncomfortable
13. Homall High-Back Racing Chair
The best value gaming chair for larger individuals
Manufacturer: Homall | Type: Big Racing Seat | Material: PU Leather | Weight: 42 lbs | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs | Recline: 180° | Colors: 7 | Price: 💰
This High-Back Racing Style Chair from Homall is a plus-sized gaming throne. It may not have all the bells-and-whistles, but heavyset gamers will be hard-pressed to find a gaming chair that’s better for the money.
What kinda features are we talking? The Homall Racer has an upgraded Class-3 gas lift verified by SGS that supports up to 300 pounds. Homall also offers this chair in multiple colors — even pink and purple! It doesn’t have much in the way of ergonomics, but you can recline the backrest up to 180 degrees for a mid-match catnap.
- USERS LIKE
- Under $150
- Supports up to 300 pounds
- Stylish big chair in 7 colors
- USERS DISLIKE
- Nonadjustable arm rests
- Seat and back need more padding
- Users report the chair is top-heavy and prone to tipping
14. Respawn 200
The best mesh gaming chair
Manufacturer: Respawn | Type: Racing Seat | Material: Mesh Fabric | Weight: 51 lbs | Weight Capacity: 275 lbs | Recline: 130° | Colors: 5 | Price: 💰💰
A unique looking chair, the Respawn 200 comes in significantly lower than most quality gaming chairs that hover around the $300 price point. Not only does it have a flair of its own — with the side panels bolstering the headrest part of the chair — Respawn also incorporates mesh in the high-back area. For gamers who run a little on the warmer side, the boost in breathability will be a welcome feature.
In addition to these fresh design elements, there’s also an integrated lumbar support unit. We hadn’t seen this type of lumbar support in a chair yet. It is difficult to adjust, but it does get the job done. Indeed, the chair isn’t flawless, and the look may not be for everyone. But give points to Respawn for trying new things in a space that sorely lacks innovation. For more information about this chair, head to our full-page review.
- USERS LIKE
- Unique appearance
- Dedicated lumbar support
- Mesh backing helps you stay cool
- USERS DISLIKE
- Not the best for shorter individuals
- Adjustment levers are hard to reach
- The width of the armrests cannot be adjusted
15. Flash Furniture Articulate Mesh Chair
The best office chair for gaming
Manufacturer: Flash Furniture | Type: Task Chair | Material: Mesh Fabric | Weight: 37 lbs | Weight Capacity: 250 lbs | Recline: 125° | Colors: 16 | Price: 💰💰💰
The Mid-Back Black Mesh Chair with Triple Paddle Control by Flash Furniture is a fantastic one-size-fits-all chair. It has enough adjustment mechanisms and ventilation to keep you comfortable through extended periods of sitting. And it’s one of the most well-priced ergonomic office chairs on the market.
If you love leather, the Black Leather Executive Office Chair with Triple Paddle Control is the mesh’s chairs leather equivalent, and it features a slightly higher back that’s well worth a look. It features the same comprehensive customization as the mesh version with the extra-large paddles, but the extra-high back (adjusts up to 21 inches tall) is a sweet treat for larger gamers. The finishing touch? Flash Furniture’s contoured design adds a nice professional look that you simply can’t pass up.
- USERS LIKE
- Thick seat padding
- One size fits all chair and 10 colors
- Extra-large paddles makes adjusting easy
- USERS DISLIKE
- Backrest fabric not very comfortable
- Armrests can be too tall to fit under lower desks
- Difficult to assemble, caster wheels hard to attach
16. X Rocker Trident Pedestal
The best pedestal gaming chair
Manufacturer: X Rocker | Type: Pedestal | Material: PU Leather | Weight: 40 lbs | Weight Capacity: 250 lbs | Recline: No | Colors: 1 | Price: 💰💰
X Rocker is one of the OGs of gaming chairs and a popular brand in the eSports community. They’ve got 17 years of making fun and sturdy gaming furniture- which is something many brands just simply can’t match. Their newest pedestal chair lineup is definitely worth a gander, as it’s loaded with top-notch ergonomics, built in speakers, and a rang of styles.
For our roundup, we chose the X Rocker Trident as the standout among the others. The Trident features a 4.1 Wireless Audio System, and a subwoofer that will enhance your gameplay or movie watching with real-time vibration. The pedestal base is more suitable for carpet, just make sure there is enough space to utilize the swivel action.
- USERS LIKE
- Easy to assemble
- Sound quality is superb
- Perfect option for console gaming, especially Xbox and PlayStation
- USERS DISLIKE
- Lacks ergonomic support
- No way to modify the height or recline
- Not universally compatible with devices
17. Razer Iskur
The gaming chair with the best lumbar support
Manufacturer: Razer | Type: Racing Seat | Material: Synthetic Leather | Weight: 67 lbs | Weight Capacity: 299 lbs | Recline: 139° | Colors: 1 | Price: 💰💰💰💰
If you know gaming, you know Razer. It’s about time we give them some recognition for their high-end gaming chair, the Iskur. Made from multi-layered PVC synthetic leather, you have to consider that you are paying for more than just a brand name. We chose the Razer Iskur as the best lumbar support gaming chair because of it’s superior ergonomics. The cushions are high density foam that won’t wear out.
The Iskur is also available in an XL size that will fit up to 6’10” in height and 400 lbs. If you’re looking for a more affordable option from Razer, they did design the Iskur X as a substitute although the design features a little less support.
- USERS LIKE
- Very sturdy build
- Adjustable lumbar support
- 4D arm rests are super comfortable
- USERS DISLIKE
- No color choices
- The padding is too firm
- Big price jumps between sizes
18. Big Joe Dorm Bean Bag Chair
The best TV gaming chair for gamers
Manufacturer: Big Joe | Type: Bean Bag Chair | Material: SmartMax Fabric | Weight: 5 lbs | Weight Capacity: 250 lbs | Recline: N/A | Colors: 6 | Price: 💰
Large and heavy gaming chairs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Enter the humble bean bag chair, great for smaller spaces and TV gaming.
This bean bag from Big Joe is available in a variety of colors and even has pockets for your game controllers and water bottle. It also has an internal zipper seal, which enables you to refill this bean bag as needed (bean bag beans compress over time). Big Joe sells the ‘UltimaX’ refill beans online so you can be sure your bean bag chair will never fail you.
- USERS LIKE
- Cup and remote holders
- Can be refilled when it starts to go flat
- Very portable, easy to store when not in use
- USERS DISLIKE
- Some users report it going flat quickly
- Some colors more expensive than others
- Seat size is pretty small, not comfortable for most adults
19. Steelcase Leap
The best ergonomic gaming chair
Manufacturer: Steelcase | Type: Task Chair | Material: SC Fabric | Weight: 46 lbs | Weight Capacity: 400 lbs | Recline: 120° | Colors: 6 | Price: 💰💰💰💰
The Steelcase Leap is the winner of numerous awards, including Wirecutter’s best office chair of the year, and it is Steelcase’s best selling chair. One of our team members has used this chair daily for over a year, and he thoroughly recommends the Leap as a sturdy companion. He even goes so far as to say it was the vanquisher of his back pain woes.
What makes this one of the best PC gaming chairs? The Leap uses a technology called Liveback. This term describes how the chair dynamically adjusts to your seating position. If you’re looking to invest in a chair with sound ergonomics, look no further. Thankfully, it is a little less expensive than some of their newer models, and it’s even available refurbished at a significant discount.
- USERS LIKE
- Live back technology
- Padded arms, telescoping arms adjust smoothly
- Silver Cradle to Cradle Product Certification from MBDC
- USERS DISLIKE
- Some users say the seat cushion is too thin
- Takes time to dial in the back rest tension setting just right
- Not great for wider individuals; contact points of the seat and back will dig into sides
20. Respawn 110
The most popular gaming chair
Manufacturer: Respawn | Type: Racing Seat | Material: Bonded Leather | Weight: 52 lbs | Weight Capacity: 275 lbs | Recline: 155° | Colors: 10 | Price: 💰
The Respawn 110 Series is a trendy gaming chair that comes in a bunch of fun styles. There are even two Fortnite themed models (but they do come at a hefty $60 premium)!
The standout feature on this chair is the footrest. Nearly all gaming chairs around this price point don’t offer that feature. Combine that with the reclining backrest, and you’ve found yourself a gaming chair that doubles as a cat napping recliner.
- USERS LIKE
- Extendable footrest
- 2 cool Fortnite styles
- Lots of features for a chair at the sub $150 price
- USERS DISLIKE
- Strong chemical odor lasts for a couple weeks
- Some users report that the armrests feel flimsy
- You have to lean uncomfortably to adjust the chair
21. Embody by Herman Miller x Logitech G
The best computer chair for gaming when money is no object
Manufacturer: Herman Miller | Type: Task Chair | Material: HM Fabric | Weight: 52 lbs | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs | Recline: 120° | Colors: 1 | Price: 💰💰💰💰💰
Check out this next-level collab between Herman Miller x Logitech G. Herman Miller is a newcomer to gaming chairs, but they’ve been the #1 force in the office and ergonomic furniture industry for years. If you want Herman Miller’s best yet, it’s going to cost you. How much, you ask? Well, the full-featured Herman Miller Embody Series Chair flutters around the $1500 price point. Yowza!
It’s a significant investment, yes. But if you’ve already sunk a few $1000 into your office, what the hell, right? The graceful, organic curves and Logitech light blue accents will make your heart flutter whenever you lay eyes on it. And, Herman Miller claims it will improve your focus, enhance your health, and responsively accommodate your every move and posture shift.
Made in the USA, The Embody is one of humanity’s best attempts to minimize the damage done when sitting for over 6 or even 8 hours a day. Couple an ergonomic chair with short breaks in between bouts of gaming/working as well as daily exercise, and you’ll be on the path to sustainable wellness. All it costs is $1500.
- USERS LIKE
- Responsive ergonomic support
- 12-year warranty, Herman Miller support unparalleled
- Gaze down upon the peasants with contempt — you have secured the best throne
- USERS DISLIKE
- Sell your kidney or car to afford
- Replacement parts are expensive
- Forces you into a healthy posture — not the most pleasant habit to acquire
22. Cooler Master Caliber R2
HGG team pick!
Manufacturer: Cooler Master | Type: Racing Seat | Material: PU Leather | Weight: 48 lbs | Weight Capacity: 330 lbs | Recline: 180° | Colors: 1 | Price: 💰💰💰
If you’re looking for a sturdy and comfortable racing style chair, our team pick is currently the Cooler Master Caliber R2. Its made of high quality materials and a strong steel frame that can support a variety of body types. One thing to note, is that it’s currently only available in one color theme.
If you want to read more about the Cooler Master Caliber R2, check out our High Ground Gaming full review.
- USERS LIKE
- Solid build
- Easy to put together with the instructions
- Clean design is great for minimalists
- USERS DISLIKE
- Stitching a little fragile
- Some problems with the wheels
- Plastic coverings are cheap and don’t fit properly
Guide Part I: 5 Most Popular Chair Types
Technically, any chair used for gaming is a gaming chair. But some chairs excel in providing comfort for specific types of gaming sessions. Listed below are the 5 most popular variations.
Racing
When you think of gaming chairs, what comes to mind? If you’re like me, it’s racing-style gaming chairs with high ‘executive’ backs, large wheelbases, and flashy color palettes (though the MAXNOMIC is a notable exception).
Over the past decade, racing chairs have become synonymous with the PC gaming scene. This reputation is largely begotten by excellent marketing campaigns from brands like DXRacer, Secretlab, and Maxnomic, who produce quality ergonomic chairs for players around the world.
Rocker
Rockers are less than ideal for PC gaming, and much more suited for the laptop and console gaming scene. Why is that? Their frames sit perfectly on the floor, ideally resting in front of a large TV or monitor. This design isn’t so much a limitation as it is a feature. When situated on the floor, rockers gently arc to and fro, providing better blood flow, less fatigue, and increased comfort while gaming. A major win!
Be on the lookout for rocker models that feature built-in extras like speakers and vibration, and you’ll be rocking out in no time.
Office
Ah, the tried & true office chair. When PC gaming first became a thing back in the 90s — and up until the early to mid-2000s — office chairs were the only PC gaming chairs.
Why? Racing chairs weren’t a thing yet, and people were already using office chairs at their computers. Not to mention, office chairs are usually pretty cheap and ergonomic. Think about it. You can adjust their height, move them around, and swivel in your seat. To this day, they’re still a natural fit for PC gaming.
Bean Bag
Bean bags are the quintessential gaming chair: big, comfortable, easy to move around, and perfect for lounging. What more could a gamer ask for?
It’s true — they’re not particularly ideal for full-size desks. But if you’ve got a laptop, or a few friends over for some console co-op action, there’s no better gaming seat around.
Pedestal
What’s so special about pedestal chairs for gaming? Honestly, pedestal chairs provide the ideal foundation for semi-permanent setups that need something durable and ergonomic.
Although they look rather funky, those large bases mean there’s little risk of falling over — something that can’t be said for racing and office chairs. Not only that, but pedestal chairs make quite the statement in front of a TV or PC monitor. Our favorite way to use them? Pair the pedestal chair with a lap desk or TV, then kick back, relax, and play away.
Guide Part II: 3 Most Important Gaming Chair Features
No matter which type of gaming chair you opt for, there are certain features to keep in mind.
1. Ergonomics
It’s the age-old adage: ergonomics are essential.
Okay, I just made that up. But they really are.
Ergonomics refers to a chair’s overall design and how it relates to the human body. This relationship takes into account the chair’s features (like recline and adjustability), comfort levels, and how simple it is to use.
Naturally, snagging a gaming chair with superior ergonomics is a smart choice. Look for options with better height control, tension control, headrest & lumbar cushioning, armrest adjustability, and backrest tilt. Every little feature adds up to offer better support and provide a healthful gaming experience. Trust me — your body will thank you for it.
2. Materials
The best gaming chairs come equipped with various types of materials. Depending on the model, you may encounter natural fabrics, mesh, vinyl, suede, faux leather, genuine leather, and/or a mix of different coverings. Choosing the right one can be tricky.
Our recommendation? If you tend to run hot, a fabric or mesh gaming chair is ideal. If you run cold (or you live on the frozen tundra), opt for a thicker material like vinyl or leather. Also, keep in mind durability. Thicker materials are usually more durable and resistant to wear. A happy balance between all the materials is PU leather, and you’ll find many gaming chairs using it.
3. Style
What’s the point of an epic gaming setup if it doesn’t have a little swag?
Fortunately, gaming chairs come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, meaning you can find the perfect fit for your unique style.
If you’re into flashy colors, a racing seat or bean bag is probably the way to go. They often feature bright blues, neon yellows, and colors of that nature.
Meanwhile, you’ll find that pedestals and rockers tend to be a little bit more neutral, making them ideal for shared spaces.
But what if you’re more a suit and tie kinda guy? Office chairs deliver the best of both worlds. Business underneath, party up top.
Our Process
For this guide on the best gaming chairs, our writers periodically update the list based on new models being released. Over the course of creating the original list and subsequent updates, our team has spent over 30 hours researching the most popular gaming chairs from more than 75 brands big and small (not to mention over 100 hours spent testing gaming chairs from our reviews section). After comparing this data we then read user reviews (both positive and negative) and narrow down our selection to the top chairs on the market. All of this research adds up to recommendations you can trust.
We hope you’ve found the perfect model for your setup.
Happy Gaming!