Buying guide for best gaming chairs
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No one wants to come out of a hardcore gaming session playing Elden Ring or Civilization VI only to hurt from every muscle and joint you have. Hunched over, pounding the keyboard, twisting the controller, turning your neck this way and that — video games can be a tension nightmare. A good gaming chair, with top neck, back, leg and arm support, might just save you hours of discomfort online and off.
Gaming chairs are computer chairs that go a step beyond ergonomics. They’re padded, usually with long, tall backs for support from the back of the head all the way down, and have adjustable or removable armrests, extra lumbar padding and substantial tilt and recline.
Most gaming chairs feature eye-catching colors or materials. Some gaming chairs create a more immersive experience with built-in speakers and vibration motors. Some include cup holders and pockets for storing accessories for added convenience, or breathable materials to keep your body cooler.
We’ve researched and tested some of the top gaming chairs on the market. Our top pick is the affordable Neo Chair N-GEN Gaming Chair, with an excellent lineup of features designed to keep you supported through extended gameplay
Editors’ picks
N-GEN Video Gaming Chair
Editors' Favorite
Material: Faux Leather | Recline: 1 Position | Tilting: Yes | Back Style: Cushion | Leg Style: Tapered
Although the N-GEN Video Gaming Computer is among our more affordable picks, it has a high-quality build and is perfect for keeping you comfortable while you game online with friends or work at your office desk.
It has an S-curved backrest, U-shaped seat and dense cushions for support and reduced neck and back strain. The gas-lift allows it to accommodate up to 275 pounds, and the sturdy metal base provides excellent stability at all times. Smooth casters help you move around freely, and height control lets you customize your setup for maximum comfort. It offers a 360-degree swivel and tilt tension for improved mobility, along with a thick cushion for optimal support.
Although not as feature-packed as some of our other favorite gaming chairs, the N-GEN Video Gaming Computer is a solid option for casual and hardcore gamers alike. It’s easy to put together, and the flip-up armrests offer more versatility than models with nonadjustable armrests.
GTPLAYER Gaming Chair
Great Value
Material: Faux leather | Recline: 2 positions | Tilting: Yes | Back Style: Pillow | Leg Style: Tapered
The GTPLAYER Gaming Chair has a sturdy frame for superior durability and a pillow-style back for comfort. It offers three adjustable recline positions of 135, 105 and 90 degrees, and a 360-degree swivel so you can move freely while you’re gaming.
This chair can accommodate up to 250 pounds and has height controls so you can set it just right for maximum comfort. The linkage armrest automatically follows elbow movement as the chair tilts, and the ergonomic design provides excellent neck, back and lumbar support. Plus, the lumbar pillow has a built-in massage function to help your lower back relax.
Overall, it’s an impressive gaming chair, given its affordable price point, and a must-have for those who want something reliable and durable for extended gaming sessions. It’s available in a dozen colors, including blue, red, pink and white.
Dowinx Fabric Gaming Chair
Best Oversized Chair
Material: Knitted Fabric with High-Density Foam | Recline: 90 to 145 degrees | Tilting: Yes | Back Style: Solid Wing-Back | Leg Style: Tapered
If you’re tired of small chairs that don’t offer much wiggle room, the Dowinx Fabric Gaming Chair is worth considering. Whether you want a comfortable chair for working at the office or for gaming with friends, this oversized model offers long-lasting comfort you won’t get from smaller chairs.
Made with luxurious knitted fabric with high-density foam, this chair feels like you’re sitting on a cloud. The foam adapts to your body’s shape for a customized sitting experience, and the widened backrest reduces pressure by up to 50% compared to smaller chairs. It features a built-in massager to give your lower back relief if you’ve been sitting for too long, and the retractable foot pedal is excellent for relaxing your legs.
Few chairs offer the kind of support and features the Dowinx Fabric Gaming Chair offers. It’s not only tilt- and recline-adjustable, but it also lets you cross your legs with greater comfort than other chairs, making it one of the best options for hardcore gamers.
Secretlab Titan Evo
Trusted Brand
Material: Faux leather | Recline: 165 degrees | Tilting: Yes | Back Style: Solid | Leg Style: Tapered
In our Testing Lab, we found the Secretlab TITAN Evo Chair provides much of its comfort through its four-way lumbar support system, which protects your spine and promises 57% more back coverage than typical gaming chairs.
It also includes removable 4D armrests that are among the most comfortable we tested. They use special technology that keeps them cool to the touch and pillowy through long periods of gameplay. They’re also highly customizable for height, forward/backward position, left/right position and rotation around their axis.
During testing, we determined the chair doesn’t wiggle back and forth when you’re sitting in it and is one of the quietest available when rolling across the floor. We were also impressed with the head pillow, which is secure, soft and comfortable as well as easy to remove thanks to its magnetic backing. And finding the perfect height is a breeze.
The Secretlab TITAN Evo comes in various colors and sizes. It’s among the most stylish gaming chairs available, and its durability means you can expect years of enjoyment with it.
Homall Gaming Chair
Best Under $100
Material: Faux leather | Recline: 155 degrees | Tilting: Yes | Back Style: Solid | Leg Style: Spider
The Homall Gaming Chair is expertly designed with high-quality materials and premium features to provide gamers and office workers with a comfortable place to rest during extended sessions. It has a thick steel frame and high-density shaping foam for superior comfort.
The Class 3 gas lift safely accommodates up to 300 pounds, and the 360-degree swivel, combined with multidirection wheels, allows for unrestricted movement at all times. The recline function has multiple positions and can be adjusted from 90 to 155 degrees, while the rocking design lets you rock back and forth by adjusting the knob underneath the seat.
The ergonomic design promotes good posture and circulation, helping prevent fatigue when gaming or working for several consecutive hours. The sturdy base provides excellent stability, and you can choose from three colors: white, gray and violet.
Razer Iskur V2 X Ergonomic Gaming Chair
Best for Lumbar Support
Material: Multilayered fabric | Recline: 152 degrees | Tilting: Yes | Back Style: Solid | Leg Style: Tapered
The Razer Iskur V2 X Ergonomic Gaming Chair is built for extended gaming sessions, offering excellent lumbar support that maintains proper spinal alignment. It has a widened seat base for improved stability, and its high-density foam cushioning provides firm support and comfort.
It reclines up to 152 degrees and features 2D armrests with vertical and horizontal adjustment. The upholstered, breathable fabric delivers long-lasting comfort, and the built-in lumbar support reduces fatigue in the lower back. The armrests can be adjusted in height and rotated inward or outward, helping you find the best resting position.
It’s on the more expensive side compared to some of our other top picks, but it offers undeniable quality you won’t find with many gaming chairs. It’s highly durable, expertly designed and ergonomically sound for superior comfort at all times.
BestOffice PC Gaming Chair
Best Executive-Style Chair
Material: Faux Leather | Recline: NA | Tilting: Yes | Back Style: Solid | Leg Style: Tapered
The BestOffice PC Gaming Chair offers superior lumbar support and boasts an executive-style design, making it suitable for gaming at home or working in the office. It’s wider than average office chairs and is easy to assemble.
The seat is made of faux leather for a durable yet comfortable feel, and the height-adjusting mechanism accommodates users of all sizes. Its ergonomic design ensures excellent back support at all times, and the breathable fabric lets you work or game for extended periods without overheating or feeling uncomfortable. Although it can tilt, it also has a locking mechanism that keeps the chair upright if that’s your preference.
Expertly designed for advanced ergonomic comfort, this executive-style chair is a must-have for long days at the office or intense online gaming sessions. It’s available in seven colors and features a removable headrest and lumbar pillow.
DUMOS Home Office Desk Chair
Best Mesh Chair
Material: Mesh | Recline: 90 to 135 degrees | Tilting: Yes | Back Style: Mesh | Leg Style: Tapered
Lightweight and easy to assemble, the DUMOS Home Office Desk Chair offers a comfortable sitting experience. Whether you’re at the office or gaming online, this high-quality chair provides long-lasting comfort for any workday or gaming session.
It can tilt back so you can sit in the position you find most comfortable, and the mesh-style back keeps you feeling cool and fresh even after extended periods of sitting. It can recline as far as 135 degrees and can be height-adjusted with a simple mechanism that raises and lowers it smoothly. The five-point base ensures stability, supporting a maximum weight of 275 pounds, and the footrest is a neat feature that lets you recline more comfortably.
With a 135-degree tilt, a solid back and terrific lumbar support, the DUMOS Home Office Desk Chair is one of the best chairs for office professionals, students and gamers. It’s available in five colors, and the high-quality cushions don’t lose their shape even after hours of sitting.
Best Choice Products Swivel Gaming Chair
Best Floor Chair
Material: Polyester | Recline: 160-180 degrees | Tilting: No | Back Style: Solid | Leg Style: Swivel Only
Don’t have space for a full-size chair, or just want something easier to set up that’s low to the floor? The Best Choice Products Swivel Gaming Chair is an excellent alternative to traditional office or gaming chairs.
Its solid back style and plush yet firm fabric seat provide excellent all-day comfort, and the steel-ball bearings on the circular base allow you to swivel 360 degrees. You can sit in an upright or reclined position, and the foldable design makes storage convenient. The padded armrests double as transport handles, and the machine-washable base cover keeps your floor free from scratches.
The 180-degree tilt allows you to lie flat, and the steel frame ensures long-lasting durability, making this swivel chair an excellent option for hardcore gamers. You can choose from 15 colors, including pink, sage and navy as well as multiple color combinations with black.
Expert Tip
If you’re picky about your chair settings, take pictures of how you like them. If they ever get changed, you can refer back to your photos to see how you originally set them up.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
How we tested
After researching numerous gaming chairs, we narrowed our list to our top picks above and put the Secretlab TITAN Evo to the test to see how it performed in the following areas.
Setup
- Instructions: We examined whether the chair’s instruction manual was easy to understand for setup. We also checked to make sure it included high-quality pictures and clear step-by-step instructions. We evaluated whether a beginner could assemble this item or it would be easier with two people.
- Tools: Simplicity is best, and the best installation doesn’t require lots of tools. If it does, we checked to see if they were provided in the package.
Comfort
- Feel: We evaluated whether the chair felt solid and comfortable rather than flimsy and rigid.
- Adjustability: We looked at the number of adjustments the chair could make and whether some are easier to find and manipulate than others.
- Armrests: We checked the armrests to see if they were clean, sturdy and easy to detach. We also checked to see whether they were adjustable and felt natural and comfortable no matter the position.
- Headrest: We evaluated whether the headrest came off easily and if it was soft and comfortable.
- Long-term use: We tested whether the chair remained comfortable after hours of gaming use.
Design
- Quality: We examined the parts to see if they were well-designed and high-quality.
- Noise: Gaming chairs can be quiet or loud when moved, and we checked this.
- Movement: We evaluated if the chair moved easily and smoothly.
Expert Tip
Keep a small hand vacuum around your gaming area. Dust and crumbs pile up quickly, so it’s good to be able to do a quick pickup as needed and keep your gaming chair clean.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
What to know before buying a gaming chair
Types of gaming chairs
Computer gaming chairs look like traditional office chairs, but they have a much higher headrest and often come in multiple colors or patterns. Many gaming chairs have generous options for head and neck support, which is particularly nice if you want to lean back while playing.
Rocker gaming chairs are legless chairs shaped like an L that allow you to easily lean forward or back. These chairs are light enough to be portable and are a handy option for adding temporary seating to any game room.
High-tech gaming chairs
Most gaming chairs are simply chairs designed for comfort while gaming, but high-tech gaming chairs include additional electronics and features designed to enhance the gaming experience and might include the following:
Built-in speakers: Some gaming chairs include speakers placed right at ear level. Chairs with built-in audio bring the game’s soundtrack closer to the listener, creating an immersive sound experience.
Storage: Some chairs go the extra mile by including built-in storage solutions for your peripherals, such as compartments or pockets. If you’re tired of having wires tangled across your gaming area, a chair with built-in storage is a good solution. Plus, it’s a good idea to remember to stay hydrated, and some gaming chairs have cup holders on the armrests. In addition to convenience, built-in cup holders help keep your electronics safe from accidental spills.
Footrest: Just because a game is intense doesn’t mean you can’t put your feet up! Some gaming chairs have a built-in footrest for added comfort.
Vibration motors: Some gaming chairs include built-in motors that make the whole chair vibrate. The vibrations may sync with critical points in the game for a more realistic effect. Chairs with vibration motors aren’t for everyone, but they’re perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered what it’s like to sit on a subwoofer.
Racing gaming chairs
Racing chairs look like standard computer gaming chairs but include additional hardware like pedals, steering wheel and gear shift to make video driving feel more realistic. Some racing chairs don’t include the peripherals, but they’re much firmer than standard gaming chairs, mimicking the feeling of a car’s bucket seat.
Adjustability and ergonomics
Every body is different, so the key to finding perfect comfort in a gaming chair is to buy one that allows you to adjust elements like the headrest, armrests, footrest and incline.
Finding the ideal gaming chair for you can be challenging because it isn’t just a matter of comfort, it’s also about whether the chair will remain comfortable through hours of gaming. The ergonomics of a gaming chair can have a significant impact on your health. Sitting for hours in a non-ergonomic position is more likely to cause back pain, fatigue, stiff joints and poor posture. If you’re having trouble justifying the cost of a gaming chair, think of it like a helmet for riding a bike: a necessary piece of equipment that will keep your body safe and protect your health.
Expert Tip
Get a gaming chair cleaning kit. Even if your gaming chair isn’t real leather, treating the material with care will help it last as long as possible.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Tips
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Don’t pay for features you don’t need. Additional features like a footrest or built-in keyboard stand drive up the price of a gaming chair. Narrow your search to chairs with only the components you need and save money by ruling out everything else.
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Measure your room. Before shopping for a gaming chair, think about where it will be situated and how you’ll be using it. Make sure that the chair is the right size for your room and will function correctly in the area.
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Protect your health. A good gaming chair can go a long way toward addressing issues like soreness and posture problems, but it’s no substitute for the ongoing practices that keep you healthy. For example, researchers recommend that you stand up for several minutes for every hour spent gaming.
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Adjust the chair for maximum comfort. If you experience a sore posterior or back during or after sitting in a gaming chair, adjust the chair and make a point of standing up more frequently.
Expert Tip
Tighten up your gaming chair every six months or so. If you game a lot, you’ll want to make sure nothing is getting more slack over time, so set yourself reminders to periodically make sure everything is screwed in tight.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
FAQ
Q. How much does a gaming chair cost?
A. Gaming chairs vary in price considerably depending on the features involved and who made them. Some companies charge extra just because they can, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are better than cheaper models. Great deals can be found for under $200, while high-end models with all the bells and whistles generally start at $500 and run up to $2,000.
Q. Would a gaming chair benefit someone who works at a computer for long hours?
A. Absolutely! The additional support and adjustability create a more ergonomic experience when sitting for hours at a time no matter what you’re doing. If you’re not a gamer but spend time sitting at a desk, a gaming chair could be just the solution you’re looking for.
Q. Do I need a chair mat to use a gaming chair on carpet?
A. Gaming chairs with wheels have difficulty rolling on carpeted floors, so purchasing a plastic rolling mat is strongly recommended.
Q. Will I have to put my gaming chair together?
A. Yes. Most gaming chairs come in several pieces and must be assembled. Depending on which chair you buy, putting one together can take up to a couple of hours.
Q. Will using a gaming chair make me a better player?
A. Some gamers have reported improved results that they attribute in part to the increased comfort provided by a gaming chair. Beyond that, a gaming chair by itself won’t make you a better player.
Our expertise
Jmar Gambol is a writer and product tester for BestReviews. He has written almost 200 articles and buying guides, as well as tested products as varied as coffee presses, robot vacuums, laptops and smartphones.
Bryan Wolfe is a tech writer who has contributed to various websites, including TechRadar, iMore, Stuff.tv and many more.
Jaime Vázquez is a writer, content strategist and gadget nerd based in Portland, Oregon. He began his career in the early 2000s, writing and managing web content for “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and elsewhere. Jaime is also a lifelong tech enthusiast — whether it’s smart-home devices, computers or wearables, he loves testing out the latest electronics.
