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The best gaming chairs you can buy
Unfortunately, a good gaming chair is not going to dramatically improve your game scores. However, a quality gaming chair will improve your gaming experience as gaming chairs have become more stylish, comfortable, and adaptable to your body's needs.
ZDNET Recommends
As you can see below, gaming chairs truly come in all shapes and sizes. Depending on your specific gaming activity and habits, you may find a gaming chair for less than $200. On the other hand, if your tastes -- and bank account -- run in the other direction, you may find that a high-end gaming chair will cost you over $1,500. Cost doesn't always reflect quality, so beware of purchasing a chair that's flashy on paper but short on durability, support, and long-term comfort.
I believe the gaming chairs listed below will interest every gamer, from hobbyists to professionals.
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- Supreme material quality for long-term use
- Easy to assemble with all tools included
- Comfortable with plenty of adjustable parts
- Pricier than most gaming chairs
- Faux leather can be damaged by pets
- Seat is not as soft as others on the list
Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 Series features:
- Frame: Steel
- Upholstery: Secretlab SoftWeave Plus Fabric or Secretlab Neo Hybrid Leatherette
- Head pillow: Magnetic
- Weight: 73.9 lbs (Small), 76.1 lbs (Regular), or 82.7 lbs (XL)
- Recommended supported weight: 200 (Small), 220 (Regular), or 395 lbs (XL)
- Warranty: Up to 5 years
be extended to five years with a $50 payment or by posting a picture of your new Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 on social media. Additionally, the TITAN Evo 2022 has attempted to broaden its reach by providing customers with the choice of three chair sizes: small, regular, and extra large. This is designed to simplify the selection process by eliminating the need to look at various models to find a good fit.
Review: Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 Series full review
Certain upgrades from previous models are aimed to appeal to serious gamers. A minor curve has been added to the base, which is designed to help you maintain a healthy posture while seated. The new 4-way L-ADAPT lumbar support is built into the chair, allowing you to adjust the lattice up, down, front, and back. Finally, the TITAN Evo 2022 is now covered in striking Neo Hybrid Leatherette, which is both appealing and, according to Secretlab, 12 times more durable than the "Prime 2" material used in previous models.
- Wider and better fitting seat than others
- Built for the long-term with comfort and support
- Stylish racing cockpit design
- Shorter users may find the higher headrest challenging
- May become overly warm with lengthy use
- Only one color option on Amazon
Razer Iskur Gaming Chair features:
- Frame: Steel
- Upholstery: PVC leather
- Recommended supported weight: 299 lbs (Standard)
- Recommended height: 5'6" to 6'2"
- Warranty: Three years
Razer has established a loyal worldwide following since its founding in 2005. Though headquartered in Irvine, California, Razer has a true global reach with regional headquarters in Hamburg, Shanghai, and Singapore.
The Iskur gaming chair will certainly be a top choice for Razer fans. This gaming chair flaunts its style with Razer's triple-headed snake logo and is geared towards serious gamers. But don't let the stylish facade fool you; its polyurethane leather is meant to withstand wear and tear while also minimizing peeling.
There is nothing "cushy" about the Iskur. A firm, supportive seat cushion supports gamers, and the seat is angled on its sides and fits tightly to your hips to add even greater support. The wide armrests complete a racing cockpit feel that readies you for game after game.
- Racing chair aesthetic is bold and well-designed
- Many options for adjusting the chair to meet user needs
- Strong construction materials promote durability
- Some limitations for taller users
- Viewed as highly-priced by some
- Chair can get warm with the lack of mesh
E-WIN Championship Series Gaming Chair features:
- Frame: Steel
- Upholstery: Stain-resistant 2.0 PU leather
- Dimensions: 22.04 x 22.04 x 50.07 inches
- Item weight: 46.2 lbs
- Recommended supported weight: 330 lbs
- Recommended height: 5'6" to 6'1"
- Warranty: Three years
The company leveraged its wealth of prior experience in designing and manufacturing ergonomically-focused office equipment to enter the gaming world in 2015. As with E-WIN's high-end office equipment, the E-WIN Championship Series chair is constructed with a heavy steel frame, a memory foam cushion, and quality leather upholstery.
Adjustability is high on the Championship's list of priorities, and the gaming chair features 4D armrests (so named because they can be adjusted forward, backward, left, and right). The armrests also move up and down, and the entire chair can be raised and lowered to fit your needs. Because this gaming chair was born of office chair engineering, it's not surprising that the Championship series will attract those who often work and game from the same chair.
- High-quality construction
- Many ways to adjust the chair for greater comfort
- Excellent weight limit
- Won't fit smaller gamers
- The lumbar pillow can fall over unexpectedly
- Some users report chair wobbling
Anda Seat Kaiser 2 Gaming Chair features:
- Frame: Steel
- Upholstery: AD Plus PVC Leather
- Weight: 74.5 lbs
- Recommended supported weight: 440 lbs
- Recommended height: up to 6'10"
- Warranty: Two years
The first thing you notice about the Anda Seat Kaiser 2 chair is its size. This chair is built for bigger gamers, and it can make some smaller gamers feel like they disappear into the chair. Supporting up to 440 lbs and heights approaching 7 feet, this gaming chair has specs that competitors simply can't match.
The Kaiser 2 is so strong because it's built upon a solid steel frame and employs oversized bars to support users. With this formidable foundation, there is little concern that the chair will tip or buckle -- even when the seat back is reclined to 160 degrees, perhaps for an afternoon nap.
The Kaiser 2 employs high-density shaping foam, designed to gradually mold to your body's shape to provide maximum comfort over extended periods of time. From all reports, it succeeds.
- Chair reclines more than most, up to 170 degrees
- Thick and well-padded seat cushion
- Reasonable pricing for so many features
- Armrests are stiff without as much padding as some competitors
- Up to two years' worth of warranty only if purchased directly from GTRACING
- Some users report complaints about customer service
GTRACING Pro Series GT002 Gaming Chair features:
- Frame: Strong metal
- Upholstery: PVC Leather
- Dimensions: 20.86 x 21.26 x 48.82-51.97 inches
- Recommended supported weight: 300 lbs
- Warranty: One-year warranty; customers who purchase directly from GTRACING receive a two-year warranty
The sturdy metal frame of the Pro Series GT002 successfully provides a comfortable seated position for extended hours of work or gaming. The comfort level is further enhanced with a well-padded seat and back.
Like other gaming chairs reviewed here, the GT002 goes the extra mile to offer a number of valuable adjustable features: 360-degree swivel; 90 to 170-degree reclining and rocking; adjustable armrests and seat height; removable headrest pillow and lumbar cushion for added support.
The high-quality PU leather upholstery and padded foam seat cushion add icing to the cake, making it an excellent choice for working, studying, or gaming. This stylish chair naturally fits in a home office or game room and won't break your bank account.
- Engineered for maximum comfort
- Attractive and sleek style
- Comes assembled with a 12-year warranty
- Far more expensive than other gaming chairs
- Some feel the style is bland for the price
- Armrests cannot be rotated
Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody Gaming Chair features:
- Frame: Die-cast aluminum frame and five-star base
- Upholstery: 100% polyester (tested for abrasion durability, seam strength, ultraviolet light resistance, color retention, and flame resistance)
- Dimensions: 45 x 29.5 x 29 inches
- Max supported weight: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 12 years
This is by far the most expensive chair on my list. As a result, you would expect the Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody Gaming Chair to excel in all categories. Many gamers will likely shy away from the high price tag, but the Embody will not disappoint those willing to pay for luxury.
Herman Miller dug deep to explore the science behind building the most comfortable and supportive gaming chair possible. To this end, the company enlisted input from over 30 physicians and PhDs in ergonomics, biomechanics, vision science, and physical therapy. With this information, Herman Miller based the engineering and design on what happens to your body when you sit and focus on a task for a long period of time.
Herman Miller brings all of its well-established experience with office furniture design to bear on this gaming chair. Its many adjustment features allow you to tweak every aspect of the Embody to support and fit your specific body type and range of motion. Though these adjustments require attention to detail, the end result is near perfection. Users are able to mold their Embody to fit their bodies like a glove.
Streamers, including Timthetatman, are fans of this chair. In Tim's words, "Getting a chair like the Embody will change your gaming experience."
Review: Herman Miller Embody Gaming Chair review: Seating's endgame?
What is the best gaming chair?
I found the best gaming chairs in all sorts of categories. Check out the specs comparison below for a side-by-side comparison of crucial specs.
| Gaming chair | Upholstery | Recommended weight | Recline angle | Chair weight | Warranty length | Frame material | Price |
Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 Series | Secretlab SoftWeave Plus Fabric or Secretlab Neo Hybrid Leatherette | 200 (Small), 220 (Regular), or 395 lbs (XL) | Complete recline and tilt adjusting | 73.9 lbs (Small), 76.1 lbs (Regular), or 82.7 lbs (XL) | Up to 5 years | Steel | $519 |
Razer Iskur Gaming Chair | PVC leather | 299 lbs | Not specified | 66.8 lbs | Three years | Steel | $499 |
E-WIN Championship Series Gaming Chair | Stain-resistant 2.0 PU leather | 330 lbs | 4D armrests that readily adjust | 46.2 lbs | Three years | Steel | $349 |
Anda Seat Kaiser 2 | AD Plus PVC Leather | 440 lbs | 160 degree incline | 74.5 lbs | Two years | Steel | $399 |
GTRACING Pro Series GT002 Gaming Chair | PVC Leather | 300 lbs | 90 to 170 degree reclining and rocking | 48 lbs | Not specified | Metal | $129 |
Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody Gaming Chair | 100% polyester | 300 lbs | Backfit Adjustment | Not specified | 12 years | Die-cast aluminum frame | $1,695 |
Which is the right gaming chair for you?
Each of these six chairs will appeal to gamers looking for comfort and support, but the more expensive chairs are more adjustable to individual body size and motion habits. More adjustability usually means greater comfort.
There are also chairs on our list that will appeal to niche markets more than others. For example, the GTRACING Pro Series GT002 provides a good deal of bang for the buck and will appeal to budget-conscious gamers. On the other hand, the Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody chair will appeal to gamers unconcerned with price and looking for top-of-the-line comfort, support, and luxury.
Each of the gaming chairs above has different use cases. Here's a snapshot of which headset to choose.
Choose this gaming chair | If you want… |
Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 Series | The best gaming chair |
Razer Iskur Gaming Chair | The best Razer gaming chair |
E-WIN Championship Series Gaming Chair | The best ergonomic gaming chair |
Anda Seat Kaiser 2 | The best gaming chair for lumbar support and the best gaming chair with the highest weight limit |
GTRACING Pro Series GT002 Gaming Chair | The best budget gaming chair |
Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody Gaming Chair | The best high end gaming chair and the best gaming chair for streamers |
How did I choose these gaming chairs?
I researched dozens of manufacturers and specific chairs, running the gamut from the inexpensive (under $200) to the luxurious (over $1,500).
I narrowed down our choices to these six gaming chairs, which are fairly representative of the low-end, mid-range, and luxury markets. We carefully reviewed all specifications and focused on several key features, including the quality of materials and construction, adjustability for comfort and support, and styling. Of course, price was a major factor.
What should you look for in a gaming chair?
Adjustability
A gaming chair should be adjustable to suit gaming, potentially for extended periods of time. Chairs that tilt, rock, and/or rotate are prime examples of the adjustability that gamers prize.
Back support
For career gamers, like professional streamers, back support is of the utmost importance for longer gaming periods. You want to make sure the chair has proper lumbar support and supports good posture. Your back will thank you in the long run.
Dimensions and weight support
Each of the chairs above has weight limits, and their individual descriptions specify their dimensions. Make sure that the chair you choose fits into your space and that you would be comfortable in the space of the chair. You don't want to be engulfed in a chair, nor do you want to feel like it's too small for you.
Build quality
The frame material of most of these chairs is steel or aluminum or metal, indicating that they're constructed to last.
Material
The upholstery varies from chair to chair, so you can choose which material would be most comfortable. The material ranges from stain-resistant PU leather to polyester.
Are gaming chairs good for office work?
Gaming chairs support good posture, so they could be a good pick for office work. However, they also have high backs that set them apart from other chairs, so it'll be obvious to your coworkers that you're in a gaming chair. If you work from home and/or don't mind standing out and/or play games often, a gaming chair will let you work and play with ease. Ultimately, the ergonomic comfort you decide on is up to you.
How long does a gaming chair last?
Your gaming chair's longevity is going to depend on how it is cared for and how often it is used. With care, gaming chairs can last as long as five years. On average, gaming chairs typically last for two to three years.
Does a gaming chair make you play better?
A gaming chair can improve a gamer's posture, reducing soreness, stiffness, and even pain. In this respect, improvements to how you feel as you focus on a game could potentially impact how well you play it.
A gaming chair that encourages good posture and has built-in ergonomic support is a must if you want to play games for extended periods of time with minimal strain. If you're an avid gamer, you should aim for a chair that supports you now and in the future.
Is a gaming chair better than an office chair?
The gaming chairs on this list are top-notch when it comes to supporting you at work and in play. While a gaming chair might be too expensive to justify having in the workplace, it could support your daily activities at your desk better than an office chair. If you intend to work and game at your desk, a gaming chair is worth the expense. If you're not gaming a lot, an office chair could be ergonomic enough for your needs.
Is a Secretlab gaming chair worth it?
We certainly think so! A Secretlab gaming chair made its way to the top of this list with good reason. The Titan Evo chair comes in three sizes, so you won't end up with a chair that's too big for you, or too small. It has a warranty of up to five years, so if you aren't happy with it in the long run, you can return it. Secretlab uses durable materials and prioritizes ergonomic support when constructing its chairs, which is probably why the company feels comfortable with such an extended warranty period.
Are there alternatives worth considering?
There are many gaming chairs on the market, and compiling a "best" list is challenging. Here are a few gaming chairs that could have been among our selections as well:
