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The Best Gaming Chairs: 13 Comfortable Seats for Gamers

Best Gaming Chair
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updated: October 7, 2024
edited by Nick Leftley

If you’ve ever sat down to play a game for a few hours, only to feel a nasty crick in your neck and stone-stiff shoulders, it’s definitely time to consider buying a dedicated gaming chair for the lasting comfort and ongoing health benefits that come with owning one. Although the gaming chairs that topped our list can be particularly expensive, an ergonomic design that aligns your spine while supporting your body will pay for itself, especially for anyone who spends most of their day sitting down. With that said, I completely understand that gaming isn’t a cheap hobby, so I found the nicest budget-friendly chairs available as well.

Not only will a great gaming chair keep your body relaxed and ache-free long after you’ve powered down your Xbox, these special chairs are an excellent choice for students and movie buffs, and are easily the best chairs money can buy for your home office. With so many cool styles and impressive features available, it can be daunting to select the best gaming chair for your body type and gaming needs, but we’ve researched, tested, and compared countless options to identify the best options you can buy online.

Our top picks for the best gaming chairs

Best youth gaming chair: X Rocker Chimera RGB 2.0 NEO Motion LED Floor Rocker

X Rocker Chimera RGB 2.0 NEO Motion LED Floor Rocker

X Rocker Chimera RGB 2.0 NEO Motion LED Floor Rocker

19% offSave $25

Although some gaming chairs are as impressive as they are expensive, you don’t need to break the bank to get a nice chair for your child. At just $116.99, the X Rocker Chimera features many innovative design choices that are rarely found in other models, such as the ability to fold up for easy storage, bright, customizable RGB lighting, and a set of headrest-mounted speakers for in-chair surround sound.

The comfortable Chimera is also more versatile than you may expect—it doubles as both a rocker and a recliner, with a wide range of motion. I was also impressed at how loud and crisp its on-chair speakers are, and how easily its 3.5mm Aux cable port works with Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles. RGB lighting is as popular as ever, and with 30 dazzling combinations to mix and match, it’s fun to swap out its colors to suit your mood.

While taller gamers may not appreciate sitting so close to the floor, this flexible and affordable option is worth the price of admission, especially for kids and teens.

Specifications

  • Price on publish: $116.99

Pros:

  • Integrated speaker connects with most gaming consoles
  • Vibrant custom RGB lighting system
  • Comfortable rocker/recliner combination

Cons:

  • Not everyone wants to sit this low to the ground

The bottom line:

If you’re comfortable sitting inches off the floor, the X Rocker Chimera is a steal for its cozy rocking feature, integrated speakers, and customizable RGB lighting.

Best budget gaming chair: X Rocker Galaxy

X Rocker Galaxy

X Rocker Galaxy

At just $100, the X Rocker Galaxy is a top pick for gamers who are short on floor space, prefer something nicer than a cheap standard office chair, and would appreciate the ability to rock, recline, and stretch out as they play. Sure, there are pricier, yet similarly designed X Rockers available, but with its cool space theme, and loud, yet crisp dual headrest-mounted speakers, you’re not missing out on anything major by opting for this affordable edition.

While its 275 pound weight limit reserves this model for lightweights and younger gamers, those who don’t mind sitting inches off the floor will like reclining on the X Rocker Galaxy’s plush design and rocking on its sturdy base. Its speakers easily connect to most modern gaming platforms via Bluetooth (Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, PC, etc.,) and they are much louder, clearer, and immersive than you may expect at this low price point. It’s also great for small gaming rooms, as the Galaxy folds neatly in half and will easily fit in a small closet or under a desk when you’re done playing for the day.

Specifications

  • Price on publish: $100

Pros:

  • Headrest’s built-in speaker wirelessly connects with most gaming platforms
  • Cozy rocker/recliner combination
  • Foldable for easy storage

Cons:

Sitting this low to the ground isn’t for everyone

The bottom line:

Between its crisp Bluetooth speakers, soft seat, and slick space theme, the X Rocker Galaxy is the best budget-friendly gaming chair on the market for only $100.

Best gaming chair for tall or heavy gamers: AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Series Premium Gaming Chair

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Series Premium Gaming Chair

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Series Premium Gaming Chair

Designed to comfortably seat gamers weighing up to 395 pounds and standing 6 feet, 8 inches tall, the Kaiser 3 XL edition is easily the most accommodating gaming chair for big and tall video game fans. Its lumbar support is easily adjusted to suit the height, angle, and firmness level for gamers of all sizes, making it a top pick for extra-tall players who have a difficult time finding a chair that supports their spine in all the right places.

In addition, the Kaiser 3 XL’s solid steel frame was designed for maximum stability and durability, making it a top pick for anyone looking for a gaming chair to last for years to come. Some other key features I appreciated include its flexible 4D armrests, and how simple it is to move them in all directions to comfortably fit every body type, its wide, 165-degree reclining option for those times when you want to kick back, the plush, reinforced, molded foam seat, and a collection of slick color options to choose from.

Specifications

  • Price on publish: $500

Pros:

  • XL edition is optimized for gamers up to 6 feet, 8 inches tall
  • Highly customizable back rest, arms, height, etc.
  • Available in many color options

Cons:

  • The Kaiser 3 may be too firm for some gamers

The bottom line:

The Kaiser 3XL is stylish, a snap to adjust for your body type, and its ultra-rugged frame easily supports nearly 400 pounds, making it the top pick for heavier gamers.

Best gaming chair for back pain: Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair

Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair

Herman Miller Sayl Gaming Chair

25% offSave $255

Some may be surprised to learn that several of the all-around best gaming chair manufacturers specialize in office chairs, and Herman Miller’s Sayl is a prime example, especially for gamers suffering from back pain. At just over $1,000, I'm the first to admit that the Sayl is a seriously expensive gaming chair, but its innovative webbed backrest molds to the natural curvature of your spine while naturally bending to prop you up, as well as providing support exactly where your body needs it the most.

In addition to its futuristic, elastomer webbed back-supporting design, the Sayl’s wide reclining angle practically allows users to lay back on it. It also sports a plush molded seat, and its tilt, angle, and armrests are all a snap to adjust to match your most natural posture so you’ll comfortably sit through extra-long gaming sessions. The Sayl is also extremely durable, crafted with over 90% recyclable materials, and is offered in a number of bold color options.

Specifications

  • Price on publish: $1,020

Pros:

  • Mesh backing supports the spine’s natural shape
  • Wide variety of adjustability options
  • Available in six vibrant hues

Cons:

  • Especially expensive model

The bottom line:

Anyone dealing with back pain will get their money’s worth from this premium spine-supporting chair after walking away from a marathon gaming session.

Best gaming chair for comfort: Humanscale Freedom Task Chair

Humanscale Freedom Task Chair

Humanscale Freedom Task Chair

The high-priced Humanscale Freedom Task Chair looks like “just another office chair” at a glance—that is, until you sit in this deceptively comfortable model. Unlike most office chairs, the Freeform’s weight-based reclining mechanism automatically moves, twists, and supports your body as you adjust your posture. That unique design also applies to its armrests, which pivot alongside your natural movements for constant arm and shoulder support. (Fun fact: The Humanscale Freedom Task Chair also made our list of the best ergonomic office chairs.)

Its coziness-focused design doesn’t stop at its flexibility, as the Freedom’s seat, backrest, and armrests are all covered in a generous layer of supple foam for additional support. Yes, the Freeform may have been designed for the workplace, but its core design goal was to produce a chair that will keep its user reliably comfortable for hours, and since its spine-cradling design moves alongside your every gesture, it’s easily the most comfortable gaming chair on the market.

In addition to being the most relaxing gaming chair money can buy, the Humanscale Freedom includes an impressive 15-year warranty, was created in an environmentally-friendly manner, and each chair sports a huge range of customization options, so your premium chair is sure to match your entertainment room’s unique aesthetics.

Specifications

  • Price on publish: $1,371

Pros:

  • Automatically reclines as your body moves
  • Cradles your spine in any position for maximum comfort
  • Massive collection of customizable options

Cons:

  • Expensive

The bottom line:

The Humanscale Freedom Task Chair naturally bends, moves, and pivots with your natural posture, providing you the most comfortable position at all times.

Best budget-friendly big and tall gaming chair: Chill Sack

Chill Sack

Chill Sack

29% offSave $47

If you need an accommodating gaming chair but you aren’t able to spend several hundred dollars, the versatile Chill Sack is the best bet for larger, thrifty gamers. Available in sizes up to eight feet wide, and stuffed with form-supporting shredded memory foam, the Chill Sack is a top pick for anyone who needs a supportive seat that won’t squish or deform after sitting on it.

No matter which of the many color, fabric, and size options you choose to customize your Chill Sack, these unconventional gaming chairs feature a three-year warranty, a removable, machine washable cover, an ultra-soft but durable exterior, and are a dependable, yet thrifty option for gamers of all sizes to comfortably play for as long as they want.

Specifications

  • Price on publish: $165

Pros:

  • Available in many sizes to suit all body types
  • Plush and cozy memory foam
  • Rugged and offered in a rainbow of colors

Cons:

  • Best-suited for spacious rooms, as the Chill Sack is a wide gaming chair
  • Can be difficult to get in and out of

The bottom line:

Chill Sacks are durable, squishy, and all-around cozy for gamers of all sizes, and they’re more affordable than most seating options made for heavier people.

Best reclining gaming chair: Corsair Adjustable Reclining Ergonomic Swiveling PC & Racing Game Chair

Corsair Adjustable Reclining Ergonomic Swiveling PC & Racing Game Chair

Corsair Adjustable Reclining Ergonomic Swiveling PC & Racing Game Chair

While many gaming chairs have a reclining feature, the Corsair TC200 stands apart from the pack due to its unmatched reclining range of 180 degrees. This extra-wide reclining range allows users to sit at any angle they want, or even lay flat on their back in a bed-like position if you need an extended break. The comfort doesn’t stop there, as it also features highly adjustable armrests and ergonomic lumbar support, to keep your spine aligned no matter how far back you recline.

In addition to its impressive reclining range, this relatively affordable and easy to assemble gaming chair sports a dependably rugged and stable steel frame, an adjustable pillow for additional neck and shoulder support, and your choice of a plush fabric or a breathable leatherette material to keep you cool while you play.

Specifications

  • Price on publish: $400

Pros:

  • Reclines up to 180-degrees to lay flat
  • Highly adjustable
  • Supportive, ergonomic design

Cons:

  • More firm than plush

The bottom line:

The ability to recline all the way back and take a nap in your gaming chair is a great feature, but its durable frame, cozy design, and affordable price gives this model more value for your investment.

Best luxury gaming chair: Fabric Razer Iskur V2

Fabric Razer Iskur V2

Fabric Razer Iskur V2

9% offSave $61

Some are content to sit in a gaming chair that feels “good enough.” The highly rated Razer Iskur V2’s fine features and array of customizability options, though, come together for a genuinely luxurious seat. While many high-end chairs include lumbar support, the Iskur gives its user full control over its curvature to ensure that your spine is supported, and you’re as comfortable as humanly possible. In addition, the Iskur includes a wide reclining angle, highly adjustable armrests, and soft, yet supportive foam cushioning along its seat and back that cradle your body.

The Iskur sports a sleek design, reinforced steel frame, and a magnetic memory foam neck pillow for extra support. Anyone on the hunt for a gaming chair that effortlessly adapts to your natural body positions to sidestep the aches and pains that come with marathon gaming should consider the Razr Iskur V2 as a posture-preserving investment.

Specifications

  • Price on publish: $649.99

Pros:

  • Highly adjustable lumbar support, arm rests, backrest, etc.
  • Soft and supportive cushioning
  • Comfortably promotes a healthy posture

Cons:

  • At $649.99, it’s on the expensive side

The bottom line:

The Iskur V2’s self-adjusting lumbar support, plush seat, and highly adjustable components ensure a luxurious seating experience that dedicated gamers will appreciate.

Best value gaming chair: Bote Inflatable Aero Chair

Bote Inflatable Aero Chair

Bote Inflatable Aero Chair

The vast majority of gaming chairs are designed to be parked in front of your desk or TV, but I found a particularly versatile seat that works just as well at the beach, poolside, or patio, and the best part is it’s under $200. The Aero chair is available in regular and XL sizes, and while it’s inflatable, it’s not even close to the cheap blow-up novelty you may be imagining: Its rugged PVC exterior shrugs off bumps, kicks, and controllers hurled by recently-vanquished friends.

If you don’t mind sitting close to the ground, this featherweight, multipurpose chair is easy to bring to your next outdoor event—hose down and bring back inside for gaming again. Some other perks of this unconventional chair include the ability to deflate and store it practically anywhere, its well-cushioned and comfortable feel, and its optional magnetic cupholder attachment. Between its durability, multipurpose design, and budget-friendly price, the Inflatable Aero Chair is hands-down the most value-packed gaming chair out there.

Specifications

  • Price on publish: $169

Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to deflate for storage
  • The most comfortable recliner in this price range
  • Available in XL edition for taller and heavier gamers

Cons:

  • Air pump and cup holder sold separately

The bottom line:

Cheap, comfortable, and surprisingly rugged for an inflatable, an Aero chair is an unconventional, yet value-packed piece of furniture for thrifty video game enthusiasts.

Best mesh gaming chair: X-Chair X-Basic DVL Task Chair

X-Chair X-Basic DVL Task Chair

X-Chair X-Basic DVL Task Chair

Some may appreciate the plush feel of memory foam, but if you play in a warmer climate, it’s best to go with a breathable mesh gaming chair to keep you cool, like the X-Chair X-Basic. Its flexible mesh backrest and integrated automatic lumbar support feel airy and comfortable, and while there’s a huge variety of accessories and add-ons to choose from, its Elemax unit is worth the upcharge due to its integrated cooling fan, two massage modes, and a heating option to soothe sore backs.

I was particularly impressed with the X-Basic’s tough and breathable flex mesh fabric, and how its lumbar feature moves alongside your body for maximum support. Although stocking up on extras will add up quickly, fully customizing your personal mesh-backed gaming chair to your exact specifications will feel anything but “basic.” For an even more in-depth look at this chair, check out our X-Chair X-Basic DVL Task Chair review.

Specifications

  • Price on publish: $559

Pros:

  • Breathable and flexible design
  • Many customization options available
  • Excellent lumbar support

Cons:

  • Additional customizations will add up quickly for a pricier gaming chair

The bottom line:

While the core X-Chair X-Basic is supportive and cooling on its own, this model only gets better if you invest in its heating, smooth-gliding wheels, and back-massaging upgrades.

Best ergonomic gaming chair: Herman Miller Embody Gaming Chair

Herman Miller Embody Gaming Chair

Herman Miller Embody Gaming Chair

25% offSave $499

Herman Miller teamed up with Logitech and 30 physicians to develop the ultimate ergonomic chair, designed to address the needs of gamers. They succeeded with flying colors. For starters, the Embody gaming chair utilizes an advanced backrest that automatically molds to match your position and the curvature of your spine, to provide the most natural and comfortable seating position possible. Its many other ergonomic features come together to promote healthy blood flow, evenly distribute pressure on your body, and provide a consistently cozy place to sit and play for a long time.

Some of the Embody’s other key features include a copper-infused foam seat that actively wicks away heat from your body, an array of adjustability features (armrests, height, tilt, etc.), and an incredible 12-year warranty. If you have deep pockets, absolutely need to feel your best after sitting for a few hours, and gaming is your passion, an Embody gaming chair is worth every penny.

Specifications

  • Price on publish: $1,695

Pros:

  • Premium ergonomic design promotes healthy blood flow and posture
  • Plush cushioning
  • Highly adjustable design

Cons:

  • Expensive

The bottom line:

The Embody was meticulously crafted by scientists for a premier ergonomic design, and if you need the ultimate body supporting, pressure-relieving, and all-around most comfortable gaming chair out there, it’s worth every penny.

Best customizable gaming chair: Secretlab TITAN Evo

With its extra-tall back, plethora of stylish color options, and professional-grade four-way lumbar support, Secretlab’s TITAN Evo looks and feels like a throne worthy of a pro esports player. Available in three sizes (small, regular, and extra-large) to easily fit gamers of all heights and weights, the TITAN Evo was designed for buyers to customize everything, from the position of its magnetic memory foam pillow and 4D armrests, to your choice of many themed chairs designed after pop culture icons, such as the villainous Stormtroopers from Star Wars, to representing the heroic Scout Regimen of Attack on Titan, and everything in between.

Incorporating your favorite films, games, or anime into your gaming chair’s breathable fabric cover is cool, but its wide and supportive seat, swappable magnetic armrest covers, wide reclining angle, and ultra-durable construction prove its premium feel isn’t just skin deep.

Specifications

  • Price on publish: $549

Pros:

  • Huge array of fabric, size, and style options
  • Premier back support
  • Built to last

Cons:

  • Not particularly breathable, so it’s best for cooler climates

The bottom line:

The TITAN Evo sports the customizability you need for the perfect fit for your body, as well as the custom attention-grabbing pop culture designs you want.

Best gaming chair under $200: Big Joe Lotus

At just under $100, the huge, teardrop-shaped Big Joe Lotus chair is the top choice for gamers on a budget. Each of these sizable seats are filled with shredded memory foam, which gives it more cushioned support than you may expect at this low price point. Sure, it lacks the enhanced ergonomic lumbar support built into pricier gaming chairs, but if you need a plush, colorful, and lightweight chair that’s a breeze to set up and wash as needed, these dependably cozy, foam-filled chairs are a steal.

Specifications

  • Price on publish: $99

Pros:

  • Reliably soft, yet supportive
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Especially affordable

Cons:

  • Its big and wide design may be too much for small spaces
  • Can be difficult to get in/out of

The bottom line:

The Big Joe Lotus lives up to its namesake, and if you have room for this chunky behemoth, its memory foam insides and cuddly exterior makes it a top pick for thrifty gamers.

How we selected the best gaming chairs

I considered a wide range of factors to find the best gaming chairs available today, including extensive research, testing multiple models, and many years of experience with gaming accessories. While points such as durability and price played a role in which models made the list, the following are the most important details I looked for in a top-tier gaming chair:

Ergonomics 

The most important reason to buy a gaming chair is to relieve pressure from your body, maintain a healthy posture, and keep your body in a relaxed and neutral position as you sit for hours at a time.

Some design features indicative of a great ergonomic chair include adjustable lumbar support, a headrest that supports your head and neck, and a highly adjustable frame that comfortably supports you in any seated position.

Adjustability 

Everyone is different, so chairs with 4D armrests that move in all directions (up, down, side to side, forward, and back) a steep recline, flexible lumbar support, tilt and swivel features, and a height-adjustable base will help you discover your most comfortable posture.

Style 

Aesthetics are subjective, however manufacturers that offer their gamer chairs in a range of slick colors, patterns, and styles makes it much easier for people to find a stylish seat they’ll want in their office or gaming room for years.

What to consider when buying a gaming chair

There are a few important things to think about before you buy a gaming chair to ensure that it suits your body type, gaming preferences, and budget, among other factors:

Your body type

Everyone is built differently, and your new gaming chair should reflect that. Taller and heavier gamers should look for models with a higher back to comfortably accommodate their head and neck, as well as a larger maximum weight limit. Other physical features to consider for maximum comfort include a mesh-backed chair for maximum airflow, an array of adjustable options to match your coziest positions, and an ergonomic design to cradle your spine, neck, and shoulders while you play.

Design and style

Gaming chairs are available in a staggering array of design types and eye-catching styles, ranging from plush and cozy leatherbound models to streamlined, ergonomically designed chairs to keep your spine perfectly aligned. Some may prefer a classic wheeled desk chair, while others may appreciate an overstuffed beanbag-like chair to sink into.

In addition, gaming chairs are offered in a dazzling collection of colors, styles, and fun limited edition models that incorporate elements from things such as fan-favorite video game characters and race car manufacturers into their designs. When you find a gaming chair that suits your body type and preferred list of features, double-check to see if it’s offered in a few alternate color schemes before you buy.

Features

Although some may be satisfied with a bare-bones gaming chair as long as it’s comfortable, it’s worth comparing and contrasting features if you’re considering multiple options. Some features that greatly enhance the overall value of a gaming chair include the ability to recline, adjustable armrests, a supportive and cushioned headrest, and lumbar support.

Price

The cost of a great gaming chair varies wildly, from as low as under $150, to well over $1,000. If you need a simple, yet comfortable gaming chair and tend to not play for too long when you do sit down, there are many solid picks in the $200 and under range. However, if you need a gaming chair to prevent back pain while keeping your body in an ergonomic sitting position for hours on end, spending $500 or more is a worthy investment in your ongoing health and comfort while you play, study, or work at your desk.

Warranty

If you’re investing in a high-end gaming chair, be sure to note how long its warranty lasts and what it covers, for peace of mind before you buy. For example, the Razer Iskur includes a rock-solid three-year warranty that covers defective parts and components.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do you play better with a gaming chair?

Although it’s still up to you to claim the high score and beat the final boss, there are certainly noticeable benefits that come with playing from a quality gaming chair. These include the ergonomic back, shoulder, and neck support to keep you from feeling stiff from sitting for hours at a time and an extra-plush design and many adjustable settings for a more comfortable sitting experience. In addition, a cozy chair that cradles your body and supports your pressure points may help you to become more immersed in your game, allowing you to focus more closely on in-game threats instead of sore or stiff muscles from marathon gaming sessions.

Are normal chairs better than gaming chairs?

Your average chair is not better or worse than a gaming chair, they’re just designed for a different purposeIf you feel uncomfortable after gaming for a few hours in a normal chair, it may be because it lacked the enhanced lumbar support, adjustable armrests, back, and height, and ability to recline that are all commonly found in gaming chairs. Gaming chairs are designed to make you feel comfortable after multiple hours in the seated position, which makes them not only an excellent option for PC or console gaming, but for movie fans, students who study frequently, and home offices.

How much should I spend on a gaming chair?

The price of gaming chairs ranges from as little as under $150 to well over $1,000, so the answer depends on how often you play videogames, and for how long you usually play per session. If you tend to play for a relatively short time, or pick up the controller once a week or so, you may not want or need to invest hundreds of dollars into a high-end gaming chair.

However, if you play frequently and enjoy marathon gaming sessions, a pricier model is absolutely worth it for the enhanced ergonomic support you will need, as well as the many adjustability options and overall comfort that come with a nicer gaming chair. 

Are gaming chairs good for long hours of gameplay?

Absolutely! A good gaming chair will keep your spine aligned, support your head and neck, and will be ergonomically designed to keep your body comfortable for extra-long gaming sessions, so you can concentrate on defeating enemies instead of worrying about neck strain and back pain. The average chair simply doesn’t feature the lumbar support and range of adjustable positions necessary to sit comfortably for hours on end. While a solid gaming chair may seem pricey, it’s worth the cost to prevent lingering neck, back, and shoulder pain while getting the most from your hobby.

The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and overseen by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About Us page.

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