Editor’s Note: this guide was originally posted in 2021, and updated each year to include new additions and rerankings to reflect the latest models and considerations. This list is kept up-to-date each month with the latest in-stock options from our best picks. The latest picks are from October 2023.
Investing in a gaming chair is a must-have to complete your gaming PC setup. No matter whether you’re short or tall, prefer mesh or racing designs, there’s a huge selection of gaming chairs out there to choose from. But, one of the biggest priorities when searching for the best gaming chair is comfort. If you’re going to be immersing yourself in long gaming sessions, you simply can’t compromise in this area.
Jump to detailed looks at the best picks, or check out our list below:
TL;DR – These are the Best Gaming Chairs:
- AndaSeat Kaiser 3 – Best Overall
- Corsair TC100 Relaxed – Best Budget Chair
- Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 Series – Best High-End Chair
- Vertagear SL5800 – Best Ergonomics
- Razer Fujin Pro – Best Mesh Chair
- Noblechairs Icon – Best Leather Chair
- Herman Miller Vantum – Best Fabric Chair
- Respawn 110 – Best Budget Fabric Chair
- Secretlab Titan Evo XL – Best Big and Tall Chair
The Secretlab Titan Evo is currently the best gaming chair around; it’s easy to sink into it like a warm blanket on a winter’s night, perfect for any type of person. But, there are also other types of chairs for you to consider. From budget gaming chairs to high-end premium chairs.
Keep your eyes peeled for a chair with a durable and solid frame, quality materials, lumbar support, and added comfort. Unfortunately, the market’s full of duds, so we’ve the testing and research, bringing you the nine best seats around – and view the best chairs available in the UK.
The Best Gaming Chairs in 2023
1. Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 Series
The Best Gaming Chair
Secretlab continues to wow us with the Titan series. It takes what we already loved about the series and continues to refine it further with the Titan Evo 2022. A soft, spacious, and generously padded seat is still a staple, and the material options of leatherette or fabric hold up great over time. That’s paired with a sturdy backrest containing a sneakily added adjustable lumbar support ensuring you maintain good posture and preventing back pain. Plus, you still get a deep recline that locks into place for better relaxation between heated gaming sessions.
Where the latest model changes things up is in the headrest and armrests; Secretlab has ditched straps for holding the neck pillow in place and instead opted for magnets. This makes for a stylish appearance and finer control over positioning. The tops of the 4D armrests are also held in place magnetically, so you’ll have an easy time taking them off if you want to swap them out for some of the alternate toppers Secretlab has available. Note: See below for the XL version!
2. AndaSeat Kaiser 3
Best High-End Gaming Chair
The AndaSeat Kaiser 3 is a perfect teammate whether you pull it up to your gaming desk or kick back while playing the PS5 or Xbox Series X on the big gaming TV. You’ll rest comfortably for hours on this racing-style chair’s wide, plush seat that loses those uncomfortable side bolsters, ensuring you can place your legs in whatever position you please. That seat, along with the tall backrest, is wrapped in either a durable PVC leather or soft fabric and sits on a sturdy frame ready to hold a range of gamers up to 260 pounds—an XL version supports up to 395 pounds.
Ergonomics were not forgotten on this throne, starting with the 4D armrests featuring magnetically interchangeable toppers, while inside the backrest, you’ll find easily adjustable lumbar support. A memory foam neck pillow even attaches to the headrest at different heights. When you want to kick it between games, the chair reclines down to 165°, and the seat base rocks, helping to get out some nervous energy. Finally, the mid-range price point takes this chair one notch above the others.
3. Corsair TC100 Relaxed Gaming Chair
Best Budget Gaming Chair
Corsair isn’t new to the gaming chair game, and that knowledge extends to their wallet-friendly option, the TC100 Relaxed. This racing-style throne offers a robust steel frame and wide seat packed with plush padding to ensure your behind is comfortable during long playing sessions. The entire seat is then wrapped in a durable leatherette or soft fabric material with perforated sections for extra breathability to stay cool during intense play sessions.
Setting you back only $250, this budget gaming chair is great for those that splurged on one of the best gaming PC deals. Though it isn’t as feature-full as more expensive chairs, it has all the basics you need. 2D armrests and a gas lift with a wide range of height adjustments make for an ergonomic alignment with your desk. There is no built-in lumbar support. However, back and neck pillows come with it, while a deep recline lets you kick back between matches.
4. Vertagear SL5800
Best Ergonomic Gaming Chair
Ergonomics are the number one feature you will want in a chair, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time sitting. With that in mind, the VertaGear SL5800 offers the most adjustability in a gaming chair we’ve seen. It starts with a ContourMax lumbar support system that combines a layer of memory foam with four flexible panels that adjust to the shape of your back.
Meanwhile, you’re seated on a highly ventilated and plush VertaAir Seat. The bottom cushion is basically fitted with eight foam pucks with a host of air funnels to keep your bottom from getting hot while seated. Add in all the adjustability you get from the seat height, tilting backrest, and armrest, and you can seriously tune your setup for maximum comfort.
5. Razer Fujin Pro
Best Mesh Gaming Chair
While the Razer Fujin Pro doesn’t look much like a gaming chair, nor does it boast stylish colors or fancy patterns, this mesh chair offers refined elegance that contours to your shape. The built-in lumbar support helps you from slouching in your chair, and the shape promotes healthy blood circulation. Plus, most of the mechanics can be adjusted.
Easy to assemble, this gaming chair can be built in around 15 minutes, so you can get your gaming on in no time. When it’s time to sit down, you’ll appreciate the Razer Fujin Pro’s supportive cushioning, promoting the right ergonomics for you to work and game with. No, you can’t fully recline the chair, you can tilt it to 130 degrees; but it stops you from putting yourself into a position that you might not be able to get up from.
Read our Full Review: Razer Fujin Pro
6. Noblechairs Icon
Best Leather Gaming Chair
Leather often comes at a premium, but it is super durable and adds a bit of sophistication to your setup. The noblechairs Icon is one of the few gaming chairs that use real, genuine leather, rather than a typical PU and other synthetic leather option. Inside the leather-wrapped seat is a healthy dose of cold foam for a soft, comfy place to rest your behind for extended gaming sessions. The subdued design also doesn’t scream “gaming chair,” so it fits in just as well in a work environment as in a gaming one.
On top of the noblechairs Icon premium leather design, it is also highly adjustable. The seat can be raised or lowered nearly 4-inches in height, giving you plenty of room to get a proper position at your desk. The 4D armrests make it that much easier to find an ideal ergonomic setup. Plus, when you want to kick back, the chair can recline back to 135 degrees, and the base provides a bit of rocking range as well. Though the design doesn’t insist on them, the Icon includes a lumbar cushion and neck pillow for those who want a little extra support.
7. Herman Miller Vantum
Best Fabric Gaming Chair
Herman Miller is known for their innovative, high-quality office furniture, and in collaboration with Logitech G, they’re bringing that expertise to gaming chairs. The Vantum loses the traditional racing chair aesthetic, opting for a more sculpted, sleek design that’ll fit perfectly pulled up to a gaming or work setup. A plush and durable polyester fabric wraps around the seat, delivering a more breathable feel than leather that’s also softer on bare legs than mesh. However, this chair isn’t exclusively fabric, as a fine mesh suspension backrest ensures you don’t overheat during intense action.
The material used in Herman Miller’s Vantum may feel fantastic, but its ergonomic build places it a notch above most gaming chairs. You get both adjustable lumbar support and a passively adaptive thoracic support pad to ensure you’re comfortable and maintain great posture. Also, a unique “active, forward-leaning alignment” feature pushes you slightly forward in the seat, helping with focus and reaction time, though you can always adjust the tilt and tension for a more relaxed position.
8. Respawn 110
Best Budget Fabric Gaming Chair
A good chunk of gaming chairs feature PU leather or pleather for the haters, but if you’re gaming in shorts or a tank top, it doesn’t always feel great on the skin, especially when the inevitable sweat starts to happen. To avoid that sticky situation, you can snag a fabric option, like the Respawn 110, while still staying on budget. You’ll welcome this racing-style chair’s soft, breathable, and surprisingly durable material that’s ready for even your longest gaming sessions.
Respawn didn’t skimp on features, starting with its large, inviting seat toting built-in lumbar support and headrest, while a sturdy frame and piston can hold 275 pounds, so bigger gamers need not shy away. If you want to kick back after each match, you get a deep 135-degree recline, and the tilt tension is adjustable for a bit of rocking action. Unfortunately, the armrests don’t move, but at least it’s easy enough to adjust the seat height to get ergonomic positioning at your gaming desk.
9. Secretlab Titan Evo XL
Best Big and Tall Gaming Chair
The Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 is already in this guide, but we’re happy to see it in an XL model, making it the best big and tall gaming chair. It features a slightly larger form, so you get a wide seat at 19.3 inches, while the bolsters on either side add to that total width. Secretlab also uses a Class 4 lift that combines with the rest of its sturdy structure to support a hefty 395-pound max load.
The Secretlab Titan Evo XL 2022 Series doesn’t forget taller gamers, as it’s ready for individuals ranging from 5-foot-11 to 6-foot-9 with its high back. Of course, you still get all those ergonomic luxuries like integrated adjustable lumbar support, a magnetic neck pillow, and magnetic 4D armrests that you can swap out to get your optimal arm position. It doesn’t stop there, as your behind rests in a well-cushioned memory foam seat with cooling gel, and the base of the chair can even tilt as you recline, letting you comfortably sink back without sliding out in between matches on your gaming PC.
Before you shop, keep in mind there are really cool limited edition and speciality styles you can either pre-order or get right now from Secretlab in XL size, beyond the simple black chair design. So, depending on your gaming, anime and entertainment franchise interests, you may even want to splurge on a more colorful Esports design (like Cloud9), a new special edition design like Mortal Kombat or Cyberpunk 2077, or of course a classic franchise favorite such as Star Wars Stormtrooper or Batman:
Best Gaming Chairs in the UK
When it comes to gaming chairs in the UK, the Razer Enki and Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 are among the best options available. The Razer Enki offers a comfortable and customizable seating experience, with adjustable armrests and lumbar support. Its sleek design and premium materials make it a popular choice among gamers. The Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 is another top contender, with its durable construction and ergonomic features like adjustable lumbar support and a multi-tilt mechanism. Its attention to detail and customizable options make it a favorite among serious gamers looking for a high-end chair that can keep up with their long gaming sessions. Ultimately, the best gaming chair for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget.
Before Choosing a Gaming Chair: FAQs
How much is a gaming chair?
While you can buy a gaming chair for $79 or less, doing so is just asking for eventual pain. Something cheap is usually nothing more than a cheap plastic frame (versus steel) with some thin fabric or pleather upholstery on top.
You can get a quality gaming chair for as little as $200 and that’s the absolute bottom floor of affordability we’d go for. Spending $300 or more will get you access to better options like the Razer Enki X and $319 Respawn Specter. If your budget allows you to soar a bit higher, more expensive gaming chairs start to come with built-in lumbar support, cooling gel layers, and even more adjustable ergonomics; not to mention RGB LED Kits and more. It all depends on what matters most to you in the longterm.
How should you sit in a gaming chair?
Between the tall back and support pillows, you should almost feel like you’re being forced to sit up straight. Making them feel almost a little challenging and uncomfortable to sit in. That might sound counterintuitive to how chairs are supposed to be just comfortable, but it’ll help save you from a lifetime of lower back pain and developing other gaming-related health complications like repetitive strain injury.
Alternatively, most gaming chairs come with a lever like you’re ejecting out of a jet fighter. This is used to recline all the way back so you can lie on the gaming chair like it’s a mini bed.
Should you get a gaming chair or an office chair?
One of the biggest differences between gaming chairs vs office chairs is the seats with gaming in mind often come toting a long back and a headrest to better support your back and shoulders than a short office chair. Extra lumbar and neck pillows on gaming chairs help keep you sitting straighter, while office chairs often offer more effective lumbar support and better seat adjustability. However, gaming chairs usually deliver a deeper recline for better relaxation.
Of course, aesthetics set the two apart, as gaming chairs often feature distinct racing-style seats and come in a variety of colors with big logos, while office chairs keep it much more subdued.
How do you ensure your gaming chair is comfortable?
No matter which type of gaming chair you choose, one thing you’ll definitely want is solid, adjustable ergonomics. When we say that we mean a chair with customizable lumbar support, adjustable armrests, levers to tilt and height, and a movable headrest. For the most part, all the gaming chairs on this list include at least one to all the points of adjustability mentioned and you’ll want to take advantage of them. Be sure to pick the right size for you, as taller folks may need an XL size for the most support and back comfort.
In short, look for:
- Customizable lumbar support
- Adjustable armrests
- Levers to tilt and height
- Headrest (movable)
- Size (best for your weight and height)
What’s been your favorite gaming chair and why? Let us know in the comments.
Contributions from Danielle Abraham, freelance tech writer, and Kevin Lee.
Image Credit: Annalee Tsujino is a multi disciplinary designer and illustrator. Check them out on Instagram @antsu_illustrations.
All content and images belong to their respected owners. This article is aggregated for informational purposes only with full credit to the source.
