AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
When you sit down at the end of a hard day and turn on your Xbox or PS5, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is the chair you’re sitting in. Sure, a chair won’t help you frag your enemies or organize your farm in “Stardew Valley” any faster, but what you’re sitting in and how you’re sitting can have a huge impact on your comfort and health. Read on to discover the best gaming chairs for your style of play.
Our picks for best gaming chairs
Best budget gaming chair: Homall Gaming Chair
Homall Gaming Chair
Gaming can be an expensive hobby even if you’re just playing games like “Enter the Gungeon” on a second hand Xbox One. That doesn’t mean you have to settle for a second hand gaming chair that’s already well past its usage limits, though. Homall offers several gaming chairs for about $100 with features you’ll find on more expensive models. “This budget-friendly option stands out for its overall quality,” Melnyk says. “We had one in our old office and despite being a bit challenging to assemble and having firmer cushions, it proved to be reliable and durable.”
Specifications:
- Weight: 42.1 pounds.
- Dimensions: 19.8 inches deep x 20.5 inches wide x 47.8 inches high.
- Weight limit: 300 pounds.
- Recline: 170 degrees.
- Warranty: One year.
- Price on publish: $98.99.
- Features: Class three gas lift, recline function, rocking function, neck pillow.
What we like:
- Has a lot of features for a great price.
- Looks slick and doesn’t take up too much space.
- Durable materials.
- Amazing price.
What we don’t like:
- Armrests aren’t adjustable.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Don’t buy a chair just because of how it looks: It should feel comfortable and adjustable when you sit in it, especially if you’re using it for long periods of time, and this chair offers exactly that.
Get it here: Homall Gaming Chair
Best PC gaming chair: Andaseat Phantom 3 Series Premium Office Gaming Chair
AndaSeat Phantom 3 Series Premium Office Gaming Chair L - 2024 Bumblebee Premium PVC Leather
If you play games on your PC more than your living room TV or mobile devices, chances are that you also spend time working on the same computer. This means you’re going to need a reliable chair that can last through your work and free time. Benne recommends this model “for people who like to cross their legs while they sit,” as well as the fact that “they always have a sale going.”
Specifications:
- Weight: 55 pounds.
- Dimensions: 22.83 inches deep x 22.04 inches wide x 52 inches high.
- Weight limit: 220 pounds.
- Recline: 160 degrees.
- Warranty: Two-year automatic warranty with a five-year extension option.
- Price on publish: $279.99.
- Features: Class 4 gas piston lift, neck and lumbar pillow, molded foam seat, adjustable armrests and backrest.
What we like:
- Looks cool and comes in several colors.
- Reclining features.
- Neck and back support.
- Lifetime warranty for the framework and two-year warranty for all other parts.
- Great price.
What we don’t like:
- Low weight capacity and height capacity tops out at 6 feet, 1 inch.
- Flat armrests.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
If you plan on using your gaming chair for more than just gaming, pick a sturdy one that’s built to last.
Get it here: Andaseat Phantom 3 Series Premium Office Gaming Chair
Best ergonomic gaming chair: Razer Iskur V2Gaming Chair
Razer Iskur V2Gaming Chair
You may only be sitting when you play, but that doesn’t mean you’re completely static. Maybe you like to lean forward when the action gets tense or lean back as you wait for a loading screen. That means you have to readjust yourself and your chair and it can get annoying really fast. Eileen recommends this chair from Razer, one of the biggest and most popular names in computer accessories. “Not only does it adjust in about a million ways but the lumbar support moves with you rather than staying static, meaning you get support even if you aren’t sitting exactly how you should be,” she says.
Specifications:
- Weight: 61.73 pounds.
- Dimensions: 26.79 inches deep x 26.79 inches wide x 55.16 inches high.
- Weight limit: 300 pounds.
- Recline: 152 degrees.
- Warranty: Three-year limited warranty.
- Price on publish: $649.
- Features: adjustable lumbar curve, adaptive lumbar support, high-density foam cushions, reactive seal tilt, 152-degree recline, 4D armrests.
What we like:
- Several ways to adjust to your body and ways of sitting.
- Lumbar support with multiple adjustments.
- Reactive foam cushions.
- Adjustable armrests that go up and down and side to side.
What we don’t like:
- The price.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The price may be on the higher side but you get what you pay for when it comes to quality and durability.
Get it here: Razer Iskur V2Gaming Chair
Best gaming chair for big guys: AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL Series Premium Gaming Chair
AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Series Premium Gaming Chair L - Bentley Brown Premium PVC Leather
If you’ve put on a few pounds, you want a gaming chair that does more than just sit you up in front of the computer or the TV — you’re also going to need good back support and something that will make you feel comfortable. Benne recommends AndaSeat’s Kaiser 3 premium gaming chair. “The seat is 50 cm wider than the average gaming chair,” she says. “Plus, there aren’t those side bumpers. That way you don’t feel boxed in.”
Specifications:
- • Weight: 79.47 pounds for XL.
- • Dimensions: 22.04 inches deep x 21.65 inches wide x 53.94 inches high for XL.
- • Weight limit: 395 pounds.
- • Recline: 165 degrees.
- • Warranty: Two-year automatic warranty with five-year extension option.
- • Price on publish: $449.99.
- • Features: Adjustable lumbar curve, adaptive lumbar support, high-density foam cushions, reactive seal tilt, 152-degree recline, 4D armrests, gas lift cylinder.
What we like:
- Wide area for seating.
- Fully adjustable back and armrests.
- Magnetic attachments.
- Very reasonable price.
What we don’t like:
- Armrests pop off sometimes.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A sturdy, comfortable chair for larger gamers who want to enjoy their marathon sessions comfortably.
Get it here: AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL Series Premium Gaming Chair
Best office gaming chair: X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management Chair
X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management Chair
Gaming chairs that can double as office chairs can come in quite handy just — ask someone who spends the vast majority of their time in one. Being in front of a computer all that time requires some special features so your back and joints don’t feel like they’ve been locked up all day. X-Chair’s X2 K-Sport Management offers the best for both work and play with a breathable mesh back, soft lumbar and seat support and an advanced fabric for added comfort. There are even options available like a headrest, 360-degree rotational armrests and both heat and cooling massage modes built into the lower back of the chair.
Specifications:
- Weight: 52.5 pounds.
- Dimensions: 28 inches deep x 25.25 inches wide x 46.5-56.5 inches high.
- Weight limit: 275 pounds.
- Recline: 40 degrees.
- Warranty: Five years on parts and materials, 15 years on non-moveable parts.
- Price on publish: $879.
- Features: Lower back support with options for heat and massage functions, flex mesh fabric, dynamic variable lumbar support, fluid and infinite recline.
What we like:
- Wide variety of options for added support and comfort.
- Very deep recline.
- Mesh back that allows air to breathe through it.
- Fully adjustable.
- Generous warranty.
What we don’t like:
- Expensive, even more so if you add more features to your order.
- Small recline angle.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A pricey but hugely versatile chair for both work and play.
Get it here: X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management Chair
Best gaming chair with footrest: Dowinx Retro Series LS-6689
Dowinx Gaming Chair Office Desk Chair with Massage Lumbar Support, Vintage Style Task Chair PU Leather E-Sports Gamer Chair with Retractable Footrest (Brown)
It may look like something in your old man’s rumpus room, but looks can be deceiving. This chair has some features that the special chair in your parents’ living room doesn’t have: For starters, it’s got a retractable footrest, a massage lumbar pillow with a USB port and a recline angle so deep, you could take a nap on the thing.
Specifications:
- Weight: 44 pounds.
- Dimensions: 23 inches deep x 16 inches wide x 20 inches high.
- Weight limit: 350 pounds.
- Recline: 165 degrees.
- Warranty: One-month replacement and one-year parts and quality.
- Price on publish: $209.99.
- Features: Adjustable height and reclining, lumbar cushion with fits-all USB port, footrest.
What we like:
- Breathable leather surface.
- Wingback support for different postures and positions.
- There’s a USB port in the pillow.
- Thick, comfortable cushions.
- Doubles as an office chair.
- Price is really reasonable.
What we don’t like:
- Assembly is a little more difficult than the average gaming chair.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A retro-styled but thoroughly modern gaming chair with multiple features, including a footrest.
Get it here: Dowinx Retro Series LS-6689
Best reclining gaming chair: Corsair TC200 Gaming Chair
Corsair TC200 Gaming Chair
Gaming may require you to lean in and concentrate but sometimes you also want to lean back and stretch, or even just sit back and watch the action in between matches. The Corsair TC200 Gaming Chair is your best bet for those moments when you want to lean back for a stretch, thanks to its full 180-degree recline.
Specifications:
- Weight: 47.6 pounds.
- Dimensions: 17.91 inches deep x 20.25 inches wide x 59.5 inches high.
- Weight limit: 268 pounds.
- Recline: 180 degrees.
- Warranty: Two-year comprehensive warranty.
- Price on publish: $399.99.
- Features: Deep reclining back, breathable upholstery, class 4 gas lift, foam lumbar support, 4D armrests.
What we like:
- Lots of room for reclining.
- Sturdy design with steel framing.
- The price is right for what you get.
- Great, comprehensive warranty.
- Very comfortable.
What we don’t like:
- Stock is very limited.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A feature-stuffed gaming chair with a deep, comfortable recline.
Get it here: Corsair TC200 Gaming Chair
Best luxury gaming chair: MAVIX M9 Gaming Chair
MAVIX M9 Gaming Chair
If you’ve got a few extra bucks burning a hole in your pocket and you’re looking for a gaming chair that’s not only comfortable and ergonomic, but will also last you a while, Eileen recommends this high-end chair from MAVIX. “The MAVIX M9 has been my favorite for years even if it doesn’t have the ‘gamer aesthetic,’” Eileen says. “It’s expensive but it has treated me very well with daily use. It fits me (at 5’11”) in all the right places and is comfortable and breathable during extended use. I have yet to find someone who doesn’t love sitting in it.”
Specifications:
- Weight: 60 pounds.
- Dimensions: 28 inches deep x 26.25 inches wide x 55 inches high.
- Weight limit: 275 pounds.
- Recline: 127 degrees.
- Warranty: Three-year limited warranty.
- Price on publish: $999.
- Features: Optional cooling/heat and massage functions, 4Dor 360-degree rotational armrests, cool gel M-Foam seats, M-breeze fabric, FS wheels, dynamic variable lumbar support with REVOLVE extended recline technology, adjustable headrest.
What we like:
- Lots of options to meet your needs.
- Very comfortable seating.
- Quiet, frictionless wheels for ease of movement.
- Independent headrests for varying heights.
- Almost every part is fully adjustable.
What we don’t like:
- Very high price tag.
- Warranty could be better for the price.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A super high-end chair with a price tag to match.
Get it here: MAVIX M9 Gaming Chair
What to consider when buying a gaming chair
Time
“If you plan to use it all day, every day, you may want to consider a larger budget and more durable materials,” says Dayna Eileen, executive editor of Comics & Gaming Magazine. “However, if you’re a casual gamer and only use your chair on the weekends, you might not need to splurge in the same way.”
Comfort and support
“It might be tempting to pick one just because it looks cool, but what’s more important is finding a chair that feels good to sit in, especially for long periods of gaming or working,” says Yaroslav Melnyk, co-founder and chief executive officer of the game streaming assets site Kudos.tv. “Make sure the chair can adjust to your body with features like adjustable lumbar support, armrests and a headrest.”
Material
“The chair’s material should be durable and comfortable for you and you’ll want to make sure it’s the right size for both you and the space you have,” says Melnyk. “While it’s key to stick to your budget, spending a little more can sometimes get you a much better chair in terms of quality and comfort.”
Special features
“Suppose a gamer would like to use their chair with an accessory for racing or flight simulation games,” says tech and gaming journalist Junae Benne. “In that case, the reclining feature and the height adjustability should be higher on the priority list. If there is a footrest, it should be able to tuck away unnoticeably.”
Steps on how to set up a gaming chair
- Find a clear space where you can lay out all the parts and access them easily.
- Read the instructions and follow every step.
- Clear away any obstructions such as cords.
- Have a cup or small bowl set aside for smaller pieces like nuts, bolts and tools that come with your chair.
- Organize all parts of your chair before you start putting them together.
- Keep the chair off the ground to avoid scratches or damages. It’s often a good idea to flatten the box it came in and assemble it on that.
Cleaning and maintenance routine for a gaming chair
If you want to get the most out of your chair, keeping it clean and well-maintained is a must. This process starts as soon you begin unboxing your chair and putting it together.
“Always inspect every area that can be adjusted to make sure it does so smoothly, look for any tears or wear in the fabric and make sure the seat cushion is still strong,” says Eileen.
If you’ve got the budget for it, you can also invest in seat covers that will keep your chair protected when you’re not using it. Gaming chairs can accumulate dust and sweat over time, so make sure to regularly clean it with an upholstery solvent or soap and water on a damp cloth. Consult your manual for the best and safest products to use on your chair.
“Chairs, being items of personal use, come into contact with sweat and other bodily fluids, making them quite personal in terms of cleanliness and hygiene,” says Melnyk. “Over time, a chair can also accumulate dust and allergens that may not be completely removable, even with a thorough cleaning.”
How we selected the best gaming chairs
My selections were determined from interviews with experts who have hands-on experience with these products, as well as my own personal experience and reviews from customers. I looked at factors such as material and durability, special features, weight and height limits and price ranges based on similar products.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What chair do most gamers use?
The top-selling gaming chair on Amazon as of publication is the GTPlayer Gaming Chair, a $99.99 chair that comes with lumbar support, cushioned armrests and an optional footrest on other models.
Which gaming chair is best for long hours?
Melnyk says the durability and longevity of a gaming chair can vary from model to model and depends on how often a player uses it. “Hardcore gamers will go through chairs faster, much like controllers or headsets,” she says. “Without outside stressors (like cats, in my case), your chair should last you anywhere between three and five years.”
How much should you pay for a good gaming chair?
The amount of usage you plan to get out of a chair also depends on how long you plan on using it. Some models might seem cheaper in the short term but they can cost you more in the long run if you aren’t careful. “Most chairs on the market today are built to be durable enough to last at least five years,” says Melnyk. “Chairs on the lower end of the price spectrum tend to show signs of wear like fading fabric or peeling materials much sooner than their higher-priced counterparts.”
Can gaming chairs be used for office work?
Another factor to consider when buying a chair for gaming is how much time you plan to use it for work as well. PC gamers who work from home will spend a lot of time in their gaming chairs. “Personally, I think you need to assess how long you plan to spend in that chair each day before you do anything else,” says Eileen.
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AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.