You’ve probably put a lot of time, money, and consideration into choosing the best screen, speakers, and controllers for your gaming. You should put just as much focus on choosing the right chair.
The best gaming chair will take your play to the next level. By keeping you comfortable and providing ergonomic support, a good gaming chair lets you focus on setting a lap record or storming the castle instead of worrying about an achy back.
Picking the right chair for you depends on several factors, like your weight and height, the width and depth of the chair’s seat, the amount of lumbar support the chair provides, and its upholstery and general aesthetics. Read on for reviews of some of the best gaming chairs.
- BEST OVERALL: GTRACING Gaming Chair with Speakers & Footrest
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: OFM ESS Collection Bonded Leather Gaming Chair
- UPGRADE PICK: AKRacing Masters Series Premium Gaming Chair
- BEST ERGONOMIC: Ansuit Gaming Chair for Adults
- BEST WITH VIBRATION: X Rocker Pro Series 2.1 Vibrating Video Gaming Chair
- BEST ROCKER: X Rocker Surge Bluetooth 2.1 Video Gaming Floor Chair
- BEST FOR SWIVEL: RESPAWN Racing Style Rocker
- BEST RACER: Openwheeler Advanced Racing Seat
- BEST FOR BIG AND TALL: Lemberi Video Game Chair for Adults, Big and Tall
- BEST WITH FOOTREST: Respawn 110 Racing Style Gaming Chair
Types of Gaming Chairs
There are three main types of chairs preferred by serious gamers: rocker, racing, and office chairs.
Rocker
Rocker-style gaming chairs are the original gaming-specific chairs. These chairs generally have no legs, wheels, or arms and sit directly on the floor, putting users at eye-level with old-style console and projection TVs. Today’s rocker chairs have features like vibration and Bluetooth speakers. They’re comfortable for controller and console-based gaming, but not great for PC gaming with a keyboard and mouse.
Racer
Racer-style, as the name suggests, are automotive-inspired seats that look like they were pulled out of a race car. Originally, these seats were glorified-versions of office chairs. Now, you can find them with lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and Bluetooth capability. They’ll keep you comfortable for binges of both PC-gaming and console gaming.
Office
Before rocker and racers hit the market, gamers had to use office chairs. Even though they lack gaming-friendly features, like Bluetooth and vibration feedback, some gamers still opt for office chairs because of their ergonomic support. Office chairs are made to keep office workers comfy for an eight-hour workday in front of a screen, so they’ll keep a gamer comfy for a Fortnite marathon. Office chairs blend into the room’s decor more smoothly than racing or rocker chairs do.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Gaming Chair
When shopping for the best gaming chair, there are several factors to consider.
Available Space
Consider the amount of space you have when choosing a gaming chair. Rocker chairs with swivel bases can take up quite a bit of room. While that’s not a big deal in a game room, it might not work as well in your main living space. Rocker chairs rarely have wheels, so you can’t just roll them to another room. If space is scant, consider a racing-style chair. They’re smaller than a rocker chair and can be rolled away with ease.
Material
Most gaming chairs are made of synthetic materials like plastic, polyurethane, nylon, and bonded leather. They have foam padding under the seat and back of the chair. There are benefits to synthetics; plastic and nylon are lightweight, keeping the chair easy to move. And synthetics are less expensive than real leather. Many chairs have nylon mesh areas to allow airflow and keep you cool.
Aesthetic
How a gaming chair looks matters. You want to choose a chair that fits your space or can be stowed when not in use. If you do most of your gaming in the living room, a rocker or racing chair might stand out. Consider choosing an office chair you can push to a corner of the room when not in use. If you’re building a gaming cave, the louder the chair, the better. You can find both rocker-style and racing-style chairs, in bright colors with bold patterns and aggressive-looking lines, that will look like they jumped right off the screen of your racing games.
Comfort and Ergonomics
To stay comfortable during a gaming marathon, you need ergonomic chair features like proper lumbar support and adjustable, padded armrests. The best gaming chairs will come with adjustable lumbar support in the form of a lumbar pillow or an adjustable back. Lumbar support will keep you from slumping while you play, so you sit upright longer and with less discomfort.
Many gaming chairs also come with adjustable footrests, so you can kick back and crush another level while taking pressure off your legs and knees. Add a reclining backrest, and you’ve got a comfortable place to pilot a simulated flight from coast to coast.
Console Compatibility
If you’re looking at a chair with features like Bluetooth and vibration feedback, make sure they work with your gaming system. If your chair isn’t compatible, you can get adapters that plug into your console or PC to hook up the speakers and vibration control to your chair.
Also, consider if your chair is physically compatible with your setup. A rocker might not work well with a desktop computer gaming system. An office or racing chair that can roll under the gaming desk might be a better choice.
Weight Capacity and Recommended Height
Keep weight and height capacities in mind when choosing the best gaming chair for you. If you’re large, you might want a gaming chair with a heavier weight capacity. Most gaming chairs can hold a maximum of 275 to 300 pounds. Racing chairs are contoured to hug your hips and torso and allow a wide range of motion for your arms. If you’re too tall or short, you won’t fit comfortably in these seats.
Gaming chairs come in children’s and big-and-tall versions, which are good options if you’re aren’t the right height for average chairs.
Additional Features
Gaming chairs with built-in Bluetooth speakers have different battery life ranges. If you play racing games, you may prefer a racing chair setup that sits directly on the floor with mounts for a steering wheel, pedals, and even a shifter. If you’re a sports fan, you might prefer speakers that last through extra innings or a doubleheader.
Gaming Chair vs. Office Chair
While one could obviously work from a gaming chair or play games from an office chair, there are some distinct differences between the two. Office chairs often have toned-down designs, flatter back supports, and ergonomic designs like adjustable armrests. This makes them suitable for long hours at an office desk, but these chairs aren’t ideal for gaming scenarios.
Gaming chairs often look like seats removed directly from a race car and bolted to a set of wheels. Their armrests are almost always able to move out of the way, and they allow for a bit more range of motion, allowing users to utilize steering wheels and motion-activated controllers. Also, many have footrests that allow the user to relax in such a way that an office supervisor might find unprofessional.
Our Top Picks
We reviewed some top-performing gaming chairs, measured them against our buying considerations, and picked some favorites.
Photo: amazon.com
For gamers who want a gaming chair built for speed, the GTRacing Gaming Chair With Speakers is worth checking into. This polyurethane, leather-wrapped, racing-style chair has an aggressive look with colorful accents available in blue, red, or purple.
As one of our top-rated gaming chairs, the GTRacing Gaming Chair is comfy, too. It’s a reclining gaming chair with a backrest that allows users to kick back between 90 and 170 degrees. The chair can rock or lock into place, and the seat height and armrests are adjustable. It also comes with lumbar and neck pillows for support. It rolls on five casters and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
It has two Bluetooth speakers that connect to a console or computer. If the machine isn’t compatible, shoppers can buy GTRacing’s USB Bluetooth Adapter (sold separately.)
Product Specs
- Style: Racing
- Capacity: 300 pounds
- Material: Polyurethane leather
Pros
- A bold look with colorful accents
- Reclines 170 degrees
- Ergonomic features like lumbar support and neck pillows
Cons
- Might not be compatible with all systems
Get the GTRacing gaming chair on Amazon or GTRacing.
Photo: amazon.com
Any gamer who needs affordable functionality should check out the OFM ESS Collection Gaming Chair. This hybrid of an office and racing chair is manufactured in polyurethane leather fabric with perforated nylon fabric on surfaces that touch shoulders, hips, and legs for maximum breathability. It comes in several sporty color combos, including black on black, yellow, pink, purple, red, and white.
The OFM ESS Collection Gaming Chair has a sturdy base and five casters, though it can only hold up to 275 pounds. It has flip-up armrests, 360 degrees of swivel, and a padded headrest. Users can also adjust the chair’s seat height and tilt.
Product Specs
- Style: Racing
- Capacity: 275 pounds
- Material: Polyurethane leather
Pros
- Breathable material at all important points
- Flip-up armrests
- 360-degree swivel
Cons
- Relatively low weight capacity
Get the OFM ESS Collection gaming chair on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Gamers looking for a high-end, durable gaming chair should check out the AKRacing Masters Series Premium Gaming Chair. This faux leather chair has deep bolsters as well as neck and lumbar pillows for added support. It comes in five sporty color combinations that would be right at home in a race car. The chair has an aluminum base; heavy-duty, gas-lift adjustable height; and thick foam padding.
It can hold up to 330 pounds, which is more than most gaming chairs. The armrests are adjustable and can be moved up and down, back and forth, in and out, or rotated out of the way. The chair has a 360-degree swivel, and the back reclines to 180 degrees, so gamers can lay flat in what AKRacing calls “chill mode.” All of this does come at a cost though; this model is pretty expensive compared to others on our list.
Product Specs
- Style: Racing
- Capacity: 330 pounds
- Material: Faux leather
Pros
- Durable design with deep bolsters
- Gas-lift adjustable height
- High weight capacity
- Variety of colors to fit game room decor
Cons
Get the AKRacing gaming chair on Amazon or AKRacing.
Photo: amazon.com
If gamers want a gaming chair that’s adjustable and ergonomic, they should check out this gaming chair from Ansuit. This model has neck- and back-support pillows, a seat that can adjust for height, and adjustable-height armrests (though they don’t fold completely out of the way). The chair swivels 360 degrees so gamers can slip out from their desks with ease. It also has a slide-away footrest that tucks away under the seat, and the back reclines up to 155 degrees.
The chair has a heavy-duty, five-caster base with a 300-pound weight capacity. Polyurethane leather covers thick, foam padding and comes in several colors, including red, pink, and several combos of black with accent colors for a sporty look, making it one of the coolest gaming chairs.
Product Specs
- Style: Racing
- Capacity: 300 pounds
- Material: Polyurethane leather
Pros
- Adjustable height and armrests
- Slide-away footrest
- Comes in several colors
Cons
- Armrests don’t fold or flip out of the way
Get the Ansuit gaming chair on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
When it comes to getting completely lost in that new game, the X Rocker Pro Series 2.1 Dual Pedestal Gaming Chair will take the gamer there. This rocker-style chair sits atop a swivel base with futuristic-looking plastic arms and offers built-in neck and lumbar support.
As far as technology and connectivity features go, the X Rocker Pro Series 2.1 Gaming Chair provides plenty. In addition to two speakers built into the headrest, this chair has a built-in subwoofer. The vibration motors sync with the subwoofer to create vibration during movies or intense gaming. It works with Bluetooth but also has built-in RCA jacks and can connect to other X Rocker Chairs.
When it comes to storage, the X Rocker Pro Series 2.1’s backrest folds down, providing a bit of flexibility. However, its 250-pound weight capacity might be a bit low.
Product Specs
- Style: Rocker
- Capacity: 250 pounds
- Material: Faux leather
Pros
- Has Bluetooth and RCA jacks
- Folds in half for easy storage
- Built-in neck and lumbar support
- Built-in speakers, subwoofer, and vibration
Cons
Get the X Rocker Pro Series gaming chair on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Whether the gamer is into retro gaming or modern first-person role-playing games, the X Rocker Surge Bluetooth 2.1 Video Gaming Floor Chair is worth a look. This rocker-style chair sits on the game-room floor and allows users to kick back comfortably while they play. While it doesn’t provide the type of ergonomic features other gaming chairs might, it does allow users to immerse themselves in the game.
The Surge works with most entertainment systems thanks to its Bluetooth capability. It has two forward-facing speakers and a built-in subwoofer to bring the sounds of a favorite game to life. It’s made of faux leather with red piping for a sportier look. Gamers can also hook it up to other X Rocker chairs. It folds in half, so users can store it away when it’s not in use.
Product Specs
- Style: Rocker
- Capacity: 275 pounds
- Material: Faux leather
Pros
- Built-in speakers and subwoofer
- Bluetooth and other audio inputs
- Can link to other X Rocker chairs for a group gaming experience
Cons
Get the X Rocker Surge gaming chair on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Respawn RSP-800 Racing Style Rocker Gaming Chair can keep users comfortable through an hours-long gaming tournament. It sits on a sturdy, trumpet-style pedestal and has built-in neck, head, and lumbar support. The RSP-800 holds up to 275 pounds and is covered in a PVC leather-style fabric that’s soft and easy to clean. The armrests flip up to give gamers more room to stretch during long gaming sessions. This rocker has an adjustable height and rotates 360 degrees. It rocks back as far as 155 degrees and has an adjustable tension system.
Product Specs
- Style: Rocker
- Capacity: 275 pounds
- Material: PVC leather
Pros
- Flip-up armrests
- Stable, trumpet-style pedestal
- Adjustable height and 155-degree recline
Cons
- No adjustable lumbar or neck support
Get the Respawn RSP-800 gaming chair on Amazon or at Sam’s Club.
Photo: amazon.com
Gamers can easily immerse themselves in a great racing game with the Openwheeler Advanced Racing Seat gaming chair. This chair has an adjustable frame to mount a steering wheel, racing pedals, and gear shifter, making users feel like they’re really in the cockpit of a race car.
The Openwheeler is totally adjustable. Gamers can slide the pedal and steering wheel mounts back and forth, tilt the steering wheel, or move it up and down. The back reclines, allowing them to lean back for a relaxed ride through virtual canyons. The fabric-covered seat has back, leg, and shoulder support. The spirited gamer will appreciate the Openwheeler’s sturdy pedal mount, which can handle slamming on the brakes. That hardiness does come at a cost, as this model is not inexpensive.
Product Specs
- Style: Racing
- Capacity: Unknown
- Material: Fabric
Pros
- Fully adjustable pedal and steering wheel position
- Adjustable frame
- Heavy-duty pedal mount
- Allows user to attach steering wheels and pedals
Cons
- Expensive compared to other gaming chairs
Get the Openwheeler gaming chair on Amazon.
9. BEST FOR BIG AND TALL: Lemberi Video Game Chair for Adults, Big and Tall
For those who aren’t comfortable in a smaller gaming chair or for anyone looking for a big gaming chair, check out this pick from Lemberi. This racing-style chair features plenty of seating as well as a 400-pound weight capacity, making it suitable for larger gamers.
This chair features polyurethane faux leather that is easy to clean and durable. It has an adjustable height and reclines to 155 degrees to promote comfort. And, to make the game even more relaxing, users can slide out the footrest from underneath the seat and kick back. The one downside of this chair is that the armrests are not adjustable and they don’t flip out of the way.
Product Specs
- Style: Racing
- Capacity: 400 pounds
- Material: Faux leather
Pros
- High weight capacity compared to other gaming chairs
- Adjustable height and recline
- Slide-away footrest
Cons
- Armrests aren’t adjustable
Get the Lemberi gaming chair on Amazon.
10. BEST WITH FOOTREST: Respawn 110 Racing Style Gaming Chair
Those looking to kick back as much as possible without giving up the feeling of being in a race car should check out the Respawn 110 Gaming Chair. This racing-style chair features a slide-away footrest that allows the user to kick back between innings or during loading screens.
This gaming chair features deep bolsters around the shoulder and hips to provide an immersive gaming experience. The headrest and lumbar support are both adjustable, allowing users to rest not only their feet but also their backs. The one drawback is that the Respawn’s armrests are not adjustable or flip-up, meaning they may get in the gamer’s way during spirited movements.
Product Specs
- Style: Racing
- Capacity: 275 pounds
- Material: Faux leather
Pros
- Deep bolsters for immersive experience
- Adjustable headrest and lumbar support
- Slide-away footrest
Cons
- Armrests do not adjust or flip out of the way
Get the Respawn 110 gaming chair on Amazon or at Sam’s Club.
Our Verdict
For those looking for an all-around enjoyable gaming experience, consider the GTRacing gaming chair for its 300-pound capacity, bold racing design, and built-in speakers. Those looking for more of an immersive experience should give the X Rocker Pro Series gaming chair a chance because of its built-in vibration and speakers.
How We Chose the Best Gaming Chairs
Choosing the best gaming chairs was a tall order. The video-game landscape changes frequently, meaning gamers’ needs and designs do as well. We had to draw upon all of our experience to pick out some of the most important features before we could even start.
Once we were confident in identifying the most important features, we performed extensive product research to find models we felt could fit the mold. We then compared prices, features, and designs in order to assure we were suggesting only the best products with real value. Some chairs didn’t make the cut, so we tossed them aside. Those that did were given awards based on their strengths and special features that shoppers are looking for.
FAQs About Your New Gaming Chair
Still have questions about choosing the best gaming chair? That’s completely normal. Read on for tips to help you make your decision.
Q. How do I choose the right gaming chair?
If you’re a PC gamer, you want a chair that fits under your desk so you can reach your controls. If you’re a console gamer, you might prefer a rocker that allows you to kick back a bit. If you’re a hardcore racing enthusiast, you might want a racing chair that gives you as authentic an experience as possible.
Q. Does a gaming chair make a difference?
Yes. If you spend hours at a time in front of a computer, a good gaming chair can give you neck and back support that relieves pressure and fatigue.
Q. How do you sit in a gaming chair?
For prolonged comfort, sit with your hips, back, and shoulders resting in the bolsters of the seat back. Leaning forward, like so many gamers do, will cause back pain and bad posture, regardless of the chair.
Q. How do you clean a gaming chair?
It depends on the material. Most gaming chairs are polyurethane leather, so you can wipe them clean with a mild detergent. Just be careful not to spray any electronics.
Q. How long do gaming chairs last?
The best gaming chairs can last up to 5 years, with 2 to 3 years being the average. It depends on how often you use your chair and the quality of its materials.
