The perfect chair should allow natural movements and adapt to its owner. It is important that the chair adjusts precisely to the body dimensions and supports a healthy sitting posture. But why buy a gaming chair and not a normal office chair? Is there any difference at all?
First of all, gaming chairs usually look better. The most common form of gaming chair is already known from racing, hence the name &#;racing chair&#;. This specific shape is based on a bucket seat (also known as a racing seat) and ensures a stable sitting position. In addition, the gaming chair&#;s shape enhances the game feel for some gamers, as you think you are sitting in a Lamborghini while playing Need for Speed. The design of a gaming chair also looks more futuristic and generally matches your gaming desk better. However, due to the bucket seat, a point deduction must be made in the area of ergonomics. The seat has an elevation on the right and left, which also gives you fewer options for movement. If you like to sit with both legs crossed, you need to know that the elevations of a gaming chair impair blood circulation compared to a normal office chair.
Gaming chairs are usually made of PU leather or real leather, whereas normal or ergonomic office chairs can be bought in different materials. This gives you more choice than with gaming chairs. The advantages of a gaming chair with real leather are mainly that you do not sweat when sitting, the chair is buttery soft and very durable and robust. In addition, signs of wear and tear hardly ever occur with a genuine leather chair. The disadvantage of such a gaming chair, however, is cleaning. Real leather is not waterproof and stains can therefore appear very quickly if you are not careful enough. Cleaning is very time-consuming, so it is generally recommended to buy a leather chair in a black leather colour. The surface of PU leather is usually made of plastic, i.e. soft PVC or polyurethane. The coating is waterproof and therefore you generally sweat more quickly when sitting. However, artificial leather is much easier to care for than real leather, because real leather needs to be treated with leather grease (oil or wax) from time to time to keep it supple and to prevent it from drying out. Cleaning imitation leather is also much easier because, unlike real leather, the material is not sensitive to commercially available cleaning agents. When buying a PU leather gaming chair, you should definitely pay attention to the quality, because high-quality artificial leather is similar to real leather in terms of appearance and resilience.
Ultimately, it can be said that good gamer chairs are often sturdier and more durable than normal, cheaper office chairs. So you don&#;t have to worry about needing a new chair in one year. Even the cheapest versions have more ergonomic adjustments than the regular office chair, but sometimes make sacrifices in build quality. More expensive ergonomic office chairs are also a great option because they have different shapes and are made of different materials. This gives you the possibility to choose from several shapes and materials. Therefore, you have much more freedom to find a suitable gaming chair that has many ergonomic settings.
Picking up the best gaming chair is all about looking for a seat that brings the best ergonomic design and the most robust build quality together with a heavy emphasis on comfort and personalization. Just consider the amount of time you'll be parked on your behind in it; surely it makes sense to opt for a chair built to support you first and then think about how good it looks.
While some of the best gaming chairs may come with a higher price tag, remember, like any piece of quality furniture, it's worth the investment. Our bodies require proper care, and the Secretlab Titan Evo stands out as the best gaming chair today, blending the best features from Secretlab's previous models and a decent warranty should something go wrong. For an affordable recommendation, the best budget gaming chair is the Corsair TC100 Relaxed, as it's a supremely comfortable chair with a subtle and premium feeling aesthetic for less than you might expect.
In our pursuit of the best, we've rigorously tested a ton of gaming and office chairs from respected brands to guarantee each recommendation in this guide has met our stringent standards. Opting for a less expensive office chair might seem appealing, but investing in superior ergonomics is a choice your body will be grateful for as time goes on. So, invest in something that'll last and give your butt and back the comfort and support it deserves.
Curated by...
Curated by...
Jacob Ridley
Senior Hardware EditorI'm a human with a spine and a posterior. I've sat on chairs for longer than I can remember, and have been doing so in a professional capacity for many years, too. In fact I've probably sat in more gaming chairs than any person on PC Gamer. Which all makes me suitably qualified to tell you what the best gaming chair is when it comes to cost, comfort, and spinal support.
The quick list
The best gaming chair overall
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future - PCGamer)
(Image credit: Future - PCGamer)
(Image credit: Secretlab)
(Image credit: Secretlab)
(Image credit: Secretlab)
(Image credit: Secretlab)
(Image credit: Secretlab)
(Image credit: Secretlab)
The best gaming chair
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Seat type:
Racing back, levelled seat base
Recline:
165 degrees
Weight capacity:
Up to 180 kg (397 lbs, XL size only)
Weight:
37.5 kg (83 lbs)
Warranty:
3-year
View at SecretlabView at Amazon+
Magnetic cushion and covers
+
Very comfortable
+
Everything we want in a gaming chair feature-wise
-
Pricier than older Secretlab chairs
-
3-year warranty isn't a match for some ergo chairs
Buy if...
&#; Adjustability is key: Getting a chair in just the right position is hugely important to your experience, and the Titan Evo makes tweaking until you find a comfy spot easy.
&#; You&#;re looking for something durable: Our review model continues to truck on in the office, with nary a mark to show for all the use its had over the years.
&#; You want premium aesthetics: It's a lovely feeling thing, this chair, and it looks the part too.
Don't buy if...
&#; You want a long warranty: 3-years isn't terrible, but we've seen chairs with much longer warranties. Still, given the durability here, it's not the biggest concern in the world.
The Secretlab Titan Evo is the best gaming chair. That's it, recommendation over. Oh alright then, let's get into the reasons why&#;and there are a lot of them.
We loved the previous versions of the Titan Evo, but there you could pick between small, regular and extra large models. No such confusion here, as the Titan Evo now comes in one size that really does fit most. Those looking for something extra-large would do well to check out the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL, but for the rest of you, the Titan Evo should do very nicely.
There's a slightly bigger curve to the seat base to keep you in a good sitting position all day long compared to previous models, and while we couldn't quite tell if it was making a big difference, what we can say is this: the Titan Evo is extremely comfortable, even over very long periods of time. Our review model came in a new coating Secretlab calls Neo Hybrid leathette, which feels airy and cool over the course of a long day, and really looks the part.
The upholstery is immaculate, and the overall quality of the fit and finish is pin-sharp perfect. Something as big and as dominating as a gaming chair should look good on all levels, and the Titan Evo certainly ticks the right boxes, no matter which finish you pick.
The detachable head cushion is magnetic, and very supportive. For that matter, so are the arm rests, which deliver 4D movement (that'll be up, down, forwards, backwards, side-to-side, and rotation) and should fit into most desks. Most arms too, for that matter, as these are about as adjustable as they come.
Mechanically, the cavalcade of quality continues. The hydraulics are superbly smooth, as is the recline. You can also adjust the lean tension, which means finding a comfortable seating position is no problem at all. Everything here is customisable, good-looking, well-built and confidence inspiring.
Prices start at $449/£379, which, if you've been looking at no-name gaming chairs on some of the bigger retailers sites, might seem like a lot for a throne. Let me say this with absolute confidence: If you're ever going to spend up on a piece of equipment, make it the chair you sit in all day long. Compared to many of its rivals its still well priced, and the Secretlab Titan Evo really is worth the money.
It's the best gaming chair we've ever tested, and believe me, we've tried the top contenders. The Titan Evo? Well, it beats them all.
Read our full Secretlab Titan Evo review.
Best gaming keyboard | Best VR headset | Best mechanical keyboard| Best wireless gaming mouse | Best wireless gaming keyboard
The best affordable gaming chair
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The best affordable gaming chair
Our expert review:
Seat type:
Relaxed
Recline:
90&#;160 degrees
Weight capacity:
120 kg (264 lbs)
Weight:
18 kg (40 lbs)
Warranty:
2-years
View at AmazonView at AmazonView at CORSAIR+
Subtle aesthetic
+
Space to sit cross legged
+
Good price for both fabric and leatherette
+
Great recline
+
Genuinely comfy
-
Rickety 2D armrests
-
Limited headrest adjustability
-
Minor assembly issues
Buy if...
&#; You like a subtle look: If you want a chair that simply blends into the room rather than look like a gamers dream, the handsome aesthetics of this chair will suit.
&#; You like to recline: The TC100 Relaxed tilts with the best of them, and makes reclining a supportive and comfortable way to sit rather than a pain.
&#; You like your space: Are you the sort of person that likes to change up the way you sit, including cross-legged? This is likely the chair for you.
Don't buy if...
&#; You want a lot of armrest adjustment: The 2D armrests here don't offer a lot of options, and they're a bit rickety too.
&#; You want an easy time of assembly: Ok, so it wasn't the most difficult task we've undertaken, but the TC100 relaxed was a bit fiddly to build.
The Corsair TC100 Relaxed has entered the gaming chair space with a refined racer-style chair with very few compromises, which makes it our recommendation for the best affordable, budget-friendly chair. We were big fans of the Corsair T3 Rush, but the TC100 pips it to the post in many regards.
It's shorter with an 81cm backrest, but the TC100 Relaxed is in fact a fair bit broader. It's got a wider backrest, a bit more cushioning in the seat, and gentler bolster angles, hence "relaxed." It's the sort of chair that asks you to settle in and get comfy, although that shortness does mean its perhaps not best suited to some larger frames.
If you're very tall, you might need to reconsider your options. For the rest though, the Corsair TC100 Relaxed should fit your frame nicely, and there's always the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL to consider if you need something larger.
Concessions have been made to keep that cost down. You only get 2D armrests for example, compared to something like the Secretlab Titan Evo's 4D arm-holders. But I suppose the company had to make it affordable somehow, and it was the arm support that bore the brunt.
The construction does reveal the odd price concession, too. Some of the bolts are a bit of a struggle to get into their respective holes, due to some wadded material leftover from the manufacturing process. Otherwise, though, its still pretty easy to build, at least as far as gaming chairs go.
Where it shines though, is in places where you'd expect to see budget constraints, but don't. For example, the fabric version we tested feels fantastic on the skin, and looks great, too. Material choice is often a revealing part of a chairs construction, as so many manufacturers choose to skimp out on the important bits.
Here, everything feels quality, refined, and more expensive than you'd expect. Really what most people will be looking for in an affordable but brilliant gaming chair is something that looks the part, feels the part, keeps you in a great seating position for long days, and doesn't break the bank. Job done, we'd say, and then some.
Overall, what you're getting here is a budget chair that doesn't look, nor feel like an affordable option. It's supremely comfortable, well-made, and looks the part in almost any setup. The TC100 Relaxed beats out every other chair in its price range by a large margin, and is absolutely the best affordable gaming chair you can buy right now.
Read our full Corsair TC100 Relaxed review.
The best high end gaming chair
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(Image credit: Herman Miller, Logitech)
(Image credit: Herman Miller, Logitech)
(Image credit: Herman Miller, Logitech)
(Image credit: Herman Miller, Logitech)
(Image credit: Herman Miller, Logitech)
The best high-end gaming chair
Our expert review:
Seat type:
Task chair
Weight capacity:
136 kg (300 lbs)
Weight:
23 kg (51 lbs)
Warranty:
12-year
View at Herman MillerCheck Amazon+
Stimulates blood and oxygen flow
+
Link to Anji Fengge Furniture
Unrivaled back support
+
12-year/24hr use warranty
-
Jaw-droppingly expensive compared to most
-
No headrest to speak of
Buy if...
&#; You're looking for luxury-level comfort: This chair is comfortable with a capital C, whether working, gaming or otherwise.
&#; You want build quality that stuns: It might be very, very pricey, but every inch of this chair screams quality, attention to detail, and fantastic design.
&#; You don't want to build it out of the box: What, build your own chair? Not for the sort of money you've just spent. The Embody G comes ready to roll, no screwdrivers required.
Don't buy if...
&#; You're on a budget: Yep, the price is... excessive. You do get an excessively good chair though, but we sucked the air between our teeth when we first saw the price tag too.
&#; Armrest adjustment is key: While the rest of the Embody G is highly adjustable, the armrests are a bit limited in their movement.
We love the Herman Miller Embody, and it occupied the top position in our best office chair roundup for a long time. But when it comes to the best high-end gaming chair we simply have to recommend the slightly more gamer-focused version, the Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody, instead.
Let's get one thing out of the way right out of the gate&#;it's not cheap. It's not even close to cheap. Nope, if you want one of these, be prepared to spend $1,595/$1,195.
I'll wait for you to pick up your collective jaws from the floor. Welcome back! The good news is, however, that the Embody is a fabulous chair. Our Jacob loves his model very much, and that's a man that has sat in every single good gaming chair you can think of.
If you do decide to treat yourself to one of these, upon delivery you'll receive a very large box. That's because the Herman Miller turns up fully assembled. For this sort of money, no-one expects you to get busy with a screwdriver, and that alone is worth a fair bit of cash.
Once opened, however, you'll find that this chair is surprisingly compact. There's no gigantic headrest, as Herman Miller reckon you shouldn't need one if the back support is done properly, and thankfully, that is very much the case. The sprung-mesh design coated in Sync Fabric is extremely supportive, while still being very comfortable. Support and comfort can co-exist, and thankfully this isn't one of those chairs that tries to realign your spine against your will.
That fabric coating is remarkably hard-wearing, while still feeling great on the skin, too. The foam layered seat cushion is designed to be comfy, cool, and posture-enhancing. You might shift around in your seat all day long from the top upwards, but your rear remains in roughly the same place. Herman Miller knows this, and the Embody is ready to deliver comfort and spinal bliss in equal measure&#;from top to bottom.
You might have to pay a high price, but you also get a 12 year warranty for your money. That covers just about everything about the chair, from the casters to the pneumatics, although perhaps the fabric might not qualify. Still, like we said, it feels tough enough to withstand the test of time, as does everything else about this chair.
In fact, just about the only thing that isn't exceptional about the Embody is the arm rest adjustment. You don't get fancy 4D movement here, although they are adjustable to a degree, and comfortable in their own right.
When it comes down to brass tacks, certain purchases are more like investments. And investing in an expensive, but truly brilliant chair is a smart move. You'll spend so much of your time here, it really does make sense to spend a lot now, and feel the benefits over the years to come.
The Herman Miller Logitech G Embody is simply fantastic to sit in, looks great, and is built tough. It's the best high-end chair by far. Yes, you'll have to fork out. But what with that excellent warranty, and all the comfort and support on offer here, it's still the one we'd have if we were looking to spend some serious cash.
Read our full Herman Miller Logitech G Embody review.
The best office chair for gaming
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(Image credit: Secretlab)
(Image credit: Secretlab)
(Image credit: Secretlab)
(Image credit: Secretlab)
The best office chair for gaming
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Seat type:
Task chair
Recline:
85&#;130 degrees
Weight capacity:
108 kg (240 lbs)
Weight:
29 kg (64 lbs)
Warranty:
12-year
View at SecretlabCheck Amazon+
Ridiculously sturdy and well made
+
Comfortable and supportive
+
Highly adjustable
+
12-year warranty
+
Excellent controls
-
Headrest is extra
-
Armrests aren't brilliant
Buy if...
&#; You like the clean office look: It's subtle, its clean and it'll blend in to any professional environment, although those looking for a gamer aesthetic should go elsewhere.
&#; You like proper support: While the NeueChair might not be the most relaxing of chairs, its highly supportive, and feels like it does your spine some good over a long day.
&#; You want build quality that lasts: A 12-year warranty goes a long way to explaining why this chair is constructed so well, and the confidence in the product.
Don't buy if...
&#; You like to lean back and relax: It's a focussed, professional chair this, and doesn't lend itself well to chilled out sessions.
&#; You're on a tight budget: It's expensive, there's no getting round it, and the headrest doesn't come as standard. Bit mean that, but again, this is a chair that's all business, little play.
The NeueChair has been our best office/task chair recommendation for so long, its practically part of the furniture (boo, hiss). That's because its got so much going for it in the support and build quality department, it simply hasn't been bested, even here in .
Let's get one thing straight: this isn't quite what you'd call a gaming chair. It's a tasking chair, designed to make sure that over a long day at the office (or working from home, of course), you leap out of it feeling like you haven't damaged your back.
Of course, it can be reclined, and its far from what you'd call uncomfortable. But this chair is all about keeping you supported and upright, with a sensation that lets you know its doing excellent things for your spine. It's got a wide seat base with a good level of comfort, but this chair is all about getting down to business. And that, it does better than anything else on the market.
A good office/task chair should provide supreme support. The NeueChair is unmatched in this regard, and its still what we'd call comfortable. You only get one set of bones, of course, so you'd do well to look after them in the hours you spend sitting at your desk. Comfort isn't just about sitting in squishy, armchair like confines, but also about what you take with you when you get out of the chair.
Back pain, sore shoulders, and a numb posterior should not be any of those things. The NeueChair is designed to prevent or reduce them all, and it does an admirable job.
You get smart Controlshift controls located under each armrest that allow you to unlock or lock the recline, and raise and lower the chair for the optimum seating position. The armrests, however, don't have a huge amount of adjustment, so if you're looking for something with as many armrest settings as possible, the Secretlab Titan Evo might be more up your street.
The real kicker on top of that excellent spinal support, however, is the build quality. Its industrial-inspired design isn't just to help it look great in a modern office setting (which it really does), but to ensure that this chair will go the distance. It's remarkably tough and well-made, with a 12 year warranty that should go some way to offsetting concerns about its price.
At $729, the NeueChair isn't cheap. But like the Logitech G x Herman Miller Embody above, what you're spending your money on here is something that is designed to stand the test of time, with a warranty to prove it. It's handsome, robust, supportive, and business-like, which makes it the best office chair overall.
Read our full NeueChair review.
The best gaming chair for back support
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The best gaming chair for back support
Our expert review:
Seat type:
Racing seat
Recline:
90&#;135 degrees
Weight capacity:
150 kg (331 lbs)
Weight:
30.5 kg (67.2 lbs)
Warranty:
3-year
Check AmazonVisit Site+
Awesome ergonomic mechanisms
+
Speedy assembly
+
Priced just right
-
Mechanism makes a clunky noise
-
Distant armrests when reclining
Buy if...
&#; You want exceptional support for your back: Well, it is in the title after all. But seriously, the ergonomic mechanisms here are superb, and will adapt to your every supportive need.
&#; You don't want to overspend: The ThunderX3 core isn't the cheapest chair in this list, but it's still very well priced for the plush comfort and great build quality it provides.
Don't buy if...
&#; You like to recline with arm support: The synchronous tilt mechanism here is very good, but its a shame the armrests don't move with it.
The ThunderX3 came outta nowhere to impress me with its wiggly backrest and affordable price tag and takes our top spot for best back support. For a new entry into the market, it's competitive with many of the best around and keeps your spine in premium comfort for less.
I know it sounds like a gimmick, but something that hit me when I sat down in this chair was that I&#;ve never actually sat up straight in a gaming chair. No one does. We wiggle around, we lean forward, we pull our legs up. But the ThunderX3 Core loft&#;s many mechanisms are able to adapt to all this tomfoolery, and I honestly don&#;t think I&#;ve had this much support for my bones since I was a wee baby coddled in my mammy&#;s arms.
Seriously, though, ThunderX3 has put a great deal of time and effort into forcing ergonomics on even the least ergonomically inclined, although the larger-framed amongst you may still want to take a look at the Kaiser 3 XL below. However, aside from the Lumbar 360° tech backrest feature that moves around with you as you shift in the chair, it&#;s got smashing, well-padded, 4D armrests, and a Sync6 mechanism I'll explain in a moment with plenty more ergonomic tricks than your average gaming chair.
That little black Sync6 box provides something called synchronous tilt, which essentially keeps the chair seat more level so even short queens like me can keep their feet firmly on the ground when they lean back. The only issue there is that the armrests don&#;t come with it, so leaning back you have less support for your arms.
There&#;s also forward seat tilt, so you can lean in when you realise your opponent is better than expected. Adjustable seat depth also means you can slide yourself forward to get in closer. The latter might be the least useful of the lot, but it comes in handy if you gotta get cosy with your PC but can&#;t roll any closer.
There's heaps more to this gaming chair's comfort, but I could be here all day. The point is: it's damn comfortable. If you're on a tighter budget and want maximum comfort, you want to take a look at the ThunderX3 Core.
Read our full ThunderX3 Core review.
The best gaming chair for a larger frame
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Andaseat)
(Image credit: Andaseat)
(Image credit: Andaseat)
Buy if...
&#; You want plenty of room: The Kaiser 3 XL is appropriately named, and appropriately sized. It's a great option for those with a larger frame, but if you're the sort of person that likes to spread out over a chair, it'll suit you too.
&#; You like a lot of lumbar adjustment: The built in adjustment here is comprehensive, and should provide options for just about everybody to get comfortable.
&#; You want good value: It's a lot of chair this, for not a lot of money for the huge amount of sitting space you receive.
Don't buy if...
&#; You want to adjust it often: There's plenty of adjustment here its true, but its more of a set it and forget it deal thanks to some awkward knob placement.
The Kaiser 3 XL is a fantastic chair for anyone looking for a little more wiggle room than your usual gaming seat and reigns supreme as our choice for the best gaming chair for a larger frame. The Kaiser 3 comes in two sizes: large and extra large. The large is designed to accommodate gamers 4&#;11 to 6&#;2&#;&#; (150-190cm) and the extra large is for gamers 5&#;11&#; to 6&#;9&#; (181-210cm). We tested the extra large, and lovely it was too.
Don't be put off if you think either will be too big, however, as we found the extra large was very comfy even if you're someone of smaller proportions, with plenty of room for if you're not.
The Kaiser 3 is really into giving options. This chair is available in two types of materials, premium PVC leather and linen fabric. The premium leather comes in seven different colors, including orange, pink and blue. The linen fabric comes in two colors: carbon black and ash gray.
The Kaiser 3 reclines to 165 degrees and has two levers, one for controlling the tilt, and the other for controlling the height of the chair, raising it about three inches. These things are all great for comfort.
What I really want to get into is the Kaiser 3's really cool features that add to maximum comfort like the 4D armrests. Much like the Secretlab Titan Evo chair we love, the armrests are magnetic and are made of PU foam that makes them easy to lean on. There are three buttons on the armrest, the one placed on the outside of the armrest controls the height of it. The button on the inside of the chair near the tip of the armrest allows it to go forward and backwards and pivot left to right. The last one located underneath the armrest moves it left to right.
Continuing with the magnetic theme is the magnetic neck pillow. No straps, no struggling to clip it through the backrest. Beyond it being a really cool feature, it's helpful if you are shorter than the 5&#;11&#; that&#;s recommended for this chair because it&#;s easily adjustable up or down.
It being magnetic doesn&#;t take away from its comfort, either. The neck pillow is made with memory foam and has cooling technology to keep you nice and chilled as you sit in luxury.
There is no lumbar support pillow, but there is lumbar support&#;it&#;s built into the chair. And controlled by two knobs placed on the left and right sides of the frame.
As far as accessibility goes, they&#;re not placed in the best positions. But the knob on the left controls the lumbar support moving up and down. Which is, again, a great function depending on your height. The knob on the right side of the chair determines the firmness of the lumbar support and how much it protrudes out of the chair, and while it might not be super easy to access, it is very effective at what it does.
I can sit in this all day, and have, as it happens. It's big, proud, supremely comfortable, and well worth a look for anyone, not just those of us on the larger side of life. Biggest is sometimes best, and this substantial chair is certainly that for those of us on the larger side.
Read our full Andaseat Kaiser 3 XL review.
Also tested
Razer Fujin Pro
For Razer's first go at an office-style chair, the Fujin Pro is actually pretty good. It's comfortable, with a design that helps with good posture. It's very expensive though, and not the most relaxing of sitting experiences.
Read our full Razer Fujin Pro review.
Razer Iskur V2
With a 6D lumbar system, excellent materials and great armrests, there's a lot to like about the Iskur V2. Unfortunately, it just wasn't as comfortable as we hoped.
Read our full Razer Iskur V2 review.
Quersus Icos 1.1
It looks like Darth Vader's gaming chair, and that's pretty cool. However, firm sculpting and a focus on an upright seating position makes this chair a little too solid for comfort. Also, how much?
Read our full Quersus Icos 1.1 review.
How we test gaming chairs
(Image credit: AutoFull)
Let's face it, we spend a lot of time here at PC Gamer sitting on our butts. And that makes us perfect candidates for testing gaming chairs. We will dedicate a significant amount of time to parking our posteriors in a variety of gaming and office chairs when it comes to testing them out because it's only really by using a chair over an extended period that you get to know where it supports you and where it might be lacking.
So, we'll use each of the gaming chairs we test as our main working seat for the time that we are testing a chair. That way we can get a feel for what it would be like to actually live with a particular piece of gaming furniture, as we would if we'd purchased it ourselves.
It also means that we can test the longevity of things like the different levers and controls over time, too. We've had issues where some cheaper brands had plastic levers that just wouldn't last.
The subjective sitting experience is the most important factor when we test gaming chairs, but the actual build experience is important, too. We don't want to have a chair that tries to take a bite out of us when we come to install the backrest or has poorly machined screw holes that don't line up.
And value is key to us as well. A chair doesn't have to be cheap, but so long as it feels like it's worth the money you're being expected to pay then it has value.
Best gaming chairs FAQ
Between our articles about the effects of sitting down on your body and our experimentation with standing desks, you might think PC Gamer has fallen out of love with the humble chair.
That could not be further from the truth.
As gamers and office workers, we spend a significant chunk of each day sitting on our money makers in front of screens. Given that most of us don't plan to change that anytime soon, it only makes sense to do so in a great chair. So that's what I set out to find.
We wanted to find chairs that maximized comfort, support, and value. We spoke with Melissa Afterman, MS CPE, a Senior Principal Ergonomist with VSI Risk Management & Ergonomics, Inc., who specializes in workstation setups.
"Absolutely, chairs are still okay," she told me. "Yes, we know that sitting too long is bad for you. The reality is that standing too long is just as bad for you, so the answer is movement. Taking breaks, getting up at least every hour and moving, or changing your position from standing to sitting every hour so that you're not standing too long either."
"If you're typing and working at the computer, you really want more upright support so that you can maintain neutral spine posture and let the chair hold you up," she said. "But when you switch to a gaming mode, you may want to recline a little bit to relax your lower back while still having good support in that position. So a locking backrest and/or some tension control is important."
Another feature to look for, though it tends to be found on more expensive models, is a seat pan slider. This enables you to slide the positioning of your butt forwards or backward relative to the backrest.
The best gaming chairs will complete your PC setup, not just from an aesthetic point of view, but because you will likely be spending hours sat in front of your machine, they will give you the support needed to keep your spine healthy too.
Nope! You can find good or bad examples of both, and believe us there are plenty. That said, some office chairs are great for gaming and vice versa, and there are 'office chairs', like the Herman Miller Embody, that blend the line between both.
Really it's about finding what's right for you, and a lot of the time that's a gaming chair because, let's be honest, you like the look of it. That's a perfectly good reason to make that decision, just make sure you're not sacrificing comfort and ergonomics for style and flair.
A cheap office chair can be a great pick if you want to save cash and be comfy.
The best gaming chairs look out for you and your back. When it comes to chair design, lumbar support is vital. The first thing you should look for in a new gaming chair is whether it has any built-in support to help your body maintain an ideal posture. Some even come with lumbar support pillows that work to some extent. Multi-adjustable arm-rests, upholstery, and general style are also important; note these features aren't cheap.
That said, a gaming chair can't do everything. The best gaming chairs encourage good posture, but the other half of the equation is on you to stick to it.
Different chair models accommodate different heights and weights, so make sure to check your fit. Look at the width and depth of the seat, too. Some chairs claim that you should sit cross-legged, but that depends on your size and legs' length.
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