We test all kinds of gaming gear here at TechRadar, including many of the best gaming chairs. I've personally been reviewing gaming chairs for years and covering gaming tech for even longer, so I know just what you should look for in your next seat.
Out of all the options available, I've curated this list through hours of hands-on testing not only by me but also the wider TechRadar Gaming team and a reliable set of freelancers. I've broken down your choices into a number of potential niches, making sure that popular use cases are covered while giving a range of options for all kinds of budgets. The process of picking a gaming chair is very personal, so it only makes sense to offer tailored advice like this.
I also understand that a gaming chair can be a large investment, so getting the best value for your money is going to be a top priority. In addition to outlining the key specs and features of each chair, I'm also going to highlight some of the distinct pros and cons of every model so that you can easily compare them and find the best one for your specific needs.
All of this shows why this is a gaming chair guide that you can trust and rely on. With that out of the way, read on for my top picks right now. Also consider visiting our dedicated guide to the most comfortable gaming chairs for even more choices, or see our breakdown of the best gaming desk for another way to upgrade your gaming setup.
The Quick List
The best overall gaming chair
There really isn't a better overall option than the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022. It is extremely comfortable and available in a wide variety of colors and styles. Best of all, it comes in at a very competitive price.
The best budget gaming chair
Even though you miss out on some flashier color options, the Corsair TC100 Relaxed offers an extremely comfortable seat at a very affordable price.
Best premium
The Herman Miller x Logitech Embody is the absolute best high-end option and the perfect choice for professional gamers with a big peripheral budget.
Best mesh gaming chair
Don't be fooled by the plain design: the Razer Fujin Pro is well worth its premium price tag, offering incredible adjustability and ergonomics.
Best for bigger people
The Kaiser 3 XL is perfect for those looking for a roomier XL-size gaming chair - and it also features a whole range of premium features and supremely comfortable elements.
The best office chair for gaming
With a stylish and modern design, the X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management chair is a brilliant choice if you're searching for an office chair that's also perfect for gaming.
I've reviewed some of the most high-profile gaming chairs in my many years of testing gaming hardware, while also going out of my way to test other, less-common gaming chairs such as bean bags and pedestal chairs for console gaming. Therefore I know what it takes to make a great gaming chair - especially as someone who has dodgy shoulder posture, and who spends a lot of time sitting down. I'm currently testing a Herman Miller Aeron chair in our offices, while I also have an Assassin's Creed Secretlab Titan Evo, Herman Miller X Logitech Embody, and a Brazen Emperor pedestal chair at home to use for reference and benchmarking.
The best gaming chairs in 2024
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The best gaming chair overall
✅ You want premium construction: The Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 is about as high-end as gaming chairs get in this price range. Expect high-quality parts and an easy assembly process.
✅ You want a wide variety of options: The Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 is available in Secretlab NEO Hybrid Leatherette and Secretlab SoftWeave Plus Fabric finishes. There are also a ton of different colors, designs, and three sizes to choose from.
❌ You're on a tight budget: As great as the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 is, it does demand a sizeable investment.
The Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 is our pick for the best overall gaming chair available right now. This is because it offers an unparalleled level of comfort, adjustability, and style in its price bracket which means it still stands tall above the rest even a couple of years after its initial introduction. What's more, now there are more options than ever when it comes to sizes, colors, styles, and materials.
Regardless of which material you choose, the constants remain the same. This means you're getting leading adjustability with the four-way lumbar support combined with some of the most ergonomic designs that we've ever seen from a gaming chair's backrest and seat. Assembly is also a breeze, taking about 15 minutes with the clear instructions included in the box. If you're after a premium feeling chair and a fuss-free build then this is the one for you.
We've also been consistently impressed with the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 in our many months of testing with various different versions of the gaming chair. Whether it's the tried-and-tested original leatherette model, the larger XL variant, or the fabric SoftWeave version, this chair has provided support that few others can match.
- Read more: Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 review
The best budget gaming chair
✅ You're after a no-fuss option: This budget chair offers an understated aesthetic for those that want a gaming chair that will blend into any office or home environment more easily.
✅ You're looking to spend a little: As gaming chairs go, the Corsair TC100 Relaxed is on the more affordable end of the spectrum while still offering a quality seated experience.
❌ You want something simple to build: The process of building this chair can be frustrating so consider one of our other picks for something that might offer an easier route to comfort.
The Corsair TC100 Relaxed easily ranks as the best budget gaming chair that you can get. This model borrows design cues from its pricier siblings but keeps the overall asking price low with only a few minor concessions made to the product. Overall, it's a well-rounded gaming chair that punches far above its weight.
As expected from its modest price point, the Corsair TC100 Relaxed has a relatively no-frills feature set. You're still getting 2D armrests, a recline of up to 160 degrees, and a wider seat base than a standard office chair here, though. One of the real bonuses of this particular model is the included headrest and lumbar pillows, which are both comfortable and conveniently strapped to the backrest.
While the Corsair TC100 Relaxed may not turn many heads, it passes the most important test of being incredibly comfortable. Owing to its "relaxed" nature, you aren't quite as hemmed in by the angular racing-seat style shape that you would find on many of the more aggressively styled models on this list. This, combined with the pillows, and the height and weight accommodation of 188cm/6ft 2in and 120kg/264lbs make it an ideal choice for those who want a super comfortable gaming chair on a budget.
- Read more: Corsair TC100 Relaxed review
- Find the best deals of Corsair products with our Corsair promo codes.
The best premium gaming chair
✅ You highly value postural health: The Herman Miller x Logitech Embody is well worth its asking price given its incredible ergonomic design and supportive features.
✅ You don't want to assemble your gaming chair: You won't have to get on your hands and knees with all kinds of tools to put this chair together as it's ready to roll straight out of the box.
❌ You know you want or need a headrest: As good as the Embody is, it doesn't have a headrest - so if you know you need one, you'll have to look elsewhere.
When we think about top-end premium gaming chairs, the Herman Miller x Logitech Embody cannot be ignored - for me, it's probably the most comfortable gaming chair I've ever tested. While it may carry the steepest price tag of all the models in our roundup, its form factor is specifically designed for those who need who value comfort most, and it oozes Herman Miller's ergonomic pedigree. Plus, posture health is worth investing in - and the 12-year warranty adds peace of mind.
If you're someone who doesn't want to struggle with assembling a gaming chair piece by piece then the Embody is for you as it comes pre-assembled in the box and only has to be rolled out. That aside, you're looking at an incredibly modern gaming chair that forgoes the typical design trappings and features lumbar support which traces your spine and can be easily adjusted through its knobs.
While the full suite of adjustability features takes a little getting used to, there's simply nothing else on the market quite like the Herman Miller x Logitech Embody. We found the BackFit backrest to be the best of any gaming chair we've used, and the layered hybrid seat (consisting of both foam and springs) to be in a league of its own.
- Read more: Herman Miller x Logitech Embody review
The best mesh gaming chair
✅ You prioritize ergonomics: Thanks to high levels of adjustability and its smart mesh material, the Razer Fujin Pro can provide a fantastically comfortable experience for most people.
✅ You need a chair that is great for gaming and everyday use: The Razer Fujin Pro's subtle design means that it can blend into work environments easily while still being comfortable enough to withstand long gaming sessions.
❌ You're looking for something with more style: While we definitely appreciate that the Razer Fujin Pro can blend into an office environment, it's understated finish might not be to the liking of those who want a bit of style or color.
Mesh gaming chairs don't come better than the Razer Fujin Pro. Its breathable mesh, understated design, and superbly high level of comfort make it an excellent choice for both gaming and productivity.
In our hands-on testing, the assembly of the Razer Fujin Pro was completed in approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Although this is quite a long time compared to the setup of a simpler model like the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, it is still blissfully simple with each part clicking into place and being secured easily with the included screws and Allen key. Once built, the chair is incredibly high quality, pairing an aluminum frame with a malleable mesh material that's easily adjustable via the chair's settings.
When it comes to comfort, the Razer Fujin Pro is almost unparalleled. There's no dedicated cushioning or separate lumbar support, but the mesh has a subtle contour that molds to the shape of your back and rear end, ensuring that a seating position and level of comfort that suits you is easy to reach. The one downside here is that its extremely understated aesthetic means that it doesn't boast an exciting finish - but that might also be what you're after.
- Read more: Razer Fujin Pro review
- Get the best deal on Razer products with our Razer coupon codes.
The best gaming chair for bigger people
✅ You need extra height and weight capacities: One of the Kaiser 3 XL's main selling points is its ability to cater to larger users. The seat is a top choice for those looking for more width and height while maintaining posture support and comfort.
✅ You want a great-value feature-rich gaming chair: Even if you don't need the extra dimensions and specs, the Kaiser 3 XL is a gaming chair that offers exceptional bang for buck value with its premium feature set and terrific finish.
❌ You have a smaller setup and lower weight/height tolerances: Given the Kaiser 3 XL is built with the larger person in mind, if you don't need the extra specs here then give it a miss. The chair will also take up much more room than others so won't suit smaller setups.
The AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL is the best gaming chair for bigger people that we've tested. It achieves this while simultaneously offering a great-value package with a variety of premium features.
All in all, this is a sleek, incredibly comfortable gaming chair, and one that has a robust and larger design perfect for bigger players of up to 395lb / 180kg in weight and 6'8" / 210cm in height. But simply being bigger and stronger with a robust steel chassis and strong castor wheels isn't the only thing that defines the Kaiser 3 XL - it also offers comfort, lumbar support, excellent finishes, an excellent range of adjustability options from the arms to the back, and a well-designed ergonomic seat. It also offers excellent value coming in at the $500 / £500 mark.
Construction is simple with easy-to-follow instructions paving the way for a smooth build process, while particular highlights of the chair's comfort include the integrated lumbar support and impressive cushioning throughout (despite some sub-optimal stitching and logo work). A brilliant chair for those looking for more room.
- Read more: AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL review
The best office chair for gaming
✅ You want a chair that can do both: While it's designed for office environments first and foremost, the X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management is ideal for both work and play.
✅ You want to keep cool: Whether your room gets warm easily or you want something for those summer months, the mesh design of the X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management means it's much more breathable than leatherette and even fabric models.
❌ You want a dedicated gaming chair: For a similar level of functionality purely for gaming, we recommend choosing the Mavix M9 instead.
What if you wanted to go more up-market than a standard gaming chair but didn't want to sacrifice comfort and functionality? That's where one of the best office chairs comes in, and they aren't much more feature-rich or suitable for gaming than the X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management chair.
With its high-grade aluminum frame combined with its mesh body, the X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management certainly sets itself apart from many office and gaming chairs out there. Out of the box, you've got 4D armrests as well as stunning wheels that could easily glide across hardwood floors and didn't struggle on the carpet either. The X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management also features Variable Lumbar Support which can be easily adjusted to suit your spine.
In our testing, we found that the mesh body of the X-Chair X2 K-Sport Mgmt made for one of the most comfortable and breathable chairs we've ever tested. Unlike some leather or leatherette gaming chair models, there was a light flex to the backrest which kept us incredibly cool at all times. The adjustability of the lumbar support is also a cut above the rest.
- Read more: X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management chair review
How to choose the best gaming chair
There's no one-size-fits-all answer for the best gaming chair as everyone is different. However, thinking about a few different factors can help you narrow down your options and pick out the best match for you in a crowded field.
Think about size and dimensions
You can start by considering your height and build. If you are taller than 6ft 2in / 1.88m and weigh more than 200lbs / 90kg, you're going to want to look at an XL model to ensure you're comfortable. Then, think about the actual dimensions of the chair - will you have enough room for its width and height, not just on its own, but with you sitting on it?
Consider materials
Next, consider how you prefer your chairs to feel, and what you need the materials to do. Generally speaking, we've found mesh and fabrics to be nicer in the warmer months and more comfortable over time compared to leatherette, but fabrics are a bit harder to keep pet hair off and clean.
Always think about the budget
Sadly, a Herman Miller Embody chair will just be permanently out of reach for most, but that doesn't mean you can find great ways to make your money go further and get more than what you thought. However, always having a budget you want to ideally stick to, and one you're willing to stretch to for the right chair is a good starting point. Then you can throw in some ruthlessness about trading off features for lower prices and also consider waiting for sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday where you can always save money.
How we test gaming chairs
We take testing gaming chairs very seriously. After all, it's one of the fundamental components of any gamer's setup, and it's crucial that you find the right pick to aid in your gaming efforts and keep your back from hurting.
Testing how comfortable a chair is can take some time. A great gaming chair should feel just as good after sitting in it for four hours as it did when we first sat down. Ergonomics is also a critical aspect of comfort as this is what will allow you to adjust it to your liking. This consideration will include how easy it is to adjust armrests and lumbar pillows, as well as how far back the seat goes and any additional features.
While aesthetics are subjective, it is one of the first things we take a look at. Whether it leans into a gamer aesthetic or is subdued enough for the office is essential for many. This feature also leads to what materials are used and whether they are durable or comfortable.
The crucial elements of what we consider can be boiled down to the materials used, durability, general comfort, ergonomics, aesthetics, price, and any additional features.
The final aspect which we will consider is the price. It's crucial to take a holistic approach to assessing whether a gaming chair is worth its price tag, so we ensure that we're always considering who may use the product and how it will fair.
Also tested...
Best gaming chairs in 2024 - FAQs
What's the best brand for gaming chairs?
Some of our favorite gaming chair brands include Secretlab, Mavix, Razer, AndaSeat, and Corsair, but there are so many to choose from. Generally speaking, we think Secretlab is the best for most people, with Mavix being ideal for those of you who want more adjustability than a standard racing-style model, and you can't beat Herman Miller for premium ergonomics.
Are gaming chairs better than office chairs?
The Venn diagrams of gaming chairs and office chairs have overlapped more and more in recent years - and now they share an awful lot of the same design principles and features. I've historically thought that gaming chairs offer better value for money, however, so are better in that regard - however the trade-off is that you might find the design a bit much and not that subtle.
To complete your research with offices in mind, check out our guides to the best office chairs, best office desks, and best standing desks.
Does a gaming chair make you better?
Sadly there's no evidence to suggest that a new gaming chair will definitively make you better at games. However, there's much to be said about looking after yourself, making your health and posture better that can then lead to being more productive, better engaged with your PC or laptop, and, maybe - just maybe - getting an edge in games due to being comfier and sitting more healthily.
Does the size of a gaming chair matter?
Increasingly, the size of your gaming chair does indeed matter - and the choices from brands and manufacturers in the 2020s reflects that too. Almost all the major brands offer XL chairs that are aimed at the taller or bigger player, and some, like SeceretLab, also offer smaller seats too.
It's important for comfort and posture of course as nobody wants to be jabbed by the edges of a chair that's too small, or find themselves swimming in too much space as well, struggling to control a seat that's too big. Pay attention to the dimensions, weight capacities, and the targeting of the seat and you should be fine.
