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.
I'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 chair overall
The Secretlab Titan is the benchmark by which we judge all other gaming chairs. To earn that role it ticked all the boxes you could ask of gaming furniture: it's comfy, supportive, and importantly looks great too.
Best affordable chair
The thick cushion, broad design, and refined styling make this a good gaming chair, but the fact Corsair has managed to get the price down without compromising on comfort is what makes the TC100 Relaxed a great gaming chair.
The best luxury chair
The Herman Miller Embody oozes premium- you'd expect nothing less at this price. With superb comfort and a warranty spanning over a decade, it's absolutely the chair of choice if you're willing to invest in ergonomics.
The best office chair
A brilliant option if you're after something more traditional-looking, the NeueChair's mesh design keeps you cool for long periods and offers elite build quality.
The best for back support
The ThunderX3 came outta nowhere to deliver excellent lumbar support in an affordable package. We love it.
The best for larger frames
Available in two sizes - L and XL - the Kaiser 4 XL is the best gaming chair for anyone who finds most chairs a bit of a squeeze. It's big, comfy, and the adjustable lumbar support is great. It looks the bees knees, too.
Recent updates
Updated August 15 2024 to swap in the AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL as our "best for larger frames" recommendation.
The best gaming chair overall
✅ 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.
❌ 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
✅ 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.
❌ 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
✅ 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.
❌ 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
✅ 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.
❌ 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 2024.
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
✅ 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.
❌ 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.
❌ You don't want to hunt around for a US version: Sad to say, but this chair is increasingly hard to find in the US, although models do pop up now and then.
While some chairs take a rigid approach to supporting your back, if you're looking for something that's supremely comfortable while also looking after your spine, you should really hunt down a ThunderX3 Core. It manages to not only be the best chair for back support, but also one of the most plush and good-looking chairs we've tested, too.
That adjustability really is key. We all shift around in our chairs, and while some models try their hardest to push you into the correct shape, the ThunderX3 Core takes a different approach. It's ready for your odd seating positions, choosing instead to employ a variety of mechanisms that allow it to conform itself to your particular seating styles for ultimate support.
The Lumbar 360° tech backrest is designed to move around with you as you shift your weight, meaning that it's always ready to support your lower-back when needed. 4D armrests are an increasingly common feature on modern gaming chairs, but they're usually covered in a "soft-touch-esque" kind of material that's less rigid than hard plastic but still not what you'd call cushy. Not so here, as the ThunderX3 Core adds proper cushioning into the mix for arm-leaners and forearm resters.
All of this adds to the feeling, and look, of a chair that invites you to sit down. The aesthetic is refreshingly sleek yet comfy-looking, and while it's got stick-out "wings" that won't be for everyone, it doesn't look particularly gamer bling—meaning its unlikely to look out of place no matter where you put it. Some gamer chairs scream "I have hobbies" to the rest of the world, but this one is much more Scandinavian cool.
Back to back support. The clever Sync6 box underneath has synchronous tilt, which allows you to lean back while still keeping your feet flat on the floor. You can also tilt it forward to lean in, although the armrests will end up staying where they are. Speaking of leaning back, the backrest locks at four different angles, although you can't lean it back all the way like some other chairs. Still, there should be a position there that suits most leaning styles.
To top it all off, the ThunderX3 Core also comes with a multipurpose cushion. You can place it under your feet to raise them—or simply to have something cushy to rub your socks against—or you can separate it into two cushions that can work as armrests, or something to put your controller or laptop on in your lap.
Fabric and leatherette versions are available in various colors, and all for an MSRP of $399. That's a fair bit cheaper than a lot of other competing chairs, but it does come with a caveat: this chair is currently quite difficult to find in the US. Our stateside friends may well be better off going for the Secretlab Titan Evo for a gaming chair, or the NeueChair if you're looking for something more office-focussed, as both of those models offer superb back support as well.
Or there's the Logitech G x Herman Miller Embody, which is good at just about everything—if you're prepared to put down some serious cash. Still, if you can get hold of one, the ThunderX3 Core is still the best chair for back support. A well-looked-after spine doesn't have to come with an overly firm cost, and this chair proves it.
Read our full ThunderX3 Core review.
The best gaming chair for a larger frame
✅ You want plenty of room: The Kaiser 4 XL is appropriately named, and appropriately sized.
✅ You like proper lumbar support: The new pop-out lumbar cushion is a real upgrade over the previous model, and is both comfortable and supportive.
✅ You want good value: While it's not what you'd necessarily call cheap, you do get a huge amount of excellent chair for your cash.
❌ You bang the rear of the chair into furniture on the regular: The plush rear backing looks great, but it does make this chair prone to damage from the back if you're clumsy with it.
If regular gaming chairs are a bit tight, or you're the sort of person that likes to spread all over a seat, then the AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL is the gaming throne for you. Available in L and XL configurations, we were very impressed by our XL model—so much so that it had to go in this guide as the best chair for a larger frame.
First off, this is a good looking seat. Lots of color options are available, but all of them will have wide shoulders, proper side bolstering and a good attention to detail of the fit and finish. It's very USS Enterprise, and despite its large dimensions for sitting it's not too dominant in your average gaming setup.
Be warned, however: construction is not an easy task. That's nothing to do with a lack of tools or bad design, but more that this chair is large, wide, and heavy, so we'd highly recommend bringing a friend. Or, if you want one of these because you're covered in muscle, enjoy the free workout.
That being said, once you do have the Kaiser 4 XL together you'll find plenty of room. The wide seat cushion and flared shoulder sections mean most should fit very well, and even if you're not a giant you won't feel too swallowed up. It's very nicely judged in its dimensions. Larger than just about everything else, not so large that it looks cartoonish.
There's lots of adjustability here, including a side-mounted lever for backrest adjustment that makes a whole lot of sense. Why some chairs choose to mount the tilt mechanism underneath is beyond us, but here you can lean and use the handle at the same time to find the perfect amount of recline.
The best bit, though, is the pop-out adjustable lumbar cushion. It's very comfortable to lean against, but firm enough to provide proper, robust support, and it's adjustable in a multitude of different ways. Combine that with a magnetic head pillow that can be adjusted easily, yet stays anchored in place once you've found the ideal spot, and this is a chair that's easy to set up just the way you like.
It does have a couple of drawbacks. Firstly, the branding isn't particularly subtle, so you'll find the word "Kaiser" emblazoned all over it in big letters. And second, the rear backing material is a lovely textured plush material that looks great.
Doesn't sound like a drawback? Well, as nice as it looks and feels, it's prone to damage. You'll be fine if you treat it gently, but if you bang the rear of the chair into your furniture it's likely to rip or leave a mark. And, if we're being picky, the (otherwise huge and very comfortable) armrests do wobble rotationally a little more than we'd like.
Other than that, the AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL is a bit of a winner all-round. If what you really want is size and comfort combined in a chair, this is the one we reckon you should go for. Big, bold, and brilliant.
Read our full AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL review.
Also tested
How we test gaming chairs
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
Are gaming chairs actually bad?
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.
Are gaming chairs really worth it?
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.
Is a gaming chair better than an office chair?
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.
Are gaming chairs good for your posture?
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.
Does every gaming chair fit every body type?
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.
