Serious computer gamers can spend a lot of time in front of the computer – which makes the chair you’re sitting in extremely important to both your overall gaming experience and the long-term health of your spine. You don’t have to spend anywhere near the cost of a new graphics card to upgrade your chair – excellent gaming chairs can be found even for under $200.
To find the best gaming chair under $200, we considered essential features that make or break a chair’s comfort and usability for gaming. Chairs differ in their sizes, the materials they are made of, and their weight capacities, all of which can affect whether the chair will fit you comfortably. For gamers, additional features such as a wide angle of rotation and adjustable headrest and backrest cushions can make the difference in being able to quickly and easily reach the controls without contorting your spine. Finally, we looked at extra functions, such as 180-degree rocking and the addition of a pull-out footrest, that separate the best chairs from the rest of the pack. Our Editor’s Choice, the Homall Ergonomic High-Back Racing Chair, stood out among 11 of the best options.
This racing-style chair from Homall is packed with features for gamers who plan to spend hours in the chair and need to be comfortable. The high back of the chair provides plenty of space for tall users, while the neck and lumbar pads are well-stuffed and are highly adjustable to dial in support for your spine. The armrests, however, are not height adjustable and some users found that the armrests are not as durable as the rest of the chair.
Users especially loved the adjustable footrest, which can be tucked under the chair when not in use or extended out on a sliding rail to match the length of your legs. However, particularly tall users noted that the extension rail might not be quite long enough for everyone. Barring that, however, the chair also rocks back and forth or can be locked at a reclined angle anywhere between upright and 180° for a nap or reading.
The chair is mounted on five sturdy casters that enable it to hold up to 300 pounds, although heavyset users noted that the footrest can sag a bit when it is weighted. Unfortunately, as is the case for many faux leather chairs, users had some complaints about this chair giving off an industrial odor after purchase.
This inexpensive chair from Homall is perfect for those on a budget who still want the adjustability features found on pricier gaming chairs. The chair features 360° swivel rotation and sits on five plastic rolling casters that allow it to be wheeled around the room easily. Plus, the chair is tall enough to support users over six feet tall and features oversized neck and lumbar pillows that are height adjustable in the same way as more expensive chairs. Taking the design one step further, the backrest can be tilted all the way down from 90° to 180° to allow you to read or nap in the chair.
The chair is upholstered with synthetic carbon leather and users found the bucket seat to be comfortable, although many wished that it had additional padding and opted to add an after-market seat cushion to the chair.
Where the budget price of this chair shows is in the assembly process – the assembly instructions are hard to follow and many users felt as if the chair requires some maintenance every few weeks to keep the bolts from falling apart. In addition, some users complained that the chair smells like fake leather, although the smell is not unbearably strong.
For gamers who want a stimulating massage while they play, this chair from Remaxe is arguably the single best option for under $200 on the market. The massaging function is integrated into the lumbar pad, unlike on more expensive massage chairs where the entire back vibrates. However, it still provides plenty of massaging action to release tension in your lower back after long hours in the chair.
Another comfortable feature that users appreciated was the addition of the footrest that tucks away under the chair when you don’t want it, but that combines with the 180° reclining flexibility to offer the perfect nap.
Both the lumbar and headrest pillows are adjustable to dial in back and neck support, and users found the cushioning in the chair overall to be perfect for sitting for multiple hours. The five rolling casters are quiet and safe to use on hardwood flooring. Note that the PU leather upholstery can give off an odor when the chair is first purchased, but most users did not find this to be a major issue.
Remaxe’s customer service was well-liked by customers and, in addition to a one-year warranty on the chair parts, the company offers a 30-day money back guarantee.
This inexpensive racing-style chair from OFM is simplistic in its design, but users love it for its comfort and extraordinarily long warranty. OFM offers a four-year warranty on the artificial leather fabric and a seven-year warranty on the gas lift built into the chair base, plus a lifetime warranty on the frame of the chair. That said, other than the gas lift there are few parts of this chair that can break.
The chair sits on a base of four plastic caster wheels and swivels 360°, but there is no rocking included. In addition, although the whole chair can be tilted forwards or backwards during assembly, there is no way to recline the backrest independently of the seat. Heavy users should also note that the chair has a relatively low weight limit of 250 pounds.
There are also no headrest or backrest pads included with this chair, so many users will want to purchase these after-market for added support. That said, users were pleasantly surprised by the amount of support that the chair provides and found the seat to be plentifully cushioned for helping circulation to the legs. Users also liked that the armrests can be flipped up to create more area of reach.
This unique chair from Ace Bayou offers the ultimate experience for those who want to be fully immersed in their gameplay. First, it is important to note that unlike most other gaming chairs we reviewed, this chair has no legs – it is designed to sit directly on the floor, and so is best for monitors that are also mounted low to the floor. The advantage to this design is that the chair can rock freely while playing, which users found enhanced the gaming experience and made the chair more comfortable.
Users also found the chair to be sufficiently padded so that they didn’t mind being seated low to the floor, and most users did not mind the vinyl upholstery instead of leather. Importantly, some users experienced catastrophic failure of the chair after several months – the back of the chair gave out without warning – and Ace Bayou exhibited extremely poor customer service.
The other important aspect to this chair is the wireless connectivity. The chair is designed to connect to WiFi so that it can pair with your gaming console, and there are two wireless speakers built into the chair so that you can be immersed in the audio from your game. Note that users had mixed success pairing with different gaming consoles, so be sure to check whether the wired or wireless connection will work for you.
Users rave not only about this racing-style gaming chair, but about the customer service they receive from Furmax whenever issues have arisen. Furmax promises a 30-day money back guarantee on the chair and covers most issues that arise within six months of purchase, and users consistently report that Furmax is responsive to questions and claims and quickly sends additional parts or replacement chairs as needed. That said, issues with the chair remain rare thanks to the sturdy construction and the durability of the PU leather upholstery.
The chair itself is high-backed to accommodate tall gamers, although as on other chairs the extendable footrest is often not quite long enough for the tallest of users. Otherwise, the chair is highly adjustable and features a lumbar pad and headrest for spinal and neck support.
It is also able to rock or to be locked into place anywhere from upright to 180° reclined, which in combination with the footrest makes the chair perfect for napping as well as gaming. Unlike many other chairs, the armrests are adjustable to help support your shoulders when gaming. The sturdy casters also allow this chair to safely hold gamers up to 310 pounds.
Users love this highly adjustable chair from GTRACING. In addition to 360° swivel rotation in the chair’s base, the chair is able to rock back and forth over a moderate range and the backrest can be lowered from 90° all the way down to 170° in case you want to take a quick nap in between games. The overstuffed headrest and backrest pads are also height adjustable so you can fine-tune your comfort and spinal position, and users loved how easy it was to adjust the height of the armrests. In particular, tall users found that this chair worked well because the back extends so high up from the chair seat.
The chair itself is upholstered with PU leather, which users found to be quite comfortable and well-padded but also gives off a strong odor when the chair first arrives. However, the PU leather material is also durable and easy to clean, which users appreciated once the smell dissipated. The chair is mounted on a sturdy five-point wheeled base and the casters are heavy-duty enough to safely roll around with a 300-pound user in the chair.
The chair also comes with a one-year warranty, which is relatively long among gaming chairs of this style.
More features: extendable footrest, 155° tilt, infinite angle lock
When you’re sat on a chair for hours on end it can be hard to stay comfortable. This chair gets around that by having several different pillow options. There is one for your head to go with lumbar support. Both of them are adjustable to get in a perfect position.
The materials used here are of the highest quality and will ensure that you get plenty of use from the chair. That includes a sturdy metal frame and the outside of the chair which is bonded leather. That leather keeps it look for a long time so that the chair keeps its style.
A brilliant feature of this chair is the footrest. It’s extendable with plenty of adjustability that will enable you to get in a perfect position. Added to that, the chair can also tilt right back which helps to make it a great recliner.
The packaging of the chair leaves a little to be desired as it could be given more protection. The instructions also aren’t the clearest but thankfully the chair is fairly simple to set up without them. Aside from these minor issues, it’s a great chair and one you’ll enjoy using.
More features: 5 design options; soft-glide wheels; 5-star aluminum base
E-WIN is known for its quality, comfort, and design. This model from The Knight Series ergonomic computer gaming chairs is not different. With a range of features designed for long-term comfort, this chair is ideal for those that require a lot of support from their chair. Lumbar support, as well as a headrest pillow and a 5-star aluminum base, and this chair, has proven quality.
For those that are looking for a popular and gorgeous option, this E-WIN knight series ergonomic computer gaming office chair combines usability and aesthetic into one fantastic chair. Black vinyl leather goes beautifully with E-WIN’s range of colors including pristine white, lime green, sky blue, deep red, and bright yellow. No matter the aesthetic of your office or game room, this chair will fit in beautifully.
It’s not only a beautiful piece of furniture but it also has a high degree of durability. Its list of features includes high-density separating foam, a metal frame with an aluminum base, 2D adjustable armrests, and a class 4 gas lift. With a weight capacity of up to 400 lbs., it can hold the weight of a range of gamers including gamers and their gaming buddies (pets, partners, and toddlers). Adding in a 10-year warranty and a 5-year extended warranty, this is a stress- and risk-free purchase.
This beautifully designed racing-style gaming chair from Devoko is one of the most premium gaming chairs available for under $200. The chair is upholstered with synthetic carbon fiber leather that is extremely comfortable and durable, while also giving the chair a high-end look that other faux leather materials cannot match.
The extra-tall backrest and adjustable seat height make this chair suitable for tall users, while the highly cushioned lumbar and neck pads can be easily adjusted up and down to provide comfort for a wide range of heights.
Additional features included in this chair are sturdy plastic casters for rolling around, with the ability to support gamers up to 330 pounds. The chair swivels 360° and the backrest is able to recline and lock in a tilted position all the way from 90° down to a full 180°.
Unfortunately, one forgotten component of the chair is the armrests – they are not height adjustable like most of the other parts of the chair, so it is possible that users end up with squished or hanging shoulders.
Although the chair only comes with a six-month limited warranty from the manufacturer, users noted that in cases where they had to call customer service Devoko was extremely responsive and helpful.
More features: 90-135° reclining and rocking, 3D armrest and seat-height adjustments, nylon smooth wheels
Everyone is different when it comes to the amount of cushioning you’ll want from a chair. The padding on this chair is quite firm which may be a little uncomfortable for some whereas other people may prefer it. This will often simply come down to personal preference.
One of the best features of this chair is the rocking function. Some people would love to be able to rock back and forth but you can simply just recline it if you wanted. The other adjustments that we can see here are also great.
You’ll be able to place the seat and the armrests into whichever position you prefer to get perfect alignment with your body. It’s all a part of the ergonomic design that helps you to have the highest levels of comfort while minimizing any aches and pains.
With a weight capacity of 350lbs, this is going to be perfect for a wide range of different users. It shows the excellent strength it has while still having smooth-rolling nylon wheels. Added to all of this, the chair looks brilliant with its PU leather and stylish shape.
Now that you’ve learned more about our top eight favorite gaming chairs under $200, how do you decide among them to pick the chair that is perfect for your back and your gaming style? Your gaming chair is likely to outlast not only your current computer, but your next several gaming computers – so it’s extremely important to make an informed decision and end up with a chair that suits you when purchasing a gaming chair. Our buying guide and the following FAQ section will help you understand the benefits of a gaming chair, what features to look for in a gaming chair, and how to choose the gaming chair that is right for you.
Back, neck, and joint pain and stiffness are extremely common among gamers as a result of the fact that gaming necessarily requires sitting in a static position for hours at a time, day after day. However, these health issues can be dramatically reduced if you are sitting in a chair that is ergonomically designed to protect your spine and joints. One of the most important benefits of using a gaming chair (including console gaming chairs) is that they are designed to support your lower back and neck, forcing you into an upright posture that keeps your spine in alignment as you play. In addition, most gaming chairs come with a headrest that cushions your neck and helps to prevent overextension that can lead to pain. Over time, the ergonomic design of your gaming chair will improve your posture throughout your life and help prevent back and neck pain, and in this way it acts a lot like a zero gravity chair for back pain.
Gaming chairs also help to prevent musculoskeletal injuries by providing cushioning around the pressure areas where your body rests against the chair, which increases your overall circulation. In turn, this reduces muscle soreness and improves your cardiovascular function, particularly in your legs since blood is already fighting against gravity to return from your feet to your heart.
These health benefits translate to better gameplay, since you will not be distracted by chronic joint pain, but gaming chairs also improve your gaming experience thanks to the gaming-specific features that are built into many models. For example, speakers built into the headrest can help immerse you in the game with a surround sound effect, while other models feature in-seat vibration. In addition, many gaming chairs swivel or rock to allow you more range of motion when using the controls at your desk.
[wpsm_box type=”green” float=”none” text_align=”left”]Finally, gaming chairs are easy to clean and easy to store compared to other styles of desk chairs. Many gaming chairs are designed to be compact to take up less space than traditional desk chairs, and some models even fold away for storage when not in use. Most gaming chairs are also made from materials that are easy to clean with wet wipes, making it easy to keep your gaming area nice and tidy.[/wpsm_box]
Now that you know that gaming chairs not only look cool, but are exceptionally good in supporting your back during a long gaming sessions and have extra features to increase comfort, it’s time to discuss the specific features to pay attention to before buying.
The dimensions and weight of a chair are among the first-order factors when considering whether that gaming chair will be comfortable for your body. The size of the seat and back areas, as well as the width and length of the armrests, all play a role in determining whether your back and shoulders will be fully supported by the chair or whether you will be cramped or stretching to fit into the chair. Sizing is particularly important for taller than average or heavier than average gamers, since many chairs will be sized too small for comfort. Whenever possible, use a tape measure to size your body dimensions and match those to the chair.
The dimensions and weight of the chair also matter for the space you will be putting the chair in. A smaller, more compact chair will leave you more space in the room and will be easier to put away when the chair is not being used. If storage is important, look for chairs that can be folded away or broken down and reassembled easily. In addition, chairs with wheels or chairs that are lightweight will be easier to move than heavier chairs with static feet.
If you plan to move around the room in your chair – for example, to move between your gaming desk and another workstation, or to check multiple monitors – having wheels on the base of your chair is extremely important. Wheels can also be helpful if you will be storing your chair when it is not in use, since you can easily roll it away into a closet.
[wpsm_box type=”red” float=”none” text_align=”left”]Most gaming chairs are also designed with 360° rotation, although rotation is not a standard feature on every chair. The ability to rotate your chair can be important for your gaming experience if your controls are spread out across your desk. Rotation, like wheels, can also be important to have if you plan to access multiple desks or multiple monitors and don’t want to have to crane your neck.[/wpsm_box]
If you are a gamer on the heavier side, the weight capacity of the chair you’re interested in is important to consider. While most gaming chairs can handle weights up to 250 pounds, not every chair can handle weights over 300 pounds. Exceeding your chair’s stated weight limit can be dangerous in the case that the chair fails with you in it and can also drastically reduce the lifespan of your chair.
The materials that gaming chairs are made of can be split into the frames and the upholstery. Almost all gaming chairs under $200 use steel frames since these are extremely durable and able to support the weight of most gamers, although steel is also relatively heavy. For upholstery, most gaming chairs under $200 incorporate some form of synthetic or artificial leather, although some chairs opt for vinyl upholstery. Leather is comfortable against most users’ skin and is highly durable compared to other materials, but can also be somewhat hot and sticky on particularly warm days. Vinyl tends to rip and stain more easily than leather, but also tends to breathe better and is less expensive.
The headrest and backrest cushions are among the most essential parts of the design of the chair since they determine whether your chair will indeed benefit your back and neck. Assuming your chair fits correctly, the headrest and backrest cushions should be placed such that they force your spine into an upright posture and support your neck and head in a neutral position. In order to achieve this, the headrest and backrest cushions on your chair should be as adjustable as possible.
While most of the features we have covered so far are related to comfort and posture, many gaming chairs go beyond the designs of traditional desk chairs by including additional functions specific to gaming. One of the most popular extra features is a pull-out footrest, which can increase comfort by allowing you to switch your leg position over the course of a long gaming session. Having your legs extended out in front of you can also improve circulation to your legs, which will decrease muscle soreness after a long session of sitting. Some gaming chairs also include a vibration massager to stimulate your muscles and circulation in the midst of a long gaming session. Others still provide in-chair speakers with wireless connection to your computer to create a surround-sound effect that helps to immerse you in your game. Whether or not these additional features are important to you depends entirely on your preferences, but they can separate the best gaming chairs from those that are solely focused on improving your posture.
The best gaming chair should last for years to come – likely far longer than any of your other gaming equipment. For this reason, it is important to consider whether the chair you are interested in comes with a warranty from the manufacturer to protect your purchase against defects or early breakage. Unfortunately, most gaming chairs come with only short limited warranties – six months to one year – although some chairs have extended lifetime warranties on the frame since this is expected to last much longer than the rest of the chair.
Our overall favorite gaming chairs under $200 were the GTRACING Gaming Office Chair, the RESPAWN 110 Racing Style Gaming Chair, and the Homall Ergonomic High-Back Racing Chair. All three of these chairs features highly adjustable and comfortable lumbar pads and headrests that allowed users to dial in support for the neck and spine, while the chairs themselves were sturdy and durable. We felt that the Homall Ergonomic High-Back Racing Chair was the single best gaming chair under $200 because of the superb comfort that users raved about when sitting in the chair for hours of gaming. The Homall Gaming Chair offered many similar qualities, although it’s more affordable than other options on our list. Of all our options laid out in this review, the Remaxe Large Size Computer Gaming Chair is truly the most comfortable one, thanks to the built-in massager, the ability to adjust it just as you want it, and the extendable footrest.
