We feel one of the best gaming chairs is essential purchase for any gamer because, just like the best office chairs, if you’re uncomfortable you’re not going to be at the top of your game and because over time a bad or inappropriate chair can lead to all kinds of aches and pains, as well as serious repetitive strain injuries. That’s a fact.
And, if preventing pain and ensuring comfort is your number one goal in upgrading your gaming seating setup, then we’ve got best gaming chair for back pain recommendations right here, along with top picks for every gamer and game type.
If you just want our top 3 recommendations out of all the gaming chairs in our guide then these are three to consider.
The best budget gaming chair we’ve tested is the Brazen Phantom Elite. There’s loads of cheap gaming chairs on the market and most of them deliver compromised, you-get-what-you-pay-for experiences. The Brazen bucks that trend, though, delivering buckets of quality and style at a more affordable price point. There’s also 6 different colours to choose from.
If you’re leaning completely the other way, though, in terms of spend and want the best premium gaming chair, then you should consider the Noblechairs Epic Real Leather straight out of the gate. This chair is the definition of luxury, with an elegant design, soft genuine leather upholstery and full feature set combining to produce a truly epic gaming chair experience.
Finally, if you have a medium-tier budget to spend and want our best for most people recommendation of all the gaming chairs on the market today, then we highly recommend the SecretLab Titan Evo 2022. This is our number one pick as it delivers state of the art gaming chair technology and design in a package many gamers will be able to afford.
Whether it’s a SecretLab Titan Eno, a Brazen Phantom Elite or any of our other gaming chair picks, the best Black Friday deals are likely to make them even more affordable – so if you’re considering a new gaming chair to treat your thighs and bless your buttocks while you eliminate your enemies, it’s a really good time to buy.
No matter what kind of chair you get, though, it’s crucial that it makes you feel good when you’re playing: it should be comfortable during even the longest gaming session, and you should be able to adjust it easily so it suits your body and your preferred sitting style. There’s not much point in splashing your cash on one of the best gaming monitors, a great gaming laptop and a brilliant gaming headset if you’re going to sit in front of them with a sub-standard seat.
Comfort is so important here as it affects everything else. Think of every part of your gaming setup as a member of your squad: if one of the team isn’t up to the job, they’ll bring everybody else down. It’s the same with your setup: if you’ve bought the best gaming mouse but have a chair that doesn’t let you use it comfortably, you’re losing the very thing you bought the mouse for.
The chairs here are for every kind of setup – desktop PCs and laptop gaming, PS5, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia and mobile gaming, too. Each chair has the T3 seal of approval and we’re confident that they’ll keep you at the very top of your game.
Finally, if you scroll past the chair reviews and recommendations you’ll also find a selection of useful hints and tips to help you decide which is the best one for you.
THE BEST GAMING CHAIRS WE’VE TESTED
The best gaming chair for most people? That’s the SecretLab Titan Evo.
This is the brand new chair from SecretLab that follows up on the SecretLab Titan SoftWeave gaming chair that was so well reviewed by us last year. Indeed, that chair was so well reviewed that it went on to win the Best Gaming Chair award at the T3 Awards 2021, beating off all other rivals.
As such, the SecretLab Titan Evo had a tough act to follow this year, but as we detail in our SecretLab Titan Evo review, somehow SecretLab has made the best gaming chair on the market even better.
It’s done this by rolling both its Titan and Omega gaming chair ranges together to produce just one design, the Titan EVO. This combines design elements from both (even if it does lean toward the Titan more) as well as features. It also evolves the gaming chair product in a few small but neat ways.
These include magnetic arm rest top plates and a magnetic head pillow (the latter meaning there are no garish pillow straps in sight), as well as a really clever internal lumbar support system. The lumbar support system is controlled by two knobs located on the backrest, and allow a flexible internal membrane to move up and down as well as in and out. This means that no matter the size or shape of the user, they can customise the lumbar support to their needs.
The seat base has also been redesigned in collaboration with ergonomic experts, and its super neat as not only does it naturally guide its sitter to sit in the middle, but the user can also lounge out if desired over its wings as they’ve been made to be soft and malleable. It’s literally the best of both worlds.
Naturally, all the quality that was already on offer on SecretLab gaming chairs is also in residence, such as 4D armrests, quality hydraulics and tilt functionality, as well as a really fine selection of upholstery finishes.
The result is that the SecretLab Titan Evo builds upon the packages offered by the Titan and the Omega, offering gamers a similar but better experience across the board.
Caveats to an instant purchase include its price, which has gone up a bit from last year’s models, as too its design, which only comes in one flavor, so if you don’t like it then that’s that. You can though buy the chair in three different sizes, so even the smallest or largest gamers will be catered for.
Overall, though, this is the best gaming chair on the market today, and T3 wholeheartedly recommends any gamer to check it out before making a purchasing decision.
If you want a real leather gaming chair, you basically can’t do better than the Noblechairs Epic Series Real Leather.
The Epic series gaming chair from Noblechairs is all about combining luxurious leather, best-in-class quality and a classic style reminiscent of high-end racing car seats. It’s an easy pick for one of the best gaming chairs of 2021, and we’d recommend adding it to your shortlist if you’ve got a healthy budget.
This leather-clad beauty is easy to set up and has a high-density cold foam upholstery for maximum comfort – and it’s robust too, so it should last you a long time after you’ve bought it. Be warned, it’s one of the bigger chairs in our list, so it won’t do for tight spaces, though.
Overall, if you are shopping at the premium end of the gaming chair market then the Epic Series Real Leather Chair from NobelChairs should be at the top of your list.
Want to compare the top two chairs in T3’s best gaming chairs buying guide? Then be sure to check out our SecretLab Titan SoftWeave vs Noblechairs Epic Series Real Leather comparison feature.
We’ve also got a dedicated features comparing this premium priced chair against a top budget offering, too, so if you’re unsure whether you need to spend big, check out our Epic Series Real Leather Chair from Noblechairs vs GTPlayer Gaming Chair comparison feature, too.
Affordable comfort with a roomy, sturdy build — that’s why we rate the Brazen Phantom Elite Gaming Chair.
A British brand that champions product quality over its marketing budget, BraZen’s Phantom Elite gaming chair offers affordable comfort and snug support in a relatively subdued palette of predominantly black with a pop of colour in one of six options to line the trim.
You’re rarely going to get subtlety when it comes to logos on such furniture pieces, and BraZen is no different, with the company logo embroidered onto both halves of the chair, along with the neck and lumbar support cushions.
For such a low price, the Phantom offers plenty of room, and its smooth PU leather is wrapped around a sturdy steel frame, bolstered with quilted foam padding, making for a firm but comfortable seat for marathon gaming sessions that won’t have you cramping up after a few hours.
Comfort is one of the features that allows the Phantom to double up perfectly as an office chair. Kitted out with a Class 4 gas lift, adjustable armrests, nylon casters, neck and lumbar support cushions, and a butterfly mechanism that allows for height and tilt adjustments, you can go from sitting stock straight, neatly slotted under your desk (thanks to those armrests), to almost a full recline.
If you’re looking for something that can transition from work to play to a quick snooze, the BraZen’s Phantom is it.
The Razer Iskur is a premium gaming chair that boasts stunning lines.
Razer only recently jumped into the gaming chair market, but its first effort, the Razer Iskur, shows just how well the firm understands gamers, as well as just how on lock it is when creating gaming hardware.
Firstly, this gaming chair just oozes luxe, with the most stylish backrest we’ve ever seen (those lines are gorgeous) and fine, quality stitching throughout its smooth and welcoming upholstery. The chair is only available in one colourway, though, which is Razer’s distinctive black and green (matte black PVC leather and green stitching). Obviously, if this is a deal-breaker only you can decide.
Cushioning is firm and the sculpt on the seat means the Iskur delivers very much a racing seat fit, with the gamer firmly held in place on all sides. So if you are a larger gamer or one who prefers a looser fit, then that is something to consider. The max body weight of the chair is 130kg.
As one would want on a premium gaming chair, the Iskur comes with 4D armrests, which allow for a wide-variety of configurations, and there is also excellent lumbar support and neck support (there is an included neck cushion), too. Throw in a solid recline angle of 139 degrees and an easy assembly and you start to see why the Iskur is worth considering.
As you can see from the price, this isn’t a cheap gaming chair, but for gamers with a large budget and/or who already use Razer’s gaming products, this feels like an excellent way to extend any gaming setup.
It is important to note that the Razer Iskur now also comes in an all-black colorway, too – the Razer Iskur Black Edition. The Black Edition, which is also a 5-star rated gaming chair, offers the same package as the Iskur but does so with a more mature aesthetic that is comfortable in both a gaming and work environment. It’s well worth checking out by professionals who like to game and are looking for a two-in-one upgrade for their home office.
To see how this chair compares to our number one gaming chair choice, be sure to check out our Secretlab Titan vs Razer Iskur comparison feature.
The GT Omega Element just drips style and delivers a superb all-round gaming chair package.
The latest GT Omega Element gaming chair is a real star. Solidly constructed, very comfortable to sit in and made from reassuringly premium materials, the GT Omega Element is just jaw-dropping to behold. And as for the looks, those are just god-tier.
The wide and easily adjusted arm rests are a highlight, too – you can get them exactly right for your particular sitting style, and the same goes for the chair height and tilt as well. Back and shoulder support is good as well, hitting a well-judged balance between providing support and providing a chair that you can still sink into.
As you can see from the image above, the GT Omega Element goes for a sleek and minimalist design. It’s subtle and understated, and we like the way it looks – however you’ve got your gaming desk or den set up, this is a chair that’s going to fit right in.
You get extra head and lumbar support cushions included with the chair if you need them, and the price is reasonable too. The way the GT Omega Element is built, you get the impression that this is a chair that’s going to last years and years, and you can rely on it to keep you well supported during your gaming adventures.
After prolonged testing we noticed no problems or issues after spending several hours being sat in the Element, and it radiates a confidence that it is going to perform the same amazing job for years to come.
The T3 Awards 2020 judging panel was also wowed by the GT Omega Element and proceeded to bestow upon it the much-coveted Best Gaming Chair award. This really is a quality gaming chair.
The AndaSeat Dark Demon is a big gaming chair giving you all the space you could need to get comfortable.
A large gaming chair suitable for big rooms and big people, the AndaSeat Dark Demon has plenty of space to get comfortable in. It’s one of the bigger chairs on this list, but despite that, still manages to have a reasonably compact base to roll around on.
With a one-piece steel framework, this gaming chair feels solid and sturdy supporting up to 200kg in weight. It’s covered in PVC leather which admittedly might get a bit sticky in summer, though for the rest of the year that just means it’s super easy to clean.
Included in the box are attachable neck and lumbar pillows which make this chair comfortable to use over long sessions. It’s also nearly fully reclinable so you can lie almost flat if you wanted to. A great mid-range gaming chair to add to the shortlist!
If you’re looking for a gaming chair that first and foremost delivers a really sturdy construction then, as we note in our AndaSeat Kaiser 2 review, this chair is well worth scoping out.
It’s got a really rock solid presence when constructed and it capable of supporting even the largest of loads, while there are plenty of ways to adjust it, too, meaning it can be tweaked as desired.
This chair is very much marketed as a seat for gaming, but it’s design is quite understated and leans towards the executive office chair aesthetic, meaning that it would be a good fit for a home office where both work and play take place.
You also get neck and lumbar support cushions.
Caveats to purchase include its weight, which is significant, as well as its size. This is not a compact chair by any means so if space is at a premium then this won’t be a good fit.
Taller gamers could consider the AndaSeat T-Pro 2 Gaming Chair.
The AndaSeat T-Pro 2 Gaming Chair is designed to accommodate very tall gamers, and thanks to its king size dimensions, it is also very comfortable.
Like a few other chairs in T3’s best gaming chairs buying guide, it also has fabric upholstery, and the result is that the chair does not scream gamer aesthetic. As such, for those looking for a gaming chair that will fit into an office environment, the AndaSeat T-Pro 2 ticks that box.
And, while the fit and finish isn’t quite as strong as we’ve found on other chairs, it does come with strong adjustability and decent amounts of features, such as extra back and neck cushions.
The chair is recommended for people between 5ft 11 inches and 6ft 10 inches.
The RRP for this chair is high but if you shop around you can bag it for less.
OTHER TOP GAMING CHAIRS TO CONSIDER
These are the gaming chairs that T3 hasn’t tested but have had strong reviews from gamers in the gaming community.
The best gaming chair under £100? That’s the Play haha Gaming Chair.
If you’re looking for the best gaming chair under £100 then the Play haha Gaming Chair is a great choice. Don’t let the name fool you, as this is a comfortable and super affordable chair for gaming and work that not only supports body weights up to 150 kilograms, but also comes with a robust 5-star base and pneumatic gas lift.
You don’t get quite the manoeuvrability in terms of armrests as on some more expensive chairs, but you do get 360-degree swivel functionality, multi-directional wheels and strong height adjustability. The chair also comes in four attractive colourways, including black, red, blue and purple, is filled with high density foam, and finished in soft-touch faux leather.
For the price we think this gaming chair is bargain.
Want the best budget gaming chair? That’s the GTPlayer Gaming Chair.
If you’re shopping for the best gaming chair under £200 then the GTPlayer Gaming Chair is a fantastic choice.
Firstly, it is very affordable cheap. Some of the other chairs in this guide cost 3 or 4 times as much, something that really highlights is value.
That value does not mean janky or poor build quality though, or a lack of core features. You get a stylish design finished with smooth bonded leather, added seat and headrest pillows, smooth-rolling casters and excellent manervurability.
The seat itself can swivel a full 360 degrees, while the seat can recline and rock between 90~150 degrees, too, meaning if you want a quick nap between gaming sessions then you can.
The GTPlayer Gaming Chair is available in 5 stylish colourways, too, including White, Blue, Green, Grey and Red. Setup is straightforward as well and each chair comes with a 30-day return guarantee.
Overall, a really strong budget gaming chair package.
Compare this chair to a more premium model in our SecretLab Titan SoftWeave vs GTPlayer Gaming Chair comparison feature.
The Secretlab Omega is a premium gaming chair with genuine quality.
When it comes to choosing the best gaming chair of 2021, you need to be sure you’re getting the right balance between function and comfort. It needs to have the kind of build quality that lasts, but not a price that’ll send you into debt. The Secretlab Omega ticks all of these boxes, and more.
The Omega gaming chair is made from PU leather, which makes it a little more affordable than other options, but just as durable, flexible and waterproof. It provides great cushioning and support with cold-cure foam underneath the top layer and comes with velour pillow for extra softness.
Style-wise it manages to straddle the line between a racing car chair that looks like it’s designed solely for gamers, and an executive office chair. It comes in black, white, orange and blue, but these colours are accent colours, so even the brighter shades look subtle.
The memory foam in the lumbar and head supports help make long gaming or streaming sessions a comfortable experience, while the tilt mechanism ensures this comfortable leather throne moves with as you shift in its seat. Considering its quality, getting this for less than $359 / £300 is an absolute steal.
Vegan-friendly PU leather and superb posture correction and support make the Vertagear SL5000 a great gaming chair pick.
The Vertagear SL5000 gaming chair is among the very finest gaming chairs available today in terms of ensuring you sit with a great posture while gaming, with loads of support for your neck and back. The whole backrest is adjustable, too, (by 170 degrees) while the armrests can be moved in terms of height and width, meaning that no matter your build or height, you can be totally supported.
The build of the chair, as you would expect from a seat that retails firmly in the mid-range, is very strong, with a sturdy steel frame and slabs of high density resiliant foam. The seat boasts a covering of extra soft vegan friendly PU leather, too, meaning that it feels as good as it looks.
The Corsair T3 Rush is a quality gaming chair option for those who are looking for a fabric upholstery.
If your budget doesn’t stretch to the Secretlab Titan Softweave gaming chair above, then the Corsair T3 Rush is well worth a look as it delivers a similar aesthetic and fabric upholstery, but does it for less money.
The Rush is not just a looker, either, with the seat inspired by performance motorsports and comes loaded with a contoured backrest, padded neck cushion and foam lumbar support, as well as 4D armrests which allow them to be moved in any direction.
The seat’s build quality is also very high, with an embedded steel frame granting it a planted, solid presence. As you would expect from a Corsair gaming chair, it also delivers strong seat height adjustment as well as reclining angle (100mm and 180 degrees respectively).
Overall, the Corsair T3 Rush is a very strong gaming chair with fabric upholstery.
The Icon Gaming Chair has a truly special design and a luxe real leather covering.
A step up from the Epic series of gaming chairs, comes the Icon from Noblechairs.
The Icon’s quality construction and leather surface makes it similar to the Epic, but it’s a much more understated design that looks like a fancy office chair rather than racing seat, making it ideal for those who need to maintain an office aesthetic, while adding in premium gaming comfort and features.
This gaming chair also comes in a cheaper, non-leather version made from PU fabric, which is going to appeal to those on a tighter budget.
A classy racing seat with striking white design, the SL4000 is a top gaming chair pick.
One of the most striking gaming chairs on the list, the SL4000 from Vertagear comes in a white and black design that makes you feel like you’re in a space ship.
It may look like it’s got a leather layer, put it’s PU leather, which is one of the reasons it’s a little more affordable than other options on our best gaming chairs 2021 list.
This is a model that’ll keep you comfortable for long periods of time, too, and every element is adjustable to suit your needs. At the price it retails for, we don’t think you can ask for anything else.
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