It's a bit of a meme that the best gaming chairs will make you better at your favorite games, and for the most part, the only thing they'll help you improve on is your posture. Still, if you get a chair that makes you more comfortable, and can keep you more immersed, or you find one with armrests that bring out the best in your mouse aim, maybe a gaming chair can make you "better". Luckily, I'm here to find you the seat that will fulfill all your comfort desires while remaining on budget.
Of course, one of the fun things about the best gaming chairs is that their designs can be a bit more personal and flashy compared to their often muted office counterparts. You can even get some very distinct-looking items in the realms of the best console gaming chairs. That said, we've rounded up some of our top desk gaming chair picks below. We've tried our best to cater to a wide range of budgets - not everyone has over a grand to splash out on a new chair, after all.
We're always updating this list with new options - especially since there are always more and more gaming chairs emerging on the digital shelves. We've got some exciting seats coming in to test soon, RotoVR's fancy chair that automatically swivels with your head movements when playing VR games. For now though, we've got some tried and tested favorites to recommend you, including options from big brands, and companies you might not have heard of before.
Worried about the cost of gaming chairs? Fret not, for Black Friday gaming chair deals are here, and if you have more of a budget to play with, Black Friday Secretlab deals are also an option. We're rounding up all the best offers on the chairs below on those pages, so head over and peruse if you're bargain-hunting.
The Quick List
Best overall
The Fractal Refine is a near-perfect all-rounder. It has lovely comfort and sneakily brilliant ergonomics. You also have the choice of mesh and fabric models for the same price.
Best budget
The Corsair TC10 Relaxed is perfect for folks who want comfort as well as all the posture bells and whistles gaming chairs are known for.
Best SecretLab
Secretlab's 2022 Titan Evo has class-leading materials, 4-way lumbar support, and a myriad of design options making it our top pick.
Best lumbar support
The Iskur X is a staple, but the new Iskur V2 is even better, bringing in adjustable integrated lumbar support to an already comfortable chair.
Best mesh
The Mavix M7 delivers serious comfort and some luxury features - including a heated-massage backrest if you're willing to pay for it.
Best premium
This is the Rolls Royce of gaming chairs with a 12-year warranty and great build quality. If it wasn't so expensive I'd live in one.
Best ergonomics
Offering a more affordable route into Herman Miller's gaming chairs, the Vantum is an excellent mesh alternative to the brand's full-fat Embody.
Best low profile
We hear you, you want a gaming chair, but you want something that will blend into a remote working space. The Master is here, and it'll show you the way.
I'm constantly testing out the latest gaming chairs to find you the best options. Seats like these are pricey, so I'm here to tell you which is the comfiest, and which has the best lumbar support. Admittedly, my flat is running out of room for all of these gaming chairs, but it's a small sacrifice to make if I can find you the best value.
Recent updates
November 15, 2024 - I've given this page another spruce up for Black Friday. I've added a few details to the Secretlab Titan Evo's entry on the list below since its NanoGen option and Ergonomic Recliner are now out. I've also changed the featured image at the top of the page since it was a photo of the Boulies Ninja Pro, which is no longer available in the US. While I mourn my previous favorite, the Fractal Refine is a great replacement.
The best gaming chair overall
The Fractal Refine is the first-ever attempt at making a gaming chair from this Swedish brand that's well-known in the PC components and cases world - and it's a home run straight off the bat. The Refine doesn't follow the tried and tested direction of other brands and isn't afraid to do things a bit differently. Luckily, the risks of innovation pay off here, and it's a chair that does a bit of everything brilliantly.
✅ You want great ergonomics without losing comfort. The ergonomics are sneaky here. They don't make for a firm and uncomfortably chair, but they'll gently guide your body into healthier positions for fewer aches and pains.
✅ You want a chair that looks distinct. There's nothing the looks quite like the Fractal Refine. It stretches the traditional shape of a gaming chair, making it look futuristic and minimalist at the same time. If you want a gaming chair that will blend in when you're working from home and go into video calls, this is the one for you.
✅ The choice between fabric and mesh is troubling you. Often, this choice will mean you need to sacrifice your budget to suit your desires. With the Refine, the fabric and mesh models are the same price, and if you want something more premium, there's a stunning Alcantara version.
❌ You want lots of back cushioning. The option for fabric and mesh being built into the same design does mean you lose the best of both worlds. There really isn't much back cushioning if you opt for the fabric model, but the breathability of mesh isn't there either. If you want more plush cushioning for your back outside of lumbar support, look elsewhere.
❌ You want something more lively. A lot of gamers want a chair that brings out the personality of their setups, and if that involves luminous colorways, maybe this isn't the chair for you.
Design: The Fractal Refine takes the traditional racing style cutout of most gaming chairs, and elongates it. That means it sits taller than most of its rivals, and maybe doesn't cater to as many body types. Still, it has simple vertical lines that highlight its posture support, which gives it a classy and distinct look that even the likes of Herman Miller can't really match. This brand is known for its well-designed PC cases, and practical design philosophies very much carry over into its chair.
Features: Adjustability is a strong suit of the Refine. There's integrated lumbar support to blend the chair's backrest into your body shape, there's a head cushion that you can set to your height, and there are even 4D armrests so you can synchronize it with your desk. Also present here are the classic swivel, height, and reline adjustments, but Fractal takes things a step further as well, allowing you to change your seat depth, and even set a second, deeper position so you can sink further into the chair without losing the posture support. In addition, you can set tilt tension adjustment too, although we couldn't really feel much of a difference in that regard.
Performance: Coming from the Boulies Ninja Pro, which is an extremely plush chair, I was a bit worried that the Fractal Refine wouldn't sport enough cushioning to really be comfortable for longer stretches. However, the blend of comfort and ergonomics here really is best-in-class, because it makes sitting in healthier positions more comfortable, which is really the goal of any gaming chair at the end of the day. I do wish there was a bit more cushioning in the backrest, but it's hard to fault a chair that's as comfortable as this, and results in fewer back aches.
The armrests are a true standout here, and the fact you can set them to freely moving height and rotational adjustments as opposed to locked positions like with Secretlab chairs means you can tailor them exactly to how you'd like to sit at a desk. Their wide shape is a huge win as well, especially if accurate aiming and big swipes of a mouse are important to you in FPS games. Annoyingly, these armrests don't lock into a forward and back position, which can result in them clicking out of place far too easily. Still, they're better than the majority of rivals.
Value for money is a big bonus here as well. The level of comfort, posture support, and aesthetics you get for your money makes the Refine an almost perfect all-rounder. All that, and you don't pay as much as you would for a Secretlab or Herman Miller product. Overall, it is not bad for a first attempt at making a chair.
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★★★ |
| Lumbar | ★★★★★ |
| Sturdiness | ★★★ |
| Manouverability | ★★★ |
| Arm rests | ★★★★ |
| Assembly | ★★★ |
The best budget gaming chair
The Corsair TC100 Relaxed has long been one of our favorite value options in the gaming chair world, but as its price is beginning to slip with age, it's become our favorite budget option. It punches well above its price point by packing loads of features and providing loads of comfort while remaining cheaper than a lot of the competition.
✅ You're on a tighter budget. This is a slightly cheaper option than a lot of other big brands, so if you want to gain features while keeping hold of some coin, this is an option for you.
✅ You like to lean on the armrests of a chair. This has some of the nicest armrests I've come across in a gaming chair - even if they aren't quite as adjustable as rival products, they're comfy to lean on.
✅ You don't mind having a more muted color. This one's only available in grey or black, so if you're looking for a more colorful option, you might need to look elsewhere.
❌ You have more money to spare. There are seats with more premium features that excel in specific areas, but they do cost more.
❌ You want a plush neck cushion. The headrest here isn't the comfiest and arguably sticks out a bit too much. If you want comfortable head support, maybe look further up the price range.
❌ You have a larger frame - the edges of the backrest can sometimes feel like they're poking into your ribs, so if you want width, this isn't the best option.
Design: The Corsair TC100 Relaxed seeks to create a blend of supportive, posture-correcting gaming chairs and the plush comfort found in a lot of office chairs. The methodology here is to use a wider seat with softer contact points while staying true to that iconic racer-style build that can support the body for hours on end. In a lot of ways, this bucks the trend of the gaming chair market, offering some excellent comfort and top-of-the-range features at a much lower price than the competition.
Features: Annoyingly, there aren't better personalization options in terms of color. The TC100 Relaxed only comes in either a Plush Leatherette material or a Soft Fabric that feels similar to upholstery found on a couch, but only comes in two colours, grey, and black. The other flaw of note is that the casters feel a bit rigid no matter what surface you're atop. That said, the quality of the seat you get here for the price is excellent, and its soft cushioning rivals any console gaming chair geared at pure comfort. Adjustability is here in spades, and the armrests benefit from that too.
Performance: The TC100 is proof that you can absolutely get a top-drawer gaming chair from a well-known brand for less than $300. If you like the look of the Secretlab options on this list and want a lot of the same features, but can't afford their lofty prices - don't miss this cracker from Corsair. Assembly could have been easier, and the head cushion is a little too full for me, but the padding on the seat and the back make up for them. Moreover, the armrests feel nice and soft to lean on, and never create a feeling of discomfort.
For most people sitting at a desk or in a gaming room, you won't need more than this.
| Comfort | ★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★ |
| Lumbar | ★★★ |
| Sturdiness | ★★★★ |
| Manouverability | ★★★ |
| Arm rests | ★★★★ |
| Assembly | ★★★★ |
The best secretlab gaming chair
As the improved version of the 2020 model, the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 is an impeccable gaming chair. It's stylish, sturdy, and takes a firmer approach to comfort. Newer models that launched more recently allow you to opt for a NanoGen version which makes the Titan Evo a bit more plush, or the cheaper Lite model brings the price down.
✅ You're tall as a mountain or need a booster seat. There are generous size offerings to suit everyone here.
✅ You crave only the highest quality. The build quality of Secretlab chairs is second to none and feels so sturdy even months into testing. If you hate the noise of squeaks and creaks, this is for you.
✅ You want to be able to customize. Secretlab has probably the largest library of cosmetic offerings of any gaming chair brand, so if you want to rep your favorite franchise, no one does it better.
❌ You're looking to save cash. Secretlab chairs don't come cheap, especially if you do want to opt for accessories, armrest tops, or cosmetic skins.
❌ You already own a 2020 model. There are improvements to be gained over older Secretlab products, but it probably isn't worth the double investment if you've already paid.
❌ You care about sticking out from the crowd. There's nothing wrong with popular, but if you want something a little bit more "you", maybe check out another brand.
Design: Its premium-grade materials and impressive build quality leave very little to be desired as far as gaming chairs go. And Secretlab hasn't gone over the top with the design either, skirting the line with a nicely refined racer style that's easier to vacuum than previous designs. And now with a rehashed built-in lumbar support system, the Titan Evo works for more body shapes.
Not only that but in true Secretlab fashion, there are so many colorways and officially licensed designs to choose from - in fact, it may be one of the main draws to this seat, because the brand's cosmetic selection simply has no rival in the market.
Features: Aside from acing the basics you expect from any top gaming chair - like 4D armrests, and an adjustable lumbar - the Titan Evo 2022 goes the extra mile. The pièce de résistance? Practical application of magnets as an alternative to the usual fiddly headrest straps. It means you can adjust easily depending on your height, and there are even a few different sizes in case the regular doesn't cut it. While the smallest model caters to 4"11' – 5"6' short kings, the XL model tops out at 5"11' – 6"9' meaning there's a lot of leeway for different frames. The regular version sits right in between, and each model shares the same awesome feature set.
Don't forget as well that Secretlab has a lot of add-ons to help you make your chair more "you". There's the new Secretlab Recliner Add-on, as well as lumbar cushions and armrest tops. If you're willing to invest in these things, they can give you yet more sitting options.
Performance: Still in regular use around the GamesRadar+ offices today, there's much to say for the Titan Evo 2022's durability, not least its comfort, since everyone's always fighting over who gets to sit in it. The SoftWeave version we tested originally is plush and breathable, and the easy instructions and annotated stickers mean the chair's not as awkward to put together as previous designs, either. The newly designed built-in lumbar support is much improved over the old Titan series, too. It's more flexible and doesn't feel like it's trying to kick you out of the chair. A second dial lets you move it up and down, too, though it can take a while to adjust it to that sweet spot.
| Comfort | ★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★★ |
| Lumbar | ★★★★ |
| Sturdiness | ★★★★★ |
| Manouverability | ★★★★ |
| Arm rests | ★★★ |
| Assembly | ★★★★★ |
The best lumbar support
Following on from the Razer Iskur X comes an updated gaming chair from Razer which puts supporting your spine front and centre. The Iskur V2 has integrated lumbar support that adjusts to you and your sitting position, making it the best option for anyone who struggles with lower back aches and pains.
✅ You're looking for impeccable style. Razer's signature black and green stitching stands out from the crowd.
✅ You have a bad back or struggle with your posture. This chair is plenty comfortable but will support you into better back health.
✅ You want the latest and greatest from Razer. There are older models of this chair which might be worth knowing about if not.
❌ You prefer cushioning to integrated support. The support here is adjustable, which is great for some people, but others just want a plush back cushion.
❌ You want more colorways to choose from. If you aren't up for the Razer greens and greys, you might struggle to find the V2 in an aesthetically pleasing style.
❌ You'd prefer a mesh chair - Razer has a more breathable option now, with a full mesh backrest that will keep you cooler.
Design: In a lineup scenario, it might be tricky to pick out the new Iskur V2. On the whole, it looks very similar to the Iskur and Iskur X, with only a few feature disparities truly separating them. Luckily, if you don't like the green trim that's befitting one of Razer's products, the V2 is also available in all black.
Features: The V2 builds upon the excellent chair that the Iskur X is. Besides a magnetic head cushion which is swapped out for a strapped one, the V2 carries over all of the main features you'll know but improves a number of them. There are now 4D armrests, plenty of adjusting options for tilt, 152° recline, and a more advanced EPU-grade synthetic leather upholstery. Of course, the biggest selling point here has to be the adjustable lumbar support, which has adjustable depth and height but responds to your body's position at any reshuffle.
Performance: Our tabletop and merch editor found that the lumbar support in this chair cured a lot of his aches and pains, and said the lumbar support was a "godsend". In all honesty, this is everything a gaming chair really should set out to be. It's comfortable enough to sit in for lengthy sessions but also has the build quality and design to aid your well-being. Ergonomics and comfort need to match one another, and the Iskur V2 does an excellent job there. At the end of the day, if we're complaining about a headrest not being magnetic, you know a chair must be pretty good.
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★★ |
| Lumbar | ★★★★★ |
| Sturdiness | ★★★★ |
| Manouverability | ★★★★ |
| Arm rests | ★★★★ |
| Assembly | ★★★★ |
The best mesh gaming chair
In 2022, we reviewed the Mavix M9 - the brand's flagship gaming chair. While it was certainly comfortable, and enjoyed a place on this list for a long while, it ultimately lost its place as cheaper competitors offered similar features for less cash. Now, however, as more brands throw out attempts at mesh chairs, the slightly more affordable M7 sees itself onto our buying guide thanks to its adjustability and super performance.
✅ You're looking for something low-profile. Mavix offers great features but not an overt gaming chair look, which is great if you need something that looks professional too.
✅ You want a chair with a heated backrest. It may cost you more, but you can get a backrest that gives you a heated massage.
✅ You don't care about backrest cushioning. Mesh chairs don't offer plush back cushioning, but they do offer you a cooling mesh material that's breathable.
❌ You'd rather have more cushioning for your money. Mesh chairs don't exactly offer a lot of cushioning, so if you want more support, check out a non-mesh option.
❌ You want to personalize more. There aren't many cosmetic options here, so if you want a different splash of color or something that isn't partly see-through, pick fabric or leather.
❌ You'd rather have a better-known brand. We hear you, the herd mentality of buying from a brand your friends can recommend as well as we can is understandable.
Design: The Mavix M7 is available in three colors. There's an all-black version, a Black and Red model, and a Black and White version. As an added bonus, you can also choose to customize the color of the castor wheels of your chair, so if you want to make a classy all-black chair pop with personality, that could be an option.
Those wheels, come to mention it, are a single, solid piece of rubber, which is great if you're used to cheaper dual-track plastics since they allow you to move smoothly on different surfaces. Annoyingly, Mavix doesn't do much in the way of offering assembly instructions, since there's no booklet that comes in the box.
One of the best parts about the Mavix M7's design, however, is that nearly everything is adjustable, and even though it can take a while to work out what each lever does, it's great to see a chair offer so much support across different body types and sitting styles.
Features: If you're willing to pay a little extra, you can opt for an Elemax backrest that gives you heat as well as massage features. We're sure this will be an alluring feature, and although we loved it, it does hike up the price of a Mavix chair usually. That said, keep your eye out for events on the Mavix store where they offer Elemax for no extra cost.
Elsewhere, the M7 features 4D or 360-degree rotational armrests, as well as lumbar and head support that clicks into place when you sit down so it supports whatever position you find comfortable.
Performance: In our review, our news editor Ali said "this is a very, very good chair. Comfortable, easy to adjust, and with features I didn't even know I wanted before I sat in it for the first time, the Mavix M7 puts you at the heart of every adjustment it lets you make (or even makes for you). I'd struggle to go back to anything less accomplished than this in the future."
In particular, we liked the adjusting lumbar support and cooling mesh material. While its optional heated massage backrest costs more, we did find it was worth a bit of extra investment. In fact, one of the only things we weren't so keen on was the price tag - however, when you compare it to the likes of Herman Miller and other high-end chairs that try to do similar things, this is a clear winner.
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★★ |
| Lumbar | ★★★★★ |
| Sturdiness | ★★★★ |
| Manouverability | ★★★★ |
| Arm rests | ★★★★ |
| Assembly | ★★★★ |
The best premium gaming chair
The Herman Miller x Logitech Embody gaming chair absolutely proves that premium ergonomic design is worth investing in for you and your posture. It's the best premium gaming chair we've tested.
Put it this way, it's not often something of this price remains so popular for so long.
✅ You have a tonne of cash to spare. Herman Miller chairs are some of the most expensive on the market, but if you've got the budget, then go for it.
✅ You're looking to correct your posture. The ergonomics at play here are infamous for fixing posture and back pain, so it could be the remedy you need.
✅ You don't like the racing-seat shape found in other gaming chairs. This design stands out from the crowd, so if you want something a bit more distinct, you have your winner.
❌ You feel headrests are a necessity. One of the most infuriating things about this seat is that you don't get a headrest for the money you pay.
❌ You don't want to spend this much for good ergonomics. We don't blame you. Good news is, you don't need to spend this much for good spine support.
Design: The Herman Miller X Logitech Embody has a distinctive look. There are some stylish flourishes adorning the chair like its Logitech-blue accenting, a tag, and a motif on the back. Aesthetically though, that's really it. The material is breathable and soft, which is an enhancement over less premium options. Overall, the luxury materials and minimalist color choices make for a really smart look.
Features: The Logitech Embody has all the pedigree and sublime DNA you could ask for, heaps of posture and comfort augmentations, and a price to match. While the armrests are not 4D as they are on many other gaming chairs, they're simple - perhaps too simple - with just up and down, in and out adjustability. Elsewhere, there's much more versatility. There are handles you can use to change the seat's depth - essentially rolling out extra chair from out of the either - which is just such clever design work. It has a slightly wider footprint than many gaming chairs, so that's something to be aware of if you decide to invest, though it adds greater stability, weight distribution, and balance.
Performance: The fact there's zero assembly required with the Embody means the chair's success doesn't rely on your ability to fasten bits of it together. As well, all the clever levers and knobs are intuitive and easy to use, though the seat-depth setting did admittedly take some getting used to for our reviewer. This is a short chair with no dedicated headrest, but even without one, it has ergonomics at the forefront of its design. The armrests are comfy, and our reviewer claimed that it definitely helped him regain some back strength through better posture. Overall it's one of the comfiest seats we've ever had the pleasure of testing.
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★★★ |
| Lumbar | ★★★★ |
| Sturdiness | ★★★★ |
| Manouverability | ★★★★ |
| Arm rests | ★★★★ |
| Assembly | ★★★★ |
The best ergonomic gaming chair
The Herman Miller X Logitech G Vantum has some solid ergonomics, good support, and posture-improving elements. It may not live up to the Embody's extremely high standards, but it's still a fantastic chair. It's seen a refresh recently and is even available in updated colorways, with an upgraded headrest.
✅ You can't afford the Embody, but have enough cash for a premium chair from the same brand. This is a nice alternative for sure.
✅ You need a headrest - this might be a better option for you than the more expensive Herman Miller chair because it comes with a headrest and multiple stylistic options.
✅ You want a mesh seat that offers some color too. It's rare to be able to choose the color of a mesh chair, only because mesh doesn't exactly come in a slew of colorways.
❌ You tend to lean on armrests a lot. The armrests here can click out of place very easily, so if that bothers you, don't go for the Vantum.
❌ You want a traditional gaming chair. There are more tried-and-tested shapes out there that will cost you less.
❌ You're on a budget. There are cheaper chairs, even if this is the more affordable Herman Miller option.
Design: Coming in a few colorways, the Vantum is a mesh-designed bad boy that has a much more subtle aesthetic than its brethren. It's also a bit 'smaller' in every way, aside from its height. The materials do feel 'cheaper' than the Embody - that is to say, not necessarily budget or flimsy, but not as premium across the board. In fairness, it's a less expensive product, so that makes sense.
Features: The Vantum does promote a different kind of comfort and ergonomic design. Mainly it just shunts you forward a bit more than the Embody, but generally, it promotes a good upright sitting position. You've got the usual controls too: height adjustment, tilt, tilt tension, and the seat depth lever. You can alter the lumbar support with the handles, which push the support into your back, or pull it away. There's a lot of versatility in the chair's movement, with the headrest even allowing for forward tilt if you'd like it. Folks miffed at the Embody for not having a dedicated headrest will be happy though, since it has a very supportive one here.
Performance: The Vantum does require a bit of construction - albeit barely any - but it's not too difficult to put together and it does inspire confidence that there are no weak spots that you may have created for yourself. While the wheelbase is solid and sturdy, it's also smaller; it's not as wide as the Embody's which actually makes moving it around a bit easier. Importantly, aside from smashing ergonomics, the seat is well-cushioned and comfy. While the lumbar support is a little bit localized, and the armrests adjust a little too easily, it's also a darn sight cheaper than its sister chair.
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★★ |
| Lumbar | ★★★★ |
| Sturdiness | ★★★★ |
| Manouverability | ★★★★ |
| Arm rests | ★★★ |
| Assembly | ★★★★ |
The best low profile gaming chair
The Boulies Master Series is a versatile gaming chair with plenty of cosmetic choices to it. That being said, there's versatility to it as well. If you've been shopping around for a chair that's designed for gaming, but you need to steer clear of the more out-there and colorful options, the Master Series is something that flies under the radar. This is the sort of chair you could see in a remote working office and it isn't going to draw too much attention.
✅ You need a wider seat with plenty of room. There's plenty of space to sink into this seat without having your shoulders pushed forward.
✅ Integrated Lumbar support is important to you. Like some of its much pricier alternatives, this chair has an integrated lumbar support wheel that you can set to what suits your body.
✅ You want a gaming chair that isn't going to draw too much attention. If you're a remote worker who doesn't want your colleagues commenting on a bright yellow CyberPunk 2077 chair every time they have a video call, the Master Series is a nice alternative.
❌ You don't want a squeaky chair. After a little while of use, we found this chair could produce some squeaks and creaks when putting weight on different parts. That's the case for most chairs, but its worth noting here.
❌ You want a head cushion that stays put. Unlike the Boulies Ninja Pro, there are no hoops on the backrest to thread elasticated head cushion straps through. That can make adjusting it a bit annoying, especially when it falls off.
Design: The Boulies Master Series is available in a few different sizes, colorways, and upholstery options. We tested the green water-repellent fabric option and found it to be aesthetic as well as comfortable. There's also Ultraflex PU, Nappa Leather, and a larger Master Max size, which gives you a bit more room in all directions. The traditional gaming chair shape has been stretched out the way here, giving the look of a comfy couch you could fall into, rather than something edgy or outwardly ergonomic. As is the case with all of the Boulies chairs, there's a steel frame here that's nice and strong, but a lighter aluminium wheelbase makes it maneuverable.
Features: All the tilt, reclining, and swiveling needs you might have are catered for here, with armrests that take the adjustability of the Ninja Pro a step further, with 4D capabilities. The standout feature here is the integrated lumbar support, which works similarly to the likes of Razer and Secretlab's offerings. A small scrolling wheel sits on the chair's right-hand side and can be adjusted to better suit your body and its comfortable positions while seated.
Performance: Aesthetically, it's hard to fault the Boulies Master Series, particularly if you're looking for a gaming chair that can also give off those professional home office vibes. There's a nice level of comfort to this chair, but perhaps the thing that annoyed us most about it was the lack of a truly premium feel. Most chairs will produce some audible creaks and squeaks after a while of use, but these made themselves so present that our reviewer actually had to stick some paper into one of the hinges to mute it.
Overall though, this doesn't detract from a chair that delivers everything you'd want in a gaming throne for $359 / £289. If you're on the hunt for a low-profile option that won't break the bank and will take care of your back, the Master Series gives you a bit of everything.
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★★ |
| Lumbar | ★★★★ |
| Sturdiness | ★★★ |
| Manouverability | ★★★★★ |
| Arm rests | ★★★★ |
| Assembly | ★★★★ |
Non-desk chairs
Supporting the launch of Logitech’s Premier G Pro racing wheel, the PlaySeat Trophy Logitech G builds off the 2022 Playseat Trophy, with a couple of logi-centric tweaks. If it's a cockpit you're building for your gaming setup, it doesn't get much better than this.
✅ You take your racing sims seriously. There are few better hubs for your racing sim gear than a proper cockpit setup.
✅ You're okay with this being a mainstay in your home. Safe to say, this could be an eye-sore if you're entertaining and don't want your racing sim loadout to be the main topic of conversation.
✅ You need lots of adjustability. There are plenty of ways to fit this to you and your racing sim gear.
❌ You don't have a lot of space - this thing has a sizeable footprint which will take up a lot of real estate in your living room or play space.
❌ You're trying to save money. Racing wheels and pedals are expensive enough, if you have a desk and you're trying to save some cash, maybe stick to that for now.
❌ You want something you can store in a cupboard with ease. This isn't a foldable option, but PlaySeat does have products for that purpose now.
Design: Rather than the matte black outfit of the previous model, the powder-coated finish of the high carbon steel frame is glossy grey, and there are accents of electric G blue, and Logitech logos too. The flowing lines of the Trophy’s tubular frame feel high-end and modern. There's rounded corners aplenty softening what would otherwise be a dominating cockpit.
Features: The Trophy Logitech G Edition is a freestanding, full-size racing cockpit with a uniquely integrated racing hammock seat, wheeldeck, and pedal tray. It even comes with a pair of white cotton gloves - snazzy. It's important to note that this thing is going to need plenty of room; at 1m wide and 1.5m long it takes up a surprising amount of floor space. The pedal tray is adjusted with bright blue thumbscrews, which would have been appreciated elsewhere during the assembly process. The seat and wheeldeck angle adjust, too, though there's no up, down, in, or out translation. The wheeldeck can be installed either way around to extend reach, though.
Performance: Considering the complexity, the Trophy Logitech G Edition comes in a compact package with just eleven pieces that needed slotting together. Construction was a simple task, and took only half an hour to put together. Once there, it can withstand the stresses of direct drive wheels, with every joint secured with multiple Allen bolts - sometimes six - which, while a little overkill is a sign of quality. This thing is cleverly designed, well built, and has a rock solid frame. It's mighty comfortable, mighty large, but unfortunately a sizeable investment.
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★★ |
| Lumbar | ★★★ |
| Sturdiness | ★★★★ |
| Manouverability | ★★ |
| Arm rests | ★★ |
| Assembly | ★★★★★ |
While we'd heartily recommend the chairs above, we have to admit their prices are pretty steep. For a look at the cheaper end of the scale, check out our roundup of the latest gaming chair deals. They aren't always models we've tested for ourselves, but we've picked out ones that have strong user-review scores from a larger number of buyers.
If your tastes are so inclined, we've even rounded up a list of the best pink gaming chairs on the market. Alternatively, if you're not looking for a chair that's designed to sit at a desk, you could go with one of the best console gaming chairs.
Best gaming chairs - Frequently asked questions
What are the best gaming chair brands?
Gaming chairs have come a long way in recent years, with more brands pitching their own seats than ever. That means there's more competition out there these days, with some pretty high price tags sometimes accompanying brand-new features and designs. The best gaming chair brands, from what we've seen in our testing, are Boulies, Secretlab, Razer, Corsair, and Herman Miller. There are honestly loads of brands out there now, so much so that not enough people have heard of Fractal Design, Mavix, and GTOmega.
What is better than gaming chairs?
This will really come down to you and your setup. If you play games through a console and a TV, it's likely that a really comfortable couch will be the seat of choice for you. If you use a projector in a more open-plan room, maybe a beanbag or a foldable gaming chair will be what you need. In our opinion though, most "office" style gaming chairs are more versatile than people think.
Does a gaming chair actually make you better?
Like RGB lighting, we sadly can't say that one of the best gaming chairs will make you better at your favorite games. However, a decent chair will have a whole array of benefits that will definitely make your posture and health better.
Gaming chairs are purpose-built to support for back, neck, and shoulders in a way that some office chairs just can't live up to. Many gaming chairs feature high backrests that curve naturally to align with your spine resulting in far better sitting posture, which can reduce lumbar pain and other aches. So we suppose the thing a gaming chair will improve about you the most is likely your posture and wellbeing.
That said, good armrests can absolutely impact your aim when using a mouse in FPS games. We'll always test how the adjustability of these armrests can match up with different desks, and give you our evaluation of whether a seat will help of hurt you.
Are gaming chairs better than office chairs?
Gaming chairs are typically considerably more expensive than their office equivalents but bring with that added cost a suite of features lesser seen in more traditional furniture. The most pressing difference is the emphasis on ergonomics with many gaming chairs being sculpted in such a way to accommodate for long play and work sessions. This is achieved through thicker padding on the seat (usually made out of high-density foam) as well as much taller backrests leading to greater levels of support over longer periods of time.
How to choose a gaming chair
Choosing a gaming chair may depend on a number of factors. We'd always start by looking at price first of all since looking at the budget you have to shop with will help to narrow your search.
Next, we'd look at what you want in a chair like this. Do you want something that's bred for all-day comfort, or do you want something that's designed to use ergonomics to help your posture and well-being? Often, gaming chairs will blend these two areas, but each one will approach the ratio slightly differently.
As well, aesthetics are worth thinking about. Gaming chairs can have out-there designs and it's up to you to determine whether you want something that shows off your favorite hobby, or something that flies under the gaming radar and looks at home in a working-from-home environment.
Lastly, we'd look at what platform you play games on. Most gaming chairs these days are geared at desk setups, so if you're looking for something that will replace a couch for a console loadout, another alternative might be better for you.
How we test gaming chairs
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With what seems like more options than ever on the market from both up-and-coming as well as established brands, our testing helps to separate the best from the rest. When we review gaming chairs, we take into account the build quality, as well as the time, spent assembling the units as potential buyers would. Most critical of all, is the value for money proposition, as we wouldn't recommend a gaming chair that we would not buy for ourselves.
We spend a lot of time testing gaming chairs both at work and in our downtime, too. We'll usually begin testing each one by assembling it ourselves, and determining how long it takes, how easy the process is, and if we need a helper to move around the various parts.
From then on, it's a matter of testing for more than a month or so before we come to a verdict. This may seem like a long stretch of time, but it gives us a chance to check the chair's build quality after a long period of wear and tear. We'll listen out for squeaky noises and take note of whether we need to tighten the bolts back up after use.
Another thing we'll do to test a gaming chair's adjustability is to fit it to our desks. If I'm testing a chair, I'll always be on the lookout for how a chair can match up with my workspace, because it can have a big impact on ergonomics, not to mention things like armrests being a huge contributor to aiming with a mouse in FPS games.
By the time we come to a verdict, we'll be thinking about the ergonomics and comfort. We'll ask whether we've felt more or less aches and pains since sitting in the chair every day, and weigh up its aspects for a final review score. Taking that all into account, we'll look at the price and decide whether a chair is a worthwhile investment.
You can find out more about how we test gaming chairs in our full hardware policy.
We've also rounded up the best gaming chairs for PS5, PS4, and Xbox. However, if you're looking to refresh your full setup we'd recommend checking out the best gaming PCs and the best gaming monitor models around.
