ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/ |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-10 23:31:35 (1 day ago) |
| First Indexed | 2018-06-13 17:17:26 (7 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Best gaming chair in 2026: I've tested a ton of gaming chairs and these are the seats I'd suggest for any PC gamer | PC Gamer |
| Meta Description | Treat your posterior to one of the best gaming chairs. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | It may be 2026, but the best gaming chair recommendation remains a very familiar proposition. As a collective of enthusiastic sitters, he PC Gamer team has spent many a long day parking our posteriors upon the finest seats around—and have also twisted our spines in many of the worst—to bring you the definitive list of the best gaming chairs you can buy right now. We've also spoken to a
team of experts
to help guide us in what to look for in terms of proper ergonomics, too, so we're covering all bases.
We regularly test a range of different chairs, including the
best office chairs
. And we've put them all through rigorous testing to make sure we can thoroughly recommend all the picks that we have on this page and can honestly stand by each and every one of them. So, invest in something that'll last and give your butt and back the comfort and support they deserve.
The quick list
Best overall
1. Secretlab Titan Evo
The best chair overall
The Secretlab Titan is the benchmark by which we judge all other gaming chairs. To earn that role, it ticks all the boxes you could ask of gaming furniture: it's comfy, supportive, and looks great too. The recommendation might be a regular one, but it's a chair that has stood the test of time.
Read more below
Best budget
2. ThunderX3 Solo 360
Best budget chair
ThunderX3 has concocted a very well-rounded chair for the price, here, combining comfy, firm cushioning with adjustable armrests and a sleek design. To get such quality seating for such a cheap price is rare.
Read more below
Best for luxury
3. LiberNovo Omni
The best luxury chair
If adjustability is key to ergonomics and comfort (and it is) the LiberNovo Omni is where it's at. That's because its movable parts and soft foam allow it to dynamically adjust to your movements and keep you comfy. Oh, and its motorised lumbar support can give you a massage—what says 'luxury' more than that?
Read more below
Best back support
4. ThunderX3 Core
The best for back support
The ThunderX3 Core came out of nowhere to deliver excellent lumbar support in an affordable package. We love it, and your back will love it, too.
Read more below
Best for large people
5. AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL
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 and comfy, and the adjustable lumbar support is great. It looks the bee's knees, too.
Read more below
Best office chair
6. ThunderX3 Flex Pro
The best office chair
With slight confusion over whether it wants to be an office chair or a gaming chair, ThunderX3 has almost created the best office chair for gaming. It's more affordable than a standard office seat with a lot of the same features.
Read more below
Curated by...
Curated by...
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, and personally tested 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.
Recent updates
March 17, 2026:
Added the ThunderX3 Solo 360 as our pick for the best budget gaming chair, and the LiberNovo Omni as our pick for the best high-end gaming chair, ie, the best luxury chair. The former offers a well-rounded mix of features and comfort for a very appealing price, and the latter brings something genuinely new to the market in the form of dynamic ergonomic adjustments. It also costs half as much as our previous pick, the Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody, which has been added to our Also Tested section alongside the Corsair TC100 Relaxed, our previous budget pick.
February 6, 2026:
Added in a short video covering our pick for the best gaming chair you can buy right now, and predictably it's still the Secretlab Titan Evo. But we've also reviewed a couple of newbies, which have gone into the also tested section, namely the
Andaseat Kaiser 3E XL
and the otherworldly electrical gaming chair, the
DXRacer Martian XL
. Neither of which have quite earned their place in the pantheon of greatness that is our best gaming chair list.
October 16, 2025:
Reviewed our top recommendations once more, deciding to nudge the
ThunderX3 Flex Pro
into the limelight as our top pick for the best office chair for gaming. We've removed the best affordable office chair category entirely, moving the NeueChair into our
Also Tested
section as a result. It's joined by three other new additions: the
Humanscale Freedom
, the
LiberNovo Omni
, and the
Flexispot OC3/BS3
.
The best gaming chair overall
Image 1 of 12
(Image credit: Future)
The best gaming chair
Specifications
Seat type:
Racing back, levelled seat base
Recline:
165 degrees
Weight capacity:
Up to 180 kg (397 lbs, XL size only)
Weight:
37.5 kg (83 lbs)
Warranty:
3 years
Reasons to buy
+
Magnetic cushion and covers
+
Very comfortable
+
Everything we want in a gaming chair feature-wise
Reasons to avoid
-
Pricier than older Secretlab chairs
-
3-year warranty isn't a match for some ergo chairs
Buy if...
✅ 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 it's had over the years.
Don't buy if...
❌ You want a long warranty:
Three 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 bottom line
💺 The
Secretlab Titan Evo
is the pinnacle of gaming chairs for a reason. Yes, it's pricey, but it's also extremely well-made and impressively long-lasting. There's a reason every cheaper brand is trying to copy it and why subsequent models have barely changed the formula: it's a great gaming chair.
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 Secretlab's previous chairs, and two of them used to rule the top spots in this very guide. Though nowadays we heartily recommend just the one model, the Titan Evo, as it does everything well.
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. There are three models available, S, R, and XL, and while those looking for something extra-large would do well to check out the
AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL
, for the rest of you, the Titan Evo should do very nicely.
Our initial review model came in a coating Secretlab called Neo Hybrid leatherette, which feels airy and cool over the course of a long day, and really looks the part. We have also recently reviewed the
Titan Evo NanoGen edition
, which is the latest addition to Secretlab's lineup, and features a new approach to the materials it uses. Aiming to match two presumably mutually exclusive goals—namely being supportive
and
soft.
And it does that mighty well, creating a chair that ends up feeling even more comfortable than the standard Titan Evo. But with Secretlab asking another $200 for the privilege, it's a fair bit extra to pay over the standard model.
The upholstery of both, however, 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.
What's more, the original chair has been in constant use in our office since we first reviewed it in 2021—gosh, has it really been that long? Since then, it's been rolled around, bumped into, and carelessly caressed by many staff members, yet it's still in excellent condition. That Neo Hybrid Leatherette is
really
holding up great. The chair's not squeaky, either, which is a plus.
The detachable head cushion is magnetic and very supportive. For that matter, so are the armrests, which deliver 4D movement (up, down, forwards, backwards, side-to-side, and rotation) and should fit into most desks—and most arms, 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, it's 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
.
The best budget gaming chair
Image 1 of 5
(Image credit: Future)
The best budget gaming chair
Specifications
Seat type:
Task chair
Weight capacity:
136 kg (300 lbs)
Warranty:
1 year
Reasons to buy
+
Easy to build for one person
+
Firm but comfortable
+
Synchronous tilt is great for sneaky naps
+
Highly adjustable 3D x 360 armrests
Reasons to avoid
-
No extra lumbar support or headrest pillow
-
Styling may prove too subtle for some
Buy if...
✅ You aim for the perfect arm position:
If you have a particular way you like your arms to sit, you'll be happy to know the ThunderX3 Solo 360 has 360-degree armrests, meaning they turn all the way around, in addition to the other standard adjustments.
✅ You like to keep things subtle:
This chair won't look out of place in an office, as it has a sleek, minimal design.
Don't buy if...
❌ You want tons of adjustment:
While it has pretty adjustable armrests and an up-down adjustable headrest, plus overall recline, there's no additional lumbar support or headrest pillow.
The bottom line
💺 Good gaming chairs don't have to be expensive. The ThunderX3 Solo 360 is not only very affordable, it's simply a brilliant gaming chair overall, with plenty of customisability, an easy build process, and a wonderfully comfortable design.
Great budget gaming chairs are pretty hard to come by. Usually you're sacrificing something major, whether that's build quality, comfort, or features. Occasionally, though, something comes along that delivers pretty well on all these fronts while keeping the cost low. The ThunderX3 Solo 360 is one such chair, and it does so well enough to be crowned the absolute best budget gaming chair on the market right now.
The Solo 360 is great, in particular, if you're keen on getting the best bang for your buck when it comes to things that actually matter: not a flashy design or pointless 180-degree recline, but comfort, adjustability, and an easy build process. Admittedly it's not the absolute best in any one of these respects when compared to more expensive chairs, but it's great for its price bracket.
On the adjustability front, you're getting 360-degree adjustable armrests (thus the '360' moniker), plus a car seat-style headrest that you can slide up or down. Admittedly you're not getting an additional pillow or anything like that, but the headrest itself is plenty comfy. Ditto the lack of additional lumbar support: the chair shape itself is comfy enough.
You're also getting a generous recline, and this comes with 'syncrhonous tilt.' This means the seat adjusts along with the backrest when you recline, as opposed to keeping the seat static while the back reclines. This should keep things optimally comfy whatever level of recline you're going for, and you can lock it into place, too.
The chair comes in a choice of a few different kinds of materials: multi-layer breathable fabric, breathable mesh, or leatherette. The one our Jess tried was the first of these, the fabric, which for some reason goes by 'Loft Air.' She found this to be comfy, especially given it's sitting on on top of firm foam, but difficult to wipe clean. Though I suppose that's true for most fabric—mesh or leatherette patiently awaits, if such a dealbreaker for you.
The icing on the cake, depending on your taste, is that the ThunderX3 Solo 360 looks rather suave, in a subtle and minimal kind of way. It certainly doesn't look out of place in an office, which will be a bonus for many but might be a drawback for some.
Read our full
ThunderX3 Solo 360 review
.
The best high-end gaming chair
Image 1 of 5
(Image credit: Future)
The best high-end gaming chair
Specifications
Seat type:
Task chair
Recline:
160-degrees
Weight capacity:
136 kg (300 lbs)
Warranty:
Five years (frame), two years (electronics)
Reasons to buy
+
Very comfortable with little effort
+
Defined recline modes are well set
+
Massage feature is a nice-to-have
Reasons to avoid
-
Too soon to tell longevity
-
Lumbar adjustability could be better
-
Foot stool isn't the most ergonomic
Buy if...
✅ You're looking for luxury-level comfort:
This chair is comfortable with a capital C, whether working, gaming or otherwise.
✅ You want something adjustable:
Calling this chair 'adjustable' might be a bit of an understatement, given it literally adjusts to you on the fly, as you move around.
Don't buy if...
❌ You're on a budget:
Yes, this is an expensive chair. Though it's not as expensive as some other luxury chairs on the market.
❌
You want completely adjustable lumbar support:
While this chair is incredibly adjustable overall, the motorised lumbar support is only adjustable in one direction.
The Bottom line
💺 We've surely seen it all when it comes to luxury chairs, right? Well, not quite, because the
LiberNovo Omni
has added "dynamic ergonomics" into the mix, meaning it adjusts to you as you move about, thanks to all the movable parts and foams. It even has motorised lumbar support. Given adjustability is key to ergonomics, this adds something genuinely new and luxury into the mix. Just bear in mind it isn't tested over the long-term.
What is it about a chair that shouts 'luxury' and 'high-end'? I'd wager for most people it's comfort and ergonomics that are the key barometers, and if so, the LiberNovo Omni has something genuinely game-changing to offer. There are plenty of other luxury seats—from Steelcase, Herman Miller, and the likes—but none that offer exactly what this one does.
The company calls it "the world's first dynamic ergonomic chair", meaning as you shift and shimmy around in your chair, it, too, shifts and shimmies to keep you comfy. If you recline, for instance, the armrests gently follow and slide back. If you move your head left and right, the headrest should move along with you, too.
It also comes with (rechargeable) motorised lumbar support moves in/up and forward/out. This can be controlled by buttons on the armrest, so no need to get up and out the chair to adjust things, you can adjust easily, as often as you please. The motor also allows for what the company calls a 'massage', which lets you lie back and have the lumbar support move in and out for a few minutes to stretch your spine.
Apart from the single directionality for the lumbar support, everything else is very adjustable. The armrests, for instance, are 4D adjustable and can be nudged in every direction until you get it just right. Although in his review, Kizito found these to be a little loose and too easy to nudge out of place.
Overall, though, he found this to be "the first chair I've actually wanted to keep" out of the many he's reviewed: "The dynamic support and overall plushness of the Omni simply outclassed every gaming chair I've tried, making long sessions at my desk feel genuinely more enjoyable in comparison."
It's no surprise, though, really. The LiberNovo Omni is clearly focused on long-term comfort, as it's incredibly adjustable, and adjustability is probably the key factor for good ergonomics. It also uses a ton of different kinds of foams and fabrics to really nail that comfortable and tailored sitting experience.
The only real caveat to all this is that it's still a new product and hasn't been given the true test of time. The chair itself has a few years of warranty, which is great, but the electronics get just two years, so bear that in mind. The benefit of something like a popular Steelcase or Herman Miller is they're tried and tested over the long haul, but here you're taking a little more of a risk for the revolution in dynamic ergonomics. Still, that aside and as far as high-end luxury goes, the LiberNovo Omni really can't be beaten right now.
Read our full
LiberNovo Omni review
.
The best gaming chair for back support
Image 1 of 5
(Image credit: Future)
The best gaming chair for back support
Specifications
Seat type:
Racing seat
Recline:
90–135 degrees
Weight capacity:
150 kg (331 lbs)
Weight:
30.5 kg (67.2 lbs)
Warranty:
3 years
Reasons to buy
+
Awesome ergonomic mechanisms
+
Speedy assembly
+
Priced just right
Reasons to avoid
-
The mechanism makes a clunky noise
-
Distant armrests when reclining
Buy if...
✅ 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.
Don't buy if...
❌ You like to recline with arm support:
The synchronous tilt mechanism here is very good, but it's a shame the armrests don't move with it.
The bottom line
💺 If you struggle with normal chairs, your spine might thank you for spending the cash on the
ThunderX3 Core
chair. The smart lumbar support cushion manages to follow you as you move, providing a level of comfort and support we've not found in any other chair. Certainly not in one that's priced at this level.
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 be not only 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 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 it's 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.
Fabric and leatherette versions are available in various colors, all for an MSRP of $399. That's a fair bit cheaper than a lot of other competing chairs, and since the ThunderX3 Core is up there for affordable back support, it gets a big thumbs up from us. 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
Image 1 of 8
(Image credit: Future)
The best gaming chair for a larger frame
Specifications
Seat type:
Gaming chair
Recline:
130 degrees
Weight capacity:
180 kg (397 lbs)
Weight:
39 kg (88 lbs)
Warranty:
5 years
Reasons to buy
+
Good looks
+
Roomy dimensions
+
Pop-out lumbar support is very comfy
+
Magnetic head cushion
Reasons to avoid
-
Branding isn't subtle
-
Soft backing prone to damage
-
Armrests have slightly too much wobble
Buy if...
✅ 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 extremely comfortable and plenty supportive, no matter your size.
Don't buy if...
❌ 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.
The bottom line
💺 The
AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL
is a big boi chair for the larger human, but its comfortable, capacious surrounds mean that it's also a fantastic chair for anyone who wants to be enthroned in a seat. And maybe doesn't sit precisely how ergonomists recommend you should...
If regular gaming chairs are a bit tight, or you're the sort of person who 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 good attention to detail in the fit and finish. It's very USS Enterprise, and despite its large dimensions for sittin,g 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 around. 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
.
The best office chair for gaming
Image 1 of 5
(Image credit: Future)
The best office chair for gaming
Specifications
Seat type:
Task chair
Recline:
90–135 degrees
Weight capacity:
125 kg (275 lbs)
Weight:
25.5 kg (56.2 lbs)
Warranty:
3 years
Reasons to buy
+
Excellent lumbar support
+
Endlessly adjustable arm and neck support
+
Adjusts easily to suit your posture
Reasons to avoid
-
Some parts move a little too easily
-
Seat is quite small
Buy if...
✅ You want endlessly adjustable comfort:
The ThunderX3 Flex Pro moves in almost every dimension you can think of, mostly without you even having to think about it
Don't buy if...
❌ You want an office chair that supports excellent posture:
The lumbar support is great, but I struggled to get the Flex Pro to adjust around a really straight spine.
The bottom line
💺 The
ThunderX3 Flex Pro
maybe has a bit of an identity problem, being some sort of halfway house between a task chair and a standard gaming chair, but that actually works to its advantage. It has a lot of the benefits of an office seat, but the relaxed comfort of a leaning-back-to-play gaming chair.
Okay, maybe the ThunderX3 Flex Pro can't quite make up its mind exactly what sort of chair it is, but honestly that actually plays right into a PC gamer's hands. Or buttocks, even. With a dizzying total of 19 different "dimensions of adjustment" the chair is certainly playing to our choir of experts, offering consistent support as you move around in the Flex Pro.
With so many different moving parts you can really feeling it shifting around to accommodate you as you fidget around in the ergonomically recommended way every half hour or so.
And with lumbar and head/neck support, shifting seatpan, and continuous recline mechanism, the Flex Pro comes with a lot of different features you will generally find in serious office-based task chairs. Though, in reality, we found that it didn't quite work as well as the Neuechair in terms of providing a true active posture for working at a desk, which would normlly earn it a black mark, and a place in the 'Also tested' section.
That's not to say it isn't supportive when you are in work mode, the back and lumbar support sections capably prop you up while you might be typing away, but, because of that incredible flexibility and the stellar lumbar support, as soon as you kick back and relax in it, the ThunderX3 Flex Pro becomes an excellent tasky gaming chair.
It's an incredibly comfortable chair to sit back with a gamepad and play on, and still retains enough support to remain a decent option for the work day.
And even though there are myriad moving parts that doesn't make it a nightmare to build. It doesn't come fully realised, with fully six major components to put together, but it only took us around 30 minutes solo work to get it up, rolling, and reclining.
If you're after the range of task chair features without paying Neuechair or Steelcase money, then the Flex Pro gets you most of the way there on a bit of a budget. Okay, it's not
cheap
, but it is around half the price of those other brands. But where it stands out is that it can really compete with other primarily gaming chairs when it comes to reclined comfort, and not all office chairs are able to do that.
Read our full
ThunderX3 Flex Pro review
.
Also tested
⬇️ Click to load more tested gaming chairs ⬇️
How we test gaming chairs
(Image credit: Future)
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.
Of course, the first step is about building your chair; most gaming chairs come in various stages of disassembly and you'll have to put them together yourself. This process can already tell an experienced reviewer a lot about both the quality of the materials being used in the chair, and about the finished article's overall quality, too. If it's stripping thread when you're screwing in bolts, or parts are loose when they should be tight, then you can already tell something might be missing.
We also 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, and where seat materials fail when used for extended periods of time.
And it means we can tell how it makes us feel after using a particular chair for a while. Now, that's not about some emotional connection with a seat, but with ergonomics being such a vital part of gaming chairs when it comes to your overall physical health, this long-term testing is important for us to tell when something doesn't feel right in our own bodies while we're using a chair. Conversely, when something fits you as though it's been made especially for you, then you know you've found a genuinely quality gaming chair.
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.
Our panel of ergonomics experts
Collectively, here on PC Gamer, we've spent hundreds of human hours testing a host of different gaming chairs. We have a lot of experience and have built up a whole lot of expertise on the subject. That puts us in a great position to be able to let you know why some chairs are better than others, and to be able to pick out the absolute best options in the different categories.
But we can't just rely on our own expertise when it comes to putting your body on the line when you're spending hours sat in a seat. So we've recently got in touch with several trained and certified ergonomists, and interviewed them on what makes a great gaming chair, what you should be looking out for, and how to spend time at your desk without putting your body in peril.
Three of our experts are from companies that specialise in manufacturing ergonomically fit chairs, and one independent physical and occupational therapist.
Kevin Butler is a Board Certified Professional Ergonomist who holds both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering. Although Kevin has extensive experience as an ergonomics consultant, for the last several years he has been almost completely dedicated to the holistic topic of Wellbeing. While Kevin’s primary role at Steelcase began in understanding the meaning of workplace Wellbeing by bench-marking and best-practice-sharing, it has evolved into maximizing his knowledge and expertise as a practitioner. This is realized by assisting organizations of varying sizes in the design and implementation of their Ergonomic and Wellness program development efforts, always striving to leverage the workplace as a resource to increase both individual and organization Wellbeing.
Jonathan is a board certified professional ergonomist who holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in human factors and ergonomics from Cornell University. He has extensive experience in the areas of occupational health & safety, musculoskeletal injury prevention, software usability and workplace design. Jonathan has worked with the International Standards Organization (ISO) on the development of international ergonomic standards for office environments and holds several U.S. patents for the design of ergonomic work tools.
Dr. Gallucci Jr. is President and CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, one of the fastest-growing comprehensive physical and occupational therapy practices providing rehabilitative care to patients and sports teams in over 160 locations throughout the Northeast. He has significantly impacted his field in the Tri-State area and holds a national presence in the sports medicine community. A noted published author, Gallucci released his first book, Soccer Injury Prevention and Treatment, in May 2014. His second book, Play Ball: Don't Let Injuries Sideline You This Season, was released on May 1, 2018. His third book, The JAG Method, was released on October 10th, 2023.
Dr Tsai started gaming at the age of five on the original NES and was immediately hooked. He served three years in the Army, including a deployment to Iraq before going back to school. He graduated from USC's #1 ranked Doctorate of Physical Therapy program in 2018 and started working with Cloud9 that year. Since then, he has been on staff with three LCS Championship teams with five total titles so far. His mission is to help gamers of every level practice habits that will enable them to continue playing pain-free as long as possible.
What you should look for in a chair according to the experts
(Image credit: Secretlab)
Look for a chair that keeps you supported and moving.
Kevin Butler
We can provide advice on what gaming chair to buy based on our experience, comparative pricing, comfort, and build quality, but when it comes to the science of ergonomics there are clear, objective things that you should always be looking for in a new gaming chair purchase. Our ergonomic experts are unified on the main thing that you need to consider, though.
"Look for a chair that keeps you supported and moving," says Kevin Butler. "Long gaming sessions demand a seat that adapts to your body, not the other way around."
And that's what Secretlab's advisor, Dr. Tsai notes, too. "You want a chair that gives you room to naturally move about and able to provide support for your body at the same time. Because when you’re able to shift and change your sitting position regularly, you will naturally adopt comfortable positions as needed."
Jonathan Puleio, global VP at Humanscale agrees, stating that: "Movement and postural variation are critical for maintaining long-term comfort and health. Consider chairs that have self-adjusting features such as weight sensitive recline mechanisms and form-sensing mesh."
Dr. Gallucci, however, is more concerned with adjustability. "The most important thing to look for in a chair is ergonomic adjustability. A good chair should support your posture for long periods without causing discomfort or fatigue. That means it should allow you to adjust the seat height, seat pan depth, armrests, lumbar support and backrest tilt."
"Because we’re all built differently," agrees Dr.Tsai, "adjustments are key to tailoring the chair to best match your needs. That’s why it’s not just about whether they have certain features, but to what degree of adjustments said features actually give us."
The advice has previously been that there is an ideal posture, but as Dr. Stuart McGill, Professor Emeritus of Waterloo and expert in back pain, notes in the study Secretlab links from its site:
The science of stress: How to reduce back pain while sitting
(.pdf warning), "this may be the ideal sitting posture, but for no longer than 10minutes!"
"Tissue loads must be migrated from tissue to tissue to minimize the risk of any single tissue accumulating microtrauma," Dr. McGill continues. "This is accomplished by changing posture. Thus, an ergonomic chair is one that facilitates easy posture changes over a variety of joint angles."
Therefore, you need to be looking for a chair that can accommodate a range of movement and a range of different seating positions. For years, I assumed that my favourite sitting posture, with one leg crossed beneath me, was dreadful. And yes, it would be if I stuck to it, but so long as you are changing positions regularly, sitting cross-legged can be an effective posture, too.
How you should sit at a desk
(Image credit: Federica Litrico)
We have spoken with ergonomists in the past about the 'right' way to sit at a desk, and the general guidelines remain largely the same, except with more emphasis now on movement being key to continued physical health.
Dr. John Gallucci Jr. CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, told me recently that "a good rule of thumb is to stand or move every 30–60 minutes. Even just a quick stretch, short walk or posture reset can reduce the strain on your back, hips and neck. During the workday, even on your busiest days, it’s good to get up for a micro-break—motion is medicine!"
Recommendations of these micro-breaks can be as simple as standing from the chair and maintaining a relaxed standing posture for 10 to 20 seconds. During this break if you perform some neck rolls and arm windmills you can help relieve neck and shoulder discomfort from sitting at your desk desk.
Secretlab's advisor and founder of Respawn Therapy, Dr. Jordan Tsai, had similar advice on that point. "You want to create “micro-breaks” for your body by introducing movement, and switching between sitting positions is an incredibly effective way to do this. I usually recommend my patients to:
Vary their sitting positions every hour at a minimum. Listening to your own body is also key. If you feel like you need to raise a leg for a bit, then you should!
A simple exercise to do while sitting would be to move your trunk in each direction: forward, backward, and side to side—to the limit of their range of motion, ideally once every hour.
Stand up and walk around for a few minutes every 2-3 hours as well.
"
But when you
are
sat down, there are some key things to consider to ensure that you are at least starting out with the 'correct' posture. Even if it is advisable to be constantly shifting around in your chair—fidgeting is good for you—considering these initial pointers is a great starting position for your seated posture.
Your knees should be bent at 90 degrees, and your feet flat on the floor.
Your elbows should be level with your desk and close to your body (meaning that you shouldn't have to extend your arms to reach your mouse and keyboard).
Your shoulders should be relaxed.
Your lower back should be supported. If your chair doesn't have built-in lumbar support, a small pillow can do the job.
Your monitor should be positioned such that you don't have to tilt your head up, with the top monitor bezel level with your eyes.
Unlock the backrest of the chair and adjust the tension to allow for movement.
Adjust the seatpan such that there is at least two inches of clearance behind the back of the knee.
Stay in motion: Even small shifts throughout your session make a big difference.
A great gaming chair should support every move, from clutch plays to mid-match breaks.
One other bit of advice for the dudes out there is that if you still carry a wallet, and it resides in your back pocket, you should remove it before you sit down. We've been told that some experiments have even used a wallet in the back pocket to intentionally create back pain in a subject.
And finally, if you're trying to avoid back pain from long hours of sitting at your desk, you ought to do some sort of physical exercise in the middle of the day, even if that's just a short walk. Go walk the dog, for example.
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 sitting in front of your machine, which means 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 armrests, 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 leg length.
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
Jacob has been writing about PC hardware and technology for over eight years. He earned his first byline at PCGamesN before joining PC Gamer. He spends most of his time building PCs, running benchmarks, and trying his best to learn Linux. |
| Markdown | 
[Skip to main content](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#main)
Join The Club
\- Join our community
JOIN NOW
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
28K+
Active Members

Exclusive Articles
Member-only articles

Weekly Newsletters
Gaming & entertainment news

Commenting
Join the discussion

Member Badges
Earn badges as you go

Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws

Early Access
See the latest gaming news first
GET CLUB ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the [Terms & Conditions](https://futureplc.com/future-member-terms-and-conditions/) and [Privacy Policy](https://futureplc.com/privacy-policy/) and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
[Find out more](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/)
GET CLUB ACCESS QUICK
Join the club for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.
By submitting your information you agree to the [Terms & Conditions](https://futureplc.com/future-member-terms-and-conditions/) and [Privacy Policy](https://futureplc.com/privacy-policy/) and are aged 16 or over.

Welcome to PC Gamer club \!
Hi ,
Your membership journey starts here.
Keep exploring and earning more as a member.
[MY ACCOUNT](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/my-account/)
***

Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.

Latest Games News
Breaking gaming news and updates
[Explore](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/games/news/)

Latest Hardware News
News and reviews of the latest PC hardware.
[Explore](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/hardware/)
***
See what you’ve unlocked.
Explore your membership benefits.
[Explore](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/membership/)
Member Exclusives
Stay Ahead with PC Gamer
Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
[Explore](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/newsletter/)
***
[Sign Out]()
Open menu
Close main menu
[ PC Gamer THE GLOBAL AUTHORITY ON PC GAMES](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/)
UK Edition 
[UK](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/)
[US](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/)
[Canada](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/)
[Australia](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/)
Subscribe
Sign in
- View Profile
- Sign out
Search
- [Games](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/games/)
- [Hardware](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/hardware/)
- [News](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/news/)
- [Reviews](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/games/reviews/)
- [Guides](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/guides/)
- [Video](https://www.youtube.com/@pcgamer/)
- [Forum](https://forums.pcgamer.com/)
- More
- [PC Gaming Show](https://www.pcgamingshow.com/)
- [PC Gamer Clips](https://www.pcgamer.com/clips/)
- [Software](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/software/)
- [Codes](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/codes/)
- [Coupons](https://www.pcgamer.com/coupons/)
- [Movies & TV](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/movies-tv/)
- [Magazine](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/pc-gamer-print-magazine/)
- [Affiliate links](https://www.pcgamer.com/a-note-on-affiliate-links/)
- [Newsletter](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/newsletter/)
- [Meet the team](https://www.pcgamer.com/meet-the-team/)
- [Community guidelines](https://www.pcgamer.com/commenting-rules-and-guidelines/)
- [About PC Gamer](https://www.pcgamer.com/about-pc-gamer/)
[PC Gamer Magazine Subscription](https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=2961&awinaffid=103504&clickref=pcg-gb-3405299291762169034&p=https%3A%2F%2Fmagazinesdirect.com%2Fpcg-brandsite%3Fpromo%3DPN23N)
[](https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=2961&awinaffid=103504&clickref=pcg-gb-3405299291762169034&p=https%3A%2F%2Fmagazinesdirect.com%2Fpcg-brandsite%3Fpromo%3DPN23N)
Why subscribe?
- Subscribe to the world's \#1 PC gaming mag
- Try a single issue or save on a subscription
- Issues delivered straight to your door or device
[From£1](https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=2961&awinaffid=103504&clickref=pcg-gb-3405299291762169034&p=https%3A%2F%2Fmagazinesdirect.com%2Fpcg-brandsite%3Fpromo%3DPN23N)
[Subscribe now](https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=2961&awinaffid=103504&clickref=pcg-gb-3405299291762169034&p=https%3A%2F%2Fmagazinesdirect.com%2Fpcg-brandsite%3Fpromo%3DPN23N)
Jump To:
- [Quick list](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-quick-list)
- [1\. Best overall](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-overall)
- [2\. Best budget](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-budget-gaming-chair)
- [3\. Best luxury chair](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-high-end-gaming-chair)
- [4\. Best back support](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-for-back-support)
- [5\. Best for larger people](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-for-a-larger-frame)
- [6\. Best office chair](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-office-chair-for-gaming)
- [Also tested](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-also-tested)
- [How we test](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-how-we-test-gaming-chairs)
- [The experts](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-our-panel-of-ergonomics-experts)
- [How to pick a gaming chair](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-what-you-should-look-for-in-a-chair-according-to-the-experts)
- [How you should sit at a desk](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-how-you-should-sit-at-a-desk)
- [FAQ](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-best-gaming-chairs-faq)
Don't miss these
[ Controllers Best PC controllers in 2026: the pads I recommend for PC gamers](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-controller-for-pc-gaming/ "Best PC controllers in 2026: the pads I recommend for PC gamers")
[ Handheld Gaming PCs Best handheld gaming PC in 2026: my recommendations for the best portable powerhouses](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-handheld-gaming-pc/ "Best handheld gaming PC in 2026: my recommendations for the best portable powerhouses")
[ Graphics Cards Best graphics cards in 2026: I've tested pretty much every AMD and Nvidia GPU of the past 20 years and these are today's top cards](https://www.pcgamer.com/the-best-graphics-cards/ "Best graphics cards in 2026: I've tested pretty much every AMD and Nvidia GPU of the past 20 years and these are today's top cards")
[ Gaming Monitors Best gaming monitors in 2026: the pixel-perfect panels I'd buy myself](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-monitor/ "Best gaming monitors in 2026: the pixel-perfect panels I'd buy myself")
[ Gaming Headsets Best gaming headsets in 2026: I'd bet my ears on these headphones](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-headset/ "Best gaming headsets in 2026: I'd bet my ears on these headphones")
[ Gaming Mice Best gaming mouse in 2026: We've tested the very best mice and these are the top picks](https://www.pcgamer.com/the-best-gaming-mouse/ "Best gaming mouse in 2026: We've tested the very best mice and these are the top picks")
[ Steering Wheels Best PC racing wheels in 2026: my favorite direct drive and budget steering wheels for sim racing](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-steering-wheels-for-pc/ "Best PC racing wheels in 2026: my favorite direct drive and budget steering wheels for sim racing")
[ Gaming PCs Best gaming PC builds: Shop all our recommended system builds as we ride out the RAMpocalypse](https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-pc-build-guide/ "Best gaming PC builds: Shop all our recommended system builds as we ride out the RAMpocalypse")
[ Gaming Keyboards Best gaming keyboards in 2026: we've tested the latest Hall effect, mechanical, TKL, 60% and more](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-keyboard/ "Best gaming keyboards in 2026: we've tested the latest Hall effect, mechanical, TKL, 60% and more")
[ Hardware This is all the best PC gaming gear we recommend in one techie tier list](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/this-is-all-the-best-pc-gaming-gear-we-recommend-in-one-techie-tier-list/ "This is all the best PC gaming gear we recommend in one techie tier list")
[ Microphones Best microphone for gaming in 2026: from streaming to podcast mics, these are my top picks](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-microphone-gaming-streaming/ "Best microphone for gaming in 2026: from streaming to podcast mics, these are my top picks")
[ Gaming PCs Best gaming PCs in 2026: these are the rigs and brands I recommend today](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-pc/ "Best gaming PCs in 2026: these are the rigs and brands I recommend today")
[ Gaming Mice Best wireless gaming mouse in 2026: These are the cordless rodents we love getting our mitts on](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-wireless-gaming-mouse/ "Best wireless gaming mouse in 2026: These are the cordless rodents we love getting our mitts on")
[ Gaming Desks Best gaming desk in 2026: my top picks for standing, sitting and everything in between](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-desk/ "Best gaming desk in 2026: my top picks for standing, sitting and everything in between")
[ Controllers EasySMX D05 review](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/controllers/easysmx-d05-review/ "EasySMX D05 review")
Popular
- [Clips](https://www.pcgamer.com/clips/)
- [Crimson Desert](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/crimson-desert/)
- [Marathon](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/marathon/)
- [Best PC gear](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/this-is-all-the-best-pc-gaming-gear-we-recommend-in-one-techie-tier-list/)
- [Quizzes](https://www.pcgamer.com/pc-gaming-quiz/)
- [Upcoming games](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/new-pc-games-2026/)
1. [Hardware](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/hardware/)
2. [Gaming Chairs](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/hardware/gaming-chairs/)
# Best gaming chair in 2026: I've tested a ton of gaming chairs and these are the seats I'd suggest for any PC gamer
[Features](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/features/)
By [Jacob Ridley](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/author/jacob-ridley/) Contributions from [Kizito Katawonga](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/author/kizito-katawonga/), [Katie Wickens](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/author/katie-wickens/), [Andy Edser](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/author/andy-edser/), [Alistair Jones](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/author/alistair-jones/), [Jess Kinghorn](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/author/jess-kinghorn/)
last updated
17 March 2026
Treat your body to one of the best gaming chairs and sit like a royal on your new throne.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Here’s how it works](https://www.pcgamer.com/about-pc-gamer/#section-affiliate-advertising-disclosure).
Jump To:
- [Quick list](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-quick-list)
- [1\. Best overall](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-overall)
- [2\. Best budget](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-budget-gaming-chair)
- [3\. Best luxury chair](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-high-end-gaming-chair)
- [4\. Best back support](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-for-back-support)
- [5\. Best for larger people](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-for-a-larger-frame)
- [6\. Best office chair](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-office-chair-for-gaming)
- [Also tested](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-also-tested)
- [How we test](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-how-we-test-gaming-chairs)
- [The experts](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-our-panel-of-ergonomics-experts)
- [How to pick a gaming chair](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-what-you-should-look-for-in-a-chair-according-to-the-experts)
- [How you should sit at a desk](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-how-you-should-sit-at-a-desk)
- [FAQ](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-best-gaming-chairs-faq)
Share
- Copy link
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcgamer.com%2Fbest-gaming-chairs%2F)
- [X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Best+gaming+chair+in+2026%3A+I%27ve+tested+a+ton+of+gaming+chairs+and+these+are+the+seats+I%27d+suggest+for+any+PC+gamer&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcgamer.com%2Fbest-gaming-chairs%2F)
- [Whatsapp](whatsapp://send?text=Best+gaming+chair+in+2026%3A+I%27ve+tested+a+ton+of+gaming+chairs+and+these+are+the+seats+I%27d+suggest+for+any+PC+gamer+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcgamer.com%2Fbest-gaming-chairs%2F?fwa)
- [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcgamer.com%2Fbest-gaming-chairs%2F&title=Best+gaming+chair+in+2026%3A+I%27ve+tested+a+ton+of+gaming+chairs+and+these+are+the+seats+I%27d+suggest+for+any+PC+gamer)
- [Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcgamer.com%2Fbest-gaming-chairs%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net%2FBsMrzbgpZYcgzDZG9WijrE.jpg)
- [Flipboard](https://share.flipboard.com/bookmarklet/popout?title=Best+gaming+chair+in+2026%3A+I%27ve+tested+a+ton+of+gaming+chairs+and+these+are+the+seats+I%27d+suggest+for+any+PC+gamer&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcgamer.com%2Fbest-gaming-chairs%2F)
- [Email](mailto:?subject=I%20found%20this%20webpage&body=Hi,%20I%20found%20this%20webpage%20and%20thought%20you%20might%20like%20it%20https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/)
Share this article
Join the conversation
[Follow us](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=pcgamer.com)
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Newsletter
The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
***
By signing up, you agree to our [Terms of services](https://futureplc.com/terms-conditions/) and acknowledge that you have read our [Privacy Notice](https://futureplc.com/privacy-policy). You also agree to receive marketing emails from us that may include promotions from our trusted partners and sponsors, which you can unsubscribe from at any time.
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
***
Want to add more newsletters?

Every Friday
GamesRadar+
Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.
Subscribe +

Every Thursday
GTA 6 O'clock
Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.
Subscribe +

Every Friday
Knowledge
From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.
Subscribe +

Every Thursday
The Setup
Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.
Subscribe +

Every Wednesday
Switch 2 Spotlight
Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.
Subscribe +

Every Saturday
The Watchlist
Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.
Subscribe +

Once a month
SFX
Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month\!
Subscribe +
***
Join the club
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.
[Explore](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/membership/)
***
An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Subscribe to our newsletter
It may be 2026, but the best gaming chair recommendation remains a very familiar proposition. As a collective of enthusiastic sitters, he PC Gamer team has spent many a long day parking our posteriors upon the finest seats around—and have also twisted our spines in many of the worst—to bring you the definitive list of the best gaming chairs you can buy right now. We've also spoken to a [team of experts](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-our-panel-of-ergonomics-experts) to help guide us in what to look for in terms of proper ergonomics, too, so we're covering all bases.
The best gaming chair, based on hundreds of human hours of testing myriad different chairs, remains one that we've been recommending for years: the [Secretlab Titan Evo](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-overall). And there's good reason for that. It isn't a cheap chair, for sure, but it is more affordable than the best office chairs, and still delivers a great level of comfort and support. And, almost as important, it's incredibly durable, too. If you're on a more limited budget, however, the [ThunderX Solo 360](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-budget-gaming-chair) offers a nice mix of comfort and features for a relatively light monetary buttprint- sorry, footprint.
We regularly test a range of different chairs, including the [best office chairs](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-office-chair-for-gaming/). And we've put them all through rigorous testing to make sure we can thoroughly recommend all the picks that we have on this page and can honestly stand by each and every one of them. So, invest in something that'll last and give your butt and back the comfort and support they deserve.
## The quick list
[Best overall](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-overall)
1\. Secretlab Titan Evo
[View at Secretlab](https://secretlab.co/products/titan-evo-2022-series?rfsn=1468030.7e998&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=1468030.7e998&subid=pcg-gb-6550887190234265629)
[Check Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%2Fref%3Dnb_sb_noss%3Fa%3Db%26field-keywords%3DSecretlab+Titan+Evo+2022%26tag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
***The best chair overall***
The Secretlab Titan is the benchmark by which we judge all other gaming chairs. To earn that role, it ticks all the boxes you could ask of gaming furniture: it's comfy, supportive, and looks great too. The recommendation might be a regular one, but it's a chair that has stood the test of time.
[**Read more below**](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-overall)
[Best budget](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-budget-gaming-chair)
2\. ThunderX3 Solo 360
[View at Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0G16FRG2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
***Best budget chair***
ThunderX3 has concocted a very well-rounded chair for the price, here, combining comfy, firm cushioning with adjustable armrests and a sleek design. To get such quality seating for such a cheap price is rare.
[**Read more below**](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-budget-gaming-chair)
[Best for luxury](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-high-end-gaming-chair)
3\. LiberNovo Omni
[View at Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FLiberNovo-Dynamic-Ergonomic-StepSync-Footrest%2Fdp%2FB0FYCKPWP9%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
***The best luxury chair***
If adjustability is key to ergonomics and comfort (and it is) the LiberNovo Omni is where it's at. That's because its movable parts and soft foam allow it to dynamically adjust to your movements and keep you comfy. Oh, and its motorised lumbar support can give you a massage—what says 'luxury' more than that?
[**Read more below**](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-high-end-gaming-chair)
[Best back support](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-for-back-support)
4\. ThunderX3 Core
[View at Overclockers](https://www.awin1.com/pclick.php?clickref=pcg-gb-1271874507535052456&p=39549025559&a=103504&m=28821)
[View at Scan](https://www.awin1.com/pclick.php?clickref=pcg-gb-8193423556001253925&p=39800926232&a=103504&m=15473)
[View at CCL](https://ccl.pxf.io/c/221109/1991091/24481?sharedId=pcg-gb&subId1=pcg-gb-5355521495949594063&prodsku=FUR0505&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cclonline.com%2Ftegc-2056111-11-thunderx3-core-loft-gaming-chair-in-black-448532%2F&intsrc=CATF_16482)
[Check Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%2Fref%3Dnb_sb_noss%3Fa%3Db%26field-keywords%3DThunderX3+Core%26tag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
***The best for back support***
The ThunderX3 Core came out of nowhere to deliver excellent lumbar support in an affordable package. We love it, and your back will love it, too.
[**Read more below**](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-for-back-support)
[Best for large people](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-for-a-larger-frame)
5\. AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL
[View at Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0DD8L771B%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[View at Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0DK3XJWRF%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[View at very.co.uk](https://www.awin1.com/pclick.php?clickref=pcg-gb-8625990525059258309&p=43018515347&a=103504&m=3090)
[View at very.co.uk](https://www.awin1.com/pclick.php?clickref=pcg-gb-6562955801949653827&p=43019462175&a=103504&m=3090)
***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 and comfy, and the adjustable lumbar support is great. It looks the bee's knees, too.
[**Read more below**](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-for-a-larger-frame)
[Best office chair](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-office-chair-for-gaming)
6\. ThunderX3 Flex Pro
[Check Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%2Fref%3Dnb_sb_noss%3Fa%3Db%26field-keywords%3DThunderX3+Flex+Pro%26tag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
***The best office chair***
With slight confusion over whether it wants to be an office chair or a gaming chair, ThunderX3 has almost created the best office chair for gaming. It's more affordable than a standard office seat with a lot of the same features.
[**Read more below**](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-office-chair-for-gaming)
Curated by...

Curated by...
Jacob Ridley
Managing Editor, Hardware
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, and personally tested 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.
Recent updates
**March 17, 2026:** Added the ThunderX3 Solo 360 as our pick for the best budget gaming chair, and the LiberNovo Omni as our pick for the best high-end gaming chair, ie, the best luxury chair. The former offers a well-rounded mix of features and comfort for a very appealing price, and the latter brings something genuinely new to the market in the form of dynamic ergonomic adjustments. It also costs half as much as our previous pick, the Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody, which has been added to our Also Tested section alongside the Corsair TC100 Relaxed, our previous budget pick.
**February 6, 2026:** Added in a short video covering our pick for the best gaming chair you can buy right now, and predictably it's still the Secretlab Titan Evo. But we've also reviewed a couple of newbies, which have gone into the also tested section, namely the [Andaseat Kaiser 3E XL](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/andaseat-kaiser-3e-xl-review/) and the otherworldly electrical gaming chair, the [DXRacer Martian XL](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/dxracer-martian-xl-review/). Neither of which have quite earned their place in the pantheon of greatness that is our best gaming chair list.
**October 16, 2025:** Reviewed our top recommendations once more, deciding to nudge the [ThunderX3 Flex Pro](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/thunderx3-flex-pro-ergonomic-office-chair-review/) into the limelight as our top pick for the best office chair for gaming. We've removed the best affordable office chair category entirely, moving the NeueChair into our [Also Tested](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-also-tested) section as a result. It's joined by three other new additions: the [Humanscale Freedom](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/humanscale-freedom-chair-with-headrest-review/), the [LiberNovo Omni](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/libernovo-omni-gaming-chair-review/), and the [Flexispot OC3/BS3](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/flexispot-oc3-bs3-review/).
## The best gaming chair overall
Image 1 of 12

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future - PCGamer)

(Image credit: Future - PCGamer)

(Image credit: Secretlab)

(Image credit: Secretlab)

(Image credit: Secretlab)

(Image credit: Secretlab)

(Image credit: Secretlab)

(Image credit: Secretlab)
### [1\. Secretlab Titan Evo](https://www.pcgamer.com/secretlab-titan-evo-2022-review/)
The best gaming chair
[Our expert review:](https://www.pcgamer.com/secretlab-titan-evo-2022-review/)
[Average Amazon review:](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Freviews%2FB0B3RJFRWZ%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1085166026686424764-21)
☆☆☆☆☆
#### Specifications
Seat type: Racing back, levelled seat base
Recline: 165 degrees
Weight capacity: Up to 180 kg (397 lbs, XL size only)
Weight: 37\.5 kg (83 lbs)
Warranty: 3 years
Today's Best Deals
[View at Secretlab](https://secretlab.co/products/titan-evo-2022-series?rfsn=1468030.7e998&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=1468030.7e998&subid=pcg-gb-7707830601269341738)
[Check Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%2Fref%3Dnb_sb_noss%3Fa%3Db%26field-keywords%3DSecretlab+Titan+Evo+2022%26tag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
#### Reasons to buy
\+
Magnetic cushion and covers
\+
Very comfortable
\+
Everything we want in a gaming chair feature-wise
#### Reasons to avoid
\-
Pricier than older Secretlab chairs
\-
3-year warranty isn't a match for some ergo chairs
Buy if...
**✅ 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 it's had over the years.
Don't buy if...
**❌ You want a long warranty:** Three 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 bottom line
💺 The **Secretlab Titan Evo** is the pinnacle of gaming chairs for a reason. Yes, it's pricey, but it's also extremely well-made and impressively long-lasting. There's a reason every cheaper brand is trying to copy it and why subsequent models have barely changed the formula: it's a great gaming chair.
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 Secretlab's previous chairs, and two of them used to rule the top spots in this very guide. Though nowadays we heartily recommend just the one model, the Titan Evo, as it does everything well.
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. There are three models available, S, R, and XL, and while those looking for something extra-large would do well to check out the [AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-for-a-larger-frame), for the rest of you, the Titan Evo should do very nicely.
Our initial review model came in a coating Secretlab called Neo Hybrid leatherette, which feels airy and cool over the course of a long day, and really looks the part. We have also recently reviewed the [Titan Evo NanoGen edition](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/secretlab-titan-evo-nanogen-edition-gaming-chair-review/), which is the latest addition to Secretlab's lineup, and features a new approach to the materials it uses. Aiming to match two presumably mutually exclusive goals—namely being supportive *and* soft.
And it does that mighty well, creating a chair that ends up feeling even more comfortable than the standard Titan Evo. But with Secretlab asking another \$200 for the privilege, it's a fair bit extra to pay over the standard model.
The upholstery of both, however, 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.
What's more, the original chair has been in constant use in our office since we first reviewed it in 2021—gosh, has it really been that long? Since then, it's been rolled around, bumped into, and carelessly caressed by many staff members, yet it's still in excellent condition. That Neo Hybrid Leatherette is *really* holding up great. The chair's not squeaky, either, which is a plus.
The detachable head cushion is magnetic and very supportive. For that matter, so are the armrests, which deliver 4D movement (up, down, forwards, backwards, side-to-side, and rotation) and should fit into most desks—and most arms, 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, it's 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**](https://www.pcgamer.com/secretlab-titan-evo-2022-review/)**.**
## The best budget gaming chair
Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)
### [2\. ThunderX3 Solo 360](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/thunderx3-solo-360-review/)
The best budget gaming chair
[Our expert review:](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/thunderx3-solo-360-review/)
#### Specifications
Seat type: Task chair
Weight capacity: 136 kg (300 lbs)
Warranty: 1 year
Today's Best Deals
[View at Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0G16FRG2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
#### Reasons to buy
\+
Easy to build for one person
\+
Firm but comfortable
\+
Synchronous tilt is great for sneaky naps
\+
Highly adjustable 3D x 360 armrests
#### Reasons to avoid
\-
No extra lumbar support or headrest pillow
\-
Styling may prove too subtle for some
Buy if...
**✅ You aim for the perfect arm position:** If you have a particular way you like your arms to sit, you'll be happy to know the ThunderX3 Solo 360 has 360-degree armrests, meaning they turn all the way around, in addition to the other standard adjustments.
**✅ You like to keep things subtle:** This chair won't look out of place in an office, as it has a sleek, minimal design.
Don't buy if...
**❌ You want tons of adjustment:** While it has pretty adjustable armrests and an up-down adjustable headrest, plus overall recline, there's no additional lumbar support or headrest pillow.
The bottom line
💺 Good gaming chairs don't have to be expensive. The ThunderX3 Solo 360 is not only very affordable, it's simply a brilliant gaming chair overall, with plenty of customisability, an easy build process, and a wonderfully comfortable design.
Great budget gaming chairs are pretty hard to come by. Usually you're sacrificing something major, whether that's build quality, comfort, or features. Occasionally, though, something comes along that delivers pretty well on all these fronts while keeping the cost low. The ThunderX3 Solo 360 is one such chair, and it does so well enough to be crowned the absolute best budget gaming chair on the market right now.
The Solo 360 is great, in particular, if you're keen on getting the best bang for your buck when it comes to things that actually matter: not a flashy design or pointless 180-degree recline, but comfort, adjustability, and an easy build process. Admittedly it's not the absolute best in any one of these respects when compared to more expensive chairs, but it's great for its price bracket.
On the adjustability front, you're getting 360-degree adjustable armrests (thus the '360' moniker), plus a car seat-style headrest that you can slide up or down. Admittedly you're not getting an additional pillow or anything like that, but the headrest itself is plenty comfy. Ditto the lack of additional lumbar support: the chair shape itself is comfy enough.
You're also getting a generous recline, and this comes with 'syncrhonous tilt.' This means the seat adjusts along with the backrest when you recline, as opposed to keeping the seat static while the back reclines. This should keep things optimally comfy whatever level of recline you're going for, and you can lock it into place, too.
The chair comes in a choice of a few different kinds of materials: multi-layer breathable fabric, breathable mesh, or leatherette. The one our Jess tried was the first of these, the fabric, which for some reason goes by 'Loft Air.' She found this to be comfy, especially given it's sitting on on top of firm foam, but difficult to wipe clean. Though I suppose that's true for most fabric—mesh or leatherette patiently awaits, if such a dealbreaker for you.
The icing on the cake, depending on your taste, is that the ThunderX3 Solo 360 looks rather suave, in a subtle and minimal kind of way. It certainly doesn't look out of place in an office, which will be a bonus for many but might be a drawback for some.
**Read our full** [**ThunderX3 Solo 360 review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/thunderx3-solo-360-review/)**.**
## The best high-end gaming chair
Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)
### [3\. LiberNovo Omni](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/libernovo-omni-gaming-chair-review/)
The best high-end gaming chair
[Our expert review:](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/libernovo-omni-gaming-chair-review/)
#### Specifications
Seat type: Task chair
Recline: 160-degrees
Weight capacity: 136 kg (300 lbs)
Warranty: Five years (frame), two years (electronics)
Today's Best Deals
[View at Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FLiberNovo-Dynamic-Ergonomic-StepSync-Footrest%2Fdp%2FB0FYCKPWP9%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
#### Reasons to buy
\+
Very comfortable with little effort
\+
Defined recline modes are well set
\+
Massage feature is a nice-to-have
#### Reasons to avoid
\-
Too soon to tell longevity
\-
Lumbar adjustability could be better
\-
Foot stool isn't the most ergonomic
Buy if...
**✅ You're looking for luxury-level comfort:** This chair is comfortable with a capital C, whether working, gaming or otherwise.
**✅ You want something adjustable:** Calling this chair 'adjustable' might be a bit of an understatement, given it literally adjusts to you on the fly, as you move around.
Don't buy if...
**❌ You're on a budget:** Yes, this is an expensive chair. Though it's not as expensive as some other luxury chairs on the market.
❌ **You want completely adjustable lumbar support:** While this chair is incredibly adjustable overall, the motorised lumbar support is only adjustable in one direction.
The Bottom line
💺 We've surely seen it all when it comes to luxury chairs, right? Well, not quite, because the **LiberNovo Omni** has added "dynamic ergonomics" into the mix, meaning it adjusts to you as you move about, thanks to all the movable parts and foams. It even has motorised lumbar support. Given adjustability is key to ergonomics, this adds something genuinely new and luxury into the mix. Just bear in mind it isn't tested over the long-term.
What is it about a chair that shouts 'luxury' and 'high-end'? I'd wager for most people it's comfort and ergonomics that are the key barometers, and if so, the LiberNovo Omni has something genuinely game-changing to offer. There are plenty of other luxury seats—from Steelcase, Herman Miller, and the likes—but none that offer exactly what this one does.
The company calls it "the world's first dynamic ergonomic chair", meaning as you shift and shimmy around in your chair, it, too, shifts and shimmies to keep you comfy. If you recline, for instance, the armrests gently follow and slide back. If you move your head left and right, the headrest should move along with you, too.
It also comes with (rechargeable) motorised lumbar support moves in/up and forward/out. This can be controlled by buttons on the armrest, so no need to get up and out the chair to adjust things, you can adjust easily, as often as you please. The motor also allows for what the company calls a 'massage', which lets you lie back and have the lumbar support move in and out for a few minutes to stretch your spine.
Apart from the single directionality for the lumbar support, everything else is very adjustable. The armrests, for instance, are 4D adjustable and can be nudged in every direction until you get it just right. Although in his review, Kizito found these to be a little loose and too easy to nudge out of place.
Overall, though, he found this to be "the first chair I've actually wanted to keep" out of the many he's reviewed: "The dynamic support and overall plushness of the Omni simply outclassed every gaming chair I've tried, making long sessions at my desk feel genuinely more enjoyable in comparison."
It's no surprise, though, really. The LiberNovo Omni is clearly focused on long-term comfort, as it's incredibly adjustable, and adjustability is probably the key factor for good ergonomics. It also uses a ton of different kinds of foams and fabrics to really nail that comfortable and tailored sitting experience.
The only real caveat to all this is that it's still a new product and hasn't been given the true test of time. The chair itself has a few years of warranty, which is great, but the electronics get just two years, so bear that in mind. The benefit of something like a popular Steelcase or Herman Miller is they're tried and tested over the long haul, but here you're taking a little more of a risk for the revolution in dynamic ergonomics. Still, that aside and as far as high-end luxury goes, the LiberNovo Omni really can't be beaten right now.
**Read our full** [**LiberNovo Omni review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/libernovo-omni-gaming-chair-review/)**.**
### The best gaming chair for back support
Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)
### [4\. ThunderX3 Core](https://www.pcgamer.com/thunderx3-core-gaming-chair-review/)
The best gaming chair for back support
[Our expert review:](https://www.pcgamer.com/thunderx3-core-gaming-chair-review/)
#### Specifications
Seat type: Racing seat
Recline: 90–135 degrees
Weight capacity: 150 kg (331 lbs)
Weight: 30\.5 kg (67.2 lbs)
Warranty: 3 years
Today's Best Deals
[View at Overclockers](https://www.awin1.com/pclick.php?clickref=pcg-gb-8626489244392714864&p=39549025559&a=103504&m=28821)
[View at Scan](https://www.awin1.com/pclick.php?clickref=pcg-gb-6619308862715065252&p=39800926232&a=103504&m=15473)
[View at CCL](https://ccl.pxf.io/c/221109/1991091/24481?sharedId=pcg-gb&subId1=pcg-gb-1307849537003761640&prodsku=FUR0505&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cclonline.com%2Ftegc-2056111-11-thunderx3-core-loft-gaming-chair-in-black-448532%2F&intsrc=CATF_16482)
[Check Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%2Fref%3Dnb_sb_noss%3Fa%3Db%26field-keywords%3DThunderX3+Core%26tag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
#### Reasons to buy
\+
Awesome ergonomic mechanisms
\+
Speedy assembly
\+
Priced just right
#### Reasons to avoid
\-
The mechanism makes a clunky noise
\-
Distant armrests when reclining
Buy if...
**✅ 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.
Don't buy if...
**❌ You like to recline with arm support:** The synchronous tilt mechanism here is very good, but it's a shame the armrests don't move with it.
The bottom line
💺 If you struggle with normal chairs, your spine might thank you for spending the cash on the **ThunderX3 Core** chair. The smart lumbar support cushion manages to follow you as you move, providing a level of comfort and support we've not found in any other chair. Certainly not in one that's priced at this level.
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 be not only 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 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 it's 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.
Fabric and leatherette versions are available in various colors, all for an MSRP of \$399. That's a fair bit cheaper than a lot of other competing chairs, and since the ThunderX3 Core is up there for affordable back support, it gets a big thumbs up from us. 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**](https://www.pcgamer.com/thunderx3-core-gaming-chair-review/)**.**
### The best gaming chair for a larger frame
Image 1 of 8

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)
### [5\. AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/andaseat-kaiser-4-xl-gaming-chair-review/)
The best gaming chair for a larger frame
[Our expert review:](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/andaseat-kaiser-4-xl-gaming-chair-review/)
#### Specifications
Seat type: Gaming chair
Recline: 130 degrees
Weight capacity: 180 kg (397 lbs)
Weight: 39 kg (88 lbs)
Warranty: 5 years
Today's Best Deals
[View at Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0DD8L771B%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[View at Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0DK3XJWRF%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[View at very.co.uk](https://www.awin1.com/pclick.php?clickref=pcg-gb-7184640612486174373&p=43018515347&a=103504&m=3090)
[View at very.co.uk](https://www.awin1.com/pclick.php?clickref=pcg-gb-8604352016610571116&p=43019462175&a=103504&m=3090)
#### Reasons to buy
\+
Good looks
\+
Roomy dimensions
\+
Pop-out lumbar support is very comfy
\+
Magnetic head cushion
#### Reasons to avoid
\-
Branding isn't subtle
\-
Soft backing prone to damage
\-
Armrests have slightly too much wobble
Buy if...
**✅ 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 extremely comfortable and plenty supportive, no matter your size.
Don't buy if...
**❌ 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.
The bottom line
💺 The **AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL** is a big boi chair for the larger human, but its comfortable, capacious surrounds mean that it's also a fantastic chair for anyone who wants to be enthroned in a seat. And maybe doesn't sit precisely how ergonomists recommend you should...
If regular gaming chairs are a bit tight, or you're the sort of person who 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 good attention to detail in the fit and finish. It's very USS Enterprise, and despite its large dimensions for sittin,g 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 around. 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**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/andaseat-kaiser-4-xl-gaming-chair-review/)**.**
## The best office chair for gaming
Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)
### [6\. ThunderX3 Flex Pro](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/thunderx3-flex-pro-ergonomic-office-chair-review/)
The best office chair for gaming
[Our expert review:](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/thunderx3-flex-pro-ergonomic-office-chair-review/)
#### Specifications
Seat type: Task chair
Recline: 90–135 degrees
Weight capacity: 125 kg (275 lbs)
Weight: 25\.5 kg (56.2 lbs)
Warranty: 3 years
Today's Best Deals
[Check Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%2Fref%3Dnb_sb_noss%3Fa%3Db%26field-keywords%3DThunderX3+Flex+Pro%26tag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[View at thunderx3.com](https://thunderx3.com/product/flex-pro-mesh/)
#### Reasons to buy
\+
Excellent lumbar support
\+
Endlessly adjustable arm and neck support
\+
Adjusts easily to suit your posture
#### Reasons to avoid
\-
Some parts move a little too easily
\-
Seat is quite small
Buy if...
**✅ You want endlessly adjustable comfort:** The ThunderX3 Flex Pro moves in almost every dimension you can think of, mostly without you even having to think about it
Don't buy if...
**❌ You want an office chair that supports excellent posture:** The lumbar support is great, but I struggled to get the Flex Pro to adjust around a really straight spine.
The bottom line
💺 The **ThunderX3 Flex Pro** maybe has a bit of an identity problem, being some sort of halfway house between a task chair and a standard gaming chair, but that actually works to its advantage. It has a lot of the benefits of an office seat, but the relaxed comfort of a leaning-back-to-play gaming chair.
Okay, maybe the ThunderX3 Flex Pro can't quite make up its mind exactly what sort of chair it is, but honestly that actually plays right into a PC gamer's hands. Or buttocks, even. With a dizzying total of 19 different "dimensions of adjustment" the chair is certainly playing to our choir of experts, offering consistent support as you move around in the Flex Pro.
With so many different moving parts you can really feeling it shifting around to accommodate you as you fidget around in the ergonomically recommended way every half hour or so.
And with lumbar and head/neck support, shifting seatpan, and continuous recline mechanism, the Flex Pro comes with a lot of different features you will generally find in serious office-based task chairs. Though, in reality, we found that it didn't quite work as well as the Neuechair in terms of providing a true active posture for working at a desk, which would normlly earn it a black mark, and a place in the 'Also tested' section.
That's not to say it isn't supportive when you are in work mode, the back and lumbar support sections capably prop you up while you might be typing away, but, because of that incredible flexibility and the stellar lumbar support, as soon as you kick back and relax in it, the ThunderX3 Flex Pro becomes an excellent tasky gaming chair.
It's an incredibly comfortable chair to sit back with a gamepad and play on, and still retains enough support to remain a decent option for the work day.
And even though there are myriad moving parts that doesn't make it a nightmare to build. It doesn't come fully realised, with fully six major components to put together, but it only took us around 30 minutes solo work to get it up, rolling, and reclining.
If you're after the range of task chair features without paying Neuechair or Steelcase money, then the Flex Pro gets you most of the way there on a bit of a budget. Okay, it's not *cheap*, but it is around half the price of those other brands. But where it stands out is that it can really compete with other primarily gaming chairs when it comes to reclined comfort, and not all office chairs are able to do that.
**Read our full** [**ThunderX3 Flex Pro review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/thunderx3-flex-pro-ergonomic-office-chair-review/)**.**
## Also tested
[](https://hawk.ly/m/dxracer-martian/i/pcgamer-onsite)
[**DXRacer Martian XL**](https://hawk.ly/m/dxracer-martian/i/pcgamer-onsite)
The Martian series' finely adjustable motorised lumbar support is impressive. However, I've not warmed up to the idea of perching atop a lithium ion battery—even with this gaming chair's in-built heating and cooling features. A much-of-a-muchness on top of an already comfortable XL chair.
**PC Gamer score: 82%**
**Read our full** [**DXRacer Martian XL review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/dxracer-martian-xl-review/)**.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/dxracer-martian/i/pcgamer-onsite)
[](https://hawk.ly/m/andaseat-kaiser-3e-xl/i/pcgamer-onsite)
[**Andaseat Kaiser 3E XL**](https://hawk.ly/m/andaseat-kaiser-3e-xl/i/pcgamer-onsite)
A chair gamers over six feet tall can sit in all day, with a degree of adjustability and a price that's really not too bad. The problem is that lumbar support adjustment has been removed from this cheaper version of the Kaiser 3, and that means competing chairs that retain this feature may look more appealing.
**PC Gamer score: 80%**
**Read our full** [**Andaseat Kaiser 3E XL review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/andaseat-kaiser-3e-xl-review/)**.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/andaseat-kaiser-3e-xl/i/pcgamer-onsite)
[](https://hawk.ly/m/Humanscale-Freedom/i/PCGOSN09)
[**Humanscale Freedom**](https://hawk.ly/m/Humanscale-Freedom/i/PCGOSN09)
Comfortable, and hard-working—with a steep price to match. If you're serious about ergonomics in your office setup, then maybe you can justify the two grand asking price—though I, for one, simply don't have pockets quite that deep.
**PC Gamer Score: 81%**
**Read our full** [**Humanscale Freedom**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/humanscale-freedom-chair-with-headrest-review/) **review.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/Humanscale-Freedom/i/PCGOSN09)
[](https://hawk.ly/m/Flexispot-OC3/i/PCGOSN08)
[**Flexispot OC3/BS3**](https://hawk.ly/m/Flexispot-OC3/i/PCGOSN08)
Despite its sleek look and neat little features like an in-built coat hanger, this falls down at a key hurdle: all-day comfort. Causing a build up of pain that distracted our James from his videogames, we simply can't recommend it.
**PC Gamer Score: 55%**
**Read our full** [**Flexispot OC3/BS3**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/flexispot-oc3-bs3-review/) **review.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/Flexispot-OC3/i/PCGOSN08)
[](https://hawk.ly/m/NeueChair/i/PCGOSN10)
[**NeueChair**](https://hawk.ly/m/NeueChair/i/PCGOSN10)
Previously our top pick for the best office chair, it's since been upstaged by the markedly cheaper ThunderX3 Flex Pro. Though supremely comfortable when you're trying to stay on task, the NeueChair doesn't quite know how to relax despite coming from Secretlab, purveyor of more traditional gaming chairs.
**PC Gamer Score: 88%**
**Read our full** [**NeueChair**](https://www.pcgamer.com/neuechair-office-gaming-chair-review/) **review.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/NeueChair/i/PCGOSN10)
[](https://hawk.ly/m/razer-iskur-v2-x/i/pcgamer-bg-gaming-chair)
[**Razer Iskur V2 X**](https://hawk.ly/m/razer-iskur-v2-x/i/pcgamer-bg-gaming-chair)
Razer’s budget chair shows signs of cost-cutting, but as a basic gaming chair it hits a lot of the right notes. Being easy to build and comfy to sit in are two of the best things a chair can be, and the Iskur V2 X is both.
**PC Gamer score: 79%**
**Read our full** [**Razer Iskur V2 X review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/razer-iskur-v2-x-review/)**.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/razer-iskur-v2-x/i/pcgamer-bg-gaming-chair)
[](https://hawk.ly/m/Corsair-TC100-relaxed/i/pcgamer-onsite)
[**Corsair TC100 Relaxed**](https://hawk.ly/m/Corsair-TC100-relaxed/i/pcgamer-onsite)
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.
**PC Gamer score: 86%**
**Read our full** [**Corsair TC100 Relaxed review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/corsair-tc100-relaxed-gaming-chair-review/)**.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/Corsair-TC100-relaxed/i/pcgamer-onsite)
[](https://hawk.ly/m/Herman-Miller-X-Logitech-G-Embody-Gaming-Chair/i/pcgamer-onsite)
[**Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody**](https://hawk.ly/m/Herman-Miller-X-Logitech-G-Embody-Gaming-Chair/i/pcgamer-onsite)
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.
**PC Gamer score: 88%**
**Read our full** [**Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/herman-miller-embody-logitech-g-gaming-chair-review/)**.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/Herman-Miller-X-Logitech-G-Embody-Gaming-Chair/i/pcgamer-onsite)
[](https://hawk.ly/m/andaseat-novis/i/PCGOSL73)
[**AndaSeat Novis**](https://hawk.ly/m/andaseat-novis/i/PCGOSL73)
AndaSeat's most affordable gaming chair certainly nails the premium look, but as soon as you sit yourself down in it the Novis' budget build really hits home where it hurts.
**PC Gamer Score: 69%**
**Read our full** [**AndaSeat Novis review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/andaseat-novis-gaming-chair-review/)**.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/andaseat-novis/i/PCGOSL73)
⬇️ Click to load more tested gaming chairs ⬇️
[](https://hawk.ly/m/Asus-ROG-Destrier-Core/i/PCGOSK50)
[**Asus ROG Destrier Core**](https://hawk.ly/m/Asus-ROG-Destrier-Core/i/PCGOSK50)
The Destrier Core offers all the adjustable features you'd hope for, but ultimately falls short in the execution. While this gaming chair's ergonomic design works with the mesh suspension system to ensure you sit pretty, the Asus is let down by fiddly features and adjustable armrests that are unwelcomely wobbly.
**PC Gamer score: 60%**
**Read our full** [**Asus ROG Destrier Core review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/asus-rog-destrier-core-review/)**.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/Asus-ROG-Destrier-Core/i/PCGOSK50)
[](https://hawk.ly/m/AndaSeat-X-Air-Pro/i/PCGOSJ95)
[**AndaSeat X-Air Pro**](https://hawk.ly/m/AndaSeat-X-Air-Pro/i/PCGOSJ95)
It might look like a fairly normal office/gaming chair, but turn it around and you'll be greeted by a wealth of Gundam-style plastics everywhere. Best to stick to the all-black color choice unless rainbow colors are your thing, and it's better suited to office work rather than lounging for a gaming session.
**PC Gamer score: 81%**
**Read our full** [**AndSeat X-Air Pro review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/andaseat-x-air-pro-review/)**.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/AndaSeat-X-Air-Pro/i/PCGOSJ95)
[](https://hawk.ly/m/ikea-matchspel/i/PCGOSJ94)
[**Ikea Matchspel**](https://hawk.ly/m/ikea-matchspel/i/PCGOSJ94)
Despite being cheap as chips, Ikea's Matchsel gaming chair is solidly built and has lots of adjustability. That being said, the firm seat, lack of pelvic adjustment, and small size all conspire to make it suitable only for a narrow range of people.
**PC Gamer score: 79%**
**Read our full** [**Ikea Matchspel review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/ikea-matchspel-gaming-chair-review/)**.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/ikea-matchspel/i/PCGOSJ94)
[](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7706533-17164562?sid=pcg-gb-1065023621902062344&url=https://blacklyte.com/products/blacklyte-kraken-gaming-chair?variant=50189829439719)
[**Blacklyte Kraken**](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7706533-17164562?sid=pcg-gb-1317307512938283194&url=https://blacklyte.com/products/blacklyte-kraken-gaming-chair?variant=50189829439719)
The Kraken gave our Nick a bit of a double-take moment: Is this simply the Titan Evo in a different form? Unfortunately, not, as it's a bit short for tall people, the lumbar support is rather uncomfortable, and the build quality leaves a lot to be desired.
**PC Gamer score: 41%**
**Read our full** [**Blacklyte Kraken review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/blacklyte-kraken-review/)**.**
[View Deal](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7706533-17164562?sid=pcg-gb-1065023621902062344&url=https://blacklyte.com/products/blacklyte-kraken-gaming-chair?variant=50189829439719)
[](https://hawk.ly/m/Fractal-Design-Refine-Gaming-Chair/i/PCGOSL70)
[**Fractal Design Refine**](https://hawk.ly/m/Fractal-Design-Refine-Gaming-Chair/i/PCGOSL70)
The Refine is, well, just that. Refined. It's built well, it's covered in a very comfortable material, and mercifully easy to build, too. There are a couple of drawbacks to be aware of, though, like its relatively narrow seat base—and armrests that are a little too easy to knock out of position.
**PC Gamer score: 75%**
**Read our full** [**Fractal Design Refine review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/fractal-design-refine-review/)**.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/Fractal-Design-Refine-Gaming-Chair/i/PCGOSL70)
[](https://hawk.ly/m/Corsair-TC500-Luxe/i/PCGOSJ11)
[**Corsair TC500 Luxe**](https://hawk.ly/m/Corsair-TC500-Luxe/i/PCGOSJ11)
Our Jacob Fox very much liked the TC500 Luxe, thanks to its wide seat base, excellent materials, and stylish look. Unfortunately, it's got one fatal flaw—the armrests are positioned too far from the seat, even at minimum adjustment. A real shame, as otherwise it's a brilliant chair.
**PC Gamer score: 73%**
**Read our full** [**Corsair TC500 Luxe review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/corsair-tc500-luxe-gaming-chair-review/)**.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/Corsair-TC500-Luxe/i/PCGOSJ11)
[](https://hawk.ly/m/secretlab-titan-evo-nanogen-edition/i/PCGOSH39)
[**Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition**](https://hawk.ly/m/secretlab-titan-evo-nanogen-edition/i/PCGOSH39)
The Titan Evo NanoGen Edition is extremely comfortable, thanks to that new covering. But that also seems to be the reason behind the ~\$200 price increase, so we're still recommending the standard model for now.
**PC Gamer score: 91%**
**Read our full** [**Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/secretlab-titan-evo-nanogen-edition-gaming-chair-review/)**.**
[View Deal](https://hawk.ly/m/secretlab-titan-evo-nanogen-edition/i/PCGOSH39)
[](http://hawk.ly/m/Razer-Fujin-Pro/i/pcg-dj)
[**Razer Fujin Pro**](http://hawk.ly/m/Razer-Fujin-Pro/i/pcg-dj)
For Razer's first go at an office-style chair, the Fujin Pro is actually pretty good. It's comfortable, with a design that helps with good posture. It's very expensive, though, and not the most relaxing of sitting experiences.
**PC Gamer score: 75%**
**Read our full** [**Razer Fujin Pro review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/razer-fujin-pro-review/)**.**
[View Deal](http://hawk.ly/m/Razer-Fujin-Pro/i/pcg-dj)
[](http://hawk.ly/m/Razer-Iskur-V2-gaming-chair/i/pcg-dj)
[**Razer Iskur V2**](http://hawk.ly/m/Razer-Iskur-V2-gaming-chair/i/pcg-dj)
With a 6D lumbar system, excellent materials and great armrests, there's a lot to like about the Iskur V2. Unfortunately, it just isn't as comfortable as we'd hoped.
**PC Gamer score: 73%**
**Read our full** [**Razer Iskur V2 review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/razer-iskur-v2-gaming-chair-review/)**.**
[View Deal](http://hawk.ly/m/Razer-Iskur-V2-gaming-chair/i/pcg-dj)
[](http://hawk.ly/m/Quersus-Icos/i/pcg-dj)
[**Quersus Icos 1.1**](http://hawk.ly/m/Quersus-Icos/i/pcg-dj)
It looks like Darth Vader's gaming chair, and that's pretty cool. However, firm sculpting and a focus on an upright seating position make this chair a little too solid for comfort. Also, how much?
**PC Gamer score: 75%**
**Read our full** [**Quersus Icos 1.1 review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/quersus-icos-1-1-gaming-chair-review/)**.**
[View Deal](http://hawk.ly/m/Quersus-Icos/i/pcg-dj)
## How we test gaming chairs

(Image credit: Future)
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.
Of course, the first step is about building your chair; most gaming chairs come in various stages of disassembly and you'll have to put them together yourself. This process can already tell an experienced reviewer a lot about both the quality of the materials being used in the chair, and about the finished article's overall quality, too. If it's stripping thread when you're screwing in bolts, or parts are loose when they should be tight, then you can already tell something might be missing.
We also 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, and where seat materials fail when used for extended periods of time.
And it means we can tell how it makes us feel after using a particular chair for a while. Now, that's not about some emotional connection with a seat, but with ergonomics being such a vital part of gaming chairs when it comes to your overall physical health, this long-term testing is important for us to tell when something doesn't feel right in our own bodies while we're using a chair. Conversely, when something fits you as though it's been made especially for you, then you know you've found a genuinely quality gaming chair.
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.
## Our panel of ergonomics experts
Collectively, here on PC Gamer, we've spent hundreds of human hours testing a host of different gaming chairs. We have a lot of experience and have built up a whole lot of expertise on the subject. That puts us in a great position to be able to let you know why some chairs are better than others, and to be able to pick out the absolute best options in the different categories.
But we can't just rely on our own expertise when it comes to putting your body on the line when you're spending hours sat in a seat. So we've recently got in touch with several trained and certified ergonomists, and interviewed them on what makes a great gaming chair, what you should be looking out for, and how to spend time at your desk without putting your body in peril.
Three of our experts are from companies that specialise in manufacturing ergonomically fit chairs, and one independent physical and occupational therapist.

Kevin Butler, MS, CPE, Fitwel Amb.
Steelcase Certified Professional Ergonomist & Senior Wellbeing Consultant
Kevin Butler is a Board Certified Professional Ergonomist who holds both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering. Although Kevin has extensive experience as an ergonomics consultant, for the last several years he has been almost completely dedicated to the holistic topic of Wellbeing. While Kevin’s primary role at Steelcase began in understanding the meaning of workplace Wellbeing by bench-marking and best-practice-sharing, it has evolved into maximizing his knowledge and expertise as a practitioner. This is realized by assisting organizations of varying sizes in the design and implementation of their Ergonomic and Wellness program development efforts, always striving to leverage the workplace as a resource to increase both individual and organization Wellbeing.

Jonathan Puleio, M.Sc. CPE
Global Vice President of Humanscale Consulting
Jonathan is a board certified professional ergonomist who holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in human factors and ergonomics from Cornell University. He has extensive experience in the areas of occupational health & safety, musculoskeletal injury prevention, software usability and workplace design. Jonathan has worked with the International Standards Organization (ISO) on the development of international ergonomic standards for office environments and holds several U.S. patents for the design of ergonomic work tools.

Dr. John Gallucci Jr. MS, ATC, PT, DPT
President and CEO of JAG Physical Therapy
Dr. Gallucci Jr. is President and CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, one of the fastest-growing comprehensive physical and occupational therapy practices providing rehabilitative care to patients and sports teams in over 160 locations throughout the Northeast. He has significantly impacted his field in the Tri-State area and holds a national presence in the sports medicine community. A noted published author, Gallucci released his first book, Soccer Injury Prevention and Treatment, in May 2014. His second book, Play Ball: Don't Let Injuries Sideline You This Season, was released on May 1, 2018. His third book, The JAG Method, was released on October 10th, 2023.

Dr. Jordan Tsai
Esports Physical Therapist & Founder of Respawn Therapy
Dr Tsai started gaming at the age of five on the original NES and was immediately hooked. He served three years in the Army, including a deployment to Iraq before going back to school. He graduated from USC's \#1 ranked Doctorate of Physical Therapy program in 2018 and started working with Cloud9 that year. Since then, he has been on staff with three LCS Championship teams with five total titles so far. His mission is to help gamers of every level practice habits that will enable them to continue playing pain-free as long as possible.
## What you should look for in a chair according to the experts

(Image credit: Secretlab)
> Look for a chair that keeps you supported and moving.
>
> Kevin Butler
We can provide advice on what gaming chair to buy based on our experience, comparative pricing, comfort, and build quality, but when it comes to the science of ergonomics there are clear, objective things that you should always be looking for in a new gaming chair purchase. Our ergonomic experts are unified on the main thing that you need to consider, though.
"Look for a chair that keeps you supported and moving," says Kevin Butler. "Long gaming sessions demand a seat that adapts to your body, not the other way around."
And that's what Secretlab's advisor, Dr. Tsai notes, too. "You want a chair that gives you room to naturally move about and able to provide support for your body at the same time. Because when you’re able to shift and change your sitting position regularly, you will naturally adopt comfortable positions as needed."
Jonathan Puleio, global VP at Humanscale agrees, stating that: "Movement and postural variation are critical for maintaining long-term comfort and health. Consider chairs that have self-adjusting features such as weight sensitive recline mechanisms and form-sensing mesh."
Dr. Gallucci, however, is more concerned with adjustability. "The most important thing to look for in a chair is ergonomic adjustability. A good chair should support your posture for long periods without causing discomfort or fatigue. That means it should allow you to adjust the seat height, seat pan depth, armrests, lumbar support and backrest tilt."
"Because we’re all built differently," agrees Dr.Tsai, "adjustments are key to tailoring the chair to best match your needs. That’s why it’s not just about whether they have certain features, but to what degree of adjustments said features actually give us."
The advice has previously been that there is an ideal posture, but as Dr. Stuart McGill, Professor Emeritus of Waterloo and expert in back pain, notes in the study Secretlab links from its site: [The science of stress: How to reduce back pain while sitting](https://assets.secretlab.co/assets/WhitePaper_McGill_The_Science_Of_Stress.pdf?rfsn=1468030.7e998&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=1468030.7e998&subid=pcg-gb-1436125610678312969) (.pdf warning), "this may be the ideal sitting posture, but for no longer than 10minutes!"
"Tissue loads must be migrated from tissue to tissue to minimize the risk of any single tissue accumulating microtrauma," Dr. McGill continues. "This is accomplished by changing posture. Thus, an ergonomic chair is one that facilitates easy posture changes over a variety of joint angles."
Therefore, you need to be looking for a chair that can accommodate a range of movement and a range of different seating positions. For years, I assumed that my favourite sitting posture, with one leg crossed beneath me, was dreadful. And yes, it would be if I stuck to it, but so long as you are changing positions regularly, sitting cross-legged can be an effective posture, too.
### How you should sit at a desk

(Image credit: Federica Litrico)
We have spoken with ergonomists in the past about the 'right' way to sit at a desk, and the general guidelines remain largely the same, except with more emphasis now on movement being key to continued physical health.
Dr. John Gallucci Jr. CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, told me recently that "a good rule of thumb is to stand or move every 30–60 minutes. Even just a quick stretch, short walk or posture reset can reduce the strain on your back, hips and neck. During the workday, even on your busiest days, it’s good to get up for a micro-break—motion is medicine!"
Recommendations of these micro-breaks can be as simple as standing from the chair and maintaining a relaxed standing posture for 10 to 20 seconds. During this break if you perform some neck rolls and arm windmills you can help relieve neck and shoulder discomfort from sitting at your desk desk.
Secretlab's advisor and founder of Respawn Therapy, Dr. Jordan Tsai, had similar advice on that point. "You want to create “micro-breaks” for your body by introducing movement, and switching between sitting positions is an incredibly effective way to do this. I usually recommend my patients to:
- *Vary their sitting positions every hour at a minimum. Listening to your own body is also key. If you feel like you need to raise a leg for a bit, then you should\!*
- *A simple exercise to do while sitting would be to move your trunk in each direction: forward, backward, and side to side—to the limit of their range of motion, ideally once every hour.*
- *Stand up and walk around for a few minutes every 2-3 hours as well.*"
But when you *are* sat down, there are some key things to consider to ensure that you are at least starting out with the 'correct' posture. Even if it is advisable to be constantly shifting around in your chair—fidgeting is good for you—considering these initial pointers is a great starting position for your seated posture.
- **Your knees should be bent at 90 degrees, and your feet flat on the floor.**
- **Your elbows should be level with your desk and close to your body (meaning that you shouldn't have to extend your arms to reach your mouse and keyboard).**
- **Your shoulders should be relaxed.**
- **Your lower back should be supported. If your chair doesn't have built-in lumbar support, a small pillow can do the job.**
- **Your monitor should be positioned such that you don't have to tilt your head up, with the top monitor bezel level with your eyes.**
- **Unlock the backrest of the chair and adjust the tension to allow for movement.**
- **Adjust the seatpan such that there is at least two inches of clearance behind the back of the knee.**
- **Stay in motion: Even small shifts throughout your session make a big difference.**
- **A great gaming chair should support every move, from clutch plays to mid-match breaks.**
One other bit of advice for the dudes out there is that if you still carry a wallet, and it resides in your back pocket, you should remove it before you sit down. We've been told that some experiments have even used a wallet in the back pocket to intentionally create back pain in a subject.
And finally, if you're trying to avoid back pain from long hours of sitting at your desk, you ought to do some sort of physical exercise in the middle of the day, even if that's just a short walk. Go walk the dog, for example.
## Best gaming chairs FAQ

Five things I always tell people before they buy their first gaming chair
by Jacob Ridley, Managing editor
[**1\. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/five-things-i-need-to-tell-you-before-you-buy-your-first-gaming-chair/#section-1-big-deals)
[**2\. Adjustable armrests are handy, mega-reclining chairs aren't**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/five-things-i-need-to-tell-you-before-you-buy-your-first-gaming-chair/#section-2-armrests-and-recliners)
[**3\. You don't need a headrest but lumbar support is a must**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/five-things-i-need-to-tell-you-before-you-buy-your-first-gaming-chair/#section-3-lumbar-support)
[**4\. Quality pays, in the long run**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/five-things-i-need-to-tell-you-before-you-buy-your-first-gaming-chair/#section-4-chair-quality)
[**5\. The best chair for you isn't necessarily a gaming chair**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/five-things-i-need-to-tell-you-before-you-buy-your-first-gaming-chair/#section-5-gaming-chairs)
### Are gaming chairs actually bad?
Between our articles about [the effects of sitting down](https://www.pcgamer.com/is-sitting-down-while-playing-bad-for-you/) on your body and our experimentation [with standing desks](https://www.pcgamer.com/a-year-of-pc-gaming-with-a-standing-desk/), 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](http://www.bcpe.org/), a Senior Principal Ergonomist with [VSI Risk Management & Ergonomics](http://vsi-consulting.com/), 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 sitting in front of your machine, which means 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 armrests, 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 leg length.
Round up of today's best deals
[](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0G16FRG2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[ThunderX3 Solo 360](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0G16FRG2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0G16FRG2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[£189.95](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0G16FRG2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[View](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0G16FRG2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[See all prices](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/deals/compare/?model_name=ThunderX3%20Solo%20360&article_id=n4pHDJ7rskEanNGUUVGyjf)
[](https://secretlab.co/products/titan-evo-2022-series?rfsn=1468030.7e998&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=1468030.7e998&subid=pcg-gb-1232371112572612400)
[Secretlab Titan Evo 2022](https://secretlab.co/products/titan-evo-2022-series?rfsn=1468030.7e998&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=1468030.7e998&subid=pcg-gb-1232371112572612400)
[](https://secretlab.co/products/titan-evo-2022-series?rfsn=1468030.7e998&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=1468030.7e998&subid=pcg-gb-1232371112572612400)
[£469](https://secretlab.co/products/titan-evo-2022-series?rfsn=1468030.7e998&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=1468030.7e998&subid=pcg-gb-1232371112572612400)
[View](https://secretlab.co/products/titan-evo-2022-series?rfsn=1468030.7e998&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=1468030.7e998&subid=pcg-gb-1232371112572612400)
[See all prices](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/deals/compare/?model_name=Secretlab%20Titan%20Evo%202022&article_id=n4pHDJ7rskEanNGUUVGyjf)
[](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FLiberNovo-Dynamic-Ergonomic-StepSync-Footrest%2Fdp%2FB0FYCKPWP9%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[LiberNovo Omni](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FLiberNovo-Dynamic-Ergonomic-StepSync-Footrest%2Fdp%2FB0FYCKPWP9%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FLiberNovo-Dynamic-Ergonomic-StepSync-Footrest%2Fdp%2FB0FYCKPWP9%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[£901](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FLiberNovo-Dynamic-Ergonomic-StepSync-Footrest%2Fdp%2FB0FYCKPWP9%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[View](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FLiberNovo-Dynamic-Ergonomic-StepSync-Footrest%2Fdp%2FB0FYCKPWP9%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[See all prices](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/deals/compare/?model_name=LiberNovo%20Omni&article_id=n4pHDJ7rskEanNGUUVGyjf)
[](https://ccl.pxf.io/c/221109/1991091/24481?sharedId=pcg-gb&subId1=pcg-gb-1197808619492298233&prodsku=FUR0505&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cclonline.com%2Ftegc-2056111-11-thunderx3-core-loft-gaming-chair-in-black-448532%2F&intsrc=CATF_16482)
[ThunderX3 Core](https://ccl.pxf.io/c/221109/1991091/24481?sharedId=pcg-gb&subId1=pcg-gb-1197808619492298233&prodsku=FUR0505&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cclonline.com%2Ftegc-2056111-11-thunderx3-core-loft-gaming-chair-in-black-448532%2F&intsrc=CATF_16482)
[](https://ccl.pxf.io/c/221109/1991091/24481?sharedId=pcg-gb&subId1=pcg-gb-1197808619492298233&prodsku=FUR0505&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cclonline.com%2Ftegc-2056111-11-thunderx3-core-loft-gaming-chair-in-black-448532%2F&intsrc=CATF_16482)
[£353.99](https://ccl.pxf.io/c/221109/1991091/24481?sharedId=pcg-gb&subId1=pcg-gb-1197808619492298233&prodsku=FUR0505&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cclonline.com%2Ftegc-2056111-11-thunderx3-core-loft-gaming-chair-in-black-448532%2F&intsrc=CATF_16482)
[View](https://ccl.pxf.io/c/221109/1991091/24481?sharedId=pcg-gb&subId1=pcg-gb-1197808619492298233&prodsku=FUR0505&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cclonline.com%2Ftegc-2056111-11-thunderx3-core-loft-gaming-chair-in-black-448532%2F&intsrc=CATF_16482)
[See all prices](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/deals/compare/?model_name=ThunderX3%20Core&article_id=n4pHDJ7rskEanNGUUVGyjf)
[](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0DK3XJWRF%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0DK3XJWRF%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0DK3XJWRF%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[£479.99](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0DK3XJWRF%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[View](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0DK3XJWRF%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[See all prices](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/deals/compare/?model_name=AndaSeat%20Kaiser%204%20XL&article_id=n4pHDJ7rskEanNGUUVGyjf)
[](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0DD8L771B%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[AndaSeat Kaiser 4](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0DD8L771B%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0DD8L771B%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[£369.99](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0DD8L771B%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[View](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB0DD8L771B%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26linkCode%3Dogi%26th%3D1%26psc%3D1%26ascsubtag%3Dpcg-gb-1385558033640707732-21)
[See all prices](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/deals/compare/?model_name=AndaSeat%20Kaiser%204&article_id=n4pHDJ7rskEanNGUUVGyjf)
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
powered by

The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
By submitting your information you agree to the [Terms & Conditions](https://futureplc.com/terms-conditions/) and [Privacy Policy](https://futureplc.com/privacy-policy/) and are aged 16 or over.

[Jacob Ridley](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/author/jacob-ridley/)
Managing Editor, Hardware
Jacob has been writing about PC hardware and technology for over eight years. He earned his first byline at PCGamesN before joining PC Gamer. He spends most of his time building PCs, running benchmarks, and trying his best to learn Linux.
With contributions from
- [Jess Kinghorn](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/author/jess-kinghorn/)Hardware Writer
- [Alistair Jones](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/author/alistair-jones/)
- [Andy Edser](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/author/andy-edser/)Hardware Writer
- [Katie Wickens](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/author/katie-wickens/)Hardware Writer
- [Kizito Katawonga](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/author/kizito-katawonga/)
[Back To Top](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/)
Read more
[ Gaming Chairs ThunderX3 Solo 360 Loft Air gaming chair review](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/thunderx3-solo-360-review/ "ThunderX3 Solo 360 Loft Air gaming chair review")
[ Gaming Chairs Best office chairs for gaming in 2026: The top seats for work and gaming that I've tried and tested](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-office-chair-for-gaming/ "Best office chairs for gaming in 2026: The top seats for work and gaming that I've tried and tested")
[ Gaming Chairs DXRacer Martian XL gaming chair review](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/dxracer-martian-xl-review/ "DXRacer Martian XL gaming chair review")
[ Gaming Chairs As an awkward sitter, you may need a more dynamic ergonomic chair](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/as-an-awkward-sitter-you-may-need-a-more-dynamic-ergonomic-chair/ "As an awkward sitter, you may need a more dynamic ergonomic chair")
[ Gaming Desks Best gaming desk in 2026: my top picks for standing, sitting and everything in between](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-desk/ "Best gaming desk in 2026: my top picks for standing, sitting and everything in between")
[ Controllers Best PC controllers in 2026: the pads I recommend for PC gamers](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-controller-for-pc-gaming/ "Best PC controllers in 2026: the pads I recommend for PC gamers")
Latest in Gaming Chairs
[ Gaming Chairs ThunderX3 Solo 360 Loft Air gaming chair review](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/thunderx3-solo-360-review/ "ThunderX3 Solo 360 Loft Air gaming chair review")
[ Gaming Chairs DXRacer Martian XL gaming chair review](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/dxracer-martian-xl-review/ "DXRacer Martian XL gaming chair review")
[ Gaming Chairs The Secretlab Pokemon Collection gaming chairs are shaping up to be a serious threat to my bank balance](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/the-secretlab-pokemon-collection-is-shaping-up-to-be-a-serious-threat-to-my-bank-balance/ "The Secretlab Pokemon Collection gaming chairs are shaping up to be a serious threat to my bank balance")
[ Gaming Chairs As an awkward sitter, you may need a more dynamic ergonomic chair](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/as-an-awkward-sitter-you-may-need-a-more-dynamic-ergonomic-chair/ "As an awkward sitter, you may need a more dynamic ergonomic chair")
[ Gaming Chairs AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL gaming chair review](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/andaseat-kaiser-3e-xl-review/ "AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL gaming chair review")
[ Gaming Chairs 'We built a breathable performance engine': Razer announces Iskur V2 gaming chair follow-up that seems a lot like the previous one](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/we-built-a-breathable-performance-engine-razer-announces-iskur-v2-gaming-chair-follow-up-that-seems-a-lot-like-the-previous-one/ "'We built a breathable performance engine': Razer announces Iskur V2 gaming chair follow-up that seems a lot like the previous one")
Latest in Features
[ Gaming Mice Logitech Superstrike vs Razer Viper V4 Pro: The battle for the competitive crown](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-mice/logitech-superstrike-vs-razer-viper-v4-pro-the-battle-for-the-competitive-crown/ "Logitech Superstrike vs Razer Viper V4 Pro: The battle for the competitive crown")
[ Puzzle Finally, a cosy game that’s not afraid to kick my teeth in](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/puzzle/finally-a-cosy-game-thats-not-afraid-to-kick-my-teeth-in/ "Finally, a cosy game that’s not afraid to kick my teeth in")
[ Puzzle 'Humans can't reliably recall colours': Dialed.gg is a simple colour game that made me realise I don't know what pink looks like](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/puzzle/humans-cant-reliably-recall-colours-dialed-gg-is-a-simple-colour-game-that-made-me-realise-i-dont-know-what-pink-looks-like/ "'Humans can't reliably recall colours': Dialed.gg is a simple colour game that made me realise I don't know what pink looks like")
[ Racing Forza Horizon 6's Japan map is the series' best yet](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/racing/forza-horizon-6s-japan-map-is-the-series-best-yet/ "Forza Horizon 6's Japan map is the series' best yet")
[ Call of Duty A decade ago, Call of Duty sidelined its iconic progression system to dabble in gacha instead, and I was glad I'd forgotten](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/call-of-duty/a-decade-ago-call-of-duty-sidelined-its-iconic-progression-system-to-dabble-in-gacha-instead-and-i-was-glad-id-forgotten/ "A decade ago, Call of Duty sidelined its iconic progression system to dabble in gacha instead, and I was glad I'd forgotten")
[ RPG 11 years after launch, Pillars of Eternity's new turn-based mode feels like the way it's meant to be played](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/11-years-after-launch-pillars-of-eternitys-new-turn-based-mode-feels-like-the-way-its-meant-to-be-played/ "11 years after launch, Pillars of Eternity's new turn-based mode feels like the way it's meant to be played")
HARDWARE BUYING GUIDES
LATEST GAME REVIEWS
1. [](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-laptops/best-gaming-laptop-2026-ive-tested-the-best-laptops-for-gaming-of-this-generation-and-here-are-the-ones-i-recommend/ "Best gaming laptop 2026: I've tested the best laptops for gaming of this generation and here are the ones I recommend.")
1
[Best gaming laptop 2026: I've tested the best laptops for gaming of this generation and here are the ones I recommend.](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-laptops/best-gaming-laptop-2026-ive-tested-the-best-laptops-for-gaming-of-this-generation-and-here-are-the-ones-i-recommend/)
2. 2
[Best handheld gaming PC in 2026: my recommendations for the best portable powerhouses.](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/best-handheld-gaming-pc-in-2026-my-recommendations-for-the-best-portable-powerhouses/)
3. 3
[Best gaming PC builds: Shop all our recommended system builds as we ride out the RAMpocalypse](https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-pc-build-guide/)
4. 4
[Best gaming monitors in 2026: the pixel-perfect panels I'd buy myself](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-monitor/)
5. 5
[The best fish tank PC case in 2026: I've tested heaps of stylish chassis but only a few have earned my recommendation](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/pc-cases/best-fish-tank-pc-case/)
1. [](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-mice/steelseries-aerox-3-wireless-gen-2-review/ "SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 review")
1
[SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 review](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-mice/steelseries-aerox-3-wireless-gen-2-review/)
2. 2
[Razer Viper V4 Pro review](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-mice/razer-viper-v4-pro-review/)
3. 3
[Teamgroup MP44Q 2 TB NVMe SSD review](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/ssds/teamgroup-mp44q-2-tb-nvme-ssd-review/)
4. 4
[Xenonauts 2 review](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/strategy/xenonauts-2-review/)
5. 5
[Mchose G3 V2 review](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-mice/mchose-g3-v2-review/)
PC Gamer is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. [Visit our corporate site](https://futureplc.com/).
[ Add as a preferred source on Google](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=pcgamer.com)
- [About Us](https://www.pcgamer.com/about-pc-gamer/)
- [Contact Future's experts](https://futureplc.com/contact/)
- [Terms and conditions](https://futureplc.com/terms-conditions/)
- [Privacy policy](https://futureplc.com/privacy-policy/)
- [Cookies policy](https://futureplc.com/cookies-policy/)
- [Advertise with us](https://go.future-advertising.com/PC-Gamer-Media-Kit.html)
- [Accessibility Statement](https://futureplc.com/accessibility-statement/)
- [Careers](https://futureplc.com/careers/)
- [Do not sell or share my personal information](https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/privacy-portal)
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.
Close
Please login or signup to comment
Please wait...
Login
Sign Up |
| Readable Markdown | It may be 2026, but the best gaming chair recommendation remains a very familiar proposition. As a collective of enthusiastic sitters, he PC Gamer team has spent many a long day parking our posteriors upon the finest seats around—and have also twisted our spines in many of the worst—to bring you the definitive list of the best gaming chairs you can buy right now. We've also spoken to a [team of experts](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-our-panel-of-ergonomics-experts) to help guide us in what to look for in terms of proper ergonomics, too, so we're covering all bases.
We regularly test a range of different chairs, including the [best office chairs](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-office-chair-for-gaming/). And we've put them all through rigorous testing to make sure we can thoroughly recommend all the picks that we have on this page and can honestly stand by each and every one of them. So, invest in something that'll last and give your butt and back the comfort and support they deserve.
## The quick list
[Best overall](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-overall)
1\. Secretlab Titan Evo
***The best chair overall***
The Secretlab Titan is the benchmark by which we judge all other gaming chairs. To earn that role, it ticks all the boxes you could ask of gaming furniture: it's comfy, supportive, and looks great too. The recommendation might be a regular one, but it's a chair that has stood the test of time.
[**Read more below**](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-overall)
[Best budget](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-budget-gaming-chair)
2\. ThunderX3 Solo 360
***Best budget chair***
ThunderX3 has concocted a very well-rounded chair for the price, here, combining comfy, firm cushioning with adjustable armrests and a sleek design. To get such quality seating for such a cheap price is rare.
[**Read more below**](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-budget-gaming-chair)
[Best for luxury](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-high-end-gaming-chair)
3\. LiberNovo Omni
***The best luxury chair***
If adjustability is key to ergonomics and comfort (and it is) the LiberNovo Omni is where it's at. That's because its movable parts and soft foam allow it to dynamically adjust to your movements and keep you comfy. Oh, and its motorised lumbar support can give you a massage—what says 'luxury' more than that?
[**Read more below**](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-high-end-gaming-chair)
[Best back support](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-for-back-support)
4\. ThunderX3 Core
***The best for back support***
The ThunderX3 Core came out of nowhere to deliver excellent lumbar support in an affordable package. We love it, and your back will love it, too.
[**Read more below**](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-for-back-support)
[Best for large people](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-for-a-larger-frame)
5\. AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL
***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 and comfy, and the adjustable lumbar support is great. It looks the bee's knees, too.
[**Read more below**](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-for-a-larger-frame)
[Best office chair](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-office-chair-for-gaming)
6\. ThunderX3 Flex Pro
***The best office chair***
With slight confusion over whether it wants to be an office chair or a gaming chair, ThunderX3 has almost created the best office chair for gaming. It's more affordable than a standard office seat with a lot of the same features.
[**Read more below**](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-office-chair-for-gaming)
Curated by...

Curated by...
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, and personally tested 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.
Recent updates
**March 17, 2026:** Added the ThunderX3 Solo 360 as our pick for the best budget gaming chair, and the LiberNovo Omni as our pick for the best high-end gaming chair, ie, the best luxury chair. The former offers a well-rounded mix of features and comfort for a very appealing price, and the latter brings something genuinely new to the market in the form of dynamic ergonomic adjustments. It also costs half as much as our previous pick, the Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody, which has been added to our Also Tested section alongside the Corsair TC100 Relaxed, our previous budget pick.
**February 6, 2026:** Added in a short video covering our pick for the best gaming chair you can buy right now, and predictably it's still the Secretlab Titan Evo. But we've also reviewed a couple of newbies, which have gone into the also tested section, namely the [Andaseat Kaiser 3E XL](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/andaseat-kaiser-3e-xl-review/) and the otherworldly electrical gaming chair, the [DXRacer Martian XL](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/dxracer-martian-xl-review/). Neither of which have quite earned their place in the pantheon of greatness that is our best gaming chair list.
**October 16, 2025:** Reviewed our top recommendations once more, deciding to nudge the [ThunderX3 Flex Pro](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/thunderx3-flex-pro-ergonomic-office-chair-review/) into the limelight as our top pick for the best office chair for gaming. We've removed the best affordable office chair category entirely, moving the NeueChair into our [Also Tested](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-also-tested) section as a result. It's joined by three other new additions: the [Humanscale Freedom](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/humanscale-freedom-chair-with-headrest-review/), the [LiberNovo Omni](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/libernovo-omni-gaming-chair-review/), and the [Flexispot OC3/BS3](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/flexispot-oc3-bs3-review/).
## The best gaming chair overall
Image 1 of 12

(Image credit: Future)
The best gaming chair
#### Specifications
Seat type: Racing back, levelled seat base
Recline: 165 degrees
Weight capacity: Up to 180 kg (397 lbs, XL size only)
Weight: 37\.5 kg (83 lbs)
Warranty: 3 years
#### Reasons to buy
\+ Magnetic cushion and covers\+ Very comfortable\+ Everything we want in a gaming chair feature-wise
#### Reasons to avoid
\- Pricier than older Secretlab chairs\- 3-year warranty isn't a match for some ergo chairs
Buy if...
**✅ 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 it's had over the years.
Don't buy if...
**❌ You want a long warranty:** Three 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 bottom line
💺 The **Secretlab Titan Evo** is the pinnacle of gaming chairs for a reason. Yes, it's pricey, but it's also extremely well-made and impressively long-lasting. There's a reason every cheaper brand is trying to copy it and why subsequent models have barely changed the formula: it's a great gaming chair.
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 Secretlab's previous chairs, and two of them used to rule the top spots in this very guide. Though nowadays we heartily recommend just the one model, the Titan Evo, as it does everything well.
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. There are three models available, S, R, and XL, and while those looking for something extra-large would do well to check out the [AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-chairs/#section-the-best-gaming-chair-for-a-larger-frame), for the rest of you, the Titan Evo should do very nicely.
Our initial review model came in a coating Secretlab called Neo Hybrid leatherette, which feels airy and cool over the course of a long day, and really looks the part. We have also recently reviewed the [Titan Evo NanoGen edition](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/secretlab-titan-evo-nanogen-edition-gaming-chair-review/), which is the latest addition to Secretlab's lineup, and features a new approach to the materials it uses. Aiming to match two presumably mutually exclusive goals—namely being supportive *and* soft.
And it does that mighty well, creating a chair that ends up feeling even more comfortable than the standard Titan Evo. But with Secretlab asking another \$200 for the privilege, it's a fair bit extra to pay over the standard model.
The upholstery of both, however, 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.
What's more, the original chair has been in constant use in our office since we first reviewed it in 2021—gosh, has it really been that long? Since then, it's been rolled around, bumped into, and carelessly caressed by many staff members, yet it's still in excellent condition. That Neo Hybrid Leatherette is *really* holding up great. The chair's not squeaky, either, which is a plus.
The detachable head cushion is magnetic and very supportive. For that matter, so are the armrests, which deliver 4D movement (up, down, forwards, backwards, side-to-side, and rotation) and should fit into most desks—and most arms, 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, it's 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**](https://www.pcgamer.com/secretlab-titan-evo-2022-review/)**.**
## The best budget gaming chair
Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Future)
The best budget gaming chair
#### Specifications
Seat type: Task chair
Weight capacity: 136 kg (300 lbs)
Warranty: 1 year
#### Reasons to buy
\+ Easy to build for one person\+ Firm but comfortable\+ Synchronous tilt is great for sneaky naps\+ Highly adjustable 3D x 360 armrests
#### Reasons to avoid
\- No extra lumbar support or headrest pillow\- Styling may prove too subtle for some
Buy if...
**✅ You aim for the perfect arm position:** If you have a particular way you like your arms to sit, you'll be happy to know the ThunderX3 Solo 360 has 360-degree armrests, meaning they turn all the way around, in addition to the other standard adjustments.
**✅ You like to keep things subtle:** This chair won't look out of place in an office, as it has a sleek, minimal design.
Don't buy if...
**❌ You want tons of adjustment:** While it has pretty adjustable armrests and an up-down adjustable headrest, plus overall recline, there's no additional lumbar support or headrest pillow.
The bottom line
💺 Good gaming chairs don't have to be expensive. The ThunderX3 Solo 360 is not only very affordable, it's simply a brilliant gaming chair overall, with plenty of customisability, an easy build process, and a wonderfully comfortable design.
Great budget gaming chairs are pretty hard to come by. Usually you're sacrificing something major, whether that's build quality, comfort, or features. Occasionally, though, something comes along that delivers pretty well on all these fronts while keeping the cost low. The ThunderX3 Solo 360 is one such chair, and it does so well enough to be crowned the absolute best budget gaming chair on the market right now.
The Solo 360 is great, in particular, if you're keen on getting the best bang for your buck when it comes to things that actually matter: not a flashy design or pointless 180-degree recline, but comfort, adjustability, and an easy build process. Admittedly it's not the absolute best in any one of these respects when compared to more expensive chairs, but it's great for its price bracket.
On the adjustability front, you're getting 360-degree adjustable armrests (thus the '360' moniker), plus a car seat-style headrest that you can slide up or down. Admittedly you're not getting an additional pillow or anything like that, but the headrest itself is plenty comfy. Ditto the lack of additional lumbar support: the chair shape itself is comfy enough.
You're also getting a generous recline, and this comes with 'syncrhonous tilt.' This means the seat adjusts along with the backrest when you recline, as opposed to keeping the seat static while the back reclines. This should keep things optimally comfy whatever level of recline you're going for, and you can lock it into place, too.
The chair comes in a choice of a few different kinds of materials: multi-layer breathable fabric, breathable mesh, or leatherette. The one our Jess tried was the first of these, the fabric, which for some reason goes by 'Loft Air.' She found this to be comfy, especially given it's sitting on on top of firm foam, but difficult to wipe clean. Though I suppose that's true for most fabric—mesh or leatherette patiently awaits, if such a dealbreaker for you.
The icing on the cake, depending on your taste, is that the ThunderX3 Solo 360 looks rather suave, in a subtle and minimal kind of way. It certainly doesn't look out of place in an office, which will be a bonus for many but might be a drawback for some.
**Read our full** [**ThunderX3 Solo 360 review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/thunderx3-solo-360-review/)**.**
## The best high-end gaming chair
Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Future)
The best high-end gaming chair
#### Specifications
Seat type: Task chair
Recline: 160-degrees
Weight capacity: 136 kg (300 lbs)
Warranty: Five years (frame), two years (electronics)
#### Reasons to buy
\+ Very comfortable with little effort\+ Defined recline modes are well set\+ Massage feature is a nice-to-have
#### Reasons to avoid
\- Too soon to tell longevity\- Lumbar adjustability could be better\- Foot stool isn't the most ergonomic
Buy if...
**✅ You're looking for luxury-level comfort:** This chair is comfortable with a capital C, whether working, gaming or otherwise.
**✅ You want something adjustable:** Calling this chair 'adjustable' might be a bit of an understatement, given it literally adjusts to you on the fly, as you move around.
Don't buy if...
**❌ You're on a budget:** Yes, this is an expensive chair. Though it's not as expensive as some other luxury chairs on the market.
❌ **You want completely adjustable lumbar support:** While this chair is incredibly adjustable overall, the motorised lumbar support is only adjustable in one direction.
The Bottom line
💺 We've surely seen it all when it comes to luxury chairs, right? Well, not quite, because the **LiberNovo Omni** has added "dynamic ergonomics" into the mix, meaning it adjusts to you as you move about, thanks to all the movable parts and foams. It even has motorised lumbar support. Given adjustability is key to ergonomics, this adds something genuinely new and luxury into the mix. Just bear in mind it isn't tested over the long-term.
What is it about a chair that shouts 'luxury' and 'high-end'? I'd wager for most people it's comfort and ergonomics that are the key barometers, and if so, the LiberNovo Omni has something genuinely game-changing to offer. There are plenty of other luxury seats—from Steelcase, Herman Miller, and the likes—but none that offer exactly what this one does.
The company calls it "the world's first dynamic ergonomic chair", meaning as you shift and shimmy around in your chair, it, too, shifts and shimmies to keep you comfy. If you recline, for instance, the armrests gently follow and slide back. If you move your head left and right, the headrest should move along with you, too.
It also comes with (rechargeable) motorised lumbar support moves in/up and forward/out. This can be controlled by buttons on the armrest, so no need to get up and out the chair to adjust things, you can adjust easily, as often as you please. The motor also allows for what the company calls a 'massage', which lets you lie back and have the lumbar support move in and out for a few minutes to stretch your spine.
Apart from the single directionality for the lumbar support, everything else is very adjustable. The armrests, for instance, are 4D adjustable and can be nudged in every direction until you get it just right. Although in his review, Kizito found these to be a little loose and too easy to nudge out of place.
Overall, though, he found this to be "the first chair I've actually wanted to keep" out of the many he's reviewed: "The dynamic support and overall plushness of the Omni simply outclassed every gaming chair I've tried, making long sessions at my desk feel genuinely more enjoyable in comparison."
It's no surprise, though, really. The LiberNovo Omni is clearly focused on long-term comfort, as it's incredibly adjustable, and adjustability is probably the key factor for good ergonomics. It also uses a ton of different kinds of foams and fabrics to really nail that comfortable and tailored sitting experience.
The only real caveat to all this is that it's still a new product and hasn't been given the true test of time. The chair itself has a few years of warranty, which is great, but the electronics get just two years, so bear that in mind. The benefit of something like a popular Steelcase or Herman Miller is they're tried and tested over the long haul, but here you're taking a little more of a risk for the revolution in dynamic ergonomics. Still, that aside and as far as high-end luxury goes, the LiberNovo Omni really can't be beaten right now.
**Read our full** [**LiberNovo Omni review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/libernovo-omni-gaming-chair-review/)**.**
### The best gaming chair for back support
Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Future)
The best gaming chair for back support
#### Specifications
Seat type: Racing seat
Recline: 90–135 degrees
Weight capacity: 150 kg (331 lbs)
Weight: 30\.5 kg (67.2 lbs)
Warranty: 3 years
#### Reasons to buy
\+ Awesome ergonomic mechanisms\+ Speedy assembly\+ Priced just right
#### Reasons to avoid
\- The mechanism makes a clunky noise\- Distant armrests when reclining
Buy if...
**✅ 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.
Don't buy if...
**❌ You like to recline with arm support:** The synchronous tilt mechanism here is very good, but it's a shame the armrests don't move with it.
The bottom line
💺 If you struggle with normal chairs, your spine might thank you for spending the cash on the **ThunderX3 Core** chair. The smart lumbar support cushion manages to follow you as you move, providing a level of comfort and support we've not found in any other chair. Certainly not in one that's priced at this level.
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 be not only 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 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 it's 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.
Fabric and leatherette versions are available in various colors, all for an MSRP of \$399. That's a fair bit cheaper than a lot of other competing chairs, and since the ThunderX3 Core is up there for affordable back support, it gets a big thumbs up from us. 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**](https://www.pcgamer.com/thunderx3-core-gaming-chair-review/)**.**
### The best gaming chair for a larger frame
Image 1 of 8

(Image credit: Future)
The best gaming chair for a larger frame
#### Specifications
Seat type: Gaming chair
Recline: 130 degrees
Weight capacity: 180 kg (397 lbs)
Weight: 39 kg (88 lbs)
Warranty: 5 years
#### Reasons to buy
\+ Good looks\+ Roomy dimensions\+ Pop-out lumbar support is very comfy\+ Magnetic head cushion
#### Reasons to avoid
\- Branding isn't subtle\- Soft backing prone to damage\- Armrests have slightly too much wobble
Buy if...
**✅ 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 extremely comfortable and plenty supportive, no matter your size.
Don't buy if...
**❌ 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.
The bottom line
💺 The **AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL** is a big boi chair for the larger human, but its comfortable, capacious surrounds mean that it's also a fantastic chair for anyone who wants to be enthroned in a seat. And maybe doesn't sit precisely how ergonomists recommend you should...
If regular gaming chairs are a bit tight, or you're the sort of person who 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 good attention to detail in the fit and finish. It's very USS Enterprise, and despite its large dimensions for sittin,g 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 around. 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**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/andaseat-kaiser-4-xl-gaming-chair-review/)**.**
## The best office chair for gaming
Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Future)
The best office chair for gaming
#### Specifications
Seat type: Task chair
Recline: 90–135 degrees
Weight capacity: 125 kg (275 lbs)
Weight: 25\.5 kg (56.2 lbs)
Warranty: 3 years
#### Reasons to buy
\+ Excellent lumbar support\+ Endlessly adjustable arm and neck support\+ Adjusts easily to suit your posture
#### Reasons to avoid
\- Some parts move a little too easily\- Seat is quite small
Buy if...
**✅ You want endlessly adjustable comfort:** The ThunderX3 Flex Pro moves in almost every dimension you can think of, mostly without you even having to think about it
Don't buy if...
**❌ You want an office chair that supports excellent posture:** The lumbar support is great, but I struggled to get the Flex Pro to adjust around a really straight spine.
The bottom line
💺 The **ThunderX3 Flex Pro** maybe has a bit of an identity problem, being some sort of halfway house between a task chair and a standard gaming chair, but that actually works to its advantage. It has a lot of the benefits of an office seat, but the relaxed comfort of a leaning-back-to-play gaming chair.
Okay, maybe the ThunderX3 Flex Pro can't quite make up its mind exactly what sort of chair it is, but honestly that actually plays right into a PC gamer's hands. Or buttocks, even. With a dizzying total of 19 different "dimensions of adjustment" the chair is certainly playing to our choir of experts, offering consistent support as you move around in the Flex Pro.
With so many different moving parts you can really feeling it shifting around to accommodate you as you fidget around in the ergonomically recommended way every half hour or so.
And with lumbar and head/neck support, shifting seatpan, and continuous recline mechanism, the Flex Pro comes with a lot of different features you will generally find in serious office-based task chairs. Though, in reality, we found that it didn't quite work as well as the Neuechair in terms of providing a true active posture for working at a desk, which would normlly earn it a black mark, and a place in the 'Also tested' section.
That's not to say it isn't supportive when you are in work mode, the back and lumbar support sections capably prop you up while you might be typing away, but, because of that incredible flexibility and the stellar lumbar support, as soon as you kick back and relax in it, the ThunderX3 Flex Pro becomes an excellent tasky gaming chair.
It's an incredibly comfortable chair to sit back with a gamepad and play on, and still retains enough support to remain a decent option for the work day.
And even though there are myriad moving parts that doesn't make it a nightmare to build. It doesn't come fully realised, with fully six major components to put together, but it only took us around 30 minutes solo work to get it up, rolling, and reclining.
If you're after the range of task chair features without paying Neuechair or Steelcase money, then the Flex Pro gets you most of the way there on a bit of a budget. Okay, it's not *cheap*, but it is around half the price of those other brands. But where it stands out is that it can really compete with other primarily gaming chairs when it comes to reclined comfort, and not all office chairs are able to do that.
**Read our full** [**ThunderX3 Flex Pro review**](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-chairs/thunderx3-flex-pro-ergonomic-office-chair-review/)**.**
## Also tested
⬇️ Click to load more tested gaming chairs ⬇️
## How we test gaming chairs

(Image credit: Future)
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.
Of course, the first step is about building your chair; most gaming chairs come in various stages of disassembly and you'll have to put them together yourself. This process can already tell an experienced reviewer a lot about both the quality of the materials being used in the chair, and about the finished article's overall quality, too. If it's stripping thread when you're screwing in bolts, or parts are loose when they should be tight, then you can already tell something might be missing.
We also 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, and where seat materials fail when used for extended periods of time.
And it means we can tell how it makes us feel after using a particular chair for a while. Now, that's not about some emotional connection with a seat, but with ergonomics being such a vital part of gaming chairs when it comes to your overall physical health, this long-term testing is important for us to tell when something doesn't feel right in our own bodies while we're using a chair. Conversely, when something fits you as though it's been made especially for you, then you know you've found a genuinely quality gaming chair.
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.
## Our panel of ergonomics experts
Collectively, here on PC Gamer, we've spent hundreds of human hours testing a host of different gaming chairs. We have a lot of experience and have built up a whole lot of expertise on the subject. That puts us in a great position to be able to let you know why some chairs are better than others, and to be able to pick out the absolute best options in the different categories.
But we can't just rely on our own expertise when it comes to putting your body on the line when you're spending hours sat in a seat. So we've recently got in touch with several trained and certified ergonomists, and interviewed them on what makes a great gaming chair, what you should be looking out for, and how to spend time at your desk without putting your body in peril.
Three of our experts are from companies that specialise in manufacturing ergonomically fit chairs, and one independent physical and occupational therapist.

Kevin Butler is a Board Certified Professional Ergonomist who holds both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering. Although Kevin has extensive experience as an ergonomics consultant, for the last several years he has been almost completely dedicated to the holistic topic of Wellbeing. While Kevin’s primary role at Steelcase began in understanding the meaning of workplace Wellbeing by bench-marking and best-practice-sharing, it has evolved into maximizing his knowledge and expertise as a practitioner. This is realized by assisting organizations of varying sizes in the design and implementation of their Ergonomic and Wellness program development efforts, always striving to leverage the workplace as a resource to increase both individual and organization Wellbeing.

Jonathan is a board certified professional ergonomist who holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in human factors and ergonomics from Cornell University. He has extensive experience in the areas of occupational health & safety, musculoskeletal injury prevention, software usability and workplace design. Jonathan has worked with the International Standards Organization (ISO) on the development of international ergonomic standards for office environments and holds several U.S. patents for the design of ergonomic work tools.

Dr. Gallucci Jr. is President and CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, one of the fastest-growing comprehensive physical and occupational therapy practices providing rehabilitative care to patients and sports teams in over 160 locations throughout the Northeast. He has significantly impacted his field in the Tri-State area and holds a national presence in the sports medicine community. A noted published author, Gallucci released his first book, Soccer Injury Prevention and Treatment, in May 2014. His second book, Play Ball: Don't Let Injuries Sideline You This Season, was released on May 1, 2018. His third book, The JAG Method, was released on October 10th, 2023.

Dr Tsai started gaming at the age of five on the original NES and was immediately hooked. He served three years in the Army, including a deployment to Iraq before going back to school. He graduated from USC's \#1 ranked Doctorate of Physical Therapy program in 2018 and started working with Cloud9 that year. Since then, he has been on staff with three LCS Championship teams with five total titles so far. His mission is to help gamers of every level practice habits that will enable them to continue playing pain-free as long as possible.
## What you should look for in a chair according to the experts

(Image credit: Secretlab)
> Look for a chair that keeps you supported and moving.
>
> Kevin Butler
We can provide advice on what gaming chair to buy based on our experience, comparative pricing, comfort, and build quality, but when it comes to the science of ergonomics there are clear, objective things that you should always be looking for in a new gaming chair purchase. Our ergonomic experts are unified on the main thing that you need to consider, though.
"Look for a chair that keeps you supported and moving," says Kevin Butler. "Long gaming sessions demand a seat that adapts to your body, not the other way around."
And that's what Secretlab's advisor, Dr. Tsai notes, too. "You want a chair that gives you room to naturally move about and able to provide support for your body at the same time. Because when you’re able to shift and change your sitting position regularly, you will naturally adopt comfortable positions as needed."
Jonathan Puleio, global VP at Humanscale agrees, stating that: "Movement and postural variation are critical for maintaining long-term comfort and health. Consider chairs that have self-adjusting features such as weight sensitive recline mechanisms and form-sensing mesh."
Dr. Gallucci, however, is more concerned with adjustability. "The most important thing to look for in a chair is ergonomic adjustability. A good chair should support your posture for long periods without causing discomfort or fatigue. That means it should allow you to adjust the seat height, seat pan depth, armrests, lumbar support and backrest tilt."
"Because we’re all built differently," agrees Dr.Tsai, "adjustments are key to tailoring the chair to best match your needs. That’s why it’s not just about whether they have certain features, but to what degree of adjustments said features actually give us."
The advice has previously been that there is an ideal posture, but as Dr. Stuart McGill, Professor Emeritus of Waterloo and expert in back pain, notes in the study Secretlab links from its site: [The science of stress: How to reduce back pain while sitting](https://assets.secretlab.co/assets/WhitePaper_McGill_The_Science_Of_Stress.pdf?rfsn=1468030.7e998&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=1468030.7e998&subid=pcg-gb-1436125610678312969) (.pdf warning), "this may be the ideal sitting posture, but for no longer than 10minutes!"
"Tissue loads must be migrated from tissue to tissue to minimize the risk of any single tissue accumulating microtrauma," Dr. McGill continues. "This is accomplished by changing posture. Thus, an ergonomic chair is one that facilitates easy posture changes over a variety of joint angles."
Therefore, you need to be looking for a chair that can accommodate a range of movement and a range of different seating positions. For years, I assumed that my favourite sitting posture, with one leg crossed beneath me, was dreadful. And yes, it would be if I stuck to it, but so long as you are changing positions regularly, sitting cross-legged can be an effective posture, too.
### How you should sit at a desk

(Image credit: Federica Litrico)
We have spoken with ergonomists in the past about the 'right' way to sit at a desk, and the general guidelines remain largely the same, except with more emphasis now on movement being key to continued physical health.
Dr. John Gallucci Jr. CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, told me recently that "a good rule of thumb is to stand or move every 30–60 minutes. Even just a quick stretch, short walk or posture reset can reduce the strain on your back, hips and neck. During the workday, even on your busiest days, it’s good to get up for a micro-break—motion is medicine!"
Recommendations of these micro-breaks can be as simple as standing from the chair and maintaining a relaxed standing posture for 10 to 20 seconds. During this break if you perform some neck rolls and arm windmills you can help relieve neck and shoulder discomfort from sitting at your desk desk.
Secretlab's advisor and founder of Respawn Therapy, Dr. Jordan Tsai, had similar advice on that point. "You want to create “micro-breaks” for your body by introducing movement, and switching between sitting positions is an incredibly effective way to do this. I usually recommend my patients to:
- *Vary their sitting positions every hour at a minimum. Listening to your own body is also key. If you feel like you need to raise a leg for a bit, then you should\!*
- *A simple exercise to do while sitting would be to move your trunk in each direction: forward, backward, and side to side—to the limit of their range of motion, ideally once every hour.*
- *Stand up and walk around for a few minutes every 2-3 hours as well.*"
But when you *are* sat down, there are some key things to consider to ensure that you are at least starting out with the 'correct' posture. Even if it is advisable to be constantly shifting around in your chair—fidgeting is good for you—considering these initial pointers is a great starting position for your seated posture.
- **Your knees should be bent at 90 degrees, and your feet flat on the floor.**
- **Your elbows should be level with your desk and close to your body (meaning that you shouldn't have to extend your arms to reach your mouse and keyboard).**
- **Your shoulders should be relaxed.**
- **Your lower back should be supported. If your chair doesn't have built-in lumbar support, a small pillow can do the job.**
- **Your monitor should be positioned such that you don't have to tilt your head up, with the top monitor bezel level with your eyes.**
- **Unlock the backrest of the chair and adjust the tension to allow for movement.**
- **Adjust the seatpan such that there is at least two inches of clearance behind the back of the knee.**
- **Stay in motion: Even small shifts throughout your session make a big difference.**
- **A great gaming chair should support every move, from clutch plays to mid-match breaks.**
One other bit of advice for the dudes out there is that if you still carry a wallet, and it resides in your back pocket, you should remove it before you sit down. We've been told that some experiments have even used a wallet in the back pocket to intentionally create back pain in a subject.
And finally, if you're trying to avoid back pain from long hours of sitting at your desk, you ought to do some sort of physical exercise in the middle of the day, even if that's just a short walk. Go walk the dog, for example.
## Best gaming chairs FAQ

### Are gaming chairs actually bad?
Between our articles about [the effects of sitting down](https://www.pcgamer.com/is-sitting-down-while-playing-bad-for-you/) on your body and our experimentation [with standing desks](https://www.pcgamer.com/a-year-of-pc-gaming-with-a-standing-desk/), 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](http://www.bcpe.org/), a Senior Principal Ergonomist with [VSI Risk Management & Ergonomics](http://vsi-consulting.com/), 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 sitting in front of your machine, which means 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 armrests, 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 leg length.
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
Jacob has been writing about PC hardware and technology for over eight years. He earned his first byline at PCGamesN before joining PC Gamer. He spends most of his time building PCs, running benchmarks, and trying his best to learn Linux. |
| Shard | 146 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 13206279461286644746 |
| Unparsed URL | com,pcgamer!www,/best-gaming-chairs/ s443 |