If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.
We’re definitely not going to pass judgment on your hours-long gaming grinds, but when they’re over do you find your back and legs make you feel like you’re 100 years old? It’s not you, friend. It’s your chair.
You’re probably aware of this already, of course, a good gaming chair makes a ton of difference in your gaming experience, and really good ones do exist and they’re worth every penny.
It’s time for your back and your bum to stop suffering. Check out these best gaming chairs and bring them some much-needed relief.
Bossin Gaming Chair
Amazon
We were honestly surprised to find the Bossin Gaming Chair has quality perks like a built-in extendable footrest, thickly padded armrests, and removable neck and lumbar support pillows.
What we loved most about the Bossin is the deep reclining ability, and also the 400-pound weight limit which speaks to its sturdy construction. The gas-lift base makes height adjustment a cinch. It comes in six accent-color modes, and you could honestly get away with the more muted light gray one as your office chair if it were not for the embroidered Bossin logo at the headrest. But as gaming chairs go, this one takes the prize.
GTPlayer Gaming Chair
Amazon
The GTPlayer did not become Amazon’s best-selling gaming chair by luck. Like the Bossin, the GTPlayer comes with a retractable footrest, impressive 135-degree recline ability, and removable neck and lumbar support pillows. The GTPlayer’s lumbar pillow kicks it up a notch though, as it’s a USB-rechargeable massage pillow. We might normally balk at a gimmick like this, but since the pillow is removable, even if it does go on the fritz, you still have a high-quality gaming chair that will long outlive it.
X Rocker Falcon Pedestal PC Office Gaming Chair
Amazon
Look Ma, no wheels! A pedestal chair like the X Rocker Falcon has several advantages, not the least of which are fewer moving parts to eventually wear down. If your gaming lair has hardwood floors, you’ll really appreciate not involuntarily rolling around when you forget to lock down your wheels.
The X Rocker Falcon also has two built-in speakers and a four-inch subwoofer for immersive gaming sound. The sound system can connect via Bluetooth or hardwire, and has a headphone jack. Add in the padded armrests, foldability for easier storage.
The Crew Furniture Classic Video Rocker Gaming Chair
Walmart
Consider this one a starter gaming chair for the kids. The Crew Furniture Classic Video Rocker Gaming Chair is literally a floor model – no wheels, no base, nothing but a cool and comfy curved chair that sits on the floor and lets kids enjoy the lean-back gaming experience.
No wheeled base means easier storage when not in use and easier moving about the house when you decide the gaming console needs to relocate. Beneath the PU leather and 3D spacer mesh racing stripes which come in four cool colors is a sturdy frame made of sustainable forestry engineered wood. Kids love the ergonomically pleasing shape and the ability to rock back low to the floor as they game.
Furmax Leather Gaming Chair
There are three things in particular we love about the Furmax Leather Gaming Chair. The PU leather body and the mesh seat, which give it a combination of durability and breathability. (Without getting into detail, do not underestimate the value of a breathable mesh seat during long gaming sessions.)
Thirdly? This comfortable chair can very easily double as a Zoom-worthy office chair. No big gamer logos or branding, no race car cockpit reproduction attempts — just a modern yet classic looking chair that is as much at home in front of a video conference call as it is in front of a gaming console or PC. Let the “it’s my turn with the chair” battle commence.
Respawn 110 Racing Style Gaming Chair
Amazon
Here’s the splurge chair courtesy of Respawn. Consider first just how many no-nonsense perks come with the Respawn 110: 155-degree reclining control, an extendable footrest, padded armrests, and a solid 275-pound weight capacity.
Need another endorsement that the Respawn 110 is a truly great gaming chair? Respawn is the official chair partner of FaZe Clan, one of the world’s most prominent and influential gaming organizations.
Buyer’s Guide: The Best Gaming Chairs in 2024
What should you look for when you’re shopping for a good gaming chair?
Bells and whistles: It seems counterintuitive but you probably should look for a gaming chair that doesn’t come with tons of extras. The high-end chairs often come with perks like speakers, built-in lumbar massagers, and even fans. But if a chair is promising the world in extras, they’re likely of inferior quality and will end up breaking sooner than later. Stick with the basics, like…
Material: If you can score genuine leather in a chair, by all means do it. Don’t be put off by “PU leather” in a listing – that’s polyurethane leather and it can be as durable as the real thing. Mesh is breathable; avoid plastic when possible. For the cushion, thicker memory-type foam is best.
Weight limit: Yes, chairs have weight limits. Be sure to check you don’t exceed it.
Warranty: Even gaming chairs often come with warranties. Look for one of those and be sure to fill it out and submit it, just in case.
Source Agencies
