Best gaming chairs 2023: get more comfort and features now

The best gaming chairs for any budget and gamers of any shape or size in 2023

Secretlab Titan EVO SoftWeave Plus Soda Purple gaming chair
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(Image credit: Future)

The best gaming chairs in 2023 are an important investment if you’re a PC or console gamer. You're likely to spend a long time sitting in them, so comfort and stability is a must-have to give you the best gaming experience. Similar to the best office chairs, that's a non-negotiable when it comes to great performance.

What's also non-negotiable is our rigorous testing standards when reviewing gaming chairs. That's why the best chairs recommended in this guide have been built and tested by our gaming chair experts, some with over half a decade of experience reviewing seats for playing games.

It's a great idea to invest in one of the best gaming chairs. Maybe you're headed off to university and can't bare the thought of marathon sessions on the flimsy chairs supplied in dorms. Or perhaps you're working from home more often and need chair that stays comfortable for work and play. Either way, a great gaming chair can make a world of difference.

For all budgets, styles, comfort levels and size options, we've rounded up the best gaming chairs of 2023, so keep reading to view the full list.

Best gaming chair 2023: The top choices

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best budget gaming chair we've tested is the Brazen Phantom Elite. Getting what you pay for is often true, but with this chair, that’s not the case. On test we found this chair provides great comfort, quality and style, and all at a very affordable price.

But if you want to make a bigger investment, the best premium gaming chair has to be the Noblechairs Epic Real Leather. We learned on review that his gaming chair oozes luxury and we think it provides the most high-end gaming chair experience money can buy right now.

For something in-between, we think the best gaming chair for most people is the SecretLab Titan Evo 2022. As discovered when reviewing it, the Evo is one of the latest and most advanced seats on the market and comes in a variety of upholstery styles and designs, too.

The best gaming chair for children that we've built and tested is the Secretlab Titan XXS. We learned that this chair boasts all the premium build quality of an adult's gaming chair, but delivered in a smaller form factor. There's black, pink and blue colourways available too, as well as fabric and faux leather upholsteries.

SecretLab Titan EVO gaming chair in black upholstery shown in front of a gamingT3 Awards 2022 Highly Commended logo

The best gaming chair for most people? That's the SecretLab Titan Evo, pictured here on review by T3's gaming chair expert and former Deputy Editor Robert Jones.

(Image credit: Future)
The best gaming chair for most people

Specifications

Max load: < 130kg
Weight: 33.5kg
Height: 175 - 200cm
Upholstery: NEO Hybrid Leatherette
Armrests: 4D
Hydraulics: Class 4
Recline: 85-165 degrees
Foam: Memory foam
Warranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+
Quality selection of upholstery finishes
+
In-built 4-way lumbar support system
+
Magnetic memory foam head pillow
+
Magnetic swappable armrests
+
Seat base has excellent ergonomics

Reasons to avoid

-
More expensive than the 2021 Titan
-
There's only one design, so you better like it
-
Arm rest struts may need adjustment out of the box

This is the brand new chair from SecretLab that follows up on the SecretLab Titan SoftWeave gaming chair that was so well reviewed by us. As such, the SecretLab Titan Evo had a tough act to follow, but as we detail in our full SecretLab Titan Evo review, which was conducted by T3's gaming chair expert Robert Jones, somehow SecretLab has made the best gaming chair on the market even better. That's high praise from a reviewer who has spent going on half a decade reviewing the finest gaming chairs.

When we built and then tested the Secretlab Titan Evo we discovered it has done this by rolling both its Titan and Omega gaming chair ranges together to produce just one design, the Titan EVO. This combines design elements from both (even if it does lean toward the Titan more) as well as features. During our review process, we discovered it also evolves the gaming chair product in a few small but neat ways.

These include magnetic armrest top plates and a magnetic head pillow (the latter meaning there are no garish pillow straps in sight), as well as a really clever internal lumbar support system. The lumbar support system is controlled by two knobs located on the backrest, and allow a flexible internal membrane to move up and down as well as in and out. This means that no matter the size or shape of the user, they can customise the lumbar support to their needs.

The seat base has also been redesigned in collaboration with ergonomic experts, and its super neat as not only does it naturally guide its sitter to sit in the middle, but the user can also lounge out if desired over its wings as they've been made to be soft and malleable. It's literally the best of both worlds.

Naturally, all the quality that was already on offer on SecretLab gaming chairs is also in residence, such as 4D armrests, quality hydraulics and tilt functionality, as well as a really fine selection of upholstery finishes. When testing the Evo we were impressed with the new faux leather upholstery especially.

The result is that the SecretLab Titan Evo builds upon the packages offered by the Titan and the Omega, offering gamers a similar but better experience across the board. After testing the Evo we say that the caveats to an instant purchase include its price, which has gone up a bit from last year's models, as too its design, which only comes in one flavor, so if you don't like it then that's that. You can though buy the chair in three different sizes, so even the smallest or largest gamers will be catered for.

Overall, though, this is the best gaming chair on the market today, and T3 wholeheartedly recommends any gamer to check it out before making a purchasing decision.

Noblechairs Epic Series Real Leather gaming chair shown in front of deskT3 Award

The Noblechairs Epic Series Real Leather gaming chair pictured on review by T3's reviewer in T3' gaming chair testing facility.

(Image credit: Future)
The best premium gaming chair

Specifications

Max load: < 120kg
Weight: ‎27kg
Height: 129.5 - 139.5cm
Upholstery: Real leather
Armrests: 4D
Hydraulics: Class 4
Recline: 90 to 135 degrees
Foam: Deformation resistant cold
Warranty: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+
Solid design and quality construction
+
Seriously comfortable
+
Plenty of adjustment options

Reasons to avoid

-
Undoubtedly expensive

As we discovered during testing and then wrote about in our Noblechairs Epic Series Real Leather review, the Epic series gaming chair from Noblechairs is all about combining luxurious leather, best-in-class quality and a classic style reminiscent of high-end racing car seats. As a result it's an easy pick for one of the best gaming chairs and we'd recommend adding it to your shortlist if you've got a healthy budget.

We found during our testing that this leather-clad beauty is easy to set up and has a high-density cold foam upholstery for maximum comfort – and it's robust too, so it should last you a long time after you've bought it. Be warned, it's one of the bigger chairs in our list, though, so it won’t do for tight spaces.

Design-wise it leans towards the racing-car-inspired gaming chair range, with the black and white version tested by T3 looking particularly classy. Naturally, different upholstery designs and colours are available, though, so you can customise the chair to your tastes.

Want to compare two top chairs in T3's best gaming chairs buying guide? Then be sure to check out our SecretLab Titan SoftWeave vs Noblechairs Epic Series Real Leather comparison feature. We've also got a dedicated feature comparing this premium-priced chair against a top budget offering, too, so if you're unsure whether you need to spend big, check out our Epic Series Real Leather Chair from Noblechairs vs GTPlayer Gaming Chair comparison feature, too.

BraZen Phantom Elite gaming chair positioned in front of a deskT3 Award

The Brazen Phantom Elite Gaming Chair, as built by our reviewer, in T3's gaming chair testing facility.

(Image credit: Future)
The best budget gaming chair

Specifications

Max load: < 150kg
Weight: 22.54 kg
Height: 110 - 120cm
Upholstery: Faux leather
Armrests: 4D
Hydraulics: Class 4
Recline: Unlisted
Foam: Unlisted
Warranty: 6 months

Reasons to buy

+
Smooth and silent wheels
+
Six colour options
+
Totally adjustable
+
Affordable price point

Reasons to avoid

-
Assembly is awkward in places
-
Not the flashiest design

A British brand that says it champions product quality over its marketing budget sounds hype-tastic but, as we discovered in our BraZen Phantom Elite gaming chair review, this chair truly does offer affordable comfort and snug support.

And, as we discovered in our testing of the BraZen Phantom Elite, it manages to do this in a relatively subdued palette of predominantly black with a pop of colour in one of six options to line the trim.

You're rarely going to get subtlety when it comes to logos on such furniture pieces, and BraZen is no different, with the company logo embroidered onto both halves of the chair, along with the neck and lumbar support cushions.

Our reviewer discovered that for such a low price the Phantom offers plenty of room, too, and its smooth PU leather is wrapped around a sturdy steel frame, bolstered with quilted foam padding, making for a firm but comfortable seat for marathon gaming sessions that won't have you cramping up after a few hours.

Comfort is one of the features that allows the Phantom to double up perfectly as an office chair. Kitted out with a Class 4 gas lift, adjustable armrests, nylon casters, neck and lumbar support cushions, and a butterfly mechanism that allows for height and tilt adjustments, you can go from sitting stock straight, neatly slotted under your desk (thanks to those armrests), to almost a full recline.

If you're looking for something that can transition from work to play to a quick snooze, and doesn't cost much, BraZen's Phantom is a great choice.

Secretlab Titan EVO SoftWeave Plus Soda PurpleT3 Awards 2023 Logo

(Image credit: Future)
The best fabric upholstery gaming chair

Specifications

Max load: < 130kg
Weight: 33.5kg
Height: 175 - 200cm
Upholstery: Secretlab SoftWeave Plus fabric
Armrests: 4D
Hydraulics: Class 4
Recline: 85-165 degrees
Foam: Memory foam
Warranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+
Natty new Soda Purple colorway really pops
+
SoftWeave Plus fabric is luscious yet robust
+
Titan Evo chair design remains top tier
+
Customization options remain best-in-class
+
Straightforward and fast setup

Reasons to avoid

-
You can get fabric gaming chairs for less spend
-
Soda Purple costs more than other colorways

As we state in our full Secretlab Titan Evo SoftWeave Plus review, this is the "best fabric-covered gaming chair in the world", so if you're looking for a fabric-upholstered seat for gaming then look no further.

Secretlab pioneered the new trend of fabric-covered gaming chairs with its original SoftWeave fabric, but the new SoftWeave Plus fabric is 3.5x more robust while retaining the luscious feel and look of the original.

When T3 tested this new chair material it was delivered in the firm's new Soda Purple colourway and, simply put, it was a triumph. Vibrant, punchy, and borderline luminescent even in the flattest of light, it was an upholstery that sparked joy every time our reviewer saw it. Well worth considering.

The SoftWeave Plus chair is based on the Titan EVO design that is featured higher up in this guide, so if you fancy that design but with fabric upholstery, this is the chair to choose. The best fabric-covered gaming chair on the market.

The Secretlab Titan XXS gaming chair in pink upholstery pictured in front of a gaming deskT3 Approved badge

The best gaming chair for children? That's the Secretlab Titan XXS, which is pictured here being tested by T3 gaming chair expert and former Deputy Editor Robert Jones.

(Image credit: Future)
The best gaming chair for children

Specifications

Max load: 70kg (154lbs)
Weight: 21kg
Height: 160cm (5’2”)
Upholstery: Neo Leatherette, SoftWeave Plus Fabric
Armrests: Height-adjustable
Hydraulics: Class 4
Recline: Not listed
Foam type: Memory foam with cooling gel
Warranty: 5 years

Reasons to buy

+
Perfect size for kids
+
Identical quality to full-size Titan
+
Three upholsteries to choose from

Reasons to avoid

-
It's expensive for a child's seat
-
It's obviously for children only

Interestingly this product started off as an April Fools' Day prank by Secretlab, but due to demand for it, the maker went ahead and made it a reality.

The Secretlab Titan XXS is a 1:2 half-size Secretlab Titan (the chair that tops T3's best gaming chair buying guide), and it is designed for children primarily, although pets and even - as T3's full Secretlab Titan XXS review shows - Totoros can sit in it.

As it is for children it has a recommended maximum weight of 70kg (154lbs) and a maximum height of 160cm (5’2”), so if your child falls under those figures then you're golden.

When we tested the Secretlab Titan XXS we found out that what's so impressive about the XXS, which stands for "Extra Extra Small", is that it really is just a miniaturised Titan, with the same build quality and upholstery options available to shoppers.

As we discovered when building it and using it, you lose a few features of the full-size Titan chair, including a magnetic head pillow (the XXS comes only with a strap-on variety), and the armrests aren't quite as manoeuvrable, but overall it is the same very high quality, premium gaming chair product.

The price shows its premium nature and heritage, and no doubt it will put off a lot of parents from buying (it costs more than some high-end adult gaming chairs after all!), but if you want the best gaming chair for children and money isn't a problem, then the Secretlab Titan XXS is it.


Best gaming chair 2023: The best of the rest

The Boulies Master Series gaming chair, shown in red PU leather, fully assembled for review in the T3 gaming chair test facilityT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
A premium gaming chair with comfort at its core

Specifications

Max Load: 135kg
Weight: 22kg
Height: 102-108cm
Upholstery: PU leather and microfiber suede
Armrests: 4D
Hydraulics: Class 4
Recline: 165°
Foam: Cold-cure foam
Warranty: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+
Very comfortable
+
Brilliant quality PU leather
+
Great choice of colours

Reasons to avoid

-
Longer build than other chairs
-
Only one-way lumbar support

The Boulies Master Series is a remarkable gaming chair which offers premium comfort and style at a more modest price point than some of the competition. But don't let the affordability of this chair fool you – it will stand up against much of the competition with ease.

In our Boulies Master Series review, we loved the range of colours on offer, and we're blown away by the quality of the PU leather used. Adjustability is more than enough for most people, with 4D armrests, adjustable lumbar support, a removable head pillow and a near-horizontal recliner.

There's slightly more to put together, but it's still an easy one-person build. Everything is assembled using the included tools, too, so you can get it built right out of the box.

Overall, the Boulies Master Series is a solid option. It's fantastically comfortable, and the build quality is as good as much more expensive options, without the price tag.

The AndaSeat Kaiser 3 gaming chair in Ash Grey, fully assembled in T3's dedicated gaming chair test facilityT3 Approved badge

The AndaSeat Kaiser 3 gaming chair in Ash Grey, fully assembled in T3's dedicated gaming chair test facility

(Image credit: Future: Sam Cross)
A brilliant Secretlab Titan alternative for soft seat lovers

Specifications

Max Load: 120kg
Weight: 28.5kg
Height: 134cm
Upholstery: EverSoft Linen Fabric
Armrests: 4D Magnetic
Hydraulics: Class 4
Recline: 165 degree
Foam: Re-dense Mould Foam
Warranty: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+
Fantastic range of adjustment
+
Very comfortable seat
+
Easy to assemble
+
Great range of finishes

Reasons to avoid

-
Some may find the seat too soft

The good folks at AndaSeat know a thing or two about making a comfortable chair. Their models have peppered this buying guide for years, but this model feels like they've finally nailed the formula.

In our AndaSeat Kaiser 3 review, we praised the chair for its brilliant range of adjustment, which in turn led to a massively comfortable experience. 4D armrests and a 4-way lumbar support system makes for a chair that is fully customisable to your body.

It's also incredibly easy to put together, with clear instructions that will leave you in no doubt as to what you're doing. And, the range of finish options are fantastic. Step outside of the usual blacks and greys, and you'll find a range of pastel pinks, blues and browns that are really pleasing to look at.

If you want a viable alternative to the Secretlab Titan Evo, or just want a chair with a really soft seat, the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 is the one for you.

Razer Iskur gaming chair in black upholstery positioned at a deskT3 Award

The Razer Iskur gaming chair as assembled by T3's reviewer in T3's gaming chair testing facility.

(Image credit: Future)
A premium gaming chair with great lumbar support

Specifications

Max load: < 130 kg
Weight: 30.3 kg
Height: 174 - 181 cm
Upholstery: PVC Leather
Armrests: 4D
Hydraulics: Class 4
Recline: 139 degrees
Foam type: High Density Molded Foam
Warranty: 3 years

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent build quality
+
Incredibly stylish lines
+
Quality upholstery

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

Razer only recently jumped into the gaming chair market, but its first effort, the Razer Iskur, shows just how well the firm understands gamers, as well as just how on lock it is when creating gaming hardware.

Our first discovery when testing out the Iskur for ourselves is that this gaming chair just oozes luxe, with the most stylish backrest we've ever seen (those lines are gorgeous) and fine, quality stitching throughout its smooth and welcoming upholstery. In terms of colourways, the Iskur is available in this mixture of black faux leather and luminous Razer green stitching, as well as black with black stitching, which is aptly called the Black Edition. T3 has also reviewed the Razer Iskur Black Edition, so for our findings and more pictures of that specific variant taken by T3, head on over to our Razer Iskur Black Edition review.

While testing, we discovered that cushioning is firm and the sculpt on the seat means the Iskur delivers very much a racing seat fit, with the gamer firmly held in place on all sides. So if you are a larger gamer or one who prefers a looser fit, then that is something to consider. The max body weight of the chair is 130kg.

As one would want on a premium gaming chair, the Iskur comes with 4D armrests, which allow for a wide-variety of configurations on test, and there is also excellent lumbar support and neck support (there is an included neck cushion), too. We enjoyed the Iskur's recline angle of 139 degrees and found its assembly easy.

As you can see from the price, this isn't a cheap gaming chair, but for gamers with a large budget and/or who already use Razer's gaming products, this feels like an excellent way to extend any gaming setup. Make sure you check our Razer discount codes to help bring the price down. To see how this chair compares to our number one gaming chair choice, be sure to check out our Secretlab Titan vs Razer Iskur comparison feature.

A Noblechairs Hero ST TX in T3's dedicated gaming chair test facilityT3 Approved badge

The Noblechairs Hero ST TX, fully assembled in T3's dedicated gaming chair test facility

(Image credit: Future: Sam Cross)
A premium gaming chair that will fit your office setup

Specifications

Max Load: 150kg
Weight: 27.5kg
Height: 131-140cm
Upholstery: Anthracite fabric
Armrests: 4D
Hydraulics: Class 4
Recline: 90-125 degrees
Foam: Cold foam
Warranty: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+
Premium upholstery
+
Beautiful design
+
Reassuringly heavy-duty

Reasons to avoid

-
Instructions aren't the clearest
-
Seat base is very firm

If you're looking for a one chair solution that is equally at home in virtual meetings and virtual worlds, look no further. As we found when testing this chair for our official Noblechairs Hero ST TX review, the soft anthracite fabric upholstery makes for a pleasant experience, which can be dressed up or down depending on your situation.

We were impressed by the robustness of the Noblechairs Hero ST TX, which features a steel frame and an aluminium base for the perfect balance of lightness and durability. The included pillows were soft and comfortable, too.

All of that makes for a premium seated experience. Your body is always supported and longer sessions don't leave you feeling fatigued. It's a great, premium gaming chair that is well worth the money.

The GTPlayer Gaming Chair in black and whiteT3 Award

Want the best gaming chair under £130? That's the GTPlayer Gaming Chair.

(Image credit: GTPLAYER)

10. GTPlayer Gaming Chair

The best gaming chair under £130

Specifications

Max load: < 113kg
Dimensions: 70 x 50 x 136.5 cm
Recline: 90 - 150 degrees
Upholstery: Leather
Foam: Cold-cure memory
Swivel: 360 degrees
Warranty: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+
Smooth bonded leather finish
+
90~150° reclining and rocking action
+
Extra back and neck pillows
+
Incredibly affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Design doesn't stand out
-
No fancy features

If you're shopping for the best gaming chair under £100 then the GTPlayer Gaming Chair is our top choice.

Firstly, it is very, very affordable. Some of the other chairs in this guide cost 3 or 4 times as much, something that really highlights is value. That value does not mean janky or poor build quality, though. You get a stylish design finished with smooth bonded leather, added seat and headrest pillows, smooth-rolling casters and excellent manoeuvrability.

The seat itself can swivel a full 360 degrees, while the seat can recline and rock between 90~150 degrees, too, meaning if you want a quick nap between gaming sessions then you can.

The GTPlayer Gaming Chair is available in 5 stylish colourways, too, including White, Blue, Green, Grey and Red. Setup is straightforward as well and each chair comes with a 30-day return guarantee. Yes, you don't get any fancy features like hidden adjustable lumbar support, magnetic head pillows, 4D armrests and heating, but at this price you just can't complain.

Overall, a really strong ultra budget gaming chair package. You can spend a little more, too, to get a model with a footrest if you wish, which can be nice if you're got very long legs. Compare this chair to a more premium model in our SecretLab Titan SoftWeave vs GTPlayer Gaming Chair comparison feature.

Three gaming chairs in a line on a white background

How to choose the best gaming chair for you

No matter what kind of chair you get, it's crucial that it makes you feel good when you're playing: it should be comfortable during even the longest gaming session, and you should be able to adjust it easily so it suits your body and your preferred sitting style. There's not much point in splashing your cash on one of the best gaming monitors, a great gaming laptop and a brilliant gaming headset if you're going to sit in front of them with a sub-standard seat. 

Comfort is so important here as it affects everything else. Think of every part of your gaming setup as a member of your squad: if one of the team isn't up to the job, they'll bring everybody else down. It's the same with your setup: if you've bought the best gaming mouse but have a chair that doesn't let you use it comfortably, you're losing the very thing you bought the mouse for.

When buying a gaming chair, look out for the differing levels of comfort and support included with each model, like the ability to make adjustments to height, armrests, and the way the chair reclines too. Detachable cushions are a bonus as well, for that extra layer of comfort. 

You should also find out what discipline or gaming genre the chair might have been tailored for, if any – some of the best gaming chairs on the market have been designed with racing or flight simulations in mind, for example, though there are plenty of general, all-round gaming chairs available too.

Naturally, you should also consider the look and style you're going for when choosing one the best gaming chairs currently available. Everyone's tastes differ a little in this department.

Fortunately, most gaming chairs are suitably stylish and tend to resemble leather-clad racing car seats, but you'll obviously want to pick a style that goes the best with your gaming room décor, as well as a colour that won't annoy you or your partner hours into your latest gaming marathon.

After all, picking out a top-quality gaming chair can make a big difference to your gaming performance, just like your choice of monitor and input devices. Don't take your buying decision lightly, or you could end up with a seat that lets you down in a key area, affecting your comfort or gaming ability.

Remember that different gaming chairs can lean towards one specific genre of game, such as seats that work best in multiplayer FPS like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare or others that are perfect for MOBAs like DOTA 2 or League of Legends. And that's saying nothing of dedicated gaming chairs for racing sims.

Getting the best gaming chair for PC or console means getting a better chance of hitting those enemy targets or those high scores you've been chasing, and that makes it a no-brainer to take some time picking out the absolute best gaming chair for you.

What's the best gaming chair? There are many different gaming chairs tailored towards PC gaming, as well as playing games on Xbox Series X, PS5, and Nintendo Switch OLED, with size, build material (such as leather), and feature sets differing.

The best gaming chair is therefore, first and foremost, the one that is most suited to your particular gaming setup and intended usage scenarios. Certain gaming chairs, for example, are built for use in simulation games such as racers and flight sims, while others specialise in supporting gamers in MOBA or FPS titles.

The chairs here are for every kind of setup – desktop PCs and laptop gaming, PS5, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia and mobile gaming, too. Each chair has the T3 seal of approval and we're confident that they'll keep you at the very top of your game.

Are gaming chairs really worth it?

Yes, gaming chairs are absolutely worth it. A good gaming chair will complete your gaming setup both from a style point of view and from a health one, too. Remember, you'll spend hundreds of hours sat down while gaming, so it makes total sense to own a quality gaming chair.

However, if you already own a good office chair, then the comfort and health elements of this equation are already covered, leaving you potentially with just the aesthetic factor to consider. In this circumstance the financial outlay for a gaming chair becomes harder to justify, as you're really just buying it as it looks good. 

Are gaming chairs good for your posture?

Again, this is a resounding yes. Good gaming chairs are great for your posture, and are specifically designed to look after your back, neck, head, arms, wrists, hands, legs and - of course - your derriere.

Many of today's top gaming chairs, such as the SecretLab Titan Evo and Razer Iskur, come with lumbar support systems (for properly supporting your spine), 4D armrests and sculpted seat and backrests, too.

A gaming chair is often superior in terms of posture correction and support than many office chairs, making them a smart choice for gamers and non-gamers alike.

Does every gaming chair fit every body type?

As a general piece of advice this is a no. Most gaming chairs will fit most gamers, however, if you're particularly tall, wide or heavy then you'll likely need to opt for an XL-variant.

Luckily, most gaming chair makers today make these XL gaming chairs, and each maker also lists each chair's maximum weight allowance as well as dimensions. Other things to consider is how sculpted a chair's backrest or seat is, as some chairs feature more racing car tightly sculpted fits, while others are more open.

Before making any purchase we recommend gamers to measure themselves and consult each chair's specifications and design.

Who makes the best gaming chairs?

When you're picking out the best gaming chair money can buy, it's also absolutely crucial that you pick one up from a premium, respected chair maker with a proper heritage – or, alternatively, a new brand that comes well recommended by others. 

With a lot of new entrants in the market just lately, the waters are now well and truly muddied, making it hard for the uninitiated to tell if a gaming chair has the build quality to go the distance.

The makers that follow here are approved by T3 to be gaming chair producers of the highest quality: Nitro Concepts, Secretlab, GT Omega Racing, EWIN, Noblechairs, X Rocker, DXRacer, Vertagear, Corsair, Brazen, and Songmics.

Razer Iskur gaming chair in an apartment at night

(Image credit: Razer)

Should I buy a leather or fabric gaming chair?

Today their are two main types of gaming chair upholstery, leather (both real and man made) and fabric. And, what's more, many of the gaming chair ranges at the world's best makers (such as SecretLab, Vertagear and Noblechairs) are available in different finishes when ordering, which raises the question of which is better.

Now, look, the first thing we would say is that the material your gaming chair is finished in has an affect on the eye first, and beauty is in the eye of each gamer. As such, we say don't be pressured too much by thinking about what you should buy, and instead just get the gaming chair finish that appeals to you most. After all, this is the gaming throne that will sit at the heart of your setup for years to come – so make sure you like the look of it.

Of course, past aesthetics then comes the pricing factor. Fabric finishes tend to be cheaper or on par with fake leather, but there are degrees of quality, with SecretLab's SoftWeave fabric a cut above many entry level chairs but costing more. Next comes premium faux leather finishes, which tend to dominate the market right now, and then top of the pricing scale is genuine leather, with Napa finishes the most sort after.

In terms of properties, leather chairs tend be warmer than fabric, and also tend to not be as breathable – which can contribute to sticky back, bum and legs. Leather, and especially real leather, is supremely soft and comfortable, though, and also has a really smart and premium finish.

Fabric finishes tend to be more breathable, and therefore are good for staying cool, but in most scenarios don't offer the smoothness of finish or premium looks of leather seats (again, we'd say SecretLab's SoftWeave fabric is an exception). So it is often a toss up of what each gamer prioritises.

Of course, the ethics of sourcing real leather is also considered by many gamers today, which is why vegan leather chairs are also now produced by many makers.

Razer Iskur Black Edition close up image

The Razer Iskur is the best gaming chair for back pain.

(Image credit: Razer)

What is the best gaming chair for back pain?

Back pain is a serious issue for anyone who spends a lot of time at a desk, and gamers are no exception. When you're spending hours in a virtual world then you need to be as comfortable as possible, and sitting on a chair that is not designed for that is a great way to give yourself RSI as well as serious back, arm and neck pain.

Every gaming chair in this guide offers great levels of support, but if you're specifically looking for the best gaming chair for back pain relief, then you should check out the Razer Iskur or Razer Iskur Black Edition before any other. The reason for this is that it has the best lumbar support system we've seen to date on a gaming chair, with the sculpted ergonomic back rest actually built into the chair and adjustable with a quick flick of lever.

The lumbar system works very much like a tilting seat mechanism – pull the lever and the back rest moves away from from the chair back, while pulling it and leaning against it will cause it to recess again. This system is great as it allows for various angles of back support to be opted for.

The Razer Iskur also comes with a neck cushion, too, which combined with the lumbar support system means it is one of the very best chairs for preventing back pain and ensuring prolonged comfort while gaming.

X Rocker floor gaming chair shown in room

(Image credit: X Rocker)

What are floor gaming chairs and are they any good?

Floor gaming chairs (like the one shown above) are more casual alternatives to full-blown gaming chairs, and are a great option for console gamers, especially so if they are playing casually. They don't have any casters, or often armrests, and sit directly on the floor, typically with a high degree of lean on the backrest so that gamers are well reclined when sat in them.

Floor gaming chairs are good, too, as they tend to be lighter and more compact than full-blown gaming chairs, and some even have features like built-in drink and snack trays, as well as RGB lighting and even speaker systems that their large companions do not.

The key thing you need to decide when thinking if a floor gaming chair is good for you is how you're going to be gaming most of the time, and how relaxed or not in body position you want to be. If you're a Call of Duty champion then you'll likely want to be gaming on a proper gaming chair with armrests and close to the screen, while if you're just chilling out playing Animal Crossing on Nintendo Switch then a floor gaming chair could be ideal.

We think the ideal gaming room setup would have both a gaming chair and floor gaming chair, but we realise most gamers can't afford both. Floor gaming chairs do tend to be cheaper than standard seats, though, and there are a range of models at major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. So they're well worth considering, especially if you also have younger children who game.

SecretLab Titan Evo range of gaming chairs in a line

(Image credit: SecretLab)

How we test gaming chairs

T3 reviews a lot of gaming chairs and, as we want to deliver the most authoritative best gaming chair buying guide on the market we have a rigorous three-stage testing process for each seat.

We also have a dedicated gaming chair testing facility where many of our gaming chairs are built, used and evaluated. We take testing gaming chairs very seriously.

The first stage is chair setup, and this involves us charting exactly how easy it is to assemble a gaming chair when it is delivered. We're looking out for easy of assembly as well as things like how clear the instructions are and if there are any tools included in the box.

Once the chair is assembled we then evaluate its build quality and the calibre of its upholstery. Stitch quality is also analysed, as that is where many lesser gaming chairs fall down, as well as any included extras such as neck and back cushions. How adjustable the chair is is also tested at this point.

The final stage then involves actually sitting in and using the gaming chair to play games, work and stream content from Netflix and YouTube. A variety of games are played, with a specific focus on FPS and RPG, and overall long-term comfort is discovered.

After those four stages are complete, we then compare the chair to the rest of the market and judge it on its value for money in our eyes. Only then do we bestow a score on the gaming chair, with 5 stars the maximum score any seat can attain.

SecretLab MAGNUS Metal Desk with gaming chair

The SecretLab MAGNUS is a great gaming desk to partner with a top-rated gaming chair.

(Image credit: SecretLab)

What gaming desk should you partner with a gaming chair?

One aspect of a PC gaming setup you absolutely shouldn't ignore is the desk you use. Using a poorly constructed desk or table for gaming is counter-productive to the experience in many ways, from the aesthetic look and build quality, and through ergonomics and cable management, and onto comfort and accessory storage. As such it makes sense to invest in one of the best gaming desks that is built specifically for the purpose.

Of all the gaming desks on the market today there is one that stands heads and shoulders above the rest, and it is one that T3 has covered in detail in its SecretLab MAGNUS review. This gaming desk is the perfect partner for a top-rated gaming chair and it offers everything a PC gamer could wish for from such a product, with an all-metal build delivered along with a stylish future-industrial aesthetic, best-in-class cable management system, a selection of smart magnetised accessories, and even room for a LED lighting system.

If you're picking up a gaming chair from this guide then we recommend checking out the MAGNUS as it will be a great partner for it. There are of course other gaming desks on the market, with Amazon stocking a selection of products, but if you want the best gaming desk then the MAGNUS is it.

X Rocker gaming chair with boy sat on it gaming

(Image credit: X Rocker)

X rocker gaming chairs: what's the deal?

If you spend any amount of time online looking for a gaming chair then you're likely going to find yourself stumbling upon a brand called X Rocker.

X Rocker gaming chairs are numerous, with the brand selling its products through its own store as well as through major retailers such as Amazon.

X Rocker produces different types of gaming chair, but what it is most known for is high-tech seats with built-in RGB lighting, speaker systems, wireless comms links such as Bluetooth, as well as numerous on-chair ports.

A good example of X Rocker's output is its Evo Elite 4.1 Neo Motion Gaming Chair, which comes with RGB lighting, 4.1 multi-stereo speakers, a built-in sound-reactive vibration system, wireless and Bluetooth functionality as well as plenty of physical ports.

In terms of design X Rocker gaming chairs tend to lean more toward a casual reclined setup, with a lot of floor gaming chairs in their range, but the firm does make some traditional upright gaming chairs, too.

The quality of X Rocker chairs is good in T3's mind and we feel that they are ideal for console gamers especially who want to play in front of a large TV screen or on a portable console like the Nintendo Switch.

Overall we feel that X Rocker is an established brand that console gamers should absolutely check out, if not PC gamers, who will find find a greater range of traditional uprights elsewhere. If you're an RGB lighting fanatic, though, then there's basically no better firm.

Secretlab gaming chair skins

(Image credit: Secretlab)

What are gaming chair skins?

Gaming chair skins are custom, separately bought kits that let you change up the upholstery of your gaming chair.

Secretlab is the brand that pioneered gaming chair skins, and they have a large range that can be shopped on their official store.

Secretlab skins come with both a seat base sleeve and a backrest sleeve, which can be zipped around the chair to switch up its look and feel.

Basically, these skins are what Secretlab actually uses for their chairs, but now it has made it possible for people who own one of its chairs to buy extra sets for it, like you'd have extra sets of bedding.

Right now Secretlab skins come in 7 different colours, including Black, Charcoal Blue, Arctic White, Frost Blue, Plush Pink, Soda Purple, and Mint Green.

Robert Jones

Rob has been writing about computing, gaming, mobile, home entertainment technology, toys (specifically Lego and board games), smart home and more for over 15 years. As the editor of PC Gamer, and former Deputy Editor for T3.com, you can find Rob's work in magazines, bookazines and online, as well as on podcasts and videos, too. Outside of his work Rob is passionate about motorbikes, skiing/snowboarding and team sports, with football and cricket his two favourites.