Like a great office chair, a specially made gaming chair can deliver ergonomic comfort when settling in for long gaming sessions. The best gaming chairs provide adjustable support for your back, arms, head, and more. Many dedicated gaming chairs look like automotive racing seats, and some even have the high-end price tag to match. Fortunately, all of the gaming chairs you'll find below are affordable, with options that will suit a wide range of budgets.
The Best Cheap Gaming Chairs
What to Consider
When considering a gaming chair, you’ll want to pay attention to three key aspects: cushioning and support, adjustability, and material. If you’re a serious gamer who spends a good deal of time sitting (or also want a gaming chair that you can work from home in), you need one with enough support to maintain a healthy posture, which may mean some kind of lumbar and head padding, as well as firmer (rather than softer) cushioning.
Most of these chairs are adjustable, too, with customizable seat heights and the ability to recline up to 150 degrees. Less common—but still available in some budget models—are features like adjustable arm rests and internal lumbar support. And while the chair’s material may not affect your posture, it can majorly affect your overall comfort. If you tend to run hot, you may run into issues with leather or faux leather coverings, as they’re not breathable and can get sweaty quickly. Mesh is a better alternative—particularly on the back—to keep you cool, though you may not feel quite as padded and supported.
How We Selected
We researched 10 expert sources, including Digital Trends, Tech Guided, and PC Gamer, as well as 23,000 consumer reviews to select the top affordable gaming chairs you'll find below. Our Consumer Score represents the percentage of people who bought these chairs and rated them at least four out of five stars on retail and review sites like Amazon, Walmart, and the manufacturers’ webpages.
GTRacing Gaming Chair
Key Specs
- Dimensions (D x W x H): 23 x 16 x 50 inches
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Weight Capacity: Up to 300 pounds
- Recline: Up to 160 degrees
- Armrest Adjustability: 3D
- Upholstery: Faux leather
Pros
- Supportive
- Highly adjustable
- Good value
Cons
- Faux leather not very breathable
While this seat is definitely on the flashier side, it has the ergonomics to back up its looks. The GTRacing chair reclines up to 160 degrees, supports 300 pounds, and features adjustable head and lumbar pillows. Keep in mind that the synthetic leather doesn’t breathe well, so it can easily become sweaty. In addition to the black and red style, it also comes in gray, white, blue, green, pink, and purple, so you can coordinate with your current gaming or office vibe.
Respawn 200
Key Specs
- Dimensions (D x W x H): 27.5 x 28 x 55 inches
- Weight: 47 pounds
- Weight Capacity: Up to 275 pounds
- Recline: Up to 130 degrees
- Armrest Adjustability: 2D
- Upholstery: Faux leather
Pros
- Breathable mesh sections
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- A bit pricey
Respawn’s 200 chair isn’t as customizable as some more expensive options, but it provides a fair amount of adjustability. In addition to reclining up to 130 degrees, it comes with a moveable head pillow. The synthetic leather seat can get a bit warm, but the back is made of mesh to help keep you cool. And Respawn backs the chair with a lifetime warranty.
X Rocker Pro Series H3
Key Specs
- Dimensions (D x W x H): 35 x 22 x 34.5 inches
- Weight: 17.3 pounds
- Weight Capacity: Up to 275 pounds
- Recline: N/A
- Armrest Adjustability: N/A
- Upholstery: Leather
Pros
- Very supportive
Cons
- Not suitable for desk use
If you’re looking for one chair to use for both work and play, this isn’t it. Because it sits on the floor, it’s more suitable for use with gaming consoles than for operating a PC at a desk, though it still provides more support than the couch.
This chair’s design is comfortably curved to your spine and allows you to rock back and forth with your legs, instead of reclining as you would in a rolling chair. It also features built-in wireless speakers—good if you didn’t want to buy separate audio tech or headphones. Since the speakers are closer to you, they help provide a more immersive experience, as well. The Pro Series H3 also vibrates in reaction to whatever’s happening in your game for a little 4D effect.
OFM Essentials Collection Gen 2.0
Key Specs
- Dimensions (D x W x H): 30.38 x 28.13 x 48.25 inches
- Weight: 33 pounds
- Weight Capacity: Up to 275 pounds
- Recline: N/A
- Armrest Adjustability: Flip-up
- Upholstery: Faux leather
Pros
- Great value
- Subdued aesthetic
Cons
- No head or lumbar support
With a less aggressive look and requiring the smallest hit to your bank account, the OFM appears a bit more like a brightly colored office chair. And it’s made of synthetic leather and has a springy, cushioned feel. The one big downside is that it lacks adjustable lumbar support and head supports, and it doesn’t recline. However, it does have movable armrests. Plus, it comes in seven different color options, almost guaranteeing you’ll find one you like.
Homall Gaming Chair
Key Specs
- Dimensions (D x W x H): 33.07 x 25.79 x 11.02 inches
- Weight: 42 pounds
- Weight Capacity: Up to 300 pounds
- Recline: Up to 180 degrees
- Armrest Adjustability: N/A
- Upholstery: Faux leather
Pros
- Good value
- 180-degree recline
Cons
- Non adjustable armrests
Homall’s gaming chair has garnered some of the most glowing customer reviews we’ve seen, and with good reason. For around $150, this chair delivers comfort, adjustability, and the gamer aesthetic typically limited to more expensive models. It comes in seven dual-color options—including our favorites, magenta and aqua. Adjustable head and lumbar pillows, as well as the ability to recline 180 degrees, add to its value. The polyurethane leather material can get sweaty, but overall, customers were pleased.
“I enjoyed how easy it was to put it together and how comfortable it was,” wrote one reviewer on Amazon, noting that it took just about 30 minutes to build and everything necessary to assemble it was included.
Big Joe Dorm Smartmax Bean Bag
Key Specs
- Dimensions (D x W x H): 33 x 32 x 25 inches
- Weight: 4.75 pounds
- Weight Capacity: N/A
- Recline: N/A
- Armrest Adjustability: N/A
- Upholstery: Fabric
Pros
- Very affordable
- Super lightweight
Cons
- Not ergonomic
Sometimes you just want to be comfy and save money, and this bean bag chair is here to remind you that’s OK. It could be a suitable option if you or your kid is a hobby gamer who doesn’t spend hours a day slumped in front of a computer or console. While the Dorm Bean Bag is lacking in the support department, it is comfortable and inexpensive. It even features large side pockets to store your phone, headphones, or, most importantly, snacks. And the easy-to-clean material makes it simple to wipe away Cheeto-covered fingerprints.
Homall Gaming Recliner Chair
Key Specs
- Dimensions (D x W x H): 29 x 26 x 41 inches
- Weight: 63 pounds
- Weight Capacity: N/A
- Recline: Up to 180 degrees
- Armrest Adjustability: N/A
- Upholstery: PU leather
Pros
- Traditional reclining comfort
- Built-in lower back massager
Cons
- Heavy
The Homall gaming recliner chair distinguishes itself from the pack by taking inspiration from traditional recliners instead of racer-style chairs. This recliner is best for kicking your legs up, enjoying a little massage, and gaming on the big screen. Assembly is simple, and unlike racer-style chairs, this recliner is great for both gaming and watching your favorite movies or shows. However, this chair is heavy, and not recommended if you plan to move it around frequently.
Razer Enki X Gaming Chair
Key Specs
- Dimensions (D x W x H): 26 x 26.4 x 53.35 inches
- Weight: 47.6 pounds
- Weight Capacity: Up to 300 pounds
- Recline: Up to 152 degrees
- Armrest Adjustability: 2D
- Upholstery: Synthetic leather
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Good lumbar support
- High weight capacity
Cons
- Expensive
From one of the most popular gaming peripheral companies, the Razer Enki X gaming chair delivers premium quality and comfort to your setup. While other options may have more adjustability or increased recline options, none feel as solidly built as the Enki X. It uses a mix of leather, padded foam, and leatherette to create a very comfortable feel on every point of contact. Gamers with lower back tension will especially appreciate the strong lumbar support built into this chair. If you have the budget, the Enki X is a great buy.
Nouhaus Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair
Key Specs
- Dimensions (D x W x H): 16.3 x 27.95 x 44.09 inches
- Weight: 46.3 pounds
- Weight Capacity: Up to 275 pounds
- Recline: 135-degree tilt
- Armrest Adjustability: 4D
- Upholstery: Suede/mesh
Pros
- Highly adjustable
- Breathable mesh
Cons
- Expensive
Not all gaming chairs have to look tailor-made for gaming. The Nouhaus Ergo3D, while designed for office use, is a great fit for PC gamers seeking ergonomic comfort at their desk. The chair is highly adjustable, with an adjustable headrest, armrests, lumbar support, tilt tensioner, and more. Once set to your ideal position, the Ergo3D is very comfortable, especially with its breathable mesh upholstery. While it’s more expensive than most gaming chairs, it’s still a good value.
Harry Rabinowitz is a writer, editor, and columnist covering the latest and greatest products in the gaming industry. He also works to tell educational and entertaining stories about tech, entertainment, home goods, and more. When he’s not learning or writing something new, he’s probably heading to the library for a new graphic novel to read.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
