9 best gaming chairs
Computer games have long evolved from unpretentious eight-pixel arcades into something completely unimaginable, which formed several industries at once. For many, eSports is not fun, but a serious activity that brings equally serious money. In this vein, every detail becomes important, and even such a seemingly secondary accessory, like a player's chair. Today's rating review from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ is dedicated specifically to gaming chairs, their features, important points and the most successful models.
How to choose a gaming chair
To begin with, let's look at what the key features of the gaming chairs are, which make them just gaming, and what should be guided by when choosing a particular model.
Design and ergonomics
This seems obvious, but it’s still worth emphasizing that the gaming chair should be comfortable. And in this case it should be comfortable not just to sit in it, but to play. Plus, given the many hours of marathons with streams on YouTube and Twitch, the chair should be trite safe for the health of the gamer. All this implies the correct design: anatomical sitting and back, the presence of a headrest and armrests, as well as the ability to adjust the position of the most important parts, that is, customization.
Customization
Even a simple, cheap office chair is equipped with a gas lift, which allows you to adjust the height, thereby adjusting to the height of a person. As for the gaming chair, it is important here that the more parameters, the better: the seat height, the backrest angle, the height of the armrests, and the position of the headrest can be adjusted. It is also highly desirable that the chair was equipped with a rolling mechanism, optimally - with the possibility of fixation in an arbitrary position.
Materials
In the store, the chair can look gorgeous, and behave beautifully when you “test drive”. But if it is made at least partially from poor-quality or inappropriate materials (for example, where metal would be appropriate, even strong plastic is used), over time all its advantages will disappear. The joints will start to squeak unpleasantly, the clamps will become flimsy, the filler coats, the paint will peel off, the upholstery will crack. In short, the troubles can rapidly develop up to the complete unsuitability of the chair. And we do not exaggerate - there are many such cases. Do not forget about the wheels - if they are made of solid and rigid material without a reliable soft coating, any floor covering will not withstand such a load and will quickly come to a terrifying look.
Design / Coloring
Everything seems to be obvious here - everyone chooses what they like. We can only say that there is a small stereotype that all gaming chairs are necessarily made in aggressive contrast, sometimes “acidic” colors. Far from it. The range of seats is large enough, and the colors can be chosen for almost any kind, up to a completely unobtrusive and monotonous.
Additional options
Another important point - the individual "gadgets", suitable for the convenience of the player. It is important for someone that there is a special container for a cup of coffee or a can of energy in the chair, someone wants to periodically massage the “fillet parts” with a vibrating massager, someone needs a whole set of supports and stands for a mouse, gamepad or whatever.Also, the game chair can have special backup mounts, thanks to which you can install the steering wheel, pedals, monitor, etc. In principle, having set a goal, you can find yourself a chair with whatever functionality you like. But this implies the next, final point.
Cost of
Here experts expert.bigbadmole.com/en/ remind you that not everything is expensive is necessarily good, and not everything that is inexpensive is necessarily bad. Almost identical seats of different brands may differ by price at times. Another thing is if you are a streamer, and it is important for you to “shine” a fashionable logo in the camera, emphasizing your own success. Then, it would be strange to take a playing chair for 5 thousand more than another, moreover, that the difference between them is only in the presence of a cup holder. If possible, we recommend testing the chairs in person, studying the reviews of real users, and reading reviews of authoritative resources before putting this or that amount behind the chair.
Top gaming chairs
Nomination | a place | Name of product | price |
The best cheap gaming chairs | 1 | AeroCool AC120 AIR | 13 690 ₽ |
2 | ThunderX3 TGC12 | 13 090 ₽ | |
3 | TetChair iCar | 12 990 ₽ | |
The best chairs for gamers in the middle price segment | 1 | Vertagear S-Line SL4000 | 21 990 ₽ |
2 | DXRacer Drifting OH / DF73 | 28 990 ₽ | |
3 | ThunderX3 TGC31 | 24 990 ₽ | |
Top premium gaming chairs | 1 | DXRacer Special Edition OH / RE126 / NCC / NIP | 38 990 ₽ |
2 | Tt eSPORTS by Thermaltake GT Comfort GTC 500 | 31 890 ₽ | |
3 | DXRacer King OH / KS06 | 32 420 ₽ |
The best cheap gaming chairs
Now go directly to the rating, and we will start with the most affordable gaming chair category.
AeroCool AC120 AIR
Rating: 4.8
Let's start with an interesting model of the Taiwanese brand AeroCool. The chair is made in the characteristic "predatory" design with the corresponding aggressive colors. Designed for a maximum load of 150 kg - this load-carrying capacity is provided by the hydraulic actuator of the highest 4th class.
The dimensions of the chair are as follows. The width and depth of the seat are equal and amount to 53 cm. The height of the backrest is 81 cm. The height of the seat position, depending on the adjustment, is from 43 to 51 cm. The total height of the chair is from 124 to 132 cm. Weight without packaging is 20 kg. Seat depth and back height are not adjustable.
The upholstery of the game chair is made of breathable artificial leather, made using the patented AIR technology. The basic background color is black, the designer inserts are available in the following colors: black, white, blue, green, orange, red. The back wall is black with a “carbon fiber” texture.
The frame and the crosspiece of the game chair are metallic. The armrests are made of sturdy plastic. Foam polyurethane with a density of 50 in the seat and 45 in the back is used as a chair filler. Rollers semi-soft type made of nylon, size - 65 mm.
Functional gaming chair next. Armrests can be rotated horizontally and move up and down. The chair can swing due to the mechanism "Butterfly" ranging from 3 to 18 °, and the force required to tilt can be adjusted by means of a spring mechanism located under the seat. The back can be fixed in any position or completely reclined by 180 °, thereby turning the gaming chair into a mini-couch for restorative sleep. The head restraint is adjustable in height and angle.
The manufacturer provides one year warranty for this model.
Virtues
- pleasant, balanced upholstery material;
- spectacular design;
- large selection of colors;
- high stability;
- good assembly kit;
- quality level, as for such price, materials;
disadvantages
- creaks in different places appear quite quickly;
- turns of armrests are poorly fixed.
ThunderX3 TGC12
Rating: 4.7
Now, as part of the ranking of the best gaming chairs from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/, we will consider another cheap, but noteworthy chair. This model is in many ways similar to the previous one in a number of parameters, and this is not surprising, since the manufacturer is actually a division of AeroCool Advanced Technologies.
Like the previous model, this game chair is designed for a maximum player weight of 150 kg.Dimensions are as follows: the width of the seat is 53 cm, the depth is slightly less than 50 cm; height of the seat, depending on the adjustment - from 42 to 50 cm; total height of the chair - from 124 to 132 cm; backrest height - 82 cm. Seat depth and backrest height are not adjustable. The weight of the chair is 24.85 kg.
For the upholstery of a game chair, the manufacturer uses a high-quality artificial eco-leather, made of polyurethane. The base color, as in the previous version, is black, the available colors of designer artifacts are blue, red, orange, green and black.
Most of the parameters of this model are almost completely similar to the above chair. There is an adjustable headrest and lumbar support, the armrests are also adjusted up and down and around its axis, the same butterfly mechanism allows swinging from 3 to 18 degrees, height adjustment is provided by gazpatron of the highest 4th class, which corresponds to the standard Germany 4550-2004. The wheels are also made of non-scratching nylon floor, only here they are a little more - 50 mm. The filler is polyurethane foam RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) with a density of 50 for the seat and 46 for the backrest. The whole structure is supported by a robust steel frame with a steel crosspiece.
One important point is that the manufacturer emphasizes the orthopedic properties of this model and the beneficial effect on posture, although the constructional chair is not much different from AeroCool AC120 AIR.
The warranty from the manufacturer is 12 months from the date of sale.
Virtues
- spectacular design;
- carbon inserts;
- quality materials;
- according to reviews, really maintains a correct posture;
disadvantages
- badly fixed armrests;
- hard swing mechanism.
TetChair iCar
Rating: 4.6
And the final item in the rating of budget models of gaming chairs from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/, we consider another characteristic option. Here, the specifics are that its supplier to the Russian market is the domestic company TetChair, which specializes in the supply of furniture from the countries of Southeast Asia. Accordingly, it is impossible to speak about a “world-famous manufacturer” here, and in a number of moments the chair loses to the two previous models. But on the other hand, it is cheaper than all, acceptable in quality, and quite suitable for a not very demanding player.
The game chair is designed for a maximum load of 120 kg. Its dimensions are as follows: the total height, depending on the adjustment, is from 125 to 136 cm; seat - 51x55 cm; height of the back (not adjustable) - 80.5 cm; Seat height from 44 to 55.5 cm.
The depth of the seat, as well as the height of the position of the backrest, is also not adjustable. There is a lumbar support and an adjustable headrest (only up and down on the harness). There are plastic armrests, adjustable up and down and rotate in the horizontal plane. The base and the cross are plastic. There is a synchronous swing mechanism that allows you to adjust the stiffness and fix the back in any position. There is a function of turning 180 degrees in the "lying" position.
Upholstery made of polyurethane leatherette. The filler is also a foamed polymer, but the supplier modestly holds back its properties. It is impossible to reliably say what the rollers are made of, presumably it is polyamide, and it is necessary to use the chair on a “gentle” floor covering.
The game chair is offered in three color options: black and red, black and blue and black and orange.
Virtues
- the most affordable price in the group;
- by nominal declared functions it is not inferior to other, more expensive seats in the group.
disadvantages
- not the highest quality materials and not the most accurate manufacturing;
- plastic cross.
The best chairs for gamers in the middle price segment
Now, within the framework of our rating, expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ specialists represent the top three models of gaming chairs more expensive than the previous group and, accordingly, have several advantages justifying the increased cost. We look at the three gaming chairs of different brands - American Vertagear, Taiwan ThunderX3, and the most "mainstream" American DXRacer.
Vertagear S-Line SL4000
Rating: 4.9
To begin, consider a worthy product of a young American company Vertagear. For the sake of fairness, it must be said that the direct production of the chairs of this brand is carried out in China, but under the strict control of the company's representatives.
Just say, the gaming chair even visually looks more impressive and weightier than the entire three previous low-cost options. It is designed for 150 kg of weight and its dimensions are as follows: seat width - 52 cm, depth - 45 cm; height of the seat - from 42 to 52 cm; back height - 78 cm; total height of the chair - from 120 to 130 cm; weight - 25 kg.
Different materials are used as upholstery in this model, and this is dictated by the manufacturer’s careful approach to player comfort. For example, part of the surface is covered with quality leather, and that part of the back, which is supposed to be in direct contact with the player’s back, is made of a complex multi-layer material, which ensures that the back does not sweat even during long hot battles.
Also in this model there are all the important elements and functions that all the above-described chairs have: a headrest, lumbar support, armrests, a swing mechanism, and so on. But here everything is noticeably better, thinner and more tightly fitted, safer and more durable. In addition, the armrests are more “mobile” - height, depth, angle and the distance between them are regulated. This seemingly not the most significant detail added many advantages of this model in independent reviews and reviews.
The only moment in continuous benefits is that the chair unfolds to a maximum of 140 degrees, that is, it cannot be turned into a “couch”. This distresses part of the audience, but insignificant.
The whole structure is built on the patented technology "Slide-In", and is extremely simple for self-assembly by one person.
Virtues
- solid design;
- ease of assembly;
- wide possibilities for adjusting the armrests;
- durability;
- quality materials;
disadvantages
- cannot be rotated 180 degrees (maximum 140).
DXRacer Drifting OH / DF73
Rating: 4.8
And now in our ranking should be a chair from the manufacturer, which today confidently holds primacy in terms of marketing promotion. The high percentage of streamers "shine" into the camera with the DXRacer logo.
I must say that the gaming chair is really worth such attention. Made in the exquisite style of "Recaro", provides support for the lower back, lateral support for the back and cervical spine. Now everything is more detailed.
So, the dimensions of the product are as follows: seat width - 52 cm, depth - 53 cm; height of the seat - from 41 to 51 cm; backrest height - 84 cm; total height of the chair - from 125 to 135 cm. Weight with packaging - 26 kg, unpacked - 22 kg. An important point that many gamers put this model in the minus - the seat is designed for a maximum load of only 90 kg and a maximum player height of 185 cm.
As the upholstery is used here stylized vinyl skin. The frame is steel, the crosspiece is made of high-strength aluminum alloy. Rollers semi-soft type made of polyurethane.
In terms of configuration, there is a headrest adjustable in height, a lumbar support, armrests adjustable in height and horizontal. There is also a synchronous swing mechanism of the "top gan" type with fixation in any position. Adjusting the seat depth and back height is not provided.
This series is made in three color options: black and white, black and gray, black and brown. Manufacturer's warranty is 12 months.
Virtues
- elegant design;
- good service in terms of replacing items, including for upgrades;
- fashion brand;
- reliability and durability;
- quality materials;
disadvantages
- insufficient load limit.
ThunderX3 TGC31
Rating: 4.7
And the third item in the gaming chair rating group from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ is that we present another product from the AeroCool Advanced Technologies division - ThunderX3. But, here already, in comparison with the younger model, the “picture” is much more attractive. In this case, the cost is the most affordable in the group of "middle" seats.
The dimensions of the game chair are as follows: seat width - 56 cm, depth - 54 cm; height of the seat position - from 56 to 64 cm; backrest height - 79 cm; the total height of the chair is from 135 to 143 cm. The weight of the chair with packaging is 26.15 kg. Designed for a maximum load of 150 kg - gazpatron of the highest fourth class and complies with the standard Germany 4550-2004.
The upholstery of the gaming chair is made of black matte eco-leather, which is based on polyurethane. In the assortment there is only one color solution - completely black. The filler is polyurethane RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) with a density of 50 for the seat and 45 for the back. In contrast to the younger model of the same supplier described above in the previous group, there are already good steel bearing elements, and the crosspiece is also metal, not plastic, 35 cm in size. The wheels are good, nylon, semi-soft. All these are undoubted advantages.
Now a few words about the functional. The armrests of this model are regulated by the 3D principle, that is, you can adjust the angle, depth and height. The depth of the seat and the height of the backrest are not adjustable, as with all the models described above. The built-in mechanism "Butterfly" allows you to comfortably swing with an amplitude of 3 to 18 degrees and at the same time to regulate the rigidity of the swing. The back is fixed in any position. There is a headrest and lumbar support.
We emphasize an important point - this is the only gaming chair in this group that is able to unfold completely 180 degrees, allowing the player to take a nap.
Virtues
- 180 degree turn;
- the most affordable price in the group;
- 3D armrests;
- big wheels;
disadvantages
- only one color is black.
Top premium gaming chairs
And finally, we turn to the most interesting - the coolest gaming chairs of premium class. When selecting candidates for the ranking, expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ experts still focused on premium models, but still on those that could be bought, and not on those whose cost is comparable to the annual budget of a small country. Quite expectedly, two gaming chairs of the “star” brand DXRacer and another from Thermaltake were on the list.
DXRacer Special Edition OH / RE126 / NCC / NIP
Rating: 4.9
Let's start with the special model of the DXRacer gaming chair, and it is special in that it is the Special Edition. It will be of extreme interest to the fans of the Swedish eSports organization Ninjas in Pajamas (the abbreviation NIP in the model nomenclature means just that), but for an ordinary gamer it will be an honor and pleasure to sit on such a distinguished handsome.
The seat is designed for a maximum load of 150 kg. Dimensions are as follows: seat width - 51 cm, depth - 52 cm; height of the seat - from 40 to 52 cm; backrest height - 82 cm; total height of the chair - from 122 to 134 cm; weight - 26 kg.
The best, highest-quality materials are used in this gaming chair, and the technological process itself takes place under strict control. The upholstery is made of a gentle to the touch, but strong and durable composition based on polyurethane. Bearing elements are made of durable aluminum-containing alloy. The filler is polyurethane foam obtained under high pressure. The color solution is offered one - black-brown, on the front of the back there are the logos of the manufacturer and the symbols of Ninjas in Pajamas.
All the functionality inherent in the top DXRacer chairs is fully present here: adjustable in the angle, height and depth of the armrests; adjustable headrest; lumbar support; built-in synchronous swing function with adjustable stiffness; fixing the back in any position; 2-inch nylon, safe wheels for the floor. As in all other models of the series, the depth of the seat and the height of the backrest are not adjustable.
Virtues
- high quality materials and assembly;
- high level of service;
- reliability and durability;
- a special series with the symbolism of Ninjas in Pajamas;
- fashion brand;
disadvantages
- does not rotate 180 degrees.
Tt eSPORTS by Thermaltake GT Comfort GTC 500
Rating: 4.8
Further, in the premium group of the ranking from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/, there follows an interesting armchair, which was developed and created within the walls of the famous Taiwanese company Thermaltake. Even outwardly, it is markedly different from most of the models described above.
The dimensions in this case are as follows: the seat width is 50 cm, the depth is 52 cm; height of the seat - from 48 to 58 cm; backrest height - 84 cm; total height of the chair - from 132 to 142 cm; weight - 27 kg.
As an upholstery manufacturer uses a special composition, imitating the skin, but high strength and not afraid of direct sunlight. On the "external" gaming chair in general, emphasis is placed. All supporting structures, of course, metal, made of durable alloys. Steel frame 22 mm thick, that is, to break it will not work any, even the most well-fed player, and even with the most abrupt movements. Polyurethane foam as a filler - increased density, partly for reasons of durability.
Compared with the above models in the group, this game chair has fully adequate functionality. There are adjustable armrests - horizontal rotation, adjustment up and down, angle, distance between the pair. There is also a lumbar support and an adjustable headrest. There is a seat height adjustment, fixation of the backrest in an arbitrary position, rolling due to the multifunctional Z-system and other functions. Large 3-inch rollers ensure a smooth and pleasant ride.
The only important point - this gaming chair is able to turn around 160 degrees. This, though not 180, but still allows the player to rest without leaving the monitor.
The manufacturer’s product range includes the following colors (with a black base) - lime, red, blue, black.
Virtues
- original design;
- multifunctional swing system;
- 3 inch wheels;
- thick and durable frame;
- materials designed for durability;
disadvantages
- poor ventilation.
DXRacer King OH / KS06
Rating: 4.8
And at the end of the ranking of the best gaming chairs from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/, we again turn to the “King of the market” DXRacer, especially, even in the model nomenclature contains the word “King”. And here, too, there is a secret - this is the only gaming chair in our entire review that can safely withstand a weight of up to 180 kg! We now turn to the details.
Dimensions of this chair are as follows: seat width - 58 cm, depth - 57 cm; height of the seat - from 38 to 46 cm; backrest height - 85 cm; the total height of the game chair is from 123 to 131 cm; weight - 25 kg.
Inevitably, this model is almost the “brother” of the previous one in terms of the quality of materials and functionality. Here are all the advantages of the GT Comfort GTC 500, only a very solid and impressive appearance is added to them.
The functionality is quite wide: the swing mechanism is a multiblock with the function of adjusting the stiffness and fixation; You can adjust everything exactly the same way as in the previous example. Here, even the rollers of exactly the same size - 3 inches, made of semi-soft polymer, safe for flooring.
The assortment is available in quite a lot of colors. Base color - black, artifacts: black, white, blue, orange, green, red.
Virtues
- swing mechanism - multiblock;
- quality of service;
- high-quality and reliable materials;
- expressive appearance;
- maintains up to 180 kg;
disadvantages
- not noted.
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.