11 Best Gaming Chairs for Long Hours

Sitting for long hours can take a toll on your body. For gamers who have sat on cheap gaming chairs for a long period, you may have noticed aching muscles and a creaking back. The pain may have been too unbearable for you to continue gaming. 

Before you invest in the latest gaming keyboard or the most expensive headset, consider an ergonomic gaming chair that is suitable and comfortable to sit on for long hours. A gaming chair should promote a healthy posture and relieve the tension throughout your body. But what’s the difference between cheap gaming chairs and high-quality ones? The difference is in their build quality, ergonomic features, upholstery material, comfort, and adjustments. 

Let’s dive deeper into our top gaming chairs for sitting long hours and we’ll tell you what to look for when you’re in the market for a new one! 

The Best Gaming Chairs for Long Hours 

• Secretlab Titan Evo – Our Top Pick
• DXRacer Formula Series – Best for Short People
• NeueChair by Secretlab – Best Value
• GTRACING Gaming Chair – Budget Pick
• Herman Miller Aeron – Best Mesh
• Steelcase Leap – Best Fabric
• Vertagear PL6000 – Best Wide Gaming Chair
• AndaSeat Dark Demon – Best for Big and Tall People
• Herman Miller Embody – Best for Back Pain
• RESPAWN RSP-900 – Best Recliner 
• AKRacing Max Series – Best for Heavy People

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Secretlab Titan Evo – The Best Gaming Chair for Long Hours

Check out our full Secretlab Gaming Chairs Review

Secretlab has been the premier manufacturer of gaming chairs. Their newest chair, the Titan Evo, has all of the makings of an innovative, comfortable, and highly ergonomic chair. It includes three unique upholstery options: Neo Hybrid Leatherette, SoftWeave Plus, and Napa Leather. The Neo Hybrid Leatherette has the same characteristics as genuine NAPA leather and is 12 times more durable than regular leather. Softweave Plus is best suited for people who prefer more ventilation to keep you cool all day. 

In addition, the Evo offers a big upgrade in lower back support compared to most gaming chairs. It features integrated lumbar support called L-Adapt, which can be adjusted up, down, in, and out. The height adjustment allows you to fit the support into the curve of your spine, while the depth adjustment lets you set the amount of support you want. This dynamic support also flexes and responds to movement in your spine. 

The Titan Evo features many other ergonomic features that keep you comfortable for long periods. For example, it includes a memory foam head pillow to provide pressure relief and prevent neck pain. The chair is engineered with 4D armrests, a backrest with a 165-degree recline capability, tilt-lock, a tension knob, and more. 

Pros: 

• Evo comes in three different sizes to accommodate all body sizes 
• L-ADAPT allows you to customize lower back support to eliminate pain and promote better posture 
• The backrest reclines up to 165 degrees to off-load pressure in your spine 
• Available Softweave fabric upholstery to keep you cool for long hours 
• Cold-cure foam dissipates pressure for all-day comfort 

Cons: 

• The backrest doesn’t rock once it’s fully reclined 

DXRacer Formula Series – Best Gaming Chair for Short People

Check out our full DXRacer Gaming Chairs Review

For short people or adolescents, sitting in a regular-sized gaming chair might feel awkward. For example, the neck and back pillows won’t hit the proper pressure points, and the seat depth might be too deep. The DXRacer Formula Series, it’s designed for short people up to 5’8″ tall and supports only up to 200 pounds. As a result, you’re getting a more customized chair that fits your body size to ensure good posture over long periods. 

If you live in a hot climate or easily sweat, it’s extremely uncomfortable to sit in a chair that feels trapped with heat. The Formula Series stands out from most gaming chairs because it incorporates a high-quality breathable fabric allowing water vapor, body heat, and air to pass through, keeping you fresh and cool for many hours. 

Also, the backrest can recline from 90 to 135 degrees and can be positioned at any angle in between. This gives players many options to choose the optimal position for relaxing or gaming. It also can freely rock back and forth. 

Pros: 

• Very affordable gaming chair 
• Designed for people up to 5’8″ tall and supports up to 200 lbs 
• Utilizes a breathable fabric to keep you cool and dry for long term usage 
• Optional pillow set available for headrest and lower back support 
• High-density molding foam helps to compress and mold padding into your unique body shape for enhanced comfort 

Cons: 

• The armrest is only height adjustable 

Check out our guide on the Best Gaming Chairs for Short People

NeueChair by Secretlab – Best Value Gaming Chair for Long Hours

Most gaming chairs use PU leather, which traps heat and doesn’t allow air and water to escape. As a result, you may have a sweaty back or feel highly uncomfortable with the heat. Luckily, Secretlab solves this issue with NeueChair. 

The NeueChair was designed to provide natural balance and support for optimal gaming and working positions. Its primary feature is the NeueMesh upholstery, a premium three-layer mesh that utilizes DuPont yarn and polyester fiber which feels smooth on the skin and comfortable for long hours. Although Secretlab offers the SoftWeave fabric upholstery, the NeueMesh maximizes the amount of airflow to keep you cooler, especially on hot summer days. 

In addition, it features two ControlShift hand levers that provide easy access to chair adjustments. The left lever will unlock the backrest tilt, and the right lever lets you adjust the seat height. NeueChair also has a unique Focus Mode ergonomic setting that tucks the seat pan backward and pushes the backrest forward into your lumbar. As a result, players can achieve optimal focus and productivity during gameplay. 

Pros: 

• NeueMesh is made of three-layer fabric for optimal feel on the skin, comfort, and all-day breathability 
• ControlShift lever is conveniently located under the armrest for easy access
• Lumbar support is height adjustable to fit into the curve of your spine 
• Waterfall seat edge design increases circulation in your legs 
• Focus Mode setting tucks seat pan backward and backrest forward to achieve optimal zone of focus

Cons: 

• Lumbar support isn’t depth adjustable 

GTRACING Gaming Chair – Most Affordable Gaming Chair for Long Hours

If your budget is tight, you may want to consider the GTRACING gaming chair. This chair is built with a sturdy frame, dense foam padding, and external pillows to keep you comfortable for long hours. One of the key components to its comfort is the high-quality, smooth PU leather and seat cushion that GTRACING incorporates. A high-density foam padding provides pressure relief and conforms to your body to eliminate some of the pressure points while you’re sitting. In addition, the density helps to retain its structure and shape for many years. 

Adjustability is another critical component to comfort. GTRACING has a backrest with a full 180 degree recline along with a 2D armrest. Sitting in a deep recline helps to reverse some of the negative effects, especially from sitting with poor posture. 

It reduces the spinal load because it allows the entire spine to lean back while keeping your hips tilted forward. Keeping an upright spine or having the spine compressed when hunched over can cause chronic back problems or even a herniated disc or nerve pinches. In addition, the reclining opens up the diaphragm and lunges, helping you breathe better. 

Pros: 

• Very low priced gaming chair 
• Available in seven different color options 
• Smooth PU leather makes it smooth and supple for all-day comfort
• The backrest has a deep recline allowing you to relax and nap during breaks
• Armrests have thick and soft arm pads for additional comfort 

Cons: 

• PU leather can trap heat and cause sweating 

Herman Miller Aeron – Best Mesh Gaming Chair for Long Hours

Check out our full Herman Miller Office Chairs Review

Herman Miller is a brand that prioritizes ergonomics over the aesthetic appeal. Although it looks quite contemporary, the main draw is its innovative ergonomic design. Its primary feature is the patented 8Z pellicle mesh, which is woven together with varying tension levels. The edges are tighter, while the other areas of the seat are more forgiving. This mesh has an elastomeric suspension which relieves pressure points and feels extremely responsive. 

Not to mention, the mesh allows for maximum airflow, heat, and water vapor to pass through. As a result, players will feel cool and dry all day. The seat boasts a waterfall seat edge to keep the blood circulating down to your legs. As a result, you won’t have to worry about your foot falling asleep or the dreaded afternoon slump. 

The Aeron also has a unique PostureFit SL feature that consists of two adjustable pads that flex independently based on your spinal movement and shape. This ensures you’re getting ample support for your lumbar and sacrum area. 

Pros: 

• 8Z pellicle mesh features elastomeric suspension to relieve circulation-restricting pressure points 
• Mesh maximizes airflow to keep you cool, especially in hot-weather climates
• The PostureFit SL system is two individual lumbar pads that flex independently based on your spine’s shape and movements. 
• Waterfall design helps to relieve pressure under your thighs 
• The Aeron arrives fully assembled, and Herman Miller offers a 12-year warranty 

Cons: 

• The Aeron is quite expensive compared to other chairs

Check out our full guide on the Best Mesh Gaming Chairs

Steelcase Leap – Best Fabric Gaming Chair for Long Hours

The Steelcase Leap has been frequently rated as one of the most ergonomic chairs in the market. If you have a chair without lumbar support, you’ll notice a gap appear between the chair and the lumbar curve. This places a lot of stress on your lower back. Even chairs with lumbar support won’t account for spinal movement or when users move around for the seat. 

That’s why the Steelcase Leap features their unique 3D LiveBack technology in their backrest, which flexes and adapts to body movements. This ensures constant support no matter the recline position, proper hip alignment, and good posture. 

Another unique aspect of the Leap is its synchro-tilt feature. When players recline backward, the seat will tilt up by one degree. As a result, the thighs remain consistently parallel to the ground, and ensure better spinal alignment. 

Lastly, the Leap offers a few different upholstery options, but the best is the 3D knitted fabric called Buzz2. This is a tightly knitted polyester fabric with 26 different variations. It comes with three layers, including a bottom layer of polyester cushioning for enhanced comfort, a solid fabric to blend in the outer color, and a top layer of breathable fabric for cooling. 

Pros: 

• Leap has a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs 
• The seat depth to accommodate people of different heights
• The seat cushion has built-in air pockets and flexible edges to relieve pressure points and conform to your body shape
• LiveBack technology flexes and bends to support your spine, and micromovements 
• Lumbar support is height and firmness adjustable to matched your preferred level of lower back support 

Cons: 

• The chair itself weighs almost 50 lbs making it difficult to move from one room to another 

Check out our guide on the Best Fabric Gaming Chairs

Vertagear PL6000 – Best Wide Gaming Chair for Long Hours

Check out our full Vertagear Gaming Chairs Review

Most conventional gaming chairs have a bucket seat design. Unfortunately, this only limits the amount of space you have in your seat. The Vertagear PL6000 is designed with bigger dimensions, including a wider seat width and backrest width, which provide users with more space to operate. A flat seat design promotes the user to open their hips more, which leads to a person’s chest opening up. As a result, this pulls the chest forward and creates an upright posture. 

The Vertagear PL6000 is made from a heavy-duty metal base frame and an aluminum alloy five-star base to withstand a maximum load of 440 lbs. However, the chair is recommended to support people between the heights of 5’9″ to 6’8″ and up to 350 pounds. 

Heavier individuals will also benefit from the ultra-premium high resilience foam because it can take on 62% more weight per cubic foot. The high-density foam offers the closest characteristics to memory foam. This means that it will mold to fit the shape of your body, providing plenty of pressure relief. 

Pros: 

• Available in seven different colors 
• Seat width and backrest width is wider than most gaming chairs 
• The heavy-duty metal base frame supports a max load of 440 lbs and is up to 6’8″ tall 
• Ultra-premium high resilience foam withstands 62% more weight and molds to shape your body to enhance comfort 
• Includes four tilt locking positions, so gamers can change positions for relaxation and reduced back pressure 

Cons: 

• PVC leather isn’t very breathable 

Check out our guide on the Best Wide Gaming Chairs

AndaSeat Dark Demon – Best Gaming Chair for Big and Tall People

Check out our full Anda Seat Gaming Chairs Review

Finding the right chair for big and tall gamers can be tough. The selection is usually limited, and they may not have all of the ergonomic features as the regular-sized chairs. AndaSeat Dark Demon was engineered to minimize discomfort and fatigue while promoting a healthy sitting posture. 

It features AD Mould pillows which provide similar characteristics to memory foam. It helps to eliminate pressure in the right areas in the neck and lower back. In addition, the pillows help to regulate temperature and keep you cool at all times. 

The Dark Demon is ideal for people between 5’11” to 6’11” tall and supports up to 375 pounds. This is due to the XL size frame, made of a high-quality 22mm diameter frame and aluminum base. Not to mention, the frame has a lifetime warranty, so you won’t ever have to worry about the chair falling apart. 

Back pain can be a huge problem for heavier individuals. The Dark Demon comes with a deep reclining back that tilts back up to 160 degrees, along with a tilt tension adjuster. Reclining backward helps to unload the stress on the spine and alleviate the pain in your lower back. 

Pros: 

• PVC leather is scratch and stain resistant 
• The backrest has tilt tension adjustment allowing you to smoothly and comfortably change seating positions 
• 4D armrest protects your wrists from carpal tunnel syndrome and supports your elbows 
• The chair has a max load of 350 lbs and supports people up to 6’10” tall 
• The backrest reclines up to 160 degrees allowing gamers to nap or rest after long gaming sessions 

Cons: 

• It lacks an integrated lumbar support system

Check out our guide on the Best Gaming Chairs for Big and Tall People

Herman Miller Embody – Best Gaming Chair for Back Pain

Herman Miller has partnered with Logitech to create a new ergonomic chair specifically designed for gamers. This model modifies the classic Embody but adds a few tweaks. The main upgrade is the extra seat padding that the Logitech receives. During intense gameplay, gamers will sit forward into a more active posture style. The Embody Logitech offers multi-layered padding, including two spring layers, a mat layer, a foam layer, and a breathable fabric. 

In addition, the Embody features ribs along with the backrest. These ribs contract and flex based on how your body moves. As your spine shifts, there are gaps between your back and the chair. These ribs help to fill the gap, similar to how lumbar support would. In addition, the Embody features a BackFit adjustment that can increase or decrease the curve in the spines thoracic area to ensure proper lower back support. 

The Herman Miller Embody also has an ergonomic synchro-tilt mechanism ensuring that the backrest is always at a 2:1 ratio to the seat. Essentially, the seat raises slightly as the backrest reclines. As a result, the pelvis is stabilized, and the thighs are kept horizontal as you recline to ensure optimal posture. 

Pros: 

• BackFit adjustment can align the backrest with the curve of your spine 
• Pixelated support system reacts to micromovements for a customized support 
• The 4-layer fabric upholstery combines a soft cushion with breathability for comfortable long term sitting 
• Plenty of adjustments are available, like tilt tension, seat depth, armrest, etc. 
• Herman Miller offers a 12-year warranty 

Cons: 

• Quite expensive 

Check out our guide on the Best Gaming Chairs for Back Pain

RESPAWN RSP-900 – Best Gaming Recliner for Long Hours

If you’re someone who loves to play console games, having a recliner may be more practical than a standard computer gaming chair. A recliner chair sits a little lower to the ground making it more convenient for video game consoles. The Respawn RSP-900 provides plenty of segmented padding throughout the chair to keep you comfortable for many hours. 

One of the primary functions is the continuous surface footrest. Footrest improves circulation throughout your lower body and prevents some of the stiffness and numbness aches you may receive from long hours of sitting. Since the footrest has a continuous surface from the seat padding, you don’t have to worry about having any wires caught or a cut-off in circulation under your thighs. 

We also like that the RSP-900 offers convenient side pouches and a built-in cup holder on the left arm. These side pouches are convenient to hold all of your accessory items like controllers, remotes, phones, keys, and wallets. 

Pros: 

• Designed for console gamers 
• Continous footrest provides relaxation and pressure relief to your lower body 
• Side pouches hold accessories such as controllers, remotes, etc. 
• The backrest can recline up to 135 degrees to take pressure off the spine and lower back 
• The headrest pillow and segmented padding gives you an extra cushion for comfortable sitting 

Cons: 

• It lacks a lumbar back support 

Check out our guide on the Best Reclining Gaming Chairs

AKRacing Max Series – Best Gaming Chair for Heavy People

Check out our full AKRacing Gaming Chairs Review

For heavier people, you’ll need a gaming chair with larger dimensions and can withstand more weight. Otherwise, you run the risk of potentially having a shorter lifespan or feeling incredibly uncomfortable. The AKRacing Max Series is a gaming chair specifically designed for heavy people due to its heavy-duty construction and extra-large dimensions. It is made with an extra-strong high tensile aluminum base that is rated 20 times stronger than the strength of steel. As a result, it can support up to 400 pounds of weight. 

In addition, the Max Series features 100% cold-cured foam padding that combines the perfect balance between soft and supportive. This is perfect for gamers who spend all day sitting. Unlike most gaming chairs that use cheap PU leather, the AKRacing Max Series utilizes a premium quality automotive grade PU leather that won’t crack or peel for five years. It comes with five bold color options, including deep blue, solid black, bright white, indigo, and red. 

Pros: 

• The extra strong high tensile aluminum base ensures 400 lbs weight capacity 
• The chair has a rocking function or can lock into any angle 
• The armrest has to cushion and can be adjustable in four directions 
• Chair dimensions are larger to support heavy and bigger people 
• Plenty of cold-cured foam padding for maximum comfort 

Cons: 

• PU leather may be prone to scratches 

Check out our guide on the Best Gaming Chairs for Heavy People

How to Choose the Best Gaming Chairs for Long Hours – Buyer’s Guide 

If you spend a lot of time gaming, you’ll want to pick a higher-quality gaming chair with better build quality and is highly comfortable to sit on. There’s nothing worse than sitting on low-quality chairs that will cause you back and neck pain. 

Build Quality

There are many ways to look at when determining whether a chair has good build quality. This typically includes a chair’s frame, base, and padding. A gaming chair should use a metal material for its frames, such as steel or aluminum, as these are the strongest and most durable. If you’re a heavier person, look for wide bases with reinforced metal to enhance strength. Avoid plastic or nylon bases. 

Next, look at the foam padding. High-density foam padding has a rating of at least six cubic feet or higher. These foam paddings tend to retain it’s shape the longest compared to a low-density foam, which may deteriorate quickly. 

When buying a chair, you’ll want to check for testing certifications that the chair has undergone. Chair manufacturers will send their third-party organizations such as BIFMA or ANSI to examine their characteristics and usability. The primary goal of these tests is to ensure that the gaming chairs are safe, healthy, and sustainable to use in any environment. There are many things that are tested, like the padding, components, durability, function, comfort, etc. 

Size & Weight Capacity

Always consider whether the gaming chair is the right size for you. A big and tall person shouldn’t sit in a regular size chair because it will likely feel uncomfortable, and the chair wasn’t designed for a larger person. Consequently, a smaller person shouldn’t sit in an XL-sized chair because its features won’t be targeting the right areas of the body. 

For example, the Secretlab Titan Evo features three sizes: small, regular, and XL. The small size is recommended for people between 4’11” to 5’6″ tall and below 200 pounds. Next, the regular size is best suited for people between 5’7″ to 6’2″ and under 220 pounds. Lastly, the XL size is recommended for people between 5’11” to 6’9″ and between 175 to 395 pounds. Always look for the sizing and make sure you fall within the chair’s recommended height and weight range. 

Comfort (Seat, Back, Armrests)

Although comfort is generally subjective and may vary from person to person, there are some commonalities as to why some gaming chairs are more comfortable than others. The goal of a seat is to help support your coccyx, hip, and upper leg muscles while also distributing the weight evenly. 

A seat with high-density foam padding, memory foam padding, or a flexible mesh can help to provide pressure relief. The foam materials mold to the shape of your body, providing customer support, while a mesh will bend and flex to your body movements. In addition, a mesh has a waterfall seat edge which allows blood flow to move down your legs. As a result, it eliminates all of the circulation-restricting pressure points. 

The backrest should incorporate lumbar support that fits into your spinal curve. Without lumbar support, there will be a gap between the chair and your back. Most people will compensate by pushing their lower back, causing you to hunch over in an unhealthy C-posture. 

Lastly, consider adjustable armrests in multiple directions such as by height, forward or back, left or right, and in or out. Armrests help to keep your wrists and forearms in a relaxed position, easing any pressure or muscle tension. Having your wrists in the proper position reduces the chance of carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Adjustability

Everybody has their unique body type and seating preferences. That’s why your gaming chair must offer plenty of adjustments available. Some of the common adjustments you should look for are adjustable seat height, seat depth, armrest, backrest reline, backrest recline, lumbar support, synchro-tilt, tilt tension, and a headrest pillow. 

The seat height and depth are crucial to accommodate a person’s height. Ideally, a person should have their feet firmly planted on the floor while being eye-level to the computer screen. A chair should have an adjustable armrest to keep the wrist, elbow, and forearm parallel to the desk. This prevents carpal tunnel syndrome and relieves tension in the shoulder and neck. 

The lumbar support should be height and depth adjustable. Height adjustment allows the support to fit into the spinal curve, while depth adjustment lets you choose the amount of support. A synchro-tilt keeps your backrest and seat in a 2:1 ratio. The synchro-tilt ensures proper posture by stretching your torso and chest area without putting pressure on your thighs and legs. 

Upholstery Material

Gaming chairs most commonly are available in either leather, fabric, or mesh material. The leather feels incredibly smooth and supple. Not to mention, they look very modern and fit the gaming setup the most. The downside is that leather may be scratch-resistant, and they aren’t very breathable. 

With fabric upholstery, there are tiny pockets between the woven weaves that allow for some airflow. The fabric also has many design options to match your gaming space. It typically elicits a very soft and cozy feeling. The problem with fabric is that it is prone to potential stains from food spills. 

Lastly, gaming chairs may use a mesh material. Mesh materials maximize airflow by allowing air, body heat, and water to escape. As a result, users will minimize any sweating and feel much cooler while sitting. The only drawback to mesh materials is that it’s quite limited in design options. 

Price

Most buyers will have a budget when buying a gaming chair. Knowing what you’re willing to spend can help you narrow down your options. For budget-conscious individuals, we advise getting the GTRACING gaming chair, DXRacer Formular Series for the Respawn RSP-900. If you’re willing to spend a little more, you should upgrade to the Secretlab Titan Evo, NeueChair, Vertagear PL6000, or the AKRacing Max Series. 

However, if the price isn’t an issue, we recommend Herman Miller chairs or the Steelcase Leap. They offer ergonomic features that are unmatched by competitors, such as the synchro-tilt, premier upholstery fabric or mesh, and plenty of features to ensure a pain-free sitting experience. 

Conclusion

Now that you understand what to look for and the best gaming chairs in the market, you’re ready to select the one that suits you best. Whether you’re a casual or professional gamer, getting the right gaming chair can be one of the best investments in your life. 

It might save you a few trips to the chiropractor’s office and even lower your healthcare expenses! The gaming chairs we’ve recommended have been carefully selected based on our research along with trial and error. 

These chairs are top-notch and will help ensure a pain-free and more enjoyable gaming experience. We hope you’ve found our review helpful and now feel more informed about purchasing your next gaming chair!