10 Best Gaming Chairs Under $200

Gaming chairs have been growing in popularity over the years. If you’re searching for an affordable gaming chair, chances are you’ll browse through dozens of different models by now. It can be quite overwhelming due to the many brands that now manufacture and sell gaming chairs. 

Fortunately, we’ve sifted through these gaming chairs and have tried many ourselves, so we can give you a nice rundown of the best options available. For budget-conscious gamers, you may not want to pay a fortune for a chair. We’ve picked out the best gaming chairs for under $200 so that you can still get awesome-looking chairs with great functionality and features. 

The Best Gaming Chairs Under $200

• GTRACING Classic Series Gaming Chair – Best Overall
• Homall S Racer Gaming Chair – Budget Pick
• GTRACING Premium Series – Best Fabric
• RESPAWN RSP 200 – Best Mesh
• GTRACING Audio Series – Best with Bluetooth Speakers
• X Rocker Pro Series 2.1 – Best Rocker Gaming Chair
• Homall Gaming Recliner – Best for Console Gaming
• Dowinx Gaming Chair – Best with Massage
• RESPAWN 110 – Best with Footrest
• Homall Racing Recliner – Best Reclining Gaming Chair

GTRACING Classic Series Gaming Chair – The Best Gaming Chair Under $200

When it comes to all-around comfort, ergonomics, and affordability, it’s hard to beat the GTracing Classic Series gaming chair. It has everything you want in a racing-style gaming chair, such as a thick padded seat cushion, lumbar and headrest pillows, a wide range of recline, and many color options. 

We like that it offers a 3D armrest meaning you can adjust them by height, forward and back, or in and out. This customization lets you get into a comfortable arm position and keep them supported throughout the duration of sitting. 

The chair itself has a nice recline function letting users lean back up to 160 degrees. This is great for relaxing in between the gameplay, watching movies, or just wanting to give your back a break. 

Not to mention, there are nine different color selections to choose from, many of which are bold and flashy colors. Gamers love to decorate their gaming setup with LED lights and other fancy tech setups, making the GTracing chair the perfect complement to your gaming space. 

Pros: 

• Extremely affordable 
• Nine color schemes to choose from 
• 3D adjustable arms to keep your arms comfortable and supported 
• Well-padded cushion with lumbar and headrest pillow 
• Reclines up to 160 degrees to allow users to relax

Cons:

• Compact chair and might not be suitable for big and tall users 

Homall S Racer Gaming Chair – Most Affordable Gaming Chair Under $200

It’s hard to imagine a cheaper gaming chair than the GTracing, but Homall S Racer comes in at a lower price. There are several reasons for the Homall racing-style chair. This includes a more spacious design, increased weight capacity, and a wider range of recline. 

Most gaming chairs are quite compact, making them better suited for smaller users. Unfortunately, since it’s already compact, the bucket seat design will only further keep you feeling restrained. The Homall S Racer has a wider seat pan of 25.79 inches, which is about five inches more than most gaming chairs. This allows you to move around in the seat or even sit cross-legged style. 

It comes with a thick-padded high-density shape foam with PU leather upholstery. The leather feels very smooth and very easy to maintain. We also like that it supports up to 300 pounds, making it better suited for heavier individuals. And the backrest reclines up to 180 degrees, meaning it is parallel to the ground. It’s a great chair to nap and relaxes in when you’re lounging. 

Pros: 

• One of the cheapest gaming chairs you’ll find 
• Supports up to 300 pounds 
• Wide seat specifications to accommodate bigger users 
• Lots of bold and flashy colors to choose from 
• Soft and supportive molded foam for enhanced comfort 

Cons:

• PU leather can hold and trap heat 

GTRACING Premium Series – Best Fabric Gaming Chair Under $200

One of the biggest knocks on gaming chairs is using PU or faux leather. While they feel smooth and comfy, they aren’t the best when it comes to wicking away moisture or keeping you cool. 

Fortunately, GTracing Premium Series is upholstered using a fabric cloth material. It’s much more breathable since it’s made with intertwined fabrics weaved together, meaning air can pass through these tiny holes between the fabric fibers. If you’re someone who sweats while sitting or hates the feeling of sitting in a warm seat, the GTracing Premium series could be a great option. 

Besides the breathability aspect, it also feels soft and cozy, which gives off the feeling that you’re sitting on a couch. The chair also features many of the same features as other gaming chairs, like a thick-padded cushion, lumbar and headrest pillows, and a wide range of recline. 

Having the lumbar and headrest pillow is quite helpful since it supports areas prone to pain and discomfort, especially after sitting for a long time. The lower back tends to slump forward without support. The pillow helps to support the lumbar curve and keep the posture intact. Overall, there’s little not to like about the chair, and it’s a great choice for people who want to feel a little cooler yet still very comfortable. 

Pros: 

• Soft fabric materials are breathable and help let air pass-through
• The fabric cushion is soft and cozy 
• Reclines up to 170 degrees letting users get into any position 
• It only takes 15 to 20 minutes to assemble 
• Offers a 1-year warranty

Cons:

• Only one color to choose from 

RESPAWN RSP 200 – Best Mesh Gaming Chair Under $200

Mesh upholstery is often reserved for only office chairs. However, Respawn has decided to add mesh upholstery to their gaming chairs with the RSP 200. While it has quite a funky look, there’s no arguing that the mesh offers the best breathability out of all materials. There’s a reason why mesh is used in performance footwear, window screens, and other things where breathability is important. 

The Respawn features a fully-mesh back with a padded PU leathered seat cushion. This allows users to still receive the comfort from a padded seat while receiving the benefits that mesh offers. The mesh back keeps users cool, allowing a nice breeze to come in to prevent sweating.

Additionally, we were pleasantly surprised to find that Respawn offers a five-year limited warranty on the chair. This is better than most gaming brands, which only offer a one-year warranty. Considering it’s an affordably priced chair, it’s nice to have a good warranty to fall back on in case something does go wrong. 

If you hate being bothered by heat when gaming, then the RSP 200 is a great choice, especially since very few budget gaming chairs will offer a mesh upholstered backrest. 

Pros: 

• The armrest can adjust by height or depth to get arms in perfect position for gaming 
• Completely mesh back to allow airflow and keep users cool all-day 
• Steel tube frame construction ensures long-lasting durability 
• Offers an impressive 5-year limited warranty and 1-year round representative support 
• The padded seat cushion helps to alleviate pressure and distribute weight evenly 

Cons:

• Only reclines up to 130 degrees 
• Lacks lumbar support 

GTRACING Audio Series – Best Gaming Chair Under $200 with Bluetooth Speakers

Gaming chairs have gotten more creative over the years in regards to the features they offer. Gamers want to feel the sensation of their gameplay, which is why having speakers is incredibly important. 

The GTracing Audio Series features two built-in speakers that provide stereo sound to provide a fully immersive experience. While they might not be premium bose speakers, they do offer a solid base and very clear audio. If you’re a budget-conscious gamer, this chair allows you to save money on buying an expensive stereo system. 

Additionally, these speakers have Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device within five feet, such as your smartphone, laptop, or tablet. Not to mention, it has an impressive battery life since it can play for up to six hours when fully charged. 

Besides the speakers, it comes standard with many of the features you’d expect from a racing-style gaming chair. We like that the armrest is 3D adjustable, letting you position your arms in the most comfortable and ergonomic position for gameplay. Oftentimes, gamers may use multiple screens and devices, so changing positions can better suit your gameplay. 

Pros: 

• Built-in Bluetooth speakers with immersive surround sound 
• Speakers can last for six hours when fully charged 
• The synchro-tilt mechanism allows the backrest to recline up to 170 degrees
• Tilt-lock allows users to lock back angle at any position 
• Speakers are compatible with any device with a Bluetooth connection

Cons:

• Not much padding on the armrest 

X Rocker Pro Series 2.1 – Best Rocker Gaming Chair Under $200

Rocker gaming chairs like the X Rocker Pro Series 2.1 tend to be more comfortable than the standard computer gaming chair. That’s because it’s more spacious and doesn’t offer the restrictive constraints such as a bucket-style seat would.

The X Rocker features a pedestal base that can swivel in any direction and tilt or rock back. This chair takes the immersive experience to another level. Not only does it come with two forward-facing speakers, but it also has subwoofers and vibration motors. 

The powerful subwoofers offer the perfect complement to the speaker since it gives the sound a much deeper bass and provides a bombastic sound, which is great for large rooms. Additionally, there are vibration motors that vibrate the sync to the audio’s bass tunes. This makes gaming much more fun when you can feel the action and experience much greater depth to the sound. 

This chair offers a wireless receive along with stereo outputs that are compatible with most gaming consoles, including the PlayStation and Xbox. We also like that the chair can be folded for easy storage. If you’re looking for a console gaming chair, the X Rocker Pro Series 2.1 is a chair that lets you immerse yourself into the gameplay. 

Pros: 

• Perfect for console gaming, lounging, and watching movies 
• Two forward-facing integrated speakers with a subwoofer for an immersive sound experience 
• Includes both wired and wireless connectivity 
• Compatible with most gaming systems like PlayStation and Xbox 
• Able to rock and swivel 

Cons:

• It doesn’t offer a lumbar support 

Homall Gaming Recliner – Best for Console Gaming

Console gaming chairs aren’t limited to rocker chairs. Recliners are another excellent option, especially for those who like to lean back fully. The Homall gaming recliner is incredibly versatile since it can be used in many situations. That’s because it offers a fully reclining 180-degree backrest along with a footrest. 

The footrest is strategically designed where it’s connected to the seat pan. When a seat pan isn’t optimally positioned for your height, it can cause a cut-off in circulation under the knees. In a proper seating position, it’s ideal to have an inch or two of separation between the knees and the seat. 

Since there’s no separation between the footrest and seat pan, there won’t be any restriction in blood flow circulation. While it may seem subtle, it’s a nice ergonomic design that adds to the comfort of the chair. 

Overall, the chair is well-padded and is much more spacious than most gaming chairs. With a width of 26 inches and 29 inches of depth, it’s a big chair that is suitable for people of all sizes. The high-density thick sponge cushions along with the large lumbar and headrest padding make it very comfortable to sit in for long periods. 

Pros: 

• The footrest is perfect for relaxing and alleviating pressure in your lower body 
• Reclines from 90 to 180 degrees letting you change positions 
• It comes mostly pre-assembled and takes three minutes to install 
• Large and spacious char to accommodate larger individuals 
• Very comfortable recliner for console gaming, watching TV, and reading 

Cons:

• The armrest is thin and non-adjustable 

Dowinx Gaming Chair – Best with Massage Gaming Chair Under $200

Gaming chair manufacturers have found ways to incorporate unique high-tech features that you wouldn’t find in your typical office chair. Back pain is a serious issue, and it’s quite common among people of all ages. That’s where the Dowinx gaming chair comes in.

It features a nice USB-powered massage function built into the lumbar massage pillow. Simply turn it on by plugging it into the USB of your computer, and the vibration motors inside the pillow will vibrate. The vibration from the massage function helps to provide heat to the lower back and loosen up the tense muscle knots. As a result, it can help improve stiff muscles and reduce lower back pain. 

While it might not magically cure back pain, it’s a nice pressure relief and can make sitting much more comfortable. The Dowinx gaming chair features a nicely padded armrest also to alleviate pressure in the forearms and elbows. 

The chair does offer a padded retractable footrest that extends outward as well. It lets you kick up your feet and relax. Additionally, the chair has a firm and resilient high-density foam to help distribute your weight evenly to reduce pressure points in your buttocks and thighs. 

Pros: 

• Available in many colors 
• Supports up to 350 pounds 
• 5-inch high-density foam cushion for maximum comfort 
• Built-in USB powered massage function to alleviate back pain 
• Retractable footrest letting users kick their feet up 

Cons:

• While the linked armrest is padded, it’s also non-adjustable 

RESPAWN 110 – Best Gaming Chair Under $200 with Footrest

Sitting in one place with no activity can cause poor blood circulation. A footrest can help to improve blood circulation and reduce pressure points by letting you kick up your feet in a horizontal position. 

Another advantage to having a footrest is that it can actually improve posture and reduce back problems. That’s because it’s nearly impossible to slouch forward by having your feet up. This means you’re likely to sit up or lean back, which places less strain on your back. The Respawn 110 offers a retractable footrest where it can extend outward. It’s also made with a thick-padded cushion to keep your legs and feet comfortable. 

The chair itself is quite spacious with specifications of 28 inches in seat width and 28.5 inches in seat depth. Thus, it can support bigger individuals and gives people more room to move around in their chair.

Pros: 

• Spacious seat with a wide seat pan 
• Soft padded armrest to alleviate pressure in the forearms and elbows 
• Respawn offers a five-year limited warranty 
• Retractable footrest extends out, helping users to relax in their chair 
• Height-adjustable lumbar and headrest pillow promotes a healthy posture 

Cons:

• The linked armrest isn’t adjustable 
• Only one color is available 

Homall Racing Recliner – Best Reclining Gaming Chair

Are you someone that enjoys movie theater seats? They’re often some of the comfiest chairs you’ll find. The Homall Racing Recliner very much feels like one with a very thick padded armrest, a built-in cupholder, and a continuous padded footrest. 

With a convenient wrench on the side of the chair, you can easily recline whenever you want. You won’t have to awkwardly bend over under the seat or adjust the chair from behind like most chairs. 

We like that the recliner is quite versatile in use. It can be used for computer gaming, console gaming, reading, and watching TV. The seat and footrest are connected and let you kick up your feet for total relaxation. 

It’s very spacious in design with 33 inches of depth and 30 inches of width. Whether you want to sprawl out in your seat with the footrest or curl up, the chair gives you the space to do so. Also, it has a nice swivel, rocking, and recline function, so you can move around during gameplay. This helps to improve circulation, which is crucial to preventing stiffness or soreness after prolonged sitting. 

Pros: 

• Continuous seat and footrest prevent cut off in circulation 
• Thick padded armrest keeps arms comfortable
• Built-in cup holder for added convenience 
• Well-padded seat with lumbar and headrest pillow to maximize comfort to sit long hours 
• Spacious seat to give users lots of room to move around 

Cons:

• Not a very adjustable chair 

How to Choose the Best Reclining Gaming Chair- Complete Buyer’s Guide  

A gaming chair is an investment. The choice you make will affect the next few years of gaming. That means it’s imperative that you choose wisely. We’ve listed the important factors to consider when evaluating budget gaming chairs. 

Ergonomics

Ergonomics should be one of the first things you look at. While we all fawn over the aesthetics of gaming chairs, it’s important to remember that the ergonomics of a chair will keep you comfortable and pain-free. 

The gaming chair should offer a wide range of adjustable options such as seat height, back angle recline, rocking function, armrest, lumbar, and headrest adjustability. Keep in mind, it may not apply to recliner or rocker chairs since they don’t have seat height or armrest adjustability. 

Sitting in a proper posture with your feet flat on the ground with arms parallel to the desk and eye-level with the screen will minimize potential pains and aches.

Features

Gaming chairs now offer unique features that you likely won’t find in standard office chairs. Some features to look out for are footrests, massage function, built-in speakers, and vibration motors. While they’re not completely necessary to have, they’re a really great bonus. 

This all depends on what you prefer. For example, if back pain is an issue, having a massage function can help to relax your back muscles so that it can properly maintain a good posture. Not to mention, it can prevent potential back pain by increasing blood flow and getting rid of the muscle knots. 

Or if you’re someone that likes to engage in intense or competitive gameplay, finding chairs with built-in speakers and vibration motors would enhance the overall experience. Having speakers right behind you really adds to the thrill and excitement of gaming. 

For people who like to kick up their feet and engage in other activities like reading, watching TV, or doing less intensive gameplay, a footrest is nice to have. Not to mention, it helps improve posture, relieves stress, and makes sitting much more comfortable. 

Build Quality

There’s no point buying a gaming chair if it’s going to last you a year or even a few months. While you can’t expect a budget gaming chair to last you a decade, it’s reasonable to expect a few good years if not longer. For example, the Respawn brand offers a generous five-year warranty. This lets you have the components of the chair replaced or repaired. 

Often, a chair’s warranty is a great indicator of its build quality. Manufacturers who offer a long warranty have more confidence in their product, thus can prove it with their warranty. Conversely, a chair that may be built with less durable parts may not have a long warranty since customers are more likely to request refunds. 

Other signs to look out for are the base and frame of the chair. Look for metal components like steel and aluminum since they are stronger. High-density foam is also helpful since it is tightly packed and prevents deterioration. Low-quality foam will flatten quickly, making it uncomfortable and painful to sit on. 

Comfort (seat comfort, back comfort, arm comfort)

Comfort and ergonomics are arguably the two most important factors for choosing a chair. Most gaming chairs offer excellent seat comfort since it uses a high-density foam cushion. Typically, the thicker the foam, the better. We like to see a three to five-inch foam thickness in the seat cushion. This helps to distribute the weight evenly and eliminate pressure points. 

As far back comfort, it’s ideal to have a lumbar pillow that can be adjusted by height. This supports the lumbar curve, which keeps your posture intact so that you can remain upright. Slouching forward or slumping in your seat will lead to back pain. A good recline function also helps since it takes the pressure off of the back as well. 

The best armrest is highly adjustable so that your arms are perfectly positioned where it’s parallel to your desk. In the case of console gaming, since there isn’t a desk, the armrest should be well-padded to provide some pressure relief to your elbows and forearms. 

Weight Capacity

Compact gaming chairs tend to have a weight capacity between 200 to 250 pounds. If you’re someone who weighs about this much, it’s important to look at higher-weight capacity chairs. You want to avoid chairs that reach near your weight. Ideally, you shouldn’t reach about 90% of a chair’s weight capacity. Sitting on a chair that doesn’t support your weight could cause the chair to deteriorate faster and lead to potential injuries. 

Instead, look for chairs that have higher weight capacities. With budget gaming chairs, you’ll find some chairs to have a weight capacity of 300 or even 350 pounds. Often, chairs with higher weight capacity feel more sturdy, stable, and have a better build quality. That’s because manufacturers will use higher-quality components. 

Design

Most gamers choose racing-style chairs because of their flashy and bold design. Fortunately, manufacturers often offer many color options to choose from. The racing-style chair comes with stripes down the sides of the chairs. Find a chair that matches your gaming setup or one that best suits your preferences. 

In addition to the racing design, gaming chairs will vary in the seat pan design. Traditionally, gaming chairs offer a bucket seat design. They were inspired by the inside of a sports car. While they look cool, they restrict your movement and keep you at the center of the seat. 

Instead, look for a pebble seat design or flat seat pan. They give you more space to operate and freely move around. Moving around can help increase circulation, making it more comfortable to sit for longer periods. 

Price

Price will be a consideration for most consumers. It’s important to consider what you’re getting for the price you’re paying for. Many affordable gaming chairs still offer good adjustable options along with unique features. It comes down to what your primary priorities are when you’re in the market for gaming chairs. 

For example, if comfort is what you’re after, then look for budget chairs like the Recliner or Pedestal chairs. They are much more spacious and offer lots of padding. Think about the build quality as well. Even if one chair costs less, it might not be worth it if you suspect the build quality to be poor. It’s best to work within your budget and the features you’re looking for to find the perfect match for your needs. 

Conclusion 

Gaming chairs are quite popular today and are practically a must-have for any gamer. Whether you play casually or professionally, gaming chairs can improve your comfort and experience. There’s nothing like the feeling you get sitting on a comfy and stylish chair. It boosts your confidence and just adds to the design of your gaming setup. 

We’ve pointed you in the right direction, and now you’re equipped with the knowledge to pick the right gaming chair.