It's difficult to imagine a time when most gamers sat in traditional office chairs which lacked the adjustability and comfort of ergonomic gaming chairs. Partly thanks to streamers and famous Esports champions, gaming chairs have become a vital component of any PC rig. The best gaming chairs are not only stylish but also have ergonomic characteristics allowing users to sit in them for endless hours without developing neck, back, and leg pain. Typically, these chairs achieve their ergonomic status with a shape that better aligns with a person's spine aided by added lumbar support and the ability to modify arm rest positions.

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The most comfortable gaming chair will cost much more than PC peripherals like keyboards and mice, with some rivaling the price of building a high-end gaming PC. As a result, the stakes are high in terms of finding a chair that can persevere for years and withstand the normal abuse and spills caused by a gamer. Fortunately, some of the leading manufacturers sell their chairs with lengthy warranties, made possible by the premium materials used in their construction. With the following gaming chairs, there is an extensive amount of customization possible, not only in terms of materials and colors but also with how much cushioning the back and neck will enjoy.

When choosing an ergonomic gaming chair, you can consider factors like:

• Lumbar support: This improves your overall comfort and long-term health.
• Easy adjustment: Being able to adjust the chair while sitting in it will maximize comfort.
• Max weight: Unfortunately, not all ergonomic gaming chairs are suitable for heavier gamers.

When a buyer is shopping for a premium ergonomic chair, Herman Miller usually appears at the top of the list of candidates. It's no surprise then that in 2020, the company teamed up with Logitech to make its first gaming chair, the Herman Miller X Logitech G Embody. The Embody chair dates back to 2008, and the Bill Stumpf-designed chair quickly became known as one of the most comfortable to sit in for hours, if not days on end.

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The differences between the standard Embody and the Logitech G version amount to copper foam instead of scrim foam used on the Logitech. Of course, there are some styling changes on the Logitech G Embody to make it stand out from office chairs, including the Logitech G logo and a choice of blue or black accent colors. The standard Embody is usually priced several hundred dollars higher than the Logitech G version, so it's best to try both out before purchasing.

The Herman Miller X Logitech G Embody is all about maintaining a sitting posture that won't lead to back strain and pain. PostureFit and BackFit support the lower and middle sections of the back with flexible ribs that complement the bone structure of the spine perfectly. Copper-fused 4-layer cooling foam is present in the back of the chair and the seat with the purpose of keeping gamers cool during long heated gaming sessions. The arm rest and seat height are adjustable, but it may take some tinkering to figure out how to modify the chair. Overall, with the Herman Miller 12-year warranty and leading ergonomic features, the Herman Miller X Logitech G Embody is the most comfortable gaming chair on the market.

Razer is a top-tier manufacturer of PC peripherals including keyboards, mice, and speakers, but it wasn't until October 2020 that they released their first gaming chair. The Iskur, with its trademark Razer logo and branding on the front edge of the seat cushion, complemented their other gear perfectly. The gaming chair was also exceptionally sturdy and comfortable with its dynamic lumbar support system but cost significantly higher than even the most expensive keyboard and mouse.

The Razer Iskur X is the company's answer to make a more affordable gaming chair that makes some compromises over the standard Iskur, but still is a solid ergonomic option for all-day comfort. While the Iskur X lacks the 4D arm rest of the Iskur, there are still plentiful adjustment options on the chair including customizable recline, tilt, and height. The Iskur X doesn't offer the same lumbar support as the Iskur, but additional back cushioning is sold as an add-on purchase.

Perhaps the best part of sitting in the Iskur X is its high-density foam cushions which rise from the sides of the seat cushion to surround gamers in comfort. The multi-layered synthetic leather chair also has some of the most attractive styling of any gaming chair, while limiting itself to a 2 color pattern. The steel-reinforced body of the Iskur X makes it far more likely to last years than a cheap office chair, accommodating up to 300 lbs. With its appealing looks, a seat cushion that gently hugs rear ends and legs, and rock-solid construction, the Razer Iskur X is the best gaming chair for buyers seeking an affordable ergonomic option.

If Herman Miller is not in a buyer's budget, there are a wealth of mid-range options for sale that rival the ergonomic qualities of the best gaming chairs in the world. With its SL5800, Vertagear takes a different approach than most ergonomic chairs, employing a patent-pending ContourMax lumbar support system. The degree of lumbar support is not adjustable, but instead, Vertagear invokes a combination of memory foam cushioning and plastic pieces that shift according to the precise movements of a gamer. While this design decision may seem like a mistake, the ContourMax is incredibly accommodating to a wide range of bodies and sitting positions.

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The seat of the Vertagear SL5800 is also full of innovative features, with the VertaAir seat consisting of a series of eight hexagonal air pillars that provide ample cushioning and breathability. The goal of the VertaAir seat cushion is to help relieve back pressure and only add to the ergonomic superiority of the gaming chair.

Even without adjustable lumbar support, the SL5800 still allows for a high degree of customization with arm rests that can move up, down, in, out, and rotate. Adorned in PUC faux leather, the Vertagear SL5800 is available in 6 colors with an RGB lighting kit sold separately. Exceptionally stylish and versatile for many seating positions and body sizes, the Vertagear SL5800 is among the best chairs for gaming in comfort.

Ever since its inception in 2014 as a startup company founded by a pair of StarCraft players, SecretLab has steadily become a dominant force in the gaming chair arena. The Secretlab Titan Evo is one of the company's most award-winning models, celebrated for its comfort and craftsmanship that allows it to remain in like-new condition for years.

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While the Titan Evo is offered in 3 different sizes, Secretlab tries to strike a balance in gamer preferences with its cold-cure foam that has a balanced medium-firm feel, designed for even weight distribution for anyone who sits in it. The modular nature of Secretlab Titan Evo is what separates it from other gaming chairs. When ordering the Titan Evo, customers have a choice of a wide range of not only colors and fabrics, but replaceable parts like arm rests and head pillows that attach with magnets, not bolts. The arm rests are also 4D, allowing games to adjust them in just about every direction imaginable. Adding to its ergonomic qualities is a dynamic lumbar support system that can also move in four directions.

For 2022, Secretlab made some other minor revisions to Titan Evo, mostly related to cosmetics and upgrade options. At the base configuration, the Titan Evo is relatively affordable for the features it offers, but finish options like NAPA leather send the price tag zooming well past $1000. Regardless of how a buyer customizes their purchase, the Titan Evo remains one of the best gaming chairs available.

Mesh gaming chairs often spur debates, especially among gaming chair enthusiasts where synthetic leather and woven fabric chairs are far more commonplace. Without question, mesh gaming chairs offer several advantages, most notably with their porous nature allowing heat to dissipate far more effectively than with most chairs. Mesh chairs also require very little maintenance and cleaning and are exceptionally durable without the worry of tearing fabric. As far as ergonomics go, the lack of foam cushioning removes any chance of the chair changing shape after use and allows it to maintain the manufacturer's intended design.

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With this type of chair more common in offices, DXRacer credits itself as the maker of the first mesh gaming chair. Sporting a patented suspension spring system, sitting on the DXRacer Air is a more forgiving experience than sitting on a standard park bench. There is adjustable magnetic lumbar support, 4D arm rests, and a plush neck pillow that slides up and down using a track system. The DXRacer is also part of a wider modular ecosystem, where anything from cup holders to foot rests are attachable to the chair.

As with all mesh chairs, without a luxurious seat cushion, the advantage of breathability, especially in hot climates, is not enough for some gamers to make the leap from fabric chairs. Still, with rock-solid construction and plenty of customization potential, the DXRacer Air ranks among the best chairs for gaming.

Noblechairs is the favorite choice of many of the most famous Esports competitors and game streamers. The company's Epic gaming chair has won numerous awards for its German craftsmanship and ability to withstand the rigors of competitive gaming. With the Epic Black Edition, Noblechairs brings a sleek black chair that fits anywhere, whether it's next to a stylish gaming rig or an office.

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The Epic Black Edition offers some notable improvements over the standard Epic chair that goes beyond styling. The Black Edition takes a swipe at mesh chairs with a durable hybrid material that combines vinyl and polyurethane, making it more breathable than most faux leather fabrics. Meanwhile, cold foam upholstery limits heat absorption and is far more resilient than other materials that lose their shape after extended use.

Too often the base of gaming chairs is overlooked, but Noblechairs realizes what a critical element this part of a chair is. The Epic Black Edition has a black powder-coated base that compliments the steel construction of the rest of the chair and supports a weight of up to 265 lbs. The only surprising drawback of the chair is a 2-year warranty, which seems rather limited considering the quality of parts used in the Black Edition. Regardless, the Noblechairs Epic Black Edition is the best gaming chair for Esports participants or office workers.

How to choose a good Ergonomic Gaming Chair

Getting the best ergonomic gaming chair can significantly improve your gaming experience. For the same reason that noise canceling headphones increase immersion by reducing outside interference, comfortable chairs increase immersion by keeping your mind out of your body. A good ergonomic gaming chair can improve posture, reduce fatigue, and even help reduce back pain. Unfortunately, there are a lot of options on the market, which can make choosing a great chair an overwhelming experience. If choosing a pre-picked ergonomic gaming chair (such as the ones provided on the list above) isn't possible, be sure to check if your target gaming chair has lumbar support, the availability of easy adjustment, and the chair's max weight.

Lumbar support

Here's a short phrase that gets thrown around a lot when it comes to ergonomic chairs, "lumbar support." It's something that's clearly important and related to your health, but somehow gamers are expected to just understand what it is. Here's the term broken down:

"Lumbar" is short for lumbar spine. It's a bit weird, but we say you have three spine types running down your back. These are the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine. Without trying to train your Two Point Hospital staff, for all practical purposes lumbar is an adjective that describes your lower back area, specifically the spine.

But why does it need so much support? The spine is often described as being built in an S-shape like fashion (even though the curvature is more akin to an open "(" and close ")" parentheses being stacked on one another). Your lumbar spine is at the bottom of that "S" and isn't designed for long periods of sitting. Proper support can keep if from overstressing.

For more, in-depth looks at the lumbar spine and issues that can arise from it not being taken of properly, HealthCentral gives a great overview of lumbar spine anatomy while Cleveland Clinic provides a great overview of lumbar spine issues and treatments.

Easy adjustments

One thing that the best ergonomic gaming chairs and the best luxury gaming chairs all seem to have in common is really accessible adjustment controls. The reasoning is simple: Being able to adjust your chair, by yourself, while sitting in it is both comfort-inducing and luxurious.

Look for chairs that have clear indications of adjustment bars that extend as far out, or nearly as far out, as the edge of the seat. They should be usable when you are actually reclining in the chair in the position that you'd like to use it in. Knobs that are only visible from the bottom of the chair and require you to bend, or even get out of the chair, to reach do not help max out your comfort.

Max weight

We like to think that we live in a world that fits people of all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, the world of ergonomic gaming chairs isn't quite there as many have maximum weights that aren't suitable for moderately obese gamers.

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Be honest with yourself, even if it is difficult, so you don't get a chair that will become a hazard. Can't find something you want that fits your needs? Check out these gaming chairs for big and tall gamers that are specially designed for other body types.

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FAQ

Q: Can I use a gaming chair at the office?

Yes, absolutely, gaming chairs are an excellent add-on for your office needs. There are multiple options that are not too flashy or too distracting and allow users to benefit from both, excellent build quality and gaming-specific features and add-ons such as neck pillows.

Q: Do gaming chairs actually make you better?

While gaming chairs may not increase your KDA, they are built with ergonomics in mind to help support your back and keep your posture straight. Keeping a good posture helps with blood flow, which then may help keep you alert and productive.

Q: What makes a gaming chair ergonomic?

Most premium gaming chairs have ergonomic qualities. Compared to cheaper office chairs, ergonomic chairs have a backrest that accommodates the shape of a spine and are more comfortable sitting in for long periods of time. Ergonomic gaming chairs also commonly offer additional lumbar support and adjustable arm rests.