We Rounded Up the 15 Best Gaming Chairs Under $500

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We Rounded Up the 15 Best Gaming Chairs Under $500

Shopping around for the best gaming chairs under $500 isn’t always the easiest task in the world, is it?

There are countless high-caliber, high-cost chairs out there, and while that may mean you’ve got no end of options to choose from, it can also make it tricky to determine precisely which one is worth your hard-earned money.

After all, how do you know which premium-cost chairs are actually worth their expensive price tag and which are a total rip-off?

Here at Office Chair Picks, we tasked the gamers on our team with picking out the 15 very best gaming chairs under $500 currently on the market, all in the name of helping you determine which chair is suitable for your game station.

Top 15 Best Gaming Chairs Under $500

1. GTRacing GT890M Gaming Chair

The GTRacing GT890M Gaming Chair tops our list because it scored the highest marks in all of the key categories we look for when choosing a good premium gamer chair – construction quality, comfort, and adjustability.

The strong metal frame ensures lasting durability while at the same time contributing to the kind of ergonomic design that’s going to help you maintain good posture even hours into a gaming marathon.

All this is covered in a thick cushion padded with high-density foam for maximum comfort, while the 90~170° reclining backrest, 3D armrests, and seat height adjustments all help you to create a unique setup that’s just right for you.

Love this brand but not this particular chair? Why not explore some other quality options with our guide to the top 8 best GTRacing gaming chairs.

Pros:

• Includes Bluetooth connected speakers for immersive audio
• It comes with adjustable lumbar support and neck pillow
• The rocking function makes it easy to relax

Cons:

• Requires additional Bluetooth adapter to connect to gaming consoles
• Some taller 6”-plus users complain it’s too small to be comfortable.

GTRacing GT890M Gaming Chair Key Details:

Dimensions (W x D x H): 21″ x 20″ x 48.43″

Weight Capacity: 300 lbs

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2. DXRacer Formula Series DF101 Gaming Chair

The DXRacer brand has earned an enviable reputation among gamers for its vast range of premium quality gaming chairs.

Of all of them, however, it’s the DXRacer Formula Series DF101 that earns our vote as one of the best gaming chairs at this price range.

The reasons for this are pretty self-evident.

Not only is this a really attractive-looking chair, but the higher-density mold shaping foam guarantees an incredibly comfortable seat cushion while the multiple adjustment points make it a breeze to customize the chair to your exact liking.

If you like the idea of a DXRacer but find them a little out of your price range, here’s our pick of the top five best “cheap” alternatives to DXRacer chairs.

Pros:

• Class 4 Gas Lift ensures easy seat height adjustability and maximum stability
• Includes adjustable lumbar support and headrest
• 360° swivel castors ensure freedom of movement.

Cons:

• Smaller maximum weight capacity than other chairs
• Only recommended for users up to 5’8″ – taller users may struggle

DXRacer Formula Series DF101 Gaming Chair Key Details:

Dimensions (W x D x H): 27.5″ x 27.5″ x 52″

Weight Capacity: 200 lbs

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3. Secretlab OMEGA

Secretlab may not enjoy the kind of widespread name recognition enjoyed by the likes of DXRacer, but that’s all part of the brand’s appeal.

They have a certain exclusivity about them which makes sitting in a Secretlab chair feel extra special. This is particularly true with the brand’s signature gaming chair, the Secretlab Omega, which offers a superior comfort level akin to a luxury executive chair.

What’s more, as we mentioned in our Noblechairs vs. Secret Lab gaming chair comparison, it’s the small touches that make such a big difference with this one, such as the cool gel which coats the head pillow to encourage deeper levels of relaxation while you blast your way through MechWarrior 5.

Pros:

• Finished in PRIME™ 2.0 PU Leather for enhanced durability and comfort
• It comes with a 5-year warranty
• Includes memory foam pillows.

Cons:

• Lumbar support doesn’t attach to the chair, which means it can slip out of position easily.
• Maybe a snug fit for taller users over 6”.

Secretlab OMEGA Key Details:

Dimensions (W x D x H): 32″ x 27.5″ x 54″

Weight Capacity: 240 lbs

4. Autofull Pink Gaming Chair

No review of the best gaming chairs at any price range would be considered legitimate if it didn’t include the Autofull Pink Gaming Chair.

Our pick of the all-around best Autofull gaming chair regardless of color, this one features a 90-155° backrest and multiple adjustment points to help you create the most comfortable seating position for you.

And if all that doesn’t do it for you but you love the color? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best pink gaming chairs around.

Pros:

• Includes explosion-proof gas spring for safe, easy seat height adjustment
• Features a heavy-duty metal base provides excellent stability and durability
• It comes with a cute accessory kit to customize your chair.

Cons:

• Armrests only adjust in 2 directions
• Lacks the carbon fiber finish featured in other Autofull chairs.

Autofull Pink Gaming Chair Key Details:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 22.4″ x 20.8″ x 50.8″

Weight Capacity: 300 lbs

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5. AutoFull E-Sports Gaming Chair

Make no mistake about it. The AutoFull ESports Gaming Chair is a big piece of furniture.

Boasting an awe-inspiring 400 lbs weight capacity and dimensions that dwarf many of its rivals, this is hands down the best gaming chair for big and tall users.

Elsewhere, this seriously heavy-duty chair is finished with a combination of carbon fiber and PU leather, meaning it feels softer to the touch while still being plenty resistant to rips and tears.

Pros:

• Very easy to assemble
• Includes retractable footrest
• The backrest reclines 90°-155° and rocks 25°

Cons:

• Armrests only adjust in 2 directions
• It may be too big for some smaller users.

AutoFull E-Sports Gaming Chair Key Details:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 27.6″ x 20.9″ x 50.8″

Weight Capacity: 400 lbs

No products found.

6. AKRacing Core Series SX Gaming Chair

If you’re looking for one of the best professional-level gaming chairs under $500, the AKRacing Core Series SX is worth a look.

As we mentioned in our guide to the gaming chairs the pros use, the AKRacing Core Series is the official chair of the  League of Legends European Championships. It has been spotted at other high-profile tournaments like the Tokyo Game Show.

It’s chosen as the chair of choice for such major events thanks not only to its dynamic design but innovative high-density cold-cured foam padding, which offers the ultimate combination of comfort and support.

Pros:

• Hand-welded steel frame and anti-corrosive paint ensures the chair will last for at least 10 years.
• Features 3D adjustable armrests
• Includes Class-4 gas mechanism for easy adjustment

Cons:

• Requires two people to assemble, which isn’t always convenient
• Some users report that the customer service is lacking.

AKRacing Core Series SX Gaming Chair Key Details:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 25.59″ x 23.62″ x 59.06″

Weight Capacity: 330 lbs

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7. X Rocker Pro Series H3

The go-to chair of choice for countless console gamers the world over, X Rocker chairs ranked highly in our guides to both the best PS4 gaming chairs and the best XBox gaming chairs.

So it was perhaps inevitable that a chair like the X Rocker Pro Series H3 would appear in this eventually.

Thank goodness it did too because it gives us a chance to tell you how much we love its four forward-facing speakers ported subwoofers and multiple vibration motors, which sync with the bass tones of your game’s audio, all of which help to create the kind of fully immersive gaming experience that very few other chairs can match.

Pros:

• Connects with other X-Rocker chairs to enhance multi-game mode
• Folds away for easy storage when not in use
• Ergonomic design with added lumbar support.

Cons:

• It uses a lot of battery power meaning you’ll need to keep lots of spares handy
• Requires extra components to connect to a PS4.

X Rocker Pro Series H3 Key Details:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 29.13″ x 22.05″ x 20.87″

Weight Capacity: 275 lbs

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8. KLIM ESports Gaming Chair

Adding a bold and powerful aesthetic to your gaming room, the KLIM ESports Gaming Chair combines the look and ergonomic design of a top-of-the-range executive chair with the kind of adjustability that gamers need to feel genuinely comfortable.

Whether you’re slashing your way through the Shadowlands on World of Warcraft or striving for survival on Resident Evil Village, you’ll love the extra-thick cushion padded with high-density foam, the deluxe quality faux-leather finish, and the multiple adjustment points on the backrest and seat height.

Pros:

• Suitable for larger gamers up to 6’6” and 330 lbs
• High quality adjustable lumbar support
• 3D armrests

Cons:

• Non-breathable material can lead to sweating if used for long periods
• Limited color options.

KLIM ESports Gaming Chair Key Details:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 22.44″ x 29.13″ x 51.57″

Weight Capacity: 330 lbs

9. GTRacing Gaming Chair with Footrest and Bluetooth Speakers

If you’re a fan of the GTRacing brand but the GT890M, which topped this list, wasn’t for you, then this GTRacing Gaming Chair with Footrest and Bluetooth Speakers may be more your thing.

Of course, the speakers are the biggest selling point here. The chair can connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device and play music for up to six hours on a single charge.

Yet that’s not all it has to offer. The 90° to 170° will no doubt be welcomed if you love to take a well-earned break between wrestling your way through It Takes Two, especially when you consider that this is also one of the best gaming chairs with a footrest that we’ve seen.

Pros:

• High-density foam cushion
• SGS certified gas lift for seat height adjustment
• Suitable for taller users over 6’5″.

Cons:

• Armrests only adjust in two directions
• Instructions lack some important details

GTRacing Gaming Chair Key Details:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 53.15″ x 20.87″ x 15.35″

Weight Capacity: 300 lbs

No products found.

10. Respawn 900 Racing Style Gaming Recliner

Respawn have carved out a solid niche for themselves as purveyors of some of the finest cheap gaming chairs on the market, but if you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, the Respawn 900 Racing Style Gaming Recliner may be just the thing.

We adore the completely unique design of this one, with a footrest that curves around the front of the chair and then extends, all while operating independently from the ever-so-comfortable reclining backrest.

And if the Respawn 900 isn’t quite doing it for you? Check out our review of the Respawn 110 for a popular alternative.

Pros:

• Includes cup holder and removable pouch for your game controller
• The chair and footrest are a continuous surface, so there’s no risk of wires getting trapped
• Attractive aesthetic design.

Cons:

• Some users report discomfort with the headrest pillow
• It may be too wide for smaller users.

Respawn 900 Key Details:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 35.04″ x 30.71″ x 44.88″

Weight Capacity: 275 lbs

No products found.

11. Southern Wolf Soft Leather Gaming Chair

If you’re looking for a good alternative to the other Bluetooth speaker gaming chairs we’ve included in this list, the Southern Wolf Soft Leather Gaming Chair is well worth a look.

Comfort and quality-wise, the Southern Wolf is at least on a par with many of the others we’ve looked at, but it’s those high-quality speakers and the uniqueness of an added massage functionality that really makes it stand out.

Pros:

• High-density memory foam cushion and backrest for long-lasting comfort
• Includes upturned footrest that folds away when not in use
• Reclines between 90°-165° with unlimited locking positions

Cons:

• It doesn’t come with a power bank
• Massage cushion only works well when plugged in via USB.

Southern Wolf Gaming Chair Key Details:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 22″ x 27.5″ x 48.81″

Weight Capacity: 330 lbs

No products found.

12. Nokaxus Gaming Chair

If you like the idea of a gaming chair with a massage feature but didn’t like the Southern Wolf option, you might want to consider the Nokaxus Gaming Chair instead.

The USB-powered massage pillow provides vibrations that are strong enough to provide therapeutic support without being so completely overwhelming that it ruins your gaming experience.

Meanwhile, the backrest offers a 90°-180°recline, which, if you’ve been paying attention, is ten degrees more than most other gamer chairs.

In other words, if quality backrest and lumbar support are your top priorities, you might want to check out complete review of the Nokaxus Gaming Chair and consider adding this to your gaming space.

Pros:

• Superior 180° recline
• Finished with breathable, easy-to-clean PU leather
• Includes reclining footrest.

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with instructions – assembly is reliant on Youtube videos
• Headrest isn’t adjustable.

Nokaxus Gaming Chair Key Details:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 23.6″ x 25.59″ x 33.07″

Weight Capacity: 350 lbs

No products found.

13. AKRacing Masters Series Premium Gaming Chair

The AKRacing brand has always been one to set itself apart, and their AKRacing Masters Series Premium Gaming Chair is no exception.

Not only is this one of the best-looking chairs on this list, but underneath that gorgeous exterior, there’s some sturdy cold cure foam.

If you read our recent guide to cold cure foam in gaming chairs, you’ll know that this is excellent for ensuring the chair retains its shape and form no matter how much you use it, all while providing superior support than other types of chair padding.

Pros:

• The only chair in this guide with 4D adjustable armrests
• Heavy-duty metal frame with anti-corrosive coating for improved durability
• Ergonomically designed to support good posture.

Cons:

• Some larger users report that the winged design makes it difficult for them to sit comfortably.

AKRacing Masters Series Premium Gaming Chair Key Details:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 25.59″ x 23.62″ x 59.06″

Weight Capacity: 330 lbs

No products found.

14. GTR Simulator Driving Cockpit Gaming Chair

Make no mistake about it, the GTR Simulator Driving Cockpit Gaming Chair is one of the most unique chairs in this guide.

While it may not be a perfect fit for regular gamers, gamers who love putting their skills to the test in driving games like Forza Horizon or F1 2020 will find a lot to like.

Along with the comfortable chair, there’s also a frame to add a steering wheel and a bottom footrest for pedals, helping to bring your gaming experience as close to the real thing as possible.

Pros:

• Compatible with PS and all modern gaming consoles
• 14 different adjustment points
• Heavy duty frame for lasting durability.

Cons:

• Limited weight capacity compared to other chairs
• Not very suitable if you don’t play driving games.

GTR Simulator Driving Cockpit Gaming Chair Key Details:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 58″ x 23″ x 43″

Weight Capacity: 200 lbs

No products found.

15. X Rocker 2.1 Sound Wireless Bluetooth Video Gaming Chair

Last but not least, we love X Rocker chairs so much that we had to include another one.

This time, it’s the X Rocker 2.1 Sound Wireless Bluetooth Video Gaming Chair, a chair we love thanks to its durable, breathable mesh surface, the perfect choice for those long, marathon sessions.

Elsewhere, the excellent ergonomic design promotes good posture, while the tilt and swivel capabilities make it great for encouraging active sitting.

Pros:

• Comes with 2 headrest speakers and a 4″ subwoofer.
• Connects with other X Rocker chairs for a multi-game experience
• Features a low vibration setting for a fully immersive experience.

Cons:

• The large, heavy chair isn’t easy to store away when not in use
• Users report that the photos are misleading, and the chair is actually a different color.

 X Rocker 2.1 Sound Wireless Bluetooth Video Gaming Chair Key Details:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 35.63″ x 41.34″ x 27.17″

Weight Capacity: 275 lbs

No products found.

How to Choose the Best Gaming Chair Under $500

Top Features to Look For

If you still haven’t decided which chair is right for you, the following buyer’s guide may help.

Below, we outline the four key categories that we considered when choosing our top 15 picks and how they may influence your decision.

Ergonomic Design

It’s easy to get so absorbed in a good game that we end up spending hours sitting in a chair which makes ergonomic design and supports the most essential feature of any good gaming good chair.

Chairs that are designed with our body’s natural spinal curve are ideal for encouraging the kind of good, proper posture that reduces back pain and other health issues, while headrests, armrests, and other key health-promoting features also scored high marks with us.

Materials

The most popular material used on a gaming chair is PU leather. This synthetic leather, known as PU leather due to the use of polyurethane, is generally less-expensive and easier to maintain than genuine leather. But you’ll find that the quality of PU leather across different gaming chairs will vary widely.

In this class of chairs, specifically those coming in just under $500, the synthetic leather should be soft, durable, moisture resistant, and easy to maintain. Plus, with PU leather, the sky’s the limit in terms of color and pattern combinations.

Apart from the upholstery, a mid-range to upper-end gaming chair should have high-quality frame materials, including high strength plastics for the frame and base and, in some cases, steel or aluminum for the base. This will allow for a high-weight capacity and better stability.

Finally, you have the all-important casters. Look for heavy-duty vinyl for soft flooring (i.e. carpeting) or smooth and quiet polyurethane or rubber wheels for harder floor surfaces (i.e. tile, hardwoods).

Expense

“The best gaming chairs under $500” covers a lot of ground, which is why we decided to include only chairs that were too expensive to fit into our recent guide to the best gaming chairs under $150 while still being under $500.

The general rule of thumb with gaming chairs is that the more you spend, the higher the quality, though there are exceptions to the rule.

Size and Weight Capacity

Next to ergonomic design, size and the weight capacity is hugely important as being a chair that’s too small is going to be just as uncomfortable and unpleasant as one that’s too big.

Weight capacity also influences durability. While you may not necessarily need a chair that supports 300+ lbs, it’s a pretty good sign that your chair is built to last and isn’t going to fall apart easily.

However, if you need more stability, you can look for chairs that meet the standard bug and tall criteria of at least 400 lbs (minimum as defined by the ANSI/BIFMA furniture standards).

Adjustability

Last but not least, adjustability counts a lot. While a chair may technically be a perfect size and be ergonomically designed, every gamer is different, which is why it’s so important to have, at the very minimum, an adjustable seat height.

Adjustable armrests, backrests, and even footrests will also go a long way to helping you find the perfect position for you. But even with these adjustable elements, you should still review these tips on gaming posture and watch this clip to learn more:

Frequently Asked Questions About High-End Gaming Chairs

What is special about gaming chairs?

Apart from the fact that they look much cooler than regular office chairs, gaming chairs are popular because they combine posture-promoting health benefits with a design that’s tailored to ensure maximum comfort during marathon gaming sessions.

Who Makes the Best Gaming Chairs?

As you can see from this list, there are many different gaming chair companies out there these days. But, after reviewing countless chairs, we’ve come to appreciate a few of the best brands due to their consistency in quality, customer service, and range of product offerings. Here are a few to consider:

• Nokaxus
• AK Racing
• GT Racing
• Secret Lab
• DX Racer
• Autofull
• Vertagear

Are gaming chairs good for your back?

Yes, ergonomically designed gaming chairs with adjustable lumbar support can be every bit as good for your back as a good ergonomic office chair.

How long should you sit in a gaming chair?

Though gaming chairs are designed for long gaming sessions, it’s still good to get up and walk around or stretch every 30 minutes or so.

What is the Best Gaming Chair Under $500? Our Verdict

If you’ve read this entire guide, you’ll no doubt appreciate how difficult it is to choose the very best gaming chair under $500.

If you’re looking for a chair that provides a truly immersive experience, then the surround sound, Bluetooth capability, and vibrational settings may make the GTRacing Gaming Chair your favorite.

If you prioritize adjustability and ergonomic support, you may prefer the DXRacer Formula Series DF101, but if you simply want a winning combination of both ergonomics, immersive gaming, attractive design, and lasting durability, then there’s no question that the GTRacing GT890M Gaming Chair is the best of the best.

FAQ

Q. What is special about gaming chairs? A. Apart from the fact that they look much cooler than regular office chairs, gaming chairs are popular because they combine posture-promoting health benefits with a design that’s tailored to ensure maximum comfort during marathon gaming sessions.

Q. Who Makes the Best Gaming Chairs? A. As you can see from this list, there are many different gaming chair companies out there these days. But, after reviewing countless chairs, we’ve come to appreciate a few of the best brands due to their consistency in quality, customer service, and range of product offerings.

Q. Are gaming chairs good for your back? A. Yes, ergonomically designed gaming chairs with adjustable lumbar support can be every bit as good for your back as a good ergonomic office chair.

Q. How long should you sit in a gaming chair? A. Though gaming chairs are designed for long gaming sessions, it’s still good to get up and walk around or stretch every 30 minutes or so.