In 2025, the best gaming chair isn't just a seat for when you lose yourself in an alternate world. It's likely doubling up as a work from home office chair, which means you could be spending an awful lot of time sat there.
It's crucial, then, to ensure you've got something which is comfortable, and packed with supportive technology designed to aid your back. Here at T3, we've tested all sorts of chairs from the budget-conscious to the budget-busting, with a view to give you the insight to make an informed choice.
Our top pick is the Secretlab Titan Evo, which offers great lumbar support and a cool design, from the brand which has long ruled the roost for gaming chairs. If you're looking for something a little more traditional in appearance, be sure to check out our guide to the best office chairs, too.
I've been testing the best gaming chairs since starting at T3, giving me a wealth of insight into the best possible options. As T3's resident sitting-down expert, I'm well-placed to guide you through the differences between models and highlight exactly what is worth your hard-earned cash.
T3's Top Picks
Best overall gaming chair
The best gaming chair for most people is the Secretlab Titan EVO. An inbuilt four-way lumbar adjustment system ensures state-of-the-art support for your back, while a range of finish options ensures there is always something for you.
Best premium gaming chair
The best premium gaming chair is the Noblechairs Legend. It's solidly designed, with a fair degree of adjustment on offer. The solid base offers fantastic support and ensures a really comfortable wearing experience.
Best budget gaming chair
The best budget gaming chair is the Brazen Phantom Elite. A host of finish options ensure you can find something to fit your aesthetic, while you'll also find a good range of adjustability and smooth, silent operation.
Best overall
The best gaming chair for most people? That's the SecretLab Titan Evo, pictured here on review by T3's gaming chair expert and former Deputy Editor Robert Jones.
This gaming chair from SecretLab follows up the SecretLab Titan SoftWeave gaming chair that was so well reviewed. As such, the Titan Evo had a tough act to follow, but as we detail in our full SecretLab Titan Evo review, which was conducted by T3's gaming chair expert Robert Jones, somehow SecretLab has made the best gaming chair on the market even better. That's high praise from a reviewer who has spent going on half a decade reviewing the finest gaming chairs.
When we built and then tested the Secretlab Titan Evo we discovered it has done this by rolling both its Titan and Omega gaming chair ranges together to produce just one design, the Titan EVO. This combines design elements from both (even if it does lean toward the Titan more) as well as features. During our review process, we discovered it also evolves the gaming chair product in a few small but neat ways.
These include magnetic armrest top plates and a magnetic head pillow (the latter meaning there are no garish pillow straps in sight), as well as a really clever internal lumbar support system. The lumbar support system is controlled by two knobs located on the backrest, and allow a flexible internal membrane to move up and down as well as in and out. This means that no matter the size or shape of the user, they can customise the lumbar support to their needs.
The seat base has also been redesigned in collaboration with ergonomic experts, and its super neat as not only does it naturally guide its sitter to sit in the middle, but the user can also lounge out if desired over its wings as they've been made to be soft and malleable. It's literally the best of both worlds.
Naturally, all the quality that was already on offer on SecretLab gaming chairs is also in residence, such as 4D armrests, quality hydraulics and tilt functionality, as well as a really fine selection of upholstery finishes. When testing the Evo we were impressed with the new faux leather upholstery especially.
The result is that the SecretLab Titan Evo builds upon the packages offered by the Titan and the Omega, offering gamers a similar but better experience across the board. After testing the Evo we say that the caveats to an instant purchase include its price, which has gone up a bit from last year's models, as too its design, which only comes in one flavour, so if you don't like it then that's that. You can though buy the chair in three different sizes, so even the smallest or largest gamers will be catered for.
Best premium
The Noblechairs Legend gaming chair pictured on review by T3's reviewer in T3' gaming chair testing facility.
When we reviewed the Noblechairs Legend gaming chair, we were seriously impressed with the comfort on offer. The chair features a cold foam base, which is very dense and offers fantastic support.
The build itself is nice and easy, with no additional tooling required. We found it took less than half an hour to pop together, only needing a helping hand to get the backrest in place as it's a heavy piece of kit.
The faux leather finish ensures this is a good pick for vegans, and it's nice enough overall. It's not as textured as some, but that does make it quite comfortable to sit on.
There are a range of different finish options to pick from – including a couple which could definitely double up as an office chair. That's a good pick for those whose home office might double up as a work from home space and a gaming station, then.
Best budget
The Brazen Phantom Elite Gaming Chair, as built by our reviewer, in T3's gaming chair testing facility.
A British brand that says it champions product quality over its marketing budget sounds hype-tastic but, as we discovered in our BraZen Phantom Elite gaming chair review, this chair truly does offer affordable comfort and snug support.
And, as we discovered in our testing of the BraZen Phantom Elite, it manages to do this in a relatively subdued palette of predominantly black with a pop of colour in one of six options to line the trim.
Gaming chairs like to shout loud and proud with logos on such furniture pieces, and BraZen is no different, with the company crest embroidered across the chair, neck and lumbar support cushions.
Our reviewer discovered that for such a low price the Phantom offers plenty of room, too, and its smooth PU leather is wrapped around a sturdy steel frame, bolstered with quilted foam padding, making for a firm but comfortable seat for marathon gaming sessions that won't have you cramping up after a few hours.
Because it's so comfortable there's no qualms about using the Phantom as an office chair. Kitted out with a Class 4 gas lift, adjustable armrests, nylon casters, neck and lumbar support cushions, and a butterfly mechanism that allows for height and tilt adjustments, however you want to sit be it stock straight or reclining all the way back, then you'll have no issues.
If you're looking for something that can transition from work to play to a quick snooze and doesn't cost much, BraZen's Phantom is a great choice.
Best fabric
As we state in our full Secretlab Titan Evo SoftWeave Plus review, this is the "best fabric-covered gaming chair in the world", so if you're looking for a fabric-upholstered seat for gaming then look no further.
Secretlab pioneered the new trend of fabric-covered gaming chairs with its original SoftWeave fabric, but the new SoftWeave Plus fabric is 3.5x more robust while retaining the luscious feel and look of the original.
When T3 tested this new chair material it was delivered in the firm's new Soda Purple colourway and, simply put, it was a triumph. Vibrant, punchy, and borderline luminescent even in the flattest of light, it was an upholstery that sparked joy every time our reviewer saw it. Well worth considering.
The SoftWeave Plus chair is based on the Titan EVO design that is featured higher up in this guide, so if you fancy that design but with fabric upholstery, this is the chair to choose. The best fabric-covered gaming chair on the market.
Best for kids
The best gaming chair for children? That's the Secretlab Titan XXS, which is pictured here being tested by T3 gaming chair expert and former Deputy Editor Robert Jones.
Interestingly this product started off as an April Fools' Day prank by Secretlab, but due to demand for it, the maker went ahead and made it a reality.
The Secretlab Titan XXS is a 1:2 half-size Secretlab Titan (the chair that tops T3's best gaming chair buying guide), and it is designed for children primarily, although pets and even - as T3's full Secretlab Titan XXS review shows - Totoros can sit in it.
As it is for children it has a recommended maximum weight of 70kg (154lbs) and a maximum height of 160cm (5’2”), so if your child falls under those figures then you're golden.
When we tested the Secretlab Titan XXS we found out that what's so impressive about the XXS, which stands for "Extra Extra Small", is that it really is just a miniaturised Titan, with the same build quality and upholstery options available to shoppers.
As we discovered when building it and using it, you lose a few features of the full-size Titan chair, including a magnetic head pillow (the XXS comes only with a strap-on variety), and the armrests aren't quite as manoeuvrable, but overall it is the same very high quality, premium gaming chair product.
The price shows its premium nature and heritage, and no doubt it will put off a lot of parents from buying (it costs more than some high-end adult gaming chairs after all!), but if you want the best gaming chair for children and money isn't a problem, then the Secretlab Titan XXS is it.
Best for bright finishes
The Boulies Master Series is a remarkable gaming chair which offers premium comfort and style at a more modest price point than some of the competition. But don't let the affordability of this chair fool you – it will stand up against much of the competition with ease.
In our Boulies Master Series review, we loved the range of colours on offer, and we're blown away by the quality of the PU leather used. Adjustability is more than enough for most people, with 4D armrests, adjustable lumbar support, a removable head pillow and a near-horizontal recliner.
There's slightly more to put together, but it's still an easy one-person build. Everything is assembled using the included tools, too, so you can get it built right out of the box.
Overall, the Boulies Master Series is a solid option. It's fantastically comfortable, and the build quality is as good as much more expensive options, without the price tag.
Best for soft seats
The AndaSeat Kaiser 3 gaming chair in Ash Grey, fully assembled in T3's dedicated gaming chair test facility
The good folks at AndaSeat know a thing or two about making a comfortable chair. Their models have peppered this buying guide for years, but this model feels like they've finally nailed the formula.
In our AndaSeat Kaiser 3 review, we praised the chair for its brilliant range of adjustment, which in turn led to a massively comfortable experience. 4D armrests and a 4-way lumbar support system makes for a chair that is fully customisable to your body.
It's also incredibly easy to put together, with clear instructions that will leave you in no doubt as to what you're doing. And, the range of finish options are fantastic. Step outside of the usual blacks and greys, and you'll find a range of pastel pinks, blues and browns that are really pleasing to look at.
If you want a viable alternative to the Secretlab Titan Evo, or just want a chair with a really soft seat, the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 is the one for you.
Best office hybrid
The Noblechairs Hero ST TX, fully assembled in T3's dedicated gaming chair test facility
If you're looking for a one chair solution that is equally at home in virtual meetings and virtual worlds, look no further. As we found when testing this chair for our official Noblechairs Hero ST TX review, the soft anthracite fabric upholstery makes for a pleasant experience, which can be dressed up or down depending on your situation.
We were impressed by the robustness of the Noblechairs Hero ST TX, which features a steel frame and an aluminium base for the perfect balance of lightness and durability. The included pillows were soft and comfortable, too.
All of that makes for a premium seated experience. Your body is always supported and longer sessions don't leave you feeling fatigued. It's a great, premium gaming chair that is well worth the money.
Honourable mentions
Honourable mentions
While we've gone to great lengths to ensure the best of the best are included in this guide, there are some others which deserve a mention. This section includes a selection of older models and those which are good, but didn't quite fit in here.
First up is the Razer Iskur. That's a slightly older model, but one which is still worth knowing about. The chair itself is fantastic, with our reviewer enjoying the built-in lumbar support and the comfortable design.
It has been a few years since then, of course, and those features are much more commonplace these days. The design is also something to be aware of – it's unapologetically Razer, which will either be a brilliant feature, or a slight gripe with more middle of the road options now available.
There's also the Secretlab Titan Evo Lite, which is said to offer the Secretlab experience at a lesser price point. Our reviewer was dewy-eyed over the seat, calling it "an incredibly sturdy and well-built chair that is perfect whether you are a seasoned gamer or just looking for a higher-class of home office chair."
While it does offer a less expensive price point for the brand, it's not worlds away from the flagship Secretlab Titan Evo – particularly with regular price cuts from RRP offered on the brand's site. With that in mind, we'd wager that the extra spend is worthwhile for what is a more complete offering.
How to choose the best gaming chair
How to choose the best gaming chair
If you're looking to pick out the best gaming chair, there are a few things to be aware of. These are our top tips, born from years of experience testing different chairs from a wide range of brands.
First up, you'll need to know whether you're looking for a fabric or a leatherette finish. Think of it like you would in a car – leather seats are a little more premium feeling, but are much more sensitive to the weather, while fabric feels less classy, but is practical for regulating heat and offering breathability.
Beyond just the material, it's worth looking at the size of your chair. Almost every option out there offers different sizes, and the differences can be the difference between comfort and agony. They're usually based on your height, but it's also worth keeping an eye on weight limits.
For me, the biggest thing to look for in a new chair is the lumbar support. It's what separates these units from simpler seats, and ensures you can sit comfortably for longer periods.
These days, you'll want to look for something which offers adjustment both in and out, and up and down. That will enable you to not only tailor the intensity of the support, but the specific position which works for your spine.
How we test gaming chairs
How we test gaming chairs
T3 reviews a lot of gaming chairs – as well as other products we test – and, as we want to deliver the most authoritative best gaming chair buying guide on the market we have a rigorous three-stage testing process for each seat.
We also have a dedicated gaming chair testing facility where many of our gaming chairs are built, used and evaluated. We take testing gaming chairs very seriously.
The first stage is chair setup, and this involves us charting exactly how easy it is to assemble a gaming chair when it is delivered. We're looking out for ease of assembly as well as things like how clear the instructions are and if there are any tools included in the box.
Once the chair is assembled we then evaluate its build quality and the calibre of its upholstery. Stitch quality is also analysed, as that is where many lesser gaming chairs fall down, as well as any included extras such as neck and back cushions. How adjustable the chair is is also tested at this point.
The final stage then involves actually sitting in and using the gaming chair to play games, work and stream content from Netflix and YouTube. A variety of games are played, with a specific focus on FPS and RPG, and overall long-term comfort is discovered.
After those four stages are complete, we then compare the chair to the rest of the market and judge it on its value for money in our eyes. Only then do we bestow a score on the gaming chair, with 5 stars the maximum score any seat can attain.
Best gaming chair FAQs
Should I buy a gaming chair or an office chair?
This is a common question for most people, as the crossover between the two has never been more apparent. Many of the best options for office chairs and gaming chairs are actually coming from the same brands, too.
While it certainly used to be the case that office chairs were a better buy, these days you can really make a case for either. Gaming chairs often feature lots of technology and bigger bases, which means you're getting a lot more support right from the start.
If styling is an issue, you should also find a lot of gaming chairs which offer a more office-friendly appearance these days.
What is special about gaming chairs?
As mentioned above, the biggest selling point these days is the ergonomic support on offer. That's most often seen in the lumbar support, which is crucial for ensuring you can withstand longer sessions.
That technology can be found in places like the seat, too. Things like cold foam offer a dense, supportive base which ensure you're propped up and properly held in place for your day.
Does a gaming chair make you a better player?
Unfortunately, there's nothing to suggest that a good gaming chair will transform your abilities overnight. It's a seat, after all, not a magic spell.
Still, it's not unfathomable that it could help you become the best version of yourself. Like almost all pursuits, your gaming is likely to be best when you're comfortable, so having the right support and comfort could push you to the best of your abilities.
Reviewer Panel
As an ex-Deputy Editor at T3 – and well-regarded gaming aficionado – Rob is well-versed in the world of gaming chairs. He's tested the gamut of options, including a handful which remain part of this guide.
Geraint Evans is a freelance writer who covers a wide range of different tech and other peripherals. Here at T3, Evans has written about everything from TVs and phones to gaming chairs and mouses.
