When it comes to long days of work or play, your chair can make the difference [1] in being sore or comfortable. Considering the amount of time spent in it, a good quality chair can be a worthy investment.
For serious gamers who spend long days in front of a screen, a comfortable chair is a necessity.
Below, we will look at the differences between a gaming chair and a traditional office chair, the top five models under $200, and key factors to consider when buying one.
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What’s The Difference Between Gaming Chairs And Standard Office Chairs?
Boasting distinctive designs and features, gaming chairs are a completely different type of chair than what you may be used to using.
Gaming chairs are typically modeled after racing car seats, so they have a bucket seat instead of a flat seat. They come with headrests, a winged backrest, a reclining function, and a lumbar support pillow.
Armrests are padded and sometimes adjustable. The cushions are usually made of thick memory foam, and some chairs come with a massager built into the lumbar pillow. There is also the option of a retractable footrest.
If this sounds like what you want in a chair, let’s look at some of the best options that come in under $200.
Top 5 Gaming Chairs Under $200
GTRACING Video Gaming Chair
Sharp looks, modern design, and comfort come together in one package with a price tag that won’t give you sticker shock.
Ergonomic Benefits
A thick, foam cushion pads the wide bucket seat. There is a lumbar pillow and padded headrest that supports your spinee.
This chair has no retractable footrest, but it reclines up to 160 degrees.
The 3D armrests are adjustable, which allows for added comfort and support.
Build
A durable, metal frame can hold up to 300 pounds. The chair takes about two hours to assemble, so be sure to set aside adequate time. It is not too complicated and can be done by one person. The time spent is well worth it when it comes to enjoying long hours of comfortable work and gaming.
Care
The easy-to-clean, soft PU leather is practical and comfortable.
Appearance
With eight different color schemes to choose from, you can be as adventurous or conservative as you want.
GTPlayer Gaming Chair
With an affordable price tag, this chair is packed with features and quality that will make both you and your budget happy.
Ergonomic Benefits
The seat has a high-density cushion that will give supportive comfort all day long.
Many users find the massaging lumbar support great for easing lower back pain and relaxing your muscles.
Lean back and relax when you recline up to 135 degrees, and put your feet up with the retractable footrest.
Build
A sturdy metal frame that holds up to 300 pounds gives you worry-free support while you spin around with a 360-degree swivel. There were mixed reviews concerning the longevity of the chair after using it for a year.
The chair comes with a rocking function and adjustable height. Some users felt that it was better suited for small to medium-sized adults.
Care
Convenient and comfortable, the soft, smooth PU leather cleans up in seconds.
Appearance
You can choose from eight color schemes to achieve the right look and feel for your gaming or office space.
Ficmax Ergonomic Massage Gaming Chair
How would you like to get a massage while playing your favorite game? With the Ficmax Ergonomic Massage Gaming Chair, you can get just that for a very reasonable price point.
Ergonomic Benefits
The lumbar pillow features a USB-powered massager that will work out the stress and tension of beating your high score.
High-density memory foam that is 4.8 inches thick keeps your legs from going asleep on the retractable footrest, and back aches become a thing of the past.
To make sure you are in the most ergonomic position possible, adjust the armrests to the perfect height.
You can kick back and relax by reclining up to a full 180 degrees.
The tilt, rock, and swivel functions are perfect for those people that like to move around a bit more in their seat. The freedom of movement combined with quality ergonomic features make this chair a great option.
Build
The strong alloy frame has a weight limit of 350 pounds and the ability to adjust the height. Assembly will most likely take two people.
According to reviews, this chair is very well suited to adults around 6’ tall.
Care
This chair has PU leather, which is durable, stain resistant, and quickly wipes clean.
Appearance
There are only two color schemes to choose from—a masculine red and black and a feminine pink.
Vitesse Ergonomic High Back Racing Gaming Chair
One of the most affordable chairs in this list, the Vitesse Ergonomic High Back Gaming Chair gives you comfort and style without breaking the bank.
Ergonomic Benefits
This chair has a thicker, deeper bucket seat with premium foam to prevent soreness.
The lumbar support pillow and padded headrest encourage a healthy posture, and the chair reclines up to 180 degrees for ultimate flexibility and relaxation.
Build
A heavy-duty steel frame can support up to 330 pounds.
The swivel function allows you to easily multitask without getting up and down, and the wheels roll quietly without scratching the floor.
There is a gas lift that allows you to adjust the height to your needs. According to some reviews, this chair works very well for smaller-framed people.
Care
Care is simple due to the soft, smooth PU leather that quickly wipes clean.
Appearance
With the option of basic black, the Vitesse Gaming Chair can easily fit into an office setting and make working more pleasant.
LUCKWIND PU Leather Ergonomic High Back Gaming Chair
The LUCKWIND Gaming Chair is another affordable option with plenty of attractive features.
Users love the high quality and level of comfort you get for the price and find this to be a great option for both gaming and a home office.
Ergonomic Benefits
The high backrest supports the shoulders and a padded, built-in headrest is perfect to lean back against. The armrests are padded, and the wide bucket seat is filled with a 4” foam cushion that makes all-day gaming a breeze. Many users raved about how comfortable they were in this chair.
A retractable footrest lets you put your feet up while playing.
Lean back up to 135 degrees and enjoy the removable lumbar massage pillow while it eases lower back tension.
Build
The sturdy carbon steel frame can hold up to 330 pounds, so you don’t have to worry about it collapsing under you after you adjust it to your ideal height.
This chair is a good fit for taller adults, as well as slim people.
Rubber, anti-scratch wheels keep your floors safe and your movements quiet, and the 360-degree swivel feature allows you to work and play efficiently.
Care
Soft PU leather is easy to clean, and the addition of mesh fabric adds breathability, which is a welcome feature if you are spending hours in the chair.
Appearance
There are three accent colors to choose from that will add a pop of style to your space with a sharp, modern look.
How To Pick The Best Gaming Chair
Here are some features to consider when looking for a gaming chair:
- Cushion thickness – A critical part of the chair is the cushion. Since it determines a large part of your comfort level, be sure to get one that is thick enough to give all-day comfort. A thick, memory foam cushion is ideal for someone sitting for long periods of time.
- Reclining – A reclining chair is very important for ultimate comfort if you’re going to spend a lot of time in it. Some people like to recline a full 180 degrees, while others prefer less. Check the product specifications to make sure it reclines enough for you.
- Armrests – Adjustable armrests aren’t a necessity, but if you use armrests a lot, they can be a very nice convenience and an added comfort.
- Footrest – Not a must but can be much more relaxing for extended periods
- Weight capacity – Be sure to check the specifications if you need a chair that holds more than 300 pounds.
- Headrest – Most gaming chairs come with a headrest that is either adjustable or built-in. Your preferences and comfort will determine which is best for you.
- Lumbar massage pillow – Since there isn’t a significant price difference between chairs with a massager and without, it can be well worth it to get one with a massage pillow that will ease back pain and help relax your muscles.
Conclusion
We have looked at what makes a gaming chair different from an office chair, some of the top choices when you’re on a budget, and what to consider when buying one. If you thought a gaming chair was out of your financial reach, now you know that there are affordable options.
Whether you need a massage for your back or the ability to stretch your legs, there is a gaming chair built for your needs and your budget. Decide what your top priorities are, carefully look at the features, and see which one fits you and your space the best.
Take your time, do your research, and soon you will be playing or working in comfort and style!
References
[1] https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/office-chair-how-reduce-back-pain