Money doesn’t grow on trees (unless you’re playing the latest Animal Crossing, of course). Out here in the real world, budgeting $200 for a new gaming chair takes weeks or months of saving up. Then, you still have to find a properly supportive option within that price range, a task more challenging than a blind playthrough of Dark Souls. It’s enough to turn anyone off the hunt.
But before you call it quits, I’ve got good news. In my time with SitWorkPlay, I’ve been hands-on with several sub-$200 gaming chairs and researched hundreds more. While most of them aren’t worth your time, there are some hidden gems among the bunch. In this article, I’ll help you find a reliable companion for your upcoming adventures. We’ll check out ten of the best gaming chairs under $200, affordable models that will support your gameplay and body for years to come.
How We Evaluated These Gaming Chairs Under $200
Unlike more expensive chairs that consistently provide a baseline level of support, budget gaming chairs are much harder to get right. Separating the wheat from the chaff requires physical inspection and in-depth research that goes far beyond a simple product description. That’s why I spent hours testing out different models and reading hundreds of user reviews for an accurate overview from multiple viewpoints.
Once I narrowed the list to a few dozen options, I performed a point-by-point inspection, analyzing each chair against the following criteria:
1. Quality – The type and material of a chair’s components set the stage for your entire experience. On my search, I looked for robust build quality with thoughtful craftsmanship and best-in-class parts.
2. Comfort – Gaming often requires sitting for hours at a time. As such, the best sub-$200 gaming chairs need to be comfortable for sessions up to four (ideally more) hours at a time, with a seat and backrest that offer appropriate cushioning.
3. Ergonomics – It doesn’t matter whether you play competitive PC games or casual console titles. Reliable gaming chairs should adapt to all these sitting positions with mechanisms that adjust height, recline, and tilt.
4. Design – There’s no point shelling out $200 for an unsightly chair that doesn’t match your setup. If you’re going to spend hundreds, you should be rewarded with a racing-style or modern aesthetic that fits your gaming room.
5. Price – Craftsmanship is closely correlated to price, and finding reliable gaming chairs under $200 is no easy task. That said, the options on this list provide the most bang for your buck — and there are even a few sub-$100 models for players hoping to spend even less.
After considering all of these factors, I’m confident the following list includes only the best gaming chairs under $200.
Our 10 Best Gaming Chairs Under $200 of 2022
- Best Gaming Chair Under $200 Overall: Cooler Master Caliber R1
- Best Gaming Chair Under $200 Runner-Up: GTRACING GT099
- Best Mesh Gaming Chair Under $200: RESPAWN 200
- Best Budget Gaming Chair Under $200: Furmax Gaming Chair
- Best Office Chair for Gaming Under $200: IKEA Markus
- Best Big & Tall Gaming Chair Under $200: Killabee 8212
- Best PU Leather Gaming Chair Under $200: Homall Gaming Chair
- Best Racing Gaming Chair Under $200: N-GEN Velox
- Best PC & Console Gaming Chair Under $200: RESPAWN 110
- Best Console Gaming Chair Under $200: X Rocker Mammoth
Best Gaming Chair Under $200 Overall: Cooler Master Caliber R1
- Price: $179.54
- Height: 52.4 inches
- Weight: 48.1 lbs
- Best for: Most players seeking comfort and ergonomics
- Available Colors: Blue, Purple, Red, White
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Perforated PU leather provides excellent airflow
- Backrest reclines from 90° to 180° degrees
- Metal base, steel frame, and Class IV gas lift accommodate players up to 330 pounds
The Cooler Master Caliber R1 features the highest quality and fewest sacrifices among all the budget gaming chairs I inspected. Not only does the chair incorporate top-notch materials, but its masterful design choices often negate any potential flaws. For example, you usually have to choose between breathable mesh and classy leather. But the Cooler Master R1 provides the best of both worlds, infusing the company’s cooling know-how into a perforated PU finish that remains cool throughout lengthy tournaments and late-night WoW raids.
The R1 also incorporates plush cushions and a 180° reclining backrest that offer so much comfort, you may find yourself dozing off while your team takes down the boss by themselves!
Concerning durability, you’ll find Cooler Master’s acclaimed craftsmanship and attention to detail in every aspect, from mechanism placements to the intricate stitching. The only area that genuinely disappoints me is the overall sizing. While the 5-star nylon base suits players up to 330 pounds, the backrest and seat come with somewhat restrictive wings that are less comfortable for wider players. In this one regard, I wish Cooler Master had prioritized accessibility rather than aesthetics.
Pros
- Contact points incorporate several inches of Cooler Master’s molded foam
- Comes with dense, supportive head and lumbar pillows
- Lovely attention to detail, with quality stitching and stunning visual elements
Cons
- 1D armrests are only height-adjustable
- Despite its high weight capacity, the seat and backrest wings make the Caliber R1 less ideal for wider players
Best Gaming Chair Under $200 Runner-Up: GTRACING GT099
- Price: $129.19
- Height: 51.97 inches
- Weight: 50 lbs
- Best for: Ergonomics on a ~$100 budget
- Available Colors: Black, Blue, Gray, Green, Pink, Purple, Red, White
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Features a respectable level of recline, from 90° to 170°
- 2D armrests move up and down, pivot inwards and outwards
- Steel tube frame and Class III pneumatic gas lift provide much more durability than similarly-priced office chairs
The GTRACING GT099 is my favorite low-cost gaming chair. Coming in under budget (right around $100), this well-rounded model offers plenty of ergonomic features and enough durability to last through several years of daily gaming.
Among its long list of features, you’ll find 3″ of height adjustability, 170° of recline, tilt tension and lock mechanisms, and even 2D armrests. Set the chair up to match your keyboard height, lock in the tilt, and become one with the game like you’re a Jedi in Star Wars: Battlefront. Just don’t expect it to be all smooth sailing. Initial assembly presents a significant challenge, with poor instructions and an hour-long process that’s frustrating enough to push you towards the dark side.
Want to learn more? View my full review of the GTRACING GT099.
Pros
- Offers plenty of ergonomic features at a reasonable price
- Easy to adjust, with three mechanisms controlling the entire chair
- Classic racing-inspired design comes in over half a dozen colors
Cons
- Armrests slip out of place with minimal pressure
- Nightmarish assembly takes over an hour with lots of trial and error
Best Mesh Gaming Chair Under $200: RESPAWN 200
- Price: $173.29
- Height: 55 inches
- Weight: 47 lbs
- Best for: Breathability, style
- Available Colors: Blue, Gray, Green, Red, White
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- RESPAWN’s Infinite Angle Lock offers precision recline from 90° to 130°
- Contoured mesh backrest provides breathability and proper ergonomic support
- 2D armrests move up and down, forward to back
The RESPAWN 200’s mesh back and ventilated frame provide incredible airflow — enough even to put Cooler Master to shame. What’s more, the 200 incorporates excellent quality materials throughout, including thick webbing in the backrest and authentic bonded leather around the seat.
While I don’t typically enjoy bonded leather due to the way it breaks down over time and retains heat, the 200’s leatherette provides a sleek, comfortable finish that’s surprisingly resistant to damage and pairs perfectly with the breathable design. You’ll also find this same attention to detail in other aspects of the seat, including the fierce tapered frame that looks quite stylish and provides the ideal level of back support.
The primary exception to RESPAWN’s quality comes down to its lackluster recline mechanism. While it does lock in at any angle, courtesy of RESPAWN’s Infinite Angle Lock, 130° is nowhere near enough recline for a gaming chair at this price. Still, the RESPAWN 200 incorporates solid components, and the chair’s recent price cut finally makes it attainable on a budget.
Pros
- Plush seat comes with a durable bonded leather cover
- Striking design elements include dual-tone colors and an upward-tapering backrest
- Height-adjustable, rotating lumbar support offers excellent ergonomics
Cons
- Limited recline compared to other gaming chairs
- Best-suited for smaller frames
Best Budget Gaming Chair Under $200: Furmax Gaming Chair
- Price: $80.65
- Height: 55 inches
- Weight: 43.1 lbs
- Best for: Gaming under $100
- Available Colors: Black, Grey, Red, White
- Warranty: 6 Months
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- BIFMA-certified gas pump supports 4″ of height adjustability
- Backrest recline mechanism provides 90° to 150° angles
- 5-star nylon base and easy-rolling casters excel on carpet and hardwood
The Furmax Gaming Chair provides entry-level ergonomics for under $100 — an incredible deal for players on a restrictive budget. But before you rush out to buy it, you should understand that there are some tradeoffs, including non-adjustable armrests and lackluster component quality. The latter is particularly troubling, as the chair’s contact points sometimes break under pressure when paired with heavier users (hence the 6-month warranty).
That said — and even with those potential flaws in mind — it isn’t easy to discount the Furmax. Somehow or another, the chair remains neck and neck with the competition for around half the cost. I just love the sporty design, which features a racing-style executive backrest and a carbon fiber finish that wraps around the seat like the hood of a race car. The chair’s 4″ of BIFMA-certified height adjustability and 150° recline are also quite respectable, helping you shift gears and change strategy throughout your gaming session.
Pros
- Lowest-cost racing-style chair on the market
- Sleek leatherette-wrapped seat boasts a sleek carbon fiber finish
- Straightforward assembly takes around 20 minutes
Cons
- Comes with non-adjustable, poorly-padded armrests
- Poor-quality upper frame prone to breaking or poking out; short warranty reflects overall craftsmanship
Best Office Chair for Gaming Under $200: IKEA Markus
- Price: $199
- Height: 55.2 inches
- Weight: 43.44 lbs
- Best for: Gaming and office work
- Available Colors: Black, Gray
- Warranty: 10 Years
- Return Period: 1 Year
- Shipping: $49
- Incorporates a solid aluminum base and steel frame
- Breathable, contoured backrest adapts to the curvature of your spine
- Executive backrest reclines about 20° and clicks into place via the tilt lock mechanism
Gaming is an expensive hobby. To pay for all those new AAA releases, you may find yourself needing an office chair for work. The IKEA Markus is a double whammy, offering exceptional office ergonomics alongside most (though not all) of the most popular gaming chair features.
Although IKEA is known as a budget brand, the Markus feels more like a luxury model. When initially testing the Markus on the IKEA showroom floor, I was blown away by the gorgeous see-through backrest. It almost feels like a safety net, gently supporting your back while providing incredible full-body breathability. Meanwhile, the 20° of recline and tilt mechanisms give just enough movement for continual motion throughout the day, encouraging flexibility and circulation. Combined with the pressure-sensitive casters that lock into place as you sit and stand up, IKEA’s Markus provides the support you need for most of your office activities.
Pros
- Inward-curving foam seat feels excellent on your tailbone
- Suitable for several continuous hours of office work and gaming
- Premium pressure-sensitive casters add to the sense of safety and support
Cons
- Non-adjustable, firm armrests tire you out after a few hours
- Costs an extra $50 for shipping (unless there’s an IKEA near you)
Best Big & Tall Gaming Chair Under $200: Killabee 8212
- Price: $159.99
- Height: 53.5 inches
- Weight: 56.2 lbs
- Best for: Big & tall players over 250 pounds
- Available Colors: Black, Grey
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- 3D armrests move in every direction
- Tilt mechanism supports 90° to 155° of backrest recline
- Robust metal base accommodates users up 400 lbs, while the 22″ seat provides enough wiggle room for bigger players
There’s no denying that big & tall gamers have it rough. When most chairs cap out around 200 to 300 pounds, it can be near-impossible for larger folks to find a supportive, long-lasting seat. That’s why I’ve included the Killabee 8212, a plus-size model with features galore.
The 8212 is the only gaming chair in its price range to support upwards of 400 pounds, and it does so with surprising flair. The chair’s luxurious PU leather features vertically stitched stripes that almost appear to lengthen its height, providing a wow factor that stands tall and proud in most gaming rooms. When you sit down, the high-quality materials help keep you cozy for long hours, and the memory foam cushions embrace your body with warm affection. Unlike most big & tall chairs, the 8212 also offers excellent adaptability, going from 90° to 155° in a snap. The only serious drawback is the lumbar pillow, which — in a twist of irony — is too large to support the lower back properly.
Pros
- Luscious PU leather finish incorporates intricate stitching details
- Cold cure memory foam cushions provide next-level support for hours at a time
- Killabee’s 8212 is the only chair in this price range to accommodate 400 pounds
Cons
- Lumbar support cushion is too large and doesn’t work well
- Oversized frame and seat depth are ill-suited for smaller players
Best PU Leather Gaming Chair Under $200: Homall Gaming Chair
- Price: $104.49
- Height: 52 inches
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Best for: Comfort on a budget
- Available Colors: Black, Blue, Cyan, Gray, Green, Pink, Purple, Red, White
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Features comfortable molded foam and smooth PU leather
- Class III gas lift offers 3.2″ of height adjustability
- Supports recline down to 180°
Comfort is a luxury that’s often out of reach for those of us on a lower budget. But thanks to the Homall Gaming Chair, everyone can feel supported for the cost of a new PS5 exclusive.
Now, I can’t pretend that the Homall is perfect. In particular, its non-adjustable armrests are almost a deal-breaker, as you can’t slide them into position as you play. But Homall gets nearly everything else right, including the thick padded seat, adjustable head and lumbar pillows, and lovely PU leather upholstery. The chair also supports both upright action and laid-back relaxation, with a 90° to 180° mechanism that takes you from firefight to prone position in a snap. Although its cushions do tend to flatten over time (like most chairs at this price), the frame itself is remarkably durable, with a 5-star nylon base and nearly 2mm of steel tubing buttressing the entire seat and backrest.
Want to learn more? View my full review of the Homall Gaming Chair.
Pros
- 2mm steel frame feels quite sturdy in every position
- Comes with a 5-star nylon base and multi-directional casters
- Comfortable head and lumbar pillows attach via adjustable straps
Cons
- Incorporates non-adjustable armrests
- Cushions sink over a year or two
Best Racing Gaming Chair Under $200: N-GEN Velox
- Price: $132.98
- Height: 48 inches
- Weight: 44 lbs
- Best for: Racing aesthetics, durability
- Available Colors: Black, Blue, Pink, Red, White
- Warranty: 6 Months
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- 5-star nylon base and 1.5mm steel frame ensure excellent sturdiness
- Best-in-class 180° recline mechanism descends horizontal with the floor
- BIFMA Class IV gas cylinder provides 5″ of height adjustment
The Velox Gaming Chair is stunning from head to toe. The design features a racing-style aesthetic with flared edges and bucket seating, alongside flashy pops of color and unique stitching patterns at every point. All the while, its PU leather is lush and soft to the touch, with a primarily matte finish that flashes a smile when struck by the light of your screen. The entire chair is also quite sturdy without sacrificing comfort, courtesy of the 1.5mm metal tubing layered with several inches of thick foam.
Out of all its components, my primary complaint has to do with the dual-wheel casters. While workable, they tend to snag on carpet and require force to push around — a bummer considering its otherwise respectable build quality.
Pros
- Racing-style design blends PU and carbon leather for durability and slick aesthetics
- Thick seat boasts nearly 6 inches of quality foam for comfy play
- 1D armrests adjust to your keyboard and mouse for more personalized support
Cons
- Ineffective dual-wheel casters show lots of resistance on carpet
- Although uncommon, some N-GEN chairs ship with QC quirks affecting bolt holes
Best PC & Console Gaming Chair Under $200: RESPAWN 110
- Price: $174.99
- Height: 51.5 inches
- Weight: 46.5 lbs
- Best for: PC and console gaming
- Available Colors: Black, Blue, Forest Camo, Gray, Green, Pink, Purple, Red, White
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Reclines down to a sensible 155°
- Flip-out leg rest supports your lower body while reclined
- Provides 360° of swivel rotation atop smooth-rolling casters
Respawn into the 110 Gaming Chair and rise like a phoenix as you unleash terror on your opponents from the lap of luxury. The RESPAWN 110 is perfect for multi-platform gamers, with a reclining racing-style design that’s well-suited for PC desks and console stations. While I find its features better suited for laidback gaming on Xbox or PlayStation, the chair’s smooth-rolling casters can slide into whichever gaming room you prefer.
Out of all the RESPAWN 110’s features, my favorite has to be its flip-out footrest, which glides out from underneath the seat with a simple tag. The 110’s padded armrests also pivot back as you recline, providing multiple levels of support in every position. If you can get past the bonded leather’s tendency to crack over time, the RESPAWN is a solid choice under $200.
Want to learn more? View my full review of the RESPAWN 110.
Pros
- Padded armrests recline with chair
- Segmented padding provides multiple layers of ergonomic support
- Comes with an adjustable lumbar pillow and headrest cushion
Cons
- Bonded leather, while luxurious at first, quickly begins to deteriorate
- Armrests only recline, offering no other adaptability
Best Console Gaming Chair Under $200: X Rocker Mammoth
- Price: $199.99
- Height: 41 inches
- Weight: 48.35 lbs
- Best for: Console gaming
- Available Colors: Black
- Warranty: 90 Days
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Pedestal base provides a stable foundation and 360° swivel
- Incorporates headrest-mounted speakers and a dedicated subwoofer for pseudo-surround sound while playing on console
- Rocks back and forth as you move, with a tension-adjustable tilt mechanism
Although the critically-acclaimed X-Rocker Pro remains well above the $200 mark, the company’s new Mammoth Chair offers many of the same features at a price that, well, rocks.
Like all X-Rocker chairs, the Mammoth glides back and forth as you move, providing much-needed motion during those long hours of grinding. The pedestal base also provides a solid foundation alongside 360° swivel, and the adaptable design folds in half for a smaller footprint. A nice touch, except you can’t actually move the 48-pound frame without nearly breaking your back. The idea with this chair is to assemble it in one room and leave it there over the long term.
Fortunately, the midnight leather appears unassuming in most rooms, and you’d never guess that it comes with rockin’ speakers and a dedicated subwoofer for killer immersion during console gameplay.
Pros
- BlueTooth functionality connects wirelessly to consoles
- Padded armrests support your arms during controller play
- Sleek all-black design fits famously in most gaming and living rooms
Cons
- Despite folding design, moving the 48-pound frame is rather impractical
- Built-in speakers require running a wire from an outlet to the chair
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