AKRacing is the second-oldest gaming chair company in the world. The company released its first racing seat in 2008. Ever since, it has been designing, testing, and refining some of the best gaming chairs on the market. Nowadays, AKRacing offers a huge variety of different styles. From racing seats to office-inspired desk chairs, this collection has something for everyone.
AKRacing launched in 2001 as a maker of luxury car seats. In 2008, the company opened its gaming chair division. Today, AKRacing operates its own factories and handles testing and QC in-house.
In 2023, the company remains one of the most reliable brands in the gaming chair industry. All models support full-time sitting with industry-leading 5-year warranties.
Over the years, AKRacing’s chair aesthetics haven’t evolved. Chairs retain the classic, old-school racing-style designs. Even so, all come with premium builds that are designed to last.
If consistent reliability is your priority, AKRacing chairs are a perfect choice. Among the many models covered in this review, here are our top-5 picks:
1. AKRacing Master Series PRO
The AKRacing flagship has a classic racing-style design and rich ergonomic features. It’s also quite plush, with 70% more padding than other AKRacing chairs.
2. Master Series MAX
A super-sized version of the Master Pro with a flat, extra-wide seat and support for up to 400 pounds.
3. AKRacing California Gaming Chair
This ultra-small gaming chair fits sizes 4’9″ and up (the average 10-year-old). Highlight features include 3D armrests and a trio of colorful designs.
4. AKRacing Core Series EX
Gaming office-style chairs with 3D armrests in a range of fabric upholstery designs.
5. AKRacing Onyx Gaming Office Chair
Luxurious executive gaming office chair with rich features and a crisp corporate design.
Below are reviews of all chairs within the Master Series, Core Series, and specialty models.
AKRacing Masters Series
The Masters Series is AKRacing’s premium line. Core Series chairs have 3D armrests, while Master Series chairs boast 4D versions. Master Series chairs also have more padding. The Master Series Pro is the top chair in this product line. It has a whopping 70% more padding than the Core Series Ex.
The difference that 70% more padding makes is pure luxury. If you’re willing to pay a premium, sitting will feel like floating on a cloud.
AKRacing Master Series Pro
The AKRacing Master Series Pro is one of the best high-end luxury gaming chairs on the market. Only the Secretlab Titan matches up to the excellent build and quality of features.
Highlights include seventy per cent more padding than Core Series Ex models. Another key feature is the perforated PU leather upholstery. The perforations along contact spots are a subtle touch that helps keep the chair cool. It’s a good example of the attention to detail put into this model.
Master Series Pro sizing
This is a large chair with one of the widest seats available. Average users will enjoy a super roomy fit, while extra wide users will also enjoy ample leg space.
- Seat width x depth: 17″ (W) x 21.6″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 33.8″ (H), 23.6″ (W)
- Total height: 47.8″ to 57.4″
- Sizing: height 5’7″ to 6’7″; max weight 330 lbs
Master Series Pro features
The Master Series Pro justifies its high price with an impressive array of luxury features.
- Functionality: 4D armrests; deep recline to 180°; 12° tilt-lock.
- Padding: 70% more cold cure foam padding than the Core Ex.
- Upholstery: perforated PU leather in five color combinations.
Another key feature is the ultra-high-quality PU leather upholstery. What makes it stand out is the subtle perforations across contact spots. This helps the chair keep cool in even the hottest weather.
Buying advice
The AKRacing Master Series Pro is one of the best – and most expensive – high-end gaming chairs available. Compared to the Secretlab Titan (our other top-rated chair), it has thicker padding that’s softer and more comfortable.
Learn more about this model in this Master Series Pro chair review.
Master Series PRO $679 from AKRacing.com
The Master Series Pro is also available on Amazon for $607.18.
AKRacing Masters Series Premium
The Premium edition has 30% more padding than the Core Series EX, while the Pro has 70% more.
Aside from less padding and lower cost, the Premium has the same high-end features as the Pro Series.
Master Series Premium sizing
The AKRacing Master Series Premium is shorter with a narrower width than the Pro model.
- Seat width & depth: 23.2″ (W) x 18″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 33.8″ (H), 21.6″ (W)
- Total height: 47.8″ to 51.3″
- Sizing: height 5’7″ to 6’2″; max weight 330 lbs
Master Series Premium features
The Premium model’s features compare favorably to the Pro Series:
- Functionality: 4D adjustable armrests; 12° tilt lock; recline to 180°.
- Padding: 30% more padding than the EX Series.
- Upholstery: PU leather in six multi-color style options.
Buying advice
The AKRacing Master Series Premium is a better choice for smaller and slimmer bodies. Unless you need the extra width of the Pro, this model offers the same great features and warranty. If you like the styling and don’t need extra width, this is a better pick than the Pro.
Master Series Premium for $549 on AKRacing.com
The Master Series Premium is also available on Amazon for $447.30.
AKRacing Masters Series Max
This hefty product supersizes the Master Series Pro to support up to 400 pounds. It comes with reinforced parts, an extra-wide seat, a super-powered gas lift, and extra-thick padding.
Master Series Max sizing
Compared to the ultra-wide Pro, the Master Series Max has a slightly narrower seat. That’s still plenty for most extra wide bodies.
To support heavier weights, the Max stands taller off the ground and has an extra-wide reinforced backrest.
Here’s how the key dimensions compare between the Pro and Max chairs:
Model | Seat width x depth | Backrest height x width | Total height |
Pro | 17″ (W) x 21.5″ (D) | 23.5″ (W) x 34.25″ (H) | 13.6-16.1″ |
Max | 23.25″ (W) x 20.5″ (D) | 24.4″ (W) x 34.25″ (H) | 14.4-17.25″ |
Master Series Max features
The Master Series Max comes with the same rich feature set as the Pro.
- Functionality: padded 4D adjustable armrests; recline to 180°; 12° tilt lock
- Padding: 70% more cold foam padding than the Core Series Ex.
- Upholstery: PU leather in black or black with colored trim
- Size rating: max height 6’7″; max weight 400 lbs
Buying advice
Both the AKRacing Master Series Pro and Max models are spacious enough to fit extra wide bodies. The difference is that the Max comes with extra large reinforced parts to support up to 400 pounds.
Supporting that much weight for full-time sitting hours isn’t something to trust to cheap chairs making false claims. That’s why most of the best heavyweight gaming chairs are luxury models from proven brands. Among that class of chairs, the Master Series Max is one of the best high-end options.
Master Series Max for $569 from AKRacing.com
You can also buy the Master Series Max from Amazon.com for Price not available.
AKRacing Core Series
The Core Series is AKRacing’s affordable line. This collection cuts corners with thinner padding and 3D adjustable armrests. Beyond those cutbacks, these have similar dimensions as Master Series chairs.
AKRacing Core Series EX
This is the cheapest, most basic chair in the AKRacing product line. It’s a sturdy, reliable gaming chair without flashy extras.
This chair uses ultra high-quality padding, but less of it. Expect consistent comfort that does the job but won’t blow you away.
The standout feature of this chair is its soft fabric upholstery. In general, a fabric-upholstered gaming chair offers superior softness, breathability, and durability.
Core Series Ex sizing
The Core EX is like most AKRacing gaming chairs. It suits most average-sized people. Extra tall or extra wide users should consider the Core EX-Wide or Master Series Max.
- Seat width & depth: 20.9″ (W) x 19.7″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 32.6″ (H), 21.2″ (W)
- Seat height range: 13.75-17.25″
- Total height: 46″ to 49.3″
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’3″; weight capacity 330 lbs.
Core Series Ex features
The Core Series offers advanced but not spectacular features. Get a more detailed look in this Core Series Ex review.
- Functionality: 3D armrests; deep recline to 180°; 12° tilt-lock.
- Padding: cold cure foam padding guaranteed to retain shape and density for five years.
- Upholstery: 100% polyester fabric with colored accent stitching.
Buying advice
This model stands out with no-nonsense seating basics and mesh fabric upholstery. The 5-year warranty is the reassurance that this chair can take a beating for years.
That makes the Core Series EX an easy choice for first-time gaming chair buyers. It will fit most average sizes and can support full-time ergonomic sitting for years.
Core Series EX for $399 from AKRacing.com
You can also buy the Core Series EX from Amazon.com for Price not available.
AKRacing Core EX-Wide
This is an extra-wide version of the Core Series Ex. The only difference is the width of the seat.
Here’s how the two chairs compare in the key sizing areas:
Model | Seat width x depth | Backrest height x width | Total height |
Core EX | 20.9″ (W) x 19.7″ (D) | 32.6″ (H), 21.2″ | 46″ to 49.3″ |
Core EX-Wide | 22.8″ (W) x 19.7″ (D) | 33.5″ (H), 22.8″ | 46.9″ to 50.2″ |
AKRacing Core SX
The Core Series SX and LX chairs are almost the same. The LX chairs are a bit larger and have thicker padding.
The SX Series is a slightly larger version of the Core EX Series. Aside from extra seat width and chair height, it uses premium PU leather instead of mesh fabric.
For a detailed analysis of differences, check out our Core Series LX versus Core Series SX comparison:
Review: Core Series SX versus Core Series LX
Core SX sizing
This model differs from the Core EX with a wider seat and taller backrest.
- Seat width & depth: 22″ (W) x 19.3″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 33″ (H), 21.6″ (W)
- Total height: 47″ to 50.1″
- Sizing: height 5’7″ to 6’2″; max weight 330 lbs
Core SX features
The Core SX is an upgrade over the Core EX, offering 12° tilt-lock. The other difference is that the Core EX uses mesh fabric, while the Core SX uses PU leather.
- Functionality: 3D armrests; deep recline to 180°; 12° tilt-lock.
- Padding: cold cure foam padding guaranteed to retain shape and density for five years.
- Upholstery: Premium PU leather.
Buying advice
Choose the Core SX over the Core Series EX if you prefer leather over mesh fabric. Leather is easier to clean and looks impressive. On the other hand, it’s less breathable. In hot weather, PU leather can get sticky against your skin.
Despite that, most people prefer leather because of its striking good looks.
Core SX for $479 from AKRacing.com
You can also buy the Core SX from Amazon.com for $455.21.
AKRacing Core LX
The LX Series is the luxury model of the Core line. It boasts the thickest padding and has the highest quality PU leather upholstery.
Core LX sizing
This is the largest chair in the Core Series line. It comes with a taller frame and 20% more padding than the Core EX. That makes it appealing for gamers who prefer spacious comfort while sitting.
- Seat width & depth: 21.5″ (W) x 20″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 34.5″ (H), 22.4″ (W)
- Total height: 48.3″ to 51.6″
- Sizing: height 5’7″ to 6’3″; max weight 330 lbs
Core LX features
The Core LX has smoother curves that give the chair a touch of elegance. It uses very high-quality PU leather and has more padding than the basic Core Ex.
- Functionality: 3D armrests; deep recline to 180°; 12° tilt-lock.
- Padding: 10% more cold cure foam padding; guaranteed to retain shape and density for five years.
- Upholstery: Premium PU leather.
Buying advice
This is the highest quality Core Series model. It has the thickest padding and the best quality faux leather. It also has a taller and wider frame designed to give users enough space to cross their legs in the chair. If you’re looking for a large chair to use for working, gaming, napping, and hanging out, the LX is a great pick.
Core Series LX for $499 from AKRacing.com
You can also buy the Core LX from Amazon.com for Price not available.
AKRacing specialty chairs
Beyond the Core and Master Series collection, AKRacing also offers an extra-small chair and an office collection. This section summarizes both.
AKRacing California (extra small)
The California Series is a new special edition from AKRacing. There are three styles, which AKRacing says were “inspired by sunny California”. There’s the Laguna (white), Tahoe (Blue) and Napa (purple) models.
This section gives a broad look at the California chair. For a closer look, check out the detailed review:
AKRacing California chair review
California chair sizing
The California chair is one of the smallest luxury gaming chairs in the world. This is a good option for kids or very small adults.
- Seat: 21.25″ (W) x 15″-18″ (D)
- Backrest: 23.5″ (H) x 14″ (W)
- Size rating: 4’9″ to 5’6″; 100 to 155 pounds (max load is 330 pounds).
California chair features
The California chair has decent features. It only has 3D armrests. It also lacks a multifunction tilt-lock mechanism. That means you can rock the chair, but can’t lock the seat at different angles.
- Features: 3D armrests; rocking with tilt tension; recline to 180°.
- Comfort: resilient cold foam padding; neck and lumbar pillows, premium PU leather cover.
Bottom line: California chairs are a great option for short people and kids. Look out for (frequent) sales promotions to grab one at a discount.
California chair on Amazon Price not available
The California chair is also available from AKRacing for $399 $469.
AKRacing Onyx Office Chair
The Onyx is the most expensive AKRacing gaming chair. On AKRacing.com, the PU leather model costs $599. For $100 more, you can buy a full-grain leather edition. Both offer pro features that compare well with the best pro esports chairs. The Onyx differs from other AKRacing chairs with an executive design for conservative tastes.
Below is a fast overview of the Onyx chair. For a more detailed analysis, check out this review:
AKRacing Onyx office chair review
Onyx chair sizing
Onyx chairs have flat, wide seats with generous dimensions. These chairs should fit most average to above-average-sized adults.
- Seat width x depth: 23.6″ (W) x 19.7″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 22.8″ (W), 33.8″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 17.8″ to 20.3″ (W)
- Total height: 47.6″ to 50.1″
Onyx chair features
AKRacing Onyx chairs have pro esports chair features. Highlights include 4D armrests, a multifunction tilt lock, deep recline, and luxury-grade cold-foam padding.
- Functionality: 4D armrests; multifunction tilt-lock (3-18° range); recline to 180°.
- Comfort: high density cold foam padding; lumbar support pillow; extra-large headrest cushion.
- Support: heavy duty steel frame that supports up to 290 pounds; aluminum base, Class 4 gas lift.
This is a pricey but attractive option for non-gaming power users. The Onyx chair provides several options to move your body while you sit.
For instance, when you feel tired, adjust the backrest forward or back by a few degrees. You can also use the multifunction mechanism to tilt and lock the seat at an angle. On top of that, you can initiate a rocking option with variable tension. Finally, you can also adjust the armrests in four directions. Change positions often to keep your arms and shoulders active while you work.
Buy the Onyx from AKRacing USA for $699
You can also buy the Onyx from Amazon.com for Price not available.
AKRacing brand summary
This section looks at the warranty coverage and dimensions of all AKRacing chairs.
AKRacing chair warranty
All AKRacing gaming chairs come with an industry-leading 5-year warranty on parts. The steel frame comes with a 10-year warranty.
This helps to offset the higher price of these chairs. If you’re looking for consistent long-term support, AKRacing chairs are among the very best.
Another standout feature shared by all chairs is the ultra-high-quality cold foam padding. The density rates at 55 kg/m³ (seat) and 50 kg/m³ (back).
The Core Series EX has the thinnest padding. The flagship Master Series Pro has 70% more. Both extremes offer enough soft resistance to support full-time sitting. Even after 8 hours of sitting, the foam will retain its shape. When you sit, it gives enough to take the shape of your body. When you stand, it pops back into its original shape.
How to buy AKRacing chairs
In America, you can buy Akracing chairs on Amazon and also direct from AKRacing.com. On Amazon, AKRacing chairs are also available for sale in the UK and Canada.
Usually, AKRacing chairs are cheaper on Amazon than on AKRacing.com. That changes when AKRacing.com runs storewide discounts. So it’s a good idea to check prices in both places before buying a chair.
Browse all USA chairs on AKRacing.com
On Amazon, shop by region. Browse all AKRacing chairs on Amazon USA, Amazon UK, or Amazon Canada stores. Chairs are available in all three countries.
Conclusion
AKRacing gaming chairs come with traditional racing-style designs. What sets these chairs apart is the quality of build and durability of each model. These chairs are built to last — under full-time gaming or working conditions.
Most luxury gaming chairs come with two-year warranties. With 5-year protection, AKracing chairs are designed to last 150% longer.
Bottom line: if you’re looking for reliable, consistent support, AKRacing gaming chairs are a great pick. Enjoy superb comfort, durability, and back support from a proven industry leader.
Browse all USA chairs on AKRacing.com
On Amazon, shop by region. Browse all AKRacing chairs on Amazon USA, Amazon UK, or Amazon Canada stores. Chairs are available in all three countries.