Saturday, April 1, 2023
Chair & Desk Sales
ChairsFX
  •  
  • Gaming Chairs
    • Gaming Chair Brands
    • Single Chair Reviews
    • Gaming Chair News
  • Office Chairs
    • Office Chair Brands
    • Single Chair Reviews
  • Ergonomic Advice
  • Ergonomic Trends
  • Accessories
No Result
View All Result
  •  
  • Gaming Chairs
    • Gaming Chair Brands
    • Single Chair Reviews
    • Gaming Chair News
  • Office Chairs
    • Office Chair Brands
    • Single Chair Reviews
  • Ergonomic Advice
  • Ergonomic Trends
  • Accessories
No Result
View All Result
ChairsFX
No Result
View All Result
Home Buying guides

Best Cheap Gaming Chairs: Basic Ergonomics For Under $200

March 17, 2023
Reading Time: 12 mins read
  • Written By Chairs FX
ChairsFX is reader-supported. Buying through links on our site may earn us commissions (as an Amazon associate or from furniture brands). This has no influence on our editorial content. See our Affiliate Disclosure for details.

Compared to premium models, cheap gaming chairs have thinner padding, limited adjustability, and more basic upholsteries. Even so, they deliver good ergonomic support for a low cost. That makes them solid starter chairs for adolescents — and ok-ish options for adults. Looking for inexpensive, no-frills ergonomic support? This article reviews the best cheap gaming chairs under $200 available in 2023.

Review of the best cheap gaming chairs priced under $200
L-R: E-Win Knight Series; GTRacing Pro Series; GTRacing GT505 Fabric Series.

The world’s first gaming chair emerged in 2006. In 2022, most gaming chairs under $200 are cheap clones of that original 16-year-old concept.

Most models in this review have 2D armrests, deep recline functionality, and adjustable lumbar and headrest pillows. At the other end of the spectrum are $560+ Secretlab Titan chairs.

Gaming chair technical evolution
The gaming chair industry has come a very long way in 16 years.

Compared to the cutting-edge features of Titan chairs, cheap gaming chairs feel like toys. Even so, they provide decent value for two particular classes of users:

Who Should Use A Cheap Gaming Chair?

The budget gaming chairs in this review are all fully ergonomic — but at the most basic level. Standard features at this price range include 2D arms, old-school support pillows, and 1-year warranties.

GTRacing Pro Series ergonomic features
Most cheap gaming chairs have adjustable lumbar pillows, 1D arms, and deep recline functionality.

This combination is enough to support users into healthy neutral postures. These place minimal stress on the musculoskeletal system while sitting. As a result, gamers can enjoy long periods of sitting without pain or discomfort.

Neutral posture side sitting view in 4 premium ergonomic chairs
Healthy neutral postures L-R: Steelcase Gesture; Herman Miller Aeron; Secretlab Titan; DXRacer Craft.

However, there’s a huge gap in the quality of support provided by elite vs cheap chairs. When you pay $200 or less, the build quality and adjustable features reflect the rock-bottom price. This package suits two types of users:

Cheap Gaming Chairs For Adolescents

The budget gaming chairs in this review are ideal for adolescents. Most fit sizes 5’4″ (12 years old) and up. They’re easy to use, affordable, and available in a wide array of styles.

Office chair vs gaming chair for young people
Cheap gaming chairs provide the psychological seating thrills that young people crave.

Notably, the perceived comfort of a chair has both physiological and psychological factors. Cheap gaming chairs provide very basic physiological support.

Psychological appeal of gaming chairs versus cheap classroom seating
Cheap gaming chairs hold great appeal among youth for their psychological attractions.

Even so, most young gamers aren’t lured in by the posture support. Instead, the tall, deep-reclining backrest, flashy color styles, and adjustable features are in sharp contrast to cheap school seating. These qualities support the individual.

Cheap Gaming Chairs For Adults On A Budget

The chairs in this review are also (sort of) suitable for slim adults 5’4″ and up. As a work-from-home (WFH) or gaming chair, these will deliver better back support than basic office chairs.

Spinal problems caused by slouching

However, for professional WFH, spending a bit more on an office-quality ergonomic office chair can yield many benefits.

Best Cheap Gaming Chairs Under $200

The best place to shop for cheap gaming chairs in 2023 is on Amazon. Most of Amazon’s top-rated gaming chairs cost between $99 to $150. Among the top 10, most have fixed (non-adjustable) arms.

In contrast, most of our top-rated gaming chairs priced under $200 have 2D armrests or better. As well, all come from established brands with proven customer service records. That means if anything goes wrong with your chair, getting help isn’t difficult.

Thus, based on brand reliability, the quality of features, and value for money, here are our top-rated cheap gaming chairs of 2023:

  1. GTRacing Pro Series Red: the original cheap racer ($119.99)
  2. GTRacing Ace S1: Best adjustable features (Price not available)
  3. E-Win Knight Series: 400-pound support; 2-year warranty ($159)
  4. Neo Chair Marvel ARC Series: Marvel superhero designs ($178.47)
  5. Homall Classic: the original cheap gamer has non-adjustable arms ($99.98)

GTRacing Pro Series

Rated #1 | Amazon price: $119.99

The original cheap gaming chair first debuted in 2013. Today, the GTRacing Pro Series remains the prototype that other budget gaming chairs follow. It has decent adjustable features and is built like a tank, with support for up to 330 pounds.

GTRacing Pro Series gaming chair features
Key features: rock/ recline backrest; adjustable lumbar support; 2D armrests.

It also has a long and impressive history, seating happy gamers since 2013. Given these points, it’s hard to argue with this as the best cheap gaming chair on the market in 2023.

Pro Series Chair Features

The GTRacing Pro Series starts with a steel frame and a thick layer of mid-grade polyurethane foam (PU) padding. Like most cheap blends, the padding has a semi-spongy 50kg/m³ density.

GTRacing Pro Series chair foundation

That’s soft and comfortable on the buttocks, but not as supportive or durable as firmer padding blends. In fact, firmer padding provides better stability to support good postures.

Cheap gaming chair padding
Cheap chair padding is firmer than a sofa but not as firm as that on a premium gaming chair.

As well, firmer padding is more resilient. After a year of full-time use, expect cheap Pro Series padding to flatten out. Once you can feel the steel bars under the seat, you’ll need to start shopping for a replacement chair.

Styling Options

The default Pro Series style is the original GT099 red and black design. In 2023, the Classic Red is also the cheapest, priced at $119.99.

GTRacing Pro Series gaming chair review
The GT099 Red is the longtime flagship of the Pro Series collection.

Other two-tone variations:

  • All-Black with Carbon Accents: Price not available on Amazon
  • Pink with White: $139.99 on Amazon
  • Black and Green: Price not available on Amazon
GT099 Specifications

Like most cheap chairs, Pro Series models are rated for small to average sizes between 5’4″ to 5’11”. However, these have wider seats than other cheap models, plus a 330-pound weight capacity. If you’re moderately thick in the legs or hips, except a decent fit.

Chair FeaturesSizing Specs
  • Functionality: 2D armrests; recline to 160°.
  • Comfort: high density foam padding; neck and lumbar pillows.
  • Upholstery: 2-tone PU leather.
  • Support: steel frame; metal base; class 4 gas lift; smooth rolling casters.
  • Warranty: one year.
  • Seat width x depth: 21.3″ (W) x 22.8″ (D)
  • Backrest width x height: 21.5″ (W) x 32.5″ (H)
  • Seat height: 17.32″ to 21.56″
  • Size rating: 5’4″ to 5’11”; 330-pound capacity

Buying advice

The GTRacing Pro Series GT099 is the same chair in 2023 as it was in 2013. In nine years, it’s had minor padding and upholstery upgrades, but nothing significant. It’s an old-school racing-style chair that supports good posture at the most basic level.

GTRacing Classic GT099-RED
The Classic GT099-RED is GTRacing’s top selling chair.

Even so, in 2023, it remains the model design that other cheap gaming chair makers follow. Why bother with imitations when the original cheap gaming chair does the same job?

Pros
  • Rugged, easy to clean
  • Good adjustability
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Basic, old-school features & aesthetics

Based on price, performance, and reliability, this easily ranks as our #1 cheap pick of the year.

GT099 Red on Amazon $119.99

Learn more in this detailed GTRacing Pro Series Review.

GTRacing Ace S1

Rated #2 | Amazon price: Price not available

The Ace S1 is an upgraded version of the GTRacing Pro Series that’s no longer in production. At present, only the red and black PU leather edition is available — while supplies last.

Ace S1 gaming chair red and black design from three angles
The red and black Ace S1 is the only model that’s still available.

The Ace S1 costs twice as much as the GT099 Classic Red chair. For $100 more, you get a nicer quality upholstery, a more stylish base design, and 4D armrests. It’s a better chair than the Pro Series — but at double the price, not as good a value. As a result, it ranks #2.

S1 Chair Features

The 4D armrests are the S1 chair’s highlight features. You can adjust them up and down, side-to-side, forward and back, and also at diagonal angles. The padding is also a firmer (and more resilient) 55kg/m³.

GTRacing Ace chair features
Key features include 4D armrests and high-density foam padding.

Otherwise, the S1 does a similar job as the (much cheaper) GT099 Pro Series chairs. Are you willing to pay $100 for two extras?

Ace S1 Specifications
Chair FeaturesSizing Specs
  • Functionality: 4D armrests; recline to 165°; rocking and tilt tension.
  • Comfort: high-density foam padding; neck and lumbar support cushions.
  • Foundation: steel frame; Class 3 gas lift; XL PU-coated casters.
  • Warranty: one year.
  • Seat width x depth: 19.69″ (W) x 21.65″ (D)
  • Backrest width x depth: 21.26″ (W) x 32.28″ (D)
  • Floor to seat range: 17.72″ to 22.14″
  • Chair height: 49.21″ to 53.15″
  • Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’1″; maximum weight capacity 290 pounds.

Note that the Ace S1 is designed for short, slim sizes. It has a narrower seat width than the Pro Series and a lower weight capacity.

Ace S1 chair size comparison
Ace S1 chairs are for short, slim sizes only!

If you’re between 5’3″ to 6’1″ and slim, the Ace S1 should fit. If you have a meatier, thicker build, choose the GT099 Classic Red instead.

Buying advice

Back in 2020, the GTRacing Ace S1 was one of the world’s most popular gaming chairs. However, in the post-lockdown era, Shanghai-based GTRacing has struggled to maintain regular availability. While supplies last, Ace S1 chairs offer pretty good value for money.

Pros
  • 4D armrests
  • Good-quality PU leather upholstery
  • Firmer padding than other cheap chairs
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Twice the price of the Pro Series

The top-ranked GTRacing Pro Series has 2D arms and fluffy padding. The Ace S1 exceeds the Pro Series with firmer padding and 4D arms.

GTRacing Pro Series vs Ace S1
The S1 has slightly better features than the Pro Series — but costs twice as much!

On the downside, it’s twice the price of a Pro Series chair. For that reason alone, I suggest the Pro Series as a smarter option than the S1. But if you don’t mind paying a bit more for a little luxury, the S1 definitely delivers.

Ace S1 (red) from Amazon Price not available

Learn more in this detailed GTRacing Ace S1 Review.

E-Win Knight Series

Rated #3 | E-Win price: $183 $229

The E-Win Knight Series supports short and heavy sizes with a combination of clever features. These include flat, wide seats, support for 400 pounds, a 2-year warranty, and a special ChairsFX discount.

E-Win Knight Series chair review
Knight Series chairs support 400 pounds and come with a flat, wide seat style.

When you buy from the E-Win online store, using the coupon code ChairsFX will get you 20% off the list price.

Knight Series Features

The Knight Series is the cheapest model in the E-Win gaming chair collection. One of the standout features is its flat, wide, spacious seat.

E-Win Knight Series vs Champion Series
Knight Series chairs have a flat wide seat, but lack the tilt lock function of pricier E-Win chairs.

There are four models, with 12 style variations. All come upholstered in E-Win’s unique blend of PVC leather.

E-Win Knight chair designs
Choose from four models with 12 style variants.

PVC is thicker than PU leather, and also a lot more durable. Modern versions are slightly less breathable than PU, but only marginally.

Knight Series Specifications
Chair FeaturesSizing Specs
  • Functionality: 2D armrests; recline from 85° to 155°; rocking with tilt tension.
  • Padding: high-quality cold-cured foam.
  • Upholstery: PVC leather or mesh fabric.
  • Warranty: two years.
  • Seat width x depth: 21.7″ (W) x 22″ (D)
  • Backrest width x height: 22.6″ (W) x 33.9″ (H)
  • Floor to seat range: 16.3″ to 20.2″
  • Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’1″; maximum weight capacity 400 pounds.

The Knight Series supports sizes 5’3″ to 6’1″. Short, slim users can enjoy a spacious seat with enough room to sit cross-legged. Meanwhile, stockier body types can enjoy ample legroom and 400-pound support.

Buying advice

Compared to other cheap chairs, the Knight Series has a wider seat, larger weight capacity, and longer warranty. It provides excellent value for money.

Pros
  • Extra-wide seat
  • Support for 400 pounds
  • Diverse range of styles
  • Reliable 2-year warranty
Cons
  • The Ace S1 has better armrest adjustability

The only complaint I have about Knight Series chairs is the old-school racing-style designs. These lack the contemporary polish of Secretlab 2022 Series chairs.

E-Win Knight Series gaming chairs

On the flipside, this is the best cheap gaming chair for obese sizes. It’s spacious, comfortable, reinforced for 400 pounds, and reliable. To learn more, check this E-Win Gaming Chair review.

Knight Series from E-Win $183 $229

Use the coupon code ChairsFX to get 20% off the retail sales price.

Neo Chair ARC Marvel Editions

Rated #5 | Amazon price: $178.47

For young gamers wanting more style and substance, these Marvel-themed gaming chairs fit the bill. They stand out with 3D armrests and vivid embroidered superhero styles.

Neochairs Marvel ARC gaming chairs
There are 5 designs in the Neo Chair ARC superhero collection. (click to enlarge)

The collection contains five Marvel superhero chair designs. Those feature Captain Marvel, Deadpool, Captain America, Iron Man, and Spider-Man.

Neo Chair ARC Specifications

Neo Chair ARC Marvel editions come with 3D armrests, a USB-powered lumbar massage unit, and a deep recline to 180°. They also come with a standard 1-year warranty.

USB-powered lumbar pillow massage system
All ARC-R footrest chairs come with a USB-powered lumbar massage pillow.

ARC Marvel chair features offer good value for money:

Chair FeaturesSizing Specs
  • Functionality: 3D armrests; deep recline to 180°.
  • Comfort: high-density padding; neck and lumbar support cushions; lumbar pillow massage insert.
  • Support: heavy-duty steel frame that supports up to 350 pounds.
  • Warranty: 1-year warranty; 30-day money-back guarantee.
ARC chairs offer wider and deeper seats than most cheap gaming chairs. While typical models are slim-fit, ARC models have enough space to accommodate husky sizes as well.

  • Seat width x depth: 22″ (W) x 22″ (D)
  • Backrest width x height: 21″ (W), 32.5″ (H)
  • Floor to seat range: 18″ to 22″
  • Chair height: 51″ to 54″
  • Size rating: 5’5″ to 6’0″; up to 300 pounds

Marvel Chair Advice

Neo Chair Marvel gaming chairs are a tempting upgrade from the basic Pro Series. Each model comes with 3D armrests and eye-popping designs.

Captain Marvel and Deadpool gaming chairs
Captain Marvel and Deadpool Neo Chair editions.

On the downside, ARC Series chairs only come with a basic 1-year warranty. If you use one of these chairs full-time, don’t expect it to last much longer.

Pros
  • Colorful designs
  • 3D armrests
  • Massage unit embedded in the lumbar pillow
Cons
  • Basic 1-year warranty

Bottom line: if you want more aesthetic pop in the cheap chair genre, Neo Chairs fit the bill. Learn more in this Neo Chair Marvel Collection review.

ARC Captain Marvel chair on Amazon $178.47

ARC Series chairs are also available from Amazon in Deadpool, Captain America, Iron Man, and Spider-Man designs.

Homall Classic

Amazon price: $99.98

On Amazon, the Homall Classic has reigned as the best-selling gaming cheap gaming chair for years. That is despite having very basic features. These models come with fixed, non-adjustable armrests and a 1-year warranty.

Homall Classic Series gaming chairs
The Homall Classic is Amazon’s runaway #1 best selling gaming chair. Detailed Homall Classic review.

Despite the ergonomic limits, these chairs have been ultra-popular gaming chair gateways for years.

Homall Specifications

Chair FeaturesSizing Specs
  • Functionality: fixed armrests; recline to 180°; rocking function with lock.
  • Comfort: high density foam padding; neck and lumbar pillows.
  • Warranty: one year on parts; 30 days return policy.
The Homall Classic has a narrow seat with ridged edges. This keeps the legs constricted. If you have wide hips, this model may be too tight along the sides.

  • Seat width & depth: 20.5″ (W) x 19.8″ (D)
  • Backrest width x height: 22.5″ (W) x 30.5″ (H)
  • Floor to seat range: 17.3″ to 21.3″
  • Chair height: 47.8″ (H), 51.8″ (W)
  • Size rating: 5’4″ to 5’10” tall; up to 300 pounds

Since Homall doesn’t have a website, the best way to get support is through their Amazon storefront page.

Buying advice

Compared to other cheap gaming chairs, Homall Classics are mediocre. The lack of adjustable armrests is annoying.

Non-adjustable armrests
Non-adjustable Homall armrests provide poor support while working at a desk.

The armrests as-is aren’t great. The tops are made of hard, uncomfortable plastic. Both attach to the chair with two screws on the bottom that often come loose.

Homall Classic Series gaming chairs
Homall’s Classic White model is Amazon’s best selling gaming chair of all time.

The main selling points are a low price and varied color schemes. Each color model has a different price on Amazon. The white version is the cheapest.

Homall Classic (white) on Amazon $99.98

Learn more: Homall Classic gaming chair review.

Ergonomic Office Chairs Under $350

Some adults may prefer a cheap mid-back ergonomic office chair over a full-back gaming model. In 2023, a handful of cheap mid-back chairs priced under $350 offer good value for money. The cheapest is the Modway Articulate ($174.99 on Amazon).

Core Modway chair features
Core ergonomic features: adjustable lumbar; adjustable arms; reclining backrest.

It matches the price and functionality of the best cheap full-back gaming chairs. It also exceeds with advanced seat and backrest tilting functionality. Another option with a slightly more polished feature set is the Space Seating 24 Series ($296.99 on Amazon).

Boring chair design
The 24 Series aesthetics are as inspiring as a glass of prune juice.

Despite its depressingly boring looks, it does everything cheap gaming chairs can do and more. Extras include a 3-year upholstery guarantee and lifetime parts warranty!

Are you sure you want to buy a cheap gaming chair — because of its funky looks? If straightforward back support is your aim, check out these affordable office chairs:

Best Ergonomic Office Chairs Under $350

Conclusion: Decent Value For Money

Recap of the chairs in this review:

  1. GTRacing Pro Series Red: the original cheap racer ($119.99)
  2. GTRacing Ace S1: Best adjustable features (Price not available)
  3. E-Win Knight Series: 400-pound support; 2-year warranty ($159)
  4. Neo Chair Marvel ARC Series: Marvel superhero designs ($178.47)
  5. Homall Classic: the original cheap gamer has non-adjustable arms ($99.98)

Don’t worry if you can only afford to spend $200 on an ergonomic chair. ChairsFX has run several tests to show that any chair with adjustable lumbar + armrests + backrest recline can support good posture.

Neutral postures in pricey office chair vs DXRacer gaming chair
My (experienced user) posture in a $1300 Mirra 2 versus a first-time ergo chair user’s posture in a $500 DXRacer Craft (looks the same).

Proper usage trumps the type of chair being used. If you can only afford a cheap $150 chair, make the best of it with good sitting technique.

Neutral sitting posture examples
Neutral sitting postures in a Herman Miller Mirra 2 (left) and Secretlab Titan Evo 2022.

That means: tuck your hips deep into the seat. Plant your feet. Adjust the lumbar support to maintain your lower back curve. Then, use the armrests to prop yourself up into a healthy posture.

Titan and Aeron chair demo: sitting with tucked vs curled forward hips
For best results in ANY ergonomic gaming chair, make sure to tuck your hips deep into the seat.

By following neutral sitting fundamentals, any of the chairs in this review can provide comfortable posture support over long periods of sitting — for less than $200. Learn more:

Neutral Posture Quickstart: For Gaming AND Ergo Office Chairs

Related: Neutral Postures Compared: Gaming Chairs Vs Elite Ergonomic Office Chairs

Secretlab Titan gaming chairs on sale in March 2023

Details: Secretlab March 2023 Sales Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Who Should Use A Cheap Gaming Chair?
  2. Best Cheap Gaming Chairs Under $200
    1. GTRacing Pro Series
    2. GTRacing Ace S1
    3. E-Win Knight Series
    4. Neo Chair ARC Marvel Editions
    5. Homall Classic
  3. Ergonomic Office Chairs Under $350
  4. Conclusion: Decent Value For Money

Popular This Week

Best AFFORDABLE Ergonomic Office Chairs For Short People

Best Gaming Chairs For Big Guys: Slim to Obese Over 177 cm+

Best Ergo Office Chairs For Big Guys: 400+ lbs, 5’4″ – 6’6″

Related Posts

Reviews of the best full fabric fabric upholstered gaming chairs
Buying guides

Best Fabric Gaming Chairs 2023: Plush Comfort Back Support

Buying guides

Best Cheap Gaming Chairs Under $300 For Short, Wide Sizes

Buying guides

Best Gaming Chairs For Big Guys: Slim to Obese Over 177 cm+

  • About
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Best Article Map
Gaming chair trends, reviews, advice.

© ChairsFX 2018-2023

No Result
View All Result
  •  Home
  • Gaming Chairs
    • Gaming Chair Brands
    • Single Chair Reviews
    • Gaming Chair News
  • Office Chairs
    • Office Chair Brands
    • Single Chair Reviews
  • Ergonomic Advice
  • Ergonomic Trends
  • Accessories

© ChairsFX 2018-2023