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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Notably, the perceived comfort of a chair has both physiological and psychological factors. Cheap gaming chairs provide very basic physiological support.
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.
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:
- GTRacing Pro Series Red: the original cheap racer ($119.99)
- GTRacing Ace S1: Best adjustable features (Price not available)
- E-Win Knight Series: 400-pound support; 2-year warranty ($159)
- Neo Chair Marvel ARC Series: Marvel superhero designs ($178.47)
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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?
- Rugged, easy to clean
- Good adjustability
- Comfortable
- Basic, old-school features & aesthetics
Based on price, performance, and reliability, this easily ranks as our #1 cheap pick of the year.
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.
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.
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
- 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.
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.
- 4D armrests
- Good-quality PU leather upholstery
- Firmer padding than other cheap chairs
- Excellent value for money
- 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.
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.
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.
There are four models, with 12 style variations. All come upholstered in E-Win’s unique blend of PVC leather.
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
- 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.
- Extra-wide seat
- Support for 400 pounds
- Diverse range of styles
- Reliable 2-year warranty
- 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.
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.
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.
ARC Marvel chair features offer good value for money:
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- Colorful designs
- 3D armrests
- Massage unit embedded in the lumbar pillow
- 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.
Despite the ergonomic limits, these chairs have been ultra-popular gaming chair gateways for years.
Homall Specifications
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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).
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).
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:
Conclusion: Decent Value For Money
Recap of the chairs in this review:
- GTRacing Pro Series Red: the original cheap racer ($119.99)
- GTRacing Ace S1: Best adjustable features (Price not available)
- E-Win Knight Series: 400-pound support; 2-year warranty ($159)
- Neo Chair Marvel ARC Series: Marvel superhero designs ($178.47)
- 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.
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.
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.
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
