No products in the cart.
Find Your Fit: Top Small Gaming Chairs for Petite Gamers
When you buy something using an affiliate link in this post, ChairsFX may receive a small commission, at no additional expense to you. This has no influence on our editorial content. See our Affiliate Disclosure for details.
Finding the perfect gaming chair isn’t just about style — it’s about comfort, especially for petite gamers. Most gaming chairs are built for average sizes, leaving those under 5’6″ with fewer options. But in 2024, a handful of models are specifically for smaller frames: full ergonomic support in compact, space-saving designs. If you’re 4’9″ or slightly taller, these chairs ensure the right fit for both kids and shorter adults. If you’re ready to upgrade your setup with a chair that suits your size, you’re in the right place.
Most gaming chairs come with standardized size ratings, but there’s no substitute for hands-on testing, like what we’ve done below with real models.
When it comes to fit, seat depth is crucial; if the seat is too deep, your knees will be pulled forward. This can cause your lower back to flatten and curl your upper spine, leading to discomfort over long sessions.
As shown in the photo, the difference is clear: on the left, the gap between the knees and seat lip indicates a good fit, while on the right, the seat is too deep, causing posture issues.
For short, heavier individuals, seat width is equally important. Take a close look at the chair’s dimensions to ensure it accommodates your frame without compromising comfort or support. Check out the key factors below when shopping for the perfect compact gaming chair.
Key Factors When Choosing A Small Gaming Chair
- Seat depth: a seat too deep for your legs will distort your sitting posture. Based on small chair seat depth benchmarks, sizes under 5’0″ can use a max depth of 18″.
- Seat width: seats with bolstered side edges limit legroom. Short people with thick legs or wide hips should look for a seat with flat edges.
- Lumbar support: good height-adjustability will let you customize your lower back support for your size.
- Seat padding density: firm 65 kg/m³ padding provides consistent support with even weight distribution. 55 kg/m³ density seats are softer, but with slightly uneven weight distribution.
- Warranty: standard gaming chairs come guaranteed for 2 years; premium ones are guaranteed for 5. A longer warranty implies a higher build quality.
Best Small Gaming Chair Quick Picks
Chairs are ranked based on a combination of factors. First, the value and quality of each chair’s features. Also, feedback from real users, plus my personal experience testing each brand’s products.
These are the only small gaming chair models on the market for sizes shorter than 5’2″:
| Rank & Model | Details |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Besides the above 4 models, the Size A Herman Miller Aeron (16″ seat depth, for sizes 4’10” and up) is the only ergonomic desk chair for adults sized 5’0″ or less.
Reviews: Best Small Gaming Chairs
A detailed look at each of our top picks:
Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 (4’11″+)
This popular gaming chair comes in three sizes. It boasts the most advanced features, longest warranty, and widest array of styles. But size-wise, it ranks as the fourth best gaming chair for a short person, rated for sizes 4’9″ and up.
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
- Seat: 20.9″ (total W) x 18.9″ (D)
- 285-pound weight capacity
- For sizes 4’11” to 5’6″
Pros
- Superb integrated 4-way adjustable lumbar support
- The strapless magnetic headrest supports perfect 0° neck postures
- Flat, spacious seat pan
- Over 50+ styles to choose from
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Pricier than other chairs
- Some people find the 65 kg/m³ padding too stiff
Titan 2022 Key Features
Three features set the Titan Evo apart from other gaming chairs. The first is a 4-way integrated lumbar with height and depth adjustability. Toggle dials on both sides of the chair to find your perfect fit.
The second standout is a magnetic memory foam headrest. Without straps, it provides a massive 11″ adjustment range. The third is its flat, wide seat pan.
The Titan’s seat provides gentle guidance to keep your legs pointing straight — yet with the full freedom to move your legs. When you get tired of sitting with planted feet, feel free to mix things up.
Despite the loss of postural integrity, many esports doctors hype frequent movement as a priority while sitting. Doing so boosts circulation while also keeping core muscles engaged.
Summary of Specifications
The Titan Evo comes in small, medium, and XL sizes. All versions come with a 5-year warranty and the same features.
The sizing dimensions below are for the small edition:
Titan Evo Features
- Back support: integrated 4-way adjustable lumbar; magnetic headrest pillow.
- Tilt functions: multifunction tilt-lock; 85-165° recline.
- Armrests: 4D armrests with swappable top caps.
- Seat: 65 kg/m³ padding density.
Dimensions
- Seat width x depth: 20.9″ (total W) x 18.9″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 20″ (W) x 32.3″ (H)
- Seat height range: 17.7″ to 20.5″
- Armrest height range: 26″ to 31.9″
- Size rating: 4’11” to 5’6″; 285 pounds
Titan EVO Advice
I’ve been using gaming chairs for full-time work since 2017. I’ve been using a Titan Evo gaming chair for around two years.
You can see for yourself the improvement it’s made on my sitting posture. In fact, based on my own tests, the Titan provides the same level of postural accuracy as the best high-end ergonomic office chairs.
The difference: high-end office chairs have limited reclines that force you to sit upright at all times. In contrast, the Titan gives you the freedom to adjust your chair for many activities beyond desk work.
You can’t take a nap in an office chair. You also can’t get an office chair available in 50+ stunning styles. These include fifteen SoftWeave fabric styles and a few dozen leatherette ones.
Finally, the Titan Evo also comes with a five-year warranty. This combined with elite posture support, full sitting freedom, and a kaleidoscopic array of styles explains why it’s (justifiably) the world’s most popular high-end gaming chair.
Titan EVO small from Secretlab $519-$594
Related: Titan Evo Review | Titan Evo Sizing Guide | 0° Neck Postures In A Titan Evo
AKRacing California Ojai (4’9″+)
Price not available on Amazon
Size rating: 4’9″ to 5’6″ | Seat depth: 17.7″
Released in 2023, the AKRacing California Ojai is a variation of the classic California chair. There are two big differences. First, the Ojai comes draped in a conservative office-style black skin. Second, while the classic California has bladed seat edges, the California Ojai has a spacious seat with flat edges.
Both versions have a 15″ inner seat width. But the Ojai’s flat edges provide almost 4″ of extra space on both sides. This means that ultra-short, obese sizes now have a dedicated option specially built for their proportions.
Ojai Chair Specifications
The Ojai has the same dimensions as classic Cali chairs. The seat pan differs in two ways. First, it has flat edges instead of bladed ones. Second, its total width is greater than the classic Cali version. Highlights:
- Features: 3D arms, standard tilt, 90-180° recline
- Seat width x depth: 15″ inner /
21″22.4″ outer (W) x 17.7″ (D) - Size rating: 4’9″ to 5’6″; 330-pound weight capacity
On Amazon, AKRacing lists this chair for sizes 4’7″ to 5’6″. However, given that it has the same seat depth as classic Cali chairs, the classic 4’9″ to 5’6″ size rating seems more accurate.
At present, the Ojai is only listed on AKRacing.com as an empty menu item. Until that’s updated, California Ojai chairs are only available on Amazon:
AKRacing California (4’9″+)
The classic California differs from the Ojai with pastel gamer skins and bladed seat edges. Like all AKRacing chairs, both versions come guaranteed for 5 years.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
- Seat: 15″ inner W/ 21″ outer x 17.7″ (D)
- 330-pound weight capacity
- For sizes 4’9″ to 5’6″
Pros
- Easy to use height-adjustable lumbar pillow
- Soft yet ultra-durable 55 kg/m³ seat padding
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Comes with a standard (not multifunction) tilt lock
- The bladed seat edges are only suitable for slim figures
California Chair Features
The California chair comes with a lumbar pillow-powered support concept. The pillow attaches to the backrest with straps. Slide it up or down until it’s just above your beltline. Then, leaning back will support your lower spine.
This chair has prosumer (not premium) ergonomic features. Instead of 4D arms and a multifunction tilt lock you get 3D arms and a standard rocking function. That lets you rock the chair, but not lock the seat at angles.
California Chair Features
- Features: 3D armrests; deep recline to 180°; rocking function with tilt-tension.
- Comfort: neck and lumbar pillows, premium PU leather cover.
- Padding density: 55 kg/m³ (seat) 50 kg/m³ (back)
- Warranty: five years on parts; 10 years on the frame.
Dimensions
- Seat width x depth: 15″ inner / 21″ outer (W) x 17.7″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 21″ (W) x 27.7″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 13.75-17.25″
- Total height: 44″ to 47.4″
- Size rating: 4’9″ to 5’6″; 330-pound weight capacity
California Chair Advice
The reasonable price, tiny dimensions, and 5-year warranty are upsides. On the downside, this is an old-school gaming chair with antiquated lumbar pillow support.
If you want the latest-and-greatest features, the Noblechairs Epic Compact and small Titan Evo are better options.
It’s also important to mention this is a slim-fit chair, with a compact 15″ inner seat width buttressed by bladed edges. If you have wide hips or thick legs, consider the California Ojai chair instead.
Learn more: AKRacing California gaming chair review.
Noblechairs Epic Compact (4’1″+)
$559.00 on Amazon
Size rating: 4’1″ to 5’7″ | Seat depth: 16-5-18.9″ (adjustable)
Designed by luxury German brand Noblechairs, the Epic Compact is the world’s smallest full-featured gaming chair.
It’s also the world’s only gaming chair with two high-end ergonomic office chair features:
- Seat slider: adjust the seat depth from 16-5-18.9″
- Synchronous tilt: the backrest reclines from 90-112°. With sync tilt activated, the seat tilts up by 1.7° with each degree of recline.
Three years after its release, no other gaming chairs have adopted these features. While flashy on paper, the usefulness of both id debateable for small gamers seeking good value for money.
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
- Seat: 11″ (inner W) x 16-5-18.9″ (D)
- 265-pound weight capacity
- For sizes 4’1″ to 5’7″
Pros
- World’s smallest full-featured gaming chair
- Adjustable seat depth
- Sync-tilt seat functions
- Lumbar and headrest pillows included
Cons
- Only guaranteed for 2 years
- Expensive
Epic Compact Features
The Epic Compact is a minified version of the popular Noblechairs Epic gaming chair. Both share a similar design. Each also comes with 3D armrests, a headrest, and lumbar pillow set.
The Epic differs with two features never before seen on a gaming chair: a sliding seat and synchronous tilt functionality:
Epic Compact Features
- Backrest: 90 to 112° recline
- Sync-tilt: 90 to 112° recline; 1.7° seat tilt with each recline degree
- Seat slider depth adjustment: 2.3″ (6 cm)
- Upholstery: PU leather or Anthracite Carbon Fabric
- Spinal support: lumbar and headrest pillows included
- Armrests: 3D
Dimensions
- Seat: 11″ (inner width) x 16.5-18.8″ (D)
- Backrest: 10.6″ inner width; 18″ outer width
- Seat height: 15.7-19.7″
- Size rating: 4’1″ to 5’7″; 265-pound weight capacity
Epic Compact Advice
The Epic Compact is rated for sizes 4’1″ to 5’7″. The average height of a 3rd grade American 8-year-old is 3’9″ to 4’5″. For kids that young, this chair’s seat slider may be its most useful feature. As the child grows, you can extend the seat depth to grow with them.
For short adults, the Epic Compact’s sync-tilt functions do what no other gaming chair can. As you recline, the seat will automatically tilt up by 1.7° with each degree of recline. This provides the means to move your hips while you sit.
On the downside, you can easily enjoy a complete gaming chair experience without these snazzy features. As well, the 11″ inner seat width is tiny. If you have wide hips or thick legs, this seat may be too compact for your needs.
Related: Epic Compact Release Notes
Epic Compact on Amazon $559.00
Also available to order from the Noblechairs website. → check price
Small Gaming Chair Alternatives
The previous section lists the only four full-featured gaming chairs for extremely small sizes 5’0″ or shorter. The only office chair built for ultra-small sizes is the Herman Miller Aeron (Size A). Here’s how it compares with the AKRacing California and small Titan Evo:
| Small | Titan EVO small | Aeron size A | AKRacing California |
| Seat | 17.7″ (W) x 18.9″ (D) | 25.75″ (W) x 16″ (D) | 21″ (W) x 17.7″ (D) |
| Backrest | 20″ (W) x 32.3″ (H) | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 21″(W) x 27.7″ (H) |
| Seat height | 17.7″ to 20.5″ | 14.75″ to 19″ | 13.75″ to 17.25″ |
| Size rating | 4’11” to 5’6″; 285 pounds | 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds | 4’9″ to 5’6″; 330 pounds |
| Price | $519 from Secretlab | $1750 from Herman Miller | Price not available on Amazon |
Including the Aeron, there are only five fully-ergonomic chairs in the world for sizes 5’2″ or shorter. Beyond these ultra-compact chairs are a few ‘semi-small’ gaming and office chair options for sizes 5’3″ and up.
Semi-Small Gaming Chairs (5’3″+)
We’ve scoured the entire gaming chair industry seeking chairs with legitimate dimensions for sizes 5’3″ and up. Specifically, that means a suitable seat depth and backrest size for short people.
Amazingly, only three gaming chairs qualified. It’s probably no coincidence that both come from established brands with a history of accuracy.
| Model | Description |
| Secretlab Omega
|
Before the Titan Evo, this was Secretlab’s premium gaming chair for short people.
|
| E-Win Champion Fabric Chair
|
Supports 400 pounds with a seat depth (21.7″ total, 18.5″ usable) and height range suitable for semi-short people. Use code CHAIRSFX for the discount price.
$295 |
| E-Win Knight Series
|
An affordable chair with basic features and dimensions suited to short, thick sizes. Use the code CHAIRSFX for the discounted price.
|
Semi-Small Office Chairs (5’3″+)
The office chair industry offers up a handful of semi-small chairs for short people sized 5’3″ and up. Unlike the pricey Aeron, all are affordable. Here are three popular options:
| Model | Description |
| Steelcase Series 1
|
Has a depth-adjustable seat and 12-year warranty. The height-adjustable lumbar’s 6.5-8.75″ range limits its potential for shorter people.
|
| Nouhaus Palette
|
Offers a cute design, decent features, a 3-year warranty, and a low price.
|
| Secretlab NeueChair
|
Has a height x depth-adjustable lumbar; sliding seat depth; infinite 85-130° recline (lock at any angle); 5-year warranty.
|
Browse all options: Best Small Ergonomic Office Chairs (for sizes 5’3″ and up)
Small Ergonomic Chairs For Kids (3’4″+)
This final compact seating option: ergonomic desk chairs for kids. Designed for children aged 4-12, this seating genre can also support extremely small adults.
The Sidiz Ringo is our top-rated desk chair for kids. With support for sizes 3’6″ to 5’3″, it’s a possible option for very short adults. Those wanting a more traditional gaming chair design can consider a Secretlab Titan XXS. Summary of both:
| Model | Description |
| Sidiz Ringo
|
The premier ergonomic chairs for kids beats the competition with superior features and a longer warranty.
|
| Secretlab Titan XXS
|
A super-small gaming chair for kids, ultra-petite adults, or Pomeranians.
|
Browse all options: Best Ergonomic Desk Chairs For Kids (for sizes 3’6″ to 5’3″)
Gaming Chair For Short People Advice
A good gaming chair aligns the spine to help you to sit with good posture. Follow the tips below to ensure the best results from your small gaming chair investment:
- Poor fit example: see for yourself how poorly a small body fits in a chair too big.
- Seat depth specs: see how a seat too deep for your legs can distort your spine.
- Seat depth hacks: if your gaming chair seat is too deep, two hacks can reduce it.
- Footrest for short people: everyone 5’9″ or shorter with a non-adjustable desk needs one.
Small Person In Large Chair = Bad Fit
Every chair in this review comes with an accurate size rating. Ignoring these can negate the ergonomic potential of your chair. For example, here’s a 5’4″ teen in a Secretlab Titan 2020 (rated for sizes 5’9″ and up).
Because the backrest is too high, the headrest doesn’t fit his neck curve. We also see the armrests are too high when aligned with his desk. That leaves his shoulder bunched up instead of falling down at a 90°.
As well, the seat is too deep for his short legs. That presses its lip into the back of the knees. Over long sitting periods, that gets painful! Learn more:
Suitable Seat Depths For Short People
Here’s how the seat depths of three ultra-small ergonomic desk chairs compare:
| Small | Titan EVO small | Aeron size A | AKRacing California |
| Seat | 17.7″ (W) x 18.9″ (D) | 25.75″ (W) x 16″ (D) | 21″ (W) x 17.7″ (D) |
| Backrest | 20″ (W) x 32.3″ (H) | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 21″(W) x 27.7″ (H) |
| Seat height | 17.7″ to 20.5″ | 14.75″ to 19″ | 13.75″ to 17.25″ |
| Size rating | 4’11” to 5’6″; 285 pounds | 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds | 4’9″ to 5’6″; 330 pounds |
| Price | $549 from Secretlab | $1750 from Herman Miller | Price not available on Amazon |
To test Secretlab’s size rating accuracy, I tried my 5’9″ (177 cm) size in medium (5’7″ to 6’2″ rating) and XL (5’11” to 6’9″) Titan chairs.
As you can see, the XL (rated 2″ too large for my height) yielded a seat too deep for my legs. In contrast, a tiny 0.4″ reduction on the medium sized Titan made a massive difference.
That gave me a near-perfect fit (around 2 fingers of space behind my knees). Given these facts, we can make the following seat depth conclusions for short sizes:
Seat Depth Benchmarks For Short People
Short sizes can use these references to gauge a good seat depth for their height:
| Size | Chair Reference | Maximum Seat Depth |
| 4’9″ | AKRacing California | 17.7″ |
| 4’11” | Secretlab Titan (S) | 18.9″ |
| 5’7″ | Secretlab Titan (M) | 19.3″ |
For more specific fitting tips (for S, M, and XL sizes), see this feature:
Seat Depth Hacks: Footrests Or Pillows
If your gaming chair seat is too deep for your legs, there are two potential fixes:
Footrest Seat Depth Hack
Ergonomic footrests also reduce pressure on the lower thighs. Instead, power from your planted legs transfers to the lower back. With lumbar support in place, sitting up straight becomes almost effortless.
A byproduct of that is a wider knee bend that pulls your legs away from the seat’s lip. As a result, while my Titan XL chair’s seat is too deep, it’s a perfect depth when used with a footrest.
Lumbar Pillow Hack
Some of the gaming chairs for small adults in this review have external lumbar pillows. Even when compressed, these will push users at least one inch away from the backrest. That will, as a result, reduce the usable seat depth by around one inch.
You can also deploy this hack in chairs without external lumbar pillows. For instance, my Secretlab Titan Evo XL is a touch too deep for my size. To fix that, I use an external lumbar pillow to reduce its seat depth. Learn more:
Everyone Under 5’9″ Needs A Footrest
Standard-sized desks are typically 28-30″ high. Based on my (5’9″ 177 cm) experience, everyone 5’9″ and shorter (175 cm) using a standard (non-height-adjustable) desk needs a footrest. Without one, short legs may struggle to plant firmly on the floor.
Height-boosting with a footrest is an easy fix. For instance, most ergonomic chairs for kids aged 4-12 come with removable footrests.
Raising the height of the chair while using a footrest makes it possible for kids to use adult-sized desks.
This height-boosting concept works the same for short adults. First, raise the height of the chair’s seat to sync with your desk height. Then, use an ergonomic footrest to make sure your feet remain planted.
Then, you can enjoy good sitting posture while perfectly synced with your desktop — regardless of its height.
Footrest Benefits
Beyond height-boosting and seat depth hacking, ergonomic footrests let you move while you sit. Without disturbing your typing, you can work your ankles and calves while computing.
This provides an easy way to engage seated muscles while keeping your circulation robust. Learn more:
Small Gaming Chair Big Picture Advice
This section helps you to consider the long-term ramifications of investing in a small gaming chair:
Small Gaming Chair Benefits To Expect
After you’ve decided on a chair, you should next master the habit of sitting in neutral postures. A few days of practice is all it should take for your muscles to adapt.
Then, you’re in for a treat. Sitting with an aligned spine takes massive pressure off back muscles. Then comes a massive surge of energy, sharper focus, and many other noticeable wellness benefits.
The most surprising early benefit I encountered was a sudden emergence of razor sharp discipline. As it turns out, that has a scientific basis: with more physical energy, the brain’s executive functions (including discipline) become more powerful.
As proof of that, I bought my first gaming chair in mid-2017. Then, I developed a neutral posture habit, gained more energy, and parlayed that into a gym routine. Fast-forward 1.5 years and life was vastly improved — I even got rid of my beer belly!
It all started with a good gaming chair — that fit my size. For short people, this article covers every compact option. Choose one that fits, lock down neutral posture techniques, and enjoy the early benefits.
Learn more: Gaming Chair Benefits For Men, Women, and Kids
Gaming Chair Benefits For Petite Women
Women enjoy the same benefits of good sitting posture as men. These include more energy, sharper focus, and more confidence. Yet, women are more likely to suffer from negative body image perceptions. There, posture plays a significant role.
Women who slouch look shorter and fatter than those with good posture. A slouched posture also compresses the rib cage, forcing shallower breathing patterns.
This lowers oxygen levels in the blood, which the brain interprets as stress. Over time, chronic shallow breathing causes perpetual stress, a weaker immune system, and higher blood pressure.
Summary of benefits: poor posture increases anxiety while making women look shorter and fatter. Developing neutral sitting habits in a good gaming chair can reverse these effects. Then, a woman can look slimmer while feeling more confident and relaxed.
Learn more: Gaming Chair Benefits For Women (with citations)
Ascending Beyond Gaming Chair Benefits
If you’ve never used an ergonomic chair before, the early benefits (more energy & sharper focus) may leave you in awe — for a while. Eventually, the novelty of life with good posture will wear off.
But with excess energy to play with, you may develop an appetite for further growth. If not, enjoy chilling out in your gaming chair!
Otherwise, there’s a well-trodden path you can follow, laid out by pro esports teams, chess pros, and other intensive computing professionals. All you need to get started is a good gaming chair that fits your body type.
The chair gives you the tools to develop healthy sitting habits. With a good fit and proper form, those who want more can expect unlimited physical and mental growth opportunities to arise.
