Tired of squeezing into tiny gaming chairs? This article curates a list of the best gaming chairs for big guys. These are for taller and wider sizes, with support from 395 to 550 pounds. Imagine having fully adjustable, full-back spinal support laid over an extra-large reinforced frame. Picture it bundled into a pretty package that will light up your workspace. Don’t let discomfort hold you back from your gaming potential. Upgrade to a premium big and tall gaming chair and ascend your desk work experience.
The big and tall gaming chairs in this review support between 395 to 550 pounds. Each caters to big, thick sizes with reinforced frames and extra-wide seats. Each also supports tall sizes with an XL backrest built for longer spines.
Key chair qualities to consider while browsing XL gaming chairs:
- A good chair fit: each chair in this review has a size rating and maximum weight capacity. Follow these size ratings to ensure the right support for your size.
- Warranty protection: some models are guaranteed for 5 years, others for 2. Use this to calculate the price per year of different chairs.
- Lumbar support: some have integrated lumbar systems; others use traditional pillows. Both do a decent job, but integrated units provide greater precision.
- Upholstery type: PU leather is easier to keep clean. Fabric XL gaming chairs are softer and more breathable — but a bit harder to keep clean.
Quick Picks: Best Big And Tall Gaming Chairs 2023
The Secretlab Titan Evo XL leads the field with the best features, warranty, and design choices. Yet, all models provide the postural support you need for long gaming sessions. Our top picks:
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The 5 Best Gaming Chairs For Big Guys
When people gain weight, their skeletal system does not grow to compensate. Instead, the entire musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles) must work harder. Over time, excess strain weakens the spine and surrounding muscles(1). That makes it harder to sit up straight.
Full-back, racing-style gaming chairs provide excellent ergonomic support for heavy bodies. Instead of forcing users to sit upright, they can ease into it using deeper reclines. As back muscles get stronger, sitting up straight will get easier.
So what’s the best gaming chair for big guys? Five models stand above the rest. These support 395 to 550 pounds. All come from established gaming chair brands with two to five-year warranties. Prices range from $399 to $674:
- Secretlab Titan Evo XL: best overall | $599-$674
- AKRacing Master Series Max: widest seat space | $460.72
- Anda Seat Kaiser 3: solid Titan Evo clone | $499
- E-Win Flash XL: wide seat and 550-pound support | $399
- Vertagear PL6800: unique luxury extras | $449
Secretlab Titan Evo XL
$599-$674 from Secretlab
Rated #1
The Titan XL’s flat, wide seat and tall backrest provide superb oversized support. Its cutting-edge features, 50+ styles, and 5-year warranty set it apart from the rest.
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
- 22.8″ (W) x 19.7″ (D) seat
- 395-pound weight capacity
- For sizes 5’11” to 6’9″
Pros
- Best adjustable support features
- Supports perfect neutral postures
- 50+ leatherette & fabric styles
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Pricier than other XL gaming chairs
- Some find the 65 kg/m³ padding too firm
Titan Evo XL Review
From a sizing perspective, the Titan Evo XL is the best gaming chair for big guys on two fronts. First, its 22.8″ wide seat pan provides enough space for most thick sizes.
Second, the backrest is tall enough to support sizes up to 6’9″. However, the Titan XL’s lumbar and headrest adjustability is robust enough to suit people of various heights.
As a result, although rated for sizes 5’11” and up, slightly shorter users may find it usable. For example, at my 5’9″ (177 cm) size, this XL chair fits decently, although the 19.7″ seat is a bit too deep for my size.
In comparison, the medium Titan’s 19.3″ seat provides a healthy gap behind my knees. Keep this sizing reference in mind as you consider this chair.
Learn more: Titan Evo Sizing Guide For S, M, and XL Users
Titan Evo XL Specifications
The Titan Evo comes fully-loaded with high-end features across the board. Highlights include an integrated, 4-way adjustable lumbar support and a strapless magnetic headrest.
Combined with the firm 65 kg/m³ seat padding, these features deliver the most precise back support you’ll find on a gaming chair. Summary of features:
- Lumbar support: 4-way integrated
- Headrest: strapless magnetic with a velour cover and an 11″ range
- Recline: 85-165°; multifunction tilt lock
- Seat padding: 65 kg/m³ (firm)
- Styles: 50+ leatherette and fabric options
- Warranty: 5 years
- Seat: 22.8″ (outer width) x 19.7″ (D)
- Backrest: 22″ (W) x 35″ (H)
- Seat height: 18.1″ to 21.9″
- Size rating: 5’11” to 6’9″; 395 pounds
Titan Evo XL Advice
The Titan’s superior adjustability is good for your back. With the right settings and a 100° backrest recline, it supports biomechanically-perfect neutral postures. That includes a 25-45° lower back curve and a 0° neck tilt.
I recently switched to sitting this way as a means to correct a forward neck tilt caused by excessive texting. I’ve not been able to achieve such biomechanical precision in any other gaming chair.
The main potential downside is the padding. Firmer padding provides more stable, consistent support. However, some first-time ergonomic chair users may find the firmness jarring. Those who adapt can expect to prosper.
- Best adjustable support features
- 50+ leatherette & fabric styles
- 5-year warranty
- Pricier than other gaming chairs for heavy guys
- Some find the 65 kg/m³ padding too firm
Bottom line: the most advanced gaming chair on the market deserves its hype. If you can handle the high up-front cost, the Titan XL is an excellent long-term investment.
Titan EVO XL from Secretlab for $599-$674
Learn more: Titan Evo XL Review
AKRacing Masters Series Max
$460.72 from Amazon
Rated #2
This heavy-duty 400 lbs gaming chair has a massive 23.25″ wide seat. Made by one of the OG gaming chair brands, it provides classic, racing-style, lumbar pillow-powered support.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
- 23.25″ (W) x 20.3″ (D) seat
- 400-pound weight capacity
- For sizes 5’6″ to 6’6″
Pros
- Extra-thick 55 kg/m³ padding
- 5-year warranty
- Extra-wide seat
Cons
- Old-school racing-style design
- The lumbar pillow isn’t as precise as integrated units.
The Master Series Max has a wider seat than any other premium gaming chair. It also has the lowest seat height range among premium XL gaming chairs: 14.4″ to 17.25″. Thus, AKRacing rates this chair for sizes 5’6″ and up.
That rating is legit. The 20.3″ seat depth gets reduced by around 3 inches when you use the lumbar pillow. Then, the usable seat depth is around 17.5″ — suitable for shorter sizes.
Master Series Max Features
Beyond its massive seat width, two things set the Master Max apart from lower-ranked chairs. First, This is the only extra wide gaming chair beyond the Titan with a 5-year warranty.
Second, it has 70% more 55 kg/m³ padding than the AKRacing Core Series EX. On the downside, compared to the Titan XL, the Master Series Max has less sophisticated features.
For instance, instead of integrated lumbar support, the Max has a lumbar pillow attached to straps. Its XL headrest also attaches with straps. These do a similar job as the Titan’s support features — but with less adjustable precision.
- Functionality: padded 4D adjustable armrests; recline to 180°; multifunction tilt-lock.
- Comfort: extra wide seat; 70% more cold foam padding; lumbar cushion & neck support pillows.
- Upholstery: breathable PU leather in black or black with colored trim.
- Warranty: 5 years on parts; 10 years on the metal frame.
- Seat width x depth: 23.25″ (W) x 20.5″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 24.4″ (W) x 34.2″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 14.4″ to 17.25″
- Size rating: 5’6″ to 6’6″ and up to 400 pounds
Sizing Advice For Shorter, Heavy Guys
The Master Series Max supports short, heavy sizes with a low-to-the-ground 14.4-17.25″ seat height. Paired with a regular-sized desk, this may leave you sitting lower than you’d prefer.
The simple solution is to add an ergonomic footrest. Doing so will let you increase the seat height while keeping your feet planted.
Master Series Max advice
The Master Series Max is the best big and tall gaming chair for extra-wide sizes. It has the widest seat, supports 400 pounds, and comes guaranteed for 5 years. Because of its low seat height, it’s also a good fit for wide sizes with short legs.
Compared to the Titan 2022’s semi-stiff 65 kg/m³ padding, the Max serves up a softer, fluffier 55 kg/m³. That’s more comfortable in the short term. On the downside, it provides less consistency and stability than firmer padding.
- Massive seat with flat edges
- Fluffier padding than the Titan
- 5-year warranty
- Retro designs with less precise support
Bottom line: the Titan and Master Max both do a good job at promoting good posture. The Titan beats the Max with better aesthetics and adjustability. On the flip side, the Max is cheaper — and also a better fit for shorter sizes.
Learn more: Best AKRacing Chairs Of 2023.
Masters Series Max from AKRacing $569
The Master Series Max is also available on Amazon for $460.72.
Anda Seat Kaiser 3 Series
$499.999 from Anda Seat
Rated #3
The Kaiser 3 is available in medium and XL sizes. It adopts the Titan Evo’s integrated 4-way lumbar and magnetic headrest. Yet, it delivers a more casual sitting experience that first-time ergonomic chair users may prefer.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
- 21.8″ (W) x 21″ (D) seat
- 396-pound weight capacity
- For sizes 5’110″ to 6’10”
Pros
- Same advanced features as the Titan
- Thick 65 kg/m³ padding
- Soft yet rugged PVC upholstery
Cons
- Mediocre 2-year warranty
- Doesn’t support sharp 100° postures as well as the Titan
The Kaiser 3 is listed as having the same 65 kg/m³ seat padding density as the Secretlab Titan Evo. But while the Titan’s padding feels ultra-firm, the Kaiser 3 seat feels squishy.
I asked AndaSeat’s marketing team for clarification. They confirmed the Kaiser 3’s 65 kg/m³. It produces a softer effect because of an extra layer of cotton laid on top of the semi-firm foam.
Draped over top is a thick layer of PVC faux leather. This stuff is thicker than PU leather and nearly indestructible — yet buttery soft, with a luxurious feel.
Combined, these features give you similar support as the Titan chair — with a more casual, playful feel. The thicker, softer padding makes the Kaiser 3 feel less ‘serious’.
Its PVC upholstery also feels ridiculously tough — you don’t need to baby this chair. I batter mine recklessly. Still, a quick wipe with a damp rag keeps it looking brand new.
Kaiser 3 Features
The Kaiser 3 comes in medium and XL versions. The XL version’s 22.4″ seat depth is extreme — only suitable for sizes 6’0″ or taller:
| Spec | Kaiser 3 Large | Kaiser 3 XL |
| Seat | 20.6″ (W) x 20″ (D) | 21.8″ (W) x 21″ (D) |
| Backrest | 21.2″ (W) x 31.5″ (H) | 22.2″ (W) x 32.6″ (H) |
| Seat height | 17-5.20″ | 17.5-20″ |
| Size rating | 5’11” to 6’10”, 396 pounds |
Functionally, the Kaiser 3 replicates the Titan Evo’s best features:
- Lumbar support: integrated, height and depth-adjustable
- Headrest: magnetic strapless memory foam pillow with cooling gel insert
- Padding: 55kg/mᶟ one-piece molded foam
- Adjustments: 90-165° recline; 4D armrests; multifunction tilt lock
- Warranty: two years
Kaiser 3 Advice
I have Titan Evo and Kaiser 3 chairs. In a head-to-head comparison, I explain my reasons for preferring the Titan:
- Firm padding: the Titan’s firmer padding provides more consistent support.
- Elegant feel: the Titan feels more refined than the rough-and-tumble Kaiser 3
- Sharper posture support: the Titan supports sharp upright 100° postures. The Kaiser 3 works best with a more casual 110° recline.
The Titan’s qualities suit experienced ergonomic chair users. First-timers often prefer the opposite softer, more casual variations. That’s where the Kaiser 3 shines.
- Excellent adjustability
- Beautiful styles
- Some will prefer its soft, fluffy padding
- Cheaper than the Titan Evo
- Mediocre 2-year warranty
- Doesn’t support sharp 100° postures as well as the Titan
If you prefer a cheaper, more casual version of the Titan Evo, the Kaiser 3 is for you. It’s easy to use, very easy to use, and super-rugged.
The Kaiser 3 is also a good gaming chair for big guys who prefer using a more relaxed 110° backrest recline. At that angle, it comfortably supports long periods of healthy desk work.
Summary: the Kaiser 3 gaming chair supports large adults 6’0″ to 6’10” with a 396-pound weight capacity. Enjoy a thick, spongy seat with advanced adjustable features and a super-rugged feel.
Learn more: Kaiser 3 Gaming Chair Review
EWin Flash XL
$399 $499 from E-Win
Rated #4
E-Win is an under-the-radar brand that makes affordable, full-featured plus size gaming chair models. All support up to 400 pounds. The largest Flash XL edition supports a whopping 550 pounds.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
- 22″ (W) x 20.3″ (D) seat
- 550-pound weight capacity
- For sizes 5’7″ to 7’0″
Pros
- Support for 550 pounds
- Flat, spacious seat
- Premium features
- Cheaper than competitors
Cons
- Limited 2-year warranty
- Lower build quality than competitors
Flash XL Features
All but one Flash XL version comes with bladed seat edges. The all-black FLH edition differs with a flat, spacious seat that’s ideal for a 500lb gaming chair.
Flash XL chairs have the same features as the AKRacing Master Series Max. Highlights include 4D arms, a multifunction tilt-lock, and deep recline functionality.
The Flash XL falls behind the Max with a shorter 2-year warranty. It exceeds it with a 550-pound weight capacity.
- Functionality: 4D adjustable armrests; recline from to 85°-155°; multifunction tilt-lock.
- Comfort: ultra-dense cold foam padding; neck and lumbar pillows.
- Cover material: premium PU leather.
- Warranty: two years on parts, ten years on the metal frame.
- Seat width x depth: 22″ (W) x 20.3″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 23″ (W) x 39″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 16.5″ to 20.5″
- Chair height: 55.5″ to 59.5″
- Size rating: 5’7″ to 7’0″; max weight limit 550 pounds
Flash XL (FLH Edition) advice
The Flash XL FLH edition is like a cheaper version of the AKRacing Master Max. Both have premium features and a flat, ridgeless seat. The Flash XL is also cheaper — up front.
However, with a 2-year warranty, the Flash XL works out to $199.50 per year. In contrast, the Master Max ($569 / 5-year warranty) averages $113 per year.
That’s the only quibble. Considering its premium features and massive weight limit, the Flash XL is a solid gaming chair for fat guys. Also, given its low 16.5-20.5″ seat height, it’s a decent option for shorter, thicker sizes as well.
Bottom line: a solid choice for affordable, spacious, full-featured ergonomic support.
Flash XL FLH from E-Win $399 $499
Use the coupon code ChairsFX for 20% off. Learn more: Ewin Flash XL review.
Vertagear PL6800
$449 from Vertagear
Rated #5
The PL6800 is a big man gaming chair with unique luxury extras. These include a built-in lumbar support, HygennX fabric upholstery, and Verta Air technology baked into the seat.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
- 21.5″ (W) x 17.8″ (D) seat
- 400-pound weight capacity
- For sizes 5’9″ to 6’8″
Pros
- High-tech luxury features
- Sleek design
- Premium features
Cons
- Non-adjustable lumbar
- Lumbar pillow not included
- Only guaranteed for 2 years
PL6800 Features
The PL6800 sets itself apart with unique features not found on other gaming chairs. The star is a three-layered backrest made up of a fabric cover, foam, and 4 adaptive TPEE modules. These flex as the user moves to provide adaptive support.
However, the lumbar is not height-adjustable. So pay heed to this chair’s size rating. If you’re shorter than 5’9″, the built-in lumbar curve will likely hit you too high. That will cause discomfort instead of support.
A second notable is HygennX fabric on the seat and backrest contact points. This fuses ground coffee nanotechnology into breathable cloth to deliver natural odor control. On top of that, silver-coated embroidery helps to neutralize bacteria growth.
A third is its Verta Air Seat. This contains 8 hexagonal pillars that enable 4-way air flows. This optimizes the seat’s breathability while ensuring even pressure distribution.
- Lumbar support: integrated, self-adjusting
- Functionality: 4D adjustable armrests; recline from to 80°-140°; multifunction tilt-lock
- Upholstery: PU leather with HygennX fabric on contact points
- Extras: adjustable headrest included.
- Warranty: two years.
- Seat width x depth: 21.5″ (W) x 17.7″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 21.6″ (W) x 35.4″ (H)
- Seat height: 18.7″ to 21.7″
- Size rating: 5’9″ to 6’8″; 400 pound weight capacity
PL6800 Chair Advice
My biggest gripe with this chair is the lack of adjustable lumbar support. Every person’s spine has a unique length. When you pay over $400 for a chair, not having control over your lower back support feels frustrating.
Even so, the lumbar support should fit sizes 5’9″ and up decently enough. Then, the HygennX fabric and Verta Air seat tech should delight as nice luxury extras.
Cheap XL Gaming Chair Picks Under $300
If money’s tight, Amazon offers several affordable big and tall gaming chairs. Many only support 350 pounds. A few from unestablished brands support 400 pounds with no warranty information or detailed specifications. Examples:
In recent years, the Killabee company has been the only established maker of XL gaming chairs. These days, they sell chairs under ‘Fantasylab’ and ‘Von Racer’ brand names. Here are two of their most popular gaming chairs for fat guys:
Beyond Fantasylab/ Von Racer, E-Win also serves up sub-$300 gaming chairs with 400-pound support. Prices range from $200 for prosumer XL models up to $299 for fully-loaded versions.
For all affordable XL options from established brands, see this feature:
Heavy Duty Ergonomic Office Chairs
In 2023, a ‘gaming chair’ can be any type of desk chair with ergonomic functionality. Mid-back ergonomic office chairs come with limited reclines that force users to sit straight at all times.
This style of seating is an excellent option for sizes 5’10” or taller. Tall bodies grow larger bones to compensate. But these usually grow longer but not thicker. As a result, a tall person’s muscles must work harder to stabilize longer limbs(2).
As well, most office furniture is designed to support normal sizes (shorter than 6’1″ for men, and under 5’7″ for women). Taller people using a workstation too small are more vulnerable to a forward head tilt.
In contrast, overweight and obese body types typically develop extremely weak back muscles. In those cases, full-back gaming chairs with deep recline functionality are ideal.
Even so, some tall sizes near the obesity threshold (30 BMI) may still prefer a mid-back, office-style seat. A few options are available:
Big & Tall Ergonomic Office Chairs
The office chair industry doesn’t cater to XL sizes as well as the gaming chair industry does. There are only a handful of models supporting 400 pounds with ergonomic features.
Most chairs in this genre stack adjustable arms and lumbar support — with a non-reclining backrest. Here are two popular options:
If the best XL gaming chairs for aren’t wide enough, these are your best ergonomic options. Check this review for all 400+ pound options:
Elite Ergonomic Office Chairs For Tall Sizes
Among the best ergonomic office chairs, three stand out for XL sizes. Herman Miller’s Aeron (Size C) supports the tallest sizes up to 6’6″. The Steelcase Gesture is the only elite model that supports 400 pounds. Herman Miller’s Embody fits between those as a possible option for tallish sizes:
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Big And Tall Gaming Chair FAQ
Common questions answered about heavy duty gaming chairs for big and tall body types:
How can a gaming chair help me lose weight?
A gaming chair cannot directly help you to lose weight. However, you can use one to boost your energy levels and self-discipline. Then, cleaning up your lifestyle gets easier.
As a person gains excess weight, their body breaks down. Common physical issues suffered by the obese include weakened spines, knee problems, and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
More alarming: obesity causes metabolic and circulatory brain dysfunctions. These reduce cognitive functioning, causing short-term memory loss and learning difficulties.
Investing in a good heavy duty gaming chair presents an easy way to turn these conditions around. Here’s how:
- Reduced muscle strain: supported neutral sitting prevents back muscles from overexertion.
- More energy: less energy wasted on muscular support leaves more for other purposes.
- Stronger discipline: an energized brain sharpens executive functions. These mental processes control focus, working memory, and self-discipline.
Bottom line: a gaming chair can’t directly help you lose weight. Instead, it can help you to develop neutral sitting as a habit. That will give you more energy to play — and more potent self-discipline.
With more energy and stronger discipline, it gets easier to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. This is why so many esports pros rely on four pillars of computing performance to maintain peak form.
With good nutrition, enough rest, physical fitness, and mental balance, players can physically and mentally thrive.
What is a big and tall gaming chair?
Standard gaming chairs are designed for people of average height and weight. Most support a maximum of 300 pounds and fit sizes 6’0″ or shorter. A big and tall gaming chair goes beyond these averages. A popular benchmark that qualifies a chair as ‘big and tall’ is a 400-pound weight capacity. Most models with 400 lbs support have extra-wide seats and tall backrests built for large guys with long spines.
What type of gaming chairs are best for tall people?
Based on global size averages, tall men are those 6’1″ (185 cm) and up. At that height, they develop taller but not thicker spines. This forces their core muscles to work harder than shorter people while sitting. That makes tall guys more vulnerable to slouching. To ensure good sitting posture, tall men should choose a gaming chair rated for their height. That will include a larger backrest designed to support longer spines.
What’s the objectively best big and tall gaming chair?
Any gaming chair with an adjustable lumbar, adjustable arms, and a reclining backrest can support good sitting posture. Paying more buys you better adjustability, a longer warranty, and a more luxurious sitting experience.
Given that, a big guy should first choose a model within his preferred budget. Then, he should make sure that the seat’s width and depth fits his body type. He should also look for a weight capacity higher than his actual weight. With those factors sorted, he should develop a neutral sitting posture habit. With proper usage, any fully-ergonomic chair can provide the support a person needs to thrive.
How can I know if a gaming chair fits my size?
The primary metric to determine a good chair fit is the depth of the seat. Using a seat too deep for your legs will pull your knees forward and distort your posture. The second thing you should look out for is the seat width — extra-thick sizes should look for a 22″ width or greater.
It’s also important to consider a chair’s weight capacity. Aim for a weight limit of at least 50 pounds more than your actual weight. So if you weigh 350 pounds, look for a chair that supports 400 pounds or more. Over long sitting sessions, that extra load bearing will give you greater peace of mind.
Are big and tall gaming chairs better than XL office chairs?
Beyond aesthetic differences, gaming chairs and ergonomic office chairs are both designed to support neutral sitting postures. In both cases, three components provide the primary support. An adjustable lumbar system aligns the spine. Adjustable armrests provide extra support for the upper torso. A reclining backrest adds seating movement. This support lets users sit for longer periods without pain or muscle strain. The ‘better’ type is subjective. Choose whichever suits your budget and personal preferences.
Recap: Best Gaming Chairs For Big Guys
This article reviews the best big and tall gaming chairs of 2023. Here’s a recap of our top-5 picks:
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Beyond these stalwarts are several other ergonomic options for big or tall sizes:
- Cheap XL gaming chairs: Amazon has several 400-pound gaming chairs for under $300.
- Big & tall ergonomic office chairs: ultra-wide, lumbar-supported, 400 to 550-pound support.
- Elite ergonomic office chairs: world-class back support for moderately thick sizes up to 6’6″.
Final advice: choose whichever type of ergonomic seating suits your budget and preferences. The most important thing is that you choose a type and start using neutral sitting techniques.
That will give you the energy needed to adopt the four performance pillars. Pro esports and chess pros use these to maintain peak form under intense pressure. You can do the same.
Choose an XL chair that appeals to you. Make sure it fits your body type. Then, use it correctly until your energy levels surge. That will give you the power to prosper. It’s that simple.
Buy a chair and level up: 4 Pillars Of Esports Computing Performance
Footnotes
- Brittany D.Bulbrook, et al. ‘Higher body mass index and body fat percentage correlate to lower joint and functional strength in working age adults’. Applied Ergonomics Volume 95, September 2021, 103453. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003687021001009, (accessed 22 August 2022).
- Jesse Cannone. ‘Is Back Pain More Likely If You’re Tall?’ September 15, 2015. https://losethebackpain.com/is-back-pain-more-likely-if-youre-tall/, (accessed 22 August 2022).
