Heavy sweating in a leather gaming chair can ruin your sitting experience. Perspiration stains faux leather and degrades it faster. As well, sitting becomes a sweaty, sticky mess. That’s why many people prefer full mesh gaming chairs. These come upholstered in mesh on both the seat and backrest. Enjoy long bouts of gaming our office work with unparalleled coolness. Here we review the best mesh gaming chairs on the market in 2021.
Mesh upholstery is the most breathable type on the market. Compared to racing-style fabric gaming chair upholstery, mesh threads are thicker, with larger holes. That allows air to pass through with the least amount of resistance.
The big selling point of mesh upholstery is its cool breathability. The biggest downside is (potentially) poor durability. As mesh chairs get cheaper, the quality of mesh decreases.
Best mesh gaming chairs
A ‘full mesh’ gaming chair is an ergonomic chair with mesh upholstery on both the seat and backrest. Partial mesh chairs combine mesh backrests with fabric padded seats.
Full mesh chairs deliver the best breathability among all ergonomic chair types. The best full mesh gaming chairs in 2021 range in price from around $180 to $1450.
Click on any chair to jump directly to its review section.
- Herman Miller Aeron Gaming Chair: Best on All Levels
- Eurotech Ergohuman: Full Body Synchro-Tilt
- Secretlab NeueChair: Best Under $600
- Cougar Argo: Gaming Office Hybrid
- Vertagear Triigger 350 SE: Good But Pricey
- DXRAcer Air: Full Mesh Racing Chair
- Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair: Cheapest Full Mesh
Herman Miller Aeron Gaming Chair
The Herman Miller Aeron Gaming edition is the best fabric gaming chair in the world. It has the richest ergonomic features and the longest warranty.
It also has the most advanced mesh upholstery in the business. The Aeron’s 8Z Pellicle Mesh technology has eight different tension zones. Tension is tighter along the edges, and looser in the center.
As the user moves in an Aeron chair, the mesh adapts to their micro-movements. The result is consistent, even back support, no matter how you sit in the chair.
Aeron chair specifications
Every single Aeron component is industry-leading. For example, instead of lumbar support hitting a singular point, the Aeron’s Posturefit hits two points.
The upper portion keeps applies pressure to the lumbar curve, which keeps the back straight. At the same time, sacrum support prevents the hips from tilting forward.
Another mind-blowing feature is the most robust synchro-tilt functionality in the industry. When you lean back, the seat tilts up. When you lean forward, it tilts down.
If you rock back and forth, the movement in your hips feels like an amusement park ride.
Here are the highlight features. For more detailed specs, check our review of the Best Herman Miller Gaming Chairs.
- Synchro-tilt: seat pan angle from -1° to 16°; backrest 93° to 104°
- Upholstery: Pellicle 8Z mesh provides eight zones of varying tension for ultra-responsive support..
- Seat: adjust the height; limit the tilt range; adjust the tilt tension; sync-tilt with the backrest.
- Backrest: forward tilt option; height and depth adjustable PostureFit lumbar support.
- Armrests: 3D adjustable.
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’7″; up to 350 pounds
- Warranty: 12 years.
Aeron gaming chair advice
Whether you buy an Aeron Gaming or Classic Aeron Office chair, you’re getting the best that money can buy. No other model offers such high-quality features, upholstery, or after-care.
Up-front, the $1445 price tag seems high. However, spreading the cost of an Aeron over 12 years works out to $120 per year.
If you’re looking for the highest quality of support for the long term, the Aeron is easily the top choice.
Ergohuman High Back Swivel Chair
The Ergohuman High Back Swivel Chair ranks among the best high-end ergonomic chairs in the world. It’s a full-featured alternative to pricey $1000+ task chairs with impressive features and a solid warranty.
Ergohuman chairs come in an array of mesh colors. Choose full mesh upholstery in black, blue, maroon, dark green, or grey.
Ergohuman chair specifications
What’s the difference between an Aeron and Ergohuman chair? The former costs around $700 more. The latter matches its features, then exceeds them with an adjustable headrest.
Here are the feature highlights:
- Synchro-tilt: 1°; backrest 90° to 115°
- Armrests: 3D (up and down; diagonal; forward and backwards).
- Seat adjustments: tilt tension control; 3-position tilt lock; height and depth adjustments.
- Backrest: 3-position recline; height and depth adjustable lumbar support. The lumbar is also self-adjusting, adapting its pressure to the user’s body weight.
- Upholstery: resilient mesh seat and backrest.
- Size rating: 5’4″ to 6’2″; 250 pound weight capacity
- Warranty: 5 years on parts, 10 years on the frame.
The only area the Ergohuman falls short of the Aeron is the warranty. Even so, five-year protection for its price is good value.
Ergohuman chair advice
Most people willing to spend over $700 on a chair likely spend long hours sitting. Many are professional desk workers, others are gamers. Across all user types, the Ergohuman High Back Swivel Chair delivers crisp ergonomic support. The entire chair is adjustable, while the taut mesh upholstery holds up well.
This is a full-featured chair you can tailor to your exact liking. If you can live with the old-school styling, the Ergohuman offers solid value for money.
Secretlab NeueChair
The Secretlab NeueChair ranks #1 in our review of the best ergonomic chairs under $600. In that price class, it stands out with the longest warranty and most innovative features.
At a glance, it looks like a luxury clone of the Aeron chair. It has a polished ADC12 aluminum frame and its own unique upholstery called NeueMesh. That combines high-quality polyester fiber with DuPont yarn.
Like more expensive upholsteries, NeueMesh is ultra adaptive, breathable, and durable.
NeueChair specifications
The NeueChair has all of the predicable ergonomic features, plus one standout. Find unique ControlShift levers under each armrest. One controls the seat height, the other lets you toggle the backrest angle.
Another noteworthy feature is NeueChair’s Infinite Tilt. Between 85-130 degrees, you can lock the backrest in infinite positions. In comparison, chairs like the Sidiz T80 can only tilt in five lockable positions.
Feature highlights:
- Armrests: 2D adjustable (up and down, side-to-side).
- Seat: height and depth adjustable.
- Backrest: recline from 85° to 130°; tilt tension and angle lock.
- Lumbar: height and depth adjustable
- Warranty: 12 years on the frame; 5 years on components; 3 years on armrests, casters & gas lift.
NeueChair advice
The NeueChair is a great option for those wanting high-end ergonomics for an affordable price. Compared to the Aeron chair, the NeueChair lacks synchro-tilt functionality. It also has shorter warranty protection, but costs over $900 less.
The ControlShift levers are a big attraction. During intense gaming, those make it easy to adjust the chair without interrupting your game. Instead of having to reach under the seat, just pop the levers.
This chair is of the same high quality that Secretlab gaming chairs are famous for. Expect superb comfort and breathability that looks and works like new for years.
Cougar Argo Office Gaming Chair
A hybrid gaming chair blends gaming and office chair elements into a single package. The Cougar Argo released in mid-2020 as one of the best hybrid gaming chairs on the market.
It’s a jazzed-up full mesh office chair with racing-style influences. Those include brilliant orange accents on the frame and components.
The Argo’s lumbar system improves on a classic racing-style lumbar pillow concept. You can adjust both its height and depth.
Another highlight is a seat slider with a depth adjustment range of 2.4 inches.
- Backrest: rock, recline, or lock at angles between 105° and 130°.
- Headrest: adjust the angle; adjust up or down; slide out of the way.
- Depth adjustable seat: the 20″ seat can adjust forward or back with a range of 2.4″
- Armrests: 3D adjustable (up/down, forward/back, angled left or right)
- Warranty: 2-year warranty on the aluminum frame and base.
Cougar Argo summary
At present, the Argo is the most impressive hybrid full-mesh gaming chair on the market. Gamers will enjoy the flashy looks. Full-timers and ergonomic connoisseurs will enjoy the excellent features and affordable price tag.
For complete specs, check this Cougar Argo Mesh Gaming Chair Review.
Vertagear Triigger 350 SE
The Vertagear Triigger 350 Special Edition is like a flashier version of the NeueChair. Both models have similar features, plus control levers under each armrest.
The Triigger 350 SE differs with a flashier design. It includes premium calfskin leather accents on the seat and backrest. Those fit between bands of reinforced DuPont TPEE mesh.
It’s a high-quality breathable mesh with an elastic quality designed to retain its shape for years.
Triigger 350 SE specifications
This chair has several standout features. First are the height and recline control levers under each armrest.
Another standout is the 65mm Holtron Hub-Less Casters. These come with rubber casters in the cavity that dampen noise down to almost zero.
- Armrests: 2D adjustable (up and down, side-to-side).
- Seat: height and depth adjustable.
- Backrest: 90° to 123° recline with 22 lockable positions.
- Lumbar: height & depth adjustable.
- Size rating: 5’5″ to 6’2″; up to 330 pounds
- Warranty: 2 years on parts, 10 years on the frame.
Vertagear Triigger 350 SE Advice
There’s so much to love about the Triigger 350 SE. The chair’s high price reflects the high-quality build and features.
On the downside side, paying so much for a 2-year warranty is alarming. Many cheap gaming chairs under $200 also come with 2-year protection.
If Vertagear backed this chair with a 5-year warranty, it would offer a lot better value for money.
Triigger 350 SE from Vertagear $999
To learn more about this brand, check out this review of the Best Vertagear Gaming Chairs.
DXRacer Air (coming soon)
The DXRacer Air is slated for public release in August 2021. It’s a groundbreaking new product on a few levels. First, it’s the world’s first full mesh racing-style gaming chair.
Second, it’s part of DXRacer’s new ‘modular’ concept. Modules include a retractable footrest, laptop holder, and cup holder.
Ergonomic features are those of a typical esports-quality gaming chair.
- Functionality: 4D armrests; recline from 90-135°; multifunction tilt-lock.
- Support: height-adjustable lumbar (15 cm range); height-adjustable headrest.
- Upholstery: ultra-breathable mesh; supporting suspension springs.
- Foundation: steel frame; Class 4 gas lift; 3″ (76 mm) PU casters.
- Extras: modular add-ons; leather or fabric slipcovers.
According to the DXRacer, the Air will release sometime in late summer. Earlier this year, DXRacer released a few other modular chairs with PU leather upholstery.
DXRacer Air (coming soon) $499
Learn more in this review of the best DXRacer gaming chairs of 2021.
Hyken Mesh Task Chair
The Staples Hyken is one of the cheapest (and most popular) mesh gaming chairs on the market. It has full mesh upholstery on the seat and backrest plus basic ergonomic features. This chair does the job — without luxury frills.
What you see is what you get. It’s cheap, durable, breathable, and reliable. It also comes highly recommended by the popular Youtuber TechLead.
He recently reviewed the best office chairs for programmers. In his test group were chairs from Herman Miller, Steelcase, and other top brands. In the end, the Hyken was his top pick. His rationale: “How can you justify $1500 for a chair when a $200 chair does the same thing?”
Hyken chair features
TechLead was exaggerating. In fact, the Hyken doesn’t do the exact same things as pricier chairs. Rather, it offers basic, solid functionality:
- Backrest: recline and lock with a 90° to 140° range (4 lock positions); synthetic mesh upholstery.
- Lumbar support: height-adjustable.
- Headrest: non-adjustable.
- Seat: padded fabric covering; fixed (not depth-adjustable).
- Armrests: 1D adjustable (up and down).
- Warranty: 30-day return policy; 7-year limited warranty.
The biggest downside of this chair is its durability. After a year of heavy use, the padding will sag and the parts will loosen. Don’t count on the 7-year ‘limited’ warranty — it’s filled with legalese and basically useless.
Bottom line: this is a good option for ergonomic beginners. If you’ve never used an ergonomic chair before, the Hyken offers a cheap, reliable, low-risk option.
After a year of use, when your Hyken breaks down, you should be ready to upgrade to a more luxurious ergonomic chair.
Staples Hyken from Amazon $172.26
Learn more in this detailed Hyken Mesh Task Chair Review.
Best semi-ergonomic mesh gaming chairs
These make our list of ‘best full mesh’ gaming chairs based on popularity. Even so, none come with adjustable lumbar support.
Two have what’s billed as ‘dynamic 3D’ lumbar support. That means the lumbar support moves automatically and can’t be user-adjusted.
Generally, chair-dictated lumbar support works better for part-time use. Sitting full-time without the ability to customize your lumbar support will most likely lead to back pain. See Lumbar Support Biomechanics for the peer-reviewed details.
As a result, we’ve moved these three models into a separate semi-ergonomic category. These are good chairs, but ergonomically incomplete.
- Nohaus Ergo 3D — Modern and Affordable ($314.99 on Amazon)
- Respawn Spectre; Popular Gamer Pick ($347.47 on Amazon)
- Sidiz T50 Air — Best Office Style ($379.00 on Amazon)
Nouhaus Ergo3D chair
The Nohaus Ergo3D is one of Amazon’s top-selling full office chairs. Both the seat and backrest come upholstered in breathable ElastoMesh upholstery.
This chair is designed for those wanting good ergonomics without fuss. To that end, the dynamic lumbar support is self-adjusting.
As the user leans back, it tilts forward to add more pressure to the lower back. As the user leans forward, the support tilts back, decreasing the pressure.
Features
The ‘3D lumbar support’ is a key selling point of this chair. In fact, from an ergonomic perspective, it’s is the only negative aspect. Dynamic lumbar support systems work well in theory.
However, all body types are different. In different moods or with different work tasks, your support needs may change. Having the ability to manually adjust the lumbar support lets you customize support as you need to.
In contrast, the dynamic lumbar support gives you no choice. It works, but not in all situations. 10% of the time, you might find the lack of manual control frustrating.
Beyond that quibble, the rest of the features are solid. Another key selling point is the rollerblade caster wheels. They deliver a smoother glide with flashier aesthetics. Summary:
- Backrest: 135 degree recline; rocking with tilt-tension.
- Headrest: dynamic (non-adjustable) support.
- Lumbar support: non-adjustable dynamic support.
- Seat: height-adjustable.
- Armrests: 4-directional.
- Extra: two sets of rollerblade chair wheels (for hard floors and carpets).
- Warranty: 3 years (extendable to 5 years on the Nouhaus website)
Sizing
Technically, the Ergo3D chair’s dimensions are wide enough for thick bodies. However, many users report that the mesh sags noticeably with more than 150 pounds of weight. As a result, heavy bodies will sink deep enough that the frame pushes into the thighs.
Then, it’s a painful and awkward experience. Bottom line: this chair is for slim figures of average height or less.
- Seat width x depth: 19.7″ (W) x 16.3″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 20.3″ (W) x 31.8″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 18.5″ to 22.44″
- Chair height: 44″ to 49″
- Size rating: 5’5″ to 5’11”; up to 275 pounds
Buying advice
The Nouhaus Ergo3D’s biggest downside is its dynamic (non-adjustable) lumbar support. That delivers less effective back user-adjusted manual controls.
Besides that issue, this is one of the best values on the market — for small, slim sizes.
If you weigh less than 150 pounds, the mesh will certainly hold up for five years or more. Then, spreading the cost of this chair over five years equates to fantastic value for money.
Nouhaus Ergo3D on Amazon $314.99
The Nouhaus Ergo 3D ranks #5 in our review of the Best Ergonomic Office Chairs Under $600.
Respawn Spectre
At a glance, the Respawn Spectre has a lot going for it. It has a modern full-mesh design, cool features, and an affordable price tag. However, a closer look reveals another gimmicky lumbar support with no user controls.
Most ergonomic studies tout adjustable lumbar support as an ergonomic necessity. Even so, the Spectre has a non-adjustable dynamic lumbar.
It works ok on paper, but in practice, it’s frustrating. Having zero control over your chair’s settings lowers the price, but limits its effectiveness.
Spectre chair features
If the Spectre had adjustable lumbar support, it would be a near-perfect ergonomic chair. All other features offer very good value for money:
- Backrest: recline and lock in five positions (90, 96, 103, 109, or 115 degrees).
- Lumbar support: height and depth adjustable.
- Headrest: height and depth-adjustable.
- Seat: adjust height, depth, and seat slope.
- Armrests: 3D adjustable
- Warranty: three years.
- Size rating: people 5’5″ to 6’6″ tall; up to 250 pounds
Spectre gaming chair advice
Respawn runs a successful campaign on social media called ‘Respawn Recruits’. It gives out free chairs in exchange for Twitter action.
On the strength of that marketing, Spectre chairs are hot among streamers right now. For instance, NoisyButters (1.13 million Youtube subscribers) is one of several high-profile names using a Spectre chair.
For short bouts of gaming, the Spectre certainly delivers. Its comfortable, attractive, and well-built. However, over full-time sitting hours, the Spectre’s non-adjustable lumbar support is a deal-breaker.
There’s no such thing as the perfect sitting position. The way you sit depends on your environment, mood, time of day, etc. Without the adjustability to address bodily changes, back pain may set in.
Respawn Spectre on Amazon $347.47
Check out the entire Respawn collection in this review of the Best Respawn Gaming Chairs.
Sidiz T50 Air
The Sidiz T50 classic edition is one of the best ergonomic office chairs under $400. The Sidiz T50 Air strips out some functionality while ramping up the mesh factor.
Hardcore mesh fans may quibble with the fabric padded seat on the classic T50 chair. To appease that sector, the T50 Air adds a full mesh seat. At the same time, it removes the T50 Classic chair’s adjustable lumbar support.
It’s a poor tradeoff for power users. Without adjustable lumbar support, the T50 Air won’t hold up if used full-time.
T50 Chair specs
T50 Classic Chairs offer solid features for the money. The Air Edition adds a mesh seat and removes the lumbar support.
- Backrest: recline and lock in five positions (90, 96, 103, 109, or 115 degrees).
- Lumbar support: none.
- Headrest: height and depth-adjustable.
- Upholstery: breathable mesh backrest; fabric padded seat.
- Seat: you can adjust the height, depth, and seat slope.
- Armrests: 3D adjustable (up/down, forward/back, angled left or right)
- Warranty: 30-day money back guarantee; 3-year warranty.
T50 mesh gaming chair advice
The lack of any type of lumbar support makes the T50 Air a poor choice for full-timers. That said, part-time users should enjoy a light, airy sitting experience.
Over longer periods, insufficient support can place excess strain on back muscles. If back pain arises in this chair, the lack of lumbar support is the most likely problem.
Learn more about this model in our Sidiz T50 Ergonomic Chair Review.
Mesh gaming chair advice
Read this section before making the decision to buy a full mesh gaming chair.
How is mesh upholstery made?
Mesh upholsteries are made by extracting compounds from petroleum oil. Those get rendered into plastic polymers, melted, and forced through spinnerets.
That produces polymer strands that get woven into textiles. Compared to natural blends, synthetic polymer strands have superior durability and stain resistance.
In the clothing sector, tight weave mesh is often used to make athletic clothing. Looser, more porous versions make lingerie.
In the furniture market, tighter weaves are used to make gaming chair fabric upholsteries. Looser ones with larger holes produce office chair mesh upholsteries.
Mesh upholstery pros and cons
Ever since the debut of the Herman Miller Aeron chair in 1994, full mesh chairs have been very popular. Sleek, corporate-style aesthetics, and unparalleled breathability are the main selling points.
High-end mesh upholsteries like the Aeron’s 8Z Pellicle Mesh are almost flawless. However, as you slide lower down the pricing scale, the quality and advantages of mesh recede.
Mesh Upholstery Pros
A full mesh gaming chair is the optimal solution for people who suffer from excessive sweating. In fact, around 3% of the U.S. population suffers from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
With porous upholstery on the seat and backrest, users gain the last amount of heat buildup possible while sitting.
Mesh Upholstery Cons
Here are the most common problems with cheaper full mesh gaming chairs:
- Excessive sagging: most mesh seats sink a small amount to suspend the user’s body weight over the frame. That delivers a wonderful floating sensation. However, over time, cheaper mesh chairs will sag too much. That results in uneven, increasingly uncomfortable support.
- Abrasive to the touch: gaming chair fabrics are soft and fluffy. In contrast, mesh stretched taught feels like rough strings on a tennis racket. Over long periods, sitting against that material can irritate the skin.
- Tricky to clean: the best way to clean a full mesh chair is with a vacuum cleaner. Using paper towels or a damp rag tends to trap dirt deeper into the upholstery.
- No padding: full mesh chairs have no padding. Instead, the mesh stretches taught over hard steel or plastic parts. Without padding, the body comes in frequent contact with hard seat edges.
Full mesh gaming chairs vs fabric gaming chairs
Full mesh fabric chairs are the most breathable in the industry. The second most breathable combines a mesh backrest with a fabric padded seat. Many cheap ergonomic chairs use this mesh and fabric combo.
The third most breathable option is the soft fabric gaming chair. There are three fundamental differences between office-style full mesh chairs and racing-style soft fabric ones.
Dense versus loose mesh weave
Both types of upholsteries start as plastic polymer threads spun into fabric. Racing-style gaming chair upholstery spins thinner threads into a denser weave. That produces smaller air passage holes. A grinding process softens this material down to a soft, cloth-like feel.
Office chair mesh weaves thicker strands into a smaller density with larger air holes. To maintain strength, there’s no grinding process. As a result, most mesh upholsteries have a rougher, plastic-like feel.
Padding versus floating on mesh
Racing style fabric chairs come with a steel frame coated with resilient padding. The fabric over over the foam gets stretched tight enough to produce a smooth finish.
In comparison, full mesh chairs have no padding under the material. When brand new, a mesh seat provides firm resistance that feels like floating.
But over time, mesh tends to stretch. At best, it will start to sag. At worst, it will tear.
Bottom line: padding under fabric diminishes breathability but enhances durability. Pure mesh with no padding is more breathable but less durable.
Casual versus formal reclines
Upholsteries aside, another big difference between racing-style and office-style chairs is the recline. The former comes with a deeper recline designed to provide all-day working and relaxing support.
In comparison, most office-style versions come with a limited recline to around 120 degrees or less. A limited recline keeps postures formal.
That (generally) makes full mesh chairs better for working shifts in a corporate office. Used at home to watch movies works, but not as comfortably or casually as racing-style models.
How long do mesh gaming chairs last?
Most premium chair manufacturers back their chairs with realistic warranties. In comparison, most chairs with a 1-year warranty may or may not last that long.
Cheap mesh sags. If durability is a priority, consider buying an Aeron chair (12-year warranty). If you need something on a budget, consider compromising breathability by getting a chair with a padded seat.
Here are the warranties for the top-rated chairs in this review:
- Herman Miller Aeron Gaming Chair: 12 years
- Eurotech Ergohuman: 5 years
- Secretlab NeueChair: 5 years
- Cougar Argo: 2 years
- Vertagear Triigger 350 SE: 2 years
- DXRAcer Air: 2 years
- Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair: 1 year
Conclusion
The best full mesh gaming office chairs are a mixed bag. At the highest end of the pricing scale there are gems. In particular, the quality of mesh on our top-3 rated models is superb.
The Aeron, Ergohuman, and NeueChair all have comfortable mesh upholsteries with extreme durability.
Below $550, the quality of mesh declines. For instance, used full-time, the $172.26 Hyken chair may barely last one year.
On the upside, full mesh gaming chairs are the coolest and most breathable. If you sweat excessively or live in the tropics, these models are ideal.
For other office-style ergonomic options, check out our office chair comparison reviews. There, you’ll find the best premium options, best under $600, best under $300, and more:
