Pro esports players spend full-time hours training at a computer workstation. To stay fresh over long sitting sessions, most use high-end gaming chairs. The best models offer rich ergonomic features, pleasing aesthetics, and superb durability. Even if you’re not an esports pro, these chairs are relevant. As office chairs, these models will help you feel better, sit longer, and be more productive.
The best way to know the qualities of a good computing chair is to test one out. That requires using it full-time for at least a few months. Luckily, top esports pros have already done that work for us. Esports players spend around 10-12 hours of training at their computers every day. That has given gaming chair manufacturers lots of user data to work with. No other type of seating has undergone as much user testing over the past decade.
That’s how we know these gaming chairs hold up well under full-time sitting loads. To keep players performing at their best, these chairs are proven to support good posture and movement while sitting. That helps help players to sit for longer periods — while gaming at peak performance.
Pro esports chair overview
All gaming chairs come with tall backrests and adjustable support pillows. Pro esports chairs stand apart from cheap models with four essential features.
First, 4D armrests adjust in four directions, giving a full range of support for the arms. Second, a multifunction tilt-lock lets you tilt and lock the seat at angles. Third, cold-cured foam padding provides consistent support. Finally, premium upholstery ensures optimal breathability and durability. The result is consistent, comfortable support that looks and works like new for years.
These features serve the needs of the world’s best competitive esports players. They are also a great option for non-gamers. Those include office workers, content creators, and others who spend long periods sitting.
Under full-time sitting conditions, these models excel. Dense foam padding on pro chairs holds up well under heavy use. Pro-class cover fabrics provide optimal breathability without getting clammy. Most important are the adjustments that let players change position on the fly. Changing positions keeps the body in motion while sitting.
That improves circulation and oxygen intake while helping to distribute stress across various muscle groups. As a result, players can stay fresh over longer sessions, without needing to pause gameplay.
Pro training demands
Today, esports is a billion dollar industry. At top tournaments, millions of dollars are on the line. Pro players lead a grinding lifestyle of rigorous training and intense tournament schedules.
The time players spend at a computer is intense and mentally taxing. Success in esports demands fine motor skills. Players need elite speed, precision, aim, and hand-eye-coordination. Some games demand as many as 400 actions per minute. That means 400 separate decisions or clicks in under sixty seconds.
Over long periods, these intense demands wear players down. As a result, burnout and mental breakdowns are common. Most pro players start in their teens and retire in their mid-20s.
That’s why the most successful teams maintain holistic training programs. Players have physical training routines, strict diet guidelines, and proper ergonomic workstations. As the foundation of each pro workstation is a good ergonomic computing chair.
Esports chair appeal for non-gamers
Pro gamers know that a healthy, comfortable body ensures a sharp mind while at a computer. When away from the PC, all computer users need proper rest, nutrition, and exercise. When sat down full-time for work, the quality of the chair has a huge impact on performance. Even for non-gamers, pro chairs yield potent health, wellness, and productivity benefits.
Students who do their schoolwork in a gaming chair will be able to focus for longer periods. Office workers can improve mood, vitality, and performance. In fact, everyone who sits full-time at a computer can benefit by using a pro esports gaming chair. That’s because a good gaming chair will let you sit longer, work harder and be more productive.
Best large pro esports chairs
In 2020, consumers have a range of pro esports chairs to choose from. There are large pro esports chairs, compact gaming chairs, and also a few ergonomic task chair options.
Pro-quality gaming chairs are high-end luxury models with a few common features. Those are 4D armrests, a multifunction tilt-lock, and resilient cold-cured foam padding.
Large pro-quality models are the most luxurious gaming chairs you can buy. These chairs have wider seats designed to fit most adults of average to above-average size.
To get an idea which pro chairs are best, we looked at which models the pros use most often. Among the top teams and global tournaments, a few chairs stand out.
Secretlab Titan
Rated #1
Direct buy price: $459 to $519
The Secretlab Titan reigns as the best large esports chair on the market. It has the same ergonomic features as other chairs, plus some innovative extras. As well, the Titan comes in a dazzling array of 24 different styles. Options include pro esports team chairs, Cyberpunk chairs, Overwatch chairs, and more.
Today, the Titan is the official chair for several of the world’s top esports teams. Team Liquid, Evil Geniuses, OG, G2, Cloud9, and others all use these chairs for training.
Secretlab Titan features
The Titan has comparable pro ergonomic features as other premium chairs. What sets it apart are standout extras on top of the usual pro features.
The star extra is an integrated, depth-adjustable lumbar support device. Other chairs use a height-adjustable pillow to support the lumbar. On the Titan, instead of a pillow, there’s a dial on the side of the chair. Turn the dial to increase or decrease the depth of the support. Once you find your sweet spot, it locks in place to provide clean, effective support — right where you need it.
A second standout is forward sitting support. Since most players lean forward during intense gameplay, the Titan accommodates. Unlike other chairs, the backrest can tilt forward to 85°. That ensures that players receive effective back support at all times.
Other key features:
- Functionality: padded 4D adjustable armrests; recline to 165°; multifunction tilt lock.
- Padding:Â blended cold cure foam.
- Upholstery:Â real leather, Softweave Fabric or Secretlab Prime 2.0 PU leather.
- Support:Â steel frame, Class 4 heavy duty lift; 5-star aluminium base; extra large PU casters.
- Extras:Â memory foam neck pillow with cooling gel insert.
- Warranty:Â 5-year warranty
Titan sizing
The Titan has a seat with average width, but also flat edges. The flat edges provide more freedom for the legs, allowing for a wider spread. Those with moderately wide hips or thick legs should have no problems fitting into this chair.
- Seat width x depth: 20.5″ (W) x 19.7″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 21.7″ (W) x 33″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 18.7″ to 22.4″
- Chair height: 51.7″ to 55.4″
- Size rating: 5’9″ to 6’7; maximum weight capacity 290 pounds
Titan summary
The Titan’s extra features on top of standard pro ergonomics rank it #1. This chair can do everything the other chairs can, plus a bit more. The star extra is the depth-adjustable internal lumbar. That allows for a sleek, clean-looking design. It also gives precise depth support to cradle your lower back.
The bottom line is that the Secretlab Titan is the best pro esports gaming chair on the market. You will see Titan chairs in use at most of the world’s top esports tournaments. Many of the world’s best esports teams also use Titan chairs.
Even though the Titan isn’t the most expensive gaming chair, we rank it as the best in its class. Expect impeccable ergonomic support and ultimate luxury for as much as 10 hours per day. At that pace, hard-core power users can expect at least five years of service from this chair.
Buy the Titan for USD $459-$519 from Secretlab
Available in America, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore from Secretlab. Clicking the link will direct you to the appropriate country store.
Maxnomic Office Comfort
Rated #2
Direct buy price: $459 to $499
Maxnomic is a German company with a long history long history working with pro esports entities. These days, Maxnomic partners with ESL, Microsoft, Xbox, and several other big names. Mega-streamer Ninja is their highest-profile streaming ambassador.
The Maxnomic Office Comfort chair (OFC) matches the quality and features of the Titan. The OFC also has an internal lumbar device. Its backrest can also tilt forward (like the Titan’s), offering forward support for gamers.
Another high-profile OFC chair user is Tfue. He has has over eight million followers on Twitch, making him #1 globally on the platform.
Maxnomic OFC features
The Maxnomic Office Comfort (OFC) has an internal lumbar instead of an external pillow. It also has a flat, wide seat with lots of legroom.
These models are popular with Twitch streamers. A big reason is that for an extra fee, you can custom embroidered logos to make it unique.
Besides the internal lumbar, the OFC Series also has recline from 83° (forward tilt) to 139°. A forward tilt to 83° lets you benefit from back support even when leaning forward. All models also come with a 5-click tilt of the seat, with a range of 11°.
On top of that, you also get luxurious 4D armrests and super thick cold foam padding over a steel frame.
Summary of features:
- Functionality: recline from 83° to 139°; 4D adjustable armrests
- Comfort: internal lumbar support; neck pillow; high density cold foam padding.
- Upholstery:Â high quality PU leather (stain-proof, easy to clean, durable).
- Support:Â aluminum base with scratch resistant matte gloss finish; gas lift; smooth rolling casters.
- Warranty:Â 2-year warranty on parts; 30 days return policy.
Maxnomic OFC sizing
The OFC has generous dimensions and flat seat edges offering plenty of legroom. This is a versatile chair that suits average to above-average users.
- Seat width x depth: 20″ (W) x 23.6″ (D)
- Backrest height x width: 33.5″ (H), 20″ (W)
- Floor to seat range: 19.7″ to 23.6″
- Chair height: 51.2″ to 55.1″
- Size rating: 6’2″ to 6’5″; up to 285 pounds
OFC summary
Maxnomic OFC features match the superb features of the Secretlab Titan. Both have internal lumbar support and a forward-tilting backrest. But OFC chairs cost a bit more than Titan chairs. They have shorter warranty protection (two years versus five years).
Despite those quibbles, these are superb pro esports chairs with some clever extras of their own. For instance, these models have 4D armrests with imprints to cradle each finger as you rest your arms. Another cool extra is the ability to add your own embroidered logo to your chair.
The OFC Series is an elite chair. It matches the Titan’s comfort, quality, and features. In fact, no other chair on this list comes close to matching the Titan’s quality. If you need an ultra-high-end alternative to the Titan, the Maxnomic OFC is worth a look.
To learn more about this product line, refer to this Maxnomic OFC gaming chair review
Maxnomic OFC chairs from NeedForSeat from $459
Maxnomic OFC chairs are also available in the UK and Europe for between €369.00 and €449.00.
AKRacing Master Series Pro
Rated #3
Direct buy price: $579
The AKRacing Master Series Pro is more luxurious than both the Titan and Maxnomic OFC. It has similar features to both, plus a longer warranty and thicker padding.
The reason it ranks #3 is because none of the top-50 pro esports teams use this chair. The Master Series Pro is also the most expensive of the three.
Aside from cost, this is a superb, top of the line gaming chair. Among the highlights is seventy per cent more padding than their entry-level Core Series Ex.
Another key feature is the ultra-high-quality PU leather upholstery. What makes it stand out is the subtle perforations along the contact spots. This helps the chair keep cool in even the hottest weather.
A third standout is the warranty. Like the Titan, the Master Series Pro comes with 5-year coverage. This chair is built to last!
Master Series Pro features
The Master Series justifies its high price by stacking in numerous luxury features.
- Functionality: 4D armrests; deep recline to 180°; 12° tilt-lock.
- Padding: cold cure foam padding guaranteed to maintain shape and density for five years. Density: 55 kg/m³ (seat) 50 kg/m³ (back)
- Upholstery:Â perforated PU leather in five color combinations.
- Support:Â single-piece steel frame; molded aluminum base (10x stronger than steel). It also has a class 4 gas lift and 2.5″ PU wheels.
- Extras:Â neck and lumbar support cushions.
- Warranty:Â 5-year warranty on parts, 10-year warranty on the steel frame.
- Free shipping:Â included.
Detailed Master Series Pro Review
Master Pro sizing
- Seat width & depth: 23.6″ (W) x 21.6″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 33.8″ (H), 23.6″ (W)
- Floor to seat range: 13.6″ to 16.1″
- Chair height: 48.25″ to 51.75″
- Size rating: people 5’9″ to 6’2 tall; up to 330 pounds
Master Series Pro summary
The AKRacing Master Series Pro is one of the most luxurious gaming chairs you can buy. To justify its high price, it packs in 70% more padding than other chairs. It then jams in one premium feature after another, topped with a 5-year warranty on parts.
The longer you sit, the worse wrist and back fatigue can throw you off your game. People who sit full-time for a living can give themselves a luxurious advantage with a Master Series Pro.
Buy the Master Series PRO from AKRacing for USD $579
The Master Series Pro sells on Amazon.com for $529.00. It’s also available for Amazon customers in Canada and the UK.
Noblechairs HERO
Rated #4
Amazon Price: $584.60
Noblechairs is a German company founded in 2016. They focus all of their R&D on three high-end gaming chairs. The Noblechairs HERO is their flagship model.
Like the Secretlab Titan and Maxnomic OFC, the HERO has an internal lumbar device instead of a back pillow.
As an improvement over the other brands, the HERO includes both a neck and lumbar cushion. That means you’re not forced to use the internal lumbar and can use a pillow if you wish. It’s a nice little extra.
The HERO also stands out with perforations in the seat and backrest. Perforated PU leather ensures optimal breathability. That means the seat always stays cool, even in hot weather. It’s a clever mod that adds an extra bit of luxury.
Noblechairs HERO features
- Unique feature:Â integrated lumbar support (no lumbar cushion needed, although one is provided).
- Functionality: extra large padded 4D adjustable armrests; recline to 125°; tilt lock.
- Comfort: cold cure foam padding; removable neck and lumbar pillows included.
- Upholstery:Â premium perforated PU leather. This material is durable, easy to clean and breathable.
- Support:Â steel frame; powder-coated, corrosion resistant aluminium base; extra large PU casters.
- Warranty:Â 2-year warranty.
Detailed Noblechairs HERO Review
HERO sizing
- Seat width & depth: 20.5″ (W) x 21.7″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 35″ (H), 22.5″ (W)
- Size rating: people 5’5″ to 6’2 tall; up to 330 pounds
Noblechairs HERO summary
Germany is strong in esports and Noblechairs is the preferred brand for two top-50 teams. Current partners are SK Gaming and mousesports, who both use custom HERO chairs.
The HERO’s padding and upholstery are among the best. Also, the internal lumbar gives it an edge over traditional chairs.
If you’re looking for a pro chair with style, the HERO supports Germany’s best esports players. It looks great in a boardroom and can transform any home office into an upscale studio.
Even better, it helps boost performance. If you spend full-time hours at a PC, buy a HERO to enjoy luxurious computing ergonomics.
Buy the HERO on Amazon $584.60
The HERO is available on Amazon for customers in America, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Prices differ in each country.
Clutch Throttle Series
Rated #5
Amazon Price: Price not available
Clutch Chairz is an American maker of high-end gaming chairs. The Throttle Series is its flagship product. A few years ago, Pewdiepie signed on to use the Throttle Series during his video streams. As a result, the Throttle Series became one of the most famous gaming chairs in the world.
The Throttle Series is a pricey chair but full-featured and luxurious, with large, spacious dimensions. You can only buy the PewDiePie special edition on clutchchairz.com, while assorted color styles are available on Amazon.
Throttle Series features
Throttle Series chairs come with the same rich features as other pro esports models. You get deep recline, 4D armrests, a multifunction tilt mechanism, and high-quality upholstery.
Warranty protection is top-shelf, with three-year protection on parts, plus a lifetime warranty on the frame.
- Functionality: 4D adjustable armrests; recline to 180°; 12° tilt-lock.
- Upholstery: cold-cured foam padding; premium PU leather engineered for superior abrasion and wear resistance.
- Support: heavy gauge welded steel frame; aluminum base; class 4 gas lift; PU casters.
- Warranty: 3-year warranty on parts, lifetime warranty on the steel frame.
Expect a firm, comfortable seat with crisp adjustment options that make it easy to move. You can sit upright with perfect posture for intense gaming, then rock or deep recline to relax.
Detailed Throttle Series Review
Throttle Series sizing
The Throttle Series has a spacious seat and backrest. It sits lower to the floor than other chairs. Clutch says that the low-profile design makes it easier to keep the feet flat on the ground.
- Seat width & depth: 20.5″ (W) x 21.7″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 35″ (H), 22.5″ (W)
- Floor to seat range: 14.9″ to 18″
- Chair height: 48″ to 51″
- Size rating: people 5’6″ to 6’3 tall; up to 330 pounds
Throttle Series chair summary
PewDiePie is the only pro that uses a Throttle Series chair. Even so, the Throttle Series matches up well with other high-end pro esports chairs.
The Throttle Series has pro ergonomic features, a superb warranty, and a range of color options. It’s a well-built, spacious, and very comfortable model.
Buy the Throttle Series on Amazon Price not available
The Throttle Series is available for Amazon customers in America, Canada, and the UK.
Best compact pro gamer chairs
These are the compact equivalents of the best large esports models. Compact pro chairs are slim-fit, with curved edges that keep the legs pressed in.
The purpose of a slim fit is to better balance body weight between your legs, the backrest and the base of the chair.
None of these models have internal lumbar support. All use traditional back pillows.
These are the only differences, compared to the large pro chairs. Otherwise, these compact picks boast the same quality and features, plus lower prices.
Secretlab Omega
Direct buy price: $419 to $439
The Secretlab Omega is the compact version of the Titan. Larger users and those who prioritize comfort should choose a Titan. Short, slim users and those wanting the best posture support should choose an Omega.
Aside from smaller dimensions, there are only two differences between the Omega and the Titan.
First, instead of an internal lumbar, the Omega uses a traditional lumbar pillow. Second, the Omega’s seat edges restrict leg movement as a means of extra back support. Otherwise, the Omega boasts the same features, padding, and design options as the Titan.
Omega features
Minus the lumbar support, the Omega has the same features as the Titan:
- Functionality: padded 4D adjustable armrests; recline to 165°; multifunction tilt lock.
- Comfort:Â cold cure foam padding; neck and lumbar support cushions.
- Upholstery:Â real leather, Softweave Fabric or Secretlab Prime 2.0 PU leather.
- Warranty:Â 3-year warranty, extendable to 5 years with a social share.
Omega sizing
- Seat width & depth: 22″ (W) x 20″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 32″ (H) x 21″
- Floor to seat range: 18.9″ to 21.9″
- Chair height: 50.4″ to 53.4″
- Size rating: people 5’3″ to 5’11” tall; up to 240 pounds
Omega buying advice
The Omega is a solid, compact chair with superb sitting support for full-time users.
Out-of-the-box, the padding feels very stiff. After a few days of full-time use, expect it to adapt to the shape of your body. Then, the stiffness will subside enough to lavish your body with glorious comfort. After that, you’ll forget that you’re sitting, freeing you to focus on computing productivity.
To learn more about this chair, read our Detailed Secretlab Omega Review. To compare the Omega to the Titan, check out our Titan vs Omega comparison.
Omega from Secretlab USD $419 to $439
Available from Secretlab in America, Canada, the UK, Europe, Oceania, and Singapore.
Maxnomic Pro Series
Direct buy price: $399 to $449
The Maxnomic Pro Series is the compact version of the OFC Series. Pro models are for small, slim users wanting a compact fit and the best posture support.
The relationship between Pro and OFC is the same as with Titan and Omega. The Pro has smaller dimensions, a narrow seat and a traditional lumbar pillow. Otherwise, Pro models have the same qualities as OFC ones.
Maxnomic Pro features
Minus the lumbar support, the Maxnomic Pro has the same features as the Maxnomic OFC chair:
- Functionality: recline from 83° to 139°; 4D adjustable armrests
- Comfort: cold-cured foam padding; neck and lumbar support pillows.
- Upholstery:Â high quality PU leather (stain-proof, easy to clean, durable) in various styles.
- Warranty:Â 2-year warranty on parts; 30 days return policy.
Maxnomic Pro sizing
- Seat width & depth: 21.6″ (W) x 22″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 32.3″ (H) x 21″
- Floor to seat range: 18.5″ to 22.4″
- Chair height: 49.2″ to 53.1″
- Size rating: people 5’10” to 6’1″ tall; up to 220 pounds
Maxnomic Pro buying advice
If you’re looking for the best small-sized pro esports chair, the Maxnomic Pro is a top pick. So many streamers and top esports players use these chairs because they work very well.
Are you into esports? Do you want to game like the pros? Look deeper into the Maxnomic Pro. It supports long computing sessions with plush, comfortable ergonomic support. To learn more about Maxnomic Pro Series chairs, read our Maxnomic Esports Chair Review.
Maxnomic Pro from NeedforSeat USA $399 to $449
Maxnomic Pro chairs are also available in Europe and the UK for €319.00 to €369.00. Delivery fees vary by country.
Noblechairs EPIC
Amazon price: $389.99
The EPIC is Noblechair’s compact model, supporting people between 5’5″ and 6’2″ and up to 265 pounds.
It differs from the HERO with a smaller fit, a conventional lumbar pillow, and unique design.
Otherwise, it has the same high-end features. These include thick cold foam padding, a range of color options, 4D armrests and more.
Noblechairs EPIC sizing
- Seat width & depth: 22″ (W) x 22.2″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 34.2″ (H), 21.4″ (W)
- Size rating: people up to 5’5″ to 6’2″ tall; up to 265 pounds
Noblechairs EPIC features
- Functionality: padded 4D adjustable armrests; recline from 90° to 125°; multifunction tilt-lock.
- Comfort: cold cure foam padding; removable neck and lumbar pillows.
- Upholstery:Â premium perforated PU leather. This material is durable, easy to clean and breathable.
- Support:Â steel frame; powder-coated, corrosion resistant aluminium base; extra large PU casters.
- Warranty:Â 2-year warranty.
EPIC buying advice
At around $50 less than other top brands, the EPIC offers comparable quality with a snug fit.
The EPIC provides slick good looks and pro-class features. Are you looking for full-time sitting support and a durable, stylish build? The Noblechairs Epic is a solid choice at a great price. To Learn more about this chair, read our Noblechairs EPIC review. To compare all Noblechairs models, read our Noblechairs Brand Guide.
Buy the EPIC on Amazon USA $389.99
The EPIC is available for Amazon buyers in America, Canada, and the UK. Click the link to access the appropriate store for your region.
Best ergonomic task chairs for gamers
In 2020, racing-style gaming chairs aren’t the only options for pro esports players. In our updated 2020 version of Gaming Chairs Used by the Pros, ergonomic task chairs have a strong presence.
For instance, top streamers like Shroud, Timthetatman, and loltyler1 use the Herman Miller Aeron task chair. Meanwhile, Dr. Disrespect does his work on a Sidiz T80 task chair.
Also, in 2020, Herman Miller updated three classic chairs specifically for gamers.
Both gaming chairs and task chairs support good posture over long periods. Tasks chairs tend to cost more. Most come in office-style designs with more complex features than gaming chairs. To compare the two types of chairs, check out our Gaming Chairs vs Task Chairs article.
Below are three recommended task chairs ideal for both power users and hard-core gamers:
Herman Miller Aeron gaming chair
USA price: $1,445
The new Aeron gaming chair comes with an updated all-black color scheme. Otherwise, it’s the same as the classic Aeron that enjoyed its last major update in 2017.
The lack of updates has to do with the amazing complexity of this chair. The Aeron chair reigns as the most complete ergonomic chair on the market.
Aeron features
The Aeron chair has a robust suite of ergonomic features that beats all competitors. There are several standouts. First is a powerful synchro-tilt feature that angles the seat in sync with the backrest. When you lean back, the seat angles up. When you lean forward, it angles down. Whether you lean backward or forward, this feature keeps your thighs parallel to the floor, which helps to support good posture.
Another standout is the 8Z Pellicle mesh fabric upholstery on the seat and backrest. This mesh has eight zones of tension. When the user sits, the zones help to evenly distribute body weight across the seat and backrest.
Summary of features:
- 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.
- Warranty: 12 years.
Aeron sizing
The Aeron comes in three sizes. The largest “Size C” supports users from 5’3″ to 6’7″, with a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds. Size C dimensions:
- Seat: 18.25″ (W) x 18.5 (D)
- Backrest: 22.75″ (W) x 23″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 16.7″ to 22.7″
- Total height: 36.5″ to 43″
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’7″; up to 350 pounds
Aeron chair buying advice
This is the gold standard of high-end ergonomic seating. The Aeron has the most robust synchro-tilt functionality in the industry. Its adaptive mesh fabric upholstery is also more advanced than what other chairs offer.
On the downside, while this chair excels at supporting upright work, it’s not great for relaxing in. For instance, mid-back chairs like the Aeron stop at around the shoulder blades. When leaning back, there’s no support for the shoulders and neck. Further, the Aeron chair forces you to sit upright at all times. In contrast, gaming chairs offer deep recline that’s ideal for reading, relaxing, and watching movies.
For a more detailed look at this chair, check out our Herman Miller Aeron gaming chair review.
Aeron gaming edition from Herman Miller $1,445
The fully-loaded Aeron classic (not the gaming version) is also available from OfficeDesigns.com for USD$1,395. Includes free shipping in the USA within 4-7 business days.
Herman Miller Sayle
USA price: $725
The Herman Miller Embody gaming chair is both more expensive and more well-known than the Sayle chair. The Embody is also more attractive.
In comparison, the Sayle has an awkward-looking plastic backrest that looks like a laundry basket. Even so, the Sayle has a more reasonable price than the Embody. It also has features better suited to gamers than what the Embody offers.
Sayle features
The Herman Miller Embody costs over $1400 but has some limits. For one thing, the seat can tilt up, but not down. For another thing, it only comes with 2D armrests. In comparison, the Sayle chair costs $545. It has 4D armrests, a downward-sloping seat, and a powerful synchro-tilt that matches up to that on the Aeron chair.
It costs less because its backrest isn’t as complex (or attractive) as the Embody’s. Summary of features:
- Synchro-tilt: seat pan angle -3° to 13°; backrest reclines to 91°, 101°, or 124°.
- 3D Intelligent backrest: an unframed 3D Intelligent back stretches or contracts to support the back as the user moves.
- Posturefit: a unit at the rear of the backrest supports the sacrum (lowest point of the spine) to reinforce the pelvis. That prevents slouching and sitting fatigue.
- Seat adjustments: contoured seat pad; adjust the seat’s height and depth; downwards tilt to -3°.
- Armrests: 4D adjustable (adjust height, angles, width, and depth).
- Warranty: 12 years.
Sayle chair sizing
This is a versatile chair with a wide seat and dimensions suited for a range of body types. Small, tall, wide, and average-sized users will enjoy a great fit in a Sayle chair.
- Seat: 24.5″ (W) x 16-18″ (D)
- Backrest: 16.8″ (W) x 20.9″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 15″ to 20″
- Chair height: 33.75″ to 40.75″
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’7″; 350 pounds
Sayle chair advice
All Herman Miller gaming chairs have a flexible backrest designed to support good posture. The Sayle’s backrest works on the same concept. As the body moves, the plastic backrest stretches, providing more tension where support is needed.
Like the Aeron chair, the Sayle also has a powerful synchro-tilt function. For long sessions of computing, using that feature can keep your seated body in motion. Complementing the synchro-tilt is a downward-sloping seat function. During intense gameplay, many gamers tend to lean forward. Then, the Sayle’s seat can slope down to as much as -3°. That keeps your thighs parallel to the floor, which helps to keep the spine in a healthy alignment.
The biggest downside of this chair is the design. While the features are impressive, the plastic backrest is an acquired taste. If you can get past that quibble, Sayle chairs offer superb ergonomics for both gamers and power users.
At present, the gamified version of the Sayle chair is only available in Europe. In America, classic Sayle chairs are available from OfficeDesigns.com in a range of colors. Check our Herman Miller Sayle review for a closer look at this chair.
Sayl gaming edition from Herman Miller $725
The fully-loaded Sayle classic (not the gaming version) is available in America from OfficeDesigns.com for USD $755. Includes free shipping in the USA within 4-7 business days.
Sidiz T80
Amazon price: $699.00
The Herman Miller Embody gaming chair is impressive but very expensive. It also lacks an adjustable lumbar and doesn’t have a headrest. The Sidiz T80 addresses these issues. It comes with an adjustable lumbar and has an adjustable headrest. It’s also less than half the price of the Embody.
The Sidiz T80 is made in South Korea. This was the first task chair adopted by pro gamers. That happened in 2018, when Sidiz partnered with Gen G, a Korean esports team. A year later, Dr. Disrespect started using a T80 during his streams, which are watched by millions.
Sidiz T80 features
The Sidiz T80 lacks the Pixelated back support of the Embody. Instead, has a conventional mesh backrest. That aside, the Sidiz T80 has a more robust feature set than the Embody, with ergonomic protection from your legs to your head. This model also has synchro-tilt, which angles the seat in proportion to the backrest. It also provides excellent spine support with an adjustable lumbar and adjustable neck support.
Another significant feature is a downward-adjustable seat. That is use
- Synchro-tilt: seat pan angle 1°; backrest 90° to 114°.
- Adjustable spine support: height adjustable lumbar; height and depth-adjustable padded headrest.
- 3D armrests: adjust the arms in three directions. The range provides robust support for the shoulders and wrists.
- Seat Slide and Slope: slide the seat forward or back. You can also tilt the seat down to support forward leaning.
- Premium Padding: resilient memory foam plus a layer of antibacterial elastic sponge. This provides dense but pliable support with a superb level of comfort.
- Warranty: three years.
One obvious area where the Sidiz cuts corners is the warranty. While the Embody comes with a 12-year guarantee, the T80 warranty is only for three years.
The Sidiz is a compact chair best suited to average-sized adults with slim hips.
- Seat width & depth: 19.8″ (W) x 19.6″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 19.8″ (H), 29.7″ (W)
- Floor to seat range: 15.5″ (H), 19.5″ (W)
- Chair height: 45.3″ to 49.2″
- Size rating: people 5’5″ to 6’6″ tall; up to 250 pounds
Sidiz T80 buying advice
For gamers, forward-leaning support is a handy pro feature. During intense gameplay, that ensures that gamers can enjoy good back support even when leaning forward. To accommodate that need, the T80 lets you angle the seat to slop down. When leaning forward, that helps the thighs to stay parallel to the floor, which helps the spine to stay upright.
Beyond the sloping seat feature, the T80 offers robust ergonomics from top-to-bottom. You can adjust the armrests, seat angle, lumbar support, and recline. That gives you more adjustable options than the Embody, with a much lower price.
To learn more about this product, check out our detailed Sidiz T80 ergonomic chair review.
Pro esports chair FAQ
This section answers common questions people face when thinking of buying an expensive gaming chair.
Why should I buy a pro gaming chair?
The purpose of a pro gaming chair is to support the back for long periods of sitting. Most people sat long hours in a cheap office chair will suffer back problems. In such cases, a gaming chair is better than an office chair. That’s because a pro chair will keep the spine in alignment while sitting. As health improves, more energy becomes available to focus on productivity. In this sense, the main reason to buy a pro-quality gaming chair is as a performance hack. In summary:
- Modern work demands require long hours of screen-based sedentary time.
- Sitting with poor posture harms your back and leads to health issues.
- Gaming chairs support good posture.
- Good posture leads to increased energy, better concentration and many other wellness benefits.
Why do pro chairs cost more?
The main difference between expensive gaming chairs and cheap ones is the quality of build. Compared to cheap chairs, expensive ones have sturdier bases, higher quality upholstery, and advanced armrests. They also use high-density cold-foam padding that holds up to years of heavy use.
Look at the two chairs in the picture. The difference that quality padding is clear to see.
CONCLUSION
The chairs listed in this review are for hard-core power users. That includes serious video gamer players and serious computer power users. Examples of serious computer users include full-time office workers, content creators, and students. Among gamers and non-gamers alike, the chairs listed in this article are the best on the market.
These rank among the best for the quality of features, reliability, and aesthetic appeal. The most important thing that these chairs do is support a healthy posture while sitting. From all models reviewed, expect superb back support plus incredible comfort.
Since top esports pros use these chairs, they are also proven to hold up well under heavy use. Pro gamers, students, and office workers looking for a performance edge should consider these chairs.
These models will fix your posture, support your back, and improve your vitality. This means more energy to focus on productivity and winning. In that sense, pro esports chairs are an excellent investment for high achievers.
