The New Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 each brings the power of a high-end gaming PC into the living room. Both consoles arrive with new games, better graphics and more processing power. To enjoy gaming on either console, you will need a good chair. Here are the best gaming chairs to support living room or desk-based console gaming.
Major-league competitive esports demands the power of a high-end gaming PC. That’s why pro gamers play at desks. In contrast, the Xbox and PlayStation were both designed as entertainment hubs for the living room. That leaves console gamers with two basic setup options. They can game at a desk like a PC-gaming pro, or lounge in the living room like a hobbyist.
Seating options for console gamers
Before reviewing the best console chairs, this section summarizes the different setup options. Choosing the right chair will depend on your preferred setup.
Default: sitting on the floor or sofa
Sitting on the floor or sofa when gaming in the living room is the most basic style. For short sessions of playing games optimized for a controller, either is fine. For instance, fighting games and multiplayer action games like Rocket League are great to play in a group. Racing games are also a blast when playing from the comfort of a couch.
Over longer sitting periods, sofas provide poor back support that can lead to chronic pain. The thicker the sofa padding, the worse it supports upright sitting. That forces the spine to work extra hard holding the body upright. When upper body muscles tire, slouching begins. Over time, chronic poor posture causes consistent stiffness, lethargy, and pain.
Gaming on the floor is especially bad for kids aged 4-12. Playing games while sitting cross-legged can cause rounded shoulders and a hunched back. Gaming while laying on the chest stresses the neck, back, and hips. Between 4-12, children develop posture habits that carry into adulthood. Poor posture during the early growth years causes serious health issues later in life.
For example, bones develop depending on the loads the body place on them. Slouching in childhood alters bone development. In adulthood, that manifests as chronic health issues like arthritis or osteoporosis.
To learn more about the science of healthy sitting check this feature:
Ineffective: living room console gaming chairs
In 2013, both the Xbox One and Playstation 4 hit the market. Soon after came a wave of console gaming chairs designed for the living room. There are four types: recliners; pedestal rockers; floor rockers; racing simulators.
There are a few problems with living room console chairs. First, they don’t meet the most basic ergonomic sitting standards. These chairs don’t support good posture and don’t come with adjustable features.
Second, most aren’t very durable. Even the most expensive models come with a 1-year warranty or less.
Even so, console chairs remain a popular option for young kids and casual gamers. To check out the best-selling models of the year, check out our console gaming chair review:
Decent: on the couch with a Couchmaster
Gaming on the couch with a game controller is best for casual play. Driving, sports games, and others with just a few actions work well.
In contrast, many FPS games work better with a mouse and keyboard. Many first-person-shooters are among the most popular games in the world. Top titles include CS:GO, Apex Legends, Overwatch, and PUBG. Using a mouse and keyboard with these games lets you bind keys to various actions. Doing so gives you pinpoint accuracy not possible with a controller.
Real-time strategy (RTS) games like Age of Empires also work better with a mouse. Using one lets you cover ground quickly, needing only to point-and-click to control units.
Couchmaster CYCON
The Couchmaster offers the perfect solution to game with a keyboard and mouse from your couch. The Couchmaster CYCON works with both PCs and gaming consoles. It has two padded rectangular cushions on either side, propping up a gaming tray.
The tray has enough space to play video games with a full mouse and keyboard — from your couch. It also doubles as a USB 3.0 hub, with four inputs.
As a bonus, Couchmaster products also provide better back support than plain old sofa gaming. A Couchmaster lets the body recline at around a 135° angle, with the tray supporting the hands at an optimal height.
Best: PC gaming chair with accessories
PC gaming chairs are the healthiest option for long periods of gaming. Those models support good posture and movement over long periods of sitting. In a living room, there are a few ways to integrate a desk-based gaming chair. With controller-based games, footrest gaming chairs work well. Those chairs allow a deep, relaxing recline. At the same time, adjustable armrests support the elbows as you grip the controller.
Even a full-keyboard and mouse setup is possible using a gaming chair without a desk. That requires the use of a gaming lapboard. Another nice addon to enhance a gaming chair in the living room is a height-adjustable TV stand.
Gaming lapboard
The Corsair Lapdog option works with the PlayStation, Xbox, and computers. The standalone lapboard works with either the Corsair K65 or K70 Series Keyboards (sold separately).
The Lapdog features a removable memory foam lap cushion and a powered 4-port USB 3.0 hub. Its hub lets you connect a keyboard, mouse, headset, or game controller. SInce the ports are powered, you can also use them to fast-charge a phone or tablet.
Corsair Lapdog on Amazon Price not available
Learn more about this unit and suggested addons in our review of console gaming lapboards.
Height-adjustable TV stand
Another problem with a gaming chair in the living room is that many TVs are set low to the ground. To see the screen, users will then have to bend their necks and slouch their shoulders.
A height-adjustable TV stand provides the solution. For instance, the Perlesmith Mobile TV cart has a height-adjustable range of 33″ to 59.6″. It also comes with a height-adjustable AV tray with a range of 20″ to 28″. Use that to hold your Xbox X, PlayStation 5, or laptop computer.
When gaming on your sofa, lower the TV to give yourself the perfect viewing angle. When ready to play more intense games, raise the height of your TV to around 40″ to 50″ high. That will deliver eye-level gameplay without putting stress on your neck.
Best Xbox X and PS5 desk chairs
With the right accessories, a PC gaming chair is the best seating option to go with your console. These models support good posture and movement while sitting. When comfortable and relaxed, gamers perform at their best.
Gaming with your console at a desk will also yield these benefits:
- Smoother streaming with less lag than on a gaming monitor, versus a living room TV.
- Sitting closer to the screen will give you a better view of small graphic details.
- Both the Xbox and Playstation can integrate with a laptop or desktop PC.
- Better sitting support than a Couchmaster.
If you don’t want to game at a desk, get a height-adjustable TV stand. Lower it to use your TV from the couch. Raise the TV to between 40-50 inches high to enjoy comfortable play in a gaming chair.
There are dozens of solid gaming chair options on the market. This article covers the highlights.
Best support: Autofull Mechanical Master
The Autofull Mechnical Master is a masterpiece ahead of its time. It was meant to capitalize on the fast-growing mobile gaming industry. In 2019, the mobile gaming industry generated over $152 billion in revenue, with the U.S. overtaking China as the world’s biggest market.
While mobile gaming is massive, pro esports mobile gaming is still developing. Until that happens, the Mechanical Master design may be too radical for the masses. However, after the release of the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, we expect that to change.
In its default position, the Autofull Mechanical Master functions as a good quality ergonomic desk chair. It can also work like a La-Z-Boy recliner, with a retractable footrest. The star feature is the multiunction mechanical armrests.
For gaming with controllers, you can set the armrests to support the weight of your arms. The chair will keep your back aligned and posture intact. With your arms and back supported, you burn less energy using muscles, leaving more to focus on gaming.
To learn more about this chr, check out our Autofull Mechanical Master review.
Buy the Mechanical Master from Autofull for $399
Use the coupon code ChairsFX to get $40 off any Autofull gaming chair. Using the code, the Mechnical Master costs only $359.
Best high-end: Secretlab chairs
Hard-core users planning to spend long periods gaming can prepare with the best available seating.
Secretlab Titan
The Secretlab Titan and Secretlab Omega are two of the most popular high-end gaming chairs. The larger Titan chair differs from the Omega with an internal lumbar support system and flat, wide seat.
Both models come in twenty-eight different styles. Choose a style in PU leather, Softweave fabric, or genuine NAPA leather.
For video game fans, several custom designs are officially licensed chairs of top games like Overwatch, League of Legends, and Dota 2.
Buy the Titan from Secretlab for $399 to $429
The Titan supports users from 5’9″ to 6’7″, with a maximum weight capacity of 290 pounds.
Secretlab Omega
The smaller Omega fits users between 5’3″ to 5’11”, with a maximum weight capacity of 240 chairs. Beyond licensed video game chairs, Secretlab also partners with several of the world’s top esports teams. Thus, gaming fans can also choose a model that pays tribute to their favorite pro gamers. Here are some Secretlab Omega pro esports team designs:
Buy the Omega from Secretlab for $359 to $389
Both chairs share these pro ergonomic features:
- Functionality: adjustable lumbar support; 4D armrests; recline from 85°-165°; multifunction tilt mechanism.
- Upholstery: choice of premium PU leather, genuine leather or Softweave Fabric.
- Comfort: patent-pending cold cure foam; memory foam head pillow with cooling gel insert.
- Support: carbon steel frame; Class 4 KGS gas lift; aluminium base; XL PU caster wheels.
- Warranty: 3-year warranty, extendable to 5 years with a social media photo of your chair.
To learn more about either chair, check out our detailed Secretlab Titan or Secretlab Omega review. Alternatively, take a closer look at the differences between the two models:
Living room-friendly: footrest gaming chairs
Another option that works well in living rooms is a gaming chair with footrest. Most popular footrest gaming chairs are slim-fitting models costing less than $200. Typical features include deep recline, 2D armrests, and a retractable footrest.
The advantage of a footrest chair in the living room is its versatility. With a deep recline and the footrest up, you can use these models like a La-Z-Boy recliner.
In the default position, they are sturdy and comfortable ergonomic office chairs. Thus you can use these for office work, gaming, and deep, relaxed lounging.
Summary: best seating for console gamers
This section breaks down our top seating options for living room or desk scenarios.
Best types of living room console chairs
In the living room, here are the three best seating options:
- PC gaming chairs: for gaming chairs to work in the living room, it helps to have a lapboard and possibly a height-adjustable TV stand. Those will let you enjoy full keyboard and mouse gaming ergonomics, with the TV set at the perfect height.
- Footrest gaming chairs: most models offer less adjustable features than pro esports chairs. But away from a desk and used in the living room, footrest gaming chairs shine. These let you sit upright as with conventional gaming chairs. You can also use footrest gaming chairs like a La-Z-Boy recliner. Kick up the footrest, engage a deep recline, and spend hours lounging with a weightless sensation.
- Couchmaster: if you prefer gaming on the couch, a Couchmaster kit yields several advantages. First, it supports a healthier sitting posture. Second, the flat, desk-like surface provides effective support for your arms. Third, it lets you pair your console with a mouse and keyboard for more precise gaming.
- Floor and pedestal rockers: these are a popular options for young kids. Most are cheap with limited durability and no ergonomic features. Using either type for long periods can curve your back into a ‘c’ shape while flattening out your lumbar curve. Over time, gaming this way can ruin both posture and wellness.
Best console gaming chairs
Here are our top individual chair picks for console gaming:
- Autofull Mechanical Master: innovative footrest gaming chair with mechanical arms that support mobile gaming ($399).
- Secretlab Titan: a large, luxurious pro esports chair with internal lumbar support and rich ergonomic features ($399-$429).
- Secretlab Omega: the smaller cousin of the Titan has a traditional lumbar pillow and the same rich features as the Titan ($359-$389).
- GTRacing Ace M1 Series: an affordable pro esports chair with 4D armrests, multifunction tilt lock, and 5-year warranty ($279.99).
- Ace S1 Series: a cheap gaming chair with 4D armrests, fabric and leather styles, and a 5-year warranty ($189.99).
- GTRacing Pro Series: a popular cheap gaming chair with 2D armrests and a 2-year warranty ($159.99).
Best footrest gaming chairs
If you plan to spend more time lounging than working at a desk, footrest gaming chairs are a good option. Here are three popular footrest models:
- Respawn 110: the best-selling footrest chair on Amazon has thick padding, a retractable footrest and fixed armrests (Price not available).
- Nokaxus 6008 footrest chairs: big and tall footrest chairs that support up to 350 pounds. Features include 2D armrests and a 1-year warranty ($209.99).
- Marvel footrest gaming chairs: official Marvel-themed footrest chairs in Captain AMerica, Spiderman, Iron Man, and Black Panther styles. Features include 3D armrests and support for 350 pounds (No products found.).
Conclusion
The best seating option for Xbox Series X or PS5 gameplay depends on your playing preferences. Casual gamers playing racing or sports games infrequently can do fine using a couch. In contrast, those who play competitive FPS games tend to perform better at a desk with a gaming monitor.
Choosing the right chair will depend on your setup. For instance, gaming chairs work well in the living room if you add a lapboard. If you play lots of sports and fighting games, a 4K living room TV is ideal. In contrast, if you play first-person-shooter games, a desk and monitor setup is preferable.
Check out our comprehensive list of Xbox and PS5 accessories to enhance your gaming chair. Our report looks at the best addons to support healthy living room or desk-based console gaming.
