The big and tall tag in the gaming chair industry is for tall, heavy sizes. ‘Big’ = wide seats + support for 400+ pounds. ‘Tall’ = 5’8″ (172 cm) or taller. Within these parameters, several chairs deliver rich features + heavyweight support for under $300. Keep reading for a detailed skim through the best options of 2023 (so far).
‘Big and tall’ is a seating classification for tall sizes with slim to fat proportions. In this review, there are two chairs rated for sizes 5’3″ and up. The rest are for average sizes 5’7″ or taller. All support 400 pounds or more.
All models in this review come with adjustable armrests, adjustable lumbar support, and a reclining backrest . The point of these features is to support neutral sitting postures. These let you sit comfortably for long periods without muscle strain.
Premium Big & Tall Chairs Under $300
The best high-end gaming chairs come fully-loaded. A standard kit includes 4D armrests and a multifunction tilt lock. That lets you rock, lock upright, or lock the seat at angles.
However, truly premium big and tall gaming chairs are durable, guaranteed for up to 5 years. In comparison, affordable (under $300) models are not built to last. In this review, E-Win chairs are guaranteed for 2 years, the rest for a year (or less).
With this caveat in mind, here are ChairsFX top affordable premium 400-pound picks:
- E-Win Fabric Champion: full-featured, fabric upholstery, 2-year warranty; 400 lbs. ( $295 )
- Von Racer Deluxe: full-featured; diamond-stitched embroidery; 440 lbs support. ( Price not available )
- Von Racer Classic: full-featured; executive style; 440-pound support. ( Price not available )
- Fantasylab Deluxe: same as the Von Racer Deluxe + gimmicky ‘guardrail’ armrests. ( $339.99 )
E-Win Champion CPG Fabric (400 lbs)
$295 $369 from E-Win Rated #1 | For sizes 5’3″ to 6’1″ (160-185 cm), 400 lbs
E-Win makes full-featured gaming chairs with premium extras and 400-pound support. The Champion CPG fabric edition is the best full-featured model. Using the coupon code CHAIRSFX, these cost $295 $369 in the E-Win Store.
Two premium extras rank this chair higher than the others. First, the others come with cheaper 50kg/m³ PU foam padding. In comparison, E-Win’s high-density 55kg/m³ padding provides superior stability and durability. That leads to the second advantage: it’s guaranteed for two years — twice as long as the competition.
Chair Specifications
This chair comes fully-loaded with a 2-year warranty. The padding is slightly firmer than competing chairs. That yields better postural stability with enough give to ensure optimal comfort. Summary of specifications:
- Functionality: 4D armrests; recline from 85° to 155°; multifunction tilt.
- Padding: high-quality cold-cured foam.
- Upholstery: breathable woven fabric in two colors.
- Warranty: two years on parts, 10 years on the frame.
Shorter people will appreciate the 19.4″ usable depth. That’s shallow enough to fit sizes 5’3″ and up.
- Seat width x depth: 20.9″ (W) x 21.7″ (D)/ 19.4″ usable depth
- Backrest width x height: 21.7″ (W) x 37.8″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 15.1-18.9″
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’1″; 400-pound weight capacity
Buying advice
With its 2-year warranty, firmer padding, and (ultra-durable) fabric upholstery, this chair will last twice as long as competing models.
It’s a great option for short, thick sizes up to 6’1″ tall. However, extra-wide obese sizes might find the 20.9″ insufficient for their girth. Other than this quibble, this is easily the best big & tall gaming chair under $300 right now.
Use the coupon code ChairsFX for a 20% discount.
E-Win Fabric Chair $295 $369 from E-Win
Learn more: Champion Series CPG Chair Review.
Von Racer 440-Pounder Deluxe
Price not available on Amazon Rated #2 | For sizes 5’8″ (172 cm) and up, 440 lbs
This company makes the same gaming chairs under ‘Von Racer’ and ‘Fantasylab’ names — for no logical reason. But despite branding snafus, this chair has solid appeal for big and tall budget shoppers.
Diamond-stitched embroidery on the front gives it a regal air. Under the hood, it comes fully-loaded (4D arms, multifunction tilt, deep recline) with 440-pound support and spacious seat dimensions.
Features
Features are almost the same as the Fantasylab version (minus that chair’s fancier armrests). This one comes with an extra-large memory foam lumbar pillow and fully-loaded adjustable features.
- Unique features: flip-up armrest caps; extra-wide dimensions; 440-pound support.
- Functionality: 4D armrests; recline to 155°; multifunction seat tilt lock.
- Comfort: high density foam padding; 2-tone PU leather seat & backrest; built-in headrest; memory foam lumbar pillow
- Warranty: one year.
- Seat width x depth: 22″ (W) x 22″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 24.8″ (W) x 32.3″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 18.1″ to 20.5″
- Size rating: 5’8 to 6’3″; up to 440 pounds
Von Racer 440-pounder Advice
The Von Racer 440-pounder is a fancier, more expensive riff on the Fantasylab 440-pound Classic. People 5’8″ or taller smitten by the diamond-stitched will enjoy a plush, luxurious, full-featured experience.
The short 1-year warranty is the big downside. In comparison, Secretlab Titan chairs ($550+) come with 5-year warranties. For $200 less, the Fantasylab chair delivers a similar sitting experience that’s less durable.
Von Racer 440-pounder Classic
Price not available from Amazon Rated #3 | For sizes 5’8″ (172 cm) and up, 440 lbs
Also called the Fantasylab 8247, this model has the same features as the previous one, minus the fancy Upturn Guardrail split armrests. Highlights include a stylish executive design, premium ergonomic features, and a great low price.
The catch: to justify its low price, it uses lower-quality materials than premium chairs. If you use this chair full-time, n expect the padding to flatten and the upholstery to show signs of degradation after 10 months or so.
On the flipside, if you use this chair part-time, it could easily last for years.
Von Racer XL Chair Features
Despite its low price, the 8247 comes with fully-loaded ergonomic features. These include 4D arms, a multifunction tilt, and an XL lumbar support pillow.
However, the built-in headrest is non-adjustable — shorter users won’t be able to reach it. As a result, this chair is only for sizes 5’8″ or taller.
- Functionality: 4D armrests; recline to 155°; multifunction tilt-lock.
- Support: lumbar pillow with cooling gel insert; lumbar pillow with massage unit; built-in headrest.
- Warranty: 30-day return policy; 1-year warranty.
- Seat width x depth: 22″ (W) x 22″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 24.8″ (W) x 32.3″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 18.1″ to 20.5″
- Size rating: 5’8″ to 6’4″; up to 440 pounds
Von Racer 440-pounder Summary
The Von Racer 440-pounder delivers everything you’d expect from a premium big and tall gaming chair. It’s fully adjustable and spacious with a clean, executive style. At this price point, it’s hard to quibble with the value for money of this beast.
- Fully-adjustable features
- Wide, spacious seat
- Support for 440 pounds
- Affordable
- 1-year warranty (not as durable as premium chairs)
- Non-adjustable headrest
The biggest (albeit minor) issue is the lack of an adjustable headrest. If you’re taller than 5’8″, you’ll have no worries. If shorter, look for a chair with a better fit for your size.
Bottom line: for wide sizes 5’8″ and up, this Von Racer chair replicates a premium sitting experience. Given the price, it’s a luxurious bargain!
Fantasylab 440-Pounder w. Fancy Arms
$339.99 on Amazon Rated #4 | For sizes 5’8″ (172 cm) and up, 440 lbs
This model slightly exceeds this review’s $300 threshold but is worth mentioning. It has the same features and dimensions as the Von Racer chair, with two differences. First, it’s branded as ‘Fantasylab’ (rather than ‘Von Racer’).
Second, it has fancier ‘Upturn Guardrail’ armrests. The armrests are split into two parts. Beyond adjusting up/ down or left/ right, you can flip up each half. Why?
According to Fantasylab / Von Racer, these ‘can be adjusted to meet your needs’. I don’t see how. In fact, I think they look gimmicky and impractical.
Fantasylab 440-Pounder With Upturn Guardrail Armrest Specifications
The ‘Fantasylab 440-Pound Gaming Chair With Upturn Guardrail Armrests’ is a terribly clunky name. Even so, the specs are decent:
- Unique features: flip-up armrest caps; extra-wide dimensions; 440-pound support.
- Functionality: 4D armrests; recline to 155°; multifunction seat tilt lock.
- Comfort: high density foam padding; 2-tone PU leather seat & backrest; built-in headrest; memory foam lumbar pillow
- Warranty: one year.
- Seat width x depth: 22″ (W) x 22″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 24.8″ (W) x 32.3″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 18.1″ to 20.5″
- Size rating: 5’8 to 6’3″; up to 440 pounds
Fantasylab 440-pounder Advice
This model costs around $70 more than the Von Racer version. Both have the same dimensions and features. This version differs with gimmicky ‘Upturn Guardrail’ armrests. But they don’t seem to serve any real purpose.
Bottom line: unless you see a need for the fancy armrests, there’s no point paying $70 extra for this chair. Consider the Von Racer version instead.
Prosumer Big & Tall Chairs Under $300
Instead of 4D arms and a multifunction tilt, these chairs come with less-adjustable arms (2D or 3D) and standard tilt functions. That means you can rock the chair or lock it upright — but you can’t tilt the seat and lock it at angles.
- E-Win Knight: prosumer features, PVC upholstery, 2-year warranty; 400 lbs. ( $183 )
- Fantasylab 8331: 3D arms; standard tilt; 400-pound support. ( Price not available )
- ChizzySit: Secretlab knockoff w. 400 lbs support; magnetic headrest; fabric skins. ( $199.99 )
E-Win Knight Series (400 lbs)
$183 $229 from E-Win Rated #1 Prosumer | For sizes 5’3″ to 6’1″ (160-185 cm), 400 lbs
This model has basic features, 400-pound support, and a 2-year warranty. It has a flat, moderately wide seat that fits sizes 5’3″ to 6’1″. Thick people on the shorter side should consider this model.
The 21.7″ seat width is slightly less than mega-wide 22″ ones. But there’s still plenty of room here for people of moderate chunkiness.
The flat, wide seat style also provides sufficient room to sit cross-legged. Shorter sizes will also appreciate the lower-than-average seat height range of 16.3-20.2″.
Knight Series Specifications
The Knight Series is the cheapest E-Win gaming chair. It serves up spacious dimensions and solid prosumer features:
Unlike most chairs in this price range, its loose lumbar pillow does not come with straps. That means it requires manual adjustment every time you sit down. Although less convenient, it’s a great way to master lumbar support fundamentals on your own.
- Functionality: 2D armrests; recline to 155°; tilt lock and tilt tension.
- Comfort: 55kg/m³ premium padding; neck and lumbar support pillows.
- Warranty: 2-year warranty on parts; 10-year warranty on the frame (details).
- Seat width x depth: 21.7″ (W) x 22″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 22.6″ (W) x 33.9″ (H)
- Seat height: 16.3″ to 20.2″
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’1″; 400-pound weight capacity
Buying advice
Behold one of the only gaming chairs under $200 with a 2-year warranty — and a 10-year frame warranty. Like the E-Win Champion, the Knight is built to last longer than others. Its PVC upholstery is thicker than PU leather; its semi-firm 55kg/m³ padding will also maintain its resiliency longer than squishier blends.
Bottom line: this is a great entry-level gaming chair for short, thick sizes. If you’re a first-time ergonomic chair user, the Knight is a solid entry point.
Learn more: E-Win Knight Review: Best Multi-size Gaming Chair Under $200
Knight Series $183 $229 from E-Win
Use the coupon code ChairsFX during checkout for the discount.
Fantasylab 8331 (400 pounds)
Price not available from Amazon Rated #2 Prosumer | For sizes 5’6″ (167 cm) and up, 400 lbs
The original version of this chair came with a multi-function tilt lock. The 2023 version replaces that with a standard tilt (rock or lock upright, but not lock the seat at angles). Chairs are available in various styles:
Besides a standard tilt function, this model also cuts back with slightly less adjustable 3D armrests. Compared to the premium Fantasylab chairs, its smaller seat is a better fit for slightly shorter sizes.
Fantasylab 8331 Features
The Fantasylab 8331 comes with a massage unit built into the lumbar pillow. Charge with a USB cable, turn it on and lean back into the chair.
Vibrations will massage the small of your back and get the blood pumping. Use that feature for a quick boost whenever you start to feel fatigued.
Like all Fantasylab chairs, the main downside is the 1-year warranty. After a year of full-time use, expect the padding to flatten and faux leather to show degradation.
- Functionality: 3D armrests; recline to 155°; multifunction tilt-lock.
- Comfort: cold foam padding; lumbar pillow with cooling gel insert; neck pillow.
- Warranty: 30-day return policy; 1-year warranty.
- Seat width & depth: 21.7″ (W) x 20.5″ (D)
- Backrest height & width: 23.2″ (W) x 33.5″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 20.5″ to 23.5″
- Size rating: people 5’6″ to 6’2″; up to 400 pounds
8331 chair summary
The Fantasylab 8331 is a solid alternative to the E-Win Knight Series. In comparing the two, its biggest downside is the 1-year warranty.
If used full-time, expect this chair to show signs of degradation after 10 months or so. Even so, it’s a solid, decently-featured cheap starter chair for stocky sizes.
ChizzySit 400-Pounder
$199.99 on Amazon Rated #3 Prosumer | For sizes 5’7″ (170 cm) and up, 400 lbs
Fantasylab / Von Racer pioneered the cheap, 400-pound support premium gaming chair genre. ChizzySit is one of the latest copycats to jump on the bandwagon. To do so, they took inspiration from Secretlab Titan chairs.
First, this model copies Secretlab’s strapless magnetic headrest technology. The headrest attaches to the backrest with magnets. Minus straps, it’s easy to adjust in support of your particular neck curve.
Second, the Chizzysit copies the concept of Secretlab’s ingenious fabric chair skins. As a reference, Secretlab skins cost $169.
Green ChizzySit slipcover Price not available on Amazon | Pink ChizzySit slipcover Price not available on Amazon
Product Summary
This model has decent prosumer features. A strapless magnetic headrest and XL lumbar pillow are included. The only oddity is the short 90-day warranty — many other chairs in this price range are guaranteed for at least one year.
- Functionality: 4D armrests; 90-160° recline; standard tilt.
- Support: XL lumbar pillow; strapless magnetic headrest.
- Warranty: 90 days.
This chair suits chunky bodies of average height. The 20″ (W) x 20.8″ (D) seat is wide enough for moderately (not extremely) thick sizes 5’7″ or taller.
- Seat width x depth: 20″ (W) x 20.8″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 20″ (W) x 32.2″ (H)
- Seat height: 17.7-22″
- Size rating: 5’7″ to 6’3″ 400-pound weight capacity
ChizzySit Summary
It’s hard to find fault with a $199.99 chair packed with such rich features. It supports 400 pounds, has decent features, and even offers (cheap) slipcover add-ons.
- Cheap
- 400-pound support
- Good features for the money
- Unknown brand
- Short 90-day warranty
The biggest downside is reliability. ChizzySit is an unknown brand with a goofy name. Even so, given the rock-bottom price, cool features, and slipcover extras, it seems well worth the (minimal) risk for chunky bodies that enjoy novelties.
Other Ergonomic Chairs For Large Sizes
Big and tall sizes can also choose premium gaming chairs ($400-$650) or XL ergonomic office chairs ($300 to $450). Big and short sizes also have a few options.
Premium XL Gaming Chairs
The best luxury gaming chairs for big sizes cost between $399 to $629. These provide a similar fit as cheaper XL chairs. For instance, the #1-rated Secretlab Titan XL has a flat, wide seat and extra-large backrest.
The Titan XL also has industry-leading features. These include a 4-way adjustable integrated lumbar and strapless magnetic headrest pillow. Available in forty-three styles, it’s also backed by a 5-year warranty.
It’s a luxury gaming chair with a premium ($599-$619) price. A slightly cheaper option ($569) is the AKRacing Master Series Max. It also has premium features and a 5-year warranty. It differs from the Titan XL with an even wider seat. Learn more:
XL Ergonomic Office Chairs
There are only a handful of ergonomic office chairs supporting 400 pounds or more. In seating terms, ‘ergonomic’ means having adjustable armrests and lumbar support. One of the most popular options in this genre is the Sadie Big and Tall ($299.70 on Amazon).
It supports 400 pounds with a 22″ seat, 2D arms, and adjustable lumbar support. On top of that, it’s also backed by a 3-year warranty by Hon Furniture. On the downside, you can rock the chair, but can’t tilt-lock recline the backrest.
Other chairs in this price class offer similar functionality. Check out the top options:
Wide Seat Gaming Chairs For SHORT People
The two E-Win gaming chairs in this review suit big and short-to-average sizes 5’3″ to 6’1″ (160-185 cm). People shorter than 5’6″ (167 cm) have a handful of other models to consider as well.
All have flat, wide seats that are not excessively deep. That makes them a better fit for people with shorter legs.
Losing Weight With A Gaming Chair
A gaming chair provides an easy means to enjoy long periods of comfortable sitting. But that’s not the end of the story — it’s a potential beginning. Consider these facts:
- Fat people have weak spines and knees. Those with a BMI (body mass index) over 35.0 are 63.1% weaker in lower joint strength than slimmer figures.
- Obese people have tender feet. Carrying more weight degrades shock-absorbing elasticity in the feet. This affects the entire body’s posture and mobility.
- Fat people have weak knees. Adults 18-29 with a BMI over 35 are 80% more likely to suffer knee pain later in life.
- Fat people suffer greater musculoskeletal burdens. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain is 26% higher among obese kids. The link between obesity and musculoskeletal pain have been reported in children as young as 2.
Ergonomic Challenges For Heavy, Tall, AND Big & Tall Sizes
Ergonomic chairs help users to sit in and maintain healthy sitting postures. But with a weak spine, sore knees, tender feet and chronic pain, obese people might find sitting upright difficult. That’s where gaming chairs fit in.
Rather than forcing you to sit upright, a full-back gaming chair lets you ease into that habit. Deeper reclines let gravity do the work — not your back muscles.
Life-Changing Benefits For Fat People
With the headrest and lumbar support in place, that gently places your spine into a healthy alignment. Then, instead of your back muscles working overtime, they get a much needed rest. That’s when the magic happens.
Fat people suffer greater musculoskeletal stresses than slimmer ones. That places a severe burden on the back muscles to hold the body up against gravity. As muscles tire, slouching begins, leading to a host of chronic health problems. These include:
- Chronic fatigue: a misaligned spine overworks muscles, leaving people in perpetual exhaustion.
- Migraines: forward head posture strains neck muscles until pain emerges in the skull and upper spine.
- Depression: many studies show a correlation between poor posture and negative emotions.
- Neck pain: the fourth-leading cause of disability in America.
- Poor circulation: poor posture restricts blood flow, causing varicose veins (especially in women).
- Slower digestion: poor posture reduces blood flow and compresses the lower intestines.
- Muscle and joint pain: over time, stressed muscles and joints cause chronic pain in the back, shoulders, neck, arms, or legs.
DIY Gaming Chair Posture Therapy
Using a gaming chair, it’s possible to turn these conditions around. The chair supports your body so your muscles don’t have to. That yields a surge of energy that can suddenly be put to other uses.
ChairsFX recently re-tested this concept by gifting a DXRacer chair to an online desk worker. He enjoyed the same benefits I did back in 2017 when I bought my first gaming chair.
Here are the gaming chair benefits I experienced that others can expect as well, in chronological order:
- Improved sitting and standing posture (rested muscles).
- A noticeable surge in physical energy levels.
- An energized body yields sharper mental focus and greater desk work productivity.
- Good sitting posture yields a greater awareness of your body and its surroundings.
- Greater spatial awareness yields more passion for workspace cleanliness and aesthetics.
- With excess energy, you’ll need to find ways to burn it off (like a border collie). That opens the door for physical fitness.
Protip: Proper Sizing Yields Best Results
All chairs in this review have a sufficient seat width for moderately obese sizes. As outlined in the ChairsFX Sizing Guide, the key to a good fit is the depth of the seat.
Choosing a seat that’s too deep for your legs will pull your knees forward. That will flatten your lower back curve and distort your upper spine posture — negating the point of using a gaming chair.
For this reason, all chairs in this review come with ChairsFX size ratings. These are based on the usable depth of each chair’s seat. To learn why this is the key sizing spec in any type of desk chair, see this:
Best CHEAP 400 lbs Gaming Chairs
Paying $350+ for a big and tall gaming chair gets you a warranty of up to 5 years. Paying under $300 buys similar features with shorter 1 or 2-year warranty protection.
Here are the top full-featured picks of the moment:
- E-Win Fabric Champion: full-featured, fabric upholstery, 2-year warranty; 400 lbs. ( $295 )
- Von Racer Deluxe: full-featured; diamond-stitched embroidery; 440 lbs support. ( Price not available )
- Von Racer Classic: full-featured; executive style; 440-pound support. ( Price not available )
- Fantasylab Deluxe: same as the Von Racer Deluxe + gimmicky ‘guardrail’ armrests. ( $339.99 )
There are also prosumer options (standard tilt and less than 4D arms) with 400-pound support to consider:
- E-Win Knight: prosumer features, PVC upholstery, 2-year warranty; 400 lbs. ( $183 )
- Fantasylab 8331: 3D arms; standard tilt; 400-pound support. ( Price not available )
- ChizzySit: Secretlab knockoff w. 400 lbs support; magnetic headrest; fabric skins. ( $199.99 )
After you buy your chair, focus on achieving healthy neutral sitting postures. After that, the real fun begins. Look for a surge of energy and sharper focus as signs of early gaming chair success.
As your energy reserves grow, expect sharper discipline and a shift towards healthier lifestyle habits. As your posture (and power reserves) grow, improved fitness becomes the most likely outcome. Learn more:
Esports Deskwork Formula: Fitness + Posture Beats Technostress
