What’s the difference between a cheap and an expensive gaming chair? Circa 2023, the GTRacing Pro Series remains one of the most popular budget models. On the premium side, the Secretlab Titan reigns as the undisputed #1. Both are meant to support healthy computing postures; both do a pretty good job. Even so, there are many significant differences. So let’s compare cheap vs expensive gaming chairs. To do so, we’ll pit the GTRacing Pro Series against the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022.
Cheap and expensive gaming chairs are both designed to support healthy neutral postures. These align the spine as if it were in a healthy standing position. That relieves musculoskeletal stress, letting gamers sit longer with greater focus.
Like premium chairs, the best cheap gaming chairs are all fully ‘ergonomic’. In seating terms, a chair qualifies as ‘ergonomic’ with three core features.
It doesn’t matter if you use a $116.98 GTRacing Pro Series or a $560+ Secretlab Titan Evo 2022. Both use the same adjustable lumbar + adjustable arms + reclining backrest combo to support good posture.
Cheap gaming chairs have obvious drawbacks over expensive ones. They’re less adjustable. They also come with cheaper padding and upholsteries. On top of that, they’re not as durable. Even so, cheap gaming chairs still have advantages for first-time ergonomic chair users.
Cheap Vs Expensive Chair Differences
In my experience, cheap gaming chairs are well worth it for first-time ergonomic chair users. My ergonomic adventure began in 2017. Then, I upgraded from a basic office chair to a cheap DXRacer Formula Series.
My F-Series was basic. It had 1D arms, standard tilt functions, and a fat, goofy-looking lumbar pillow. In hindsight, that cheap, simple build was a great starter platform to learn about neutral sitting techniques.
Two years later, I upgraded to a DXRacer Racing Series with 4D arms and multifunction tilt. That gave me more options to experiment with while I refined my techniques.
These days, I use a top-of-the-line Secretlab Titan. Because of my experience using cheap gaming chairs, I found its complex settings easy to master.
In my view, that’s the main appeal of cheap gaming chairs for first-time ergo chair users. After you get the hang of things, you’ll be educated enough to make an informed seating upgrade.
GTRacing Pro Vs Secretlab Titan Specs
The GTRacing Pro Series has been our top-rated cheap gaming chair under $200 for several years. For one thing, it’s the OG cheap gaming chair, on the market since 2013. For another, every modern-day build is essentially a Pro Series clone.
On the premium side, the Secretlab Titan reigned as our top-ranked premium gaming chair since 2018. Circa 2023, these remain the gold standard templates for cheap vs expensive gaming chair builds:
| Spec | GTRacing Pro Series | Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 |
| Lumbar support | Height-adjustable pillow | Height x depth-adjustable integrated system |
| Padding density | 50 kg/m³ (squishy) | 65 kg/m³ (semi-firm) |
| Armrests | 2D | 4D |
| Backrest Recline | 90-160° | 85-165° |
| Seat Tilt | Standard (rock or lock upright) | Multifunction (rock, lock upright, or lock the seat at angles) |
| Sizing options | For slim users 5’6″ to 5’9″ | 3 specialized options for small, average, and XL sizes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 5 years |
| Price | $116.98 on Amazon |
The key differences are highlighted. For a premium price, the Titan buys you more sophisticated lumbar support, firmer padding, a multi-function seat tilt, 3 specialty sizes, and a 5-year warranty.
Dubious Vs Legit Size Specifications
Using an ill-fitting gaming chair will cause discomfort and pain. For best results, a proper fit is crucial. For example, a 2021 Taiwan study wanted to prove that gaming chairs are bad for the back.
To do so, they sat a short user in a gaming chair too large for his size. The excessive seat depth is his biggest problem. That starts a chain reaction that obliterates good posture:
- A seat too deep pulls the knees forward.
- Knees pulled forward will flatten the lower back (lumbar) curve.
- A flattened lumbar curve rounds the upper spine (neck & shoulder pain).
Cheap Chair Brands Make Dubious Sizing Claims
Despite the potential harm caused by ill-fitting chairs, cheap gaming chair makers like GTRacing exaggerate the sizing potential of their chairs. This is most likely to flip as many chairs as they can to the widest possible markets.
For example, GTRacing rates the Pro Series for sizes 4’9″ to 5’9″. We tested the fit with a 5’8″ model. The 22.8″ seat depth leaves a decent gap between the back of her knees and the seat lip.
However, based on our tests, users shorter than 5’6″ will definitely find the seat too deep. Even so, GTRacing markets this chair for sizes 4’9″ and up. For users seeking back support value, this type of exaggeration can become a huge problem — especially for first-timers with no ergonomic points of reference.
Secretlab: Meticulous Value-Driven Sizes
Chair chair brands exaggerate sizing potential to flip cheap products to ergonomic beginners. In contrast, Secretlab strives to build ‘customers for life’.
To that end, it offers Titan chairs in three sizes with meticulous dimensions:
| Specification | Titan 2022 Small | Medium | XL |
| Seat (total inner width) | 17.7″ (W) x 18.9″ (D) | 18.5″ (W) x 19.3″ (D) | 19.3″ (W) x 19.7″ (D) |
| Backrest | 20″ (W) x 32.3″ (H) | 21″ (W) x 33.5″ (H) | 22″ (W) x 35″ (H) |
| Seat height | 17.7″ to 20.5″ | 17.7″ to 20.5″ | 18.1″ to 21.9″ |
| Size rating | 4’11” to 5’6″; 285 pounds | 5’7″ to 6’2″; 285 pounds | 5’11” to 6’9″; 395 pounds |
A proper fit ensures good back support, comfortable users, and happy customers. You can see the accuracy of Secretlab’s size ratings for yourself using my 5’9″ size as a reference. Here’s my fit in medium and XL Titan chairs:
Looking at seat depths, the medium edition leaves a nice gap between the back of my knees and the seat lip. In contrast, the lip almost touches my knees in the XL. Thus, Secretlab accurately rated me as 2″ too short for the XL chair!
Cheap Chairs Are Easier For Beginners
The cruder adjustability of cheap gaming chairs has a big upside: beginner-friendliness. For instance, effective lumbar support usage is the key to maintaining healthy postures in a gaming chair.
Boilerplate configuration: lumbar support height-adjusted to fit slightly above the beltline; set around 1.5″ (4 cm) deep. But even with these numbers, getting the settings right is tricky for beginners.
It took me around three months of fiddling with my gaming chair before I found my lumbar support sweet spot. Along the way, I did tests with other support types (rolled-up yoga mat and lifter’s belt) to get a feel for it.
Cheap Gaming Chair Pillow Lumbar: Easy To Use
Cheap gaming chairs typically come with lumbar support pillows filled with mid-grade PU foam. They attach to the backrest with straps for height-adjustability. The compressive nature of the foam pillow adds auto-depth adjustability.
Despite the crude, goofy looks, these are very easy to use — especially for ergonomic beginners. There’s only one height adjustment to make: set it slightly above your beltline — or close enough so that it feels supportive.
I think the model’s lumbar pillow looks a touch too low. However, she found that position the most comfortable and supportive. With practice, she’ll likely use the easy adjustability to fine-tune her approach.
Secretlab Integrated Lumbar: Subtle And Complex
The Titan Evo 2022 has an integrated 4-way adjustable lumbar support system. The dial on the right controls the depth of support; the dial on the left controls the height. In the middle is an adaptive matrix of hinges that respond as the user moves.
This gives you complete control to achieve super-precise lower back support. But what is the precise setting for your particular needs? Height x depth gives you hundreds of possible configurations.
What’s more, the maximum depth is mild. So if it hits the wrong spot, you may not notice at first — until pain emerges!
Luckily, with experience using cheap gaming chair lumbar pillows, the Titan’s lumbar controls are a delight. But without experience, users may randomly toggle the controls with no idea what they’re doing.
This is likely why Secretlab also offers external Titan memory foam lumbar pillows. Unlike the built-in controls, these 11.4″ x 11.4″ pillows are super-easy to use.
Simply chuck it behind your spine, aim it roughly around your lumbar curve, and lean back. This presents a foolproof way for beginners to master lumbar support biomechanics for themselves. Learn more:
Cheap Chairs Have Squishier Padding
In the furniture industry, cheap seating is usually stuffed with squishy PU foam padding. As you go higher up the pricing scale, padding becomes firmer. In premium tiers, brands like Secretlab use firm cold-cured foam padding.
Many first-time ergo chair users prefer the marshmallow feel of soft, squishy sofa-style padding. The problem is that soft padding gives inconsistent support. That forces muscles to work harder at keeping the user stabilized.
That’s why many people feel exhausted — not refreshed — after a long stint on a fluffy sofa. Even so, the low cost and immediate appeal sees almost all cheap gaming chairs stuffed with cheap, squishy PU foam padding.
In contrast, premium brands like Secretlab use firm, cold-cured foam padding. This is the same stuff used in luxury theater and first-class airplane passenger seats.
Secretlab’s padding provides excellent stability with the right amount of give. However, many first-time ergo chair users are shocked by its firmness. Luckily, cold foam padding is adaptive. Once it adapts to your body’s nuances, the comfort level is (in my experience) divine.
Cheap Gaming Chairs Are Less Durable
Most cheap gaming chairs have 1-year warranties and cheap, squishy padding. After a year of full-time use, expect flattened, uneven padding and degraded upholstery. The only chair I’ve pushed to the limit was a cheap DXRacer F-Series.
After 2.5 years, the upholstery had degraded. Even worse, the padding flattened enough that I could feel steel bars under the seat.
In contrast, the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 is guaranteed for five years. After 21 months of full-time use, it’s still functionally like new. But to maintain aesthetics and hygiene, I’ve learned that deep cleanings are also necessary.
In 21 months, I’ve cleaned my Cookies and Cream Softweave fabric four times. Besides that necessary evil, my Titan should keep performing until 2026. That makes it slightly cheaper than the Pro Series in the long run:
- Titan ($549) with 5-year warranty: $109 per year.
- GTRacing Pro Series with 1-year warranty: $116.98 per year.
Secretlab Titan Aesthetics Are Better
When you pay more, sweeter aesthetics are expected. On that front, Secretlab Titan chairs are available in over 50 styles, with new ones coming out all the time. The latest: a stunning pair of Lilith (dark) and Inarius (light) Diablo chairs.
In contrast, cheap gaming chairs tend towards old-school, racing-style designs. For instance, the GTRacing Pro Series sports the same look in 2023 as it did for its 2013 debut. In ten years, neither its functions or aesthetics show any evolution.
Like most cheap chairs, the quality of its faux leather is basic. This stuff does the job, although it lacks the superior suppleness, breathability, and look as premium blends.
Meanwhile, with the aim of nurturing ‘customers for life”, Titan chairs functionally upgrade every two years. On top of that, its 50+ style collection caters to various styles, tastes, and fandoms.
Secretlab chairs cover the entire color spectrum. There are also plenty of official brand chairs for League of Legends, Diablo, World of Warcraft and many more. Check out the effects of various styles:
Cheap Gaming Chair Target Markets
We’ve already established that cheap and expensive gaming chairs both support healthy neutral postures. Pricier ones add firmer padding, better adjustability and durability, plus nicer aesthetics.
Circa 2023, who do cheap gaming chairs appeal to? How about premium models? To answer these questions, ChairsFX recently did a consumer seating market analysis.
That started with some generational definitions from the Pew Research Center:
- Generation X: born 1965 to 1980 (ages 43-58 in 2023)
- Millennial: born 1981 to 1996 (ages 27-42 circa 2023)
- Generation Z: born 1997 to 2012 (ages 11-26 in 2023)
Then, we found some notable trends among U.S. Gen Z and Millennial groups. Highlight trends:
- Higher living costs = smaller chair budgets: per capita disposable income decreased by 6.4% in 2022. In 2023, cost of living expenses are surging in sync with inflation.
- Millennials are sickly: since COVID, this generation inflicts greater mental & physical disease burdens on hospitals than others. They also generate 22% more back disorder ER visits than others.
- Fitness beats chair posture: 34.5 million Americans suffered chronic musculoskeletal pain (MSK) in 2018. But esports doctors and clinical reviews agree: exercise reduces pain & depression while boosting quality of life.
- Gen Z are posturally savvy: a 2020 survey found that 36% of Gen Z (ages 11-26 in 2023) experience back pain between the ages of 11-15. Instead of seeking medical care, 44% used natural healing methods like stretching.
- Gen Z are fitness savvy: 48% work out several times per week; around 33% of those lift weights; 42% wear fitness trackers.
These trends justify cheap gaming chairs as starter models for two groups:
Cheap Gaming Chairs For Millennials
This group rushes to hospitals for mental and physical breakdowns a lot more than other generations. They also generate 22% more back disorder hospital visits than older and younger generations.
Meanwhile, a study of remote worker habits during COVID lockdowns found the majority of desk workers ergonomically ignorant.
Coincidentally, health problems caused by sloppy sitting habits are well-documented among U.S. workers. Common symptoms include:
- Wrist disorders: 4 million Americans suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Neck pain: the fourth-leading cause of disability nationwide.
- Shoulder pain: employees average 4.5 million doctor visits and $3 billion in associated health costs.
- Elbow and forearm pain: 1-3% of American adults suffer from elbow tendonitis (tennis elbow).
- Low back disorders: estimates suggest around 31 million Americans are suffering from low back pain at any given time.
For Millennials, a cheap gaming chair that fits is an easy way to reverse a posture-related wellness spiral.
With proper usage, less than $200 can easily buy a fully-ergonomic racing style chair that provides the support you need.
Cheap Gaming Chairs For Gen Z
Aged 11-26 in 2023, this group has grown up watching their heroes parlay chiseled physiques into esports fame and glory. For example, Arslan Ash is one of the world’s top Tekken players. His current success stack includes a cheap racing-style gaming chair + a physical fitness routine.
Ergonomics + fitness is actually a boilerplate formula well-established in pro esports circles. For instance, Dr. Jordan Tsai is one of the top LA-based docs on the pro esports physical therapy scene. His performance optimization nutshell summary:
Gen Z + Cheap Gaming Chairs + Fitness
This boilerplate formula might explain why Gen Z prefers natural back pain remedies like stretching or exercise.
Gen Z is also the heart of the $195 billion video game market. Its promotional spearhead is the pro esports industry (valued at $1.39 billion in 2022). At most big tournaments, Gen Z watch their heroes ride to glory atop racing-style gaming chairs.
Secretlab gaming chairs dominate most of the top tournaments (like the International and LoL Finals). But $549 is a steep ask from ages 11-26. That’s where cheap gaming chairs come in.
They do a similar job as elite chairs, for a much lower cost. They also align well with the tenets of an esports performance model that’s growing in relevance.
In fact, even for desk workers who don’t play video games, this model is relevant. An ergonomic chair supports neutral postures.
While a pricey ergonomic chair would be nice, it’s not a necessity. With proper habits, any ergonomic chair that supports neutral postures will suffice.
Best Gaming Chairs 2023
Here’s a quick look at the best gaming chairs in each price class:
Caveat: Proper Sizing Is Essential
Based on our tests with GTRacing chairs, the most important factor to consider in a cheap gaming chair is sizing. In particular, a seat that’s too deep for your legs will ruin your sitting experience.
A 2021 Taiwanese study showed the effect of using a gaming chair seat that’s too deep for your legs. Doing so caused a postural chain reaction:
- The overly deep seat pulls his knees forward.
- Knees pulled forward flattens his lower back curve.
- A flattened lower back curve rounds his upper spine while tilting his neck forward.
To avoid this, choosing a chair with an appropriate seat depth is an absolute must.
Best Cheap M / XL Gaming Chairs
Most cheap gaming chairs priced under $200 have the same adjustable features as the GTRacing Pro Series. That includes an adjustable support pillow on straps, adjustable arms (usually 2D), and a reclining backrest.
The GTRacing Pro Series is one of the OG cheap gaming chairs, on the market since 2013. It indeed lives up to its hype as cheap, easy to use, and supportive. However, its sizing only caters to slim, average sizes.
Most cheap gaming chairs on the market in 2023 are also slim-fit models for average sizes. Against this template, the only gamming chair with legit multi-sizing versatility is the E-Win Knight Series.
GTracing Pro Vs E-Win Knight Series
The Knight Series supports short sizes, slim ones, and even fat ones with a flat wide seat and 400-pound support. Between it and the Pro Series, average to XL sizes on a budget are well-covered:
| Spec | GTRacing Pro Series | E-Win Knight Series |
| Functions | 2D arms, adjustable lumbar, 90-160° recline | 2D arms, adjustable lumbar, 85-1550° recline |
| Seat size | 21.3″ (W) x 22.8″ (D) | 21.7″ (W) x 22″ (D) |
| Seat height | 16.92″ to 20.86″ | 16.3″ to 20.2″ |
| Backrest | 20.8″ (W) x 32.2″ (D) | 22.6″ (W) x 33.9″ (D) |
| Advertised size rating | 4’9″ to 5’9″; 330 pounds (wildly exaggerated) | 5’3″ to 6’1″; 400 pounds (accurate) |
| ChairsFX tested size rating | 5’6″ to 5’9″; 200 pounds | 5’4″ to 6’1″; 400 pounds |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
| Price | $116.98 on Amazon | $183 |
Even if you’re not sold on either of these chairs, you can use these sizing specs as guidelines to find your own perfect fit. Check out other options priced under $200:
Best Cheap Gaming Chairs For Short People
There are zero ergonomic chairs priced under $200 for sizes shorter than 5’4″. In fact, there are only three fully-ergonomic chairs on the entire market for sizes under 5’4″! Here’s a summary of specs plus (legit) size ratings:
| Small | Titan EVO small | Aeron size A | AKRacing California |
| Seat | 17.7″ (W) x 18.9″ (D) | 25.75″ (W) x 16″ (D) | 21″ (W) x 17.7″ (D) |
| Backrest | 20″ (W) x 32.3″ (H) | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 21″(W) x 27.7″ (H) |
| Seat height | 17.7″ to 20.5″ | 14.75″ to 19″ | 13.75″ to 17.25″ |
| Size rating | 4’11” to 5’6″; 285 pounds | 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds | 4’9″ to 5’6″; 330 pounds |
| Price | $549 from Secretlab | $1750 from Herman Miller | Price not available on Amazon |
For other small-sized options for sizes 5’4″ and up, see this:
Cheap Vs Expensive Chair Conclusion
Cheap and expensive gaming chairs meet institutional ergonomic guidelines that define ‘seating ergonomics’. In all cases, adjustable lumbar + arms delivers the support for users to maintain healthy neutral postures.
Since 2013, the GTRacing Pro Series has reigned as one of the most consistently popular cheap gaming chairs. At the opposite extreme, the Secretlab Titan is by far the best premium gaming chair on the market.
Both do a similar job at supporting neutral postures. Beyond neutral fundamentals, the Titan stacks better adjustable features, superior durability, and a kaleidoscopic array of stunning designs.
Comparing these two gaming chair industry stalwarts shows the key differences to expect between cheap (under $200) and expensive gaming chairs in 2023:
| Spec | GTRacing Pro Series | Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 |
| Lumbar support | Height-adjustable pillow | Height x depth-adjustable integrated system |
| Padding density | 50 kg/m³ (squishy) | 65 kg/m³ (semi-firm) |
| Armrests | 2D | 4D |
| Backrest Recline | 90-160° | 85-165° |
| Seat Tilt | Standard (rock or lock upright) | Multifunction (rock, lock upright, or lock the seat at angles) |
| Sizing options | For slim users 5’6″ to 5’9″ | 3 specialized options for small, average, and XL sizes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 5 years |
| Price | $116.98 on Amazon |
Regardless of which type you end up using, make sure that it fits. Choose an appropriate small, medium, or XL gaming chair that supports your size.
Once your chair sizing is sorted, make it a priority to master neutral sitting fundamentals:
Neutral Posture Quickstart: For Gaming AND Ergo Office Chairs
