Wondering how much should you spend on a gaming chair? Answering this question is essential for every gamer. Whether you already have a budget or are looking for the first time, prices can vary significantly. Some lower-end brands can offer chairs for as little as $100, while other luxury brands are priced upwards of $500.
Let’s dive deeper into what prices you should be considering for your new chair and some of the features you can expect to get.
What Determines Gaming Chair Price?
It’s important to remember that gaming chairs are a considerable upgrade from standard office chairs. They often have far more features, such as enhanced adjustability and a more appealing aesthetic.
You might also find that they’re crafted from more innovative materials to improve their ergonomics and longevity. A few of the most common factors that can significantly influence the price of all gaming chairs include:
Upholstery Material
As mentioned, the material of your gaming chair is one of the top features that affect its price. As with any other furniture, the lower the material quality, the cheaper the chair probably is.
PU Leather
The standard option for most budget-friendly gaming chairs is PU (faux) leather. Cheaper PU leathers tend to be less breathable and durable. Premium versions better resemble genuine leather with superior softness, breathability, and durability.
Breathable Fabric
Gaming chairs upholstered with pure fabric is another option. Compared to faux leathers, these are the softest, most breathable, and most durable.
On the downside, the best fabric gaming chairs are more expensive than PU leather ones. As well, because fabric absorbs body oils, they’re a bit harder to keep clean.
Best Soft Fabric Gaming Chairs
Mesh
Mesh is another excellent option. Unlike fabric chairs, mesh ones have no padding to restrict airflow. As a result, full-mesh gaming chairs are the most breathable on the market.
On the downside, the lack of padding forces the mesh to hold the entire bodyweight of the user. Over time, cheaper mesh chairs like the Staples Hyken will sag and eventually tear.
In contrast, premium mesh chairs like the Herman Miller Aeron are designed to last for years. However, premium chairs with ultra-durable mesh tend to cost over $1000.
Size
The larger the product, the more expensive it is to manufacture. Therefore, when shopping for gaming chairs for big and tall gamers, you can expect to spend more.
The more materials a manufacturer needs to use will undoubtedly increase its resale price. It’s essential to determine whether a larger gaming chair is needed when you begin shopping. If not, you can save a couple of hundred dollars by opting for a standard size.
Ergonomic Features
In gaming chair parlance, ‘ergonomics’ refers to a chair’s adjustable features. Specifically, ‘ergonomic’ ones determine the quality of a chair’s back support.
Undoubtedly, another huge factor that affects gaming chair price is its list of features. Much like your gaming setup, the more bibs and bobs your chair has, the more money it will cost.
If working with a tight budget, it’s fine to settle for a standard chair with basic adjustability. Cheap gaming chairs provides similar ergonomic support as pricier ones. However, a cheaper model will be less adjustable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
But if the price isn’t a concern, there’s no limit to the level of luxury. Paying a bit more gets you fully-adjustable features like 4D arms and a multifunction tilt. Paying a lot more gets you extras like built-in lumbar support or synchro-tilt functionality.
Proper Usage Beats Fancy Features
If you spend a lot of time gaming, ergonomics are important. The last thing you want is to hurt your back and neck from sitting incorrectly at your desk.
However, paying more for fancier chair features doesn’t guarantee better back support. In fact, many esports doctors tout healthy working habits as more important than the quality of a chair.
The more ergonomic features your chair has, the more expensive it will be. But improper use of a $1000 chair will give you back problems. In contrast, proper use of a $100 gaming chair will boost your energy levels and working performance.
Bottom line: look for a chair that’s well-built and comfortable. The comfort you’ll get from a well-built chair is far more critical than having fancy high-tech features. But if money is no object, splashing out will give you more luxury.
How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Chair?
In case you haven’t noticed, inflation is running rampant. At the same time, global shipping rates have skyrocketed. As a result, many leading gaming chair brands have been forced to raise prices. Since Sept. 2021, prices have risen by an average of around 10%.
That makes it challenging to give a solid ballpark figure of how much gaming chairs cost. Given market conditions, we expect prices to rise even more in 2022.
At present, a good mid-tier option will cost between $200 to $300. The best premium options (with 4D arms and premium upholsteries) now cost $450 and up. Beyond $600, you’ll find higher-end models packed with phenomenal ergonomic technologies.
If you’re not interested in spending too much money, it’s possible to find budget-friendly gaming chairs for under $200.
These typically have iconic racing-style designs and basic adjustable features (like 1D arms).
Where Can I Find Affordable Gaming Chairs?
When you decide it’s time to start shopping for a new gaming chair, you’ll need to know where to go. Let’s go over some of the most popular retailers to help you find chairs within your budget.
Gaming Chairs Under $200 – Amazon and Marketplace
Amazon is a giant retailer of tons of items, especially for gaming essentials. They also have a wide variety of gaming chairs for under $200, and some models are even priced under $100.
Many of the chairs from this platform have the standard style you’d expect from gaming chair brands. For instance, you’ll be able to unlock the benefits of a high backrest paired with a comfortable cushion for sitting.
Many budget-friendly models also come with a few extras, such as RGB lighting and extendable footrests. However, at under $200, you’ll undoubtedly be missing out on some essential features.
You might find Amazon’s collection of budget-friendly gaming chairs could lack adjustability. Some models might offer one position for armrests, while others might not have lumbar support cushions. Also, the upholstery material is bound to be faux leather, which isn’t as executive-looking as standard leather.
A second option for finding inexpensive gaming chairs is to browse Facebook marketplaces. If you’re able to find a secondhand chair, it could work like new and only need a cleaning. You might even be able to get the chair for less if you pick it up from the seller’s house rather than having it delivered.
Gaming Chairs Under $400 – Office Supplies Stores
Instead of shopping online for a gaming chair, office supplies stores are a great way to test the furniture. Although these retailers once specialized in generic office furniture, they’re now branching out into gaming. Popular options:
In both shops, you’re likely to find several different types of ergonomic chairs under $400 to test. However, both Staples and Wal-mart stock mainly lower-end models. These lack the spectacular features of high-end Secretlab or Herman Miller models.
The upside is that, unlike Amazon, office supply stores let you test chairs in person. That makes it easier to find the best value for the lowest price. Simply wander around until you find something comfortable in your price range.
Gaming Chairs $400+ – Manufacturer Websites
As the top-tier option for gamers looking for new chairs, going directly to manufacturers is ideal. Although these sites are where you’ll see the highest prices, you’ll also find the best quality products.
You’ll have a clear understanding of the numerous features the chairs offer and could also have customizable options. For example, some manufacturers give gamers the option to have their gamer tags embroidered onto their chairs.
You might also be able to build your own chairs, such as choosing a specific backrest height or seat width. You can build the perfect gaming chair that suits your every need with these options available.
Dozens of gaming chair manufacturers offer a fabulous line of immaculately designed products. For example, Secretlab has a great line of gaming chairs and partnerships with popular games to create fan-friendly products.
Herman Miller is another fantastic example of a luxury office furniture brand that focuses on revolutionary structure and ergonomics for gamers. It’s important to note that even if you’re working on a budget, it can be possible to afford luxury gaming chairs.
All you have to do is wait for a sitewide sale or get your hands on a 20% off coupon. Most manufacturers hold sales throughout the year, making their high-end products more affordable.
Is Is Worth Buying A Gaming Chair?
When figuring out how much should you spend on a gaming chair, there are many things to consider. From high-end integrated tech to ergonomics, gaming chairs boast many different designs.
Using this guide, you should have a better idea of what your budget should be when you begin shopping. In the end, you’ll know it is all worth it if you pick a model that suits your gaming style and preferences.
