Mesh is the most breathable chair upholstery available. Its thin, net-like fabric also delivers a sense of weightlessness that some people find addictive. Luckily, there’s little debate about the best full-mesh gaming chairs on the market. From premium to rock-bottom classes, there are clear leaders in every price class.
In 2024, the ‘gaming chair’ term applies to any type of ergonomic seating. For instance, among 13 of the most popular Twitch streamers, half of them use full-back, racing-style chairs. The rest use mid-back ergonomic office chairs.
A ‘full mesh’ gaming chair means that it has mesh upholstery on both the seat and backrest. Partial mesh chairs combine mesh backrests with fabric padded seats.
Among full-mesh chairs, the Herman Miller Aeron stands far ahead of the pack. It has the most sophisticated (adaptive) mesh technology, fancy sync-tilting features, and a 12-year warranty. However, its $1600+ price is beyond the reach of average gamers.
Ranking The Best Full Mesh Chairs
The Aeron is the undisputed best mesh chair for reasons explained below. Beyond it are several cheaper options. By cutting out a few fancy extras, cheaper models deliver a similar level of back support — without a hefty price tag!
- Herman Miller Aeron Gaming Chair: Best overall | $1645
- Secretlab NeueChair: Best mid-tier | $769
- Space Seating 317 Series: Stylish & durable | $424.99
- Space Seating Air Grid: durable & adjustable | $273.26
- Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair: Cheapest full mesh ergonomic | $169.99
Aeron Gaming Chair: $1645
Every chair in this review has mesh upholstery with excellent breathability. The Aeron’s mesh differs with a hyper-adaptive quality. 8Z Pellicle mesh was first created to help a driver with a broken back win the 1996 Indy 500.
8Z Pellicle mesh has variable tension zones on both the seat and backrest. These adapt to the user’s micromovements, with the purpose of keeping them in balance at all times.
This creates a sensation that feels like floating on air. No matter how you sit in this chair, the mesh will adapt to keep the user upright and in balance.
Compared to the mesh on other chairs, the balanced suspension quality of 8Z Pellicle mesh is spectacular. This stuff alone justifies the high price of the chair.
Aeron Chair Features
Aside from its mesh, the Aeron has a few other notable features:
Posturefit’s lack of height adjustability isn’t an issue. It’s only supposed to provide generalized mild support. In contrast, the Lumbar Support Pad ($80) is flimsy — with moderate body weight applied, it often pops out of its sockets!
Learn more: Herman Miller Aeron Posturefit Vs Lumbar Pad
You can also combine the seat and backrest into a synchronous tilt. When the backrest reclines, the seat tilts up (max 16°). When leaning forward, the seat tilts down(max -1°).
Specs Summary
- Upholstery: 8Z Pellicle mesh with variable tension zones.
- Lumbar support: depth-adjustable Posturefit ($95) or height-adjustable lumbar pad ($75).
- Backrest recline: lock tilt at 93°, 100°, 104°.
- Seat: -1° to 16° tilt; height-adjustment.
- Armrests: fixed; height-adjustable ($125); 3-directional (up, down, pivot for $255)
- Warranty: 12 years
Aeron gaming chair advice
Functionally, the Aeron’s lumbar support and tilt functions resemble those on much cheaper chairs. Two things justify its high price. First, it’s guaranteed for 12 years. Second, its mesh is by far the best in the industry.
Aeron Chair from Herman Miller $1645
Learn more: Hands-on Aeron Remastered Office Chair Review
Secretlab NeueChair: Under $800
Strip away the fancy sync-tilt and ultra-adaptive mesh. Replace it with good mesh, better lumbar support, funkier armrests, and a spacious seat. That gets you the NeueChair from Secretlab — for around $1000 less than an Aeron.
All well, instead of a 12-year warranty, the Neue is only guaranteed for five years. Even so, it’s the best option in the sub-$1000 price range for hard-core mesh upholstery fans.
There’s a $99 headrest add-on that’s not necessary. Like all mid-back ergo chairs, the Neue works best without a headrest. In all recline positions, proper configuration makes it easy to maintain a straight back and neck.
NeueChair specifications
The NeueChair has all of the predictable ergonomic features, plus one standout. Find unique ControlShift levers under each armrest. One controls the seat height, the other lets you toggle the backrest angle.
Another noteworthy feature is NeueChair’s Infinite Tilt. Between 85-130 degrees, you can lock the backrest in infinite positions. In comparison, chairs like the Sidiz T80 can only tilt in five lockable positions.
- Armrests: 2D adjustable (up and down, side-to-side).
- Seat: height and depth adjustable.
- Backrest: recline from 85° to 130°; tilt tension and angle lock.
- Lumbar: height and depth adjustable (15 cm height range)
- Warranty: 12 years on the frame; 5 years on components; 3 years on armrests, casters & gas lift.
- Seat width x depth: 19.6″ (W) x 16.5-18.5″(D)
- Backrest width x height: 19.5″ (W) x 22.4″ (H)
- Seat height range: 18.5-22″
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’0″; 240-pound weight capacity
NeueChair advice
The NeueChair is a great option for those wanting high-end ergonomics for an affordable price. Compared to the Aeron chair, the NeueChair lacks synchro-tilt functionality. It also has shorter warranty protection, but costs over $1000 less.
Bottom line: if you’re after the best cheaper luxury experience after the Aeron, put the Neue at the top of your list.
Learn more: NeueChair Vs Other Small Office Chairs
Space Seating Flip-Up Arms: Under $350
This model is part of the Space Seating 317 Series. Its highlights are a breathable mesh seat and backrest, along with a height-adjustable lumbar support. It also has a synchronous tilt function. That angles the seat up as the user reclines in the chair.
However, you can only lock the backrest upright or rock — you can’t lock the backrest at different angles. As well, the armrests are not height-adjustable. Instead, you can rotate them backwards to move them out of the way.
317 Series Specifications
You rock this chair but you can’t lock the backrest at different angles. Its armrests are also non-adjustable — you can only flip them out of the way.
Despite these flaws, the full mesh upholstery and reasonable price are solid selling points. As well, all Space Seating chairs have a lifetime parts warranty and 3-year upholstery warranty.
- Upholstery: mesh seat and backrest
- Lumbar support: height-adjustable
- Armrests: padded, retractable
- Recline: rock or lock upright; 2-to-1 synchro tilt (the seat angles up as you rock)
- Warranty: Office Star Warranty (lifetime on parts, 3 years on the mesh → details)
- Seat width x depth: 21.25″ (W) x 19.75″(D)
- Backrest width x height: 22″ (W) x 22.75″ (H)
- Seat height range: 17.75-20.25″
- Armrest to floor: 25.5″
- Size rating: 5’7″ to 6’2″; 275-pound weight capacity
317 Series Advice
This chair’s full mesh upholstery, decent lumbar support, low price, and spectacular warranty make it an attractive option. Its biggest technical downside is the armrests.
You can only adjust them by flipping them out of the way. That’s a handy option for those wanting to sit extremely close to their desk. For others, the otherwise non-adjustable armrests could be a deal-breaker.
Space Seating Air Grid: Under $300
This model is part of the Space Seating 23 Series. It has an ‘Air Grid’ seat and backrest – made from a special blend of Space Seating mesh.
Like the Space Seating 317 Series, it has flip-away armrests. Beyond that model, its armrests are also height-adjustable.
Air Grid Chair Specifications
This model has the same features as the Space Seating 317 Series. The only functional difference is that the Air Grid chair’s armrests are flip-away and height-adjustable.
- Upholstery: mesh seat and backrest
- Lumbar support: height-adjustable
- Armrests: padded, height-adjustable, retractable
- Recline: rock or lock upright; 2-to-1 synchro tilt (the seat angles up as you rock)
- Warranty: Office Star Warranty (lifetime on parts, 3 years on the mesh → details)
- Seat width x depth: 21.5″ (W) x 19.75″(D)
- Backrest width x height: 22.5″ (W) x 24.25″ (H)
- Seat height range: 18.5-22.5″
- Armrest height adjustment range: 4″
- Size rating: 5’7″ to 6’2″; 250-pound weight capacity
Air Grid Chair Advice
This model beats the Space Seating 317 Series ($424.99) with height-adjustable armrests and a lower price. On the downside, its plain styling isn’t as flashy.
Despite that, it provides better value for money than the 317 Series chair. For long-term comfort, the addition of height-adjustable (versus non-adjustable) armrests should make a big difference.
Staples Hyken: Under $200
Our fourth and final pick is the cheapest of the lot – and one of the most popular. The Staples Hyken has slightly better features than the Price not available Space Seating 27 Series.
Even so, it’s almost $200 cheaper. What’s the catch? Durability. While the 27 Series has a rock-solid guarantee, the Hyken has a flimsy 30-day one.
Hyken Chair Features
The Hyken comes with a headrest. By removing it, you’ll enjoy fantastic posture support for your lower back and neck — plus robust sync-tilt functionality.
The Hyken supports users from 5’3″ to 5’10” with a height-adjustable lumbar (3″ range) and 1D arms.
- Backrest: recline and lock with a 100° to 140° range (4 lock positions); synthetic mesh upholstery.
- Lumbar support: height-adjustable (4 positions, 3″ range).
- Headrest: included but removable.
- Seat: full mesh, height-adjustable.
- Armrests: 1D adjustable (up and down with 4″ range).
- Warranty: 30-day return policy; 3-year warranty extension for $19.99.
- Seat width x depth: 19.3″ (W) x 16.5″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 16.2″ (W) x 23.2″ (H)
- Seat height: 16.9-19.7″
- Armrest height from floor: 24.5-28.5″ (4″ adjustment range)
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 5’10”; 250-pound weight capacity.
Hyken Chair Advice
To qualify as fully-ergonomic, a chair needs three specific adjustable components. The Hyken meets ergonomic standards with adjustable arms, lumbar support, and a reclining backrest. Why spend a penny more when a $169.99 Hyken does the job?
The big downside should be obvious. The quality of build (and resulting durability) is appropriate for the price — you’ll get the quality that you’ve paid for. On the other hand, for a year of full-time use, the Hyken does a similar job as much pricier full-mesh chairs.
Staples Hyken from Amazon $169.99
Learn more in this detailed Staples Hyken Full Mesh Task Chair Review.
Full Mesh Chairs We Don’t Recommend
A headrest on a mid-back chair is a bad idea. Using one will distort neck and lower back posture for sake of psychological (perceived) comfort. In today’s text neck era, that can prove disastrous.
Beyond the headrest issue, a common feature on many full-mesh chairs is a ‘3D’ lumbar support system. These are ‘self-adjusting’ lumbar systems with no manual controls. As the user leans back, the lumbar unit extends. As they lean forward, it retracts.
Without sure controls for the lumbar unit, these chairs qualify as ‘semi-ergonomic’. The problem with semi-ergo chairs: users must adapt to the chair. In contrast, fully-ergonomic chairs adapt to the user.
Because of these factors, I do not recommend the following two popular mesh chairs:
Ergohuman High Back Swivel Chair
Spending $699.00 on this chair will get you a ‘dynamic’ (self-adjusting) lumbar and an ill-fitting headrest that’s height and angle-adjustable, but not depth-adjustable!
Those shorter than 5’6″ and taller than 6’2″ will find that the headrest jabs painfully into the neck. Removing it is an ordeal that will leave the rear frame exposed and gaudy-looking on your brand-new chair.
What’s worse, the dynamic lumbar support is non-adjustable. Every time you lean back, it jabs into your spine. If you’re shorter than 5’6″ or taller than 6’2″, it will jab your spine in the wrong spot and cause pain.
Ergohuman Specifications
- Synchro-tilt: 1°; backrest 90° to 115°
- Armrests: 3D (up and down; diagonal; forward and backwards).
- Seat adjustments: tilt tension control; 3-position tilt lock; height and depth adjustments.
- Backrest: 3-position recline; self-adjusting lumbar support.
- Upholstery: resilient mesh seat and backrest.
- Size rating: 5’4″ to 6’2″; 250 pound weight capacity
- Warranty: 5 years on parts, 10 years on the frame.
Ergohuman Chair Advice
Without a perfect fit, this chair’s headrest will hurt your neck instead of supporting it. But removing the headrest ruins the look of the chair. As well, the dynamic (non-adjustable) lumbar support is maddening.
Unless it fits your particular body type perfectly, it’s likely to jab into your spine at the wrong spot.
Nouhaus Ergo3D chair
The Nohaus Ergo3D is one of Amazon’s top-selling full office chairs. It’s essentially a remix of the Ergohuman with a lower price tag.
It comes with roller blade wheels, an ill-fitting headrest, and non-user-adjustable ‘dynamic 3D lumbar’. As the user leans back, it extends to jab their lower back. When the user leans forward, the jabber retracts. Whether it hits the right spot of your spine or not is your own problem.
Features
The Nohaus Ergo3D comes in a fancy box with funky roller-blade wheels. That’s helped it to sell well on Amazon.
Even so, the semi-ergonomic functionality is quite basic:
- Backrest: 135 degree recline; rocking with tilt-tension.
- Headrest: adjustable angles.
- Lumbar support: non-adjustable dynamic support.
- Armrests: 4-directional.
- Warranty: 3 years
Buying advice
The Nouhaus Ergo3D’s biggest downside is its dynamic (non-adjustable) lumbar support. That delivers less effective back support than user-adjusted controls. Its second-biggest downside is its ill-fitting headrest – you can only adjust its angles.
Thus, you’re left with a flashy-looking chair more likely to hurt your spine than support it.
Mesh Gaming Chair Advice
Read this section before making the decision to buy a full mesh gaming chair.
How Is Mesh Upholstery Made?
Mesh upholsteries are made by extracting compounds from petroleum oil. Those get rendered into plastic polymers, melted, and forced through spinnerets.
That produces polymer strands that get woven into textiles. Compared to natural blends, synthetic polymer strands have superior durability and stain resistance.
In the clothing sector, tight weave mesh is often used to make athletic clothing. Looser, more porous versions make lingerie.
In the furniture market, tighter weaves are used to make gaming chair fabric upholsteries. Looser ones with larger holes produce office chair mesh upholsteries.
Mesh Upholstery Pros And Cons
Ever since the debut of the Herman Miller Aeron chair in 1994, full mesh chairs have been very popular. Sleek, corporate-style aesthetics, and unparalleled breathability are the main selling points.
High-end mesh upholsteries like the Aeron’s 8Z Pellicle Mesh are almost flawless. However, as you slide lower down the pricing scale, the quality and advantages of mesh recede.
Mesh Upholstery Pros
A full mesh gaming chair is the optimal solution for people who suffer from excessive sweating. In fact, around 3% of the U.S. population suffers from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
With porous upholstery on the seat and backrest, users gain the least amount of heat buildup possible while sitting.
Mesh Upholstery Cons
Here are the most common problems with cheaper full mesh gaming chairs:
- Excessive sagging: most mesh seats sink a small amount to suspend the user’s body weight over the frame. That delivers a wonderful floating sensation. However, over time, cheaper mesh chairs will sag too much. That results in uneven, increasingly uncomfortable support.
- Abrasive to the touch: gaming chair fabrics are soft and fluffy. In contrast, mesh stretched taught feels like rough strings on a tennis racket. Over long periods, sitting against that material can irritate the skin.
- Tricky to clean: the best way to clean a full mesh chair is with a vacuum cleaner. Using paper towels or a damp rag tends to trap dirt deeper into the upholstery.
- No padding: full mesh chairs have no padding. Instead, the mesh stretches taut over hard steel or plastic parts. Without padding, the body comes in frequent contact with hard seat edges.
Full Mesh vs Fabric Gaming Chairs
Full mesh fabric chairs are the most breathable in the industry. The second most breathable combines a mesh backrest with a fabric padded seat. Many cheap ergonomic chairs use this mesh and fabric combo.
The third most breathable option is the soft fabric gaming chair. There are three fundamental differences between office-style full mesh chairs and racing-style soft fabric ones.
Dense Versus Loose Mesh Weave
Both types of upholsteries start as plastic polymer threads spun into fabric. Racing-style gaming chair upholstery spins thinner threads into a denser weave. That produces smaller air passage holes. A grinding process softens this material down to a soft, cloth-like feel.
Office chair mesh weaves thicker strands into a smaller density with larger air holes. To maintain strength, there’s no grinding process. As a result, most mesh upholsteries have a rougher, plastic-like feel.
Padding Versus Floating On Mesh
Racing style fabric chairs come with a steel frame coated with resilient padding. The fabric over the foam gets stretched tight enough to produce a smooth finish.
In comparison, full mesh chairs have no padding under the material. When brand new, a mesh seat provides firm resistance that feels like floating.
But over time, mesh tends to stretch. At best, it will start to sag. At worst, it will tear.
Bottom line: padding under fabric diminishes breathability but enhances durability. Pure mesh with no padding is more breathable but less durable.
Casual Versus Formal Reclines
Upholsteries aside, another big difference between racing-style and office-style chairs is the recline. The former comes with a deeper recline designed to provide all-day working and relaxing support.
In comparison, most office-style versions come with a limited recline to around 120 degrees or less. A limited recline keeps postures formal.
That (generally) makes full mesh chairs better for working shifts in a corporate office. Used at home to watch movies works, but not as comfortably or casually as racing-style models.
How Long Do Mesh Gaming Chairs Last?
Most premium chair manufacturers back their chairs with realistic warranties. In comparison, most chairs with a 1-year warranty may or may not last that long.
Cheaper mesh is more likely to sag or tear. If durability is a priority, the Aeron chair’s 12-year warranty is the best in the business. Here are the warranties for the top-rated chairs in this review:
- Herman Miller Aeron Gaming Chair: 12 years
- Secretlab NeueChair: 5 years
- Space Seating 317 Series: 3 years
- Space Seating Air Grid: 2 years
- Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair: 1 year
Conclusion
When shopping for a gaming chair, there are physiological and psychological factors to consider. The physiological factors determine the quality of a chair’s back and neck support.
The psychological factors refer to aspects that make the chair seem more comfortable. These include headrests and non-user-adjustable lumbar systems.
Luckily, when you strip those gimmicks away, the dozens of gimmick full-mesh gaming chairs on the market fade from relevance. That leaves four rock-solid full-mesh gaming chairs to consider.
These have the ergonomics you need to enjoy long periods of healthy sitting:
- Herman Miller Aeron Gaming Chair: Best overall | $1645
- Secretlab NeueChair: Best mid-tier | $769
- Space Seating 317 Series: Stylish & durable | $424.99
- Space Seating Air Grid: durable & adjustable | $273.26
- Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair: Cheapest full mesh ergonomic | $169.99
For a closer look at the physiological and psychological factors that impact buying decisions, see this:
