Many people get blown away when using a full-mesh ergonomic chair for the first time. Mesh is the most breathable upholstery available. Its thin, net-like fabric also delivers a sense of weightlessness that’s very addictive. Once you go full-mesh, you’ll feel fresh! 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 2022, the ‘gaming chair’ term applies to any type of seating. Among the world’s most popular streamers, around 60% use full-back, racing-style chairs. The rest use mid-back ergonomic office chairs.
Significantly, none use a mid-back chair with a headrest attached. This edict comes from Herman Miller: “Leaning your head back on a headrest while in an upright position would be improper posture.”
The point of a mid-back design is to “support your spine as if you were standing.” Many studies support this claim. A headrest on a mid-back chair encourages a forward or rearward head tilt. That distorts lower back and neck posture, ultimately leading to pain and discomfort.
In contrast, a mid-back chair without a headrest encourages a crisp, clean, 0° neck tilt. Getting your head around this concept may blow your mind. By removing gimmicky headrest models from the equation, the full-mesh seating landscape clarifies.
Then it becomes clear: you don’t need to spend lots of money to enjoy world-class, full-mesh posture support. On the flip side, as you go higher up the full-mesh pricing scale, world-leading luxury extras also exist.
Headrest on Mid-Back Chairs Ruins Neck Posture
Best Full Mesh Gaming Chairs
A ‘full mesh’ gaming chair is an ergonomic chair with 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 well beyond the reach of the average gamer. Luckily, beyond the Aeron are several cheaper options that stand out. By cutting out a few fancy extras, it’s possible to enjoy a similar level of back support — without a hefty price tag!
- Herman Miller Aeron Gaming Chair: Best overall | $1695
- Secretlab NeueChair: Best mid-tier | $649
- Space Seating 27 Series: best budget investment | Price not available
- Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair: Cheapest full mesh ergonomic | $207.89
- DXRAcer Air: full-back alternative | Price not available
Herman Miller Aeron Gaming Chair
In 2022, the iconic Aeron chair comes in two flavors. The original Remastered edition offers a wider array of configuration options and styles. It also comes in a choice of small, medium, or XL sizes.
The Aeron Gaming edition is the best fabric gaming chair in the world. It has the richest ergonomic features and the longest warranty.
Aeron Chair Features
Here’s a quick summary of the highlights:
Planted feet provide power and balance to hold the torso upright. Then, the Aeron’s other features kick in to keep you feeling cool, comfortable, and relaxed.
The seat has four different tension zones. These adapt to micro-movements. That keeps body weight distributed as the user moves in the chair.
You can adjust the depth of support, but not the height. With a good fit, it provides superb lower back support. Without a good fit, the pads might feel like bricks!
Then, consider an Aeron Remastered instead. Unlike gaming editions, Remasterchairs have a height-adjustable lumbar option:
Learn more: Herman Miller Aeron Posturefit Vs Lumbar Pad
You can also combine the seat and backrest into a synchronous tilt. As the backrest reclines, the seat tilts up (max 16°). When leaning forward, it tilts down (max -1°). This keeps the thighs parallel to the floor through all recline modes.
Specs Summary
- Synchro-tilt: seat pan angle from -1° to 16°; backrest 93° to 104°
- Upholstery: Pellicle 8Z mesh provides eight zones of varying tension for ultra-responsive support.
- PostureFit Lumbar: depth–adjustable support for the lumbar and sacral spine.
- Seat: adjust the height; limit the tilt range; adjust the tilt tension; sync-tilt with the backrest.
- Backrest: forward tilt option; height and depth adjustable PostureFit lumbar support.
- Armrests: 3D adjustable.
- Warranty: 12 years.
Aeron gaming chair advice
The Aeron has the most luxurious, durable, ultra-adaptive mesh on the market. Its robust synchronous tilt functionality is also unparalleled. As you lean back, you can have the seat tilt up; when you lean forward, it can tilt down!
However, the difference between ultra-adaptive mesh and ‘pretty good’ mesh is minuscule. On top of that, synchronous tilt is a cool function to have but entirely unnecessary.
Bottom line: if you’re looking for the very best full mesh gaming chair, the Aeron is a no-brainer. But if willing to cut out its fanciest extras, you can save a lot of money with a cheaper alternative.
Aeron Gaming Chair from Herman Miller $1695
The Aeron Remastered (office edition) is also available from Herman Miller for $1195-$2195.
Secretlab NeueChair
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.
Feature highlights:
- 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.
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: Secretlab NeueChair Review; $649 Luxury Mid-Back Ergonomics
Space Seating 27 Series
The next-best full-mesh option down the pricing list is the Space Seating 27 Series. This model strips away the funky NeueChair armrests and fancy steel frame.
That gives it less aesthetic pop than the Neue, but (debatably) better value. Compared to the Neue’s 5-year warranty, the 27 Series upholstery is only covered for 3 years. However, the frame and parts are guaranteed for life. Space Seating also sells replacement parts.
That means you can pop in a new mesh seat and backrest every 3 years or so to enjoy a never-ending sitting experience!
27 Series Functionality
This chair has stripped-down features. Even so, these still deliver everything you need for comfortable ergonomic support. Highlights include 1D arms, a height-adjustable lumbar (with good adjustment range), and sync-tilt functionality!
- Upholstery: mesh seat and backrest
- Lumbar support: height-adjustable (4″ range)
- Armrests: 1D (2.68″ height adjustment range)
- Recline: 2-to-1 synchro tilt (100-110° recline + 5° seat tilt)
- Warranty: lifetime on components; 3 years on upholstery and foam wear and tear (details)
- Seat width x depth: 21.5″ (W) x 20.5″(D)
- Backrest width x height: 20.5″ x 23″
- Seat height range: 19.25-23.25″
- Armrest to seat height range: 8.5-11.18″
- Size rating: 5’7″ to 6’2″; 250-pound weight capacity
27 Series Advice
The Space Seating 27 Series is a unique beast. No other full-mesh chair priced under $500 comes with a lifetime warranty (or a 3-year mesh warranty)!
Bottom line: this is a ‘Herman Miller Aeron for poor people’. It’s comfortable, breathable, good for your back, and very easy to use.
Space Seating 27 Series on Amazon Price not available
Learn more: Space Seating 27 Series Review: Poor Person’s Aeron Chair
Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair
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.
The biggest problem for short sizes is that the headrest sits too high. Luckily, by removing it, you’ll enhance the chair’s spinal support qualities!
- 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 $207.89 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 $207.89
Learn more in this detailed Staples Hyken Full Mesh Task Chair Review.
DXRacer Air
The DXRacer Air makes this list purely for its novelty factor. It’s the world’s only full mesh racing-style gaming chair.
It’s also part of DXRacer’s new ‘modular’ concept. Modules include a retractable footrest, laptop holder, and cup holder.
Ergonomic features are those of a typical esports-quality gaming chair.
- Functionality: 4D armrests; recline from 90-135°; multifunction tilt-lock.
- Support: height-adjustable lumbar (15 cm range); height-adjustable headrest.
- Upholstery: ultra-breathable mesh; supporting suspension springs.
- Foundation: steel frame; Class 4 gas lift; 3″ (76 mm) PU casters.
- Extras: modular add-ons; leather or fabric slipcovers.
DXRacer Air Advice
Sitting in a DXRacer Air is a unique sensation. It delivers the same airy, floating-style sensations as the other full-mesh chairs. But unlike those, you also get deep recline functionality.
Even so, it’s an experimental design that will most likely appeal to thrill-seekers and novelty fans. Those looking for a traditional mid-back full-mesh seat should look elsewhere.
DXRacer Air Price not available on Amazon
Learn more: DXRacer Air – World’s Only Full Mesh Gaming Chair
Full Mesh Chairs We Don’t Recommend
These days, the average person uses their cell phone for around three hours each day. Most do so with a severe forward neck tilt. The resulting deformities this causes is known as Text Neck Syndrome.
In fact, text neck issues have become so widespread that they’ve altered institutional ergonomic standards. Today, healthy multi-device support for the back and neck and dual priorities.
This is why — by 2022 ergonomic standards — 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, several full-mesh chairs we recommended in 2021 no longer make the cut:
Ergohuman High Back Swivel Chair
Spending $911.00 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 taught 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 27 Series: 3 years
- Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair: 1 year
- DXRAcer Air: 2 years
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 | $1695
- Secretlab NeueChair: Best mid-tier | $649
- Space Seating 27 Series: best budget investment | Price not available
- Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair: Cheapest full mesh ergonomic | $207.89
For a closer look at the physiological and psychological factors that impact buying decisions, see this:
