Tracking down the best cheap gaming chair is a lot harder than it seems. There are simply so many, some under what feels like randomly generated product names that don't inspire much confidence. Now, finding a gaming chair that's cheap isn't a problem. Throw a rock and you'll find a chair under $150. The problem is finding a cheap chair that won't destroy your back, neck, and spine. They do exist, they just require a bit more legwork to track down. The major underlying issue with a lot of our picks of best gaming chairs is cost. Some of the better chairs will run between $500-$1000 which is objectively a lot of money for a chair. That being said, when it comes to ergonomics, you shouldn't spare any expense, cheap chair or not.
For this gaming chair guide, we set a budget of $200. We did find a lot of sub-$100 chairs on sale, but again they looked like they break as soon as your butt sat in them. $200 felt like a reasonable price for a decent chair that may not have built-in massagers but will hopefully be comfortable enough for long gaming sessions.
We've not personally tested every product in this snapshot's cheap gaming chair hunt, but our main guides feature products we're rigorously tested ourselves.
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You're still paying for something you'll be sitting in for hours on end, so it's all about support when looking for a cheap gaming chair. Ergonomics are often overlooked when looking for an affordable gaming chair over a more expensive option, but make sure your new gaming chair will not disservice your spine.
We've used our experience and expertise to nail down the best cheap gaming chairs for the following guide. And while they won't necessarily be ones we've tested personally, we've sat our gamer butts on enough gaming chairs to know what we're looking for and what to avoid at all costs.
The best cheap gaming chairs
GTRacing Pro Series | Adjustable armrest | Neck pillow | Lumbar support | $169.99 $109.98 at Amazon (save $60)
These chairs look the part and pack many of the features of gaming chairs which cost twice the price. They're comfortable, have five-star ratings across the site, are adjustable, and will do the job.
Vintage style Dowinx gaming chair | Massage Lumbar and head cushion | PU leather | Adjustable armrests | $239.99 $199.99 at Newegg (save $40)
This one's at the top end, but if edgy black with red detailing is your style then Downix even sweetens the deal with a massage lumbar support and a retractable footrest. It's pretty loaded in terms of features and even supports up to 350lbs. Sadly the armrests are not adjustable but they look pretty well padded.
Homall Gaming Chair | Lumbar pillow | Headrest | $149.99 $89.99 at Newegg (save $60)
The Homall Gaming Chair has resoundingly good reviews and looks to be a regular gaming chair with little else added. That's probably a good thing at this price, as you want the basics done well with nothing too flashy to suck up your budget.
Should I buy a cheap gaming chair?
If you're after the racing aesthetic, then a cheap gaming chair will deliver that, but it's what's underneath that faux leather exterior that counts. Going too cheap will mean you get a frame that can't stand the active exertions of a heated gaming session or a seat with padding that either offers no support or melts away within months.
Alternatively, if you're not desperate for the streamer look, you can find decent office chairs, with far more ergonomic designs, for less than the sticker price of a serious bucket seat. This, of course, if you don't mind going for something less flashy.
Good furniture is expensive but should last you a few years, so consider it an investment.