Are you new in the market for a gaming chair? If you’ve only just started using gaming chairs or planning to buy one, it can be difficult to know how much to spend and which ones are worth the most. Luckily, there are people like us who are willing to make your life much easier.
With hundreds of gaming chair options, you might think they cost a fortune, right? Well, not exactly. There are chairs that are budget-friendly but you get more than what you pay for. But, there are also gaming chairs that are expensive yet worth every penny. However, it all depends on the manufacturer and features of the chair.
So, how much does a gaming chair cost?
The prices can vary between $150 and $500 depending on the size, manufacturer, features, and design. For budget gaming chairs, the average cost is between $150 and $300 which is a fair price because they last for a long time. Gaming chairs from some of the best brands cost between $300 and $500. However, high-end gaming chairs can cost up to $1,000 and above.
If you’re interest to know more about gaming chairs and their cost, you’ll be happy to hear that we will have a list of gaming chairs with different price points. This will help you understand how much you should spend and what to expect from a gaming chair. Additionally, we will also include some options from each category.
Average Cost of Gaming Chairs
When on a hunt for gaming chairs, it’s important to know that not all of them are designed the same because their quality, performance and features differ. One thing about gaming chairs is that some quality chairs don’t differ a lot from cheap gaming chairs because they share the same design. We have divided the chairs into 3 categories:
- Cheap
- Budget
- Average
- Premium or High-end
That’s why it’s important to distinguish between a high-quality and cheap gaming chair so that you know what to expect based on their price range. Below, there’s a guide to help you understand more about each category and their price point.
Cheap Gaming Chairs – Price Point: Under $100
The first category we will discuss is the cheap gaming chairs that are usually under $100. You can find these chairs on Amazon as well. Most of them have that typical racing style design that we mentioned before but you could also find some really cheap floor-based or sofa recliners gaming chairs under this price.
Besides looking aesthetically good-looking, cheap gaming chairs don’t have anything else going on. In terms of its quality and durability, these chairs are not made to last for a long time. That’s usually because the manufacturer only cares about making the chair look pretty and not function properly.
The inside of these chairs and the frame is made of plastic and plywood which means they’re less durable. They’re also less supportive and make some creaking sounds while moving around in the chair.
With cheap chairs, adjustable features are as basic as they can get. Most likely, they will have 2D armrests, height adjustment and a recline function, but that’s about it.
If you’re a gamer who doesn’t have more than $100 to spend on a decent gaming chair, we would still not recommend buying a chair with this price because you will deal with a lot of pain after a while and they just don’t last more than 2-3 years. Apart from this, comfort, functionality, and durability are crossed off the list.
Instead, it would be better if you would just opt for a regular office chair that’s right under $100. Yes, they might not have the racing style design, but these chairs can be more comfortable and last for a longer time.
Budget Gaming Chairs – Price Point: Under $200
Generally speaking, budget gaming chairs under $200 are not that much different from the chairs we mentioned above. However, after you start looking for chairs above $100, you start to see a variety of options, but nothing too amazing. They are still budget gaming chairs but slightly better in terms of features and design.
Some brands in this category are also known as ‘knock-off’ brands because they copy the design and some elements of high-end quality gaming chairs. This is not always a bad thing, just something to remember for future reference.
Despite all this, there is some significant improvement, especially with brands such as GTRacing and Homall. Typically, with these brands you get a variety of options in terms of design and adjustable features.
Some improved features of these gaming chairs include:
- Extendable footrest
- 3D Adjustable armrests
- Vibration motors
- Bluetooth speakers
Apart from features, you will also notice that these chairs have improved their materials on the design as well. Other design elements include:
- Mesh Ergonomic Chairs
- Fabric Upholstery
- Recliner Gaming Chair
- Floor Rockers
- Sofa Gaming Chair
This price range of gaming chairs includes a variety of options to choose from depending on your preferences and use cases. For example, if you’re a casual PS4 gamer, your gaming chair should be different from a dedicated PC gamer.
Gaming chairs in this price range have usually decent designs and features, but there are some typical features that you can find, such as:
- Armrests: fixed or 3D (sometimes)
- Backrest: fixed or adjustable (reclining function)
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs up to 330 lbs
- Material: PU leather or upholstered fabric
- Foam: decent or low-quality sponge foam
- Size: small to average
- Headrest or lumbar pillow may be included
As you can see, the main differences are in the build quality. Such gaming chairs use less expensive or low-quality sponge foam instead of high-density foam. This type of foam is prone to deforming or flattening over time and the PU leather is less durable than premium PU leather.
We’ll mention again that while the quality might not be amazing, there are still some excellent gaming chairs that offer a lot more than the cheap chairs. We have included an example below, to help you understand that sometimes, there are chairs that deserve a second look.
Gtracing Gaming Chair
This GTRacing gaming chair is the type of chair that you get more than what you pay for. Not only do you get more color options, but there are also a variety of adjustable features to make this a customizable gaming chair.
Features: As we mentioned, this is a multi-functional gaming chair and it has some adjustable features such as armrests, detachable headrest pillow and lumbar cushion, reclining function up to 160 degrees, and 360-degree swivel. It’s also height adjustable up to 51.97 inches and it includes smooth-rolling casters that glide around any surface.
Design: In terms of its durability, this chair actually has a heavy-duty base that ensures a comfortable seated position. The whole chair has a thick padding from head to toe to keep you comfy even after long gaming sessions. Despite being a mid-range gaming chair, the GTRacing is covered in high-quality PU leather, with a strong metal frame and extra padding on the headrest and lumbar pillows. Here are some color options to choose from:
- Red
- Purple
- Green
- Grey
- Orange
- Pink
- Royal Blue
- White
Average Gaming Chairs – Price Point: $200 and $350
Now these are the type of gaming chairs that everyone loves because they’re not too overly expensive and they hit the right spot. Although these chairs are still not in the price range of high-end gaming chairs, they are way better than the previous ones.
The build quality is a big upgrade in comparison to the budget gaming chairs. They have high-density foam, which is more durable than soft foam and the PU leather is thicker. Apart from this, there is a lot more variety in terms of features, mostly because manufacturers try to stay in the competition by including more features for the same price.
While we’re speaking of comfort, you will also get higher quality foam padding all over the chair, especially in the headrest and lumbar pillows.
Also, average gaming chairs are made of stainless steel or heavy-duty frames, which are a lot more durable, comfortable, and long-lasting. That’s why these chairs are the better value because they are balanced in terms of price and performance.
Again, here are some typical features that you can find in average gaming chairs:
- Armrests: 1D up to 4D
- Backrest: Adjustable (reclines up to 180 degrees)
- Foam: High-density foam
- Size: Small – big
- Material: Premium PU leather or fabric
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs up to 330 lbs
- Head and lumbar pillows included
Some average high-quality manufacturers include Secretlab, Vertagear, DXRacer, Maxnomic, Reswpan, AutoFull and Hbada. These brands are well-known because they have better track record and warranty, customer support, which are sometimes overlooked by buyers.
If you’re a regular gamer who spends majority of your time playing, then you might want to consider buying a gaming chair from one these brands because they offer a better seating experience and they are built to last.
What about big, tall, and heavy users? Well, this will hit your sweet spot because in this price range, you will find more options for larger users. If you’re a big guy, bigger chairs are the way to go, but you should also consider checking for weight capacity.
Generally speaking, this price point is the one that most gamers spend money on because they’re a little expensive, but it’s totally worth it. And if you’re someone who watches gaming streams on YouTube or Twitch, you’ll most likely see gaming chairs from these brands.
AutoFull Gaming Chair Racing Style
AutoFull is an excellent brand when it comes to gamers, but this can also double as an office chair because it’s that comfortable. It has an ergonomic design, plenty adjustable features – all of which are part of an average price point gaming chair.
Features: An average gaming chair like this one is pretty adjustable, such as height and seat, 2D armrests, recline function between 90 up to 155 degrees, 360 degree swivel, and lumbar pillow. This can’t get any better for its price point. And since it’s made of a heavy-duty nylon base, the chair can hold up to 350 lbs, which is great for larger individuals.
Design: If you’re into modern racing styles, this is the chair for you. Even at first glance; this one looks very comfortable because it’s made of PU leather, carbon fiber, thick backrest and seat cushion. To give it that extra touch, this chair includes adjustable headrest and lumbar pillow, which provide more support for your neck and upper back. You could also get this with or without a footrest but we think that’s always a bonus with gaming chairs. Lastly, this comes in 5 different colors, such as:
- Black and White
- Black
- Blue
- Red
- Red and Black
High-End Gaming Chairs – Price Point: $350 to $500
When you upgrade from an average gaming chair to a high-end one, you’ll come across premium gaming chair brands and a variety of options. These gaming chairs are the most comfortable chairs in the market because manufacturers put a lot more effort either in design or features.
In terms of high-end brands, they are almost the same as the ones from average gaming chairs, such as DXRacer, Noblechairs, SecretLab, AKRacing, and more.
One of many reasons as to why these high-end gaming chairs are more expensive is because manufacturers produce big chairs which are perfect for larger users. Also, another extra feature that wasn’t mentioned before is the real leather material, which you can find in this price point.
Speaking of features, here are some typical features that you can expect in this range:
- Armrests: 3D or 4D
- Backrest: Adjustable (reclines fully up to 180 degrees)
- Foam: High-density cold cure foam
- Material: Premium PU leather, fabric, or real leather
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs up to 400 lbs (sometimes even more)
- Size: Medium to large
- Head and lumbar pillows included
Based on these features, you can see that 4D armrests are much more common within this price range. The fully adjustable backrest is a useful feature for chilling, lying down, or watching a movie. Also, the real leather is a unique touch, to anyone who prefers to be all extra.
AKRacing Core Series EX Gaming Chair
AKRacing is one of our favorite brands when it comes to high-end gaming chairs. Everything about this chair is top-notch, from the materials all the way to the design. Adjustable features are obviously part of this chair as they provide a highly comfortable gaming experience as well.
Features: This is a big chair, ideal for tall and big user, but it’s also lightweight. It includes 3D adjustable armrests that go up, down, back, and forth. Also, it comes with adjustable headrest and lumbar pillows that provide extra comfort. In terms of its mechanisms, the chair has an adjustable rocking function that helps to find a comfortable position and align your posture properly.
Design: The cold-cured foam that we mentioned earlier is soft and supportive, providing long-term comfort. The AKRacing gaming chair is covered in upholstered fabric that’s breathable, soft to the touch and ideal for hot weathers. And to top it all off, the metal frame with anti-corrosive coating ensures durability, so that the chair lasts you for a long time. Another great thing about the design of this one is that it comes in not two basic color but 8 different color options, such as:
- Black
- Black and Blue
- Black and Red
- Blue
- Blue and Black
- Carbon Black
- Red
- Red and Black
Premium Gaming Chairs – Price Point: $500 up to $1,000
Any gaming chair that costs more than $500 is considered to be on the premium side and for a good reason. There’s a variety of styles, functions and adjustability, that’s why they’re on the more expensive side.
If you’re a large person, you’re in for a treat because you’ll come across a lot of those features. Premium gaming chairs have a weight capacity of more than 400 lbs and since they require more materials to produce, it makes sense that the price point is also increased.
When we’re speaking of premium brand manufacturers, SecretLab and AKRacing are on top of our list, along with Herman that’s on the most expensive side. These manufacturers include upgraded premium upholstery fabric such as SoftWeave Fabric or NAPPA leather.
Parts of these gaming chairs are ergonomic chairs which are different from the standard racing style. Instead, they have a more office-like style but they can be part of this category since many professional gamers are using them lately because of their ergonomics, comfort, build quality, and adjustability.
So, if you spend most of your time playing or in an office, then premium ergonomic chairs are just what your back needs. They’re definitely pricier because they can go up to $2,000, but totally worth the investment for any gamer who spends more than 8 hours playing.
AKRacing Masters Series Pro Luxury XL Gaming Chair
Another AKRacing gaming chair is this Masters Series Pro Luxury XL chair, with a price point of $633, an ideal investment for professional gamers. This is covered in a high-quality leather material and a durable metal frame which ensure durability and comfort for a long time.
Features: 4D adjustable armrests are among the most common features in a premium gaming chair. Apart from this, this one also includes adjustable headrest and lumbar pillows that support your neck and provide extra comfort. Also, it has a ‘rock & lock’ feature which allows you to lock the seat at an angle, or you could just rock it or lock it separately.
Design: Those premium materials that we mentioned earlier? This one has it all. It’s covered in perforated leather upholstery and it’s a type of material that’s easy to clean and lasts for a long time. The wide metal frame is covered with 70% more high-density foam padding to add to that extra comfort. This one also comes in a variety of colors that go perfect with any gaming room interior:
- Black
- Blue
- Grey
- Red
- White
What are some Price Factors for Gaming Chairs?
Now that we went through the price cost of gaming chairs, let’s talk about some factors that determine gaming chair prices. This will help you decide better about what kind of gaming chair suits your preferences more.
Brand
It goes without saying that the brand plays a massive role in gaming chairs because it can make or break your experience. All of the brands that we mentioned above are some of the best manufacturers in the gaming industry.
And as it happens with everything, the bigger the brand, the more it can charge on their products. In simple words, the brand name costs more than the product itself. For future reference, keep in mind that when you’re deciding on a gaming chair, you’re also paying extra for the brand.
Materials and Construction
As you could already see, not all gaming chairs are build the same, although many of them look similar, especially racing style ones. Cheap brands can produce replicas and knock-off gaming chairs which look exactly like premium gaming chairs, but the actual construction and build quality of the materials is different.
Of course, high-end and premium gaming chairs are much more durable and sturdy, they offer more support, and last for a longer time.
Size
Another important factor in the cost of a gaming chair is size. Because larger gaming chairs need more materials to accommodate larger users, they will cost more. Weight capacity is also included within the price. So, if you’re on the heavy side, then be ready to spend some more money on a gaming chair.
Features and Adjustability
Lastly, the features and adjustability of a gaming chair are also part of the price. Some gaming chairs include extra features such as footrests, vibration motors, Bluetooth speakers, and so on. Additionally, certain gaming chairs are made of high-quality materials such as real leather, premium PU leather, or upholstered fabric instead of the standard materials found on average gaming chairs.