Gaming Chairs That Don't Look Like Gaming Chairs

Desk chairs with the lumbar support, recline and adjustment gamers want, but none of the racing-seat look: our picks on Amazon, each with the catch.

By Worth a NookUpdated

How they compare

  1. Our pick1Steelcase Series 1Graphite, white frame
    Verdict
    Moved In: We'd give it the spot. (our score 8–10)8.4/10 (best in this row)
    Material
    Knit fabric back, fabric seat
    Price
    around $550
    Armrests
    Adjustable armrests
    Assembly required
    Yes
    Check price
  2. Verdict
    Moved In: We'd give it the spot. (our score 8–10)8.2/10
    Material
    Mesh back, cushioned fabric seat
    Price
    around $500
    Armrests
    5D armrests
    Assembly required
    Yes
    Check price
  3. Verdict
    Moved In: We'd give it the spot. (our score 8–10)8/10
    Material
    Mesh back and seat
    Price
    around $300
    Armrests
    3D armrests
    Assembly required
    Yes
    Check price
  4. Verdict
    On the Fence: Worth it if the catch doesn't bother you. (our score 6–7.9)7.4/10
    Material
    Mesh back and seat
    Price
    around $270 (best in this row)
    Armrests
    2D armrests
    Assembly required
    Yes
    Check price
  5. Verdict
    On the Fence: Worth it if the catch doesn't bother you. (our score 6–7.9)7/10
    Material
    Mesh back and seat
    Price
    around $500
    Armrests
    3D armrests
    Assembly required
    Yes
    Check price
  1. 1
    Moved In: We'd give it the spot. (our score 8–10)Our score8.4/10

    Steelcase Series 1

    An office-brand chair made to outlast the desk it sits at.

    Knit fabric back · Adjustable armrests · Assembly required

    Best for
    Anyone who wants to buy once and keep it through college and beyond.

    around $550

    Check price on Amazon

    The catch The seat is firm and on the small side.

    What we like

    • Lifetime warranty on the frame, 12 years on the moving parts and foam
    • Knit back that flexes with you
    • Goes together in minutes, no tools

    Keep in mind

    • A few owners report loose armrests

    Specs and every guide the Steelcase Series 1 is in

  2. 2
    Moved In: We'd give it the spot. (our score 8–10)Our score8.2/10

    Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro

    Finish: Black

    A clean, grown-up desk chair with more adjustment than most gaming chairs.

    Mesh back · 5D armrests · Assembly required

    Best for
    Anyone who wants every adjustment and a chair that looks good in a bedroom.

    around $500

    Check price on Amazon

    The catch The armrests can rattle, and the seat cushion firms up after a few weeks.

    What we like

    • Arms that adjust five ways
    • Lumbar pad that moves up and down
    • Seven-year warranty

    Keep in mind

    • Assembly takes a while

    Specs and every guide the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro is in

  3. 3
    Moved In: We'd give it the spot. (our score 8–10)Our score8/10

    SIHOO Doro C300

    Finish: Black

    All-mesh comfort and a headrest for the price of a mid-range gaming chair.

    Mesh back and seat · 3D armrests · Assembly required

    Best for
    Anyone after the most chair for the money.

    around $300

    Check price on Amazon

    The catch The armrests wobble, and the lumbar support can feel too firm for a smaller frame.

    What we like

    • Lumbar support that moves with your back
    • Mesh that holds its shape
    • Adjustable headrest

    Keep in mind

    • The arm pads are PU leather

    Specs and every guide the SIHOO Doro C300 is in

  4. 4
    On the Fence: Worth it if the catch doesn't bother you. (our score 6–7.9)Our score7.4/10

    RESPAWN FLEXX

    A mesh desk chair from a gaming brand, at a budget price.

    Mesh back and seat · 2D armrests · Assembly required

    Best for
    Anyone on a tight budget who still wants mesh and a headrest.

    around $270

    Check price on Amazon

    The catch The armrests wobble and only adjust two ways.

    What we like

    • Five-year warranty
    • Holds up well past the first year
    • Seat slides forward and back

    Specs and every guide the RESPAWN FLEXX is in

  5. 5
    On the Fence: Worth it if the catch doesn't bother you. (our score 6–7.9)Our score7/10

    Razer Fujin

    Razer's all-mesh chair, with only a small logo to give it away.

    Mesh back and seat · 3D armrests · Assembly required

    Best for
    A gamer who wants the brand without the racing-seat look.

    around $500

    Check price on Amazon

    The catch The mesh is covered for just one year, and an arm lever has snapped for at least one owner.

    What we like

    • Five-year warranty on the frame, mechanism and arms
    • Lumbar support that moves up and down
    • Easy to put together

    Keep in mind

    • The mesh gathers dust

    Specs and every guide the Razer Fujin is in

Which one is yours?

Questions

Is a gaming chair better than an office chair?

Not for long hours. A good office chair adjusts more and supports your back better; what most gaming chairs add is the look. Every chair here is an office-style chair that handles a long gaming session just as well.

Which one will last the longest?

The Steelcase Series 1: a lifetime warranty on its frame and 12 years on the moving parts, from a maker whose office chairs run for decades. Mesh and fabric also mean nothing to peel.

What if you want the gaming-chair look after all?

Then see our Secretlab Titan Evo dupes: Amazon look-alikes of the chair that set the look, for a fraction of the price.

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