The Best Gaming Chairs Under $300

Gaming chairs are an essential part of any decent PC setup, even gaining popularity among office workers thanks to some manufacturers’ investment in good ergonomics. This also means that while there are plenty of low-quality, cheap gaming chairs around, most high-rated chairs are priced between $400 and $600, putting budget shoppers in a tough spot.

However, finding a happy middle between total trash and a gaming chair that players can treasure isn’t as difficult as it used to be. For those looking to save some money without sacrificing too much in terms of quality, gaming chairs under $300 can offer the perfect compromise. Depending on a user’s preferences, getting a PC gaming chair for less than $300 may be the best option overall, as plenty of reliable, well-designed gaming chairs can be found at this price.

Choosing a Great Gaming Chair for Under $300

It’s important to be discerning when shopping for the seat that gamers will rely on for many long days and nights. Most shoppers already know to pay close attention to the size, quality, and reviews of the gaming chairs they’re most interested in, but here are some factors to consider specifically when browsing for PC chairs under $300:

Material: Most gaming chairs at this price point are made with faux leather, fabric, or mesh, each of which has its own set of pros and cons. To briefly summarize, faux leather chairs are resistant to stains and many users find them very comfortable, though they can get hot and may start peeling after just a few years. Fabric gaming chairs are soft and breathable, but they are susceptible to stains and tears. Mesh chairs offer a cool seat and are also seen as very comfortable by many users. However, they tend to get torn easily and are often less ergonomic than they seem.

Ergonomics: Budget gaming chairs with great ergonomics are nearly impossible to find, so it’s important to consider the different types of support a chair should have. Lumbar support helps prevent slouching, as do head pillows. Raised wings along the sides and the seat bucket may not be everyone’s style, but they help keep hips and shoulders aligned for better spinal health. Users who lean on their chairs often will also want to keep an eye out for chairs with upgraded armrests.

Extras: Some chairs mask their quality by providing extras that won’t really help anyone. Typically, users can choose gaming chairs with RGB lighting, footrests, or even massage functions. Players should decide which, if any, of these features are important to them before browsing. It should also be noted that in most cases, tall users do not enjoy built-in footrests on gaming chairs, as they’re almost always too short.

The Best Gaming Chairs Under $300

Dowinx is far from the most recognizable office furniture company, but their gaming chairs have made an impression on players looking to save. While they have dozens of options to choose from, the Dowinx Big and Tall Gaming Chair with Footrest is the best gaming chair for under $300 thanks to its attractive design, adjustable ergonomics, and overall durability.

Available in five contemporary colors, the geometric pattern flowing down the middle of the chair gives it a sophisticated, futuristic look that fans of sci-fi games like Destiny 2 and Cyberpunk 2077 will appreciate. This chair is ready to support the long gaming sessions these in-depth titles call for, too. Although players taller than 6’1” may not be as comfortable as others, the fact is that Dowinx’s gaming chair is suitable for a wide range of users.

The broad seat features thick padding that extends over the waterfall edge to alleviate pressure on the legs. Along the back, there are removable pillows to provide both lumbar and head support, which can also be adjusted vertically to suit different heights. The seat back itself is wider than standard gaming chairs, though the side wings help to align shoulders for better posture.

Along with a max weight of 350 pounds, this steel-framed chair offers a few other bonus features that aren’t always available on other gaming chairs. Dowinx has added 4D armrests to their chairs, making them easy to customize. They even throw in a retractable, padded footrest. Plus, with a year-long warranty, Dowinx easily justifies its extremely affordable price tag, often keeping this gaming chair under $200 during sales. Overall, most players will be completely satisfied with this feature-packed, ergonomic gaming chair.

The Fuqido gaming chair is another win for big and tall gamers, or any player who likes to spread out while gaming. This gaming chair from Fuqido features high-quality PU leather upholstery with a stylish design that also works to increase airflow. Despite being available for less than $150 even when not on sale, this gaming chair prioritizes quality construction. Its fine upholstery is resistant to sweat, acids, and wear and tear, while additionally implementing high-density foam and a strong steel frame to ensure ergonomic support.

That’s not to say Fuqido forgot about style, because they most certainly did not. The chevron designs along the back and seat bucket can offer some contrast against the gray options, but they do more than just look good. These extras sit proudly on the chair, creating pockets of airflow that somewhat mitigate overheating through hours-long gaming sessions. Made with a carbon fiber material, they’re also a bit softer than the rest of the chair.

Although there isn’t much in the way of customization, players can make all the standard adjustments, including the armrest height. Plus, the chair comes with a headrest and lumbar support pillow, both of which can be moved vertically or simply removed. There are a lot of color options to choose from and even a version of the chair that comes with a small footrest. Although some of these options are more expensive than others, none of them break the $200 point. Gamers on a budget looking to get the most bang for their buck can’t lose with this gaming chair from Fuqido.

Those unafraid of having a chair that oozes a “gamer” aesthetic while staying on a budget should scoop up the Vanspace RGB gaming chair. This extremely affordable gaming chair may not be the highest quality chair available, but it does come with a plethora of extra features.

The chair isn’t devoid of ergonomic elements, though they are in short supply with this option. The seat is fairly padded, and two pillows are included to support players’ backs and heads. However, the padding is a bit stiff at first and must be “broken in,” according to some reviews. The wings on the side and the armrests add a bit more padding and can be somewhat helpful in encouraging good posture, though the armrests are completely fixed and can’t be adjusted at all.

Where this chair shines best is with its built-in extras. First and foremost, an RGB LED strip runs along the edge of the chair, allowing for seven solid colors to be displayed or any one of the 358 flicker patterns. The remote control for the lights is fairly limited, and the chair must be plugged into a power bank or a very close-by outlet, but for just over $200, these are fair trade-offs.

The Vanspace chair also comes with a massage function in the lumbar support pillow and two built-in Bluetooth speakers that provide surround sound to players with ease. Plus, with a retractable footrest, this chair is made for people who want to have every bonus feature possible. Especially for fans of RGB lighting in their game room, the Vanspace RGB Gaming Chair is the perfect choice.

Mesh gaming chairs are rare, and that’s largely because mesh office chairs provide ergonomic support through different design choices than most gaming chairs. The Winrise Ergonomic Office Chair isn’t technically a gaming chair, but most gamers on the hunt for a good mesh chair will want to have it anyway.

Available in a variety of stylish colors, including less common options like sky blue and pink, Winrise’s chair gives off a professional yet still interesting look. The mesh back excels at keeping users cool, while its triple-split design allows users to adjust their back support however they like. One pitfall of mesh chairs is often the uncomfortable seat, but Winrise has already adapted to better ergonomic data, giving this chair a seat thickly padded with high-density foam.

The rest of the chair features durable materials, such as a steel frame, silent casters, and PU leather on the armrests, which can be adjusted slightly. Plus, a coat hanger on the back is perfect for gamers to hang their headsets on too. With durable construction and top-of-the-line breathability, the Winrise Ergonomic Office Chair is one of the best mesh gaming chairs on the market.

Wishing for a Secretlab gaming chair but can’t afford one? Players on a budget can turn to Noblerocker if they want a gaming chair with a simple design backed by impressive ergonomics. Even at first glance, this chair could be confused with the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, but there are some important differences. For instance, though the chair does feature an innovative, adjustable lumbar support system, users have to adjust it themselves, rather than it automatically fitting to their position like with Secretlab chairs. Additionally, though there are fabric and XL options available, players are limited to either black or dark gray choices.

However, in most other ways, the Noblerocker gaming chair has the same features that the Titan Evo does. The chair comes with 4D armrests, a seat base made with cold-cured foam, wide adjustability, and even an included magnetic head pillow stuffed with memory foam. The maximum weight is similarly impressive, sitting at 400 pounds, despite boasting near-silent casters.

Although the chair is nearly $300, it manages to stay below that price cap without making many sacrifices. It’s doubtful that the chair will last as long as a Secretlab one, but given that it’s listed at less than half the cost of one and offers the same, minimalist style that fits in any space, the Noblerocker Gaming Chair is the perfect premium pick for players on a budget.

HyperX is best known for its electronic gaming peripherals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have more to offer. The HyperX Jet Black Gamer Chair offers players some of the best ergonomic designs without adding in a lot of extras that not everyone will find useful. The overall design of the chair looks elegant and much more premium than it is, and this style does more than look good.

Featuring a quilted carbon fabric along the back and seat of the chair, players can game for hours at a time without getting overheated. The contouring of each diamond stitch helps increase airflow without the player having to do anything. Additionally, this stitching has a soft, padded feel that supports a player’s posture while gaming.

Along the sides, raised wings also aid in ergonomic support, covered in durable PU upholstery for even more durable comfort. Plus, the chair comes with lumbar and head support in the form of two velour-covered memory foam pillows, which can be effortlessly attached to the chair. Combined with a sturdy steel frame that can support up to 330 pounds and a sleek, black aesthetic, this attractive chair is ideal for both gaming and office spaces. All in all, for less than $300, this gaming chair is an excellent option for any user concerned about their ergonomic health.

FAQ

Q: Are gaming chairs worth the hype?

Yes, gaming chairs are worth looking into if a user frequently sits in their seat for hours at a time, regardless of whether they are working or gaming. While not all of them are perfect, gaming chairs tend to prioritize ergonomics over other factors that office chairs tend to focus on, such as durability and style.

Q: How much should a good gaming chair cost?

A good gaming chair can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,000, although how long the chair will last and what kinds of features it has will vary. Most gamers should aim to spend about $200-$600 on a gaming chair that will last them between one to five years.

Q: Are gaming chairs under $300 worth it?

Yes, there are plenty of viable gaming chairs for less than $300, though players should carefully consider the options before choosing one, as there are a lot of poor quality products available.