Without decent lumbar support, gamers know they’re playing a losing game. Long hours spent in a regular office chair could set off aches you didn’t even know you had. This is where dedicated gaming chairs come in – fitted with flexible features for the serious PC gamer. Some models have 4D (four-dimensional) armrests that swivel and slide back and forth; other chairs recline fully to 180 degrees for mid-play stretching. Plus, no ergonomic office unit is going to match your setup to a tee, like a themed gaming chair.
“When people buy gaming PCs, the natural next step is a gaming chair. Gamers will always consider the height adjustment, headrest, leg rest, armrest, and back support, when playing,” said Yousuf Batrodi, general manager of online gaming store GCC Gamers in Dubai, a one-stop shop for PC building, accessories and monitors.
It’s important to study the suggested user weight and height on these, adds Batrodi, before shopping for a gaming chair. A far-reaching recline can also help with stretching the back during breaks. While entry-level gamers are going to be more price-conscious than advanced players, Batrodi says expensive models stay with you longer, for up to five years.
Rima Yassin, a gaming content creator for Dubai-based Nasr E-Sports organisation, studies every detail of a gaming chair before picking one up, from the seat material to the castors. "You'll be spending nearly nine hours a day in this chair, so every part should be comfortable for you," said Yassin, who's better known by her gaming alias, Hope Rima. "For instance, the armrests should move smoothly in all directions, and the seat itself must be high and comfortable. Does the back recline well? As for the material, I prefer fabric upholstery over leather because of the breathability aspect."
So, what chairs should you be looking into? DXRacer enjoys popularity over at GCC Gamers, for being “one of the older gaming chair brands” out there. “Most gamers recognise DXRacer for its sturdy build and good quality materials. It’s worth checking out their latest Master series, after the extremely popular King series,” added Batrodi. Yassin, too, vouches for DXRacer - specifically its breathable Air series that comes in a range of colours - saying that it's the best brand she has tried so far, as a gamer.
Another strong contender is Anda Seat: “This is a brand that started off with manufacturing sports car seats, so it’s nearly on par with DXRacer,” Batrodi said. For those looking at affordable yet reliable options, there’s the Cougar Armor One, which most entry-level gamers opt for, he adds.
We picked these models and more to bring you a list of dependable gaming chairs on Amazon. Make sure you’ve geared up with the right headset, as picked by gamers in the UAE, while you’re at it. Shop products on discount with Prime to get your chair delivered to you as soon as tomorrow.
1. Best Overall: DXRacer Master Series Gaming Chair, Red/Black
Pros
- Premium microfibre leather outfitting
- Tilts up to 155 degrees
- 4D armrests
- Doubles as office chair
- Comes in a range of colours – from all-black to all-green
Cons
- Adjusting the lumbar support can be tricky to get right, say reviewers
Unlike most gaming chairs, the DXRacer Master series comes with the lumbar support and the headrest pillow integrated into its build. It’s as minimal as a gaming chair is going to get, perfect for those who are fans of low-key accessories that can be used in the home office, too. At first glance, it resembles a luxurious car seat – complete with premium microfibre leather and a side-mounted dial that lets you adjust the lumbar support. If you want to kick back and relax during breaks, the backrest reclines up to 155 degrees. Users can even unlock the tilt to enjoy the chair’s rocking mode. Reviews say another improved feature from previous models is the 4D armrests, which can be locked into different positions. DXRacer recommends the chair for users up to 6 feet and 2 inches (188.9cm) in height and 275lbs (124.7kgs) in weight.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh108.25 for 12 months with select banks.
2. Best Office Gaming Chair: Anda Seat Adult Phantom 3 Gaming Chair
Pros
- Uses the same PVC leather found on race car seats
- Tilts up to 160 degrees
- Recline locks in different positions
- Great for back pain, per reviews
- Removable lumbar and headrest cushions
Cons
- Maximum weight capacity is 90kgs
Anda Seat Phantom 3 is suitable for gamers under 200cm and 90kgs, and comes with removable medium-sized headrest and lumbar cushions. Made of PVC leather, the chair is scratch- and stain-resistant – Anda Seat promises the same superb material found on BMW and Mercedes Benz race car seats, as the manufacturer of both. Like the DXRacer unit, this gaming chair leans all the way back to 160 degrees, with angle locking at different positions. Some might find the 2D armrest lacking, as it’s only height adjustable. Reviewers say the chair feels sturdy once assembled, and recommend it to those with poor posture and back pain from long hours at the desk.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh82.92 for 12 months with select banks. Add professional assembly for Dh99.
3. Best Value Fabric Gaming Chair: MSI Mag Ch130 I Fabric Gaming Chair
Pros
- Fabric upholstery
- Accommodates weight up to 150kgs
- Lumbar support and neck cushion
- High-density foam
Cons
- Fabric would be harder to clean than leather surfaces
- Armrests aren't the best, per reviews
If you’re wary of tackling long (sweaty) sessions in a leather seat, try this value fabric chair by MSI. The Mag Ch130 I chair is covered in soft, breathable and durable fabric, covering high-density foam. It comes with removable lumbar support and neck cushions, and has the capacity to take on more user weight than our preceding picks, up to 150kgs. It’s best suited for gamers with a height of 165 to 185cm. This chair is best known for its ergonomic design, especially at the shoulders, where the backrest expands and curves. Reviewers attest to the comfort levels, too. Though, with an upholstered unit, staining the fabric would be a reasonable concern for users who like to snack.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh81.68 for 12 months with select banks. Add professional assembly for Dh99.
4. Best Value All-Rounder: Corsair T1 Race
Pros
- Seat reclines to 180 degrees and tilts by 10 degrees
- Moves on rollerblade wheels that protect floors
- 4D armrests
- Wide backrest
Cons
- Reviewers say the armrests wobble
Inspired by motorsport seats, the Corsair T1 Race chair is for the meticulous gamer in search of an adjustable unit. Not only does the seat recline all the way flat to 180 degrees, but the base also dips down to 10 degrees for the perfect posture. Customise your comfort level with the included neck and lumbar pillows covered in microfibre fabric. For a mid-range gaming chair, the T1 Race even lets you play around with 4D armrests. Reviewers who’ve spent up to 40 hours a week in it vouch for the unit with five stars; other happy users point out its quiet rollerblade wheels that move through plush carpets effortlessly. At this price point, the chair is a value all-rounder.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh76.11 for 12 months with select banks.
5. Best Budget: Cougar Gaming Chair Armor One
Pros
- Fully reclines to 180 degrees
- Comes with soft lumbar and headrest cushions
- Best for those with small to medium build
- Value for money
Cons
- Gamers with a bigger build might find it uncomfortable
Cougar’s Armor One is a budget-friendly buy for beginners wanting to test the waters. Gamers get a full 180-degree recline, a lumbar support cushion and a headrest pillow. It’s easy to assemble and comfortable to sit in, thanks to the breathable PVC leather upholstery. However, its 2D armrests are limited to just height adjustments and left and right movement. Reviewers do note that the Armor One fits gamers with a smaller frame better, supporting users up to 120kg in weight. This has been the go-to option for both gamers and office workers to see them through prolonged hours of sitting.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh70.75 for 12 months with select banks.
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
