Unless you have a super small living room, the couch is probably way too far from your T.V. for an optimal gaming experience. Solution? A portable, lightweight chair that you can put close to the T.V. when you are gaming, and stash or use for extra seating when you aren’t. There are gaming chairs that you may want to consider for every budget, and for the hardcore and closet gamer alike. Below I will cover from Traditional gaming chairs with built-in speakers to bungees, floor chairs, and more. For PC gaming, see our post on office gaming chairs.
Traditional Gaming Chairs with Speakers
Traditional gaming chairs feature a super-low profile, a rocking design and built-in speakers. While these features are all the same, the chairs vary a great deal with respect to quality and durability, pedestals, size, speaker quality, and Bluetooth compatibility. Below are three great chairs for the under $200, under $150, and under $100 price points.
7 Good Gaming Chairs for the Money in 2017
Under $200
#1 X Rocker 51396 Pro Series Pedestal 2.1 Video Gaming Chair, Wireless
While the X Rocker 51396 is a few years old it’s still one of my favorites in terms of value. It lets you get into your game more by playing music right out of hidden speakers and a subwoofer in the head rest.
The built-in wireless function allows you to hook the sound into a wireless stereo splitter if you have one, or directly through RCA cables. This chair also features a great vibration mode that lets you feel the sound right in your gut for a true console gaming experience.
One of the best things about this gaming chair is that it features a pedestal. For us big guys, the thought of having a banana chair straight on the floor while you eat your kneecaps is not the greatest.
The pedestal gets this gaming chair about a foot off the ground allowing for you to sit comfortably on the faux-leather exterior. If you aren’t gaming and just want to lounge, you can also connect an iPod or mp3 directly to the chair.
Under $150
#2 Ace Bayou 5172601 Surge Bluetooth 2.1 Sound Gaming Chair
Next on our list is another awesome gaming chair entry from X-Rocker, this time in the under $125 price point. This comfortable, heavy chair is big enough for an above-average sized gamer and contains great speakers right in the chair.
The profile of the chair is low but angles up about perfectly to a TV. This chair has most of the features of the 51396 Pro except it lacks a vibration function (which is pretty deafeningly awesome) and a pedestal.
The Bluetooth is a great feature for this chair but probably not in the way you are thinking. Unfortunately, it does not (as of this review) connect to PS4 or PS3 via Bluetooth, so you will need to have wires to the chair. However, the Bluetooth will come in handy if you want to connect your phone or tablet for music straight into the chair.
Under $100
#3 Cohesion XP 2.1 Gaming Chair with Audio
This last chair is in the under $75 price point and is still great fun. The chair features and contains hidden speakers like the most expensive chairs. One of the main noticeable differences between this and other gaming chairs is size. If you are 6’0 this is not your gaming chair. On the other hand, If you are 5’5 or buying this for a smaller framed teen, it is a comfortable chair with immersive sound. It is also lighter weight and easier to move it around if you don’t want it in the middle of your family room all the time.
Just to warn you: Just about every gaming chair out there connects through RCA ports. If you don’t have an RCA output on your game console or TV, you’ll need a converter.
[easyazon_link asin="B0031LKYMY" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="jakettg-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]X Rocker 51396[/easyazon_link] | [easyazon_link asin="B00CTIA5P6" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="jakettg-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]X Rocker 5172601Bluetooth[/easyazon_link] | [easyazon_link asin="B002MZGKNW" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="jakettg-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]Cohesion XP 2.1[/easyazon_link] |
[easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="left" asin="B0031LKYMY" cloaking="default" height="160" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41vpzNKqGHL._SL160_.jpg" tag="jakettg-20" width="146"]X Rocker 51396[/easyazon_image] | [easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="left" asin="B00CTIA5P6" cloaking="default" height="140" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/410%2BjgAs8fL._SL160_.jpg" tag="jakettg-20" width="160"]X Rocker 5172601Bluetooth[/easyazon_image] | [easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="left" asin="B002MZGKNW" cloaking="default" height="151" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41kVhTLJmzL._SL160_.jpg" tag="jakettg-20" width="160"]Cohesion XP 2.1[/easyazon_image] |
My Favorite Alternative Options to the “Standard” Gaming Chair
Let’s face it guys. The red banana chair with speakers is probably not wife or girlfriend friendly. If you aren’t quite ready to turn your family room into your gaming dungeon, the chairs below offer a great gaming chair that can be brought close to the TV and then set aside, albeit without the built-in speakers.
Homelegance 4726BK Adjustable Game Chair
Most gaming chairs tend to run on the small side. I like the Homeglance Adjustable Game Chair if you are tall or over 200 lbs. It is nearly 6 feet long and two feet wide. The chair also looks classy in any room with a classy faux leather cover.
The chair adjustments range from a chair to reclining chair, to flat on the ground if you want to sleep after playing until 4 a.m. It comes in red, black, or white.
The chair adjustments range from a chair to reclining chair, to flat on the ground if you want to sleep after playing until 4 a.m. It comes in red, black, or white.
Pear Shape Super-Bungee Chair GCo
If you’re looking for something light, mobile and affordable, a bungee chair is a great choice. A bungee chair basically feels like sitting in a hammock. Personally for me, the round bungee chairs are not that comfortable. Unlike most bungee chairs, the Super Bungee from
Personally for me, the round bungee chairs are not that comfortable. Unlike most bungee chairs, the Super Bungee from Gco has a pear shape which is considerably more comfortable for sitting. Perfect for gaming comfortably. Great for a small apartment because it folds up for storage. Aside from gaming, this chair makes something different and fun for the room.
Perfect for gaming comfortably. Great for a small apartment because it folds up for storage. Aside from gaming, this chair makes something different and fun for the room.
Aside from gaming, this chair makes something different and fun for the room.
FYI – the weight limit is 225 lbs. Comes in a variety of colors.
Niche Mia Reclining Bentwood Chair
You could also get a typical reclining chair. This is an example of a good gaming chair – it’s pretty low to the ground, lightweight so it can be moved out of the way, and it reclines. The cotton cover comes off so you can wash it after your sweaty gamer friend sits in it all night. The chair has a durable metal frame and comes in a lot of colors.
The cotton cover comes off so you can wash it after your sweaty gamer friend sits in it all night. The chair has a durable metal frame and comes in a lot of colors.
The chair has a durable metal frame and comes in a lot of colors.
Cozy Sack 3 Feet Bean Bag Chair
Another great gaming option is a bean bag chair. It sits low to the ground and can be adjusted to give you a good angle on the T.V. while reclining. I will warn you that I have plenty of experience with cheap beanbag chairs deflating if you’re thinking of going that route. In particular the “gaming” or “dorm” bean bag chairs look cool but are on the cheaper end. I would recommend going with something like a Cozy Sack that is actually going to last and stay comfortable for a long time.
I will warn you that I have plenty of experience with cheap beanbag chairs deflating if you’re thinking of going that route.
In particular the “gaming” or “dorm” bean bag chairs look cool but are on the cheaper end. I would recommend going with something like a Cozy Sack that is actually going to last and stay comfortable for a long time.
[easyazon_link asin="B005PX8C2K" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="jakettg-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]Homelegance 4726BK[/easyazon_link] | [easyazon_link asin="B00IP1NQGG" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="jakettg-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]Super-Bungee Chair GCo[/easyazon_link] | [easyazon_link asin="B00DKXHOGC" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="jakettg-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]Niche Mia Reclining Chair[/easyazon_link] | [easyazon_link asin="B0064BPATK" locale="US" new_window="default" nofollow="default" tag="jakettg-20" add_to_cart="default" cloaking="default" localization="default" popups="default"]Cozy Sack 3-Feet Bean Bag Chair[/easyazon_link] |
[easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="left" asin="B005PX8C2K" cloaking="default" height="89" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31izuRnvAVL._SL160_.jpg" tag="jakettg-20" width="160"]Homelegance 4726BK[/easyazon_image] | [easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="left" asin="B00IP1NQGG" cloaking="default" height="160" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519ov2Q6mcL._SL160_.jpg" tag="jakettg-20" width="160"]Super-Bungee Chair GCo[/easyazon_image] | [easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="left" asin="B00DKXHOGC" cloaking="default" height="160" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41USadxt1sL._SL160_.jpg" tag="jakettg-20" width="142"]Niche Mia Reclining Chair[/easyazon_image] | [easyazon_image add_to_cart="default" align="left" asin="B0064BPATK" cloaking="default" height="160" localization="default" locale="US" nofollow="default" new_window="default" src="https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513WimuOf6L._SL160_.jpg" tag="jakettg-20" width="160"]Cozy Sack 3-Feet Bean Bag Chair[/easyazon_image] |
