Buying Guide
The Best Budget Gaming Chair
Five chairs ranked on recline angle and max recline; the Homall footrest is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Under $130, gaming chairs trade adjustment range for price. These are ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these chairs on max recline, seat height and armrests using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out max recline, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Homall Gaming Chair with Footrest
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Homall Gaming Chair with Footrest (opens in a new tab)
Lumbar Support
Sweetcrispy Gaming Chair
A lumbar support.
Best for: Buyers who want a lumbar support.
Our take Check price for Sweetcrispy Gaming Chair (opens in a new tab)
Pad Lumbar Support
Huracan Gaming Chair with Footrest
A pad lumbar support.
Best for: Buyers who want a pad lumbar support.
Our take Check price for Huracan Gaming Chair with Footrest (opens in a new tab)
Flip-up Armrests
N-GEN Gaming Chair with Flip-Up Arms
Flip-up armrests.
Best for: Buyers who want flip-up armrests.
Our take Check price for N-GEN Gaming Chair with Flip-Up Arms (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Homall Faux Leather Gaming Chair
The top of this price range, adding a 90 to 155 degree recline.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Homall Faux Leather Gaming Chair (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for Homall Gaming Chair with Footrest (opens in a new tab) |
| A lumbar support. | Buyers who want a lumbar support. | Check price for Sweetcrispy Gaming Chair (opens in a new tab) |
| A pad lumbar support. | Buyers who want a pad lumbar support. | Check price for Huracan Gaming Chair with Footrest (opens in a new tab) |
| Flip-up armrests. | Buyers who want flip-up armrests. | Check price for N-GEN Gaming Chair with Flip-Up Arms (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding a 90 to 155 degree recline. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for Homall Faux Leather Gaming Chair (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Homall Gaming Chair with Footrest on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Homall's footrest chair offers a footrest that extends 29.6 inches, one of the few listings to state the reach.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: recline angle of 135°, behind the Homall faux leather (155°).
Why we like it
A massage lumbar pillow is included. High-density foam fills the seat, back and armrests under soft PU leather. The footrest slides out for breaks between games.
No other pick in this guide offers a massage pillow lumbar support; compare the Homall faux leather, which has a pillow lumbar support. It also comes with a 135 degree recline. The Homall footrest's lumbar support is a strap-on pillow, so position it by hand rather than with a dial.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Sweetcrispy was closest. What it gives up: recline angle of 135°, behind the Homall faux leather (155°); by contrast, the Homall faux leather reclines to 155°.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max recline: 135°
- Lumbar support: Massage pillow
- Footrest: Extends 29.6 in
Pros
- Footrest that extends 29.6 inches
- Massage lumbar pillow
- 135 degree recline
- The lowest price of the group at our last check
Cons
- Recline angle of 135°, behind the Homall faux leather (155°)
Lumbar Support2 of 5
Sweetcrispy Gaming Chair on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Sweetcrispy's chair has armrests that flip up 92 degrees and an 18 to 22 inch seat height.
Best for
- Buyers who want a lumbar support.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Homall footrest was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Lumbar support is included. It is rated for 275 lbs on a chrome-plated metal base, and the PU leather back has cut-outs for airflow. The flip-up arms let it slide fully under a desk when you're done.
At about 30 pounds it is light enough to move between rooms, and the tilt tension runs from 90 to 122 degrees. Assembly takes around 17 minutes with the included tools. The Sweetcrispy's arms flip up, so it can roll closer under a desk with a low front edge.
It was priced above the Homall footrest and below the Huracan at the time of writing. There is no published recline angle figure, whereas the Homall faux leather reclines to 155°.
Key dimensions & specs
- Seat height: 18 to 22 in
- Armrests: Flip-up (92°)
- Lumbar support: Lumbar support
Pros
- Flip-up (92°) armrests
- 18 to 22 inch seat height
- Lumbar support
Cons
- Costs more than the Homall footrest at the time of writing
Pad Lumbar Support3 of 5
Huracan Gaming Chair with Footrest on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Huracan's chair pairs a memory-foam seat with PU leather and a lumbar pad.
Best for
- Buyers who want a pad lumbar support.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Homall footrest, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
A footrest is included. A lumbar pad and padded headrest follow the body's curve, and the memory foam seat sits under PU leather. A footrest slides out for breaks.
The backrest reclines for rest breaks, and the metal frame swivels 360 degrees. A retractable footrest supports your legs. No other pick in this guide offers a pad lumbar support; compare the Homall footrest, which has a massage pillow lumbar support.
When we checked, only the Sweetcrispy and cheaper picks cost less, and the N-GEN flip-up cost more. If you want a confirmed recline angle, look to the Homall faux leather instead: it reclines to 155°, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Lumbar support: Pad
- Footrest: Yes
- Upholstery: PU leather, memory foam
Pros
- Memory-foam seat
- Lumbar pad
- Footrest
- Pad lumbar support, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Homall footrest at the time of writing
Flip-up Armrests4 of 5
N-GEN Gaming Chair with Flip-Up Arms on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
N-GEN's flip-up chair folds its armrests out of the way to fit under a desk.
Best for
- Buyers who want flip-up armrests.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Homall footrest was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It keeps the PU leather racing style at a low price. Its S-curved backrest and U-shaped seat aim for support over long sessions, and the arms flip up. Tilt tension and a 360-degree swivel round out the adjustments.
No other pick in this guide offers PU leather upholstery; compare the Homall faux leather, which has faux leather upholstery. The N-GEN flip-up's arms flip up, so it can roll closer under a desk with a low front edge. It was priced above the Huracan and below the Homall faux leather at the time of writing. There is no published recline angle figure, whereas the Homall faux leather reclines to 155°.
Key dimensions & specs
- Armrests: Flip-up
- Upholstery: PU leather
Pros
- Flip-up armrests
- PU leather upholstery
- Price under $80 at the time of writing
Cons
- Costs more than the Homall footrest at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Homall Faux Leather Gaming Chair on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Homall's faux leather chair reclines from 90 to 155 degrees and starts at a 17.3 inch seat height.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Homall footrest, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The headrest pillow is removable. No other pick in this guide offers a pillow lumbar support; compare the Homall footrest, which has a massage pillow lumbar support. It is the only pick here with faux leather upholstery; the N-GEN flip-up has PU leather upholstery instead.
You also get a 90 to 155 degree recline. The Homall faux leather's lumbar support is a strap-on pillow, so position it by hand rather than with a dial. It makes the most sense for spending more for the fullest feature set, since it offers the top of this price range, adding a 90 to 155 degree recline. At our last price check it topped the group, with the N-GEN flip-up the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max recline: 155°
- Seat height: From 17.3 in
- Lumbar support: Pillow
- Upholstery: Faux leather
Pros
- Reclines to 155°
- Removable headrest
- Seat height from 17.3 inches
- Pillow lumbar support, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Homall footrest at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Upholstery
- We noted PU leather, fabric or mesh from the product description.
- Adjustment
- We noted recline angle, armrest type and seat-height range where listed.
- Weight capacity
- We recorded the load limit stated in each listing and left it blank where none is given.
- Lumbar and footrest
- We checked whether lumbar support is built in or a pillow, and whether a footrest is included.
What to Look for in a Budget Gaming Chair
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Check seat height against your desk
Your feet should rest flat with thighs level. Compare the seat-height range with your desk height and your leg length before buying.
Know what kind of lumbar support you get
Most budget gaming chairs use a strap-on pillow. Built-in or adjustable lumbar sits in the backrest and does not slide around.
Upholstery changes heat and wear
PU leather wipes clean but traps heat. Fabric and mesh breathe better. Check the product page rather than the photos.
Match the weight rating with margin
A chair's rated capacity covers the base, gas lift and frame. Pick one rated well above your weight, since the rating is a limit, not a comfort target.
Armrest adjustment decides desk fit
Fixed or linkage arms move together with the backrest. 3D and 4D arms move up, down, in and out; flip-up arms let the chair tuck under a desk.
Recline and footrests need space
A 155 to 165 degree recline and a pull-out footrest are for breaks. Both need floor space behind and in front of the chair.
How to Choose a Budget Gaming Chair
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | Homall footrest | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want a lumbar support | Sweetcrispy | A lumbar support |
| Buyers who want a pad lumbar support | Huracan | A pad lumbar support |
| Buyers who want flip-up armrests | N-GEN flip-up | Flip-up armrests |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | Homall faux leather | The top of this price range, adding a 90 to 155 degree recline |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Chair | Max recline | Seat height | Armrests | Lumbar support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homall footrest | 135° | Not listed | Not listed | Massage pillow |
| Sweetcrispy | Not listed | 18 to 22 in | Flip-up (92°) | Lumbar support |
| Huracan | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Pad |
| N-GEN flip-up | Not listed | Not listed | Flip-up | Not listed |
| Homall faux leather | 155° | From 17.3 in | Not listed | Pillow |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least I can spend on one of these chairs?
Start with the Homall footrest, the lowest-priced pick when we checked. The Homall faux leather is the premium end, so the spread between them shows what extra money buys here.
How hard is assembly?
Most chairs arrive with the base, cylinder, seat and backrest separate and bolt together with the included tools. A second person helps with the backrest.
What does the weight capacity mean?
It is the maker's load limit for the chair. Staying well under it puts less stress on the gas cylinder and base.
Is a gaming chair better than an office chair?
Not by default. Gaming chairs add recline and bucket-seat styling; office chairs often have more seat and lumbar adjustment. Choose by the adjustments you will use.
Can a child use an adult gaming chair?
Only if the seat lowers far enough for their feet to rest flat. Chairs listed for kids state a smaller seat or an age range.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Homall footrest, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the Sweetcrispy for a lumbar support, the Huracan for a pad lumbar support and the N-GEN flip-up for flip-up armrests if those matter more to you.
At this price, check the weight capacity and warranty closely.