Buying Guide
The Best Chair for Desk
We weighed five chairs on recline angle and max recline, and the Homall footrest costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A desk chair should adjust to your desk height and support your back through the day. These are ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these chairs on max recline, armrests and lumbar support using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these chairs ourselves, and where a maker leaves out max recline, we say so.
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)
Flip-up Armrests
DUMOS Executive Mesh Office Chair
Flip-up armrests.
Best for: Buyers who want flip-up armrests.
Our take Check price for DUMOS Executive Mesh Office Chair (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
WOTSTA Gaming Chair with Massage Lumbar
A massage lumbar pillow.
Best for: Buyers who want massage lumbar pillow.
Our take Check price for WOTSTA Gaming Chair with Massage Lumbar (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
GTPLAYER Gaming Chair with Footrest
The top of this price range, adding 3D armrests.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for GTPLAYER Gaming Chair with Footrest (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) |
| Flip-up armrests. | Buyers who want flip-up armrests. | Check price for DUMOS Executive Mesh Office Chair (opens in a new tab) |
| A massage lumbar pillow. | Buyers who want massage lumbar pillow. | Check price for WOTSTA Gaming Chair with Massage Lumbar (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding 3D armrests. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for GTPLAYER Gaming Chair with Footrest (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
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
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.
On recline angle it ties with the WOTSTA at 135°. Like the WOTSTA, it has a massage pillow lumbar support, while the DUMOS executive uses an adjustable up/down (mesh) lumbar support. The Homall footrest'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 as little as possible, since it offers the lowest price of the group at our last check. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Sweetcrispy the next step up.
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
- Recline angle of 135°, ahead of the DUMOS executive
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
- Skip it if you need to know its recline angle before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
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. No other pick in this guide offers flip-up (92°) armrests; compare the DUMOS executive, which has flip-up armrests.
The Sweetcrispy's arms flip up, so it can roll closer under a desk with a low front edge. When we checked, only the Homall footrest cost less, and the DUMOS executive cost more. If you want a confirmed recline angle, look to the Homall footrest instead: it reclines to 135°, while this one gives no figure.
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
- No published recline angle
- Costs more than the Homall footrest at the time of writing
Flip-up Armrests3 of 5
DUMOS Executive Mesh Office Chair on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
DUMOS's executive chair adds an adjustable headrest to up-and-down mesh lumbar support, flip-up arms and a 120-degree rocking mode.
Best for
- Buyers who want flip-up armrests.
Skip if
- Pass on it if recline stops at 120 rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It was the lowest-priced chair here at the time of writing. An all-elastic mesh back and high-density sponge seat suit all-day use, and the casters roll on tile, wood and carpet. On recline angle it trails the group at 120°, while the Homall footrest reclines to 135°.
No other pick in this guide offers flip-up armrests; compare the Sweetcrispy, which has flip-up (92°) armrests. No other pick in this guide offers an adjustable up/down (mesh) lumbar support; compare the WOTSTA, which has a massage pillow lumbar support. The DUMOS executive's arms flip up, so it can roll closer under a desk with a low front edge.
When we checked, only the Sweetcrispy and cheaper picks cost less, and the WOTSTA cost more. Recline angle is its weakest area, and the Homall footrest covers it better at 135°.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Max recline: 120°
- Armrests: Flip-up
- Lumbar support: Adjustable up/down (mesh)
- Upholstery: Mesh
Pros
- Flip-up armrests
- Mesh upholstery
- Headrest adjustable in height and by 42 degrees
- Mesh lumbar support that slides up and down
Cons
- Recline stops at 120°
- Recline angle trails the Homall footrest (135°)
- Costs more than the Homall footrest at the time of writing
Also Consider4 of 5
WOTSTA Gaming Chair with Massage Lumbar on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the WOTSTA brings to the table is a massage lumbar pillow, plus a 135 degree recline.
Best for
- Buyers who want massage lumbar pillow.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Homall footrest cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also reclines to 135°. It reclines from 90 to 135 degrees and supports up to 300 lbs on a metal frame. Its metal frame and 300 lb rating suit most adults.
The recline locks at 90 degrees for work posture. It comes in several colour schemes and assembles without extra tools. It matches the Homall footrest on recline angle (135°).
It shares a massage pillow lumbar support with the Homall footrest; the Sweetcrispy goes with a lumbar support. It also comes with a footrest. The WOTSTA's lumbar support is a strap-on pillow, so position it by hand rather than with a dial. Its price falls between the DUMOS executive and the GTPLAYER footrest, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max recline: 135°
- Lumbar support: Massage pillow
- Footrest: Yes
Pros
- Massage lumbar pillow
- 135 degree recline
- Footrest
- Recline angle of 135°, ahead of the DUMOS executive
Cons
- Costs more than the Homall footrest at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
GTPLAYER Gaming Chair with Footrest on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
GTPLAYER's footrest chair adds 3D armrests to the usual PU leather racing shape.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its recline angle before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
Headrest and lumbar pillows come in the box. A thick padded seat cushion resists collapsing, and GTPLAYER offers replacement or refund within 30 days. It suits work, study and gaming.
Its 3D armrests move in several directions to suit the arm and wrist. No other pick in this guide offers 3D armrests; compare the Sweetcrispy, which has flip-up (92°) armrests. No other pick in this guide offers a pillow lumbar support; compare the DUMOS executive, which has an adjustable up/down (mesh) lumbar support.
The GTPLAYER footrest's lumbar support is a strap-on pillow, so position it by hand rather than with a dial. At our last price check it topped the group, with the WOTSTA the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed recline angle, look to the Homall footrest instead: it reclines to 135°, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Armrests: 3D
- Lumbar support: Pillow
- Footrest: Yes
- Upholstery: PU leather
Pros
- 3D armrests
- Headrest pillow and a lumbar pillow
- Footrest
- Pillow lumbar support, the only one here
Cons
- No published recline angle
- 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.
- Lumbar and footrest
- We checked whether lumbar support is built in or a pillow, and whether a footrest is included.
- 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.
What to Look for in a Chair for Desk
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Chair for Desk
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 flip-up armrests | DUMOS executive | Flip-up armrests |
| Buyers who want massage lumbar pillow | WOTSTA | A massage lumbar pillow |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | GTPLAYER footrest | The top of this price range, adding 3D armrests |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Chair | Max recline | Armrests | Lumbar support | Footrest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homall footrest | 135° | Not listed | Massage pillow | Extends 29.6 in |
| Sweetcrispy | Not listed | Flip-up (92°) | Lumbar support | Not listed |
| DUMOS executive | 120° | Flip-up | Adjustable up/down (mesh) | Not listed |
| WOTSTA | 135° | Not listed | Massage pillow | Yes |
| GTPLAYER footrest | Not listed | 3D | Pillow | Yes |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these chairs has the deepest recline angle?
The Homall footrest, at 135°. The WOTSTA follows at 135°, while the DUMOS executive has 120°.
What is the least I can spend on one of these chairs?
That was the Homall footrest at our last check; if you can stretch, the Sweetcrispy is the next step up and the GTPLAYER footrest the priciest.
Are lumbar pillows adjustable?
Strap-on pillows slide up and down on a strap. They are simple but can shift; built-in lumbar stays put.
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 DUMOS executive for flip-up armrests and the WOTSTA for a massage lumbar pillow if those matter more to you.
Check the seat-height range against your desk before buying.