Buying Guide
The Best Chairs for Esports
We weighed five chairs on weight capacity and recline angle; the GTPLAYER B&T linkage has the highest weight capacity, and the N-GEN costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Esports chairs need armrests that hold your forearms level with the desk. Every pick has 3D, 4D or linkage arms, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these chairs on weight capacity, max recline and armrests using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these chairs ourselves, and where a maker leaves out weight capacity, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
N-GEN Gaming Chair with FootrestThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting 90 to 135 degree recline for the least money.
Check price for N-GEN Gaming Chair with Footrest on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Yaheetech Gaming Chair with FootrestA 19 to 22.6 inch seat height.
Best for: Buyers who want 19 to 22.6 inch seat height.
Check price for Yaheetech Gaming Chair with Footrest on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Deepest Recline Angle
GTRACING Gaming ChairThe deepest recline angle here (155°).
Best for: Buyers who put recline angle first.
Check price for GTRACING Gaming Chair on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Mesh Upholstery
Marsail Ergonomic Mesh Office ChairA mesh upholstery.
Best for: Buyers who want a mesh upholstery.
Check price for Marsail Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest Weight Capacity
GTPLAYER Big and Tall Gaming Chair with Linkage ArmsThe highest weight capacity here (400 lbs).
Best for: Buyers who put weight capacity first.
Check price for GTPLAYER Big and Tall Gaming Chair with Linkage Arms on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
N-GEN Gaming Chair with Footrest
N-GEN's chair pairs linkage armrests, which move with the backrest, with a retractable footrest.
Best for
- Getting 90 to 135 degree recline for the least money.
Skip if
- The maker gives no weight capacity, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
The back reclines from 90 to 135 degrees and a lumbar cushion is included. Neck and lumbar cushions support the spine, and the footrest pulls out for leg support. It matches the Yaheetech on recline angle (135°).
It shares linkage armrests with the Yaheetech and GTPLAYER B&T linkage; the Marsail goes with 3D armrests. It shares PU leather upholstery with the GTRACING; the Marsail goes with mesh upholstery. It also offers a 90 to 135 degree recline.
Leave room behind the desk: the N-GEN's footrest needs clear floor space when extended and reclined. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Yaheetech was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed weight capacity should compare it with the GTPLAYER B&T linkage, which is rated for 400 lbs.
Key specs
- Max recline
- 135°
- Armrests
- Linkage
- Lumbar support
- Cushion
- Footrest
- Retractable
- Upholstery
- PU leather
Pros
- 90 to 135 degree recline
- Linkage armrests that move with the backrest
- Retractable footrest
- Recline angle of 135°, ahead of the Marsail
Cons
- No published weight capacity
Also Consider2 of 5
Yaheetech Gaming Chair with Footrest
Yaheetech's chair offers a 19 to 22.6 inch seat height, linkage armrests and a massage lumbar pillow.
Best for
- Buyers who want 19 to 22.6 inch seat height.
Skip if
- The maker gives no weight capacity, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
A footrest is included. It reclines from 90 to 135 degrees with a 19 to 22.6 inch seat height, and linkage armrests move with the backrest. The footrest slides away under the seat when you sit upright to work.
Thick foam cushioning and a winged backrest keep it supportive over long sessions. It matches the N-GEN on recline angle (135°). It shares linkage armrests with the N-GEN and GTPLAYER B&T linkage; the Marsail goes with 3D armrests.
The Yaheetech's lumbar support is a strap-on pillow, so position it by hand rather than with a dial. Its price falls between the N-GEN and the GTRACING, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Max recline
- 135°
- Seat height
- 19 to 22.6 in
- Armrests
- Linkage
- Lumbar support
- Massage pillow
- Footrest
- Yes
Pros
- 19 to 22.6 inch seat height
- Massage lumbar pillow
- Linkage armrests and a footrest
- Recline angle of 135°, ahead of the Marsail
Cons
- No published weight capacity
- Costs more than the N-GEN at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed weight capacity should compare it with the GTPLAYER B&T linkage, which is rated for 400 lbs.
Deepest Recline Angle3 of 5
GTRACING Gaming Chair
GTRACING's chair pairs 3D armrests with a 155 degree recline and a 300 lb weight capacity.
Best for
- Buyers who put recline angle first.
Skip if
- Skip it if weight capacity matters most to you; the GTPLAYER B&T linkage offers 400 lbs.
Why we like it
It uses PU leather upholstery. It reclines from 90 to 155 degrees, and its PU leather is described as breathable. The 3D armrests adjust in several directions.
Its lumbar cushion and headrest detach, and silent casters roll quietly. The 3D armrests adjust for different desk heights. The backrest reclines from 90 to 155 degrees, and a detachable lumbar cushion and headrest are included with 3D armrests.
On weight capacity it trails the group at 300 lbs, while the GTPLAYER B&T linkage is rated for 400 lbs. Nothing else here matches its 155° recline angle; the GTPLAYER B&T linkage comes closest at 150°. Like the Marsail, it has 3D armrests, while the GTPLAYER B&T linkage uses linkage armrests.
Like the N-GEN, it has PU leather upholstery, while the Marsail uses mesh upholstery. It was priced above the Yaheetech and below the Marsail at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Weight capacity
- 300 lbs
- Max recline
- 155°
- Armrests
- 3D
- Upholstery
- PU leather
Pros
- Reclines to 155°
- 3D armrests
- 300 lb weight capacity
- The deepest recline angle here (155°)
Cons
- Weight capacity trails the GTPLAYER B&T linkage (400 lbs)
- Costs more than the N-GEN at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on weight capacity, where the GTPLAYER B&T linkage is rated for 400 lbs.
Mesh Upholstery4 of 5
Marsail Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
Marsail's mesh chair has 3D armrests and a 2D headrest.
Best for
- Buyers who want a mesh upholstery.
Skip if
- Pass on it if recline stops at 120° rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It has a 330 lb capacity and reclines to 120 degrees. Its lumbar support moves 1.18 inches forward and back and 2.16 inches up and down, and the arms flip up. The 3.14-inch foam seat supports 330 lbs.
It has a 2D headrest, 3D armrests and a backrest that reclines from 90 to 120 degrees. On weight capacity it sits mid-pack at 330 lbs: the GTPLAYER B&T linkage is rated for 400 lbs, and the GTRACING comes in at 300 lbs. On recline angle it trails the group at 120°, while the GTRACING reclines to 155°.
Like the GTRACING, it has 3D armrests, while the Yaheetech uses linkage armrests. It is the only pick here with mesh upholstery; the N-GEN has PU leather upholstery instead. When we checked, only the GTRACING and cheaper picks cost less, and the GTPLAYER B&T linkage cost more.
Key specs
- Weight capacity
- 330 lbs
- Max recline
- 120°
- Armrests
- 3D
- Upholstery
- Mesh
Pros
- Mesh upholstery
- 2D headrest
- 3D armrests
- 330 lb weight capacity
Cons
- Recline stops at 120°
- Recline angle trails the GTRACING (155°)
- Costs more than the N-GEN at the time of writing
The catch
Recline angle is its weakest area, and the GTRACING covers it better at 155°.
Highest Weight Capacity5 of 5
GTPLAYER Big and Tall Gaming Chair with Linkage Arms
This GTPLAYER big and tall chair offers 400 lb and reclines from 90 to 150 degrees.
Best for
- Buyers who put weight capacity first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the N-GEN, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its linkage armrests move with the backrest. It is rated for 400 lbs, with an enlarged headrest, a spring seat cushion and dual-layer lumbar support. Its 400 lbs weight capacity is the highest here; the Marsail comes next at 330 lbs.
On recline angle it sits mid-pack at 150°: the GTRACING reclines to 155°, and the Marsail comes in at 120°. Like the N-GEN and Yaheetech, it has linkage armrests, while the GTRACING uses 3D armrests. It also offers a 400 lb weight capacity and a 90 to 150 degree recline.
Check the GTPLAYER B&T linkage's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating. Only the Marsail came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Weight capacity
- 400 lbs
- Max recline
- 150°
- Armrests
- Linkage
- Footrest
- Yes
Pros
- 400 lb weight rating
- 90 to 150 degree recline
- Linkage armrests
- Recline angle of 150°, ahead of the N-GEN
Cons
- Costs more than the N-GEN at the time of writing
How We Chose These Chairs for Esports
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five chairs on weight capacity, recline angle, armrests and lumbar support from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick, while weight capacity and lumbar support have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the N-GEN to the GTPLAYER B&T linkage, state recline angle and armrests.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The N-GEN and the Yaheetech give no weight capacity; the GTRACING, the Marsail and the GTPLAYER B&T linkage give no lumbar support.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the N-GEN ($50 to $100) to the GTPLAYER B&T linkage ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Chair for Esports
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Recline angle across these picks
Across these 5 picks recline angle spans 120° (the Marsail) to 155° (the GTRACING). If recline angle is your first filter, the GTRACING sets the ceiling at 155°.
How much weight capacity you need
The GTPLAYER B&T linkage tops weight capacity at 400 lbs and the GTRACING sits lowest at 300 lbs. For less, the Marsail is the runner-up at 330 lbs. The N-GEN and the Yaheetech give no weight capacity figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
A wooden desk with a monitor on an arm, a desk mat and a compact keyboard Lumbar support
The N-GEN lists cushion; the Yaheetech lists massage pillow.
Upholstery
The N-GEN and the GTRACING list PU leather; the Marsail lists mesh.
A desk setup with a monitor riser, ergonomic chair and blue backlight Fit and compatibility
Leave room behind the desk: the N-GEN's footrest needs clear floor space when extended and reclined. The Yaheetech's lumbar support is a strap-on pillow, so position it by hand rather than with a dial. Check the GTPLAYER B&T linkage's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating.
How to Choose a Chair for Esports
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting 90 to 135 degree recline for the least money | N-GEN | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want 19 to 22.6 inch seat height | Yaheetech | A 19 to 22.6 inch seat height |
| Buyers who put recline angle first | GTRACING | The deepest recline angle here (155°) |
| Buyers who want a mesh upholstery | Marsail | A mesh upholstery |
| Buyers who put weight capacity first | GTPLAYER B&T linkage | The highest weight capacity here (400 lbs) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The GTRACING leads on recline angle at 155°, ahead of the GTPLAYER B&T linkage at 150°. "Not listed" marks weight capacity where the N-GEN and the Yaheetech leave the figure out.
| Chair | Weight capacity | Max recline | Armrests | Lumbar support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N-GEN | Not listed | 135° | Linkage | Cushion |
| Yaheetech | Not listed | 135° | Linkage | Massage pillow |
| GTRACING | 300 lbs | 155° | 3D | Not listed |
| Marsail | 330 lbs | 120° | 3D | Not listed |
| GTPLAYER B&T linkage | 400 lbs | 150° | Linkage | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The N-GEN was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the GTPLAYER B&T linkage the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Chairs |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | N-GEN, Yaheetech |
| About $100 to $150 | GTRACING, Marsail, GTPLAYER B&T linkage |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GTRACING ahead of the GTPLAYER B&T linkage on recline angle?
The GTRACING tops recline angle at 155°; the GTPLAYER B&T linkage follows at 150°, 3% apart. The Marsail closes the ranking at 120°.
How does the Marsail compare with the GTPLAYER B&T linkage on weight capacity?
The GTPLAYER B&T linkage leads at 400 lbs, with the Marsail at 330 lbs. The GTRACING is at the other end of this group with 300 lbs. The N-GEN and the Yaheetech don't state a weight capacity figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the GTPLAYER B&T linkage add over the N-GEN?
What it brings is recline angle (150° against 135°). On our last price check the N-GEN was in the $50 to $100 tier and the GTPLAYER B&T linkage in the $100 to $150 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if recline angle decides your purchase.
Why is the GTRACING our Deepest Recline Angle pick?
It carries the badge for the deepest recline angle here (155°). On recline angle it leads the GTPLAYER B&T linkage, 155° against 150°, a 3% margin. The N-GEN, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who puts recline angle first.
Do the N-GEN and the GTRACING differ on armrests?
The N-GEN, the Yaheetech and the GTPLAYER B&T linkage use linkage; the GTRACING and the Marsail use 3D.
Will the GTPLAYER B&T linkage work with my setup?
Check the GTPLAYER B&T linkage's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Highest Weight Capacity pick, and second of 5 on recline angle (150°).
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the N-GEN, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the Yaheetech for a 19 to 22.6 inch seat height, the GTRACING for the deepest recline angle here (155°) and the Marsail for a mesh upholstery if those matter more to you.
Match armrest height to desk height.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Office Chairs with Adjustable Lower-Back Support
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Chairs
- Related guideThe Best Ergonomic Chairs for Gaming
- Lower budgetThe Best Desk Chairs Under $70
- Higher budgetThe Best Premium Gaming Chairs
- ExplainerHow to size an office chair to your height and your desk
- ExplainerHow to choose a monitor arm: VESA pattern, weight range and desk clamps
- Also see: monitor arms and accessoriesThe Best Monitor Light Bars
- Similar guideThe Best Desk Chairs
- Topic hubAll chairs, desks and desk setup guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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