Buying Guide
The Best Chairs With Footrest
Five chairs compared, from the adult footrest chair to the GTPLAYER speaker chair, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A footrest makes a reclined chair usable for resting between sessions. Every pick has a footrest, ordered by recline angle.
Our comparison rests on published figures for weight capacity, max recline and armrests; where a maker leaves out weight capacity, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Weight Capacity
Stella Mia Big and Tall Gaming Chair
The highest weight capacity here (500 lbs).
Best for: Buyers who put weight capacity first.
Our take Check price for Stella Mia Big and Tall Gaming Chair (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
GTPLAYER Gaming Chair with Bluetooth Speakers
The top of this price range, adding Bluetooth speakers built into the headrest.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for GTPLAYER Gaming Chair with Bluetooth Speakers (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
VITESSE Big and Tall Gaming Chair
A 90 to 155 degree recline.
Best for: Buyers who want 90 to 155 degree recline.
Our take Check price for VITESSE Big and Tall Gaming Chair (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Video Gaming Chair for Adults with Footrest
Undercutting the GTPLAYER B&T linkage on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Video Gaming Chair for Adults with Footrest (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
GTPLAYER Big and Tall Gaming Chair with Linkage Arms
A 400 lb weight capacity.
Best for: Buyers who want 400 lb weight capacity.
Our take Check price for GTPLAYER Big and Tall Gaming Chair with Linkage Arms (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Highest Weight Capacity1 of 5
Stella Mia Big and Tall Gaming Chair on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Stella Mia's chair offers a 23.6 inch wide seat and a 500 lb capacity.
Best for
- Buyers who put weight capacity first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the adult footrest chair cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It reclines to 165 degrees with a footrest. The 23.6-inch seat is wide enough to sit cross-legged, and it is sized for users up to 6 ft 7 in and over 300 lbs. The backrest reclines to a near-flat 165 degrees with a retractable footrest.
On weight capacity it leads this guide at 500 lbs, ahead of the VITESSE (400 lbs). Nothing else here matches its 165° recline angle; the GTPLAYER speaker chair comes closest at 160°. You also get a 165 degree recline.
The Stella Mia's lumbar support is a strap-on pillow, so position it by hand rather than with a dial. Check the Stella Mia's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating. It was priced above the VITESSE and below the GTPLAYER speaker chair at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight capacity: 500 lbs
- Max recline: 165°
- Lumbar support: Pillow
- Footrest: Yes
Pros
- 500 lb weight rating
- Reclines to 165°
- 23.6 inch wide seat
- The highest weight capacity here (500 lbs)
Cons
- Costs more than the adult footrest chair at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
GTPLAYER Gaming Chair with Bluetooth Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
GTPLAYER's speaker chair builds Bluetooth speakers into the headrest and reclines to 160 degrees.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Its weight capacity is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
A footrest pulls out from the seat. Two Bluetooth speakers in the headrest play from a phone or tablet for up to 16 hours. Its metal frame supports an upright seated position.
Its PU leather is smooth, and the thick high-density foam seat resists sagging. Its 160° recline angle ranks second of 5 here, behind the Stella Mia (165°) and ahead of the GTPLAYER B&T linkage (150°). It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Stella Mia and the rest. The maker doesn't give its weight capacity; if that figure matters, the Stella Mia is rated for 500 lbs.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max recline: 160°
- Footrest: Yes
Pros
- Reclines to 160°
- Bluetooth speakers built into the headrest
- Footrest
- The top of this price range, adding Bluetooth speakers built into the headrest
Cons
- No published weight capacity
- Costs more than the adult footrest chair at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
VITESSE Big and Tall Gaming Chair on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
VITESSE's big and tall chair reclines from 90 to 155 degrees with linkage armrests.
Best for
- Buyers who want 90 to 155 degree recline.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the adult footrest chair was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It has a 400 lb capacity and a footrest. Oversized memory-foam neck and lumbar pillows add padding, and the backrest tilts from 90 to 155 degrees. It matches the GTPLAYER B&T linkage on weight capacity (400 lbs).
Its 155° recline angle ranks third of 5 here, behind the Stella Mia (165°) and ahead of the GTPLAYER B&T linkage (150°). It also comes with a 90 to 155 degree recline. Check the VITESSE's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating. Its price falls between the GTPLAYER B&T linkage and the Stella Mia, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
- Max recline: 155°
- Armrests: Linkage
- Footrest: Yes
Pros
- 400 lb weight rating
- Reclines to 155°
- Linkage armrests
Cons
- Costs more than the adult footrest chair at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
Video Gaming Chair for Adults with Footrest on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This adult gaming chair reclines to 150 degrees and has a removable headrest.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Its weight capacity is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
Its lumbar support adjusts and a footrest slides out for breaks. The backrest reclines from 90 to 150 degrees and locks at any angle, with a retractable footrest for breaks. Its PU leather is water-repellent and wipes clean.
It matches the GTPLAYER B&T linkage on recline angle (150°). It makes the most sense for keeping the budget tight, since it offers undercutting the GTPLAYER B&T linkage on price when we checked. It undercut the GTPLAYER B&T linkage and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its weight capacity; if that figure matters, the Stella Mia is rated for 500 lbs.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max recline: 150°
- Lumbar support: Adjustable
- Footrest: Yes
Pros
- Removable headrest
- Recline up to 150 degrees
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Undercutting the GTPLAYER B&T linkage on price when we checked
Cons
- No published weight capacity
Strong Alternative5 of 5
GTPLAYER Big and Tall Gaming Chair with Linkage Arms on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This GTPLAYER big and tall chair offers 400 lb and reclines from 90 to 150 degrees.
Best for
- Buyers who want 400 lb weight capacity.
Skip if
- Skip it if weight capacity matters most to you; the Stella Mia offers 500 lbs.
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. It matches the VITESSE on weight capacity (400 lbs).
It matches the adult footrest chair on recline angle (150°). 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.
Its price falls between the adult footrest chair and the VITESSE, based on our last check. If weight capacity is your priority, the Stella Mia (500 lbs) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
- Max recline: 150°
- Armrests: Linkage
- Footrest: Yes
Pros
- 400 lb weight rating
- 90 to 150 degree recline
- Linkage armrests
Cons
- Weight capacity trails the Stella Mia (500 lbs)
- Recline angle trails the Stella Mia (165°)
- Costs more than the adult footrest chair at the time of writing
How We Chose These Chairs With Footrest
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 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.
- 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.
What to Look for in a Chair With Footrest
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Where these picks differ: recline angle
Among these picks, recline angle runs from 150° on the GTPLAYER B&T linkage to 165° on the Stella Mia. Match this to what you will actually do with it, then let price decide between the picks that qualify.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Chair With Footrest
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put weight capacity first | Stella Mia | The highest weight capacity here (500 lbs) |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | GTPLAYER speaker chair | The top of this price range, adding Bluetooth speakers built into the headrest |
| Buyers who want 90 to 155 degree recline | VITESSE | A 90 to 155 degree recline |
| Keeping the budget tight | adult footrest chair | Undercutting the GTPLAYER B&T linkage on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want 400 lb weight capacity | GTPLAYER B&T linkage | A 400 lb weight capacity |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Chair | Weight capacity | Max recline | Armrests | Lumbar support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stella Mia | 500 lbs | 165° | Not listed | Pillow |
| GTPLAYER speaker chair | Not listed | 160° | Not listed | Not listed |
| VITESSE | 400 lbs | 155° | Linkage | Not listed |
| adult footrest chair | Not listed | 150° | Not listed | Adjustable |
| GTPLAYER B&T linkage | 400 lbs | 150° | Linkage | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Chairs |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | adult footrest chair |
| About $100 to $150 | GTPLAYER B&T linkage, VITESSE |
| About $150 to $250 | Stella Mia, GTPLAYER speaker chair |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on weight capacity?
The Stella Mia leads at 500 lbs, ahead of the VITESSE at 400 lbs; the GTPLAYER B&T linkage sits at the other end with 400 lbs.
Which pick costs the least here?
The adult footrest chair. It undercut the GTPLAYER B&T linkage when we checked, while the GTPLAYER speaker chair cost the most of the group.
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.
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.
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 Stella Mia, chosen for the highest weight capacity here (500 lbs). Look at the GTPLAYER speaker chair for the top of this price range, adding Bluetooth speakers built into the headrest, the VITESSE for a 90 to 155 degree recline and the adult footrest chair for undercutting the GTPLAYER B&T linkage on price when we checked if those matter more to you.
Retract the footrest while working; sitting with raised legs at a desk strains the lower back.