Buying Guide

The Best Gaming Chairs Under $100

Six chairs priced under $100 at the time of writing.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read6 products evaluated

A desk setup with a keyboard, mouse and headset beside a monitor
Illustrative image

Under $100, most gaming chairs use PU leather, a lumbar pillow and a footrest. These six differ in armrests, seat height and recline.

All six were under $100 at the time of writing.

Quick Picks

Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Best Linkage Armrests

    N-GEN Gaming Chair with Footrest

    Linkage armrests and a retractable footrest.

    Best for: Most budget desks.

    Check price for N-GEN Gaming Chair with Footrest on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  2. Best Seat Height Range

    Sweetcrispy Gaming Chair

    An 18 to 22 inch seat and 92 degree flip-up arms.

    Best for: Shared desks.

    Check price for Sweetcrispy Gaming Chair on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Best Linkage Armrests1 of 6

N-GEN Gaming Chair with Footrest

N-GEN's chair pairs linkage armrests, which move with the backrest, with a retractable footrest.

Best for

Most budget desks.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the Sweetcrispy, which cost less when we checked.
N-GEN Gaming Chair with Footrest

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. Like the Yaheetech, it has linkage armrests, while the DUMOS uses flip-up armrests.

No other pick in this guide offers a cushion lumbar support; compare the Homall footrest, which has a massage pillow lumbar support. You get a retractable footrest here, which sets it apart from the Homall footrest and its an extends 29.6 in footrest. 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. When we checked, only the DUMOS and cheaper picks cost less, and the Yaheetech cost more.

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
  • Cushion lumbar support, the only one here

Cons

  • Costs more than the Sweetcrispy at the time of writing

Widest Seat Range2 of 6

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

Taller users.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the Sweetcrispy, which cost less when we checked.
Yaheetech Gaming Chair with Footrest

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. Like the N-GEN, it has linkage armrests, while the DUMOS uses flip-up armrests. Like the Homall footrest, it has a massage pillow lumbar support, while the N-GEN uses a cushion lumbar support.

The Yaheetech's lumbar support is a strap-on pillow, so position it by hand rather than with a dial. When we checked, only the N-GEN and cheaper picks cost less, and the Homall footrest cost more.

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

Cons

  • Costs more than the Sweetcrispy at the time of writing

Best Flip-Up Arms3 of 6

DUMOS Gaming Chair with Flip-Up Arms

DUMOS's chair has armrests that flip up so it can tuck under a desk.

Best for

Low desks.

Skip if

If budget leads, the Sweetcrispy was cheaper at our last price check.
DUMOS Gaming Chair with Flip-Up Arms

Why we like it

It rocks between 90 and 135 degrees and offers a 275 lb capacity. It has a BIFMA-certified metal base and a class 3 gas lift, plus a rocking mode. It comes with the tools and video installation guides.

It is the only pick here with flip-up armrests; the N-GEN has linkage armrests instead. The DUMOS's arms flip up, so it can roll closer under a desk with a low front edge. It was priced above the Sweetcrispy and below the N-GEN at the time of writing.

Key specs

Weight capacity
275 lbs
Max recline
135°
Armrests
Flip-up

Pros

  • Flip-up armrests
  • 90 to 135 degree rocking range
  • 275 lb weight capacity
  • Flip-up armrests and a 275 lb rating

Cons

  • Costs more than the Sweetcrispy at the time of writing

Best Seat Height Range4 of 6

Sweetcrispy Gaming Chair

Sweetcrispy's chair has armrests that flip up 92 degrees and an 18 to 22 inch seat height.

Best for

Shared desks.

Skip if

Its recline angle is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Sweetcrispy Gaming Chair

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. You get flip-up (92°) armrests here, which sets it apart from the N-GEN and its linkage armrests.

The Sweetcrispy's arms flip up, so it can roll closer under a desk with a low front edge. It undercut the DUMOS and every other pick on price at the time of writing.

Key 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
  • An 18 to 22 inch seat and 92 degree flip-up arms

Cons

  • No published recline angle

The catch

The maker doesn't give its recline angle; if that figure matters, the N-GEN reclines to 135°.

Best Fabric5 of 6

GTPLAYER Fabric Gaming Chair with Footrest

GTPLAYER's fabric footrest chair reclines to 135 degrees.

Best for

Warm rooms.

Skip if

If budget leads, the Sweetcrispy was cheaper at our last price check.
GTPLAYER Fabric Gaming Chair with Footrest

Why we like it

The fabric covering suits warm rooms better than PU leather. The seat uses pocket springs rather than plain foam, and the fabric cover breathes better than PU leather. Lumbar support and a footrest are included.

Its colour-block fabric is breathable, and GTPLAYER offers free replacement within a year. It also offers a 135 degree recline. You also get this: Fabric upholstery.

Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Sweetcrispy at the time of writing. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Homall footrest.

Key specs

Max recline
135°
Footrest
Yes
Upholstery
Fabric

Pros

  • Fabric upholstery
  • 135 degree recline
  • Footrest

Cons

  • Costs more than the Sweetcrispy at the time of writing

Longest Footrest6 of 6

Homall Gaming Chair with Footrest

Homall's footrest chair offers a footrest that extends 29.6 inches, one of the few listings to state the reach.

Best for

Taller legs.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the Sweetcrispy, which cost less when we checked.
Homall Gaming Chair with Footrest

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.

It shares a massage pillow lumbar support with the Yaheetech; the Sweetcrispy goes with a lumbar support. It is the only pick here with an extends 29.6 in footrest; the N-GEN has a retractable footrest instead. It also offers 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. Its price falls between the Yaheetech and the GTPLAYER fabric, based on our last check. If recline angle is your priority, the N-GEN (135°) is the stronger choice.

Key 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

Cons

  • Costs more than the Sweetcrispy at the time of writing

How We Chose These Gaming Chairs Under $100

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.

A wooden desk with a monitor on an arm, a desk mat and a compact keyboard
A wooden desk with a monitor on an arm, a desk mat and a compact keyboard
How these picks were ranked
We set side by side six chairs on recline angle, seat height, armrests and lumbar support as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 0 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick, while recline angle and seat height have gaps.
Where the specs have gaps
The Sweetcrispy gives no recline angle; the N-GEN, the DUMOS, the GTPLAYER fabric and the Homall footrest give no seat height.
Price range
From the Sweetcrispy to the GTPLAYER fabric, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.

What to Look for in a Gaming Chair Under $100

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Armrests

    The N-GEN and the Yaheetech list linkage; the DUMOS lists flip-up; the Sweetcrispy lists flip-up (92°). Settling armrests first narrows 4 picks to 2 or 1 or 1.

  2. Upholstery

    The N-GEN lists PU leather; the GTPLAYER fabric lists fabric. Settling upholstery first narrows 2 picks to 1 or 1.

    A desk setup with a monitor riser, ergonomic chair and blue backlight
    A desk setup with a monitor riser, ergonomic chair and blue backlight
  3. Setup checks

    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. The DUMOS's arms flip up, so it can roll closer under a desk with a low front edge.

  4. Features beyond the spec table

    The DUMOS: a 90 to 135 degree rocking range. The Sweetcrispy: an 18 to 22 inch seat height. The GTPLAYER fabric: a 135 degree recline.

    A desk with a curved monitor, a glass-panel PC and a keyboard
    A desk with a curved monitor, a glass-panel PC and a keyboard
  5. Budget

    Price does little to separate these 6: the Sweetcrispy through the GTPLAYER fabric all landed in the $50 to $100 tier, which leaves features to decide it.

How to Choose a Gaming Chair Under $100

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Most budget desksN-GENLinkage armrests and a retractable footrest
Taller usersYaheetechA 19 to 22.6 inch seat height
Low desksDUMOSFlip-up armrests and a 275 lb rating
Shared desksSweetcrispyAn 18 to 22 inch seat and 92 degree flip-up arms
Warm roomsGTPLAYER fabricFabric upholstery with a footrest
Taller legsHomall footrestA footrest that extends 29.6 inches

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A white desk with an ultrawide monitor, a PC and plants
A white desk with an ultrawide monitor, a PC and plants

Key specs side by side

The N-GEN, the Yaheetech and the rest, as their makers list them.

ChairMax reclineSeat heightArmrestsLumbar support
N-GEN135°Not listedLinkageCushion
Yaheetech135°19 to 22.6 inLinkageMassage pillow
DUMOS135°Not listedFlip-upNot listed
SweetcrispyNot listed18 to 22 inFlip-up (92°)Lumbar support
GTPLAYER fabric135°Not listedNot listedNot listed
Homall footrest135°Not listedNot listedMassage pillow

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the DUMOS the Best Flip-Up Arms?

It carries the badge for flip-up armrests and a 275 lb rating. It is aimed at low desks.

Do the Yaheetech and the Sweetcrispy differ on seat height?

The Yaheetech uses 19 to 22.6 in; the Sweetcrispy uses 18 to 22 in. The makers of the N-GEN, the DUMOS, the GTPLAYER fabric and the Homall footrest don't state seat height, so 2 of 6 picks are covered here.

What should I check before buying the N-GEN?

Leave room behind the desk: the N-GEN's footrest needs clear floor space when extended and reclined. In this guide it ranks first of 6, as our Best Linkage Armrests pick.

Beyond the specs, what sets the N-GEN and the Yaheetech apart?

The N-GEN: a 90 to 135 degree recline. The Yaheetech: a 19 to 22.6 inch seat height. The DUMOS: flip-up armrests.

Who should choose the N-GEN?

The N-GEN carries our Best Linkage Armrests label for linkage armrests and a retractable footrest. It ranks first of 6 here and sat in the $50 to $100 tier at our last price check; it suits most budget desks.

Bottom Line

N-GEN's chair is the pick for linkage arms and a retractable footrest. Yaheetech lists the widest seat range, and DUMOS or Sweetcrispy suit desks where the arms must flip up.

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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