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The Best Gaming Chairs (2026): Are They Worth It?
Wired has updated its gaming chair guide for 2026, testing several models to identify which balance comfort, ergonomics and gamer-oriented styling rather than relying on flashy design alone. The reviewer notes that many gaming chairs prioritise aesthetics and gimmicks over genuine comfort, but singles out a handful of options that get the balance right, catering to both casual players and marathon gaming sessions.
The Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro, already Wired's top office chair pick, doubles as its favourite gaming chair, now offered in Sonic, Sega Genesis and Sega Dreamcast branded styles with mesh or leather backs; it's praised for value and adjustability, though the reviewer, a 5'1" woman, found it sits a touch high and its headrest largely useless. The Razer Iskur V2 Newgen impresses with adaptive lumbar support and a reclining design, though it runs warm during extended use despite phase-change cooling material. Herman Miller's Embody, a pricier option, is noted to require a lengthy break-in period, with the tester still adjusting after a week despite its copper-infused memory foam and adaptive support points.
In short
- Wired reviews top gaming chairs for comfort and value in 2026.
- Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro (Sega editions) is the top overall pick.
- Razer Iskur V2 Newgen and Herman Miller Embody offer strong but flawed alternatives.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A well-designed gaming chair can make long sessions more comfortable by offering useful adjustability and support, and the guide’s picks suggest that some models deliver these benefits without relying on appearance alone. For people who game for hours, or want one chair for both work and play, that comfort and versatility may justify the cost.
The case against
A gaming chair may not be worth the extra expense if its gaming-specific features or styling add little to everyday comfort; a suitable office chair could serve just as well. The reported drawbacks, including fit issues, warmth, a weak headrest and a long break-in period, also suggest that comfort varies by person and that a high price does not guarantee a good match.
Explained simply
Gaming chairs are designed for use at a desk, often with features such as adjustable armrests, reclining backs and added support for the lower back. Some borrow the look of racing-car seats or use gaming brand designs, while others resemble ordinary office chairs.
The main players in this guide are chair makers including Branch, Razer and Herman Miller. Their products vary in price and in how they adjust to different bodies and ways of sitting; a chair that feels comfortable to one person may not suit another.
The question is whether gaming-specific styling and features make a chair more comfortable or supportive for everyday use. Comparing these chairs with office chairs can help readers judge what they would gain for the cost, especially if they spend long periods at a desk.