This cheap gaming chair became my ultimate WFH accessory

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A few years back, while getting ready build my first gaming computer, I think I should choose a decent chair to go with it. Knowing I had to spend a lot on computer parts and peripherals, I chose the cheapest gaming chair I could find on Amazon that had good ratings. Fast forward to 2021, and that chair is surprisingly well kept – and has become an integral part of my home office after more than a year of consistently working remotely.

Homall Gaming Chair ($88.89, originally $149.99; amazon.com) is quite modest at first glance. It has a massive, racing-inspired design that’s typical of any gaming chair – a look you might find appealing or obnoxious depending on your preference. After seeing the low price and the sheer number of rave reviews, I decided on the rather subtle black and white model (also in bolder colors like neon green and purple if that’s yours) and I did not look back.

Now that I’ve owned this chair for over two years, I find it to be a great entry-level gaming chair that doubles as a great home office chair. Here’s why the Homall gaming chair might be worth having in your home office – even if you’re spending more time on spreadsheets than Call of Duty.

Homall’s chair made me feel comfortable at first every time I sat down to stream on Twitch or play Halo for a few hours, but it really became an invaluable tool at the start of the pandemic. While countless friends and colleagues jostle for new chairs and complain of back pain from working at their kitchen counters, I’m comfortably typing in my big funny marshmallow chair. I received many compliments and comments about my chair over video calls, to which I replied, “Thanks, it’s cheap on Amazon!” and sent via a link.

That high level of comfort is provided by high-density profiled foam that sits under an artificial leather outer shell. This combination has saved me from aches and pains for many years now. The chair’s large headrest keeps my neck comfortable, while its large bottom cushion does the same for my lower back by providing plenty of lumbar support.

Its 360-degree swivel chair and wheels still feel smooth and responsive, providing very little friction as I swing around my work area to move between different devices throughout the day. Homall’s seats also recline easily, with levers that let you recline from 90 degrees to sit upright to 180 degrees to recline while gaming or watching movies.

And while the gaming chair aesthetic isn’t for everyone, I love that my black and white model has a slightly sophisticated look that still helps me stand out as a resident enthusiast. our work calls.

I can confidently say that Homall’s gaming chair is great for me, but does it match the review score we used to determine best office chair? Comfort and support were the areas we considered the most during our chair testing, and Homall’s chair largely wins there in terms of the seat’s lumbar, backrest, and overall support. However, the armrest support of the chair could be better. The Homall chair uses hard plastic armrests, which can sometimes be rough on my elbows during particularly long conference calls or gaming sessions and leave me craving something more cushioned.

Adjustability is another major factor we consider when evaluating a chair, and Homall chairs have a lot to offer in terms of overall angle and height flexibility. Again, the armrests are the really big culprit here, as they’re not adjustable. While their low height fits my 5-foot, 10-inch frame and allows the armrest to slide under my desk when I’m not working or gaming, the lack of adjustability can be an issue. problem for people of different heights and arm lengths – especially since the chair comes in only one size.

Steelcase Series 1, our favorite office chair.

When it comes to assembly, putting Homall’s chair back together was a relatively easy process, taking less than an hour from what I recall (time and a global pandemic can take my mind off my own). your memory is affected a bit). That’s on par with our budget pick in $145 Alera Elude . Series, but still requires more work than our favorite overall chair for $415 Steelcase Series 1, fully assembled.

Having not tested those two chairs, I can’t say for sure if Homall’s chair is a viable replacement for them. If you’re drawn to the bulky beauty of gaming chairs or work in an environment that requires you to look as professional as possible (I’m lucky to have the job done to match my playful nature), then choosing our office is probably the best fit for you.

But I can say that the Homall gaming chair is at least worth your attention when you’re building your home office, as you’re getting a comfortable and versatile chair for work and play for over $100. dollars a little bit. Considering that both office chairs and gaming chairs can easily go for over $1,000, it’s important that you can get something reliable for such a cheap price.

As for how does Homall stack up against other gaming chairs? Well, you reap what you sow. Around the time I bought Homall, I was also testing for $399 Alienware S5000 in my old office. The perks you get for that higher price are immediately apparent – the S5000’s thicker foam and microfiber upholstery make for a softer, better-cushioned chair, and the armrests are easily adjustable. both horizontally and vertically. I wouldn’t mind replacing my Homall one day with something on the S5000’s quality level, but I feel like my current chair still gives me the support I need.

Lived with Homall gaming chair For over two years, I can’t imagine going back to work or playing at home without it. For a chair that costs a little over $100, it has seen very little wear and tear over long periods of use, and more importantly, it has kept me away from the orthopedist during over a year of writing and tuning. out of my bedroom.

Obviously you’ll be sacrificing some cost at this lower price point – the Homall’s armrests are a bit rough and unadjustable, and the material isn’t as soft or spongy as the ones you’ll find on other models. More expensive seats.

While its design is pretty standard for a gaming chair, you won’t get the nicer aesthetic of a more premium chair like the $359. Secretlab Omega or $389 Vertagear Racing S-Line, both were Recommended to us by experts. If you want a softer chair that looks like it really belongs in the office, you should choose the Steelcase Series 1 or the Alera Elusion Series.

But at this price, the Homall Gaming Chair is well worth considering if you’re looking for your first gaming chair – or if you’re ready to stop working with that stiff kitchen stool almost certainly. will kill you. Seriously, the time has come.