Which Has Better Gaming Chairs?

• 

  Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 Series Gaming Chair

  Secretlab’s Flagship Gaming Chair

  $549 $639 Save $90

  Picking the best Secretlab gaming chair is not a difficult task, with years of research culminating in the 2022 Titan Evo. Faced with increasingly cheaper competition, the Titan Evo needs to set itself apart with class-leading ergonomics and durability. Features like four-way adjustable internal lumbar support will entice gamers who struggle to find perfect comfort levels. The number of available styles and special editions is staggering, as is the endless collection of compatible accessories. 

  Upholstery Material

  NEO Hybrid Leatherette or Secretlab SoftWeave Plus Fabric

  Color(s)

  50+

  Brand

  Secretlab

  Chair Weight Capacity

  220 lbs (regular size)

  Seat Dimensions

  18.5″ (W) x 19.3″ (D)

  Back Dimensions

  21″ (W) x 33.5″ (H)

  Pros

  • Advanced ergonomic adjustments
  • Well built with up to a five year warranty
  • Many different styles and special editions
  • Small, Regular, and XL sizes available

  Cons

  • Can be very expensive, especially with upgrades
  • Some gamers find the seat cushion too firm

  Expand

• 

  RESPAWN Spire Gaming Chair

  The Surprising Spire is More than a Gaming Chair

  $450 $500 Save $50

  The RESPAWN Spire combines the best elements of the top ergonomic office chairs with the style and comfort that gamers expect. While much of the chair is covered in breathable mesh fabric, its gel-filled seat cushion makes it perfect for relaxing gaming hours. The Spire is ideal for gamers who live in warm climates, with both the porous seat back and seat padding designed to reject body heat buildup better than Secretlab’s Titan Evo PU leather. 

  Upholstery Material

  Mesh, Gel, PU Leather

  Color(s)

  Stealth, Ghost

  Brand

  RESPAWN

  Chair Weight Capacity

  300 lbs

  Seat Dimensions

  20.5″ W x 16.73 – 18.9″ D

  Back Dimensions

  20.67 x 22.44″

  Pros

  • Unique adjustments like flip-back arm rests
  • Both mesh fabric and seat cushion promotes cooling
  • Looks appropriate in gaming room and offices
  • Very comfortable even for those who dislike mesh chairs

  Cons

  • Arm rests don’t fully lock
  • Limited color choices

  Expand

Secretlab and RESPAWN are two recognizable and respectable gaming chair brands that gamers depend on for a comfortable seat. Secretlab chairs are products of an award-winning R&D team that many companies strive to match, while RESPAWN offers a variety of more affordable alternatives. Unlike Secretlab, which only has a few versions of the Titan Evo 2022 in production, RESPAWN caters to a wide audience with conventional budget gaming and innovative mid-range office-style mesh chairs.

Game Rant will compare the competing models based on comfort, style, ergonomics, and budget to decide which company manufactures the best gaming chairs. However, gamers should also consider how a chair matches the existing decor in a room and whether breathable fabric is a priority. In the end, some surprising revelations about the chairs may make buyers rethink their purchasing decisions.

Updated on May 20th, 2024, by Adam Corsetti: Since this article’s last update, Secretlab has released the Titan Evo Lite with a price more comparable to the RESPAWN line of gaming chairs. Along with updating the comparisons on affordability, more consideration was given to factors like ergonomics and comfort.

Style

Secretlab

Secretlab, founded in late 2014 and launching its first THRONE series of gaming chairs in 2015, set out to design the best gaming chair possible for everyone. Rather than putting out many different models to fit other niche markets, they focused their research and development on creating durable materials and ergonomic designs. Still, even though the Titan Evo is the only newer Secretlab chair available, it’s sold in many different colors and fabrics.

Frequently pairing up with popular movie and game franchises, no competing company rivals Secretlab with their extensive collaborations. In recent years, Secretlab’s most popular special edition chairs include two Diablo IV designs and a Boba Fett Skin to entice Star Wars fans. The Diablo IV chairs feature extremely ornate detailing, while Secretlab Skins are custom fabric covers that enable Titan Evo owners to transform existing chairs completely.

With stock levels depleting, gamers will have fewer choices as far as older Secretlab chairs like the Omega 2020 and Titan 2020 go. Still, in addition to Secretab’s rugged Neo Hybrid Leatherette, the Titan Evo is also sold with SoftWeave Plus fabric, which is exceptionally plush and more durable than most cloth materials. Combining colors, fabrics, and skins means each gamer can create a highly distinctive-looking chair.

The only drawback to the generous selection of Secretlab styles is that they all have the same basic chair design underneath. Other gaming chair manufacturers like RESPAWN have an advantage here, since the differences between models are more than skin-deep.

Respawn

RESPAWN sells a wide variety of chair designs, from typical gaming chairs to models specifically formulated to keep occupants cool in hot weather. Buyers will find racing chairs, rocking chairs, gaming chairs with leg rests, and everything in between. This selection varies from year to year, but typically, there are gaming chair models that fit every preference.

This variety can help narrow down exactly what gaming chair to buy. Gamers who primarily play racing games or like to recline should consider the RSP-800 Racing Style Rocker or the RSP-900 Racing Style. Buyers looking for a mixture of office work and gaming might favor the FLEXX Mesh Gaming Chair or Specter Ergonomic Chair. RESPAWN has also periodically produced gaming chairs in partnerships with popular esports teams, like the FaZe clan, but these can be difficult to find in new condition.

Particularly in understated color choices, the Titan Evo can pass for an office chair in some settings. However, several RESPAWN chairs more fully embrace the ergonomic office chair aesthetic, with mesh chairs like the Spire and Specter. Other than the large company logos on the headrest and backrest, the Spire in black or gray can rival the sophisticated styling of some Herman Miller chairs. The RESPAWN Flexx effectively adds more gaming flair to the typical mesh office chair look with additional colored accents and futuristic-looking wings attached to the backrest.

Unfortunately, RESPAWN offers a limited number of colors for most chairs. Matching the color of a gaming chair to the rest of a setup can be important to some gamers, so the Titan Evo, with its endless styles, is more enticing in this area.

Comfort

Secretlab

The TITAN Evo 2022 series prioritizes inclusivity by covering a wide range of comfort zones, allowing anyone from under 5’6″ and 200 lbs to as tall as 6’9″ and upwards of 395 lbs to enjoy their lineup. Rather than creating different chair models catering to specific body sizes, the Titan Evo comes in small, regular, and XL sizes. Buyers can rest assured that the latest and greatest Secretlab chair is available to them, with many different color options and just small changes in cost.

There’s even the launch of the TITAN XXS, which was initially intended as a joke, but ended up being a great option for little gamers who still wanted comfort. This chair mixes the styling of the TITAN 2020 series with material options available for the TITAN Evo 2022 series, giving it a cozy vibe while maintaining maximum durability.

Buyers generally find the Titan Evo 2022 very comfortable, with ample cold-cure foam and a plush magnetic head pillow. Despite being well reinforced, the Neo Hybrid Leatherette exterior is relatively smooth to the touch, with cloth fabric options even softer. However, some gamers note that the seat base is firmer than some competing gaming chairs. While it can maintain healthier ergonomics without sinking or sliding in a cushion, some gamers expect the plush feeling of a luxury gaming chair.

RESPAWN

With many different models and some chairs with a complicated mix of materials, buyers will encounter many different upholestries used in RESPAWN chairs. Some of these fabrics include:

• Fabric
• Mesh
• Faux leather
• Bonded leather
• Mesh/Fabric hybrids

Each material is made to be durable and resistant to stains, however, some of the options are better than others. For instance, many reviews mention the faux leather peeling after a year or so. Meanwhile, the fabric upholstery is very breathable, but not as stain-resistant as the leather options.

Choosing a fabric style is a matter of personal choice, but RESPAWN also uses other features to add comfort. Most of their chairs come with very stiff foam that may not be for everyone, but certainly helps extend the life of the chair padding. Their Spire gaming chair comes with a cooling gel seat that helps keep gamers comfortable during summer play, while their mesh seats utilize extra lumbar supports.

Affordable gaming chairs like the RESPAWN 3085 partly rely on bonded leather, which gradually falls apart with use. Initially, gamers will have few complaints about its well-padded construction, but rough and torn fabric can negatively affect a sitting experience. Meanwhile, more premium mesh chairs, including the Spire and Specter, can surprise occupants accustomed to layers of memory foam. Although the material has some flex and promotes cooling, a harder backrest will instantly turn off some potential buyers. The Spire tries to appease this crowd using a seat cushion filled with cooling gel.

With mainly one model and a choice of two upholestries, buyers of the Titan Evo won’t have many alternatives if they find the chair’s comfort lacking. Still, buyer satisfaction is so high with Secretlab chairs, that this is rarely an issue. On the other hand, RESPAWN’s less expensive chairs suffer from durability issues that can make their exterior and padding feel uneven. The brand’s more expensive mesh chairs are built with higher quality components, but this firm and porous material causes a divisive reaction from gamers.

Ergonomics

Secretlab

The TITAN Evo 2022 series makes great use of Secretlab’s 25,000+ hours of research. Sure, there are features that everyone expects to see on an ergonomic gaming chair, such as a waterfall edge that protects the back of legs and side wings that help keep shoulders aligned. Alongside these are the more advanced designs that Secretlab constantly promises.

Their two patent-pending materials are some of the most important elements of their newest chairs: a new type of foam and a new type of lumbar support. Secretlab’s medium-firm, cold-cured foam is built not only for extra comfort but also to address key pressure points in the legs specifically and thus provide additional spinal support. Meanwhile, their special lumbar system is made with a proprietary lattice that flexes to the spine, almost perfectly fitting the natural curvature of any person’s back. Their foam seats have likewise been tested to provide extra support for the spine by reducing pressure on key points in the legs.

Over the years, competing chair manufacturers have closed the gap somewhat, but it’s hard to argue with Titan Evo’s suite of ergonomic adjustments. Besides standard features like a reclining backrest and modifiable chair height, the most impressive technology in the Titan Evo is its four-way adjustable internal lumbar support. Gamers can change the intensity of the pressure on their lower backs, and the cushioning also moves upwards and downwards to accommodate more occupants.

RESPAWN

The majority of the gaming chairs RESPAWN offers in leather and fabric options have limited ergonomic support, making it hard to stand out above other random brands of gaming chairs. While some of their models, such as the Flexx or Specter, have decent lumbar support and adjustability, they are limited to mesh-only options, unlike Secretlab, which offers adjustable lumbar support regardless of the material.

In general, RESPAWN isn’t great with ergonomics outside of their mesh chairs. Their mesh chairs are very good and can compete with much higher-end office chair models, especially their Specter mesh chair. On top of their overall poor ergonomics, their chairs are also incapable of handling heavier people. Capping out at 275 (with the Flexx chair being the only option to support up to 300 lbs), RESPAWN chairs just aren’t for big and tall gamers. There’s also no option for smaller gamers either, meaning that even though they have all this variety in style, there’s going to be a good chunk of people who don’t find these chairs to be a comfortable experience.

Secretlab is currently focused on manufacturing the Titan Evo and Titan Evo Lite, with the Lite lacking adjustable internal lumbar support. Regardless, features are more consistent throughout Secretlab chairs, while most RESPAWN chairs lack a full array of adjustments.

Accessories

Secretlab

When it comes to gaming chair accessories, no manufacturer can touch Secretlab. Companies like DXRacer have a limited selection of alternate seat covers and custom lumbar pillows, but the Titan Evo 2022 is built with customization in mind. They allow users to swap out the armrests with their own Secretlab PlushCell Memory Foam Armrest Top, meaning players don’t need to buy some cheap option that falls off the chair every five seconds. Secretlab accessories run the gamut from the Lumbar Pillow Pro for gamers who aren’t fans of internal lumbar support to footrests and replacement Roller Blade casters.

Secretlab concentrating all its efforts on one model benefits gamers, since the company doesn’t have to worry about manufacturing accessories for multiple chairs. Magnetic attachment points for different head pillows and armrest covers enable the Titan Evo to evolve along with gamers’ changing needs. Similarly, Secretlab Skins are so transformative to a chair’s appearance, that they should be considered more than just accessories.

Respawn

Sadly, RESPAWN customers don’t have nearly the same assortment of components available to add on to or change an existing chair. That said, like Secretlab with its Magnus Pro gaming desk, RESPAWN manufactures a height-adjustable desk of its own. While not as heavy-duty as the Magnus Pro, the 3010 Ergonomic Gaming Desk complements the brand’s more budget-conscious gaming chairs.

The Titan Evo is far more customizable than any RESPAWN gaming chair, but both companies are committed to helping buyers assemble a complete gaming setup.

Value

Secretlab

The costs of assembling a new gaming room quickly add up, and an ergonomic gaming chair can eat away at any budget. One criticism often levied at Secretlab is ignoring the budget gaming chair market. The Titan Evo can cost well more than $500, which leaves some buyers searching for cheaper alternatives with the same build quality and style options. That was likely the major impetus for releasing the Titan Evo Lite in early 2024. Like the more pricey Titan Evo, the Lite is available in three different sizes and two different fabrics. Although there isn’t yet the same massive selection of designs with the Titan Evo Elite, Secretlab Skins are compatible with the chair.

In truth, the Titan Evo Lite costs around $100 less than the Titan Evo and is more of a mid-range than budget product. Even so, Game Rant’s review of the Titan Evo Lite discovered it’s just as sturdy of a chair as its pricier sibling. Unfortunately, gamers lose some ergonomic features like adjustable internal lumbar support. When some gaming chairs priced under $300 offer similar capabilities, it does take away some of the appeal of the Lite.

RESPAWN

Secretlab’s lack of a legitimate budget gaming chair is welcome news to competitors like RESPAWN. The majority of the company’s inventory is cheaper than the Titan Evo, with one of their most popular chairs, the 110, costing several hundred dollars less. Buyers shouldn’t expect this chair to last a decade without showing signs of wear, but it offers decent value for a minimal investment. The RESPAWN 110 has a high-back design to support taller gamers and an adequate weight limit of 275 lbs. Also, it includes a modest set of adjustments like a 135-degree reclining backrest along with non-adjustable internal lumbar support.

RESPAWN also sells some higher-end mesh chairs that compete well with premium ergonomic office chairs. The Spire even offers some features not seen on any similar gaming chair, like armrests that flip completely backward rather than remaining in the path of elbows and arms. Still, the abundance of plastic causes buyers to be concerned about its longevity.

Quality control issues aside, RESPAWN caters to many different budgets, while recent Secretlab chairs are locked in the $450-550 price range.

Secretlab vs. RESPAWN Verdict

Comparing Secretlab and RESPAWN gaming chairs in detail confirms some suspicions and reveals some surprises. If a gamer is torn between ordering a chair from either company, it’s helpful to consider each manufacturer’s strengths and weaknesses.

Secretlab Pros and Cons

The Titan Evo 2022 confirms Secretlab’s standing as one of the top gaming chair makers. Gamers can adjust the chair in almost every way imaginable, including with a highly innovative four-way adjustable internal lumbar support. Owner testimonials should convince buyers that it’s likely to last longer than the average gaming chair, besides being backed by up to a five-year warranty. Also, the selection of colors and special edition designs combined with a slew of compatible accessories means gamers can build a highly personalized chair.

At the same time, the Titan Evo and Titan Evo Lite are the only Secretlab chairs currently in production. If a buyer doesn’t like the shape of the chair, ergonomic adjustments may not be enough to make occupants feel comfortable. Gamers without the funds for a mid-range or premium chair will also struggle to find steep enough discounts.

RESPAWN Pros and Cons

RESPAWN takes a different approach to building a gaming chair inventory, with drastically different chair shapes at various price points. At the lower end, the 110 and 3085 chairs provide a decent selection of fabric and style choices, with ergonomic adjustments acceptable for their asking prices. With mesh chairs like the Spire, Specter, and Flexx, RESPAWN has a significant advantage over Secretlab among gamers who live in warmer climates. Besides the cooling capabilities of the flexible mesh fabrics, these chairs look appropriate in formal office settings.

Working against RESPAWN, many of their chairs lack the ergonomic qualities and adjustments of the Secretlab Titan Evo. Also, buyers will find that build quality is inconsistent throughout the manufacturer’s inventory.

Ultimately, most buyers with enough funds to invest in a Titan Evo Lite or Titan Evo should gravitate toward Secretlab. On the other hand, budget shoppers or gamers who prefer mesh materials will find some RESPAWN chairs more appealing.

FAQ

Q: Is RESPAWN a good chair brand?

Yes, RESPAWN gaming chairs are actually a good chair brand, as they are backed by a company and their engineers who have been designing and creating chairs for decades. Rather than some of these gaming chair companies that prioritize profits over comfort.

Q: Is Secretlab the best?

Secretlab may very well be the best gaming chair as a “one-size-fits-all” option. The company tends to take a lot of the stress of trying to decide what chair works best for you by simply creating the best chair for a wide variety of people. But there are going to be companies out there who create specific products for specific niches where their product will be superior to Secretlab.

Q: Why is Secretlab so expensive?

In reality, many Secretlab chairs like the Titan Evo aren’t considerably more expensive than similar chairs from brands like Razer, Vertagear, and DXRacer. Still, the Titan Evo 2022 checks in at the higher end of the price spectrum for gaming chairs. The steep prices of Secretlab products are mainly due to advanced ergonomic adjustments and higher-quality parts used in each section of their chairs.