6 Best Gaming Chairs for Short or Small People

At GravaStar, we know how important the right chair is for your gaming setup. Finding a gaming chair as an average person is easy but smaller/shorter people may struggle to find a comfortable option. In an effort to help, this guide takes a closer look at the best gaming chairs for short or small people.

If your chair is too large for your frame, it causes the lumbar support and other comfort features to be in the wrong spots. This can cause discomfort or even pain during your gaming sessions. On the other hand, finding the right chair ensures you're always in an ergonomic position.

During our search, we sifted through several comments from smaller gamers and looked at numerous potential choices based on product size and features. Along with our years of experience in the industry, this information helped us identify the AKRacing California Ojai Gaming Chair as our top recommendation.

How We Picked

As a smaller person looking for your perfect gaming chair, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Here are a couple of them, and why they're so crucial to consider.

Height

If the backrest of a chair is too high, it can be uncomfortable and the lumbar support could end up in a place that hurts, not helps, your posture if you're short. Also, if the seat itself is too high, it can make it hard to sit in an ergonomic position with your feet flat on the ground.

Depth

You need to consider the depth of the seat. If a seat is too deep, it can lead to your legs dangling over the edge, which can be uncomfortable and put strain on other parts of your body. Shorter people should look for a relatively shallow seat, so their feet can comfortably rest on the floor.

Adjustability

The ability to adjust a chair is crucial for smaller people. If you can't move things like the armrests, seat height, or neck/back supports, you could be stuck with a chair that is uncomfortable and doesn't promote a healthy posture while gaming.

Other Factors

While not specific to shorter people, some other things to consider when choosing a gaming chair include the build quality and extra features. A well-built chair can last years without showing wear, whereas lower-quality options may deteriorate quickly.

Extra features can help you get more out of your chair in terms of functionality and comfort. Depending on the exact chair you choose, you can recline for optimal comfort while gaming, tilt the chair for better positioning, and do many other things.

Top Pick: AKRacing California Ojai Gaming Chair

• Size: 22"D x 28"W x 51"H (55.88 cm x 71.12 cm x 129.54 cm)
• Adjustability: Adjustable armrests and rocking function
• Ergonomics: Neck and lumbar support

Our top choice for the best gaming chair for short and small people is the AKRacing California Ojai Gaming Chair. It's designed specifically for gamers 5'6 (183 cm) and under, and has a weight limit of 150 lbs (68 KG).

YouTube channel Scan Pro Gaming put out a review of the chair that calls it a "premium high-quality gaming chair for the smaller person", and we agree.

Despite being small, it's a strong and well-built chair. It has a steel frame and uses quality materials like cold-cured foam and automotive-grade leather throughout. We like how these are not only durable but also very comfortable to sit on for those long gaming sessions.

The chair has a comfortable neck and lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and a rocking mechanism. One downside of the chair in our opinion is that it's quite expensive and may not be the right choice for shorter gamers on a budget.

Next Best: Anda Seat Phantom 3 Gaming Chair

• Size: 22.83"D x 22.04"W x 52"H (57.99 cm x 55.98 cm x 132.08 cm)
• Adjustability: Adjustable neck support, tilt function, and armrest
• Ergonomics: Premium memory foam throughout for comfort and support

The Anda Seat Phantom 3 Gaming Chair is another small gaming chair worth considering. It has adjustable seat height and armrests and lets you easily recline and rock the chair. We especially like that you can even adjust the pressure of the rocking to your liking.

The chair is also very comfortable for shorter gamers as it has a memory foam neck and lumbar support, as well as comfortable leather and a padded seat. It's been engineered to provide hours of support to keep you pain-free as you play.

In his review, YouTuber Gamer Heaven says that "materials and build quality is where this chair really shines", and he's spot-on in our opinion.

It has a steel frame, and the leather used in the chair is top-grade PVC, which is scratch and stain resistant. Other high-quality components include silent wheels, a sturdy base, and SGS-certified gas pistons.

A drawback is that it's a little wide compared to other chairs for smaller gamers.

Also Great: Amazon Basics Gaming Chair

• Size: 25.2"D x 22.6"W x 44.1"H (64.01 cm x 57.40 cm x 112.01 cm)
• Adjustability: Adjustable height
• Ergonomics: Padded back support, seat, and armrests

The Amazon Basics Gaming Chair is also a great choice, especially for gamers looking to spend less. It's a fraction of the cost of many other chairs and comes with a padded backrest, seat, and armrest to support your body as you play.

Not only is this supportive enough to keep you in an ergonomic position, but we like how the faux leather polyurethane upholstery is smooth and soft for a comfortable experience, even if you plan on playing for hours in a row.

Adjusting the height of the chair is easy in our opinion, and it has a simple design with a lower back than many other gaming chairs, perfect for those with a smaller frame. It also complies with the BIFMA Standards, which are safety, performance, and sustainability standards for furniture.

A drawback is the lack of features compared to some other chairs. For example, it doesn't offer reclining or the adjustment capabilities of other chairs. But for the low price, this is to be expected.

The Competition

Here are a couple of other solid gaming chairs to consider.

Hbada Gaming Chair: This chair has solid ergonomics and detachable back and neck support. It features high-quality materials and is fully adjustable to fit your smaller frame comfortably. However, it gets mixed reviews about its durability.

BestOffice High-Back Gaming Chair: The chair features thick cushions and padded support to keep you comfortable, as well as tilt, lock, and tension control. It's also easy to set up and has a narrow seat, which many smaller people prefer. Unfortunately, it doesn't recline very much and the quality is questionable.

Flash Furniture X10 Gaming Chair: Adjusting the height and tilt of the chair is easy, and you can even flip up the arms if you'd rather play games without armrests. It has a nice design and padded support. A downside is that it's difficult to put together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's go over a couple of the most common questions about this topic, along with their answers.

How to tell if a gaming chair is too large?

Your gaming chair is too large if things like the lumbar and neck support are too high for you to reach naturally and comfortably. Also, if the armrests are too high up to rest your elbows without straining, you may need to downsize to a smaller chair.

Is it bad to use a gaming chair that's too big?

While it may work in a pinch, it's not a good idea to use a chair that's too big for very long. It won't be properly supporting your back or neck, and could easily lead to pain over time. It'll also hurt your posture and could lead to leg pain if the seat is too deep.

Can you make a gaming chair shorter?

Yes, many gaming chairs have the ability to slightly adjust the seat to be higher and/or lower than the default position. However, adjusting for width or changing the depth of the seat may not be possible.

Final Thoughts

As a smaller person, finding the right chair for your size is a major part of a comfortable and ergonomic gaming setup. It'll keep your back and neck supported, and ensure you don't need to endure hours of discomfort to play your favorite game.

In addition to picking up the right chair, you also want to make sure you're taking care of it. Clean it up every now and then with a vacuum and/or a damp cloth and soap, and ensure you're not picking at or damaging the leather or fabric.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.