DXRacer vs Secretlab vs AKRacing vs Vertagear
If we're going to start talking about the big brands that are out there, it's probably best to define what makes them stand out. While it's pretty easy for an outside viewer to mix up a chair from one of these four companies, each of them actually stands out in a fairly unique way.
If you're in the middle of a battle for absolute gaming chair supremacy, you're ultimately going to want to know whether one of the four companies actually stands out above the rest. With some careful research, it becomes much easier to see that DXRacer, Secretlab, AKRacing, and Vertagear all have their own particular strengths and weaknesses when compared to their competitors.
DXRacer Gaming Chairs
If you're looking at DXRacer, the first thing you're probably going to notice is the automotive influences. The company started out making seats for supercars, and you can definitely see that design influence in their chairs today. What really sets DXRacer apart from the rest of the pack is how absolutely solid their chairs are. Able to hold weights of up to 450lbs, they're probably the best engineered when it comes to sheer weight capacity out of the pack.
DXRacer also puts a lot of work into making sure that their chairs are all ergonomically sound, which in turn ensures that users don't do damage to their backs and necks during longer gaming sessions. With a sportscar-inspired look at some solid engineering credentials, DXRacer is definitely a force to be reckoned with.
DXRacer: Cheсk the current price
Secretlab Gaming Chairs
If DXRacer is the established giant on the scene, Secretlab is definitely the young and hungry up-and-comer. Founded in 2014, Secretlab has been making some fairly strong in-roads into the pro-gaming space by offering chairs that not only have really high-quality upholstery, but that come in far under the price tag of their more expensive competitors.
Secretlab's lower price means that it's not necessarily going to hold the same kind of weight that DXRacer's chairs are going to hold, but the company definitely didn't cut corners when it came to making comfortable chairs. With excellent comfort features and some incredible aesthetics, Secretlab has established itself as a brand to follow in recent years.
The downside: we should warn you that Secretlab makes chairs to order and, therefore, you will need to wait one month to two months to get your chair.
AKRacing Gaming Chairs
Much like DXRacer, AKRacing came to the world of computer chairs from the world of gaming. It entered the fray with a splash, putting out more SKUs of chairs than almost anyone else on the market, marrying high-end looks with some solid ergonomic features. AKRacing has often sat in a secondary position, though, because what it does well other companies tend to do a bit better.
AKRacing: Cheсk the current price
Vertagear Gaming Chairs
The final entry in this battle is Vertagear. Vertagear's another relatively young company, only hitting the shelves in 2015. Like Secretlab, it seems to really be looking at the entry-level consumer, but the bulk of its advertising seems to go after the DXRacer and AKRacing crowd. While it's true that Vertagear's chairs are fairly comfortable, they have neither the strength of the higher-end models nor the social cache of Secretlab.
It's certainly a tight race between the first three entrants in this battle of the chair all-stars, but Vertagear lags behind in fourth place simply because it's neither as feature-rich nor as strong as some of the other gaming chairs that are currently dominating the consumer market.
Vertagear: Cheсk the current price
Which Brand Is the Winner?
This is honestly a very tough call because these brands all have their adherents and they all offer something to the consumer. If you're just going for the cool factor and taking away everything else, though, you really have to give this one to Secretlabs.
This isn't to say that DXRacer or AKRacing are bad chairs by any stretch of the imagination, but it's a lot easier for the average player to get something really cool from Secretlabs without breaking the bank. These are excellent gaming chairs that not only do a good job of providing support for players, but they also do a really good job of projecting a special kind of aesthetic for professionals.
AKRacing probably takes a very close second place, losing out only because its costs tend to outstrip Secretlab where it counts. If you're a bigger player who needs a stronger chair, AKRacing is absolutely going to be your best bet. If you just want something that is going to feel comfortable while looking great, though, Secretlab is probably going to be the brand to which you turn. At the end of the day, getting comparable quality in exchange for a lower price point is really enough to declare this brand the winner.
Secretlab Product Line: What Is The Fundamental Difference?
The Omega Series
Omega is the cheaper of Secretlab's offerings, coming in at a starting price that is about seventy dollars cheaper than the cheapest Titan model. This lower price isn't reflected in a lower quality, though - instead, it's all about size. Omega is meant for the "medium" size gamer, with better support for those who tend to be in the middle of the road when it comes to body shape and size.
The Omega tends to sit fairly lower to the ground when compared to the other two models from Secretlab, and it lacks the adjustable lumbar support that you see in the Titan series. Instead, it has a rather nice lumbar support pillow that does a good job of supporting the back without necessarily providing much in the way of corrective support. It's a solid piece of engineering work that will keep you comfortable without doing much to alter how you sit.
The good news is that the Omega definitely stands up to the other models when it comes to build quality. The material used in the chair is excellent and you won't see much ripping or tearing. The mechanical bits are also very well-made, so you won't have to worry about major problems.
The Titan Series
Titan is the big chair in the Secretlabs arsenal. In many ways, it's the Omega scaled up for larger users. It's got a taller and wider backrest, a wider seat, and a slightly deeper seat. The chair also sits about half an inch higher off the ground, which can be an important addition for some players.
Importantly, though, the Titan series is made for heavier gamers than the Omega or the Throne. It can hold weights of up to two-hundred-ninety pounds with ease, and the XL model can comfortably hold another hundred pounds. The chair is recommended for players who are up to 6'7 as well, making it a better fit for taller gamers.
The other big difference between the Titan and the Omega is the lumbar adjustment. Instead of just using the pillow, Titan owners can adjust their own lumbar support to better suit their own backs. This is a nice little extra that helps to improve the player's back health while still keeping him or her comfortable.
The Throne Series
The Throne series, however, is definitely tailored to a very specific type of gamer. Going in the opposite direction of some of the bigger names in the industry, Secretlab has designed the Throne to be a chair for smaller gamers. This more inconclusive design is really meant for those players who tend to get left out when the bigger manufacturers try to make chairs for their customers.
Besides its size, the Throne series is notable for how it treats its users' backs. The Throne is meant to help lock in perfect posture while playing, helping gamers to avoid hurting their backs and their necks during long sessions. This eschews some of the usual comfort principles found in chair design in favor of making something that's a bit more ergonomically sound - a definite long-term benefit that outweighs a bit of short-term discomfort.
In short, the Throne series is a type of chair made for a very specific body type, and that has some specific goals in terms of how it will provide users with comfort. If you're not in that particular group, it's unlikely that you're going to find much to like about this type of chair.
Secretlab Gaming Chair Reviews
So, what do most users think about Secretlab's chairs? They're typically pretty happy with the comfort level of the chairs, noting that the chairs are both comfortable and great for their backs. Plenty of people also notes that the chairs are of incredibly high quality for the price point.
Honestly, though, the best thing that users can say about the Secretlabs products is that they actually hold up to use. One review cites that the chair is still holding up in pristine condition after two years, even though the user continues to use the chair every day. The lack of peeling, cracking, or breakage is a really great sign that the chairs are made well.
Every product has its problems, though, and Secretlabs is no exception. There are quite a few users who have noted that the company is really slow at processing orders and that they tend to take a long time to ship their products. Once arrived, there are even some that note that the chairs are a little harder than expected. Nothing here is exactly going to put the company out of business, but it should be noted.
Are There any New Brands that Could Compete With the Well-Established Ones?
So, who's coming for the throne now? The Maxnomic line is a relative newcomer that's about the same age as Secretlab, but it's been pushing into the same market space recently with some reasonably priced, incredibly nice chairs.
Cougar's Armor line is also another big name in the bargain space, with some great chairs under two hundred dollars.
Finally, it's a good idea to keep an eye on Clutch Chairz, which has been making an impressive splash on the e-gaming scene.
Best-Selling Gaming Chairs Comparative Table
VERTAGEAR Racing Seat Gaming Chair, S-Line Medium SL4000 BIFMA Cert, Black/Green
- Elegant Exterior - The SL4000 is made of high quality PVC leather, which makes it extremely durable and gives the chair a luxurious look.
- Steel Frame and Ultra Premium HR(High Density) Resilience Foam
- Reinforced 5-Star Base - Redesigned and constructed from a heavy-duty aluminum alloy material that assures a solid structure
- Effortless Assembly - "Slide-in" design creates a quick one-person installation process
- Cushioned and contoured to the shape of the arm with adjustability in 4 directions
Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 Frost Blue Gaming Chair - Reclining, Ergonomic & Heavy Duty Computer Chair with 4D...
- ALL-DAY COMFORT FOR WORK & PLAY - PC chair made of cold-cure foam for ideal posture, comes with magnetic memory foam head pillow that can be adjusted over a wide range and snaps into place on your backrest while providing enhanced neck support and pressure relief
- ADJUSTABLE GAMER CHAIR THAT ADAPTS TO YOU - Full-Metal 4D Armrests for smooth, precise adjustments in four directions with world’s first replaceable armrest top, full-length backrest with 165° recline and multi-tilt mechanism to give you full control of your chair's position, a 4-way built-in adjustable lumbar support gives your back the personalized support it needs sold worldwide. Now available on Amazon
- DURABLE & BREATHABLE FABRIC - Stay cool all day with a more advanced version of our SoftWeave fabric. Softer, more breathable and even more durable
- BUILT FOR EVERY SIZE - The Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 gaming chair comes in 3 different sizes. Size XL is recommended for people between 5’11” - 6'9" and 175lbs - 395lbs
- AWARD WINNING TRUSTED BRAND - With over 2,000,000 users worldwide, more than 50 "Editor's Choice" awards and trusted by global Esports champions, we strive to provide you with the best seating experience. We also offer a 5-year extended warranty for extra peace of mind.
AKRacing Masters Series Max Gaming Chair with Wide Flat Seat, 400 Lbs Weight Limit, Rocker and Seat Height...
- Extra large size: wide metal frame with anti-corrosive coating covered with high-density cold-curved foam padding for maximum comfort and durability
- Top quality upholstery: PU leather on front and back - Easy to clean and guaranteed to last for at least 5 years backed by manufacturer warranty.
- 400 lbs weight capacity: advanced mechanism with adjustable rocking function and lockable tilt positions and custom heavy Duty gaslift can support up to 400 lbs.
- Adjustable headrest and lumbar support pillows for comfort and enhanced ergonomics included.
- 4D armrests: adjustable in four directions: up & down, back & forth, in & out, and rotate to the sides.
- Overall Dimensions: 28.75 - 30.25" W x 23.25" L x 51.4 - 54" H
- Backrest: 24.35" W x 34.25" H | Seat: 23.25" W x 5" H
Products with 5-star rating
Testing & Customers Reviews
Here are the reviews from YouTube bloggers who tested the gaming chairs and have found them effective and worth buying.
Ergonomic Trends: "In this video i'll be reviewing the AKRacing core series chair and helping you decide whether it's worth paying the extra bucks for a chair that looks very much like any budget gaming chair.
So, on the left is the AKRacing Core chair, while on the right is one of my favorite budget gaming chairs - the GTRacing chair. At a glance the two look very similar, though the biggest difference between the two is in the build quality: the pu-leather on the AKRacing chair has a smoother velvety feel to it, while the inside consists of cold cured foam, versus a less expensive memory foam found on cheaper budget gaming chairs. Compare that to the GTRacing chair: the leather has a more plasticky feel to it the padding is made of memory foam versus the cold cured foam, found on the AKRacing, which while softer has a greater tendency to sag under heavy weight. Another big difference with a gaming chair, such as the AKRacing Core series, compared to a cheaper chair, is the sturdier frame. You'll find a lot more metal parts such as in the base, while cheaper chairs will usually opt for hardened plastic instead.
So, what does this mean, practically speaking straight off the bat, i'd say that if you're over 230 pounds, it's worth paying the extra price 8k Racing Core commands over cheaper gaming chairs, even if they're advertised for the big and tall. The cold foam padding ensures you won't be sitting in a depressed seat after just a few months and the heavier frame guarantees the longevity of the chair well into a few years.
Another benefit of the improved build quality is in the silence you enjoy. The AKRacing Core is dead silent, there are no creaks or squeaks whatsoever, no matter how hard i try to induce them. You can hear the difference in the cheaper GTRacing gaming chair - after a few weeks, there are minor squeaks whenever i rock or recline the backrest or get out of the seat. It's a lot better than some of the other budget gaming chairs. But squeaking is a problem. I've observed in almost every gaming chair under 200.
In my estimation, the AKRacing Core series or even master series would be my go-to chair over anything that costs less. When you're on the heavy side the overall build quality in a chair matters exponentially more. If you're an average build person, like myself, however a good budget gaming chair such as the GTRacing chair, offers comparable comfort and adjustments for half the price."