If you spend hours gaming on your computer, then it's important to have a comfortable and supportive chair or you could end up with strains, aches, and back problems. The specialist gaming chair category is still relatively new, and it's flooded with surprisingly cheap options that look great but fail in terms of adjustability, long-term comfort, and durability.
Secretlab has floated to the top by injecting some much-needed quality into the best gaming chair scene, which will cost more than you might be used to paying for a chair. (Though, half as much as the most premium chairs.) The Secretlab Titan offers a good range of adjustability and proper support, combined with a gaming aesthetic, and some neat touches that add a high-end feel.
I've been using the Secretlab Titan for the last couple of weeks, both for a full day of work and for evening and weekend gaming sessions. Switching from a much more expensive Steelcase Leap V2 office chair, I'm impressed by the comfort the Titan offers. While it doesn't measure up in every department, there are some things I prefer about Secretlab's chair.
Secretlab Titan specifications
Overall height: 51.7 to 55.4 inches
Overall depth: 27.5 inches
Overall width: 26 to 29.1 inches
Seat depth: 19.7 inches
Seat width: 20.5 inches
Seat height from floor: 18.7 to 22.4 inches
Arm to floor: 26 to 33 inches
Weight limit: 290 pounds
Shipping box weight: 77 pounds
The Secretlab Titan is the middle offering in Secretlab's line-up and it's built for people between 5'9" and 6'7" in height and under 290 pounds; I'm 6'1" and around 190 pounds and it feels just right for me. Folks who are 5'11" and shorter, and under 240 pounds, can go for the Secretlab Omega. If you're between 5'11" and 6'10", and up to 390 pounds, then the Secretlab Titan XL is an option.
Gamers love customization, and Secretlab clearly knows its target audience. The Titan comes in polyurethane (PU) leather, soft weave fabric, or genuine Napa leather, and there are various color combinations to choose from. You can also opt for officially licensed special editions, like Batman and Joker chairs and chairs with House symbols from "Game of Thrones", or esport editions, like the 2020 League of Legends Worlds and Team Secret chairs.
I didn't want anything too garish, since this has to double up as an office chair that won't attract attention during Zoom calls, so I went for the soft weave fabric in black which costs $459. The PU leather is the cheapest option and starts from $399, while the Napa leather starts at $799. Each chair comes with a memory foam pillow.
Secretlab offers a three-year limited warranty on its chairs, which you can extend to five years by taking a photo of your chair and sharing it on social media. You can also return it for a full refund within 49 days of delivery, but beware that you will have to pay shipping costs which can be substantial.
Setup
I had a tough time getting my chair, and the delivery driver complained about the weight of the box when it finally did turn up. Glancing at some online reviews, I think delivery issues are quite common with bulky and heavy items like this, but that's largely down to the courier.
Arriving in a large, square, black box with the Secretlab logo on the outside, my initial impressions were positive. The components were well packed with protective foam pockets and sheets. The chair also comes with its own toolkit and a large pictorial set of instructions. I unpacked and laid out all the pieces myself, but you may want to enlist some help because some of them are heavy and awkward.
To get started, I simply scanned the QR code on the instruction sheet and brought up the assembly video on my phone. It was easy to follow, and I had the chair fully assembled within 20 minutes. I recommend building it somewhere you have room to maneuver.
The Secretlab Titan is more adjustable than your average gaming chair. The ability to adjust the height and set different tilt levels is a basic expectation, but you can also adjust the lumbar support and the arm rests. Take some time to set the chair up properly for your body to get the best from it.
Design
The Secretlab Titan is unmistakably a gaming chair with a design that emulates the classic racing chair style, curving in slightly at the sides to hold you snugly in place. Though, thankfully, it doesn't have a bucket-style seat, which is a good thing as they can feel a bit restrictive.
Most of the Titan options have contrasting logos, including a large T on the seat back, a Secretlab logo on the headrest and pillow, and a few other details, but I'm pleased with the more muted look of the black soft weave model where black highlights and logos contrast gently with a dark gray flecked finish. There's also a black version of the PU leather chair, and it's the only option for the Napa leather variety.
Once assembled, the Secretlab Titan feels solid and durable. If you've used older versions of this chair, the main difference in the latest model is that Secretlab has updated the armrests with stronger metal inside and concave padding on top. They can be moved up and down, left or right, forward or back, and you can even angle them.
Employ the large tab on the right for smooth hydraulic height adjustment. There's a lever slightly higher up that allows you to recline. You'll also find a wheel even further up for adjusting the lumbar support, and, if you prefer to use a cushion, this can be dialed right back. On the left side there's a large tab to lock the tilt mechanism.
There are five large PU caster wheels slotted into the aluminum wheelbase. The finishing touch is the memory foam pillow which has an adjustable elasticated strap so you can fix it to your headrest.
Living with the Secretlab Titan
When I first sat in the Secretlab Titan, I was a little surprised by how firm it is. Switching from the padded comfort of the Steelcase Leap, it felt hard and I don't think it will be to everyone's tastes. Secretlab uses a cold-cure foam mix in its chairs. The armrests are covered in PU leather and, although they're padded, they're also quite firm.
After a couple of hours, I realized I was comfortable enough to have forgotten about the firmness. For full days at the desk and several gaming sessions lasting hours at a time, the Secretlab Titan has proven to be comfortable and supportive.
Where the Secretlab Titan really excels for me is in its ability to tilt back. It's quick and easy to lock and unlock the tilt mechanism, and I find the chair much more comfortable when it's reclined. The Titan can go from an 85-degree angle all the way back to 165 degrees. Couple that angle with the supremely comfy memory foam pillow, which has a layer of cooling gel inside, and I think I could sleep in this chair if I ever needed to.
The wheels glide easily across my office floor, even though it's carpeted. I never have any issues maneuvering the chair in and out from my desk, however, it's quite large and you need some space behind you if you want to recline.
The soft weave fabric is soft, but feels quite durable, and there are velour panels. If you're worried about spills, then the leather versions are probably a better bet. Things can get warm, particularly in the lower back area where there's no air flow, but the cooling gel in the pillow, which also has a velour cover, does a great job of keeping your head and neck cool.
I appreciate the lumbar support here and find the Titan much comfier after cranking it right up. The main adjustment option that's missing from this chair is the ability to tweak the seat depth. That didn't prove to be a big problem for me as I could comfortably sit back with my feet planted on the ground, but I fall in the middle of the height recommendation, so it might be an issue for taller or shorter gamers.
As my time with the Secretlab Titan draws to a close, I'm in no rush to switch to another chair. Overall, it has exceeded my expectations. To get something better, I think you would have to look at some of the top office chair manufacturers, like Herman Miller and Steelcase, which means spending significantly more money.
Cons to consider
While my initial trepidation about how firm the Titan is proved unfounded, I still don't think this will suit people who like a lot of padding in the seat area. It is least comfortable in the fully upright position, and if you don't sit back far enough you may experience some tailbone ache.
It's best to sit up and be cautious when using the lever to recline, as I find it can suddenly ratchet back and give you a fright.
The build quality is clearly better than some other gaming chairs I've tried, but, as I've only spent a couple of weeks with the Secretlab Titan, I can't be sure about its durability. While reviews are generally very favorable, I have found some user reviews complaining about wear and tear issues which won't be covered by the warranty.
The bottom line
Weighing up the design, the aesthetic, the adjustability, the comfort, and the price, I think this is the best gaming chair for most people. I can sit comfortably in this chair for a full day and on into the evening without any problems. Downsides include the firm seat and the fact it can get a little warm.
Should you buy it?
Yes. The Secretlab Titan is easy to recommend for most gamers. The Secretlab Titan's price, backed by its quality build and warranty, represent an investment.
What are your alternatives?
The Corsair T2 Road Warrior is a good alternative with a wide seat and high back that matches the Titan closely in terms of features and is also similarly priced at $399.99. If money is no object, look at the Herman Miller X Logitech G Embody chair for a beautiful, ergonomic design that's packed with thoughtful features; just be aware it costs a whopping $1,495.
For more alternatives, read our guides to the best gaming chairs and the best office chairs you can buy.
Pros: Comfortable, choice of finishes, adjustable lumbar support, memory foam pillow, adjustable armrests, easy to tilt
Cons: Back and seat can get warm, may be too firm for some people
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