• Mitch McConnell is stepping down from being Senate GOP leader after more than 17 years in the job.
• The race to succeed him is already on, even though senators won't decide until November.
• Sens. John Thune, Rick Scott, and John Cornyn are already campaigning for the job.

Mitch McConnell's reign as Senate Republican leader is set to end next January, capping off what will ultimately be an 18-year tenure — the longest of any Senate leader in American history.

Two men, among the "three Johns" who were long viewed as potential successors to the Kentucky Republican, have already been officially running for months: Sens. John Thune and John Cornyn.

Sen. Rick Scott of Florida — who challenged McConnell last time — announced another leadership bid this week.

Other candidates could emerge in the coming months, and the election isn't slated to happen until November.

Don't expect this race to bring the kind of public chaos that House Republicans have seen in the last year. The contest will take place behind closed doors, votes will be kept secret, and there's no such thing as a "motion to vacate" in the collegial upper chamber.

The race will, however, likely expose internal GOP divisions over the future of the party, and what it stands for. McConnell's penchant for bipartisanship and support for Ukraine aid in particular have rankled a segment of GOP senators, and that cohort could be influential in determining who GOP senators succeed in November.

Here's what to know about the current and potential candidates.

Sen. John Thune of South Dakota

Thune, age 63, is currently the second-highest-ranking Republican senator.

As minority whip, Thune is officially in charge of taking the pulse of rank-and-file GOP senators and knowing how votes will break down ahead of time — a position that affords him relationships across the conference.

Altogether, Thune is the most McConnell-like of the current and potential leader candidates. He's worked closely with the Kentucky Republican and shares his views on both Ukraine aid and foreign policy more broadly.

As he's begun pitching himself to fellow GOP senators, he has said in interviews that he would represent a "new generation" of leadership — he's nearly two decades younger than McConnell — and will seek to empower individual members of the conference.

He could, however, have a problem with former President Donald Trump.

Thune endorsed Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina when he ran for president last year, described Trump's conduct on January 6, 2021 as "inexcusable," and has been willing to criticize the former president over the last several years.

He was also relatively late in endorsing Trump, doing so in February long after it had become clear that he would be the party's presidential nominee.

While Trump won't be able to pick the next Senate GOP leader himself, Thune may be hoping that the former president doesn't get deeply involved in the race.

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas

Cornyn, 72, isn't currently in Senate GOP leadership — but he's got a lot of experience in that department.

The Texas Republican served as chairman of Senate Republicans' campaign arm, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), from 2009 to 2013, then as the conference's whip from 2013 to 2019.

His biggest talking point, so far, is that the Senate is "broken," and that he has the experience to try to fix it. He has pledged to "restore the important role of Senate committees" and said there will be "no more backroom deals" if he becomes leader — a reference to the top-down way in which party leaders, including McConnell, have often run Washington.

Cornyn's most controversial proposal in that department has been term limits for the Republican leader, which already exist for other leadership posts.

One reason I am running to be the next Republican Leader is because I believe the Senate needs more engagement from all of my colleagues, and that includes the opportunity for any Member to serve in Leadership. I will support a conference vote to change the rules and institute…

— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) March 6, 2024

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

McConnell recently dismissed that idea, saying it would be "totally inappropriate" and that senators "ought to be able to be free to choose whoever."

Sen. Rick Scott of Florida

Scott, 71, announced his own bid for leader on May 22.

This will be his second attempt: the previous NRSC chair famously launched the first-ever challenge to McConnell in late 2022.

He handily failed, winning just 10 votes, but he cemented his place as a leading figure among those who dissent from the Kentucky Republican's views.

In a letter to GOP colleagues, Scott positioned himself as a more ideologically conservative alternative to the status quo.

"Senate Republican leadership should reflect the views and aspirations of Republican voters," Scott said in the letter. "It's no secret that Republican voters believe we don't fight hard enough for the issues they care about."

The former governor is currently running for a second Senate term. His Democratic opponent, former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, said in a statement following Scott's announcement that the "stakes of this race just got so much higher."

"Self-serving Rick Scott is a danger to Florida families, and as Senate leader, he would be a disaster for Americans," said Mucarsel-Powell.

Another potential contender: Sen. Steve Daines of Montana

Daines, 61, has not said whether he's running — but he hasn't said that he won't run either.

The Montana Republican is currently the chairman of the NRSC, and how Republicans perform in this year's Senate races could also be a key factor. If they win the majority, Daines' stock rises. If they fail, he's probably out.

Trump is reportedly a fan of Daines, which could give him a boost if he enters the race after the election in November.

• China began conducting military drills around Taiwan after Lai Ching-te became president.
• Chinese fighter jets, frigates, and destroyers have been active during the exercise.
• China's actions are seen as punishment for Taiwan's separatist stance amid rising tensions.

The Chinese armed forces began conducting large-scale military exercises around Taiwan on Thursday, just days after the island's newly elected president Lai Ching-te took office.

It's not the first time China has conducted a large exercise around Taiwan like this, but it is a noticeably large event. The move sends an unmistakable message to Taiwan, yields strategic benefits for Beijing, and sets a sour tone for Chinese-Taiwanese relations as a new president's term in office begins.

Exercise "Joint Sword" began Thursday morning, and it will last two days. The drills will focus on "joint sea-air combat readiness patrols, joint seizure of comprehensive battlefield control, and joint precision strikes on key targets," per Chinese state media reports on these exercises.

Taiwan's military reported that China deployed 33 aircraft, 16 Coast Guard vessels, and 15 Navy ships for the drill. In addition to surrounding Taiwan's main island, Chinese forces also executed drills in the waters around offshore islands Kinmen, Matsuri, Wuqiu, and Dongyin.

The Chinese exercises notably include mock strikes by fighter jets with live ammunition and drills with various naval vessels, including frigates and destroyers. Taiwan's defense ministry posted a video condemning Chinese actions, as well as showing the various locations around it where Chinese forces are operating.

Taiwan's military has responded to Chinese activities, dispatching ground, sea, and air forces to monitor the drills closely for escalation. Its defense ministry sharply criticized the drills, calling them "irrational provocations and actions that undermine regional peace and stability."

"We stand by with firm will and restraint. We seek no conflicts, but we will not shy away from one. We have the confidence to safeguard our national security," the ministry added.

China touted the exercises as a "strong punishment for the separatist acts of Taiwan' independence forces," Chinese state media said in its reporting, also calling them "a stern warning against the interference and provocation by external forces," such as the US and Japan.

This kind of rhetoric, while typical for Beijing, follows the May 20 inauguration of Lai Ching-te, who served as the former vice president under Tsai Ing-wen.

Lai's win was seen as a historic move for Taiwan. It indicated a desire by its voters to see the Democratic Progressive Party, which has typically taken a harder line on policies toward China and prioritized Taiwanese autonomy, remain in office for an unprecedented third consecutive term.

Chinese-Taiwanese tensions flared under Tsai, and Lai's rhetoric indicates he will uphold many of Tsai's policies relating to Beijing. In his inauguration speech, the new president highlighted broad continuity with how Tsai addressed the cross-strait relationship, but he also expressed a desire to maintain the status quo with China. The new president asserted peace is "the only option." Beijing has, however, repeatedly asserted that force is on the table as an option for achieving its aims.

During his inaugural speech, Lai touched on China's mounting pressure on the island, saying, "In the face of the many threats and attempts of infiltration from China, we must demonstrate our resolution to defend our nation."

This, along with China's long-held contempt for Lai, prompted Chinese media to say Lai had "surpassed" some previous Taiwanese presidents labeled by China as "separatists."

While Taiwanese and US officials had long assumed Chinese drills would take place around the inauguration, the scale is still concerning, effectively showing that China can, at any time it wants, surround Taiwan in an effort to force its people to accept Beijing's control.

For Beijing, the benefit of this exercise isn't just intimidation or a show of force. It also helps them normalize "large-scale activity around Taiwan, to deceive about future intentions," Mick Ryan, a retired Australian major general and strategist focusing on evolutions in warfare, wrote on X.

The exercise also "bullies and seeks to coerce" Taiwan's government and suggests that unification is inevitable, he added. "Of course it is not inevitable, but CCP [Chinese Communist Party] is using the same propaganda playbook as Putin in Ukraine," he said.

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You don't have to be a diehard gamer to benefit from a gaming chair. Whether you're looking for something to complement your PC and console setup, you work from home, or just find yourself at a desk a lot, getting the right chair can make a big difference in your day-to-day comfort. The best gaming chairs are customizable, look great, and are comfy to sit in for hours on end. 

Based on a combination of research and testing, we've picked the best gaming chairs you can buy right now. Our top pick is the Secretlab Titan Evo. It's a durable and stylish chair that suits nearly any gaming setup or office. Those on a tighter budget will appreciate the GT Racing chair, which offers ergonomic support and colorful styling for an affordable price. 

Below, we've rounded up all our picks to help keep you comfy during long gaming sessions. Here are six of the best gaming chairs out there for different budgets and needs.

Our top picks for the best gaming chairs

Best overall: Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 – See at Secretlab

Best budget option: GT Racing Gaming Chair – See at Amazon

Best office model: Steelcase Leap V2 – See at Amazon

Best high-end: Herman Miller x Logitech G Vantum – See at Herman Miller

Best for a wide seat: AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL – See at Amazon

Best immersive pick: X Rocker Torque RGB 2.1 – See at Amazon

Best overall

Having used the last few generations of Secretlab gaming chairs, we're confident in saying the Singaporean brand has nailed it once again, with the Secretlab Titan Evo being the very best gaming chair. It's not cheap (starting at $549), but it's more affordable than other high-end brands and has an exceptional build quality that leaves other chairs of the same price feeling laughably poor.

Various materials are available in three sizes: small, regular, and XL. The polyurethane leatherette models feature the broadest range of visual design options inspired by game/movie franchises and more, with incredibly intricate embroidered styles that hold up well over time. SoftWeave fabric models have fewer franchise designs but offer more subtle looks (pastel colors are a recent addition). The fabric models are more breathable in hot weather, although we wouldn't say the chair seat itself is softer.

Like other Secretlab chairs, the Titan Evo can be a little firm at first, but there is a slight softening after you've had a chance to break it in. Thankfully, the memory foam doesn't seem to flatten further over time. We've been using a Titan Evo since 2021 and a Secretlab Omega since early 2020, and both still feel fresh. 

The memory foam head cushion has removed the unsightly strap found on previous iterations and is now magnetic, drastically improving the chair's aesthetics. The magnetic range is more extensive, allowing you to put it in just the right place without bouncing into a default position every time you get up.

In addition to super precise four-way moveable armrests, the newly designed lumbar support now moves in four directions via two dials to adjust how much it protrudes and the height at which it does so. The Titan Evo is an excellent buy if you've been looking for something to improve your posture. We also recommend SecretLab's thick memory foam lumbar support cushion as an additional purchase — the cheaper, thicker one rather than the thin "Pro" model.

If you're looking for a better gaming chair, you might have to wait until Secretlab makes something new.

Read our Secretlab Titan review (2020 model).

Best budget option

If you're working with a limited budget but still need a seat to carry you through your most intense games, then the GT Racing gaming chair is your new friend. With bucket-style seats covered in polyurethane leather, extra cushions, and logos all over, this gaming chair certainly looks the part. 

There's padding over the metal frame, so this is a reasonably comfortable chair to sit in for a few hours. However, more padding would be nice, and the raised sides and metal frame make this chair a poor fit for larger folks. And while the height of the armrests and the seat can be adjusted, the armrests don't go as high as we'd like.

There's a removable headrest pillow and a lumbar cushion on the back that you can slide up and down. A lever at the side enables you to recline the chair all the way back to a 160-degree angle. This chair also spins 360 degrees, and the wheels roll freely and quietly on hard floors or carpets.

The GT Racing chair starts from just $110, which makes it the cheapest option on our list by a distance. You can get it in various colors, including red and black, blue and black, or plain black in the polyurethane covering. While the polyurethane wipes clean easily, it can also get sweaty, and it's not something you want against your skin, so you may prefer to pay a little more for a fabric finish. 

While this chair feels reasonably sturdy and does a good job of emulating more expensive gaming chairs, you can feel the difference when you sit in it. This is a budget gaming chair, and the quality reflects that. We can't speak to longevity, either, and we have some concerns about long-term durability. Ultimately, this chair makes some clear concessions in order to get its cost so low, but we've yet to find a superior option at this price. 

Best office model

Most gaming chairs have a certain style, usually involving bucket seats designed to emulate sports cars, vibrant patches of color, and prominent logos. But if you're hunting for a great gaming chair that has to pull double duty as an office chair, you probably don't want a garish seat that will catch people's eyes during video calls.

For something a bit more understated in appearance, we recommend the Steelcase Leap V2. It has a well-deserved place in our best office chairs guide. What sets it apart from the competition and makes it especially suitable for gaming is its padding and adjustability. This is a chair that's comfortable enough to sit in all day for work and all night for gaming. 

The Steelcase Leap V2 is designed to support your body whether you're leaning forward, sitting upright, slouching down, or reclining back with your feet up on the desk. It also has fully adjustable lumbar support that lets you tweak the resistance of the back, as well as change the height and seat depth, and adjust the height and orientation of the armrests. It also spins 360 degrees, and the wheels roll smoothly across carpeted or hard floors.

You can buy the Steelcase Leap in a wide range of fabric or leather finishes in various colors, with or without the arms and headrest. This makes it a great fit for any office.

The Steelcase Leap's price is a pain point, though. If you buy directly from Steelcase, prices start at around $1,000, though it does offer a lifetime warranty. On the other hand, this chair is built to last, and if you shop around, you can find heavily discounted refurbished chairs with plenty of life left in them.

Read our full Steelcase Leap V2 review.

Best high-end

In the world of office chairs, there's no brand more respected than Herman Miller. But Herman Miller also produces a range of specialized gaming chairs — most notably the Vantum, made in cooperation with gaming accessory titan Logitech.

The Vantum is a stylish gaming chair designed for long gaming sessions without breaks. It's made with soft polyurethane fabric and has a suspension structure that encourages breathable airflow. Its neck pad helps support both your neck and spine to combat aches and pains. And its solid glass-filled frame means that it can support up to 350 pounds, which is great for a chair this size.

Compared to other chairs, the Vantum is also incredibly customizable. Using the built-in knobs, you can adjust the seat depth, chair height, neck pad position, back curve, maximum tilt angle, and even tilt tension. All these knobs are also etched with numeric markings that let you keep track of exactly which settings you like. If you're fussy about your gaming chair's exact positioning and feel, the Vantum might be your true love.

The Vantum's only major downside is that it can't recline very far. According to the Herman Miller website, the Vantum can only recline about 19° from its default upright position. That's a far shallower tilt than other chairs. You also can't lock the chair in a reclined position. Instead, you have to actively push back on the seat. And the chair's default position actually pushes you forward slightly, which won't be to everyone's liking.

One of Vantum's biggest strengths is its price. Herman Miller chairs are wonderful but come at a premium price, usually nearing $2,000. In comparison, the Vantum starts at less than $800. That means you're getting Herman Miller's quality and design philosophy for, comparatively, a budget price.

That said, if you're desperate for Herman Miller quality and don't care about the price, there are better options. Herman Miller and Logitech have also produced the Embody gaming chair, which offers more comfort for about $1,000 extra.

Best for a wide seat

In general, we recommend the XL version of our top pick, the Secretlab Titan Evo, as an excellent fit for buyers who want an extra-roomy chair. But the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 is another fantastic option for "big and tall" gamers. It's available in both soft linen fabric and tough PVC leather — so tough that reviewers are repeatedly amazed at how well it resists scuffing and scratching. And it comes at a price, $500, that's lower than our overall pick while still offering many of the same features.

Our favorite thing about the Kaiser 3 XL is, understandably, its size. The thick seat is over 21 inches wide, and the backrest is over 22 inches wide at the shoulders. That's impressive for a pro-level gaming chair like this. Our previous wide pick, the Corsair T2, only had a shoulder width of about 20 inches. And its aluminum base gives it a high level of sturdiness, including support for up to 395 pounds. That's near the highest weight limit we've seen on a gaming chair.

We also have to shout out the customization features, which let you adjust the lumbar support position and strength, headrest height, and more. The headrest is actually magnetic, which means you won't have to worry about its sliding power degrading over time, and you can replace the pillow with other magnetic options.

The armrest covers are magnetic, too, which has its flaws. It's not hard to pop them off accidentally if you hit them the wrong way. But it also means you can easily switch them out with any of the other color options that AndaSeat offers. The wide variety of magnetic parts also makes assembling the chair pretty easy since there aren't nearly as many nuts and bolts to worry about.

One thing about AndaSeat chairs that's worth mentioning is their strange warranty policy. By default, all AndaSeat chairs have a two-year limited warranty that covers defects in the product but not damage sustained while using it. You can extend that warranty to five years by taking a picture or video of your chair, posting it on social media for at least a month, writing a review on the AndaSeat Facebook page, and sending them an email. But even after all that, the extended warranty still only covers factory defects. It's all very weird.

AndaSeat offers the Kaiser 3 in two sizes: Large (L) and Extra Large (XL). We recommend the XL version since it offers much more seat space and weight support for just a bit more money. But the L version is great, too, especially for smaller users.

Best immersive pick

For those looking for a purpose-built gaming chair, there's the X Rocker Torque 2.1. This new model replaces our previous pick in this category, the X Rocker Pro Series 2.1, which offered similar features but is no longer sold. The Torque 2.1 is an RGB-lit, vegan leather gaming chair with built-in sound for added immersion.

The chair features a pedestal for stability, letting you tilt and swivel while you play. It has a cushioned headrest and armrests, but it is not adjustable. It's not the most comfortable gaming chair either, especially for taller or heavier gamers. We think this chair will work best for kids, teens, and smaller adults.

If you're buying an X Rocker chair, you're buying it for its unique audio qualities. It has two forward-facing speakers and a subwoofer inside, along with vibration motors that make for an immersive experience you can feel. It can pair with gaming consoles via a wired connection to their controllers, and it supports wireless connectivity with Bluetooth-capable devices. Unfortunately, these features — along with the RGB lighting — require the chair to be plugged into a power outlet. 

A panel on the right-hand side houses controls and various wired connections. Assembly is required, and you'll want help to do so. 

The built-in speakers and vibrations are especially well-suited for fast-paced games. Racing game enthusiasts, in particular, should get a kick out of the chair's rumbling sound and feel. It's also foldable, which makes it easier to store when you're not using it, especially compared to more rigid gaming chairs.

We think the X Rocker Torque 2.1 has a lot to offer for around $480, but if you don't care about the sound or vibration features, you should check out a more comfortable, adjustable chair.

What to look for in a gaming chair

With such a wide and growing selection, it can be tricky to pick the best gaming chair for your needs. Here are a few important factors to keep in mind when shopping for a gaming chair.

Size: It's vital to find a gaming chair that's suited to your height and weight. You'll generally find a suggested range or maximum height and weight in the specs of each chair. Remember that the ideal height and weight for a chair will likely be in the middle of the stated range. This is especially important if the chair isn't adjustable or has limited adjustability. Make sure you read reviews and see what people are saying about the sizing. If you can, it's always a good idea to try before you buy.

Adjustability: Many of the best gaming chairs are fully adjustable, allowing you to tailor the chair to your body. Ideally, you should be able to adjust the seat height and the armrests and tilt and recline in the chair. Some top chairs also offer adjustable lumbar support and extras like seat depth adjustments, which are often lacking in cheaper chairs. Remember that you can always add a cushion for lumbar support, but ensure that you get one that can be strapped into the correct position. 

Material: Most of our picks for the best gaming chairs are finished in polyurethane (PU) leather, but you can also find fabric finishes and real leather chairs, though they will be more expensive. Fake or real leather has the advantage of being easy to wipe clean but can lead to an uncomfortably sweaty back. Fabric tends to be more breathable but may stain more easily.

Style: You can get gaming chairs emblazoned with esports logos or styled after video game characters, but if you're buying something for the home office, consider what the chair will look like during a business video call. Some options bridge the gap between traditional office chairs and gaming chairs.

How we test gaming chairs

We built our guide to the best gaming chairs using a mix of firsthand testing and thorough research. When evaluating which gaming chairs to highlight, we prioritize a variety of criteria, including comfort, skeletal support, price, design, durability, and even the quality of the chair's warranty. Occasionally, we may recommend a chair that falters in some categories if it significantly excels in others.

For this guide, we also gathered recommendations from game developers and avid gamers. Additionally, we cross-referenced our opinions with existing gaming chair reviews to make sure we weren't missing any hidden gems or making anecdotal claims that don't hold up.

Our reviewers monitor the industries we write about, and we re-evaluate our buying guides multiple times per year. This helps us write the most accurate reviews and recommendations possible.

Gaming chair FAQs

How much money will a good gaming chair cost?

The best gaming chairs can get expensive. A budget option comes in around $150 to $300, but these chairs are usually missing features and aren't super comfortable. You can find chairs for lower than this, but they're rarely worth considering. Typical gaming chairs — like our top pick, the SecretLab Titan Evo 2022  — range from $500 to $800. These are more comfortable chairs that feature adjustable parts, lumbar support, and sturdy construction.

Once you pass the $1,000 mark, you'll start seeing diminishing returns. Premium furniture brands like Herman Miller make fantastic chairs that feel wonderful to sit in for long periods, but they're probably not so much better that they're worth breaking the bank for.

Does every gaming chair fit every body type?

No. Some gaming chairs will be too thin to sit comfortably in, some will be too short to avoid cramping long legs, and so on. Generally, bigger chairs are easier to get comfortable in than smaller ones.

For example, in this guide, we recommend the X-Rocker Torque 2.1 as a great immersive chair, but it's too short to support all body types comfortably. In contrast, the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL is great because of how roomy it is.

Many of the best gaming chairs are adjustable, which makes them accessible to a wider variety of body types. But before you buy any chair, check the specifications to make sure that you'll fit comfortably in it and that it'll fit in your office or home.

Does a gaming chair actually improve your performance?

This is a complicated question to answer. There hasn't been much research on gaming chairs or how they compare to other sorts of chairs for improving game performance. The large majority of claims about gaming chairs are made either anecdotally through product reviews or by the brands that build the chairs themselves.

The research that does exist, like this 2019 paper from De La Salle University's School of Industrial Engineering, suggests that gaming chairs do improve gaming performance, although in an indirect way. Their research says that gaming chairs tend to be more ergonomic, meaning that gamers can play for longer periods without strain — so, over an extended period, their focus, alertness, and skill stay higher than that of gamers in other chairs.

Some chairs are built in specific ways to encourage focus. The Herman Miller Vantum, for example, slightly tilts the user forward so they're closer to the screen. But the research suggests that when it comes to improving game performance, being comfortable is the most important thing.

Best overall

Having used the last few generations of Secretlab gaming chairs, we're confident in saying the Singaporean brand has nailed it once again, with the Secretlab Titan Evo being the very best gaming chair. It's not cheap (starting at $549), but it's more affordable than other high-end brands and has an exceptional build quality that leaves other chairs of the same price feeling laughably poor.

Various materials are available to choose from across three different sizes: small, regular, and XL. The polyurethane leatherette models feature the broadest range of additional visual designs inspired by game/movie franchises and more, with incredibly intricate embroidered styles that hold up well over time. SoftWeave fabric models have fewer franchise designs but offer more subtle looks (pastel colors are a recent addition). The fabric models are more breathable in hot weather, although we wouldn't say the chair seat itself is softer.

Secretlab chairs have always been a little firm at first, but there is a slight softening after you've had a chance to break it in. Thankfully, though, there doesn't seem to be any further flattening of the memory foam over time. We've been using a Titan Evo since 2021 and a Secretlab Omega since early 2020, and both still feel fresh. 

The memory foam head cushion has removed the unsightly strap and is now magnetic, drastically improving the chair's aesthetics. The magnetic range is more extensive and allows you to put it in just the right place without it bouncing into a default position every time you get up.

In addition to super precise four-way moveable armrests, the newly designed lumbar support now moves in four directions via two dials to adjust how much it protrudes and the height at which it does so. The Titan Evo is an excellent buy if you've been looking for something to improve your posture. We also recommend SecretLab's thick memory foam lumbar support cushion as an additional purchase — the cheaper, thicker one rather than the thin "Pro" model.

If you're looking for a better gaming chair, you might have to wait until Secretlab makes something new.

Read our Secretlab Titan review (2020 model).

Best budget option

If you're working with a limited budget but still need a seat to carry you through your most intense games, then the GT Racing gaming chair is your new friend. With bucket-style seats covered in polyurethane leather, extra cushions, and logos all over, this gaming chair certainly looks the part. 

There's padding over the metal frame, so this is a reasonably comfortable chair to sit in for a few hours. More padding would be nice, and the raised sides and metal frame can make this chair uncomfortable after a couple of hours, especially for larger folks. And while the height of the armrests and the seat can be adjusted, the armrests don't go as high as we'd like.

There's a removable headrest pillow, and you'll find a lumbar cushion on the back that you can slide up and down. A lever at the side enables you to recline the chair all the way back to a 160-degree angle. This chair also spins 360 degrees, and the wheels roll freely and quietly on hard floors or carpets.

The GT Racing chair starts from just $110, which makes it the cheapest option on our list by a distance. You can get it in various colors, including red and black, blue and black, or plain black in the polyurethane covering. While the polyurethane wipes clean easily, it can also get sweaty, and it's not something you want against your skin, so you may prefer to pay a little more for a fabric finish. 

While this chair feels reasonably sturdy and does a good job of emulating more expensive gaming chairs, you can feel the difference when you sit in it. This is a budget gaming chair, and the quality reflects that. We can't speak to longevity, either. Online research reveals reports about different faults and parts of this chair breaking. Customer service looks to be good, but we have some concerns about long-term durability. Ultimately, although there are better gaming chairs, we can't find a superior option at this price.

Best office model

Most gaming chairs have a certain style, usually involving bucket seats designed to emulate sports cars, along with vibrant patches of color and prominent logos. But if you're hunting for a great gaming chair that has to pull double duty as an office chair, then you probably don't want a garish seat that will catch people's eyes during video calls.

Our pick is the Steelcase Leap V2. It has a well-deserved place in our best office chairs guide. What sets it apart from the competition there and makes it especially suitable for gaming is the padding and adjustability. This is a chair that's comfortable enough to sit in all day for work and all night for gaming. 

The Steelcase Leap V2 is designed to support your body whether you're leaning forward, sitting upright, slouching down, or reclining back with your feet up on the desk. There's also fully adjustable lumbar support that lets you tweak the resistance of the back, as well as change the height and seat depth, and adjust the height and orientation of the armrests. It also spins through 360 degrees, and the wheels roll smoothly across carpeted or hard floors.

You can buy the Steelcase Leap in a wide range of fabric or leather finishes in various colors, with or without the arms and headrest. This makes it a great fit for any office, though some combinations are very pricey.

The Steelcase Leap's price is a pain point, though. If you buy directly from Steelcase, prices start at around $1,000, though it does offer a lifetime warranty. On the other hand, this is a chair that's built to last, and if you shop around, you can find heavily discounted refurbished chairs with plenty of life left in them.

Read our full Steelcase Leap V2 review.

Best for a wide seat

The AndaSeat Kaiser 3 is a fantastic wide chair that's built for "big and tall" gamers. It's available in both soft linen fabric and tough PVC leather — so tough that reviewers are repeatedly amazed at how well it resists scuffing and scratching. And it comes at a price, $500, that's lower than our overall pick while still offering many of the same features.

Our favorite thing about the Kaiser 3 XL is, understandably, its size. The thick seat is over 21 inches wide, and the backrest is over 22 inches wide at the shoulders. That's impressive for a pro-level gaming chair like this — our previous wide pick, the Corsair T2, only had a shoulder width of about 20 inches. And its aluminum base gives it a high level of sturdiness, including support for up to 395 pounds. That's near the highest weight limit we've seen on a gaming chair.

We also have to shout out the customization features, which let you adjust the lumbar support position and strength, headrest height, and more. The headrest is actually magnetic, which means you won't have to worry about its sliding power degrading over time, and you can replace the pillow with other magnetic options.

The armrest covers are magnetic, too, which has its flaws — it's not hard to pop them off accidentally if you hit them the wrong way. But it also means you can easily switch them out with any of the other color options that AndaSeat offers. The wide variety of magnetic parts also makes assembling the chair pretty easy since there aren't nearly as many nuts and bolts to worry about.

One thing about AndaSeat chairs that's worth mentioning is their strange warranty policy. By default, all AndaSeat chairs have a two-year limited warranty that covers defects in the product but not damage sustained while using it. You can extend that warranty to five years by taking a picture or video of your chair, posting it on social media for at least a month, writing a review on the AndaSeat Facebook page, and sending them an email. But even after all that, the extended warranty still only covers factory defects. It's all very weird.

AndaSeat offers the Kaiser 3 in two sizes: Large (L) and Extra Large (XL). We recommend the XL version since it offers a lot more seat space and weight support for not much more money. But the L version is great, too, especially for smaller users.

Best immersive pick

For those looking for a purpose-built gaming chair, there's the X Rocker Torque 2.1. This new model replaces our previous pick in this category, the X Rocker Pro Series 2.1, which offered similar features but is no longer sold. The Torque 2.1 is an RGB-lit, vegan leather gaming chair with built-in sound for added immersion.

The chair features a pedestal for stability, letting you tilt and swivel while you play. There's a cushioned headrest and armrests, but this is not an adjustable chair. It's not the most comfortable gaming chair either, especially for taller or heavier gamers. We think this chair will work best for kids, teens, and smaller adults.

If you're buying an X Rocker chair, you're buying it for its unique audio qualities. It has two forward-facing speakers and a subwoofer inside, along with vibration motors that make for an immersive experience you can feel. It can pair with gaming consoles via a wired connection, and it supports wireless connectivity with Bluetooth-capable devices. Unfortunately, these features — along with the RGB lighting — require the chair to be plugged into a power outlet. 

A panel on the right-hand side houses controls and various wired connections. Assembly is required, and you'll want help to do so. 

The built-in speakers and vibrations are especially well-suited for fast-paced games. Racing game enthusiasts, in particular, should get a kick out of the chair's rumbling sound and feel. It's also foldable, which makes it easier to store when you're not using it, especially compared to more rigid gaming chairs.

We think the X Rocker Torque 2.1 has a lot to offer for around $480, but if you don't care about the sound or vibration features, you should check out a more comfortable, adjustable chair.

What to look for in a gaming chair

With such a wide and growing selection to choose from, it can be tricky to pick the best gaming chair for your needs. Here are a few of the important factors to keep in mind when you're shopping for a gaming chair.

Size: It's vital to find a gaming chair that's suited to your height and weight. You'll generally find a suggested range or maximum height and weight in the specs of each chair. Bear in mind that the ideal height and weight for a chair will likely be in the middle of the stated range. This is especially important if the chair isn't adjustable or has limited adjustability. Make sure you read reviews and see what people are saying about the sizing. If you can, it's always a good idea to try before you buy.

Adjustability: The best gaming chairs will be fully adjustable, allowing you to tailor the chair to your body. Ideally, you should be able to adjust the seat height and the armrests and tilt and recline in the chair. The best gaming chairs will also offer adjustable lumbar support and extras like seat depth adjustments, but these are often lacking in cheaper chairs. Bear in mind that you can always add a cushion for lumbar support, but make sure that you get one that can be strapped into the correct position. 

Material: The majority of our picks for the best gaming chairs are finished in polyurethane (PU) leather, but you can also find fabric finishes and real leather chairs, though they will be more expensive. Fake or real leather has the advantage of being easy to wipe clean but can lead to an uncomfortably sweaty back. Fabric tends to be more breathable but may stain more easily.

Style: You can get gaming chairs emblazoned with esports logos or styled after videogame characters, but if you're buying something for the home office, it's a good idea to consider what the chair will look like during a business video call. Some options bridge the gap between traditional office chairs and gaming chairs.

We built our guide to the best gaming chairs using a mix of firsthand testing and thorough research. When evaluating which gaming chairs are worth highlighting, we prioritize a variety of criteria, including comfort, skeletal support, price, design, durability, and even the quality of the chair's warranty. Occasionally, we may recommend a chair that falters in some categories if it significantly excels in others.

For this guide, we also gathered recommendations from game developers and avid gamers. Additionally, we cross-referenced our opinions with existing gaming chair reviews to make sure we weren't missing any hidden gems or making anecdotal claims that don't hold up.

All Insider reviewers keep a close eye on the industries they write about, and we re-evaluate our buying guides multiple times per year. This helps us write the most accurate reviews and recommendations possible.

Gaming chair FAQs

How much money will a good gaming chair cost?

Gaming chairs can get pretty expensive. A budget gaming chair comes in around $150 to $300, but these chairs are usually missing features and aren't super comfortable. You can find chairs for lower than this, but they're rarely even worth considering. Normal gaming chairs — like our top pick, the SecretLab Titan Evo 2022  — range from $500 to $800. These are more comfortable chairs that feature adjustable parts, lumbar support, and sturdy construction.

Once you pass the $800 mark, you'll start seeing diminishing returns. Premium furniture brands like Herman Miller make fantastic chairs that feel wonderful to sit in for long periods, but they're probably not so much better that they're worth breaking the bank for.

Does every gaming chair fit every body type?

No. Some gaming chairs will be too thin to sit comfortably in, some will be too short to avoid cramping long legs, and so on. In general, bigger chairs are easier to get comfortable in than small ones.

For example, in this guide, we recommend the X-Rocker Torque 2.1 as a great immersive chair, but it's also too short to support all body types comfortably. In contrast, the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL is great because of how roomy it is.

The best gaming chairs are adjustable, which means that they'll be accessible to a wider variety of body types. But before you buy any chair, check the specifications to make sure that you'll fit comfortably in it and that it'll fit in your office or home.

Does a gaming chair actually make you better?

This is a complicated question to answer. There hasn't been much research on gaming chairs or how they compare to other sorts of chairs for improving game performance. The large majority of claims about gaming chairs are made either anecdotally through product reviews or by the brands that build the chairs themselves, neither of which are totally trustworthy.

The research that does exist, like this 2019 paper from De La Salle University's School of Industrial Engineering, suggests that gaming chairs do improve gaming performance, although in an indirect way. Their research says that gaming chairs tend to be more ergonomic, meaning that gamers can play for longer periods without strain — so, over an extended period, their focus, alertness, and skill stay higher than that of gamers in other chairs.

Some chairs are built in specific ways to encourage focus. The Herman Miller Vantum, for example, slightly tilts the user forward so they're closer to the screen. But the research suggests that when it comes to improving game performance, being comfortable is the most important thing.

• Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella spoke to Stratechery about its $13 billion partnership with OpenAI.
• "There's going to be competition," he told the tech and media newsletter.
• Microsoft is developing its own AI model, led by Mustafa Suleyman, separate from OpenAI's.

Knowing when to compete and when to collaborate is one of the keys to winning in business.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella believes both forces are at play in its more than $13 billion partnership with OpenAI.

"Long-term stability comes from both sides winning on a continuous basis and that's how at least I approach it," Nadella told the media and tech newsletter Stratechery.

He said the two companies have to collaborate to achieve those wins. Nadella said that in OpenAI's view, Microsoft provides the infrastructure, while OpenAI builds the AI models. But that doesn't mean they won't compete with one another.

"They build apps, we build apps, third parties build apps, and so it goes," he said. "There's going to be competition, and there'll be some competition which is fully vertically integrated."

Microsoft recently announced, for example, that it's also building an in-house AI model called MAI-1 from a dataset that includes text from ChatGPT and outside sources like public information on the internet. The model is separate from OpenAI's GPT-4 and is being overseen by DeepMind founder Mustafa Suleyman, who jumped to Microsoft in March.

Nadella, who once said about OpenAI that Microsoft was "below them, above them, around them," told Stratechery that "you have to be open-minded that at the end of the day, sometimes partnerships are the only way to get ahead."

And that philosophy doesn't just apply to Microsoft and OpenAI — it extends to all units of the company.

"The way I think about Microsoft is yes, ultimately we are not like a conglomerate, we have to have a real thesis that there is a cohesiveness to architecture," Nadella said. "We are at our best when it's just not integration, it has to be integration plus competitiveness of every layer of the stack."

• The US Navy's nuclear-powered Virginia-class attack submarines are arguably the best to ever exist.
• The cutting-edge submarines feature groundbreaking undersea technologies, computing, and firepower.
• But high-tech Russian and Chinese submarines continue to threaten the Navy's undersea superiority.

Russia's Kilo-class and Yasen-class submarines are likely considered as a massive, high-tech threat by the Pentagon while China's growing fleet of Jin-class ballistic missile submarines are acquiring much longer-range JL-3 nuclear missiles.

That does not mean either Russian or Chinese boats are the best in the world. Does the US Navy still have global undersea superiority? 

The Navy's Virginia-Class: The best submarine of all time

While many details about foreign submarines remain murky, the US Navy's cutting-edge Virginia-class attack submarines are arguably the best to ever exist.

The submarines incorporate a series of paradigm-changing undersea technologies, computing, and firepower, which could very well place them in a class by themselves. This is particularly true when one considers innovations woven into Block III and forward Virginia-class submarines and massive firepower increases built into the Block V Virginia Payload Modules. 

In a variety of operational environments, surface ships and the drones or aircraft they operate could be more "detectable" to enemy radar and sensors when compared to attack submarines. Given these and other variables, Virginia-class submarines are becoming increasingly critical to clandestine "intel" missions in high-risk areas.

Enhancements to Virginia-class submarines, first built into a prototype Block III boat called the USS South Dakota, became operational almost eight years ago. However, in a broad or general sense, senior Navy weapons developers did say the enhancements related to antennas, coating material, and engine-quieting technologies.

Virginia-class vs. Kilo-class submarines

Block III Virginias also have a Large Aperture Bow advanced sonar and an automated, joystick-controlled computerized fly-by-wire navigation system. Russia's Kilo-class is described as having some computer automation, yet it seems it would be quite significant to determine the extent to which it can truly rival cutting-edge Virginia-class submarines. 

This is of particular tactical significance because advanced Virginia-class submarines are increasingly being used for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) missions to survey high-risk areas such as enemy coastlines while remaining much less detectable than easy-to-see surface ships.

Virginia-Class submarines are engineered with "Fly-by-Wire" capability, which allows the ship to quietly linger in shallow waters without having to surface or have each small move controlled by a human operator. With this technology, a human operator will order depth and speed, allowing software to direct the movement of the planes and rudder to maintain course and depth. The ships can be driven primarily through software code and electronics, thus freeing up time and energy for an operator, who does not need to manually control each small maneuver.

Attack submarines as "intel spy" submarines

This technology, using upgradeable software and fast-growing AI applications, widen the mission envelope for attack submarines by vastly expanding their ISR potential. Using real-time analytics and an instant ability to draw upon and organize vast databases of information and sensor input, computer algorithms can now perform a range of procedural functions historically performed by humans. This can increase the speed of maneuverability and an attack submarine's ability to quickly shift course, change speed, or alter depth positioning when faced with an attack.

"The most important feature for maneuvering in littoral waters is the fly-by-wire control system, whereby computers in the control center electronically adjust the submarine's control surfaces, a significant improvement from the hydraulic systems used in the Los Angeles-class," a 2016 Stanford University, "The Future of Nuclear Submarines" paper by Alexander Yachanin states.

The US Navy's 2018 "Commander's Intent for the United States Submarine Force," says "We are uniquely capable of, and often best employed in, stealthy, clandestine and independent operations … we exploit the advantages of undersea concealment which allow us to: Conduct undetected operations such as strategic deterrent patrols, intelligence collection, Special Operations Forces support, non-provocative transits, and repositioning."

Virginia-class subs are armed with Tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, and other weapons able to perform a range of missions; these include anti-submarine warfare, strike warfare, covert mine warfare, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), anti-surface/ship warfare, and naval special warfare, something described as having the ability to carry and insert Special Operations Forces. Future Virginia-Class submarines provide improved littoral (coastal waters) capabilities, sensors, special operations force employment, and strike warfare capabilities.

• The housing market might be looking a bit brighter for prospective home buyers. 
• Inventory is rising and mortgage rates are far from the highs hit in 2023. 
• Real estate vets pointed to three signs the market is looking friendlier for buyers. 

The housing market may be starting to turn a corner, offering frustrated buyers a chance to jump back into the market after a long stretch of dismal prospects. 

The looser conditions are arriving after a rocky few years for the US housing market, with home sales tanking to their lowest level in 30 years in 2023 and mortgage rates jumping to multi-decade highs. 

Soon, though, buyers re-entering the market may be greeted by better conditions than they faced in 2023. 

"We think the housing market is going to improve over the next half of a year," Glenn Kelman, the CEO of Redfin, in a recent interview. "Mostly, we hit rock bottom in the first quarter of 2024, and I would expect the housing market to do a little bit better through the rest of the year." 

Here are three signs industry experts say point to more favorable conditions for buyers. 

1. Inventory is rising

More inventory is finally trickling into the housing market, which could help push prices down. Prospective home buyers have been slammed by a shortage of inventory for the past few years, which has limited their number of options and raised prices.

Unsold housing inventory rose 16% year-over-year in April, clocking at 1.2 million, according to the National Association of Realtors. That's still well-below "desired" inventory levels, but it's an improvement from 2023, when the "lock-in" effect kept sellers from listing their homes as they clung to lower mortgage rates they secured years earlier. 

According to Robert Reffkin, the CEO of the real estate brokerage Compass, buyers are also beginning to tap out of the market as they push back against poor affordability conditions. That's helped eased the imbalance of supply and demand. 

"We are now seeing more sellers than buyers," Reffkin said, speaking to CNBC this week.

2. Home prices are dropping

More inventory has the potential to lower home prices as supply and demand rebalance. House prices hit a record high in April, with the median US home price clocking in at $387,600 a year, according to Redfin data. 

However, according to Reffkin, 34% of homes on the market have seen a price drop in May. That's the highest percentage recorded over the past 10 years.

Prices are also starting to fall in key metros, like Texas and Florida, which have seen more new home construction  than any other states in the country, according to Redfin data. 

"The boom is over, in part because many people have been priced out. Now, homes are sitting on the market and price growth is stagnating," the listings site said in a recent report.

3. Mortgage rates have ticked down

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has declined for most the last six months. Borrowing costs for the most popular US mortgage eased to 7.02% the last week, according to Freddie Mac data, down from a peak of 7.79% in late 2023.

Elevated mortgage rates are a key problem in today's housing market, as they deter both buyers and sellers from making deals.

But mortgage rates, which are affected by interest rates in the economy, could continue to ease as markets gain more confidence in coming Fed rate cuts, Redfin's Kelman said.

The Fed has suggested it won't cut interest rates until it gains more confidence that inflation is headed back to 2%. But inflation now looks to be at a "reasonable" level, Kelman added, with consumer prices cooling to 3.4% in April. 

Compass's Reffkin also expects mortgage rates to come down in the coming months. Rates dropping to 5%-6% would make the housing market "explode," but even a 6.5% 30-year mortgage rate would be enough to make the housing market "very strong," Reffkin said.

"We feel reasonably good," Kelman said of the housing market. "I just don't want to have a party here and drink a bunch of champagne … it's just a little bit better, and that's worth noting."

• The NYC-to-Dublin Portal was shut down last week over "bad behavior."
• It reopened on Tuesday, but when I showed up, it was just a handful of tourists and kids. 
• Not even any flashers!

The first thing to know about The Portal is that you will feel a strange, overwhelming urge to take out your phone and gaze at it through your phone's screen. It doesn't make sense, and you know it doesn't make sense — what are you trying to capture? A screen of a group of random people? Isn't it more interesting to try to interact with those people instead of staring at them through your phone?

And yet, you must pull out your phone. Your body is compelled. It feels almost protective — like The Portal is a light so bright you have to view it only through a phone screen, like looking at a solar eclipse through a hole in a cereal box.

Perhaps it's the awkwardness of standing and facing strangers, staring directly back at them. To actually meet their gaze is too intense, too personal. Like accidentally stumbling into a Marina Abramović performance when you're just trying to walk to Shake Shack. But instead of creating closeness with these strangers on another continent, it makes you feel even more distant.

I had been dying to see the New York City-to-Dublin video portal in person but hadn't gotten around to stopping by the Flatiron area in Manhattan. Reports of mayhem and weird behavior were floating around social media — and I love light mayhem and weird behavior.

Unfortunately, it went too far. The Portal was shut down after an OnlyFans creator flashed it, and people on the Dublin side mooned it and held up photos of 9/11. I was crushed, and at the time, I blogged that the cowards who shut The Portal down should reopen it and, in fact, build more Portals around the world to connect humanity.

Well, I guess I sort of take that back now.

Earlier this week, the portals in each city reopened, and I finally got to check it out on Wednesday. The Portal in New York is right on 23rd and Broadway, near some seating and a coffee stand. Its imposing silver circle and massive screen draw you in — and a small crowd was gathered around 10 a.m.

Immediately, I pulled out my phone to take a picture (why? I had seen other photos of it before, and there wasn't anything particularly interesting happening on the screen).

The other handful of New Yorkers also had their phones out. A group of what appeared to be French tourists seemed to be the most active. One of them went in front of the group of 12 or so New Yorkers to do a little dance for the Dubliners. A little girl on the other side did a cartwheel; he attempted a cartwheel. Eventually, the men wandered off. A little kid waved (were NYC schools not in session?), a few people asked what it was.

No one seemed to stick around for too long. I, too, started to get bored after a few minutes. There were far more people on the Dublin side than in New York — I attribute this to the time difference — it's five hours ahead in Dublin. Flatiron in New York City is also a fairly staid area; most people seem to be professionals on their way to work. A location like Times Square or Union Square might have attracted a rowdier or younger crowd. And frankly, it was also a hot day, and The Portal is in direct sun.

There were no boobs, no bare buttcheeks, not even a rude taunt mocking some respective national tragedy. It was just … boring. A bunch of people staring at other people on their phones, through their phones. I suppose I failed to uplift the situation, to pull my weight in the project. As the saying goes, sometimes you must be the flasher you wish to see in the world.

• The first two Gulfstream G700 private jets have been delivered to Qatar Executive in Doha.
• The $75 million aircraft got FAA certification in March, meaning it can finally fly passengers.
• Qatar's glitzy new jet is bigger than its predecessor and caters to the company's most elite customers.

Qatar Airways is considered one of the most luxurious airlines in the world, with award-winning business-class suites and even onboard bars.

But, unbeknownst to many travelers, the Doha-based carrier also runs a private arm known as Qatar Executive. The high-end subsidiary targets the airline's most elite travelers — specifically those willing to pay up to six figures for a flight.

The wholly-owned business was launched in 2009 and has since amassed a fleet of multimillion-dollar corporate jets, including the Gulfstream G650ER, the Bombardier 5000, the Airbus ACJ319, and, most recently, the Gulfstream G700.

Qatar is the international launch customer for the $75 million G700, having unveiled the first of 10 on order at the Paris Airshow in June. However, the US-made aircraft was still awaiting certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and could not yet carry high-paying passengers.

The airline only had to wait about nine months before Gulfstream finally announced the G700's FAA approval in March, meaning it could finally receive its first official G700 in Doha.

Qatar Executive officially received its first two G700 private jets in Doha on Wednesday.

The official delivery came nine months after Qatar unveiled the interior of what the G700 would like at the airshow in June.

"We are proud to enhance our existing fleet of 15 Gulfstream G650ER aircraft to include the pinnacle of business aviation excellence and look forward to seeing our guests on board soon to experience this technologically advanced aircraft," Qatar Airways Group chief executive Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said in a press release.

Powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, the company's new G700 sports the familiar Qatar Executive livery and comes complete with a fully customizable interior.

Similar to the G650ER, the G700's living spaces include a club area, an office or meeting space, a dining room, a theater, and a bedroom.

However, the G700 outperforms its predecessor in range, speed, and cabin altitude, as well as a shorter landing distance that, according to Gulfstream, gives customers "increased flexibility and airport availability."

The flexibility is particularly advantageous considering the G700 can fly up to 8,630 miles nonstop — making it one of the longest-ranged private jets in the industry.

Qatar says its new business jet can operate "ultra-long-range flights between almost all commercial city pairs," like Doha to New York in 13 and a half hours and Doha to Seoul in less than eight hours.

Stepping onto the G700, I could immediately see the Qatar brand reflected in the design.

I thought the colors and tones were elegant and very visually pleasing.

The first passenger section onboard was the theater, which was complete with a couch and flat-screen television.

I also liked the decorative touches, like the flowers and the blue and gold carpet.

A cool feature was the TV streaming live footage from the airshow via a camera on the tail of the plane.

The theater also has a curtain that can separate it from the rest of the jet, offering added privacy.

Behind the entertainment area was the club room with four large armchairs, each with an adjustable headrest and good recline.

The legrest could also pop up for added comfort.

A table could be deployed between each set of two seats as well, which was easily big enough to fit a laptop, food, or a board game.

The tray table was easy enough to deploy and store.

Other perks like charging ports and cupholders were located next to each seat.

There were also televisions around the cabin that gave flight information to the guests.

Walking further down the jet, guests will find the dining room, where catered food can be served by the onboard cabin crew.

Also notice the large "panoramic" windows, which Gulfstream says are the largest in business aviation.

On one side of the space is a table for four…

These seats can also be converted into a bed.

…while the other side is a table for two, so up to six people can sit in the dining area at once.

Unlike the club space, a table was already situated between the pair of dining room loungers. 

The aft living space is the bedroom, complete with a plush double bed and another set of loungers with a stored table.

Pajamas are also provided for customers.

A sliding door closes off the room for maximum privacy.

You can create five distinct living areas and three distinct rooms thanks to the sliding door and the curtain towards the front.

Attached to the bedroom is a lavatory with a sink, storage, towels, a mirror, and a toilet.

The leather-covered toilet also doubles as a seat.

In addition to the living spaces, there are also a few non-passenger spots onboard, like the aft cargo hold.

The room is accessible from the bathroom and can hold suitcases and oversized items.

Meanwhile, the front of the plane hosts the crew rest area. The space is optional, and operators who opt out can offer up to five living spaces onboard.

Because the Qatar G700 has a crew rest area, it only has four living spaces — the club/meeting room, the dining room, the theater, and the bedroom. The fifth option is another meeting or lounge space.

Also not part of the passenger area is the "extra-large" galley, which is where flight attendants prepare meals, snacks, and drinks.

The cupboards and drawers weren't huge, but they could hold sodas, chips, candy, protein bars, and other small snacks.

The space comes complete with plenty of storage, as well as glasses, an oven, and a refrigerator.

 There was easily enough space to cater to the small number of people who'd fly the G700 at any one time.

Considering all of the luxuries onboard, Qatar is targeting its most elite customers who have the means to fly private over opting for the Q-Suite.

People who can afford to fly private do so because of the convenience. Typically, these charters do not require a security check, and clients can fly between almost any city pair on their own schedule — not one predetermined by the airline.

But, only a niche number of people will be able to afford the luxury as a one-way flight from New York to London on the company's smaller Gulfstream 500 can cost up to $160,000, according to a 2018 Business Insider report.

The G700 can fly much further than the G500, which is no longer in the carrier's fleet, according to its website.

Despite the steep price, the market is still there. Qatar's former CEO Akbar Al Baker expressed confidence in the jet and the future of business travel, describing the G700's advanced performance as a "game changer."

"The G700 represents the pinnacle of business jet travel and will provide Qatar Executive customers with an unsurpassed experience," he said.

Al Baker stepped down as CEO in October after 27 years at the company and was replaced by Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the former COO of Qatar's Hamad International Airport base, in November.