CORSAIR TC500 vs TC200 vs TC100: Which is the best gaming chair for you?

As we’ve just released the CORSAIR TC500 LUXE gaming chair, we thought it’d be a good time to go over the differences and similarities across the TC500, TC200, and TC100 lines. This way you’ll have a better idea of which one suits your budget, needs, and preferences.

For those who know their way around a gaming chair, we’re going to start with a matrix comparing the most important specs of all three models, then we’ll get into more detail about other factors. Let’s go.

As you can see, the majority of the differences lie in the dimensions of the seating surfaces, visual aesthetics, and of course, the price. Let's contextualise some of these differences in more detail.

When it comes to design, there can't really be a winner as it's all so subjective. However, we can at least elucidate on it for you, as well as providing ample imagery of all three.

The TC500 LUXE has the most premium-looking design by far. The quilted surface makes it resemble a seat from an upmarket automotive brand, the neck pillow is a lot more elegant than the TC200 and TC100's pillow, and the Black, Cream, and Green colorways take the design away from what you'd traditionally expect from a "gaming" chair.

The TC200 is a little closer to the typical gaming chair design. More angular bolsters on the seat, seatbelt holes up top, and a sharper overall silhouette provide a heavier "performance" look. Additionally, there is no lumbar support cushion here, so you're stuck with the built-in, non-adjustable support.

The TC100 RELAXED is by far the most aggressive and gamer-centric of the three, holding all the same visual qualities as the TC200, but with the addition of a lumbar pillow that adjusts via two parallel straps that loop through the seatbelt holes and up under the backrest.

Ergonomics is a bit easier to quantify than design so there's more to say here. None of these chairs are uncomfortable or unergonomic, but the level of customization, features, and other specifics are worth being aware of.

The TC500 LUXE, as our latest chair, is the most ergonomic here. The built-in adjustable lumbar support and the neck pillow, along with the Omniflex armrests, combine to create a chair that really can be dialed in to perfectly suit the individual user, regardless of height, shape, or weight. But of course, features like this make it the most expensive of the bunch.

The TC200 by comparison, has less of an ergonomic focus. There is no additional lumbar cushion, and the neck pillow is less adjustable. That being said, it's not an unhealthy chair to sit in, and it's plenty comfortable. Just be aware that if you're in a situation where ergonomics are a real necessity, the TC500 is the better option health-wise.

The TC100 RELAXED has a neck pillow and lumbar support cushion, so it's similarly equipped compared to the TC500 LUXE. However, it lacks the Omniflex armrests and some other creature comforts such as the truly adjustable lumbar support. As a result, it is by far the most affordable at a cool $249.

All three chairs are great choices for the home office, but each one has strengths and weaknesses. Those who are not on a tight budget should go for the TC500 LUXE as it has our latest ergonomic features.

Those with a penchant for the classic gaming chair aesthetic will prefer the TC200, especially in the Gray/White colorway. Additionally, it can recline to 180-degrees, which is 20 degrees more than the other two, so if you're a serial desk napper, this could be a vital feature.

If you're on a tight budget but need something ergonomic, comfortable, and good looking, the TC100 RELAXED is the correct option here.

Remember to check out the TC500 LUXE, TC200, and TC100 RELAXED on our website for all the info, and refer to the comparison matrix at the top of this page for the nitty gritty details.