First impressions of a chair tell you almost nothing useful. Foam that feels plush on day one can turn into a concrete slab by month three. A seat that seems fine for a quick sit becomes a back-wrecking nightmare after six hours of actual work. So forget the unboxing buzz. What actually matters is what 1,307 owners say after living with the thing, combined with a hard look at the specs. That's where the real story is with the SONGMICS OBG65BKUK.
And the verdict? It's a decent budget gaming chair with some genuine strengths, a few frustrating omissions, and one big caveat that'll disqualify it immediately for anyone who cares deeply about long-term spinal health. But for the right buyer, at this price point, it's hard to dismiss. 1,307 averaging ★★★★☆ (4.3) isn't nothing. That's not a fluke. That's a chair doing something right for a lot of people.
The question is whether you're one of those people. And that depends almost entirely on how long you sit, how tall you are, and how much you care about ergonomics versus aesthetics. Because this chair, like most racing-style gaming chairs, makes some compromises that an ergonomics obsessive will find difficult to swallow.
Core Specifications
The SONGMICS OBG65BKUK is a budget-tier gaming chair wrapped in synthetic leather (the brand calls it easy-to-clean, which is accurate but also a diplomatic way of saying it's not breathable). It comes in ink black, which is at least a more restrained colour choice than the aggressive red-and-black racing livery you see slapped on a lot of chairs in this category. The aesthetic is still clearly gaming-influenced, with the high back, pronounced wings, and integrated headrest pillow that's become shorthand for "esports chair" whether or not it actually helps you sit properly.
Weight capacity sits at 150 kg, which is genuinely good for this price bracket. A lot of budget chairs cap out at 120 kg and then wobble worryingly under anyone near that limit. The 150 kg rating here, backed by a solid star base, gives the structure some credibility. The base uses five swivel castors, which is the standard configuration and the right one. Four-point bases are less stable and you should always be suspicious of any chair that ships with fewer than five wheels.
The chair features a height-adjustable seat, adjustable headrest, tilt function, and foldable armrests. The gas lift cylinder is described as auto-return, which is a good sign for longevity. Cheap cylinders sink slowly over time until you're sitting at desk-edge height like a toddler. The synthetic leather cover is easy to wipe down, which matters if you're eating at your desk (we've all been there). Assembly is tool-assisted with numbered parts and clear instructions, according to the vast majority of owners who mention it.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | SONGMICS OBG65BKUK |
| Colour | Ink Black |
| Weight Capacity | 150 kg |
| Seat Adjustment | Height-adjustable |
| Headrest | Adjustable |
| Armrests | Foldable |
| Tilt Function | Yes |
| Base | Solid star base, 5 swivel castors |
| Gas Lift | Auto-return cylinder |
| Cover Material | Synthetic leather (easy-to-clean) |
| Category | Budget gaming / esports chair |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.3) (1,307 reviews) |
| Price | £79.99 |
Ergonomics
Right, this is where the racing-style chair concept starts to show its cracks. The SONGMICS OBG65BKUK has an adjustable headrest and a tilt function, which are the two features SONGMICS leads with. The headrest is a separate pillow that straps to the top of the backrest, a design you see across virtually every gaming chair at this price. It's adjustable in position, which helps you dial it in for your height. But here's the thing: a strap-on neck pillow is not the same as a properly engineered cervical support system. If you've got neck issues, manage your expectations accordingly.
The lumbar situation is the bigger concern for anyone who takes back health seriously. Racing-style chairs typically feature pronounced side bolsters (the wings on either side of the seat and back) that are designed to hold you in a bucket-seat position. For shorter sessions, that's fine. For eight-hour workdays, those bolsters can push against your hips and thighs in ways that get increasingly uncomfortable. The SONGMICS doesn't specify whether it includes a separate lumbar cushion, but many chairs in this style do include one as a strap-on pillow. What the spec sheet does confirm is the tilt function, which at least lets you shift your weight and decompress your spine periodically. That matters more than people realise.
The adjustable seat height is a genuine ergonomic win. Getting your seat-to-floor height right is arguably the most important single adjustment you can make for proper posture. Feet flat on the floor, thighs roughly parallel to the ground, that's the baseline. The SONGMICS gives you the range to hit that position for most average-height adults. The adjustable headrest adds another layer of customisation that cheaper chairs skip entirely. So while this isn't an ergonomic masterclass, it's not a total disaster either. It gives you the tools to sit reasonably well. Whether you actually use them is another matter.
Size and Fit
The 150 kg weight capacity is the headline number here and it's a good one. That's meaningfully higher than a lot of budget competitors, and it means the chair isn't just rated for a narrow slice of the population. The solid star base and sturdy cylinder back that rating up structurally. Owner reviews don't flag any worrying wobble or instability at higher weights, which suggests the rating isn't just marketing. Always worth checking, because some manufacturers are optimistic with their capacity figures.
Height suitability is where it gets more nuanced. The seat height is adjustable, which helps, but the overall back height of a gaming chair like this is fixed. Very tall users (above 6'3" or so) sometimes find that even the highest headrest position doesn't quite reach where it needs to be. Conversely, shorter users can find the seat depth too long for their legs, which forces them into a slightly awkward perched position. The SONGMICS doesn't publish specific recommended height ranges in the verified spec data, so if you're at either extreme of the height spectrum, it's worth hunting down the detailed dimensions before committing.
The five-caster base gives the chair a stable footprint that should work in most standard home office or gaming setups. The castors are designed for smooth movement across your workspace, which is handy when you need to roll over to a second monitor or grab something from a shelf without doing the penguin-walk shuffle in your chair. One thing worth knowing: synthetic leather chairs on hard floors can sometimes slide more than you'd like. If you're on laminate or hardwood, a decent desk mat under the chair is worth the few quid. On carpet, the castors will roll fine without any extras.
Armrests
Foldable armrests. That's what's listed, and it's actually a more useful feature than it might sound at first. The ability to fold the armrests up and out of the way means you can push the chair right under a desk when you're not using it, which is a practical win in smaller rooms. It also means that if you're the type who prefers to rest your arms on the desk surface rather than the chair, you can just get the armrests out of your way entirely rather than fighting against them.
What the spec sheet doesn't detail is the adjustment range beyond the fold. Many gaming chairs in this price bracket offer armrests that only go up and down (1D), while better-specified chairs add width adjustment (2D) or pivot (3D). Proper armrest positioning, where your elbows are at roughly 90 degrees and your shoulders aren't hunched, is a significant factor in avoiding repetitive strain in your shoulders and wrists. If the armrests on the SONGMICS only fold and don't adjust height independently, that's a limitation worth knowing about. Owner reviews don't flag armrest height as a major complaint, which is mildly reassuring, but it's not the same as confirmation that they're properly adjustable.
The padding quality on budget gaming chair armrests is almost universally mediocre. That's not a SONGMICS-specific criticism, it's just the reality of the price tier. Hard plastic armrests are the worst offenders. If these have any foam or PU padding on the top surface, that's a step up. Resting your forearms on bare hard plastic for hours is miserable, and it's the kind of thing that doesn't bother you for the first twenty minutes but becomes genuinely irritating by hour four. If armrest comfort is a priority for you, either factor in a gel armrest pad (cheap and effective) or step up to a chair with better-specified armrests from the start.
Comfort Over Long Sessions
This is the section that matters most, and the one where budget gaming chairs most often disappoint. The pattern across owner reviews for the SONGMICS OBG65BKUK is broadly positive for medium-length sessions, say two to four hours. Users doing homework, gaming in the evenings, or working part-time from home seem genuinely happy with it. The 4.3 average across 1,307 supports that. But the picture gets more complicated when you're talking about full eight-hour working days, five days a week.
Racing-style chairs, which this is, are designed with aesthetics and initial comfort in mind. The high back and bucket-seat styling look great in a setup photo. The problem is that the pronounced side bolsters that make the chair look sporty can put lateral pressure on your hips and thighs during long sessions. The foam in budget chairs also tends to compress over time, sometimes quite quickly. What feels supportive at first can start to feel flat within a few months of heavy daily use. The tilt function helps here because it lets you shift your seating position periodically, which is genuinely good for your back. Sitting completely static in any chair for hours is bad. The tilt at least encourages some movement.
For users who are sitting in this chair for professional work all day, every day, it's worth being realistic. The SONGMICS is a budget chair. It's not designed to compete with a Herman Miller Aeron or a Steelcase Leap on long-session ergonomics. Those chairs cost five to ten times as much for very good reasons. What the SONGMICS offers is a reasonable approximation of comfort for the price, with enough adjustability to help most users find a workable position. If you're a student, a part-time home worker, or an evening gamer, this is probably fine. If you're a full-time remote worker with a bad back, spend more.
Materials and Breathability
Synthetic leather. There it is. The material choice that defines almost every gaming chair at this price point and the one that ergonomics enthusiasts have the most complicated relationship with. The SONGMICS spec sheet describes it as "easy-to-clean synthetic leather," and that's an accurate description of both its strength and its weakness simultaneously. Easy to clean means it doesn't absorb spills, sweat, or crumbs. It also means it doesn't breathe.
In a cool room or during winter, synthetic leather is genuinely fine. It's comfortable, it wipes clean, and it looks smart enough. In summer, or in a warm room, or during an intense gaming session where your body temperature rises, it becomes a different experience. You stick to it. Your back gets warm. Air doesn't circulate through the material the way it does with a mesh back chair. This is a fundamental characteristic of the material, not a manufacturing defect, and it's something SONGMICS is upfront about by calling it easy-to-clean rather than breathable. The honest answer is that if you run warm or you're in a room without great ventilation, a mesh-backed chair will serve you better.
On durability, synthetic leather has a mixed track record in the budget tier. The good news is that it resists surface staining and is easy to maintain. The less good news is that cheaper PU leather can crack and peel after a year or two of heavy use, particularly at the seams and on the seat edges where flexing is constant. SONGMICS describes the material as durable, and the owner review base doesn't show widespread peeling complaints in the short to medium term. But this is a chair where the longevity of the cover material is genuinely uncertain beyond the two-year mark. For context, polyurethane leather as a category has a wide quality range, and budget-tier versions are at the lower end of that range almost by definition.
Tilt and Recline
The tilt function is one of the features SONGMICS specifically highlights, and it's a genuinely useful one. The ability to rock back in your chair and decompress for a few minutes after a focused work session is underrated as a comfort feature. It's not just a gimmick. Periodic recline reduces the compressive load on your lumbar discs, which is a real physiological benefit if you're sitting for hours. The spec sheet confirms tilt mode is present. What it doesn't specify is the exact recline angle range or whether there's a tilt tension adjustment.
Tilt tension control is the dial (usually under the seat) that lets you adjust how much resistance the tilt has. Without it, lighter users find the chair tilts too easily and heavier users find it barely moves. With it, you can dial in the right resistance for your weight. It's a feature that costs almost nothing to include but makes a real difference to usability. Budget chairs sometimes skip it. The SONGMICS spec data doesn't confirm either way, so this is one to check in the detailed product listing before buying if tilt quality matters to you.
The auto-return cylinder is worth a specific mention here. Some cheap gas lifts don't return to position reliably, which means the chair slowly sinks throughout the day and you end up hunching over your desk by mid-afternoon. The auto-return description suggests SONGMICS has used a better-quality cylinder than the absolute cheapest option, which is good. A properly functioning gas lift is one of those components you completely ignore when it works and absolutely notice when it doesn't. The solid star base supports the cylinder well, and owner reviews don't flag sinking issues as a common complaint, which is a decent indicator that the cylinder is doing its job.
Build Quality
The solid star base is the foundation everything else rests on, literally. Five-point bases are the standard for good reason: they distribute weight evenly and make the chair far harder to tip. The SONGMICS uses a solid star base with durable castors, and the 150 kg weight capacity gives you a sense of how confident the brand is in the structural integrity. Budget chairs sometimes use hollow or thin-walled base components that flex under load. The language in the spec sheet suggests this isn't that kind of corner-cutting.
The auto-return cylinder is a positive indicator for build quality. Gas lift cylinders are one of the components that vary enormously in quality across the price spectrum. Class 3 cylinders (the standard for good-quality office chairs) are rated to handle higher loads and last longer than the class 1 or 2 cylinders sometimes found in very cheap seating. The spec sheet doesn't state the cylinder class explicitly, but the auto-return feature and the 150 kg weight rating suggest it's not the absolute bottom of the barrel. For reference, gas spring quality is one of the most meaningful build quality differentiators between budget and mid-range chairs.
The castors are described as durable, which is the right characteristic to optimise for. Cheap castors crack, scratch floors, and roll unevenly. The five-caster configuration gives you stability and manoeuvrability. Owner reviews mention the chair moves well around a workspace, which tracks with the five-caster design. One thing to note: the castors that ship with most gaming chairs are hard plastic, which can mark certain types of flooring. If you're on a delicate floor surface, check whether the castors are floor-friendly or budget for a chair mat. The synthetic leather cover ties back into build quality too. It's easy to clean and looks presentable, but as mentioned in the materials section, long-term durability of budget PU leather is always a question mark.
Assembly Experience
SONGMICS makes a specific point of highlighting clear instructions and numbered parts, and this is one of the areas where owner reviews back them up most consistently. Assembly complaints are one of the most common negative themes in budget furniture reviews generally. When a brand gets this right, it's worth acknowledging. Numbered parts mean you're not squinting at a diagram trying to figure out which of three similar-looking bolts goes where. Clear instructions mean you can actually follow the process without a degree in mechanical engineering.
Most owners report being able to assemble the chair solo in a reasonable amount of time. Gaming chairs of this type typically involve attaching the base and castors, fitting the gas lift cylinder, attaching the seat to the base mechanism, and then connecting the backrest to the seat. It sounds like a lot but it's usually a 30 to 45 minute job for one person if the instructions are decent. The main awkward moment in most gaming chair assemblies is holding the backrest in position while simultaneously tightening the bolts, which ideally benefits from a second pair of hands. But it's doable alone if you're patient.
Packaging quality is worth a mention because it's directly related to whether the chair arrives in one piece. SONGMICS ships the chair in sections, which is standard practice and means the box is manageable to get through a front door without a team of removal men. Owner reviews don't flag widespread transit damage, which suggests the packaging is adequate. This matters more than it sounds: a chair that arrives with a cracked base or a bent frame is a customer service headache that eats up any cost savings. Getting the packaging right is a basic competence test that some budget brands still fail.
How It Compares
At this budget price point, the SONGMICS OBG65BKUK is competing primarily against two types of chair: other budget gaming chairs in the same aesthetic bracket, and basic office chairs that prioritise function over looks. The two most relevant comparisons are the Devoko Ergonomic Gaming Chair (a similarly priced racing-style option) and the Hbada Office Chair (a budget mesh-back alternative that makes different trade-offs).
The Devoko is a direct style competitor. It's similarly priced, similarly styled, and makes similar claims about ergonomics. The SONGMICS edges it on weight capacity (150 kg versus the Devoko's typical 120 kg limit) and on the strength of its owner review base. 1,307 at 4.3 is a more credible signal than a smaller review pool. The Devoko has a marginally more aggressive aesthetic, which is either a plus or a minus depending on your taste. Both chairs share the same fundamental limitation: they're racing-style chairs with synthetic leather, which means breathability is a secondary concern at best.
The Hbada mesh-back office chair is a more interesting comparison because it makes completely different trade-offs. Mesh backs breathe. They keep you cooler during long sessions. They don't peel. But they typically offer less dramatic lumbar contouring than a padded gaming chair, and they look like an office chair rather than an esports setup. If you're using this chair for actual work rather than gaming aesthetics, the Hbada is worth serious consideration. If the gaming look matters to you (and for a lot of buyers it genuinely does, there's nothing wrong with that), the SONGMICS wins on style points and matches it on most functional criteria.
| Feature | SONGMICS OBG65BKUK | Devoko Gaming Chair | Hbada Office Chair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Tier | Budget | Budget | Budget |
| Weight Capacity | 150 kg | ~120 kg (typical) | ~120 kg (typical) |
| Back Material | Synthetic leather | Synthetic leather | Mesh |
| Breathability | Low | Low | High |
| Headrest | Adjustable | Pillow (fixed strap) | Fixed or absent |
| Armrests | Foldable | Fixed or basic | Fixed |
| Tilt Function | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Aesthetic | Gaming/esports | Gaming/esports | Office |
| Owner Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.3) (1,307) | Varies | Varies |
Final Verdict
The SONGMICS OBG65BKUK is a budget gaming chair that does what it says on the tin, mostly. The 150 kg weight capacity is genuinely impressive for the price. The adjustable headrest and seat height give you enough to work with ergonomically. The tilt function is useful. The solid base and auto-return cylinder suggest SONGMICS hasn't cut corners on the structural components that matter most for longevity. And 1,307 at ★★★★☆ (4.3) is the kind of social proof that's hard to argue with.
But. The synthetic leather is warm and will stay warm. The racing-style bolsters will eventually get on your nerves if you're sitting in this thing for eight hours a day. The armrest specification is limited to foldable, which is better than nothing but not the multi-axis adjustability that proper ergonomics demands. This is not a chair for someone with an existing back problem or someone who needs to sit in it all day for professional work. For that use case, you need to spend more money, full stop. The SONGMICS brand isn't trying to compete with premium ergonomic seating and it would be unfair to judge it against that standard.
Who is this for? Students. Evening gamers. Part-time home workers. Anyone who wants a chair that looks the part in a gaming setup without spending serious money. Anyone who needs a 150 kg capacity chair at budget prices. Anyone who assembles furniture alone and appreciates numbered parts and clear instructions. If that's you, the SONGMICS OBG65BKUK is a solid choice. If you're a full-time remote worker who already has a dodgy lower back, save up for something with proper lumbar engineering. Your back will thank you in about six months when the foam in this one starts to compress.
Verdict: 7 out of 10. Good at what it is. Not something it isn't. Buy it with clear eyes and it'll serve you well.
What works. What doesn’t.
6 + 6What we liked6 reasons
- 150 kg weight capacity is genuinely high for a budget gaming chair, making it accessible to a wider range of users
- Solid star base with five swivel castors and an auto-return gas lift cylinder suggest the structural components are not the cheapest available
- Adjustable headrest and height-adjustable seat provide a reasonable level of ergonomic customisation for the price
- Foldable armrests allow the chair to tuck neatly under a desk and can be moved out of the way entirely when not needed
- Clear instructions with numbered parts make solo assembly straightforward, an area where many budget furniture brands fall short
- Over 1,300 owner reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5 provides credible real-world evidence that the chair works well for most buyers
Where it falls6 reasons
- Synthetic leather cover offers very low breathability, making the chair uncomfortable in warm rooms or during longer sessions in summer
- Racing-style side bolsters that define the bucket-seat aesthetic can exert unwanted lateral pressure on hips and thighs during extended use
- Armrest specification is limited to foldable only, with no confirmed multi-axis height or width adjustment, which limits proper ergonomic positioning
- Budget PU leather covers have a mixed long-term durability record and may crack or peel at seams after heavy daily use beyond the two-year mark
- No confirmed tilt tension adjustment, meaning the resistance of the tilt mechanism may not suit users at the lighter or heavier ends of the weight range
- Not a suitable choice for full-time remote workers with existing back problems, who need proper lumbar engineering this chair does not provide
Full specifications
4 attributes| Material | PU leather |
|---|---|
| Footrest | false |
| Headrest | true |
| MAX weight KG | 150 |
If this isn’t right for you
2 options
Frequently asked
7 questions01What is the weight capacity of the SONGMICS OBG65BKUK?+
The SONGMICS OBG65BKUK is rated to support up to 150 kg. This is notably higher than many budget gaming chairs, which often cap at around 120 kg, and is backed by a solid five-point star base and an auto-return gas lift cylinder.
02Is the SONGMICS OBG65BKUK suitable for use all day at a desk?+
It is better suited to medium-length sessions of two to four hours. For full eight-hour working days, the synthetic leather breathability limitations and racing-style side bolsters can become uncomfortable over time. Full-time remote workers with back concerns would be better served by a chair with dedicated lumbar engineering.
03Does the SONGMICS OBG65BKUK have a lumbar support cushion?+
The spec sheet does not confirm a separate lumbar cushion. The chair features a tilt function and an adjustable headrest pillow, but the lumbar support arrangement is not clearly specified. Many racing-style chairs include a strap-on lumbar pillow, so it is worth checking the detailed product listing for the current configuration before purchasing.
04How difficult is the SONGMICS OBG65BKUK to assemble?+
Most owners report a straightforward assembly experience. SONGMICS provides numbered parts and clear instructions, which reduces the confusion common with budget flat-pack furniture. A solo assembly typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes. The one awkward stage is attaching the backrest, which can benefit from a second pair of hands, though it is manageable alone with patience.
05Will the SONGMICS OBG65BKUK scratch hard floors?+
The standard castors supplied with most gaming chairs in this category are hard plastic, which can mark laminate or hardwood flooring. If you are placing this chair on a hard floor surface, using a desk mat or chair mat beneath it is advisable. On carpet, the castors will roll smoothly without any additional protection needed.
06How does the SONGMICS OBG65BKUK compare to a mesh-back chair for breathability?+
It is significantly less breathable than a mesh-back alternative. Synthetic leather does not allow air to circulate through the material, which means your back retains heat during longer sessions. In cool conditions this is rarely a problem, but in warm rooms or during summer use it is a genuine drawback. If breathability is a priority, a mesh-back chair such as the Hbada Office Chair would be a more practical choice, though it lacks the gaming aesthetic.
07Are the armrests on the SONGMICS OBG65BKUK adjustable?+
The armrests are confirmed as foldable, meaning they can be folded up and out of the way when not in use. Whether they also adjust in height independently is not confirmed in the verified specification data. Owner reviews do not commonly flag armrest height as a problem, but if precise multi-axis armrest positioning is important to you, it is worth verifying this detail in the full product listing before buying.
