You know how it is – choosing a new chair, especially one you’re going to spend hours in, is a big decision. I recently got my hands on the Elgato Embrace chair, and I’ve been putting it through its paces. So, if you’re curious about whether this chair is the right fit for your setup, you’re in the right place.
First, make sure to check out my full video review here: https://youtu.be/u15UhAbkUfo
First Impressions: Unboxing and Assembly
Let me tell you, out of all the chairs I’ve reviewed on my channel, the Elgato Embrace has to be the easiest one to put together. Seriously, it was a breath of fresh air. If you dread complex assembly, this is a huge win right off the bat.
Breaking Down the Features
Headrest and Backrest
Starting from the top, the headrest is fully adjustable. You can push it all the way down or slide it up to find that perfect spot, whether you’re shorter or taller. It fit nicely for my 5’11” height, but it’s versatile enough for anyone.
The backrest itself has a really nice ergonomic build. Even though it’s mesh, it doesn’t feel hard or uncomfortable. What’s cool is the lower back adjustment—there’s a knob that pushes the support in and out, giving you that personalized lumbar feel. Just note, this adjustment is specifically for the lower back, not the upper portion.
Armrests
The armrests on the Elgato Embrace are pretty solid. One feature I really appreciate is that they stay level even when you recline the back. You can adjust them up and down, and they go pretty low and all the way up, making them comfortable whether you’re gaming with a phone or just relaxing.
They also rotate a bit, move outwards and inwards, and slide forwards and backwards. This range of motion helps you find that perfect arm position for whatever you’re doing. The only thing I would have loved is a lock function for them, so they don’t shift when you stand up and then have to readjust every time you sit down.
The Seat
Now, this is where the Elgato Embrace really shines for me. Most chairs go with a mesh bottom, but here you get a nice, thick foam seat. I’ve had the chance to sit on this for hours, and it’s genuinely comfortable.
The foam is pretty firm in the middle and front, providing good support. Around the back and sides, it protrudes a bit and is much softer, which feels really good. Plus, you can adjust the depth of the seat, sliding it all the way to the front or back for extra leg support.
Recline and Height Adjustments
On the side, you’ll find a few more controls. There’s a knob to adjust the tension of the recline and tilt, which is standard. But it also features a tilt limiter with several steps. This means you can set how far back you want to recline, stopping at specific points. It’s a great way to customize your leaning angle without going all the way back if you don’t want to.
And of course, you can adjust the height of the seat. At 5’11”, I can raise it high enough that my feet aren’t touching the ground, showing it has plenty of range.
The Elephant in the Room: Base and Casters
Here’s where I have a bit of a critique. The entire base is plastic, and so are the casters. Honestly, considering the price of this chair, I would have really preferred a metal base and higher-quality casters—maybe with a bit of rubber on the sides for better glide and durability. It feels like they cheaped out a bit in this area, which is a shame given the overall quality of the rest of the chair.
Elgato Embrace Chair: Pros and Cons
After spending a good amount of time with the Elgato Embrace, here’s a quick breakdown of what I love and what could be improved:
Pros:
- Extremely Comfortable Seat: The thick foam seat is a major highlight for long hours of use.
- Easy Assembly: Seriously, one of the simplest chairs to put together.
- Excellent Ergonomics: Mesh back, adjustable headrest, and great lower back support.
- Versatile Armrests: Multiple adjustments for finding the perfect position.
- Effective Tilt Limiter: Great control over your recline angles.
- Stable Armrests: They stay level when reclining, which is a nice touch.
Cons:
- Plastic Base and Casters: Feels a bit cheap for the price point; a metal base and better casters would be a big upgrade.
- No Armrest Lock: I wish the armrests could lock in place to avoid constant readjustment.
- Lumbar Only Adjustment: The backrest adjustment is solely for the lower back.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Elgato Embrace is a genuinely comfortable chair with some really thoughtful ergonomic features. The seat and backrest are top-notch in terms of comfort and support. While the plastic base and casters are a slight disappointment, everything else on this chair just works. There are really no major complaints in terms of its core function and comfort.
If you’re looking for a chair that prioritizes comfort and easy assembly, and you don’t mind the plastic base, the Elgato Embrace is definitely worth considering.
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