Buying the Right Gaming Chair - A Guide

Whether you’re a hardcore player, casual gamer, or a work-from-homer, a gaming chair is the best choice for superior comfort and performance.


Are gaming chairs worth it?

Choose the best gaming chair to suit your play style, whether you’re laid back or in full aggression mode. Gaming chairs are ergonomically designed to suit gamers’ seating position and movements. If you’re spending hours sitting down it pays to invest in a gaming chair to support your posture and your best performance. If you’re not sitting comfortably, you can’t play at your best, right?

Different types of gaming chairs

The type of chair you need depends on what you’ll be using it for. Whether you’re on a console, PC, or laptop, a gaming chair is the best way to guarantee comfort. There is a huge range of each of these gaming chairs available, depending on your needs and budget.

PC gaming chairs

Similar to your standard office chair, gaming chairs for PCs are high backed swivel-chairs. The armrests, back, and chair height are usually adjustable, allowing you to set the chair in a position that is most comfortable for you.. They sit on a steel base with 5 wheels for easy maneuverability around a desk or workstation.

Console chairs

Console chairs are designed for maximum comfort while gaming with a controller. Console chairs are available with or without arms and they usually sit on the floor, though there are versions that are raised off the ground a little.


Racing seats

Racing seats resemble the seat of a racing car. They are designed specifically for use with a wheel and pedal for the ultimate racing experience.



What to consider when buying a gaming chair


To get the longest life and best use out of your chair, there is more to think about than price - even if you are looking for a cheap gaming chair.


Your gaming chair needs to fit your body

Gaming chairs are built with different frames in mind. The easiest way to check if a gaming chair will be a good fit for you is to get the tape measure out, sit comfortably, and see how much width you need to be comfortable. Each model has different dimensions and weight limits. You’ll also want to check the height of the backrest and the seat from the ground, to make sure it would be comfortable for you.

Generally, PC gaming chairs provide the most ergonomic benefits, with models at the higher end offering more lumbar support. Console and racing chairs offer less in the form of support but more freedom of sitting position.

Sitting incorrectly for any period of time puts pressure on your muscles and joints causing aches, pains, and stiffness. A bad posture while gaming can put a serious strain on your back, neck, shoulders, and wrists. Compounded over months or years, it can cause problems like spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration, and rounded shoulders.

For PC gamers, armrests are just as important for providing support. The armrest should be adjusted so that your shoulder can rest while your elbows and forearms are supported. Not only is this comfortable, it boosts your accuracy and reaction speed, letting you play your best game.

Console compatibility

A lot of console chairs that are available today offer integration options which may be console specific. It’s well worth exploring the options available for your console if you’re interested in features like 3D sound and audio controls.

How much should you spend on a gaming chair?

Ok, we’re on to the price. Be realistic about what you expect for your budget. If you want a gaming chair for less than $100, you can also expect to be buying another chair in a few months’ time, depending on how much you use it. If you only have a few hours a week to get your head in the game, that’s a reasonable price. But if you spend more time gaming than you do sleeping, a more expensive chair will be able to offer you more durability and comfort.