Gone are the days when hardy gamers would endure long hours of extreme discomfort, stress, fatigue, and even a bad back by sitting on a plain office chair for their gaming session.
With constant innovation and technology, gamers now have the luxury of sitting on an ergonomically designed gaming chair to give them maximum comfort and support during their next game.
A good gaming chair costs a few extra bucks when compared to regular office chairs – but gamers don’t seem to care. Therefore, it comes as no surprise as to why gaming chairs have seen increased popularity in recent times. Gaming monitors, high end GPUs and powerhouse PCs are still the main interest of gaminer, but the fact is, that the majority of gamers also like invest their hard-earned money in a great gaming chair.
This brings us to the question of the hour – are gaming chairs worth it?
In this article, we will delve deeper into the subject of gaming chairs to see if they are really worth the big bucks. So, let’s dive in, gamers!
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What Makes Gaming Chairs So Special?
These days, gaming chair manufacturers are boasting with high-quality gaming chairs with various colors, patterns, and features. The impeccable ergonomic design of gaming chairs enhances not only your sitting posture but also provides neck support to keep you comfortable for several hours.
If you are a passionate gamer by profession, you already know that sitting in the same position for countless hours is inevitable. Therefore, it is extremely critical that you have a pc gaming chair that will help you sit in a comfortable position, so you can sling headshots all night long.
By keeping spine and lumbar areas well supported, a gaming chair can reduce the risk of you developing a bad back later on.
That being said, are gaming chairs worth the buzz? If so, why should you consider purchasing your own gaming chair?
Here are the reasons!
They Offer Incomparable Comfort And Support
Today, most gaming chair companies manufacture gaming chairs that look AND feel great, thanks to the incredible ergonomic advances that provide exceptional lumbar and neck support to help you sit straight and supported. This way, you can give your full attention to your game without getting distracted by poor sitting habits (rounded back, hinged over, etc.)
A typical gaming chair comes with sufficient padding for the neck and lumbar region to keep you well-supported throughout long gaming sessions. If you are wondering about the purpose of the padding and cushioning on the back, these offer the extra comfort that is much needed for the head, back, neck, and lumbar support. The curves and the padding on these gaming chairs will carefully follow the curve of the spine instead of a straight design that will cause 99 back issues by increasing the pressure points.
This happens to be one of the biggest considerations for gaming chair manufacturers because a lot of gamers have a bad back as their old same chair causes poor spinal alignment.
So by using an off-the-rack ergonomic office chair for your gaming sessions, you will create a negative feedback posture loop, eventually resulting in excruciating back pains down the road. A gaming chair can help with that.
They Can Support Your Height And Weight
Gaming chairs are also the perfect choice for extremely tall gamers. This is because many unusually tall gamers have a difficult time finding a suitable chair that will also accommodate their height.
Before modern gaming chairs came into existence, tall gamers usually settled for regular chairs or office chairs that had no headrest and a shorter back. Therefore, these gamers were always at a risk of developing headaches, back pain, neck fatigues, and so on.
However, with the innovation of the first gaming chair, even the tallest gamers are able to find one that accommodates their height.
Another notable feature of a gaming chair is its ability to make room for heavy gamers. This is because most gaming chairs can hold up to 300lbs of weight, thanks to the sturdy base and strong steel frame.
This feature is not available in normal office chairs, which makes the pc gaming chair far more superior.
Therefore, before you decide to invest in your first gaming chair, make sure to take your height and weight into consideration. After this, check the height and weight capacity of the gaming chair you wish to purchase.
They Are Powerfully-Packed With Features
Gaming chairs also offer rocking and reclining functions, with a 360 degrees swivel function as well.
This way, if you would like to take a quick power nap in between games, you can simply recline the chair and enjoy. For further safety, you can also lock it in its position when you take a nap or would just like to simply lie back for a few minutes.
Reclining back and stretching after spending long hours sitting can help take a lot of pressure off the spine. Moreover, you can also relax your mind for a while so you can focus more on the game. Furthermore, the rocking function is included to improve your comfort further.
In addition to this, gaming chairs also come with adjustable, comfortable armrests, which you can adjust till you find your most comfortable position.
This also eliminates the risk of developing fatigue and discomfort while gaming for long hours.
As mentioned before, the seat is also padded with a high-quality premium foam material that can easily conform to the curves of your body. This helps in reducing pressure from your body and reduces the risk of pressure sores.
In addition to this, some gaming chairs come with other unique accessories like built-in speakers, controller holders, and more.
This way, manufacturers can accomplish their goal of improving your overall gaming experience!
So when you are out to purchase a new chair, remember to analyze the chair and examine all its features properly. This way, you can choose the best gaming chair for your needs.
They Come With Durable, Sturdy Construction
It is no doubt that gaming chairs don’t come at low prices. As mentioned earlier, gaming chairs that are good for your back and neck will cost more than a regular office chair.
However, the good news here is that gaming chairs today almost always come with a sturdy build and construction (they know their audience… ;-)). Reputable manufacturers today make use of premium steel frames, high-quality PU leather, and high-density foam to help give gaming chairs a stable base.
In terms of outside coverings, gaming chairs always use materials that are resistant to wear and tear, skin-friendly, and easy to clean and maintain (we love to spill.. don’t we?). In fact, some chairs even come with a highly breathable mesh covering to keep away sweat and moisture from your body.
Undoubtedly, most gaming chairs today are made to last a long time, thanks to the sturdy steel base and frames to accommodate the gamer’s height and weight. However, these gaming chairs are also pretty lightweight, depending on the brand and manufacturer.
So if you have to move around frequently from one place to another, the reliable rubber cast wheels on gaming chairs will make the job easier for you.
Therefore, it is no doubt that gaming chairs manufacturers spend hours on end studying the gaming setup and other behavioral habits. this helps them to use their skills and resources to create the best gaming chair designs to promote comfortable sitting for long hours.
They Come With Flawless Style And Endless Designs
In all honesty, a big reason behind the popularity of gaming chairs is their stellar style and dramatic designs. There is no doubt that these chairs come in bright, bold designs and colors. However, they are all aesthetically pleasing and easy on the eyes.
In simple words, they are designed to blend in with the rest of your gaming room designs effortlessly.
You can even buy customized gaming chairs from your favorite eSports teams. The design options are literally endless.
Which are the Best Brands to Purchase a Gaming Chair from?
Ever since the popularity of gaming chairs began to skyrocket, a lot of manufacturers have been trying to keep up with this increased surge. Therefore, it is very easy to purchase a cheap gaming chair from an unreliable seller.
However, if you want to make a worthwhile purchase, you can consider purchasing from brands like DXRacer or Razer. And if you want something high-end go for Herman Miller (these will last you forever).
DXRacer OH/RAA106 Racing Series Adjustable Ergonomic Computer Gaming Home Office Leather Desk...
- UNIVERSAL USE: Unique style is suitable for all environments and occasions including homes, offices, gaming, and more to ensure a comfortable experience
- COMFORTABLE MOLDING FOAM: Ergonomic and high backrest filled with high quality mold shaping foam and elastic leather cover design allows your head, back, and hips to be supported correctly and well protected
- UNIVERSAL USE: Unique style is suitable for all environments and occasions including homes, offices, gaming, and more to ensure a comfortable experience
- COMFORTABLE MOLDING FOAM: Ergonomic and high backrest filled with high quality mold shaping foam and elastic leather cover design allows your head, back, and hips to be supported correctly and well protected
- 360-DEGREE SWIVELED BASE: Includes adjustable armrests, tilt-rocking capability, adjustable angular backrest, and adjustable height
- RECLINING BACKREST: 90 to 135-degree reclining backrest element is easy to adjust and allows you to sit or lie down
- COMPATIBILITY: Model is suitable for people weighing up to 200 pounds and have a height up to 6 feet tall and the 3D adjustable armrests can meet your arm length requirements, matching virtually all body shapes and sizes
Razer Iskur Gaming-Chair: Ergonomic Lumbar Support System - Multi-Layered Synthetic Leather Foam...
- Ergonomic Lumbar Support System: Enjoy total lower back support with a built-in, fully adjustable lumbar curve that closely aligns to your spine—ensuring ideal posture for maximum comfort in gaming marathons
- Ergonomic Lumbar Support System: Enjoy total lower back support with a built-in, fully adjustable lumbar curve that closely aligns to your spine—ensuring ideal posture for maximum comfort in gaming marathons
- Multi-Layered Synthetic Leather: Tougher and more durable than standard PU leather, the chair comes wrapped in multi-layered PVC synthetic leather—making it better suited to withstand the wear and tear from hours of daily use
- High Density Foam Cushions: The denser, durable cushions have a plush feel and offer better contouring, allowing your weight to apply just enough pressure as they conform and support your unique body shape
- 4D Armrests: Adjust the armrests’ height, angle and move them forwards or backwards for a position tailored to the way you sit.
- Engineered to Carry: Recommended for a height of 5'6" to 6'2" and supports a weight of up to 300lbs through a combination of its body frame, armrests, wheelbase, and angled seat edges that maximize the resting surface area . Recommended Weight < 136 kg (< 299 lbs)
Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair - Size B, Posture Fit
- Classic Aeron Size B provides optimal support for people 5'5" to 6'2" and 150 to 230 pounds; PostureFit supports the base of the spine for healthy posture
- Patented Pellicle woven suspension textile weaves together two unique materials with elastic properties to make the seat and backrest flexible and breathable for enhanced comfort without the need for padding or traditional upholstery
- Classic Aeron Size B provides optimal support for people 5'5" to 6'2" and 150 to 230 pounds; PostureFit supports the base of the spine for healthy posture
- Patented Pellicle woven suspension textile weaves together two unique materials with elastic properties to make the seat and backrest flexible and breathable for enhanced comfort without the need for padding or traditional upholstery
- Kinemat tilt mechanism allows the chair to move with your body; pivot points align with the hips, knees, and ankles for a natural recline motion
- The Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair sold by Amazon.com is backed by Herman Miller's 12 year warranty and ships fully assembled.
Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair - Fully Adjustable, Carpet Casters, Size B...
- Size B
- Size B
To Summarize: What To Look For While Buying Gaming Chairs?
Design And Ergonomics
One of the most important features to consider while purchasing gaming chairs is its ergonomic factor.
An ergonomically designed gaming chair will make sure to ensure proper posture to reduce back pain while also supporting every movement you make.
Adjustability
Stellar gaming chairs normally come with a high level of effortless adjustability that lets you change and modify the seat’s height, its back angles, and the armrests to suit the curves and posture of your body. Therefore, the more adjustability it has, the better.
Lumbar Support
One of the main reasons gamers suffer from frequent back issues is they are seated on chairs that provide little to no lumbar support. However, the best gaming chairs will give you adequate lumbar support that you can even change to suit the curve of your spinal cord
In addition to this, there are other ergonomic features that include a tilt-lock mechanism, responsive motion, breathable mesh materials, 4D armrests, and much more.
However, you will find these features only on gaming chairs worth a hefty sum of money. Therefore, base your purchase on your budget, features, and requirements.
Quality Build
No one would want to spend their money on a gaming chair that lacks quality.
Premium gaming chairs will be made of high-quality steel that keeps the gaming chair strong and durable for a long time.
Another vital aspect you need to look into is the base of the gaming chair. Opt for a gaming chair with a wide aluminum base. As light as aluminum may seem, it is also very strong and durable, which makes it perfect for holding a lot of weight for long periods.
Keep in mind to also steer clear of narrow nylon bases as these are not the most durable types.
Padding
The cushioning or filling used in the chair is also extremely important as this determines your comfort during long gaming sessions.
If you are specifically looking for a high-quality gaming chair, you can opt for cold foam material or mold-shaping cushions. These materials are guaranteed to stay the same without changing even after months of regular use.
Materials
Today, most gaming chairs are made of PU leather. The reason is that the use of real leather is frowned upon. Moreover, they are also extremely pricey, which can hurt your wallet.
However, PU leather does an excellent job of replicating the look and feel of actual leather, which is good enough for most gamers.
Next, take a look at the upholstery. While some manufacturers decide to use synthetic webbing for their upholstery, some even use microfiber material.
While on the subject of upholstery, you will also need to consider its breathability. Gamers usually tend to sit in the same place for long hours with their eyes on the game. Therefore, the upholstery needs to be well designed to absorb the sweat.
Armrest
As a gamer, you will know that armrests are extremely vital for maintaining good posture. In order to provide support to your wrists and arms, you will need excellent ergonomically designed arm and wrist support. This will help give you a faster reaction time, which, in turn, will improve your game skills.
While most gaming chairs today come with decent armrests, the best gaming chairs will come with adjustable armrests.
Weight And Height Requirements
Yet another feature to consider while buying a good gaming chair is to consider their height and weight capacities.
Different gaming chairs come with different heights and weight capacities. Therefore, in order to get your purchase right, you will first need to check your own height and weight.
Make sure to measure out the dimensions of your room before you finalize on a gaming chair. You do not want to purchase a big attractive chair and put it in a tiny gaming room.
In addition to this, you will need to measure your own body shape to make sure the chair is a good fit. This is because some chairs have extremely small and slender seats, which is an undesirable feature for those with large bottoms and thick thighs.
Final Verdict
Coming back to the question of the hour: are gaming chairs worth it?
The best way to end this dilemma is to ask a gamer for their opinion. While a regular office chair does a great job of providing comfort for a few hours, gaming chairs will keep you feeling comfortable while also improving your gameplay and enhancing your body posture.
This is because gaming chairs are ergonomically designed to help gamers achieve maximum levels of comfort and support regardless of how many hours they spend seated on the chair.
So are gaming chairs worth it? Yes, absolutely! There is no doubt that they are worth every penny because they truly give you great value for your money.
Here are our top recommendations again:
DXRacer OH/RAA106 Racing Series Adjustable Ergonomic Computer Gaming Home Office Leather Desk...
- UNIVERSAL USE: Unique style is suitable for all environments and occasions including homes, offices, gaming, and more to ensure a comfortable experience
- COMFORTABLE MOLDING FOAM: Ergonomic and high backrest filled with high quality mold shaping foam and elastic leather cover design allows your head, back, and hips to be supported correctly and well protected
- UNIVERSAL USE: Unique style is suitable for all environments and occasions including homes, offices, gaming, and more to ensure a comfortable experience
- COMFORTABLE MOLDING FOAM: Ergonomic and high backrest filled with high quality mold shaping foam and elastic leather cover design allows your head, back, and hips to be supported correctly and well protected
- 360-DEGREE SWIVELED BASE: Includes adjustable armrests, tilt-rocking capability, adjustable angular backrest, and adjustable height
- RECLINING BACKREST: 90 to 135-degree reclining backrest element is easy to adjust and allows you to sit or lie down
- COMPATIBILITY: Model is suitable for people weighing up to 200 pounds and have a height up to 6 feet tall and the 3D adjustable armrests can meet your arm length requirements, matching virtually all body shapes and sizes
Razer Iskur Gaming-Chair: Ergonomic Lumbar Support System - Multi-Layered Synthetic Leather Foam...
- Ergonomic Lumbar Support System: Enjoy total lower back support with a built-in, fully adjustable lumbar curve that closely aligns to your spine—ensuring ideal posture for maximum comfort in gaming marathons
- Ergonomic Lumbar Support System: Enjoy total lower back support with a built-in, fully adjustable lumbar curve that closely aligns to your spine—ensuring ideal posture for maximum comfort in gaming marathons
- Multi-Layered Synthetic Leather: Tougher and more durable than standard PU leather, the chair comes wrapped in multi-layered PVC synthetic leather—making it better suited to withstand the wear and tear from hours of daily use
- High Density Foam Cushions: The denser, durable cushions have a plush feel and offer better contouring, allowing your weight to apply just enough pressure as they conform and support your unique body shape
- 4D Armrests: Adjust the armrests’ height, angle and move them forwards or backwards for a position tailored to the way you sit.
- Engineered to Carry: Recommended for a height of 5'6" to 6'2" and supports a weight of up to 300lbs through a combination of its body frame, armrests, wheelbase, and angled seat edges that maximize the resting surface area . Recommended Weight < 136 kg (< 299 lbs)
Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair - Size B, Posture Fit
- Classic Aeron Size B provides optimal support for people 5'5" to 6'2" and 150 to 230 pounds; PostureFit supports the base of the spine for healthy posture
- Patented Pellicle woven suspension textile weaves together two unique materials with elastic properties to make the seat and backrest flexible and breathable for enhanced comfort without the need for padding or traditional upholstery
- Classic Aeron Size B provides optimal support for people 5'5" to 6'2" and 150 to 230 pounds; PostureFit supports the base of the spine for healthy posture
- Patented Pellicle woven suspension textile weaves together two unique materials with elastic properties to make the seat and backrest flexible and breathable for enhanced comfort without the need for padding or traditional upholstery
- Kinemat tilt mechanism allows the chair to move with your body; pivot points align with the hips, knees, and ankles for a natural recline motion
- The Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair sold by Amazon.com is backed by Herman Miller's 12 year warranty and ships fully assembled.
Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair - Fully Adjustable, Carpet Casters, Size B...
- Size B
- Size B