Gaming isn’t an inactive hobby. While maneuvering a controller, keeping an eye out for opponents, and sitting for hours, your body is in fight-or-flight mode. Whether you’re playing solo or streaming a play-by-play to your Twitch audience, it’s important that you’re sitting comfortably and properly.
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to gaming chairs, though. There are ergonomic-style chairs as well as models with additional cozy fixings (like a footrest). Regardless, it can be hard to find the best gaming chair for your digital entertainment needs. That’s why we want to help you make the best decision when picking one up, especially considering that we expect it to be a hot-ticket item this holiday season (the Black Friday sales are happening already).
Before you drop some major change on a gaming chair, there are a few things to consider.
Purpose: How will you use your chair? If you’re only buying a chair for gaming and streaming, look for a chair that offers head, neck, and back support. On the other hand, if a gaming chair will serve as a desk chair, a kitchen seat, and a napping spot, you can opt for a model that’s more recliner-like.
Height and Weight: Factor your height and weight when you’re looking for a gaming chair. You don’t want to buy a chair that’s too big or too small for your body proportions. Some chairs even come in alternative sizes, so you can game without worrying about breakage or wear-and-tear.
Comfort: As if playing video games or streaming aren’t stressful enough, having a comfy seating option is important. You want to have good posture and be comfortable during your gaming sessions, especially if you’re playing online. A gaming chair should provide support sans pain.
Features: Some gaming chairs come with cool features, including plush neck rests, sections to place your feet, and cup holders for beverages. Consider what a model can do for your digital entertainment needs before making a decision.
Warranty: Most gaming chairs don’t come cheap, so check to see what a company’s warranty policies are. If a chair comes with a money-back guarantee or warranty, see what’s covered for defects. Some models don’t come with warranties, and if that’s the case, factor in how much more you’ll be spending if the chair needs to be repaired or replaced.
Whether you’re a seasoned player, professional streamer, or part-time video game aficionado, here are our top picks for the best gaming chairs.
