Gaming Chair - The Buyer's Guide

Are you interested in buying a gaming chair, but don't know where to start? With a such wide selection of different brands and styles, the search can be daunting. Take a step back and look through the specifications on each chair to fit your needs. We'll provide a walk-through to help you decide on your gaming chair. 

What Are Gaming Chairs?

Gaming chairs are specially designed, ergonomic chairs meant for long (but comfortable) hours playing video games. Despite the name, gaming chairs are similar in functionality to office chairs. Most gaming chairs consist of a full-back seat attached to a five-pointed wheeled base. The height of the seat, and often the armrests, can be adjusted. The angle of the chair back is usually adjustable, and can tilt back, sometimes as far as 90 degrees from the upright position.

Gaming chairs can also have a range of features specific to gamers, such as steering wheel mounts, headphone output, built-in speakers, and bluetooth compatibility.

Specifications To Look For

1. Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the most important thing to consider when buying a gaming chairs. Ergonomics is specifically designed for efficiency and comfort. A chair that is well-built should provide lumbar support, stability and adjustability to fit your needs so you may stay safe and healthy while gaming. 

2. Build Quality

Secondly, the quality of your chair is very important. You want a gaming chair that you can trust to be durable and comfortable. Because of the growing popularity of gaming chairs, there are many knock off products in the market. Be sure to purchase from an authorized dealer who you trust to provide a gaming chair with solid framework and cushioning. Always read through the materials and features of the product to ensure they are high-quality.

3. Upholstery

Most gaming chairs will be manufactured in PU (polyurethane) leather. Some chairs are even made with real leather, but can be very costly.

PU leather is the best value and will satisfy your needs in a gaming chair. When considering upholstery and the materials of the chair, you must also consider breathability. Some chairs feature breathable mesh upholstery to ensure heat dissipation. The last thing you want is to be sitting in your sweaty chair during long hours of gaming.  

4. Armrests

For all gamers, armrests in an essential feature. You need good ergonomic support to mitigate tension in your shoulders, elbows and wrists.

The best armrests are adjustable and can easily fit to your body length and height. You want to be able to set or adjust your armrests so you can rest your elbows at a 90-degree angle. 

5. Weight Capacity & Recommended Height

Gaming chairs vary in weight capacities and recommended heights. You need to find one that is suitable to your own requirements. Gaming chairs now have selections that can satisfy "big and tall" gamers as well. Some chairs are built to support up to 500 lbs of weight. Be sure to check the measurements on the product pages.

6. Compatibility With Consoles

Many assume that gaming chairs are only for PC gamers. But, gaming chairs are suitable for console gamers as well. This will depend on your personal setup and comfortability. 

Some gaming chairs will even feature USB ports that allow you to charge your controller form your armrest. Others will include surround sound built into the headrest that are synced to your console. Keep in mind, these features will come at a premium.

7. Dimensions

One more factor to consider is the dimension and shape of your gaming chair. You should always confirm the dimensions before making a purchase to ensure it will fit you body shape and gaming room space.

Don't forget to measure your available space first to make sure it will fit. Remember, you should always consider how comfortable you will be in the chair, as well as, your surrounding areas.