Gamers turn sitting into an art form.
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.
If you're looking for the best gaming chair in 2023, you might want to ask someone who spends a lot of time in theirs. While entertaining their audiences, professional streamers often sit for more than eight hours a day. So, we interviewed a range of professional gamers to get their picks for the most comfortable gaming chair.
Of course, there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to purchasing a gaming chair. Some models work best for tall people, while others may have better lumbar adjustments that can help alleviate back pain. Before you make a purchase, check our list to see if you've met your match.
Things to consider while shopping for a gaming chair
Before you spend some serious cash 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 something 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 something 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 without causing 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. 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.
What are the best gaming chairs?
Whether you’re a seasoned player, professional streamer, or part-time video game aficionado, here are our top picks for the best gaming chairs.