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An often-overlooked part of a PC gaming setup is what gaming chair to buy. Most modern gaming chairs are more form that function, lined with bright colors and shaped like race car bucket seats. But the truth is that you might not need one of those gaming chairs. In fact, youre usually better off buying a quality office chair.
For most PC builders, getting the right chair is easy to forget, but think about it: youve spent hours pouring over component comparisons and recommended build guides, but rarely is that same attention placed on where youll be sitting. A good chair can often outlast those PC components, so you should give it some thought.
Office chairs are designed for hours of sitting, focusing on ergonomics (instead of flashy neon colors, cheap leatherette, and pointless plastic); these are our favorite gaming chairs. If you just want to skip to our recommendations, you can scroll to the chart below.
Sitting for hours on end in a poorly designed chair can lead to discomfort, posture problems, and circulation issues. A good chair should have several adjustable parts, such as arm rests, tilt, and heightallowing you to fine-tune each individual adjustment to your specific body dimensions and comfort.
A chair should support the natural curvature of the spine, providing lumbar support and a relaxed, upright posture. Your feet should rest flat on the ground, with your knees approximately the same level as your hips so your thighs are parallel to the ground. Proper positioning will allow you to sit for hours on end for uninterrupted gaming (or working, I suppose).
The main difference between office and gaming chairs is aesthetics. Gaming chairs are designed with a professional gamer styling in mindthat is, bright colors and prominent branding. Theyre usually shaped like race car seats, with padding that wraps around the back of the torso.
Office chairs, on the other hand, are frequently more spartan in design. Mesh and fabric cushioning are generally the norm.
What to buy is almost entirely up to personal preference. Many people do like the flashy appearance of gaming chairs, while others prefer the more tame design of office chairs. There are great chairs in both categories, just as there are poorly designed or overpriced chairs in both categories.
The only consideration that may tip the scales for some neutral buyers: on average, a good office chair will be more comfortable than a similarly priced gaming chair (or, to put it another way, an office chair costs less than a gaming chair at a given level of comfort). Youre usually paying a premium for that gamer styling.
Your primary concern in a chair choice should be comfort. Does it fit your body? Can you adjust enough aspects of the chair to satisfy your needs? But there are several other things you should consider when looking at an office chair:
Leather, PU (synthetic leather), fabric, and mesh are the most common types of chair material. Leather is often the most expensive, and fabric or mesh are generally cheaper.
I recommend avoiding synthetic leathers, as those materials often dont hold up in the long runpeeling, cracking, and flaking are common ailments of an aging fake-leather chair.
Real leather is very smooth and durable, but can be warmer over a long period when compared to more breathable mesh and fabric materials.
Mesh and fabric are light and affordable, but also have potential drawbacks to keep in ind: highly variable material quality between chairs, and usually less cushioned support.
If youre going to be spending much time in a relaxed positionsay, watching movies or playing laid-back gamesyou should consider chairs that feature a headrest.
Often, gaming chairs extend the torso support up into a headrest; these gaming chair headrests come with a pillow to provide extra neck support, but I recommend avoiding these, as a pillow here can force your body to hunch over.
Office chairs frequently dont come with a headrest, since office workers are generally expected to be upright or leaning forward while on the job.
Anyone whos sat in a chair with bad lumbar support (i.e. lower back support) for long periods of time can tell you how important good lumbar support is. There are three types of lumbar support: static, pillow, and adjustable support.
Static lumbar support uses a bar or bridge that forms the back of the chair; pillow support adds in an extra pillow that the user can adjust to comfort; and adjustable support allows a user to change the height or degree of support.
Pillow support is common in gaming chairs. Office chairs often rely on static, with bridges that provide lumbar support.
A good armrest should be able to move up or down to match the level of your desk and elbows.
An armrest with this kind of up-and-down movement is called a 2D armrest. A 3D armrest can also slide forward and back or swing in and out, providing extra adjustability for a wider range of body types. Static armrests dont move at all.
A top-of-the-line Herman Miller office chair will exceed $. These chairs are designed for a full day of sitting, usually in an office environment.
On the other hand, there are several good options for sub-$250 chairs that provide adequate comfort, support, and design for a gaming chair.
Hours of sitting and standing, day after day, will wear down even the best-made chair. A solid chair can exceed the price of a midrange GPU, or in some cases even the cost of your whole build, so it should come with a warranty.
Most budget chairs come with a 2-year limited warranty (meaning they dont cover wear and tear), while some high-end chairs will come with a 10-year manufacturers warranty.
The Staples Hyken manages to be the right blend of function, aesthetics and budget for a modestly priced office chair. The chair provides good lumbar support and adequate cushioning thats comfortable for hours of sitting. A tilt-lock allows you to recline to a comfortable position or remain upright. A comfortable mesh headrest also provides head and neck support for relaxed gaming sessions.
Adjustable armrests also give you the ability to set the desired height to match the level of your desk. The mesh material keeps you cool by allowing air to circulate between your body and the chair. An elegant, modern design makes this a good pick for someone still concerned about aesthetics.
However, this chair isnt the right pick for those with longer torsos, as the adjustable headrest can dig into the top of the shoulders.
Everyones favorite Swedish furniture store offers the Markus as a solid budget option. The slick design fits the Nordic-cool vibe, and a range of adjustable elements make this a solid pick for various body types. The mesh backrest provides air circulation, while the genuine leather seat provides maximal comfort. Height and tilt is adjustable (and you can lock the tilt function), and safety casters utilize a pressure-sensitive brake that locks the wheels in place when you get out of the chair.
The main drawback with the Markus is that the armrests are static, so you cant adjust them to your preferred height.
What the HON Exposure Mesh Task Chair lacks in appearance, it makes up for in comfort, price and adjustability. The seat depth is adjustable in and out, meaning you can scoot the seat forward and backward, which can accommodate users of various heights. The 3D armrests are adjustable up and down and in and out to give a wider range of comfort, while the lumbar support slides a good 3 inches up and down for maximal range of torso heights. Tilt tension can be easily adjusted by turning an easy-to-access telescoping adjustment handle.
The chair comes in full leather, mesh back and leather bottom, or mesh back and fabric seat.
Reviewers report that the chair cushion can be very firm, but it softens up after a few weeks of use.
Secretlab is a favorite among gaming-chair enthusiasts. The Omega is a racing-seat-style chair that merges gaming aesthetics with durable materials, ergonomic design, and high adjustability. The chair is wrapped in an upgraded version of PU (polyurethane) leather thats designed to withstand sweat, humidity, and abrasion from even the most intensive gaming sessions. Moreover, the company says the cushioning is made of a foam thats not cut, but cold-cured and individually molded to increase both support and comfort that will last.
Its other details make this a great gaming chair as well. The armrests raise up and down, move forward and backward, and swing out or in, giving a full range of truly 3D adjustability. Included memory foam pillows can provide extra lumbar and neck support. And the whole thing reclines nearly flat for ultra-relaxed gaming. Importantly, because Secretlab sells directly to consumers, they can charge a price that competes with other chairs in the office category, thereby avoiding the gaming premium to some degree.
Okay, hear me out: the Sayle is a great chair. It might look like a cross between a spaceship and a fishing net, but the Sayl has been engineered with ergonomics in mind. The Sayl isnt as adjustable as some of our other picks, but the unique design and durable materials make this a great option for anyone with a little more to spend.
The rubber mesh back forms to your body and stretches as you move around in it, providing plenty of support through the day. Theres an optional PostureFit system that adds additional adjustable lumbar support, but the tension from the mesh back should provide enough support for most people.
A good gaming chair should be comfortable, durable, and adjustable (or at least flexible). Although its an often-overlooked part of a full PC setup, it can be one of the most important.
Unless youre after that particular gamer aesthetic, you dont need a typical gaming chair with bright neon coloring and conspicuous branding. Frequently, a solidly built office chair is the right choice for most PC gamers.
If youre in the market for a new chair for your PC setup, you might be wondering: Should I buy a gaming chair? While gaming chairs and office chairs are the two main types available, you might initially think the difference is just about appearance. However, ergonomics and comfort features should also be considered.
Do gaming chairs offer any real advantages beyond their cool look? Are they worth buying? Depending on your own needs, budget, and lifestyle, were here to tell the main differences between gaming chairs and office chairs.
Using this article as a guide and helping you avoid chair scams, Meet&Co will make you a better choice.
The Meet&Co Racing Gaming Chair is currently the best gaming chair on our list right now. It delivers exceptional comfort, adjustability, and style within its price range, maintaining its leading position even years after its debut. Plus, more choices are now available in sizes, colors, and designs.
This chair is among the flashier options, embracing a racing stripe aesthetic that suggests increased speed and excitement. It features the classic racing chair design, and though it might not be as sleek as higher-end models, it does offer a footrest option.
In terms of adjustability, the Meet&Co Racing Gaming Chair excels with its four-way lumbar support and some of the most ergonomic backrest and seat designs weve encountered. The assembly process is simple, thanks to the clear instructions provided. If youre looking for a chair that feels premium and is easy to put together, this one is a great choice.
Low noise wear-resistant pulley, strong load-bearing, adjustable headrest, lumbar pillow and footrest.
Regarding mesh gaming chairs, the Razer Fujin Pro stands out as one of the best options available. Its breathable mesh, sleek design, and exceptional comfort make it ideal for gaming tasks.
During our hands-on evaluation, assembling the Razer Fujin Pro took roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Although this is longer than simpler models like the Meet&Co Leather Gaming Chair, the process is straightforward, with parts easily snapping into place. Once assembled, the chair exudes quality, featuring an aluminum frame and a flexible mesh that can be adjusted to your preference.
In terms of comfort, the Razer Fujin Pro is nearly unmatched. Although it doesnt have specific cushioning or separate lumbar support, the mesh material adjusts to the shape of your body, offering a custom and comfortable seating experience.
Though the Razer Fujin Pro fits well in a professional setting with its minimalist design, those seeking a chair with more style or color might find it too understated.
Ultra-durable breathable mesh, synchro-tilt technology.
When it comes to high-end gaming chairs, the Herman Miller Embody is our top recommendation.
Lets address the price right awayits not affordable. In fact, its pretty pricey at $1,595. But if youre willing to make that investment, the Embody is an exceptional choice.
Youll receive a large box when it arrives because the chair comes fully assembled. Given the high cost, its understandable that you would want to avoid dealing with assembly yourself, and the convenience of not needing tools adds significant value.
Upon unpacking, youll notice that the chair is surprisingly compact. It doesnt feature an oversized headrest since Herman Miller believes proper back support should negate the need for one.
The Embodys sprung-mesh construction covered in Sync Fabric provides excellent support while remaining comfortable. The fabric is durable and feels great against the skin. The foam cushion is designed to be cozy, cooling, and supportive, ensuring youll remain well-supported and comfortably seated even if you shift around during gameplay.
No assembly required, luxurious look, top-notch ergonomic design.
The Meet&Co Leather Gaming Chair has a design thats easily recognizable as a gaming seat. Constructed from PU leather, its both comfortable and breathable, featuring multi-line details and a ventilated back for added style. It includes 90° flip-up armrests for arm support, enhanced back support, and an upgraded cushion for extra comfort and fullness.
The chairs broad seat accommodates a range of body types and features a contoured cushion that prevents thigh discomfort from the edge. It offers extensive adjustability, though in a way that feels effortlessly integrated rather than flashy. Overall, the chair is incredibly comfortable.
This gaming chair is versatile enough for gaming, watching shows, working, or relaxing. Its designed with safety, stability, and durability in mind to enhance comfort. Assembly is quick and straightforward, taking about 20 minutes with all necessary tools and hardware included. With its chic design, it brings a touch of sophistication to any space.
3D wrap-ping seat back, double-layer headrest, mobile lumbar pillow, linkage armrest.
The Secretlab Titan Evo is an exceptional gaming chair. It combines style, durability, supreme comfort, and clever features, making it a great investment.
Link to Anji Fengge Furniture
The Titan Evo offers extra perks beyond the standard features youd expect from a high-end gaming chairlike 4D armrests and adjustable lumbar support. For example, it uses magnets instead of traditional headrest straps, allowing for easy adjustments based on your height. Plus, there are various sizes available if the standard one isnt a perfect fit.
True to Secretlabs reputation, the chair comes in an impressive range of colors and officially licensed designs, making its aesthetic options unmatched in the market.
Magnetic cushions and covers of different sizes to fit all body types.
The first consideration when deciding whether to buy a gaming chair is whether you actually need one.
These chairs are designed specifically for people who spend a lot of time in front of computer screens. If you use a laptop extensively, investing in a gaming chair might be worthwhile.
However, if that doesnt apply, you might find better uses for your money.
Additionally, consider your personal preferences: Do you value expensive furniture, or do your priorities lie elsewhere?
A gaming chair isnt worth it if expensive pieces dont appeal to you.
Many gaming chairs claim to enhance the gaming experience, but do they work?
The most significant advantage of gaming chairs is that they can make playing games more enjoyable. Some gaming chairs allow players to control games with their feet, while others enable 360-degree rotation during gameplay.
This sounds great in theory, but you need to ask yourself two important questions: What type of games will I be playing, and what level of gaming experience do I expect?
Investing in a high-quality gaming chair might be essential if youre a dedicated gamer who pays attention to every detail of the gaming experience.
However, if you need a chair for daily use and are looking for better value, an ergonomic office chair could be a more practical option.
Were fans who enjoy creating custom setups, from building PCs to designing every detail of our gaming environment.
Each of our desks is a unique, comfortable space for playing games and doing occasional work, and we want everything from our PS5 to our chairto reflect our style.
Gaming chairs are perfect for this. Unlike office chairs, designed to blend into professional settings with plain, neutral colors, gaming chairs come in various styles and colors to match your personality and preferences at various prices.
Desk chairs are generally designed with comfort in mind, whether theyre for office use or gaming. Office chairs often use mesh fabric, which is more breathable and better for ventilation, while gaming chairs typically feature cloth or leather upholstery. If you sweat more and prefer a chair with better airflow, an office chair might suit you better.
However, gaming chairs often have advantages over office chairs, mainly when customizing features like armrests. While the extent of customization can vary by price, many gaming chairs offer adjustable armrests that can move side-to-side or up and down. This flexibility is helpful for different types of games and helps accommodate various play styles, especially if you use a controller where arm positioning is essential.
Gaming chairs also frequently include lumbar support and neck or head pillows to enhance comfort during long sessions. Some higher-end models offer adjustable built-in lumbar support, but removable pillows are often designed to fit the chair and provide additional comfort.
Unlike typical office chairs, gaming chairs are built to withstand the heavy use of avid gamers who spend most of their time on the desktop.
If youre seeking a durable, long-term solution for comfort, a gaming chair is a solid choice. Crafted with premium materials and solid construction, these chairs are a valuable investment.
Common materials used in gaming chairs include leather, mesh fabric, and metal. These tend to last much longer than most mid-range or budget office chairs. Additionally, many good gaming chairs come with a standard warranty of two years or more.
Upgraded gaming chairs offer a wide range of features based on your needs and budget. Depending on your space, some models have built-in speakers for an enhanced audio experience. This means you dont need extra equipment to enjoy your games, making sharing the experience with others who might need their own setup easier.
Some gaming chairs also include a rocking function to help you fully immerse yourself in your games. You might also find features like cup holders to keep your drinks safe from spills.
For those who love customization, some chairs offer adjustable light patterns and programmable buttons. Whether youre into FPS or racing games, theres a gaming chair out there thats perfect for you!
Gaming chairs offer a range of features that make them a standout option compared to office chairs. Even within the under $200 price range, you can find gaming chairs with built-in massagers, though the vibration motors are often essential. Still, its a nice extra. Many manufacturers are attentive to what their customers want.
Meet&Co Furniture, for example, offers gaming chairs in various sizes, with the XL model being particularly notable. People with larger frames often find the high bolsters on gaming chairs uncomfortable on their hips. Meet&Co addresses this issue by designing chairs with flatter sides for better comfort. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, they cater to different body types with customized designs.
A gaming chair is designed specifically for video game play and often includes features not found in standard office chairs, such as built-in speakers and vibration functions. In terms of adjustability, gaming chairs generally offer more options compared to office chairs.
Additionally, some gaming chairs come with a footrest, which can be particularly useful during extended gaming sessions.
In contrast, office chairs are tailored for use in a professional environment and usually lack gaming-specific features.
Gamers prefer gaming chairs that enhance their gaming experience, while office workers might go for office chairs designed for long hours at a more budget-friendly price. But youre not locked into just one type. If you find a better chair at a same price, consider the different side?
You can tell whether a chair is designed for gaming or office work by looking at its outwards or materials. Gaming chairs often take their inspiration from race car seats, which have large frames to support helmets and high sides to keep racers secure during sharp turns.
Even though you wont be speeding around or dealing with intense g-forces, this design helps gamers stay comfortable during long gaming sessions. The tall backrest provides full back support, while the side bolsters keep you sitting upright with less effort. However, the high sides can make it tricky to sit with your legs crossed.
Office chairs come in various designs but generally feature mesh backs and flat seat cushions. Theyre also built for extended sitting, though they offer a different level of support than gaming chairs. Still, the flat and waterfall seat design helps support your thighs more effectively.
Office chairs often have better lumbar support that can be adjusted more precisely than the lumbar pillows or internal mechanisms found in some gaming chairs. However, office chairs usually lack a headrest, often considered an extra feature.
When it comes to ergonomics, both gaming and office chairs offer various adjustable features to help you stay comfortable and avoid issues like back pain, neck stiffness, or wrist strain. Heres a quick rundown of how each type of chair stacks up in terms of adjustability.
Gaming chairs generally include support pillows for your head and lower back, which attach to the chair with elastic straps. They also offer adjustable seat height, armrests, a tilt lock, and the ability to recline up to 180 degreesperfect for lounging during breaks.
On the other hand, office chairs often have a broader range of adjustability. You can usually adjust the seat depth, height, tilt tension, and armrests, and many come with built-in lumbar support that can be moved up and down. However, office chairs typically recline farther back than gaming chairs, so if reclining is a crucial feature for you, thats something to keep in mind.
Recently, theres been a rise in ergonomic gaming chairs, which combine elements of both styles. These chairs have a more subdued look, often with less pronounced side bolsters and a flatter seat. They resemble office chairs but come with sporty, stylish upholstery. These ergonomic gaming chairs also feature advanced lumbar support that can be adjusted more precisely, similar to what youd find in high-end office chairs, offering a step up from the usual lumbar pillows in gaming chairs.
Gaming and office chairs can start at meager prices, but these budget options are often only worth it in the short run. Instead, if you spend a bit more, youll find chairs offering better value and lasting longer.
Gaming chairs often come in a range of pricier, higher-quality options, while office chairs typically have more affordable choices that might need to be more durable.
Gaming chairs often go above and beyond with features, which makes sense given their already extravagant nature compared to the more straightforward office chairs.
Todays gaming chairs can include extras like heating pads or cooling fabric to keep you comfortable. Some even include built-in massage functions. If youre into immersive experiences, specific models offer haptic feedback that vibrates in sync with your games.
Some gaming chairs feature RGB lighting for a more visually striking setup. Plus, many of the early gaming chairs had built-in speakers, and a few still offer this feature today.
If youre thinking about getting a new gaming chair, there are four key things to consider before making your final decision. Heres our advice:
First off, make sure the chair youre considering fits your height and weight. Gamers come in all shapes and sizes, and gaming chairs are designed for different body types. Check the chairs specs to ensure it can accommodate your dimensions. Theres nothing worse than splurging on a high-end chair only to find it doesnt fit you well.
For example, the Meet&Co Racing Gaming Chair may fit perfectly and offer excellent comfort for a taller and heavier woman. However, someone shorter might find the chair too large and not enjoy the same level of comfort and ergonomic benefits.
We consider leather to be the best material for a gaming chair. It supports your body well, minimizes impact on circulation, and is easy to clean. Thats why many of the top gaming chairs on our list feature leather prominently.
That said, foam and mesh chairs are necessarily equal, but if you opt for foam, ensure its high quality. For example, the premium foam used in Budding chairs will likely offer the comfort youre seeking. If you have to choose between low-quality foam and mesh, go with mesh.
One of the most common mistakes people make when buying a gaming chair is not measuring their desk. Before purchasing a new chair, measure your desk and ensure the chair fits well with your current setup. Ideally, the chair should slide under the desk so you can sit comfortably from the monitor without reaching for the keyboard.
While you can find a good-quality gaming chair on a budget, be cautious of potential pitfalls when trying to save money. Many cheap gaming chairs have risks, including poor craftsmanship and low-quality materials. Besides the issue of subpar foam, budget chairs often have durability problems and may break down quickly.
Most gaming chairs come with either a swivel-tilt or knee-tilt mechanism, which are usually more affordable reclining options but may not offer the most ergonomic positions. For optimal comfort, a wider, more sloped reclining position is generally preferred.
In our previous discussion, we explored how gaming chairs have become commonplace.
Surprisingly, more than two-thirds of people express interest in owning one.
Gaming chairs origins date back to the late s, when they were initially employed in the military to provide comfort during duty.
Over the next two decades, they gained popularity in video arcades and eventually made their way into our homes.
Despite their century-long existence, gaming chairs only entered the mainstream in the early s, becoming affordable for budget-conscious consumers.
Today, they are crucial in many households, especially those with children and teenagers.
The first question to consider is what makes a gaming chair comfortable.
While the answer isnt straightforward, evaluating a chairs design and its ability to support your back and neck is essential.
If the chair is too tall or heavy, poor posture while sitting might lead to back problems.
A quality gaming chair should prioritize your comfort.
For instance, chairs made of mesh material allow better air circulation around your body, helping you stay cool and maintain a healthier posture during gameplay.
Additionally, adjustable armrests that fit comfortably against your arms can also reduce fatigue during long gaming sessions.
Lastly, pay attention to the chairs height from the ground. Generally, if the seat cushion is deeper than 5 inches or the height exceeds 7 inches, most users likely appreciate these featuresmost users will likely appreciate these features during extended chair use.
Indeed, it is highly recommended to use a gaming chair for office work.
But why is that?
Instead of purchasing two different chairs, you can use a gaming chair for both office work and gaming.
If you work from home, investing in a high-quality office chair is essential. However, if youre also a gamer, you might want a chair that accommodates both needs.
Both gaming and ergonomic office chairs are designed to make long hours of sitting comfortable. A gaming chair typically offers the same level of adjustability as an office chair, making it a practical choice for dual purposes. Plus, you can easily switch to gaming mode after work while still in your gaming chair!
Additionally, gaming chairs are highly adjustable and ergonomic.
Most gaming chairs feature adjustable armrests, seat heights, seat depths, seat tilts, and backrest reclines. These features enable you to tailor your seating position for ideal posture. For example, an adjustable seat tilt lets you lean forward or backward to ease tension in your back, hips, and knees. Meanwhile, an adjustable backrest can be moved forward or backward to maintain your spines natural alignment.
While office chairs also offer this level of adjustability, focusing on ergonomics first and aesthetics second, gaming chairs provide similar ergonomic benefits with added visual appeal. Therefore, gaming chairs are a clear winner if youre looking for both functionality and style.
Gaming chairs are ideal for long-time sitting, whether gaming or working from home, and they offer comfort for people of all sizes. They also allow you to easily transition between a focused work mode and a relaxed gaming mode whenever you like.
With various designs available, you can find one that perfectly fits your setup. Once you have your gaming chair, youll appreciate the lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and the comfort of reclining at your leisure.
Meet&Co Office Furniture offers a range of gaming chairs and office chairs at various price points, so you know youre getting what you deserve.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Gaming Chair Factory. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.