Gaming isn’t inactive. While manoeuvring your mouse or controller, watching out for enemies, and focusing for hours, you're in fight-or-flight mode. Whether you play for leisure or stream full-time, a gaming chair is essential for lengthy sessions.
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to gaming chairs, though. There are ergonomic-style chairs and chairs with additional cozy fixings, such as foot rests. Regardless, it can be hard to find the best gaming chair for your needs. This is where we can help.
It’s fair to say we’ve done our share of gaming over the years, and we understand all too well how important it is to have support and comfort when putting in a shift — bad posture can cause all kinds of problems over the years — and we’ve put some time into researching the best available gaming chairs. But first, here's some helpful information.
Do you need a gaming chair?
You've probably invested heavily in your gaming setup, so it makes absolutely no sense to be uncomfortable when you're playing. It doesn't matter how stylish and powerful your PC is if your squatting awkwardly on the edge of a regular desk chair. Comfort is key, so a proper gaming chair is a vital purchase.
The other reason to consider investing in a gaming chair is performance. No, a gaming chair isn't going to immediately turn you into a dominant force, but it might make a difference. Gaming success can often come down to small margins, so a gaming chair that is comfortable and ergonomic could be the difference between winning and losing.
What makes a good gaming chair?
Before you drop major cash on a gaming chair, there are a few things to consider:
Comfort — This might seem obvious, but having a comfy seat is important. You want to have good posture and be comfortable during your gaming sessions, especially if you’re participating in an online tournament. A gaming chair should provide support without discomfort.
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 purchasing decision.
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 hard without worrying about breakage or wear-and-tear.
Purpose — How will you use your gaming 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 should opt for a model that’s more recliner-like.
There's always a long list of things to consider when making any sort of major purchase, which can be overwhelming. Keep these things in mind and you should be able to make an informed decision.
What is the best gaming chair?
Whether you’re a button masher, professional streamer, or part-time Street Fighter, there's a gaming chair out there that can improve your experience. We have looked at everything available to line up a selection of your best options.
These are the best gaming chairs for 2023.
Corsair T3 Rush Gaming Chair
Best For Breathability
- Material: Breathable fabric
- Supports: 120 kg
While many gaming chairs opt for faux leather, the Corsair T3 Rush chair uses a breathable soft fabric. This prevents the chair from retaining too much heat, which ultimately keeps you cool — excellent for anyone who gets irritated by a sweaty, uncomfortable back during all-day competition.
The chair also boasts a padded neck cushion and memory foam lumbar support. The solid steel base and frame construction should also ensure years of durability.
The armrests, height, and recline angle are all adjustable, you can always find something that works for you. You'll be well positioned for long sessions.
JL Comfurni Gaming Chair
Best For Adjusting
- Material: Faux leather
- Supports: 150 kg
Millhouse Gaming Chair
Best For Beginners
- Material: PU leather
- Supports: 120 kg
GTPlayer Gaming Chair
Best For Back Pain
- Material: PU leather
- Supports: 150 kg
Corsair T1 Race Gaming Chair
Best For Durability
- Material: Leatherette
- Supports: 120 kg
Here’s another entry from Corsair: a 2023 upgrade of the Corsair T1 Race chair. Comfort is key, of course, but durability is also important for hardcore gamers. And a solid steel construction means this chair should last for years.
The 4D armrests adjust in any direction, while a gas lift adjusts the height. Heavy duty wheels stay firmly in place while you’re gaming, but they’ll also glide effortlessly across the floor when you need to shift position.
The chair is clad in PU leather with automotive detail stitching (living up to the “race” moniker). A padded neck cushion and lumbar support pillow round off the comfort features. An all-round premium (and pricey) option.
Razer Iskur Gaming Chair
Best For Serious Gamers
- Material: PU leather
- Supports: 136 kg
Razer is one of the biggest brands in gaming. It stands to reason that the Razer Iskur gaming chair is tough to beat. It provides total lower back support with a built-in, fully adjustable lumbar curve, with multi-layered PVC synthetic leather that's tougher and more durable than standard PU leather. It should be able to withstand even the toughest of gaming sessions every day.
The armrests can be adjusted in four dimensions, and it can support plenty of weight thanks to a hardy combination of body frame, armrests, and wheelbase. If you're willing to splash the cash, this is one of the very best.
AutoFull C3 Gaming Chair
Best For Reviews
- Material: PU Leather
- Supports: 160 kg
If you’re searching Amazon for a gaming chair, check out the reams of customer reviews. When it comes to reviews, we have to recommend the AutoFull C3 gaming chair — one of Amazon’s best-reviewed chairs.
The embroidered graffiti style isn’t necessarily for everyone — a little too “gamer” for some people. If it is your style, however, there’s plenty to enjoy about this chair: nice PU leather, a neck cushion and lumbar support, adjustable features, and a pull-out footrest. Another nice touch is the extra wide seat — great for large-build gamers.
It’s a solid all-rounder, which is reflected in the price — not the most expensive but not the cheapest either.
Recommended For You
-
NYT Strands hints, answers for August 21Every hint, nudge and outright answer you need to complete today's NYT Strands puzzle. -
Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 21Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to "Wordle" #1159. -
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 21Everything you need to solve 'Connections' #437. -
Gamescom 2024: Every game and series announced and shown at this year's event, so farLots of sequels and some cool new stuff as well. -
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 20Everything you need to solve 'Connections' #436.
Trending on Mashable
-
BTS Jungkook teases fans with an exciting preview of his first documentary film ‘I Am Still’; WatchThe golden maknae is gearing up to shine again. -
‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ manga confirmed to end in 5 chapters; Shocked fans say ‘We are not ready’‘You’ve gotta be kidding me.’ -
Is BLACKPINK and Taylor Swift's collab finally happening? Fans can't keep calmReady for it? -
Tom Cruise's female fan grabs & kisses him during Paris Olympics closing ceremony in viral video'It was rude'. -
Paris Olympics 2024: Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem wins gold in javelin throw, India’s Neeraj Chopra takes silverIn taking gold, Nadeem has become his country’s first medallist since 1992.