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Whether you throw on Call of Duty to relax after a long day or use Battlefield to hone your shooting skills, games are an excellent escape from the world. Not only do PC and platform games let you tune into a different reality, but occasionally they give you a chance to fine-tune your skills. The strategy component of war games especially is a fantastic way to keep your mind sharp, first-person shooters enhance motor coordination, and multiplayer games are a terrific way to keep in touch with buddies and foster team spirit.
But, as anyone who’s ever played a gaming tournament knows, it’s all too easy to kink your neck and strain your back — particularly without a proper chair. Picking a gaming chair is about more than just comfort, it’s a matter of posture and lumbar support. Selecting a quality gaming chair ensures that when you eventually achieve victory, it isn’t a Pyrrhic one for your back.
Hbada gaming chair
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Why you should trust us
I’ve spent three years reviewing products and services on top of my first five years spent as a news correspondent. The topics I cover range from gear and weapons to automotive equipment to financial institutions. Using my education in the sciences paired with my years of work in media, my goal is to always analyze and review products in a concise, reliable manner. My work is featured on Narcity Media, The Drive, and Car Bibles, and some of my recent work for Task & Purpose includes reviews of gym bags, tactical backpacks, and fitness trackers.
Different types of gaming chairs
Chairs for PC games
Similar to a chair you would find in an office, this type of gaming chair is fairly basic in design. It has the ergonomic qualities of an office chair (lumbar and neck support) and will usually include armrests. In most cases, the chairs are made out of leather and have a bucket-style seat with padded cushions. Many chairs include Bluetooth in the headrest. Usually, these chairs have a swivel design with wheels on the base.
Chairs for platform games
Though many classic games are available on a computer, most serious gamers prefer consoles — and that means finding a compatible chair. This type of gaming chair presents like a streamlined recliner with added features like cupholders and pockets for controllers. Most platform gaming chairs have a firm base free of wheels to keep it firmly in place. Either they will offer a jack for headphones or have speakers built into the structure. Generally, these are a bit more expensive than PC gaming chairs.
Hybrid chairs
Per the namesake, the hybrid blends the benefits of PC and platform chairs. A hybrid chair looks like it could fit into an office setting, though has extra cushioning and support for gaming activities. Often, the chair can recline but won’t appear angled off the hop. It will incorporate padding on the neck and substantial support for the back. Most hybrid chairs will have arms that fold down. While you can find some with a wheeled base, you are more likely to find models with a fixed base setup. Like other gaming chairs, these usually have Bluetooth or headphone hookups as well.
Key features of gaming chairs
Armrests
Holding a controller for hours at a time naturally leads to strain in the arms and shoulders. The armrests on gaming chairs are there to support your arms while you play. Since PC chairs expect you to play at a desk, usually the arms have less padding. Conversely, platform chairs are cushioned and often fold down to enhance convenience.
Back support
Though all gaming chairs will have cushions designed to mitigate stress on the back, not all back support is made alike. Look for lumbar support — extra cushioning designed to pad the base of your spine. While padding is useful, the positioning and structure of that cushioning is of equal importance. Aim for padding that is sectioned off, as that will minimize wear and tear and enhance overall support.
Head rests
If you’ve ever kinked your neck after a long gaming session, you know just how critical the headrest is on your gaming chair. This feature is a blend of angle, cushion, and height. The headrest should be adjustable, letting you find the right angle to let your head lie comfortably. It should cushion you firmly yet gently so as to minimize strain. Generally, the higher the headrest, the better.
Position adjustments
Any quality gaming chair will let you contour the positions of its individual components. In most cases, you can expect the armrests to fold down, letting your arms move freely. The height of the chair itself should be adjustable using a lever control. Many chairs also incorporate a recliner feature, so that you can choose whether to take a relaxed walk in the world of Skyrim or perform a shock attack on C.O.D.
Advantages of owning a gaming chair
- Limits muscle strain: Properly setup gaming chairs support the muscle groups you engage while playing online games. Instead of tensing your muscles to stay in position while using the controller, the chair lets your muscles relax, thus limiting strain.
- Facilitates relaxation: Using a gaming chair can help you stay in a comfortable position, keeping your muscles relaxed. A key to managing stress is finding healthy outlets, and gaming is one of them. The USO also offers a lot of services if you are looking to kick it up a notch.
- Posture: Even if you usually have great posture, it’s only natural to lean forward when enthusiastic about your gameplay. This can lead to achy shoulders and a literal pain in the neck. A well set-up chair eliminates this risk and keeps you prepared for more physically intensive activities like camping and hiking.
- Circulation: It’s no secret that blood flow is important, but sitting in a chair and gaming out can restrict your circulation. The ergonomic design of a gaming chair facilitates the movement of blood through your extremities, preventing your hands and feet from falling asleep while you play.
- Endurance: The key to succeeding on the digital battlefield is to keep your energy up. By promoting circulation and minimizing the risk of fatigue, you can play for longer stretches of time. A good gaming chair keeps you comfortable during gameplay so you don’t tap out prematurely.
Gaming chair pricing
- Under $200: Gaming chairs in this price range tend to be quite basic. You can find both PC chairs and hybrids in this range, though they are likely to wear down more quickly.
- Between $200 and $500: This is the sweet spot for gaming chairs. You can find all types of chairs in this category, equipped with all the necessary ergonomic features.
- Over $500: Though you can find some gaming chairs in this range, unless you play games professionally, it’s probably better to pick a chair that is a bit more cost-effective.
How we chose our top picks
By scouring the internet for reliable sources, we analyzed the benefits of gaming chairs. We sought out the best-reputed manufacturers and looked through their chairs to find the options that meet the most demanding standards. We used information provided by trusted sites like the Chair Institute to determine what is expected in terms of the chair structure. With this information, we tracked down models that feature quality textiles and sufficient support. Gaming is about relaxing while staying sharp. Keeping this in mind, we also relied on feedback from veterans we know and trust and focused on function and durability when picking out the best gaming chairs to serve those who served.