Are Gaming Chairs Really Worth It?

So you're looking to upgrade your seating situation in your gaming setup. Whether you're a die-hard gamer who streams and competes or a casual gamer who enjoys relaxing with friends online, a proper gaming chair is a great investment. These are specifically designed for gamers like you - no matter your experience or competition level. You'll enjoy the way the chair supports your body over the course of long hours while keeping you comfortable, upright, and focused.

But, once you see the price tag on most gaming chairs, there is a chance you'll have second thoughts. You may even find yourself asking the question - are gaming chairs really worth it?

The answer is not one size fits all, unfortunately. Only you can truly answer this question for yourself. It comes down to how often you game, and how long your sessions are. But, there are plenty of other factors that may influence your decision. Perhaps you want a chair that you can use for office work, too. Or, maybe once you realize how much better of a gamer your chair can make you - it'll push you over the edge and convince you to pull the trigger.

In this complete guide, we're going to cover all the criteria you should consider when asking the question "are gaming chairs worth it or not?". Let's start by explaining what exactly separates a gaming chair from the typical office chairs you may be more familiar with.

What Exactly Is A "Gaming Chair"?

A gaming chair is a seat specifically designed with gamers in mind. Pretty simple, right? But what is it about these types of chairs that make them a better choice than office chairs? Or, say, the edge of your bed or a couch?

It comes down to the ergonomic design and optimization for how a gamer sits. There are all sorts of different gaming chair styles - from racing-style gaming chairs to video gaming recliners chairs. Across all the different styles, there are a few common themes:

• Tall backrests with a headrest to support your spine's natural alignment
• Cool leather fabric to help you stay comfortable over long hours of intense gaming
• Seat adjustability to optimize your chair for your unique body - keeping your posture dialed in

Some chairs go as far as having built-in speakers - while others have cupholders and more. All of this sounds great - but the question remains: are gaming chairs worth it?

So, Are Gaming Chairs Really Worth It?

We're not going to spend any more time covering basic information - you came here with the question, are gaming chairs really worth it? And now we're going to answer it once and for all.

Yes - if you are serious about your performance, computer gaming chairs are worth it. But truthfully, only you can answer that question for yourself. We mentioned this earlier. Every gamer is different. The same goes for a similar question we get - are gaming desks worth it?

With all that said, we wholeheartedly believe that gaming chairs are worth it for most gamers. And we're not just saying that - we're going to back it up with specific reasons we feel that way. Let's take a look at the 5 reasons we deem gaming chairs to be worth it.

Why Gaming Chairs Are Worth It (5 Reasons)

If you asked just about anyone who has pulled the trigger and invested in a quality gaming chair "are gaming chairs really worth it?" they would likely all have the same answer: yes! There are 5 reasons this is a great investment:

1. Ergonomic Support Keeps You Healthy
2. Easy Adjustability Allows You To Remain Comfortable
3. You'll Stay Focused Over Long Hours
4. The Aesthetic Gaming Chairs Offer Is Unmatched
5. Most Advanced Gaming Chairs Are Versatile & Multi-Purpose

Let's take a deeper look at each of these claims to explain what they really mean for you - the gamer.

1) Ergonomic Support Keeps You Healthy

If you haven't owned an ergonomic chair in the past, you're missing out. Most modern-day office chairs - at least, those of high quality - are built with ergonomics in mind.

What is ergonomics, exactly? A design practice that optimizes your body's natural position while sitting. This means an "ergonomic chair" is one that allows you to sit for long hours without putting stress on your hips while keeping your spine in alignment. This is the #1 reason to buy a gaming chair. If you're like us, you have plenty of sessions that have gone 4, 6, or even 8+ hours long.

That means that just any old chair won't cut it. A non-ergonomic chair would contribute to back pain, neck pain, hip pain, and more. That's just in the short term, too. Long term, you could see your posture deteriorate as soreness turns into immobility and, eventually, serious injury. Sounds like we're being dramatic, right? We're not - ignore this advice at your own peril.

This begs the question - are gaming chairs ergonomic? Just like the question, "are gaming chairs worth it?", the answer is not one size fits all. While many gaming chair companies put an emphasis on ergonomics, not all do. That's why it is so important for you to carefully research the chair you're going to buy to determine just how ergonomic the design elements are. Here are some things to look for:

• Big & Tall Frame - Look for a chair that can easily accommodate your entire frame. This is especially important for bigger gamers who don't want to feel cramped while gaming.

• Adjustable Armrests - Getting your elbows on those armrests in the proper position is important for preventing strain on your shoulders and neck. Look for a chair with 4D adjustability in the armrests - so you can support your arms while gaming, typing, texting, or reading!

• Height Adjustability - This will help you get your hips in the proper alignment, preventing strain on them over the course of long hours.

• Head & Back Support - Gaming chair designs typically feature some degree of head and back support. But, the best gaming chair for you is one that features premium pillows to carefully support your head, neck, and shoulders - keeping everything in alignment.

2) Incredible Comfort All Day Long

There is nothing worse than feeling yourself having to adjust every few minutes, or feeling the hot, itchy fabric of a chair irritating your skin. When buying a gaming chair, you're investing in all-day comfort.

Quality gaming chairs are built with luxury fabrics that do 2 things at once: first and foremost, they keep you cool and fresh all day long with incredible breathability and moisture resistance. Along with that, this fabric is also designed to stand the test of time. It's highly durable and offers unprecedented resilience. No matter how much time you spend in your chair, you can trust that you'll stay comfortable day in, day out.

Along with the fabric, high-quality gaming chairs provide comfort through high-quality memory foam. You're going to park your butt in that seat for hours upon hours at a time - you don't want to get sore or develop butt lock. Gaming chairs support you and provide cushion - preventing you from logging off early due to discomfort.

All of this is coupled with the ability to recline. While you want to sit upright during your actual games, you may want to lean back and relax in the lobby. Or maybe you want to put the controller down for a bit and watch your favorite streamer or TV show. You can recline up to 180 degrees on most gaming chairs.

The best gaming chair is one that will even allow you to lock at different levels, so you can maintain that perfect position. There is even a wide variety of gaming chairs with full tilt mechanisms - allowing you to gently rock back and forth to get your body in the most ideal position. These are just some of the ways gaming chairs support your body ergonomically while also offering comfort. Speaking of reclining, take a look at our year-end review of the best gaming recliners!

3) You'll Stay Focused Over Long Hours

Comfort and ergonomics are just one benefit of a quality gaming chair. They also do something normal office chairs do not - keep you focused and enhance your play. We all want to be better gamers. But no amount of hours spent perfecting your craft will outweigh a poor gaming setup. You need a quality video gaming desk, a quality monitor, the right ambiance, and of course, a gaming chair that keeps you focused even when you spend long hours sitting.

This sort of goes back to the ergonomics we discussed above. Because your body is supported and comfortable, you don't fatigue as easily as you would with a typical office chair. This is why you see the pros using a quality PC gaming chair - they want to be the best, so they invest in the best. Simple as that!

4) The Aesthetic Gaming Chairs Offer Is Unmatched

Speaking of your gaming setup, let's talk about one of the primary reasons people go about buying a gaming chair - to truly perfect that gaming station ambiance. There is no denying the stunning look of a sleek, stylish gaming chair in your warroom. Many of these come with a unique colored trim to match the rest of your gear. But, some gaming chairs take things a step further - with LED lights.

That's right - there are gaming chairs out there that actually light up! How cool is that? If you're like us, you love the look and feel of vibrant LEDs in a dark room. If you already have some strung up, you can match your chair to your lighting for a truly one-of-a-kind ambiance and aesthetic.

5) Most Advanced Gaming Chairs Are Versatile & Multi-Purpose

One of the final reasons we feel gaming chairs are with it is because you don't just have to use them for gaming. In fact, many gaming chairs can be used for general office work, for reading a book, working on schoolwork, lounging, taking a nap - you name it. This will, of course, depend on the specific type of gaming chair you get. While you won't be able to use a gaming recliner for office work (unless you really want to), you can use just about any standard gaming chair for anything.

That means if you're getting your work from home station set up, you can kill two birds with one stone by investing in a quality gaming chair. In fact, you can likely write this purchase off as an expense on your year-end taxes - think of it as a work chair that you also use for gaming!

Are There Instances In Which Gaming Chairs Are Not Worth It?

So, are gaming chairs worth it? Are gaming chairs really worth it?

To us, gaming chairs are worth it. No doubt about it. But, as we've constantly repeated throughout this article - every gamer is different. What's worth it to us may not be worth it to you. That's why it is so important to carefully consider your unique situation before you pull the trigger on a purchase. Because the fac of the matter is, there are certainly some situations where buying an expensive gaming chair doesn't make sense.

You may not be able to justify the purchase if you only game once or twice a week and already have a nice office chair or recliner you absolutely love. Or, maybe you just don't have the budget to afford one of the best ergonomic gaming chairs. In this case, you'd be forced to go with a cheaper gaming chair - and to us, this wouldn't be worth it. You're better off saving up until you can afford to invest in a quality gaming chair.

Are Gaming Chairs Really Worth It? Closing Thoughts

We feel that by now, you are well-equipped with the knowledge to make this decision for yourself. After all, only you can really answer the question of whether or not gaming chairs are worth it. If you're still not convinced, just check out some of the happy customers that have invested in a gaming chair at Turismo Racing. You'll see firsthand just how much better gaming can be when you have the proper seating.