How to choose a gaming chair: complete guide before buying

Choosing a gaming chair is not just about picking the flashiest design or the colour that best matches your setup. Although aesthetics matter, especially if you want to set up an attractive gaming area, the most important thing is that the chair is comfortable, sturdy and suitable for the use you are going to give it.

A good gaming chair can be used for playing during long sessions, studying at the computer, working from home, watching videos or streaming content, completing a gaming room or building a comfortable and attractive setup. That is why, before buying, it is worth paying attention to aspects such as ergonomics, the backrest, the armrests, the materials, the lumbar support, the seat height and the strength of the frame. In this guide we explain how to choose a gaming chair and what details you should review before making up your mind. We will also look at some recommended models depending on the type of user.

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Gaming chair in a spacious setup
Gaming chair in a spacious setup

1. Think about the use you will give it

Before buying a gaming chair, the first thing is to ask yourself what you really need it for. It is not the same to use it a couple of hours at weekends as to sit in it every day to play, study or work.

If you are going to use it for many hours, you should prioritise comfort, lumbar support and the adjustment options. On the other hand, if you want it for more occasional use, perhaps you can focus more on the design, the price or extras such as the footrest.

A gaming chair can be used for: playing during long sessions, studying at the computer, working from home, watching videos or streaming content, completing a gaming room, building a comfortable and attractive setup.

Use you are going to give the gaming chair

2. Check the dimensions of the chair

One of the most common mistakes when buying a gaming chair is looking only at the photo. However, the dimensions are essential. Before you decide, review: total height of the chair, seat height, seat depth, backrest width, maximum supported weight, height adjustment range.

A chair that is too low, too narrow or too shallow can turn out to be uncomfortable. Ideally, you should be able to rest your back well, keep your feet on the floor and place your arms naturally on the desk. If you have doubts about which dimensions best fit your height or build, you can expand on this part in our guide about how tall a gaming chair should be.

For example, the Hero Gaming Chair has a height from the floor of 119-129 cm, a seat height of 45-55 cm and a seat depth of 49 cm, and it is also suited to daily use of 8 hours.

Dimensions of the gaming chair before buying

3. Give priority to ergonomics

Ergonomics is one of the most important points. A gaming chair should not only look good: it should also help you keep a comfortable posture. Pay special attention to aspects such as the backrest, the padding of the seat, the reclining of the backrest, the type of mechanism. The lumbar and cervical cushions can help improve the support of the back and neck, but they must be well positioned. The lumbar cushion should support the lower part of the back, not sit too high or too low. If this point worries you in particular, we also recommend reading our guide about whether gaming chairs are good for the back.

A very interesting option for those looking for a premium gaming chair with a good ergonomic approach is the BloodDragon Ergonomic Gaming Chair. This model features a flexible backrest, adjustable lumbar support and armrests adjustable in several directions, a model designed for users who want a greater adaptation to the body during prolonged sessions.

Ergonomics of a gaming chair for long sessions

4. Look at the backrest and the recline

The backrest is key in any gaming chair. Ideally it should be tall, stable and allow you to rest your back correctly.

Some gaming chairs let you recline the backrest to rest between matches or adopt a more relaxed posture. This function can be useful if you also use the chair to watch videos, take breaks or rest during the day. For users who prioritise comfort in long sessions, you can also check our selection of comfortable gaming chairs.

The Epic Gaming Chair with footrest, for example, includes a backrest that reclines up to 180º, an extendable footrest and lumbar and cervical cushions, so it can be an interesting option for those who want a gaming chair that is comfortable also for moments of rest. Nevertheless, the recline should not be the only thing you value. You should also check that the base is stable, that the mechanism is sturdy and that the chair keeps a good sense of safety when you lean back.

High backrest and recline of a gaming chair

5. Check the armrests

The armrests matter more than they seem. If they are too low, you can strain your shoulders. If they are too high, your posture can also turn out to be uncomfortable.

There are fixed, flip-up and adjustable armrests. For intensive use, it is ideal to choose a chair with adjustable armrests, since they let you better adapt your posture to the desk, the keyboard and the mouse.

This kind of adjustment is common in models aimed at daily work. That is why, if you are going to use the chair for many hours to study or work from home, you may also be interested in considering an ergonomic chair, especially if you prioritise posture, lumbar support and comfort during long working days.

If you have little space, you can also consider models with flip-up arms or designs that are easier to store under the desk.

Adjustable armrests of a gaming chair

6. Choose the materials well

The materials directly affect the comfort, the breathability and the durability of the chair. The most common ones are: faux leather, breathable fabric, mesh, padded or injected foam, steel or aluminium frame.

Faux leather is usually easy to clean and offers a more sporty look. Fabric can be more pleasant and breathable, especially in summer. Mesh helps improve the ventilation of the back. If you are not clear about which finish suits you more, you can read our comparison about a gaming chair in fabric or faux leather.

If you are worried about heat or you spend many hours sitting, you may be interested in a model with breathable materials. The Breeze gaming chair stands out precisely for its breathable mesh backrest, a model with a removable cover and a cold foam seat of 8 cm.

Materials and upholstery of a gaming chair

7. Review the base, the wheels and the maximum capacity

A gaming chair should be comfortable, but also stable and sturdy. That is why it is worth looking at the frame, the base, the wheels and the maximum recommended capacity.

Before buying, review the material of the frame, the type of base, the maximum supported capacity, the quality of the wheels, the general stability and whether the chair adapts well to the type of floor where you are going to use it.

This point is especially important if you are going to use the chair for many hours a day or if you are looking for a robust model for intensive use.

Base, wheels and maximum capacity of a gaming chair

8. Assess whether you need a footrest or massage function

Not everyone needs extras, but some can improve the experience quite a bit. The footrest can be useful if you like to recline, you use the chair to watch videos, you take breaks between matches or you want a more relaxed posture at certain moments.

The massage function can also turn out to be attractive for some users, especially if they look for an extra feeling of rest in the lumbar area. Even so, these extras should not be the main purchase criterion. Before focusing on them, review that the chair has good dimensions, a stable frame, a comfortable backrest and materials suited to the use you are going to give it.

Choosing well from the start will help you play, study or work with more comfort during long hours at the computer.

9. Conclusions: what a good gaming chair should have

A good gaming chair should be much more than a decorative element within your setup. To get the choice right, it is important that it combines comfort, stability, ergonomics and a design adapted to your tastes and needs. Before buying, it is worth carefully reviewing aspects such as the dimensions of the chair, the lumbar support, the shape of the backrest, the type of armrests, the manufacturing materials and the quality of the base.

If you are going to use it for many hours a day, whether to play, work or study, the most advisable thing is to prioritise a comfortable and healthy posture. The adjustments of height, tilt, armrests or lumbar support can make a big difference in daily use. Although the gaming design can help you complete the aesthetics of your space, it should not be the only purchase criterion.

And if you still do not know which model to choose, we recommend taking a look at our article about the best value-for-money gaming chairs, where we go over some of the most interesting options to help you find the chair that best suits your needs. In addition, if you still have doubts, you can contact us through the chat. We will be happy to help you: we are experts in gaming chairs and we can advise you so that you find the ideal model for you.