We have all seen those flashy, cool, racing-style chairs in the videos of countless YouTubers and streamers, but are gaming chairs really worth it?
While there are certainly benefits to having a chair purpose-built for gaming, it’s important to be aware of the costs associated with these racing-style gaming chairs. If you are on the fence about whether or not you should get a gaming chair, we will help you make the right choice.
Let's weigh down the pros and cons of these fancy chairs and figure out if they are right for you. So, sit back (on your regular chair), grab a snack, and let’s get started!
Gaming Chair Vs Office Chair
Gaming chairs and office chairs are different in two ways: design and purpose.
A gaming chair is designed specifically for long hours of sitting while playing video games. They usually feature an oversized backrest with wings, a bucket seat, and support pillows for your head and lower back to provide added comfort.
On the other hand, an ergonomic office chair is designed for office use. A typical office chair has a flat seat cushion, a mesh or a padded backrest and some form of built-in lumbar support. They also feature 1D armrests for additional support.
Gaming chairs come with colourful designs that make them look very attractive. They offer some additional functionalities that office chairs lack such as 3D armrests, 180° recline, and leg rests. Some high-end models have RGB lighting, speakers, haptic feedback and even lumbar massage function.
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Pros Of Gaming Chairs
A gaming chair is often times considered a symbol of status and style. With that said, it is important to be mindful of the benefits of gaming chairs. Here are some of the pros of gaming chairs.
They are comfortable. Gaming chairs are designed for the comfort of gamers. They offer you more padding than your usual office chair, which makes them much comfier. Gaming chairs are equipped with high-density foam that moulds to support your unique body shape.
They are customisable. Most modern gaming chairs come with adjustable armrests, backrests, lumbar support and headrest, allowing you to customize the fit and feel of the chair as per your body size and preferences.
They are ergonomic. Gaming chairs are designed with ergonomics in mind. A good gaming chair supports your lower and upper back, shoulders, head, neck, arms, and hips. Not only will this prevent you from suffering fatigue and pain, but it can also improve your posture.
They look cool. Gaming chairs are aesthetically attractive. A chair that looks like the seat of a racing car or spaceship looks really cool, right? Most YouTubers and streamers buy them to add a little flair and appear cool in their videos or streams.
In short, a gaming chair not only makes you look cool but also provides you with absolute comfort. As a result, you will enjoy a better gaming experience on a gaming chair compared to just sitting in an old, cheap office chair.
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Cons Of Gaming Chairs
Just like every other piece of equipment, gaming chairs aren't perfect either. They have their or sets of disadvantages, and it is important to be aware of them before purchasing one. Here are some of the cons of gaming chairs.
They are expensive. Of course, buying a gaming chair can get quite expensive. A decent quality gaming chair can cost anywhere between $200-$300, and the higher-end ones with advanced features usually cost you more than $500.
Clearly, the pros outweigh the cons, but the real question is if the benefits of a gaming chair are worth the money you are about to spend. Let's find out!
Are Gaming Chairs Worth It?
It depends heavily on your personal preferences.
If you are an avid gamer who spends long periods of time sitting at your desk, a gaming chair might be a good investment you can make. Compared to regular office chairs, they provide additional comfort and functionality, and they might be beneficial to you.
On the other hand, if you think you don't need these extra features, then you are probably better off buying one of the best office chairs. In our opinion, most gamers are fine with a regular ergonomic office chair. They provide you with all of the basic comfort and ergonomic features you would need.
That said, if you can afford them, they will definitely enhance your gaming experience. You can get a good quality gaming chair and add a little bit of style to your gaming station. Razer Iskur X could be a good choice.