When it comes to gaming everyone is always talking about the best GPU, or how much refresh rate their monitor has, or the type of mouse and keyboard they use, and while those are definitely important for the gaming experience, there’s a lot more to it than just the hardware dedicated to playing the game.

Getting an enjoyable gaming experience also means being able to game in comfort, so you can’t just rely on having the best console, the best peripherals, or the best hardware to give you the best time. If you can’t sit down in peace for more than a couple of hours at a time, you could be getting a less than stellar experience.

The solution is simple, you need to invest in a quality ergonomic gaming chair, but it’s not always easy to find the right chair that you want. Here are some tips on what to look for and how to find that perfect gaming chair.

Comfortability

Of course, when looking for a good ergonomic gaming chair, the first thing you need is to find one that is comfortable. This is the primary concern, so an ergonomic chair should have a plethora of support features. Things like lumbar support, padding or cushioning for the butt cheeks, good upper back support, and other cushioning to help you feel snuggly in place for hours at a time. This is the first thing you should look for with any chair for gaming.

Multi-Purpose Use 

Secondly, you’ll want to see if you need a chair that is multi-purpose. A good gaming chair can be used for any work being done in your home office or just for sitting, but if you need something that fits more of a professional look, you can check out this website to see how you can get an ergonomic chair that isn’t just for gaming. Sometimes you need a chair that looks more office than gaming, so it’s good to find one that fits that look instead.

Material

The material of a good ergonomic chair for gaming is important because you will find yourself comfortable or uncomfortable depending on how long you’re sitting in it and the materials it is made of. Leather is a common material but it can get hot or sticky with sweat, especially in the heat. Breathable mesh is a good option, and another common material used in gaming chairs. This type of material is much less conducive to getting hot as it allows for air to get in and keep your back cool.

Durability 

Your chair isn’t going to be leaving your room or your home office very often, but it’s a good idea to remember that office equipment can get banged up even with minimal use, the same applies to a chair intended for gaming purposes. The constant wear and tear of sitting on it will eventually impact how well it can support you, and over time, it will lose its appeal. You want to find a chair that doesn’t use low-grade plastic and has plenty of support in its legs, wheels, and frame so that it will hold up for a long time to come.

Additional Features

Usually, a chair is just a chair, but gaming chairs are becoming much more advanced which means better features. You can find some common features like adjustable height, the ability to lean far enough back without falling, and adjustable armrests, but there are also plenty of features that can make a gaming chair more than just a chair. Many gaming chairs now come with Bluetooth connectivity so you can hook up headphones through the chair wirelessly, or play music out of a speaker. This adds more hands-free capabilities to fully immerse yourself in a gaming session.

Size

Some gaming chairs and ergonomic chairs can get pretty big, so you also need to consider how much space you have in your room, office, or wherever you have your set up. You want to look for a chair that isn’t too large in total size so you can maneuver around the room easily, as well as finding a chair that isn’t too heavy. If you find a chair that is too big, you might not be able to get in and out without doing an awkward shuffle, so consider this when looking for the right seating option for your gaming setup.

Style of Chair

Not every gaming or ergonomic chair comes in the same upright style. While this is the most common option, it’s far from the only style. A stand-up ergonomic chair is good, but you can also look for an on-ground rocker chair. These are closer to the ground and allow you to sway back and forth in comfort and style, or you could go with an executive chair, which is the more common style of gaming and ergonomic chairs. The style of chair you choose will determine cost, size, and features, so choose wisely.

Cost 

It would be impossible to leave off this consideration as well. When buying an ergonomic chair, you always need to have a budget. Some chairs can be as low as under $100, but you won’t be getting as robust of a chair as you would if you had spent more. You can usually find very good ergonomic and gaming chairs anywhere between $150 – $400, with $400 and up being part of the executive style chairs that include plenty of features. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good chair, but more often than not, the more money you’re willing to spend, the better the chair will be.

Choosing the right gaming chair is as important to a gaming setup as the hardware itself. If you can’t find yourself gaming in comfort for a few hours at a time, it won’t matter how many FPS you’re getting from your graphics card or CPU. Use these tips on how to find the right ergonomic chair for your gaming needs.