Gaming chairs built around how you actually sit

Start with your height and weight

Every chair is built for a range of users. Check the recommended height and the maximum weight, and choose a model where you sit comfortably in the middle of both, not at the limit. A seat that is too deep presses behind the knees; you should be able to fit two or three fingers between the front edge and the back of your legs. Taller players should check that the headrest actually reaches the neck rather than the shoulder blades. Smaller users often do better with a compact version, as the side bolsters on large gaming chairs can push the shoulders forward.

Lumbar and neck support

The lower back carries most of the strain in a long session. Look for adjustable lumbar support, either a cushion you can move or a built in mechanism you can raise and deepen. A fixed lumbar cushion strapped at the wrong height does more harm than none. A neck pillow helps when you recline to watch a cutscene, but it should not push your head forward when you sit upright.

Armrests, recline and seat height

Armrests that move up, down, in and out let you keep the elbows close to the body with relaxed shoulders, at the same height as the desk. Recline between about 90 and 135 degrees with a lock is useful; the flat recline some gaming chairs advertise is mainly for rest, not play. The gas lift should let you sit with feet flat and knees roughly level with the hips. A class 4 gas lift is the common standard for chairs used every day. If the desk is high for you, add a footrest rather than lifting the chair until your feet dangle.

Fabric or faux leather

Faux leather, often PU, wipes clean and looks sharp but traps heat, and cheaper coatings can crack or peel after a couple of years of daily use. Fabric and mesh breathe better in a warm bedroom and age more gently, though they need a vacuum and the occasional spot clean. Most gaming chairs are offered in both. If you play for hours in summer, fabric is the more comfortable choice.

Gaming chairs or office chairs?

A good ergonomic office chair is a perfectly sound alternative. Office chairs tend to have a lower back, a waterfall seat edge and breathable mesh; gaming chairs offer a taller back, more recline and a look that suits a setup. Neither is automatically better for posture. What improves posture is a chair that fits you, set up correctly, and regular breaks to stand and move.

Gaming chairs for teenagers and smaller players

Teenagers grow quickly, so a chair with a wide range of seat height and a removable headrest cushion will last longer than one sized only for an adult. Many brands offer compact gaming chairs with a narrower seat and a lower back for users under about 165 cm. Check the minimum seat height as carefully as the maximum, and add a footrest if the feet do not reach the floor.

Setting up a new chair in five minutes

• Raise or lower the seat until your feet rest flat and your thighs are level.
• Adjust the seat depth so two fingers fit behind the knees.
• Move the lumbar support to the curve just above your belt.
• Set the armrests level with the desk, elbows at about 90 degrees.
• Lock the backrest upright for play and release it for breaks.

How long gaming chairs last

A chair used every evening takes more wear than most furniture in the house. The parts that tend to fail first are the gas lift, the armrest pads and the seat foam. High density or cold cured foam keeps its shape longer than cheap cut foam, and replaceable armrest pads extend the life of the chair. A long guarantee says more about build quality than a feature list, and everything sold by Tove & Co carries a 2 year guarantee.

Base, castors and floors

A five star base in steel or aluminium is sturdier than plastic. Standard castors suit carpet; on wood or laminate, soft rubber wheels or a chair mat or rug prevent scratches. Check the assembled height and width too, especially in a small room where the chair must slide under the desk. Gaming chairs we add will show full dimensions, materials and user limits on each page.