The Different Types of Gaming Chairs Explained: The Ultimate Guide

Gaming chairs have only been around since 2006. However, with the rise of Twitch streaming in 2011 and the esports industry rapidly growing, gaming chairs have been a byproduct of this massive movement. 

As a result, manufacturers have put more focus on designing chairs specifically for playing video games. At first, gaming chairs started as simply chairs that replicated race cars, especially with their leather seating, winged-backrest, and colored accents. Then, manufacturers began building new types of chairs, such as playing console games, adding simulations, massage vibration technology, and plenty of ergonomic features. 

As a gamer, you now have so many options available; how do you know which gaming chair to buy? In this article, we’ll explain the different types of gaming chairs in the market, who it’s designed for and how you should go about selecting the right one for your needs. 

Different Types of Computer Gaming Chairs

If you play video games, a gamer chair is non-negotiable. In fact, 65% of Americans play video games, and among them, 52% play on their personal computers. On average, they also spend 3.5 hours a week playing with others while in-person and 4.8 hours a week with people online. That means people are likely spending long hours sitting down, which leads to health problems. There are two types of gaming chairs designed for playing computer games: racing-style gaming chairs and ergonomic office chairs. 

Racing Style Gaming Chairs

Racing-style gaming chairs are chairs specifically designed for playing video games for long hours on the computer. They were first created by the company DXRacer and were inspired by luxury sports car seats. It has similar features and characteristics to a standard office chair. However, the main difference is its appearance. 

Racing-style chairs usually have flashy colors and designs. For example, it uses a two-tone accent that resembles a race car. However, the appeal of the gaming chairs is that they look incredibly eye-catching and will complement any room. Also, they use bucket-style seating instead of a flat seat pad. 

These types of chairs are notorious for using a type of leather such as PU or faux leather, bond leather, or genuine leather. There are plenty of advantages to using leather. It has a very sleek look and supple feel to it. Also, leather is extremely easy to maintain since it’s both stain and spill-resistant. Depending on the quality of leather, it can also be scratch or abrasion-resistant. The one major problem with the leather is the lack of ventilation. Leather retains heat well, meaning your seat will become warm over time. This can make it uncomfortable and cause some people to sweat in their seats. But gaming chairs also contain extra cushioning and higher density foam padding compared to most office chairs. 

Gaming chairs also tend to have an advantage in terms of backrest reclining. These chairs usually have a deep recline of up to a full 180 degrees. This allows players to take a nap in between games. In addition, these chairs are known to use a lot of thick high density, high resilience, or memory foam cushioning, which makes sitting down for long periods more comfortable. 

Pros: 

• Aesthetically appealing and flashy looks 
• Lots of cushioning and padding 
• Plenty of adjustable features to suit your needs 
• Reclines farther than office chairs 
• PU leather material is easy to maintain 

Cons: 

• Cheaper gaming chairs with external lumbar and headrest pillows aren’t very adjustable
• Many racing style gaming chairs aren’t very breathable 

Who’s It For: 

Racing gaming style chairs are for gamers who want a stylish chair that cool designs while also remaining comfortable for long periods. 

Unfortunately, these chairs don’t necessarily have the best ergonomic features. Technically, these chairs are designed to first look cool and second to be comfortable. Therefore, if you’re someone who experiences back pain and other muscle joint problems, you may want to consider ergonomic office chairs instead. 

Ergonomic Office Chairs

Ergonomic office chairs are designed for prolonged periods of sitting on a desk and have features to adapt to the user’s needs. These chairs offer plenty of ergonomic features aimed to improve a person’s posture and offer sufficient support. Its job is to ensure efficient ergonomics first and comfort second. 

There is a much wider variety when it comes to office chairs since they can vary in shape, size, and appearance. For example, executive office chairs and modern chairs both fall under office chairs. Office chairs will differ in upholstery such as fabric, leather, or mesh. In addition, some will use cushioning, while others won’t. If you’re prone to sweating or hates sitting on warm chairs, you’ll want ergonomic chairs that use a light fabric or mesh upholstery. 

Despite these differences, ergonomic chairs have a variety of common characteristics. They typically have many adjustable features such as seat height, seat width and depth, seat tilt, lumbar support, backrest recline, armrest, and more. Using chair adjustments allows users to fine-tune their position, ensuring that the chair fits their height and size. 

In addition, you can expect office chairs to have more ergonomic features designed to reduce pressure in your joints and relieve pain. For example, many office chairs use a water shape seat edge that slopes downward to improve blood circulation to the lower limbs and relieve pressure behind the knees. When it comes to preventing back pain, office chairs also have a height and depth adjustable lumbar system. This means you can adjust the firmness of the lumbar support to fix exactly the curvature in your spine.

Pros: 

• Much more variety when it comes to upholstery types and features 
• Plenty of ergonomic features to prevent health problems 
• Designed to increase productivity 
• It could be much more breathable and well-ventilated 
• Very comfortable to sit on for prolonged periods 

Cons: 

• Not flashy and stylish as gaming chairs

Who’s It For: 

For players who don’t care much about the aesthetics of a chair and prefer a chair with better ergonomics should choose office chairs. Also, if you’re a gamer with back problems or conditions such as scoliosis, we recommend getting ergonomic office chairs instead of gaming chairs. These chairs are designed to improve posture, prevent back pain and improve your focus. 

Different Types of Console Gaming Chairs

If you’re into playing games on your video game consoles such as Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Wii, and other systems, we recommend console gaming chairs. These are chairs that don’t have a standard five-legged base with wheels. Instead, they sit flat on the floor or have a pedestal base. Gaming on your couch is bad for your back, which is why console gaming chairs exist. Here we’ll cover the different types of console gaming chairs that you can choose from. 

Recliner Gaming Chairs

Recliner Gaming chairs are an excellent way to elevate your game time. Recliner chairs can recline backward, allowing users to rest and feel comfortable for prolonged periods. The two types of recliners are racing-style recliners and single sofa recliners. Understanding their features will allow you to choose the style that best suits your preferences. These recliner chairs are designed to be played in the living room instead of at your computer. 

Racing Style Recliner Gaming Chairs

Recliner gaming chairs look similar to a massage chair where it’s designed to include lots of padding and centers around a swivel base. The swivel base allows users to swivel their seats around 360-degrees. 

These chairs have a continuous surface that connects from the seat pad to the leg rest, so users can rest their feet while playing. Or they can set the footrest down and have their feet planted on the floor. Recliners have similar features to standard PC gaming chairs, such as thick padding with high-density foam, a headrest pillow, and PU leather upholstery. 

Gamers can also enjoy a convenient built-in cup holder and removable side pouches to store small items such as their controllers. Some have just one solid color tone in terms of aesthetics, while others have accented tones that look similar to a race car. 

Pros: 

• Many of them come with a continuous surface for the footrest 
• Reclines up mid-way to fully reclined, about 135 degrees 
• Lots of padding and cushioning for enhanced comfort 
• It comes with built-in cup holders and a side pouch to hold controllers 
• Can swivel 360-degrees 

Cons: 

• Armrests aren’t adjustable 
• Pedestal base makes it difficult to store 

Who’s It For: 

Recliners are designed for gamers who play console games but want better ergonomics and comfort than sitting on a sofa. These chairs sit higher than rockers, so you’ll be able to sit upright, which improves posture.

Single Sofa Recliners

Single sofa recliners have a similar appearance as chairs at the movie theater. These chairs have a four-legged base with no casters meaning you won’t move them around easily. However, they have a well-padded seat with lots of cushioning to keep gamers comfortable for a long time. What makes these stand out is that they typically can recline further back compared to other recliners and rockers. Many reclines have backrests that can recline up to 160 to 180 degrees. 

Like the recliners, it also comes with an extendable footrest, so players can rest their feet, which relieves pressure from their lower body and reduces the tension placed on their spine. Some recliners may have premium add-ons such as a massage feature adjusted to various intensity levels. They sometimes come with a headrest and lumbar pillow to provide additional pressure-relieving support to key areas in your body, helping you to stay comfortable for hours at a time. 

Pros: 

• It sits higher off the floor than a regular recliner meaning users will sit with a better posture 
• It uses leather upholstery which is stain and spill-resistant 
• Some can recline up to 180 degrees, so users can nap 
• Many come with a headrest and lumbar cushion 
• Also well-padded throughout to sit for long periods 

Cons: 

• The armrest is built into the chair and isn’t adjustable 
• It has four legs but no wheels, so it’s difficult to move around the house 

Who’s It For: 

Single sofa recliners are designed for console gamers; however, they can also act as standard furniture. Many of these sofa recliners look like standard furniture, meaning they’ll better suit your living room’s interior design. In addition, many of them can recline up to 180 degrees, which is further back than the gaming chair recliners. 

Rocker Gaming Chairs

Rocker gaming chairs have a similar appearance to a recliner; however, they sit on the floor without having any base or legs. For those who have a low TV set and or players who enjoy sitting on the floor, you may want to consider the rockers. 

Floor Rocker Gaming Chairs

Read our Best X Rocker Gaming Chairs Review

Floor rockers are gaming chairs that don’t have any legs or wheels. This means you’re seated almost on the floor. However, players get a supportive backrest while sitting near the ground, which prevents players from slouching forward. They are also ergonomically designed with both lumbar and neck support. Each section is well-padded to alleviate tension in the user’s body. Also, these chairs rock back and forth. 

In addition, these rockers are much more complex than a basic office chair. They have multiple audio speakers and one subwoofer so that gamers can immerse themselves in their gameplay. The speakers connect to the station either wireless through Bluetooth or a wired connection. 

Many of them have a control panel on the side of these floor rockers that includes a volume knob, bass control, headphone jack, and input/output jack. For convenient storage, these chairs can be folded. 

Pros:

• Connects wirelessly to most gaming console systems
• Includes usually four speakers with one subwoofer creating an immersive gaming experience 
• The chair is foldable for easy storage 
• Segmented padding on the seat pad, headrest, and lumbar for additional comfort 
• Able to rock back and forth while gaming 

Cons: 

• Not very adjustable 
• Unable to swivel or roll around without a base and casters 

Who’s It For: 

Rockers are designed for players who play console games and enjoy sitting low to the ground. Also, it’s for gamers who want an immersive and intense experience while gaming. So even though they are very comfortable to sit on, they still don’t support the optimal posture position. But it’s still better than playing your console games sitting on the floor or the couch. 

Pedestal Rocker Gaming Chairs

The Pedestal Rocker adds the functionality of a pedestal base to the rocker chair. This allows users to swivel in any direction and also raises their platform higher. Another advantage to having a pedestal base is that you’re able to tilt and recline further back than you could on a floor rocker due to the increased height of the chair. 

Just like the floor rockers, they contain similar features, such as multiple speakers and a subwoofer. These speakers directly sync to the audio of the game. In addition, some pedestal rockers even have vibration motors that sync to the audio system and game. This means you’ll be able to feel the action, and the gaming experience intensifies. For example, if you’re playing a POV shooting game, you’ll be able to feel any sudden movements or explosive action that occurs. 

These chairs also offer lots of features to keep users comfortable. These chairs use segmented padding on the seat pad, lumbar area, and headrest, which helps alleviate any pressure in your body. It also comes in PU or faux leather upholstery meaning it’s easy to maintain. Additional features include the side control panel, foldable seat, two stabilizing armrests, and a pouch that holds controllers. 

Pros: 

• Able to connect with other rocker gaming chairs
• Wirelessly connects with console gaming systems
• Includes a full audio modulation system with multiple speakers and a subwoofer
• Can swivel 360 degrees
• Some come with vibration motors that sync with the audio system 

Cons: 

• No casters, which mean users can’t move around on the chair

Who’s It For: 

The Pedestal Rockers are designed for console video gamers who want a little more control over their seating experience. With this type of rocker, you can swivel around and tilt back while you’re playing. It also provides an immersive experience, so gamers can lock in and focus on the action. 

Bean Bag Chairs

Bean bag chairs are chairs shaped bean-filled with tiny EPS beads or high-quality foam material. Some of the premium bean bags even use a memory foam filling to relieve the tension throughout your body, such as your back and under your thighs. One of the great things about these foam fillings is that they mold to fit your body so that users feel relaxed. Some gamers describe it as “sitting on a cloud.” Although many bean bag chairs don’t have any armrests, lumbar support, or headrest, it makes up for it with its ultra-comfortable soft feel.

Most bean bags are shapeless and simply contour to the shape of your body. However, some bean bag chairs come with some resemblance to a chair. These chairs may mimic the design of a sofa chair or a couch. These chairs do have a seat pad and backrest while still maintaining their squishy foam material. 

These chairs come in various sizes, such as three, four, or five feet bean bag chairs, so that anyone from young children to big and tall adults can enjoy them. In addition, they are made in all types of colors, so that you can choose the colors you want. 

Pros: 

• It comes with an ultra-soft suede outer cover to enhance comfort
• Made high-quality foam material that allows gamers to sink in for total relaxation 
• The foam material reflects heat to prevent the seat from getting hot 
• It comes in different sizes and colors to suit a person’s needs 
• Covers have a zipper that can be easily removed and washes 
• Includes love-handles so you can move bean bags to another room 

Cons: 

• It doesn’t come with an armrest, headrest, or lumbar support 
• Lacks any ergonomic support
• Not ideal for long hours

Who’s It For: 

Bean bag gaming chairs are designed for gamers who love to lounge around in something extremely comfortable. These chairs are better for casual gamers since you’re likely to sink too deeply into the chair to be completely focused and sharp on your gameplay. Also, it’s designed for playing only a few hours or less as opposed to playing for prolonged periods. Since there aren’t any ergonomic features such as armrests or proper back support, users won’t be sitting in a healthy sitting posture. 

Simulator Gaming Chairs

What if you could take the gaming experience to another level by mimicking the physical sensation of a game, such as driving a race car. Simulator gaming chairs combine the ergonomics of a racing-style gaming chair with new features to make playing video games more than just hitting buttons on a keyboard or controller. 

Racing Simulator Gaming Chairs

Racing simulator gaming chairs are designed to imitate the experience of a racing video game by adding an entire rig setup, which includes a steering wheel, shifter, pedal, and monitor stand. Imagine having your own arcade racing game set up at home, except you’re able to connect all of your setups to play video games from your PC or console games. 

We like how the equipment and chair included are all adjustable. Typically, users can choose between a single or triple monitor holder. And the monitor holder can be adjusted in height, distance, and angle. The seat slider lets you move your chair closer to the foot pedal or further away from it. Even the steering wheel plate can be adjusted so that your arms can comfortably rest and hold the steering wheels without straining your shoulders or neck. 

Since this setup uses a racing-style gaming chair, it comes with all of the features mentioned earlier. In addition, gamers can recline their seat backward and adjust the steering wheel and monitor to play while leaning back. 

Pros: 

• It comes with a steering wheel, shifter, and pedal to simulate the racing game 
• The entire rig helps gamers immerse themselves and improve focus
• Monitor stand included so that you can adjust the height and distance of your monitor screen 
• The gaming chair has a seat slider so that you can move it closer or further away from the monitor screen 
• Frame made of aluminum steel for durability

Cons: 

• The rig can only be set up with racing style gaming chairs and not ergonomic office chairs 
• Not easily stored since there isn’t a way to fold the rig 

Who’s It For: 

These racing simulator gaming chairs are designed for gamers who enjoy playing racing games and want to take their gaming experience to the next level. Unfortunately, the rig setup isn’t designed for other types of games. 

Check out my guide on the Best Racing Simulator Chairs

Flight Simulator Gaming Chairs

The thrill of flying has enthralled mankind for a long time. Flight simulator games let players capture that feeling of flying the skies and experience what it’s like to be a pilot. Flight simulator gaming chairs are similar to racing simulators, except for games relating to flying. They come with arms that hold your monitors, mouse trays, and keyboards and are adjustable to optimally position them for maximum comfort. In addition, they are compatible withholding any joystick, steering wheel, or yoke sets from the most popular brands such as Logitech, MadCatz, Thrustmaster, and Saitek. The stand is adjustable, meaning users can adjust their controls by angle and height, just like how a pilot can. 

The entire design of the rig looks similar to a plane cockpit, so users truly feel like they’re flying in a real place. These monitor stands can usually hold either one single 40-inch monitor display or three 24-inch screens. However, some monitor stand setup can even hold larger screens. These chairs are the same as racing gaming chairs, which means they are well-padded, so gamers can go for hours without needing a break. 

Pros: 

• It comes with a durable frame to hold your monitors, keyboard, and mouse trays 
• Also able to support pedals, steering wheels, yokes, and shifter
• A gaming chair can be adjusted closer or further away 
• The backrest can recline and has a tall backrest to support your full body 
• It usually includes a cup holder to hold your favorite beverage. 

Cons: 

• The gaming chairs don’t come with any headrest pillow or lumbar support area 
• Not suitable for regular gaming and office usage

Who’s It For: 

Flight simulators are designed for recreational gaming or pilot training. Players can maximize their experience when they play flight simulator games using these types of gaming chair setup. 

How to Choose the Right Type of Gaming Chair

There are numerous factors to consider when purchasing your gaming chair. For example, you’ll want to ask yourself these questions: 

• Am I going to be playing PC or console games? 
• Will I be casually or competitively playing?
• Do I need a chair for my bedroom or living room?
• Do I plan on playing video games all day or just for a few hours? 

PC Vs. Console Gaming

When it comes to finding the right gaming chair, first consider whether you’ll be playing PC games or console games. PC gaming chairs have a five-point base and are designed to fit your desk. In addition, these chairs include much more adjustments to make playing much more comfortable and suit the needs of each individual. 

PC gaming chairs have adjustments for seat height, seat depth, backrest height, backrest angle, tilt tension, lumbar support, armrest, and 360-degree swivel. The main distinction between the two is that PC gaming chairs can be adjusted to encourage a healthy S-shaped posture. A properly adjusted lumbar support will fit the curvature in your back.

Console gaming chairs are made for playing console video games, where users will usually sit much lower and don’t need to match the height of their desk. Console games provide an excellent alternative to sitting on the floor or the couch since these methods will lead to poor posture and chronic back pain. 

However, the main issue with console gaming chairs is that they simply aren’t as ergonomic as office chairs. They offer fewer adjustments and don’t encourage a healthy sitting posture. Many console gaming chairs, such as rockers, will curve the upper back and push the hips forward. In addition, they don’t have nearly the same lumbar support that office chairs have. 

Check out my guide on the Best Gaming Chairs for PS5

Competitive Vs. Casual Gaming

Competitive gamers will have many different needs than casual gamers. If you’re playing in a high-stakes competition, you’ll need every advantage at your disposal. This means your body should be positioned in a manner where you can focus and be engulfed in the game. The best position for focus is to have your feet flat on the floor and your leg at a 90-degree angle. Also, the backrest should be upright or leaning slightly forward. 

Also, competitive gamers may want to invest in additional premium features to help them maximize their gaming experience. For example, they may want speakers that connect to their console games to help them stay locked in. Also, vibrator sensors will help gamers experience the action. A quick zap in your chair seat will allow you to feel every bump, jolt, shock, punch, shot, or impact that your character takes. Gamers who are more immersed in the game with the sounds and feelings will block the outside distractions in your environment that could affect your performance. 

However, for casual gamers who only play one or two hours a day and don’t play competitively, you likely won’t care about the best features. Instead, casual gamers typically look for something comfortable, so they can relax while playing. If you fall under this category, you may consider the bean bag chairs, recliners, or floor rockers for console games. In this case, you’ll want a chair with lots of padding, a footrest, and a reclining back, so that you can comfortably kick your feet up while gaming. 

Office Vs. Living Room

The location of your video game setup also plays a role in which chair you buy. For example, playing in your office will likely require you to purchase a racing-style gaming chair or ergonomic office chair. In contrast, chairs in your living room mean you’ll want a rocker, recliner, or bean bag chair. 

Chairs designed for living rooms usually sit lower to the ground since you won’t need to match a desk height. Also, take up more space compared to PC gaming chairs. For office chairs, you need chairs that are height adjustable seats and armrests so that you can comfortably play PC games on a desk monitor. 

Long Hours Vs. Short Hours

Always consider how long you’ll be sitting on your chair per day. You can choose various recliners, rockers, or even a bean bag chair for those sitting on their chairs one to three hours per day. These chairs are geared more for lounging rather than productivity as they are not as ergonomic and offer less adjustment option. 

If you’re planning to sit longer than three hours, you may want to consider a PC gaming chair or Ergonomic office chair. These chair types are positioned higher, allowing your legs to be placed at a 90-degree angle and your torso to be upright. These chairs may not be as comfortable for lounging and consuming content, but they are much better for people who spend over 8 hours in their chair at a time. These chairs promote good posture, prevent muscle fatigue, keep your spine and bones in proper alignment, and prevent back pain or neck pain. 

Check out my guide on the Best Computer Chairs for Long Hours

Conclusion

Every avid gamer will tell you the toll that gaming can take on you, especially if you’re playing for hours at a time. In addition, the wrong type of chair can cause you plenty of discomfort and pain throughout your body. That’s why it’s important to clarify what you’re looking for in a gaming chair and what are the different types available in the market.

For instance, a professional gamer will likely want something more immersive such as a simulator gaming chair. Or an individual with chronic back pain may opt for an ergonomic office chair instead. Of course, each chair is unique, which is why our goal is to highlight its common features, characteristics, and who they’re designed for. With the knowledge you have about gaming chairs, you’ll be able to identify which chair will suit your needs and preferences.