Gaming armchair

If your current chair becomes uncomfortable in the long run or if you are simply looking for a stylish chair that visually enhances your gaming setup, you should definitely take a look at gaming chairs.

Because these gaming chairs combine an extremely high level of comfort and a cool design. As a result, your back does not hurt even after hours of gaming sessions and at the same time you have a futuristic piece of furniture that perfectly complements your gaming space.

However, since you quickly lose track of the huge selection of different models or it is often not immediately clear what to look for when buying, I have summarized the top models and most important purchase factors in this guide.

sound chair

Sound armchairs are characterized by high seating comfort and excellent sound. Speakers are built into the chairs. In addition to the speakers, other features such as Bluetooth or USB ports are often integrated.

This means that these gaming chairs can not only be used for gaming, but are also ideal for listening to music or watching films and series.

With the help of the Bluetooth function, you can, for example, easily connect your smartphone to the armchair and then listen to music comfortably. And thanks to the built-in controls, the bass and volume can also be adjusted individually.

When listening to music, rocking to the beat is also possible without any problems due to the special shape. The same applies to tilting while gambling to be able to relax. The support required for this is also guaranteed on smooth tiles or parquet floors.

Many models can also be easily folded up, so the sound chair can be quickly stowed away when not in use. This is a great advantage, especially for small rooms, because the chair takes up little space when folded and can be easily moved due to its low weight.

If you buy the same model when buying sound armchairs, you can also connect the Zocker armchairs with each other. A cinch cable is usually used for this, which amplifies the sound.

You usually also need the cinch cable if you want to connect the sound chair to your console. For example, the PS4 does not support Bluetooth audio devices.

beanbags

Bean bags are also very popular. These adapt to the body proportions when you sit down, which is due to the inner bag filled with small plastic beads. 

Under load, the small plastic beads are pushed to the side, which also creates the characteristic hole in the middle of a beanbag and the many folds.

Beanbags are ideal for gamers. They are super comfortable and cheaper than recliners. As a result, these gaming chairs are particularly recommended for you if you have a small budget and still want to enjoy high comfort.

Basically, beanbags can be divided into two groups: models without and models with a backrest.

Bean bags without backrest

There are beanbags without a backrest that are the same size as normal beanbags with a backrest. These are the cheapest options.

There are also models in lying form. These beanbags have the largest area and are therefore usually found in XXL versions, which have so much space that you can even lie down completely.

However, these models are not really suitable for gaming, since you have to uncomfortably stretch your head upwards and forwards from a lying position so that you can even see the monitor. Consequently, these variants are more suitable for sleeping, but not for gaming on the console.

Variants with backrest

Standing beanbags or models with a backrest are often reminiscent of a chair in terms of shape, which means that the maximum height is reached when sitting.

Nevertheless, these variants are not suitable for gaming on the PC with a mouse and keyboard, since the seat height is still too low and sitting upright for a long time without a firm backrest quickly becomes uncomfortable.

However, standing beanbags have the optimal shape for gaming at the console. Especially since you can lean back and relax while still having a clear view of the television or monitor.

Important factors when buying a beanbag

The filling and the seams are largely responsible for the quality when choosing the right model.

The finer the filling, the more comfortable the beanbag fills. Because you feel the filling less and the surface nestles better against the body at the same time.

In addition, you must be informed about the processing of the seams, as these areas can withstand the least stress and can therefore burst open quickly. Which can be very problematic under certain circumstances when all the mini balls roll out. But usually the ball is separated from the cover in a separate bag.

Of course, this also raises the question of whether you prefer a variant in which you completely sink in or whether you prefer a variant that you can sit relatively firmly on.

Depending on how you decide, your preferred model must contain either many or few balls. As a rule, it is already clear when you buy it whether it is a firm or soft shape, but you can often refill balls later and thus achieve the desired stability.

However, you have to be careful when refilling the balls. Because if the bag has been filled with too many balls and the workmanship is not right, but you throw your whole weight into the beanbag, the seams can burst open. Or it can be deformed more.

My beanbag smells like plastic, what can I do?

The beanbags often smell of plastic when they are freshly delivered. Then you should put the beanbag outside in good weather. In the fresh air, the stench of plastic dissipates relatively quickly.

How do cats react to bean bags?

Every cat has a different character, so there is no general answer to this question. According to my research, however, many cat owners report that their animals like to make themselves comfortable on the beanbag. However, it seems extremely unlikely that the cats would completely scratch the fabric.

If you provide enough scratching opportunities, the cats should keep their claws away from the sensitive surface. 

However, to minimize the risk, it is advisable to use one Outdoor to buy a beanbag. So a model that is suitable for outdoors and therefore has a higher resistance.

How can I clean my beanbag?

First you should read the cleaning instructions. If you didn't get cleaning instructions when you bought your gaming chair, find out more from the manufacturer of your product.

If the manufacturer doesn't give an exact answer or doesn't even bother to answer, I would use a slightly damp rag and a bit of detergent to gently buff the surface.

You can often simply separate the cover from the beanbag and put it in the washing machine.

Can I use an indoor beanbag outside?

That shouldn't be a problem provided you put it on your patio or balcony. However, I would not put it in the lawn, since indoor beanbags are not very robust.

But logically you have to bring the beanbag inside overnight and when it rains. You should also not put it outside regularly, otherwise the indoor beanbag will quickly wear out.

However, a problem that can arise in sunshine is the following. The coating could fade from the UV rays and lose its strong colors.

Relaxation chair/ massage chair

Relaxing armchairs or television armchairs are more at home in living rooms and are used for watching TV, but they are also excellently suited as gaming armchairs for gambling.

The relaxation armchairs offer the highest level of comfort when sitting among the gaming armchairs. Unfortunately, the quality is also reflected in the price. For a good model you usually have to invest at least 300 euros and there are no upper limits in sight.

The materials used, such as real leather or artificial leather, and the available gadgets, such as a massage function, are mainly responsible for the different price ranges.

But for a gamer, the extra cost of a massage chair is usually not worth it. Instead, a model that is comfortable to sit on is sufficient and, under certain circumstances, a shelf for the feet is also very pleasant.

In addition, the backrest should be adjustable so that the armchair can be adapted to your individual needs.

The upholstery and the cover are responsible for a high level of seating comfort. Accordingly, the materials used for this should be of high quality.

However, since you cannot test the factors described yourself if you order on the Internet, you should read the customer reviews before buying.

Playseats or car seats

With the purchase of a Playseats and suitable Steering wheel With pedals you can create your own racing simulator. 

Consequently, Play Seats are particularly suitable for you if you enjoy playing racing games or car simulators. But also airplane simulators can be played excellently thanks to the special construction.

But what can be quickly overlooked when buying is the fact that the Playseats are delivered without a pedal and steering wheel. These two components must be purchased separately. But that's also an advantage, because when choosing a racing chair you don't have to pay attention to whether you have an Xbox, Playstation, Wii, Switch or PC. 

This gaming chair variant is certainly not a solution for all computer games, but only for car and airplane games. For this reason, Playseats are only an addition to your gaming setup and another gaming chair is therefore also mandatory.

Decisive criteria when buying

Especially with this gaming chair variant, it is worth spending more money. Because the car seats are exposed to great stress when playing the racing games.

Cheaper models often have inaccurate holes, which makes assembly much more difficult and stability suffers as a result. Then the backrests keep cracking and creaking when in use, the paint chips off, lettering comes off or individual parts even bend.

For example, the pedal bracket must be extremely stable, as it is constantly exposed to large forces when clutching, accelerating and braking.

The upholstery is often inferior in cheap versions, making it impossible to sit comfortably.

In addition, the play seat must be easily adjustable so that you can adjust the distance between your feet and the pedals to your exact height so that you can steer your car with ease.

The same applies to the backrest. This should also be able to be adjusted quickly, since not everyone has the same length of arms and you can easily reach the steering wheel.

Since you can only use your Playseat to play racing or flight simulators, the racing chair should fold up quickly and easily so that it can be replaced by your desk chair or there is simply more space available.

Gaming chairs

Lastly there is the Gaming chair. I would rather exclude this one from the list. Although are Gaming chairs great for gaming on the PC with mouse and keyboard at the desk.

If just after a new one Desk keep an eye out, check out this post of mine about gaming tables. You are guaranteed to find a suitable model there.

However, it is much more comfortable to lean back in a real armchair and put your feet up, which is only possible with a controller. Consequently, gaming chairs are particularly suitable for console gamers.

In contrast to gaming on the PC with a mouse and keyboard, gaming chairs are not ideal for gaming on the console or are not so chilled out. However, if you have problems getting up from the low sitting position, as is the case with sound chairs, play seats or beanbags, for example, gaming chairs could be an excellent alternative.

Because you don't always have to torture yourself from the deep position upwards if you want to get up, but sit upright in the chair.

Even if a gaming chair does not sound or look as comfortable as a sound chair or beanbag at first glance, the new models have a number of features that drastically increase comfort when gaming.

Gaming chairs are extremely ergonomic in contrast to normal desk chairs and are therefore perfect for long gaming sessions. In addition to standard functions such as height adjustability, examples of features that increase the comfort of gaming chairs are cushions that are attached between the lower spine and the back of the chair and the neck and the upper back of the chair, or flexible armrests and chair backs that can be adjusted backwards by almost 90 degrees, so that you can can almost lie down in the chair.

Advantages of gaming chairs

The biggest and most obvious advantage is the comfort factor. But gaming chairs have many other advantages that may not be apparent at first glance.

On the one hand, a gaming chair can not only be used for gaming, it is also excellent for watching films, series or television in general. With Soundchairs, you also have the option of listening to the stereo sound directly from the integrated speakers of the chair, which can often even be connected to your cell phone, for example, via Bluetooth.

In addition, these special chairs also leave a lasting impression on the viewer and can thus visually enhance your gaming setup. Above all, the futuristic design of Soundchairs and the unusual shape of the beanbags are real eye-catchers. 

Furthermore, the high mobility and flexibility is a great advantage. Since most gaming chairs can be folded up or are already very small anyway, they can be easily stowed away when not in use. 

At the same time, the gaming chairs are also quite light compared to a sofa and can be flexibly transported to the room where they are needed. If, for example, friends or acquaintances are visiting, the gaming chair can be brought into the living room without any problems and thus complement the couch so that everyone can find a comfortable place.

Buying guide for gaming chairs

First you should measure your individual data such as height or weight. Because these two sizes are the only factors that can limit you when choosing a model.

For all other criteria such as design, comfort or the Gadgets You have free choice and therefore nothing stands in the way of your personal wishes.

It is particularly important that the armchair is water-repellent. Especially if you like to have drinks while gambling. Because it can always happen that a soft drink leaks over the cover.

Then it is an advantage to be able to clean the gaming chair easily and a good cleaning process with a dry cloth is less effective. In addition, it is generally very difficult to remove spilled drinks and the associated stains once the liquid has penetrated the fabric. In this case, water-repellent gaming chairs are worth their weight in gold.

Because the different materials not only feel different and look different, they also have an impact on how much air gets to your back when you sit down in the gaming chair.

The material used for the cover and the associated air permeability play a decisive role, especially during hot summer days. For example, if you sit down in a leather armchair or imitation leather armchair when the temperature is high, the t-shirt quickly sticks to the chair. With fabric, on the other hand, the warm air between the backrest and the body can escape more easily, since fabric is more air-permeable than leather and you sweat less.

However, leather is more hygienic than fabric. This is because the fabric, due to the higher air permeability, also absorbs more sweat, which then slowly evaporates again. In addition, leather is much easier to wipe off.

UV resistance should also be considered. Your gaming chair should not be constantly exposed to the sun's rays, otherwise the cover will fade constantly due to the sun's rays.

Conclusion

Since there is no correct definition of a gaming chair, the main thing is that the model is comfortable. You have the choice between a sound chair, beanbag, play seat, relaxation chair or gaming chair. 

In order to be sure when buying that your chosen model is of high quality, you simply have to consider the factors described in the article.

Each variant also has other advantages. Consequently, you should also think carefully about what is important to you in addition to high comfort.

If you are clear about the functions that your gaming chair should have and you take the quality factors into account at the same time, then nothing stands in your way when choosing your gaming chair and you are guaranteed to make a good decision.

If you are still unsure, I recommend that you look at the models I have listed in this article. Although I have not tested all of them myself, I have informed myself online about the quality of the individual products.