Gaming is one of the most popular activities in Australia and your typical gamer might be a little different to what you think. According to the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA), 80 per cent of Australians play video games, the average age of a player is 35 and almost half are women – it’s definitely not a niche sport! And just like there are ergonomic chairs for the office, there are specialised chairs for gamers, which could mean the difference between winning and losing.

So, why choose a gaming chair? According to Glenn from Geeks2U, gaming chairs are designed to provide more support for the head, neck and shoulders, and promote better posture when sitting for long periods of time. Having good posture and better support for the upper back reduces soreness and fatigue and can help with concentration, providing a better gaming experience. So, before you buy, consider these points to find the best gaming chair for you.

Ergonomic Gaming Chairs

Two product images side-by-side of the Tarok Pro Razer chair, made of black and green PU leather, and the ONEX RTC ErgoGlide chair, made of light pink fabric.‍

A gaming chair offers greater support and comfort than a regular office chair, allowing gamers to stay competitive and play at their best for hours on end. Many chairs come with adjustable lumbar and neck support cushions, such as the Tarok Pro Razer™ Edition Gaming Chair. It can support up to 130kg and its seat and backrest is filled with a cold moulded foam padding, specially designed for ultimate comfort and longevity, covered in a faux leather finish. The ONEX RTC ErgoGlide Fabric Gaming Chair has an adjustable seat height and tilt as well as adjustable armrests to help you get a better and steadier hold of your control.

Did You Know? According to the IGEA’s Australia Plays 2023 report, Australians are gaming for an average of 90 minutes a day. Consider just how long you’ll be seated for when prioritising comfort and ergonomic support.

Luxe Gaming Chairs

Two product images side-by-side of the ONEX RTC Giant Alcantara Gaming Chair, made of black fabric that features a light green arrow pattern.

Planning to stream your gameplay to Twitch? Then you better look good while doing it. The ONEX RTC Giant Alcantara Gaming Chair is upholstered in AirSuede, a plush fabric that gives a soft and luxurious feel. And it has the technical specifications to back it up, too: support for up to 125kg, a hydraulic gas lift and an adjustable backrest that can recline to 135 degrees, should you need a nap between quests.

SEE ALSO: What Are the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones?

Best Gaming Chairs for Price

Two product images side-by-side of the Bathurst Chair, made of black PU leather, and the Typhoon Viper XL Gaming Chair, made of black PU leather and fabric.

If you’re aiming for something mid-range, there are plenty priced under $300 that still offer a lot of key features. The Bathurst Chair is built to help you stay focused on your gaming sessions of up to five hours and offers lumbar support to promote good posture and comfort. Another top choice is the Typhoon Viper XL Gaming Chair, which is height adjustable with a 135-degree tiltable backrest and a sturdy build. 

Multipurpose Gaming Chairs

Two product images side-by-side of the ONEX RTC Embrace Large Alcantara chair, made of black fabric, and the Typhoon Viper High-Back chair, made of light grey fabric.

Your gaming chair isn’t a single-purpose piece of equipment; it can also double as your office or desk chair if you work from home. The ONEX RTC Embrace Large Alcantara Premium Gaming Chair has a sleek design that offers the comfort and support for gaming but also has a high backrest and adjustable armrests so you can find the right position for both gripping a control and working on a laptop. Another choice is the Typhoon Viper High-Back Racing Gaming Chair, which also has an ergonomic design featuring adjustable height, tilt and more.

What to Try

This was published in May 2021 and has since been updated.