Are Expensive Gaming Chairs Worth It? [Why Not Cheaper?]

Gamers know exactly what a gaming chair is, but not many people outside this community understand. If you’ve been planning on getting one, it’s important to ask yourself before buying: are expensive gaming chairs worth it?

The answer depends on your circumstances. If you want the best of the best and have the money to spare, go for it.

If you’re on a tight budget, however, don’t rush into buying a gaming chair just yet. Expensive doesn’t always mean better. In fact, for some budgets, there are much better options out there.

What Is a Gaming Chair?

Before we answer the question of what is an expensive gaming chair, let’s take a step back for a moment. If you don’t know what it is, how are you supposed to decide whether or not it’s worth it?

A gaming chair has several distinguishing features that set it apart from normal chairs. It usually comes with speakers, armrests both on the side and in the back, and often also cup holders.

When you sit down with your typical office chair, your back is straight and you’re sitting upright.

With a gaming chair, on the other hand, it’s not uncommon to lean back and put your feet up. If it has armrests for the sides as well as the back, many people will push their chairs away from their desks and put their feet up on the desk as well.

Logically, this is a way of making your experience more comfortable and immersive. You can position yourself in such a way that you’re looking straight ahead at the screen and all the details are crisp and clear for you to see.

All these features come with a price tag attached though. So how much do gaming chairs cost?

How Much Do Gaming Chairs Cost?

A quick internet search can be a bit confusing for someone who’s not familiar with the world of gaming chairs. For instance, you’ll quickly find that an entry-level chair from a company like DXRacer will set you back well over $300.

However, you’ll also find that there are chairs in the same price range and from the same brand that cost closer to $400, $500, or even $600!

So what’s going on here? Does an entry-level chair only cost about $40 when it comes out of the box? How much does a gaming chair usually cost then?

Well, the answer to this question is a bit difficult to give in one sentence. It’s possible to find a gaming chair for less than $100 or way over $1000.

Each brand and each model has its price range, so you’ll have to do some research on your end before finding out how much it costs. In general, though, most chairs aimed towards gamers tend to fall in the $100-$400 price range.

Why Are Expensive Gaming Chairs Worth It?

Whether or not expensive gaming chairs are worth it depends on what you’re looking for and what your budget is like. The following points explain why an expensive chair might be a good choice:

Comfort: the most expensive gaming chairs out there are usually very comfortable and designed to perfectly support your back and head. You’ll find that many of them come with adjustable settings so you can find the perfect position for you.
Repairability: even though you’re supposed to treat your chair well, accidents happen. Gaming chairs tend to be more repairable. Some of the mid-range chairs come with a replacement warranty that allows you to send broken parts back in and get them replaced.
Best models: if you’re willing to spend top dollar, you’ll find some of the best-known brands in the world when it comes to office and gaming chairs. So if a company like DXRacer makes it, it’s probably worth buying.

How Much Do Cheap Gaming Chairs Cost?

As you can see, gaming chairs are not all equal. Just because the DXRacer brand is at the top of its game with models that cost more than $500 doesn’t mean that there aren’t some great low-end options too.

If you’re looking for a low-end chair, you might be able to find one in the $50-$100 price range. For instance, with some brands, it’s common to get something like a premium gaming chair for less than $100.

The benefits of these chairs are usually pretty limited though. You’ll mainly notice that there are fewer options for height adjustment, the materials used are cheap and they’re not as easy to repair.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a low-end gaming chair is that if it’s comfortable, it’s probably overpriced. If you can find one where all the parts are easily available, adjustable, and replaceable, then go for it.

What to Look For When Buying a Gaming Chair for Less Than $100

To sum up, quality gaming chairs tend to be expensive, but there are some pretty great low-end options out there too. No matter what chair you’re looking at though, here are some things you should try to look for:

Style: find a chair that fits your style. If you don’t want to stand out, go for something subtle. But if you find yourself waking up the neighbors with your gaming sessions, maybe it’s time to go bold with a chair like DXRacer or AK Racing.
Search around: the price isn’t always an indicator of quality. While some models cost a lot more than others, it’s possible to find a chair that’s a good deal too. Depending on the manufacturer and the model, you might be able to get a low-end chair for less than $100.
Materials: make sure your gaming chair is made out of durable materials. This way you’ll get something that lasts longer and needs less care.
Adjustability: find out if all the parts are adjustable and replaceable. Remember, this is your chair so you’ll be using it every day. If something breaks, having a warranty or being able to order new parts online can save you a lot of trouble.

How to Make a Chair More Comfortable

If you have a cheap gaming chair with limited adjustability, there are still some things you can do to make it more comfortable. Here are some suggestions on how to get great ergonomics out of your chair:

Backrest cushioning:

This is the most important part of your chair. If it’s not comfortable, you’re not going to be either. To get the best out of your backrest cushioning, make sure it’s adjustable so you can set the firmness to exactly how much pressure you need.

Armrests:

Depending on what kind of chair you have, these are usually adjustable too. Find a position that gives you the best angle for your arms and shoulders, and where they feel most relaxed.

Lumbar cushion:

if your chair has a lumbar cushion, you should be able to adjust it as well. Make sure it’s behind your back at the right height so that it helps you maintain correct posture even when sitting for long periods.

Seat cushioning:

If you have a leather or synthetic covering, the most relaxing position for your butt is usually when it’s pretty close to the floor. If you’re a little taller though, this can end up putting a lot of strain on your legs and back because you’ll be reaching down to type or control your mouse. The best thing you can do is to get it adjusted so the angle of your thighs is between 30 and 45 degrees. Often you can find this on special gaming chairs.

Seat sliders:

If the angle between your thighs and your calves is really wide, then you might want to have a look at your seat sliders. These usually aren’t adjustable by default so if they’re not in the right position for you, get them adjusted.

A great chair can make your gaming experience more comfortable and improve your performance. This is why even if you’re on a budget, it’s always worth getting something that has enough features to keep you healthy and happy no matter how long you play for.

There are hundreds of models to choose from though, which makes finding the right gaming chair for you a pretty complicated process. If you want to go all-out and buy something really special, we’ve also got a list of the best high-end gaming chairs you can find online.

No matter what your situation, we’ve got you covered so check out these top picks and pick one that will give you an edge no matter how long you play for!