Buying guide for Best floor gaming chairs
Designed to give gamers maximum comfort, a floor gaming chair is a perfect way to play for extended periods. Whether you have a young child who wants to game with some buddies or a teenager who regularly plays competitive multiplayer games, there are plenty of floor gaming chairs to choose from.
Some floor gaming chairs are small and foldable, making them a good option for tight spaces or shared areas. A larger rocking chair with comfortable cushions can make gaming feel downright luxurious. For a truly immersive gaming experience, there are chairs with built-in speakers and subwoofers that put the sound all around you. Other chairs may have features like vibration or armrests.
Indeed, if you’re in the market for a floor gaming chair, there are plenty of options.
Key considerations
Size
A floor gaming chair should be large enough to comfortably accommodate its users. While there are some small folding chairs that can work for both small children and adults, some rocking chairs are too small for teenagers or adults.
In addition, a large floor gaming chair (or chairs) can dominate a room. If you have a room designated for gaming, this may not be an issue. However, in smaller rooms, a larger chair can present problems — especially if people need to be able to walk through the room. If your gaming chairs will be in a shared space, you should also consider how easily they can be stowed away.
Rocking, swiveling, or stationary?
-
A rocking gaming chair is a classic choice. It allows you to sit back and relax while playing a mellow game or lean forward to get close to the screen during a brutal boss fight. Little kids may enjoy climbing the chairs and tipping them over — which could be fun or a problem. Note that not all rocking gaming chairs are adjustable. While you can change the angle of the whole chair, you can’t always adjust the angle of the seat and the back support.
-
Swiveling floor chairs have a pedestal base and allow you to spin around to grab a handful of snacks or to gloat at your opponent after a crushing victory. Like rocking chairs, kids may enjoy playing on swiveling chairs. These can often be adjusted to a degree.
- Stationary gaming chairs don’t allow as much freedom of movement as swivel chairs and rocking chairs, but they can be just as comfortable as long as you don’t get antsy while you game. These chairs are the most likely to be adjustable.
Sound
Many high-end floor gaming chairs have built-in speakers, putting you in the middle of your favorite game or show. The number and quality of speakers can vary greatly. Some less-expensive models may have speakers just good enough to let you know what’s going on, while others provide a surround-sound experience. For the best possible sound, look for chairs with approximately four speakers and a built-in subwoofer that captures deep bass sounds, like explosions or engines.
Any chair with speakers will need a source of power and a way to connect to the TV. Though all chairs with speakers will have to plug into a nearby outlet, some may connect to the audio output of the TV wirelessly via a small device. Since most gaming accessories are now wireless, additional cables can get in the way of the fun and limit your movement on your chair — as long as you don’t want to pull the TV down.
When shopping for the right chair for your gaming setup, check the audio connection to see whether the chair is wired or wireless. Not all TVs have the proper output to connect to floor gaming chairs without an adapter.
Gaming chairs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. We test everything from roomy plush models to chairs that are small and compact.
Many gaming chairs can also be used for relaxing, reading, or studying. We consider the versatility of each chair we test.
Some gaming chairs are designed to be stationary, while others have rocking or swiveling designs. We test a variety of each type to find quality options for every preference.
Many gaming chairs are uniquely designed for kids. We test many kidsu2019 models to assess size, comfort, ease of cleaning, and added features.
Some gaming chairs come in stylish colors and designs. We take note of all color, pattern, and fabric options.
Gaming chairs may be upholstered with microfiber, vinyl, cloth, or something else. We consider the benefits and drawbacks of each material.
We test inexpensive, mid-range, and high-end floor gaming chairs to find quality options for every budget.
Comfort and support are crucial factors in a floor gaming chair. We assess the padding and degree of back support each chair provides.
Some chairs offer added options, such as an easy-cleaning cover or a built-in vibration function. We take any accessories and options for customization into account.
Gaming chairs can include a variety of features, from armrests to more advanced features like built-in speakers. We consider the number of features offered as well as each featureu2019s performance and functionality.
Features
Materials
The materials of a floor gaming chair determine how comfortable it will be and how well it will withstand spills and wear over time.
Upholstery
-
Many floor gaming chairs have microfiber upholstery, which is easy to clean and comfortable against the skin.
-
Vinyl is a comfortable leather-like option that feels soft to the touch and resists spills.
-
Cloth is another popular option for its softness, though it is considerably more difficult to clean.
- Many chairs will use mesh in combination with another material for extra comfort.
Padding
Foam is the most common material for floor gaming chair cushions, but more expensive models may use softer memory foam. It is difficult to determine the quality of padding from the manufacturer’s descriptions, but you should try to find a chair that won’t leave you sore after a few hours of playing video games.
Extras
-
A built-in vibration function is included on more expensive chairs that works in conjunction with audio from whatever game you’re playing. The quality of this feature can vary, but when done well, it can be a lot of fun, especially for highly cinematic games.
-
Armrests are another nice feature that give you a way to prop up your arms while you play or relax when watching a movie or cutscene.
- Headset outputs are included on many floor gaming chairs if you prefer to play games without disturbing others. Some may also include volume control.
Some gaming chairs have built-in speakers or headset outputs, so you can feel like you’re in the middle of the action as you play.
Staff
BestReviews
Floor gaming chair prices
Inexpensive
Basic floor gaming chairs from $40 to $60 are usually simple with minimal cushioning. These may be rockers or stationary chairs and are typically compact in design, making them a good option for those on a budget or with limited space.
Mid-range
For $60 to $100 are gaming chairs that range from simple rockers to immersive gaming chairs equipped with speakers and built-in vibration. These tend to be made of durable materials that will hold up for at least a few years. Many chairs in this range can accommodate children or adults. Chairs with speakers in this range may be wired or wireless.
Expensive
High-end floor gaming chairs from $100 to $200 usually have built-in speakers and wireless connections. These are chairs for the serious gamer who wants to hear the sounds of their favorite games and easily control the volume. The higher price tag usually means you’ll get durable materials that will hold up for years.
Caution
Be careful when using wired controllers or controllers that are charging, as you can easily pull down the console as you fidget in a rocking gaming chair.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips for your next game-a-thon
Unwinding for a few hours with friends or with your favorite single-player game can be a ton of fun, but there a few things to keep in mind so you can stay comfortable — and healthy — while you play.
-
If you have a rocking gaming chair, use it to keep your legs from getting too antsy and preventing numbness. The chairs are designed to allow you to move around while you play.
-
It’s easy to lose track of the last time you ate or drank when you’re playing a brand-new game you’ve been anticipating for months. Keep water or another beverage nearby, and eat at the same time you normally would.
-
Loading screens provide an opportunity to get up and stretch. It’s not healthy to stay seated for hours on end — move around and consider getting in a few jumping jacks or push-ups when a loading screen comes up. Just because you’re gaming doesn’t mean you have to be totally sedentary.
-
For parents, consider setting time limits on gaming. Discuss an amount of time that seems fair, and think about setting rules like, “No video games before homework.” At the same time, you should be respectful of your kids’ passion for gaming — not all games allow players to save progress at any point, and online games can’t be paused (at least not without consequences for the player).
FAQ
Q. How do you keep floor gaming chairs clean?
A. A vacuum can do a good job of picking up crumbs and dust, but you will have to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation for more intense cleaning, as some fabrics may become damaged by water or cleaning products.
Q. Can floor gaming chairs be used for PC gaming as opposed to console gaming?
A. They can, but only if your monitor, mouse, and keyboard are comfortably low. As the name implies, floor gaming chairs tend to sit pretty low. Consider the dimensions of the chair if you are looking for a gaming chair for your PC.
Q. How easily do rocking gaming chairs tip over?
A. Generally, rocking gaming chairs are fairly stable. However, larger people with more upper-body weight may find that the chairs tip backward if they lean too far back.
