6 Gaming Chair Alternatives You Should Know [Includes Pros+Cons]

Your gaming time should be nothing less than comfortable and enjoyable!

And thankfully, gaming chairs are tailored specifically to suit that purpose.

But what if your budget is quite on the tight side, or maybe you want to break the mold with something a bit different?

Well, fret not! We’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best gaming chair alternatives that will work just as well, if not better, than a gaming chair when it’s gaming time!

Let’s rock and roll!

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List of Six Gaming Chair Substitutes

While comfort is more often attached to a high price tag, that doesn’t mean you can’t find some great chair alternatives at a budget-friendly price tag.

Here are the six best gaming chair substitutes to help you enjoy your gaming sessions in comfort and style without breaking the bank.

Kneeling Chair

Perhaps you feel you need something that will give you a completely different gaming experience. 

If so, why not consider a kneeling chair?

This type of chair encourages better posture and even helps to strengthen your core as you sit on it.

The piece features an angled seat and a knee pad that supports your shins while sitting down. That means when using it, you’ll feel like you’re ‘kneeling’ in your chair – hence the name!

On the ergonomics part, kneeling chairs are designed for optimal spine health, allowing you to relax your shoulders and neck muscles as you play.

This study shows that kneeling chairs help maintain standing lumbar curvature as long as they’re set at 20 degrees. So, if you intend to get this chair, consider getting one with this level of tilt or something closer to it. 

But then, it’s worth acknowledging that all isn’t sunshine and rainbows with this type of chair. Sitting on your knees for prolonged periods of time can exert more pressure on your shins than any other type of chair.

Related Read: How To Stop Bum Sweat On Chairs?

So ensure you don’t remain there for a very long time!

Again, you may need a week or two before getting used to this type of chair and feeling comfortable in it.

But anyway, that’s totally understandable. After all, it’s a completely different style of the chair!

But generally, a kneeling chair makes a great substitute for traditional gaming chairs – and is cheaper too.

Pros:

• Costs less than even some of the best budget gaming chairs
• Encourages better posture
• Strengthens core muscles

Cons:

• It can put pressure on the shins
• Takes time to get used to it.

Saddle Stool

If you love horse riding and want to feel like you’re on a horse while playing your favorite game, grab yourself a saddle stool!

This type of chair looks exactly like the name suggests – shaped like a saddle – and is great for those who want to sit in an upright position while gaming.

It’s designed with ergonomics in mind, allowing you to adjust it to maintain a healthy posture and shoulder stability while gaming. 

It also features a footrest that will help keep your feet supported and comfortable.

Moreover, the saddle design makes sure your back is supported, which reduces any tiredness or strain in the long run.

Overall, saddle stools are great for those who love the feeling of riding a horse while gaming – but without actually doing so!

Pros:

• Upright posture
• Ergonomic design
• Footrest for comfort

Cons:

• It may be uncomfortable until you get used to it

Ergonomic Office Chair

Office chairs are usually designed to keep you comfortable all along during your 8-hour stay at work and may boost productivity by up to 17.5%. 

As such, it’s really one great option that’s designed with all the ergonomic principles you need to avoid both short and long-term body strains, keeping you in the best shape.

But how about you take advantage of this super comfortable during your gaming sessions?

Get an ergonomic office chair, and you’ll be good to go. It’s designed to support the natural curve of your spine and also comes with good lumbar support.

Plus, some models have adjustable armrests and height too, allowing you to move around and find the perfectly comfortable position. 

But then, we recommend that you consider one with a headrest and adequate seat cushion for optimum comfort.

Of course, you need to be careful to consider your budget when getting one. Some of these ergonomic chairs can be costly, but they’re definitely worth it if you want the perfect lasting comfort.

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Pros:

• Ergonomic design
• Highly adjustable
• Lumbar support

Cons:

• It can be costly.

Recliner Chair

Who doesn’t love the idea of reclining back in a cozy chair after a long day?

Well, as you weigh out your gaming chair options, why not consider one that allows you to recline as well?

Recliners are recommended for people recovering from surgery and are considered to be generally good for physical and mental health. 

That should tell you that a recliner chair is one option designed with a high level of exactitude in regard to ergonomics. 

Plus, the chair offers the perfect mix of comfort and convenience. Not only can you recline back and relax, but they also come with adjustable footrests that will be great for your feet after long gaming sessions.

You can also access multiple design and color options, so you can choose something that best matches your gaming setup.

Pros:

• Comfortable reclining
• Adjustable footrests
• Multiple colors and designs

Cons:

• It may be a bit pricey compared to some other chairs

Massage Memory Foam Chair

If you really want to take your gaming chair comfort to the next level, go for an alternative option that has a massage memory foam feature.

These ergonomic chairs also are designed to provide superior comfort with the help of their multiple air cells placed all around the ergonomic chair.

These air cells are designed to be highly supportive of your body, contouring according to your body shape. That, in turn, gives you the ultimate sitting experience.

Plus, the massage feature will give you a nice vibration massage to help soothe any sore muscles and offer you other massaging benefits.

But before making your purchase, ensure that the chair has enough padding and support to keep your back in a healthy position.

Pros:

• Superior comfort
• Vibration massage feature
• Contours according to body shape

Cons:

• It may be expensive.

Ergonomic Stools

If you want something light and portable, then an ergonomic stool should be the best chair for you.

These stools have numerous health benefits and are designed to provide optimum support for your back during long sitting periods.

Most also come with adjustable heights, so you’ll find the perfect seat height for your body.

The best part is that they’re usually small and portable, which makes them ideal for small living spaces.

But then, we really can’t put their ergonomic level to the same level as most of the other alternatives on this list.

For that reason, if you need a chair that will work well for short gaming sessions, then you might want to work with this type of chair, as it just won’t make you too comfortable for long periods of gaming.

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable
• Adjustable heights
• Affordable price range

Cons:

• The ergonomic level is low.

Properties Of A Good Gaming Chair

If you’re looking for a gaming chair alternative, then you must know what to look for in order to get the best experience.

Here are some of the most important features that you should consider when buying one:

Also Read: Are Secretlab Chairs Ergonomic?

Ergonomic Design

Yes, it’s very important to get a piece of furniture that is designed ergonomically. This will help keep your spine in the right position and prevent any muscle or joint pain.

Look for adjustable features in the backrests, height levels, armrests, and lumbar support. All these features will help you find the perfect comfortable position – no lower back pain or neck pain with the right option!

In fact, once you get the ergonomic part right, it will improve your concentration and even give you more energy during play.

Durability

Durability has always been an important factor in any chair, whether it’s for gaming, dining, living room, or for use alongside your office desk.

After all, we all don’t want to replace our every few months. So, look for something made with strong materials and good build quality to ensure long-lasting use.

You may want to work with materials such as high-grade PU leather or vinyl to ensure maximum comfort and durability.

As for the frame, choose something that comes with a metal frame, as it will be stronger and more stable.

Weight Capacity

Chairs usually come with a weight capacity that you must take into account. This rating tells us more about how much stress the chair can take while using it.

So, if you are a heavier person, then make sure to check the weight capacity of the chair before making your purchase. The capacity needs to be greater than your weight to ensure proper and maximum support.

Space

If you’re looking for something to use in a small space, then make sure that the chair is lightweight and portable.

Also, check for collapsible options to easily store away the chair whenever it’s not in use.

Conclusion

Most gaming chairs are expensive, and gaming chair alternatives can be a great way to save money while still enjoying the same level of comfort and support.

And thankfully, there’s a wider range of good-budget gaming chair alternatives available in the market today. Just be sure to consider features such as ergonomic design, durability, weight capacity, and space.

With the right choice, you can easily find the best gaming chair alternative that suits all your needs.