Gaming Chair vs. Recliner: Which is Better for You?

Do you spend most of your time in sedentary positions? A higher percentage of people do their work in front of computers, which is not healthy for the human body.

The best thing you can do about it is to purchase an ergonomic chair that will help you avoid pains and aches. And two popular options are gaming chairs and recliners. So let’s compare gaming chair vs. recliner chair to understand the differences.

Read on to know the difference between a gaming chair and a recliner and the advantages of each.

Gaming Chair vs. Recliner: What’s the Difference?

A gaming chair is customizable and sleek. It also reclines back and has more characteristics of an office chair compared to a sofa chair.

A recliner is padded the same as a sofa and reclines back. This chair is bulkier in comparison to an average gaming chair.

Both gaming chairs and recliners are excellent for long-term sedentary activities. However, each chair type is designed for unique needs.

Gamers primarily use a gaming chair. If you play video games for extended hours per day, sitting in this chair gives your back and shoulder enough support with its high backrest. 

In most cases, gaming chairs have no footrest and leg, making them not ideal for sleep. The chair has a high back that will keep you sitting up straight, which forces you to be alert.

A recliner chair, on the other hand, extends close to a horizontal position. It allows you to sleep in it comfortably without the need to sit up. The chair is suitable for general relaxing activities, like reading books, watching TV, etc. 

Gaming Chair: The Components 

Below are the basic components of a gaming chair that give it a sporty look:

  • A raised seat edge 
  • Lumbar support pads 
  • A swivel 
  • Casters 
  • A headrest 
  • A bucket seat 
  • Armrests 
  • A high-winged backrest 

The above components will help you stay comfortable when gaming. When buying a gaming chair, ensure that those components are present for a more comfortable gaming experience.

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Gaming Chair: The Advanced Features 

Here are the advanced features that you can find in a gaming chair:

  • Bright colors 
  • Neck and head pillows 
  • A deep recline 
  • Cup holders 
  • Bluetooth speakers 

Gaming Chair: The Materials 

Since gamers have to sit in a chair for hours, knowing the materials that can suit best their needs is critical. The material’s breathability is a key factor for a comfortable gaming experience.

Here are some of the common materials used for a gaming chair:

  • Leather 
  • Fabric 
  • Mesh 
  • Foam 

Leather and faux leather may look aesthetics, but these materials do not have similar breathability as fabric. If you want to take breaks occasionally, you will have no issue with the lack of breathability.

Gaming Chair: The Types 

Gaming chairs come in different categories. Each gaming chair type is used for different purposes.

Here are the gaming chair’s main categories:

  • PC Gaming Chair. This gaming chair type is specifically built for PC gaming. It looks like more of a standard office chair.

It is used by gamers playing at desks with computers. It also features a swivel function, allowing the player to move easier.

  • Platform Gaming Chair. This chair is suitable for those who play on gaming consoles rather than computers. The seat often rests on the ground. This chair may also rock, depending on the brand.
  • Hybrid Gaming Chair. The hybrid gaming chair combines the aspects of PC and platform gaming chairs. It comes with a swivel, the same as the PC gaming chair, but its body shape is similar to the platform gaming chair.

Recliner: The Components 

A recliner has distinguishing features separating it from other chair types. Below are the features that make this chair more comfortable than a regular chair:

  • Padded 
  • A lever 
  • The front rises 
  • A backrest 

A recliner with a remote is suitable for those with disabilities. This feature allows you to move the recliner in a controlled manner. It is also perfect for those who do have not enough strength to move a chair manually.

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Recliner: The Advanced Features 

Some people want a recliner with advanced features because of their additional needs. Here are some of the advanced features that a recliner offers:

  • Cupholder 
  • Level or remote 
  • Wheelchair accessible 
  • Heat 
  • Vibration 
  • Massage features 
  • Adjustable headrest 
  • Separate footstool 
  • Lumbar support 

If a recliner has more of those additions, it comes with a higher price tag. However, if it is financially possible and you have a disability, or your loved one has special needs, investing in a recliner with advanced features can make life more comfortable.

Recliner: The Types 

You have different ways to customize a recliner. So, different recliner types have their subcategories. In return, you have no problem searching for a certain type that will meet your unique requirements.

Here are the main categories:

  • Nursery glider and recliner 
  • Power recliner 
  • Swivel recliner 
  • Wall recliner 
  • Rocker recliner 
  • Recliner 

Each of those categories is designed for a different purpose. So, it is critical to determine what recliner type you need. For example, if you put a chair in a nursery, then a nursery recliner is the perfect option. 

Recliner: Other Names 

People call a recliner by a different name, depending on what part of the world they live in. It is not only standard for recliners but also for other pieces of furniture.

If you want to avoid confusion during the buying stage, ensure to know the other names of the recliner. Below are other names that refer to recliners:

  • Armchair 
  • Lounger 
  • Reclining chair
  • La-Z-Boy

La-Z-Boy refers to the recliner’s official brand name. Then the remaining three names are from different regional dialects. If people call recliners a lounger or a La-Z-Boy, they search for comfortable chairs to buy and bring to their homes.

Recliners and gaming chairs are different despite having the same main purpose: to be sat in. While a recliner is bulky and challenging to move into a house, it is still comfortable and relaxing to use after a long day of work.

A gaming chair may be portable and sleek, but it may not meet everyone’s needs. Meanwhile, if you prefer to buy a recliner, you can read our article about the top picks for the best recliners.


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