Gaming Chairs vs. Office Chairs: How to Choose?

by Hadar Ziv June 17, 2024

Introduction

In this blog we'll be breaking down the main differences between gaming chairs vs. office chairs, as well as help you understand which one is more relevant for you.

This may seem trivial at first, but because of the fact that the amount of people working from home has ballooned within the past several years, more and more people are finding themselves in a situation where their work station actually doubles as their gaming station as well.

Each has its own unique features and benefits, so how do you know which one is worth spending the money on?

We'll take a look at the differences and similarities in design, ergonomics, adjustability, intended use, value for money, and more to help you make the best decision possible.

gaming chairs vs office chairs blog post

Design and Aesthetics

When speaking about design, gaming chairs and office chairs are worlds apart.

With that being said, we should remember that this topic can be subjective and interpreted differently by each person. What may seem elegant and minimalistic to one person, can seem bland and boring to the other.

Gaming chairs are often flashy and bold. They come in vibrant colors and sleek designs that scream "gamer."

Many feature high backrests, bucket seats, and even racing stripes, aiming to replicate the look of a high-performance sports car. This style can add a dynamic touch to your gaming setup if that's what you're looking for.

Office chairs, on the other hand, are a whole different story.

The design is more understated, with the intention of being able to blend easily into a typical office environment. These chairs often have a more classic look, with a focus on practicality and elegance.

The design impacts more than just aesthetics.

The thrill and immersion that gaming chairs can provide may improve the overall gaming experience.

Office chairs are designed to be minimalistic, promoting a peaceful and concentrated work atmosphere. Depending on your desired ambiance and personal style, this is your call.

Comfort and Ergonomics

When it comes down to comfort and ergonomics in gaming chairs vs office chairs, there are definitely some more similarities.

Both chairs aim to provide maximum comfort and health benefits to the user yet still have their differences in the way they go about it.

Gaming chairs can often feature thick padding and high-density foam, providing somewhat of a plush feel. They usually have high backrests with built-in headrests and lumbar support pillows.

Office chairs focus on providing sustained comfort throughout the workday. They often come with adjustable lumbar support and seat depth options, promoting proper posture and reducing strain on the back.

The padding might be less thick compared to gaming chairs, but it's strategically placed to offer support where it’s needed most.

Gaming chairs can cater to a more relaxed and reclined seating position. Office chairs on the other hand are designed with a greater focus on sitting upright and keeping a straight back.

Your preference will depend on how you plan to use the chair and what kind of comfort you value most.

Adjustability

Understanding the differences (or in this case, similarities) in adjustability between gaming chairs and office chairs can be vital in helping you make your decision on which type of chair you should go for.

With the standard adjustments being a given (arm height, seat height, swivel, etc...) let's take a look at some more advanced adjustments.

Lumbar Support:

Depending on your chair, the way that you adjust for lumbar support may vary. Let's take the Office Master PT78 for example.

The adjustment is a knob on the side of the chair which controls the level of protrusion in the lumbar (lower back) part of the chair.

This allows you to totally control how much lower back support you are receiving.

You can see in the following diagram an example of this:

For other chairs, this might be a lever controlling the height of the backrest, which will move the lumbar section of the chair to fit your body. Here is a video explaining that:

Other Advanced Adjustments

Let's take a deeper dive into some more advanced adjustments that are crucial for you to understand the difference between gaming chairs vs office chairs:

Tilting Backrest - This feature allows you to control the angle of your backrest separate from the seat itself. Essentially you can control the amount of contact your back makes with the backrest
Seat Depth - This feature is quite self explanatory. By using a lever, you can adjust how far forwards or backwards your seat will be relative to the backrest.

Here is an interactive tool that shows you some of the more common advanced features of these chairs and what each one does:

Intended Use

Understanding the intended use of gaming chairs and office chairs is key to choosing the right one for your needs.

Both types of chairs are designed to support long periods of sitting, but they cater to different activities and environments.

The primary aim of office chairs is to keep the user comfortable and provide healthy ergonomic features so that their focus and productivity will improve.

Gaming chairs on the other hand, have a more leisurely purpose. They aim to provide comfort so that the user can feel more relaxed and wind down after a long day of work.

Price and Value

Next up we'll take a look at one of the most important factors when deciding between an office chair and a gaming chair - price.

Gaming chairs can range widely in price. You can find budget options for around $100, but high-end models can cost several hundred dollars. These chairs often justify their higher prices with additional features like enhanced recline, built-in speakers, and premium materials.

However, the value of these features can be subjective. If you're a gamer who spends long hours in front of the screen, these extras might be worth the investment

Office Chairs:

Office chairs also come in a broad price range. Entry-level models might start around the $200-300 range, while premium ergonomic chairs can exceed $1,000.

Office chairs tend to offer great value in terms of ergonomic support and build quality. For those prioritizing long-term comfort and support, the investment in a quality office chair can be well worth it

Ultimately, the best chair for you will balance your budget with the features and level of comfort you need for your specific activities.

Our Recommendations:

Here are our recommendations for the optimal gaming chair and office chair that will suit most users:

Secretlab Titan Evo:

The Secretlab Titan Evo is a top pick. It combines extensive adjustability, comfort, and a premium build quality, making it a great choice for long gaming sessions. This chair offers adjustable lumbar support, a wide recline range, and durable materials, ensuring both comfort and longevity.

Office Master OM5:

The Office Master OM5 is an innovative self-weighing chair that adapts automatically to a variety of body weights and sizes, eliminating the need for manual tension adjustments.

It's versatile enough to enhance the decor of an executive suite while also being practical for everyday workplaces. The OM5 Series offers a blend of comfort, style, and performance in a cutting-edge office seating line, all at a very competitive price.

Office Master OM5 Ergonomic Office Chair

Conclusion

At the end of the day, taking the time to really sit down and compare the differences between office chairs vs gaming chairs is essential because of the fact that these chairs are not cheap, and should be looked at as a long term investment.

We hope that this blog provided you with some insight on what the main differences are between the two, as well as what features you should be looking for in our own setup at home.

FAQ's

Are gaming chairs any better than office chairs?

Gaming chairs and office chairs each have their own strengths and are better suited for different needs. Gaming chairs often provide extensive adjustability, comfort for long gaming sessions, and a more immersive design.

However, office chairs typically offer superior ergonomic support and are designed to promote good posture and productivity over long work hours. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your primary use and personal preference.

Can I use a gaming chair as an office chair?

Yes, you can use a gaming chair as an office chair. Many gaming chairs offer the necessary support and adjustability to be used effectively in a work setting. They provide comfort and flexibility, which can be beneficial for long hours of sitting.

However, some may find that office chairs are more suited for maintaining an ergonomic posture throughout the workday

Are gaming chairs good for long hours?

Gaming chairs are generally designed for extended periods of use and can be very comfortable for long hours of gaming. They often feature thick padding, high backrests, and various adjustment options to keep you comfortable.

Are gaming chairs considered ergonomic?

Gaming chairs can be considered ergonomic, especially the higher-end models that offer multiple adjustment options for lumbar support, seat height, and armrests.

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Hadar Ziv
VP Operations | OfficeMasterChairs.com
Leading Expert in Ergonomic Seating Solutions

"At OfficeMasterChairs.com, we've been transforming workspaces into comfortable, productive environments for over 15 years. Our mission is to help you achieve the perfect balance of comfort and productivity."