Gaming Chair vs Office Chair: What’s the Difference? (2024)

Finding the right chair to have in your home can be a difficult choice. Among the many types of seating options, gaming chairs and office chairs are the most popular. Gaming chairs are best known for their flamboyant colors and designs, which are the perfect addition to the gaming setup.

Office chairs feature a modern and elegant look but have impressive features to accommodate most users. For many of us, we aren’t just “gamers” or just “office workers.” Many people fall in between where we like to play games occasionally, but we also need our chairs to work or get our studies done. This guide will help explain the differences between the two and tell you which is the better option based on your needs.

Gaming Chair vs Office Chair: Differences Explained

Understanding the differences between both chairs can allow you to select the chair that best suits your individual needs. We’ll break down these differences based on categories and how these differences will affect your seating experience.

Design

One of the most obvious differences between them is their design. Gaming chair manufacturers design their products with more flashy and bold designs. The standard racing-style gaming chairs have a solid base color along with two stripes that run down the chair. These chairs are inspired by the interior of race cars and even take many of their design elements. For example, similar to race cars, these gaming chairs have a high winged back, bucket seat, and raised seat edges.

Higher-end gaming chairs like the Secretlab Titan Evo use logos and unique stitchings to make the chair feel even more luxurious. These designs appeal to gamers who may enjoy having a chair that matches their LED lights, graphic wall art, and other gaming-related interior items.

On the contrary, office chairs offer a very elegant, simple, and modern look. That’s because manufacturers tend to prioritize the functionality of the chair over its design. Many office chairs are designed with a singular color, a mid backrest, and an open seat pan. While there are more bold statement office chairs, those chairs tend to sacrifice some functionality.

Premium office chairs may design the chair in a way that improves functionality. For example, office chairs design their chair with a curved waterfall seat edge to eliminate pressure that would build up behind a person’s knees. This reduces pressure buildup and pain that could result from long hours of sitting.

Features

Generally, gaming chairs and office chairs are made up of similar elements. Both chairs use headrests, lumbar pillows, armrests, seat pan, and backrests. However, the functionality that each component has differed.

With a gaming chair, the lumbar pillow is a static pillow that can only be adjusted by height based on whether the chair has a strap attached. However, office chairs use a more subtle integrated lumbar support that can be adjusted up, down, in, or out. Oftentimes, users can turn a knob to make the adjustments.

However, there are also many types of gaming chairs. There are console gaming chairs, pedestal swivel gaming chairs, and sofa gaming chairs, which offer unique features. These chairs may have built-in speakers that connect to the computer or TV to create an immersive experience for the user.

While office chairs won’t have “techy” features, they may offer more features geared towards enhancing productivity and efficiency. For example, the Herman Miller Embody has a BackFit adjustment that helps to adjust the entire backrest to align with your spinal curve.

As you can see, the main difference in features has to do with its purpose. Gaming chairs focus on aesthetics and offer a better gaming experience. Office chairs are designed for enhanced focus and sitting in the optimal posture for long periods.

Materials and Build Quality

Materials and build quality are often overlooked aspects when deciding to purchase a gaming chair. While the quality of materials generally depends on the price point of the chair, gaming chairs are notorious for using lower-quality materials.

Many of the racing-style gaming chairs use faux or bonded leather, which can tear over time and simply look cheap. Oftentimes, gaming chairs can feel flimsy due to their myriad of plastic components. When leaning back, it can even feel unstable, which isn’t ideal, especially for big and heavy users. If build quality is a concern, we recommend choosing a higher-end gaming chair that supports more weight.

While office chairs can be built with low-quality mesh materials or cheap fabrics, the majority of mid to high-priced ranged office chairs will have a strong build quality. Office chairs will use strong nylon, aluminum, wood, or even steel bases, which means they can hold more weight. While the chair feels heavier, it also removes the unsturdy sensation you’ll get from gaming chairs.

Office chair manufacturers also receive evaluations from third-party organizations to test their products. These organizations will stress test the chair and all of its components to ensure they can handle the pressure that the manufacturer claims. As a result, these tests help to validate products against rigorous performance standards and help to combat counterfeit claims. Unfortunately, the gaming chair market is known for reselling or selling counterfeit chairs, while office chairs tend to be more reliable.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is generally defined as the chair’s ability to improve efficiency between the user and its work environment. Office chairs tend to offer more unique features and design elements to enhance the ergonomics of the chair.

Let’s look at a few examples, so you can get a better idea of how manufacturers can incorporate ergonomics into their chairs. The Steelcase office chairs use their proprietary LiveBack technology, which is a flexor material inside the backrest, to provide customized support. This flexor will bend and contract based on the shift in weight and movement. Basically, as you move in your seat or change positions, the chair will accommodate your movements for personalized support.

Another example is the forward tilt adjustment. Some chairs let you adjust the backrest to a slight forward angle, which helps users better focus. This allows users to still receive the backrest they need, so they don’t end up slouching forward.

Conversely, gaming chairs tend to have fewer ergonomic elements. Since most of the attention is geared towards visual appeal, gaming chairs offer fewer adjustments and less ergonomic value. Some gaming chairs use a pebble seat design to provide more space, which is less restrictive compared to the bucket seat design.

Adjustability

Everyone is unique in size and body type. One problem that most gaming chairs have is their lack of adjustments and lack of sizing options. Most cheap racing-style gaming chairs come in a small to medium size, meaning it’s not very suitable for larger individuals. Gaming chairs tend to vary in adjustments. Some chairs will have a wide recline adjustment, seat height, and armrest adjustment.

Conversely, ergonomic office chairs tend to have a more diverse range of adjustments allowing users to get into the exact seated position that makes them feel most comfortable. Office chairs may offer adjustments such as seat height, seat depth, back recline, tilt lock, tilt tension, synchro-tilt, lumbar height and depth, and headrest height and angle.

Many people suffer from back pain and neck pain from sitting all day. The lumbar adjustment becomes incredibly useful because users can customize the support to fit their lumbar curve and choose how much support they need. Gaming chair pillows can feel clunky at times and can’t be adjusted.

Furthermore, seat depth or the seat slider is another crucial adjustment element. When the seat pan is properly adjusted, it helps to maintain proper back support while ensuring the weight is evenly distributed. Also, it prevents the seat edge from hitting the knee joints since there will be about one to two inches of space between the seat pan and knees.

Comfort

Comfort is largely a personal decision and can vary from person to person. Gaming chairs are best known for having a thick padded cold cured foam cushion, often providing about five inches of thickness. This helps to alleviate the pressure of the bodyweight and evenly distribute it across the chair. In addition, PU leather has a smooth texture, which feels great against the skin.

With the deep recline functionality that gaming chairs have, users can even take a nap or kick their feet up while gaming. Some gaming chairs will offer unique features like a leg rest or even a built-in massage function. The leg rest takes the pressure off of your legs to prevent numbness and aches, and the built-in massage helps to reduce knots or tightness in your lower back.

Office chairs vary in the padding and upholstery used. The most common types of upholstery are mesh, fabric, and leather. Unfortunately, the cheap office chairs may use stringent mesh material, which can feel uncomfortable since users can feel the frame while sitting. Since office chairs prioritize adjustments and ergonomics first, sometimes office chairs might not feel as comfortable as gaming chairs. That’s because they simply offer no seat cushion padding or very little.

If comfort is a concern, we recommend getting a heavy-duty office chair, executive office chair, or a high-end chair. High-end office chairs like the Herman Miller Aeron uses a soft and malleable mesh that feels a little bouncy. As a result, the chair feels smooth on the skin and even supports you based on your movements.

Price

Office chairs and gaming chairs are designed differently, which drastically affects the pricing. In general, office chairs focus on the functionality, ergonomics, and adjustments of the chairs, and the design is secondary to those other elements. Conversely, gaming chairs may put more emphasis on design, such as the fancy colors, stitching, logos, and other design-related aspects to make the chair look fancy. However, gaming chairs will use cheaper or lower-quality components to justify a low price point.

When comparing both chair types in a vacuum, office chairs tend to be more expensive overall than gaming chairs. Even a $300 office chair will likely have better comfort and ergonomics compared to a $300 gaming chair. That’s because office chairs are geared towards solely improving functionality and less on aesthetics.

The good news is that if you are tight on a budget, there are plenty of budget-friendly options for both chairs. However, the high-end office chairs will cost much more than the premium gaming chairs. Expensive gaming chairs tend to cost about the same amount as mid-market office chairs. The bottom line is that choosing a gaming chair means sacrificing some functionality in favor of aesthetics. And the opposite is true for choosing an office chair over a gaming chair.

Gaming Chair vs Office Chair: Pros and Cons

Now that you know the key differences between gaming chairs and office chairs, here are the general pros and cons of each. While there are exceptions and outliers, generally, you’ll find these pros and cons to be true.

Gaming Chair Pros:

Excellent aesthetics – Gaming chairs feature plenty of design options, and many include bold two-toned racing style designs. Others will include unique stitching and gaming logos on them.
Wide range of recline – Many gaming chairs has a backrest that can tilt anywhere between 155 degrees to 180 degrees. This allows users to take a nap if they choose and reduces the pressure in the lower back.
All-around comfort – Gaming chairs typically come with lots of padding and cushioning to help gamers feel comfortable sitting for long hours. Many use cold-cured foam with five inches of padding to help distribute the user’s weight evenly across the chair.
Budget-friendly – Most gaming chairs are budget-friendly and won’t cost an absurd amount. And with the price, you’re getting an all-around comfortable chair with lots of adjustments and a flashy design.

Gaming Chair Cons:

Lack of breathability – most gaming chairs tend to use a form of PU or bonded leather as the upholstery. As a result, the leather material is prone to retain heat. While some chairs do use fabric, it still doesn’t compare to an office chair with mesh material.
Static lumbar and headrest pillows – While the static pillows do keep your posture upright, they can feel uncomfortable at times. That’s because they aren’t very customizable and don’t offer depth adjustment.
Lacks advanced adjustments – Gaming chairs won’t offer refined adjustments like seat depth adjustments or synchro-tilt adjustments. While they aren’t necessary, they can come in handy.
Not a very long warranty – Many gaming chairs only offer a 1 to 2-year warranty, and even the high-end chairs offer a 5-year warranty, compared to premium office chairs, which offer 12 years of warranty.

Office Chair Pros:

Highly adjustable – Most office chairs offer a wider range of adjustments like lumber height and depth adjustment, seat depth, synchro-tilt more. This helps to appeal more users to get the most personalized fit.
Ergonomic design – Unlike gaming chairs that may use bucket seat design, office chairs will have a flat seat design. Also they may use a waterfall seat edge to minimize the pressure behind their knees.
More durable – Most office chairs tend to use more metal components such as steel or aluminum bases. As a result, they last longer and support more weight.
Longer warranty – Since office chairs tend to be more durable, manufacturers can offer longer warranties and better guarantees compared to office chairs. Premium office chairs can offer up to 12 years of warranty.

Office Chair Cons:

Lacks aesthetics – While many office chairs offer a sleek and modern look, some chairs may not appeal to rooms with more vibrant colors.
A small range of recline – Compared to gaming chairs, office chairs don’t recline very far back. They may recline only up to 125 to 135 degrees back for most chairs.
Limited design options – Along with aesthetics, they tend to not offer many colors or fabric options compared to gaming chairs. Expect to only find neutral colors such as black, gray, and beige.

Gaming Chair vs Office Chair: Which Should You Choose?

If it’s your first time investing in a quality chair, deciding between gaming chairs versus office chairs can be a difficult decision. Fortunately, we’re here to help. First, we recommend determining your needs. If you spend more time working in an office environment, we recommend getting an office chair. Conversely, if you spend more time gaming, it’s better to choose a gaming chair.

We recommend looking at features that you’ll benefit most from. For example, office chairs are better suited for people with chronic back pain. Office chairs provide dynamic lumbar adjustments that let people customize their lower back support and help to keep a better posture so that the back isn’t compromised.

However, if you’re someone with tailbone pain, you may consider gaming chairs. They provide a thicker seat cushion and, therefore, can alleviate the pressure that would be placed in the tailbone region.

For people who are on a tight budget, we recommend getting an office chair. That’s because office chairs will provide more adjustability compared to a cheap gaming chair. For example, you’ll have better armrest adjustments, tilt lock, lumbar support, and more. When going for a gaming chair, it’s better to choose mid-range or high-end gaming chairs since they offer better durability and ergonomics.

It all comes down to your needs. Make sure to figure out what features you need in a gaming chair and work backward from there. If you really want a chair to match your gaming setup, then gaming chairs are perfect. However, if the visual appeal is less important but feeling pain-free is a priority, then office chairs are a no-brainer.

Gaming Chair vs Office Chair: Our Top Picks

Gaming and office chairs can vary in quality and features significantly based on the price range you’re going for. If you don’t know where to start, we suggest checking these recommendations below:

Recommended Gaming Chair: Herman Miller Aeron

Everywhere you look, the Herman Miller Aeron is a staple. Whether it’s home offices, showrooms, or businesses, it seems like the Aeron has been a hot trend for a long time. So what makes the Aeron such a popular office chair?

The Aeron is the standard for many office chairs because it epitomizes luxury while still offering excellent comfort, ergonomics, and durability. One of the hallmarks of the Aeron is their unique adaptive mesh, otherwise known as the 8Z pellicle mesh material. The mesh material uses an elastic suspension where it keeps the body evenly distributed. As you change positions, the mesh is flexible enough to adjust the support based on your movements and weight, thus providing ultra-responsive support.

Aeron also has a pre-configured PostureFit lumbar support system, which includes dual pads that support the two lowest areas of the spine. Rather than just supporting the lumbar, the Aeron supports the sacrum (the area closest to the tailbone) and the lumbar (the curve in your lower back.) As a result, the pad feels extremely comfortable and keeps your posture intact while sitting.

Not to mention, users receive a myriad of other advanced features. The armrest is 3D adjustable, meaning it can be adjusted up and down, forward and backward, and left and right. This keeps your elbow and forearms supported while also preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. With a generous 12-year warranty, you can be assured that the Aeron will likely last you for many years to come.

Recommended Office Chair: Secretlab Titan Evo

The Secretlab Titan Evo is the holy grail of computer gaming chairs. This chair has won many awards from tech review brands due to its combination of comfort, ergonomics, design, and features. Unlike most gaming chairs, the Secretlab offers two upscale upholstery options, including Napa leather, which is a leather found in sports cars, and a Softweave fabric, threads of breathable fabric similar to performance footwear.

Additionally, this chair takes a page from office chairs since it uses an integrated dynamic lumbar support system. Instead of the standard lower back pillows, the Evo utilizes a four-way adjustable L-Adapt lumbar system that can be adjusted up, down, in, or out. The Titan Evo also encourages movement when sitting since it features a pebble base with a waterfall seat edge. Rather than a clunky bucket design, the pebble offers more movement, and the waterfall seat edge reduces pressure on the knees and thighs.

Neck pain is a common concern, which is why the Titan Evo features a unique magnetic memory foam headrest. The pillow is perfectly shaped with an aggressive upper curve to offer more support for the base of the head to help ensure a neutral head position. Additionally, the memory foam relieves any pressure points and has a cooling gel to reduce sweating.

Not to mention, Secretlab offers the Evo in three sizes: S, M, and XL. This helps accommodate users of all heights and sizes. The XL, in particular, supports people between 5’11” to 6’9” tall and can hold up to 395 pounds. Users can enjoy plenty of adjustments like the 4D armrest, multi-function tilt lock, and a reclined angle from 85 to 165 degrees.

Overall, the Titan Evo is the perfect combination of flashy design along with comfort and ergonomics. It takes some ergonomic elements you’ll find in office chairs and incorporates them into this gaming chair.

FAQs

If you made it this far, you might still have a few lingering questions. We’ve compiled a few of the most common questions that people ask about gaming and office chairs.

Are gaming chairs better than office chairs?

Gaming chairs and office chairs are generally designed for different purposes. Ergonomic office chairs are highly adjustable and better suited to keep you in a neutral position, so you’re more effective at work. In contrast, gaming chairs are more diverse in that they come in many colors and designs and offer a wide range of recline positions. Gaming chairs can go beyond the office norms by supporting passive activities, napping, and social computing.

Are gaming chairs good for office work?

Yes, gaming chairs can be suitable for office work. While they don’t have all the features an ergonomic office chair would, they certainly have enough to get the job done. We suggest finding a high-end gaming chair such as the Secretlab Titan Evo so that you receive some ergonomic features to keep your posture upright and adapt to your body type. In general, gaming chairs will have the essentials needed for office work, such as seat height adjustable, lumbar pillow, and armrest adjustments.

Are office chairs good for gaming?

Office chairs can work extremely well for gaming because they provide the right amount of ergonomics to keep you comfortable while gaming for long hours. Sitting in an upright, neutral posture is perfect for staying focused during gameplay while sitting in a pain-free position. The only downside to choosing office chairs for gaming is that they won’t necessarily match seamlessly with your gaming setup. Also, it may not have some of the ideal gaming chair features, such as a deep reclining backrest, footrest, or well-padded foam seat cushion.

Are gaming chairs more comfortable than office chairs?

In general, gaming chairs are more comfortable than office chairs. However, that can vary depending on the specific manufacturer and model. Gaming chairs offer much thicker padding of cushion compared to office chairs.

They use about five inches of high-density foam padding, which is usually mildly soft. It’s soft enough where the padding compresses, and it evenly distributes pressure across the chair. However, many office chairs have a medium firmness to the padding, where users won’t feel like they’re sinking into the chair. Furthermore, gaming chairs use a leather upholstery that is smooth to the touch. This is unlike mesh material, which can feel rough on the skin depending on its quality.

Conclusion

The important takeaway to remember is that gaming chairs and office chairs are designed for different purposes. Gaming chairs are designed with the purpose of playing games, which is why they offer more flashy aesthetics and have a wide range of recline adjustments for gamers to take breaks.

Office chairs are suited for working in the office and ensuring users are highly productive. This means the chair has more subtle features to keep users in a neutral position and support vulnerable areas such as the lower back or neck.

Of course, there are some gray areas. Some office chairs are great for gaming, and some gaming chairs can be used for office chairs as well. Whatever you use, now you know what to expect from there. We’ve hoped you’ve learned about gaming and office chairs and are now ready to take the next step in finding the right chair for your needs.

Gaming Chair vs Office Chair: What’s the Difference?