Office chair vs gaming chair: which is right for you?

Choices. We each make hundreds of choices per day; what to wear, what to eat, who to date, where to sit. So many choices large and small, it is a wonder we get anything done at all. While choices such as “eating” are the most important decisions we all make each day, picking the best ergonomic chair is not too far behind. Considering that nearly one in four Americans spend more than eight hours sitting per day and that prolonged sitting can lead to a whole host of negative outcomes which are detrimental to overall health and well-being, a quality chair matters a lot. The right chair can mitigate many adverse health outcomes such as an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore it is very important to get the best office chair for long hours of work.

Office chair vs gaming chair: which is right for you?

Imagine, for a moment, the average office worker in today’s workplace. Do you have an image? Chances are good that the picture in your mind’s eye has a few elements in it; a computer, a flat surface such as a desk or table, and a chair. Focus on the chair. Does it have wheels or static legs? How about a cushion? Padding? Is the design rather plain, or is it a race car seat? 

If the chair in your mind is an underwhelming blob of gray-fabric-on-wheels, you are thinking of an office chair. If, on the other hand, the chair in your head is a fiery leather mass with headphone jacks and lights, you’re thinking of a gaming chair. While both types of chairs are designed for a long day sitting, there are major differences between them such as design, aesthetics, features, and overall comfort. Let’s get into those now. 

In regards to structure, gaming chairs and office chairs are very similar. Each has casters, swiveling bases, armrests, a variety of adjustable settings, and padding everywhere. Each comes with a slew of ergonomic features to ensure hours of in-chair comfort, features such as reclining lumbar support, adjustable seat height, and adjustable arms. Gaming chairs are unique in that they can also come with footrests. Office chairs are unique in that they can come with additional ergonomic features such as adjustable back height and waterfall seats. 

Aesthetically there are major differences between the two. Office chairs tend to be conservative and dull while gaming chairs tend to be quite flashy. A typical office chair has a rounded fabric cushion (usually black or gray) and a mesh backrest. A typical gaming chair has a leather backrest with sharp angles and daring lines. Office chairs tend to prioritize comfort and airflow (enhanced ergonomics and mesh backrest) while gaming chairs tend to prioritize style (lights, bright colors, and racing stripes). Many higher-end chairs also include premium gaming-specific features such as built-in speakers, steering wheel mounts, headphone jacks, and Bluetooth. In terms of price, the two are very similar to a point. While low-end and mid-grade price points are nearly identical, the highest-price point office chairs tend to be much more expensive than the highest-priced point gaming chairs.

With all of that in mind, which chair is right for you? 

The answer depends entirely on your preferences, office environment, and gaming habits. If you’re like me, then you simply want something comfortable to plop the keister down into, something that is supportive, comfortable, and breathable. In which case, the mid-grade office chair, with its superior ergonomics, and mesh backrest is for you. Similarly, if you have a job, and are expected to attend video calls, an office chair presents a far more professional picture. If, however, you aren’t like me, you may want to consider the gaming chair instead.

Perhaps you don’t attend regular video calls. Maybe you’re young and healthy, and you aren’t too worried about ergonomics. Maybe you’re more interested in maximizing “coolness”. You could even be a hardcore gamer. In your case, the boring office chair is not for you. You’ll be far happier with the Bluetooth, the speakers, the bright colors, the leather, and the overall ” wow” of the gaming chair. Though if you value breathability, it will be tough to find a gaming chair with a mesh backrest. Whichever chair you choose, I think we can all agree that it will be better than a wooden stool.