Ideas + Advice

gaming vs office chair View Items in Room
Guides

Gaming Chair vs Office Chair: Which Is Better?

Published March 05, 2024

Need to draft emails and draw up agendas — or press play on an intense gaming sesh? There’s a chair for the former and the latter. Choose wisely: your time starts now! (To help, we’ve categorized gaming chairs and office chairs by their best features, pros and cons. Take a look at the guide below to help you determine the difference between each design . . . and choose one best for your comfort preferences.)

posture and lumbar supportView this Item
Posture and Lumbar Support
Both gaming and office chairs embody ergonomic design, but the way they approach support can be different. The best office chairs focus on lower back support that targets the natural S-curve of the spine. (Lower-range chairs with a bucket seat design won’t provide as much support — though they do add more style.) They boast adjustable lumbar support and backrests that can recline.
Gaming chairs are designed with the assumption that gamers will be more relaxed during play, providing support for a semi-reclined position. Some gaming chairs also come with built-in lumbar support cushions.
sitting duration and comfortView this Item
Sitting Duration and Comfort
Most office chairs are designed to keep you sitting up a little straighter for long periods. Gaming chairs, however, provide the additional padding and neck support needed for intense gaming sessions that require staring at a large TV, rather than a smaller monitor.
materialView this Item
Material
High-quality office chairs typically use breathable fabric, while the best gaming chairs often feature porous leather or faux leather covers. The latter can be easier to clean, and both are designed for promoting air flow and temp comfort.
height adjustments and customizationsView this Item
Height Adjustment and Customizations
Each chair usually offers a pneumatic seat adjustment. Gaming chairs, however, are often equipped with deeper recline functions, even to a full 180 degrees, perfect for a quick power nap during those marathon gaming sessions.
Office chairs typically feature multi-directional armrests that can be moved up, down, in, and out, allowing for a customized position. Gaming chairs often have softer, less rigid armrests. While they can be raised or adjusted inwards to some degree, the focus is often more on the padding and comfort rather than intricate adjustability.

Are gaming chairs any better than office chairs?

Gaming chairs aren’t better than office chairs, just different. Each has its own purpose, and the best one depends on what you’re using it for. Sitting for long periods looking directly at a computer screen, with no need for reclining far back? Go with the office chair.

Chairs for Video Gaming + Ergonomic Support

View More
Theory Black Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair With Red Trim
$250
Quicklook
Sealy Black & Red Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair
$195
Quicklook
Ozzy Black With White Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair
$275
Quicklook
Optimus Blue/Black Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair With Flip Up Padded Armrests
$295
Quicklook
Zyair Black Faux Leather With Grey Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair
$225
Quicklook
Gaming Set Zone Gaming Desk With 1 Shelf + Theory Gaming Black Chair
$545
Quicklook
Myles Big & Tall Bonded Leather Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair
$475
Quicklook
Epsilon Black Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair With Grey Accents & Adjustable Height Armrests
$295
Quicklook
Ozzy Charcoal Grey With Blue Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair
$275
Quicklook
Zulu Black Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair With Red Accents & Adjustable Height Armrests
$295
Quicklook
Zyair Black & Red Faux Leather Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair
$225
Quicklook
Zyair Black Faux Leather With Blue Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair
$225
Quicklook

Are gaming chairs good for your back?

Gaming chairs are good for your back. They are designed with support at every pressure point that tends to tire out after intense gaming sessions, making them ideal for serious gamers. Reclining features and adjustable armrests give them an ergonomic advantage, offering customization to your comfort preferences.

Chairs With Seat Cushions + Casters

View More
Maine Brown Faux Leather Tufted Back Office Chair
$205
Quicklook
Trey Black Adjustable Office Chair
$125
Quicklook
Abel White + Silver Adjustable Office Chair
$250
Quicklook
Sienna Uphosltered Office Chair
$575
Quicklook
Corral White High Back Upholstered Office Chair
$650
Quicklook
Willow White Standard Back Upholstered Office Chair
$595
Quicklook
Clayton Grey + Chrome Upholstered Office Chair With Casters
$695
Quicklook
Regis Grey Office Chair
$750
Quicklook
Luciana Taupe Faux Leather Rolling Office Desk Chair
$150
Quicklook
Mariko Side Chair With Removable Leather Seat Cushion
$180
Quicklook
Moby Black Faux Leather High Back Rolling Office Desk Chair
$225
Quicklook
Mariko Side Chair With Removable Leather Seat Cushion Set Of 2
$360
Quicklook

Are gaming chairs good to sit in?

Gaming chairs are good to sit in, because they’re tailored for leaning in while you focus on a screen in front of you. They come with support cushions, headrests, reclining features and swivel bases. Use them for style, too, to add a fun dimension to your game play!

Adjustable Seating Positions Chairs for Good Posture

View More
Trey Black Adjustable Office Chair
$125
Abel White + Silver Adjustable Office Chair
$250
Adam White + Silver Adjustable Office Chair
$250
Russell Black + Silver Adjustable Office Chair
$250
Gary Bown + Black With Padded Arm And Adjustable Office Chair
$295
Randy Black + Grey Adjustable Office Chair
$250
Josie White Casters + Chrome Channel Tudted Adjustable Office Chair
$275
Ricky Dark Brown + Silver Adjustable Office Chair
$250
Linnea Walnut + Black Faux Leather Swivel Adjustable Rolling Office Desk Chair
$295
Linnea Walnut + Cream Faux Leather Swivel Adjustable Rolling Office Desk Chair
$295
Ronnie Black Faux Leather + Wood Adjustable Rolling Office Desk Chair
$175
Leeena Ecru And Chrome Adjustable Rolling Office Desk Chair
$175

Are gaming chairs only for gaming?

Gaming chairs are not only for gaming, but shouldn’t be used as computer or WFH chairs. The reason is because gaming designs are meant for staring up at a larger screen, in a more relaxed position. Office chairs, on the other hand, are designed for sitting at a work desk for use with a smaller monitor or laptop.

Best Ergonomic Chairs at Affordable Price Points

View More
Parkhill White Executive Faux Leather Low Back Rolling Office Desk Chair
$250
Quicklook
Terwilliger Cream Faux Leather Executive Rolling Office Desk Chair
$325
Quicklook
Burlingame White Executive Mid-Back Faux Leather Rolling Office Desk Chair
$275
Quicklook
Terwilliger Black Faux Leather Executive Rolling Office Desk Chair With Lumbar Support
$325
Quicklook
Burlingame Black Executive Mid-Back Faux Leather Rolling Office Desk Chair
$275
Quicklook
Parkhill Charcoal Grey Executive Faux Leather Low Back Rolling Office Desk Chair
$250
Quicklook
Hugo Black Faux Leather Executive Rolling Office Desk Chair
$325
Quicklook
Sweeney White Executive Faux Leather High Back Rolling Office Desk Chair
$350
Quicklook
Sweeney Grey Executive Faux Leather High Back Rolling Office Desk Chair
$350
Quicklook
Terwilliger Black Faux Leather Executive Rolling Office Desk Chair
$325
Quicklook
Parkhill Black Executive Faux Leather Low Back Rolling Office Desk Chair
$250
Quicklook
Terwilliger Red Faux Leather Executive Rolling Office Desk Chair With Lumbar Support
$325
Quicklook
Beyond Gaming Chairs vs. Office Chairs
View All
ergonomic chair square Guides What Is an Ergonomic Chair, Anyway?
Guides How an Adjustable Headrest Works (+ Why It’s Important)
work space Styles 19 Home Office Ideas That Will Make You Rethink Your Workspace
upholstery cleaning care Shopping Basics Understanding Upholstery Cleaning Codes and Care Instructions

Read the Latest

chess decor checkmate square Decor Tips Chess Decor: Checkmate Your Style
outdoor chaise lounges Shopping Basics 14 Best Outdoor Chaise Lounges
best writing desks Shopping Basics 12 Best Writing Desks for Serious Wordsmiths
bookcases square Shopping Basics 9 Best Bookcases of 2024: The Official List

Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.