Main differences
Gaming and office chairs were designed for different purposes and each has its own unique qualities. That’s why one may be better suited for your body type and tasks than the other. So let’s review the main differences:
Comfort
Gaming chairs work great for what they’re intended for - gaming. They’re designed for use for a few hours at a time. Even if there are some longer gaming sessions, you most likely won’t find them comfortable enough for all-day sitting. On the contrary, an ergonomic office chair will be a better choice because it’s built for all-day comfort, promotes good posture, and reduces strain.
Looks
Well, one of the biggest differences between an ergonomic office chair and a typical gaming chair is the visual appearance (obviously!). Gaming chairs are renowned for their striking design, often resembling the seats of sports cars. And office chairs feature a professional look, often with a minimalist design intended to nicely blend into your home office setting. So, if you have many business meeting calls, there is no doubt that you’ll look more professional in an office chair.
Adjustability
Like we said before, ergonomic office chairs focus on prolonged sitting and comfort. So, that’s why office chairs tend to be more adjustable overall when compared to similarly priced gaming chairs. Gaming chairs don't let you move around much because of those side bolsters and the rigid metal frame. Unlike ergonomic chairs, which are designed with a more open back and flexible frames, gaming chairs tend to push your shoulders forward, giving you barely any room to move. Also, the adjustments we see on office chairs that you simply won’t see on gaming chairs include forward seat tilt, back height adjustment, seat depth adjustment, and adjustable headrests. While gaming chairs tend to have a high-back design with a pillow, the headrest isn’t very adjustable. Yes, some gaming chairs offer an extremely generous reclining function where you can lay almost flat. But when you think about it, how often do you use it? When you are almost completely flat, you can’t see your screen once you get past a certain angle. And if you want to lie down fully, isn’t the sofa nearby isn’t the better option?
Productivity
Does your work involve long hours of focused tasks, such as writing, doing design, attending conference calls, and making presentations? Then there is no doubt that the office chair is an absolute winner. Using office chairs instead of gaming chairs can significantly enhance your productivity in a work setting. Office chairs are designed to provide optimal comfort and support for tasks requiring long periods of sitting and focus. How focused can you be in a chair that gives you back pains or puts pressure on your hips? Ergonomic office chair gives you a 90-degree upright position for the most demanding task that requires concentration.
Lumbar support
Most gaming chairs come with an external lumbar pillow, but that's usually not enough to give proper support. These pillows don't stay in place and eventually flatten out. This is a lot different from the curved backrests you find on almost all ergonomic chairs, regardless of price. The curved design helps support the natural curve of your back. Plus, many ergonomic chairs have extra lumbar support systems that are adjustable, helping you avoid chronic back pain.
Seat comfort
Gaming chairs are basically racing car seats with those hard side bolsters, which are supposed to protect you, but let's be real, you don't need that at home or in the office. They make it impossible to sit cross-legged or change positions. On the other hand, ergonomic chairs give you way more seating space. Plus, office chairs with high-density foam cushions are all about spreading the pressure evenly, so you won't end up with aching thighs.
Price
When you compare a similarly priced gaming and office chair, you will typically find that the office chair offers much more adjustability and ergonomics. Besides that, premium materials usually offer a better-quality product for the same price, making your chair a long-lasting investment.
Final decision
So, now it’s clear that if you work at a computer for an extended period of time, an office chair is likely a better choice because it’s built for all-day comfort, not only a few hours. Gaming chairs are nice for gaming, but equally priced office chairs like SitOne or SitPro, will almost always provide better value, especially when it comes to adjustability, comfort, quality and long-term well-being.
