Office Chair vs. Gaming Chair: Which Should You Get?

Published April 22, 2022

Both office and gaming setups will often have some similarities and only a few significant differences, such as the amount of work surface area or storage, such as cabinets, drawers, and shelves. When deciding between an office chair vs. gaming chair, it can be hard to decide which is the better option, especially if you are unfamiliar with their differences.

Office Chair for Productivity and Lumbar Support

Suppose you’re deciding between an office chair vs. gaming chair. In that case, it’s necessary to keep in mind that while a gaming chair offers excellent comfort, the ergonomic support and style of an office chair help in productivity. This is done by supporting the user’s body for extended periods of time, removing the user’s need to exert more effort to keep their head, neck, back, shoulders, arms, and posterior while working.

As a result of the lessened tension on the user’s body, more work with fewer breaks can be achieved, allowing the user to maintain their thoughts throughout the day. When not taking regular breaks from work to rest your hands, back, or neck, your productivity increases. This change may also help with chronic and recurring conditions, such as back pain or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Office chairs typically provide a greater degree of lumbar support. The lumbar region of the spine is composed of five vertebrae that bend slightly inward that, if not properly maintained, can cause serious pain. A chair with a lat-back provides insufficient support for the curved lumbar region.

Gaming Chair for Recreation

When you choose a gaming chair vs. office chair, you are investing in a product that assists in making gaming more comfortable for a long time. However, even within this product category, there are specialized gaming chairs, including rocker, PC and racing, and pedestal chairs.

Rocker Gaming Chair

Feature an L-shape design that does not have a pedestal base or castor wheels. Rather than that, these gaming chairs are positioned flat on the ground and can be rocked by the user. In addition, these chairs may include various technological features, such as cup holders, built-in speakers, and a control panel connected to an entertainment system.

PC and Racing Gaming Chair

This is the most popular design of gaming chairs. They act similarly to an office chair but feature adjustable cushioned headrests, an adjustable armrest plus lumbar support cushion, and even the option to fully recline. In addition, some of these racing gaming chairs may include a steering wheel, gas and brake pedals, and support plates for the wheel and pedals, all of which improve the driving simulation experience.

Pedestal Gaming Chairs

These chairs are identical to rocker gaming chairs; however, they feature a short pedestal base rather than sitting flat on the ground. As a result, these seats can be tilted, rocked, and, in some cases, reclined, allowing you to find the best setting for playing video games. Additionally, they include adjustable armrests as well as adjustable lumbar support, and some expensive models feature speakers and subwoofers.