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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.)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Loki Black & Blue Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair

$225

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Zyair Black Faux Leather With Grey Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair

$195

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Ergo Mesh Black Gaming Adjustable Chair With Upholstered Footrest

$250

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Zeus Black Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair with White Trim

$350

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Theory Black Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair With Red Trim

$250

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Zyair Black Faux Leather With Blue Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair

$195

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Ozzy Black With White Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair

$250

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Modern Red + Black Gaming Executive Office Desk Chair With Wheels

$250

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Optimus Blue/Black Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair With Flip Up Padded Armrests

$275

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Zone Gaming Desk With 1 Shelf + Theory Gaming Black Chair

$475

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Modern Brown Double Plush Big + Tall 400Lbs Executive Gaming Office Desk Chair With Wheels

$375

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Modern Black Double Plush Big + Tall 400Lbs Executive Gaming Office Desk Chair With Wheels

$375

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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

Adam White + Silver Adjustable Office Chair

$225

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Trey Black Adjustable Office Chair

$125

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Gary Bown + Black With Padded Arm And Adjustable Office Chair

$295

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Abel White + Silver Adjustable Office Chair

$250

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Sury Black + Chrome Mesh Back Office Chair

$160

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Russell Black + Silver Adjustable Office Chair

$250

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Ricky Dark Brown + Silver Adjustable Office Chair

$225

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Willow White Standard Back Upholstered Office Chair

$250

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Randy Black + Grey Adjustable Office Chair

$250

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Maine Brown Faux Leather Tufted Back Office Chair

$215

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Willow Black Standard Back Upholstered Office Chair

$250

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Milie Black + Chrome High Back Office Chair

$195

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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

Rhea Green Faux Leather Adjustable Office Chair

$75

Trey Black Adjustable Office Chair

$125

Abel White + Silver Adjustable Office Chair

$250

Adam White + Silver Adjustable Office Chair

$225

Gary Bown + Black With Padded Arm And Adjustable Office Chair

$295

Russell Black + Silver Adjustable Office Chair

$250

Ricky Dark Brown + Silver Adjustable Office Chair

$225

Randy Black + Grey Adjustable Office Chair

$250

Josie White Casters + Chrome Channel Tudted Adjustable Office Chair

$275

Corral Black Adjustable Upholstered Office Chair

$275

Ursula Modern White Sherpa Armless Wide Seat Cross Legged Office Chair With Wheels

$150

Phoebe Modern Taupe Sherpa Barrel Office Chair With Wheels

$150

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

Modern Red + Black Gaming Executive Office Desk Chair With Wheels

$250

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Modern Brown Double Plush Big + Tall 400Lbs Executive Gaming Office Desk Chair With Wheels

$375

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Modern Black Double Plush Big + Tall 400Lbs Executive Gaming Office Desk Chair With Wheels

$375

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Modern Black Double Layer Executive Office Desk Chair

$275

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Terwilliger Cream Faux Leather Executive Rolling Office Desk Chair

$295

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Modern Black Synchro-Tilt Executive Office Gaming Desk Chair

$295

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Traditional Cream Velvet Tufted Executive Office Desk Chair With Wheels

$295

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Parkhill White Executive Faux Leather Low Back Rolling Office Desk Chair

$225

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Modern Black + White Gaming Office Executive Desk Chair With Wheels

$350

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Traditional Grey Tufted Executive Office Desk Chair With Wheels

$295

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45" Modern Chestnut Leather Executive Rolling Office Desk Chair

$969

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Traditional Navy Blue Tufted Executive Office Desk Chair With Wheels

$295

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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.