You’ve got endless options when it comes to picking out the perfect chair. People are spending more and more time gaming and working on computers, making the demand for good, supportive seating much higher.
Office chairs and gaming chairs both offer their own pros and cons, depending on what you’re looking for and what your budget is. There are many different options based on your needs and preferences.
However, ultimately, which one is the better choice?
Office Chair Features
Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, office chairs can range from very basic to top of the line. They’re designed to provide comfort while sitting for long hours. Most decent office chairs should have a few basic features:
Built-In Adjustable Lumbar Support
Especially if you’ll be sitting for long periods of time, you should be able to adjust the backrest of the chair to support your back. This ensures that your lower back stays aligned properly in its natural curve. This will also help prevent back pain during and after sitting for long hours.
Adjustable Height
A good office chair should allow for easy height adjustments. You might need to adjust heights for different people, if you’re wearing different shoes, etc. It can also help with neck and eye strain by allowing you to align your line of vision directly on the screen you’re using
Backrest Tilt and Lock
The back of the seat should be adjustable to sit completely upright or tilt back a bit. This is a good option to have if you’re sitting for very long periods of time just to have some variability.
Also, being able to choose whether you should lock it in a certain position will allow for more movement and flexibility.
Gaming Chair Features
Depending on which type of gaming chair you choose, there is a very wide variety of features and options. Like the office chair, gaming chairs are designed to be sat on for long hours, providing comfort and functionality. Here are a few common features of gaming chairs:
Neck and Back Support
Good gaming chairs provide ample support to the upper and lower back as well as the neck and head. They often have adjustable lumbar support and a headrest, which help prevent pain and stiffness during long gaming sessions.
Adjustable Armrests
Armrests on a gaming chair should be totally customizable – whether you want to remove them, tilt them up or down, or rotate them in or out. Having the option to move the armrests in any way you desire can add to your comfort and allow for more movement and flexibility.
Game Compatibility
Depending on what console or types of games you prefer to play, you can purchase a chair that works with it. Your chair can actually add to your gaming experience by interacting with the game. Some will have built-in controls, speakers, vibrations, etc.
Differences
With so many options available, there are countless differences and styles of office and gaming chairs. Both are designed ultimately for comfort and support.
While there are obviously some similar features that most chairs should offer, there are still a lot of differences to consider when trying to decide which is best overall.
Style Differences
It’s very obvious when comparing the two that they have a totally different aesthetic going on. The style of most gaming chairs is inspired by race car seats; they’re very edgy and stand out. After all, the cool, sporty look is great for a game room.
They are also usually offered in a wide variety of flashy color options. Office chairs are designed with the simple office worker in mind. They often have a more classic, modest shape and design.
They are also typically quite neutral in color, which allows them to fit in well with most office decor styles.
Price Differences
Budget is always something to be considered when comparing different products. A gaming chair will usually cost more on average than an office chair. However, it all depends on what type of features you’re wanting.
You can often get a decent office chair for the same price as a not-so-decent gaming chair. The price difference is really relative, depending on what your expectations and standards are.
If you’re wanting an awesome, decked-out gaming chair, you’re going to have to spend some money on it. With office chairs, you can absolutely spend a fortune on one if you want to, but an average priced one might be just fine.
Adjustability Differences
It’s important to have options to adjust and customize your chair to fit your body. Gaming chairs generally offer the widest range of customizability.
While both types of chairs usually offer the normal adjustable height and lumbar support, even a basic gaming chair usually comes with reclining features and adjustable arm and headrests. That’s not to say that you can’t find an office chair that offers a good amount of adjustability.
However, it’s just a more common feature with even the cheaper models of gaming chairs. This might also be a more significant factor if you have had previous injuries or ailments that require extra support or accommodations.
Conclusion
After considering the advantages and disadvantages of gaming and office chairs, the clear winner would be the gaming chair.
On average, it offers a much wider variety of features – from console compatibility, speakers, and built-in controls, to extra adjustments for customized comfort. There also seems to be more variety as far as style options.
Although the more features you want, the more the price will begin to add up. On the other hand, office chairs have their own place for sure. There aren’t usually as many special features available, but you can get a good one at a decent price.
They typically tend to be a more modest and simple option, but they will get the job done. Look at your budget and what the most important features are to you. Then, pick the chair that will give you the most for your money.
It really depends on what you’re wanting and needing in a chair. In the end, the best choice might be different for everyone.
