Now here’s a tricky conundrum: gaming chair vs office chair. It’s tempting to use what you have instead of investing in something new, especially if you’re a gamer and you already have a gaming chair ready and waiting. On the flip side, you might be a gamer wondering if your work chair is good enough for gaming in or if a dedicated gaming chair is worth the splurge.
The ergonomic experts at Slouch are here to give you all the answers with a deep dive into the different qualities you can expect from each and our view of which you should opt for.
And while we are dedicated makers of premium quality home office chairs, we’re dedicated to bringing you fair and balanced answers to all your office related questions.
Just what is a gaming chair?
As you’d expect, gaming chairs are designed to be sat in for computer or console gameplay. If you’ve seen one and thought they looked like racing car seats, you’d be correct! The most iconic and popular gaming chair style was designed with racing seats in mind.
However, there are a few different ones you might encounter:
- PC and racing chairs – These are the most common types. They typically have a tall backrest and come in striking, racing-inspired looks.
- Rocker gaming chairs – These sit directly on the floor and sometimes come with built-in speakers. They’re primarily used for console gaming.
- Floor gaming chairs – Another floor gaming chair, except this style has a super minimalist look. It’s also mainly used for casual console gaming.
As the racing style is the most popular and feasible to work from a desk in, that’s what we’ll be comparing to throughout this blog.
And what about office chairs?
By comparison, office chairs are made explicitly for office workers who need all-day support to work from a desk. As you probably know, there’s a huge disparity in quality when it comes to the ergonomic support, materials used, adjustability and build quality in office chairs.
At Slouch, our ergonomic office chairs are engineered to support your body through extended periods of sitting, with adjustable features that can be tailored to your unique body shape and working style – because we know one size definitely doesn’t fit all!
Gaming chair vs office chair – the key differences
Time to get into the fine details of what sets these two types of chairs apart so that you can make a good decision about what works for you.
The look
Let’s kick off with the most obvious difference – the very different design and aesthetic. Here’s what sets them apart.
| Gaming chairs | Office chairs |
| Bold, eye-catching designs with bright colours and prominent brand logos | A more understated, professional appearance that works in any setting |
| Racing car-inspired style with bucket seats and raised edges | Neutral colours that blend seamlessly into a variety of professional workplaces |
| High backrests with dramatic winged sides | Cleaner lines and a more minimal design that aims to blend in rather than stand out |
| Added cushions for head and lumbar support that attach with straps | Integrated support elements |
Slouch’s verdict: Office chairs are undeniably more versatile. The subdued design means they’re better at blending into different environments. An office chair wouldn’t raise any eyebrows on a gaming livestream but a gaming chair could cause unwanted attention in a work Zoom call.
The ergonomics
Not quite sure what ergonomics means? The point of ergonomics in a chair is to support your body as completely as possible. Good ergonomics mean less achiness and distraction from physical discomfort.
| Gaming chairs | Office chairs |
| Fixed, one-piece shape | More built-in adjustment options to fit your specific body shape |
| Detachable cushions for neck and lumbar support | Adjustable lumbar support that can conform to the curve of your spine |
| Bucket-style seat with raised edges that can restrict some movement | Contoured seat with a waterfall edge to reduce the pressure on your thighs and improve circulation (and reduce foot swelling while sitting at a desk, too!) |
| Often feature adjustable armrests but it’s rare to see adjustability in other areas of the chair | Moderate ability to recline |
| Ability to recline quite far bar for those gaming power naps! | Highly adjustable armrests, seat height and often seat depth |
Slouch’s verdict: If ergonomics are important to you, you won’t get exactly the same level of full body and lumbar support from a gaming chair that you would from a Slouch office chair, for example. This could be a problem day after day at a work desk. However, an attachable lumbar cushion might be enough to keep you comfy while gaming for a few hours.
The materials and build quality
This section of our gaming chair vs office chair guide compares what they’re made from and how they’re made.
| Gaming chairs | Office chairs |
| Faux leather (PU) or genuine leather upholstery that’s easy to wipe clean | Breathable mesh, fabric or leather upholstery options to suit your office aesthetic |
| Bold colour combos, often with contrast stitching as an accent | Temperature-regulating materials for comfort |
| Thicker padding, particularly on the seat and backrest | Strategic padding or support in ergonomic places |
| Heavier overall construction that sometimes limits mobility | Lighter weight construction for easier movement |
Slouch’s verdict: Your preference will probably depend on your priorities. If you like the cosy, enveloping feel of thick padding then a gaming chair might be your perfect match. However, lots of people like the more breathable experience that a mesh office chair offers which makes it a popular option for offices.
Special features
If you’re a pro gamer, high end gaming chair models offer some pretty nifty features to make your gaming experience even better. Let’s see how they compare to an office chair.
| Gaming chairs | Office chairs |
| Extremely high degree of recline (some going all the way back to 180 degree) | More refined adjustment options for truly personalised ergonomics |
| Attachable, often brightly coloured pillows for neck and lumbar support | Synchro-tilt mechanisms that adjust the seat and back simultaneously for natural movement |
| Sometimes include built-in speakers for a truly immersive experience | Height-adjustable lumbar support systems that move with your body |
| Retractable footrests on some fancier models | Seat depth adjustment to accommodate different leg lengths and body types |
Slouch’s verdict: These different feature sets are a clear reflection of the primary purposes of each chair type. Gaming chairs focus on creating an exciting, immersive gaming experience, while office chairs prioritise healthy posture and comfort during focused work.
Are gaming chairs good for office work?
Gaming chairs might be okay for your office, if:
- You prefer a more defined sitting position – Gaming chairs with their higher backrests and side bolsters create a more fixed and structured sit. Some people find this defined position helps them stay focused by keeping them in one fixed position, potentially making you more engaged with your work. However, for balance, lots of people find an ergonomic office chair offers this through lumbar support but without the bulk of the chair causing unnecessary restriction.
- Your home office doubles as gaming space – If you’re working and playing at the same desk, a quality gaming chair with sufficient ergonomic support might offer the versatility needed for both activities rather than switching chairs. This might especially be the case if you’re plumping for an expensive high end model that has special features like built-in speakers, RGB lights and even massagers and don’t want to buy another similar chair!
- You have specific posture issues – The high backrest and neck support of gaming chairs can sometimes help people with certain upper back or neck conditions that benefit from more intensely cocooning support.
Office chairs might better serve your work needs if:
- You’re at your desk for the 9 – 5 – Well designed ergonomic office chairs are built to keep your whole body supported for full workdays, with features that keep your legs from going numb and your back from aching.
- You like to move around – Office chairs generally give you more freedom to shift about, lean forward to grab something or swivel over to chat with a colleague. If you’re using a gaming chair for work you might start to feel restricted by the racing-style side panels.
- You’re regularly on camera for work calls – For those Zoom meetings with clients or the boss, the more professional look of an office chair might be just what you need – rather than looking like you’re about to start a gaming livestream!
- You need a chair that survives different seasons – Mesh-backed office chairs are brilliant for letting air circulate, so you don’t end up with a sweaty back situation.
- You want to avoid aches and pains down the line – The ergonomic design of quality office chairs helps keep your spine happy and your shoulders relaxed, which matters a lot if you’re sitting day in, day out for years.
Still not sure why an ergonomic office design matters so much? We’ve put years into creating office chairs with the most adjustable lumbar support you can find in order to help you have pain-free work days.
Read our guide what is lumbar support to dive deeper.
Slouch’s verdict: While gaming chairs might work in some specific situations, for most office workers who spend full days at their desks, a proper ergonomic office chair will provide better long-term comfort and support. Your body will thank you for investing in a chair specifically designed for productivity rather than adapting a gaming chair for work purposes.
Which should you choose?
After taking a deep dive into every gaming chair vs office chair factor, which chair comes out on top? Here’s our advice to help you pick the right one for you.
We’d only advise that you consider a gaming chair if:
- You mostly use your setup for gaming with just a bit of work now and then
- You love a bold, eye-catching look that makes a statement
- You want to be able to recline way back
- You find the snug, race car-inspired design fits your body nicely during gaming sessions
Consider an office chair if:
- You spend most of your time working with just a bit of gaming on the side
- You want a professional, understated look that fits in anywhere
- You like being able to move freely and change positions throughout the day
- You need lots of ways to adjust your chair for all-day comfort
- You’re after a chair built specifically for those long 8+ hour working days
For those who both work and game at their desk, your main activity should guide your choice. If you spend more hours working than gaming, an ergonomic office chair will likely do you more favours in the long run.
On the flip side, if gaming is what you do most with just a bit of work here and there, a gaming chair might work okay for you.
Slouch chairs have your back – literally
At Slouch, we’ve designed our office chairs specifically for those full workdays, combining smart features, quality materials, and serious comfort to help you feel great even after hours at your desk.
Take a look at our office chair collection to find a seat that’s the perfect fit for your body and workspace. Add in a matching height adjustable desk With free UK delivery and a no-hassle returns policy, you can shop with complete peace of mind.
If you’re kitting out a whole office with 5 chairs or more get in touch about our trade discounts – they could save you a pretty penny!
Want to talk it through? Get in touch with the knowledgeable Slouch team at [email protected].
