Choosing the right chair is an important way to make sure you’re comfortable while you work or play and don’t get hurt while doing it. Sitting with proper posture is important, but not all chairs are created equal, and some chairs allow you to sit correctly more than others.

Some are just more convenient. Or look great. It’s unlikely that even with the best gaming chairs or the best office chairs, you’ll check out every option, but knowing what features office and gaming chairs typically have will help you make your decision.

We’ll walk you through the main similarities (minor ones) and differences (with some important ones) between the two camps so you can choose which one is right for you. We’ll start with the factor that people tend to consider first and foremost – price.

If you’re looking for the cheapest chair, chances are it’s an office chair. They are often built on a budget, so companies can fill rooms with them without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, that usually means they aren’t very good either.

Office chairs cost around $50 and entry-level gaming chairs typically cost around $100, but all of those prices can go up pretty quickly.

At the bottom of these price ranges, you can expect minimal cushioning (if any) and fewer ways to adjust the chair to get it right. But if it’s all about parking in it, then an office chair is the way to go. That being said, you can easily spend thousands of dollars on high quality office chairs. The best gaming chairs tend to be in the hundreds or so.

You might think chair design is set in stone, and to a certain extent you are right. You obviously need somewhere to sit and then there is a backrest. If you’re lucky, there’s room for your hands too.

Almost every chair comes with armrests these days, though some inexpensive office chairs may lack that luxury. What really differs between office chairs and gaming chairs is the overall setup.

Most gaming chairs tend to be larger than their office counterparts. Their design is reminiscent of the bucket seats in sports cars, making them larger, curved and rounder. Generally, you can expect more padding, and the setup usually forces you to sit in a more reclined position. This is good for initial comfort, but terrible for ergonomics.

Gaming chairs tend to be more “popular” due to their target market. You will find colorful designs, sometimes corresponding to movies or games. You can even find LED lights. This is a real buffet game board.

In contrast, office chairs are usually made with ergonomics in mind. If you don’t pay more, expect something more functional than a gaming chair. You won’t find colorful pillows here, but you’ll probably find it easier to sit with proper posture, and there are plenty of ergonomic chairs to choose from.

Ultimately, it all comes down to the aesthetics and comfort you are looking for here. If you’re willing to spend the money, you can get some good office chairs, and some gaming chairs also allow you to customize pretty much everything to find the right fit.

Whichever chair you choose, it can be used for hard work or serious play. But the details matter.
As mentioned earlier, gaming chairs usually have more options for backrest placement, armrests, and height. In particular, the armrests can be articulated in various ways depending on the model you choose. Even with the cheaper options, you can move them back and forth as well as vertically to make sure you’re sitting correctly. If you’re not willing to spend more than the $50 starting price, you’re probably missing an office chair here.

Gaming chairs may allow you to move your arms closer or farther, office chairs usually don’t. For example, this means that the former can sometimes provide more flexibility for different body types. Large seats and adjustable lumbar support, like the Secretlab Titan, are also worth your attention.

A notable advantage of office chairs is the aforementioned ergonomics. They are often created to prevent companies using them from being at the tail end of a lawsuit, so they pretty much make you sit right. Whether that means you’ll be sitting comfortably is another matter, but your back may thank you in the long run.

The same goes for the hips: office chairs are usually slanted at the front to keep your knees at the right height and not put pressure on your hips and back. Again, this can be uncomfortable at first, but this is the best sitting position if you don’t want to feel pain trying to get up again. You’ll look even cooler sitting in your gaming chair!

In case it didn’t become obvious, there won’t be chairs for everyone. Which one is best for you will certainly depend on who you are, your body type, how much time you spend in a chair, and more.

It also comes down to aesthetics. People who play games in a room full of LEDs may want something a little more gaming, but those who work in a home office with plants and carefully curated art may opt for something completely different. If that’s the style you’re looking for, Branch Verve can’t be beat, but you’ll definitely pay for it.

If you have a choice, try different chairs for yourself to see what works best for you and your aesthetic. This can be tricky in the online ordering world, so check the return policy in case you change your mind.