Choosing The Best Seat: Computer Chair Vs Office Chair 2023

Reviewed By Chiropractic Specialist

Choosing the right chair for your workspace can be a difficult decision.

Whether you are working from home or in an office, you need to find a chair that will provide you with the comfort, support, and ergonomic design that are necessary for your health and productivity.

While there are a variety of chairs available, two of the most suitable to consider are the computer chair and the office chair.

These chairs offer different benefits and features that can help you find the perfect chair for your specific needs.

By comparing the computer chair vs the office chair, you can make an informed decision about which one is the right choice for you.

My Experience Using Computer Chair Vs Office Chair
  • I’m sure many of us have experienced working from home and being stuck with the same chair for hours on end. When I’m using a computer chair, I find that I’m far more comfortable than when I’m using an office chair.
  • The biggest difference between a computer chair and an office chair is the ergonomic design. Computer chairs are designed for people who use computers for hours at a time and are designed to provide the optimal level of comfort and support for your body.
  • Office chairs, on the other hand, are designed for people who spend most of their day sitting at a desk and have fewer ergonomic features. Computer chairs often have adjustable armrests, back support, headrests, and lumbar support.
  • These features help reduce strain on the back and neck while providing better posture. Office chairs typically don’t have these features, so they can be uncomfortable to sit in for extended periods. Computer chairs also tend to be more adjustable than office chairs.
  • They often have adjustable seat height, backrest angle, and seat depth which can be customized to fit your body perfectly. This allows you to find the perfect sitting position for your needs. Office chairs usually have limited adjustability and are not as customizable as computer chairs.
  • Overall, I find that computer chairs are far more comfortable and supportive than office chairs. They provide the right level of ergonomic support and adjustability that I need to work comfortably for hours at a time. If you’re looking for a chair that will provide you with optimal comfort and support while working at home, then a computer chair is the way to go!

Benefits of the Computer Chair

If you spend a lot of time in a computer chair, it is important to find a chair that is designed to provide the ideal support for your needs. Some of the benefits of the best computer chair include: –

Benefits of the Computer Chair
Budget-Friendly: Computer chairs are often the least expensive type of chair, making them a great option for anyone with a limited budget. They also provide most of the same benefits as an office chair, but they tend to be lighter and less expensive.
Easily Transportable: Computer chairs are often smaller and lighter in weight than office chairs, making it easy to move the chair from room to room. They are also easier to transport when you have to move or travel.
Great for Freelancers: If you work from home or are a freelancer, a computer chair can be a great option. They are smaller and lighter than most office chairs, which makes them easier to fit in a home office or smaller space. They also tend to have features that make them more ergonomic for work at a computer.
Great for Short People: If you are shorter than average, it can be difficult to find an office chair that is the right height for you. A computer chair is often a better choice for shorter people since they are designed for people who are 5’0” or under

Benefits of the Office Chair

Unlike computer chairs, office chairs are designed for people who spend most of their time on their feet. The office chair has several benefits, including

Benefits of the Office Chair
Ideal for People on Their Feet: If you spend most of your day walking or standing, an office chair is a better option than a computer chair. Office chairs are often designed with larger casters, allowing you to roll around with ease.
Higher Weight Capacity: Office chairs are designed to support heavier users than computer chairs. Since computer chair users are often shorter, they tend to have a lower weight capacity
More Durable: Office chairs are built with a sturdier frame than computer chairs. As they are designed to last longer, they are often more beneficial for people who spend a lot of time sitting in one place.
Supportive: Office chairs are often built with an adjustable seat and back that provide maximum support for your body. They are designed for longer periods of sitting, so they are often more ergonomically designed than computer chairs

Differences between Computer Chairs and Office Chair

While there are many benefits to both computer chairs and office chairs, there are a few key differences between the two that are important to keep in mind:

Size and Weight Capacity: Computer chairs are smaller and lighter than office chairs, making them easier to fit in a home office or smaller space. The weight capacity of these chairs is usually lower, so they are less supportive for those who are heavier.
Design: Computer chairs are often more ergonomically designed than office chairs, making them more comfortable for sitting at a computer for long periods. They are also often narrower, making them better for fitting in a smaller space. Office chairs, on the other hand, often have a wider seat and back, making them more supportive for longer periods of sitting.
Price: Office chairs are the more expensive option when compared to computer chairs. This is because office chairs are designed for durability, support, and long-term use. Computer chairs, on the other hand, are often designed for shorter-term use.
Task: While both chairs provide a variety of benefits, it’s necessary to choose the chair that perfectly suits your specific task. If you spend most of your time at a computer, a computer chair is likely the most appropriate.

Ergonomics of Computer Chair and Office Chair

When comparing the ergonomics of a computer chair vs an office chair, it is essential to keep in mind that both chairs have the potential to be ergonomic and supportive. There are a few key factors to keep in mind when comparing the ergonomics of computer chairs vs office chairs: –

Ergonomics of Computer Chair and Office Chair
Seat and Back Height: Since computer chairs are designed for shorter people, they often have a lower seat and back height. Office chairs are often designed for taller people, so they have a higher seat and back height.
Seat and Back Width: Seat and back width also play a role in the ergonomics of chairs. Shorter people typically prefer computer chairs because they have narrower seats and back widths. The seat and back widths of office chairs are usually wider, making them more comfortable for taller people.
Seat and Back Depth: Computer chairs are often designed with a shallower seat and back depth, making them a more comfortable fit for shorter people. Office chairs, on the other hand, are often designed with a deeper seat and back depth, which makes them more comfortable for taller people.
Seat and Back Material: The material used in the seat and back of chairs also plays a role in determining their ergonomics. Computer chairs are often designed with a softer, breathable material, making them more comfortable for people who spend a lot of time sitting. Office chairs are often designed with more supportive and sturdy material, making them more suitable for people who spend a lot of time sitting

Comfort Levels of Computer Chair and Office Chair

While computer chairs and office chairs both provide comfort, there are a few key differences between the two that are extremely important to keep in mind:

Comfort Levels of Computer Chair and Office Chair
Seat Size: The seat size of chairs can have an impact on comfort. For shorter individuals, computer chairs often have a smaller seat size. Office chairs, on the other hand, are often designed with a larger seat size, providing a more comfortable seating experience for taller individuals.
Seat Material: Computer chairs are often designed with a softer, more breathable material that can provide a more comfortable sitting experience. Office chairs are often designed with a more sturdy and supportive material that can provide more support for your back.
Lumbar Support: Computer chairs are often designed with lower lumbar support than office chairs. As a result, they are more suitable for shorter people. For taller individuals, office chairs usually have higher lumbar support.
Chair Design: For shorter people, computer chairs are a great fit due to their narrower and lighter frame. For those who are taller, office chairs are often designed with a wider and sturdier frame

Cost of Computer Chair and Office Chair

Cost of Computer Chair and Office Chair

The cost of computer chairs vs office chairs is something to keep in mind when making your decision.

It’s crucial to consider the long-term cost of both chairs, as they have different lifecycles. Office chairs often have a higher initial cost, making them less cost-effective in the long run.

Computer chairs, on the other hand, are often less expensive and easier on the budget in the long run.

Office chairs, are often more expensive, but they are designed to last longer.

The durability of the Computer Chair and Office Chair

When it comes to the durability of computers and office chairs, it depends on the type of chair you are looking at.

The durability of the Computer Chair and Office Chair

For instance, if you are looking at a gaming chair, you can expect it to be made from slightly higher quality materials and have a longer lifespan than a basic office chair.

Gaming chairs often come with features like adjustable height, reclining backrests, lumbar support, and more.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a standard office chair, it will typically be constructed from more conventional materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and vinyl.

The lifespan of these chairs will depend on the quality of materials used and the frequency of use.

For example, if you are using the chair every day for eight hours or more, it will likely need to be replaced sooner than if you are only using it occasionally.

When it comes to durability, the most effective way to ensure that your computer or office chair will last is to invest in a higher-quality piece.

Look for chairs with a solid frame and good padding to provide maximum comfort and support. Also, make sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty so you know how long you can expect your chair to last.

Which Chair Is Best?

When it comes to choosing the best chair for your specific needs, both computer chairs and office chairs can be great options. It all depends on what you’re looking for and the type of environment you’ll be in.

Computer chairs tend to be designed with ergonomics in mind, meaning they are designed to provide comfort while you are sitting in front of a computer.

Computer chairs often have adjustable features such as adjustable armrests, lumbar support, and adjustable seat depth. They also typically have a mesh back that provides breathability and comfort.

Office chairs, on the other hand, are often designed with comfort and style in mind.

They usually have upholstered seats and back cushions for added comfort and can come in a variety of materials such as leather, fabric, or vinyl. They also typically have adjustable features such as adjustable height, tilt, and armrests.

So which chair is best for you? It depends on your specific needs and the environment you’ll be in. If you’re often sitting at a computer for extended periods, then a computer chair may be a better option for you as it is designed specifically for this purpose.

However, if you’re simply looking for a comfortable and stylish chair for your office space, then an office chair may be a better option.

FAQS

Why office chairs are better than computer chairs?

Office chairs are designed to provide better ergonomic support for long-term sitting sessions, with higher backs, adjustable mechanisms, lumbar cushions, and a more comfortable seating position than gaming chairs. Office chairs also feature more features than gaming chairs, such as adjustable depth, seat height, tilt tension and locking, adjustable armrests, and built-in lumbar support that can be slid up and down. Additionally, office chairs typically include a headrest, which gaming chairs lack, making them better suited for productivity.

What is the difference between an office chair and a computer chair?

Office chairs typically have a hydraulic-based height adjustment, a tilt mechanism, and a padded seat, with not much more. Computer chairs, on the other hand, have adjustable height, adjustable armrests, adjustable lumbar support, swivel and tilt functions, a mid-height or full-height back, and can sometimes have a separate head and neck rest. Visually, office chairs tend to be simpler and cleaner in design, while computer chairs place more of an emphasis on style and comfort, with mesh backs and flat seat cushions.

Ron Mason
I, Ron Mason, am a retired forestry professional. My previous profession was that of an environmental educator, specifically as a Forester, with the USDA Forest Service. Additionally, I have worked as a contract forester in the private sector. With a strong background in science and engineering, my expertise lies in timber stand management, forest ecology, and wildlife biology. I am a dedicated woodworker and take pleasure in crafting furniture, tables, cabinets and other wooden items as a hobby.