Task Chair vs. Office Chair: Is There Really a Difference?

Which chair is the right choice for employees in an office, a task chair or an office chair?  As you ask this question, you will see that an office chair or task chair are used interchangeably in today’s modern times.  In fact, for the layman, other terms could include a desk chair or a computer chair.

As people work on computers, the amount of time spent at a desk is on the rise. To be productive and efficient at work, irrespective of the chair's name, the chair must be comfortable to work from.  You do not want employees being ill or having health concerns as productivity falls due to work constraints like a mere chair.

The word task chair itself is becoming redundant as most people sit and work from offices. Here's a deep dive into the debate of a task chair vs office chair.

What is a Task Chair?

History considers that the first chair to be customized for office work was by Charles Darwin. He adapted a wooden chair by adding two wooden wheels on the chair’s legs.  As he worked, he wanted to access his area quicker. What an idea, isn’t it?

In the 1850s, studies began on how chairs could provide quicker access to work areas for an employee. This would ensure that they did not have to leave their desks or stretch over to access files and more. The nobility provided clerical staff with chairs that kept their backs upright to work longer hours and be alert for better productivity. The task chair traditionally had a lower backrest, also indicating working class or the blue-collar worker.  White-collared employees had a high back office chair, indicating more power control and authority.

In summary, task chairs are functional chairs designed to give comfort and convenience to a particular type of job being performed. 

What is an Office Chair?

Between task chair vs office chair, an office chair is a basic chair, with or without arms, that gives an employee space to sit and work at a desk. Mostly, they would have a lower backrest to accommodate smaller working spaces, unlike executive offices. Historically, perhaps lower backrests also signified a lower authority and power of control. Traditionally the office chairs were made of wood or other metal. If you’re interested in learning more about the anatomy of a chair, check out what is the back of a chair called for a detailed breakdown.

In the last few decades, the office chairs were equipped with more features ranging from fixed armrests, wheels to move around, and manual height adjustments (not hydraulic or powered) if not fixed.

In recent times, office chairs have undergone a complete change, with ergonomics incorporated to woo the end user. Here are some more details on the ten most comfortable office chairs.

Key Differences Between a Task Chair and an Office Chair

Most chairs are classified as office chairs, desk chairs, task chairs, and more, with the terms used interchangeably. Difference between office chair and task chair? Familiarize yourself with the key differences shared below.

1. Comfort by Ergonomics

What is an ergonomic chair? To reduce health concerns and make the workplace better, office chairs are now ergonomically designed.  An ergonomic office chair has a higher comfort level, including an adjustable backrest with adjustable lumbar support for users. Where featured, armrests, backrest, neck rests, and seat height for different users is enabled. Users have expressed a change in energy levels, leading to higher productivity and energy levels. It also increases the user’s mental and physical alertness.

For those with specific needs, like ADHD, there are specialized chairs available. You might want to explore options for an ADHD office chair that provide extra comfort and support. For those who like to sit with their legs up or in unique positions, exploring a posture office chair or an ADHD chair for sitting with legs up can provide the support you need.

2. Style and Design

Office chairs come in a wide spectrum of choices, from luxurious leather upholstery to breathable mesh designs. They blend function with form, offering sturdiness with metallic frames and polished wood accents to complement various office decors. Office chairs are lightweight, easy to move, and require minimal maintenance.

On the other hand, task chairs tend to have more basic features, often with simple foam and standard upholstery. They are typically designed for high durability due to frequent use by multiple people. If you prefer sitting cross-legged, you might want to consider a cross-legged office chair for added comfort. However, for those seeking comfort, especially in areas like the hips, an office chair for hip pain might be the right choice.

While both types of chairs usually swivel, office chairs often feature hydraulic height adjustments, whereas task chairs might have manual height adjustments or a fixed height.

Task chairs, on the other hand, have basic foam and normal upholstery.  They may have wheels for functionality. They usually are low-styled to enable a large feel of the work area in an office. Task chairs are also available in a thick mesh, less expensive, and offering higher durability due to higher use and varying users.

While both are swivel-based, an office chair has a hydraulic-based height adjustment.  A task chair would have a manual height adjustment or have a fixed height.

3. Pricing

Office chairs are usually priced at £300 and above for the finesse and functionality it provides. A task chair could cost half the price of an office chair (£150) or even lower in this competitive world. Don’t be surprised to see some office chairs being sold at the price of a task chair to woo you. You will need to use a chair to experience the comfort level before you select any. Consider the features of task chair vs office chair, make and comfort levels before you use your budgets. If you're wondering why office chairs can be expensive, check out why are office chairs so expensive for an in-depth explanation.

If you’re concerned about pricing, knowing how much a chair costs can give you a better understanding of what to expect and help you plan your budget accordingly.

Don’t miss the ergonomic computer workstation that could accompany an ergonomic chair.

Decision Time: Office vs. Task Chair – Which one is the Best?

In conclusion our verdict goes to the best office chair, the ErgoChair Ultra.   

Designed for the elite, the ErgoChair Ultra is a statement of style and elegance for executives in an office. It gives them mobility as they beat time to manage large empires and conglomerates, making decisions involving millions of dollars worldwide.

The ErgoChair Ultra chair has a sleek frameless design that gives easy access to areas around your desk. The strong lumbar supporting the entire back of the chair provides excellent and immediate relief in rarer moments of an executive’s hectic schedule.  You can easily lock the lumbar support into any one of the five positions for your convenience. You also get adjustable armrests, height, and seat tilt (forward/backward). 

The fine mesh material covering the seat offers high breathability, allowing your skin to breathe as you work long hours. The backrest has customized lumbar support as the seat recline can be locked in any of the five positions, giving you comfort. 

Made available in two elegant and subtle colors, it is designed to match the décor of executive offices.

ErgoChair Ultra

736 reviews

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Specs

Dimensions	28”L x 28”W x 40” - 44”H
Seat dimensions	19”L x 19”W
Seat height	17” - 21”
Back dimensions	20”W x 23”H
Tilt range	25°

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Matrix structure padding: Unique 62-spring matrix offers superior sit-bone support.	Setup might be challenging.
Adaptive backrest: Flexible ribs adjust to your movements.
Advanced lumbar support: Ensures proper spine alignment and mobility.
Breathable air mesh keeps you cool.
Lightweight 35.3 lbs, easy to move.
Available in multiple color combinations.

 

• 

  "Supportive chair with cool design This design reminds me of the famous Embody chair. The Ultra offers many of the same functions as the Embody at half the price. The backrest design and material adapt to your body's movements, providing greater comfort for long periods of sitting. Additionally, the suspension system in the seat makes it more supportive and bouncy compared to other foam seat chairs." - Jesse C.
• 

  "This chair is a perfect match for my recent setup, and it is incredibly comfortable for long hours of sitting." - Andrea C.
• 

  "Cool material with unique back support I feel pretty cool sitting in this chair thanks to its material. The back support has a unique design and excels in its function."

  - Lee L.

The Autonomous Ultra Chair V2 sets a new standard for ergonomic seating, with a range of features designed to promote comfort and support. This is a new and upgraded version of Ultra.

The 4-layer fusion seat is a highlight, providing a cool and breathable sitting experience that is perfect for extended periods of use. The chair's adaptive backrest and invisible lumbar support work together to provide seamless support and flexibility, while the ergonomic headrest encourages perfect posture alignment. The new aluminum base is a welcome upgrade, providing a sturdy foundation and increased weight capacity.

For those seeking a high-quality office chair that prioritizes ergonomics and comfort, the Autonomous Ultra Chair V2 is an excellent choice. Its innovative design and attention to detail make it an investment worth considering for anyone who spends long hours at their desk.

ErgoChair Ultra V2

10 reviews

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Specs

Dimensions (w/o headrest)	28”L x 28”W x 41” - 46”H
Dimensions (with headrest)	28”L x 28”W x 49” - 58”H
Seat dimensions	18”L x 18”W
Seat depth range	18” - 20.5”
Seat height	18” - 23”
Headrest	8" - 12"
Back dimensions	20”W x 23”H
Tilt range	25°
Armrest height	7” - 11”
Armrest height (from the floor)	23.5” - 27.7”
Caster wheel diameter	2.56 inches
Number of caster wheels	5 pieces
Materials	100% TPE and polyester fabric upholstery with ABS plastic frame, aluminium base
Colors	Onyx Black, Dover Gray
Weight capacity	320 lbs
Item weight	36.5 lbs
Shipping dimensions	28”L x 17”W x 31”H x 45 lbs

 

Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
4-layer fusion seat and adaptive backrest provide excellent support and comfort.	Premium price tag.
The mesh layer and high-density foam keep the user cool and comfortable during extended periods of use.	Assembly required.
Adjustable and customizable features, are easy to adjust and customize to individual preferences.	Limited color options.
The new aluminum base provides a sturdy foundation and increased weight capacity.
The chair's design encourages optimal posture alignment, reducing strain and discomfort.

 

The ErgoChair Pro (also known as the ErgoChair Pro) is a popular ergonomic office chair known for its high level of adjustability and comfort. It's designed to provide excellent support for the back, neck, and arms.

Key features of the ErgoChair Pro include:

• Extensive adjustability: Multiple points of adjustment to accommodate different body types and preferences.
• Lumbar support: Customizable lumbar support for optimal back comfort.
• Breathable mesh: Helps to keep the user cool and comfortable.
• Durable construction: Built to withstand long hours of use.

ErgoChair Pro

2790 reviews

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Specs

Dimensions	29”L x 29”W x 46” - 50”H
Seat dimensions	20”L x 20”W
Seat height	18” - 20”
Back dimensions (w/o headrest)	21”W x 22”H
Back dimensions (with headrest)	21”W x 28” - 31”H
Tilt range	22°
Armrest height	11” - 14”
Armrest height (from the floor)	26.7” - 32.2”
Caster wheel diameter	2.36 inches
Number of caster wheels	5 pieces
Materials	Polyester fabric with molded foam interior and durable nylon plastic frame; PU handrest pads.
Colors	Cool Gray, Evergreen, All Black Red Apple, Black & White, Baby Blue
Weight capacity	300 lbs
Item weight	48.5 lbs
Shipping dimensions	29”L x 27”W x 19”H x 67 lbs
Assembly required	Yes
Warranty	2 years
Free returns	30 days The trial and return policy does NOT apply to products on sale.
Adjustability	Headrest, armrest, back tilt angle and tension, seat tilt and height.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
9 adjustable points, including headrest, armrests, and seat height, ensure personalized comfort.	Assembly required: May be challenging for some users.
Synchro-tilt mechanism: Reclines at a 2-to-1 ratio for balanced lower back and leg support.	Weighs 48.5 lbs, making it harder to move.
Breathable mesh: Prevents overheating, keeping you cool and focused.
Flexible lumbar cushion: Adapts to your spine's curve, reducing pain and stiffness.
Available in multiple stylish colors.
Supports up to 300 lbs with a durable nylon plastic frame.

 

• 

  "Honestly, I’ve never sat on a more comfortable chair. After seeing this beauty, and getting to sit on it for a whole day, I realized just how much suffering my spine had to put up with my old chair. The ErgoChair Pro by Autonomous features various adjustments to support your back, neck, spine, and waist for maximum productivity during work hours." - David H.
• 

  "Love the design & features. I am in love with the minimal yet functional design of this Ergonomic Desk Chair." - Gemma
• 

  "Modern also comfortable. Has a unique modern look. Most importantly, it's super comfortable and has so many adjustable sitting position."

  - Kyle E.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between a task chair and an office chair ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and the nature of your work. Both types of chairs have their unique benefits, and understanding the differences can help you make a more informed decision. Whether you need something specialized, like a saddle chair for hip pain, or a general-purpose office chair, your choice can significantly impact your comfort and productivity.