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If your back and shoulders ache the moment you take a break from productivity, schoolwork, or gaming, it’s time to upgrade to the best office chair for you. A premium office chair is an important investment for anyone who sits for hours on end. Knowing the essential features to consider when shopping for a new office chair helps you avoid bringing home an uncomfortable burden instead of an ergonomic blessing. The good news is there are plenty of options for those who value comfort, adjustability, and a sense of style. After comprehensive research, testing, and in-depth comparisons between many models, I’ve put together a list of the best office chairs of the year for ergonomic support, home offices, budget-conscious buyers, and everything in between.
How to choose the best chair for you
Comfort
Finding a reliably comfortable office chair is easily the most important factor to keep in mind. Some key ways to identify a cozy chair include an ergonomic design that properly aligns your spine while supporting your entire body, adjustable components (armrests, recline, height, etc.) that allow you to find the perfect configuration, a cushioned seat and armrests for additional support, and the optimum seat height that lets you sit with your feet on the floor and your legs at a comfortable 90-degree angle.
It's worth paying extra for an office chair that promotes good posture, healthy blood circulation, and minimizes strain on your neck and back so you’ll feel refreshed when you stand up again.
Features
Furniture brands incorporate more worthwhile bonus features into their best office chairs than you may realize, and if you need a premium model for working or gaming for many hours at a time, it’s worth seeking out one or more of these perks. The extra features that I believe have the most value include adjustable lumbar support, a steep reclining feature so you can easily kick back when work is done, a headrest, and casters that smoothly glide across hard floors.
Durability
Unless you’re buying a dirt-cheap chair, it’s a good idea to invest in an office chair that is designed to last. A metal frame, a high weight limit, and rugged materials such as leather or reinforced fabrics are all ways to identify an especially sturdy chair.
Style
If you’re going to keep a new piece of furniture in your space for years at a time, do yourself a favor and look for an office chair that matches your personal aesthetics. Whether you prefer simple neutral tones, wild neon colors, or special editions modeled after fan-favorite pop culture icons, there is surely an office chair that will catch your eye.
Budget
Budget for the best ergonomic office chair you can afford. Similar to how purchasing a quality bed provides a more restful night’s sleep and a more productive day than a cheap mattress, spending more on a superior office chair is worth it for the lumbar support, contoured seat, and overall comfort you will feel. Even if you’re on a budget, essential features to look for when comparing office chairs include a body-supporting ergonomic design and adjustable components to suit your needs and style.
Most comfortable office chair: Haworth Fern Ergonomic Office Chair
Haworth Fern Ergonomic Office Chair – Stylish and Innovative Desk Chair with Digital Knit Finish - with Lumbar Support (Lagoon)
With its innovative trio of layers for cradling and supporting your entire spine from your neck to your pelvis, and how comfortably it swivels, pivots, and moves to match the natural curvature of your back, it’s easy to see how this especially comfortable model is a critically acclaimed office chair. Working all day in a chair that continuously supports your body in whatever position feels most comfortable for you in the moment will make it difficult to appreciate a traditional office chair afterward, but if you’re in the market for maximum comfort, the flexible, highly adjustable, and especially durable Haworth Fern is hands-down your best option.
Specifications:
- Colors: Charcoal, Deep Sea, Ember, Heathered Gray, Lagoon
- Material: Polyester
- Seat width: 19.9 inches
- Seat height: 16.5 - 21.5 inches
- Weight limit (max load): 325 pounds
- Warranty: 12 years
- Adjustability: Adjustable lumbar curve, seat tilt and height, adjustable armrests
- Price on publish: $1,395 - $1,755 depending on color
What we like:
- Uniform support from your neck to the base of your spine
- Many adjustable components for your personal comfort level
- Greenguard Gold Certified to be free of over 10,000 different chemicals
- Business + Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association (BIFMA) certified
- Greenguard Gold Certified for low VOC emissions
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
For maximum comfort, the flexible, highly adjustable, and especially durable Haworth Fern is hands-down your best option.
Get it here: Haworth Fern Ergonomic Office Chair
Best ergonomic office chair: HermanMiller Cosm Chair
Herman Miller Cosm Chair
The first-class ergonomic design of the HermanMiller Cosm Chair and its customizable options is worth the high price of entry. While its trio of sizes and arm styles, and host of charming colors may grab your attention, the Cosm’s signature combo of full body support and a reliably cozy feeling of weightlessness makes this a must-have for those suffering from a sore back, neck, or shoulders. Other noteworthy design choices include its breathable backrest, automatic tilt feature that matches your current posture for additional comfort, and how simple it is to adjust the Cosm’s seat and arms.
Specifications:
- Colors: 12 including Canyon, Graphite, and Glacier
- Material: Mesh
- Seat width: 20 inches
- Seat height: 14.87- 21 inches
- Weight limit (max load): 350 pounds
- Warranty: 12 years
- Adjustability: Seat height, option of purchasing height-adjustable arms
- Price on publish: $1,255 - $1,940 depending on configuration
What we like:
- Full-body ergonomic support
- Automatic tilt for comfort in every position
- Highly customizable in numerous styles and components
What we don’t like:
- Expensive, yet high quality
The bottom line:
If you’re searching for a chair to support your unique body type, the first-class ergonomic design of the HermanMiller Cosm Chair and its host of customizable options is worth the high price.
Get it here: HermanMiller Cosm Chair
For more option visit: The Best Ergonomic Office Chairs for a More Comfortable Work Day
Best office chairs for long hours: Union & Scale Workplace2.0 500 Series Fabric Task Chair
Union & Scale™ Workplace2.0™ 500 Series Fabric Task Chair, Black (51972)
The average office chair isn't suited to accommodate someone who spends eight to ten hours a day at their desk, but the Workplace2.0 500 Series was made for comfortably seating dedicated office taskmasters. This rugged model sports a wide seat, a sturdy backrest with adjustable lumbar support, and an extra-plush seat designed to keep you comfortable throughout marathon work sessions. In addition, the Workplace2.0’s extremely sturdy components and lifetime warranty make this an especially appealing pick for someone who would appreciate a dependable “forever chair” for their home office.
Specifications:
- Colors: Iron ore, Black (separate listing)
- Material: Mesh, fabric
- Seat width: 20.1 inches
- Seat height: 17.8 - 22.8 inches
- Weight limit (max load): 300 pounds
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Adjustability: Lumbar support, arm height
- Price on publish: $415.99 - $495.99 depending on frame color
What we like:
- Optimized for seated comfort for 8+ hours at a time
- Dependably cozy
- Rugged design with impressive warranty
- Meets or exceeds BIFMA standards
What we don’t like:
- Limited selection of colors
The bottom line:
The Workplace 2.0’s sturdy components and lifetime warranty make this an especially appealing pick for someone who appreciates a dependable home office chair.
Get it here: Union & Scale Workplace2.0 500 Series Fabric Task Chair
Best office chair for back pain: Herman Miller Embody Gaming Chair
Embody Gaming Chair
Typing away at your desk can put your back through the wringer if you’re not sitting in a quality office chair that’s ergonomically designed. It’s no surprise that Herman Miller’s premium chairs are well-suited for comfortably supporting your back, neck, and shoulders. Whether you’re filing your taxes or playing Xbox for a few hours, the Embody Gaming Chair is your best bet for preventing back pain. Its reinforced foam backing and seat support a healthy posture while wicking away excess body heat. It offers a conveniently placed dial that adjusts the chair’s curvature to match your spine, and a design that uniformly distributes pressure across its surface to promote circulation.
Specifications:
- Colors: Amethyst, Black, Cyan, Galaxy
- Material: Polyester
- Seat width: N/A
- Seat height: 16 - 20.5 inches
- Weight limit (max load): 300
- Warranty: 12 years
- Adjustability: Adjustable armrests, automatic backrest adjustment, seat depth and height
- Price on publish: $1,845
What we like:
- Premium pressure-relieving backrest and seat
- Adjustable spinal support
- Back and seat are well-cushioned, comfortable, and contain copper-infused cooling foam
What we don’t like:
- Especially expensive
The bottom line:
Well-cushioned and comfortable, Herman Miller’s premium design comfortably supports your back, neck, and shoulders.
Get it here: Herman Miller Embody Gaming Chair
for more options visit: Best Office Chairs for Back Pain
Best budget office chair: X-Chair X-Basic DVL Task Chair
X-Chair X-Basic DVL Task Chair
Those looking for an affordable, yet customizable office chair will appreciate the low base price and upgrade options offered by X-Basic. While the core package is a solid choice due to its spine-bracing lumbar support and cool breezy mesh backing, some of the perks include a cozy heating system, integrated cooling fans, and multiple massage modes. Whether you need a headrest that pivots with your neck movements, a powerful massage, locking wheels, or the bare minimum to save on your investment, this is the best choice for a quality, minimalist office chair. Shopping tip: For a deeper dive into all the features, check out our X-Chair review.
Specifications:
- Colors: Black
- Material: Flex mesh
- Seat width: 19.5 inches
- Seat height: 17.5 - 22 inches
- Weight limit (max load): 275 pounds
- Warranty: 5 years (but 15 years for the frame)
- Adjustability: Auto-adjusting lumbar support, height, armrest height
- Price on publish: Starts at $499
What we like:
- Breathable backrest and plush seat
- Plenty of customization options
- Fairly priced
What we don’t like:
- Only available in black
The bottom line:
If you’re looking for an affordable, yet fully customizable office chair, you’ll appreciate the low core price and upgrade options of this one.
Get it here: X-Chair X-Basic DVL Task Chair
Best office chair for gaming: Razer Iskur
Razer Iskur Gaming Chair with Built-in Ergonomic Lumbar Support System - Multi-Layered Synthetic Leather - High Density Foam Cushions - Green
Razer knows exactly what dedicated PC gamers want, and the rugged Iskur delivers with its fully-adjustable lumbar support, plush and rugged reinforced fabric, and ultra-soft foam cushions. Razer’s signature black and green color palette may not suit everyone’s tastes, but the Iskur is the best office chair for staying cozy while blasting zombies from the comfort of your gaming room.
Specifications:
- Colors: Black/Green, Black
- Material: Multi-layered synthetic leather
- Seat width: 15.6 inches
- Seat height: 17.9 - 21.9 inches
- Weight limit (max load): 299 pounds
- Warranty: 3 years
- Adjustability: Steep recline, highly adjustable 4D armrests, lumbar curve, adjustable headrest
- Price on publish: $599
What we like:
- Automatic adjustable lumbar support
- Plush seat
- Removable memory foam head cushion
- Surprisingly durable synthetic leather
- 14-day risk-free trial
What we don’t like:
- If you’re a tall or heavy gamer, opt for the wider Iskur XL edition.
The bottom line:
Anyone seeking a plush surface, top-level durability, and a design made for all-day gaming needs to check out the Razer Iskur.
Get it here: Razer Iskur
Most customizable office chair: Secretlab TITAN Evo
Secretlab TITAN Evo
Gamers of all fandoms and body types will enjoy picking out one of the many attractive TITAN Evo variants as their ultimate office chair. Secretlab’s best office chairs are relatively affordable, and are available in Small, Regular, and Extra-Large, making the TITAN Evo a must-have model for taller and shorter body types. The variety of cool pop culture designs based on fan favorites like Overwatch, Attack on Titan, and The Joker will catch your eye, but people who adopt a TITAN Evo will enjoy this office chair’s wide reclining angle, lumbar support that automatically adjusts to the user’s spine movements, and a notably sturdy aluminum base.
Specifications:
- Colors: Dozens of designs and color schemes to choose from
- Material: Leatherette or fabric
- Seat width: 18.5 inches
- Seat height: 17.7 - 20.5 inches
- Weight limit (max load: 220 pounds (Regular)
- Warranty: 3 years (extendable to 5 years)
- Adjustability: 4-way lumbar support, highly adjustable 4D armrests, steep 165° recline angle
- Price on publish: $549 and up
What we like:
- Premium back and lumbar support
- Durable and made to last
- Optional armrest add-ons like memory foam
- Available in a range of cool pop culture themes
- United States Ergonomics Certified
What we don’t like:
- The magnetically attached head pillow could use a stronger magnet
The bottom line:
This durable chair comes in a range of cool pop culture themes and provides 4-way lumbar support.
Get it here: Secretlab TITAN Evo
Best chair for home office: Nouhaus Rewind Ergonomic Office Chair
Nouhaus Rewind Ergonomic Office Chair
This is the best pick for anyone who spends a substantial amount of time in their home office, but especially for those who would value the ability to kick back and rest in their ergonomically designed recliner whenever they have a little down time. While the Rewind’s key feature is its retractable footrest and steep reclining feature, this innovative office chair also provides dynamic lumbar support, premium wheels, and a handy coat rack hook.
Specifications:
- Colors: Black
- Material: Nylon mesh
- Seat width: 19.7 inches
- Seat height: 24.4 - 27.56 inches
- Weight limit (max load): 275 pounds
- Warranty: 3 years
- Adjustability: Deep recline, retractable footrest, adjustable headrest, highly adjustable 3D armrests, tilt tension, tilt lock
- Price on publish: $360
What we like:
- Retractable footrest
- Wide reclining angle
- Cozy ergonomic lumbar support and headrest
What we don’t like:
- Its firmer seat isn’t for everyone
The bottom line:
This cozy, ergonomic chair works well for anyone who spends a lot of time in their home office.
Get it here: Nouhaus Rewind Ergonomic Office Chair
Best ergonomic stool: Humanscale Ballo
Humanscale Ballo
Portable and surprisingly comfortable, this stool’s unusual design promotes healthy posture and allows the body to move more freely than the average office seat. Inflating your office chair with a hand pump may seem strange at first, but tossing the 13.5-pound Ballol in the closet whenever you need more room is a plus for anyone working in a small space.
Specifications:
- Colors: Green, Red, Black, Sky Blue, Gray
- Material: Rubber
- Seat width: 17.8 inches
- Seat height: 24.5 inches
- Weight limit (max load): 300 pounds
- Warranty: 3 years
- Adjustability: None, but includes air pump if the stool needs to be reinflated
- Price on publish: $519
What we like:
- Lightweight at only 13.5 pounds
- Adjustable firmness level for the right amount of cushion
- Perfect for comfortably leaning, bouncing, and swaying
- Sustainable, Net Positive product
- BIFMA certified
What we don’t like:
- Best reserved for light to moderate office work
The bottom line:
If you’re looking for a modern office stool for short-term sitting, this is an unconventional option that stands apart from the competition.
Get it here: Humanscale Ballo
Best office chair with a headrest: Branch Ergonomic Chair
Branch Ergonomic Chair
Although you’ll need to spend an extra $49 for an excellent headrest, Branch’s Ergonomic Chair proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to upgrade the home office with a premium chair to comfortably support your neck, shoulders, and spine throughout the day. Available in seven attractive hues, this stylish model sports eight adjustment points, breezy nylon fabric, and is extremely easy to assemble. Its adjustable and posture-promoting headrest, soothing lumbar support, and breezy cooling backrest makes the Ergonomic Chair a steal at this low price point.
Specifications:
- Colors: Black, Sand, Light Blue, Pebble, Graphite, Poppy, Baltic
- Material: Nylon mesh
- Seat width: 20 inches
- Seat height: 17 - 21 inches
- Weight limit (max load): 275 pounds
- Warranty: 7 years
- Adjustability: Height, highly adjustable (and removable) arms, seat depth, tilt tension, removable lumbar rest
- Price on publish: $349
What we like:
- Cool breathable mesh back
- Highly adjustable
- Stylish modern design
- Meets BIFMA standards
- Greenguard Gold Certified for low VOC emissions
What we don’t like:
- The headrest is an additional $49, but worth the investment
The bottom line:
This chair’s adjustable and posture-promoting headrest, soothing lumbar support, and breezy cooling backrest makes it a steal at this low price point.
Get it here: Branch Ergonomic Chair
Most environmentally friendly office chair: Humanscale Smart Ocean
Humanscale Smart Ocean
There are plenty of ergonomic office chairs on the market, but only Humanscale’s Smart Ocean is made with nearly two pounds of repurposed netting and plastic waste pulled from the world’s oceans. The recycled netting works well as a breathable fabric and quality lumbar support, and its solid aluminum base provides the Smart Ocean with far more durability than the average plastic chair. Humanscale offers a rainbow of color options for the Smart Ocean’s back mesh and seat fabric, so buyers can easily customize a sustainable chair to match their home office.
Specifications:
- Colors: Multiple mesh and seat fabric colors to mix and match, including Azure, Balsam, Peacock, and Deep Violet
- Material: Mesh and fabric
- Seat width: 19.25 inches
- Seat depth: 16.25 – 18.75 inches
- Weight limit (max load): 300 pounds
- Warranty: 15 years
- Adjustability: Automatic lumbar support, arms adjust to match recline
- Price on publish: Starts at $1,401 with many customization options that alter its price
What we like:
- Massive variety of customization options
- Utilizes nearly two pounds of recycled ocean waste
- Especially comfortable ergonomic design
- Net Positive product
- BIFMA certified
What we don’t like:
- Especially pricey
The bottom line:
The recycled netting works well as a breathable fabric and quality lumbar support, and the solid aluminum base provides more durability than the average plastic chair.
Get it here: Humanscale Smart Ocean
How we chose the best office chairs of 2024
I examined a variety of mainstream and niche office furniture brands and their product catalogs, assembled and tested a number of chairs, and researched user reviews to identify the best office chairs available today. There were many critical factors I kept in mind while compiling this list, but these were my three most important considerations:
Ergonomics
An ergonomic design and overall comfort are easily the most significant aspects I looked for in an office chair. The greatest chairs will align your spine, cradle your neck and head, and keep you seated in a position that will leave you feeling loose and limber when you stand up- even after hours of deskwork.
I absolutely appreciate models featuring customizable components such as height-adjustable armrests, a steep reclining angle, and flexible lumbar support, as they come together to provide an all-around cozier sitting experience.
Value
Premium, especially durable components like a steel frame and reinforced fabric, and a comprehensive, long-lasting warranty give expensive office furniture additional value in the long run.
Design
Since buyers should expect to get five to ten or more years of use from their office chair, it is certainly worth going out of your way to find a model that is aesthetically pleasing and matches your preexisting décor. I certainly value brands that offer chairs in an array of colors, sizes, and textiles to choose from.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How can I find a durable office chair?
Although the average office chair will last anywhere from five to 15 years, there are a handful of considerations to look for to help you get the most out of your new chair.
Look for a chair with a longer warranty. Cheaper models tend to provide shorter warranties because they know their chairs weren’t designed with longevity in mind. An office chair sporting a warranty period of 10 years or longer indicates the manufacturer has faith in the durability of their products.
Check for sturdy components that are especially difficult to damage, such as a metal frame instead of plastic, and rugged fabrics with reinforced stitching.
Consider buying a chair with a particularly high weight limit, as these editions were designed with sturdiness in mind.
Note that you will further lengthen the lifespan of your office chair by handling it gently, routinely cleaning it, and maintaining its lubrication to keep wheels, swivel, and reclining features gliding smoothly.
What is an ergonomic office chair?
Ergonomic chairs are designed to be dependably comfortable, while providing the critical support your body needs as you sit for hours at a time. Not only do these chairs promote a healthy posture, the best ergonomic chairs leave you feeling refreshed and limber after a long day at the office.
Some features commonly incorporated into ergonomic office chairs include a flexible design, the ability to recline, adjustable armrests, a headrest, lumbar support, and both height and tilt adjustments. Although ergonomic models tend to be pricier than the average office chair, they are well-worth the investment for anyone who regularly sits for long periods of time and is sick of feeling sore and stiff when it’s time to get up.
What is the best fabric for my office chair?
That depends, as there are perks and negatives regarding the most common office chair fabrics. For instance, leather chairs are a breeze to clean and tend to be fairly durable. Mesh chairs are the most airy and cooling options available, and many prefer the coziness of a fabric-backed chair. On the other hand, leather and fabric models are better at retaining heat, and some prefer a well-padded chair over a thin, yet supportive mesh alternative.
The two most important things to keep in mind when choosing the best fabric option for your new office chair are your climate and how the chair may warm or cool you while you work, and your personal comfort preferences.
Is an expensive office chair worth it?
Absolutely! When it comes to office chairs, you generally get what you pay for, and pricier models tend to be far more durable, sport premium ergonomic designs, and are more adjustable and customizable. If you regularly work in the seated position for hours at a time, do your body a favor and invest in a quality office chair that properly supports your spine, neck, and posture.
What office chair size should you get for your height?
Unless you are an especially tall person, the average office chair should be well-suited for your height as long as its backrest supports your entire spine, and you know how to properly adjust its height to match your natural seating position. If you are still concerned about height-related comfort, look for an office chair with an integrated headrest or additional lumbar support.
For maximum comfort, adjust the seat’s height so that your feet are flat on the floor and your legs are bent at a 90-degree angle. Letting your feet dangle or putting pressure on your feet and legs while you sit is a recipe for feeling uncomfortable at best, and giving yourself unneeded muscle pain and poor blood flow to your legs and feet at worst.
Note that there are specialty office chairs that cater to tall people, and while they may be a little more expensive than the standard edition, they also tend to be markedly more durable.
How much do office chairs usually cost?
Although the average office chair retails anywhere between $200 and $400, you didn’t read this article to learn about mediocre models because you’re searching for the best office chairs available.
While the office chairs on this list start at around $500 and several are well over $1,000, these premium pieces of ergonomic furniture are meticulously designed to minimize or eliminate neck, back, and shoulder pain, will help you to more easily focus on your work because you are especially comfortable, and are far more durable than lesser chairs, making them an all-around superior investment for anyone who spends a large portion of their time seated.
Which office chair material is best?
The best office chair material is the one that best fits your personal preferences, but I’ll go over the pros and cons of the most common options:
Leather: Between its timeless style, soft feel, and overall durability, it’s easy to see why so many people opt for a leather office chair. On the other hand, leather chairs tend to be fairly pricey, and may not feel as comfortable in warmer climates.
Fabric: Available in a veritable rainbow of color options, fabric office chairs tend to be less expensive and tend to have a soft and plush feel. However, fabric chairs are also easier to stain, more difficult to clean, and the naturally porous material easily holds allergens such as dust and dander.
Mesh: These chairs sport a breezy, lightweight, and flexible design that usually provides excellent back support. Mesh office chairs are offered in both affordable and basic designs, as well as expensive high-end ergonomic models that support your entire body. While the best mesh chairs will easily endure for years to come, cheap options may sag or fall apart over time.
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