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With the shift to remote and hybrid work, getting an office chair that offers back support is more important than ever. Sitting comfortably for hours means you will be more productive during the day, and diminishing back pressure and pain will also help reduce strain on your body over time. So, if you haven’t upgraded yet, it’s time to ditch the dining chair or stool and invest in your home office setup. Technology advancements have made ergonomically correct office chairs easy to find and less expensive. Ergonomically correct chairs follow the natural curve of the spine and offer adjustable settings that properly align your body while working. The best office chairs for back support are designed for dynamic movement, allowing you to move freely while sitting and reducing pressure and pain on your back for more enjoyable workdays.
- Best overall: SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair
- Best eco-friendly: Steelcase Karman Chair
- Best low-profile: HON Office Chair Ignition 2.0
- Best for gamers: Razer Iskur XL Gaming Chair
- Best with footrest: Hbada E3 Ergonomic Office Chair
- Best budget: Devoko Office Desk Chair
How we chose the best office chairs for back support
As a remote worker who experiences chronic back/neck tension, I can attest firsthand to how crucial it is to create a functional, comfortable work-at-home office. And at the heart of that is a proper office chair. To find the best office chairs for back support recommendations for this article, I initially researched educational and medical sources to understand the best practices for ergonomically correct seating. After understanding the features that make for an ergonomically correct office chair, I compared over 40 chairs from 30 brands before making recommendations. I considered cost, materials, adjustability, ergonomic construction, and customer reviews.
The best office chairs for back support: Reviews & Recommendations
Customers with neck and shoulder pain may want to consider ergonomic office chairs with adjustable headrests, which are useful for reclined breaks to reduce neck tension. If you aren’t concerned about neck pain but still wish to support your spine properly, you can get a lower-profile ergonomic office chair that minimally supports your shoulder blades and back. Our selections include chairs with and without a headrest and many other desirable features. (Oh, and while you’re at it, consider a chair mat to make wheeling around easier on you and your floor.)
Best overall: SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair
Best overall
SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair
Specs
- Weight capacity: 330 pounds
- Height: 42.91 to 51.18 inches
- Seat width: 20.87 inches
- Seat depth: 17.72 inches
- Seat height: 16.93 to 20.87 inches
Pros
- Affordable list price and extra coupon savings promotion on black and orange colorways
- Simple, streamlined modern design would be aesthetically pleasing in your home office
- Available in three colorways: black, gray, and orange
- Adjustable lumbar support, headrest, height, and tilt
Cons
- Manual controls to adjust settings
The SIHOO M18 Classic Office Chair is our choice for best overall office chair for back support because it provides adjustable ergonomic features, a simple stylish design, and an affordable price. The chair price varies depending on your color preference; the least expensive colorway is black, and the most expensive is gray. SIHOO chairs retail between $179 and $269.99, including current promotions.
You can work dynamically with the chair’s easy-to-use turning, tilting, rolling, and reclining functions. The SIHOO M18 offers many adjustments to suit your body size and preferences. You can adjust the headrest up and down 3.9 inches, lumbar support in two directions, armrests in two directions, seat height, and recline tension.
The chair is comfortable in warmer environments since it’s upholstered with a polyester mesh material, which promotes airflow (and keeps you cool). The fabric is also durable and resistant to UV rays. You’ll be able to take breaks while working to release back pain; in fact, you can recline up to 126 degrees. Considering the price and features as well as the stylish look, we chose SIHOO M18 as the best overall office chair for back support.
Best eco-friendly: Steelcase Karman Chair
Best eco-friendly
Steelcase Karman Chair
Specs
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
- Height: 39.125 to 43.5 inches
- Seat width: 20 inches
- Seat depth: 16.3 inches
- Seat height: 15.875″ to 20.375
Pros
- Made from sustainable materials
- Sleek design
- Lightweight
- Comfort adjustment dial added
Cons
- Lumbar support is a separate purchase
- Supports less weight capacity than other ergonomic chairs
Steelcase’s Karman Chair is inspired by the weightlessness of the Kármán Line, where the Earth’s atmosphere meets space. The chair is designed with sustainability in mind and is made from 25 percent recycled and 75 percent recyclable material. Steelcase uses a proprietary mesh material in this offering, combining yarn and filaments to create a weave that responds to your body and ensures you’re consistently comfortable. At 29 pounds, this chair is lighter than many options on the market but still features the same weight capacity as many similar chairs. Functionality was not ceded in the name of sleekness of sustainability.
The Karman features a mechanism that automatically senses your weight to provide the right amount of support for your back when you recline. It also boasts a new comfort dial that adjusts the chair’s tension by up to 20 percent, so you can customize it to your preference. You can also customize the chair when placing your order, choosing between height adjustability, 4-way adjustable arms, or an armless model. These options don’t impact how eco-friendly the chair is, but allow you to make choices based on personal preference and comfort. You can also purchase a cushion for additional lumbar support for an extra $57. Design enthusiasts will also appreciate the ability to choose between 13 colorways and several frame finishes.
Best low-profile: HON Office Chair Ignition 2.0
Best low-profile
HON Office Chair Ignition 2.0
Specs
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Height: 44.5 inches
- Seat width: 20 inches
- Seat depth: 19 inches
- Seat height: 16.25 to 19.25 inches
Pros
- Dynamic sitting with synchro-tilt mechanism and tension control
- Seat back constructed with breathable stretch mesh
- Adjustable lumbar support, arms, height and tilt
Cons
- Manual controls to adjust settings
- Some customers found the assembly instructions confusing
The HON Ignition 2.0 is our choice for best low-profile office chair or best office chair for back support without a headrest. For a reasonable price, HON delivers an impressive amount of adjustments, which help this chair conform to your specific height and comfort preferences. For example, you can adjust the lumbar support, chair height and armrest height, and width. The chair tilts, and if preferred, the tilt function can be locked into place. The Ignition 2.0 also has a sturdy star base and a 360-degree swivel. The backrest material is a stretchy, breathable mesh, which is both comfortable and cooling. The chair is also highly rated by users, making it a good, sturdy, classic choice for your home office.
Best for gamers: Razer Iskur XL Gaming Chair
Best for gamers
Razer Iskur XL Gaming Chair
Specs
- Weight capacity: 400 pounds
- Height: 57.1 inches
- Seat width: 22.83 inches
- Seat depth: 19.88 inches
- Seat height: 18.11 to 22.83 inches
Pros
- Great choice for larger and taller users
- Plush high-density foam cushions provide hours of comfort
- 4D armrests allow users to adjust height, angle, and forward or backward preference
Cons
- Heavy at 74 pounds
- Separate soft tread castors should be purchased for use on hard flooring
The Razer Iskur XL chair is our choice for best for gamers because it can be used both as an ergonomically correct office chair and as a PC gaming chair. Ergonomic features include a fully adjustable lumbar curve, 4D armrests, and contoured high-density foam cushions for back support and comfort. The Razer Iskur is available in average and XL sizes, making it a solid choice for larger frames. The chair is constructed with a steel-reinforced frame for durable support. The biggest difference between this chair and other ergonomic office chairs is the extra padding and thicker back cushion. The thicker cushions are designed to support long hours of gaming but could also work for long hours of computer work in the office. This chair is styled to coordinate with the Razer line of gaming computers and equipment, so if you like the gamer tech look, this chair is a good option to consider for both office and gaming.
Looking for something far more affordable? Check out our guide to the best gaming chairs under $100.
Best with footrest: Hbada E3 Ergonomic Office Chair
Best with footrest
Hbada E3 Ergonomic Office Chair
Specs
- Weight capacity: 330 pounds
- Height: 45.2 inches
- Seat width: 19.6 inches
- Seat depth: 19.5 inches
- Seat height: 20 inches
Pros
- Ergonomic 3-zone lumbar support
- Breathable mesh fabric supports temperature regulation
- Adjustable headrest, seat depth and back support
- Allows 125-degree tilt with footrest and headrest for reclining
Cons
- Manual controls to adjust settings
- Some customers found the mesh seating too firm with break-in time needed
The Hbada E3 Ergonomic Chair is our choice for best for reclining with footrest because it offers easy adjustability, supportive upright seating, and a comfortable place to place your feet. The Hbada E3 chair is made from a lightweight, breathable, flexible mesh fabric, which isn’t bulky (despite the added headrest and footrest).
Building in rest is a smart solution for reducing fatigue and back pain from long days of working at the computer. Rather than moving to a different seat, this chair helps productivity by allowing the user to take rest breaks without relocating. Hbada offers two E3 models, Supreme and Upgraded. The Supreme offers 3D armrests that allow users to raise and lower and go forwards, backward, and sideways. The Upgraded armrests can only be adjusted by height. The price difference is $50.
Best budget: Devoko Office Desk Chair
Best budget
Devoko Office Desk Chair
Specs
- Weight capacity: 280 pounds
- Height: 41.9 inches
- Seat width: 20.5 inches
- Seat depth: 19.25 inches
- Seat height: 16 to 19.8 inches
Pros
- Curved mesh chair back for ergonomic back support
- Flip up arms for easy storage or multi-functional use
- Rocking backrest with five-star mute rolling wheels for easy mobility
Cons
- No adjustability for lumbar support, armrests, or seat depth
- Some customers found the assembly instructions confusing
The Devoko Office Desk Chair is our choice for the best budget back-supporting office chair because, for less than $70, you will get a comfortable, supportive chair. The Devoko chair will allow you to roll, pivot, and lean back. You can’t adjust the settings, but for most average-sized people, this chair will be comfortable for computer work. The design brings an ergonomic back that supports the natural curve of the spine and breathable mesh fabric, which makes the chair comfortable to sit in. When you are looking for a simple, affordable ergonomic desk chair, this is a good budget option. And it’s available in three colors: black, blue, and gray. Looking for additional options? Check out our guide to the best office chairs under $200.
What to consider when choosing the best office chair for back support
With the shift to working at home, investing in products that let you work comfortably is important. Make sure the office chair you select is best for your office setup and is sized to fit your body. You can easily find an ergonomic office chair within your budget. Comfortable options can be found between $100 and $500, while high-end models retail for well over $1,000. Premium models use more expensive materials and construction, making the chair likely to last longer. Before choosing your office chair, consider these key features:
Lumbar support
Adding lumbar support is one of the most important features of ergonomic office chairs. Ergonomic chairs are designed with a curved seat back to account for the natural curve of the spine. Many chairs offer adjustable lumbar support, which users can shift up or down for comfort, while others offer extra lumbar cushions. If the lumbar support is fixed, be sure the chair is comfortable with your back pressed against it.
Adjustability
The best ergonomic office chairs consider the shape of the spine and the best alignment for the legs, arms, and back. They provide optimal support for long days in the chair but don’t always account for the variance of body height, shape, and weight. Look for models that easily adjust the height, armrests, seat, and lumbar support, which makes them a better fit for that adjustable ergonomic desk when you change its height, etc.
Materials
The best materials will provide both cushion and breathability. High-quality foam seat cushioning will provide hours of comfort. Mesh fabrics are a good choice for comfort as they allow for airflow. Plastics and PVC upholstery, while durable, can make the chair overly warm and uncomfortable in warmer office settings. And low-density foam cushions will not hold up to years of use.
Size
Some ergonomic office chairs provide a high seat back and include a headrest, while others are designed with a lower profile. Make sure your seat is minimally high enough to hit your shoulder blades—this will ensure sufficient support for both the upper and lower back. The seat pan should be at least one inch wider than your hips and thighs. You should have at least a half-inch gap between the front edge of the seat pan and the back of your knees. The best office chairs for back support have a soft contoured seat pan with a waterfall front (one that curves down) to prevent the seat from compressing leg circulation.
Dynamic movement
Even when you’re working at your desk, you’re moving. The best ergonomic office chairs are built with the ability to shift around. Your chair should have at least a five-star base with castors that glide easily, and your chair’s backrest should recline and support your back in different positions. Dynamic sitting is better for the health of the spine. Want to try something completely different? There are always kneeling chairs that relieve pressure and help strengthen your core (which contributes to less back pain, but consult a doctor first if you have concerns).
FAQs
The best office chair for back pain is an ergonomic office chair designed with adjustable height, swivel, and lumbar support. Look for features like a curved back, which supports the lower back, adjustable armrests, a comfortable seat cushion, breathable fabrics, and a backrest that supports your back at least to shoulder-blade level.
The best office chair for sitting for long hours is an ergonomic office chair that supports dynamic movement. Since dynamic sitting helps maintain a healthy spine, look for chairs that allow you to recline in different postures while maintaining back support, a swivel for easy movement and rotation, and an adjustable-tilt seat pan that helps maintain a balanced seated posture.
Chiropractors recommend an ergonomically correct office chair to support your posture and balance your spine. Ergonomic office chairs should ideally offer customizable settings, such as adjustable height and armrests, since everyone’s body is different. Chiropractors advise using an office chair that allows your feet to be flat on the floor, your hips and knees at 90 degrees, a swivel base for easy movement, and lumbar support.
Final thoughts on the best office chairs for back support
- Best overall: SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair
- Best eco-friendly: Steelcase Karman Chair
- Best low-profile: HON Office Chair Ignition 2.0
- Best for gamers: Razer Iskur XL Gaming Chair
- Best for reclining with footrest: Hbada E3 Ergonomic Office Chair
- Best budget: Devoko Office Desk Chair
If you work from home, chances are you spend at least seven hours per day in your office chair. That amount of sitting can damage your spine. But the best office chairs for back support come with cushioning, adjustable headrests, lumbar support, and other features that can help the workday take less of a toll on your body and look great in your office as well.
