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The first office chairs originated around the middle of the 19th century when workers began spending long hours sitting at desks, which required special features not found on other chairs at the time. Today, office chairs have become a staple of modern life in corporate settings and at home. Unfortunately, this is not a sustainable way to work for many people. Ergonomics has been an essential consideration in furniture since the 1970s, and modern-day office chairs are designed with safety and health in mind, which often results in increased productivity. If you’ve been aching for a comfortable chair, literally, it’s time to shop for a designated workstation. We’ve hand-selected some of the best office chairs to get you started.
- Best overall: Anthros
- Best breathability: Herman Miller Aeron Chair
- Best value ergonomic: Flexispot Premium Ergonomic Chair (C7)
- Best eco-friendly: Steelcase Karman Chair
- Best for big and tall: Steelcase Gesture
- Best for back pain: Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
- Best for long hours: Branch Ergonomic Chair
- Best upholstered: Art Leon Mid-Century Modern Accent Chair
- Best modern design: Laura Davidson SOHO Chair
- Best budget: BestOffice Home Office Chair
How we chose the best office chairs
When evaluating the best chairs for the office, the most obvious thing to remember is that there is no “one size fits all” approach, as anyone with a passing knowledge of the story Goldilocks and the Three Bears can probably tell you. One person’s lumbar support could be another person’s backache waiting to happen, so we assessed a wide variety of office desk chairs to meet a range of needs. All in all, we researched no less than five or six dozen chairs before deciding on the list that made the final cut.
Some of the features we homed in on for these computer chairs were basic comfort, ease of use, versatility, cost, easy assembly, style, and overall design. While some of the best chairs for office may come with all the bells and whistles, they may not always be the most cost-efficient or aesthetically pleasing options. However, those who are serious about their home office setup or who work long hours may want the very best executive office chair that fits their budget.
The best office chairs: Reviews & Recommendations
The best home office chairs today have features such as adjustable seats and heights, armrests, and back supports. These features help to prevent repetitive stress injuries, back pain, and other aches and discomforts associated with long periods of sitting, and our selections reflect those benefits.
Best overall: Anthros
Best overall
The posture-positive perch
Specs
- Materials: Various fabrics and leather alternatives, as well as real wood accent options
- Furniture base: Swivel or non-swivel options, with casters for carpet or wood
Pros
- Built with reliable science
- 12-year warranty
- Puts basic ergonomics to shame
- Fully adjustable
Cons
- Expensive
- No headrest
The Anthros chair is made for those who sit, which is a lot of people. Most people. At some point, all people. But this chair, in particular, was created for those who sit a lot and are looking to fix what we’ve been breaking all these years behind the dull gray of cubicle walls, made worse by the advent of smartphones: our posture. Whether hunching over a device or curling forward, staring into a monitor, our spines and musculature have taken a beating. Anthros chair might just be the solution to our everlasting pain.
Here’s the thing, though: The Anthros chair is expensive, which puts it in the class of chairs with other marquee brands we feature, like Herman Miller and Steelcase. However, when you break down the science and construction of this chair, it’s a worthy splurge and one that stands alone. It’s the first office chair FDA-registered as a product that can improve posture. And the team at Anthros is composed of designers, physical and occupational therapists, pain and posture specialists, inventors, and biomechanics experts. But how’s the butt-feel?
It’s great, and here’s a tidbit you might not have considered when purchasing an office chair: It has the lowest sheer rating (sliding off the chair, causing pain over time) of all its closest competitors and the highest pressure distribution/contact area rating. These ratings were achieved through vigorous scientific testing, with data to back it up. The science proves the butt-feel is fantastic.
A lot of times when we’re purchasing chairs, we stop at the butt pad. We don’t think enough about the back support, and we get tempted (and misled) with words like “lumbar” and “ergonomics.” The truth is that those things are gimmicks, and true ergonomics come from proper full-body alignment and pelvic support. This is much more important to your structural integrity than an added lumbar pillow that pushes your lower spine forward.
To offer the best level of support, Anthros is built with separate pelvic support and upper back support. This helps push your pelvic bone forward and keep your shoulders straight and not slouching. This design was cultivated over four years of testing and development and met along the way with resistance from manufacturing partners and the costs of building the chair within the United States.
“Every step of the way, we faced suggestions from our manufacturing partner that tempted us to take the easier route, the one well-trodden by existing office chair manufacturers,” Ambassador Community Director Ashley Williams, PT, DPT, ATP/SM, CASp, tells PopSci via email. “‘Why not use mesh?’ they’d suggest, or a synchro-tilt, or even a recline feature—options that seemed to be the industry standard. But our response was always guided by a deeper understanding of what truly benefits the human body during long periods of sitting.”
Fighting against common practices and focusing on the benefits to our backs and posture has resulted in a chair that certainly does what it sets out to do. After just a week of using the Anthros chair (shown in “Quartz/Ivory” colorway above), this reviewer can attest that while it initially seems to force good posture, it began to feel more natural than any other chair. Instead of curving into a gaming chair with an uncomfortable pillow in your back, it sets your hips straight and keeps your spine aligned.
Plus, it doesn’t stop there. With a tension tilt, adjustable (up, down, side to side) armrests, and depth positioning on the pelvic and upper back support, you will find your perfect sit in this chair. The fully adjustable nature means you’ll not even want to slouch, regardless of your shape or current posture state, because the support is there. There’s no reason to slouch.
Sure, there’s no headrest, but what do you need that for if the back support properly supports your neck? And if you already struggle with back pain, then you’ll want ultimate support. And that’s why we sit anyway.
“Research indicates a strong correlation between poor posture and a range of adverse health outcomes, including chronic pain, fatigue, injury, depression, impaired vision, digestive issues, poor circulation, dysfunctional breathing, and even a shortened lifespan,” continues Williams. “Remarkably, up to 80 percent of individuals will encounter at least one episode of back pain in their lifetime.”
With that in mind, it all boils down to Anthros’ claim that after years of experiments, collecting data, and existing research, the team found that it created three things with this chair: a back support that increases disc space and reduces disc pressure, dramatically improves posture, and provides the world’s most comfortable, lowest-pressure cushion. And none of that is marketing nonsense. There’s a reason the FDA took notice. My back can attest to the support, and my butt can attest to the cushion.
This is a human-centric chair, designed not just to be a thing you occupy while sitting but to fix your form while doing so. And the way it does that, with separate supports for your pelvis and back without relying on jutting lumbar supports or an exhaustingly loose tilt, is about as good as you’ll get in an office chair.
If you spend more time sitting than anything else and find yourself struggling to maintain posture, along with the aches and pains of failing to do so, the Anthros chair will definitely fix that.
The manufacturer provided a review unit. The Anthros chair starts at $1,849 (pre-customization), but PopSci readers can save more than $100 now using this link.
Best breathability: Herman Miller Aeron Chair
Best overall
A Modern Marvel
Why it made the cut: Since its introduction in 1994, this classic Herman Miller office chair has evolved and been updated to enhance the modern workplace experience.
Specs
- Materials: Recycled materials
- Furniture base: Swivel
- Weight: 41 pounds
Pros
- Adjustable recline for three postures
- Fully adjustable arms
- Comes in three different sizes
Cons
- Headrest not included and sold separately
For over 25 years, the Herman Miller Aeron Chair has been a gold standard for office furniture with its classic, ergonomic design. The latest version of the Aeron has been fully remastered with many premium design features to better support modern office workers with an adjustable range of motion for leaning forward or reclining back.
The tilt limiter function, for instance, allows you to set the recline range at one of three postures, while tension control lets you adjust the amount of effort needed to recline comfortably. In addition, the chair’s armrests adjust from a height of 6.8 to 10.8 inches above the seat, slide back and forth over a range of 2.5 inches, and pivot between 15 degrees outward and 17.5 degrees inward for a fully customizable fit. Yet, the chair is still available in three sizes to accommodate even people six feet or taller.
For lumbar support, two individual pads flex independently and adjust to fit the spine curve, though some customers feel that it could use even more support. Another minor gripe is that the headrest is sold separately even with the hefty price tag, which might be a dealbreaker for those who are already concerned about making the pricey investment. But it fits the bill if you’re on the hunt for black office chairs.
Best value ergonomic: Flexispot Exclusive Ergonomic Chair (C7)
Best ergonomic
Flexispot Premium Ergonomic Chair (C7)
Why it made the cut: This comfortable chair is designed for maximum adjustability and comes with self-adaptive back support and a headrest to support you throughout the day.
Specs
- Materials: PU soft plastic; aluminum alloy base
- Furniture base: Swivel
- Weight: 45.2 pounds
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Mesh back (and optional seat) allows for lots of airflow
- Adjustable height, headrest, armrests, and lumbar/back
- Smooth caster (wheel) motion
Cons
- Armrests feel cheap compared to the rest of the chair
- Bottom/space between armrests may be slightly narrow for users with wide hips
Flexispot’s premium office chair is the Ergonomic Chair Pro (C7). This offering comes in two colors, features a sturdy aluminum base, and boasts adjustable height, headrest, and armrests. The C7 is simple to assemble (about 30 minutes).
Cool air easily flows through this chair’s material, which Flexispot calls “high elasticity filament,” making it comfortable to sit in for long periods of time when combined with the ergonomic design. You can opt for the same material for the seat (for a fee) or stick with the stock foam cushion (the 20-inch seat provides ample space for cross-legged sitting). The chair itself can recline from 90 to 128 degrees to get comfortable sitting back with a foot hammock or practicing perfect posture. The headrest, which is made of the same material as the rest of the chair, is quite comfortable and slightly contorts to support the head and neck. And the lumbar support cushion detects posture changes and automatically adjusts itself to ensure constant support.
One of the most surprisingly loved features of C7 owners is the wheels. They’re larger than many stock options that come with other chairs and are particularly quiet, especially on a short carpet or rug. Flexispot has also designed the FlexiSpot Comhar Pro Standing Desk Q8, which goes well with this chair. You can find it in our guide to the best standing desks.
Best eco-friendly: Steelcase Karman Chair
Best eco-friendly
Steelcase Karman Chair
Why it made the cut: Made by one of the top names in office chairs, Steelcase’s new Karman chair is inspired by the cosmos and is made from recycled materials and a proprietary textile that responds the shape of users’ bodies.
Specs
- Materials: Intermix mesh, aluminum
- Furniture base: Swivel
- Weight: 29 pounds
Pros
- Made from recycled 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. At 29 pounds, this chair is lighter than many options on the market. It is made from 25 percent recycled and 75 percent recyclable material. And the proprietary mesh material in this offering combines yarn and filaments together to create a weave that responds to your body.
The Karman features a mechanism that automatically senses your weight to provide the right support for your back when you recline. It also boasts a new comfort dial that adjusts the tension by up to 20 percent. Users can also customize the chair when ordering, choosing between height adjustability, 4-way adjustable arms, or an armless model. You can also purchase a cushion for extra lumbar support for an extra $57. Design enthusiasts will also appreciate the ability to choose between 13 colorways and several frame finishes.
Best for big and tall: Steelcase Gesture
Best overall
Steelcase Gesture
Specs
- Materials: Polyester with foam padding
- Furniture base: Swivel
- Weight: 70 pounds
Pros
- Accommodates a range of body shapes and sizes
- Supports up to 400 pounds
- Highly adjustable
- Versatile arms that won’t cut into legs
Cons
- Expensive
If you spend most of your life sitting at a desk (like so many people do), it’s worth investing in a chair that will treat your body correctly. The Steelcase Gesture comfortably supports up to 400 pounds and has a maximum seat height of 21 inches. It can support bodies of any size. What’s more, this high-back chair features highly adjustable arms, which aren’t attached at the front of the seat, so they won’t dig into your thighs if your legs sit far apart (a problem with many other big-and-tall chairs).
The seat cushion on this tall office chair has air pockets inside for ideal support and squishiness. Plus, the cushions are softer around the edges, so they flex under your legs, put less pressure on the muscles, and encourage blood flow. The back of the chair has a patented flexible panel that mimics the ideal shape of the spine to encourage sturdy posture. The headrest also encourages a more upright position to prevent slouching. Yes, the Steelcase Gesture is expensive, but it will treat your body how it deserves to be treated. Find more options in the best big and tall office chairs.
Best for back pain: Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
Best ergonomic
All Day Comfort
Why it made the cut: For all-around comfort, you can’t beat this budget ergonomic office chair. This mesh construction office chair provides four supporting points at the head, back, hips, and hands.
Specs
- Materials: Mesh
- Furniture base: Swivel
- Weight: 41 pounds
Pros
- High-quality breathable mesh construction
- Adjustable flip-up armrests
- Smooth and quiet rolling caster wheels
Cons
- Doesn’t suit tall people as well
You’ll sit comfortably and work efficiently for hours in the Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair, which provides four supporting points at the head, back, hips, and hands, along with proper lumbar support. For added relief, the headrest, back, and seat are all constructed of breathable, high-quality mesh that won’t overheat and will keep you cool even in the middle of summer.
But perhaps the most popular feature of this back supportive chair is the fully adjustable, foldable armrests that can change height at the press of a button or flip to slide easily under any desk or table. The tilt function is also adjustable from 90 to 120 degrees, which is perfect for anyone from gamers to those who regularly spend long hours behind a desk. As a bonus, the smooth caster wheels are quiet and won’t cause damage to wooden floors.
The manufacturer’s description states that the chair is suitable for people from 5’5″ to 6’2″ in height. However, some taller users have found that the alignment of the headrest is awkward or that it doesn’t fold back far enough, so you don’t bump the back of your head. That’s an easy fix, though, as the headrest can be removed if it doesn’t work to your liking. And once you’re done, you can sink into one of the best massage chairs.
Best for long hours: Branch Ergonomic Chair
Best for long hours
Branch Ergonomic Chair
Why it made the cut: Those looking for an office chair that provides plenty of ergonomic support while also looking good will appreciate the versatility of this chair.
Specs
- Materials: Aluminum base, nylon mesh
- Furniture base: Swivel
- Weight: 35 pounds
Pros
- Provides backrest for lumbar support
- Elegant design
- Comes in customizable color combinations
Cons
- Headrest is an added-on cost
Lumbar support may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of sleek Italian design. But Branch’s Ergonomic Chair incorporates both comfort and elegance, which is important when you’re spending most of your day in the home office. You can adjust the armrests, height, tilt, and seat depth to get the perfect fit. It also comes with a lumbar cushion for extra support that you can remove.
The swivel chair is designed with an aluminum base that can support people from 5’2″ to 6’2″ and can accommodate up to 275 pounds. The backrest is made of nylon, which is flexible and breathable and makes it a great option if you’re searching for mesh office chairs. The Branch Ergonomic Chair also comes in three colors—black, gray, and light blue—and your choice of a black or white frame. To find out more, read a full Branch Ergonomic Chair review.
Best upholstered: Art Leon Mid-Century Modern Accent Chair
Best upholstered
Mid-Century Style
Why it made the cut: This mid-century modern swivel chair works perfectly as either an office chair for working behind a desk or an accent chair for curling up with a good book.
Specs
- Materials: Faux leather
- Furniture base: Swivel
- Weight: 33.5 pounds
Pros
- Caster-free design won’t scratch your floor
- Comfortable handrail-style armrests
- Wooden swivel legs rotate 360 degrees
Cons
- Too small for some
Those who prioritize style and comfort equally will appreciate this Art Leon Mid Century Modern Accent Chair, which pairs an eye-catching, mod design with firm, well-cushioned, and ample seating. This comfy chair is also the perfect option for small offices and tight spaces. The sleek, handrail-style armrests curve down to fit under most desks yet are sturdy enough for pushing yourself up out of the seat.
Four sturdy oak legs extend outward from the swivel base that spins a full 360 degrees. Unlike most modern office chairs, this small office chair doesn’t have caster wheels. It’s a safer option for people with small kids and pets since there’s no worry about tiny hands, feet, paws, and tails accidentally getting rolled over.
Some customers love that this accent chair is roomy enough to curl up in or sit cross-legged, while others on the larger side find it a bit dainty or cramped for their tastes. Another slight downside is that a handful of users have complained about the faux leather having a chemical odor. However, the scent seems to dissipate on its own after a few days or faster if sprayed with a linen freshener such as Febreze.
Best modern design: Laura Davidson SOHO Chair
Best modern
Laura Davidson SOHO Chair
Why it made the cut: This sleek chair comes in 20 colors and supports good posture.
Specs
- Materials: Vinyl
- Furniture base: Swivel
- Weight: 30 pounds
Pros
- Aluminum base supports 400 pounds
- Durable, heat-embossed ribbing
- Comes in 20 bright, fun colors
Cons
- Vinyl faux leather not very breathable
The sleek Laura Davidson SOHO Office Chair almost does too good of a job at maintaining your posture because try as you might, it makes slouching nearly impossible. The supportive chrome steel frame and leatherette seat help support your back, with heat-embossed ribbing at least three times more durable than competitor products that use cheaper stitching.
Unlike some office chairs that have a low weight threshold, the extra-strength aluminum base not only looks great but supports over 400 pounds. Plus, the polyurethane rolling casters work great on various surfaces, including hardwood floors and low pile carpet, but without the risk of scratching or damage. With 20 bright, eye-catching colors, these cute office chairs look great in a home office or study.
This chair may not be the best for warmer climates as the faux vinyl leather is not very breathable and may become uncomfortable at higher temperatures. In addition, a few customers have noted that the arms can be difficult to screw on and need frequent tightening, but they can also be removed entirely if that becomes a recurring and bothersome issue. Another modern option that can work is one of the best kneeling chairs.
Best budget: BestOffice Home Office Chair
Best value
Affordable Seating
Why it made the cut: If you don’t mind a narrow seat, this budget office chair boasts an attractively affordable price tag with standard features and basic lumbar support.
Specs
- Materials: Mesh, metal base
- Furniture base: Swivel
- Weight: 19 pounds
Pros
- Affordable for a range of budgets
- Easy to install and assemble
- Ergonomic nylon mesh lumbar support
Cons
- Seat is too narrow for wider hips
If you’re looking for cheap office chairs, you could do worse than the BestOffice Home Office Chair, which has a price tag that can get nearly anyone on board. Constructed from a high-density sponge cushion, this chair provides comfortable seating and ergonomic nylon mesh for optimal lumbar support and 360-degree rolling wheels.
Though the chair arrives unassembled, it comes with all the hardware and necessary tools to put it together and can be set up easily in about 15 minutes. All parts and accessories have passed tests with the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association for quality materials.
Even though the mesh chair can support up to 250 pounds, it may be a better option for smaller adults, kids, and teens, as some customers have found it to be a tight fit. Some people also find that the armrests are too low, and combined with the narrow seat, the arms may bump uncomfortably on your legs and hips. But for the price, it’s hard to beat. For other options, here are our roundups of the best office chairs under $200 and the best affordable gaming chairs.
What to consider before buying an office chair
When looking for a good office chair to add to your home workstation, there are a few basic things to consider:
Space
First, do you have a dedicated home office, or will you be working in another room in your home? If you have to set up your workspace in a dining room, living room, or bedroom, you may want to consider an office chair that’s comfortable but fits seamlessly into your home decor or has multi-functional use.
Ergonomic design
But if you do happen to have a dedicated office space, you might decide to invest in a high-performing or ergonomic office chair. This also holds true for gamers who spend long hours in front of their computer screen and need an office chair that won’t give them neck or back pain. Posture is another consideration. If you tend to slouch, you won’t be doing your back any favors by choosing an office chair that reinforces negative habits.
Size
Unfortunately, big and tall people may find that shopping for a comfortable office chair can be challenging. It’s a good rule of thumb to check a chair’s weight and size limits before committing. Otherwise, you may find that your new chair is uncomfortable or impractical for everyday use.
FAQs
You can find a decent office chair no matter what your budget is. Office chairs can range wildly from under $100 to over $1,500. For a high-quality, ergonomic office chair, expect to spend somewhere in the market of $200 to $600. If you’re looking for more affordable office furniture, consider our budget-friendly pick, the BestOffice Home Office Chair.
Features to look for in an ergonomic office chair include lumbar support, seat and backrest materials, armrests, overall movement and stability, and seat width, depth, and height. Most importantly, a good ergonomic chair should allow the seat height to be adjusted from at least 15 to 22 inches off the floor, depending on how tall you are.
Most office chairs on our list are traditional swivel chairs with pneumatic up-and-down adjustments and some customizable ergonomic detailing. However, we also included a non-traditional active stool that can be adjusted to fit a standing desk. Office chairs come in all types, and are made of nylon, leather, faux leather, and many other materials. Older models of office chairs might feature wood backs with a leather pillow.
Some studies estimate that you’ll get seven to eight years of use out of an office chair, while others are more optimistic and suggest that you can go an entire decade before your chair has to be repaired or replaced. Of course, the life expectancy of your office chair also depends on how much money you invest, as a $50 chair is obviously not going to hold up as well as a chair that costs $500.
Final thoughts on the best office chairs
- Best overall: Anthros
- Best breathability: Herman Miller Aeron Chair
- Best value ergonomic: Flexispot Premium Ergonomic Chair (C7)
- Best eco-friendly: Steelcase Karman Chair
- Best for big and tall: Steelcase Gesture
- Best for back pain: Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
- Best for long hours: Branch Ergonomic Chair
- Best upholstered: Art Leon Mid-Century Modern Accent Chair
- Best modern design: Laura Davidson SOHO Chair
- Best budget: BestOffice Home Office Chair
Our top pick for the all-around best office chair is the Anthros. Though not as well-known a high-end name as some on this list—such as the Herman Miller Aeron Chair, which is still an excellent option—we love the posture-positive feel of the Anthros paired with its sleek, versatile design. For those looking for a stylish, comfortable design, we’ll give a shoutout to the Art Leon Mid-Century Modern Accent Chair. It’s an outstanding value for those living and working in small spaces or apartments, as it can be used not just as an office chair but as an accent chair, dining chair, reading chair, and more. And if you’re specifically looking to address back pain without putting a hurting on your wallet, the FlexiSpot and Gabrylly stand out.
