Best office chair of 2025: Over 50 chairs tested for real-world comfort in the home and office
Looking for the best office chair? My team and I have tested over 50 different chairs, assessing each one for ease of assembly, adjustability and ergonomics, and all-day comfort based on real-world tests in offices and home offices – and the ones in this round-up are my top recommendations.
The Branch Verve remains the best office chair overall, while I’d suggest the Corsair TC100 Relaxed and the Flexispot C7 for ergonomics on a budget. Whichever you choose, you can trust that we put each model through their paces to make sure they’ll keep you sitting right during long hours at work (or play). See the full reviews below, with some great alternatives for a range of sizes, styles, and workspaces.
For more office space essentials, I’ve also rounded up the best standing desks and best office desks to complement your office chair set-up.
The quick list
The best office chair overall
The Branch Verve earned a well-deserved Editor’s Choice from us – and it’s not hard to see why. It’s beautifully designed and ideal for anyone who needs a comfortable office chair for long hours.
Read more below
The best budget office chair
A cheap, cheerful comfortable office chair for under $250 / £200. Technically a gaming chair, its smart monochrome makes it perfect for homes and offices.
Read more below
The best office chair for ergonomics
An incredibly well-designed professional office chair, we found this excels at ergonomic seating with good lumbar support to improve comfort and posture correction.
Read more below
The best budget office chair for ergonomics
This chair boasts plenty of comfort controls and self-adaptive lumbar support at a fraction of the cost of some of the bigger brands. Good for maintaining your posture and comfort all-day.
Read more below
The best office chair for long hours and comfort
Our pick for relieving back pains while sitting for long hours – an ergonomic office chair that delivered all-day comfort and zero fatigue in our extensive tests.
Read more below
The best task chair
An ergonomic task chair that does it all, we found this Steelcase model to be well-designed, solidly constructed, and comfortable for longer hours at work.
Read more below
The best office chair for gamers
Not the cheapest office and gaming chair. But it features excellent lumbar support and a smart design built for a range of body types.
Read more below
The best office chair for big & tall
High weight load and max height range make this ideal for big and tall body types – and it’s available in three sizes to comfortably suit your size and style.
Read more below
The best office chair for small spaces
If you need a compact desk chair for smaller workspaces, the Herman Miller Sayl delivered slim, eye-catching design and exceptional comfort levels in our review.
Read more below
What to look for when selecting the best office chair
This is the key criteria I look for in an office chair and what I recommend checking out when choosing the model that’s right for you.
Comfort
This is, arguably, the most important factor in choosing the right office chair for all-day use. For that, you’ll want to look at several features – chiefly, design and material, lumbar support, and adjustability control. While you can get basic office chairs and task chairs, these tend to lack bouncy but supportive mesh or decent padding. But we’re all different, and I find this is a bit of a ‘Goldilocks’ issue. Too soft, too hard, just right. So, finding the most comfortable chair for you is subjective.
Design
Office chairs come in a massive range of styles, from mid-back task chairs to bucket-seat gaming chairs. In this round-up, I’ve focused on professional chairs suitable for home office and office use.
Support
Check the backrest is ergonomically contoured, and the chair includes a headrest if you need one – they don’t come as standard. The best ergonomic office chair will also have adjustable or dynamic lumbar support for added comfort levels and to correct your posture.
Material
As a rule of thumb, mesh is the most breathable material and typically best for the office. Denser weaves provide more support, while looser mesh weaving will be softer but offer more airflow. Fabric is a good middle-ground for breathability and cushioning. Leather and PU leather are easy to clean, but can get hot after a while.
Adjustability
A good office chair will feature lots of adjustment controls – levers and knobs for changing tilt and recline, as well as moving lumbar support, armrest, and headrest positions. It’s all about customizing for your unique comfort.
Height range & weight load
Check height range and weight load – especially if you need a big and tall office chair. Weight load capacity generally ranges between 175 and 330lb. For those 6’5” and over, I recommend a seat height of 21 inches or above.
Price
You can spend well over a thousand dollars on a top-of-the-line office chair – but that doesn’t always offer value for money, with plenty of affordable seats offering better support and features than premium counterparts. In this round-up, I’ve included options for every budget.
Best office chair overall
Image 1 of 9
Buy it if…
✅ You want all-day comfort: In our tests, we used this chair for up to 12 hours at a time, and never once felt fatigued.
✅ You want a classic office chair with striking accents: The Branch Verve is beautifully designed, with a memorable silhouette and stylish lines.
Don’t buy it if…
❌ You need a budget office chair: While reasonably priced, it’s not the cheapest, especially outside North America.
❌ You need dynamic lumbar support and 4D armrests: While comfort is top-tier here, the Verve notably lacks fully dynamic and adjustable support for back and arms.
Recommended alternative
For an alternative, the Herman Miller Embody offers a similar mid-back model, while the Flexispot C7 is a more affordable ergonomic option.
Earning an Editor’s Choice award in our 5-star review, the Branch Verve is an office chair refined. A traditional design, with striking accents – the swoop of its armrests, the determined V-shaped back support, the closely knitted 3D fabric of a backrest. When it comes to the best office chairs we’ve reviewed, this one offers that holy grail blend: style and comfort.
First off, we found it really straightforward to assemble the Verve. If you’ve built an office chair before, you’ll breeze through construction. If you haven’t done it before, you’ll still breeze through construction, with all tools and instructions in the box. Once seated, the foam cushion offered a plush, comfortable sit, while the backrest, made of a breathable 3D knit fabric, offered us a hammock-like experience, particularly when reclining.
Adjustments are intuitive to use (and there’s plenty of them), notably the paddle-steered adjustable lumbar support that glides up and down the frame. If you’ve struggled with ergonomics, we found that unlike a lot of office chairs, which force you to arch your back into the wrong position, the Verve’s support feels more relaxed and natural. Even during 10 to 12-hour sessions using this chair, we experienced absolutely no back fatigue or pain.
So, in our own tests, we had no issues using the Verve as our go-to office chair – we checked out the coral version, but it’s available in neutral colors including black and gray. I also like that the Verve has a 7-year warranty. Downsides, then? No dynamic lumbar support, and while we liked the adjustable armrests, they’re not 3D or 4D and the padding on them is admittedly thin. With a seat height of 16.5 to 20.5in, we also wouldn’t recommend this chair if you’re over 6ft 5in. There’s also limited availability outside the US and Canada, which can push up prices of an otherwise reasonably priced chair for the home or office.
Read our full Branch Verve review
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 |
|
Price |
It is notably expensive – especially outside the US, but the experience of sitting in this seat is sublime |
★★★★★ |
|
Design |
A chair that’s minimalist, smart, and beautiful – whether in coral, black, or gray |
★★★★★ |
|
Performance |
Beyond price, we had no complaints using this chair – performance is exceptional |
★★★★★ |
|
Features |
From adjustable support for the spine to the 3D knit mesh of the backrest, features are focused on comfort |
★★★★★ |
Best office chair on a budget
Image 1 of 3
Buy it if…
✅ You want a budget office chair: Smart and affordable, this understated seat will seamlessly blend in under any desk.
✅ You want simple comfort: It may be a basic office chair, but it’s surprisingly comfortable, with good back, neck, and lumbar support.
Don’t buy it if…
❌ You need a mesh office chair: The Corsair TC100 Relaxed comes in either fabric and leatherette variants, which aren’t as airy as mesh.
❌ You need extra support: The weight load here is just 264lbs – our 200lbs reviewer had no issues with support – but it is low to average.
Recommended alternative
For a budget mesh office chair, check out the Flexispot OC3 (on Amazon.com here and Amazon.co.uk here),
The Corsair TC100 Relaxed is one of the cheapest options I’ve found from a genuine, recognizable gaming brand. An office chair under $200 / £200 that feels really comfortable for the price.
Yes, the TC100 Relaxed is a gaming chair, but with a professional exterior, the smart lines and subtle blacks and grays making it perfect for the home office. Corsair says the chair is built for users up to 6ft 2in, with a weight load of 264lbs – and that bore out in our tests. Our reviewer clocked in at 6ft tall, weighing 200lbs, and during use, felt well-supported by the lumbar and neck pillows, while the bucket-style racing seat felt accommodating without hemming them in. Build quality is impressive here. If you’re using this chair all day, I recommend opting for the fabric version over PU leather for maximum breathability.
As a budget office chair, expect some trade-offs. There are no instructions in the box, it’s all online. And with our experience, assembly took around 30 to 45 minutes (you may also benefit from some help in the process). Those wanting a host of adjustment levers and options will also be disappointed. There aren’t even 4D armrests. However, we found the Corsair TC100 Relaxed was an affordable office chair that’s cheap, comfortable, and well-constructed.
Read our full Corsair TC100 Relaxed review
Before making your final choice, check out our latest Corsair promo codes to save on Corsair products.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 |
|
Price |
Excellent affordability for a smart office chair |
★★★★★ |
|
Design |
A gaming chair with muted, professional pretensions |
★★★★☆ |
|
Performance |
We greatly enjoyed our time using the comfortable TC100 Relaxed |
★★★★★ |
|
Features |
Not many features here beyond back and neck support |
★★★★☆ |
Best ergonomic office chair
Image 1 of 11
Buy it if…
✅ You want an office chair with serious back support
The technology behind the Embody creates continued support for your back when sitting for long periods of time.
✅ You want a compact computer seat
Measuring 29 x 29.5 x 45in, the Herman Miller Embody is a pretty slim and svelte option for the home office.
Don’t buy it if…
❌ You need a budget office chair
This isn’t a budget option, but look to the Sihoo S300 or Flexispot C7 for cheaper alternatives.
❌You need a simple chair with simple adjustments
One of our biggest issues with the chair is the way the adjustments work – and it’s not usually what you’d expect.
The Herman Miller Embody stands out as the best ergonomic office chair around right now. And while I’ve included several in this round-up, the Embody stands out for its signature comfort, smart design, and slim profile, ideal for the home and office.
Beautiful and elegant is how we described this ergonomic star, which comes in a range of colors (we reviewed the circuit board-style Logitech gaming version). But there’s more to the Embody than just good looks – during our month-long test, it proved to be a seriously functional office chair. What we especially like about this office chair is the backrest, which actively moulds to your body, continuously supporting your back as you move, helping to eliminate pressure points. Paired with the layered hybrid foam-spring cushioning, we found it delivered on its promise of comfort, even during all-day testing, where it was used as a gaming and office chair.
By virtue of the Embody’s design, we did find some of the adjustments unintuitive to begin with – notably the armrests and finding correct position to operate the otherwise clever seat depth extender, which adds an extra three inches to the seat. It’s a minor issue we solved quickly, and we were pleased to find there are plenty of operations for customizing your seating experience. With a height range of 15 to 22in at its highest, you’ll comfortably fit if you’re between 5ft 3in and 6ft 6in, and even with its compact design, the chair’s weight load limit is a good 300lbs.
Read our full Herman Miller Embody review
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 |
|
Price |
Like most Herman Miller office seats, this one carries a large price-tag |
★★★★☆ |
|
Design |
Beautifully designed with a very modern style |
★★★★★ |
|
Performance |
Outstanding performance – it’s comfortable in all the right places |
★★★★★ |
|
Features |
There aren’t loads of features here, and in particular dynamic lumbar support is missing |
★★★★☆ |
Best ergonomic office chair on a budget
Image 1 of 4
Buy it if…
✅ You want a discreet home office desk chair: The Flexispot C7 has a fresh, minimalist design that won’t dominate your working space at home.
✅ You want adaptive lumbar support: With lumbar support that adjusts to your body, we found the C7 easily offered all-day comfort without aches.
Don’t buy it if…
❌ You need a cheap office chair: With its build quality and comfort, the C7 commands a higher price-tag than other office chairs of the same design.
❌ You need specific lumbar support: We really liked this chair’s self-adaptive lumbar support, but it may not be for everyone.
Recommended alternative
The Flexispot BS11 Pro is a good option from the same company, and we found it really helped with our posture during the review.
A chair like the Herman Miller Embody can cost a lot of money, so for ergonomics on a more affordable scale, I like the Flexispot C7. Earning 4.5 stars in our review, this office chair proved to be comfortable, supportive, with a lot of adjustability.
A smart, modern design makes it a good fit for any home office set-up, the C7 comes in several variants – grays and blacks and fabric seats and mesh seats, which are welcome Because of this, it can come under a lot of different names, like the C7B-Air, the C7G-Foam, or the Flexispot C7 Lite which we also reviewed. Each with slightly different specs but fundamentally the same.
Stability and build quality is, as we expect from the company, excellent – and we found operation smooth and silent. No squeaks and creaks to drive you to distraction (there’s enough of that at home). Nor did we experience any back pains or find ourselves needing to stand after extended sitting thanks to a self-adaptive lower back support that helped maintain a posture that felt natural.
It does cost more than the budget office chair pick, but here you get lockable adaptive lumbar support (it adjusts as you adjust). Overall, if you want an affordable ergonomic office chair, the C7 is easily the best of the bunch. As an alternative, check out my Boulies EP200 review – not quite as customizable, but very, very comfortable.
Read our full Flexispot C7 ergonomic office chair review
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 |
|
Price |
A good price for an ergonomic office chair with lumbar support relative to the competition |
★★★★★ |
|
Design |
Beautifully designed, suitable for any office or home office |
★★★★★ |
|
Performance |
Superb performance, with comfort, ergonomics, and all-round adjustability |
★★★★★ |
|
Features |
The self-adaptive or dynmaic lumbar support providesd flexible lower back support |
★★★★★ |
Best office chair for long hours and comfort
Image 1 of 5
Buy it if…
✅ You want all-day comfort at an affordable cost: The Sihoo Doro C300 is an affordable office chair that costs a lot less than rival models. We did 10+ hours in this chair and never felt fatigued.
✅ You want to relieve lower back pains: , we experienced no pains when using this office chair for long hours.
Don’t buy it if…
❌ You want the best armrests: We liked the Doro C300’s 3D armrests, but more than once we placed an elbow down only to find they’d shifted position.
❌ You want quick and easy assembly: You’ll need to fit together this office chair from scratch. Instructions are simple to follow, but it may take extra time.
There’s a lot we liked about the mid-range Sihoo Doro C300, with high-end aesthetics and a dynamic lumbar support for back support and pain relief. For us, this chair delivered all-day comfort at a fraction of the cost of other models.
The whole unit comes disassembled – you’ll need to fit together practically everything, so expect to spend a bit of time on the set-up. In our experience, build quality is outstanding and the frame is rock-solid. The mesh backing is comfortable – firm but relaxed, providing support across the back and shoulders. Unlike many ergo-office chairs we’ve tried, even the neck-rest felt effective and snug.
During prolonged use – barely rising from the chair for eight to ten hours – we experienced no pains, no fatigue, no pressure of any kind that might affect the lower back. On the other hand, as a natural consequence of the 3D armrests moving up, down, back and forth, they did have a tendency to move about a bit more than we like.
Overall, we did feel this is a great ergonomic office chair for long hours in the seat – so long as you’re of average height. The weight load is an above-average 300lbs for bigger users., however, taller users may find the position of the lower back support doesn’t quite mold to the body.
Read our full Sihoo Doro C300 ergonomic office chair review
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 |
|
Price |
Excellent value here, it’s the best ergonomic office chair for the price |
★★★★★ |
|
Design |
Well-designed for office environments, although the armrests aren’t the greatest |
★★★★☆ |
|
Performance |
The Doro C300 is incredibly comfortable (except for those fiddly armrests) |
★★★★☆ |
|
Features |
Dynamic lumbar support marks out this office chair as one for those who need flexible ergonomics |
★★★★★ |
Best task chair
Image 1 of 4
Buy it if…
✅ You want comfort: The Series 2 provides plenty of comfort if you’re at your desk all day, with a breathable fabric that stays cool.
✅ You want options and lots of them: This office chair comes in a variety of models and materials to match your office furniture and seating preferences.
Don’t buy it if…
❌ You like to lean back a lot: The Steelcase Series 2 doesn’t feature a recline lock, so the back springs back once pressure is lifted.
❌ You need a budget office chair: While it’s very well-priced for a professional ergonomic office chair, the Series 2 isn’t the cheapest on the market.
Recommended alternative
Opt for the Herman Miller Embody or Sayl for a well-designed task chair for the home or office.
The Steelcase Series 2 takes the top slot when it comes to the best task chair for the office. With its cushioned seat. breathable mesh fabric back, and one of the best ergonomic chair designs with height-adjustable lumbar support, we found it incredibly comfortable to sit in, even for long hours. Its gentle, elegant design makes it ideal for both the office and home office, and it’s even backed by a 12-year warranty.
Beyond all-round comfort, what really makes the Steelcase Series 2 stand out is the configuration line-up. We reviewed the task chair version, a mid-back executive-style desk chair, but the seat is available with a foot-stool, a headrest, or armless, letting you tailor the chair to your preferences. Seat height rests between 16.5 and 21.5in, armrests boast 3in adjustability, and there’s a 400lbs weight load. Overall, then, a good office chair for big and fairly tall users. In our experience, operating these adjustments with the under-seat levers and dials was very intuitive. Certainly no fumbling for controls here.
Our only real issue is that the recline doesn’t lock into place, returning to the upright position each time. Not a bad choice for those looking to improve posture at their desks. Plenty of chairs offer similar specs, but we found the Steelcase Series 2 to be the complete package – and at a fraction of the cost of comparable task chairs.
Read our full Steelcase Series 2 Task Chair review
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 |
|
Price |
As the best office chair, this one has a premium price tag |
★★★★☆ |
|
Design |
Classically designed, the Series 2 boasts outstanding build quality and comfort |
★★★★★ |
|
Performance |
You can’t really fault this computer chair for its seating experience |
★★★★★ |
|
Features |
The stand-out feature, beyond the sheer range, is the very welcome 12-year warranty |
★★★★★ |
Best office chair for gaming
Image 1 of 6
Buy it if…
✅ You want comfy gaming and office chair: In our opinion, this one of the most comfortable chairs for work or play.
✅ You want excellent fixed lumbar support: The fixed lumbar support on this chair is actually pretty good for improving posture.
Don’t buy it if…
❌ You need the cheapest chair for your office: This isn’t the cheapest gaming chair with a business-like design.
❌ You need dynamic or adjustable lumbar support: There’s only a fixed lumbar support on this chair. It feels great, but it won’t adjust to your movements.
Recommended alternative
Top office chairs that double as gaming chairs include the budget Corsair TC100 Relaxed, Razer Iskur V2, or the more expensive Secretlab Titan – read the review here
There are a number of office chairs suited to gaming after hours – we especially like the Corsair TC100 Relaxed and the Secretlab Titan. For an alternative that has all-day comfort and a solid construction, the Razer Enki is a solid pick. With 4.5 stars and a TechRadar Pro Recommends badge, it’s doing something right.
The Enki is slightly more expensive than the Titan and TC100 Relaxed, but like both it boasts a beautiful black design that looks as professional as any traditional office chair. Comfort levels, build quality, are excellent, and in our view, it has one of the best lumbar supports of any chair at this price. If it were adjustable, it might’ve been perfect. Elsewhere, extended shoulder arches and a wide seat base make it more suitable for a range of body types (weight loads tops out at 300lbs).
There’s no mesh variant here, which is preferred for breathability, but we did find the soft materials didn’t retain much body heat, so it never became too hot or uncomfortable even during longer sessions in the chair.
Read our full Razer Enki review
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 |
|
Price |
Good value for money at a reasonable, but not budget price |
★★★★☆ |
|
Design |
Beautifully designed, but we would’ve liked to see a mesh variant for breathability |
★★★★☆ |
|
Performance |
Easily one of the most comfortable gaming chairs we’ve ever reviewed |
★★★★★ |
|
Features |
Features are light here, with only fixed lumbar support |
★★★★☆ |
Best office chair for big and tall
Image 1 of 6
Buy it if…
✅ You want an office chair suitable for any body type: Specifically designed to suit everyone, the Aeron comes in three sizes, which really opens up the field for all body types.
✅ You want comfort and ergonomics: The Herman Miller Aeron is sturdy, feels premium, and boasts some fantastic ergonomics.
Don’t buy it if…
❌ You need dynamic or self-adaptive lumbar support: It’s one of the few features this chair lacks – although we found the adjustable lumbar support excellent.
❌ You need a headrest: Unfortunately you won’t find one with this mid-back task chair, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
When it comes to the best office chair for big and tall users, the Herman Miller Aeron stands above all the others we’ve tested. Yes, it’s expensive, but it offers the company’s signature comfort levels, a professional design, impeccable buiuld quality, and a high weight load and height range that puts other office chairs to shame.
The real eye-catching feature here is the chair’s availability in three sizes – so you can find the right fit for your body type (the specs listed above are for the largest Size C model). Users over 6’6″ are served by the maximum height range of 22.8in, while the chair’s 350lb weight capacity makes it an excellent option for bigger body types. I also recommend getting the model with fully adjustable armrests.
Our reviewer used the Aeron for a straight week and absolutely loved the experience. The seat is firm, with a little bounce on the suspension for better comfort, and the chair’s ergonomic curve and PostureFit back support do encourage you to sit with improved posture. Adjustment controls and mechanisms were (mostly) intuitive, feeling premium in hand
All this, and it even comes fully assembled. So, what’s the catch? Well, despite offering plenty of accessories for the Aeron, a headrest isn’t one of them. We were also somewhat disappointed with the colors available compared – just a sombre black or gray – but these are minor inconveniences for an otherwise very accessible office seat suitable for all body types big and tall, slim and small.
Read our full Herman Miller Aeron review
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 |
|
Price |
It is expensive, but you’re getting a stable, sturdy, well-constructed seat with full support |
★★★★☆ |
|
Design |
Fantastic design, with three sizes available to suit any body type |
★★★★★ |
|
Performance |
Impressive in use, this is a wildly comfortable chair with great ergonomics |
★★★★★ |
|
Features |
No self-adaptive lumbar support or headrest, but core features and controls work very well |
★★★★☆ |
Best office chair for small spaces
Image 1 of 7
Buy it if…
✅ You want a desk chair for small spaces
The Herman Miller Sayl features a slight profile and a tapered backrest that make this a great pick for smaller workspaces.
✅ You want an office chair focused on comfort
Alongside the well-cushioned seat are a host of adjustment controls for customizing comfort levels.
Don’t buy it if…
❌ You want a traditional office chair
The design of the Sayl is very different to most standard office chairs (personally, I love this near retro-futuristic style).
❌ You’re working to a budget
Like most Herman Miller office chairs, the Sayl doesn’t come cheap – although the price is offset by the 12-year warranty.
Compact and comfortable are the two words that immediately spring to mind when assessing the Herman Miller Sayl. This svelte office chair measures 24.5 x 37.5 – 40.75 x 19.75in, with an airy, mesh backrest that tapers inward to mask its profile, and we found this the ideal desk chair for small spaces.
Despite the smaller frame, you’ll still find a broad, contoured and generously cushioned pad here. In use, this slightly curved seat cushion helped cut down on that inevitable fatigue that sets in after sitting down too much. There’s also plenty of adjustability control here, including the ability to adjust seat depth, armrests (up, down, or outwards), and recline level. And this offered us a chance to try one of the best features of this office chair: the backrest boasts Herman Miller’s Harmonic Tilt mechanism. When you lean back, the back of the chair automatically reclines, offering more consistent support as you shift in your seat throughout the day.
Ergonomics and size aren’t the only reasons why we recommend the Sayl. Bonus points for coming fully assembled and Herman Miller’s extra-long 12-year warranty. In fact, the only real complaint we have is the lack of headrest for better neck support. If that’s not a deal-breaker, there’s plenty to like about this office chair.
Read our full Herman Miller Sayl review
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 |
|
Price |
It is expensive, but for the quality, comfort, and the 12-year warranty, it’s a fair deal |
★★★★★ |
|
Design |
A striking design that catches the eye without dominating the workspace |
★★★★★ |
|
Performance |
Outstanding performance – we had no problems using this office chair |
★★★★★ |
|
Features |
Lacks some features to maintain the compact size. The long warranty is a big bonus |
★★★★☆ |
Best office chairs: Also tested
My team of office furniture experts have tested more than 50 different office chairs, task chairs, and computer desk seats. And while not all can be crowned best office chair, these are some models we’ve reviewed that are worth an honorable mention.
- Boulies EP200: This is the office chair I use, and it is supremely comfortable for extended periods of time – I was finding myself making my excuses just to visit the office and use it. Great for work and play. However, it lacks some adjustability compared to others and only has a two-year warranty.
- Branch Ergonomic Chair: offering plenty of adjustability and a whole lot of style, the Ergonomic Chair from Branch was a strong contender for the top spot in this round-up. Support is excellent, as is the 7-year warranty.
- Sihoo Doro S100: While a good balance of affordability and ergonomics, the Sihoo Doro S100 lacks some of the more advanced features users might want from a work chair.
- Eureka Serene: Absolutely stunning office chair that’s tailored to long hours sitting down, the Eureka Serene is a true executive seat for professionals – with a price-tag to match.
- Hinomi X1: One of the most customizable models around, this computer desk seat offers height-specific ergonomic support and 14 adjustment options for finding comfort.
- Secretlab Titan: Topping our list of gaming chairs for its overall comfort, cost, and support for big and tall users, its professional, near-utilitarian design gives it real office or home office potential. Seat height ranges from 18.7 to 22.4in and weight load borders on a good 287lbs, which will support a wide range of body types.
- Razer Iskur Fabric: If you do like the bucket seat look but want something a little more elegant and breathable, Razer’s Iskur Fabric has a more elevated design and luxurious feel. Better than most of the other bucket seat gaming chairs on the market, however, it offers far superior lumbar support, making it just a little more comfortable than the rest. What’s more, it’s surprisingly more affordable than it looks.
- Sihoo M90D: The Sihoo M90D is an affordable mesh-and-fabric chair with a premium feel. It boasts adaptive lumbar support and plenty of adjustability options, with a maximum load capacity of up to 330 lbs (149 kg). However, it’s somewhat basic compared to rivals, but a good way to save some money on an office chair.
- FlexiSpot BS10: Combining mesh and fabric for best of both worlds comfort, the BS10 has a professional, minimalist design. We like the lumbar support, which can be adjusted about 8 cm and gives amazing back support, and the seat whose depth you can adjust as well. This office chair is available in the UK.
- Mavix M4: The mid-range Mavix M4 mesh office chair comes the features you need for long periods of sitting, including the Dynamic Variable Lumbar support and the massager add-on. You might not have that soft-to-the-touch finish that the Mavix M9 has, but the M4 is one of the best ergonomic office chairs that won’t break the bank too much.
- ErgoTune Supreme V3: If you’re looking for a high-quality, highly-adjustable mesh office chair for posture or back problems, the mid-range Supreme V3 is a great choice. That’s especially if you prefer your seat to be stiff rather than plush. What’s more, ErgoTune believes in the build quality of its products so much, it throws in a generous 12-year warranty.
- Sihoo M76A-M101: In our tests, we found the Sihoo M76A, like so many other Sihoo office chairs, provided a well-designed and lightweight ergonomic computer desk seat that balances comfort and adjustability. Our 6’2″ reviewer said this one is perfect for users of all heights.
- Oak Hollow Reina: With its traditional mid-back design and mesh back, the Oak Hollow Reina is a capable, if unspectacular office chair that’s ideal for home and office use. We tested this one for almost three months, and it offered a high level of comfort at a range of heights.
- Koplus Tonique: A classic task chair design makes the Koplus Tonique a good choice for those looking for a true office or home office chair. The heavy frame gives this seat real stability, and we especially loved the 126-degree recline. True freedom!
- Oak Hollow Aloria: After two months’ testing this chair, the Oak Hollow Aloria showed itself to be a durable, comfortable, and highly adjustable option, and a solid investment for those who want professionalism and ergonomics from their office chair of choice.
- Eureka Aion: With a surprising amount of customization, full ergonomic design, and a serious focus on delivering back support, we enjoyed our time testing out the Eureka Aion. However, the higher price and limited availability outside the US is an issue for us.
- Eureka Ergonomic Royal Leather: This is a real executive-style office chair that boasts leather with microfiber material for extra comfort. It’s ultra-comfortable for all-day use, but we find the lack of lumbar support to be its biggest downfall.
- FlexiSpot C7 Pro Max: The latest in Flexispot’s C7 line-up is certainly impressive and comfortable, and we had next to no issues during testing. However, for most people, the original C7 still hits that sweet spot for ergonomics and price.
- Autonomous ErgoChair Mesh: It was one of our reviewer’s favorite office chairs for everyday working at home, and its minimalist design makes it a great all-rounder, although the price-point is noticeably higher than similar desk seats.
Best office chairs: Frequently asked questions
How can the best office chairs support healthy workplace routines?
TechRadar‘s Senior Fitness & Wearables Writer, Stephen Warwick, explains how to support a healthy workplace routine:
“The best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle working at home or the office is to regularly move throughout the day – it’s about creating a balance when using an ergonomic office chair. Remember, sitting for too long puts you at risk of CVD like coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Standing desks and under-desk treadmills can promote a more active workplace routine, while the best fitness trackers and smartwatches will also support activity with movement reminders and step-counts.”
How long does an office chair last?
How long a desk chair lasts will generally depends on the usage and the warranty offered by the company. Cheap and mid-range seats tend to come with a 12-month or 3-year warranty. However, many of the best office chair manufacturers offer 5-, 7-, and 12-year warranties. Outside of general wear and tear, I would expect any office chair worth its salt to last at three years without issue, and far longer for premium executive seating.
How high should an office chair be?
This depends on your height and the height of your desk. When sitting in a computer chair, your feet should easily lay flat on the floor, with knees bent at a right angle.
For maximum comfort, if you’re under 4’11”, seat height should go under 16in. For users under 5.3″, the seat should go lower than 17in. If you’re over 6.5″, the seat height should at least 21in.
Most office chairs featured in this round-up have seat heights ranging between 15 and 22in, with 17 to 21in being the most common height range, suitable for most body types.
How often should office chairs be replaced?
Most office chairs won’t need replacing any time soon – with warranties stretching between 12 months and 12 years for the very best ergonomic chairs. However, wear and tear and all-day usage can mean an office chair needs replacing or repairing sooner. As a rule of thumb, I would expect a seat to last at least 3 to 5 years.
Are office chairs good for gaming?
Yes, some of the best office chairs can make excellent gaming chairs – in fact, my best budget pick is a dedicated gaming chair with a sober style to suit home workspaces. That’s my chief consideration when recommending gaming chairs for professional use.
In fact, I’m seeing more and more crossover between office chairs and the best gaming chairs, with the Herman Miller X Logitech Embody a notable example. You don’t have to go far to find many seats marketed as gaming and office chairs.
How to choose the best office chair for you
Choosing the best office chair for you depends on several factors. When you’re looking at how to choose an office chair there are 5 essential features to be aware of.
Material
The importance of the material of your chair is sometimes undervalued. However, the difference between leather and mesh-backed chairs is significant. Some common choices are vinyl, leather, mesh, and synthetic leather.
Mesh office chairs are the classic choice. Light, breathable, inexpensive – allowing for more airflow and a great choice if you don’t want to get too hot. For breathability, fabric office chairs offer a middle ground between mesh and leatherette.
Vinyl is standard for workplace chairs and is incredibly easy to clean. However, mesh and fabric chairs have become increasingly popular recently, especially in the ergonomic realm. Their most significant benefit is breathability, especially if the entire backrest of a chair is an interlaced mesh, as that allows air to flow freely. These are also pretty easy to clean, and when sat in, conforms to your back, helping with comfort and ergonomics.
Leather has stood atop the list as the “premium” option for quite some time. It’s timeless, luxurious, and easy to clean as well. One downside is that it’s not always the most cooling option, and those who run hot would be wise to go for the fabrics instead.
Synthetic leather, sometimes called leatherette, is found on most padded office chairs. it looks similar to real or genuine leather, but it’s hypoallergenic and more breathable. The downside is that it does not last as long on average as a leather counterpart.
Size
There are three main sizes to consider. Petite, standard, and ample. In short, they are exactly as they sound. Petite is more minor, designed for shorter individuals and smaller office spaces if space is limited. Standard is a typical size built for someone between 5 and 6 feet tall. Lastly, there is a larger size offered. These are made for those taller than 6 feet and can fit people up to 500 pounds on average.
The best way to sit in an office chair is with both feet on the floor and your elbows at a 90 to 110 degree angle.
> If you’re under 5’3″, find a chair whose lowest seat height is below 17 inches.
> If you’re under 4’11”, the best office chair will be below 16 inches. There aren’t many chairs in this range, but we recommend the Herman Miller Embody and the Steelcase Leap.
> If you’re taller than 6’5″, select a chair with a seat height of 21 inches or above.
Lumbar and Back Support
When sitting for long periods, lumbar and back support is essential for maintaining comfort, posture, and alleviating pain. Many of the best office chair models are molded to a curve for additional support for the lower back – this is known as fixed lumbar support. A lot of ergonomic office chairs feature adjustable or dynamic lumbar support that adapts to your movements for constant back support.
Adjustability
Depending on the chair, some adjustments can be made to customize the fit to your liking. Some chairs have one or no adjustments. Others have dozens. These can range from the depth of lumbar support to the tension for how easy it is to recline. Different adjustability settings may be desired depending on the use of the chair.
Armrests on some office chairs may also be adjustable. 2D armrests move backwards and forwards, 3D armrests move backwards, forwards, up, and down. 4D armrests move backwards, forwards, up, down, in, and out for maximum customization.
Cost
The cost is still a dominant factor in choosing. Finding a balance of cost efficiency, material, and features is essentially what any chair purchase comes down to. Some manufacturers of higher-end chairs have a prominent pre-owned market, allowing the best of both worlds – high-end and cheaper. When the sales are live, we frequently see the best office chairs featured in Prime Day office chair deals and Black Friday office chair deals.
Try it out
Sometimes, you need to try out an office chair yourself – and that’s not always easy if you’re buying online. You want to know how soft that cushion is, how the adjustments work, and whether it’s the right pick for your build or set-up. Thankfully, most top retailers offer a 30-day money back guarantee, letting you return the item if it’s not right for you.
As you’d expect, these come with Ts and Cs attached, so it’s always worth checking the company’s returns policy before committing to a desk chair you’re not sure about.
On an aesthetic level, many retailers now offer AR visualisation. In other words, you can use your phone as a screen to scan your room and view a virtual version of your chosen office chair on the screen. It’s like it’s in the room with you. And it’s a good way of seeing if the chair is the right fit for your home office, both from a design perspective and size.
Warranty and returns
All of the best office chair manufacturers offer some level of warranty – at minimum a year, although three-year warranties are the lowest we’d generally recommend going. For premium models, expect 10- and 15-year warranties for core parts of the seat. This means, should something go wrong with your seat within the specified time period, the company will repair or replace it.
If a chair doesn’t quite meet your standards, or there’s something wrong with the item, you’ll need to return it. All of our top picks are from retailers that offer some sort of returns policy – often a 30- or 90-day money back guarantee – although there will be terms and conditions associated with this. For example, you may have to disassemble the office chair, and ensure everything is repackaged, including instructions, in a ‘like new’ fashion. So, when buying your office chair, especially online, it’s always worth checking the company’s returns policy page.
How we test the best office chairs
We’ve comprehensively tested, reviewed, and rated plenty of office furniture, including the best standing desk converters and the best standing desk mats.
When it comes to chairs for the office and home, we take the same rigorous approach, assessing the chair’s overall design, adjustability, and comfort. Where I have the data, I’ll discuss how long each office chair was tested for – although each one will be used for a minimum of one week, in real-world conditions, during full working days.
With expert reviewers of different heights and weights, we can test out how each chair fits with different body types. We don’t just take the manufacturer’s word for it when evaluating height range and weight load; we check real-world examples.
We painstakingly assess every single one for at least a week – in one case, we’ve continued using the chair for years. When undertaking our tests, we’re paying close attention to the materials used, the number of adjustments on hand, the ease of setup and use, and naturally, the level of comfort it offers. Naturally, as part of this review process, we use a stopwatch to accurately check assembly times, as well as ease of assembly. We consider anything that takes 45 minutes and above to be on the long side, and will note these in our reviews, to give you a good idea what to expect.
Finally, we compare prices and value-for-money before making our final recommendations. The very best office chairs cover a broad range, with premium, mid-range, and budget choices, and we make it a point to get them all into our labs for testing. So, we can give you a good idea of which models are worth your money and what brands are most reliable. This includes noting the warranty and returns policy for office chairs, for added peace of mind.
You can see more about our comprehensive testing process in How we test, review and rate on TechRadar Pro: Office Chairs
link
_Yohei_Sasakura.jpg?1584733407 "Spaces for Wellness: Integrating Fitness into Everyday Environments")
