The best office chair is one that you don’t even have to think about during your workday, whether you’re working from home or in the office. Instead, it allows you to be productive and feel supported while you go about your tasks, only to wrap up the day in comfort—not with back or neck pain. The best desk chairs are specially designed with ergonomic features, so you can stay comfortable, even when you have to be seated for long stretches.
“The main features of ergonomic chairs are that they are supportive, highly adjustable and comfortable,” says Dr. Rahul Shah, a board-certified orthopedic spine and neck surgeon based in southern New Jersey. In a perfect world, you’d be able to customize the height and angle of your chair to find the position that’s just right for you. But, if you’re on a tight budget, you at least want a chair that allows you to adjust the arm support and height.
To find our list of the best office chairs on the market, we analyzed bestsellers and narrowed down the field based on factors like ease of use, comfort and value. With that in mind, these are the best desk chairs out there to help you work more comfortably, regardless of your budget.
Best Overall Office Chair
A Comfortable Contoured Chair At A Reasonable Price
MOST POPULAR
Dimensions: 28.5 x 27 x 44.5 inches
Color options: Black, fog
Base movement: Swivel
High-end office chairs can be expensive, but the Ignition 2.0 delivers all the features you need at a pretty modest price tag. It’s made from a stretchy mesh with a contoured seat cushion that offers all-day comfort, and there are many ways you can adjust the chair to fit your needs.
You can configure both the height and width of the chair’s arms, and it also features pneumatic seat height adjustment, tension control and a synchro-tilt mechanism. There’s even a model with a sliding seat for additional customization. Adjustable lumbar support will help to keep your back in an ergonomic position, and the five-star base has smooth-rolling casters that allow you to move around your office with ease.
Pros:
Several useful adjustable features
Optional sliding seat
Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
Best Budget Office Chair
A Budget-Friendly Chair With A Convenient Headrest
Dimensions: 21.2 x 18.9 x 45.3 inches
Color options: Black
Base movement: Swivel
This office chair from Noblewell is one of the most affordable options you’ll find that prioritizes proper ergonomics. The budget-friendly chair has a high mesh back with an adjustable headrest, and its breathable design is ideal for stuffy spaces.
Additionally, this chair can be adjusted in several ways: You can tweak the lumbar support, armrests, seat height and waist height to suit your needs and keep you comfortable for long periods. The backrest supports 90 to 135 degrees tilt adjustment, and the casters roll silently while offering good stability.
Pros:
Budget-friendly
Adjustable design features
Built-in headrest
Cons:
Best Office Chair With Lumbar Support
An Option With Adjustable Lumbar Support That Helps Combat Back Pain
Dimensions: 26 x 23.6 x 42 inches
Color options: Black
Base movement: Swivel
Proper lumbar support is key to keeping your neck and spine properly aligned throughout the day, and the Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair offers an adjustable design that lets you move its lumbar support in two different ways. Using dials on the back of the chair, you can move the piece up and down, as well as in and out, to find the most comfortable position for your body.
This chair has several other useful features, as well. It has a contoured seat cushion and adjustable armrests, backrest and headrest (via tilt). Plus, it’s backed by a 5-year warranty.
Pros:
Two-way lumbar adjustment
Numerous adjustable features
5-year warranty
Cons:
Best Office Chair For Back Pain
A Fully Customizable Chair With A Unique Back
Dimensions: 24.5 x 26 x 40.75 inches
Color options: Black, fog, crepe and a slew of seat and frame colors
Base movement: Swivel
The Sayl Chair from Herman Miller offers a unique modern design that’s extremely comfortable and highly adjustable. It has a flexible elastomer back that keeps your spine in proper ergonomic alignment. You can also opt for adjustable lumbar support to help reduce back pain. There are a variety of other adjustable features available for armrests and seat, but keep in mind that they aren’t included in the base price.
You can also tailor the Sayl Chair to aesthetically fit your space. There are several base colors available, and a wide range of upholster options for the seat. It’s also available with two types of caster wheels—one for carpet and one for hard floors.
Pros:
Many customization options
Proper spine support
Unique, modern design
Cons:
Adjustable features at an additional cost
Best Splurge-Worthy Office Chair
An Ergonomic Chair With Adjustments You Didn’t Know You Needed
Dimensions: 16.75 x 27 x 41 inches
Color options: Black, graphite, polished aluminum and more
Base movement: Swivel
For those who spend eight hours (or more) per day sitting in an office chair, the Aeron from Herman Miller is a worthwhile splurge. It has an ergonomic design—features like a mesh back, sturdy base and three different sizes to choose from—that ensures you’ll remain comfortable throughout the day.
The chair offers plenty of adjustments, too. It has a tilt adjustment along with a seat angle adjustment, plus the arms are fully adjustable and there’s an option to add a lumbar pad for extra support. Best of all, it’s backed by a 12-year warranty to protect your investment.
Pros:
Highly-customizable design
Variety of adjustable features
12-year warranty
Cons:
Best Mesh Office Chair
A Supportive Chair That Won’t Make You Sweat
Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 53 inches
Color options: Black, burgundy, grey and more
Base movement: Swivel
Mesh office chairs are ideal for hot summer days, as they’re extremely breathable and don’t retain heat. The Oline ErgoPro is a top choice in this category for its adjustability for maximum comfort. Plus, it’s available in several colors to match your space.
This chair allows you to adjust the headrest, armrests, height and knee tilt, as well as the tilt tension as needed. The dynamic lumbar support responds to the amount of pressure placed on it, and the chair comes with a 5-year warranty.
Pros:
Breathable mesh construction
Multiple colors available
Dynamic lumbar support
Cons:
275-pound maximum capacity
Best Leather Office Chair
A Sleek And Comfortable Chair With Top-Tier Upholstery
Dimensions: 26.5 x 26 x 46.5 inches
Color options: Black
Base movement: Swivel
It can be challenging to find a leather office chair that offers proper ergonomic support, and one of the best options that meets both criteria is the X-Chair X4. This sleek, modern number is covered in luxurious leather upholstery, and it can still be adjusted in multiple ways.
For instance, this chair has a height-adjustable backrest, as well as armrests with adjustable height, depth, width and angle. The seat is made from high-resiliency memory foam, and it features a seat slider that allows you to adjust its depth as needed.
Pros:
Genuine leather finish
Seat slider
Several adjustable features
Cons:
Best Padded Office Chair
A Budget-Friendly, Modern Chair That’s Looks Expensive
Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 37 inches
Color options: Dark grey, brown, blue and many more
Base movement: Swivel
If you’re looking for a modern desk chair that will look great in any environment, consider the Soho Soft Pad Management Chair from Laura Davidson Furniture. Available in several colors, this chair offers that classic Eames style: incredibly durable leatherette seating surface and a solid steel frame build.
The chair isn’t just beautiful—it’s comfortable too. There are adjustments for height, seat tilt and swivel, and the chair has foam back and seat cushions to keep you comfortable during long meetings.
Pros:
Attractive mid-century modern design
Features foam back and seat cushions
Available in several colors
Cons:
Best Big And Tall Office Chair
A Highly Adjustable Chair That’s Made For Taller Workers
Dimensions: 23 x 23 x 40 inches
Color options: Blue jay, canary, grey and more
Base movement: Swivel
The Steelcase Gesture Office Desk Chair is an ideal option for tall people, as it comes in a high-height option with a 400-pound weight capacity. The chair offers a number of adjustments, including its headrest and high-tech armrests, which move with your arms to provide support in virtually any position. This chair is available in a variety of colors to match with the rest of your office, and the seat cushion is more flexible than most, providing comfort no matter the sitting position.
Pros:
Available in three heights
Higher-than-average weight capacity
Available in several colors
Armrests move with your arms
Cons:
Expensive
Armrests aren’t padded
How Do I Choose An Office Chair?
As you compare different chairs, there are a number of important factors you’ll want to consider. These features will help you narrow down your selection and find the best one for your needs.
Adjustability
No two bodies are alike, and the best office chairs are the ones that can be adjusted to fit your own body and personal workspace. “An ergonomic chair has adjustable seat heights, adjustable arm support, seat depth adjustment, tilting or reclining mechanism, back support with height adjustment to fit the curvature of the spine and neck and lumbar support,” says Dr. Shah.
Lumbar Support
In particular, you’ll want to look for an office chair that provides some type of lumbar support. Some have a brace that supports your lower back, while others might come with a pillow. Either way, this feature is essential to minimizing strain on your neck and back throughout the work day. It’s even better if the chair’s lumbar support can be adjusted, as this will allow you to tailor the support to your own individual needs.
Materials
As you compare different office chairs, you’ll want to consider the materials they’re made of. Seats are often made from foam (high-density is best, as it will last longer), and some are contoured to fit your body more comfortably. It’s common for chairs to have mesh backs, which are more breathable, while upholstered foam versions generally provide more support.
Weight Capacity
It’s important to look at an office chair’s weight limit before buying, especially if you’re a heavier individual. The most common weight capacity for desk chairs is 300 pounds, but some chairs can support more or less weight.
Accessories
“Accessories, such as a lumbar pillow, may also work to help the chair form fit to one’s body and help to support the muscles in the lower back,” explains Dr. Shah.
Frequently Asked Questions About Office Chairs
Which Chairs Are Best For Your Back?
“Sitting in a comfortable chair allows one to hold the head comfortably over the pelvis without having the muscles do much extra work to bring the head in line over the pelvis,” explains Dr. Shah. “As such, chairs with built-in adjustable supports for the back and neck would be a good start, as they will work towards alleviating extra muscle work.”
Who Is A Mesh Back Office Chair Good For?
There are several benefits to mesh office chairs. Perhaps most importantly, mesh chairs are extremely breathable, preventing your back from getting sweaty on hot summer days. They’re also very low-maintenance and typically quite durable, and the material stretches to contour to your back. That said, some people prefer a traditional back, which typically provides more overall support.
Which Office Chairs Are Best For Sitting Long Hours?
If you sit in your office chair for a minimum of eight hours per day, it’s important to select a model that prioritizes ergonomics. Lumbar support and adjustable armrests are particularly important in this regard. By keeping your body in an ergonomic position, the chair will help to reduce strain on your joints—including your back, neck and wrists—and prevent pain and soreness.
Who Should Have An Office Chair With A Solid Back?
Some office chairs have open backs, which is fine for some people. However, if you struggle with back pain, it may be better to opt for chair with a solid back, particularly if it provides ergonomic support for your lower back, Dr. Shah says.
Do Office Chairs Need Armrests?
Not necessarily. Not everyone prefers armrests with their office chair and, if the space under your desk is limited, this feature may not be for you.
Should My Office Chair Have Wheels?
Many office chairs have wheels, but it’s not a feature you’ll find on every chair. In general, wheels are a good option to allow you to easily scoot under and away from your desk without scraping your floors. However, they won’t impact the overall ergonomics of your chair or its ability to provide you with overall comfort.
Office Chair Deals You Can Shop Right Now
An Attractive Pick With Built-In Lumbar Support
This pretty chair features an open-weave back to provide support and prevent sweatiness while you work. Choose between two frame colors—mineral and black—along with customizable features like fixed or adjustable arms and seat color. Plus, the seat back has built-in lumbar support to help support your back.
A Stylish Chair With Plenty Of Cushioning
Office chairs can contribute to your decor, too, and this World Market option is proof. It’s available in four attention-grabbing upholstery options, including palomino and ikat. A wingback profile and distressed gray wood base provide plenty of support without sacrificing style.
A Custom Herman Miller Chair At A Sweet Discount
Get a custom office chair at a hefty discount with this Herman Miller option. Choose between a black or white frame, along with a range of seat colors, from shades of grey to a golden yellow. This seat back reclines up to 10 degrees, allowing for plenty of (supported) movement.
A Stylish Option Featuring Leather And Wood
Add a distinctly mod vibe to your home office setup with this cool chair. It features a mix of contrasting leather and solid wood for a comfortable setup that’s easy on the eyes. Choose between white and black upholstery.
A Mid-Century Inspired Pick That Can Do A Complete Swivel
Prefer an armless chair? This mid-century inspired option is a perfect combination of function and fashion. It has a walnut bentwood frame and is upholstered with black bonded leather for a cushiony feel. It also includes 360-degree swivel ability, so you can easily move around your workspace without getting up.