Sitting in the office for hours upon hours spells nothing less than a disaster for your body...if you're in the company of a bad chair, that is.
There are designer chairs, there are exquisite chairs...and there are models made to last. Chairs that you'll sit on for your usual 9-to-5 and not feel uncomfortable.
We'll be discussing several ergonomic options that will keep you sane during office hours. Our top pick is Flash Furniture's Hercules as a best bang for your buck.
It is, however, far from the only choice you have - including keeping your budget in mind. Let's check out some proper office chairs.
Best Choice
Flash Furniture HERCULES Series Black Leather
Plush For Comfort
Has been tested and proven to hold up to 500 lbs maximum capacity.
Offers a broader back width and seat. With extended back for greater support.
Premium
Herman Miller Embody Chair
Science-level ergonomics.
Ergonomically designed to improve focus and enhance health.
Has an amazing 12-year and 3-shift warranty.
Best Value
BestOffice Mid Back Mesh Ergonomic
Cheap, yet breathable.
Using natural fibers and a heavy duty steel base for better quality.
Its breathable mesh back keeps you cool.
Since you’re here, you’re probably on the lookout for a new office chair. If you're dying to click on the latest designs, hold up for a second and read on.
There are quite a few things that you should know before you buy the best office chair. As a head start, you should note that the brands and designs for office chairs out there are nearly endless, and you might not have even the slightest clue about what to choose. First, you should prioritize your needs rather than what the chair looks like and feels like. After all, aesthetics can only go so far.
While the extremely plush and soft options may look rather attractive and seem like an easy choice, you shouldn’t jump at them. There really is more to consider, especially now that what you’re looking for the best office chair that you’re going to spend most of your working day seated in.
While softer and plusher upholstery is more comfortable in the short term, a firm back and ergonomic base will benefit you over long hours of work. If you were to try one out for a couple of hours, it wouldn’t be hard to notice.
From durability to health benefits, we've devised a foolproof guide to help you work out which is best for you.
There's more to it than picking an office chair you like, so let's get started with the basics.
What to look for in an Office Chair:
“Best” is a pretty subjective term. The perfect chair for you might not be the most expensive or even the best reviewed.
First off, you’ll need to decide which type of chair you want. We’ve provided a quick guide at the bottom of the article, so have a look if you’re not sure. If you already have a rough idea, you can narrow it down further by choosing which of the sections below is most important for you.
A decent amount of planning and foresight will go into your decision based on what you’re furnishing requirements are. Choosing something that’s incompatible to your office or home will leave you with sore for a long time as you will practically be sitting on the chair daily. Getting a replacement or simply buying another chair is going to be a hassle and a time sink that you’d need to deal with while using the unsuitable chair. Office chair comfort is a very personal subject, and every person’s going to have different needs and requirements when it comes down to it.
It’s easy to spout information about the qualities of ergonomics, but it’s likely you already have an idea of what you want. Even so, here are a few of the main factors to take into account before you rush to buy the best office chair.
The Fit
Ideally, the best office chair should allow users to adjust the seat height, lumbar support, armrests, headrests, and various other elements to fit perfectly. Of course, that already sounds like the chair will be expensive, and budget tends to dictate what we prioritize.
Even so, the best office chair is the one that fits you. When you’re sitting in a chair, your feet should either be flat on the floor or on a footrest. A perfectly adjustable chair that can't go up high or low enough for you probably won’t be a good fit in the long run.
Chairs specifically for petite users and big and tall consumers are more expensive than a standard ergonomic chair, but that extra expense may be necessary. No matter your size, you need to be comfortable.
Adjustability will play a large part in exactly how comfortable you will be if your rated body type isn’t within the average estimated range based on which a manufacturer builds their chairs. If you’re on the larger side, you’re going to need a chair that is strong enough to support your weight or wide and ergonomic enough for you to be comfortable in the long run. If you’re a smaller person and end up in a chair too large for you, you’re going to have a hard time getting snug and cozy. This can lead to discomfort over an extended period of time and will even go so far as to negatively affect your posture.
As a taller man, it’s horrible when that dreaded pain starts creeping up my knees, causing me to get up and walk it off for a couple of minutes. It’s sometimes hard to sit on an office chair that isn't mine, and the cheaper options often end up making me uncomfortable faster.
Durability
It should be high on your list of priorities when making your choice. In essence, a $300 best office chair that lasts for a decade is a better deal than the $50 chair that falls apart within a year.
An office chair should be seen as an investment in not only your career but also your physical and mental well-being. Spending a little extra on the right features that suit you will leave you a lot happier and with less regret further on down the line. The best way to buy an office chair is to look at several options and choose the features you don’t want to have, rather than the ones you do. It will make it much easier to narrow down the options and grab the right chair.
Regardless, it’s an expensive mistake if you decide you don’t like it six months down the line, and that’s why research is important. We also have a variety of reviews on a wide range of chairs, from the best recliners to massage chairs.
Expensive chairs will usually have a decent warranty, but be sure to check the manufacturer's website for more details.
Budget
As with most consumer items, the budget is generally king when it comes to choosing which is right for you. If you’re not sure what to get, we have guides for different price ranges.
As noted above, you're likely to save money in the long run if you get an expensive chair with good durability. On the other hand, you can't draw blood from a stone, so try to stick to your price range if possible.
It's arguably better to wait until you can afford a mid-tier chair. There's a law of diminishing returns when you get to the higher tiers of pricing, but mid-range options should have most of the key features above.
The best features are the ones that will directly benefit you with immediate results. If you don’t care for reclining modes, then something with adjustable armrests and a tilt and recline function would be a pointless dent in your budget. Instead, aim to find a chair that applies its feature list to something you’d see yourself making use of on a regular basis. You can never go wrong with a chair designed to be ergonomic and fit specific comfort profiles. They may be more expensive, but you can always find ones that exclude the features that you don’t want. This means that they will be sold at a lower price, but will retain the same quality.
Materials
The materials shouldn't be overlooked. Leather is aesthetically pleasing, but generally, it tends to be more expensive, but worry not. From fabric and metal to plastic, there’s a wide range of materials to choose from.
Choose something that’s both comfortable and practical if you can. Above all, it’s best to be flexible in terms of which chair you end up going for, and always keep in mind how much space you have available.
Lastly, a good chair can help to keep you healthy, so let’s go through some of the long-term benefits.
What do Health Experts say?
An extensive study by the Global Burden of Disease found that lower back pain caused “more disability globally than any other condition.” There were a number of socioeconomic factors at play, but that’s a worrying factoid for employers and workers alike.
Any good chair will provide lumbar support, but it’s about more than lower back pain.
It’s fairly obvious that the health benefits of a chair start with proper ergonomics. When someone can comfortably sit for hours, his or her productivity is going to be higher.
They're also less likely to develop back pain, leg cramps, or repetitive stress injuries because their body is properly supported.
The Journal of Safety Research reported in 2008 that improving the ergonomics of the chairs used in an office could improve productivity by up to 17%.
Someone in a chair that doesn’t fit him or her well will have to hunch over to see the computer screen, shift regularly to avoid aches and pains, or will develop problems like a stiff neck that alters his or her body language and impacts his or her health.
Conversely, seats that are too long will cause back and leg strain because you can’t gain the benefit of the backrest.
The best office chair for someone with circulatory problems in his or her legs is one with a waterfall design that will not put pressure on the back of the legs or knees.
According to the Journal of Safety and Research study cited above, workers experienced fewer musculoskeletal disorders, lower absenteeism, and fewer errors when given good ergonomic office chairs.
A pregnant woman with an ergonomic chair may be able to work later into her pregnancy and miss less time overall, all while avoiding unnecessary back pain.
The Various Types of Office Chairs:
Conference chairs
Also known as passive chairs, these are designed for those sitting around a conference table. They are usually minimally adjustable but highly comfortable, especially if you’re in a relaxed sitting position. They are intended to be exactly that so that your chair isn’t a distraction from the meeting.
However, the ergonomics of this type of chair are terrible if you need to work on a computer for eight hours per day.
Task chairs
These are chairs designed to be used by multiple users and support a specific task. Many task chairs are ergonomic chairs, but not all are. For example, drafting chairs that let someone sit in front of a drafting table and usually come with a foot support are rarely ergonomic.
Ergonomic chairs
These are the highly adjustable chairs to suit any user within very broad limits. These chairs are typically intended to support users who work at a desk for eight or more hours a day. Kneeling chairs can be classified as a type of ergonomic chair designed for those with problems with circulation.
Executive chairs
These best office chairs are designed for maximum style and comfort. Their hallmarks are thicker padding for the seats and armrests, more expensive upholstery, and features that executives’ subordinates don’t get.
Executive chairs may or may not be ergonomic chairs, though they are always more adjustable than your basic office chair.
Guest chairs
These are more basic seats that are placed opposite the executive’s chair. They provide basic, comfortable seating for a short meeting. However, their design does not properly support someone who needs to sit in front of a computer all day.
Stacking chairs
These are more basic than guest chairs. The emphasis is minimalist design and stackability. These are the chairs they put in the cafeteria so they can stack them up to for space or pull out of storage when there will be an all-hands meeting. They only have legs, a seat, and a back.
Stools
The least comfortable on the list, stools are only ideal for short periods as they can get uncomfortable real quick.
The Winners - 4 Best Office Chairs Right Now
Whatever your budget, we've hand-picked some of the best office chairs available. If you have a rough idea of what you’re going to spend on your new office chair, here’s a guide with five of the best office chairs sorted by price range.
1
With the looks, the feel, and the functionality, every inch of this office chair spells premium. The contemporary design is something you would want in your office for added style points. It also has a thick foam padded seat, which looks so comfortable and so inviting that it makes you want to sit on this chair all day!
The HERCULES Series from Flash Furniture is a “big and tall” office chair that stands 4 feet and weighs 59 lbs to accommodate a wide array of body types, from smaller to larger and taller body builds.
Notable features include a total weight capacity of 500 lbs, a high back design with headrest, a tilt-lock mechanism, an adjustable knob, a built-in lumbar support, and an embellished mesh trim.
Aside from style and functionality, this executive seat provides good and reliable back support. This office chair is equipped with a state-of-the-art “waterfall seat,” which promotes healthy blood flow and ensures that the user maintains good seating posture. The headrest will take the pressure off your neck while leaning back and the “tilt-lock” mechanism makes the chair easy to rock and recline.
All in all, this office chair is an office must-have if you are seeking style, luxury, and comfort.
Pros
- Built in lumbar support
- Can accommodate up to 500 lbs
- Knob is tilt tension adjustable
Cons
- The padding is a bit too soft
- Chair is on the heavier side, so it may be hard to swivel and move from one place to the other
2
If luxury and style is at the top of your list, then the Herman Miller Embody Chair is the perfect office chair for you! Aside from being a stylish chair, it offers a great deal of benefits on health, posture, and overall features. Plus, it has an impressive 12-year and 3-shift warranty that will make you want to buy it almost immediately!
This office chair weighs 51 lbs and is designed to provide a good ergonomic support, and it improves health and focus, especially for people who spend most of their time sitting while working.
This is highly recommended for people who have back and posture issues, as well as spine problems. Other important features include graphite base and frame, tilt limiter, adjustable seat depth, black arm pads, fully adjustable arms, and carpet casters.
Aside from its seat padding being a little too thin, unlike other best office chairs, and a non-existent headrest, the Herman Miller Embody Chair has everything you would expect from a good office chair, and then some.
Pros
- Provides ergonomic support.
- Designed to improve focus and enhance health.
- Tilt has a limiter.
- Seat depth is adjustable.
- Fabric is soft to the touch and foils heat buildup.
Cons
- Lack of padding on the seat might be an issue to some
- No headrest options
Expensive unlike other premium best office chairs
3
At the lower end of the scale, BestOffice has a solid office chair that offers some ergonomic support. It’s competitively priced, so you're definitely getting value for money. We’ve chosen this chair because it’s more comfortable when used for extended periods of time, and it’s more durable than your average cheaper office chair. For under $60, it’s a bargain.
Of the many chairs you can find for under $100, it’s worth going for one that will keep your back and arms supported properly. So, while it’s not the most attractive looking chair, it is very functional.
There are a number of more aesthetically pleasing chairs available at a similar price, but it's not a good idea to sacrifice comfort for good looks. This desk chair has a weight limit of 250 lbs, an adjustable recline, height, and arms position, and it is easy to install as all the tools and parts are labeled.
Amazon also has a decent range of own brand best office chairs at a similar price, although a lack of ergonomic support at the low end means you might have to pay a little extra to get something comparable.
Pros
- Ergonomic support at a cut price
- Spring tilt control for basic movement
- Sturdier than similarly priced chairs
- Open air mesh back
- Bestseller on Amazon
Cons
- Doesn’t compare to more expensive ergonomic chairs on the market
- Not the best-looking chair, but worth it for the ergonomic tradeoff
Seat padding may be a little too thin than that of other best office chairs
4
There are hundreds of best office chairs that are designed with a mesh back nowadays, but nothing is as effective and stylish as the HON Ignition Series Mid-Back Work Chair. With its breathable mesh back support and adjustable arms, this executive chair provides cooling and comfort while you are being productive at work.
The Ignition Series boasts highly customizable options in terms of back recline, back height, and seat positioning features that cater to different body types and heights. With this chair, you can adjust the seat position forward or backward, adjust the seat width and height, as well as the angle of recline.
The chair is also durable and steady, making it last for years even with constant swiveling and overall usage. You also don’t have to worry as HON keeps you covered with the HON 5-year Limited Warranty just in case some issues arise or if there are defects that emerge over time.
Lastly, it also sports a five-star resin base and durable wheels that enable you to swivel around from one table to the other while having a fun meeting with your colleagues or even sharing a snack with your teammates while on a break.
Pros
- Designed with stylish mesh back to keep you cool and helps you concentrate.
- The arms are 4D adjustable
- Has a 5-star resin base and durable wheels
- Affordable but does not lack quality
Cons
- The chair is already assembled and cannot be disassembled or collapsed
Chair is a bit taller than regular-sized best office chairs
Chair cushion and mesh back may be too firm for some
Conclusion
Everybody deserves to sit in a nice chair, and it's important to choose wisely. If you’re planning on spending extended periods of time in the chair, comfort is king, so make sure to get the best office chair that fits you perfectly.
It is also important to note that aside from comfort, your next priority should be steady back support that promotes a healthy posture and blood flow, especially for people who spend more than four hours on a chair. These two important factors (comfort and health-promoting features) should go hand in hand.
It’s easier to make the right choice the first time, so do your research, and don’t skimp on pricing if possible. If you are planning on cheaping out, there are always exceptions to the rule about pricing (but they’re often few and far between).
So, get the best fitting chair within your price range, and you're unlikely to go wrong.