Based on over 60 ergonomic office chair reviews, I've selected the 9 best office chairs for all-day comfort, lower back support, and back pain relief at every budget.
The stylish Branch Verve is my top choice - we tested this out during 12-hour days at work and never experienced discomfort.
For targeting back pain relief, the Steelcase Leap is exceptionally well-specified with its impressive features for fine-tuning comfort levels. But for a budget ergonomic office chair with dynamic lumbar support, I love the FlexiSpot C7.
When it comes to office chairs for gaming, I've selected the sublime Herman Miller Aeron. However, the Corsair TC100 Relaxed and the Razer Enki are both good budget options for long hours working and playing.
In this round-up, I've only included office chairs my team and I have personally tested. My main priority are seats with either adjustable or dynamic lumbar support to help target support around the lower back. I've also assessed adjustment controls for tailoring comfort levels when sitting for long periods.
Update: In my latest update I've streamlined the line-up, added the Steelcase Leap and Herman Miller Aeron, redefined the Quick List and comparison table for at-a-glance features.
The quick list
Best for: Office and home workers balancing style and all-day comfort.
Lumbar support: Adjustable | Warranty: 7 years | Armrests: 2D | Material: 3D Knit
Best for: Budget-conscious workers who wants comfort without the premium price.
Lumbar support: Fixed| Warranty: 2 years | Armrests: 2D | Material: Fabric or leatherette
Best for: Fine-tuning your ergonomic support to relieve chronic back pain.
Lumbar support: Adjustable | Warranty: 12 years | Armrests: 4D | Material: Fabric & foam
Best for: Back pain relief and ergonomic support at an accessible price.
Lumbar support: Dynamic | Warranty: 10 years | Armrests: 4D | Material: Mesh & foam
Best for: A reliable daily driver in professional home office setups.
Lumbar support: Adjustable | Warranty: 2 years | Armrests: 3D | Material: Mesh or foam
Best for: Competitive gamers who demand unmatched ergonomics and breathability.
Lumbar support: Adjustable | Warranty: 12 years | Armrests: 3D | Material: Mesh
See more office chairs
Best for: A comfortable, accommodating fit for budget-conscious gamers.
Lumbar support: Fixed| Warranty: 3 years | Armrests: 4D | Material: Leatherette & foam
Best for: Ergonomic comfort and support engineered for big & tall body types.
Lumbar support: Adjustable | Warranty: 12 years | Armrests: 4D | Material: Mesh & foam
Best for: Total support and ergonomic comfort in compact workspaces.
Lumbar support: Adjustable (sold separately) | Warranty: 12 years | Armrests: 3D | Material: Mesh & foam
Best office chairs compared
Model | Our rating | Who's it for | Suitable for back pain relief | Back support type | Key features | Price range | Armrests | Warranty | Style | Back rest material | Seat type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
★★★★★ | Office and remote workers who want a stylish chair for all-day comfort | ★★★☆☆ | Mild pain relief | Adjustable | Breathable 3D knit backrest, adjustable seat depth & height, synchronized tilt & recline, long warranty | $$$ | 2D | 7 years | Mid-back | Fabric | Foam | |
★★★⯪☆ | Budget-conscious remote workers and students who want a padded chair for work and play | ★☆☆☆☆ | Fixed | Budget pricing, professional style, all-over cushioning | $ | 2D | 2 years | High-back | Padded fabric or leatherette | Foam | |
★★★★☆ | Business users who want to relieve back pain or experience all-day comfort through high adjustability | ★★★★★ | Chronic pain relief | Adjustable (with dynamic backrest) | 'LiveBack' backrest mimics spine contours, high adjustability and fine-tuning, long warranty | $$$ | 4D | 12 years | Mid-back | Cushioned | Foam | |
★★★★⯪ | Budget-conscious remote workers who need a chair for relieving back pain | ★★★★☆ | Mild to moderate pain relief | Dynamic | Self-adaptive lumbar support, adjustable seat depth & height | $$ | 4D | 10 years | High-back | Mesh | Foam | |
★★★★⯪ | Anyone who wants a breathable general-use home office chair with firm support | ★☆☆☆☆ | Adjustable | Adjustable seat depth & height, breathable, mid-range price | $$ | 3D | 2 years | High-back | Mesh | Mesh | |
★★★★☆ | Gamers and office / remote workers who want exceptional adjustability and back pain relief | ★★★★⯪ | Strong pain relief | Adjustable | Near-limitless adjustability, smooth operation, long warranty | $$$ | 3D | 12 years | Mid-back | Mesh | Mesh | |
★★★★⯪ | Budget-conscious gamers who spend long hours in a cushioned chair for work and play | ★☆☆☆☆ | Fixed | Wide seat, cushioned padding | $$ | 4D | 3 years | High-back | Padded fabric & leatherette | Padded fabric & leatherette | |
★★★★⯪ | Business and home workers of all body types, including big & tall, who prioritize comfort and support | ★★★★☆ | Mild to moderate pain relief | Adjustable | Higher seat height and weight load, weight-activated tilt | $$$ | 4D | 12 years | Mid-back | Mesh | Foam | |
★★★★⯪ | Workers who want a compact, low-profile office chair that's breathable | ★☆☆☆☆ | None (available separately) | Range of armrests styles, adjustable seat depth & height, breathable | $$$ | 3D | 12 years | Mid-back | Mesh | Foam |
Best office chair overall
Buy it if...
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✅ You want proven all-day comfort: In our tests, we used this chair for up to 12 hours at a time, and the chair remained supportive and comfortable throughout.
✅ You're a modern professional of petite to average size: We found this chair offered an accommodating fit scaled for petite and average builds.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You need a budget office chair: The Verve is a mid-range seat that offers great value, but it's not the most affordable we've tried.
❌ You need total adjustability: The Verve lacks core adjustment controls like dynamic lumbar support and 4D armrests.
What we thought
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.
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 for tailored lower back support. 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 feels more relaxed and natural. Even during 10 to 12-hour sessions using this chair, we experienced absolutely no back fatigue or pain.
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. 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
Buy it if...
✅ You want a smart budget office chair: We found this professionally-styled office chair supportive, delivering great cushioned comfort for the price.
✅ You want a cheap gaming chair suitable for home office working: The ideal hybrid pick for gamers who need a more understated design for working from home.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You need a breathable office chair: With a padded foam seat and backrest, airflow is limited compared to mesh office chairs if you're using this for long hours.
❌ You're a professional who needs precise adjustability: We noted the TC100 Relaxed lacks advanced adjustments like adjustable lumbar support and seat depth.
What we thought
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. Build quality is impressive considering the cost. 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. 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 for back pain relief
Buy it if...
✅ You suffer serious or chronic lower back pain: The dynamic 'LiveBack' backrest, tunable lumbar support and adjustable seat depth work together for precise, targeted back pain relief.
✅ You're a professional who demands full-body ergonomics: The Steelcase Leap offers exceptional adjustability for comfort, support, and a tailored fit.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You need a budget office chair: This is a high-performance office chair for those investing in comfort and better lower back health, reflected in the price-tag.
❌ You need a general-use all-rounder: The Leap is a specialist chair for back support, so if you're not targeting back pain, it's overkill compared to one like the Branch Verve.
What we thought
I'm not sure there's a better office chair for relieving back pain than the Steelcase Leap. That's not all it can do, of course - this is a sublime seat for just about any worker at the home or in the office - we even used it for long gaming sessions and it was great. But the specs perfectly lend itself to back pain relief.
This is partly due to the ability to adjust and customize a range of areas, including the seat depth and armrests. But chiefly, it's due to the excellent 'LiveBack' backrest, which provides continuous support to the spine as you move your body, alongside an adjustable lumbar support system. It's a 'best of both worlds' solution.
When we reviewed the Leap, we liked the high adjustability here, letting us support the middle of the back or the lower back depending on where you need relief. Firmness can also be altered, helping you achieve good back posture. Couple that with adjustable amrests and we discovered an office chair that's well-suited for a range of body types. And that includes taller users (our reviewer was 6'2").
Overall, we found the chair was sturdy and stable, featured smooth adjustment mechanisms, and with impressive build quality that's reflected in the price. We felt no aches or discomfort even when used for long hours at the desk,
Read our full Steelcase Leap review
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
Price | High-end price point that reflects top construction and features | ★★★★☆ |
Design | Well-designed for office and home office environments | ★★★★★ |
Performance | Incredible comfort and adjustability mechanisms for tuning the chair to your liking | ★★★★★ |
Features | Clever 'LiveBack' lumbar support delivers continuous support | ★★★★★ |
Best budget office chair for back pain relief
Buy it if...
✅ You want highly adjustable ergonomics without spending too much: The C7 features dynamic lumbar support, adjustable seat depth, and 4D armrests, which we found offered all-day comfort without aches.
✅ You want a discreet and breathable home office desk chair: The mesh design of the FlexiSpot C7 delivers exceptional airflow for longer sessions.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You need a simple daily driver: This mid-range office chair is packed with adjustability, but it might be more than you need for the price.
❌ You suffer chronic or serious back pain: We found the self-adaptive lumbar support to be excellent, but if your back pain is more serious, invest in a high-performance chair like the Steelcase Leap.
What we thought
For full-body ergonomics at a more accessible price, 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.
The chair features dynamic lumbar support that continuously supports the lower back as you move, adjustable seat depth, and 4D armrests. During our tests, we experienced no back pains or find ourselves needing to stand after extended sitting. The chair also helped maintain a posture that felt natural.
A smart, modern design makes it a good fit for any office or home office set-up, the C7 comes in several variants - grays and blacks and fabric seats and mesh seats, which are welcome. Stability and build quality is excellent - and we found operation smooth and silent. .
It does cost more than the budget office chair pick, but here you get a wide range of controls for fine-tuning the experience. Overall, if you want an affordable ergonomic office chair that's adept at tackling moderate back pain, the C7 is 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 dynmaic lumbar support provides flexible lower back support | ★★★★★ |
Best office chair for the home office
Buy it if...
✅ You want a comfortable all-rounder: This is the ideal daily driver, and we used this chair every day for eight hours plus without fatigue or discomfort.
✅ You want an affordable option: With a $300 / £300 price-tag, I’d class the EP200 as a low- to mid-range chair - not dirt cheap, but very affordable compared to a lot of others that promise all-day comfort.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You suffer back pain: The lumbar support and seat depth are adjustable, but the seat is on the firmer side, which won't alleviate serious lower back pain.
❌ You like to fine-tune your set-up: While you can tailor lumbar support, seat height and depth, headrest, and armrests, it's not as adjustable as higher-end office chairs.
What we thought
I’m a massive fan of the Boulies EP200 office chair - far more than I thought I would be. Considering this is priced at around the $300 / £300 mark, it’s one of the most comfortable office chairs I’ve ever sat on with a design well-suited to both home and professional settings.
So far, I must’ve used it for a good 3000 hours total by now without any issues or fatigue or discomfort. Personally, I use this for just about every kind of sitting - work, rest, and play, making it a great all-rounder office chair.
Assembly was pretty rapid, and from initial unboxing to the final twist of the hex key, I had it up and running in about twenty minutes. You could probably speed-run, to be fair. Design-wise, it’s a classic style, with a mesh backrest and seat, both contoured for greater comfort. That makes it very breathable, which is useful in the warmer seasons. The mesh is also closely knitted, giving it good support, rather than the slight sagging I sometimes see from mesh office chairs.
As a low- to mid-range chair, there are areas where corners have been cut - although I wouldn’t consider them deal breakers. The plastic in some parts feels hard and thin, with a slight rattle, but nothing I’ve found to disrupt usage (I barely come into contact with these parts even when sitting for long hours).
There’s also no dynamic lumbar support - it’s only adjustable backwards and forward. Even still, I find it ergonomically designed, firm at the seat, with plenty of support for the lower back. Alongside the other adjustments, like seat depth and height, and the 3D armrests, it’s pretty easy to get it set-up in the sweet spot. So, like I say, after 3000 hours trying it out, the EP200 is a greater all-rounder.
Read our full Boulie EP200 office chair review
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
Price | Great chair for the price, although I'd prefer a longer warranty. | ★★★★★ |
Design | A classic style of office chair that's contoured where it needs to be. Some areas, like plastic components could be improved. | ★★★★☆ |
Performance | Great overall performance for a range of tasks, and ideal for all-day use. | ★★★★★ |
Features | Good overall adjustability, but lumbar support isn't dynamic or adjustable beyond moving back and forth. | ★★★★☆ |
Best office chair for gaming
Buy it if...
✅ You're a competitive gamer: The Herman Miller Aeron supports improved posture, which is ideal if you need to stay focused and in the game. The Embody is a good alternative for more relaxed gaming sessions.
✅ You want an accommodating gaming and office chair: Specifically engineered for a broad range of body types, we found the Aeron offered a comfortable and accommodating fit.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You need dynamic lumbar support: It's one of the few features this chair lacks - although we found the adjustable lumbar support excellent for long play sessions.
❌ You want a budget gaming chair for the home office: Opt for the Razer Enki or Corsair TC100 Relaxed, which are cheaper padded chairs, or a FlexiSpot C7 or Boulies EP200 for a mesh alternative.
What we thought
The Herman Miller isn't just the best office chair for gaming - it's one of the best period. The mesh design is incredibly breathable, making it more comfortable when you're sitting for long hours working and playing games.
In our in-depth review, we called it "an ergonomic paragon of a gaming chair, backed by superb mechanisms." You can adjust and customize in just about every way imaginable, and we found it effectively molds to your body for continued support. The only downside is you'll need to get the headrest separately (the Atlas headrest is a popular pick).
Gamers come in all shapes and sizes, so what I especially like about the Aeron is the fact that it comes in three different sizes to support just about every body type imaginable. The office chair also boasts a high 350lb weight load limit and a maximum seat height of 22.8in, which is ideal if you're over 6'6".
The Aeron comes in an office and a gaming configurations - but the only real difference beyond colorways is the Gaming Chair model is off-the-shelf, while the Office Chair model can be further configuration for business use. Pick your poison here, because the overall experience will be the same.
We tested out the Aeron Gaming Chair 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. Game on.
Read our full Herman Miller Aeron Gaming Chair 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 | Exceptionally breathable and comfort design for long hours at work and play | ★★★★★ |
Performance | Impressive in use, this is a wildly comfortable chair with great ergonomics | ★★★★★ |
Features | Almost limitlessly adjustable and with adjustable lumbar support, but headrest comes separately | ★★★★☆ |
Best budget office chair for gaming
Buy it if...
✅ You want comfortable gaming and office chair: For the price, we found this cushioned office chair an ultra-comfortable and accommodating fit for work and play.
✅ You're not fine-tuning lower back support: The Enki's fixed lumbar support proved to be pretty good for improving posture while playing (or working), but it's not adjustable or dynamic.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You need a high-performance gaming chair: This padded gaming chair is great for the home office, but lacks adjustability beyond 4D armrests.
❌ You need back pain relief: Lumbar support and seat depth are fixed, so this chair won't help precisely target lower back pain.
What we thought
There are a number of office chairs suited to gaming after hours - we especially like the Corsair TC100 Relaxed and the Secretlab Titan and the pinnacle gaming chair, the Herman Miller Aeron, which comes in Office and Gaming configurations.
For a cheaper alternative that has all-day comfort and a solid construction, the Razer Enki is my top pick. It's slightly more expensive than the Titan and TC100 Relaxed, but more than half the cost of the Aeron, with 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-point. If it were adjustable for greater targeting of the lower back support, 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 especially when gaming, but we did find the soft materials didn’t retain much body heat, so it never became too hot or uncomfortable even during longer gaming sessions.
Read our full Razer Enki review
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
Price | Good value for money for a gaming and office chair with this level of comfort | ★★★★★ |
Design | Beautifully designed, but we would've liked to see a mesh variant for breathability for long hours working and gaming | ★★★★☆ |
Performance | Easily one of the most comfortable office chairs for gaming we've ever reviewed | ★★★★★ |
Features | Features are light here, with only fixed lumbar support | ★★★★☆ |
Best office chair for big and tall
Buy it if...
✅ You want an office chair that's accommodating: We love the high seat height and weight load, making it suitable for a very broad range of body types.
✅ You want exceptional controls for fine-tuning ergonomics: With adjustable lumbar support, seat depth, and 4D armrests, you can precisely tailor your experience.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You like to stay active in your seat: 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, high-end task chair, the Series 2 isn’t the cheapest if you just need a daily driver for the office.
What we thought
With its cushioned seat. breathable mesh fabric back, and one of the best ergonomic designs with height-adjustable lumbar support, we found the Steelcase Series 2 task chair 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.
In our experience, operating 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 small spaces
Buy it if...
✅ You want a desk chair for small spaces: The Herman Miller Sayl features a compact design with a low profile and a tapered backrest ideal 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 suffer back pain: The adjustable lumbar support for the Sayl is sold separately, while the tapered backrest won't offer full-body support to relieve back pain.
❌ You’re working to a budget: The Sayl is a stylish investment with a 12-year warranty - but it's not a cheap choice for an all-purpose office chair.
What we thought
Compact and comfortable are the two words that immediately spring to mind when assessing the Herman Miller Sayl. This svelte office chair has 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 | ★★★★☆ |
How to choose the best office chair for you
This is the key criteria I look for in any office chair and what I recommend checking out when exploring how to choose an office chair.
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 office chair can be 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.
Size
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. With that in mind...
• 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
• If you're taller than 6’5″, select a chair with a seat height of 21 inches or above.
Support
There are three types of lumbar support...
• Fixed lumbar support is a one-size-fits-all for average body types.
• Adjustable lumbar support offers a more accommodating fit, good for relieving mild to moderate lower back pain and correcting posture.
• Dynamic lumbar support adapts to your movements for continued support, precisely targeting back pain, and correcting posture.
Armrests
There are 6 main armrest types on an office chair...
• Fixed armrests remain in a single position.
• 1D armrests are height-adjustable (up and down).
• 2D armrests are height and width-adjustable (up and down, in and out).
• 3D armrests are height, width, and depth-adjustable (up, down, in, out, backward and forward).
• 4D armrests are height, width, depth, and tilt-adjustable (up, down, in, out, backward, forward, inward and outward).
• 5D armrests are identical to 4D armrests, but also tilt up and down at an angle.
Material
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-covered foam is a good middle-ground for breathability and cushioning. Leather and PU leather are easy to clean, but lack airflow and cooling.
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 and fine-tuning for your unique comfort.
Weight load
Check maximum weight load - especially if you need a more accommodating office chair. Weight load capacity generally ranges between 175 and 330lb. Some will extend to between 400lb to 600lb.
Warranty & 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 for a mid-range seat. For premium models, expect 10- and 15-year warranties for core parts of the seat. 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. F
Best office chairs: Also tested
My team of office furniture experts have tested more than 60 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.
- 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 dynamic 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 former Senior Fitness & Wearables Writer, Stephen Warwick, explains the potential health issues related to long hours of sitting in an office chair and 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.”
We've also explored the benefits in our in-depth report Sitting vs. standing for work: we take a comprehensive look at what the science says.
How can I improve my posture while using an office chair?
The main key to maintaining and improving your posture while using an office chair is to set the adjustments to the correct positions for your body.
Most office chairs let you set the seat height, seat depth, and armrests - and many let you modify the position of the lumbar support.
Alter the seat depth so your lower back is supported against the lower half of the backrest. If you're using a high-back office chair, your shoulders should also be support in this position.
Set the seat height so your feet are flat on the ground with your legs bent at a clean 90-degree angle.
Don't sit too far from the desk that you're forced to lean forward (or too close, so your wrists and arms are bunched up or at an awkward angle).
What's the difference between fixed, adjustable, and dynamic lumbar support and what does it mean for me?
There are three main types of lumbar support on an office chair.
Fixed lumbar support is set to a single position, which is good if you're of average height. However, petite users or those with a larger or taller body type may find it isn't positioned for the best lower back support and won't feel the benefit.
Adjustable lumbar support will move up or down (and sometimes in and out), providing greater support to the lower back for a range of body types. It's the medium ground for those who need greater comfort when sitting all day.
Dynamic lumbar support is a flexible support that moves with your body for consistent support. It's great for all-day comfort and the best option for those with serious back pain issues like sciatica. It's sometimes called 'adaptive' or 'self-adaptive' lumbar support.
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 be 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.
What is the typical lifespan of an office chair and when should I consider replacing it?
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. Top office chair manufacturers offer 5-, 7-, and 12-year warranties.
In my experience using both cheap and premium desk seats, outside of general wear and tear, I would expect most office chairs to last a minimum of three years before it will need replacing.
To see if your office chair needs to be replaced, I'd employ the simple 'sit test' - is it still comfortable to sit on for long hours and do the adjustment mechanisms still work? If it's not, it might be time for an upgrade.
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.
Are there any specific brands known for their ergonomic office chairs?
At the budget / mid-range end, I like FlexiSpot, Boulies, and Sihoo. In my experience, they offer a very good comfort to cost ratio.
For higher-end office chairs, Branch, Herman Miller, Steelcase, Vari, and Eureka are all very good brands that we've scored high in our reviews.
When it comes to gaming chairs, Corsair, Razer, and Secretlab are all worth looking at, as well as Herman Miller's crossover gaming and office chairs. Andaseat is generally a good budget brand to look out for - although the gaming chairs can be hit and miss, so check out our reviews.
How we test the best office chairs
Meet the review team
B2B hardware editor Steve heads up the office furniture review team. He's been working from home since 2016, using a wide range of office chairs from the likes of Boulies, FlexiSpot, and Ikea. A natural critic, he prioritizes breathability and precision adjustment controls for office chairs at mid-range prices.
Former editor at TechRadar Pro, Collin has reviewed US and global office chair models since 2022. Alongside testing budget office chairs from chair-makers like FlexiSpot and Sihoo, he specializes in high-end and high-performance office chairs from Branch, Humanscale, and OdinLake.
My team and I have comprehensively tested, reviewed, and rated a range of office furniture, including the best standing desks, best standing desk converters and the best standing desk mats.
When it comes to chairs for the office and home, my team and I take the same rigorous approach,
Initial steps
We assess the chair's overall design, adjustability, and comfort. I'll also look at lumbar support type to determine whether it's best suited for all-day comfort and prolonged sitting.
Assembly period
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.
Testing time
Every office chair tested will be used for a minimum of one week in real-world conditions, during full working days. Most remain in the review process for at least twelve hours a day for thirty days.
Body types
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, using reviewers of average, petite, tall, and large body types.
Price and value
We compare prices and value-for-money before making our final recommendations. The very best office chairs cover a broad range of price-points, with premium, mid-range, and budget choices. This is denoted in the specs section in this round-up. $ = Up to $250, $$ = Up to $500, $$$ = $500+. This process includes noting warranty length and returns policy for office chairs.
You can see more about our comprehensive testing process in How we test, review and rate on TechRadar Pro: Office Chairs