We put over 60 of the best office chairs through real-world testing in the home and office to find the 9 most comfortable picks for every budget.
Though our comprehensive review process, we rate the Branch Verve Chair as the best office chair for long hours. It's that rare mid-range blend of smart and uncompromising style with exceptional levels of comfort we often only see from premium models.
But the Verve isn't the only option out there. We've explored how high-performance desk chairs like the clever engineering of the Steelcase Leap and the Herman Miller Embody set the gold-standard for back pain relief and posture correction, how budget and mid-range picks like the ProtoArc EC100, Boulies EP200, and the FlexiSpot C7 combine all the ergonomic control you need for all-day comfort, and why the Secretlab Titan Evo remains the office chair of choice for gamers.
The best office chair is subjective - it's the Goldilocks factor, choosing the most comfortable one that's "just right". So, we've categorized each chair by a specific need to help you find the seat that's right for your workspace and workflow.
What's new in October 2025? In my latest update, I've re-evaluated and confirmed the best picks and removed hard-to-find models. I've also introduced the ProtoArc EC100, Secretlab Titan Evo, Steelcase Leap, and Herman Miller Aeron. The comparison table has been expanded for at-a-glance features.
The quick list
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.
Best budget office chair
A superb ergonomic office chair for the price, the ProtoArc EC100 features adaptive lumbar support and a breathable style.
Best office chair for back pain relief and support
The Steelcase Leap has all the specs you need for greater support and pain alleviation, with the dynamic 'LiveBack' backrest being a serious highlight.
Best office chair for posture correction
An stunningly well-designed professional office chair, we found this excels at ergonomic seating with its BackFit adjustment with Pixelated Support improving comfort and posture.
Best budget office chair for back pain
This chair boasts plenty of comfort controls and self-adaptive lumbar support at a fraction of the cost of bigger brands. Good for maintaining your posture and comfort all-day.
Best office chair for work & play
After over 3000 hours, we still find ourselves using this all day, whether for work, rest, or playing games. It's a comfortable, ergonomic office chair with an attractive price-tag.
See more office chairs
Best office chair for gamers
Accommodating fit, 4-way adjustable lumbar support, 4D armrests, and a massive range of styles mark this out as an awesome office chair for gamers.
Best office chair for big & tall
Incredibly comfortable and available in three sizes with a high weight load and max height range make this ideal for all body types.
Best office chair for smaller 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.
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. 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.
But 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.
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 budget office chair
Buy it if...
✅ You want a smart budget office chair: We found this professionally-styled office chair supportive, delivering great comfort for the price.
✅ You want adaptive lumbar support at a low price: The EC100 has one of the best lumbar support systems for the price compared to other cheap chairs.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You need a fully breathable office chair: Airflow and cooling are exceptional around the backrest, but the cushioned foam seat doesn't offer the same.
❌ You're a professional who needs precise adjustability: While lumbar is adaptive and flexes well, it lacks 4D armrests and adjustable seat depth for fine-tuning.
What we thought
Considering its low price, the ProtoArc is an exceptionally good ergonomic office chair with more features than you might expect. The adaptive lumbar support, breathable backrest, and accessible price-point put some of the bigger brands to shame.
During our review process, assembly proved very easy (around 20 minutes from start to finish) and the result was a stable, sturdy chair that combines some of the best aspects from budget and premium seats. The lightweight mesh back is highly breathable and provides all-round support, while the foam seat cushion is nicely padded with spring enhancements for greater pressure distribution. Best of all, it's suitable for a range of body types - we tested it out on users ranging between 5'3" and 6'5" without any issues or complaints.
As a budget office chair, compromises have been made. Adjustment control isn't as broad as higher-end models. The firm lumbar support isn't fully adjustable despite adapting to your body, there's no way to slide the seat depth into place, and the recline has no way to lock it back into place. Hardly deal-breakers at this price. Boasting features often only found on higher-priced models, this is a great wallet-friendly ergonomic office chair.
Read our full ProtoArc EC100 review
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
Price | Excellent affordability for a smart office chair | ★★★★★ |
Design | Classic mesh ergonomic office chair design | ★★★★☆ |
Performance | Comfortable in use, accommodating a wide range of user builds | ★★★★★ |
Features | Not loaded with features, but the adaptive lumbar support at this price is excellent | ★★★★☆ |
Best 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 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
No other chair we've tested is as good for relieving back pain as the Steelcase Leap. It's beautifully designed for work - and we even used it for long gaming sessions.
But the Leap's real strength lies in its excellent 'LiveBack' backrest. This backrest naturally molds to your body, delivering continuous support to the spine as you move. You can then make further adjustments to fine-tune the fit for precise relief. The adjustable lumbar support system supports the middle of the back or the lower back. Firmness can also be altered, helping you achieve a better posture. Couple that with adjustable armrests and you have an office chair engineered for precision comfort.
Overall, the chair boasts incredible comfort for a range of body types (and our 6'2" reviewer agrees), with smooth adjustment mechanisms, and a solid build quality that's reflected in the price. We experienced no aches or discomfort even when using the Steelcase Leap 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 ergonomic office chair for posture correction
Buy it if...
✅ You want an office chair with serious back support: The technology behind the Embody's backrest creates continued support and promotes better posture 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, and with the 12-year warranty, I'd consider this more of an investment chair for greater comfort and support.
❌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.
What we thought
The Herman Miller Embody is an easy pick for best ergonomic office chair for posture correction, with a system that works in tandem with your body for impressively high levels of comfort.
Herman Miller's signature comfort and smart design are outstanding here, but the magic lies in the Embody's dynamic BackFit adjustment with Pixelated Support, which like the Steelcase Leap, conforms to your micro movements, but doesn't require a separate lumbar support system. It molds to your body, seamlessly moving as you move for continued support even if you like to shift in the chair. Paired with the layered hybrid foam-spring cushioning of the seat, it all comes together in concert to eliminate those pressure points that cause fatigue.
In our testing, the Embody delivered on its promise of comfort. There is a slight learning curves here, though. We found some of the adjustments, like correcting armrest positioning and the seat depth extender, weren't as intuitive as other models. It’s a minor issue, and once solved, customization and precise fine-tuning of the seating experience is excellent.
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, but I'd say it's worth it | ★★★★☆ |
Design | Beautifully designed with a very modern style | ★★★★★ |
Performance | Outstanding performance - it's comfortable in all the right places | ★★★★★ |
Features | The BackFit Adjustment is the real highlight here. it works a treat | ★★★★★ |
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 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, the FlexiSpot C7 is a mid-range masterpiece. Earning 4.5 stars in our review, this office chair boasts a level of adjustability that you'd normally only find on higher-end chairs.
So, what we have here is a chair with dynamic lumbar support that continuously supports the lower back as you move, adjustable seat depth, and 4D armrests for precision positioning. Essentially, everything you'd look for to eliminate back pain - but at a fraction of the cost of a chair like the Leap.
During our tests, the chair helped us maintain a natural posture, and we experienced no aches and pains, or feel the need to stand after extended sitting. Stability and build quality is excellent for the price, operation proved smooth, and there's a wide range of controls for fine-tuning the experience. All wrapped up in a smart, modern design that's adept at tackling moderate back pain.
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 work and play
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 may not alleviate serious lower back discomfort.
❌ You like detailed fine-tuning: While you can tailor lumbar support, seat height and depth, headrest, and armrests and it's great, it's not as ultra-adjustable as higher-end office chairs.
What we thought
With its gaming chair heritage, it's no surprise the Boulies EP200 is our top choice for work and play. Considering this is priced at around the $300 / £300 mark, it’s one of the most comfortable office chairs I’ve ever sat on.
it's quick to assemble, and from initial unboxing to the final twist of the hex key, we had it up and running in about twenty minutes. The design is a classic, professional style, with a breathable and contoured mesh backrest and firm seat. While the lumbar support may not be adjustable like it is on the FlexiSpot C7, adjustable seat depth, headrest, 3D armrests, and recliner round out the precision control for comfort.
After long-term testing, with over 3000 hours in the seat, we've experienced no issues, fatigue, or discomfort. Assembly was easy, and from initial unboxing to the final twist of the hex key, we had it up and running in about twenty minutes. Since then, it's been used for work, rest, and play, making it a great all-rounder office chair.
Read our full Boulies 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 gamer who wants an ultra-comfortable office chair: This is an incredibly comfortable chair for the price, with 4D armrests and 4-way adjustable lumbar support for fine-tuning.
✅ You want an accommodating fit: The Secretlab Titan Evo comes in three sizes, Small, Regular, and XL, with each offering increasing seat height and weight loads.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You need to alleviate serious back pain: We found the Titan Evo to be exceptionally comfortable for long sessions, but it lacks seat depth adjustment if you need it.
❌ You prioritize breathability: This chair comes in fabric or leatherette variants, but there's no mesh version if you're looking for better airflow and cooling.
What we thought
The Secretlab Titan Evo has been the go-to choice for gamers for a good reason: it's incredibly comfortable, highly adjustable, and really looks the business. After two weeks of testing, we were in love.
It stands out among the competition with its three distinct sizes for a range of body types. There's Small, Regular, and XL, with each increasing the maximum weight load and seat height. And alongside understated monochrome designs, there are a mind-boggling number of designs from gaming and pop culture like Superman and Warhammer.
In use, we found this is an exceptionally comfortable chair, with the 4-way adjustable lumbar support controlled by two dials delivering excellent ergonomics. It elevated the entire sitting experience to whole new comfort levels. For an optional extra, we recommend the PlushCell memory foam armrests, which makes it even more comfortable, and add a touch of luxury.
The Titan Evo does lack seat depth adjustments, so it won't suit those who need that, and while the fabric and leatherette stylings are eye-catching, there's no mesh offering for greater airflow. But then, that's not what this chair is all about. It's about comfort when playing or working for long hours. And it delivers.
Read our full Secretlab Titan Evo 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 | Massive range to suit your style and workspace, and three sizes to choose from | ★★★★★ |
Performance | Easily one of the most comfortable office chairs for gaming we've ever reviewed | ★★★★★ |
Features | Features are light here, but the4-way adjustable lumbar support and 4D armrests are excellent | ★★★★☆ |
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, and sizes run from A to C 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 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'll need to buy the headrest separately, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
What we thought
The Herman Miller Aeron isn't just one of the best for a broad range of body types - it's one of the best period. It's one of those chairs that felt perfectly engineered from top to bottom for a range of body types.
Unlike a lot of other premium office chairs, seat depth is fixed. But that's because the Aeron is available in three sizes that should already offer a tailored fit. Type A for petite users, Type B for regular, and Type C, which is the widest and most accommodating fit. with a higher backrest and seat for taller or larger frames. The chair is constructed from breathable 8Z Pellicle mesh, with the PostureFit SL system delivering firm support while seated. We found it effectively molds to your body for continued support.
In our week-long test, the Aeron, we absolutely loved the experience. It's firm, with a little bounce on the suspension to prevent discomfort and fatigue. And the chair's ergonomic curve and PostureFit back support encourage you to sit with improved posture. Whichever Aeron you choose, for maximum comfort, we recommend getting the fully adjustable armrests and optional headrest (the Atlas headrest is a popular pick).
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 | 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 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 need full ergonomic back support: The adjustable lumbar support for the Sayl is sold separately, while the tapered backrest won't offer full-body support.
❌ 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 define the Herman Miller Sayl. With its unframed 3D-intelligent backrest that tapers inward to mask its profile, we found this svelte desk chair ideal for small spaces.
Despite the minimalist frame, the Sayl boasts Herman Miller's Harmonic Tilt that delivers balanced and consistent support when you shift or recline in the chair. It's one of the best features we've ever used on an office chair. This clever design is paired with a broad, contoured and generously cushioned pad that's effective in cutting down on fatigue and the full suite of adjustment controls we expect from a premium office chair, including seat depth, armrests, and recline level.
Bonus points for coming fully assembled and the long 12-year warranty. Our only real complaint is the lack of headrest for better neck support. If that’s not a deal-breaker, the Sayl is a stunning compact and comfortable 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 compared
Best office chairs: Honorable mentions
We've tested over 60 of the best office chairs, and while not every one can be included into the main round-up, all of these chairs deserve an honorable mention.
The Branch Ergonomic Chair offers plenty of adjustability and a whole lot of style, and is a strong contender for the top spot in this round-up. Support is excellent, as is the 7-year warranty.
Read our full Branch Ergonomic Chair review
The Humanscale Freedom is ideal long hours of use thanks to a wealth of adjustment controls and dynamic lumbar support. While luxurious, we found it can take some getting used to.
Read our full Humanscale Freedom review
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.
Read our full Sihoo Doro S100 review
A low-priced office chair for gamers on a budget, we liked the surprisingly good fixed lumbar support and smart design built for a range of body types.
Read our full Razer Enki review
We found the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro to be near-perfect with outstanding levels of comfort, stability, and adjustability. The only thing we didn't like were the armrests, which felt flimsy during all-day use.
Read our full Branch Ergonomic Pro review
The biggest and most feature-rich part of 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.
Read our full FlexiSpot C7 Max review
An excellent pick that's chiefly designed for office settings and shared workspaces, the Boulies OP300 sports a traditional office look and proved to be comfortable and supportive for a mid-range chair, but lacks the breathability of a mesh design.
Read our full Boulies OP300 review
An ergonomic task chair with very high height range and weight load, we found this Steelcase model to be well-designed, solidly constructed, and comfortable for longer hours at work.
Read our full Steelcase Series 2 review
Highly adjustable and sturdily built, the Steelcase Gesture is a premium office chair with arguably the best armrests we've ever tried - but we found it lacks breathability and lumbar support is limited.
Read our full Steelcase Gesture review
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: 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.
Are there any specific brands known for their ergonomic office chairs?
At the budget / mid-range end, I like FlexiSpot, Boulies, ProtoArc, 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 office chairs.
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