A good office chair won’t fix your bad sitting habits, but it supports you no matter how badly you slump. We’ve looked into countless office chairs and only picked those offering exceptional lumbar, pelvic, leg, and head support.
These office chairs deserve a place in your home or regular office. You can now do your job without dealing with pain and numbness at the end of the day. Read on for our top recommendations.
Top Best Office Chairs
Best Office Chairs Reviewed 2023
Steelcase Gesture is an office chair made to support the way you work. Its design is a result of studying the human body. While it’s a one-size-fits-all, this office chair offers a wide range of customization features that will provide customized comfort.
Steelcase Gesture uses 3D Live technology to mimic your spine’s natural motion. As such, it conforms to your body to provide adequate lumbar support. In addition, this model can contour to all postures allowing you to seat in whichever form but still be fully supported.
Don’t compromise your health when typing on keyboards or making phone calls. Steelcase Gesture’s 360°-arm will support all your moves. Other features to look forward to on the Steelcase Gesture include an adjustable hip position cushion, all-edge padding, and a mesh back.
Nevertheless, the plastic wheels are not as aesthetically pleasing as the rest of the chair. And keeping in mind that this is a chair costing over $1000, Steelcase could do better. Overall, every other feature is to die for, especially if you spend 8+ hours in the office.
1st Runner Up
For anyone who experiences low and upper back pain, investing in a chair made to the highest comfort standards is a no-brainer. In this case, you’ll want to consider the Herman Miller Aeron Chair. This chair supports the sacral region below the spine and helps the body maintain the S-shape of the spine.
You’ll have eight zones of comfort thanks to its elastomeric suspension. And did you know that the Herman Miller Aeron Chair can move with you? Its innovative tilt mechanism allows you to take on all postures. Get this chair in three sizes for your exact fit. Besides, some models have extra lumbar support if your back pain is severe.
Herman Miller Aeron Chair has varied arm choices from fully adjustable arms, height-adjustable arms, stationary arms, and even models with no arms. It’s no wonder it’s a cult favorite despite the price tag.
2nd Runner Up
Do you ever tire of adjusting your chair every morning or when someone else uses it? Skip all that with an intelligent chair. The Steelcase Think 3D will understand how you sit and adjust itself accordingly. It follows your body’s needs to maximize comfort while working at your desk.
Steelcase Think 3D is super versatile such that you can adjust all its features. The LiveBack Technology conforms to your movements, but you can also shift the recline, seat depth, height, backrest, arms, lumbar support, and headrest.
The translucent 3D knit material makes the chair lighter and allows it to wick away moisture. It’s available in hard and carpet-floor carpets, and it’s easy to dismantle at the end of life. With a 12-year warranty, you have every reason to invest in the Steelcase Think 3D office desk chair.
The HumanScale Freedom is a popular office chair owing to its intricate features. This chair is high-end, but every feature is well-thought to provide all-day comfort. First, the HumanScale Freedom has a patented-design headrest that eliminates neck, shoulder, and upper-back discomfort.
This chair adapts to your sitting position allowing uninterrupted comfort. In addition, it supports healthy movement by supporting all your pressure points. A pivoting backrest adjusts to the spine while cushioning mimics your natural contours. The recline function is weight-sensitive so that it can handle every user.
Looking at the build quality, HumanScale goes out of its way with aluminum componentry on the chair’s frame. Moreover, you’ll like the fit and finish, plus every plastic part is well done. It’s also a lightweight chair in four different casters for various floor types. HumanScale also offers five-cylinder height options, seven leather options, and 49 fabric upholstery options.
If you’re looking for a premium office chair that fits the form and function, the HumanScale Freedom is your best option.
The Sayl is a classy office chair that holds up against other expensive office chairs. It comes at under $1000 but with great ergonomics. The flexible webbing on its back provides both comfort and support. Besides, it’s easy to put together and eco-friendly, although customizations are minimal.
This chair comes with thin but comfy padding. The arms are also on the small side. However, they are well-positioned and come with lots of give and softness. Again, you’ll find the back support amazing since the interlocking elastomer strands on the back bend with your weight. Thus, you’ll not need additional lumbar support.
The Herman Miller Sayl chair distinguishes itself from the rest. It will stand out in any office and has different color options for the frame, backrest, and upholstery. Furthermore, it comes completely built so you can get to work as soon as it arrives. The only people who will not like it are if you’re a taller and larger individual. Otherwise, enjoy the impressive comfort and softness of the Herman Miller Sayl chair.
Autonomous Ergochair Core is perhaps the most affordable ergonomic chair. It’s a heavy chair at nearly 50 pounds, thanks to the metallic and hard plastic construction. You’ll first notice the adjustable lumbar support that curves into your lower back. Besides, it reclines, and the counterbalance adjustment keeps it from reclining too fast. In addition, you can lock the recline in different positions using the crank on its side.
The Autonomous Ergochair Core has some comfy cushioning, although it may take time to adjust to its feel. Nonetheless, it starts to feel comfortable after a few uses. While it has a weight capacity of 250 pounds, we feel it’s better for people under 200 pounds.
Since everything is adjustable on this chair, finding your bearings is rewarding. To this end, you’ll be able to adjust the armrests and the height. However, if you’re under 5’2, you may find it does not adjust enough to provide ample neck support.
The HON Office Chair Ignition 2.0 attests that you can have incredible features without dipping your pockets. This model allows you to adjust the lumbar support for customized back support. You can also adjust the armrest height and width, seat depth and height, and it swivels over 360°.
HON offers a lifetime warranty which indicates the longevity you get from this model. Even though it has a nearly all-plastic build, you’ll like its heft. Furthermore, it has thick and resilient cushioning. It’s comfortable for short and tall users. In addition, it accommodates up to 300 pounds of weight.
We particularly like the Syncro-tilt mechanism that adjusts to your weight and puts you in control of the recline. The breathable mesh stretches to enhance support, and the contoured seat is the perfect shape for the workstation warrior.
If you spend 8+ hours on your desk, you’ll find a chair with seven points of adjustments worth it. The Branch Ergonomic chair is pocket-friendly while being comfortable and supportive. It’s a chair you sit on and forget after finding the ideal height and comfortable position.
The Branch Ergonomic chair is available in a monochromatic or two-tone design. You can choose the one that fits your office—no worries about a sweaty back since it features a double-layered mesh on the backrest to improve breathability. The seat cushion has a 3-inch depth range and can support users up to 300 pounds. Additionally, it uses fabric-covered foam that is much more comfortable than seats that use thin mesh.
You won’t be slumping in this chair since it also includes adjustable lumbar support. The height is between 17 and 21 inches, while the seat depth is between 18 and 21 inches. You can also tilt the chair and adjust the armrests as well. The casters are stain-proof and roll smoothly on hard and carpeted floors.
If you’re looking for an ergonomic chair that is affordable, durable, and easy to assemble, the Branch Ergonomic chair ticks these boxes. Moreover, it ships for free, and you can return it within 30 days. However, if you’re over 6ft. tall, you may want to consider the Duramont model.
If you require lumbar support but don’t want to spend pretty money on an office chair, the Duramont model is for you. Designed with a series of adjustment options, the best is the lumbar support mechanism that curves into the small of your back. Most people report their fatigue and lower back pain are gone after 8-9 hours of sitting.
You can lock this chair into the recline position that suits you best. Hence, you don’t have to either sit upright or recline all the way. You’ll be able to fine-tune its other features to your specific needs, such as the height, which supports even tall guys. Moreover, the seat has ample cushioning that won’t give after a few months. The backrest is all mesh, and the padded armrests are also quite satisfying.
Duramont comes with simple instructions to assemble the chair. It comes together in eight steps that anyone can do. Then, you can start adjusting the pneumatic controls to your needs. The only thing we don’t like is the headrest since it’s only supportive if you lean way back instead of sitting upright. It’s not a deal breaker since most features offer ergonomic comfort for long hours of sitting.
The Alera Elusion Series Mid-Back chair is a practical office chair. It’s ideal if you don’t spend more than four hours at your desk. Its price matches the functionality, as you’ll find it costs under $200. The mid-back version has a sleek, ergonomic design, a plush padded seat, and some adjustable features.
You’ll be able to adjust the seat height, depth, tilt, and armrest height. It has a wide seat that supports most users unless you’re a large individual. Nevertheless, we found that the height, depth, and tilt are super easy to adjust even when seated. However, the backrest needs adjusting by tightening or loosening the screws. As such, it’s ideal that you first find the perfect backrest position before adjusting. Moreover, you can’t share it with someone who prefers a different backrest position.
This chair’s seat contours nicely to accommodate most people. It even has a waterfall edge that prevents hip aches. It supports your legs and bottom for a few hours of use. Tall people will not particularly like that the contouring gets in the way if you lean forward. Still, you get a breathable mesh back, so you can rest easy on warm days.
Overall, the Alera Elusion Series Mid-Back fits the bill as far as ergonomics are concerned for anyone who spends a few hours on their desk.
Features to Consider in An Office Chair
If you’re sitting in a bad office chair, your body will tell you in a number of ailments, such as lower back pain, fatigue, poor posture, and arm, leg, and neck pain. That’s why taking the time to understand the features to look for in an office chair is rewarding.
Here are the vital features to look for in an office chair.
Supportive Backrest
Office chairs have either fixed or removable backrests. A chair with a removable backrest should be adjustable in height and angle. This feature provides good lumbar support. In addition, you don’t want a seat that’s too low since you’ll struggle to reach the desk. Overreaching causes shoulder pain.
Adequate Lumbar Support
A good office chair should protect your back. To this end, it’s ideal that you can maintain the natural inward curve of your back. Even without additional lumbar support, the best office chair will have back support by raising or lowering the backrest.
Enough Width and Depth
You’ll want a wide enough chair for your hips and deep enough to support your backside. Look for a chair where your knees are about 1-2 inches from the front of the seat when seated. At this position, you should be able to place at least two fingers between the front of the seat and the back of your knee.
Consider the Number of Hours You Sit Down
If you sit for around four hours, you can get away with a cheap office chair. However, if you spend around 8 hours, which is a typical work day, you’ll need an ergonomic chair with various adjustment capabilities. Anyone who spends 12 hours in an office chair looks at a model with lots of body support. Still, if you’re in a call center and are on your chair around the clock, you’ll need a model designed to the highest comfort and support standards.
Steelcase Gesture is the most adjustable chair for all body sizes and heights. It beats aches in the butt, neck, and shoulders that most people who spend hours in an office chair experience.
A striking balance of cushioning and support graces the Steelcase Gesture. It’s a remarkable office chair well-deserving for those spending round the clock in their office chair. Thanks to its outstanding ergonomic comfort, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a spa chair.
