We’ve hand-picked 10 office chairs that will satisfy a range of wants and needs – whether you work from home or are back in a regular office. We believe these picks are among the best office chairs you can buy right now.
The Aeron is another chair from Herman Miller. It’s our choice for the absolute best office chair because it’s completely customizable. Choose what size you want, the type of back support, the tilt, if you want adjustable arms or not, and your chair’s caster. The Aeron uses an “8Z Pellicle elastomeric” suspension to create zones that run across the chair to make sure your body feels totally supported. This unique backing also allows body heat to pass through the chair, so you’re comfortable in warmer climates or during the summer months. While it comes at a hefty price tag, it’s worth it since your chair will be exactly what you want/need. Pros:
Completely customizable Patented PostureFit SL back supportMade of recycled materials
Cons:
Expensive–and customizations can add up
The X-Chair X-Tech Executive is one of the most premium-feeling chairs that we’ve tested at ZDNet. Made with a Brisa soft-touch fabric that’s both breathable to sit on for hours and durable enough to withstand bumps and scratches, the X-Tech Executive is ideal for anyone who seeks comfort. It also features a Dynamic Variable Lumbar support which, as the name implies, adapts to your spine as you lay back. Ultimately, you will have to pay a premium to reap the benefits of this executive chair, but for many, it will be worth it. Pros:
Cooling Gel Contoured M-Foam seat Adjustable armrests and headrest Super comfortable for long periods of sitting
Cons:
Lowest height setting can still be too highX-Wheels don’t always move in unison
Also: X-Chair X-Tech Executive full review This desk chair from Hbada is basically for power-nappers. It’s a reclining desk chair capable of going back to any position between 90 degrees, which is perfect for working upright at a desk, to 155 degrees, for a quick cat nap or just to stretch your back out (and a retractable footrest for added comfort while laying). It also has an ergonomic design with an adjustable headrest, breathable mesh backing, and lumbar support. Pros:
Good price Reclines at 120 and 155 degrees Retractable footrest
Cons:
Footrest can be flimsy at times Seat cushion could be thicker
The Steelcase Leap Fabric Office Chair is our top pick for our best ergonomic chair roundup, so it makes this list as well. The chair accommodates various heights thanks to its adjustable seating height and armrests. And to reduce lower back pain during a long workday, you can move the lower back cushions to provide more support. It also has recline tension adjustment and a lower back firmness control. Pros:
Adjustable seat height Lower back tension controls Contoured backrest adjusts to your sitting position
Cons:
The high price makes it out of reach for some home offices Some reviewers note the seat cushion is too firm
Also: The 5 best ergonomic office chairs If you’re looking for a super stylish chair, this choice from Wayfair looks great and is also fairly comfortable to sit in for long periods. Choose from four frame options or four upholstery options, so you can have a rose gold frame on a crisp white chair. It also has tilt tension adjustment knobs so you can lean back when you need a quick break. Pros:
Easy assembly Stylish and modern look
Cons:
Seat cushion could be thicker Wheels aren’t as smooth on certain surfaces
If you’re the kind of person who’s in and out of your chair all day or hunched over drawing at a drafting table for hours on end, this Hon Volt chair is for you. It offers seat height adjustment and a footrest beneath the seat, making it ideal for working at tall workstations. This chair can also double as a chair for your standing desk since it has an extended height adjustment. Pros:
Extended height adjustment for easy sit-to-standContoured seat and back cushions
Cons:
Only one color optionNo armrests
Close your eyes and picture an executive chair. We suspect this leather chair is what comes to mind. It features authentic wooden accents and is made by mattress-maker Serta, so you know the chair is going to be comfortable. It also has an ergonomic design with adjustable lumbar support. Pros:
Quality bonded leather with Serta cushions Waterfall seat edge
Cons:
Difficult to assemble
Kneeling chairs are considered more ergonomic than desk chairs since they decrease posture slope and ease lower back pain. This specific kneeling chair is designed by one of the Norwegian designers of the original kneeling chair, Peter Opsvik, this chair has the classic kneeling chair (also known as a Balans chair) design while offering plenty of colors to choose from. This chair has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. It also comes with soft tape that you can put on the bottom legs to protect hardwood floors from scratches when your chair rocks back and forth while sitting on it. Pros
Straightforward assembly Comes in many colors
Cons
Can become creaky Not adjustable Expensive
More: Best kneeling chair alternatives If you’re looking to spend less than $200 on your office chair, this chair from Hbada is a great and inexpensive option at just $130. This chair has a modern and sturdy design with armrests that you can put up or down depending on how you’re working. Its high-density mesh also makes it breathable and comfortable to sit in for hours at a time. Pros:
90-degree adjustable armrest Adjustable rocking style
Cons:
Seat cushion could be thicker
This ergonomic office chair comes with everything you’re looking for in an office chair. It has lumbar support, pneumatic controls to make sure it’ll fit comfortably with your current desk, and durable castors that roll on both hard and carpeted flooring. It also has a weight limit of 250 lbs, and it only costs $78. Pros:
Rocking mode Super inexpensive
Cons:
Quality isn’t as great as some of the more costly chairs
Lumbar support: An office chair with included lumbar support will prevent back pain/tension since it properly aligns your muscles and spine with its contoured shape. Lumbar support can also improve your posture. Adjustable features: Features like adjustable armrests, adjustable height, and adjustable lumbar support are important for an office chair to have so you can customize the chair to your needs and your office setup. Cushioned seat: Be sure your office chair has a well-cushioned seat since that’s the part of the chair where you will be putting most of your weight on. Look for a deeper seat if you are taller, and a shallower seat if you’re on the shorter side. Also look out for chairs with waterfall seats, which are designed to slope slightly downward to relieve the pressure on the back of your thighs and knees. Caster wheels: You should be able to easily move around your office space thanks to quality caster wheels on your office chair. Pay attention to what type of floor(s) a manufacturer says the office chair is ideal for. In addition, you can add a lumbar support pillow to your office chair if it is lacking in that area. There are actually lumbar support pillows specifically made for office chairs, so you’ll have plenty to choose from.
