Even if you’re not working from home full-time anymore, as many of us were during the pandemic, hybrid work is still the norm at plenty of companies. That can mean upwards of 20 hours spent using your own office furniture every week, so it’s important not to skimp out on things like a standing desk or a supportive office chair.
In an effort to discover which office chairs are actually comfortable, we spent more than a month testing 15 different options varying in price, function and style. We compared important features like ergonomic design, back and lumbar support, and tilt mechanisms — and dug into whether more expensive options are really worth the extra cash. In the end, two chairs sat comfortably at the top of our list:
Best office chair
Steelcase
The Steelcase Series 1 stood out as one of the most customizable, high-quality, comfortable office chairs on the market, beating out chairs double the price — making it the best bang for the buck.
From $493 at Steelcase
$498 at Amazon
Hayley Saltzman/CNN
On its website, Steelcase offers a good deal of information about what makes a quality office chair. The basics: It should “flex with you — helping you change postures while you sit; fit the natural contour of your back; move as you do,” while also allowing your arms to stay straight on your desk and your eyes level with your screen while you recline. After spending nine workdays testing three different Steelcase models, we feel safe in saying Steelcase knows what it’s talking about.
While all three of the Steelcase chairs received high marks in our testing pool, the Series 1, Steelcase’s most affordable option, blends exceptional comfort and value better than any chair we tested.
At first glance, the mesh chair’s aesthetic is unassuming, with simple, clean lines and a compact size. When compared with the other products we tested, which sometimes had sharp angles, oddly elongated backrests and unnecessarily large armrests, we found the Series 1 to be one of the better-looking office chairs in our pool.
But when it comes to chairs, it’s more important that they’re easy on your back than on your eyes. We’re happy to report that with the Series 1, Steelcase marries function to that beautiful form. After three days of sitting in the chair, we felt the seat had the perfect balance of cushiness and firmness (further long-term testing over the past year further supports this). While we were initially concerned that the thick, plastic lumbar adjustment would feel stiff, it wasn’t an issue. The mesh backrest was both flexible and supportive throughout the testing period. The backrest, which has what Steelcase refers to as “Integrated Liveback Technology,” might not look as structured as some of the heavily padded backrests on the market, but it outperformed the cushioned backrests because it moves with you as you work and shift seating positions.
As we learned throughout the chair testing process, backrest and seat comfort are negligible if a chair doesn’t allow you to customize it to fit your specific body. This is where the Series 1 really shines. While some of the other office chairs we tested merely offer adjustable seat heights and backrest angles, nearly every aspect of the Series 1 can be adjusted. And as an added bonus, it’s actually easy to make each adjustment with minimal guidance: While several other adjustable models require diagrams, videos and guides for proper setup, the Series 1 generally moves and conforms with the body in a very intuitive way.
The arm height adjusts within a 5-inch range to help relieve upper back and shoulder fatigue; the arm width adjusts 4 inches overall; arm depth can retract 2 inches to allow the user to get closer to the work surface and into tight corners; seat depth adjusts within a 2.25-inch range to accommodate different leg lengths; lumbar height adjusts over 2.25 inches; the arm caps pivot independently 40 degrees inward and 40 degrees outward depending on your preference; and the seat height adjusts within a 5-inch range. If that list doesn’t mean much to you, here’s the bottom line: This chair is extremely adaptable.
This ergonomic office chair is less than half the price of several others we tested, yet provides more comfort and flexibility than just about every chair we tested at any price point, making it a clear winner in an expensive market.
Hayley Saltzman/CNN
The Steelcase Series 1 might provide the best bang for your buck, but it’s still a fairly hefty purchase at around $400. While the majority of chairs under $200 we tested were more akin to a stack of cinder blocks than a high-end office chair, the Alera Elusion Series Mesh Multifunction Chair offers superb comfort and adjustability (it ranked third in that combined category, bested only by our best overall office chair and the Steelcase Leap Chair) with a very reasonable price tag.
The Elusion was one of the comfiest chairs we tested. Its thick seat cushion stood up to more expensive chairs, and the breathable mesh back was one of its best features.
While some of the adjustments on this chair are easier to make than others (though none of them work as seamlessly as with the Series 1), the Elusion does offer all of the customizations you need in a chair. Throughout the testing process, it became clear that height- and width-adjustable armrests are key, and this is another area where the Elusion succeeded. While the Elusion’s arms are very adjustable, they’re not as easy to adjust as the Steelcase armrests. To adjust the armrest width on the Elusion, you have to reach below the seat and turn a knob until you reach your desired position. The buttons for armrest height also feel a bit stiffer and harder to adjust than the mechanisms on any of the Steelcase chairs, but with a bit of force, it’s simple enough to move them. While the Elusion wasn’t the most adjustable product we tried (particularly with regard to armrest angle, which was not adjustable), both the height and the width of the armrests were ultimately more adjustable than the armrests on some of the much pricier competitors.
One of the least desirable aspects of this chair is its assembly process. Of all the chairs we had to assemble, the Elusion took the longest: a cumbersome 43 minutes (after unboxing) to get the chair set up, not including adjustments. Given the number of chairs that arrive fully assembled, you do have to commit a bit of elbow grease to save some money with the Elusion. The instructions were incredibly vague and we wasted a good amount of time trying to attach the armrests. But given that the assembly is just a one-time inconvenience that results in a very comfortable chair, it was not a deal-breaker, especially at this attractive price point.
While the Alera Elusion clearly has some limitations to its level of adjustability (most notably in the armrest angle and backrest height categories), its overall comfort level makes it one of the best options for its price tag, even after taking into account the somewhat lengthy assembly process.
The testing process for these office chairs lasted nearly two months. We unboxed and assembled each chair, paying special attention to the amount of time each unboxing and building process took. For the chairs that required assembly, we logged the amount of time it took to put each chair together. Once each chair was fully built, we reviewed all of the adjustment materials included and adjusted the chair to the proper specifications as much as possible.
Once the chairs were properly assembled and adjusted, we sat in each chair for three consecutive 9-hour workdays in the exact same office setup and conditions every day. We carefully noted how each chair performed in different positions accommodating various tasks throughout the workday (typing, writing, phone calls and video meetings). We also logged the overall comfort level after several days of sitting and working in each chair. Overall, we evaluated based on what would be the most important to the user: comfort and adjustability, build and length of the warranty.
To determine the most accurate overall scores for each of these three larger categories, we broke the testing into 10 subcategories:
Seat comfort: We noted how the seat felt upon first sitting down, and then re-evaluated at the end of the three-day mark.
Backrest comfort: We noted how the backrest felt upon first sitting down, and then re-evaluated at the end of the three-day mark.
Armrest comfort: We noted how the armrests felt upon first sitting in each chair, and then re-evaluated at the end of the three-day mark.
Adjustability: To evaluate each chair’s adjustability, we made a note of the various features on each chair that could be adjusted, ranked individual adjustability of each feature on a scale of 1 to 15, then averaged these numbers to get an overall adjustability score. We analyzed adjustability on a scale of 1 to 15 for each of the following office chair features: Seat height, seat angle, seat depth, armrest height, armrest width, armrest angle, backrest angle, backrest height
Back and lumbar support: We noted the level of lumbar support each chair provided (if any) upon first sitting in the chair. We also analyzed the level of back support each chair provided, paying special attention to how supportive the backrest felt in a range of angles and chair positions. Like the other tests, we then re-evaluated at the end of the three-day mark to determine a final score.
Ease of reclining: First, we noted whether each chair allows the user to recline. Then, for the chairs that did include a recline function, we ensured that each chair was adjusted to its loosest or easiest recline setting, then noted how easy it was to recline the chair while sitting in a normal position.
Ease of assembly: For the chairs that required some level of assembly upon delivery, we recorded the amount of time it took to unbox and assemble the chair, from start to finish (not including time spent properly adjusting the chair).
Quality of chair materials: We made a note of our first impression of the fabric, armrest materials and finishes on each chair. We paid special attention to how sturdy each chair seemed upon first impression (i.e. did it squeak or seem as though it could fall apart?). We also made a note of these details after three days of sitting in each chair.
Overall aesthetic: We assessed each chair’s overall appearance compared with the other chairs on the market and in our testing pool. We also made a note of the variety of color options for upholstery, metals, plastics and other materials used to make each chair.
Does it have a warranty? We rated the length and coverage of the warranty for each chair.
The best thing we can say about this chair is that it has very comfortable armrests. That aside, the lack of adjustable armrests (and for almost every other aspect of the chair) made it one of our least favorite products. This chair also received low marks in terms of build — it started squeaking on day one, and after three days of use, several of the screws fell out of the chair. Even if we concede this could be due to user error during setup, nothing like this happened with any other chair we assembled, so poor quality and assembly instructions are at least partly to blame.
This is one of the most affordable chairs we tested. Its biggest attributes, especially at its price point, are its simple aesthetic, its excellent 10-year warranty and its ease of assembly. The Branch chair is also relatively adjustable — offering easy-to-adjust armrests, seat depth and lumbar support. In spite of these positives, the Ergonomic Chair ultimately failed to outperform the Alera chair or the Steelcase Series 1 chair in the key category of comfort.
The Ergonomic chair’s mesh back and armrests are comfortable enough, and its seat, while less cushy than the Alera Elusion, is adequate. The lumbar support, however, proved to be so uncomfortable that our tester was looking forward to the end of the test period. In spite of adjusting the lumbar support to its lowest and highest heights, and then ultimately consulting with one of Branch’s ergonomic experts (which the brand offers free to every customer), we couldn’t find a height that provided support without causing intense pressure on the lower back. One tester, who’s just over 5-foot-2, was on the lower end of the recommended height requirements for this chair; another, who is 5-foot-5, never experienced lumbar discomfort while using the product. For shorter consumers, this chair isn’t likely to be your favorite. For others, it’s likely a decent option if you’re looking for something a little prettier than the Alera Elusion and more affordable than the Steelcase Series 1.
Unless you’ve been keeping up with new innovations in office seating, the Branch Saddle Chair is unlike most anything you’ve sat on before. A low-profile stool with a distinctive saddle-shaped, plushly upholstered bent wood top, the Saddle Chair isn’t meant to sit on all day (and it doesn’t have enough back support that you’d want to) but is meant to work as a tool for “active sitting” in concert with a standing desk. Meant to be used at a taller height than a standard stool, it drops your knees below your hips for a better seated position, plus it’s small enough to tuck cleanly away under your desk when you’re standing. It isn’t meant to be used all day (it’s more comfortable than traditional stools but not as comfy as a good office chair), and the tall position means it might not work with some standard-height desks, especially if you’re tall. But if you’re committed to using a standing desk and want a chair that integrates well with it, it’s absolutely worth a look (and you’ll want to check out our full review of the Saddle Chair for more).
The Verve Chair is a newer, even more stylish office chair from Branch. We found it comfortable and supportive, and its slimmed-down look and simplified adjustments, including easy-to-use seat depth and tilt-tension controls, make it a good fit for home office spaces with an accent on design — it looks a lot more expensive than it is.
We spent some serious time checking out the Verve, and we think it is definitely balanced more toward ease of use than options. Something to keep in mind if you’re considering the chair is that the armrests only adjust in a single dimension, meaning their placement is relatively limited compared to the less expensive (and still attractive) Branch Ergonomic Chair. As with the Ergonomic Chair, you’ll want to be careful about your measurements — if you’re much over 6 feet and long-legged, you may find the chair too short. That said, the Verve is a great-looking, well-built piece of productivity furniture that’s perfect for a well-appointed home office so long as it fits you.
This was one of the most aesthetically pleasing chairs we tried, and it received a high score for comfort and build across the board. The main downsides here were the steep price tag and relative lack of adjustability.
While this chair received a relatively high score for adjustability, it lacked sufficient lumbar support and had an uncomfortable backrest. Although the backrest angle is adjustable, it was one of our lower-scoring chairs in terms of ease of recline. If you like to be able to comfortably shift between sitting upright and leaning back while spending long hours at your desk, this might not be the best chair for you.
This was another high-scoring chair. The mesh moved with us very easily, and overall it felt incredibly supportive yet light. This chair received a perfect score for seat comfort and backrest comfort, and we were impressed to note that its “tri-panel backrest” also provided exceptional lumbar support. Its ease of recline was also seamless — allowing for a supportive backrest no matter how much you choose to lean back. The seat depth and backrest height are both adjustable, which is a plus, but the armrests can only be adjusted up or down. If you think you’ll need to adjust the width and/or angle of the armrests on your chair, you might want to go for a Steelcase product instead. Ultimately, in spite of its high score, the Diffrient World Task Chair didn’t secure a top spot on our list, mainly because of the armrest issue and the fact that this chair normally costs almost twice as much as the Series 1.
This chair felt comfortable and cushioned without relying on thick, heavy padding. The overall aesthetic is impressive, plus the seat depth and backrest height were more adjustable than many of the products we tried. Unfortunately, the fact that the armrest width and angle didn’t adjust as much as we would have liked made this chair relatively uncomfortable after three days. The default width for the armrests was far too wide for our personal comfort level, even at its most narrow position. If you don’t mind wide-set armrests and you’re looking for a chair with a quality build, this is a solid option.
While this was one of the most affordable chairs in our testing pool, it was also one of the least comfortable chairs we tried. It’s still better than a dining room chair, but its thinly cushioned seat was uncomfortable after two days, the armrests were incredibly thin and rubbery, and the lack of adjustability was a major issue. Additionally, we found the backrest to be unnecessarily tall, and given the chair’s lack of adjustability, it just didn’t feel like a fit.
For almost every testing category, our notes on this chair contained some version of “not great, but not awful.” Overall, that’s how we’d have to summarize this chair, too. This chair received very low marks for its one-year warranty, and average scores for build, comfort and adjustability. The seat and backrest are pretty comfortable and the chair adjusts in all of the main ways you’d expect it to, but the armrests are wide-set and contain strange divots, making them some of the least comfortable ones we tried.
Steelcase chairs were some of our favorite products we tested. The Steelcase Gesture received a perfect score in terms of build, ease of assembly, and quality of materials. Its lifetime warranty also gave it high marks, but it simply wasn’t as comfortable as the other Steelcase chairs we tested. If you like a very structured, supportive backrest, this might be a good option for you. If you favor a more flexible, mesh back (and a lower price tag), go with the Steelcase Series 1.
The latest high-end ergonomic chair from Steelcase, the Karman uses a hybrid mesh construction and a flexible frame that moves with you to provide all-day comfort without requiring a lot of adjustability. We tested the Karman for several months (sitting on it daily through the hottest summer in recorded history), and it’s been as cool and comfortable as promised, with the active system providing plenty of support without fiddling. That said, we would like to see a bit more adjustability (we missed seat depth), and we found ourselves knocking the 4D arms out of place a fair amount. Still, this is a great chair that you should check out if you’re ready for a serious office chair for your home. A bonus is that the minimalist design and broad color palette of hot and cool tones and metallic accents looks a lot better than most office chairs in a home environment.
As previously mentioned, this Steelcase chair was actually the highest-rated chair in our testing pool, and it remained exceptionally comfortable even after three days of use. But despite costing more than twice as much as the Series 1, the only areas where the Leap chair beat it were in backrest and armrest comfort. Ultimately, product value is a key factor in our product recommendation process, and the Leap’s much higher price tag (it typically retails for $1,299) kept it from being our number one pick.
As a remote team, Forbes Vetted writers and editors are experts at finding the best office chairs for your WFH setup. So, we combined our personal experience with guidance from medical professionals to assemble this list, which includes a handful of staffer favorites. Our top pick (which is also popular among Vetted readers) is the Branch Verve—adjustable and stylish, it comes with a breathable back and thick foam-filled seat cushion for added comfort. But, there are plenty more on this list that are suitable for a variety of office setups.
We asked our remote-working editors and writers which office chairs keep them comfortable all day ... [+] long.
Forbes VettedWhile styles and preferences differ, experts agree: The best office chair for any desk worker should be ergonomic. “An ergonomic chair has adjustable seat heights, adjustable arm support, seat depth adjustment, tilting or reclining mechanism and back support,” explains board-certified orthopedic spine and neck surgeon Dr. Rahul Shah. So, look for a model that offers enough customization options to cater to your specific comfort level and stature (in other words, a wooden kitchen chair is not the ideal choice). Below, see the eight best office chairs according to Forbes staffers. For more specialized comfort, we’ve also rounded up the best office chairs for back pain, the best big and tall office chairs and the best office chairs for short people.
MOST POPULAR
Branch
Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 37-41 inches | Material: Polyester knit with a foam seat | Weight limit: 275 pounds | Colors: 6 total, including Coral and Mint
We like the Branch Verve because it’s one of the most comfortable office chairs you can buy. Fitted with an adjustable seat, armrest and lumbar support, it comes with plenty of ways to tailor the chair to your comfort preferences and workspace. (We especially recommend the Branch Verve for shorter people since the seat can be lowered to 16.5 inches.) Take it from one of our editors, who used the Branch Verve every day for the past year and found it completely revolutionized her WFH setup.
Another plus for the Branch Verve: It has a soft-knit back and is available in five sleek colors, making it a practical and beautiful addition to your office space.
The Branch Verve's foam-filled seat cushion and adjustable armrests "provide support everywhere you ... [+] need it," says Amanda Arnold, senior home and kitchen editor.
AMANDA ARNOLD FOR FORBES VETTEDWhat our experts say: “I don’t think I fully grasped the benefits of working in an ergonomic desk chair until I added the Branch Verve to my work-from-home setup a year ago,” says Amanda Arnold, Forbes Vetted senior home and kitchen editor. “Between the foam-filled seat cushion, adjustable armrests and breathable knit back, this chair provides support everywhere you need it. My only complaint is that my cat loves it, too.”
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The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.
Amazon
Dimensions: 16.5 x 21.7 x 44.9 inches | Material: Mesh back with sponge seat | Weight limit: 250 pounds | Colors: 9 total, including Moon Grey and Green Pear
When you need an office chair in a pinch, we recommend shopping on Amazon to take advantage of the speedy delivery. And out of the hundreds of office chairs on the site, we appreciate the ergonomic features of the Mimoglad chair the most. It features a mesh back to help keep you from overheating, while its ergonomic backrest—which fits snuggly against your spine—provides great support. Our updates writer also enjoys the chair’s thick foam cushion and how the armrests flip up, which helps save space, particularly for apartment-dwellers.
"I really appreciate this chair's adjustable lumbar support and wide headrest," updates writer ... [+] Alexandra Garrett shares about her white Mimoglad chair.
alexandra garrett for forbes vettedWhat our experts say: “As someone with a history of back problems, I really appreciate this chair's adjustable lumbar support, wide headrest and 4-inch thick foam cushion,” says updates writer Alexandra Garrett. “I’ve had it for a several months, and I’ve noticed that my lower back is less stiff at the end of the day. Plus, it comes in a bunch of fun colors.”
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Sustainable
Herman Miller
Dimensions: 39.3 x 24.5 x 19.8 inches | Material: Elastomer back and upholstered seat | Weight limit: 350 pounds | Colors: 6 total, including Black and Fog/Studio White
When you sit for hours at a time—like our team of fully remote editors—you’ve likely experienced some aches and pains. That’s why we recommend the Sayl chair from Herman Miller for remote workers with back pain. Built with a unique seat back made from flexible elastomer, the Sayl excels at supporting spine alignment. Plus you can add adjustable lumbar support (for an extra cost). It comes with nearly a dozen optional customizations, including your choice of color, upholstery and armrests, which earned high praise from reviews editor Anna Perling. Note: These add-ons aren’t included in the base price.
"The curved back support is both firm and flexible," says senior reviews editor Anna Perling ... [+] regarding her black Herman Miller Sayl chair.
ANNA PERLING FOR FORBES VETTEDWhat our editors say: “My favorite part about the chair is how adjustable it is—it's a cinch to change the armrests, back and height,” says reviews editor Anna Perling. “The curved back support is somehow both firm and flexible; it feels like a hug for my back. Herman Miller also offers an awesome 12-year warranty, which made me feel confident in my purchase.”
Perling says it's a "cinch" to adjust the chair to her liking.
Anna Perling for Forbes VettedPros:
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Wayfair
Dimensions: 32.9 x 24.4 x 24.4 inches | Material: Upholstered | Weight limit: 250 pounds | Colors: 8 total, including Dark Blue Velvet and Cactus Velvet
An office chair and a task chair may seem like they’re one in the same, but they’re actually quite different. A task chair is specially designed to help aid your productivity, so it’s usually more compact and relatively bare-bones when compared to the other feature-packed office chairs on our list. But where a task chair lacks in features, it makes up for in style. This is especially true of the Elliana Task Chair from Wayfair. Available in six different colorways and two fabrics—velvet or polyester—you can customize the design based on your preferences. Our senior travel editor uses her Elliana everyday, and appreciates the chair’s beautiful fabrics, dense sponge seat and comfortable armrests.
"It’s super comfy and looks a lot more expensive in real life," says senior travel editor Astrid ... [+] Taran of her Rose Velvet Elliana Task Chair.
astrid taran for forbes vettedWhat our experts say: “It’s super comfy and I love its arm and back support,” says senior travel editor Astrid Taran. “It’s also super affordable and looks a lot more expensive in real life! I actually attached the seat the opposite way the instructions said to, so not sure if that was a mistake on Wayfair's part, but it's way more comfortable this way.”
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Editor’s Pick
Herman Miller
Dimensions: 16.75 x 27 x 41 inches | Material: Mesh | Weight limit: 300 to 350 (depending on size selected) | Colors: 6 total, including Mineral/Satin Aluminum and Black/Onyx
Although the Herman Miller Aeron is one of the most expensive office chairs on our list, it’s worth every penny according to two Forbes Vetted editors who’ve been using it for years. Made from durable materials, it’s super sturdy and features a supportive mesh seat. We especially like how customizable it is—oftentimes you’re limited to customizing the seat fabric but with the Aeron, you can customize nearly every aspect of the chair, from its frame and base to its back support to the armrest position.
"The Hermon Miller Aeron chair offers lots of adjustability, from the tilt angle to the arm rest ... [+] positioning to the lumbar support," says senior updates editor Karen Tietjen.
Karen Tietjen for Forbes VettedWhat our experts say: “This chair has seen me through 10-hour work days and a full pregnancy. I also have an old tailbone injury and after years of having suffered through bad desk chairs, the Aeron has been truly wonderful,” says home and kitchen editor Sholeen Damarwala. Senior updates editor Karen Tietjen adds, “My favorite part is the tilt feature that lets you adjust the angle and ease of which you can lean back, which is great for rockers/fidgeters like myself.”
Tietjen mentions that Herman Miller chairs are "sold in 'sizes' so you can get one that's suited to ... [+] your body frame, plus they're also height-adjustable for more customization."
karen tietjen for forbes vettedPros:
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Amazon
Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 36.5 inches | Material: Faux leather or fabric with foam seat| Weight limit: 400 pounds | Colors: 13 total, including Red faux leather and Charcoal fabric
For those who need extra cushioning, we recommend the Soho II Soft-Pad Management Chair from Laura Davidson Furniture due to its plush, cushy feel. Built with three soft faux leather pads for the back and seat bottom, it provides ample comfort for long work days. Adjust the seat height up to 21 inches, or tilt the chair back and swivel as needed. We also like how durable this chair is; it can support up to 400 pounds, which is one of the highest weight capacities we’ve seen among office chairs.
If sleek good looks are your priority, the Soho II—which offers a few adjustability features—is a ... [+] "fantastic" choice, says executive director of commerce Cory Baldwin.
Cory Baldwin for ForbesWhat our experts say: Executive director of commerce Cory Baldwin says that the Laura Davidson Office Chair was her primary WFH chair for two years (and it’s still in her rotation). “I love that it offers a modern silhouette in many colorways without breaking the bank, and it has proven to be sturdy enough to stand up to long hours of use,” says Baldwin. “While it does have some adjustability, this model doesn't offer all the ergonomic features some other (less chic) office chairs may provide, such as a high back and adjustable arm rests, so you may want to consider if any of these features are a requirement for your comfort.” However, she adds that for less rigorous use or for those who value design above adjustability, the Soho II is a “fantastic” choice.
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Amazon
Dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 36.7 inches | Material: Foam | Weight limit: 350 pounds | Colors: 4 total including Grey and Black
Working remotely sometimes means working from your kitchen counter or bedroom dresser. In those cases, we recommend opting for a taller-than-average office chair that adjusts easily to the height you need, like this chair from Bojuzija chair. Unlike a standard stool, its back cushion offers ergonomic support that rivals many other chairs on our list. But perhaps most importantly, its height rises up to 44 inches, and thanks to the height-adjustable footrest, your legs don’t need to be dangling. Our deals editor also loves how well the chair’s design fits in with her apartment decor.
Kara Cuzzone, senior deals editor, says of the Bojuzija: "It's super easy to assemble and it's very ... [+] comfortable."
kara cuzzone for forbes vettedWhat our experts say: “I use my kitchen island as a desk, so finding an office chair that was high enough to reach it was a little tough,” says deals editor Kara Cuzzone. “I ended up going with this ergonomically designed drafting chair, and I'm so glad I did. It was super easy to assemble and it's very comfortable. Plus, I like that it's not a total eyesore since it sits right in the middle of my apartment.”
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Sustainable
Amazon
Dimensions: 23.7 x 34.7 x 44.3 inches | Material: Upholstered back and cushion | Weight limit: 400 pounds | Colors: 22 total, including Concord and Royal
The Steelcase Gesture is undoubtedly pricey, but we think it’s a worthwhile splurge for those serious about upgrading their WFH setup. Adjustability-wise, it offers a full range of ergonomic adjustments including height, seat depth, recline and a 360-degree armrest positioning, which our deputy editor finds especially useful. Heavyweight folks should also appreciate this chair’s 400-pound weight capacity and ultra-sturdy construction.
"The armrests are so easy to adjust that I find myself moving them around a lot to accommodate ... [+] whatever I'm doing," shares executive editor Dave Johnson of his Steelcase Gesture.
Dave Johnson For Forbes VettedWhat our experts say: “The seat is comfortable for all-day use and does a great job of supporting my back no matter how I'm sitting,” says deputy editor Dave Johnson. “The armrests are so easy to adjust that I find myself moving them around a lot to accommodate whatever I'm doing instead of leaving them in one place like I have done with other chairs I've owned.”
The high-end and highly adjustable Steelcase Gesture "does a great job of supporting my back," says ... [+] Johnson.
Dave Johnson For Forbes VettedPros:
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While we have not tried the following models ourselves, these well-rated picks are worthy contenders based on their sleek looks, supportive construction, solid customer ratings and overall value.
Amazon
Dimensions: 20.1 x 18 x 45.3 inches | Material: Mesh | Weight limit: 300 pounds | Colors: Black
While more inexpensive options do exist, this option from Noblewell offers many perks seen in high-end office chairs, but for less than $250. We like its high mesh back and built-in lumbar support, which helps support healthy spine alignment—a must-have when you’re logging 8 (or more) hours at your desk. The design is also highly adjustable: The armrests, seat height and headrest are all customizable. And when you’re ready to kick your feet up, the Noblewell lets you recline up to 126 degrees.
What the reviews say: “I work from home, and I am in my office chair at least 10 hours or more about 6 days a week. My back does not hurt and to me that means everything,” says one buyer.
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Amazon
Dimensions: 26 x 23.6 x 42 inches | Material: Mesh | Weight limit: 330 pounds | Colors: Black, grey
Proper lumbar support is key to keeping your neck and spine properly aligned throughout the day. That’s why we selected the Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair as the most supportive option because it offers an adjustable design that lets you move its lumbar support in two different ways. Use the dials on the back of the chair to slide the piece up and down, or in and out, to find the most comfortable position for your body.
The seat is firmer than your average office chair (which is half the reason it’s so supportive), so if you like the feel of plush-soft padding, you may be better off with a softer pick. However, heavyweight individuals and taller folks should especially appreciate this chair’s sturdier design.
What the reviews say: “The very first thing I noticed was the firmness of the seat cushion,” says a reviewer. “I feel like I'm sitting on it [as opposed to] my other chair, where I was sinking in it. It's so firm and comfortable and keeps me in a solid upright position. The second thing I noticed was the excellent lumbar support.”
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Amazon
Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 53 inches | Material: Mesh | Weight limit: 300 pounds | Colors: 5 total, including Red and Blue
If you get hot easily or live in a warmer climate, we recommend Oline’s mesh office chair. Its tall mesh back promotes airflow, but you can also adjust the headrest, armrests, height, knee tilt and tilt tension as needed. Plus, the lumbar support responds to the amount of pressure placed on it, and it’s available in several colors to match your space.
What the reviews say: “Sitting in this chair was a ‘wow’ moment,” shares a reviewer. “The mesh material sits at an intersection of breathability, comfort and support that makes me question my previous life of sitting in cheap, boring ol' office chairs.”
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Good Value
Amazon
Dimensions: 28.5 x 27 x 44.5 inches | Material: Mesh back and foam seat | Weight limit: 300 pounds | Colors: Black and Black/Fog
If you’re looking for a high-end office chair, you don’t have to make a huge investment. The Hon Ignition 2.0 gives you many of the features you’ll find in pricier chairs, but at a lower cost. Constructed from breathable mesh fabric, the bestselling chair will help you stay cool as you work. Its cleverly contoured seat and reclining mechanism will also help you maintain a high level of comfort during your workday.
This chair offers ample adjustment opportunities: You’re able to tweak the height and width of the arms, and you’ll also enjoy pneumatic seat height adjustment and tension control to get that just-right angle. To help you get around without getting up, there are also five rolling casters on its base.
What the reviews say: “A top-quality desk chair at a fairly reasonably price,” shares one buyer. “[After using a] chair that contributed to serious lower back and leg issues, it’s refreshing to sit at my desk in a chair that supports me properly. [The] lumbar, arm rests, back and seat cushion are all adjustable so one can align oneself properly. And it glides around the floor like you’re on air. It’s also incredibly easy to assemble.”
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No two bodies are alike, so when it comes to finding the right office chair for your height, Dr. Shah recommends looking for an ergonomic model with adjustable seat heights. Fortunately, in most cases even the most basic office chairs have a seat height adjustment, which ensures your chair will fit comfortably under your desk and allow you to position your feet squarely on the floor. While splurge-worthy picks like the Herman Miller Aeron and the Steelcase Gesture are highly adjustable, the more affordable Branch Verve—our top pick overall—also offers plenty of customizability.
If you’re looking for a chair with armrests, make sure you can adjust them so they keep your arms at a 90-degree angle while still keeping the seat at the right height. Armrests should be just beneath your elbows when [your] arms are relaxed,” advises Deborah McKernan-Ace, program director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the Rutgers School of Health Professions.
In addition to an adjustable seat height and depth, Dr. Shah says an ergonomic office chair should have “a tilting or reclining mechanism and back support” to help minimize the strain on your lumbar spine, or lower back, throughout the work day. Some office chairs also have a brace that supports your lumbar. The Herman Miller Sayl particularly excels in this category because it has multiple features that let you adjust lumbar support and seat depth, not to mention a unique back that flexes with your body and the option of height-adjustable or fully adjustable arms. And the addition of a tilting mechanism can also be helpful for relieving lower back pressure, says McKernan-Ace: “It allows for readjusting [your] back and hip angles periodically.”
There are also certain items you can add to your setup to help you further customize your lower back comfort. “Accessories, such as a lumbar pillow, may also work to help the chair form fit to one’s body and help to support the muscles in the lower back,” explains Dr. Shah. The seat’s construction is also important: It should be wide enough to hold your entire lower body and back, which in turn helps provide support for your spine.
The material of an office chair has a big impact on it’s overall feel and breathability. Two of the more common materials you’ll spot while searching for an office chair are foam and mesh.
Office chairs come in a wide range of price tags, from under $100 to over $1,500. While you can certainly find a supportive and comfortable office chair around the $100 price range (like the staff-recommended Mimoglad and Elliana), we found that the best office chairs tend to fall in the middle of that range: somewhere between $250 to $600. Chairs in that price range, like the Branch Verve and the Herman Sayl, tend to have a higher-quality construction, more attractive aesthetics, a better ergonomic design and more adjustable features. If you do plan to spend under that price point, be prepared for certain limitations like a lower weight capacity, a limited warranty policy, tricky assembly and fewer ergonomic features.
Premium office chairs like the Steelcase Gesture and Herman Miller Aeron (both priced over $1,400) are often made of more expensive materials, are highly customizable, come fully assembled—and in the case of the Aeron, available in three different sizes. They also have some of the longest warranty periods; both of the splurge picks above have 12-year warranties. At the end of the day, how much you choose to invest in an office chair depends on your pain concerns, how many hours you’ll spend working in the chair, your preferences when it comes to support and comfort, and last but not least, which specific features you can and can’t do without.
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