Credit:
Reviewed / Kyle Hamilton
Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
Credit:
Reviewed / Kyle Hamilton
Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
Learn more about our product testing
The ErgoChair Pro is where style and function meet value. This chair maintains ergonomic comfort as you recline or lean in towards your workstation. Read More
You'll be able to sit in this customizable chair all day. Flexible pads support the spine while seat and armrest adjustments support extremities. Read More
The Branch Ergonomic Chair offers great value when it comes to a stylish, adjustable, and supportive office chair for people up to 300 pounds. Read More
You'll look professional in this genuine leather chair. Built-in lumbar support and adjustable lower back firmness will have you feeling good too. Read More
For back pain sufferers, the Tempur-Lumbar Support office chair provides all-day comfort thanks to its thick cushioning and supportive lumbar pillow. Read More
When sitting at a desk using a computer all day, it’s easy to forget about your physical well being. Without a properly supportive chair to encourage good posture, you can develop some serious back and wrist pain. The best office chairs are purpose-built to change that.
We spent months researching the top-selling ergonomic office chairs to find which ones really have your back. After extensive testing and a mountain of surveys from our evaluators, our top pick is the Autonomous ErgoChair Pro (available at Autonomous) . Its universal comfort, supportive seat, and value set it apart from the pack.
We tested over a dozen chairs to find the best ones for your office or home office needs. Whether you plan to sit for a long period of time, or just want a break from your standing desk, we’ve got you covered.
The Autonomous ErgoChair Pro is a value-packed choice for a great office chair.
The Herman Miller Aeron is the best office chair you can buy right now.
Budget-conscious shoppers will be pleased with the under $500 price tag on the Branch Ergonomic chair.
The Steelcase Leap office chair is perfect for those seeking a genuine leather seat.
The mattress makers at Tempur-Pedic make the most comfortable office chair we tested.
Backing forms to spine's natural curve
Seat feels stiff and flimsy
Armrests weren't stable
Intuitive armrests
All adjustment knobs on one side
Multi-tilt lever for backrest
Fabric seat is a bit stiff
Great lumbar support
Plenty of adjustment mechanisms
Fabric cushions are uncomfortable
Good lower back support
Attractive
Promotes good posture
Height of back of chair can’t be adjusted
Armrests scratch easily
Great lower back support
Smooth reclining
Multiple add-ons available
Some parts of the chair are difficult to adjust
Many of our staffers and writers (who better?!) have tested office chairs for this guide, including former Reviewed lab product test technician and chair enthusiast, Kyle Hamilton, as well as staff writer Samantha Mangino and contributors Terri Williams and Madison Trapkin.
Over a span of three weeks, we had our Reviewed colleagues vigorously sit, adjust, and break in every chair we threw at them. We looked at everything the chairs had to offer, including material, adjustability, durability, and overall comfort. We then surveyed testers to get a broad range of opinions, since comfort is subjective.
Office chairs have a vast range in prices. We tested chairs starting at $100 and others north of $2,000. On average, expect to pay between $300 and $700 for a high-quality ergonomic chair that will last you at least 10 years.
Ergonomic design is one of the most important considerations in a desk chair. In a year of regular work weeks, you could be sitting in your office chair for up to 1,900 hours.
At that point, an ergonomic, comfortable chair isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity that can help you avoid hunched shoulders, spinal pain, or strained necks.
A good office chair should be breathable, comfortable, and supportive. Many of the chairs we rated included stretchy, breathable mesh or leather with enough cushioning to keep you comfortable.
When positioned properly, a good ergonomic chair can help improve your sitting posture and minimize stress on your bones and muscles. It will support your upper back and lumbar. It should keep your arms at the right height to reach your desk and keyboard. It should also let you position your feet on the floor.
The chair also needs to move with you so you’re not bending your body to reach things. You should also look for a seat that swivels easily and has a stable wheelbase.
Adjustments can be as simple as seat height or as extensive as tilt tension and recline angle.
Gaming chairs can certainly make decent office chairs. However, there are several differences when it comes to gaming chairs vs. office chairs.
Gaming chairs have a higher back and are meant to support you in one position for long stretches of time.
General office chairs are designed for maximum comfort and focus in a variety of situations. Not only are they ideal for working, but they tend to be more comfortable for gaming than purpose-built gaming chairs, as well.
When it comes down to a gaming chair vs. an office chair, we recommend sticking with a classic office chair for a more supportive, multipurpose seat.
Kyle Hamilton
Product Tester
Kyle Hamilton is a product tester at Reviewed, specializing in home appliances and technology.
Madison Trapkin
Contributor
Madison covered all things cooking as the kitchen editor for Reviewed in 2021. Formerly the editor-in-chief of Culture Magazine, Madison is the founder of GRLSQUASH, a women's food, art, and culture journal. Her work has also appeared in The Boston Globe, Cherrybombe, Gather Journal, and more. She is passionate about pizza, aesthetic countertop appliances, and regularly watering her houseplants.
She holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and a Master's of Liberal Arts in Gastronomy from Boston University.
Samantha Mangino is a self-proclaimed homebody. Conveniently she is a home staff writer at Reviewed, covering cleaning, appliances, furniture, and home furnishings and décor. She knows her way around a house and has tested everything from furniture, sponges, steam irons, to Legos. She’s always on the hunt for the latest internet trends and wants to help make your home cleaner and cozier.
Terri Williams is a valued contributor to the Reviewed.com family of sites.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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