Office Chairs Buyer's Guide

What Is an Office Chair?

There are many types of office chairs. An office chair should be comfortable enough that someone can sit for long periods of time in it. They are often ergonomically built, so office workers can maintain their postures and prevent their bodies from suffering from hours spent sitting in the chair. Office chairs are also sometimes used in lobbies, so guests and clients can be comfortable while waiting.

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What Are the Common Types of Office Chairs?

There are numerous types of office chairs for use in a variety of offices. Some of the most common office chairs are executive, mesh, task, adjustable, highly-adjustable, arms and armless, conference chairs, and lobby chairs. Your ideal chair depends largely on where you will use the chair and what type of office you work in.

Big and Tall Office Chairs

Constructed to support larger weights and frames, these office chairs are generally constructed to carry between 350 and 500 pounds without the hazard of a structural break. You may not require as many of these chairs, but should consider having a few on hands if you have visitors or guests on premises. Look for weight capacities and seat and back dimensions to ensure generous room for all shapes and sizes.

Ergonomic Task Chairs

Designed for long term comfort and productivity, these chairs feature all of the considerations for bodily health while seated at a desk. They come in a variety of materials, styles, and structure, but most have five legs for stability and are well suited for general office work. Most offer excellent lumbar support as well as multiple seat and back adjustments to cater to a variety of body types and phsyical needs. Chairs may have high-backs or mid-backs and often are offered with or without arms. 

Mesh Chairs

Also ergonomic designs that are well suited for general office tasks, these chairs feature breathable mesh on the backs of the chairs to provide support and comfort without becoming too warm. Some offices prefer these chairs for their minimalist structure and design. These are an affordable office chair choice for any workspace.

Conference and Guest Chairs

Look for chairs to support the needs of your guests or visitors. Many waiting rooms and offices choose simple universal designs that provide comfort, while enabling maximum room occupancy. Conference rooms often feature chairs on wheels for easy ingress and egress from a conference table. Guest chairs should be selected based on their environment. An auto dealership may consider a vinyl or plastic seat that are easy to keep clean. A doctor's office may consider padded upholstered guest chairs to offer maximum comfort prior to a sometimes anxious medical appointment. 

Why Do Office Chairs Have Wheels?

Unlike most other types of chairs, many office chairs have wheels. One reason for this is the difference in need for offices as opposed to other events. Office workers may need to move to other areas in their offices or to other cubicles. Wheels allow them to easily move without needing to pick up the chair and move it, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

What Are the Adjustment-Types Most Common on Office Chairs?

Due to the extended time that people spend in them, office chair designs are often even more focused on comfort than other chairs. To cater to many different types of people, many office chairs have a variety of adjustments. The most common are adjustments for back angle, back angle lock, seat height, and arm rest height.

What Are Some of the Special Adjustments for a High-End Office Chair?

Office chairs are available in extremely basic models, high-end models, and everything in between. High-end office chairs, usually more expensive, have features that make them more comfortable than others. Some of the special adjustments available on high-end office chairs are seat cushion tension, back support position, and back support depth.

What Should Be the Top Considerations for Any Office Chair?

Offices are investing in chairs that have strong ergonomic qualities to protect their employees’ health and improve overall productivity. A well-built chair should meet the following ergonomic criteria for your office needs:

1. Stability – These chairs should have a five-pronged base to provide the most stability for those seated.


2. Movement – Chairs should swivel around on their bases and be set on casters for movement within an office space. This prevents users from straining to reach items in an office setting. Look for chairs that also allow users to slightly recline to adjust their seating position for comfort over time.


3. Back and Body Support – Look for chairs that have strong lumbar support and enough width in the seat. Worthington Direct also offers a line of big and tall office chairs that are built to support larger frames and may be the perfect accompaniment to a set of traditional office chairs. Each chair is rated for a certain weight limit and should be chosen according to individual needs.


 

Do You Need a Chair Mat for an Office Chair on Carpet?

People often purchase chair mats along with office chairs. Chair mats come in a variety of materials, and people put them beneath office chairs, covering an area where you would wheel the chair. Chair mats are not a necessity. Their main purpose is to prevent the wheels on the chair from damaging the carpet. However, your office chair will still work on carpet.

How Do You Know When You Should Replace Your Office Chair?

If you are using a high-quality office chair, it should function effectively for years. It is important to have a good office chair, so when you should replace one can be vital to your health. One clear sign is if parts are falling off the chair. If one of the arms is off or the back of the chair threatens to collapse every time you sit down, it’s time to replace the chair. You may also need a new chair if the seat is worn down.

Whether you need to outfit your lounge or find the perfect chair to support yourself and your employees, Worthington Direct can help you choose the most cost-effective and comfortable options for your needs. Visit our complete chair section to browse through our office chairs or contact us today for more assistance in choosing a great office chair.

Top Brands for Office Chairs:

Office Master       Boss       OFM       Office Star       HON

For a comfortable workspace, the best office chairs and computer desk seats are essential. We assembled, tested, and reviewed almost fifty different office chair models to find the top choices, whether you want improved ergonomics, better posture, neck and lumbar support, or just all-day comfort. 

Our team of reviewers have hand-tested everything from the best ergonomic office chairs for relieving back pains to professional budget desk seats that let you just focus on your latest project. 

During tests in real-world home office environments, we measured office chair assembly times, assessed weight capacities and height ranges for different body types. We explored extra features like recline and tilt controls and dynamic or adjustable lumbar support. And, of course, we checked build quality, stability, and breathability when sitting for long periods.

We've extensively tested and reviewed each of the best office chair recommendations here - so you can see what we really thought and why we think each one dramatically improves workspaces and productivity. For an extra productivity boost, we also tested the best standing desks and best office desks. 

The quick list

Recent updates

Best office chair overall

(Image credit: Steelcase)

Buy it if

✅ You want comfort
The Series 2 provides plenty of comfort if you’re at your desk all day, with a breathable fabric that stays cool. 

✅ You want options and lots of them
This office chair comes in a variety of models and materials to match your office furniture and seating preferences. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You like to lean back a lot
The Steelcase Series 2 doesn’t feature a recline lock, so the back springs back once pressure is lifted.

❌ You need a budget office chair
While it’s very well-priced for a professional ergonomic office chair, the Series 2 isn’t the cheapest on the market.

The Steelcase Series 2 takes the top slot when it comes to the best office chair. With its cushioned seat. breathable mesh fabric back, and one of the best ergonomic chair designs with height-adjustable lumbar support, we found it incredibly comfortable to sit in, even for long hours. Its gentle, elegant design makes it ideal for both the office and home office, and it’s even backed by a 12-year warranty. 

Beyond all-round comfort, what really makes the Steelcase Series 2 stand out is the configuration line-up. We reviewed the task chair version, a mid-back executive-style desk chair, but the seat is available with a foot-stool, a headrest, or armless, letting you tailor the chair to your preferences. Seat height rests between 16.5 and 21.5in, armrests boast 3in adjustability, and there’s a 400lbs weight load. Overall, then, a good office chair for big and tall and most body types. In our experience, operating these adjustments with the under-seat levers and dials was very intuitive. Certainly no fumbling for controls here. 

Our only real issue is that the recline doesn’t lock into place, returning to the upright position each time. Not a bad choice for those looking to improve posture at their desks. Plenty of chairs offer similar specs, but we found the Steelcase Series 2 to be the complete package - and at a fraction of the cost of similar ergonomic office chairs. No wonder we awarded it an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Read our full Steelcase Series 2 Task Chair review 

Best budget office chair

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

✅ You want a budget office chair
Smart and affordable, this understated seat will seamlessly blend in under any desk. That it’s really a gaming chair will be your own little secret. 

✅ You want simple comfort
It may be a basic office chair, but it’s surprisingly comfortable, with good back, neck, and lumbar support. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You need a mesh office chair
The Corsair TC100 Relaxed comes in either fabric and leatherette variants, which aren’t as airy as mesh. 

❌ You need extra support
The weight load here is just 264lbs - our 200lbs reviewer had no issues with support - but it is low to average.

The Corsair TC100 Relaxed is, technically speaking, a gaming chair - and one of the cheapest you’ll find from a genuine gaming brand. But don’t let that put you off. There’s no dazzling RGB strip lights surrounding the backrest, no racing stripes along the adjustable arms. Instead, what we have is a surprisingly professional-looking office chair, available in black or black-and-gray, with fabric and leatherette models, clocking in for under £200 / $250. 

With a seat height of 17.7 to 21.6in, the chair ably supports those up to 6ft 2in. However, even with that wide, comfortable seat cushion, the lower weight load (264lbs) makes it less suitable for bigger users. If you’re within range, though, you’ll find ample support here from seat, back, and neck-rest. We certainly did. We couldn’t fault the overall comfortability here, feeling well-supported across both back and shoulders throughout our use. 

It is a budget chair, so there are some trade-offs. Despite plenty of experience in this department, we didn’t find it especially easy to assemble (set aside 30 to 45 minutes, and grab someone to help). It might help if instructions were included in the box, rather than served up online. Nor is the design a stand-out. Like Corsair’s premium line, the TC100 Relaxed is muted, monochromatic. It looks as basic as they get. But it’s cheap, comfortable, and we found even the build quality is surprisingly good for the price. 

For a slightly cheaper budget mesh office chair, we’ve heard excellent reviews of the Sihoo M18 (available from Amazon US and Amazon UK). And we’ve enjoyed using other Sihoo office chairs we’ve tested. 

Read our full Corsair TC100 Relaxed review 

Best office chair for back pain

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Buy it if...

✅ You want an affordable ergonomic office chair
The Sihoo Doro C-300 is an affordable ergonomic office that costs a lot less than rival models. 

✅ You want to relieve lower back pains
With its all-over comfort and support, we experienced no pains or fatigue even when using it all day. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You want the best armrests
We liked the Doro C-300’s 3D armrests, but more than once we placed an elbow down only to find they’d shifted position. 

❌ You want quick and easy assembly
You’ll need to fit together this office chair from scratch. Instructions are simple to follow, but it may take extra time. 

When it comes to the best office chairs for back support and relieving back pains, ergonomics are essential. And while you’ll find plenty of ergonomic office chairs out there, the Sihoo Doro C300 is a stellar example, with high-end aesthetics and a dynamic lumbar support that adjusts to your movements. For us, this chair delivered all-day comfort at a fraction of the cost of other models. 

The whole unit comes disassembled - you’ll need to fit together practically everything, so expect to spend a bit of time on the set-up. In our experience, build quality is outstanding and the frame is rock-solid. The mesh backing is comfortable - firm but relaxed, providing support across the back and shoulders. Unlike many ergo-office chairs we’ve tried, even the neck-rest felt effective and snug. 

During prolonged use - barely rising from the chair for eight to ten hours - we experienced no pains, no fatigue, no pressure of any kind that might affect the lower back. On the other hand, as a natural consequence of the 3D armrests moving up, down, back and forth, they did have a tendency to move about a bit more than we like. 

Overall, we did feel this is a great ergonomic office chair for lumbar support - so long as you’re of average height. If you’re looking for one of the best office chairs for short people, you’ll find it here too, of course, while the weight load is an above-average 300lbs for bigger users. However, taller users may find the position of the lower back support doesn’t quite mold to the body. 

Read our full Sihoo Doro C300 ergonomic office chair review 

Best office chair for good posture

(Image credit: Future / Mike Moore)

4. Flexispot BS11 Pro / C8

No slouching in the back

Our expert review:

Specifications

Backrest:

24 x 17.3in

Seat depth:

20.4in

Seat height:

18.5 to 21.2in

Weight load:

286lbs

Warranty:

5 years

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Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Buy it if...

✅ You want to improve your posture
It may take a moment to adjust, but this chair seems determined to keep you sitting up straight. 

✅ You enjoy all-day comfort
The Flexispot C8 / OC14 / BS11 Pro is intensely comfortable, even when used for long periods of time. We even found the armrests a restful delight. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You need an ergonomic office chair for back pain
There’s no adjustable or dynamic lumbar support, so you won’t be able to modify it if the set-up isn't comfortable.

❌ You need quick and easy set-up
It’s not difficult to put together the BS11 Pro, but it’s not the quickest assembly we’ve ever experienced. 

The Flexispot BS11 Pro has been dubbed the “jewel in the crown” of the chair-maker’s line-up. A strong but simple office chair that’s comfortable for long periods of time and possessing a professional, premium appearance way beyond its price-tag. 

Confusingly, there are similar-looking seats called the Flexispot OC14, Flexispot C8, and the Ergonomic Pro. You can't miss that unique design. As far as we can tell, these are more or less identical classic mesh-and-fabric office chairs renamed for different territories. 

Finding the best office chair for good posture is essential if you’re at a desk all day. We found the BS11 Pro was ideal for this - although we were initially skeptical. When first taking a seat, the chair and back-rest both felt solid, resistant to our natural (poor) posture. After only a few minutes, we began molding to the chair as one.. 

It’s not perfect. There’s no adjustable lumbar support here, so it might not be effective at relieving lower back pains. And while the chair allows for seat height adjustments between 46.4 and 49.6in, with good back and neck support for users over six-foot, weight load is only 286lbs. We also found assembly time to be on the longer side at an average of 20 minutes. But the wait was worth it. 

We used this chair for eight-hour work days and it offered all-day comfort without compromising on good posture. As a testament to the build quality, even after using it daily for a month, the frame remained solid and silent (because what’s worse than a creaky chair?). 

For an alternative, we thoroughly enjoyed our time with the Flexispot C7. While we’ve heard reports of users experiencing issues in back pain relief, we did like the self-adaptive back support that comes at a reasonable price

Read our full Flexispot BS11 Pro review 

Best desk chair for the home office

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

5. Flexispot C7

Ideal for any home

Our expert review:

Specifications

Backrest:

23 x 20in

Seat depth:

17.3 to 19.6in

Seat height:

18.7 to 22in

Weight load:

300lbs

Warranty:

Up to 10 years

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Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Buy it if...

✅ You want a discreet home office desk chair
The Flexispot C7 has a fresh, minimalist design that won’t dominate your working space at home. 

✅ You want adaptive lumbar support
With lumbar support that adjusts to your body, we found the C7 easily offered all-day comfort without aches. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You need a budget chair
With its build quality and comfort, the C7 commands a higher price-tag than other office chairs of the same design.

❌ You need specific lumbar support
We really liked this chair’s self-adaptive lumbar support, but it may not be for everyone.

With its unobtrusive, minimalist design, the Flexispot C7 was seemingly built for any home office. It’s a smart, svelte ergonomic office chair that can be quietly tucked away at the end of the day. With 4.5 stars, this one was comfortable, supportive, with tons of adjustability control. 

The C7 comes in several variants - grays and blacks and fabric seats and mesh seats. The options are basic, welcome. But watch out, like other Flexispot models, it means chairs may be listed under other names like the C7B-Air or C7G-Foam, each with slightly different specs but fundamentally the same. 

Overall build quality is, as we expect from the company, excellent - and we found operation smooth and silent. No squeaks and creaks to drive you to distraction (there’s enough of that at home). Nor did we experience any back pains or find ourselves needing to stand after extended sitting thanks to a self-adaptive lower back support that helped maintain a posture that felt natural. 

It might be priced on the high-side for some - especially with its traditional office chair design, and the lumbar support may not be right for relieving every back pain. But as a professional desk chair for bringing comfort to a home office, it’s difficult not to recommend the C7. 

Read our full Flexispot C7 ergonomic office chair review 

Best office chair for lumbar support

(Image credit: Secretlab)

Buy it if...

✅ You want firm lumbar support
The Titan’s adjustable lumbar support is firm, which is great for those who find that more comfortable. 

✅ You want a discreetly designed gaming chair
It may not be an office chair, but the Secretlab Titan is so discreetly designed that it will easily blend into the office or home office. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You need softer lumbar support
Compared to models like the Doro C-300, the lumbar support on this chair is quite solid and lacks the usual sponginess. 

❌ You want a budget office chair
The Titan isn’t the cheapest office chair out there - even with the free memory foam head pillow shipped in every box.  

If you need solid, adjustable lumbar support, the Secretlab Titan is worth consideration - especially if you dislike the cushioned softness of other chairs. But we can say the lumbar support it offers is decidedly firm, which could be a deal-breaker. 

Topping our list of gaming chairs for its overall comfort, cost, and support for big and tall users, its professional, near-utilitarian design gives it real office or home office potential. 

Seat height ranges from 18.7 to 22.4in and weight load borders on a good 287lbs, which will support a wide range of body types. Our 6ft 3in reviewer had no trouble adjusting the chair to the perfect position. That process, too, was relatively easy thanks to the massive range of controls, although some, like the armrest widths, require tools

Available in so-called ‘leatherette’ (PU leather), fabric, and Napa leather. However, as a padded office chair, there’s no mesh option here. If you’re using an office chair for long hours, this one lacks that extra breathability.  

For an alternative office chair with adjustable lumbar support, we particularly liked the X-Chair X2 office chair, although it can be difficult to find outside the US.

Read our full Secretlab Titan review 

Best office chair for long hours and comfort

(Image credit: Humanscale)

Buy it if...

✅ You want total comfort
This office chair was made to keep you comfortable and focused on the job.

✅ You’re sitting for long hours
Freedom is the right word - built for productivity and no fatigue when sitting for extended periods of time. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You’re working to a budget
Even the base model of this Humanscale office chair costs several times more than a budget office chair. 

❌ You depend on your headrest
While we liked the headrest of the Humanscale Freedom, we did find it had a tendency to slip down at times. 

With 4.5 stars and a TechRadar Recommends badge, the Humanscale Freedom is the best office chair for long hours and comfort. It’s not ultra-padded, so you won’t sink into it like an ancient leather reading chair, where work becomes a distant memory. But nor will you find yourself constantly adjusting and reclining and trying to find the perfect spot. 

The basic model boasts a fabric cushioning and a sturdy graphite frame, although there is a leather chair that is about double the price. We reviewed the fabric version, and it comfortably met our needs. Especially the flexible backrest, impressive in the way it moves and molds to your shape for constant comfort even for long periods of time. 

Everything about the chair, from the smooth-rolling casters and padded armrests to the detachable headrest feels well-made (although our headrest had a tendency to slip from position at times). You’d expect that, of course, from a chair with a starting price of around $500 / £500 - and the high price-tag is one of the very few downsides we found when testing the chair. 

Read our full Humanscale Freedom office chair review 

Best big and tall office chair

(Image credit: TechRadar Pro / Sharmishta Sarkar)

Buy it if...

✅ You want an office chair for the big and the tall
The Steelcase Gesture boasts a weight load of up to 400lbs, which is higher than the average office chair. 

✅ You want an office chair that looks the business
The Gesture is stylish, elegant, with a premium look that matches its premium price-tag. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You’re on a budget
This office chair doesn’t come cheap - and in many ways it’s hard to justify its high price-tag. 

❌ You need great lumbar support
Lumbar support, while present, is distinctly lacking and undefined behind the cushioning. 

The Steelcase Gesture is seemingly tailor-made for big and tall users - not exclusively, of course. But with a 400lbs weight load and with its wide, cushioned seating area, the chair offers above-average support.

We enjoyed the level of customization and adjustability on offer. If you’re anything like us, you’ll gleefully pull and turn and twist at every level and dial to find the pinnacle set-up. It can take time, especially with the seat and backrest, although armrests adjustments are incredibly easy. 

Despite how comfortable it was, there’s no denying that the lumbar support is a let-down. It is there, we’re assured, but during our tests, the curve was imperceptible and hard to define it through the chair’s cushioning. The headrest, too, may be too firm for some. The Steelcase Gesture will certainly offer more than enough support for almost any body type, and if you don’t mind the lack of breathable mesh in the cushioned design, it’s well worth consideration. 

For an alternative to the Gesture, we liked the similarly specced Steelcase Leap, which is also a good big and tall office chair. 

Read our full Steelcase Gesture review 

Best office chair for gaming

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

✅ You want comfy gaming and office chair
In our opinion, this one of the most comfortable gaming chairs - ideal for putting to work as an office chair. 

✅ You want excellent fixed lumbar support

“Terrific” is how we described the lumbar support on this chair, which is fixed in position and capably promotes good posture. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You need the cheapest chair for your office
Well-built and comfortable though it is, this isn’t the cheapest gaming chair with a business-like design. 

❌ You need dynamic or adjustable lumbar support
There’s only a fixed lumbar support on this chair. It feels great, but it won’t adjust to your movements. 

There are a number of office chairs suited to gaming after hours - we especially like the Corsair TC100 Relaxed and the Secretlab Titan. For an alternative that has all-day comfort and a solid construction, the Razer Enki is a solid pick. With 4.5 stars and a TechRadar Pro Recommends badge, it’s doing something right. 

The Enki is slightly more expensive than the Titan and TC100 Relaxed, but like both it boasts a beautiful black design that looks as professional as any traditional office chair. Comfort levels, build quality, are excellent, and in our view, it has one of the best lumbar supports of any chair at this price. If it were adjustable, it might’ve been perfect. Elsewhere, extended shoulder arches and a wide seat base make it more suitable for a range of body types (weight loads tops out at 300lbs). 

There’s no mesh variant here, which is preferred for breathability, but we did find the soft materials didn’t retain much body heat, so it never became too hot or uncomfortable even during longer sessions in the chair. 

Read our full Razer Enki review 

Honorable mentions

Our team of office furniture experts have tested nearly 50 different office chairs, task chairs, and desk seats. 

And while not all can be crowned best office chair, these are some models we've reviewed that are worth an honorable mention. 

• Steelcase Personality Plus: That eye-catching design certainly lives up the the name - it's full of personality, customizable to have either a headrest or a bar where you can hang your go-to office scarf or blanket. It doesn’t go as deep into ergonomics as other office chairs, but has a decent number of adjustments and is quite comfortable to sit in for an entire work day. Sadly for US and UK customers, it’s only available in the Asia and the Pacific region.
  
  
• Razer Iskur Fabric: If you do like the bucket seat look but want something a little more elegant and breathable, Razer’s Iskur Fabric has a more elevated design and luxurious feel. Better than most of the other bucket seat gaming chairs on the market, however, it offers far superior lumbar support, making it just a little more comfortable than the rest. What’s more, it’s surprisingly more affordable than it looks.
  
  
• Sihoo M90D: The Sihoo M90D is an affordable mesh-and-fabric chair with a premium feel. It boasts adaptive lumbar support and plenty of adjustability options, with a maximum load capacity of up to 330 lbs (149 kg). However, it's somewhat basic compared to rivals, but a good way to save some money on an office chair.
  
  
• FlexiSpot BS10: Combining mesh and fabric for best of both worlds comfort, the BS10 has a professional, minimalist design. We like the lumbar support, which can be adjusted about 8 cm and gives amazing back support, and the seat whose depth you can adjust as well. This office chair is available in the UK.
  
  
• Mavix M4: The mid-range Mavix M4 mesh office chair comes the features you need for long periods of sitting, including the Dynamic Variable Lumbar support and the massager add-on. You might not have that soft-to-the-touch finish that the Mavix M9 has, but the M4 is a great ergonomic office chair that won't break the bank too much.
  
  
• ErgoTune Supreme V3: If you’re looking for a high-quality, highly-adjustable mesh office chair for posture or back problems, the mid-range Supreme V3 is a great choice. That’s especially if you prefer your seat to be stiff rather than plush. What’s more, ErgoTune believes in the build quality of its products so much, it throws in a generous 12-year warranty.

Best office chairs: Frequently asked questions

What are the different types of office chairs?

Ergonomic office chair
An office or home ergonomic office chair is designed for comfort and better posture while sitting, with support for your lower back and improved bodyweight distribution. 

Executive office chair
A premium. padded office chair, usually boasting a high-back and leather upholstery, designed for all-day comfort and support. 

Mid-back office chair
As the name suggests, this is a seat with a low backrest that reaches below the shoulders. The design is popular in smaller home offices, boardrooms, and communal areas.

Gaming chair
A plush, adjustable chair, usually covered with fabric or leatherette for soft cushioning during long gaming sessions

High-back office chair
The classic tall office chair design, offering full back support from the base of the spine to the neck. Often, high-back office chairs feature a built-in or detachable headrest. 

Task chair
A functional chair that’s built for most workspaces and employee body types, they usually feature a slim profile and compact, ergonomic design, and a focus on productivity. 

What is lumbar support?

Lumbar support refers to the ergonomically designed curve of the backrest. It provides all-round support to your lower back and spine, while promoting better posture. If you want to relieve back pain while sitting for long hours, good lumbar support is essential. All the best ergonomic office chairs we’ve tried feature either fixed or adjustable lumbar support. 

A fixed lumbar support is immovable. This is the most basic type, and you’ll find it in a position where it will benefit most users and body types. 

Adjustable lumbar supports can be customized to suit the way you sit. Some can be moved up and down, accommodating tall and short users; others, sometimes known as dynamic or self-adaptive lumbar support, can move and adapt to your body to offer all-day support. 

What is the best office chair size for my height?

Different office chairs offer different seat height ranges, and because of this, some are best for tall people while others are great for petites and those of average height. And since being able to comfortably plant your feet on the floor and have your elbows resting at 90 to 110 degree angle while sitting is vital to good office ergonomics, getting one that fits your seat height requirement is important.

The good news is that many can accommodate most heights. Still, it’s important that you check especially if you're on the short side. If you’re shorter than 5’3″, find a chair whose lowest seat height is under 17 inches. If you are 4’11” or shorter, something that goes below 16 inches is honestly best. There aren’t a lot of brands that do that, but the Herman Miller Embody and the Steelcase Leap are great options.

Those taller than 6’5″ should go for a chair whose highest seat height is 21 inches or above. There aren’t many chairs that do so but they are out there. We've included height ranges on all office chair reviews, to help you find the best fit. 

What is the best material for an office chair?

This is more of a preferential thing, as well as how well your body handles heat and what the normal temperature in your office is. People who don’t run hot or barely sweat can certainly pick a leather or similar office throne, like those premium ones from Herman Miller and Mavix.

However, if you tend to sweat even just a little, that type can get uncomfortable as the day warms even if you’re in a cooler office setting. Going for a mesh chair might be too much, however, and if you’re not into that material – it does tend to leave marks on your skin if you’re not wearing long pants – a fabric seat may be ideal for you.

If, on the other hand, you do run hot and sweat a lot, you’ll need the breathability of a mesh chair. Some chairs only have that mesh material on the back rest while others feature mesh seats and backrest. Also, mesh tends to stretch out over time so it’s important to choose one that has better quality. Choose wisely.

Whatever you choose, bear in mind that some materials are easier to clean than others. Mesh requires less clean-up effort than fabric, as you can usually wipe off spill with just soap and water. Fabric chairs, however, have a habit of absorbing spills, sweat, and even dust, which means they require deeper cleaning.

Leather and similar finishes are also very easy to clean, as you can usually just wipe off spills and dust. However, these do need regular maintenance and care. Just make sure to avoid using harsh cleaning solutions as those can do more damage than good.

Can an office chair help prevent back pain?

The short answer is yes, but to expand on that, we asked David Patton, Vice President of Product Design at Vari, for his thoughts. He said: 

"It's about letting the design of the chair, desk, and workspace support you because the whole premise is that you want to stay as comfortable, as focused, as efficient, and enjoy your work as much at the end of the day as you do at the beginning."

For the best results, it's worth understanding what is lumbar support and why it's important. Not all office seating can help alleviate any existing back pain or keep back discomfort at bay, so choosing the right one for you is key. However, it also isn’t as simple as that. You have to take an active role in ensuring it. When sitting, make sure you have proper support and adjust the chair to fit your unique needs, including adjustable lumbar support and armrests. Keep your computer screen at eye level to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders.

You should also take measures to reduce the risk of health concerns from sitting for long periods in an office chair. It's important to change up your positions and posture throughout the day. Use a timer or app to remind you to change positions, if you must. Be sure to also take frequent breaks to stretch or do simple exercises.

If you want a little extra help taking care of your back, some chairs come with floating lumbar support, which not only helps keep your spine in alignment but also adjust to your body’s movement. 

What is the difference between office chairs and gaming chairs?

There are a few differences when it comes to office chairs vs desk chairs. Some gaming chairs work great and many traditional office seating options can be used as gaming chairs. In fact, many gamers out there opt for a good office chair over those kitschy bucket seat gaming chairs that promise comfort but don’t exactly deliver.

That said, the one thing that generally sets the best gaming chairs apart from office chairs is their design. They’re heavily inspired by race car bucket seats, oversized frames, support cushions, gaming logos, and bright or distinctive colors. Meanwhile, those built for the office are designed to blend into a business or work-from-home environment and usually feature subtle colors, flatter seat cushions, and a mesh or padded backrest.

Don’t take that to mean that all gaming chairs are poor at providing comfort. Chairs like the Mavix M9 and Herman Miller x Logitech Embody are some of the most comfortable around, and while they’re mostly marketed to gamers, they’re also among our most favorite swivel chairs to see us through the work day.

However, generally speaking, office furniture usually provides far more adjustable features to adjust the armrest, tilt tension and locking, seat height and depth, lumbar support, and more. Gaming chairs often offer more flexibility in the reclining options, having most chairs recline back and feature a headrest pillow for extra gaming support. 

How can I make my work chair more comfortable?

When you need to know How to make an office chair more comfortable, it's worth considering that many of the top choices offer lots of flexibility, customization, and adjustability. This way, you can find the most comfortable position for extended hours. If you're struggling to find the right position for comfort, it may be your posture or the chair's current set-up. 

How much should I spend on the best office chairs?

When it comes to budget, there's no right or wrong answer - so long as you're not making these 5 common mistakes most people make when buying an office chair. 

Personally, at TechRadar Pro we prefer to spend a little more to get that luxurious comfort, high adjustability and more robust build that pricier chairs offer. And, there is really something to be said about those that are $1000 / £1000 or more. But the reality is that There are many factors at play when you're looking at how to buy an office chair and you can find a comfortable and ergonomic chair in every budget range.

In other words, spend as much as you like or as much as you can afford, but if you’re on a budget, know that there are great affordable options available for under $500 / £500. 

What is the best office chair for sitting all day?

So, you're wondering What is the best type of office chair for long hours? Technically, the best office chair for long hours should be designed for all day sitting. After all, most people need to put in a full day’s work and a lot of people put a chunk of that time in at their desks – even though it’s really recommended to sit for that long in a recliner. However, some office chairs are so much better for all-day sitting than others, even from our list above.

One pick for posture improvement is the Herman Miller x Logitech Embody, which is equal parts supportive and plush, keeping you supported yet feeling luxurious. The X-Chair X2 K-Sport Mgmt Chair is another option because of its mesh material and more pronounced lumbar support. We also found the Sihoo Doro-C300 was great for all-day comfort when at your desk, but only if you're of average height.

How often should office chairs be replaced?

The answer isn’t quite straightforward here. Obviously, if you’ve got a chair that’s broken or no longer provides good support, there’s no better time than now to replace it – hopefully with a better option. But if you’ve got a working chair that has no massive issues, chair manufacturers somewhat disagree on when you should replace yours. And, that’s really due to the fact that it largely depends on their build.

Some crafted for home and office will last you seven to eight years, others will last you five. A handful, like the Humanscale Freedom, will last you 15 or more years. Of course, factors like the level and amount of usage, as well as environmental conditions, matter as well. We recommend consulting your chair’s manufacturer first before dropping another $150/£150 to $2,000/£2,000 on a new chair. And also, trust your gut. You’ll know when your trusty old chair just isn’t cutting it anymore.

Best office chairs: Glossary

Here are a few terms it's worth knowing, and why they're important buying any of the best office chairs. 

2D armrests
Armrests that you can move backwards and forwards. A staple on most basic chairs that don't them fixed in place.  

3D armrests
Armrests that move backwards, forwards, up, and down. 

4D armrests
Armrests that move backwards, forwards, up, down, in, and out. When they're designed well, we really like these on a seat, but they tend to be found on more premium models. 

Adjustability controls
The set of levers and dials to set the correct height, depth, curvature, recline, and tilt. Depending on the model, you may have more controls over customization and comfort levels. 

Casters
The wheels of an office chair, with the stems firmly clicking into the spokes of the base. All the best home office chairs should run smoothly across hardwood and short-pile carpet, but not all cope well on longer piles. Some casters offer silent or near-silent operation. 

Ergonomics
A type of design that offers extra comfort and support to the body, avoiding or relieving pain and increasing productivity. You can get ergonomic office chairs for home and office use.

Leatherette
A leather-like covering for office chairs, typically PU leather. It looks good, but can have a plastic-y smell and it’s not breathable in the way real leather or mesh is, so it can get hot. 

Lumbar support
The curved part of the backrest that offers support to your lower back. The best ergonomic office chairs will feature either a fixed support or one that’s adjustable (sometimes known as adaptive or dynamic lumbar support), which moves and molds to your body and spine for continued support. 

Mesh
A type of breathable fabric for the backrest and seat that allows for airflow, making it a good choice if you don’t want to get too hot while seated at your desk. For breathability, fabric office chairs offer a middle ground between mesh and leatherette.

Seat height
How high or low your chair can go. If you're a taller user, look for one with a seat height of 21in and above. 

Warranty
Length of time a manufacturer will repair or replace an office chair - they’re a big investment, so the longer the better. In some cases, the frame and components will have different warranty lifespans. 

Weight load
The maximum weight capacity or weight limit a chair can hold. 

How to choose the best office chair for you

Choosing the best office chair for you depends on several factors. When you're looking at how to choose an office chair there are 5 essential features to be aware of.

Material

The importance of the material of your chair is sometimes undervalued. However, the difference between leather and mesh-backed chairs is significant. Some common choices are vinyl, leather, mesh, and ultra (synthetic) leather.

Vinyl is standard for workplace chairs and is incredibly easy to clean. However, mesh and fabric chairs have become increasingly popular recently, especially in the ergonomic realm. Their most significant benefit is breathability, especially if the entire backrest of a chair is an interlaced mesh, as that allows air to flow freely. These are also pretty easy to clean, and when sat in, conforms to your back, helping with comfort and ergonomics.

Leather has stood atop the list as the "premium" option for quite some time. It’s timeless, luxurious, and easy to clean as well. One downside is that it’s not always the most cooling option, and those who run hot would be wise to go for the fabrics instead.

Ultra (synthetic) leather is one step away from leather, as it looks the same but is manufactured. In addition to the look, synthetic leather is hypoallergenic and more breathable than leather. But, the downside is that it historically does not last as long on average as a leather counterpart.

Size

There are three main sizes to consider. Petite, standard, and ample. In short, they are exactly as they sound. Petite is more minor, designed for shorter individuals and smaller office spaces if space is limited. Standard is a typical size built for someone between 5 and 6 feet tall. Lastly, there is a larger size offered. These are made for those taller than 6 feet and can fit people up to 500 pounds on average.

But choosing the right size is more nuanced that it looks. There are spacious options that might not be the best of very tall people, for example. So, it’s also important that you factor in the seat height.

Lumbar and Back Support

When sitting for long periods, lumbar and back support is significant for overall health. A chair with proper lumbar and back support can dramatically help with back pain by aligning your spine and reducing tension. Ergonomic chairs are designed to provide that lumbar support to help with these issues.

Adjustability

Depending on the chair, some adjustments can be made to customize the fit to your liking. Some chairs have one or no adjustments. Others have dozens. These can range from the depth of lumbar support to the tension for how easy it is to recline. Different adjustability settings may be desired depending on the use of the chair.

Cost

The cost is still a dominant factor in choosing. Finding a balance of cost efficiency, material, and features is essentially what any chair purchase comes down to. Some manufacturers of higher-end chairs have a prominent pre-owned market, allowing the best of both worlds - high-end and cheaper.

Try it out

Sometimes, you need to try out an office chair yourself - and that’s not always easy if you’re buying online. You want to know how soft that cushion is, how the adjustments work, and whether it’s the right pick for your build or set-up. Thankfully, most top retailers offer a 30-day money back guarantee, letting you return the item if it’s not right for you. 

As you’d expect, these come with Ts and Cs attached, so it’s always worth checking the company’s returns policy before committing to a desk chair you’re not sure about. 

On an aesthetic level, many retailers now offer AR visualisation. In other words, you can use your phone as a screen to scan your room and view a virtual version of your chosen office chair on the screen. It’s like it’s in the room with you. And it’s a good way of seeing if the chair is the right fit for your home office, both from a design perspective and size. 

Warranty and 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 going. For premium models, expect 10- and 15-year warranties for core parts of the seat. This means, should something go wrong with your seat within the specified time period, the company will repair or replace it.

If a chair doesn’t quite meet your standards, or there’s something wrong with the item, you’ll need to return it. 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. For example, you may have to disassemble the office chair, and ensure everything is repackaged, including instructions, in a ‘like new’ fashion. So, when buying your office chair, especially online, it’s always worth checking the company’s returns policy page. 

How we test the best office chairs

We've comprehensively tested, reviewed, and rated plenty of office furniture, including the best standing desk converters and the best standing desk mats. 

When it comes to chairs for the office and home, we take the same rigorous approach, assessing the chair's overall design, adjustability, and comfort. 

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. 

We painstakingly assess every single one for at least a week - in one case, we've continued using the chair for years. When undertaking our tests, we're paying close attention to the materials used, the number of adjustments on hand, the ease of setup and use, and naturally, the level of comfort it offers. Naturally, as part of this review process, 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. 

Finally, we compare prices and value-for-money before making our final recommendations. The very best office chairs cover a broad range, with premium, mid-range, and budget choices, and we make it a point to get them all into our labs for testing. So, we can give you a good idea of which models are worth your money and what brands are most reliable. This includes noting the warranty and returns policy for office chairs, for added peace of mind. 

You can see more about our comprehensive testing process in How we test, review and rate on TechRadar Pro: Office Chairs

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