We researched and tested the best ergonomic office chairs, evaluating support, comfort, settings, and overall value. Our top choice is the Office Star Pro-Line II ProGrid High Back Managers Chair, which provides significant support, has adjustable features, and is relatively affordable. Here are the best ergonomic office chairs. Our best overall pick is the Office Star ProGrid High Back Managers Chair, which has a mid-range price and a high-quality construction that provides significant lumbar support. The sturdy, mesh ProGrid back is breathable to keep you comfortable enough for long periods of time, and the chair also has built-in lumbar support for your back. You can adjust the seat height from 18.25 inches to 22 inches to find the best position for your height and desk set-up. In addition to adjusting the seat height, you can use the pressurized controls to adjust the seat depth, seat tilt, and adjust the armrests. The chair swivels 360 degrees and has a weight capacity of 250 pounds. Price at time of publish: $293 The chair is made of soft, breathable PU leather with white stitching around the edges, and since it’s an executive chair, it has a high, wide back, and an extra-wide seat. The chair has a steel base and supports a weight capacity of 330 pounds. It’s available in Black, Brown, and White. Designed by the late Niels Diffrient—described by Forbes as the “granddaddy of the ergonomic revolution"—this chair has a counterbalance design that adjusts the tension and reclining position to provide continuous support. The weight-sensitive mechanism adapts to each user’s body weight and reclines up to 20 degrees. The headrest is neutral when you’re in an upright position, but it cradles your head and neck during reclining positions. And since it’s an articulating headrest, there’s no need to make manual adjustments. The backrest pivots to ensure lumbar support regardless of your position—it tilts seven degrees—and the contoured cushions (which have a waterfall edge and Coccyx cutout) provide comfortable seating even for long periods of time to properly distribute your weight and reduce pressure points. The arms are attached to the backrest, so they move when you move, but you can also easily adjust them. The lack of bulky mechanisms also makes the chair, which can hold up to 300 pounds, easier to maneuver. Also, the customization options are plentiful: you can choose from several fabric colors and types of leather, along with standard or gel arms, a standard foam or gel seat, various cylinder heights, and four types of casters. Price at time of publish: $1,634 The chair comes in three different sizes (Size A/small, Size B/medium, or Size C/large) to you can pick the best fit for your body type depending on height and weight. Size A has a weight limit of 300 pounds, while Sizes B and C have a weight limit of 350 pounds. You can also choose from a variety of frame/base finishes, including Graphite/Polished Aluminum, Mineral/Satin Aluminum, Mineral/Polished Aluminum, and Graphite/Graphite. Standard arm pads can also be upgraded to leather, and the arms can be stationary, height-adjustable, or fully adjustable. In addition, the carpet casters can be upgraded to multi-surface casters with quiet roll. Price at time of publish: $2,000 You can also use the adjustable settings to customize the chair back, seat height (from 17 5/8 inches to 22 inches), and armrests. In addition, the seat back has adjustable settings for tilt and tension. The chair has durable rolling casters and a weight limit of 300 pounds. This is one of the easiest chairs to assemble right out of the box, requiring no tools. Price at time of publish: $350 The chair has a full aluminum base, metal wheel hoods, and chromed steel armrests (that can be removed if you don’t like armrests). It’s also available in a variety of colors. Vegan leather options include Black, White, Brown, Dark Brown, Grey, Dark Grey, and Blue. Poly-cotton options include charcoal, grey, and dark blue. The chair is easy to assemble and has a weight limit of 400 pounds. Price at time of publish: $350 In addition, the chair’s back can be adjusted for back tension, core equalizer, lumbar height, and variable backstop. The 3D LiveBack adjusts to fit your spine as you change positions. The chair is available in four frame colors and numerous upholstery colors, including Malt, Nickel, Graphite, Blue Jay, Wasabi, and Tangerine. It’s also available in several leather colors, including Ebony, Espresso, Blue, and Scarlet Red. You can also choose from three different chair heights: the standard height model, the low height model, or the high height model. The seat has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. Price at time of publish: $1,540 The backrest can adjust from 90 degrees to 160 degrees, making it ideal for not only working and studying, but also reading, gaming, watching videos, and even taking a nap. The armrests can be moved up and down, left and right, and also forward and backward, to provide more flexibility. In addition to the ergonomic design of the chair, it also includes two detachable pillows (lumbar support and headrest) to provide additional comfort and support. The chair is available in Gray, Blue, and Black. You may be accustomed to ergonomic seats that provide some type of lumbar support for your back. However, that’s not the only way your back can be supported. The Vari has an articulating pedestal that moves in a variety of directions. This range of motion engages your back, and also core and legs, allowing you to lean, stretch, and even rock as you’re sitting down. And by raising the chair’s height, you can even lean against it while you’re standing up. The chair arrives fully assembled and has a weight capacity of 250 pounds. Price at time of publish: $295
Lumbar Support
Lumbar support — or lower back support — is one of the most important features, especially if you’re at your desk for long periods of time. To ensure that your chair properly aligns with the inward curve of your lower back, choose one that can be adjusted both in height and depth.
Backrest
Ergonomic chairs come with two different types of backrests: those that are connected to the chair and those that are separate. If it’s connected to the chair, make sure it adjusts forward and back. If it’s separate, both the height and the angle should be adjustable. Either way, look for a chair that has a backrest between 12 and 19 inches tall.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Terri Williams, a professional writer who has tested hundreds of products. She has product review bylines at Tom’s Guide, and both home improvement advice and product review bylines at Realtor.com, Bob Vila, Apartment Therapy, and Heavy.com. To make this list, she considered each chair’s seat, lumbar support, and backrest. Adjustable height chairs are one feature to consider, and people who are shorter or taller than average may want to consider chairs that are either sold in various sizes or designed specifically for taller or shorter individuals. Armrests are another consideration. Some people hate armrests and prefer to work without them. Other people may prefer them sometimes, but would like to lower or move them out of the way in some scenarios. So, depending on your preferences, adjustable armrests may be important. A headrest is something else to think about. It can provide support for your head and neck. However, some people don’t really like the idea of having a headrest on a chair. Budget is usually a consideration. Most consumers want the best chair at the lowest price. Sometimes, this strategy works, but sometimes, you get what to pay for, and less expensive chairs may not last as long. Style should not be overlooked, especially if your office area is in an area that is seen by others. Some chairs are highly ergonomic, but they look like high-tech dentist exam chairs. If you’re going to spend a lot of time in your office chair, it’s important to get something that is not only comfortable, but also a chair that you’ll like looking at and being in. That’s why some people like leather or faux leather more than mesh chairs. On the other hand, some people find the former to be hot. If you’re not in a thermostatically-controlled environment, or you just tend to get hot quickly, mesh may be a better option for you. If you’re noticing that the chair doesn’t move as smoothly, knobs and levers are loose (and can’t be tightened), and the foam in your cushion no longer seems to be making a difference, these could all be signs that the chair needs to be replaced. Age is another factor. Ergonomic office chairs tend to be good for 5 to 10 years (again, this depends on how often you use it).
