They say that the work you do is only as good as your office chair. Okay, maybe they don’t say that, but there’s definitely some truth behind it. Whether you sit at a desk all day for work or just here and there to pay bills or some other task you don’t really want to do, a comfortable chair can make work a little more inviting.
Below, discover the best office chairs listed roughly in ascending order of required investment. No matter the need or budget there is an office chair on this list that will complete your workspace. Get more done with less stiffness and pain in one of our best office chairs that are completely budget-friendly.
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1.
NEO CHAIR Office Chair
Pros:
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Bright colors
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Pairs well with any decor
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Minimalist design
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Amazon's Choice product
Cons:
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Max 250lb weight limit
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Not for Big and Tall people
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Mixed reviews
If you are looking for something on the minimalist side of the spectrum and are also in the market for a sturdy, comfortable option that won’t break the bank, then you have come to the right place. Neo Chair is a company that focuses on designing chairs that aren’t hundreds of dollars but perform just as well as the big bucks chairs.
This chair has lumbar support, can adjust on the fly and smooth rolling wheels that make it an Amazon’s Choice product and a fan favorite. The chair is available in four different colors so you can pair it with any style officespace. It actually could also make our list of the most ergonomic office chairs without breaking a sweat. The chair supports up to 250lbs and is easy to lift and move around should you change offices. It features modern style with a strong frame and smooth body.
Find more NEO CHAIR Office Chair information and reviews here.
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2.
OFM Essentials Collection Mesh Back Office Chair
Pros:
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Inexpensive
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Ventilated mesh back
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Three year warranty
Cons:
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By no means plush
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Deep seat back may not be ideal for shorter people
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May be a get-what-you-pay-for situation
If you don’t have a lot to spend, you can save some coin by going for a stripped down, yet still substantial, office chair. Armless office chairs are great for very tight quarters, jobs with intermittent sitting, or desk setups that support your arms regardless of chair style.
This option combines a cooling mesh back with a breathable fabric padded seat. You can, of course, adjust the height, as well as the depth of the seat back. The frame and wheels are made of heavy-duty plastic which should serve you well long term. In the event it doesn’t, this chair also comes with a three-year warranty.
Other armless task chair options include the fully padded Office Star Sculptured Task Chair which is more than double the price at the time of this writing, or the Flash Furniture Low Back Mesh Task Chair which is available in eight colors.
Find more OFM Mesh Back information and reviews here.
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3.
Dragonn Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
Pros:
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Thick cushioning for long work shifts
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Height adjustable
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May solve back issues
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Fun to use
Cons:
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Takes some getting used to at first
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Some packages arrive with parts missing
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Wheels could be better
While these kneeling chairs take a considerable amount to get accustomed to them, those struggling with back pain may want to consider them as an alternative. Alleviating pain sometimes requires a change in habit or routine and these chairs certainly offer that.
This particular model is made up of a solid metal base with padded contact surfaces that are much thicker than some alternatives. Specific comparisons are made to the Sleekform Alpharetta, which some find less comfortable. The Dragon variant allows for overall height adjustment between 21 and 28 inches with a fixed angle, whereas the Sleekform allows you to change the seat angle but may take more dialing in to get exactly right.
Find more Dragonn Ergonomic Kneeling information and reviews here.
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4.
Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair
Pros:
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Encourages core strength
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Wheels lock into place
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Additional back support included
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Fun to use
Cons:
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Chair sits a little low
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Chair height cannot be adjusted
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Can take awhile to get used to
Finding ways to stay fit when you work at a desk all day can be tricky. With an exercise ball chair, you can stay at your desk while strengthening your core, which means double the productivity.
While exercise balls by themselves tend to roll around when you sit on them, this chair keeps the ball stationary and even has wheels that can lock the chair into place. The back is designed to give you extra lumbar support, though, for the most part, you’ll be sitting up instead of leaning against it.
There are a few variations on this from Gaiam, as well. That includes a backless model, an ultimate model, and an adjustable model.
Find more Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair information and reviews here.
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5.
Mid-Back Mesh Computer Chair
Pros:
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Great chair for the price
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Sturdy build quality
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Wide seat for maximum room
Cons:
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No armrest adjustments
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Assembly somewhat tricky
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Some units ship with faulty hydraulics
Smugdesk has a full range of office chairs that rate pretty well, but their cheapest is this mesh-back, padded seat design. I worked in an office that brought a bunch of these in a conference room seating and by the end of the first week, some folks had swapped their desk chairs for these.
They’re fairly barebones, but do offer lumbar support and very sturdy armrests. The seat is also quite wide at 18.5 inches. Material quality isn’t on par with pricier models, but by pairing back to the essentials, they’ve created a relatively robust low-cost option.
The best part by far is the ventilation. Both the material covering the seat cushion and the mesh back keep things cool even after many hours of work. These are great for a bulk buy if you need reliable seating for cheap in your office, but in my experience, some may prefer them to more expensive offerings.
In terms of alternatives, BestOffice offers a competitor that isn’t as robust but is a bit cheaper and available in eight colors.
Find more Smugdesk Mid-Back Mesh information and reviews here.
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6.
SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair
Pros:
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Ergonomic
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Specifically designed
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Great support
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Colors to choose from
Cons:
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Price point
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No massage feature
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Not suitable for very tall or very short folks
This ergonomic office chair will help to keep a new grad comfortable, whether he’s headed to school or working from home. Its back support, headrest, stepless seat height, tilt, and armrests are all adjustable, so a grad can personalize the chair for maximum comfort. The backrest is made with a flexible mesh to maximize air flow. The chair seat has a waterfall front to help eliminate leg pressure, while the cushion is soft yet also firm enough to hold its shape.
Find more SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair information and reviews here.
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7.
MCQ Home Office Chair
Pros:
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Brilliant colors
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Three style choices
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Lightweight
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Price point
Cons:
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Not for big and tall folks
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No major warranty
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No massage feature
If variety is what you are looking for as well as a bargain then this chair from MCQ is right up your alley as it comes in 11 different colors, 3 different styles and so many choices. At a price point under $100 this Amazon’s Choice product is a huge hit with folks that purchased this chair. The reviews are great, the customer feedback keeps rolling in and it’s no secret why. The modern look of the featured chair will look great in offices, bedrooms, kitchens and family rooms.
The quiet 360-degree movement is just another attribute of this chair that will keep it selling for years and years. You could even build your office around the style and color of the chair you choose. Being that the chair is fairly lightweight it can be moved from room to room with ease.
Find more MCQ Home Office Chair information and reviews here.
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8.
AmazonBasics Big & Tall Executive Chair
Pros:
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350 lbs. weight capacity
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Multiple adjustable features
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One year warranty
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Feels amazing to sit in
Cons:
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Armrests are not adjustable
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Cushion flattens over time
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Good for the price, but may not last as well as other options
With a high back and supporting up to 350 lbs., this chair is made for those of taller stature. There are multiple adjustable features with this chair, as the tilt, lumbar support, and seat height can all be set to your liking.
The chair also has a 360-degree swivel and is set on rolling casters, so you can move about your office space with ease. Upholstered with bonded brown leather, this office chair has an executive feel without the executive price.
Other similarly-rated options around this price include the OneSpace Commodore II and the sportier OFM Essentials Racing Style SofThread Leather High Back Office Chair, while the Flash Furniture Hercules is rated for up to 500 pounds.
Find more AmazonBasics Big & Tall Executive Chair information and reviews here.
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9.
Amazon Basics Classic Puresoft Desk Chair
Pros:
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Less expensive
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Amazon's Choice product
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Multiple colors
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Easy to get used to
Cons:
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No massage feature
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No major warranty
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Limited recline
Getting back to basics with this anything but basic Amazon Basics Puresoft computer office chair. This chair is comfortable like you wouldn’t believe and performs way better than it’s low price would suggest it should. The chair swivels and reclines and does everything the $200+ chairs will do, it just costs less and comes in thre great colors that should match any decor.
Whether you are working in a traditional office setting or have transofrmed your home into your office this chair will fit in nicely. The 275lb weight capacity also far exceeds some of it’s competitors. If I were planning on investing in a brand new office chair this would be one of my top 5 choices for sure. It is as budget friendly as it gets and will make you feel like you purchased a much more expensive chair.
Find more Amazon Basics Classic Puresoft Desk Chair information and reviews here.
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10.
Alera Neratoli High Back Chair
Pros:
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Multiple color choices available
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Adjustable seat height and tilt tension
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Five year limited warranty
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Great bang for your buck
Cons:
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Armrests are not adjustable
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White is more of an off-white
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Some reviewers mention the fabric scuffs easily
Available in black, white, and red, the chair has a five-star base with casters to easily move around your office. Clean lines and a stylish profile make this chair the perfect addition to a modern office space. This Canadian-made chair balances aesthetics and function with the high-end stitched leather look.
The waterfall seat will keep the circulation flowing in your legs, and the seat height and tilt tension can be adjusted. Since office chairs have a high usage rate, you may opt for this simply because Alera furniture is also backed by a five-year limited warranty. The build quality is already quite a bit better than the average option, but the peace of mind is nice to have, as well.
Find more Alera Neratoli High Back Chair information and reviews here.
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11.
La-Z-Boy Bellamy Executive Leather Office Chair
Pros:
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Adjustable height and tilt
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Padded headrest for additional support
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Very durable
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Amazing value for what you get
Cons:
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Shipping time can vary considerably
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Arms cannot be adjusted
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No tilt tension lock function
Ever wish that you could bring your recliner to your office? If the minimalist, meshy modern office chairs won’t cut it for you, La-Z-Boy has an office chair with the plush cushioning you’ve grown to love in your favorite chair.
This leather office chair is executive style and is made with a firm memory foam that keeps you supported while conforming to your body shape. For the additional body alignment, you can adjust the seat height and tilt.
The padded headrest will give you a little extra support when you sit all the way back in the chair, and the wood components paired with the coffee brown leather make the chair perfect for a more professional setting.
Find more La-Z-Boy Bellamy Executive Leather Office Chair information and reviews here.
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12.
Furmax High Back Executive Office Chair
Pros:
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Thick padding, even on armrests
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Tilt tension control
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Inexpensive option
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Three great colors
Cons:
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Doesn't breathe as well as mesh
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Short seat depth may not work for some people
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Manufacturing quality hit or miss
If you’re looking for a full leather-look executive office chair but don’t want to go over budget, this option from Furmax could be a good option for you. At this price, this is faux leather, but it looks the part and provides good padding on all surfaces.
The chair back is designed with lumbar support and features tilt tension adjustment so you can set it perfectly for your use. The arms are sturdier than a lot of other options on modern computer chairs, using a heavy duty frame that attached in four places as opposed to other styles that just bolt underneath the seat and tend to bow out.
The anti-scuff caps on the five-point base are a nice touch, as well. The chair is available in black, white and brown and each color looks fantastic depending on what your existing office decor looks like.
Find more Furmax High Back information and reviews here.
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13.
Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair
Pros:
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Fully adjustable
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High back and headrest ensure full support
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Durable and quiet rollerblade-style wheels
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Amazing value
Cons:
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Pricey
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Wheels may not be carpet friendly
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May not be quite as durable as other options
This a full-coverage chair that is fully adjustable, this option is worth a look. Everything on this chair is adjustable: headrest height and angle, lumbar support placement, armrest height and depth, and tilt tension.
Other nice touches include the mesh back for good circulation and the use of rollerblade-style wheels, which are quieter and roll more smoothly than the typical plastic office chair casters.
The weight capacity is 330 pounds and the seat is heavily cushioned and lightly molded. Assembly is relatively easy, though the many adjustments may mean a bit more dial-in time to be fully comfortable. For more options in this vein, consider the Ticova Ergonomic Office Chair, which is paired back comparatively but still offers many of the same adjustments.
Find more Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable information and reviews here.
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14.
Herman Miller Aeron Task Chair
Pros:
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Multiple sizes and styles available
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Multi-function adjustment for the perfect fit
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12 year warranty
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Amazing colors
Cons:
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Very expensive
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Some received broken pieces upon delivery
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Mesh seat can feel a bit flimsy
Ready to make an investment on an office chair? The Herman Miller Aeron Chair is (much) higher in price, but you truly get what you pay for. If you’re sick of other office chairs that cause backaches or just start to feel shoddy after relatively limited use, this is the one for you.
Both the seat and backrest are made with breathable mesh, and the chair arrives fully assembled. Throw in the 12 year warranty, and you can be sure this chair is money well spent.
This is my dream chair for my home office, it’s mix of style and comfort would look fantastic in any office or home setting. You can further customize this to your needs by adding the Atlas Headrest, which as specifically designed for this chair. If you have even more to spend and want something high-back, you could also consider the Herman Miller Embody, which is available in a wide array of colors.
Find more Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair information and reviews here.
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15.
Clutch Chairz Shift Series Alpha Gaming Chair
Pros:
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Excellent breathable material
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Full body support
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Four-directional armrest adjustment
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Fun colors
Cons:
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Pricey
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Design a bit loud for some offices
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Lumbar pillow may be too big
If traditional computer and office chairs have yet to impress you, it might be time to consider a chair designed for gaming. Hardcore gamers, particularly streamers and esports participants, spend hours upon hours in these chairs, so they’re developed with long sessions in mind.
This is most comparable to a high-back executive chair, though gaming chairs tend to take a slimmer profile and, generally speaking, breathe a bit better. Support on this model includes a removeable lumbar pillow and pillow headrest, which allows you to choose the setup that works best for you.
The other advantage to considering gaming chairs is that there are many, many options to choose from. A cheaper option modeled on a racing seat is the Homall Gaming Chair, which is available in eight colors. If you need more options, consider Heavy’s list of the best PC gaming chairs.
Find more Clutch Chairz Shift Series Alpha information and reviews here.
When looking for an office chair, be sure to think about what features are most important to you. If you work from home or spend multiple hours every day working in your office chair, you may want to make an investment in a more expensive chair that has additional features to keep you comfortable through a long work session.
If you suffer from back and hip pain issues, an office chair that has ergonomic features may be a good choice. If you want your office chair to make a statement, choose a bright color or a chair with a unique design.
Price is the most pressing concern for most, which is why our list is in order of price as of the time of this writing. If durability is a concern for you, you might look for BIMFA compliant, a third-party tester of durability and materials quality. You may also need a certain size of chair to fit perfectly in your workspace.
Whichever criterion you prioritize, our list covers a spectrum of possibilities with alternatives suggested for each.
Which office chair is best for your back?
With so many products being referred to as ergonomic these days, especially the proliferation of ergonomic office chairs, it can be difficult to sort out what actually qualifies under this definition. There is a body assigned to this, called the International Ergonomics Association, which defines it as "[T]he scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system..."
To that end, while "ergonomic" could be seen as a marketing term, the best chair for your back is the one that works the best for you, given the other factors of your body size and desk setup. Unless you have time and money to trial many different chairs over a potentially long period of time, maximal adjustability is more likely to ensure that you will be able to work for hours on end without back pain.
To that end, Harman Miller chairs are very likely the best option for your back. Whether you opt for the Aeron on this list or the high-back Embody, you'll get a hugely adjustable and robustly built office chair that is very likely to ease your back pain.
That said, it's also hugely expensive. It's designed to a specific end after a lot of research and warrantied for 12 years, but the price reflects that. Naturally, there are many other options on the market and you may just find one that isn't quite so pricey, too.
How does an office chair cylinder work?
Virtually every office chair on the market allows you to change the height of the seat with a simple adjustment. This is most often accomplished with the use of a gas spring.
There's an in-depth explanation as to how this works, but the gist is that the cylinder in your office chair is a sealed pump full of nitrogen. In any position other than fully raised, that gas is compressed. When you want to raise it again, the gas in the chamber equalizes and the pressure raises the seat.
Will an office chair ruin the carpet?
In a word: yes. They'll ruin your wood floors, too, if you give them enough time. The vast majority of office chair wheels are hard plastic that is meant to wear slowly and put up with years of abuse. Daily use means that they will certainly damage the surface beneath the chair.
Chairs with rollerblade-style wheels like the Duramont Ergonomic Chair on this list may cause damage a bit more slowly than the hard plastic wheels, but they'll still flatten the carpet in spots. In order to avoid this, you should certainly buy yourself a chair mat.
There are many different models out there, but a decent chair mat will pay for itself in time. For deeper pile carpets, you'll want something like the Doublecheck Products Heavy Duty Carpet Chair Mat, which is available in both rectangular and tabbed shapes.
Some prefer bamboo chair mats that can roll up, like this Anji Mountain model, which can be used on low pile carpets or hard flooring. If you want a super high-end approach, try this Glass Chair Mat, which looks very nice and has a lifetime warranty.
There are also flat PVC models for hard surfaces such as the Ilyapa Office Chair Mat, which is available in a few different sizes.
In addition to saving your flooring, these mats will improve your mobility as the wheels easily glide over the surface.
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