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RateLab

Best Office Chairs

We reviewed 20+ chairs. These are the only ones worth buying. Quick verdict at the top of each section, full breakdown below.

Best Overall

Best Pick

Branch Ergonomic Chair

4.5 / 5 on Amazon
Best Pick
TL;DR

The best chair under $500. Rivals Herman Miller at a fraction of the cost. 7 adjustment points, adjustable lumbar, comfy foam seat. Hard armrests are the only gripe.

Pros

  • 7 tested adjustment points
  • High-density foam seat holds up after 8 hours
  • Adjustable lumbar and seat pan depth
  • Armrests shift in and out

Cons

  • Hard plastic armrests
  • 275 lb weight limit (lighter than some competitors)
Verdict: BUY Full Review Shop at Branch

Best Budget (Under $200)

Best Budget Pick

Colamy Office Chair

Best Budget Pick
TL;DR

Looks and feels more expensive than it is. Modern design, seat slider, 4-way arms. No headrest, but hard to argue with the price.

Pros

  • Seat slider (rare at this price)
  • 4-way adjustable arms
  • Solid build, doesn't feel cheap
  • Modern aesthetic

Cons

  • No headrest
  • Arm pads could be softer
Verdict: BUY Check Price on Amazon

Best for Back Pain

Best for Back Support

SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Big & Tall

Best for Back Support
TL;DR

The lumbar adjustment on this thing is legitimately good. 4-way lumbar support, headrest, 330 lb weight limit. Wheels are a little stiff, but the back support is the real deal.

Pros

  • 4-way adjustable lumbar (height AND intensity)
  • Adjustable headrest
  • 330 lb weight capacity
  • Breathable mesh back
  • Low 16-inch seat height (good for shorter users)

Cons

  • Wheels don't roll smoothly
  • Fixed seat pan depth
  • Adjustments are a bit stiff
Verdict: BUY Check Price on Amazon

Best Premium (No Budget Cap)

Premium Pick

Herman Miller Aeron

Premium Pick
TL;DR

The industry gold standard. Designed with NASA ergonomics research. PostureFit SL lumbar support, 8Z Pellicle mesh that doesn't get hot, 12-year warranty. If you sit 8+ hours a day, it pays for itself. Everyone else: see the Branch.

Pros

  • Best lumbar support available (PostureFit SL)
  • Breathable mesh never gets warm
  • Precisely sized fit options (A/B/C sizing)
  • 12-year warranty
  • Holds resale value well

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Armrests are bulkier than some prefer
  • No adjustable seat depth on standard model
Verdict: BUY (if budget allows) Full Review Check Price on Amazon

Skip These

Skip

Yonisee Office Chair

Skip
TL;DR

Feels unstable from the moment you sit down. Rattles, arms are too wide, mesh sags and you can feel the frame. Not worth $149.

Verdict: SKIP View on Amazon

Tempur-Lumbar Support Office Chair

Skip
TL;DR

The Tempur-Pedic name doesn't carry over here. Memory foam seat gets warm, design is outdated, only basic recline. There are better options at half the price.

Verdict: SKIP View on Amazon