Whether you’re working from home full time or just want a comfortable chair to sit at for gaming or browsing the internet, it’s important to choose the right office chair. A quality office chair provides the support you need to prevent the kind of back and shoulder pain that’s common among people sitting at a desk for long periods of time.
We reviewed dozens of office chairs to identify the best of the best. Comfort is of huge importance, so we considered the range of materials on offer and their levels of padding and breathability. We also considered lumbar support, armrests, and adjustability.
Ticova Ergonomic Executive Office Chair stood out as the best office chair overall. A contemporary take on a classic executive chair, it’s highly adjustable to offer the perfect degree of support for its user.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Office Chairs
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Office Chair Overall | Ticova Ergonomic Executive Office Chair | 4.5 |
| Best Big and Tall Office Chair | BestOffice Big and Tall Office Chair | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Office Chair | FDW Mid Back Home Office Chair | 4.3 |
| Best Office Chair without Arms | HON ValuTask Low Back Task Chair | 4.4 |
| Best Padded Office Chair | Serta Hannah Microfiber Office Chair | 4.2 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Office Chairs Overall: Ticova Ergonomic Executive Office Chair
If comfort and support is your priority, try the Ticova Ergonomic Executive Office Chair. Providing support for the entire upper body, including the head, this is a modern take on an executive chair. With its mesh back, it’s much more comfortable to sit on for a full day of work than a leather or fabric executive office chair, since the mesh is breathable and won’t cause you to overheat. This is especially beneficial in hot weather when sitting at a desk all day can be unbearable on the wrong chair.
The chair’s back can tilt from 90 degrees, fully upright, to a 140-degree recline. You can either lock it in place or leave it loose so you can rock back and forth. Also adjustable are the armrests, headrest, seat, and backrest for full ergonomic support. The backrest is even adjustable in two places, giving you the ultimate in lumbar support, which is ideal for anyone who suffers from back pain. At $300, this office chair isn’t cheap, but it will provide ample support for anyone prone to back pain and is a worthwhile investment if you work from home full time or for the majority of your working week.
Ticova Ergonomic Executive Office Chair Key Features:
- Seat is curved and well-padded for all-day comfort
- Concave armrests are more comfortable than the flat ones found on many office chairs
- Large casters move easily on most types of flooring
Best Big and Tall Office Chair: BestOffice Big and Tall Office Chair
The BestOffice Big and Tall Office Chair is ideal for anyone who doesn’t fit comfortably in a standard office chair. The seat measures approximately 24 inches wide and has extra supportive padding, giving the majority of users up to 400 pounds the comfort they deserve from an office chair. The backrest has 11 position adjustability so you can tailor it to get the perfect level of lumbar support for you. The seat height is also adjustable from 17 to 22 inches to suit people of most heights, plus you can adjust the armrests and the tilt of the seat.
Although some assembly is required, this chair is simple to set up. All the tools you need are included and it takes most people no more than 10 to 15 minutes. Thanks to this chair’s mesh back, you shouldn’t feel too warm, even when working on hot days. Costing roughly $165, it’s priced a little higher than similar chairs in smaller sizes, but it’s worth spending extra on a chair you won’t feel squeezed into.
BestOffice Big and Tall Office Chair Key Features:
- Seat is sprung and padded so won’t lose shape over time
- Offers adjustable ergonomic support
- High-quality smooth-rolling casters
Best Budget Office Chair: FDW Mid Back Home Office Chair
It might not win any prizes for innovation, but the FDW Mid Back Home Office Chair gets the job done. If you don’t have much to spend but want a solid, reliable model, this might be the chair for you. It has a breathable mesh backrest that’s shaped to fit the human spine. It doesn’t, unfortunately, have adjustable lumbar support, so the shape of the backrest won’t be exactly right for everyone. This can lead to back pain, especially if you’re prone to it, so this isn’t a chair we’d recommend if you’ll be sitting on it 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. It’s fine for a couple of hours a day, however, or one to two full days a week.
The backrest has a rocking mode, where you can rock back and forth from 90 to 120 degrees, which some people find relaxing during stressful periods or when doing taxing work. While the height is adjustable, not much else is, so people who are taller or shorter than average may find the way it’s set up less than ideal. The great part is the price; it costs just $55 in black or up to $70 in gray, pink, or white.
FDW Mid Back Home Office Chair Key Features:
- Well-padded seat made from high-bounce foam
- Plastic lumbar support mimics the shape of the waist
- Easy pneumatic height adjustment between 17.5 and 20.5 inches
Best Office Chair without Arms: HON ValuTask Low Back Task Chair
The HON ValuTask Low Back Task Chair is a simple office chair that’s surprisingly comfortable. Both the seat and backrest are well-padded, plus the seat is perfectly shaped to spread your weight evenly and avoid putting too much pressure on the hips. The backrest is also contoured to offer a degree of lumbar support, though the lumbar support isn’t adjustable so may not suit everyone. You can tilt the backrest, however, which is handy if you prefer to work in a reclined position, whether constantly or occasionally.
The resin base and casters are extremely sturdy and the latter can spin 360 degrees for easy maneuverability. The seat is height adjustable with an easy-to-use pneumatic mechanism. The seat swivels 360 degrees so you can easily access different parts of your workspace without reaching or getting up. This office chair costs roughly $100 and users say it’s worth the cost due to its level of comfort.
HON ValuTask Low Back Task Chair Key Features:
- Back can be locked in position or left to rock
- Fabric is easy to spot clean and doesn’t tend to stain
- Simple to assemble with all required tools included
Best Padded Office Chair: Serta Hannah Microfiber Office Chair
Some people like a light, mesh office chair whereas others prefer a highly padded option, such as the Serta Hannah Microfiber Office Chair. The 26-inch tall backrest provides full-body support, which is great for those working at their desk all day. The microfiber outer material feels pleasantly soft to the touch, though it does pick up the dirt rather easily, so we’d recommend eating away from your desk to avoid stains from spills.
The seat, backrest, and armrests all have plenty of soft padding, which is perfect for anyone who finds most office chairs too firm or dislikes resting their arms on solid armrests. The chair’s height and recline are both adjustable but there isn’t any adjustable lumbar support, which can be a problem for some users. Prices range between $135 and $165 depending on your chosen color combination.
Serta Hannah Microfiber Office Chair Key Features:
- Several color options available
- Sturdy 360-degree swivel casters
- The contoured lumbar zone provides excellent support
Who Should Buy an Office Chair
Anyone who needs to work at a desk at home should buy themselves an office chair. Of course, people also use these kinds of chairs in the office, but your employer must provide a suitable chair for you, so most individuals who are purchasing office chairs for their own use will be using them at home. In the current climate, more and more people are working remotely if their job allows for it, which means purchasing a home office setup. In addition to an office chair, you might also want to check out our top office desks.
Important Features to Consider
An office chair should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a chair for your office:
- Mesh back. On hot days, sitting in a standard office chair can feel unbearable, hence the popularity of the mesh back office chair. Not only are mesh backrests breathable so you won’t feel stiflingly hot in warm weather, but they also offer a pleasant combination of support and give, so they’re not too soft and not too firm.
- Adjustability. The key to a comfortable office chair is adjustability. The most highly adjustable office chairs tend to be the most expensive, but you can tailor them to fit your body, which helps relieve the aches and pains that can be caused by sitting at a desk all day. At the very least, you should be able to adjust the height of your seat and the recline of your backrest, but even better is adjustable lumbar support, headrests, and armrests.
- Padding. The seat of your office chair should be well-padded to avoid the discomfort that can come from sitting on your posterior all day, but some models also feature extra padding on the back and armrests.
- Back height. An average office chair has a mid-height back that reaches somewhere between the mid-back and shoulders, depending on the height of the user. Executive office chairs are taller than average to provide full back support and a headrest.
- Armrests. The majority of office chairs feature armrests to help support your arms as you type and keep them in an ergonomic position. Depending on your type of work and preferences, however, you may prefer an office chair without armrests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an office chair?
An office chair is a chair that’s specifically designed for use at a desk. Office chairs tend to have wheels, or casters, and a swivel seat, as well as being adjustable to keep you comfortable when sitting in it for a full working day. Everything about an office chair is designed for long term comfort, whereas people usually only sit on a dining chair or similar for an hour or two at most, so all-day comfort isn’t an issue.
Why do office chairs have wheels?
Office chairs have wheels for a couple of reasons. Firstly, so you can easily tuck yourself under your desk to a precise degree, for improved comfort and ergonomics. And, secondly, so you can move around your workspace without getting up. This is more of an issue when you have a large desk, but it saves time and makes you more productive when you don’t need to stand up and sit back down again each time you need to fetch a particular file or piece of equipment. This is also why office chairs swivel, which is particularly useful when you have a U-shaped desk setup.
What is the best chair for sitting at a computer all day?
If you sit at a desk, using a computer, for most of the day, we’d highly recommend an ergonomic office chair. These are adjustable at multiple points so that you can tailor the chair to your height, body shape, and sitting position. Adjustable lumbar support is one of the most important features to keep you comfortable when sitting all day.
How long should office chairs last?
Assuming you use your office chair for 40 hours a week, it should last between 7 and 10 years, though low-cost models might last closer to 5 years. While office chairs can seem expensive, they will last a good amount of time, so they work out relatively economically when you consider how much use you’ll get from them.
Other Office Chairs We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other office chairs. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best office chairs list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Executive Office Chairs
BestOffice Executive Mesh Office Chair
You can easily adjust this high back office chair to suit your needs. The mesh design makes it breathable and more comfortable to use than conventional executive chairs.
Key Features:
- Built-in lumbar support
- Adjustable headrest
- Easy to assemble
Cost: $110
Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
We love the flip-up armrests on this chair, which are easy to move out of the way when engaging in tasks where armrests are more of a hindrance than a help.
Key Features:
- Highly breathable with mesh seat and back
- Four points of support
- Tilting back
Cost: $310
MOLENTS Mesh Executive Office Chair
With numerous points of adjustment, including lumbar support and armrests, you can easily tailor this chair for your comfort.
Key Features:
- Provides optimal support in relation to your body weight
- Three-position tilt control
- Soft, comfortable armrests
Cost: $280
NOUHAUS +Posture Ergonomic PU Leather Office Chair
Provides full back support with a more contemporary style than your average executive chair, so you can be stylish and comfortable all at once.
Key Features:
- Available in black or taupe
- Flip-up armrests
- Integrated lumbar support
Cost: $210
It isn’t the most luxurious of executive chairs, but its full back support lets it slip into the executive category. It’s a decent choice for those who want a higher back at an affordable price.
Key Features:
- Padded lumbar support
- Rocking back mode
- Two-color choices
Cost: $100
STARSPACE Executive Office Chair
The well-padded seat helps keep you comfortable all day, though it can feel quite hot to sit on when the weather’s warm.
Key Features:
- Waterfall seat edge reduced pressure on the back of knees
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Adjustable tilt with rocking function
Office Task Chairs
A simple and affordable task chair that comes in a range of colors. It’s great for light use but might not keep you comfortable all day, every day.
Key Features:
- Breathable mesh back
- Comfortable seat
- Easy to set up
Cost: $55 to $75
Flash Fundamentals Mid-Back Ergonomic Task Chair
The ventilated mesh back provides firm yet comfortable support, but we’d prefer a greater degree of lumbar support.
Key Features:
- Adjustable seat height
- Fixed arms
- Dual casters
Cost: $65
While it stands out for its modern appearance, this office chair is functional as well as stylish with an S-shaped back that provides more lumbar support than similar models.
Key Features:
- Flip-up armrests
- Adjustable tilt with rocking option
- Height adjustable seat
Cost: $130
Office Star Mesh Back & Seat Managers Chair
Thanks to its higher back, you get a little extra support than you do on your average task chair, with added lumbar cushions.
Key Features:
- Both seat and back are mesh for extra breathability
- Greenguard certified
- Two-color options
Cost: $150 to $175
SMUGDESK Mid-Back Mesh Computer Task Chair
It might be basic, but this task chair is all you need for occasional use. If you have any back problems, however, the lumbar support might not suffice for extended periods.
Key Features:
- Height adjustable seat
- Optional rocking mode
- Strong casters
Office Chairs without Arms
AmazonBasics Low-Back Office Chair
Like your office chairs as straightforward as possible? This one fits the bill, with its mesh back, foam-padded seat, and arm-free design.
Key Features:
- Four color choices
- Pneumatically adjustable seat
- Contoured back
Cost: $57
Boss Office Products Perfect Posture Task Chair without Arms
Both the seat and back are perfectly contoured to improve your working posture and help avoid back, neck, and shoulder pain.
Key Features:
- Available in four colors
- Adjustable backrest
- Made from durable tweed fabric
Cost: $62
Flash Furniture Mid-Back Quilted Office Chair
Made from quilted leather-effect vinyl, this chair looks stylish and is comfortably padded. You can choose from six colors.
Key Features:
- Waterfall seat edge
- Height adjustable
- 360-degree swivel seat
Cost: $70 to $100
KOLLIEE Armless Mesh Office Chair
The mesh back features integrated lumbar support, though it isn’t adjustable so it might not feel adequately supportive for everyone.
Key Features:
- Breathable mesh back
- Padded seat
- Pneumatic height adjustment
Cost: $80
Office Star Thick Padded Task Chair without Arms
Want a soft and comfortable office chair? This one has a thickly padded seat and back that’s sculpted to provide support and relieve pressure.
Key Features:
- Height adjustable seat and back
- Lockable tilting back
- Casters work on carpet
Other Office Chairs
BestOffice Ergonomic Office Chair
Somewhere between an executive chair and a gaming chair, you get plenty of support and comfort from the footrest and adjustable lumbar cushion.
Key Features:
- Removable cushion headrest
- Thickly padded
- Wide range of color choices
Cost: $110 to $150
HON Wave Mesh Big and Tall Office Chair
An alternative option for larger users who find that standard-sized armed office chairs don’t fit them comfortably.
Key Features:
- High back
- 22-inch wide seat
- Adjustable armrests
Cost: $325
Office Star Faux Leather Manager’s Chair
Larger than a task chair but smaller than an executive chair, this model is luxuriously padded, if a little warm on hot days.
Key Features:
- Built-in lumbar support
- Available in black and brown finishes
- Padded arms
Cost: $85 to $130
SMUGDESK PU Leather Office Chair
Another option that’s partway between a task chair and executive chair, the high back design provides additional support but the lumbar support could be improved.
Key Features:
- Adjustable tilt with rocking function
- Height adjustable
- Padded armrests
Cost: $96
