The Best Office Chairs

Get comfortable—and productive—in the best office chair for your body, style, and budget.

By Tom Scalisi | Updated Mar 29, 2022 9:45 AM

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Best Office Chair

Photo: amazon.com

The best office chair enhances productivity. That’s why the ideal home office includes a comfortable chair to support long days of conference calls and report writing. Read on for smart shopping advice and to learn why the following rank as favorites among the best office chair options.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
  2. BEST BUDGET: BestOffice Office Chair Ergonomic Desk Chair
  3. UPGRADE PICK: X-Chair X4 High End Executive Chair
  4. STYLE PICK: Art Leon Mid-Century Modern Swivel Accent Chair
  5. BEST LUMBAR SUPPORT: Serta Smart Layers AIR Arlington Executive Chair
  6. BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: Funria Mid Back Mesh Office Chair
  7. BEST FOR STANDING DESKS: Flash Furniture Mid-Back Ergonomic Drafting Chair
  8. ALSO CONSIDER: OFM ESS Collection Swivel Back Armless Task Chair
The Best Office Chair Option

Photo: amazon.com

What To Consider When Choosing the Best Office Chair

While it might seem like a simple concept, choosing the best desk chair takes a lot of background research. For an education on type, style, and a slew of other key considerations, check out the following sections on some of the most important factors to keep in mind while shopping for one of the best office chairs.

Type

Each type of office chair brings its own style and function. Consider these popular styles as you shop:

  • Banker’s chairs, typically constructed of hardwoods like oak and maple,sit on casters. A bit smaller than some office chairs, banker’s chairs fit great with a writing desk set against a wall and lend a professional feel to a home office setting. Keep in mind: banker’s chairs don’t include padding, so a seat cushion might make a smart add-on.
  • Executive chairs, traditionally upholstered in leather, look like the quintessential office chair. They easily hold their own behind large mahogany desks in the center of the room. But if you don’t have ample space, they may be a bit much for a home office.
  • Ergonomic chairs boast the latest comfort and support technology to relieve pressure points and discomfort while you pull long hours without aches and pains. Typically built with synthetic materials like plastic, nylon, and mesh, ergonomic chairs often offer kneeling positions or multiple sitting positions.
  • Drafting chairs, taller than other options, typically seat an architect or designer at the height of a drafting desk. Not suited for every office desk, they may make a nice addition to a standing desk.
  • Gaming chairs, essentially the new kids on the block, look like seats plucked right from the cockpit of a racing car. Their unique design helps keeps gamers comfortable for as long as they wish to play.

Lumbar Support

It’s no secret that sitting all day can wreak havoc on the back and spine. The best office chair should help carry the load. Chairs with adjustable lumbar support relieve pressure on the lower back and encourage upright posture.

Some chairs use inflatable bags in the lower portion of the seatback, while others might use a side crank to adjust the level of support. Some include adjustable heating and massage pads in the lumbar area. For chairs without adjustable support, look for those designed with ergonomics in mind, as they often have fixed lumbar support built in.

Size

A good desk chair must come in the right size. A chair that’s too small for a desk may look like a child’s chair or just an afterthought. A too-big chair may come off comical or, at the least, not fit comfortably under the desk. A chair must fit the size of the desk and the size of the user in order to both look nice in the office and provide the most comfortable work station for the worker. Consider the chair’s height and the width and depth of the seat.

Adjustability

Achieving the right sitting position is key: feet should be firmly planted on the floor, knees and elbows at right angles, and the computer monitor a comfortable distance away.

Adjustability in the seat, arms, and seat-back angle can make the difference between pain and comfort. The best home office chair should adjust to take the pressure off the hips, back, and shoulders. But how?

Adjustable armrests, lumbar support, backrests, as well as head and neck rests all play a part. Users can dial each piece of the chair in to create a comfortable position from which to work all day. And, for reviewing long reports or catching up on spreadsheets, it’s hard to beat the comfort of a reclining feature.

Swivel

An office chair that pivots freely adds convenience to a workday. The swivel function allows for getting in and out of the seat without pulling it away from the desk and also lets workers move easily to reach for objects, especially a bookcase or file cabinet located behind them. A 360-degree swivel keeps more commonly used items within arm’s reach, which helps increase efficiency and productivity.

Rolling Casters

Most office chairs include rolling wheels called casters. But office staff should be sure the chair they buy has a quality set. Higher-quality casters are made of nylon with a steel stem, but some use polyurethane balls or roller skate wheels.

Cheap casters tend to freeze up and drag as folks attempt to roll them into and away from a desk. Not only should the wheels roll smoothly, but they should also swivel around easily. Otherwise, they’ll get stuck and could cause folks to tip over if one digs into the carpet while trying to roll away from a desk.

Material

Like most furniture, the best office chairs come in a variety of materials. Each material brings its own set of pros and cons. The following materials figure prominently into the best office chairs:

  • Mesh may lack the “corner office” look that leather imparts, but it’s far more breathable. This makes mesh a better option for those spending long hours in the chair, especially if the office is on the warm side.
  • Leather looks great, smells great, and feels great, but it’s expensive. Comfortable? Sure! Breathable? Not so much.
  • Wood shows up frequently in chair arms and frames or, in the case of banker’s chairs, the entire chair. Wood ranks among the heavier and least comfortable construction materials but also among the best-looking.
  • Plastic, cheap, light, and often very durable, often gets a bad rap in the office setting. These desk chairs often look more at home at a teenager’s bedroom desk, but some modern models buck that trend.
  • Nylon, a durable, lightweight plastic, can be woven into a fabric or molded into a hard shell. It makes a great choice for entry-level office chairs.

Style

Style might rank as an important consideration for some office workers.

Some unique frame designs can really wow an office guest or client. These chairs might offer front and back seating arrangements or multiple seating positions. Colors also play a role in style. Office chairs come in a multitude of them, from subdued hues and earth tones to bright, bold reds, blues and yellows.

Some work-from-homers might want a chair that goes with the decor in the rest of the home or that part of the home, be it modern, contemporary, country, or traditional. Or perhaps a new office chair needs to fit into the already established style of the office. The market offers an office chair for all of these styles.

Our Top Picks

Now you’re ready to shop, but we’ve done the hard part for you. We chose the following top-rated office chairs with the key shopping considerations in mind to provide a seat for almost every office scenario.

Best Overall

The Best Office Chair Option: Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
Photo: amazon.com

Anyone in the market for a unique-looking chair with plenty of adjustment options should consider Gabrylly’s Ergonomic Office Chair. A mesh back and seat provide a ton of airflow to help keep office workers cool and comfortable. Both headrest and seat back tilt to align comfortably with the spine.

Gabrylly’s chair also features adjustable height, arm adjustments, and a 360-degree swivel so users may turn clear of the desk to stand up. Polyurethane casters slide across an office floor with ease. The armrests flip so the chair can slide easily under a desk when not in use. Available only in black, Gabrylly’s ergonomic chair supports up to 280 pounds.

Product Specs

  • Type: Ergonomic
  • Material: Nylon mesh and metal
  • Adjustability: Headrest, back, arms, and height

Pros

  • Unique design
  • Headrest, back, and arms adjust for comfort
  • 360-swivel wheels for easy rolling

Cons

  • Only available in black

Get the Gabrylly office chair on Amazon.

Best Budget

The Best Office Chair Option: BestOffice Office Chair Ergonomic Desk Chair
Photo: amazon.com

Often, office chairs jump in price by a large margin the moment the manufacturer labels them “ergonomic.” Not so with the BestOffice Ergonomic Cheap Desk Chair. This affordable chair makes a solid choice for an office, dorm room, or anywhere else that work takes place.

BestOffice’s Ergonomic Cheap Desk Chair features adjustable height, ergonomic design, and lumbar support to promote healthy posture. A mesh back and soft foam seat pad allow for airflow to help workers of up to 250 pounds keep cool. Though not the most stunning chair on the market, it features a 360-degree swivel, free-rolling casters, and a variety of color choices.

Product Specs

  • Type: Ergonomic
  • Material: Nylon
  • Adjustability: Height

Pros

  • Affordable price point
  • Ergonomic design with lumbar support
  • Soft foam pad and mesh material keep the user cool

Cons

  • Not great to look at

Get the BestOffice chair on Amazon and at Walmart.

Upgrade Pick

The Best Office Chair Option: X-Chair X4 High End Executive Chair
Photo: amazon.com

X-Chair’s X4 High End Executive Chair lives up to its admittedly hefty price. This stylish office chair features beautiful leather-wrapped upholstery in a choice of seven colors. The tall ergonomic chair sits atop a modern polished chrome base. Automatic lumbar support adapts to the user’s body without any need to tweak the chair’s settings.

A high-end office chair, it features adjustments galore: an adjustable and removable headrest, adjustable armrests, adjustable height, and even a seat pad that moves back and forth. A floating recline feature rocks back and forth easily but locks into three different positions. An all-metal base includes high-quality casters.

Product Specs

  • Style: Executive
  • Material: Leather and metal
  • Adjustability: Height, armrests, neck support, lumbar support, depth, and recline

Pros

  • Plenty of adjustments for most office workers
  • Attractive leather upholstery looks great
  • Polished metal base for longevity and durability

Cons

  • It’s definitely more expensive than most office chairs

Get the X-Chair office chair on Amazon.

Style Pick

The Best Office Chair Option: Art Leon Mid-Century Modern Swivel Accent Chair
Photo: amazon.com

Art Leon’s Mid-Century Modern Swivel Accent Chair features a fabric seat cover over a wooden frame. Available in 12 colors, the ribbed polyester-cotton seat sits on a beechwood base.

A deviation from the classic desk chair design, this seat brings midcentury style to the home office. Its smooth fabric-clad seat swivels 360 degrees like a traditional office chair and supports up to 330 pounds. While it doesn’t include casters, the stylish chair looks great without wheels, and a clever DIYer could add them.

Product Specs

  • Type: Banker
  • Material: Polyester-cotton and wood
  • Adjustability: None

Pros

  • Stylish midcentury look
  • Sturdy wood base
  • 12 colors for shoppers to choose from

Cons

  • Doesn’t have any casters

Get the Art Leon office chair on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best Lumbar Support

The Best Office Chair Option: Serta Smart Layers AIR Arlington Executive Chair
Photo: amazon.com

Anyone hunting for lumbar support in an office chair should check out Serta’s Smart Layers AIR Arlington executive chair. The same ample cushioning found in Serta mattresses provides a seat and backrest with plenty of comfort and lumbar support. Plush padding offers a soft spot to rest one’s elbows and release stress from the shoulders. Bonded leather upholstery creates a smooth crack-resistant surface.

Separate controls positioned within arm’s reach at the front of the seat allow the user to adjust the height and toggle the chair between an upright or reclined position. An air lumbar design provides lower-back support while conforming to the contours of the body. A sleek profile with pewter stitching and armrests make this chair an attractive addition to a home office.

Product Specs

  • Type: Executive
  • Material: Bonded leather and metal
  • Adjustability: Height and recline

Pros

  • Features Serta’s cushioning in the seat and backrest
  • Adjustable height and recline
  • Sleek profile

Cons

  • Not as much adjustability as other models

Get the Serta office chair on Amazon.

Best for Small Spaces

The Best Office Chair Option: Funria Mid Back Mesh Office Chair
Photo: amazon.com

Funria’s office chair offers sturdy seating and ergonomic features in a compact package. A breathable mesh back and padded seat help users stay cool and comfortable all day. Its 300-pound weight capacity makes it a durable option—rare for a height-adjustable chair. Keep in mind, this chair doesn’t offer any other adjustments.

This compact model swivels 360 degrees, which allows users to reach objects behind them and to clear their knees from the desk before standing up—key for chairs in tight places. Funria’s chair includes built-in lumbar support to help keep the user’s spine aligned and reduce pressure on the lower back. The armrests flip up and out of the way to slide this chair under any desk.

Product Specs

  • Type: Ergonomic
  • Material: Nylon
  • Adjustability: Height

Pros

  • Compact design fits most offices
  • Ergonomic design with lumbar support
  • Flip-up armrests for sliding it under a desk

Cons

  • Limited adjustment

Get the Funria office chair on Amazon.

Best for Standing Desks

The Best Office Chair Option: Flash Furniture Mid-Back Ergonomic Drafting Chair
Photo: amazon.com

Flash Furniture’s Mid-Back Black Mesh Ergonomic Drafting Chair makes a great choice for folks who prefer to sit up tall. Adjustable height allows for sitting at a drafting table or standing desk, while the compact design won’t take up much space.

Adjustable armrests and reclining allow users to get comfortable at any height (though it lacks other adjustments such as lumbar support). Also, to release some tension from the hips, knees, and ankles, this chair features a wraparound chrome footrest. Available in 15 colorways, this chair offers a look for almost everyone.

Product Specs

  • Type: Drafting
  • Material: Nylon and metal
  • Adjustability: Height and recline

Pros

  • Foot ring for relaxing and relieving pressure from lower body
  • Reaches heights of standard drafting desk
  • Compact design for storing under a desk if needed.

Cons

  • Limited adjustability

Get the Flash Furniture office chair on Amazon.

Also Consider

The_Best_Office_Chair_Option:_OFM ESS Collection Swivel Back Armless Task Chair
Photo: amazon.com

OFM Essentials Collection provides a basic, good-quality, low-cost office chair with its Mesh Back Task Chair. This no-frills ergonomic option ranks as one of the best task chairs at its price point. It features a simple padded seat and a nylon mesh back for comfort and cooling.

OFM’s task chair features a supportive mesh back with basic lumbar support, a thick seat pad, and easy tilt and swivel adjustments. The simple, sleek-looking chair will fit almost any office, and smooth casters keep it rolling on most office flooring surfaces.

Product Specs

  • Type: Ergonomic
  • Material: Nylon
  • Adjustability: Height

Pros

  • Simple ergonomic design
  • Supportive mesh back made for comfort
  • Easy reclining adjustment

Cons

  • No other adjustments

Get the OFM office chair on Amazon and at Walmart.

Our Verdict

Anyone hunting for an ergonomic chair with good looks and an advanced design should check out the Gabrylly office chair for its unique design and adjustability. However, those who need an upgrade should check out the X-Chair X4 office chair for its comfort, great looks, and plethora of adjustments.

How We Chose the Best Office Chairs 

A lot goes into compiling a list of the top office chairs. First, we called upon our own years of personal experience to identify key shopping considerations. Next, we conducted lengthy product research to find the best models on the market. After that, we grouped them into categories and compared their features. By the end of this test, we put together this list of the best office chairs.

FAQs 

You may still have a few questions about the top office chair. The following section has some answers.

Q: Should I buy an office chair, task chair, or gaming chair?

In general, office executive-style chairs make good office chairs as they’re adjustable and ergonomic.

Q: Is it better to have an office chair with or without arms? 

This is a matter of opinion. Some folks have office chairs with attached arms as it gives them a place to rest their elbows once they tire. Others prefer no arms for more freedom of movement.

Q: What is the best office chair for sitting for long hours?

When sitting for a long time, you need to be as comfortable as possible. Choosing one of the best office chairs for back pain is crucial.