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Several office chairs in a room Credit: Reviewed / Kyle Hamilton
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The Best Office Chairs of 2026

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Several office chairs in a room Credit: Reviewed / Kyle Hamilton

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Editor's Choice Product image of Autonomous ErgoChair Pro
Best Overall

Autonomous ErgoChair Pro

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The ErgoChair Pro is where style and function meet value. This chair maintains ergonomic comfort as you recline or lean in towards your workstation. Read More

Pros

  • Ergonomic support as you recline
  • Thick, comfortable padding
  • Affordable

Cons

  • None that we could find
2
Editor's Choice Product image of Herman Miller Aeron
Best Upgrade

Herman Miller Aeron

Check Price at Amazon

You'll be able to sit in this customizable chair all day. Flexible pads support the spine while seat and armrest adjustments support extremities. Read More

Pros

  • Flexible pads support lower spine
  • Sturdy armrests
  • Fully customizable

Cons

  • Customization can increase price
3
Editor's Choice Product image of Branch Ergonomic Chair
Best Under $350

Branch Ergonomic Chair

Currently
Unavailable

The Branch Ergonomic Chair offers great value when it comes to a stylish, adjustable, and supportive office chair for people up to 300 pounds. Read More

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • Comfortable
  • Range of adjustment options

Cons

  • Headrest is an extra cost
4
Product image of Steelcase Leap
Best Leather Office Chair

Steelcase Leap

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You'll look professional in this genuine leather chair. Built-in lumbar support and adjustable lower back firmness will have you feeling good too. Read More

Pros

  • Made with genuine leather
  • Adjustable lower back firmness
  • Lumbar support blends in

Cons

  • None that we could find
5
Product image of Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Lumbar Support Office Chair
Most Ergonomic

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Lumbar Support Office Chair

Check Price at Tempur-Pedic

For back pain sufferers, the Tempur-Lumbar Support office chair provides all-day comfort thanks to its thick cushioning and supportive lumbar pillow. Read More

Pros

  • Good for back pain
  • Adjustable
  • Plush seat cushioning

Cons

  • Hard to put together
  • Packaged poorly
  • The armrests don’t lock

  • Autonomous ErgoChair Pro

  • Herman Miller Aeron

  • Branch Ergonomic Chair

  • Steelcase Leap

  • Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Lumbar Support Office Chair

  • Other Office Chairs We Tested

  • How We Tested Office Chairs

  • What To Consider Before Buying An Office Chair

  • What You Should Know About Office Chairs

  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

  • Best Overall Autonomous ErgoChair Pro
  • Best Upgrade Herman Miller Aeron
  • Best Under $350 Branch Ergonomic Chair
  • Best Leather Office Chair Steelcase Leap
  • Most Ergonomic Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Lumbar Support Office Chair
  • Other Office Chairs We Tested
  • How We Tested Office Chairs
  • What To Consider Before Buying An Office Chair
  • What You Should Know About Office Chairs
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy
Kyle Hamilton
Madison Trapkin
Written by Kyle Hamilton, Madison Trapkin, Samantha Mangino, and Terri Williams

Updated January 26, 2024

The Rundown

  • Our favorite office chairs are the Autonomous ErgoChair Pro and the Herman Miller Aeron.
  • Ergonomic design, universal comfort, and supportive seating are crucial for avoiding back and wrist pain during long workdays.
  • Look for features like adjustable lumbar support, seat depth, armrests, and tilt mechanisms to customize the chair to your body and posture.

When sitting at a desk using a computer all day, it’s easy to forget about your physical well being. Without a properly supportive chair to encourage good posture, you can develop some serious back and wrist pain. The best office chairs are purpose-built to change that.

We spent months researching the top-selling ergonomic office chairs to find which ones really have your back. After extensive testing and a mountain of surveys from our evaluators, our top pick is the Autonomous ErgoChair Pro (available at Amazon) . Its universal comfort, supportive seat, and value set it apart from the pack.

We tested over a dozen chairs to find the best ones for your office or home office needs. Whether you plan to sit for a long period of time, or just want a break from your standing desk, we’ve got you covered.

The Best Value Chair is the ErgoChair 2 by Autonomous
Credit: Reviewed / Kyle Hamilton

The Autonomous ErgoChair Pro is a value-packed choice for a great office chair.

Best Overall
Autonomous ErgoChair Pro
  • Materials: Fabric and mesh
  • Configuration: Adjustable headrest, lumbar support, tilt tension, height, seat depth and angle, and armrests; tilt limiter
  • Special Features: Upper back tilt lever

The thick, fabric-padded seat of the Autonomous ErgoChair Pro is better cushioned and more comfortable than the other chairs in our roundup. The fabric cushion and mesh back work in harmony to support your back without smothering your body.

Regardless of body type, our testers nearly universally felt comfortable in this mesh office chair. The unique reclining features add to its broad appeal: users can lean back without losing head, neck, or lower back support.

The Autonomous ErgoChair Pro can also morph its shape to please just about anyone. The seat depth extends enough that even the most vertically-inclined can feel like they’re in an adult’s chair. Anyone with back problems will appreciate the adjustable lumbar support, which uses the same comfortable fabric as the seat.

Finally, the chair angle tilt mechanism lets you lean forward by tilting the seat and backrest toward your workstation. This is great for precise tasks and maximum attention to detail. You can get closer to the action without the risk of falling over.

At just under $500, this Autonomous ErgoChair Pro strikes the right balance of price and quality, making it the best office chair for most.

Pros

  • Ergonomic support as you recline

  • Thick, comfortable padding

  • Affordable

Cons

  • None that we could find

Buy now at Amazon

The Best Overall Chair is the Herman Miller Aeron
Credit: Reviewed / Herman Miller

The Herman Miller Aeron is the best office chair you can buy right now.

Best Upgrade
Herman Miller Aeron
  • Material: Mesh
  • Configuration: Adjustable height, seat angle, and tilt-tension; fully configurable arms; tilt limiter
  • Special Features: PostureFit SL lumbar support, 12-year warranty, can purchase separate adjustments

Herman Miller’s Aeron is supportive, comfortable, and ergonomically sound. It earns its steep price tag due to its great construction and unique features like PostureFit SL. Two flexible pads on the lower-to-middle portion of the chair support the sacral/lumbar (SL) region of your spine. They also adjust to your seating position, whether you’re sitting properly, hunched in concentration, or taking a quick nap.

The seat-angle adjustment alleviated a lot of leg tension, and made us feel more productive with the forward sitting position. We also unlocked the tilt limiter on the backrest to further stretch our legs and relax our spines.

One of our favorite features is the fully-adjustable armrests. The firmness makes them feel durable and supportive. They stay secure, but also adjust easily. Levers that unlock the vertical movement of the armrests are tucked away on the back of the chair.

During the purchasing process, you can configure the Aeron chair to add support and features. You can customize the size of the seat, armrest adjustments, material, back support and tilt angle. However, keep in mind that extra personalization increases the price. The Aeron chair is a luxury, fit for those looking to splurge on their office chair.

Pros

  • Flexible pads support lower spine

  • Sturdy armrests

  • Fully customizable

Cons

  • Customization can increase price

Buy now at Amazon

A Branch Ergonomic office chair at a desk.
Credit: Reviewed / Terri Williams

Budget-conscious shoppers will be pleased with the under $500 price tag on the Branch Ergonomic chair.

Best Under $350
Branch Ergonomic Chair
  • Material: Mesh fabric, high-density foam
  • Configuration: Adjustable chair depth, and height; customizable arms
  • Special Feature: Multiple adjustment points

The Branch Ergonomic Chair is our best home office chair under $350.

The seat’s cushion is made of 3-inch thick high-density foam that stays quite comfortable even after sitting for long hours. The chair is also highly adjustable to accommodate a wide range of bodies. For example, the seat’s height can be adjusted by 4 inches, and its depth can be adjusted by three inches.

The height of the chair’s lumbar can also be adjusted, as can the seat’s resistance to tilting. The armrests’ height, width, and depth are all adjustable, as well.

The mesh back allows air to flow through, which helps you keep cool during the workday. The chair is relatively easy to assemble and comes with all of the necessary tools.

The chair also has a polymer frame and an aluminum base that’s supportive and sturdy. The quality materials lend this Branch a 300-pound weight capacity. The casters make it easy to move the chair effortlessly on both hard and carpeted floors.

Unfortunately, if you want a headset, you’ll have to pay extra. The Branch Ergonomic Chair may also be too small for anyone over 6 feet tall. For a taller option, consider the Branch Verve office chair.

There are plenty of customization options. The frame comes in two colors, and there are multiple color options for the seat and back.

The Branch Ergonomic Chair is a great choice for anyone looking to snag a high-quality office chair without the designer price tag.

Read our Branch Ergonomic Chair review

Pros

  • Sturdy

  • Comfortable

  • Range of adjustment options

Cons

  • Headrest is an extra cost

The Steelcase Leap leather office chair against a blue background.
Credit: Reviewed / Steelcase

The Steelcase Leap office chair is perfect for those seeking a genuine leather seat.

Best Leather Office Chair
Steelcase Leap
  • Material: Genuine leather
  • Configuration: Fully configurable arms; adjustable seat depth and back tension; multi-tilt limiter
  • Special Features: Built-in and customizable lumbar support; adjustable lower back firmness

If you’re in the market for a leather office chair, the Steelcase Leap is our top pick.

The Steelcase Leap comes clad in soft, durable leather that exuded high quality and excellent taste. The most noteworthy design choice of this chair is the stylish backrest.

Lumbar supports tend to jut out of the back, but Steelcase hid theirs internally, helping the Leap blend into even the most traditionally decorated office. There’s also a built-in control knob that adjusts the firmness of the lower back support.

Pros

  • Made with genuine leather

  • Adjustable lower back firmness

  • Lumbar support blends in

Cons

  • None that we could find

Buy now at Amazon

A Tempur-Pedic office chair at a desk.
Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi

The mattress makers at Tempur-Pedic make the most comfortable office chair we tested.

Most Ergonomic
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Lumbar Support Office Chair
  • Materials: Fabric and mesh
  • Configuration: Lumbar support, height, seat angle, and armrests
  • Special Features: Tempur foam seat

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Lumbar Support office chair provides all-day comfort thanks to its superior lumbar cushioning. The seat is made from Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary Tempur foam, which provides a soft, supportive cushion.

Between the plush but sturdy cushioning and the well-placed lumbar support on the back of the chair, back pain sufferers can find relief in this chair. This Tempur-Pedic office chair caters to all bodies and offers plenty of adjustments, including seat height, reclining angle, and armrest height and width.

Not all of the adjustments are perfect. The armrests lock vertically but not horizontally. Even with the lightest touch, the armrests move, resulting in a distraction while trying to work. The pieces of the Tempur-Pedic office chair are heavy, and the included instructions are unclear, making assembly harder than other chairs.

Overall, this chair is a superb option for anyone needing lumbar support. The soft seat alleviates pressure points for a pain-free workday.

Read our review of the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Lumbar Support Office Chair

Pros

  • Good for back pain

  • Adjustable

  • Plush seat cushioning

Cons

  • Hard to put together

  • Packaged poorly

  • The armrests don’t lock

Buy now at Tempur-Pedic

Other Office Chairs We Tested

Product image of Herman Miller Embody
Herman Miller Embody
  • Material: Fabric
  • Configuration: Adjustable arms, seat depth, tilt tension, seat height, and tilt limiter
  • Special Feature: BackFit adjustment

Even with its unique backrest design, we found this chair lacking in other departments. The seat felt a bit stiff and flimsy as we increased the depth. The armrests wobbled, and we needed two hands to adjust the width precisely.

Pros

  • Backing forms to spine's natural curve

Cons

  • Seat feels stiff and flimsy

  • Armrests weren't stable

Buy now at Amazon

Product image of Steelcase Gesture
Steelcase Gesture
  • Material: Fabric
  • Configuration: Adjustable chair depth; back tilt tension, and height; fully customizable arms
  • Special Feature: Uniquely flexible armrests

What sets this chair apart from its competitors are the armrests. Designed with a joint similar to that of a human shoulder, the Gesture’s arms can move any way yours can.

We also commend the multi-tilt lever. Its four settings of backrest-angle adjustment are an improvement over the usual recline-lock lever. The fabric padding is comfortable and provides good upright posture, but overall feels a bit stiffer than other fabric seats.

Pros

  • Intuitive armrests

  • All adjustment knobs on one side

  • Multi-tilt lever for backrest

Cons

  • Fabric seat is a bit stiff

Buy now at Amazon

Product image of Steelcase Amia
Steelcase Amia
  • Material: Fabric
  • Configuration: Adjustable height, depth, back tilt tension, and back tilt limiter; fully customizable arms
  • Special Feature: Built-in adjustable lumbar support

The Amia has a lot going for it. Reminiscent of the Steelcase Leap, it has sleek, built-in lumbar support. It also has fully adjustable arms, seat depth, and recline lock and tension. The chair’s back support exceeded expectations, but unfortunately, its stiff fabric cushions made this chair uncomfortable.

Pros

  • Great lumbar support

  • Plenty of adjustment mechanisms

Cons

  • Fabric cushions are uncomfortable

Buy now at Amazon

Product image of Herman Miller Sayl
Herman Miller Sayl
  • Materials: Fabric and elastomer
  • Configuration: Fully configurable arms; adjustable chair depth, chair tilt, back tilt, and back tension
  • Special Feature: Unframed backrest

The Herman Miller Sayl chair’s backrest, inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge, is gorgeous to look at and even better to sit in. With its incredible design and flexibility, it conformed to our backs perfectly, no matter what kind of posture we had.

Pros

  • Artistic design

  • Elastomer backrest

Cons

  • None that we can find

Buy now at Amazon

Product image of Branch Daily Chair
Branch Daily Chair
  • Material: Fabric and mesh
  • Configuration: Adjustable arms, tilt tension, seat height, and tilt limiter

This chair is comfy to sit in, easy to assemble, and its minimalist design means it’ll look great in most rooms. While it may not be the best we’ve tested, the Branch Daily Chair is a reliable direct-to-consumer office chair that won’t break the bank. Plus it comes in a variety of stylish colorways including slate, sky blue, linden green, and black.

If you need a chair with decent lumbar support and a soft seat, this chair does the trick and then some. It’s ideal for folks between 5- and 5-foot-11-inches tall, which is fairly standard for office chairs. Our tester is taller than 5’11’’ and still found it comfortable, assuring us its suitable for a wide range of bodies.

Read our Branch Daily Chair review

Pros

  • Good lower back support

  • Attractive

  • Promotes good posture

Cons

  • Height of back of chair can’t be adjusted

  • Armrests scratch easily

Buy now at Amazon

Product image of X-Chair X3 ATR Mgmt Chair
X-Chair X3 ATR Mgmt Chair
  • Material: Fabric, mesh, or leather
  • Configuration: Adjustable armrests, seat depth, seat height, back height, headrest, tilt tension, and multiple tilt positions
  • Special Feature: Dynamic Lumbar Support (DLS)

The version of the chair that we tested had a built-in massager and heater. The heater warmed up in almost no time, and will definitely help to alleviate lower back pain. The massager and heater only operate for 15 minutes before they turn off. However, you can easily restart the heat/massage cycle again if needed.

The built-in heater and massager can be charged via USB or AC power. They cost extra, as you might expect. But if you can afford it, they might be a game-changer for sitting comfortably at your desk for hours on end.

Even without the heater and massager, the chair's memory foam seat is very comfortable. Aside from the armrest depth and the headrest, most parts of the chair are relatively easy to adjust. Whether you're sitting or reclining in this chair, your back will thank you.

Pros

  • Great lower back support

  • Smooth reclining

  • Multiple add-ons available

Cons

  • Some parts of the chair are difficult to adjust

Buy now at Amazon

Product image of Furmax Mesh Office Chair with Armrest
Furmax Mesh Office Chair with Armrest
  • Material: Fabric and mesh
  • Configuration: Adjustable seat height, tilt, and tilt tension
  • Special Feature: Wing-back lumbar support

Who wouldn't be curious about one of the most popular office chairs on Amazon? Unfortunately, this is one of those times where you get what you pay for.

The hard plastic armrests of the Furmax Office Chair are very stiff and uncomfortable, and there aren't many sitting position options. The winged-back backrest conforms to your back and provides some support. It feels as though it might break or tear if you lean back too far. The fabric seat cushion is decently comfortable for short periods of time, but you won't want to linger for more than a few hours.

If you have a smaller body frame and/or a tight budget, the Furmax Office Chair is a decent option. Otherwise, we'd recommend looking elsewhere for your next office chair.

Pros

  • Affordable

Cons

  • No adjustable features

  • Feels less durable

Buy now at Amazon

How We Tested Office Chairs

The Testers

Many of our staffers and writers (who better?!) have tested office chairs for this guide, including former Reviewed lab product test technician and chair enthusiast, Kyle Hamilton, as well as staff writer Samantha Mangino and contributors Terri Williams and Madison Trapkin.

The Tests

How We Tested Chairs
Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar, Jeremy Stamas

Over a span of three weeks, we had our Reviewed colleagues vigorously sit, adjust, and break in every chair we threw at them. To find the best office chairs, we looked at everything each chair had to offer, including material, adjustability, durability, and overall comfort. We then surveyed testers to get a broad range of opinions, since comfort is subjective.

What To Consider Before Buying An Office Chair

Price

Office chairs have a vast range in prices. We tested chairs starting at $100 and others north of $2,000. On average, expect to pay between $300 and $700 for a high-quality ergonomic chair that will last you at least 10 years.

Ergonomics

Ergonomic design is one of the most important considerations in a desk chair. In a year of regular work weeks, you could be sitting in your office chair for up to 1,900 hours.

At that point, an ergonomic, comfortable chair isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity that can help you avoid hunched shoulders, spinal pain, or strained necks.

Material

A good office chair should be breathable, comfortable, and supportive. Many of the chairs we rated included stretchy, breathable mesh or leather with enough cushioning to keep you comfortable.

Lumbar Support

When positioned properly, a good ergonomic chair can help improve your sitting posture and minimize stress on your bones and muscles. It will support your upper back and lumbar. It should keep your arms at the right height to reach your desk and keyboard. It should also let you position your feet on the floor.

Adjustability

The chair also needs to move with you so you’re not bending your body to reach things. You should also look for a seat that swivels easily and has a stable wheelbase.

Adjustments can be as simple as seat height or as extensive as tilt tension and recline angle.

What You Should Know About Office Chairs

Can I use a gaming chair vs. an office chair?

Gaming chairs can certainly make decent office chairs. However, there are several differences when it comes to gaming chairs vs. office chairs.

Gaming chairs have a higher back and are meant to support you in one position for long stretches of time.

General office chairs are designed for maximum comfort and focus in a variety of situations. Not only are they ideal for working, but they tend to be more comfortable for gaming than purpose-built gaming chairs, as well.

When it comes down to a gaming chair vs. an office chair, we recommend sticking with a classic office chair for a more supportive, multipurpose seat.

Meet the testers

Kyle Hamilton

Kyle Hamilton

Product Tester

Kyle Hamilton is a product tester at Reviewed, specializing in home appliances and technology.

See all of Kyle Hamilton's reviews
Madison Trapkin

Madison Trapkin

Contributor

Madison covered all things cooking as the kitchen editor for Reviewed in 2021. Formerly the editor-in-chief of Culture Magazine, Madison is the founder of GRLSQUASH, a women's food, art, and culture journal. Her work has also appeared in The Boston Globe, Cherrybombe, Gather Journal, and more. She is passionate about pizza, aesthetic countertop appliances, and regularly watering her houseplants.

She holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and a Master's of Liberal Arts in Gastronomy from Boston University.

See all of Madison Trapkin's reviews
Samantha Mangino

Samantha Mangino

Staff Writer, Home

@

Samantha Mangino is a self-proclaimed homebody. Conveniently she is a home staff writer at Reviewed, covering cleaning, appliances, furniture, and home furnishings and décor. She knows her way around a house and has tested everything from furniture, sponges, steam irons, to Legos. She’s always on the hunt for the latest internet trends and wants to help make your home cleaner and cozier.

See all of Samantha Mangino's reviews
Terri Williams

Terri Williams

Contributor

@

Terri Williams is a valued contributor to the Reviewed.com family of sites.

See all of Terri Williams's reviews

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