Reviews You Can Rely On

The Best 4 Office Chairs of 2024

We tested top office chairs at all price points from Herman Miller, Steelcase, Branch, EDX, Amazon Basics, and more to find the best option for your budget and needs
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Best Office Chair Review (With this new update, we evaluate and recommend new office chairs at multiple price points, adding several...)
With this new update, we evaluate and recommend new office chairs at multiple price points, adding several lower-priced options to help you find options that match your budget.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
By Rachael Lamore, Austin Palmer, and Chris Maxcer  ⋅  Nov 7, 2024

The Best Office Chairs for 2024


We bought 18 top office chairs and took them to our lab to examine specifications, features, and how long we could comfortably sit in each model.

Our test panel of different sizes and shapes determined the Branch Ergonomic Chair is the best for most people. It balanced great comfort and adjustability at a reasonable price. That said, if you are willing to pay more than triple the cost, the top-scoring model is the Steelcase Leap. No other chair could touch its high scores across every test we subjected it to.

If you're looking for a dedicated chair for gaming, check out our favorite gaming chairs. If you're more interested in a comfortable accent chair for laptop working, check out our roundup list of the top chairs from different categories.

Editor's Note: On November 7, 2024, we included more affordable options and chairs that fit more body types and sizes to make it easier to find the chair that hugs your backside with the support you need.

Top 18 Office Chairs - Test Results

Displaying 1 - 18 (scroll right)
 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Luxury Office Chair
  Editors' Choice Award
Best for Most People
    Best Buy Award
Best Buy for Back Support
 Best Buy Award
Best on a Tight Budget
 Top Pick Award
Best for Unconventional Sitting
     
Price $1,299 List
$974.25 at Amazon
$999 List
$999.00 at Amazon
$819 List
$579.00 at Amazon
$329 List
$373.00 at Amazon
$1,533 List
$1,068 at Amazon
$1,960 List
$1,660 at Amazon
$1,410 List
$556.00 at Amazon
$1,103 List
$832.50 at Amazon
$180 List
$169.99 at Amazon
$880 List
$426.26 at Amazon
$180 List
$149.65 at Amazon
$270 List
$269.50 at Amazon
$110 List
$89.89 at Amazon
$97 List
$76.99 at Amazon
$300 List
$148.81 at Amazon
$100 List
$39.97 at Amazon
$40 List
$43.99 at Amazon
$75 List
$72.34 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Extremely comfortable, tons of adjustability, sturdy constructionIncredibly comfortable, easy to set up, 4-way adjustable arm rests, easy to adjust lumbarSupportive, 4-way adjustable arm rests available, comfortable, easy to adjustVery adjustable, responsive wheels, comfortable, many color options, ergonomic headrest available for purchaseHighly adjustable, comfortable for long periods of time, high backQuality materials, comfortable, very adjustableComfortable, quality materials, easy to assembleWell built, comfortable, adjustable seatfour-way lumbar adjustability, comfortable seat cushion, wide seat height range, strong price-to-functional value ratioHigh adjustability, adjustable lumbar support, comfortable backrestInexpensive, relatively comfortable, adjustableWide range of height adjustability, nappable, easy to recline, comfortable headrest, breathable mesh, good for tall peopleEnables unconventional sitting, very wide seat pan, comfortable cushionInexpensive, good-looking, user-friendly instructionsArmrests move up and down, removable headrest, good lumbar supportAffordable, compact, some lumbar supportDecent performance for the price, mesh backrestCost effective, compact, plush seat cushion
Cons ExpensiveNo tilt limiter, tension knob isn't great for heavier users, expensive for the adjustments you getNo tilt limiter, no tension knob, can be difficult to adjust lumbar while sitting in itHard armrests, narrow seat pan, difficult to adjust tilt tensionArmrests aren't universally accepted, uncomfortable if not sitting correctlyExpensive, harder to assembleVery expensive, no seat depth adjustmentNot as comfortable for smaller folks, subpar tilt resistanceWheels don't roll well, difficult to adjust, poor assembly instructionsThin plastic lumbar support, seat cushion foam prone to flatteningMinimal seat adjustment optionsNo adjustable lumbar, mesh seat is a bit too soft, headrest adjustability is limitedNo lumbar, large footprint, minimal adjustmentsLimited adjustability, poor material, seat compressesUncomfortable, poor headrest, short seat panNon-adjustable armrests, feels cheap, weak mesh on backrest, small seat panWobbly, back tensioner is difficult to releaseNo armrests, small seat pan, feels cheaply made, no lumbar support, backrest isn't strong, too small to accommodate a wide variety of body types
Bottom Line The absolute best of the best, thanks to its incredible comfort, adjustability, and constructionA comfortable chair that will likely last you a long time but a bit on the expensive side for the level of adjustments you getThis is a comfortable chair with premium features at an approachable price, but could offer more lean back adjustmentsThis affordable office chair has advanced adjustability settings and ergonomics that make it comfortable for many body types and sizesThis model is top-notch if it fits you well but isn't as universally lauded as some when it comes to comfortWhile it might be hard to justify spending this much on a chair, this one is a top performer for a reasonThis office chair is one of the nicer mesh-backed chairs we have tested but it comes at a premium priceWith its highly adjustable armrests and seat, this option offers comfort for taller folksNotable for its supremely adjustable lumbar support and plush cushioning, this office chair excelled in our comfort tests despite its mid-range priceA decent chair in the mid-range arena, this chair offers above-average performance for comfort and ease of useA surprisingly comfortable office chair that can't compete with top tier products, but boasts an especially friendly priceWith a relatively low price point and a few high-quality features, this chair strikes a sweet balance between cost, comfort, and functionalityThis affordable chair provides comfort for unconventional sitters with its lounge-like cushion and ultra-wide seatThis model is best for short work sessions as it prioritizes price and aesthetics over long-term comfort and lasting valueA decent chair with the headrest removed, but a pretty average chair even at that, and only suitable for shorter folksGreat cushioning and easy adjustments come together in this ultra-affordable wheeled office chairYou'll want to consider if the affordable price of this model is worth its lower-tier performanceThis chair prioritizes basic functionality and affordability instead of premium adjustability and all-day ergonomics
Rating Categories Steelcase Leap Steelcase Amia Steelcase Series 2 Branch Ergonomic Steelcase Gesture Herman Miller Embody Herman Miller Aeron Steelcase Think SIHOO M18 Ergonomic... Hon Ignition 2.0 Task Modway Articulate E... GABRYLLY Ergonomic... EDX Armless Criss C... Amazon Basics Class... Union & Scale FlexF... BestOffice Mesh Desk Furmax Office Mesh Amazon Basics Low
Comfort (50%)
8.5
7.8
7.6
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6.6
7.6
7.6
6.9
7.4
5.5
6.6
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6.2
4.0
3.5
3.7
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2.7
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6.2
6.6
5.8
7.2
5.8
5.3
3.9
4.9
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10.0
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4.7
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10.0
5.4
7.4
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Specs Steelcase Leap Steelcase Amia Steelcase Series 2 Branch Ergonomic Steelcase Gesture Herman Miller Embody Herman Miller Aeron Steelcase Think SIHOO M18 Ergonomic... Hon Ignition 2.0 Task Modway Articulate E... GABRYLLY Ergonomic... EDX Armless Criss C... Amazon Basics Class... Union & Scale FlexF... BestOffice Mesh Desk Furmax Office Mesh Amazon Basics Low
Comfortable Hours 10.00 hrs 8.00 hrs 8.00 hrs 8.00 hrs 8.00 hrs 9.00 hrs 9.00 hrs 7.00 hrs 7.00 hrs 6.00 hrs 8.00 hrs 7.00 hrs 6.00 hrs 3.00 hrs 3.00 hrs 3.00 hrs 3.00 hrs 2.00 hrs
Manufacturer Weight Limit 400 lbs 400 lbs 400 lbs 275 lbs 400 lbs 300 lbs 350 lbs 400 lbs 330 lbs 300 lbs 331 lbs 280 lbs 300 lbs 275 lbs 275 lbs 250 lbs 250 lbs 275 lbs
Measured Points of Adjustment 8 8 7 7 8 6 6 7 5 6 4 3 2 1 5 3 3 0
Measured Tilt Limiter Stopping Points 5 None 2 None 4 4 3 4 None 3 None 3 None None 3 None None None
GearLab Assembly Time 1 min 3 min 3 min 12 min 1 min 40 min 1 min 1 min 16 min 8 min 10 min 17 min 22 min 30 min 22 min 22 min 18 min 8 min
Adjustable Lumbar Support Yes Yes Option available Yes Yes Yes; you can adjust the amount, but not the location Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes; the backrest moves up and down No No No Yes No No No
Tension Knob Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Tilt Lock Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No
Lumbar Support Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Semi No No Yes Yes Yes No
Seat Pan Adjustment Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Yes No No No No No No No No


Best for Most People


Branch Ergonomic


77
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 7.6
  • Adjustability 7.7
  • Ease of Assembly 8.6
Comfortable Hours: 8 hours | Adjustment Points: 7
REASONS TO BUY
Very adjustable
High-end features at an affordable price
Comfortable
Armrest shift in & out
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard armrests
Making adjustments requires quite a bit of effort
Seat pan is on the narrower side

The Branch Ergonomic Chair offers surprisingly competitive performance for the price point. In fact, it delivers such good comfort and adjustability ratings that it became abundantly clear to us that it would nab our coveted Editor's Choice award. In addition to its thick, high-density foam cushion, this chair is designed with 7 GearLab-tested adjustment points. The ability to refine the fit worked so well that we can reliably sit in this chair for up to 8 hours. The Herman Miller Embody and Steelcase Amia scored a similar time stamp but cost 3-6 times as much, giving you hope a high price tag is not required to get the comfort you deserve. The height-adjustable lumbar doesn't increase or decrease in intensity as it does on the Steelcase Leap, but it satisfied most of our testers, with only one noting that it could be more supportive. The seat height shifts easily up and down from 21.5 inches in its highest setting to 17.5 inches in its lowest, making it suitable for both short and tall people. Plus, you can adjust the seat pan depth while sitting in the chair, and if you have a wide upper body or want room to roam for your hips, the armrests adjust in width, too.

One design feature consistently annoyed us after long hours at work: the plastic armrests. They are incredibly hard. “The biggest downfall for this chair was the armrests for me,” one tester complained, noting, “I've even found some rocks more comfortable than these armrests!” While the Ergonomic Chair competes well against chairs that cost substantially more in most adjustment options, the mediocre 275-pound weight limit speaks to the relative strength of its components. As price decreases, max weight limits tend to also decrease. If you're a larger person, the Branch might not be rugged enough for you. One chair that bucks this trend and costs less than the Branch is the SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Big and Tall, which boasts a manufacturer-reported weight limit of 330 pounds. While it only has 5 points of adjustment, you're able to adjust the lumbar's intensity, helping you dial in that much-needed back support. Still, overall if you've had trouble adjusting chairs to your liking, the Branch has excellent range, and its GearLab testing scores shine bright as a result.

While the Branch's seat and back comfort are great, its overall adjustability makes it a top pick.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Read more: Branch Ergonomic Chair review

Best Buy for Back Support


SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Big and Tall


66
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 7.4
  • Adjustability 5.8
  • Ease of Assembly 5.4
Comfort Hours: 7 | Adjustment Points: 5
REASONS TO BUY
Comfy seat cushion
Very adjustable 2-way lumbar support
Headrest included
Great overall comfort for the price point
REASONS TO AVOID
Wheels are hard to roll
Lumbar support is difficult to adjust
No adjustable seat pan

The SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Big and Tall wowed us with its surprisingly comfy W-shaped seat cushion and great lumbar adjustability. In fact, the 4-way lumbar adjustment was a standout feature when testing because it not only let us raise and lower the lumbar height but also dial the intensity in and out. You usually see this beneficial feature in the premium price range. Even our shorter testers were able to dial in the lumbar to fit their backs and preferences. Paired with the 16-inch minimum seat height, which is nearly an inch lower than our tested average, we found that this chair actually fits small and average-sized sitters as well as our largest 6-foot 2-inch tester. Even though it has a relatively low price point, we were pleased to see its higher-than-average manufacturer-reported weight limit of 330 pounds. Compared to the similarly priced BestOffice Mesh Office Desk Chair that has a 250-pound weight limit, the SIHOO is clearly a stronger value option. This ergonomic chair comes with a 2-way adjustable headrest that you can raise or lower 3.9 inches and pivot tilt, making this a great option for headrest fans who like to lay back. The low seat height and other lounge characteristics might intrigue the office-focused gamers and find the M18 a dual-purpose winner. In addition, the mesh back is breathable and airy, which can be particularly important for those of us who work in warmer, more humid environments.

Despite the above-average seat comfort rating compared to our tested chairs, the M18 has a few drawbacks. Our testers were annoyed when the wheels would catch as they tried to adjust their positions as they rolled in and out of working positions at their desks. While this chair has very good adjustability, actually making adjustments on the fly is difficult. We found the tension knobs difficult to turn, and the lumbar shifting was jerky. We were also surprised by the lack of seat pan adjustment, which can't be moved in and out, unlike most “ergonomic” office chairs we tested. This could pose some threat to proper circulation for people at the edges of the height range. It is hopeful to note that our shortest tester (5'3") and tallest tester (6'2") did not observe any problems when sitting for long periods of time. If there is a concern, the Branch Ergonomic and HON Ignition 2.0 Task are good alternatives that can shift the pan to your preference. This particular feature will cost you, however, since both jump into the next price tier, about 2-3 times the cost of the SIHOO. While this seat did score above average in comfort, the total number of hours in comfort averaged 7 hours, so you can gain another hour from the even cheaper Modway. Ultimately, those hours you do spend in the seat are not as comfortable when compared to each other. Despite the M18's flaws, it scored well in our tests, which is a remarkable feat considering its typical sub-$200 on-sale price point.

Read more: SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Big and Tall review

Despite its relatively low cost, the SIHOO M18 felt surprisingly comfortable to our testing panel due to its cushy seat and 4-way lumbar support adjustments.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Best on a Tight Budget


Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh


62
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 6.6
  • Adjustability 5.8
  • Ease of Assembly 5.7
Adjustable Lumbar Support: Yes | Adjustable Seat Pan: No
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Decently comfortable
Respectable adjustability
REASONS TO AVOID
Less durable

If you just need a very affordable office chair for student homework or the occasional work-from-home office day, the Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh could be the chair for you. For a budget chair, it has a generous 6 inches of seat cushion thickness that translates to a staggering 8 hours of comfort, we calculated from our panel of testers. This is impressive if you compare it in our lineup with only three other premium chairs, Steelcase Leap and both Herman Miller chairs, surpassing it for all-day comfort but costing nearly ten-fold the price. The best feature is its surprisingly comfortable back with a pleasant tilt range, clocking in at 62 degrees, and a beautifully responsive tilt resistance that provides you with a cradling embrace when leaning back. With a relatively stout manufacturer-rated weight limit of 331 pounds that far exceeds the common 275-pound weight limit found in most inexpensive office chairs, we're happy to report this chair can fit more body types without having to spend a fortune.

Although the Modway can go the distance of all-day comfort, while we were actually sitting, it didn't provide that high caliper support we received from top performers. There was nothing that made us wow with excitement to sit back in it day after day. “Nothing special, but it was comfortable enough,” noted one of our testers. The lumbar support was prevalent but often left most of us wanting a bit more support. Our shorter tester felt like a child in it. The seat height and armrests were both too tall, leaving their feet not fully touching the ground. If you need a lower seat height, go for the SIHOO M18, as it recorded the lowest seat height in our lineup at 16 inches tall. For just a slightly higher cost, it also includes a breathable mesh back, but its lumbar support is a notch ahead of the Modway. Meanwhile, if you're looking for an inexpensive office chair and want to venture beyond the standard black or gray, Modway offers its mesh chair in several alternative color options.

Read more: Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh review

With its very good tilt adjustment options, the Modway is one of our favorite chairs for kicking back and rethinking difficult problems, which also makes it great for fidgety sitters who like to change positions frequently as they work.
Credit: The GearLab Team

Best Luxury Office Chair


Steelcase Leap


89
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 8.5
  • Adjustability 9.1
  • Ease of Assembly 10.0
Adjustable Lumbar Support: Yes | Adjustable Seat Pan: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
Incredibly comfortable
Highly adjustable
Easy assembly
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive

The Steelcase Leap earns top marks in all of our testing metrics, earning it a spot as one of the best office chairs we've ever tested. The only drawback is the steep 4-digit price point, which transforms the Steelcase from a glorious all-day office workhorse to an inaccessible option for most people. Its outstanding adjustability lets us dial in comfort even though we have widely different body sizes and shapes here at GearLab. Due to this, our panel of testers rate this chair as capable of delivering up to 10 hours of perfect bliss, which makes it the best chair for anyone working long days. “I work 4-10s each week, so I really care about those extra hours of comfort,” one tester noted. While other office chairs offer similar adjustments, the Leap glides through its adjustment points with ease. If you're a fan of lumbar support, the Leap lets you raise and lower the lumbar while seated. Plus, in combination with Steelcase's LiveBack technology, you can adjust the intensity of the lumbar support to hug the curve of your back perfectly, and we can attest that it's legit and works well. The cushy seat pan adjusts in and out, and the height ranges from 17.5 inches at its lowest setting to 21.5 inches at its highest. With a manufacturer-reported 400-pound weight limit, the Leap is one of the strongest chairs we've ever tested. The Steelcase Leap is sometimes referred to as the “Leap V2” even though Steelcase simply calls it the Leap. The overall design between the V1 and V2 is similar, but the newer Leap has a thinner, taller back and flatter, less arched armrests. If you're in the market for a premium office chair and want something nearly as comfy but has a more breathable seat and back, check out the meshy Herman Miller Aeron.

The most notable downside to all this luxury is the steep price. That said, the Leap is offered in many fabric options and with several configurations, some of which are less adjustable and thus cost slightly less. If you want a strong chair but can't stretch your budget for the Leap, the Steelcase Amia is another great Steelcase chair that will save you a few hundred dollars — just know that doesn't deliver the same range of adjustability as the Leap, which makes it better for average-sized humans. A key difference is that the Amia uses LiveLumbar to provide flexible lumbar support as your back moves and you shift positions. It works well but lacks intensity settings for our lumbar support-loving testers. If you know you want tunable adjustability on a budget, check out the more affordable Branch Ergonomic Chair. Its adjustment features are not as liquid-smooth as the Leap, but when you finally dial in its competitive 7 points of adjustment, it's surprisingly comfortable. Of course, if you can afford the luscious Leap, you can expect your investment to last for many years. We have been putting this chair to the test for almost a decade and still find it our favorite. Plus, if your at-desk comfort leads to greater productivity, this investment might become your best possible buy over time.

Read more: Steelcase Leap review

While the Steelcase Leap has a cushy, supportive seat and back, its stellar adjustability lets you dial in the fit for multiple body types.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Best for Unconventional Sitting


EDX Armless Criss Cross Chair with Wheels


53
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 6.2
  • Adjustability 3.9
  • Ease of Assembly 5.9
Adjustable Lumbar Support: No | Adjustable Seat Pan: No
REASONS TO BUY
Ideal for unconventional sitters
Inexpensive
Super wide seat pan
Comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
No lumbar support
Not very adjustable
Takes up more space than most office chairs

The EDX Armless Criss Cross Chair with Wheels is a super basic office chair that lets the user adapt to it. Instead of creating an ergonomic position for any body type, this EDX design ditches adjustability and perfect posture altogether. If you're confused, don't worry; half our testing crew was, too. The other half — those who like to eat applesauce and sit with their legs crisscrossed — darn near clapped in delight when it arrived at our testing lab. Basically, the EDX is a vibe of its own. You get a monster 26.5-inch seat pan that gives you enough room to sit with your legs crossed. For comparison, the next widest seat pans we measured were just 20 inches across. This expansive width lets you cross one leg over the other easily and sit at an angle to change the pressure on your backside or just change your position for the sake of better whole-body circulation. While some of us don't feel constrained by a standard 20-inch seat — or don't have the flexibility required to sit crisscross — all of our testers did appreciate the cushion quality.

While all this freedom-lovin' room to roam might sound great, there are some obvious drawbacks. It isn't particularly adjustable (only 2 points) in case you need to buckle down and focus with a well-supported posture. In fact, some of us — those who don't sit crisscross, like, ever — bemoaned the lack of lumbar support and poor adjustability. If you want to find a middle ground between a crisscross-capable chair and a traditional office chair design, you should consider the GABRYLLY Ergonomic Mesh High Back because you can fold its armrests back and completely out of the way. Meanwhile, if you're on the fence with the EDX, know this: Despite all that it lacks in terms of traditional office chair features, more than a few of our testers asked to take it home for a reason. The ability to move around however you want is, perhaps, a lesser-known comfort factor in and of itself.

If you're a fan of different sitting variations or want a wider chair, this armless EDX chair is for you.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Read more: EDX Armelss Criss Cross Chair with Wheels review

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
89
Steelcase Leap
Best Luxury Office Chair
$1,299
Top Pick Award
81
Steelcase Amia
$999
78
Steelcase Series 2
$819
77
Branch Ergonomic
Best for Most People
$329
Editors' Choice Award
75
Steelcase Gesture
$1,533
75
Herman Miller Embody
$1,960
73
Herman Miller Aeron
$1,410
71
Steelcase Think
$1,103
66
SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Big and Tall
Best Buy for Back Support
$180
Best Buy Award
64
Hon Ignition 2.0 Task
$880
62
Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh
Best on a Tight Budget
$180
Best Buy Award
62
GABRYLLY Ergonomic Mesh High Back
$270
53
EDX Armless Criss Cross Chair with Wheels
Best for Unconventional Sitting
$110
Top Pick Award
46
Amazon Basics Classic Puresoft
$97
46
Union & Scale FlexFit Hyken Mesh
$300
37
BestOffice Mesh Office Desk Chair
$100
31
Furmax Office Mesh
$40
28
Amazon Basics Low
$75

How We Test Office Chairs


Our team has tested dozens of office chairs since 2018 using our rigorous side-by-side testing approach. We evaluated each model's comfort through extended use and a targeted comfort questionnaire that covers the individual components of each chair. We looked at adjustability, focusing on adjustment points, range, and user-friendliness, utilizing each adjustment to give us an in-office feel for how it works. Lastly, to assess the ease of assembly, we graded the instructions, timed ourselves during setup, and noted any difficult steps along the way.

Because you'll likely end up spending more time in your office chair than any other furniture, we test and confirm critical measurements to make sure your purchase is a winner for you.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

We tested our selection of office chairs based on three weighted performance metrics:
  • Comfort (50% of total score weighting)
  • Adjustability (40% weighting)
  • Ease of Assembly (10% weighting)

But there is a lot more going on with our ratings than discreet scores. In addition to measuring key specifications and testing custom settings, our multi-sized testers sit in less-than-perfect postures to tease out seat foam performance when we cross our legs and spin our chairs. We evaluate how our backs feel when we sit with ergonomic awesomeness, as well as when we slouch in irritation while pounding our way through tedious tasks. In short, we move like every other human toiling away inside an office to make sure our recommendations always reflect reality.

office chair - we independently purchased every office chair for testing and accept...
We independently purchased every office chair for testing and accept no manufacturer samples or freebies, so you can be sure our award winners and recommendations are unbiased and based on test results and our direct experience with these chairs.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Why Trust GearLab


We've tested more than 45 office and task chairs since 2018 to find the best models for every situation, sitting preference, and style. Our testers have logged thousands of hours of sitting between them, and we spent hundreds of hours in each chair collectively, comparing them side by side and on their own merits to find the best ones for your every budget and need. Our test team consists of folks of different heights, shapes, and sizes, which gives us the ability to not only compare office chairs to one another but also compare how comfortable and adjustable each chair is for different bodies. It's safe to say we have strong, deeply informed opinions about what constitutes a good office chair.

office chair - our lead tester, rachael lamore, tests the sihoo m18 for...
Our lead tester, Rachael Lamore, tests the Sihoo M18 for adjustability and ergonomics.
Credit: Natalie Kafader


Our lead tester for this review, Rachael Lamore, combines up-and-at-it testing with long hours compiling and evaluating data (while sitting) for her work at GearLab. Perhaps more importantly, though, Rachael is professionally trained in the field of research and is quite familiar with going to great depths and navigating through details and specs to find the best products at the right price. In fact, Rachael worked at the Marine Conservation Lab while at Cal Poly and became an expert in research and the scientific method, conducting research in laboratories and amongst the lively corals of French Polynesia. Driven by scientific curiosity, Rachael's rigorous research training spills into her tests for GearLab, where she applies a similar framework for investigation and evaluation of our products that she does her hypotheses, as well as effortlessly translates often confusing manufacturer's specs and qualitative data and actionable insights. With years of research experience spanning laboratories, classrooms, and underwater realms, Rachael is more than equipped to handle the detailed demands of a thorough GearLab evaluation.

We double-check key manufacturer specs, such as seat pan width.
We double-check key manufacturer specs, such as seat pan width.
A snapshot of our testing measurements to help get you the facts on every component of these products.

Analysis and Test Results


To cover critical aspects of office chairs, we have divided our testing process into key metrics and sub-metrics for easy comparison. To determine the best chairs, we tasked a panel of testers with varying body types, heights, and sitting preferences to try out each chair for an extended period. Below is an in-depth analysis of our results.


What's the Best Value?


During your hunt for the top office chair, you likely noticed an enormous range in pricing. Budget chairs can retail for a hundred bucks or less, but your back may end up paying the price in return. Top-of-the-line models can retail in the thousands but tend to offer much more support and adjustability to improve your sitting experience. Despite the range, it's possible to get a great office chair for a good price.

If your budget isn't premium, rest assured you don't have to shell out anywhere near a thousand dollars to get good adjustability and support. In our testing, we were especially impressed with the Branch Ergonomic Chair because it offered a similar level of adjustability as chairs that are 2 or, heck, 8 times more expensive. Plus, it was also quite comfortable. The SIHOO M18 is a great budget option, especially if you're in the market for top-value back support. Not only is the M18 comfortable, but it also offers four-way lumbar adjustability at a reasonable price. If you're shopping on a super tight budget or looking to purchase several chairs for a conference room, the Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh is a basic, budget-friendly chair that fits the bill. Our testers were surprised by its affordable comfort and solid set of adjustments — though some also noted that it doesn't feel as well built as the top products we tested.

One of our all-time favorite chairs is the Steelcase Leap, but it comes at a very high price — and it costs even more if you load it up with extra premium options. While the expensive price tag is out of reach for most home office chair buyers, the investment may be worth it to help avoid any sitting-related health issues or help employees maintain comfort and productivity over long, hard days at their desks. If the Leap is out of your reach, but you want to keep the backing of a well-known brand, consider the Steelcase Series 2. It retails for significantly less than the absolute top models, is nearly as comfortable, and features most of the same adjustments.

While 'ease of spin' is not a true comfort factor, spinning does give us a sense of build quality, and more importantly, illustrates our team's excitement in sharing our testing results to help you find the right chair for you!
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort


A cheap chair can leave you with aches and pains, affecting much more than your productive work day. That is why we focus so heavily on the comfortability of each product in our selection. In particular, we had our panel of testers rate the comfort of each chair's seat, backrest, and armrest. We paid close attention to the quality of the touchpoints and rated overall impressions of each chair's comfortability profile for testers with different body types. We also asked our testing panel, after having them sit in each chair for a full workday, how happy they would be to do it again . . . and again for that matter.

Comfort Breakdown
ProductSeatBackArmrest
Steelcase Amia8.09.07.0
Steelcase Series 28.08.07.0
Steelcase Leap7.08.08.0
SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Big and Tall7.56.86.8
Steelcase Think7.06.08.0
Herman Miller Aeron7.07.07.0
GABRYLLY Ergonomic Mesh High Back7.07.56.0
Branch Ergonomic8.06.85.5
Herman Miller Embody7.07.06.0
Steelcase Gesture6.06.06.0
Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh6.06.06.0
HON Ignition 2.0 Task6.05.06.0
EDX Armless Criss Cross with Wheels7.26.31.0
Amazon Basics Classic Puresoft5.05.04.0
Union & Scale FlexFit Hyken Mesh5.03.06.0
BestOffice Mesh Office Desk Chair4.83.42.6
Furmax Office Mesh4.03.02.0
Amazon Basics Low3.62.80.8
While 'ease of spin' is not a true testing factor, spinning does give us a sense of build quality and, more importantly, illustrates our team's excitement in sharing our testing results to help you find the right chair for you!

Seat


We start at the bottom, our bottoms, and where they rest on these products, the seat. There's a Goldilocks range with seat cushions. Too soft of a seat doesn't adequately support your spine, leaving you with lower back pain that will inevitably creep up with time. At the other end of the spectrum, too firm of a seat can lead to pressure points on your sit bones, reduce circulation, and develop chronic pain that will last into your retirement years. There are pretty detrimental effects when it comes to poor performers, so we're here to share our favorites in this test metric to point you to that special sweet spot.

office chair - the comfy-yet-supportive steelcase amia seat cushion felt great with...
The comfy-yet-supportive Steelcase Amia seat cushion felt great with all of our testers, even after 8 hours of sitting.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Our office testing crew all thought the Steelcase Amia delivered the softest, cushiest seat experience of all the high-performing Steelcase chairs. While it offers all-day support, it's softer than the Leap, which had a slightly firmer feel to our bottoms. For anyone who was forced to sit in the old, Steelcase Series 1 Chair — which felt like we were sliding out of a dump truck with its aggressive seat angle — rest assured that Steelcase rectified the problem with the newer Series 2.

office chair - this second version now has more forgiving bolsters that still feel...
This second version now has more forgiving bolsters that still feel supportive, which directly led to its strong GearLab Seat comfort score of 8.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

While the premium-priced office chairs we tested earned the highest seat comfort ratings, more affordable chairs ranked very well, too. The Branch Ergonomic wowed us with its overall seat comfort score, but we did see variations amongst the scoring, with one tester ranking the Branch seat a 10 out of 10 with another tester ranking it a 6 out of 10.

office chair - the cushion density is the cause. it tends to run a bit firm, an...
The cushion density is the cause. It tends to run a bit firm, an aversion to some that like to really sink into their chair. If you require more support to your backside, this chair is the way to go.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Despite not having an adjustable seat pan, the SIHOO M18 seat comfort also ranked very well with our testing panel.

office chair - we loved the plush seat cushion. the w-shape cushion hugged all the...
We loved the plush seat cushion. The W-shape cushion hugged all the right areas and prevented pressure points that we could feel in other chairs.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

There has been a long-standing debate between mesh and cushion seating. Which is better? Both strive to achieve the same outcome: that sweet spot of comfort. Over the years, we have researched and tested dozens and dozens of different kinds of seating options. Our analysis doesn't come down to the type but rather the production. A tighter tolerance is required to fabricate a mesh chair. It's much more noticeable if a chair is strung too tight or loose when we sit in these chairs for hours at a time. Too loose, we feel the hard backbone components of the chair. Too tight; it feels like a rock. This is not to say that we do not like mesh seats; a few scored quite high in our testing. Just know that you'll be relying on the company's quality assurance when producing these types of chairs.

The seat pan is plenty wide for most people, but we do think the...
The seat pan is plenty wide for most people, but we do think the mesh could be a bit tighter to help keep you from feeling the edges of the seat pan frame.
Here are different shots of the wide variety of seats that are out on the market today.

Both the premium Herman Miller Aeron and sub-$300 Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh High Back have springy mesh seats that scored solid 7 ratings from our testing panel.

office chair - the minimalist mesh seat design on the aeron offers surprising...
The minimalist mesh seat design on the Aeron offers surprising relief despite the lack of traditional foam cushioning. “It feels a little strange at first, but quickly became super comfy,” noted one of our testers.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

In contrast to supportive comfort, the Amazon Basics Low has one of the least enjoyable seats we've ever tested. The squishy foam doesn't give much resistance when we plopped down on the seat. We found ourselves slouching to compensate, which can lead to poor posture over time.

office chair - even from us pushing down, we could tell that this seat wasn't going...
Even from us pushing down, we could tell that this seat wasn't going to turn out well in our testing. In addition, its narrow 18-inch measured seat pan width gave us less overall surface area to fully embrace us. It felt more like a cheap toy chair.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Measured Seat Pan Width
ProductWidth
EDX Armless Criss Cross with Wheels26.5
Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh20.0
Branch Ergonomic20.0
GABRYLLY Ergonomic Mesh High Back20.0
SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Big and Tall20.0
Steelcase Leap19.5
Steelcase Think19.5
BestOffice Mesh Office Desk Chair19.0
Amazon Basics Low18.0

The EDX Armless Criss Cross is our standout wide seat pan leader. EDX designed — and named it — for crisscross-sitting enthusiasts who also happen to work in offices. We have a few of those sorts of people at GearLab, and they loved this playful chair. In fact, one of our smaller testers was even able to scootch over to one side to make room for her dog to sit by her.

office chair - at 6.5 inches wider than typical 20-inch seats, this armless edx...
At 6.5 inches wider than typical 20-inch seats, this armless EDX chair evoked an expansive, freedom-loving feel every time we sat in it.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

For the most part, typical seat pan widths are around 20 inches, regardless of price point. For most people, 20 inches seems to be comfortable for traditional feet-on-floor office postures, but it's smart to keep an eye out for two risk factors here: 1) narrow seat pans tend to be uncomfortable for larger sitters, and 2) tight, non-adjustable armrests can make narrow seat pans feel claustrophobic.

Back


Not surprisingly, premium, top-end office chairs stood out in all-day comfort, with Steelcase chairs taking our top spots. The Steelcase Amia leads the pack with its medium-firm back padding.

office chair - the steelcase amia's back, with its lumbar height adjustment, was...
The Steelcase Amia's back, with its lumbar height adjustment, was very comfortable for most of our testers, but it might not deliver enough lumbar intensity for those who need extra lower-back support.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Sitters who appreciate more aggressive lumbar support for their lower backs should look for chairs that offer 2-way lumbar adjustments that let you move the lumbar support up and down as well as in and out. This vertical and horizontal intensity adjustment lets you really dial in the back comfort to match your preferences and needs.

The Steelcase Leap (left) and SIHOO M18 (right) have 2-way lumbar support that lets our lumbar aficionados add intensity as well as height.

The Aeron has a unique lumbar system. The PostureFit SL has two independent pads that can adjust out toward your back until it replicates the curvature of your back.

office chair - although this seems like an intriguing technology in the lumbar...
Although this seems like an intriguing technology in the lumbar support sector, we didn't like the stationary height of the pads, preventing us from moving them up and down along our backs. They never seemed to be just right for any of us.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

One top performer in back comfort that surprised us during testing came from the GABRYLLY. “Even though there isn't any real lumbar support on this chair,” notes Rachael, “The mesh weave is pretty comfy.”

office chair - the gabrylly mesh stretched and conformed to our backs in all the...
The GABRYLLY mesh stretched and conformed to our backs in all the right places, getting positive remarks on its scorecard.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

The ability to shift your upper body forward and backward, even slightly, during your work day at your desk can be a key factor in long-term comfort. Slight movements can improve blood flow and reduce the aches that nearly all of us have felt when sitting in non-ergonomic office chairs. Chairs that have tilt-lock, tilt-limiters, and tilt-resistance controls all tend to help improve long-term comfort by letting you lean back with support.

In addition to tilt limiters, some chairs, like the Union & Scale FlexFit Hyken Mesh, have tilt lock features that stop the recline angle in place.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

One example of a great chair with a tilt-limiter is the Herman Miller Embody, which lets us lean back to 4 different positions, locking in the furthest point we wanted to rest backward. We could then sit upright with back support and lean back against a bit of resistance until we hit our selected stopping point. When we returned to our usual upright position, the back returned with us.

It's easy to reach all of the adjustments on the Embody.
It's easy to reach all of the adjustments on the Embody.
The adjustment levers on the Modway are very clearly marked.
The adjustment levers on the Modway are very clearly marked.
The Herman Miller Embody (left) and Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh (right) both offer good tilt options but limit and lock differently.


In contrast to the Embody, we could set the tilt-lock on the Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh at many angles, but unlike the Embody's tilt-limiter, the Modway's system locks the back in place at a recline angle.

Similarly, if you like to lean back or rock back and forth at your desk, you'll want to pay close attention to each chair's tilt resistance because it determines how much opposing force it will provide when you are pushing with your back. If the tilt resistance is too little, you'll sacrifice upright support. If it's too hard, you simply won't be able to lean back with comfortable ease.

Here are the multiple mechanisms working together on the Modway to get you a wicked recline angle to fall back on.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

While most gaming chairs have incorporated headrests, most office chairs do not have this consideration. However, some office chairs are now shipping with headrests or make them available as add-on options. We primarily find headrests handy for those times we need to sit through long presentations. If you're a home office worker who also likes to game, the ability to lean back fully supported could make a headrest a make-or-break feature.

Our favorite headrests have 2-way adjustments: vertical adjustments to fit your head and neck appropriately and a tilt or horizontal adjustment to dial in the position relative to the back of the chair.

While the headrest is comfortable, one tester wished it could be...
While the headrest is comfortable, one tester wished it could be adjusted a bit higher for optimal comfort.
For our taller testers over 5'4", the included headrest was a...
For our taller testers over 5'4", the included headrest was a comfort winner.
The SIHOO M18 has a vertical adjuster along with the ability to rotate the curved headrest, but the rotation doesn't move forward and backward nearly as easily as the headrest on the GABRYLLY.

Armrests


At some desks, we might rest our wrists on the surface of the desk while typing on a keyboard, but at other desks with lowered keyboards, we might rest our forearms on the armrests while typing. For the latter user, we believe that armrests are sometimes the unsung heroes. As you choose an office chair, consider how the armrests might fit your workstation.

office chair - the leap has a helpful key to show you what all the adjustments do.
The Leap has a helpful key to show you what all the adjustments do.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Once again, the premium Steelcase test chairs scored well with our testing panel as we considered armrest comfort. In general, Steelcase armrests were padded with 4-way adjustability. You'll often see 4D written on manufacturer sites. Thinking about an actual fourth dimension with respect to armrests has our brains rattling, but what it amounts to is the additional swivel that is incorporated in the adjustability.

office chair - depending on your posture and body type, some office workers...
Depending on your posture and body type, some office workers appreciate armrests that can swivel, like the Steelcase Think armrests shown here, to allow fuller forearm contact to reduce pressure points for improved all-day comfort.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman


If armrest comfort is absolutely critical to you, definitely consider the Steelcase Leap or Think, which were our testers' favorites, and both scored an 8 in our rating metric for their soft, supple nature.

office chair - at one-fifth the cost of premium steelcase chairs, the sihoo m18...
At one-fifth the cost of premium Steelcase chairs, the SIHOO M18 wowed our testers with its cushy, comfortable armrests.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Of course, some chairs skimp on the armrest comfort.

The Furmax provides minimal lumbar support.
The Furmax provides minimal lumbar support.
The hard plastic lumbar support is not adjustable, nor are the...
The hard plastic lumbar support is not adjustable, nor are the armrests, which are also too low for most of our testers to appreciate.
The Furmax (left) and BestOffice Mesh (middle) chairs have unadjustable armrests, making them hit or miss if they will fit you. The Amazon Basics Classic Puresoft (right) armrests don't adjust, but we did appreciate the extra bit of padding to give some level of comfort.

Meanwhile, despite having 3-way adjustable armrests, the Branch Ergonomic armrest plastic is inexplicably too hard to be comfortable for more than a few minutes. As one of our testers noted, “If they could make the armrests softer, this chair would be near perfect for the price.”

office chair - a side shot of the armrests by branch. the biggest standout to poor...
A side shot of the armrests by Branch. The biggest standout to poor comfortability for this chair.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Comfort Hours


One of our favorite GearLab office chair metrics is Comfort Hours, which pulls together our experience with every design element of the chair that helps or hinders our ability to remain sitting, relatively comfortably, while working away at our desks.

As this video featuring our lead tester at work shows, increased comfort means you can focus longer. Sihoo M18 on the left, BestOffice Mesh on the right.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

To help you evaluate how long you might be able to work in an office chair, we log multiple office days in each chair, recording what we noticed and appreciated, including reporting the average time our testers felt comfortable sitting in each chair over full work days.


As expected, premium-priced luxury office chairs tend to outperform in this metric. The Steelcase Leap nabbed 10 hours of comfort rating, making it the best office chair for anyone who has to work long 10-hour days. While we expect the most expensive office chairs to score well in comfort, one of our lowest priced chairs, the Modway Articulate, surprised us with its average rating of 8 comfortable hours.

office chair - despite not having the ergonomic adjustments to compete with chairs...
Despite not having the ergonomic adjustments to compete with chairs that cost 5 times as much, the Modway's relatively thick seat cushion seems to be a key to its comfort.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman


Earning the highest marks out of the entire group, the Leap is our testers' favorite regarding comfort. Most of our testers rated this chair exceptionally well — the most comfortable over multiple years — with only one person scoring other chairs higher. This lone dissenting voice was also our tallest tester (6'2"), so you may want to consider this if you're a taller individual, especially since there is not a sizing selection for this product. However, our testers unanimously agreed that this was one of the most comfortable regarding the backrest.

office chair - despite new competition this year, the leap remains one of the most...
Despite new competition this year, the Leap remains one of the most comfortable chairs we have ever tested.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The Herman Miller Aeron received positive comments from most of our testers, with only two testers rating it as below average, primarily due to its backrest. This chair encourages the user to sit correctly — no slouching, slumping, crossing your legs, etc. Some judges were fine with this, while others thoroughly disliked the lack of freedom. The armrests, however, received positive marks across the board, and all of our test crew could sit in this chair for a full workday without too much of an issue.

office chair - the aeron gets the nod for its superior breathable mesh suspension...
The Aeron gets the nod for its superior breathable mesh suspension, but the design focuses more on your back and posture. With Herman Miller's PostureFit SL back support technology, this chair encourages the user to sit correctly, which can reward you with long-term comfort when you get it right.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

With similarities to the Steelcase Leap, the Steelcase Amia and Steelcase Series 2 also set themselves apart as really comfortable chairs. Both of these are close runner-ups to the Leap, with comfortable seat padding and lumbar support, as well as 4-way adjustable armrests.

Our team agreed that the Herman Miller Embody has comfortable armrests, though one particular judge found the seat and backrest rather uncomfortable. “The back feels pokey, and the lumbar is God awful. It hits my belt, so there is zero support,” he noted in his questionnaire. Consequently, that individual could only sit in the chair for 3-4 hours at most. The rest of our panel rated this chair very highly regarding seat and back comfort and were more than happy to use it for a full workday.

office chair - the embody has a unique backing. the "pokey" feeling by one of us...
The Embody has a unique backing. The “pokey” feeling by one of us was due to the “I” shapes seen here.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Some of the newer, less expensive chairs we tested are starting to compete with premium chairs—a trend most home office workers will likely appreciate, too. For example, the Branch gains positive comfort hours due to its outstanding adjustability, letting you make sure it fits your body and sitting style.

While the Branch isn't as quite as refined as its high-end competition, it blows away most of the entry-level and mid-range options.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

The SIHOO M18 and the Gabrylly Ergonomic both scored very respectable comfort ratings. The M18 boasts 2-way lumbar support, and both the M18 and Gabrylly mesh chairs include a comfy headrest, making both chairs a sweet choice for office warriors who understand the rejuvenating boost of a good power nap.

office chair - the amazon basics low is a compelling value if you only need to use...
The Amazon Basics Low is a compelling value if you only need to use your office chair for quick tasks.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

If you only need to sit in an office chair for a couple of hours, almost any chair will work, but we must warn you: There is a major difference between being able to sit in a chair comfortably for 6 hours versus 2 hours. For example, while the very inexpensive Amazon Basics Low will let you check email and chime in on your channels, none of our testers felt it was suitable for any serious attention-critical work lasting more than a couple of hours. Please do yourself a favor and invest a few more dollars to see a substantial boost in performance. Your body will appreciate you.

Adjustability


According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a well-designed office chair that is appropriately adjusted is “an essential element of a safe and productive computer workstation.” Through our extensive testing, we learned that OSHA is spot-on with its sitting postures recommendations.

To test adjustability, we compared all measured points of adjustment on each chair, using adjustments for each seat, armrests, backrest, lumbar support, reclining levers, tilt limiters, and headrests.
Credit: Natalie Kafader


We rated and scored each chair on its ease of adjustability and capability to fit multiple testers of different heights, weights, and body types so you can better identify which chairs might work best for you, too. We'll now break down all our measured points of adjustability in the following sub-sections to review which aspects might be prudent for your sitting needs.

Seat


One of the most important seat adjustment options is height so that your buttocks and upper legs are fully supported. If your feet dangle, then the back of your knees can feel pressure from the chair, reducing circulation and potentially causing numbness or tingling in your legs. Yikes. For taller users, when your knees are positioned well above your hips, you can feel knee discomfort and increased back strain from overextended back muscles. You can also exhibit similar reduced blood circulation that comes with its own additional problems.

Seat Height Range
 LowestHighest
Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh17.5 in21.0 in
Steelcase Leap17.0 in21.5 in
Steelcase Think16.5 in21.0 in
Amazon Basics Low15.5 in21.5 in
BestOffice Mesh Office Desk Chair16.5 in20.5 in
Branch Ergonomic17.5 in21.5 in
EDX Armless Criss Cross with Wheels18.0 in21.0 in
GABRYLLY Ergonomic Mesh High Back17.5 in22.0 in
SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Big and Tall16.0 in20.0 in

Short people, as expected, often appreciate lower seat heights to let them place their feet level on the floor and maintain good seated posture. However, we know some office workers who are above average in height and have longer torsos and shorter legs. If you've got a body like this, seat height adjustability could help you dial in the perfect fit as well.

office chair - with its lowest setting measuring just 15.5", the amazon basics low...
With its lowest setting measuring just 15.5", the Amazon Basics Low Chair adjusts low enough for smaller students needing a homework chair.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Also, if you're looking for an office chair a kid can grow into, having a lower seat height option can be a smart move. While the Amazon Basics Low dropped down to just 15.5" to lead the pack, the SIHOO drops nearly as low to 16", which is one reason even our shorter testers rated this 'Big and Tall' model favorably.

Most office chairs, even inexpensive options, have simple and effective seat height adjustment controls.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

The reasonably priced Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh High Back rose up the highest with a seat height of 22 inches, but three other options covering important price points all performed well in the 21-inch range, too. If you're looking for higher seats, consider the premium Leap, the midrange Branch Ergonomic, and the entry-level Amazon Basics Low.

Another invaluable seat adjustment is the ability to shift the seat pan forward and backward relative to the back of the chair. Most of the worry here is the pressure that can be felt when a seat cushion is too deep and hits the back of the knees. Again, when we feel these obstructions, health problems will develop as a side effect.

The Amia has a liquid smooth seat pan adjustment.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

All the Steelcase Series provide an adjustable seat pan. The Embody, HON Ignition, and Branch Ergonomic also provide this option, so if you have a shorter stature, look to this selection to prevent these pains.

Back


There are several key factors that contribute to effective backrests. Lumbar versatility lets you position support for your lower back, which is a common area for aches when you slouch unsupported for hours. Tilt locks and tension controls are important because they determine tilt and recline characteristics that let you lean back and adjust your position over time, which improves blood flow and security. While most office chairs don't include headrests, some do — or offer them as add-on options — and we find them particularly nice for kicking back and watching training videos or online presentations. As you can see below, there's a wide range of adjustability. To take a deeper look, be sure to venture into the individual reviews of each chair you're interested in.

Back Adjustments
 LumbarTilt LockTension KnobHeadrest
Steelcase Series 2
Furmax Office Mesh
Amazon Basics Low
Union & Scale FlexFit Hyken Mesh
GABRYLLY Ergonomic Mesh High Back
SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Big and Tall
Amazon Basics Classic Puresoft

While all the Steelcase chairs we tested have height-adjustable lumbar support, only the Leap lets you dial in the firmness. And while many of the Steelcase chairs share common design attributes, options, and premium pricing, Steelcase changes some of the adjustment options. For instance, while the Leap, Gesture, and Amia have tension knobs that let you personally adjust the tilt recline tension, the Think and Series 2 don't have tension knobs at all. Instead, these chairs forego the manual adjustment with an automatic weight-activated mechanism that increases recline tension based on your body weight. Since this feature doesn't have a true tension knob, you can “boost” the recline tension if you prefer a bit more resistance.

The Steelcase Series 2 has very good overall adjustability but lacks the lumbar intensity and tilt refinements available in higher priced Steelcase series.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

In general, as the price goes down, so does the number of available adjustments. The Union & Scale and SIHOO kick this trend by providing a surprising number of adjustments. However, it's important to note that the Union & Scale tends to have a lower range of adjustability compared to premium chairs. For example, you can only move the lumbar support up and down into four positions over a few inches. In comparison, the SIHOO gives us an extended range of movement and allows you to increase or decrease the lumbar intensity forward and backward.

office chair - although we gave a respectable score to the range of adjustment, we...
Although we gave a respectable score to the range of adjustment, we docked the SIHOO M18's tilt adjustment knob because it's difficult to access while sitting and requires many turns to create effective tension changes. In comparison, the luxury Herman Miller Aeron has an easy-to-reach and easy-to-turn tension knob.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Tilt Limiter Stopping Points
ProductStopping Points
Steelcase Leap5
Herman Miller Embody4
Steelcase Think4
Steelcase Gesture4
Herman Miller Aeron3
HON Ignition 2.0 Task3
Union & Scale FlexFit Hyken Mesh3
GABRYLLY Ergonomic Mesh High Back3
Steelcase Series 22

If you like to set your recline angle to a specific stopping point, it might be worth investing more in a premium office chair. However, in our experience, most of our testers felt they could usually find a comfortable tilt limit position with 3 options. In this case, the HON Ignition 2.0, Union & Scale FlexFit, and GABRYLLY Ergonomic Mesh chairs offer good tilt limiter functionality at relatively inexpensive price points.

Maximum Recline Angle
ProductAngle
Steelcase Leap154
Amazon Basics Low84
Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh62
Branch Ergonomic56
GABRYLLY Ergonomic Mesh High Back56
SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Big and Tall52
BestOffice Mesh Office Desk Chair49
Steelcase Think45
EDX Armless Criss Cross with Wheels42

Similar to the tilt limiter adjustably, our maximum recline angle measurements give you an idea of how far back you can recline. If you like to recline and think or put your feet up on your desk, this metric might help you make your decision. As the chart above shows, the Steelcase Leap is the standout recline angle winner here, but the low-cost Amazon Basics Low reclines surprisingly well, too. Of course, if you believe you'll be reclining often, our testers tended to appreciate high-back chairs with headrests, like the GABRYLLY Ergonomic, for the extra support coverage in recline.

We measure each chair's recline angle to help you identify how far back each chair lets you recline.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Armrest


One of the ergonomic benefits of armrests is to reduce pressure on your spine and shoulders. With a properly adjusted armrest, the weight of your arms is supported, letting your shoulders and back remain neutral with less slump.

If you want your armrests to adjust to nearly any workstation and body type, the 4-way Steelcase armrest system was an outstanding performer during our tests.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Steelcase's category-leading adjustable armrests not only adjust up/down, in/out, and forward/back, but they also have a swivel option to let you match the angles of your arms.

Armrest Adjustments
 Up/DownIn/OutBack/ForthSwivel
Herman Miller Embody
Herman Miller Aeron
Furmax Office Mesh
HON Ignition 2.0 Task
Steelcase Series 2
Union & Scale FlexFit Hyken Mesh
Branch Ergonomic

In general, premium chairs offer better adjustability, but we were surprised when we realized the Herman Miller Aeron doesn't let you increase or decrease the width between each armrest — an adjustment option that is particularly important for smaller or larger than-average sitters. The much more affordable Branch Ergonomic armrest versatility is above average among the chairs we tested, but a reminder that adjustability is just part of the story here. The Branch armrests require a bit of padding to improve the comfort factor.

Overall Adjustability


Our overall Adjustability score is an average of scores assigned to back, armrest, and seat functionality and effectiveness. Even though other chairs compete well in total measured points of adjustability, none are as easy to adjust, smooth to set, and deliver the range of motion as the Steelcase Leap.


Even when competing with other Steelcase chairs with 8 points of measured adjustability, the Leap just pulls every option together with easy effectiveness that's hard to top. For instance, you can easily adjust both the position and firmness of the lumbar support with a wide range of motion. We believe this level of adjustability is the key reason the Steelcase Leap has been a top-selling corporate office chair for years.

If adjustability excites you but the jump to premium pricing is too much, you'll definitely want to consider the Branch Ergonomic, which is easily the most adjustable chair we've tested in the $300 price range. In our experience with the Branch, we found the adjustment controls occasionally sticky and hard to use compared to the Leap, but if you're the only one using the chair, you won't have to make many alterations once everything is lined up to your liking.

We measured 7 points of adjustability on the Branch, which is only one point away from the best. Not bad!
Credit: Natalie Kafader

The actual functionality in adjustments is sometimes counterintuitive. For example, the Herman Miller Embody impressed us with its great overall comfort, and it even scored well in adjustability. When we took a closer look during our long-term testing process, though, there were a few head-scratching design issues you should know about. The main flaw we found with the Embody is the inability to adjust the lumbar support height. You can engage or disengage it and adjust its curvature, but some of our testers felt it would have been better at a different height.

office chair - while most of us thought the embody's armrests were comfortable...
While most of us thought the Embody's armrests were comfortable, they unfortunately don't move forward or backward. For some desk heights, this meant we needed to drop the armrests too low to use in order to get close enough to our desks.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

If you're looking for improved lumbar adjustability, consider the Leap if you want a premium chair or the SIHOO M18 if you're looking for a more affordable, budget-friendly option.

Weight Limits


In general, office chairs with higher manufacturer-recommended weight limits correspond with increased quality and greater fit ranges. They're more likely to have wider seat pans and/or adjustable armrests that extend a bit wider than average to accommodate larger bodies.

Manufacturer Weight Limit
ProductWeight Limit
Steelcase Amia400.0
Steelcase Leap400.0
Steelcase Think400.0
Steelcase Gesture400.0
Steelcase Series 2400.0
Herman Miller Aeron350.0
Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh331.0
SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Big and Tall330.0
HON Ignition 2.0 Task300.0
EDX Armless Criss Cross with Wheels300.0
Herman Miller Embody300.0
GABRYLLY Ergonomic Mesh High Back280.0
Amazon Basics Classic Puresoft275.0
Union & Scale FlexFit Hyken Mesh275.0
Amazon Basics Low275.0
Branch Ergonomic275.0
Furmax Office Mesh250.0
BestOffice Mesh Office Desk Chair250.0

Steelcase brand is the clear winner here. If you're a larger parent planning to work from a home office, be sure to add your weight to that of any of your children who might want to sit on your lap for a minute or two in the morning. The parents and aunts and uncles among us haven't experienced any catastrophic breaks with office chairs, but more than a few lightweight camping chairs have collapsed under such conditions over the years. If you're close to a manufacturer-rated weight limit, we recommend that you err on the side of caution and choose a more robust option.

Ease of Assembly


Our final metric focuses on the effort required to go from unboxing each chair to sitting in it. We looked at both the actual assembly process and the quality of the included documentation to determine scores. Since most people will only have to go through this process once, we placed relatively little weight on this metric—but we've all had nightmare stories of poor installation directions and want to prevent these low moments in our lives for you.


We found the Leap, Think, Gesture, and Aeron were all supremely easy to set up. These chairs essentially came fully assembled or took us less than five minutes of work to get them ready to go. The Amia and Series 2 are also incredibly fast to set up, just requiring sliding the gas cylinder into place. The seat also needs to be slid into place on the Series 2, but you will spend more time breaking down the packaging these chairs came in than anything else.

The affordable Branch Ergonomic arrived mostly disassembled, but it only took us about 12 minutes to get it together.
Credit: Rachael Lamore


Most inexpensive office chairs take a little longer to set up due to sloppy tolerances and confusing instructions, but we must call out the premium Herman Miller Embody, which took us over 40 minutes to assemble. “Somehow, the chair with the least parts to assemble took the longest,” noted our tester, Austin. The process was simply incorrect. Backed by multiple testers, the directions were misleading and out of order. We were finally able to finish the job by taking the backrest off first for the rest of the procedure to work.

office chair - no matter how you sit at your desk, we hope our side-by-side...
No matter how you sit at your desk, we hope our side-by-side comparisons help you choose the right office chair for you.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Conclusion


An ergonomic chair can make all the difference between having a productive work environment or a day plagued with stiffness and backaches. There's nothing better than walking over to our desk, a mug of coffee in hand, and sinking into a chair that we adjusted to our own particular body type. We hope our side-by-side comparisons of the top office chairs have given you the tools you need to find the perfect chair that matches your sitting needs and budget.

And, if you want to keep upgrading your office space, we also tested a variety of office essentials like the top cordless phones and paper shredders, assessing each product via a series of side-by-side comparisons. We've thoroughly analyzed our favorite standing desk converters to help get you up and out of your chair.

Rachael Lamore, Austin Palmer, and Chris Maxcer