Seeking out the best office chairs for long hours logged at a desk will make your workdays more comfortable—and as a fully remote team, Forbes Vetted writers and editors know this firsthand. That’s why, with guidance from experts, we assembled this list of our staffers’ favorite office chairs plus some other sought-after picks. From the attainably priced Hon Ignition 2.0 to staff and reader favorites like the Branch Verve, there’s an option on this list for every home office.
The best office chairs come in many styles but have one thing in common: They're all ergonomic ... [+] (including the Branch Verve, pictured). Colorful Ergonomic Office Chair
When searching for an office chair, first look for an ergonomic design that supports your body, particularly your back, to prevent aches and pains throughout the workday (and after). “The main features of ergonomic chairs are that they are supportive, highly adjustable and comfortable,” says Dr. Rahul Shah, a board-certified orthopedic spine and neck surgeon. Beyond that, consider additional features like adjustable parts, headrests, extra-thick cushioning and design aesthetic. With all this in mind, we narrowed down the best office chairs to make working long hours at home a lot easier (and we speak from experience).
Dimensions: 28.5 x 27 x 44.5 inches | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty | Base movement: Swivel | Weight limit: 300 pounds
If you’re looking for a high-end office chair, you don’t have to make a huge investment investment. The Hon Ignition 2.0 gives you many of the features you’ll find in pricier chairs, but at a lower cost. Constructed from breathable mesh fabric, the bestselling chair will help you stay cool as you work. Its cleverly contoured seat and reclining mechanism will also help you maintain a high level of comfort during your workday.
This chair offers ample adjustment opportunities: You’re able to tweak the height and width of the arms, and you’ll also enjoy pneumatic seat height adjustment and tension control to get that just-right angle. To help you get around without getting up, there are also five rolling casters on its base.
What the reviews say: “A top-quality desk chair at a fairly reasonably price,” reports a buyer. “[After using a] chair that contributed to serious lower back and leg issues, it’s refreshing to sit at my desk in a chair that supports me properly. [The] lumbar, arm rests, back and seat cushion are all adjustable so one can align oneself properly. And it glides around the floor like you’re on air. It’s also incredibly easy to assemble.”
Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 37-41 inches | Warranty: 7-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel | Weight limit: 275 pounds
This striking chair from Branch Furniture offers adjustable spine support via its soft-knit back and padded lumbar rest. While it looks an awful lot like pricier models on our list, this futuristic-looking chair is actually under $600. Verve also comes with several other helpful ergonomic features including adjustable seat height and the ability to lower the seat to 16.5 inches (a feature petite users will appreciate). The Verve model comes in five sleek colors including a cheerful peach-hued Coral and the pale green Mint, making it a practical and beautiful addition to your office space.
What our editors say: “I don’t think I fully grasped the benefits of working in an ergonomic desk chair until I added the Branch Verve to my work-from-home setup a year ago,” says Amanda Arnold, Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editor. “Between the foam-filled seat cushion, adjustable armrests and breathable knit back, this chair provides support everywhere you need it. My only complaint is that my cat loves it, too.”
Dimensions: 39.3 x 24.5 x 19.8 inches | Warranty: 12-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel | Weight limit: 350 pounds
The Sayl Chair from Herman Miller offers a unique modern design that’s extremely comfortable and highly customizable. In addition to its flexible and breathable elastomer back that keeps your spine in proper ergonomic alignment, you can opt for adjustable lumbar support to help reduce back pain. There are a variety of other adjustable features available for the armrests and seat, but keep in mind that they aren’t included in the base price.
You can also tailor the Sayl Chair to aesthetically fit your space. There are several base colors available and a wide range of upholstery options for the seat, plus two options for caster wheels: one for carpet and one for hard floors. As a side note, if you’re a serious gamer, the Sayl Gaming Chair—which comes in a handful of splashy hues—is worth checking out.
What our editors say: “My favorite part about the chair is how adjustable it is—it's a cinch to change the armrests, back and height,” says Anna Perling, Forbes Vetted reviews editor. “The curved back support is somehow both firm and flexible; it feels like a hug for my back. Herman Miller also offers an awesome 12-year warranty, which made me feel confident in my purchase.”
Dimensions: 26 x 23.6 x 42 inches | Warranty: 5-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel | Weight limit: 330 pounds
Proper lumbar support is key to keeping your neck and spine properly aligned throughout the day, and the Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair offers an adjustable design that lets you move its lumbar support in two different ways. Using dials on the back of the chair, you can slide the piece up and down or in and out to find the most comfortable position for your body.
This chair has several other useful features as well, such as a contoured seat cushion, adjustable armrests, a backrest and a headrest (via tilt). Plus, it comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.
What the reviews say: “The very first thing I noticed was the firmness of the seat cushion,” says a reviewer. “I feel like I'm sitting on it [as opposed to] my other chair, where I was sinking in it. It's so firm and comfortable and keeps me in a solid upright position. The second thing I noticed was the excellent lumbar support.”
Dimensions: 21.2 x 18.9 x 45.3 inches | Warranty: Not listed | Base movement: Swivel | Weight limit: 300 pounds
Can you find a cheaper office chair out there? Perhaps a few, but this option from Noblewell offers the perks of a more expensive chair with a budget price tag. This model offers a high, breathable mesh back and an adjustable headrest so you can enjoy support up and down your spine. It has ample adjustment features, too: The armrests, lumbar support, seat height and waist height can all be tweaked to help you find the perfect position. You can also tilt between 90 to 135 degrees with the backrest in case you get a moment to kick back.
What the reviews say: “I fell in love with this chair the moment I started to take it out of the box,” shares a reviewer. “The parts are heavy-duty. The building process was super easy and straightforward. When I lean back it feels super sturdy.”
Dimensions: 26 x 25 x 16.7 inches | Warranty: Limited 5-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel | Weight limit: 265 pounds
The Alera Elusion series combines the compact design of a task chair with top-to-bottom features designed to enhance comfort. Starting with five rolling castors and a swiveling base, the seat is height-adjustable with a contoured cushion for added support. The mesh back offers breathability, plus you can raise or lower its height in relation to the seat for more customized positioning. And the armrests—which are also height-adjustable—are topped with a layer of padding. The biggest downside of the Alera Elusion is its limited weight capacity at 265 pounds. And Amazon shoppers, take note: While the brand offers a limited warranty, consider contacting the company directly to make sure it applies to purchases via third-party retailers.
What the reviews say: One repeat customer raves, “I have bought three of these chairs (two for my house and one as a gift) and I love them. [They are] very easy to assemble and adjust and the support is fantastic.”
Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 53 inches | Warranty: 5-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel | Weight limit: 300 pounds
Mesh office chairs are ideal for warm days or those who get hot easily because they’re extremely breathable and don’t retain heat. The Oline ErgoPro is our top choice in this category for its tall mesh back that promotes airflow, which, combined with the chair’s easy adjustability, provides maximum comfort. Specifically, you can adjust the headrest, armrests, height, knee tilt and tilt tension as needed. Plus, the dynamic lumbar support responds to the amount of pressure placed on it. For the finishing touch, the ErgoPro is available in several colors to match your space.
What the reviews say: “Sitting in this chair was a ‘wow’ moment,” shares a reviewer. “The mesh material sits at an intersection of breathability, comfort and support that makes me question my previous life of sitting in cheap, boring ol' office chairs.”
Dimensions: 16.75 x 27 x 41 inches | Warranty: 12-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel | Weight limit: 300 - 350 (depending on size selected)
For those who spend eight hours (or more) per day sitting in an office chair, the Aeron from Herman Miller is a worthwhile splurge, according to two Forbes Vetted editors who’ve been using it for years. Made from top-quality materials, it’s super sturdy and features a supportive mesh seat. When ordering, you can customize nearly every aspect of the chair, from its frame and base finishes to its back support style to the armrest position. Further, it comes in three sizes (small, medium and large) to best “fit” the user. Adjustability-wise, you can play with the Aeron’s tilt range, seat angle, armrest position, lumbar support, height and more. And at this price, it’s worth noting that Herman Miller backs its chairs with a 12-year warranty to protect your investment.
What our editors say: “I have been using the Herman Miller Aeron chair for over two years now and I can gladly affirm that the hype is real,” says Sholeen Damarwala, Forbes Vetted home and shopping editor. “This chair has seen me through 10-hour work days and a full pregnancy. The mesh back design helps keep my back upright—in fact, I rarely ever find myself slouching or having to constantly correct my posture while I'm using it. I also have an old tailbone injury and after years of having suffered through bad desk chairs, the Aeron has been truly wonderful.”
Dimensions: 16.5 x 21.7 x 44.9 inches | Warranty: Not listed | Base movement: Swivel
The Mimoglad office chair has everything you need in a desk chair without any unnecessary frills. The chair features a mesh back to help keep you from overheating, while its ergonomic backrest—which fits snuggly against your spine—provides you necessary support. (Worth noting: The company says it can provide you with a free lumbar cushion if the chair’s built-in support doesn’t meet your needs.) Thick padding helps cushion your butt during long hours at work. Another nice perk: The armrests flip up so you can slide your chair all the way under your desk to save space.
What our editors say: “As someone with a history of back problems, I really appreciate this chair's adjustable lumbar support, wide headrest and 4-inch thick foam cushion,” says Alex Garrett, Forbes Vetted updates writer. “I’ve had it for a little over a week, and I’m already noticing that my lower back is less stiff at the end of the day. Plus, it comes in a bunch of fun colors.”
Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 36.5 inches | Warranty: 2-year warranty (except upholstery) | Base movement: Swivel | Weight limit: 400 pounds
If you’re looking for a modern desk chair that will look great in any environment, consider the Soho II Soft-Pad Management Chair from Laura Davidson Furniture. Available in several colors, this chair offers that classic Eames style with a durable leatherette seating surface and a solid steel frame.
The chair isn’t just beautiful—it’s comfortable too. There are adjustments for height, seat tilt and swivel, and it has foam back and seat cushions to keep you comfortable during long meetings. In addition to the two-year warranty, the brand also offers a 60-day trial.
What the reviews say: One reviewer shares, “I use it all day every day for working from home, online gaming and browsing the Internet—so easily 12 to 14 hours a day. The seat and back padding are still as supportive as the day I started using it [four years ago]; I can sit in it as long as I want with no pain. To make it perfect, the lowest seat height is exactly right for my short legs, something office chairs have always given me trouble with.”
Dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 36.7 inches | Warranty: 1-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel | Weight limit: 350 pounds
Sometimes remote office workers end up using surfaces not meant as workspaces, like the counter, kitchen island, high-top tables or the bedroom dresser (we definitely don’t judge). In those cases, there are options beyond a high stool, like this tall drafting chair on Amazon. Unlike a standard stool, it offers the ergonomic support and comfort of the picks on our list, like a supportive back cushion and a breathable backrest. But most importantly, its height can be adjusted to rise up to 44 inches, and thanks to the height-adjustable footrest, your legs don’t need to be dangling. It doesn’t hurt that it looks quite attractive too, and it comes in four colors.
What our editors say: “I use my kitchen island as a desk, so finding an office chair that was high enough to reach it was a little tough,” says Kara Cuzzone, Forbes Vetted senior deals editor. “I ended up going with this ergonomically designed drafting chair, and I'm so glad I did. It was super easy to assemble and it's very comfortable. Plus, I like that it's not a total eyesore since it sits right in the middle of my apartment.”
Dimensions: 23.7 x 34.7 x 44.3 inches | Warranty: 12-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel | Weight limit: 400 pounds
The Steelcase Gesture is undoubtedly pricey, but you’ll find it on many “best” lists across the internet thanks to its quality, comfort and high-end features. It comes in a handful of muted color schemes and your choice of wheels for carpet or wood floors. Adjustability-wise, each chair offers a full range of ergonomic adjustments including height, seat depth, recline, 360-degree armrest positioning and more. It’s also worth noting that big and/or tall users will be comfortable in this high-backed pick that also has a 400-pound weight capacity.
What our editors say: “The seat is comfortable for all-day use and does a great job of supporting my back no matter how I'm sitting,” says Dave Johnson, Forbes Vetted deputy editor. “The armrests are so easy to adjust that I find myself moving them around a lot to accommodate whatever I'm doing instead of leaving them in one place like I have done with other chairs I've owned.”
As writers and editors, we know from experience that choosing the right office chair can make you more productive, less antsy and less achy during (and after) those working hours. Additionally, our team has published hundreds of product roundups and reviews that include meticulous research as well as rigorous firsthand product testing. Our vast library of content includes dozens of furniture stories, so we know a thing or two about outfitting every room in your home.
For this particular piece, we consulted multiple experts, including Dr. Rahul Shah, a board-certified orthopedic spine and neck surgeon based in southern New Jersey and Deborah McKernan-Ace, program director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the Rutgers School of Health Professions. Several of our editors and writers also use chairs within this article and deemed them worthy of inclusion. Finally, this story is updated frequently to ensure that our picks are in stock and up to date given the current offerings. It was last updated in September 2023 by Vetted updates writer Fran Sales who specializes in the home category.
As home and kitchen experts who keep our pulse on the industry, we sought out reputable brands like Herman Miller, Hon Ignition, Steelcase and Branch to research chairs for this list. When narrowing down models, we made sure each pick was ergonomically designed and offered enough adjustment features for customizability. From the crowd-pleasing Hon Ignition 2.0 to the modern and streamlined Laura Davidson Furniture Soho, we aimed to offer variety for different lifestyles and budgets. We also asked Forbes Vetted staffers to share the chairs they enjoy sitting in every day, and the Herman Miller Sayl, Herman Miller Aeron, Branch Verve, Steelcase Gesture and the Mimoglad all come personally recommended. Finally, each of these options are buyer-approved, with hundreds (if not thousands) of customer reviews and an average rating of 4 stars or higher.
Here are the most important factors worth keeping in mind as you consider your options.
It’s important to look at an office chair’s weight limit before buying, especially if you’re a heavier individual. The most common weight capacity for desk chairs is 300 pounds, but some chairs can support more or less weight.
No two bodies are alike, and that’s something the best office chairs take into account. They’re the ones that can be adjusted to fit your unique body and personal workspace. “An ergonomic chair has adjustable seat heights, adjustable arm support, seat depth adjustment, tilting or reclining mechanism and back support,” says Dr. Shah. When considering adjustability features, these are some of the most important:
You’re going to want to look for an office chair that provides some type of lumbar support. Some have a brace that supports your lower back, while others might come with a pillow. Either way, this feature is essential to minimizing strain on your neck and back throughout the work day. It’s even better if the chair’s lumbar support can be adjusted, as this will allow you to tailor the support to your own individual needs.
The key is to look for one that’s adjustable; everyone requires different positioning based on their bodies. Ideally, you should be able to adjust just about everything on the chair, from the seat depth to the arm support to the amount of back support (although lower-cost options may not have as many of these bells and whistles). Height adjustment is of particular importance because it’s one of the easiest ways to make sure your chair is really working for you and your body type. While splurge-worthy picks like the Herman Miller Aeron and the Steelcase Gesture are highly adjustable, the more affordable Hon Ignition 2.0—our top pick overall—also offers plenty of customizability.
In addition to adjustability, you may also want to consider features like the thickness of the seat cushion, re-positioning of the arms and recline angle and additional support like headrests and other extras that fit your unique needs.
The best office chair for working from home is one that’s ergonomic and adjustable to your particular needs; this will help you stay comfortable and productive for long periods of time. Also, consider your workspace, both in terms of size and aesthetic. For instance, for a mid-century library vibe, check out the Laura Davidson Furniture Soho. If you’re tight on space, opt for a chair like the Alera Elusion Series, which is more compact and affordable but still ergonomic. Perhaps you don’t have a dedicated workspace, in which case the Bojuzija Tall Office Chair (Cuzzone’s pick) is ideal for working on countertops or a kitchen island.
Also consider how often you’ll use your chair: Do you work from home one or two days a week or are you fully remote? If you plan to spend 40-plus hours a week in your chair, it’s worth investing in a higher-end model with lots of adjustability features to keep your comfortable long-term.
Because sitting for long periods of time can take a toll on your back, the best office chairs for back pain—like Herman Miller Sayl Chair—offer adjustability, comfort and most important, built-in back support that encourages proper alignment. The Sayl excels in this category because it has multiple features that let you adjust lumbar support and seat depth, plus a unique back that flexes with your body and the option of height-adjustable or fully adjustable arms. These extras let you position the chair to relieve pressure from your spine and prevent aches in the long run.
I'm a senior editor at Forbes covering venture capital and startups, especially in cloud and AI, out of New York. I edit the Midas List and Under 30 for VC, and created the Midas List Europe and Cloud 100 lists. I've written more than a dozen cover stories on business leaders including Marc Benioff, Patrick Collison and Melanie Perkins. Previously, I worked at Fortune and WNYC, and studied medieval history and archaeology at Harvard University. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Threads: @alexrkonrad. Email me: akonrad@forbes.com.
Follow Alex on Forbes and Twitter for more coverage of startups, enterprise software and venture capital.
I'm a senior editor at Forbes covering venture capital and startups, especially in cloud and AI, out of New York. I edit the Midas List and Under 30 for VC, and created the Midas List Europe and Cloud 100 lists. I've written more than a dozen cover stories on business leaders including Marc Benioff, Patrick Collison and Melanie Perkins. Previously, I worked at Fortune and WNYC, and studied medieval history and archaeology at Harvard University. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Threads: @alexrkonrad. Email me: akonrad@forbes.com.
Follow Alex on Forbes and Twitter for more coverage of startups, enterprise software and venture capital.
Hi, I’m Carrie. Storytelling has always been a great love of mine. And no matter the topic, my goal as a writer is to inform and inspire whoever’s along for the ride.
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I’m a senior fashion editor covering women's and men's fashion, accessories and fitness apparel. My writing has appeared in T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Vogue and The Wall Street Journal. Prior to joining Forbes, I wrote two books, including The New Beauty: A Modern Look at Beauty, Culture, and Fashion, and I currently hold certificates in the history of design from Sotheby’s Institute of Art and fashion styling from the Business of Fashion. I grew up in Rhode Island, studied art history at Brown University and was—and remain—a sneaker obsessive with far too many pairs of white sneakers.
I am a staff writer and product reviewer for Forbes Vetted currently residing in Austin, Texas. I primarily cover deals and consumer shopping, and previously worked as a deals staff writer for Wirecutter. My byline has also appeared in the New York Times. I have over four years of experience writing in the e-commerce sphere, and spend most of my time scouring the web for the latest consumer news and best discounts.
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As the senior deals editor for Forbes Vetted, I'm constantly monitoring the best sales and markdowns across the internet. I'm also responsible for Vetted's content strategy during tentpole events like Amazon Prime Day and Cyber Week.
I've been writing and editing commerce content for the past six years, and I have four years of experience covering major sale events. I've been a member of the Forbes Vetted team for over two years. My work has also appeared in Cosmopolitan, Byrdie, PureWow and Wondermind.
NSJ is a journalist and editor specializing in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, culture. Her work has appeared in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Grazia, The Guardian, Telegraph Fashion, The Sydney Morning Herald.
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