Are all decent-good office chairs meant to cost $800-1500?

Aug. 12, 2024

Are all decent-good office chairs meant to cost $800-?

A lot of people say to get a used one at a fraction of the price, but that may be hit and miss. I think word's gotten out there enough that there's a lot less of these great deals on used chairs out there now. Either they're getting bought up fast, or those selling have started realizing they can get more for them.

If you can't find something like that, there are some decent budget brands. I got a Branch ergonomic chair for $350 and I've enjoyed it. It's kind of "we have Steelcase Leap at home", but I don't mean that in a bad way. Basically similar ergonomics, but many components are plastic (though it's a solid plastic, doesn't feel cheap) and adjustments just aren't as smooth as on a Steelcase. I can't speak for longevity, since I've had it less than a year, but they do have a 7 year warranty.

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Best Office Chairs of

It may not feel important, but an office chair with wheels that roll well will make your life easier. Look for strong wheels or invest in an upgrade.

A chair with lumbar support will help keep your lower back from getting sore. If it doesn&#;t have support, roll up a towel and put it behind your back.

Avoid back, arm and wrist pain with good posture. Sit back in your seat and support your feet the best you can.

CNET&#;s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

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What to consider

Posture

Avoid back, arm and wrist pain with good posture. Sit back in your seat and support your feet the best you can.

Chair posture

A chair with lumbar support will help keep your lower back from getting sore. If it doesn&#;t have support, roll up a towel and put it behind your back.

Wheel Quality

It may not feel important, but an office chair with wheels that roll well will make your life easier. Look for strong wheels or invest in an upgrade.

Whether you work from home or at an office, an ergonomic office chair will provide proper lumbar and back support and so much more, leaving your body feeling better at the end of the workday. From adjustable tilt to head support to recline angle, we found the best office chairs for working, gaming and more.

If you spend long hours at your desk, it&#;s important to have a chair that supports your body in all the right ways. The right chair can make a huge difference and leave you feeling better at the end of your workday. Getting one of the best office chairs means having lumbar support and comfort that avoids back and neck pain. There are many choices for how a chair looks and even many options within several budgets.

Are you a fan of gaming chairs? Do you want something fancier, like an ergonomic office chair from Herman Miller? Or maybe you&#;re looking for a budget chair? We've tested chairs in a huge range, anywhere from $50 to $3,000 and decided these are the best office chairs.

What is the best office chair of ?

If you spend time working, gaming or doing anything that involves sitting for a long time, you need a high-quality, supportive chair. Our top pick, the Branch Verve, is a great midprice option that's comfortable, durable and looks great.

Getting the right support while you're sitting can help with your posture as well as the muscle soreness that can stem from a bad chair. During the pandemic, many of us at CNET had to turn parts of our homes into offices, which gave us a chance to test a lot of office chairs. Today, remote and hybrid work is sticking around, making a good chair imperative.

We've been testing office chairs at CNET for over nine years, and I've been sitting on them for decades. That means we can help you make an informed decision about where to rest your rump.

Note: Prices vary on third-party sites, so prices quoted here may change. We'll regularly update this list of the best office chairs to reflect the most accurate prices.

Best office chairs of

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$549 at Branch Furniture

Pros

Fantastic build quality
Easy to assemble
Great wheels

Cons

Material gets dirty quickly

Lumbar support

Yes

Weight limit

275lbs

Headrest

Price

$$$

Adjustable arms

Yes

Type

Lumbar Support

$549 at Branch Furniture

Best overall office chair

The Verve chair by Branch

$549 at Branch Furniture

The difference between a cheap and a high-end chair can be amazing. I have spent years using a $100 chair and having back pain most of that time. The Verve chair by Branch costs more, but everything about it oozes quality. The heavy metal fittings, the quality of the fabric and the movement of the wheels show the care and attention put into making this chair.

Comfort rating: Super comfortable

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$300 at Amazon

Pros

Breathable mesh
Comfortable armrests
Excellent back support

Cons

Seat doesn't move in and out

Lumbar support

Yes

Weight limit

330 lbs.

Headrest

Yes

Price

Adjustable arms

Yes

Type

Mesh

$300 at Amazon

Best low-price mesh back office chair

Sihoo Doro C300

$300 at Amazon

The Doro C300 is an extremely comfortable and fully meshed office chair. The headrest adjusts to fit my long frame, though I do find the seat a little shorter than I'd prefer for my legs. The armrests are very well-padded and move easily across a full range of motion, which is especially important when you are typing for eight hours a day. The lumbar support automatically adjusts as you lean back, which I found helpful, and the wheelbase is solid metal, not nylon, so there is less chance of it coming loose over time.

Build time was fairly low, around 20 minutes, and the entire chair feels very stable, especially for a lower price model.

Comfort rating: Comfortable

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$733 at Oak Hollow

Pros

Great ventilation
Comfortable for tall people

Cons

Heavy to move around

Lumbar support

Yes

Weight limit

300lbs

Headrest

Yes

Price

$$$$

Adjustable arms

Yes

Type

Large Build

$733 at Oak Hollow

Best mesh office chair

Oak Hollow Aloria Series

$733 at Oak Hollow

If you're a fan of a tall, well-ventilated back on a chair with plenty of adjustment options, Oak Hollow's Aloria Series offers an impressive option. It's simple to set up, feels incredibly sturdy, and the controls under the left and right side of the seat make it easy to set up for your body quickly.

This chair is available in Standard and Tall seat height options, and it's important to know that even the lower option sits high enough that at 6 feet tall my feet leave the ground when leaning back further than the first position in this chair. If that's not something you're worried about, this chair will keep you cooler than most and plenty comfortable.

Comfort rating: Very comfortable

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$93 at Amazon

Pros

Excellent price
Well-cushioned Good looking

Cons

No lumbar support

Lumbar support

Weight limit

275lbs

Headrest

Price

Adjustable arms

Type

Easy Assembly

$93 at Amazon

Best value office chair

Amazon Basics leather-padded swivel chair

$93 at Amazon

I liked this Amazon Basics chair right away. This swivel chair was easy to assemble, the leather design looks nice, and the adjustable seat and back are cushioned and comfortable.

This chair is relatively affordable without sacrificing much, with one exception: lumbar support. If lumbar support is a must-have, consider one of our other favorites. Overall, this is one of the more reasonably priced ergonomic office chairs; it is easy to put together, comfortable and is easy on the eyes.

Comfort rating: Comfortable

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$300 at OdinLake

Pros

Fully adjustable
Well built
Good wheels

Cons

Armrests are hard

Lumbar support

Yes

Weight limit

460 lbs.

Headrest

Yes

Price

Adjustable arms

Yes

Type

Headrest

$300 at OdinLake

Best low-price office chair with full control

OdinLake Upgrade 518

$300 at OdinLake

While $300 is still a lot of money for an office chair, it isn't a massive cost for something as comfortable as the Odinlake Upgrade 518. I'm a big guy, and having a chair that can easily take my weight while remaining comfortable and adjustable is a big deal. I like that the OdinLake has adjustable everything. From the arms to the seat and lumbar positions, it can all be tweaked to fit your sitting style.

I also tested the more expensive Ergo Max 747, and while it is as good as the Upgrade 518, I found the seat to be a little less comfortable over time. It's not that the Ergo Max 747 is a bad chair; it's just not significantly better than the Upgrade 518, which is a fraction of the cost.
Comfort rating: Very comfortable

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$240 at Eureka

Pros

Looks more expensive than it is
Great back support
Easy to build

Cons

Only one adjustment available on the arms

Lumbar Support

Yes

Weight Limit

275lbs

Head rest

Yes

Price

Adjustable arms

Raise and lower only

Type

Executive

$240 at Eureka

Best budget executive office chair

Eureka Galene executive chair

$240 at Eureka

It's often hard to find an executive chair that looks great but doesn't break the bank. The cheaper ones tend to look underwhelming, while the truly expensive ones are great but out of the realm of normal people. The Galene from Eureka is an excellent balance between cost and quality. It looks good and is very comfortable to sit on for long periods. The build took about 20 minutes and it doesn't suffer from the wobbles that budget chairs often fall victim to. It feels like a much more expensive chair.

My only wish is that instead of arms that just raise and lower, it had more articulation so I could tailor them to my needs. Executive chairs are really designed for being comfortable on calls and meetings rather than extended typing, so having arms that can adjust more dynamically to my position would be great.

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$1,749 at Anthros

Pros

The most comfortable I've ever been at a desk
Very easy to build
Upper back support is amazing

Cons

It's prohibitively expensive

Lumbar support

Yes, via pelvis support

Weight limit

300lbs

Headrest

Price

$$$$+

Adjustable arms

Yes

Type

Easy Assembly

$1,749 at Anthros

The most comfortable office chair I've ever used

The Anthros chair

$1,749 at Anthros

The Anthros chair is amazing. The lumbar support helps stabilize your pelvis, and the wide seat is comfortable for all body types, including my 270-pound frame. The Anthros comes with a posture guarantee, so if you don't feel it has helped your posture or made you feel comfortable, you can get your money back. The Anthros feels high quality, and if money were no object, it would be my No. 1 pick (and I would tell you to buy one, too).

Money does matter, and the Anthros is downright expensive. A good chair for your office is an investment that should last a long time, but at $1,749, it's probably worth some serious thought before you take the plunge.

Comfort Rating: Super comfortable

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For more information, please visit Anji Fengge Furniture.

$527 at Amazon

Pros

Lightweight yet sturdy
Many points of adjustability

Cons

Lumbar support doesn't sit quite high enough

Lumbar support

Yes

Weight limit

300 lbs

Headrest

Price

$$$

Adjustable arms

Yes

Type

Lumbar support

$527 at Amazon

Best mid-price office chair

Hon Ignition 2.0

$527 at Amazon

Like the Branch above, the Ignition 2.0 is a well-constructed chair that looks sophisticated in my office. I'm a big guy, so I'm always concerned that chairs won't hold my weight, but the Ignition is designed with people like me in mind.

Adjustments can be made to the lumbar support, height and armrests, but my favorite is being able to move the seat in and out. Having the seat further forward supports my long legs much better. Overall, this is an excellent chair for the money. It's comfortable, easy to build and solidly constructed.

Comfort Rating: Very comfortable

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$400 at Flexispot

Pros

Mesh back reduces sweating
Well-cushioned armrests
Comfortable headrest

Cons

Lumbar doesn't move up and down

Lumbar support

Yes

Weight limit

320lbs

Headrest

Yes

Price

$$$

Adjustable arms

Yes

Type

Easy Assembly

$400 at Flexispot

Best office chair with a headrest

Flexispot C7

$400 at Flexispot

Like the OC14 before it, the C7 has an extremely comfortable headrest. You may not use it all day like your lumbar support, but it does make more relaxed moments much nicer. The mesh back is very comfortable as well. It's breathable but feels strong enough to support my weight without ripping.

I like the soft padded armrests, and they're adjustable in three ways: in/out, up/down and left/right. I wish the lumbar support was equally adjustable. It can move in and out, but it can't be raised to fit the curve of my tall back, so it never feels as supportive as I would like.

Comfort Rating: Very comfortable

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$1,072 at Steelcase

Pros

Customizable for your style
Rock solid movement

Cons

Seat wings are a little high
Insane pricing for a chair

Lumbar support

Yes

Weight limit

350 lbs

Headrest

Price

$$$$

Adjustable arm

Yes

Type

Lumbar Support

$1,072 at Steelcase

Best build-your-own office chair

Steelcase Karman

$1,072 at Steelcase

The newest chair from Steelcase wins a spot on this list not because it's comfortable -- although it is, especially in the lumbar region -- but because of its customization options. You can choose the color of the chair, but you can also add additional lumbar support (you'll want that), the additional movement for the armrests and wheels for hard floors or carpets.

I found the chair excellent over long periods, and I especially liked how well the locking system works. Some chairs feel like they lean back too far, even when locked, but the Karman was rock solid the whole time.

Comfort Rating: Very comfortable

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$210 at EasySMX

Pros

High weight limit
Lots of adjustment points

Cons

Gaming chairs can be uncomfortable after a few hours

Lumbar support

Yes

Headrest

Yes

Price

Adjustable arms

Yes

Type

Large Build

$210 at EasySMX

Best office chair for bigger gamers

EasySMX Big and Tall gaming chair [Out of Stock]

$210 at EasySMX

I'm 6-foot-1 and 275 pounds, and finding a comfortable chair has been an issue for me for years. I've even had several chairs' wheels break while I've been using them. This gaming chair has a weight limit of 350 pounds and features adjustable armrests that go up and down and rotate. A tall back and wide base make this a comfortable pick for bigger frames. While this isn't strictly for the office, I have used the EasySMX for over a year as my primary seat, and it still works well.

Comfort Rating: Comfortable for short periods

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Staff picks and other office chairs we've tested

CNET staffers spend a lot of time sitting at desks. While we'd all love to own the best office chairs, we often have to make do with what we have, or we've found something we like and have stuck with it. These picks are not tested in the same way as the ones on our best list above, but here's what we're using regularly.

$529 at Amazon

Pros

Durable and long lasting
Easy to clean

Cons

On the expensive side

Lumbar support

Yes

Weight limit

330 lbs

Headrest

Price

$$$

Adjustable arms

Yes

Type

Easy Assembly

$529 at Amazon

Most comfortable high-end office chair

Herman Miller Mirra 2

$529 at Amazon

The Herman Miller Mirra 2 is expensive, but I justified the cost because I spend hours sitting in front of a computer screen. Boy, am I glad I did. Its mesh seat remains comfortable and supportive after five and a half years of steady use. When I sit down, I feel an actual moment of pleasure that it's still good. This is a huge step up from foam seat chairs that compress over time. The mesh is easier to clean and keeps cool, too. I like the adjustments, which I set up once and have left alone since then.

-- Stephen Shankland

Comfort rating: Super comfy

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$170 at Amazon

Pros

Helps with posture
Good for movement

Cons

No back support to lean back

Lumbar support

Weight limit

250 lbs

Headrest

Price

Adjustable arms

No, but height is adjustable

Type

Backless

$170 at Amazon

Best office chair for posture

Nypot Premium ergonomic kneeling chair

$170 at Amazon

I bought a kneeling chair initially because of a torn hamstring and realized how much it helped my posture. It also forced me to stand up more and not slouch. Now, with this ergonomic desk chair, I move around conscientiously while working, which helps with neck and ankle stiffness. This brand stands out: It can rock, it has good padding for the knees, it's adjustable and it's definitely more affordable than others. When friends come over, they always try it and are surprised at how much they like it.

-- Laura Michelle Davis

Comfort rating: Good enough

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$290 at Ikea

Pros

Durable and long lasting

Lumbar support

Yes

Weight limit

276 lbs

Headrest

Yes

Price

Adjustable arms

Type

Easy Assembly

$290 at Ikea

Most durable office chair

Ikea Markus chair

$290 at Ikea

I am 6-foot-1 and this is the most durable, most comfortable office chair I've ever had. My previous one lasted eight years. I've sold enough of them that Ikea owes me some euros, and I recently bought a replacement that I expect to last almost another decade. Forget those gamer chairs that break in six months, the Markus is the real deal for those of us who can't afford a Herman Miller or a Steelcase.

-- Wesley Radcliffe

"Comfort rating: Super comfy

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$1,115 at Amazon

Pros

Versatile sitting
Standing desk compatible

Cons

Expensive

Lumbar support

Weight limit

250 lbs

Headrest

Price

$$$$+

Adjustable arms

No, but height is adjustable

Type

Standing desk chair

$1,115 at Amazon

Best standing desk office chair

HAG Capisco adjustable standing desk chair

$1,115 at Amazon

You can sit in the chair in multiple ways. It's great for those with lower back discomfort. It has a unique design, it's comfortable and it offers lots of customization. It's especially fantastic for standing desks because it can raise up to bar-stool height.

-- Justin Eastzer

Comfort rating: Super comfy

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How to choose the right office chair

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the "science of work," says Gary Allread, program director for the ergonomics division at Ohio State University's Spine Research Institute. That definition doesn't apply only to our jobs; ergonomic principles can be used for pretty much any activity (and that means an ergonomic office chair isn't going to immediately fix your lower back pain). Allread and his team offer consultations for a variety of workplaces, including manufacturing plants. They even provide input on product design to help companies better understand how to create products "to make sure they can interact with people as well as possible," Allread says.

Chair posture

A less-than-ideal work setup might cause pain in your back, arms, hands or wrists. You might also find yourself fidgeting, making more mistakes or taking more breaks, all because you're uncomfortable, Allread warns. Long-term, you might end up with tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Allread offers two main suggestions we all can try to improve how we work:

Sit with your back against your chair. ("You want the chair to do the work and not your back," he says.)
Support your feet. Either plant your feet on the floor or, if they don't reach, use a box or other footrest to support your feet.

Lumbar support

If your chair lacks lumbar support, Allread recommends rolling up a towel, securing it with tape or rubber bands, and placing it at your lower back as a lumbar cushion to "keep the back in its natural curve." Allread also notes that companies are beginning to introduce different chair sizes, supporting a wider range of body sizes, which is an important consideration if you're shopping for a new ergonomic chair with the best seat height and seat depth.

"One mistake people make is they say, 'Well, if I get a great chair, then I'm not going to be sore anymore,' and that's not really looking at the big picture of what it takes to keep people comfortable and productive at their jobs," Allread says. A new chair is just one of many things that can make your work environment more comfortable -- so let's keep that in mind as we weigh our options for the best one.

How we test office chairs

Like everything we test here at CNET, these office chairs have undergone a barrage of tests. First, we assembled each chair and noted any issues with the process, including how long it should take versus how long it actually took. Then we spent two workdays, or about 16 hours, sitting in each chair, noting the level of comfort, adjustability (such as adjustable height, adjustable backrest or adjustable arm features) and any issues we had.

We also tested what I like to call the "wibble wobbles." Because office chairs are often supported by just one rod, they can wobble left and right. That movement is more stressful on the chair, which can wear it out more quickly. It can also cause discomfort and even motion sickness.

I'm heavier and taller than average, and your experience may differ. That's why we asked our professional for questions you should consider when choosing your own chair. They are:

Was the chair designed so you can rest comfortably against the back of the chair?
Do your feet touch the floor with your back against the back of the chair?
Did you find yourself fidgeting or standing up a lot?
Did you experience any pain or discomfort while using a particular chair?

We let these questions guide us, and they helped eliminate a lot of chairs. Some felt OK, but in the long run, they didn't offer the advantages of the ones we ultimately chose.

Office chair FAQs

How do you clean an office chair?

How you clean your office chair will vary depending on its materials. The chair's user manual should detail cleaning and general maintenance tips. If you tossed the paper version, check online. Many retailers provide digital versions or downloadable PDFs of their product manuals.

That said, most chairs should be fine to clean with a damp cloth and mild soap or detergent. Test a small area first and stay away from strong chemical cleaners.

How do I make an office chair more comfortable?

Many office chairs are adjustable. You can change the chair height and move the arms, and some office chairs have adjustable lumbar support. Before tossing your current chair, make sure you're sitting optimally by trying out different positions.

I cover ergonomics above. Allread, the expert I spoke with, has two main suggestions:

You want your back to touch the back of the chair.
You want your feet to touch the floor (or you should use a box or footrest to prop up your feet).

Allread also suggests rolling up a towel to use for lower back support if your chair doesn't have lumbar support.

How do I fix a squeaky office chair?

When dealing with squeaky office chairs, identify the source of the sound. Double-check that all screws are tight and that the chair is clean and oiled. You might also need to replace a spring. Some retailers sell replacement parts if a loose or old spring ends up being the culprit.

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