After Years of Testing Office Chairs, These 8 Are the Best

As a team that spends the majority of our days working from home, we know a thing or two about the importance of a high-quality office chair. A good one can maintain your posture, enhance your productivity, and keep you comfortable for a full eight-hour shift; a bad one can leave you feeling sore and stiff at the end of your workday.

Our hunt for the best office chair has spanned years, and in addition to our formal lab and real-world testing, we’ve also spent countless hours writing, researching, and editing from office chairs we own at home.

That means we’ve tested every single office chair on this list (some for over two years!) and accumulated a few tips and tricks to help guide your search.

The Three Best Office Chairs

Best Overall

Boulies Master Series Computer Chair

View on Boulies.com

After testing over 30 office chairs, our clear winner is the Boulies Master Series Computer Chair, which we think is a great pick for those who work long hours at home. Its heavy-duty construction, unmatched comfort, and adjustability features make this office chair a standout.

An ergonomic design is key when choosing an office chair you’ll want to sit on all day. We loved the contoured cushions, which nicely pad the seat of the chair and alleviated our pressure points during testing. We were able to sit on the chair for long periods of time without needing to readjust frequently, which is no easy feat. It’s the most comfortable option we’ve tested, as the chair’s smooth curves contour to the body exceptionally well.

Like all three of our top options, this model is highly adjustable, with the ability to customize the seat height, armrests, and lumbar height. We had two testers with a 5-inch height difference test this model, and both found it to be comfortable on our shoulders, hips, and back during full workdays. In our testing, we found it easy to adjust with a smooth operation. In addition to comfort, this office chair is impressively heavy-duty. Its sturdy steel frame and aluminum base showcase its durable construction—it never felt wobbly or unstable.

Our only concern with this chair is more a matter of personal preference than an actual design flaw: Unlike our other two favorite office chairs (the HON Ignition 2.0 Ergonomic Office Chair and the Branch Verve Office Chair), this is the only one without some sort of knit or mesh backing. The padded backrest is more comfortable, but it’s bulky and won’t allow for much airflow, which can be a concern if you tend to run hot.

_{Seat Depth: 18.90 in. | Seat Height: 18.11–20.47 in. | Seat Width: 12.20 in. | Backrest Height: 29.92 in. | Lumbar Support: Yes | Material: Steel, aluminum, cold-cure foam, choice of upholstery | Weight Capacity: 243 lbs. | Warranty: 2-year limited}

Basic but Reliable

Hon Ignition 2.0 Ergonomic Office Chair

$426 at Amazon $673 at Walmart $439 at Staples

Another top performer we absolutely loved in our testing is the Hon Ignition 2.0 Ergonomic Office Chair, which is another pick that delivered both long-term comfort and support. The seat is especially roomy at 20 inches wide, making it an especially good choice for larger bodies. Additionally, the 3.5 inches of padding felt great throughout the long workday. We also found its tall backrest helped maintain our posture and prevent slouching, which we appreciate.

This office chair is also highly adjustable, as you can customize the armrests (height and width), seat height, and lumbar support to suit your preferences. We found it easy to customize the chair to our liking, though our tester noted the armrests felt slightly wobbly, but only when adjusting; the armrests were stable once they were set back into place. 

The main difference between this and the Boulies Master Series Computer Chair is its design. This chair isn’t padded in the back but instead is made with a comfortable mesh material that we found lightweight and breathable. The frame itself is also less heavy-duty since it’s made from plastic rather than metal. Because of these factors, the Hon Ignition 2.0 offers a slightly less bulky construction than the Boulies model, but may not be as durable.

In terms of aesthetics, this office chair offers a very simple, straightforward design. Although it’s not as eye-catching as the Boulies Master Series Computer Chair or as stylish as the Branch Verve Office Chair, it has a basic look we think is versatile for most home offices.

_{Seat Depth: 19 in. | Seat Height: 18–23 in. | Seat Width: 20 in. | Backrest Height: Not listed | Lumbar Support: Yes | Material: Mesh, plastic | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs. | Warranty: Full lifetime}

Stylish and Comfortable

Branch Verve Office Chair

$589 at Amazon $549 at The Container Store View on Branchfurniture.com

It’s difficult to find an office chair that combines ergonomics and aesthetics, but the Branch Verve Office Chair does it wonderfully. It doesn’t feel as obtrusive as many office chairs we’ve tried, with a sleek silhouette that boasts clean lines. It’s also available in seven playful colors that are unusual to find with other office chairs. 

This office chair is one of the most adjustable options we’ve tested: While you’ll find the usual customizable components, like seat height, armrest height, and lumbar, you can also adjust the seat depth, which isn’t a feature we find in office chairs very often. This can be especially useful to ensure your hips and legs are properly supported, no matter how tall you are.

The contoured, cushiony seats felt comfortable throughout an eight-hour workday. We never had any aches and pains despite prolonged sitting, and our 5-foot-1 tester said that adjusting the chair allowed it to fit her frame perfectly. The frame, constructed from polymer and aluminum, feels both sturdy and lightweight, while the back features a flexible polyester knit material.

Note that this is the most expensive chair we recommend at around $600. The price is steep, especially compared to our other two favorite office chairs, but we have yet to find another option that’s as stylish as it is comfortable. And considering its quality, we think that makes it worth the investment. We don’t love that adding a headrest will cost extra considering its already-high price point, but we didn’t find it necessary during our tests.

_{Seat Depth: 16.5–19 in. | Seat Height: 16.5–20.5 in. | Seat Width: 17 in. | Backrest Height: Not listed | Lumbar Support: Yes | Material: Aluminum, polymer, nylon, high-density foam, polyester knit | Weight Capacity: 275 lbs. | Warranty: 7-year parts and components}

How to Choose an Office Chair

Prioritize Support and an Ergonomic Design

All of the office chairs on this list are comfortable, at least in the short term. However, cushioning isn’t the only thing that you should pay attention to; if you spend hours upon hours working on your office chair, you’ll want to make sure it’s supportive and ergonomic for long-term comfort. 

“When it comes to lumbar support (or lower back comfort), the lumbar support should sit perfectly in the low back to maintain the natural low back arch to reduce back pain," according to Karena Wu, a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy.

On our list, all three of our top options, the Boulies Master Series Computer Chair, Hon Ignition 2.0 Ergonomic Office Chair, and Branch Verve Office Chair all have adjustable lumbar that can be moved up or down to support a range of different heights. Other components of an office chair that contribute to overall support include its armrests, backrests, and the seat itself.

Our three favorite chairs all have very ergonomic designs as well, with curved seats that conform to the contours of your body. A construction centered around good ergonomics can help promote good posture and minimize pressure on certain areas of the body, which are other factors that contribute to long-term comfort. 

Keep an Eye Out for Adjustable Features

The most important factor that came up repeatedly during our testing process was adjustability. Adjustability is key for all-day comfort while you work. If your office chair can't be adapted or configured for your height, preferred sitting position, or workspace setup, it won’t be comfortable over time. It’s also important for those who share their office chair with another person.

We looked for office chairs that were adjustable at three key points: armrests, seat height, and lumbar support. Certain options, like the Branch Verve Office Chair, also offer adjustable seat depth, which is especially important for people who are shorter or taller, allowing them to further customize their seating position.

The ability to fine-tune these features to your body and comfort and trust that the adjustability will last over the chair’s lifetime is vital considering you might spend long hours in your office chair, so we prioritized office chairs with easy-to-use and durable adjustability when choosing this list.

Check Seat Dimensions and Backrest Height

You’ll want to ensure your office chair has enough depth and width to comfortably accommodate your bottom for long periods of time. All of the office chairs we tested were comfortable enough to support various members of our team with different body types. Specifically, the Hon Ignition 2.0 Ergonomic Office Chair has a roomy, 20-inch-wide seat that’s a great option for larger bodies.

"The width and height of the chair (to include the armrests) should allow you to sit close in at your desk so that you are never craning or reaching too far forward to work at your desk,” Wu says. The Branch Verve Office Chair has an adjustable seat depth, meaning you can get as close to your desk as necessary.

Additionally, we tended to prefer office chairs with taller backrests, which helped maintain our posture during long workdays. However, taller individuals should check to make sure the backrest is high enough for their liking. We tested a couple of options with adjustable headrests, and we found they were a nice addition but not essential. If you do want an option with an adjustable headrest, you can purchase one with the Branch Verve Office Chair, but it costs extra.

Look for Durable, High-Quality Materials

Although frame materials like steel or aluminum will tend to cost more compared to plastic, they’re also more durable and can extend the lifespan of an office chair. A metal frame will ensure that your office chair can support a sufficient amount of weight, but also may be bulkier or heavier to move around.

Of our top three options, the Boulies Master Series Computer Chair has the most heavyweight and durable base, made from steel and aluminum. On the other hand, the Hon Ignition 2.0 Ergonomic Office Chair has a plastic frame. While the Hon felt very sturdy during testing, it's important to consider its potential long-term durability. The Branch Verve Office Chair has a frame made of both aluminum and polymer, which makes it a happy medium between the Boulies and Hon models.

The cushion fill and cushion cover material are just as important as an office chair's frame. Most of the chairs on our list feature seat cushions filled with foam or a polyester fiber blend. High-density foam will feel comfortable while you sit for long periods, and it also won't compress with daily use.

In our experience, mesh back chairs, like the Branch Verve Office Chair, were the most practical and popular choice among our favorite office chairs, as they provided enough breathability for long periods of time. However, upholstered models like the Boulies Master Series Computer Chair may provide a greater level of comfort if the backrest is padded.

Other Office Chairs We’ve Tried and Love

Trendy and Criss-Cross Friendly

Orange Factory Cross Legged Office Desk Chair

$100 $60 at Amazon

The online buzz surrounding this office chair caught our attention, and after putting it to the test, we believe it can be a good fit for a specific group of people. We don’t recommend it for your average remote worker who spends long hours seated at their desk, since it’s not the most supportive option you can find. 

We like the cushiony seat and backrest, which features 4-inch-thick padding. The chair is constructed with a roomy, 26-inch-wide seat and no armrests, allowing you to sit cross-legged or have your feet up while you work. You can also sit normally in it, though we needed to use it with a throw pillow when working long hours. It’s not super adjustable compared to our top three options, either—the only adjustable features are the tilt and seat height.

We don’t quite recommend sitting crisscrossed for long periods of time, but if you’re someone who likes to change positions often, then you may benefit from an armless model like this. Again, note that this chair is a great pick if you prioritize aesthetics over ergonomics. It is, however, made with a steel frame and high-density foam, though we didn’t think it felt like a standout option in terms of durability.

If you plan on using your office chair in short bursts rather than prolonged periods, this chair should be comfortable enough. This stylish and spacious chair also allows you to move freely, which can make it suitable for a multifunctional area like a vanity or craft space, rather than a traditional workspace.

_{Seat Depth: 19 in. | Seat Height: Not listed | Seat Width: 26 in. | Backrest Height: 17.5 in. | Lumbar Support: No | Material: Alloy steel, high-density foam | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs. | Warranty: None listed}

Cushiony and Elevated

Better Homes & Gardens Juliet Tall Back Office Chair

$200 at Walmart

Ultra-cushioned with a timeless design, the Better Homes & Gardens Juliet Tall Back Office Chair is a one-of-a-kind. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by The Spruce's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.) Finding an office chair that looks refined is no easy feat, but this pick is one of the most inviting options we’ve seen that’s a far cry from a sterile office vibe. 

Although this office chair doesn’t have an ergonomic design, we found it to be exceptionally comfortable. It’s very plush and filled with high-density foam, resembling the feel of a lounger rather than your traditional office chair. We found the seat itself to be quite spacious, and shorter people can put their legs up comfortably.

Surprisingly, we were able to sit on the office chair for six or more hours at a time without any issues. That said, if you require more support, it still may not be the best option for long-term use. Note that this is the least adjustable option on this list, as the only customizable component is its seat height. 

The wooden frame makes this pick very heavy-duty, but it also gives it a more classic look than other options with metal frames. Due to its weight, the item was very difficult to carry into the house and required two people to move it up the stairs. Once placed in the office, we appreciated its sturdy, stable base.

_{Seat Depth: Not listed | Seat Height: Not listed | Seat Width: Not listed | Backrest Height: Not listed | Lumbar Support: None | Material: Polywood, polyester fabric, solid wood, engineered wood, high-density foam | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs. | Warranty: None listed}

Perfect for Gamers

RESPAWN 110 Ergonomic Gaming Chair

$165 at Amazon $166 at Wayfair $165 at Target

Gaming chairs typically offer additional comfort features for long gaming sessions, such as extra padding, a high back, and greater recline options compared to standard office chairs. The Respawn 110 Gaming Chair is thoughtfully designed and affordable, making it a great option for gamers who need to stay comfortable for extended periods.

Throughout our six months of testing, we found this chair exceptionally comfortable for prolonged use. The office chair is cushioned throughout, which helps relieve pressure points. Plus, the 33-inch ultra-high back accommodates taller users, while the 135-degree recline allows you to sit back and lounge. Although this isn’t a feature you may need from a standard office chair, it’s a great feature to have on a gaming chair. 

In terms of construction quality, this chair offers a lot of bang for your buck. Its metal frame ensures durability, and we love the look and texture of the faux leather upholstery. The seat is quite roomy with 22 inches of space between the armrests and a seat depth of 26.4 inches.

This model slightly resembles the Boulies Master Series Computer Chair (our favorite chair for most people), but the Respawn 110 Gaming Chair is a bit less adjustable. While this chair has built-in lumbar support, it’s fixed, meaning you won’t be able to customize the height. That said, we think it’s still a great supportive option for most people.

_{Seat Depth: 26.4 in. | Seat Height: 18.5–22.4 in. | Seat Width: 22 in. | Backrest Height: 33 in. | Lumbar Support: Yes | Material: Metal, faux leather | Weight Capacity: 275 lbs. | Warranty: 5-year limited}

Affordable and Adjustable

Flash Furniture Kelista Mid-Back Task Chair with Flip-Up Arms

$209 $105 at Amazon $150 $105 at Walmart $135 at Wayfair

Simple, durable, and highly adjustable, the Flash Furniture Kelista Office Chair is one of our favorites. This ergonomic office chair strikes a good balance between functionality and aesthetics, which is difficult to achieve. In fact, we think it’s a good budget-friendly alternative to the Branch Verve Office Chair, a similarly ergonomic chair with lots of color options.

This ergonomic chair is great for sitting in for long periods of time—the curved design offers ample lumbar support, and both the tilt and height are also adjustable. The armrests also flip up if you want to save space or sit with your legs up. The lumbar support, while not adjustable, helped prevent discomfort throughout the workday.

One of our editors has used this chair for around two and a half years now, and it's still holding up great. We appreciate its simple design, which isn’t an eyesore or overly bulky. Rather, it has a streamlined look we think could match with a lot of decor styles.

We did notice the mesh material can stain, particularly if you get a lighter color option. However, we think it’s a fair trade-off considering its performance. If potential staining bothers you, there are darker hues to choose from.

_{Seat Depth: 22.5 in. | Seat Height: 17.25–20.75 in. | Seat Width: 24.5 in. | Backrest Height: Not listed | Lumbar Support: Yes | Material: Foam, mesh, nylon, steel | Weight Capacity: 250 lbs. | Warranty: 1-year limited}

Ergonomic and Durable

Office Star ProGrid High Back Managers Chair

$269 at Amazon $254 at Wayfair $263 at Office Depot

This reliably supportive office chair has set itself apart in terms of comfort and durability, becoming one of our favorite value-packed options we’ve tried. We’ve tested this office chair since 2022, and we’re happy to report that this chair is still exceptionally supportive and holding up great. We still use it consistently, and besides some minor scuff marks on the plastic parts, there have been virtually no signs of wear.

The cushion has remained comfortable and the back support eliminated back issues that our tester had experienced with other office chairs. In fact, the support was so substantial that it eliminated the need for a lumbar pillow. We also like that this office chair has a similar design to the Hon Ignition 2.0 Ergonomic Office Chair, but is also a bit less pricey. 

This office chair does everything we’d expect from a budget office chair. The seat height, depth, and armrests are all adjustable. We wish the lumbar support was adjustable, but we think its versatile design should work for most people. The seat also had an exceptionally cushy feel that our tester found to help prevent them from experiencing numbness after long periods of sitting and a sore back at the end of the day.

Note that the chair is quite heavy and demands a lengthy building process. While the purchase included an Allen wrench, we found it was too long for certain parts of the construction, which was frustrating. Additionally, when the armrests were at full extension, we found they would wobble and weren’t particularly stable.

_{Seat Depth: 19.5 in. | Seat Height: 22.75 in. | Seat Width: 21 in. | Backrest Height: 24 in. | Lumbar Support: Yes | Material: Alloy steel, polypropylene, foam, mesh fabric, engineered wood, nylon, polyester | Weight Capacity: 250 lbs. | Warranty: Lifetime for parts and components, 3-year upholstery and foam}

Tradeoffs to Consider

Despite our years of research and testing, we have yet to find an office chair that has it all: a low price, prolonged comfort, and an aesthetically pleasing look. Don’t get us wrong: All of the options we’ve included in this list are some of the best you can find, but you’ll likely have to figure out which factors mean the most to you before purchasing.

Quality and Price (Usually) Go Hand in Hand

The good news about the best home office chairs is that they exist all along a price spectrum, meaning there truly is something for everyone’s budget. The office chairs on our list run between $65 and $699 at the time of publication, with the most expensive design being the Branch Verve Office Chair.

However, we’ve learned you typically get what you pay for in terms of office chair quality. You can find a budget-friendly office chair that’s ergonomic, but there will likely be tradeoffs, whether that be a tedious assembly, lack of bells and whistles, or inadequate support.

Sure, there are a few affordable but basic options available, but if you’re sitting on your chair for eight or more hours per day, it’s worth it to invest in adjustability features, durable materials, and a comfortable design. Not all budget-friendly chairs sacrifice comfort, but many cheaper options will lack the support needed for long-term use.

The Most Comfortable Chairs Aren’t That Stylish

Keep in mind that the best chairs to sit in for long periods of time do not have a reputation for style. (No, your back-friendly office chair probably won’t match with the rest of your farmhouse decor.) For the most part, we’ve found the best ergonomic options prioritize function over form and are often made with bulky shapes and clunky mechanisms.

Of course, style is subjective. We’ve included several ergonomic options that come in some fun colors, like the Branch Verve Office Chair and the Flash Furniture Kelista Office Chair. These office chairs are a bit more subdued than other options we’ve tried, but don’t sacrifice support. 

However, folks who don’t use their office chair very often may care more about aesthetics than ergonomics. If that’s the case, we recommend checking out the Better Homes & Gardens Juliet Tall Back Office Chair and the Orange Factory Cross Legged Office Desk Chair. These options are still cushiony and feel comfortable in the short term, but they may not provide the support necessary for full workdays.

A Quick Note About Warranties and Return Policies

While an office chair may have rave reviews and seem great online, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for you and your needs. As a result, it’s important to consider options with fair and reasonable returns. 

Most of the chairs on our list have at least 30-day return windows, except for the Office Star Boulies Master Series Computer Chair, which must be returned within 14 days, unused, in its original packaging.

Additionally, you should check whether or not an office chair is backed by a manufacturer's warranty, so you can have peace of mind when investing in these pieces. We appreciate that the Hon Ignition 2.0 Ergonomic Office Chair has a full lifetime warranty that covers all parts of the chair.

How We Tested the Office Chairs

Our team has rigorously tested over 30 top-rated office chairs from leading brands in both The Lab and our homes since 2022. In our most recent round of testing, we had members of our team work from home with each chair for several weeks and had them evaluate comfort, support, adjustability, durability, ease of assembly, and value. We also surveyed our editors to gain some insight into what kinds of office chairs they used in their work-from-home setup.

Each chair was evaluated on its comfort level, taking into account the amount of padding, as well as the shape and size. Testers also assessed long-term comfort, which goes hand and hand with support. Testers were asked to describe how much they needed to readjust when sitting in the office chair for an extended period, and report whether or not they felt any soreness.

We tended to favor options that had multiple adjustable components, including armrests, seat height, and lumbar support. This allowed us to customize every single aspect of the chair to fit a range of bodies and ensure proper fit, but this wasn’t always available in more budget-friendly models.

Testers also described how sturdy and stable the office chair felt, and in general, we preferred options that had a strong and durable frame. If testers needed to clean the chair, we asked them to rate how easy it was to clean the upholstery material. We also noted any stains and scuffs during this time.

All office chairs that were not already fully assembled were put together by us. For the most part, we didn’t run into any major issues during this process, so we didn’t mention it unless the assembly was super confusing or difficult. Finally, we considered the price point and judged whether or not the quality was reflective of the retail price.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Bianca Pineda has been writing and testing all kinds of home products since 2022. As someone who works from home most days, she requires an office chair that keeps her comfortable and supported all day long. That said, her tiny NYC apartment doesn’t exactly have the space for a home office—which is why she also prefers a chair that matches the rest of her bedroom decor.

Our Experts:

• Karena Wu, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS, CKTP, CPI, FAAOMPT, a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in NYC and India.