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The 7 Best Office Chairs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Expert-approved office chairs to keep you upright and productive all day long

Group of office chairs lined up against a blue wall

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

If you do any work at a desk for hours each day, you need an office chair that’s not only comfortable, but also functional. Sure, you need a cushioned surface to sit on; but it’s also important that your office chair supports your back and feet. Because the best office chairs are ones that’ll keep you seated in a comfortable, ergonomic position, we put 22 chairs to test to see how they held up throughout a typical workday over the course of six months. We tested both traditional office chairs and more specialized options, like gaming chairs, which tend to have more adjustability and comfort-enhancing features. 

From an adjustable seat height to armrests that raise, twist, or angle, the best office chairs offer customizable adjustments to suit users of different shapes, sizes, and work environments. We discovered that individuals of different heights and work environments have different opinions on which chairs are the most comfortable and supportive, our testing proved that regardless of how you work, support—especially for your back–is key to a top-tier office chair.

In order to achieve proper support (and a good level of comfort) while working from an office chair, you’ll need to make sure your chair has multiple adjustment points, such as adjustable height, arm rests, and lumbar support. This will allow you to fine-tune your position at your desk for proper ergonomics. While we’ve found the most adjustable and customizable office chairs also tend to be the most expensive, our testing proved that it’s possible to find great ergonomic options for under $250.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair

Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair, Black

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Lumbar Support
    4/5
  • Adjustability
    4/5
  • Design
    5/5
What We Like
  • Easy to assemble

  • Glides over wood and carpet floors

  • Optimal lower lumbar support

  • Consistent all-day comfort

What We Don't Like
  • Can’t adjust back angle

  • Arms may show wear easily

The Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair takes the cake as our best overall because it’s a triple threat—easy to assemble, supportive, and visually appealing. Assembly is a breeze, allowing you to sit comfortably in your modern home office and let the chair do the heavy lifting. In our testing, we loved that the components were clearly marked and white gloves were included (an unusual detail for most furniture pieces!) to help prevent our hands from getting covered in grease from the wheels. It was a nice touch to keep the process simple and clean. 

We also found this adjustable chair excelled in comfort. With a soft cushioned seat, adjustable lumbar support, and durable armrests, the ergonomic chair is well-suited for those long work-from-home days where comfort is crucial. The mesh back allows for optimal airflow so you won’t get sweaty, and it’s pretty easy to clean, too. That said, an office chair is only as good as it can move––and we liked how easy this model’s wheels were to maneuver. It glided effortlessly over both hard floors and carpeting, making it a versatile pick for any home.  

Another detail we loved was the adjustability. This chair is equipped with multiple adjustment levers, knobs, and pneumatic devices (meaning compressed air is used to lift or lower each component), all of which make angling and positioning easy. We found the reclining action smooth, and it was easy to lower or raise to very precise heights. However, there was one pain point: The angle of the chair back could only recline to two angles, 100 or 120 degrees, or be fully upright at 90 degrees. We would’ve preferred to be able to slightly recline or choose a customized angle, but this wasn’t a dealbreaker for us.

How It Performed Long-Term

After six months of daily use, this office chair was still impressing us with its all-day comfort. We put it through plenty of wear, sitting in it for seven to eight hours each day. We’d still highly recommend it due to the multiple adjustment options, which make it nicely customizable in support, position, and overall ergonomics for users of all shapes and sizes. However, we did find in our testing that shorter individuals––particularly those under 5 foot 6 inches in height––and those who like to sit cross-legged while working may not find it the most comfortable.

However, we did notice the chair started to wear after months of use. The right arm––the side we found ourselves preferring and leaning on most often––is torn in multiple places, but not to an extent that we can’t use it anymore. We don’t love that it’s already showing clear signs of use. But when it came to comfort and ergonomics, this office chair was still hard to beat.

Dimensions:  26 x 23.6 x 42  inches | Material: Mesh, stainless steel | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds

Best Budget

Amazon Basics Low-Back Office Desk Chair

Amazon Basics Low-Back Office Desk Chair

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Comfort
    3/5
  • Lumbar Support
    3/5
  • Adjustability
    2/5
  • Design
    3/5
What We Like
  • Comfortable seat cushion

  • Locks into place for optimal height

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't
  • Limited adjustability

  • No armrests

This simple Amazon Basics Office Chair is a no-frills option for those seeking a comfortable place to sit in their home office––and it’s got a great budget-friendly price at less than $100. It’s a more stripped-down version of a traditional office chair (without dedicated lumbar support, arm rests, or a headrest), but in our testing we found it offered a good amount of all-day comfort, is constructed out of durable materials, and features smooth-rolling casters that’ll suit both carpeting and hardwood floors or chair mats.

While this chair doesn’t come with armrests or a headrest, you will find a mesh back panel and padded fabric cushion. We particularly liked the mesh material, which felt comfortable and was easy to clean. Though this chair isn’t the most ergonomic option since the back doesn’t have much lumbar support, we found the seat extremely comfortable for long-term use. We also liked the curved shaped of the chair back, which provided decent support for us while seated. Plus, the chair’s seat is adjustable and can be lifted or lowered, making it suitable for users of various heights.

In addition to its armless design, this chair is also pretty limited in its adjustability. We didn’t love the lack of options; for example, the lumbar support can’t be changed and neither can the chair back or seat angle. For a budget office chair, however, we found the height adjustments perfectly suitable.

Dimensions:  21.25 x 22.5  x 38  inches | Material: Mesh | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds

Best Splurge

Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair

Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Lumbar Support
    3/5
  • Adjustability
    3/5
  • Design
    3/5
What We Like
  • Arrives fully assembled

  • Holds shape and quality over time

  • Highly adjustable

  • Ergonomic, with good back support

What We Don't Like
  • Armrests aren’t adjustable

  • Wheels get caught on rug or carpet edges

Investing in a quality desk and office chair can cost a pretty penny, but it’s well worth it if you spend a majority of the day working––and choose a chair that delivers on its investment, like the Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair. From the moment we opened the box and found the fully-assembled chair inside, we were impressed. As we tried this product out for ourselves, we found the support, comfort, and even material of the office chair were all splurge-level quality.

As you might guess based on the price tag, this office chair provides optimal middle and lower back support and sturdy armrests. To adjust the chair, you’ll use two knobs and a lever. However, the armrests are not adjustable; instead, they’re rigid and stay in a fixed position. While we wish they were adjustable, this detail wasn’t a dealbreaker for us. 

When it comes to quality materials, this office chair has them from top to bottom. We liked the breathable, durable, and easy-to-clean mesh backing, and we found the seat nicely comfortable for long periods of time. The lumbar support was another standout detail. With numerous levers and knobs for a customized adjustment, we could fine-tune the chair to properly and fully support our lower back and get into an ergonomic position easily. The only small issue was the wheels, which rolled smoothly––until they encountered a rug edge or switch from hardwood to carpet, where they frequently got caught.

How It Performed Long-Term

As we used this high-end office chair over the course of six months, we were pleased to find it more durable than we anticipated. We’d thought the mesh might not hold up, but it looked just as new at the end of our testing period as it did out of the box. We also didn’t note any changes to the chair’s quality or appearance overall, making it one that lasts even with over 80 hours of use each week.

We were also pleased with the difference this office chair made in our posture and position while working. It improved our comfort immensely, putting us in a wonderfully ergonomic position while sitting for over 12 hours a day. We noticed aches and discomfort were reduced, and as we got increasingly familiar with the adjustment options, we were able to really hone in and make it extra comfortable.

Dimensions: 25.75 x 16  x 34.25  inches |Material: Not listed | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds

Best Ergonomic

Office Star ProGrid Managers Chair

Office Star ProGrid High Back Managers Chair

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    3/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Lumbar Support
    3/5
  • Adjustability
    5/5
  • Design
    4/5
What We Like
  • Numerous ways to adjust the seat

  • Good lumbar support

  • Comfortable seat cushion

What We Don't Like
  • Difficult to assemble

  • Armrests may rattle

The best office chairs are those which boast an ergonomic design that can help you remain efficient and comfortable throughout the day. This chair has a high back with a ProGrid mesh panel that works to support good posture and provide lumbar support without being too thick. The height adjustment lever is easy to use so you can move it up and down depending on how you like to be positioned. There’s even the ability to adjust the tilt and depth of the seat which is more than a majority of the other options on this list. As for the seat, it’s very comfortable with a gel-like cushioning that may help unwanted numbing sensations generally associated with sitting for long periods of time on a stiff chair.

Although the chair has armrests, you might notice that they rattle which can be a bit distracting especially if you’re on a video call or in a meeting. Also, to move it over an office rug you’ll need to lift it up since it’ll likely get stuck depending on the thickness and consistency.

Dimensions:  29 x 28 x 46.25 inches |Material: Engineered wood, mesh, foam, alloy steel, polypropylene | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds

Best Gaming

RESPAWN 110 Racing Style Gaming Chair

RESPAWN 110 Racing Style Gaming Chair

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Lumbar Support
    5/5
  • Adjustability
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
What We Like
  • Cushioned armrest and lumbar support

  • Multiple adjustment angles and options

  • Comfortable, cushioned seat

  • Reclines up to 155 degrees

What We Don't Like
  • No written instructions

  • Wheels struggle moving from wood to carpet

Many office chairs can be used as gaming chairs, but we like that this stylish one from Respawn is made specifically for long hours and various gaming comforts. The race car-style chair is equipped with an adjustable headrest, lumbar support, and padded armrests, and we particularly liked the addition of a pillow-like cushion for the lower back. In our testing, we found it so comfortable you could arguably take a nap in it during the middle of the day. 

Aside from the ergonomic design, we also liked the reclining capability of this chair. It can recline between 90 and 155 degrees, bringing you from fully upright to laying practically horizontal, which makes it easy to adjust to the right angle for your needs and comfort. As for rotation, the chair can go in a full 360 degrees circle so you can see everything around you without having to get up. Plus, there’s an extendable footrest so you prop your feet up while gaming. 

You’ll want to note, however, that the chair doesn’t come with any written instructions—the assembly instructions are just illustrations, but we found the illustrations pretty straightforward. The only slight pain point we discovered was with the wheel casters. They were wider than typical for an office chair (or gaming chair), and they didn’t roll onto carpet well. Once we got the chair on the carpet, it was smooth rolling, but we found we needed to back the chair up when moving from hardwood to carpet.

How It Performed Long-Term

We continued using this gaming chair up to three times a week at our desk. It maintained its comfort, keeping us feeling well-supported and ache-free over the course of testing. Our favorite feature remained the lumbar support pillow, which we found super comfortable and easy to adjust (though we do wish we could pull it down a little lower for the ultimate customized position!).

Overall, we found this chair to be durable and nicely supportive over months of use. The cushion didn’t develop signs of wear or change in the comfort and cushioning it provides. We did get used to using the wider wheel casters and kept the chair on carpeting to eliminate those clunky transitions from smooth flooring to thicker carpeted surfaces. 

Dimensions: 21.3 x 28.1 x 54.5  inches | Material: Leather | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds

Best Faux Leather

Soho Management Chair

Soho Soft Pad Management Chair

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Comfort
    2/5
  • Lumbar Support
    3/5
  • Adjustability
    3/5
  • Design
    4/5
What We Like
  • High weight capacity

  • Modern and functional

  • Very little rolling resistance

What We Don't Like
  • Not comfortable for all bodies

  • May be short for taller individuals

If you’re searching for a chair that’ll add to your stylish home office, the SOHO Management Chair is a perfect fit. This attractive office chair looks sleek, with faux leather upholstery and shiny chrome hardware––and no visible adjustment knobs or levers. From our first use, we loved the eye-catching style of this good-looking chair, which adds some modern flair paired with great functionality. The strong aluminum base can support up to 450 pounds, while the faux leather is soft, smooth, and easy to clean.

When we tested this product, we liked that it offered the ability to recline slightly and adjust both the seat height and tilt. A handy locking feature on the recline mechanism was also a perk, as we could keep it at just the right angle. In fact, the more we used this office chair, the more we found to like. Another standout detail were the smooth-rolling wheels, which featured little to no rolling resistance on all types of flooring.

Overall, we feel this faux leather office chair is well-constructed and looks fantastic in most offices. It balances comfort and functionality well, offering seat adjustability as well as the ability to recline back.

How It Performed Long-Term

As we continued using this office chair over the course of six months, we did encounter some pain points. Over time, the chair became uncomfortable, particularly for users who were taller. The metal armrests dug into the hips of some of our testers, and we found its more narrow seat was better for smaller individuals.

Additionally, while the seat height is easily adjustable, our taller testers found it fell short. We would’ve preferred it to raise a few additional inches in height to better position our legs and keep our feet flat on the floor. So, while we like the style of this chair and find it nicely comfortable for some, it may not be the most comfortable option for all bodies.

Dimensions:  25 x 25 x 36.5 inches | Material: Faux leather, chrome plated steel | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds

Best Upholstered

Three Posts Mayson Executive Chair

Three Posts Mayson Executive Chair

Wayfair

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    3/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Lumbar Support
    3/5
  • Adjustability
    2/5
  • Design
    3/5
What We Like
  • Well-cushioned seat

  • Optimal lumbar support

  • Durable, quality materials

What We Don't Like
  • Lumbar support and height can’t be adjusted

  • Difficult to move across all flooring

An upholstered office chair can serve as an office decoration and a supportive place to sit during long work days. With a weathered-wood finish, this modern farmhouse-inspired chair is upholstered in low-pile polyester velvet. When we put it to the test, we were impressed by its quality materials––including that velvet fabric––and the plush, well-cushioned seat.

The seat in particular was a standout detail for us, as we found it incredibly comfortable. It was thick with cushioning, with extra padding in the seat and some comfort-enhancing padding at the back and arm rests, too. We also thought the lumbar support was perfectly dialed in, and our lower back was well-supported. However, it’s worth noting that the lumbar support isn’t adjustable, so this may not be the cause for every user.

Though the chair does not recline, we didn’t find that to be a drawback. Depending on your height, the seat can be adjusted from 20 to 23 inches by pulling a lever so you can move up or down as needed while in your office. If you’d like a more customizable chair, this may not be the best fit; however, we found it worked well for our height and ergonomic needs.

We also found one notable issue with this office chair: its wheels. It was difficult to move across both smooth wood floors and carpeted floors. We found ourselves scooting around with multiple small movements than being able to glide to and from our desk, which was a bit of a pain point throughout the day.

Dimensions: 43 x 27 x 28 inches |Material: Steel, manufactured wood, polyester | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair, which has a soft, well-cushioned seat and adjustable lumbar support making it suitable for long work days at the office. If you’re looking to splurge, check out the Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair. This office chair arrives at your doorstep fully assembled and offers both middle and lower back support and easily adjustable knobs to optimize the chair to your specific preferences.

Person tilting the Container Store Grey Flat Bungee Office Chair With Arms to look at the bottom

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

How We Tested the Office Chairs

We tested 22 office chairs at The Lab to determine the best office chairs. We evaluated each chair based on the following factors — setup, comfort, lumbar support, adjustability, design, durability, and overall value. While our team of testers sat on each office chair to determine how it would feel and perform under usual use conditions, we also knelt on the seats, played around with all of the different adjustment options, and put the reclining mechanisms through their paces to determine just how well-built (and how easy to use) each chair was in a real-life setting.

Over the course of our testing, we found that every chair we tried was easy to set up. Some included extra equipment or perks, like the white gloves sent with the Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair (our best overall pick); however, across the board, it took roughly 26 minutes on average to get each chair ready for use. 

To test out the chairs’ comfort and support, we used them like any other office chair, setting them up at our desks and sitting in them throughout our workdays over the course of the testing period. We noted how the seat felt and supported us initially, and how that feeling potentially changed over course of everyday use for months. We found that mesh chairs like the Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair (our best splurge option) and the Office Star Pro-Line II ProGrid High Back Managers Chair (our best ergonomic pick) tended to offer great durability, maintaining their initial comfort and support without any issue.

When it came to adjustability in particular, we discovered that the more adjustable components an office chair had, the more our testers were able to achieve a comfortable, ergonomic position while at work. Adjustability was critical in helping users of various sizes (particularly different heights) find a sitting position that supported their arms, back, and legs for long periods of time.

Ultimately, our testing process showed us that picking an office chair is a personal choice––some users might want more cushioning and comfort, while others may prize adjustability above all else. While some of the chairs we tried out were rated highly in categories like design and durability, others outdid the competition in adjustability, comfort, and price. These subtle differences helped us classify which office chairs would be best for different needs.

What to Look for in an Office Chair

Adjustability

Adjustability is a key component to consider when purchasing an office chair. According to, Ashley Rawlins, PT, DPT, Origin Physical Therapist, you want your chair to have adjustable height to suit you and your desk for proper ergonomic positioning: “It’s important to adjust your chair height so when your hands are on the keyboard, your elbows are at or just above the height of your desk.” 

Many of the chairs on our list feature multiple adjustment options, from seats that can be raised and lowered to armrests that can be height-adjusted to seat tilt changes. Our best overall choice, the Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair, offers great adjustment to achieve more customized comfort. Similarly, the RESPAWN 110 Racing Style Gaming Chair (our best gaming pick) is easily adjustable with its lever to maneuver up and down and a reclining mechanism which can be adjusted to different angles for easy viewing. 

Additionally, you’ll want to check if the office chair has removable armrests. When “armrests are out of the way, you are able to scoot as close to your desk as you need, which prevents you from having to lean forward to reach your keyboard, or reaching your neck forward to see your monitor clearly,” says Rawlins. While we found that armrests were preferred by most office chair users in our testing, the Amazon Basics Low-Back Office Chair (our best budget pick) is a great option for anyone who wants to go armrest-free for a closer seat.

Wheel Material and Type

You might hear office chair wheels referred to as “casters––the two are interchangeable. Wheels are casters, and both words refer to the round piece that rolls, rotates, and allows your chair to move around.

Wheels are made out of different materials; you’ll find office chairs that feature ones made out of plastic, nylon, and polyurethane most commonly. Plastic wheels are the cheapest and least durable of the bunch, and they’re typically small and attached to chair bases in pairs of two. These wheels don’t roll very smoothly on all surfaces, and they can struggle to glide over thicker carpeting and rugs.

On the other hand, nylon and polyurethane tend to roll more smoothly and are gentler on hardwood flooring. Nylon and polyurethane wheels typically look like rollerblade wheels, with a single wheel that rolls soundlessly.

In addition to these materials, office chairs typically come with one of the following types of wheels for easy maneuvering and movement:

  • Swivel wheels, which rotate 360 degrees and can maneuver in any direction with ease.
  • Rigid wheels, which only roll forward or backward, limiting a chair’s ability to roll.
  • Locking wheels, which can be locked to prevent motion if you’d like. These are the least common option available.

When shopping for an office chair, you’ll want to look at the types of wheels included on the chairs you’re considering to see whether or not they’ll work with your current flooring. For example, some office chair wheels don’t seamlessly roll over carpets, whereas others can make the transition between hardwood and carpet without issue.

The RESPAWN 110 Racing Style Gaming Chair, in our experience, is better suited for hardwood floors with its wide wheel casters. On the other hand, we found the Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair’s rollerblade caster wheels were more versatile, as these smooth-gliding wheels worked seamlessly on both wood and carpet, without getting stuck along the way. 

Comfort


Comfort is key when it comes to being productive while you work. “The perfect office chair should meet your personal style as well as your preference for comfort and allow your body to be ergonomically aligned,” says Lucia Gruber, design expert and author of The Ultimate Home Office Design

We found the Office Star Pro-Line II ProGrid High Back Managers Chair (our best ergonomic pick) to be especially comfortable thanks to its gel-like cushioned seat and soft mesh backing. However, foam padded options like the Three Posts Mayson Drafting Chair (our best upholstered pick) can also prove comfortable, particularly when they’re well-padded in key areas like the seat and armrests.

For optimal comfort, Sandra Gail Frayna, founder of Hudson Premier Physical Therapy & Sports, recommends trying to sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor while ensuring your lower back and lumbar has proper support (the chair’s lumbar support component should fit the curve of your back). “Make sure to keep your shoulders relaxed and your elbows close to your body,” she adds.

Lumbar Support


Arguably one of the most important factors in choosing the best office chair is to look at the lumbar support. “You should feel like you are sitting perfectly upright without any effort or strain anywhere in your body,” says Rawlins. “This will help to support the natural curves of your spine without having to use your muscles to hold yourself there all day, which will fatigue your muscles and contribute to aches and pains.”

The Three Posts Mayson Drafting Chair has optimal lumbar support with plush foam filling for comfort and support in the back and bottom cushions. Another standout option is the Office Star Pro-Line chair. With so many different options when it comes to adjustments, it’s a breeze to shift and angle the lumbar support on this chair into just the right position for all-day comfort.

Material

Office chairs can be made with all different kinds of materials, and each material has its own benefits and disadvantages. In our testing, we found that mesh is the most popular––and common––material, and it’s one that suits everyday use well. Mesh is breathable, allowing for airflow when you’re sitting for long periods of time. Plus, in our tests, we found that mesh is nicely durable, holding up to long-term use with no changes at all.

There are other perks to a mesh office chair, too. “Breathable mesh is highly comfortable, supports excellent posture, and is more cost-effective,” notes Gruber. Our favorite pick for mesh is the Office Star Pro-Line, which has a high back with a ProGrid mesh panel to support good posture and provide lumbar support without being too thick.

Other office chair materials, like the faux leather of the Soho Management Chair, can also be great picks, depending on what you’re looking for. Leather, faux leather, and upholstered chairs tend to look sleeker and more stylish in your office. However, these materials aren’t as breathable as mesh, and they may not be as durable, either. Faux leather, for example, can easily show signs of wear, especially if you have pets who also like to “use” your office chair.

Customizable Components 


You’ll also want to consider the customizable components of each office chair. Many of the best office chairs offer the option to customize seat height and angle, the seat back angle, lumber support positioning, headrest height, and even the armrest positioning or height. The more features you’re able to customize to your liking, the more you can fine-tune your comfort for all-day use.

The Office Star Pro-Line II ProGrid High Back Managers Chair, for example, has numerous customizable components from the height and depth to the tilt and leverage. The same applies to the RESPAWN 110 Racing Style Gaming Chair which can be customized with headrests of different heights, a foot reclining mechanism, and a 360 degrees rotation. 

Two people testing office chairs while another observes

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Casey Clark, a writer specializing in home products who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2023. Clark consulted with a variety of experts — physical therapists and office furniture experts — for insight into what to look for in office chairs in terms of comfort, ergonomics, and price. She also factored in testing from the testing team at the Spruce. 

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