A new chair is a great upgrade to level up your home office. Many of these top-rated models are on sale for the 4th of July holiday. Read on for details or check out the best 4th of July sales happening right now across all categories.
The perfect desk chair for you is one that you don’t really notice during your workday, whether you’re working from home or in the office. Instead, it allows you to be productive and feel supported while you go about your tasks, wrapping up the day in comfort—not with back or neck pain. The best office chairs are designed with ergonomic features so you can stay comfortable, even when you have to be seated for long stretches.
Herman Miller’s Aeron Chair has an ergonomic design—features like a mesh back, sturdy base and three … [+] different sizes to choose from—that ensures you’ll remain comfortable throughout the day.
Herman Miller
“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 based in southern New Jersey. In a perfect world, you’d be able to customize the height and angle of your chair to find the position that’s just right for you. If you’re on a tight budget, though, you at least want a chair that allows you to adjust the arm support and height.
To compile our list of the best office chairs on the market, we analyzed bestsellers and narrowed down the field based on factors like ease of use, comfort and value. With that in mind, these are the best models out there to help you work more comfortably, regardless of your budget.
Best Overall Office Chair
A Comfortable Contoured Chair At A Reasonable Price
Dimensions: 28.5 x 27 x 44.5 inches
Color options: Black, fog
Base movement: Swivel
High-end office chairs can be expensive, but the Ignition 2.0 delivers all the features you need at a pretty modest price tag. It’s made from a stretchy mesh with a contoured seat cushion that offers all-day comfort, and there are many ways you can adjust the chair to fit your needs.
You can configure both the height and width of the chair’s arms, and it also features pneumatic seat height adjustment, tension control and a synchro-tilt mechanism. There’s even a model with a sliding seat for additional customization. Adjustable lumbar support will help to keep your back in an ergonomic position, and the five-star base has smooth-rolling casters that allow you to move around your office with ease.
Pros:
Several useful adjustable features
Optional sliding seat
Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
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Best Budget Office Chair
A Budget-Friendly Chair With A Convenient Headrest
Dimensions: 21.2 x 18.9 x 45.3 inches
Color options: Black
Base movement: Swivel
This office chair from Noblewell is one of the most affordable options you’ll find that prioritizes proper ergonomics. The budget-friendly chair has a high mesh back with an adjustable headrest, and its breathable design is ideal for stuffy spaces.
Additionally, this chair can be adjusted in several ways: You can tweak the lumbar support, armrests, seat height and waist height to suit your needs and keep you comfortable for long periods. The backrest supports 90 to 135 degrees tilt adjustment, and the casters roll silently while offering good stability.
Pros:
Budget-friendly
Adjustable design features
Built-in headrest
Cons:
Best Ergonomic Office Chair
An Option With Adjustable Lumbar Support That Helps Combat Back Pain
Dimensions: 26 x 23.6 x 42 inches
Color options: Black
Base movement: Swivel
4th Of July sale:This ergonomic chair is on sale for $290. An $18 coupon drops the price to $272.
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 move the piece up and down, as well as in and out, to find the most comfortable position for your body.
This chair has several other useful features, as well. It has a contoured seat cushion and adjustable armrests, backrest and headrest (via tilt). Plus, it’s backed by a 5-year warranty.
Pros:
Two-way lumbar adjustment
Numerous adjustable features
5-year warranty
Cons:
Best Office Chair For Back Pain
A Fully Customizable Chair With A Unique Back
Dimensions: 24.5 x 26 x 40.75 inches
Color options: Black, fog, crepe and a handful of other color options for the seat and frame
Base movement: Swivel
The Sayl Chair from Herman Miller offers a unique modern design that’s extremely comfortable and highly adjustable. It has a flexible elastomer back that keeps your spine in proper ergonomic alignment. You can also opt for adjustable lumbar support to help reduce back pain. There are a variety of other adjustable features available for 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 upholster options for the seat. It’s also available with two types of caster wheels—one for carpet and one for hard floors.
What Our Staffers Say:
“I splurged on the Sayl after transitioning to working from home, and it’s been a worthy investment. My favorite part about the chair is how adjustable it is—it’s a cinch to change the arm rests, back, and height. 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.” —Anna Perling, reviews editor
Pros:
Many customization options
Proper spine support
Unique, modern design
Cons:
Adjustable features at an additional cost
Best Splurge-Worthy Office Chair
An Ergonomic Chair With Adjustments You Didn’t Know You Needed
Dimensions: 16.75 x 27 x 41 inches
Color options: Black, graphite, polished aluminum and more
Base movement: Swivel
For those who spend eight hours (or more) per day sitting in an office chair, the Aeron from Herman Miller is a worthwhile splurge. It has an ergonomic design—features like a mesh back, sturdy base and three different sizes to choose from—that ensures you’ll remain comfortable throughout the day.
The chair offers plenty of adjustments, too. It has a tilt adjustment along with a seat angle adjustment, plus the arms are fully adjustable and there’s an option to add a lumbar pad for extra support. Best of all, it’s backed by a 12-year warranty to protect your investment.
What Our Staffers Say:
“Herman Miller sells chairs in different sizes (small, medium and large) so they ‘fit’ the user. There are also plenty of adjustments and optional add-ons for a customizable fit. My Aeron chair is super comfy and cool—I especially love the tilt feature that lets you lean back!” —Karen Tietjen, associate updates editor
Pros:
Highly-customizable design
Variety of adjustable features
12-year warranty
Cons:
Best Mesh Office Chair
A Supportive Chair That Won’t Make You Sweat
Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 53 inches
Color options: Black, burgundy, grey and more
Base movement: Swivel
Mesh office chairs are ideal for hot summer days, as they’re extremely breathable and don’t retain heat. The Oline ErgoPro is a top choice in this category for its adjustability for maximum comfort. Plus, it’s available in several colors to match your space.
This chair allows you to adjust the headrest, armrests, height and knee tilt, as well as the tilt tension as needed. The dynamic lumbar support responds to the amount of pressure placed on it, and the chair comes with a 5-year warranty.
Pros:
Breathable mesh construction
Multiple colors available
Dynamic lumbar support
Cons:
275-pound maximum capacity
Best Office Chair On Amazon
An Inexpensive Option With Fold-Up Arms
Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 30 inches
Color options: Black
Base movement: Swivel
4th Of July sale:This highly adjustable chair is on sale for $170. A $30 coupon drops the price to $140.
The Mimoglad office chair has everything you need in a desk chair without the bells and whistles you don’t. 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. Thick padding helps cushion your butt, even 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.
Pros:
Good price
Armrests flip up
Adjustable lumbar support
Cons:
Most Comfortable Office Chair
A Budget-Friendly, Modern Chair That’s Looks Expensive
Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 37 inches
Color options: Dark grey, brown, blue and many more
Base movement: Swivel
If you’re looking for a modern desk chair that will look great in any environment, consider the Soho Soft Pad Management Chair from Laura Davidson Furniture. Available in several colors, this chair offers that classic Eames style: incredibly durable leatherette seating surface and a solid steel frame build.
The chair isn’t just beautiful—it’s comfortable too. There are adjustments for height, seat tilt and swivel, and the chair has foam back and seat cushions to keep you comfortable during long meetings.
Pros:
Attractive mid-century modern design
Features foam back and seat cushions
Available in several colors
Cons:
Best Big And Tall Office Chair
A Highly Adjustable Chair That’s Made For Taller Workers
Dimensions: 23 x 34 x 44 inches
Color options: Licorice
Base movement: Swivel
The Steelcase Gesture Office Desk Chair is an ideal option for tall people, as it comes in a high-backed seat with a 400-pound weight capacity. The chair offers a number of adjustments, including its headrest and high-tech armrests, which move with your arms to provide support in virtually any position. The seat cushion is also more flexible than most, providing comfort no matter the sitting position.
What Our Staffers Say:
“About two years ago, I upgraded my home office to a Steelcase Gesture after trying a handful of other, less expensive chairs. It was pricey, but I am thrilled with the result. The seat is comfortable for all-day use and does a great job of supporting my back no matter how I’m sitting. The optional headrest is a revelation—super adjustable and always there to support my neck and head when I need it. And 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.” —Dave Johnson, deputy editor
Pros:
Higher-than-average weight capacity
Armrests move with your arms
Cons:
Expensive
Armrests aren’t padded
Best Office Chair for Gaming
An Attention-Grabbing Chair With Extra Padding
Dimensions: 33 x 26 x 21.5 inches
Color options: Black, pink, green, red and more
Base movement: Swivel
4th Of July sale: Pay only $110 for this stylish gaming chair thanks to a coupon that shaves an extra $10 of the normal price.
Planning to game? This chair from Homall is designed to keep you comfortable while you get down to business. It features high-density foam to support your whole body, plus you can adjust both the height and armchairs. Multi-directional wheels make it easy to cruise around while seated. There’s even a special function that allows you to rock back and forth when the mood strikes.
Pros:
Cool, distinct look
Included lumbar cushion
Adjustable armrests
Cons:
Best Office Chair With Armrests
This Model Doesn’t Skimp On The Arm Support
Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 43 inches
Color options: Black, white
Base movement: Swivel
While you probably wouldn’t buy an office chair just for the armrests, having one with a comfortable place to fully rest your forearms is a definite perk. The Alera has arms with soft polyurethane pads that are adjustable by height and width, giving you plenty of options. You can also adjust several points in the chair’s tilt and height to help you get that just-right feel, while its breathable mesh back keeps you cool on hot days.
Pros:
Classic style
Low price
Armrests have adjustable height and width
Cons:
Seat may be too tall for shorter people
How Do I Choose An Office Chair?
As you compare different chairs, consider these key factors to help you narrow down your selection and pick the best model for your needs.
Adjustability
No two bodies are alike, and the best office chairs are the ones that can be adjusted to fit your own body and personal workspace. “An ergonomic chair has adjustable seat heights, adjustable arm support, seat depth adjustment, tilting or reclining mechanism, back support with height adjustment to fit the curvature of the spine and neck and lumbar support,” says Dr. Shah.
Lumbar Support
In particular, you’ll 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.
Materials
As you compare different office chairs, you’ll want to consider the materials they’re made of. Seats are often made from foam (high-density is best, as it will last longer), and some are contoured to fit your body more comfortably. It’s common for chairs to have mesh backs, which are more breathable, while upholstered foam versions generally provide more support.
Weight Capacity
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.
Accessories
“Accessories, such as a lumbar pillow, may also work to help the chair form fit to one’s body and help to support the muscles in the lower back,” explains Dr. Shah.
Which Chairs Are Best For Your Back?
“Sitting in a comfortable chair allows one to hold the head comfortably over the pelvis without having the muscles do much extra work to bring the head in line over the pelvis,” explains Dr. Shah. “As such, chairs with built-in adjustable supports for the back and neck would be a good start, as they will work towards alleviating extra muscle work.”
Who Is A Mesh Back Office Chair Good For?
There are several benefits to mesh office chairs. Perhaps most importantly, mesh chairs are extremely breathable, preventing your back from getting sweaty on hot summer days. They’re also very low-maintenance and typically quite durable, and the material stretches to contour to your back. That said, some people prefer a traditional back, which typically provides more overall support.
Which Office Chairs Are Best For Sitting Long Hours?
If you sit in your office chair for a minimum of eight hours per day, it’s important to select a model that prioritizes ergonomics. Lumbar support and adjustable armrests are particularly important in this regard. By keeping your body in an ergonomic position, the chair will help to reduce strain on your joints—including your back, neck and wrists—and prevent pain and soreness.
Who Should Have An Office Chair With A Solid Back?
Some office chairs have open backs, which works well for some people. However, if you struggle with back pain, it may be better to opt for chair with a solid back, particularly if it provides ergonomic support for your lower back, Dr. Shah says.
Do Office Chairs Need Armrests?
Not necessarily. Not everyone prefers armrests with their office chair and, if the space under your desk is limited, this feature may not be for you.
Should My Office Chair Have Wheels?
While many office chairs have wheels, it’s not a feature you’ll find on every design. In general, wheels are a good option to allow you to easily scoot under and away from your desk without scraping your floors. That being said, they won’t impact the overall ergonomics of your chair or its ability to provide you with overall comfort.
How to Properly Sit In Your Office Chair
Picking out a great office chair is the first step towards minimizing sitting-related discomfort during the workday. The second step, which is equally as important: using the chair properly to lower your risk of developing back pain. Here’s the right way to sit in your office chair, according to experts.
Get Up And Move Every Hour (Or Half Hour)
If possible, try to get up from your desk and walk around at least every hour of the workday, advises Adam J. Schell, M.D., a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with The Maryland Spine Center. “When you’re sitting, you’re at the most disadvantaged position for the discs in your back,” he explains. “When you’re standing, the pressure on your back is lower.”
Deborah McKernan-Ace, program director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the Rutgers School of Health Professions, echoes Schell’s sentiments. Regular movement “is critical to prevent musculoskeletal issues such as muscle fatigue, and joint deformities and alignment in the neck and spine,” she says. When people sit at a desk, they “tend to either hunch over the desk or protrude their neck towards the computer screen,” McKernan-Ace continues. “This positioning could result in long-term musculoskeletal issues over time—neck tightness and pain, jaw pain and shoulder and back pain,” she continues. “Also, over time, the muscle tightness may cause tension headaches.”
Get Your Seat Height Just Right
Among the first orders of business after picking out your office chair: adjusting your seat to be in the proper ergonomic position. According to McKernan-Ace, you’ll know you’ve found the right seat height when you sit down and your feet are on the ground and your thighs are level to the floor.
Your Seat Back Angle Matters
Everyone’s perfect seat back angle depends on their comfort level. Ideally, look for a seat back that tilts, which will “allow for readjusting back and hip angles periodically,” says McKernan-Ace. If your chair doesn’t tilt and you feel like you need extra support, she suggests using a backrest pillow. “Backrest curves should fit the curve of your back when seated all the way back in the chair,” she says.
Armrests Can Be Helpful
When it comes to supporting your arms and shoulders while you work, armrests are super helpful—so long as they’re at the right height. If your chair has armrests, adjust them so that keep your arms at a 90-degree angle while you type, McKernan-Ace recommends. “Armrests should be just beneath your elbows when arms are relaxed.”
Office Chair Deals You Can Shop Right Now
Improve how you sit with one of these height-adjustable home office chairs on sale now for the 4th Of July.
A Distinct Chair With A Touch of Whimsy
This stylish chair has a modern yet classic sensibility, with the nailheads and dark wood accents adding a cool, professional touch. This chair has curvilinear fixed armrests, and it’s height adjustable using a paddle. Get it now for $165, a 37% savings.
A Cushy Gamer’s Chair With Flip-Up Armrests
Targeted at gamers, this ergonomic chair has a high back and padding throughout to help you power through hours of gameplay. The armrests flip up for easy storage under your desk, or for more flexibility during gaming. Was $471, but get it now for just $136, a savings of 71%.
A Cool Drafting Chair With Plenty Of Adjustment Options
Like to prop your feet up while you work? This classy leather Harwick drafting chair has a steel footring so you can experiment with different seating styles. It also has a range of adjustment nobs for tilt, height, back and more. Was $520, now on sale for 33% off, bring the price down to $348.
A Classic Banker’s Chair With Modern Comforts
Add plush executive style to your home office with this well-padded, ergonomically contoured chair. Adjustments abound, with seat tilt and lumbar support. Was $330, now get it for 41% off and pay $195.
A Basic Office Chair With Plenty Of Support
This ergonomic chair’s back has lumbar support, and its ventilated mesh design keeps you cool. The seat has a curvature designed to help promote blood flow to the legs. Was $173, on sale now for $117—a cool 60% savings.
A Comfortable Gaming Chair With Support
This highly rated gaming chair is made with comfort and efficiency in mind. It has flip-up adjustable arms for easy access, and a padded headrest and comfortable cushions for a relaxing and plush experience. Lumbar support, seat height adjustment, tilt tension and tilt lock all offer customized support. Was $250, now get it for 60% off and pay $100.
A Faux Leather Chair That Keeps You Cool
This faux leather chair has individually wrapped coils for full-body support and minimal motion. Its cushions use breathable foam and cooling gel to promote airflow and keep you cool. Was $370, save 38% and get it for $230.
A Plush Gaming Chair In Different Colors
Made of plush vegan leather, this cushy, high-back chair keeps you comfortable even when you’re pulling a marathon gaming session. It comes in a choice of several bold colors, and has a 360 degree swivel to let you move around as needed. Was $220, now get 27% off and pay $160.
A Cooling Mesh Chair With A Headrest
Breathable mesh material keeps both your back and seat from overheating. It has adjustable lumbar support, adjustable height arms and a headrest for additional support. Was $300, now save 43% and buy it for $170.
A Comfortable Task Chair With Arms That Flip Up
This distinctive ergonomic chair does it all. Its design imitates the curvature of the human spine to provide comfort and support. Other adjustments include tilt, 360-degree rotation, and flip-up arms. Was $395, now save 63% and pay $148.
A Classic And Simple Desk Chair
This classic desk chair has a high back and lumbar support, with fixed padded arms. It is well-padded and covered in soft faux leather. Was $190, save 42% and buy it for $110.