If you’re sitting long hours and have back pain, chances are your chair is not doing you any favors.

I tell my patients that 90% of having an ergonomic workstation is having a suitable chair and desk.

So which chair should you choose? How much should you spend?

In this guide, I will answer all of these questions and also recommend my favorite chairs available.

Most Comfortable Office Chair

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The Steelcase Gesture’s marketing department went with the tagline “Inspired by the human body”. Hmm a little corny, so we’re thinking they put all their resources into making a great ergonomic chair.

And that they did, perfect for the human body.

The armrests are a good example as their technology allows them to move together with our arms at all times.

They are far from the only mobile part of the chair, however – the 3D LiveBack feature allows the Gesture to follow every curve and twist of your back.

The height is also easily adjustable thanks to the pneumatic seat adjustment that can switch the chair from 24” to 32.3” with ease. The only peculiar thing, especially for such a quality chair, is the lack of lumbar support adjustment.

What are customers saying?

There are a few customers that seem frustrated with the lack of lumbar adjustment support on such a highly priced office chair. Most other customers who weren’t looking for adjustable lumbar support, however, all seem very satisfied with the product.

Pros:

• The 8.3” pneumatic height adjustment can switch the chair from 24 to 32.3 inches height.
• Mobile armrest that follow your arms’ movements.
• The 3D LiveBack technology mimics the natural spine movements.

Cons:

• There is no lumbar adjustment support.

Best High End Option

Herman Miller Embody Chair

The Herman Miller brand needs no introduction. And the Embody chair is no exception.

It has a very flexible and ergonomic design with an adjustable seat depth, armrests, lumbar support, etc.

The frame and the base of the chair are both made out of high-quality graphite which is great for prolonged use as it prevents heat buildup. The Embody chair promotes a healthy seating pose and is sturdy enough to last you for a long time.

What are customers saying?

Aside from some minor and subjective grievances such as not liking the lack of a traditional seat cushion or not enjoying the narrow back of the chair, most customers are very much satisfied with the Embody chair.

Pros:

• Great ergonomic design that follows your body as you move.
• Prevents heat buildup.
• Quality graphite base and frame.

Cons:

• The armrests are adjustable in the up-down and left-right vectors but not back-forth. This means that the chair may not be comfortable with all desks.

Most Comfortable Executive Chair

Serta Office Chair With Smart Layers Technology

Serta is a popular brand that has provided quality mattresses since 1931.

Recently, they turned their attention to executive chairs and have since been able to manufacture one of the most comfortable chairs on the market.

It has five layers of cushioning covered in faux leather and looks elegant enough to be placed in any space.

WHAT ARE CUSTOMERS SAYING?

The customer reviews on this chair are somewhat mixed. Most people love how comfortable the chair feels and how easy it is to assemble.

However, some people have reported weight capacity and dimension problems that they didn’t expect when reading the specs of the chair.

Ideal For Long Hours

Ergohuman High Back Swivel Chair With Headrest

The Ergohuman back swivel chair has a total of three back angle positions but they are all designed to support an ergonomic sitting position. The seat and headrest are also adjustable, as are the armrests, lumbar support, and height of the chair.

The headrest, seat, and back are all made out of a high-quality and durable mesh that’s breathable and comfortable to sit in. Aside from the fact that the back and seat aren’t adjustable independently from one another, the Ergohuman chair offers great value for its price.

What are customers saying?

There are some customers that wish the chair was allowing for more “unhealthy” poses when they want it to. Those looking for an ergonomic chair that promotes healthy sitting habits, however, view the Ergohuman chair as a great choice.

Pros:

• Adjustable headrest, back, seat, and armrests.
• The synchro-tilt mechanism makes certain that the user always maintains a proper pose.
• Great value for the price design and materials.

Cons:

• The seat’s position isn’t adjustable independently from the backrest. Together with the only 3 back angle positions, this creates a lack of variations in the chair’s possible positions.

Comfortable Reclining Office Chair

Duramont Reclining Leather Office Chair

This Duramont model is a fantastic pick if you want a reclining office chair that not only looks fancy but also feels comfortable.

You can adjust the recline angle from 90 degrees to 155 degrees and pull out the footrest during maximum recline to get some rest with its sleep mode.

It has nylon rolling coasters and is very easy to move. Plus, it’s height-adjustable and features lumbar support, similar to other ergonomic chairs on the market.

WHAT ARE CUSTOMERS SAYING?

Customer reviews are mostly excellent, and only a few people report problems with the chair. The best features, according to customers, are the ease of assembly and comfort.

Most people say this chair is stable, doesn’t wobble, and is very comfortable with a soft leather feel and nice cushioning. It also looks fancy and is made of high-quality materials.

However, some people say that swiveling becomes more difficult over time and it’s very high, so it probably won’t be suitable for short people.

Comfortable Active Sitting Chair

SWINGSIT Active Sitting Chair

If you’re familiar with the active sitting technology, you might want to take a look at this model by SWINGSIT.

One of the problems with a standard active sitting chair is that you can’t use it for a very long time, and it doesn’t have much stability.

However, SWINGSIT’s new technology gives you more comfort and stability while providing almost the same levels of activity as other stools.

This chair provides back support, armrests, and an adjustable height function along with a fantastic active sitting experience.

WHAT ARE CUSTOMERS SAYING?

This chair looks fantastic and very promising, it is a fascinating concept and one of the most comfortable active sitting chairs we have reviewed so far.

However, there aren’t enough reviews on it to get a feel for the actual customer experience it provides. Still, it’s worth considering if you want a comfortable active sitting experience.

Most Affordable Chair

Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair

This very affordable and budget-friendly mesh chair is a great option for people looking for value. It arrives disassembled but it’s easy to put together, especially with the detailed instructions manual it comes with.

It offers back support, adjustable lumbar support, and a great, ergonomic design.

Most Comfortable Gaming Chair

GTRACING Gaming Chair With Speakers

Gaming chairs are perfect for people who sit down for long periods of time or need a comfortable gaming experience.

This model can be reclined up to 170 degrees, has a very resistant metal frame and has in-built speakers as an additional feature.

The armrests are highly adjustable, and even without activating the reclining function, the rocking function allows you to move back and forth while playing your favorite games.

WHAT ARE CUSTOMERS SAYING?

There are many customer reviews on this chair, and most of them are simply amazing. People who bought it are mostly delighted with its ease of assembly and comfort.

They also love that the chair includes several ergonomic features but comes at a lower price. It is comfortable, and you can actually sit for hours without feeling tired.

The only downside reported was that the chair might feel a bit firm at first, but it gets better after some time.

Comfortable Ergonomic Stool

SONGMICS Standing Desk Chair

This SONGMICS model is another excellent pick if you’re looking for a comfortable stool for your standing desk.

The seat dimensions are 15×16 inches, and it is padded with a 3.1” high-density foam. It swivels freely and has an 8-degree tilt.

You can adjust the seat height with the press of a button, and it has an anti-slip technology on the bottom to make it more stable and protect your floor.

It’s also extremely easy to assemble, all you’ll need to do is insert the pole into the hole on the base and then adjust it according to your height.

WHAT ARE CUSTOMERS SAYING?

Most people who bought this chair say that it’s great for people who want to keep bouncing or rocking while they sit. It keeps them engaged and helps them stay seated for longer.

They also love that it is incredibly comfortable and that the height adjustments are easy to make.

However, this is not a chair you would want to choose if you’re a short individual because your feet might not reach the floor even on the lowest setting.

Comfortable Saddle Chair

Capisco Ergonomic Office Chair With Saddle Seat

If you have a standing desk and want the perfect companion, a saddle chair could be the perfect option. It has an adjustable height, with the maximum height being taller than an average desk.

Along with the adjustable height, it also has an adjustable depth, a comfortable backrest, and a very smooth 5-point base.

This is not the type of chair you’re meant to use on a regular desk, but if you need to, you can use it by ordering a shorter lift.

WHAT ARE CUSTOMERS SAYING?

Most people who bought this chair are pleased with their purchase. They say it is very easy to assemble, and you only need to tighten one single bolt.

They also love that it makes standing desks more comfortable with a pneumatic lift you can adjust according to your height and that of your desk.

As mentioned before, it might work with some standard desks, but it is not recommended for that particular use.

If you’d like to read more about this chair, see our Hag Capisco review.

Best Office Chair Brands

As you may have noticed in this article, there are so many good chairs available that you can get lost trying to choose the best one for you.

Another approach you can use is going through the best office chair brands and then choosing one that stands out to you.

Then, you can go through their models and find the most appropriate for you. Here’s a list with excellent brands we recommend:

Herman Miller

Herman Miller is the gold standard for ergonomic chairs. They are expensive, but are definitely worth it and come with a durability warranty meant for a lifetime.

The adjustments made on a Herman Miller feel like butter, and they manufacture very comfortable chairs that are in line with the highest standards of an ergonomic chair.

Steelcase

Steelcase is no Herman Miller, but it’s definitely a good competitor. It has an interesting blend of function and form, and a fantastic warranty.

The chairs are pretty easy to assemble and extremely comfortable.

The majority of Steelcase chairs come with ergonomic back support, seats, and armrests. They are also highly adjustable, which is desirable in this type of product.

Ergohuman

This is another great brand to consider. It is a popular brand that sells products in more than 52 countries, including Japan, the USA, and the UK.

Their chairs are highly adjustable in all the areas that matter, including the lumbar support, back angle, seat depth, and much more.

Workpro

This is another source of high-quality chairs and opinions from experienced users.

They are not chair manufacturers and have no affiliation with any particular brand.

This allows them to create unbiased reviews of ergonomic chairs and review the experiences of real users around the globe.

SIDIZ

SIDIZ chairs became popular after a top streamer in the world of gaming started using one of their models.

They are much cheaper than Herman Miller chairs and offer a great ergonomic experience with many adjustments and comfort levels, depending on the model.

Other Recommended Chairs

Ergohuman Ergonomic Executive Leather Chair

With its classic design and a myriad of adjustability options, the Ergohuman Ergonomic Executive chair is a great alternative to our suggestions above.

The high-quality black leather is comfortable to the touch and doesn’t build heat, while the base and body of the chair are made out of high-quality and durable materials.

SIDIZ T50 Highly Adjustable Ergonomic Office Chair

The SIDIZ T50  has an eye-catching design and comes in different seat colors, but that’s not the best part about it.

Ergonomic chairs need to be highly adjustable, and that’s one of the main features of this model. It has a tilting mechanism you can use to adjust the height, headrest, and armrest.

It also has an ergonomic design that follows the natural curves of your spine, and the backrest is made of fully breathable mesh.

WHAT ARE CUSTOMERS SAYING?

Most of the people who bought this chair say that it’s very comfortable and has significantly reduced their back pain along with other symptoms associated with prolonged sitting.

It is also easy to assemble and adjust and rolls almost silently. However, some people complained that the cushion is too firm compared to other chairs.

STARSPACE High Back Leather Office Chair

With a taller height than most other chairs, the STARSPACE model is perfect for taller people who struggle to find a chair that keeps their knees at a healthy 90-degree angle.

This chair is also wider than most other chairs and has a weight capacity of 400 pounds, which makes it suitable for heavier individuals as well.

The STARSPACE actually features one of the largest cushions on the market and has comfortable padding on the seat and backrest.

The seat height is height-adjustable and has a locking mechanism that goes from 90 degrees to a maximum of 120 degrees.

WHAT ARE CUSTOMERS SAYING?

The customer reviews on this product are mostly excellent, with its sturdiness being one of its most praised features.

People who bought the chair say it is resistant, roomy, and so sturdy that even heavy individuals won’t feel scared to lean back.

CLATINA Ergonomic Big & Tall Executive Office Chair

If you’re a heavy individual, the CLATINA office chair has a maximum user weight capacity of 400 pounds and is another great option to consider.

Like the STARSPACE, this one is also a much taller office chair compared to other models and has a very strong base and frame to support larger people.

This CLATINA office chair is very sturdy and resistant, but more than that, it’s ergonomic and comfortable.

It has thick plush padding on the seat and back, adjustable seat height, and a rocking function that feels completely safe, even if you’re heavier than the average.

WHAT ARE CUSTOMERS SAYING?

Most customer reviews on this chair are excellent, and one of the top-rated features is comfort.

It is definitely more comfortable than the average office chair, and most people say the chair has helped them with body pains and other health problems.

However, a major setback is that we are not entirely sure about the weight capacity since a few people who bought the chair say the capacity is not 400 lbs but 250 lbs instead.

Steelcase Leap Fabric Chair

This is the number one selling product by Steelcase. It’s an ergonomic chair that follows the natural curve of the spine and has recline settings with adjustable armrests.

98% of this chair can be recycled, and it is made from 30% recycled materials. It features a pneumatic seat height adjustment, and it has adjustable lumbar support.

WHAT ARE CUSTOMERS SAYING?

The majority of people who bought this chair say it is easy to assemble, plus it’s very ergonomic and easy to adjust. It is also incredibly comfortable and squeak-free.

However, one of the main problems reported by customers has to do with the warranty repairs. One user reported receiving a refurbished chair instead of a new product.

GM Seating Executive Genuine Leather Chair

The GM Genuine leather chair may have a weird-looking headrest but that headrest, like everything else in the chair, is very mobile and adjustable. The chair is made out of a high-quality aluminum frame and is covered with a soft and comfortable leather.

Wrigley Genuine Leather High Back Executive Chair

A great option for both the office and gaming, the Wrigley Genuine leather chair may not have a separate and adjustable headrest but the seat, back, and armrests are highly flexible.

The high-quality Brazilian leather and the high-density foam padding also contribute to the excellent feel of this chair.

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We’re ending the list with another great gaming option – the Killabee memory foam gaming chair. With its large size, gel cold cure foam in the seat cushion, and ergonomically designed backrest.

FAQ’s For Buying a Chair

• Do office chairs need arms?

Armrests are probably among the more misunderstood pieces of office chairs. Most people tend to think that armrests are there to provide support for their arms while typing and using the mouse – that’s wrong.

The armrests are there simply to provide support for your arms when you are not using them. This support is important as it relieves the strain on your shoulders and wrists, especially for long working or gaming sessions.

However, if you are using your armrests while typing or using the mouse, then you need to adjust them.

• How can I sit for long hours without back pain?

Ideally, you won’t. Even if you have to work for 8+ hours a day sitting on a desk, and even if you have the best office chair available, you should still get up from it once every 15-20 minutes.

Don’t think that a good and expensive office chair makes up for that. As far as sitting optimally, however, it’s important that your hips and knees at a right angle, that you back is well supported at all times, that your neck is at a right angle as well, and that there is little to no tension on your elbows and wrists.

• Are mesh chairs comfortable?

That depends largely on the specific mesh you’re about to use.

The main goal of all mesh chairs is to be breathable and allow for free airflow. However, as good office chairs, they also aim to have seats that contour to your body and spread your body weight.

However, stiffer mesh won’t do that while softer mesh has a risk of sagging over time. That’s why a lot of the better manufacturers offer their mesh chairs with an upholstered seat and why it’s important to make sure that the mesh is balanced just right for your body weight.

• How can I reduce back pain while sitting?

The most important rule to remember here is to mind your lower back – it should always be supported by the chair.

It’s natural for most people to try and slouch while sitting but this is a big mistake – choose a chair that can support your lower back and make sure you always rely on that support.

Aside from that, maintaining good right angles for your knees, thighs, elbows, wrists, and eyes is obviously also important.

• Are recliners bad for your back?

The answer here is simple – if the recliner offers good lumbar support, then it’s great for your back, but if not – it can strain your lower back very quickly.