[June, 2024 Update]

If you know anything about ergonomic chairs, you’ll know that the Herman Miller brand is the Rolls Royce of office chairs.

As you can read about in our recent Herman Miller review, these chairs come with a pretty hefty price tag.

So our experts asked the question: are there any competitors on the market worth considering?

In my opinion, there are definitely some worthy competitors on the market, the closest being the SIDIZ T80 chair.

We chose these chairs based on their price, ergonomics, quality, comfort, and customer reviews.

Our Favorite Alternative

SIDIZ T80 Highly Adjustable Ergonomic Office Chair

The SIDIZ T80 office chair was built with high-quality materials and is remarkably similar to a Herman Miller chair in terms of design.

It has several adjustable features which include an adjustable headrest, a tilting tension lever, an adjustable seat cushion, and 3-way adjustable armrests.

The chair is also extremely comfortable, perfect for working casually, sitting in a straight-up position, or just relaxing in your office.

What We Like

• High quality chair with great aesthetics
• Extremely comfortable
• Great ergonomic features
• Excellent value for money

Highest Quality Alternative

We were really actually impressed by the research that Steelcase invested into this chair.

This chair can support a wide range of postures with the help of an adjustable back, seat and armrest. Do you use multiple devices while you work?

The 360 armrest will support movements and postures between those devices.

People that bought this chair are generally extremely happy with it. They especially love the sitting experience – the seat is made of superior foam that has air pockets underneath.

Best Alternative Mesh Chair

Ergohuman High Back Swivel Chair

Most people that bought this chair like the mesh construction. They feel it allows their body to breathe. Also the adjustability of the seat, backrest, headrest and armrest gives you a lot of room for comfort. The headrest can be placed just under the bottom of your head so you can kick back if you wish.

The armrests are definitely not user’s favorite part, and most of them choose to exclude them completely. (yes you can do that!)

Overall the chair is built well with a heavy duty construction and the mesh helps air circulation. Also the lumbar support feels nice, but it is not adjustable.

Excellent Lumbar Support

WorkPro Quantum 9000 Series Mesh Chair

This chair is a proof that you don’t have to spend top dollars to get an amazing ergonomic chair. It is made of breathable mesh that won’t let you get warm.

The seat is comfortable and can be adjusted with different angles. Also you can slide it forward and back, or lock it in one position. The waterfall design of the seat will support normal circulation in your legs, even after hours of use.

The only thing some people dislike is the swivel armrests that can’t be locked in place and tend to get annoying sometimes.

Cheap Herman Miller Chair

Herman Miller Sayl Ergonomic Office Chair

This is the cheapest Herman Miller chair on the market, and is worth mentioning seeing that its price is comparable with the other chairs.

The Herman Miller brand & reputation needs no introduction or hype.

It has a 3D intelligent backrest held by a Y-shaped tower support that promotes healthy posture and reduces back pain and other symptoms.

It also has a suspension system you can adjust, and a modern appearance that will give your office a sophisticated look.

What customers are saying

According to customer reviews, one of the most interesting things about this chair is that it doesn’t require any assembly.

It is very comfortable and although it’s expensive, it is definitely worth the money.

However, keep in mind, you won’t be able to adjust arms on this chair and it’s a slightly different model than the one shown in the video.

Best Executive Chair

Eurotech Seating Leather Swivel Chair

The Eurotech leather swivel chair is a great option if you’re looking for a high-end executive chair but can’t afford a Herman Miller.

It has all of the adjustability features you would need on a chair to make sure you’re sitting safe and comfortable. The maximum user weight is 250 pounds.

The chair is made with high-quality materials and looks very professional and classy. It also won’t make a sound when you’re reclining the backrest or sliding the seat.

However, even though it can be adjusted according to your height, it is not a model we would recommend for extremely tall individuals.

What customers are saying

Some people say it looks great, it’s not too firm, it’s easy to recline and assemble, and it’s overall worth the money.

However, a few people complained that the lumbar support feels too stiff, it has only three adjustments for the back tilt, and it might feel narrow for tall people.

Best Task Chair

Steelcase Amia Task Chair

It has an ergonomic design built with high-quality materials and the seat and backrest are both very comfortable.

The chair comes with a 90-day guarantee which enables you to request a replacement or a refund if you’re not satisfied.

What customers are saying

Most customers report an excellent experience with this chair, and only a few describe their experience as problematic.

Many people say that the chair looks brand new. Some of them even said that it significantly improved their back pain.

However, others have reported noises while reclining and some say that it’s not the best chair for gamers who are planning to use it for very long gaming sessions.

Best Value Alternative

SIDIZ T50 Ergonomic Swivel Task Chair

If you’re looking for a budget option that will mimic the benefits of the Herman Miller chair, we highly recommend the SIDIZ T50 model.

The backrest is made of mesh that will ventilate your back, and its contoured S shape will help you distribute the weight of your lumbar disk properly.

The seat can be adjusted for depth and it can be sloped at an angle to fit your sitting needs. Also the armrest can be adjusted, and it moves left to right, up and down and back and forth.

The SIDIZ model has a budget friendly price, and comes with a 3 year limited warranty. You’ll be able to choose between black, gray, blue, green and orange color.

Excellent For Back Pain

Steelcase 3D Knit Think Chair

The Steelcase 3D Knit Think Chair has a LiveBack technology that allows you to get back to work faster and sit comfortably without needing a lot of time to adjust your seat.

It features a recline-angle and recline-tension function to provide maximum comfort, and adjustable arms to accommodate different widths and heights.

What customers are saying

Customers say that the Steelcase 3D chair is a high-quality chair with a great design.

They love that it is incredibly comfortable and sturdy, even though the majority of its components are made of plastic.

Some of them also reported a reduction in back pain and other annoying symptoms after using this chair for a while.

Other Great Alternatives

With workstation safety and equipment improving so much, it might be worth considering something beyond the conventional ergonomic chair.

If you’re interested, here are some options to consider.

Kneeling Chairs

As the name suggests, you’ll be taking a load off your back and shoulders by kneeling down. If you’re curious about the benefits, here is our kneeling chairs guide.

Ergonomic Stools

These chairs are used for both sitting and standing desks, and the benefit is that they promote active sitting. If you want to know more, here are some guides on ergonomic stools and standing chairs.

Saddle Chairs

You’re probably familiar with health care professionals using these chairs, but they’re actually an increasingly popular choice for office workers also.

In fact, the famous podcaster Joe Rogan last year praised his Hag Capisco chair for doing wonders for his back.

Here’s our saddle chair review, if you want to know more.

Now that we understand the specific features that make up a premium chair, let’s take a look at a few decent ones.

The HON Ignition 2.0 Mesh Computer Chair

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly chair that is made with high-quality materials, the HON Ignition 2.0 is it.

It has a breathable mesh backrest and is highly adjustable to ensure comfort in almost any position.

The manufacturers also offer a lifetime warranty, which speaks highly of the durability and quality of the product.

What customers are saying

Customers love the reclining feature on this chair and say it’s pretty easy to assemble.

Most of them have given the chair an excellent rating. But some people say the back support is not very comfortable, and the chair might be too big for small spaces.

Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair

If you’re looking for a chair that can hold more weight, the Duramont Ergonomic Chair is sturdy, made with heavy-duty materials, and has a maximum user capacity of 330 pounds.

This is a comfortable office chair with a breathable mesh backrest and in-built back support. It can also be adjusted according to your height with its intuitive pneumatic controls.

What customers are saying

This chair has many customer reviews, and the vast majority are excellent. One of the best features besides the weight capacity and sturdiness of the chair is its ergonomic design.

You can adjust many aspects of the chair, but keep in mind that you can’t adjust the depth of the seat.

NOUHAUS Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair

This is a good alternative if you’re looking for a 3D lumbar support, backrest, and headrest.

The chair is highly adjustable and is manufactured with breathable mesh to prevent sticking and sweating.

It also has a sturdy 5-point base that can support up to 275 pounds.

What customers are saying

Customers say this is a very good option if you sit for many hours. The rollerblade wheels are smooth and very easy to move.

Many people loved how easy the chair was to assemble, and the only downside reported is that the mesh material can create skin patterns.

Space Seating Breathable Mesh Leather Seat

Most people that get this chair are very happy with their purchase. They feel that the chair was well built, feels comfortable, and gives a good level of support.

Overall this chair should last you a long time. You can purchase a headrest separately and it should cost you around $50.

The leather on the seat is genuine, and the gunmetal color is definitely a refreshing option that draws people to this chair.

Eurotech Ergohuman Mesh Chair

If you live in a warm area and wish to have an ergonomic chair that will be completely ventilated, then this one might be a good choice for you. The mesh is incredibly long lasting, and doesn’t give even after years of use.

The Ergohuman chair is definitely on the taller side, and wouldn’t be a good fit for smaller sizes. The chair comes with many different adjustments so you might need a day or two to get all the settings right for your needs. Once you do, you’ll find that this chair is extremely comfortable.

GM Seating Ergolux Genuine Leather Swivel Chair

If you’re interested in looks as much as you’re interested in Ergonomics than this chair won’t disappoint.

It is made out of genuine leather that looks nice and feels comfortable when you sit on it. Unlike other similar office chairs this leather is not glued to the chair, but floats on top of it.

There are many different adjustments you can play with including the arm rest, head rest, the back, the seat and the back tilt and tension. Some people have had issues with the arm rest that doesn’t lock in place. Also most people that got it feel the lumbar support might be a bit too aggressive.

If you like a bit more curve in your chair this one definitely has it.

Hopefully this article was enough to help you find your perfect ergonomic chair.

There are some worthy alternatives to the Herman Miller chair out there you just need be careful and choose the right one for you.

Best Alternative Brands

Steelcase

Steelcase is an excellent brand that combines function with excellent form and design.

The majority of chairs they offer come fully assembled and can hold a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds.

They are comfortable, built with high-quality materials, and feature almost all of the ergonomic adjustments you would expect from a Herman Miller.

Ergohuman

Ergohuman has some fantastic medium to high end ergonomic chairs. The brand was founded back in 2005 and has become an interesting alternative to other high-end seats.

They are extremely popular in the UK, Australia, Japan, and the US because they make chairs with many of the ergonomic adjustments people require.

Workpro

This group offers high-quality office chair reviews based on personal research.

They are unbiased because they do not sell office chairs and are not associated with any ergonomic chair company.

SIDIZ

This ergonomic chair brand comes from South Korea and has been one of the leading office chairs used by gamers and streamers all over the world.

The ergonomics are even more advanced than your typical PC gaming chair, and they are still cheaper than a Herman Miller.

What Makes Herman Miller Great

We often get asked why Herman Miller chairs are so expensive, and why people love them.

Well, they most definitely offer value for money but they also have many features that make them an excellent pick. Let’s take a look at those features in detail.

Quality materials

Herman Miller chairs are made with exceptionally high-quality materials. They are built to last, and you are very unlikely to receive a defective chair.

Even if you do, you get a 12-year warranty on the whole chair and not a limited warranty that covers only the steel frame.

This is because the manufacturers know that they are creating sturdy and durable items.

Comfort

Herman Miller chairs are made for people who need to sit for very long hours. They prevent back pain and other issues associated with prolonged sitting.

The comfort these chairs provide is definitely worth the price.

Adjustability

Herman Miller chairs are highly adjustable.

The height, seat depth, back tilt, armrests, and many other features can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

This adds to the comfort and sitting experience you get when you buy one of their chairs.

Excellent reviews

If you read the reviews on almost any Herman Miller model, you probably won’t find a negative review.

Despite the high price, people are extremely satisfied with the quality and features offered by the brand.

Unbeatable warranty

The warranty Herman Miller offers is one of the reasons there are so many good reviews on their chairs. They offer a 12-year warranty, and won’t start making excuses if you call.

This warranty covers parts, labor, and the cost of service inside the US and Canada.

Features Of A Premium Chair

Before you go spending some serious cash on a premium chair, let’s talk about the features that make the Herman Miller chair so superior.

Lumbar Support

One of the most important features of a premium chair is the support it provides to the lower back. Every lumbar spine has an inward curve that gets strained after long hours of sitting. Your chair should have a good lumbar support that should ideally be adjustable for height and depth.

Posture Correcting

The biggest hype surrounding premium ergonomic chairs is their ability to follow your movements and your work routine. Adjustability is the word to look out for, and you’ll hear it quite a lot when looking for a good ergonomic chair.

Also these types of chairs are shaped as the letter S which follows the natural line of your spine. This promotes better posture while you work.

Seat Material

Your behind will take you if you demand the right kind of material out of your premium chair. Make sure the chair has enough padding to support pro-longed sitting hours. Also, judging by users’ experience, people prefer fabric materials to leather surfaces since it helps the skin breathe.

Tilt Mechanism

A good quality tilt mechanism is a must when choosing a great chair. Some low end chairs will have a weak tilt mechanism resulting in a bad user experience. This feature can be a deal breaker if not done properly since you need to feel secure when you lean in your chair.

Usually you’ll be able to choose between a rubber coil spring or a leaf spring mechanism. The leaf spring is definitely superior since it’s stronger and gives the chair a lot more stability.

Seat Height Adjustment

This is a must-have feature for an Ergonomic chair, being able to adjust the height of your seat. Each one of us was made differently and we should be able to adjust our chair according to our body type.

One thing is universal though, when you’re adjusting your seat, make sure your knees are a bit lower than your hips, and your feet are flat on the floor.

Headrest Adjustment

It feels nice to be able to relax and lean in the comfortable headrest of your chair. The trick to the headrest being comfortable in the first place is adjustability. You should be able to at least adjust the height of the back rest so you get the full benefit of contoured support.

Back Angle Adjustment

A premium ergonomics chair should definitely give you the option to adjust the back of your chair. This feature lets you change different positions through the day. You can also choose to simply rock back and forth for a while. Hyperactive people will appreciate this feature.

Swivel

Your Ergonomic chair should allow you to turn while you’re sitting, and some can turn 360 degrees. Here’s a fun fact, the first swivel chair was invented by Thomas Jefferson.

Mesh Vs Upholstered

When you’re buying one of these chairs, you will have to make the decision between a mesh or upholstered material.

Well, the answer depends on what you prefer. Mesh materials are breathable and work better in hot environments. They may look thin but the material is very durable and flexible.

Mesh office chairs also tend to be more adjustable than upholstered office chairs, but that depends on the model.

On the other hand, the benefits of upholstered fabric include increased comfort and back support. They are also stylish and durable, but not fully breathable.