I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (2024)

I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (1)

Jump to:

  • Quick list
  • Three things to consider
  • Best overall
  • Best budget
  • Best mid-range
  • Best premium
  • Best task chair
  • Best comfort
  • Best for back pain
  • Best for gaming
  • Best budget task chair
  • Best for home office
  • Best for long hours
  • Best mesh
  • Also tested
  • Office chairs compared
  • How to choose
  • How we test
  • Office chair deals

I’ve been testing the best office chairs for years now and I can’t overstate the importance of having a well-built, supportive chair, especially when you’re working for long hours from the comfort of your own home like I do. You want a chair that’s comfortable but also gives your back and shoulders the extra support they need.

Over the past three years, I’ve put more than 5,000 hours into extensively testing each chair I’ve reviewed. From high-end office chairs that are an investment in your health and well-being to budget office chairs that get the job done for less, I’ve built, tested and compared them all.

Based on my testing and real-world experience, the best office chair overall is the Branch Verve Chair. It has an adjustable lumbar support, a contoured seat and a breathable 3D knit backrest for better airflow. Plus, the Branch Verve Chair comes in a variety of colors and won’t set you back anywhere near as much as some of the more expensive chairs on this list. If you’re on a tight budget though, I strongly recommend the FlexiSpot C5 which is frequently on sale for under $250 and comes with both a headrest and an adjustable lumbar support.

Below, I’ve put together several recommendations for all types of use cases, including my favorite ergonomic option, the best office chair for back pain, my top pick for gaming and more. These are the best office chairs you can buy right now that I personally recommend.

Recent updates

We've added our reviews of the X-Chair X3 and the Vari Task Chair to the guide as well as rearranged its order to help you find a great office chair at a better price.

The quick list

Best overall

1. Branch Verve Chair

Value: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★★
Customization: ★★★☆☆

The Branch Verve Chair is as comfortable to sit in as it is beautiful to look out. The 3D-knit mesh back not only keeps you cool but it also wraps around you while you're sitting in the chair. In addition to this gorgeous coral color, the Verve chair is also available in black, white, light green and light blue.

Read more below

Best budget

2. FlexiSpot C5

Value: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★☆☆
Customization: ★☆☆☆☆

The FlexiSpot C5 is a budget-friendly ergonomic office chair with a mesh backrest and a foam seat cushion. It's available in either black or gray and comes with a built-in headrest. The FlexiSpot C5 also features an adjustable lumbar rest that you can position to your liking using a knob on the back of the chair.

Read more below

Best mid-range

3. Autonomous ErgoChair Pro

Value: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Customization: ★☆☆☆☆

The Autonomous Ergo Chair Pro is an ergonomic office chair that's quite comfortable without breaking the bank. It features a mesh backrest and headrest with a fabric seat cushion as well as a flexible lumbar cushion. The Autonomous Ergo Chair Pro is available in several colorways but there isn't much else to customize at checkout.

Read more below

Best premium

4. Herman Miller Aeron

Value: ★★☆☆☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Customization: ★★★★★

The Herman Miller Aeron is the best office chair if you can afford it. It's extremely comfortable with an iconic design. The Aeron is made entirely of mesh to keep you cool and you can adjust just about everything about it.

Read more below

Best task chair

5. Haworth Breck

Value: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Customization: ★★★☆☆

The Haworth Breck manages to combine style, comfort and ergonomics at a mid-range price. It features a weight-activated mechanism that responds to your body's movements as you sit or recline and its GeoStretch backrest is comfortable yet firm. The Breck weighs in at only 30 pounds and comes in several colorways to match your existing décor.

Read more below

Best comfort

6. Steelcase Karman

Value: ★★★☆☆
Comfort: ★★★★★
Customization: ★★★★☆

The Steelcase Karman is an extremely comfortable and light office chair. It uses a proprietary textile called Intermix instead of mesh that can respond to your body's movements. The Steelcase Karman is also available in a wide variety of color combinations.

Read more below

Load the next 6 products...

Best for back pain

7. SIHOO Doro S300

Value: ★★★☆☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Customization: ★★☆☆☆

The SIHOO Doro S300 sports a futuristic look and a dual dynamic lumbar support which is also adjustable. Its mesh is made from a combination of Italian velvet and DuPont TPEE and has great elasticity. The Doro S300 is available in either white or black.

Read more below

Best for gaming

8. Razer Fujin Pro

Value: ★★★☆☆
Comfort: ★★★★★
Customization: ★☆☆☆☆

The Razer Fujin Pro is a gaming chair that doubles as an office chair thanks to its sleek, all-black design. This premium chair has a mesh backrest and seat pan as well as an aluminum alloy frame. It's only available in black but offers plenty of adjustment options. If it's too expensive for your budget, you can always pick up the standard Razer Fujin instead.

Read more below

Best budget task chair

9. Vari Task Chair

Value: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Customization: ★★★☆☆

The Vari Task Chair is a mid-back office chair with a mesh back and a padded seat rest. It’s available in several different colors including red and blue but the version with a headrest only comes in black. The Vari Task Chair is also quite comfortable to work in for long hours thanks to its contoured frame that’s designed to mimic the natural curves of your spine.

Read more below

Best for home office

10. Haworth Fern

Value: ★★★☆☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Customization: ★★★★☆

The Haworth Fern is an extremely comfortable office chair with a unique design. The chair's 3-part system provides plenty of support for your back but you can also outfit it with an optional lumbar support. From mesh to digital knit to leather, there are plenty of variations and color options to choose from.

Read more below

Best for long hours

11. X-Chair X3

Value: ★★★☆☆
Comfort: ★★★★★
Customization: ★★★★☆

The X-Chair X3 gives you the best of both worlds with a mesh backrest and a comfy foam seat. It's a durable and well designed chair with a lumbar support that reacts to your movement and X-Chair’s proprietary A.T.R fabric has a more responsive feel in addition to being spill and stain-resistant. There are also some great optional accessories like a heat and massage unit.

Read more below

Best for mesh

12. OdinLake Ergo Butterfly 753

Value: ★★★☆☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Customization: ★☆☆☆☆

The OdinLake Ergo Butterfly 753 is a premium mesh office chair with a unique design and plenty of features. It's only available in black but it does come with a built-in headrest. The back bar at the top of the lumbar rest makes the chair easy to move and it's also perfect for hanging up your jacket.

Read more below

Written by

I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (14)

Written by

Anthony Spadafora

Anthony Spadafora has been working from home exclusively for the past six years (two full-time with Tom's Guide) and during that time, he's tested work from home accessories, standing desks and of course, office chairs. In fact, he has reviewed more than a dozen office chairs from full mesh chairs to task chairs to ergonomic chairs. Anthony can tell you how comfortable a particular chair is to sit in for long hours at a time as well as what goes into putting it together.

Three things to consider when buying an office chair

Material - From fabric to mesh to leather, the right material can make all the difference.

Headrest - If you want a headrest, this is something you should be looking for as some chairs don’t come with this option.

Warranty - With an inexpensive starter chair, the warranty isn’t as important but with a premium office chair, you should look for one with a long warranty.

For more, check out how to choose the best office chair for you.

The best office chairs you can buy today

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

The best office chair overall

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I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (15)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (16)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (17)

1. Branch Verve Chair

An exceptional office chair that combines style and comfort

Specifications

Colors: Black,grey, red, white, green, blue, beige

Material: Fabric

Seat width: 20 inches

Weight Limit: 275 pounds

Reasons to buy

+

Adjustable lumbar rest

+

Contoured seat and backrest

+

Breathable 3D knit backrest

+

Casters roll very smoothly on hardwood

Reasons to avoid

-

Didn't launch with headrest

As the follow-up to the Branch Ergonomic Chair, the Branch Verve Chair immediately sets itself apart from the competition thanks to its unique design which won this chair an iF Design Award. Instead of a mesh back, it has a 3D-knit backrest that's extremely comfortable while also being breathable. Besides the Coral color seen here, the Branch Verve Chair is available in black and white as well as light green and light blue.

Besides being pleasing to look at when pushed in at my desk, the chair's V-shaped suspended back also houses its adjustable lumbar rest. Likewise, its inward curving arms help the Branch Verve Chair stand out (in a good way) and I love how the base of the chair is the same color as its seat and backrest.

I found the Branch Verve Chair to be quite comfortable during testing and was impressed by how my body sunk into the chair. At the same time, its nylon casters also made a big difference and were much smoother when rolling around on my hardwood floors. The Branch Verve Chair features six points of adjustment and it felt really good leaning back in the chair while taking short breaks throughout my workday.

Read our full Branch Verve Chair review.

The best budget office chair

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I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (18)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (19)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (20)

2. FlexiSpot C5

A comfortable ergonomic office chair at a budget friendly price

Specifications

Colors: Black and gray

Material: Mesh backrest and headrest, foam and fabric seat cushion, metal base

Seat width: 20.1 inches

Weight Limit: 300 Pounds

Reasons to avoid

-

Not ideal for tall users

-

Headrest can be difficult to adjust

The FlexiSpot C5 is a step up from the Flash Furniture Mid-Back Office Chair when it comes to comfort and especially ergonomics on a budget. This office chair is available in either black or gray but regardless of which option you pick, you don't have to pay extra for a headrest.

A combination of mesh and foam, the FlexiSpot C5 provides you with breathability in its backrest and headrest along with a bit more comfort in its seat cushion. This chair supports a max weight of 300 pounds and while the recommended height is from 5.3" to 6.5", our 6.3" reviewer found it to be a bit too short for his liking. Regardless, he did find it comfortable to sit in for long stretches and was impressed with its cushy armrests which have a bit of a concave dip down the center.

As for adjustability, the FlexiSpot C5 comes with a 2D lumbar support that you can tailor to your liking using a knob on the back of the chair. Likewise, you can also raise and lower the armrests and the chair can recline up to 115 degrees when you want to relax. The FlexiSpot C5 is a good choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly chair that's also comfortable and better for your posture.

Read our full FlexiSpot C5 review.

The best mid-range office chair

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I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (21)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (22)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (23)

3. Autonomous ErgoChair Pro

A great mid-range office chair for back support

Specifications

Colors: black, gray, neon green, red, blue

Material: Polyester fabric, mesh

Seat width: 20 inches

Weight Limit: 300 pounds

Reasons to buy

+

Easy to assemble

+

Highly adjustable

+

Decent lumbar support

+

Very comfortable mesh design

Reasons to avoid

-

Thin arm and seat padding

-

Not ideal for tall users

The Autonomous ErgoChair Pro should definitely be added to your shortlist if you need a highly-adjustable mid-range office chair with the benefits of a mesh design. The headrest and back cushion of this chair are both made from extremely comfortable mesh, and there’s plenty of adjustment, including 5-stage lockable recline, adjustable lumbar support and a movable headrest.

This chair isn’t perfect. While the back and headrest are supremely comfortable, the seat cushion features traditional foam padding, which isn’t as comfy as mesh. If you struggle with lower back pain, you may want to consider a full mesh design instead. Similarly, the armrests are quite firm, so you may need to invest in some elbow cushions or look for a different chair, if that’ll be a problem.

We also had a couple of QC issues in testing, too: namely an internal nut that came free from its housing which stopped us tightening a bolt, and a loose lumbar cushion that kept falling out of its set position in use. Still, for under $500, the Autonomous ErgoChair Pro offers decent value for money.

Read our full Autonomous ErgoChair Pro review.

The best premium office chair

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I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (24)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (25)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (26)

4. Herman Miller Aeron

A premium office chair that's available in three different sizes

Specifications

Colors: carbon, graphite, mineral

Material: 8Z pellicle elastomeric and aluminium

Seat width: 18.5 inches (large), 16.5 inches (medium), 16 inches (small)

Weight Limit: 350 pounds

Reasons to buy

+

Fully adjustable

+

Long 12-year warranty

+

Very comfortable for long periods

Reasons to avoid

-

One of the most expensive office chairs

-

Only third-party headrests available

In addition to being one of the most expensive chairs on this list, the Herman Miller Aeron is also the oldest. Though work began on its design during the late 1970s, the Aeron was first released in 1994. It’s still going strong all these years later and today, it’s one of the most iconic Herman Miller chairs alongside the Embody.

So what’s it like sitting in the gold standard of office chairs? Extremely comfortable to say the least. This is because you can adjust almost every aspect of the Aeron. You can raise and lower its seat, change the height and angle of its arms, raise or lower its lumbar support and even enable forward tilt for when you need to focus on a particular task.

The Aeron is available in black, gray or a combination of the two but you may not know that there are actually three different sizes. The chair comes in small, medium and large and there are also three types of arms to choose from at checkout along with the option to outfit it with leather arms if you want an even more premium look.

With an all-mesh design, the Aeron helps keep you cool while working and its ergonomic design helps you maintain good posture. In addition to a lumbar support, there’s also a sacrum support below it and you won’t find this feature in other office chairs. With a starting price of over $1,400 (when on sale), I highly recommend trying one out in person at your local Herman Miller store before investing in an Aeron chair for your home office.

Read our full Herman Miller Aeron chair review.

The best task chair

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I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (27)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (28)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (29)

5. Haworth Breck

An ergonomic, mid-back office chair with a weight-activated mechanism

Specifications

Colors: Black, tan, grey, blue...

Material: Recylced plastic, fabric

Seat width: 19.5 inches

Weight Limit: 325 pounds

Reasons to buy

+

Super adjustable

+

Very supportive lumbar area

+

Useful seat depth adjustment

+

No tools required for assembly

Reasons to avoid

-

Arms can be a bit wobbly

With its latest release, Haworth has managed to combine excellent ergonomics, style and comfort at a much lower price than its iconic Fern office chair. The Haworth Breck is a low-back, task chair that’s designed in such a way that you don’t need to make any adjustments for a comfortable fit thanks to its weight-activated mechanism.

The Breck is available in a number of different colorways from your standard black and grey to blue and even a light mint green and depending on how you configure it, this office chair can either blend in with your existing home office décor or stand out. You also have the option to choose a white or black base for additional contrast. However, there aren’t any other customization options besides the Breck’s color.

For the price though, you’re getting a built-in lumbar support, 4D arms, hard casters and a breathable backrest made from GeoStretch technology that offers both comfort and stability. Just like the Steelcase Karman, this is also a very lightweight office chair at just 30 pounds that looks and feels like a more premium version of the Branch Ergonomic Chair. If you want a comfortable office chair to sit in while you work that can also turn heads depending on how you configure it, the Haworth Breck will absolutely meet your needs.

Read our full Haworth Breck review.

The best office chair for comfort

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I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (30)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (31)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (32)

6. Steelcase Karman

As comfortable as it is portable

Specifications

Colors: Black, blue, green, white, purple...

Material: Intermix textile

Seat width: 20 inches

Weight Limit: 350 pounds

Reasons to buy

+

12-year warranty

+

Weight-activated mechanism

+

Intermix textile wraps around you

+

Much lighter than most other office chairs

Reasons to avoid

-

No headrest option

The Steelcase Karman goes beyond a traditional mesh chair thanks to the company's proprietary Intermix textile. This office chair is available in a number of different colors and even color combinations since it's created using a weaving process where yarns and other filaments are injected into the weave.

The Steelcase Karman is also exceptionally light at just 29 pounds and unlike every office chair I have reviewed so far, it comes fully assembled. Under the chair's seat, there's a weight-activated mechanism that when combined with Intermix, literally wrapped around my body and supported me, regardless of which angle I was sitting at.

The Steelcase Karman may lack a dedicated lumbar support but in my own testing, I found I didn't need one due to how the chair responded to my body's movements throughout the day. This level of comfort and engineering doesn't come cheap though but Steelcase does back up the Karman with a 12-year warranty.

Read our full Steelcase Karman review.

The best office chair for back pain

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I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (33)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (34)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (35)

7. Sihoo Doro S300

A futuristic-looking office chair with great support for your back

Specifications

Colors: Black and grey

Material: Italian velvet, DuPont TPEE

Seat width: 20.28 inches

Weight Limit: 300 Pounds

Reasons to buy

+

Split lumbar support

+

Premium build quality

+

Aesthetically pleasing design

+

Mesh allows for excellent airflow

Reasons to avoid

-

Armrests move too easily

-

Complicated assembly process

The SIHOO Doro S300 offers some big improvements over the SIHOO Doro C300 which we also reviewed. These include its dual dynamic lumbar support, its anti-gravity mechanism and its mesh which is made from a woven combination of Italian velvet and DuPont TPEE.

This premium-looking office chair is available in either white or black but there aren't any other add-ons or upgrades you need to worry about. It is more expensive than the C300 at $799 but if you're on a tighter budget, there's also the SIHOO Doro S100 to consider which features a very similar design albeit with less premium materials.

During our testing, we were very impressed with its futuristic design, how its mesh kept us cool while working and the way in which the dual dynamic lumbar support cradled our back. The armrests do leave a bit to be desired though and we found they moved a bit too easily for our liking. Also, the Doro S300's recline is limited to three positions. Still though, this office chair will be a huge help for those with back problems and it offers plenty of adjustability.

Read our full SIHOO Doro S300 review.

The office chair for gaming

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I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (36)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (37)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (38)

8. Razer Fujin Pro

The best gaming chair for your home office

Specifications

Colors: Black

Material: Mesh backrest and seat pan, aluminum alloy frame

Seat width: 20.9 inches

Weight Limit: 300 Pounds

Reasons to buy

+

Easy assembly

+

Great lumbar support

+

Fantastic build quality

+

Comfortable padding on the armrests

Reasons to avoid

-

Questionable warranty

The Razer Fujin Pro is as much an office chair as it is one of the best gaming chairs. Unlike other gaming chairs with flashy designs, Razer went with a sleek, all-black look for its latest chair. The Fujin Pro also features a mesh backrest and seat pan to keep you cool while working or gaming along with a sturdy, aluminum alloy frame.

If the Razer Fujin Pro is a bit out of your price range at $1049, you can get the standard Razer Fujin for $649, though it lacks the aluminum alloy frame and mesh headrest available with the pro model. Another thing I really like about this office chair is that there aren't any add-ons or extra costs to consider at checkout.

In our testing, we found the Razer Fujin Pro to be very easy to assemble and to adjust. The adjustable lumbar support dwarfs those you'd find on other gaming chairs and the padding on its armrests is extremely comfortable too. The seat pan can be moved forward or backward as well for taller people.

The Razer Fujin Pro does double duty as a gaming and office chair and unlike other gaming chairs, you won't be embarrassed to be seen sitting in this one during video calls or even at the office.

Read our full Razer Fujin Pro review.

The best budget task chair

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I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (39)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (40)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (41)

9. Vari Task Chair

A sleek and affordable task chair with an ergonomic backrest

Specifications

Colors: Black, grey, light grey, red, blue

Material: Mesh backrest, fabric seat

Seat width: 20 inches

Weight Limit: 300 Pounds

Reasons to buy

+

Airy, mesh backrest

+

Active lumbar support

+

Good adjustability overall

+

Affordable and comes in multiple finishes

Reasons to avoid

-

Backrest could be straighter when upright

-

Version with a headrest only comes in black

If you’re looking for a comfortable office chair with good ergonomics and a mesh back for under $400, the Vari Task Chair is a solid choice. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Vari Performance Task Chair is another great option. The Vari Task Chair also has a pivoting backrest that can move with your body throughout the day and its contoured frame is designed to follow the curves of your spine. In fact, it was designed by physical therapists and it’s the only office chair in the U.S. that has been endorsed by the World Federation of Chiropractic.

The chair itself is available in several colorways and finishes from your standard black and gray to red and blue to either blend in or stand out in your home office. The Vari Task Chair’s seat is firm but not too firm and I found it comfortable to sit in for hours on end. If you want a firmer seat though, the Performance Task Chair is what you’re after. This model isn’t available with a headrest but Vari makes another version of this chair that is but it only comes in black. Assembly was also quite easy and it only took ten or so minutes to put everything together.

The Vari Task Chair has all of the basic adjustments you’d expect along with a few more beyond that. You can change the height of its seat and armrests, how far back the chair reclines and the armrests and seat can be moved forward or backward too. I also really liked the way the hinged system on its backrest automatically supported my lumbar spine. Normally, I prefer an adjustable lumbar support system but I didn’t miss having one when testing out the Vari Task Chair. If you want a great chair that’s up to any task without breaking the bank, this one will definitely do the job.

Read our full Vari Task Chair review.

The best office chair for home office

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I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (42)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (43)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (44)

10. Haworth Fern

A stylish office chair available in several configurations

Specifications

Colors: Grey, black, light brown, turquoise and more

Material: Mesh, digital knit, gradient knit, or leather

Seat width: 20 inches

Weight Limit: 325 pounds

Reasons to buy

+

Arrives fully assembled

+

Extremely comfortable for long hours

+

Loads of color and configuration options

+

Plenty of standard and optional adjustments

Reasons to avoid

-

High starting price

-

No full mesh option

From the moment I first saw the Haworth Fern, I knew this was an office chair I had to try for myself. This ergonomic chair features a very interesting design that’s actually inspired by a fern leaf. Haworth uses a 3-part system made up of flexible fronds that resemble the leaves of a fern to achieve this chair’s unique look.

Available with a mesh back, a digital knit one or in full leather, there are plenty of different variations on the Haworth Fern to suit your needs. In fact, you can even get an Xbox version if you want a gaming chair that looks like an office chair. I tried the mesh version of the Haworth Fern and its mesh backrest kept me cool while working while its fabric seat cushion provided excellent support for my lower body.

When it comes to adjustability, the Haworth Fern features eight adjustment points. I really like the crank on the side that lets you adjust the chair’s tilt tension. However, you can also outfit this chair with forward tilt which lets you lean forward by five degrees for when you want to focus on a particular task. The Haworth Fern is a premium office chair that starts at over $1,000 but it is backed by a 12-year warranty. It’s a great upgrade from a budget or mid-range chair but not an ideal starter chair given its higher price.

Read our full Haworth Fern review

The best office chair for long hours

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I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (45)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (46)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (47)

11. X-Chair X3 A.T.R. Management Chair

An office chair with an optional massager and heating pad

Specifications

Colors: Black, grey, blue, light blue

Material: A.T.R. fabric

Seat width: 20.75 inches

Weight Limit: 275 pounds

Reasons to buy

+

Loads of adjustment points

+

Comfy cushioned foam seat

+

Very sturdy with excellent build quality

+

Mesh backrest is supportive and spill/stain resistant

Reasons to avoid

-

Assembly required

-

Premium price with expensive upgrades

The X-Chair X3 ATR Mgmt chair gives you the best of both worlds with a mesh backrest and a foam seat. While an all-mesh design will keep you cooler, I found the extra support from the X3’s comfy foam seat to be more beneficial when working for long hours. Likewise, instead of your standard run-of-the-mill mesh found on a budget and mid-range office chairs, X-Chair used its proprietary Advanced Tensile Recovery (A.T.R.) fabric for the X3. Not only does it have a more responsive feel than standard mesh, but it’s also spill and stain-resistant.

Up until I reviewed the X3, the

X-Chair X2

was one of my favorite office chairs of all time. Fortunately though, this newer model has a similar design to its predecessor and only costs $100 more. I’d say between the two, it’s certainly worth upgrading to the X3 over the X2, especially if you spend a lot of time seated at your desk each day. X-Chair has also equipped this office chair with its SciFloat Infinite Recline which lets you adjust the resistance of how the X3 reclines so that you can float between upright and all the way back.

If you’re already investing $1,000 in a premium office chair like this one, it might be worth taking a look at some of X-Chair’s optional add-ons. For instance, you can add a headrest,

rollerblade style wheels

or even the company’s

ELEMAX cooling, heat and massage unit

which slots into the X3’s Dynamic Variable Lumbar (DVL) support. While the Elemax unit is normally $150 on its own, X-Chair often throws it in as a free extra during sales events. The X-Chair X3 is certainly an investment but it’s the perfect upgrade for those who have worked remotely for some time and plan to continue working from home for the foreseeable future.

Read our full

X-Chair X3 review

.

Best office chair for mesh

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I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (48)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (49)
I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (50)

12. OdinLake Ergo Butterfly 753

A mesh office chair with a unique design and a useful back bar

Specifications

Colors: Black

Material: Mesh and aluminium

Seat width: 20 inches

Weight Limit: 350 pounds

Reasons to buy

+

Unique butterfly design

+

Loads of adjustments

+

15-year warranty

+

Breathable mesh and built-in headrest

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

-

Heavy

The OdinLake Ergo Butterfly 753 is an ergonomic mesh office chair that stands out thanks to its innovative and one-of-a-kind design. Its butterfly split backrest makes it immediately recognizable while the back bar above it makes it easy to pull out and push into your desk. Plus, you can use the back bar as a coat hanger and the headrest comes standard.

To help you find the right fit for you, the OdinLake Ergo Butterfly 753 features eight adjustment points. The backrest has five levels of up and down adjustment while its seat can be moved either forward or backward 2-inches. Likewise, you can raise or lower the chair's height with a simple pinch of the right armrest or lock in its 90-135 degree tilt at any angle by pinching the left armrest. Surprisingly, many of these tweaks are handled by the OdinLake Ergo Butterfly 753's bicycle brake line-inspired adjustment system which I've yet to see on any other office chair so far.

At just under $1000, the OdinLake Ergo Butterfly 753 is a premium office chair that's more of an investment than a simple upgrade. However, since it's backed by a 15-year warranty, this is an ergonomic mesh office chair that you'll be able to use for years to come.

Read our full OdinLake Ergo Butterfly 753 review.

Also tested

We test a lot of different office chairs at Tom's Guide and while many our great in their own right, not all of them end up on our top list. At the same time, a newer model from the same brand might take its predecessor's spot. If none of the picks above have what you're after, you may want to check out these office chairs below.

I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (51)

Flash Furniture Kelista (★★★★☆)

If you want a very budget-friendly office chair with standout looks, you're best option is the Flash Furniture Kelista. It's not nearly as adjustable as the other chairs on this list but its arms do swing up when you want them out of the way. The best part, it frequently goes on sale for just over $100.

Read our full Flash Furniture Kelista review.

I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (52)

Branch Ergonomic Chair (★★★★☆)

This ergonomic office chair gives you the best of both worlds with a mesh back and a fabric seat cushion. It's available in a number of different colors and you can also add an optional headrest. Still, we like the Branch Verve Chair a bit more for its unique design and its 3D knit backrest.

Read our full Branch Ergonomic Chair review.

I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (53)

ErgoTune Supreme V3 (★★★★☆)

Our previous pick for the best mesh chair, the ErgoTune Supreme V3 is a more affordable option at $599 that's available in several different colorways. It offers excellent lumbar support in a sturdy yet comfortable all-mesh design.

Read our full ErgoTune Supreme V3 review.

I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (54)

HON Ignition 2.0 (★★★★☆)

This ergonomic task chair gives you the best of both worlds with a mesh back and a fabric seat cushion. There's also another all-mesh version of the HON Ignition 2.0 available at a slightly higher price. Likewise, you can add an optional headrest to this chair too.

Read our full HON Ignition 2.0 review.

I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (55)

OdinLake Ergo PLUS 743 (★★★★☆)

This premium all-mesh office chair has an attractive design and is quite comfortable. While the OdinLake Ergo PLUS 743 is well built, the mesh material used in this chair can be a bit clingy. It's still a great chair but for a bit more, you can get the OdinLake Ergo Butterfly 753 instead.

Read our full OdinLake Ergo PLUS 743 review.

Office chairs compared

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Row 0 - Cell 0 MaterialSeat WidthWeight limit
Branch Verve ChairFabric20 inches275 pounds
FlexiSpot C5Mesh, fabric20.1 inches300 pounds
Autonomous ErgoChair ProFabric, mesh20 inches300 pounds
Herman Miller Aeron8Z pellicle elastomeric and aluminum16-18.5 inches350 pounds
Steelcase KarmanIntermix textile20 inches350 pounds
Sihoo Doro S300Italian velvet, DuPont TPEE20.28 inches300 pounds
Razer Fujin ProMesh backrest and seat pan20.9 inches300 pounds
Vari Task ChairMesh backrest, fabric seat20 inches300 pounds
X-Chair X3A.T.R. fabric, foam seat20.75 inches275 pounds
Branch Ergonomic ChairFabric20 inches300 pounds
OdinLake Ergo Butterfly 753Fabric20 inches350 pounds

How long should you sit?

I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (56)

Even if you have the best office chair in the world, it's unhealthy to remain seated for hours on end. A number of studies have found that sitting for prolonged periods can have negative effects on your body, such as higher rates of heart disease, obesity, and cancer.

To that end, a number of experts recommend you stand up every so often. The Mayo Clinic, for example, suggests that you stand up every 30 minutes, or invest in one of the best standing desks, as well as one of the best under-desk treadmills. Either way, get up and stretch your muscles. One strategy I use myself is to set a timer; some of the best smartwatches, such as the Apple Watch, will automatically remind you to move if you've been sedentary for too long. Also be sure to check out our guide on the best exercises if you sit all day.

How to choose the best office chair for you

When it comes to picking out the best office chair for your needs, there are several factors that come into play which we go into further detail below:

Price

Office chairs range widely in price, from less than $100 up to $2,000. Ultimately, you should purchase an office chair that best fits with your budget. There are two main differences between budget office chairs and more expensive models. The first is materials: Less expensive chairs will often be made with cheaper materials, and may not have as big an emphasis on design. More expensive chairs will be more fashion-forward, and will be made from more premium materials, and may even provide you more options for customization.

The second difference between low- and high-priced office chairs is adjustability. Less expensive chairs can't be adjusted as much as more expensive chairs. For instance, an office chair that costs around $100 may only let you adjust its height. As you go up in price, office chairs will have more things you can adjust, such as their arms, lumbar support, seat position, and more.

However, if you see a chair that you like that's a little out of your price range, it's worth doing some digging to see if you can find a previously owned model for less. A lot of companies were forced to close or downsize their offices over the past few years which has resulted in a lot of office equipment being sold for pennies on the dollar.

Comfort
Comfort is pretty easy to understand: A comfortable chair should offer a seat that is yielding but that also provides some level of firmness. It should also wick moisture so you don't get sweaty on warm days. Seats and backs made of mesh tend to fare the best in this regard.

The seat should be wide enough that people of larger stature can sit comfortably on it and not feel like they are squeezing into a kids' chair.

The armrests should be contoured for the elbow and upper arm to lean comfortably on and be made of fabric or softer material that won't jar the elbow when you bump into it.

Lumbar support

Another critical feature is lumbar support. This piece of an office chair helps you maintain the curve of your lower back, so that you don't strain yourself by sitting for long periods (not that you should). Like other parts of an office chair, this should be adjustable so that you can move it up or down, or increase or decrease the amount it pushes out. I have also seeing some newer chairs like the Sihoo Doro-C300 incorporate lumbar support mechanisms that automatically adjust their lumbar support based on how you're sitting in them.

Material

What an office chair is made of can also have a big impact on your comfort. For the most part, office chairs are covered in some sort of fabric, with padding beneath. However, some have either a mesh back or seat, which can help with airflow, and keep you cooler throughout the day. And, if you want to make a statement, there's nothing like a leather chair.

But the materials go beyond the seat itself; pricier chairs will often use more metal parts in the base and elsewhere, whereas less expensive models will have more plastic parts.

Adjustability

Adjustability is the other major factor. The best office chairs should allow you to tweak pretty much everything, including the following:

  • Seat height
  • Seat angle
  • Seat depth
  • Armrest height
  • Armrest width
  • Armrest angle
  • Backrest angle
  • Backrest height

That's important because every person is different; getting a chair that allows you to adjust all of these things lets you configure it to your unique body shape. Generally, the more expensive the chair, the more things you'll be able to adjust. Chairs that cost less than $100 will usually only let you change their height.

How we test the best office chairs

I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (57)

Why you can trust Tom's Guide

✅ 17 years of testing and reviewing products
More than 3,000 hours spent testing office chairs
Over 90,000 products reviewed

In order to test the best office chairs to review them and see how well they stack up against one another, I spend a few weeks sitting in each one. During this time, I see how well each office chair supports my back, shoulders and arms and determine their comfort level. In addition to comfort, I also take a close look at how easy each chair is to adjust and whether or not the changes I make to a chair stay that way.

While I review many of these office chairs on my own from the comfort of my home, I also have family and friends of different weights and heights test them out too. This gives me a better idea of how well each chair will work with different body types and I can gauge someone else’s reaction to sitting in them for the first time. For the chairs that other members of the team at Tom’s Guide review, they do something similar when working remotely but if they’re in the office, other co-workers come and try out each chair.

I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (58)

During our testing process, I also take note of each chair’s design, appearance and how customizable they are. Likewise, I inspect their materials and parts and see how well they hold up over time. Since few people build furniture as often as I do, I take a lot of notes while putting each chair together to see how easy or difficult it might be for someone with less experience to build one. I assemble every office chair on my own but I point out in my reviews where having someone else to help during the assembly process can make it easier or speed things up.

Finally, I take into account the overall cost of a chair, the length and fine details of its warranty and how it compares to competing chairs in the same price range. For more information on our testing process, check out our how we test page for Tom’s Guide.

More home office picks

You'll need more than one of the best office chairs to fully outfit your work-from-home space. You'll also want to check out our guide to the best standing desks, as well as the best desk lamps to ensure that you can work comfortably without straining your eyes or your back.

You'll also want to invest in one of the best webcams, best microphones, and best ring lights if you want to look and sound your best on video calls with coworkers.

And, to make sure your computer setup is as productive as possible, we have recommendations for the best Wi-Fi routers, best monitors, best keyboard, and best mouse.

Office chair deals

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I spent over 5,000 hours testing all the best office chairs — here’s my top picks (59)

Anthony Spadafora

Senior Editor Security and Networking

Anthony Spadafora is the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to password managers and the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. Before joining the team, he wrote for ITProPortal while living in Korea and later for TechRadar Pro after moving back to the US. Based in Houston, Texas, when he’s not writing Anthony can be found tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.

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2 CommentsComment from the forums

  • Rob1C

    Too bad you didn't try the Nightingale SXO 6100, I enjoy mine.

    Reply

  • joshjoshajosh

    You spent 5000 hours reviewing office chairs, and your number 2 pick is 3/5 for comfort..... is this a joke?

    Reply

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