16 Best Ergonomic Office Chairs (Review) In 2022
- The Best Ergonomic Office Chair
- 1. NOUHAUS Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair
- 2. Smugdesk High Back Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
- 3. Ticova High Back Ergonomic Office Chair
- 4. Gaiam Classic Ergonomic Balance Ball Chair
- 5. Steelcase Ergonomic Gesture Chair in Graphite
- 6. Bowery Fully Adjustable Management Office Chair
- 7. Homall High Back Lumbar Support Gaming & Office Chair
- 8. SIHOO High Back Ergonomic Office Computer Chair
- 9. Hbada Mesh & Lumbar Support Ergonomic Desk Chair
- 10. DRAGONN (by VIVO) Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
- 11. Duramont Adjustable Ergonomic Office Chair
- 12. BestOffice Rolling Swivel Ergonomic Office Chair
- 13. Tribesigns Breathable Mesh Ergonomic Office Desk Chair
- 14. Furmax Adjustable Swivel Ergonomic Desk Chair
- 15. Hbada Skin-Friendly Mesh Ergonomic Office Desk Chair
- 16. ORVEAY Mid-Back Ergonomic Office Chair
If you are working at a desk all day, choosing the best office chair for your needs is important. A good chair will not only keep you comfortable throughout the working day but it will also alleviate any discomfort you may feel in your back or neck. An ergonomically designed chair - with its focus on providing support in all the right places - will also prevent postural problems from occurring, by adjusting to suit your body shape. This guide will help you choose the best office chair for your comfort. It looks at the factors you need to consider, along with the different types of office chairs that are available and why they may or may not be the best choice for you.
The Best Ergonomic Office Chair
1. NOUHAUS Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair





Key Features
3D adjustable armrest
135 degree back tilt
Lumbar system
Smooth hydraulics
Single piece iron alloy base
Dual castors
One of the best ergonomic office chairs we reviewed is this multi-featured model from Nouhaus. The NOUHAUS Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair makes neck problems a thing of the past, with an adjustable headrest that you can both move and angle up and down. The dynamic lumbar support system is cleverly designed to pivot with you and respond to how much pressure you put on it, meaning you are consistently comfortable throughout the day. The armrests are adjustable in three different directions, whilst the entire chair moves smoothly up and down thanks to its class 4 hydraulics. The mesh back of this office chair will keep you feeling cool no matter the temperature and the 5 point base provides complete stability.
Pros
Multiple adjustment points allow you to fully customize the chair to suit your body
Mesh back allows airflow but feels soft
Wheels feel super smooth
Cushion is wide and deep
Very easy to assemble
Comes with a bonus set of hardwood floor rollerblade castors
Cons
Armrests are quite hard
No pre-set tilt adjustment for the back of chair
Armrests do not extend very far back
Lumbar support cannot be adjusted
2. Smugdesk High Back Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair



Key Features
Fully adjustable seat height
Memory foam cushion
Durable mesh fabric
Adjustable headrest
90°- 120° tilted seat back
5 claw base for stability
With an integrated cushion for lumbar support and a headrest that can be adjusted backwards, forwards and up and down, the Smugdesk High Back Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair is designed to make your working day a lot more comfortable. The height of this upholstered chair is adjustable and the seat itself has a memory foam filling, designed to suit you perfectly. The mesh fabric upholstery not only helps you keep cool as you work, but it’s very durable too.
Pros
Armrests are soft and comfortable
Comes with a clothes hanger to store your coat as you work
Easy to assemble
Easy to clean
Doesn’t take up much space
Height adjusts smoothly
Cons
Armrests are not adjustable
Lumbar support is not adjustable up and down
Some might find the seat cushion a little too firm
Screw caps tend to come off easily
3. Ticova High Back Ergonomic Office Chair



Key Features
Adjustable lumbar support height and depth
3 inches thick high-density foam cushion
Large adjustable headrest
Adjustable armrest height and seat height
Tilting angle up to 140° with rocking
W-shaped seat
The Ticova High Back Ergonomic Office Chair, a high-quality office chair is adjustable at almost every point, which makes it easy to customize them to suit your particular body type. The breathable mesh back is strong and very comfortable, whilst the thick, soft padding on the armrests provides you with plenty of arm support. The backrest is very simple to adjust and the chair offers a large tilting angle so you can recline in comfort when needed. The strong frame and heavy-duty base make this a strong and stable office chair that will give you lots of service.
Pros
Elastic backrest can be adjusted to fit the shape of your spine, reducing back pain
Shape of the cushion provides a larger support area
PU padding on armrests makes them more comfortable to use
Headrest is larger than with most office chairs
Durable and well made, with no creaking/squeaking
Easy to assemble
Cons
Headrest may not be high enough if you are very tall
The horizontal bar for the lumbar support can feel uncomfortable
The chair may not fit under your desk because of the armrests
4. Gaiam Classic Ergonomic Balance Ball Chair



Key Features
For users 5 feet to 5 feet 11 inches – can be adapted for taller users (extenders sold separately)
Removable 52-centimeter exercise ball
4 caster wheels (2 lockable)
Comes with air pump
Adjustable metal support bar
Available in multiple colors
The Gaiam Classic Ergonomic Balance Ball Chair is an office chair with a difference, as it incorporates the benefits of a balance ball into your working day. A balance ball chair is designed to reduce back pain by promoting proper postural alignment and preventing the discomfort that occurs when sitting in one position all day. When you sit on a balance ball you need to make constant, tiny movements to maintain balance, and it’s these movements that keep your body engaged, and your mind too!
Pros
Constantly stimulates the mind and body when in use
Improves your posture – even when not using the chair
Multifunctional – can be used for exercise and stretches too
Casters glide easily
Requires little assembly
Comes with a desktop guide to make the most of the balance chair
Cons
Ball occasionally needs extra inflation
Ball is vulnerable to punctures if you have pets
Initially causes postural muscles to ache before they strengthen
Chair is not suitable for sitting back and relaxing/reclining
5. Steelcase Ergonomic Gesture Chair in Graphite



Key Features
Adjustable armrest width and height
Synchro-tilt – allows the chair back and seat to move in a 2.8:1 ratio
4 recline settings
Automatically adjusts to mimic natural spine movement
Easy-to-operate controls
Air pockets beneath foam cushion for consistent comfort
This Steelcase Ergonomic Gesture Chair in Graphite has a range of innovative features to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout the day. A torsional spring powers the core equalizer, which adjusts according to the seat’s angle. This means that it supplies less back support when reclined, but increased support for the lower back when upright. The controls for the Steelcase Gesture chair are easy to use – the seat height and depth is controlled by the front knob while the back knob controls the tension and variable back stop.
Pros
The Gesture 360 arm provides support in any position – ideal for multiple devices
Arms rotate outwards when you want to stand
High-tech, modern aesthetic
Huge range of seat height adjustment
Very well built and durable
No assembly required
Cons
No headrest
Armrests don’t lock when moving horizontally
No adjustable lumbar support
Armrests are slightly rough
6. Bowery Fully Adjustable Management Office Chair




Key Features
Poly-cotton foam seat
Seat adjusts to 5 depths
4 reclining angles
6-position adjustable height armrests
Breathable elastomer backrest
Available in 4 colors
The Bowery Fully Adjustable Management Office Chair has a flexible backrest that provides support but allows your body to breathe and keeps you feeling comfortable all throughout your working day. The seat is designed to be comfortably firm and supportive, while the back reclines to 4 different positions that can be locked into place. Both the height of the armrests and the depth of the seat can also be adjusted, so you can tailor this office chair perfectly to suit your needs.
Pros
Eyecatching, modern look
Backrest keeps you super cool all day
Glides easily, even on carpet
Easy to assemble
Sturdy
Excellent value for money
Cons
No headrest
Armrests do not slide backwards/forwards
No padding on armrests
Seat back can feel a little stiff at first
7. Homall High Back Lumbar Support Gaming & Office Chair



Key Features
Rock back and forth between 90 – 150 degrees
Adjustable seat height
High quality steel frame
High-density shaping foam seat
PU leather finish
Racing car style rubber casters
This model makes a fantastic executive chair in the office but is equally useful as a gaming chair to use in your free time! The Homall High Back Lumbar Support Gaming & Office Chair has a very cool, modern aesthetic and is designed to allow you to rock back and forth between 90 and 150 degrees. The racing-style design carries right through to its PU wheels and it offers both a lumbar support cushion and a comfortable headrest pillow.
Pros
Unique and fun racing-car design
Very comfortable padding
Head and lumbar support can be adjusted
Easy to put together
Casters glide smoothly
Arms will fit under a standard desk
Cons
No padding on armrests
Strong plastic smell when new
Seat may be too narrow for some
8. SIHOO High Back Ergonomic Office Computer Chair



Key Features
Adjustable headrest
Adjustable backrest and height
Mesh back to encourage airflow
3 tilting positions
Hand lever for adjustments
High-density sponge cushion
The SIHOO High Back Ergonomic Office Computer Chair offers adjustable headrests and backrests, with three different tilting angles that are easily adjusted using the hand lever. Unlike with some computer chairs for the office, the height of the lumbar support on this model can be adjusted, enabling you to get a perfect fit for your body type and comfort for your lower back.
Pros
Lumbar support adjusts up and down
Easy to assemble and comes with gloves to protect your hands
Very durable
Sturdy, comfortable seat cushion
Casters are durable and silent
Smooth rocking motion
Cons
Headrest can’t be angled
No contouring on seat cushion
Armrests can’t be adjusted backwards/forwards
9. Hbada Mesh & Lumbar Support Ergonomic Desk Chair




Key Features
90-degree flip-up armrests
Adjustable height
Adjustable lumbar support for the lower back
Rotatable 180 degrees
Native sponge filled seat cushion
Breathable elastic mesh back
One of the biggest complaints with ergonomic office chairs is that the arms often prevent them from being neatly pushed under the desk. Not so with the Hbada Mesh & Lumbar Support Ergonomic Desk Chair, where the arms conveniently flip up and out of the way! The height is adjustable and you can either use this seat with the back locked in an upright position or pull out the lever to initiate a rocking motion.
Pros
Flip-up armrests save on space
Armrests are padded and comfortable
Mesh back keeps you cool
Very stable and durable
Easy to put together
Black and white design is striking and modern
Cons
Armrests may be positioned too low for some
Seat cushion could use a little more padding
Plastic rather than metal base
10. DRAGONN (by VIVO) Ergonomic Kneeling Chair




Key Features
Adjustable height from 21 inches to 28 inches
Holds up to 250 lbs
Front locking wheels
Seat is angled at 90 degrees
Heavy-duty and durable
Mesh three-inch-thick cushion
Considered by some to be the best ergonomic office chair for those with back issues, a kneeling chair is designed to give your body the postural advantage of being in a standing position with your standing desk combined with the comfort of sitting down! The DRAGONN (by VIVO) Ergonomic Kneeling Chair reduces back pain by encouraging you to engage your core muscles when you sit – thereby strengthening them – and by evenly distributing your weight through your buttocks and legs.
Pros
Strengthens core muscles
Keeps your back upright
Improves overall posture
Can relieve back pain
Thick, comfortable padding
Knee pads can be adjusted
Cons
May cause sore knees in some users
Doesn’t always roll smoothly
Assembly can be tricky
May not be suitable for continuous use throughout the day
11. Duramont Adjustable Ergonomic Office Chair




Key Features
Numerous points of adjustment, including adjustable tilt tension and adjustable arms
Mesh back to encourage airflow
Recline feature
330 lbs weight capacity
Rollerblade caster wheels
Soft, contoured seat
Whereas many office chairs have multiple points of adjustment, there are usually a few aspects that can’t be changed. The Duramont Adjustable Ergonomic Office Chair, however, is one of the best ergonomic office chairs in terms of adjustability – you can alter the angle and height of the headrest, the height and depth of the lumbar support, the height of the armrests, and the distance from the body of the chair, the backrest tilt, the chair height, and the tilt tension! With it possible to make so many adjustments, you really can alter this office chair until it is absolutely perfect for your body type and build.
Pros
Almost everything can be adjusted for ultimate comfort
Glides easily
Strong and durable
Very easy to assemble
Comes with extra assembly hardware
Excellent value for money
Cons
Seat depth cannot be adjusted
Armrests somewhat narrow
Cushion may be slightly too firm
Lumbar support may be excessive for some but is not removable
12. BestOffice Rolling Swivel Ergonomic Office Chair



Key Features
Ventilated mesh back
Support for the lower back
Adjustable height
Tilt control
Heavy-duty nylon base
Durable casters
The BestOffice Rolling Swivel Ergonomic Office Chair is both affordable and comfortable, offering a high-density cushion and a mesh back designed to support the lumbar region. Unlike many office chairs, it is compact in size, making it perfect if your office is on the small size. With adjustable height and a tilt mechanism, it is a comfortable chair designed to keep away the aches and pains associated with a long day of sitting at a desk.
Pros
Fabric is breathable and keeps you cool as you work
Sturdy and comfortable
Quick and easy to put together
Great for small spaces
Chair will fit under most desks
Rolls easily on both hard floors and carpet
Cons
Armrests are not adjustable
Cushion is on the thin side
Fabric on armrests is rough on your elbows
Can be squeaky
13. Tribesigns Breathable Mesh Ergonomic Office Desk Chair




Key Features
Multiple adjustment points
Ventilated mesh fabric
Backrest tilt up to 150 degrees
Metal and nylon construction
High-density native sponge cushion
Sleek, expensive-looking design
The Tribesigns Breathable Mesh Ergonomic Office Desk Chair has a classy look, but it’s not just good looking – it is designed to be very comfortable too, with good support for the lower back, adjustable arms and an adjustable headrest. Both the headrest and the armrests are optional – an unusual feature that can be useful, particularly if the armrests would prevent you from sliding the chair underneath your desk. But if you do choose to use them, it’s good to know that the armrests are padded for your comfort.
Pros
Comfortable for everyone, even those with a tall stature
Dimensions of seat and backrest are generous
Backrest can be locked to 3 different angles
Armrests are padded
Easy to assemble, with instructional videos
Durable upholstery
Cons
Lumbar support is not flexible enough
Headrest cannot be adjusted low enough for those with a shorter stature
May be noisy
14. Furmax Adjustable Swivel Ergonomic Desk Chair




Key Features
High-quality PU leather and mesh design
3 inches thick padded seat
2 inches thick backrest
Adjustable height
Load capacity of 280 lbs
Tilt mechanism
Possible the best ergonomic office chair, if you’re on a budget, is this high back model, with leather upholstery, a bucket seat and comfortable padded armrests. The Furmax Adjustable Swivel Ergonomic Desk Chair doubles up as a gaming chair and has a seat design that’s based on racing cars, making it suitable for use for hours on end, whether working or playing your favorite video game! The height of this upholstered chair can be adjusted from 15.2″ to 18.3″ and there is plenty of padding to keep you cushioned and comfortable.
Pros
Great support for the lower back
Raises and lower smoothly
Durable and breathable
Easy to clean
Very easy to assemble
Fantastic value for money
Cons
Front edge of the cushion isn’t padded enough and feels a bit hard
Armrests are not adjustable
No headrest
Tools provided for assembly are poor quality
15. Hbada Skin-Friendly Mesh Ergonomic Office Desk Chair




Key Features
Multiple points of adjustment, including headrest, armrests and lumbar support
Ventilated mesh
Reclines from 90° to 125°
Heavy-duty steel base
Shock-absorbing nylon wheels
Maximum capacity of 250lbs
With a back designed to keep your spine in perfect alignment, the Hbada Skin-Friendly Mesh Ergonomic Office Desk Chair is adjustable at multiple points. You can recline it from 90 degrees to 125 degrees and adjust the height of the armrests, which is ideal if you want them to sit at a level low enough to push the chair under your desk. The headrest is not just adjustable up and down but can be angled too, which we think is one of the best ergonomic features to look for in an office chair.
Pros
Headrest is adjustable up and down and can be angled
Height of arms can be adjusted low enough to push chair under desk
Height and depth of lower back support can be adjusted
Very easy to assemble
Backups provided for all screws
Headrest can be detached if preferred
Cons
Cushion isn’t very dense
Chair may feel too low for taller users
Pressure against lower back can be uncomfortable
16. ORVEAY Mid-Back Ergonomic Office Chair




Key Features
Ergonomic chair designed to mold to body and prevent back pain
Skin-friendly ventilated mesh cover
Foam cushion
Weight capacity up to 270 lbs
5 point star base with 360-degree swivel wheels
Comes with tools and hardware for assembly
One of the best office chairs we reviewed in terms of value for money is this ergonomic chair from Orveay. The ORVEAY Mid-Back Ergonomic Office Chair is designed to allow your body to mold perfectly to the chair, offering support in all the right places, and can be reclined up to 125 degrees. The height can be adjusted from 17.92 inches to 21.65 inches, using a simple lever mechanism and the ventilated fabric is designed to stop you from overheating during a long day at work.
Pros
Includes rocking mode for relaxation
Moves up and down smoothly
Glides easily over carpets
Very easy to assemble
Durable
Attractive, modern look
Cons
No headrest
Armrests are not padded and positioned quite low
Padding on cushion is a bit thin
Fabric on cushion feels rough on bare legs
Features To Consider With Ergonomic Office Chairs
Adjustability
Probably the single most important feature to consider when trying to choose the best office chair for your needs is its adjustability. This can vary significantly from one chair to another. The most basic office chairs may only adjust in overall height up and down and may tilt in a reclining position to some degree. The best office chairs, however, will also include features like adjustable headrests, lumbar support, armrests, and seat depth. Even then, some chairs will only offer basic adjustment - a headrest that can be adjusted up or down, for example - whereas others may offer more sophisticated options like adjusting the angle too.
Armrests vs No Armrests
Most office chairs will come with arms and with many designs, you can't choose to leave them off, as they make up part of the overall framework. If you would prefer to have an office chair without arms, look for a model where the arms are not integral to the chair and can be left off during assembly. Another option is to look for an office chair with arms that flip up or fold out of the way. These can be especially useful if you want to be sure you can push the chair underneath your desk.
Back Support
The best office chairs will offer plenty of support for your back and can be customized to fit your body shape and prevent back pain. Check the height of any additional lumbar support and if it can be adjusted to sit at the right level for your body type. In some cases, it can only be adjusted up and down, whereas with other office chairs it can be adjusted in and out too. For additional back support, we made a buying guide with some of the best back support accessories currently available.
Comfort
If you spend many hours of the day working at a desk, then the best office chair for you will offer support not just for your back but in other areas too, including your neck. Other factors that will affect your comfort will be the armrests - are they the right height for you and are they padded? The chair cushion will need to be adequately padded too, with some of the best office chairs featuring a W-shaped cushion that is contoured for comfort. All of these gadgets for additional chair comfort can be found in our buying guide with the best office chair accessories.
Design
Not all office chairs are designed the same, so you may want to think outside the box and consider something a little different! If you regularly suffer from back problems, then one of the best options for you could be a kneeling office chair, which encourages your back to maintain a similar position to that you use when standing. Alternatively, you might want to think about a balance ball chair! These are cleverly designed to incorporate the benefits of a balance ball into an office chair, encouraging great posture and keeping your brain engaged at the same time.
Material
Have a think about what you would like your office chair to be made of. The best office chairs usually use some sort of ventilated mesh back, which is a great way to make sure you stay cool, no matter how many hours you're working. You want to ensure that the chair covering is both durable and easy to clean. Office chairs tend to have either a metal or a nylon base. Whilst a metal base will be more stable and durable, it's also likely to be heavy. If you will be moving the chair around often, you might want to consider one with a lightweight nylon base instead.
Size
When choosing the best office chair for your needs, you need to consider both the size of the user and the size of the office! Some chairs can be quite narrow in design and will be more suitable for someone with a smaller stature for example, whereas other designs may be somewhat difficult for a person of shorter stature to find comfortable. If you only have limited room in your office you will need to look for a chair that best fits the space you have available. Remember, too, that the bases of office chairs can be quite wide for stability, so you will need to take this into consideration. Always take careful note of any dimensions listed in the specifications.
Swivel
If being able to swivel in your chair is an important factor for you, check the specifications to ensure that the chair you are interested in is able to do so. Some swivel office chairs can be limited, only able to swivel to 180 degrees instead of the full 360 degrees.
Tilting
Sometimes you need a moment to sit back in your chair, relax and stretch. This is why the best office chairs always feature some sort of tilt mechanism to allow this. Ideally, look for a chair that can be tilted to different angles and then locked in place.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of your chair is one of its most important specifications and something you need to be sure to check. The higher the weight capacity the more stable the chair. If you buy one with a weight capacity that is too low for you, you risk damaging it and will also find it very noisy when using it.
Ergonomic Office Chair FAQ
Q: What is an ergonomic chair?
When considering the best chairs for an office, looking for those with an ergonomic design is a must! If a chair has an ergonomic design it will be able to adapt to the needs of the person using it, usually via a range of adjustments to the height, armrests, headrest etc. This means that the user will be completely comfortable and far less vulnerable to the hazards of sedentary office work, such as back and neck pain. One of the reasons that ergonomic chairs are best for the office is that studies have shown them to be associated with an increase in productivity - we work harder when we are comfortable!
Q: Do ergonomic office chairs help with lumbar support and posture?
They certainly do! An ergonomic chair is considered to be the best office chair for anyone suffering from back pain or postural problems. Not only can the right chair make it easier for someone with these issues to work at a desk all day, but it can also help prevent problems in the future.
Sources
How to Choose an Ergonomic Chair - University of Pittsburgh