After conducting extensive research we nominated the Herman Miller Aeron Ergonomic Office Chair as our Top Pick and the best ergonomic office chair. We loved that it has an all-mesh ergonomic design with suspension support and built-in lumbar support. Likewise, it was ideal for shorter heights thanks to the lower seat height range from 14.7 to 19 inches. Adjustable armrests, the three size ranges, and the three available colors rounded out the most impressive features from this selection.
To create our guide for the best ergonomic office chair, we prioritized the following features: seat height, lumbar support, adjustability, materials, and additional features. Seat height and lumbar support are critical features to ensure that you’re sitting comfortably — especially for extended periods. Additional adjustments like armrests and even tilt or recline add to your comfort making for the best office chair. And additional features like footrests can help if you’re going to use these chairs for standing desks. Meanwhile, the right materials can enhance durability and comfort. Keep reading to learn more about our selection criteria and to shop from our recommendations.
Top 10 Best Ergonomic Office Chairs
#1 Herman Miller Aeron Ergonomic Office Chair
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: A supportive mesh chair with adjustable armrests and a lower height adjustment range between 14.75 to 19 inches makes it one of the best ergonomic office chairs for shorter people.
- Ideal for shorter people
- Suspended mesh supportive seat
- Adjustable armrests
- Lacks an actual seat cushion
Traditionally, full mesh office chairs aren’t recommended when you’re focused on ergonomic support. The Aeron chair is an outlier though because it offers so many great features in one — albeit a splurge — solution. We think this is one of the best ergonomic chairs for shorter people since it offers a lower seat height adjustment from 14.75 to 19 inches. But more importantly, this chair is available in three sizes. And that means that if this version in size A isn’t compatible, you can check out the additional sizes, B and C. Ergonomic chairs aren’t limited to only seats closer to the ground: you can still sit comfortably yet higher up in a drafting chair.
Along with the size range, we like you can choose from three colors including a white finish to match any office decor. You’ll like that this chair features lumbar and sacral support in the backrest and a suspended mesh supportive seat that relies on 8Z Pellicle elastomeric suspension in the seat and backrest. This pick also comes with three reclining postures, a forward tilt tension, and seat angle adjustment so you can always work with proper posture making it one of the best reclining office chairs. While this pick lacks an actual seat cushion or a footrest, you’ll like that the seat has a waterfall edge, and that the armrests can be adjusted between 6.8 to 10.8 inches and that you can adjust their angles too.
#2 Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It’s the best office chair for lower back pain thanks to a mesh combination padding with more expansive lumbar support throughout the backrest and a six-inch thick padded cushion for added support.
- Extensive lumbar support
- Supports up to 331 pounds
- 6” thick mesh seat cushion
- Some may find the seat depth too shallow
If you like the idea of more expansive back support and cushioning, but not the markup that came with our Top Pick, the Modway Articulate is the best office chair for lower back pain. This mesh-combo office chair gives you a mesh backrest, but a significant amount of built-in lumbar support for improved comfort. Plus we like that you’ll get a six-inch seat cushion that’s designed to not just be supportive, but breathable thanks to the mesh upholstery.
While this isn’t the best weight support, at 331 pounds the Modway Articulate offers a median range weight capacity. However, with a 17-inch long seat, this is one of the shallower options from our research as compared to the more common 19 inches. Seat depth aside, we liked that you can adjust the seat tilt mechanism, fine-tune the backrest tilt, and seat height adjustment. And a bonus feature is that the armrests also offer four and a half inches of height adjustment. You may also prefer any of the best armless office chairs that also offer generous height adjustment.
#3 Steelcase Gesture Office Chair
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: A sturdy office chair designed to support up to 400 pounds, four built-in recline settings, and a responsive chair design that adjusts to your movements for ultimate comfort in any position.
- Large weight capacity of 400lbs
- Responsive design adjusts to movement
- Four reclining settings
- Design scheme may appear dated to some
Steelcase is a fan favorite because the brand is known for making office furniture that’s as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. The Steelcase Gesture chair is our Best Quality because it’s a responsive chair where the armrests automatically move in response to your movements. More importantly, as you lean back in the chair, the seat height automatically adjusts so that you’re able to keep your feet on the floor. And as if that’s not enough, this pick offers one of the best weight capacities from our research, with the ability to support up to 400 pounds.
The simple design of this chair makes it more universal for any commercial or home office set up. Another nice feature is the variable backstop that locks the recline function when you don’t want to use it. Still, you’ll get four angle settings for perfect customization. For adjustments, the armrests can shift between 7.25 to 11.5 inches, the seat height range is from 16 to 21 inches, and the seat depth can be corrected between 21 to 23 inches. For a chair with seat height of up to 5 inches, have a look at the best white office chair.
#4 La-Z-Boy Trafford Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair
Award: BEST FOR LARGER PEOPLE
WHY WE LIKE IT: A sturdy ergonomic chair designed for larger dimensions with cushions that are responsive to your movements in an executive design with bonded leather for an impressive effect.
- Cushions are responsive to movements
- Supports up to 400 pounds
- Bonded leather upholstery for impressive effect
- Upholstery choice may not be as breathable
If comfort is a priority for you, then with a name like La-Z-Boy you can’t go wrong. This home furnishings brand has an impressive executive office chair that will look good in a home office or commercial work setting. The Trafford style is an ergonomic chair that marries form and function into one sleek design. For starters, you’ll like that this pick is fully padded with lumbar support and flexible air technology. This translates to cushions that automatically adjust as you move to give you the perfect amount of support in any position
This big and tall chair can support up to 400 pounds, making it one of two of the top chairs in our guide for larger individuals. We also liked that this pick features a built-in headrest and the ability to adjust the recline angle as well as the seat height from 21 to 23 inches, and armrests. The padding is made from layered foam pillows and is placed throughout the backrest and seat for increased comfort. The waterfall seat edge encourages circulation in your legs. The seat height can be adjusted from 21 to 23 inches and the armrests from 27.5 to 30.5 inches. This is similar to the best ergonomic stool.
#5 Gaiam Balance Ball Ergonomic Office Chair
Award: BEST FOR ACTIVE SITTING
WHY WE LIKE IT: An ergonomic chair that’s ideal for standing desks thanks to the two available height ranges and incorporates active sitting thanks to the balance ball design.
- Seat height range ideal for standing desks
- Lifts from 23” to 31” or 33”
- Includes a footrest
- Lacks a backrest
- Shorter height lacks a footing
For many people, news that extended periods of sitting are bad for your health has prompted them to try to stay active, even when at their desks. In some cases, this includes using a standing desk, and for others, it means relying on active sitting. Active sitters will like the Gaiam balance ball chair. As opposed to a traditional desk chair, this model will force you to actively work your core as you maintain your balance. Although it lacks a backrest, one of the nicest features is that this chair is designed with two height ranges.
The two ranges allow for a maximum height range of either 23 or 33 inches. Shorter people will appreciate the shorter height which adjusts from 18 to 23 inches while taller folks will like the alternate height range from 23 to 33. Both height options rely on a hydraulic lift to control the height range. And for added comfort, the taller chair comes with a footring so you can stay comfortable even when it’s fully extended. Both versions of this chair come with an inflation pump and you can use this chair in comfort, knowing that the half balance ball is made from anti-burst material. Compare that to any of the best big and tall office chairs.
#6 AmazonBasics Leather-Padded Adjustable Swivel Office Chair
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: An affordable mesh-combination padded executive office chair with a four and a half-inch seat height adjustment range that’s ideal for shorter people.
- Supports up to 275 pounds
- Fully padded backrest with lumbar support
- Seat height adjusts from 16.5 to 20”
- Fixed armrests
- Padded backrest reduces breathability
Whether you’re outfitting your home office or upgrading the existing chair in your workplace, you might not be in the market for some of the more expensive models we’ve featured. This budget-friendly pick from AmazonBasics is a solid option when you don’t want to compromise on comfort or design. One of the nice features with the AmazonBasics chair is that it features a lower seat height adjustment range from 16.5 to 20 inches — making it ideal for shorter people.
While our Best on a Budget isn’t quite as breathable thanks to the executive chair design, you’ll like that it’s available in three colors and still comes with 360-degree swivel functionality. Thanks to the padded backrest, you’ll get solid lumbar support and a commendable weight capacity at 275 pounds. This is similar to the best office stools that can also support a 275-pound weight capacity.
#7 Serta Ergonomic Executive Office Chair
Award: BEST CUSHIONING
WHY WE LIKE IT: A comfortable, fully padded ergonomic office chair with responsive lumbar support, adjustable armrests, seat tilt controls, and a variety of colors for one of the best computer chairs for long hours.
- Includes seat tilt controls
- Responsive lumbar support that adjusts to movements
- Armrests adjust via pushbuttons
- Smaller height adjustment range from 21 to 24”
- Low weight capacity of 250lbs
Serta is a brand name that’s trustworthy when it comes to back support thanks to the fact that the brand is best known for its back-loving mattresses. This ergonomic pick is, in our opinion, one of the best computer chairs for long hours spent at the desk. This overstuffed executive office chair is ideal for anyone struggling with lower back pain thanks to the larger lumbar cushion. And we also like that this is one of the few picks that successfully combines plush padded armrests with arm height adjustments that work with the push of a button.
As far as specs go, this Serta pick does feature one of the smallest seat height adjustments with just three inches of customization from 21 to 24 inches. Likewise, it has one of the lowest weight capacities that we discovered in our research at just 250 pounds. And although this is a fabric upholstered seat, there’s still a risk of low breathability thanks to the lack of mesh ventilation. Still, we like that you’ll get responsive lumbar support with cushions that automatically adjust to your movements to maintain proper support. For the best support, we also recommend the best office stability chair.
#8 Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair
Award: BEST CUSTOMIZATION
WHY WE LIKE IT: A well-ventilated ergonomic chair with a commendable 330-pound weight capacity, 120-degree recline, adjustable lumbar support system, and an adjustable headrest for one of the most comfortable office chairs.
- Large weight support of 330lbs
- Adjustable head and armrests
- Adjustable lumbar support with reclining option
- Backrest and seat can’t be adjusted independently
Adjustable lumbar support isn’t as common as you would hope in a more affordable range. And you’ll quickly realize this as you shop for an ergonomic office chair. But the Duramont chair is one of the few from our research that provides standard adjustments like seat height and recline with adjustable lumbar support. Because of this, we think it’s one of the most comfortable office chairs in the median price point range. Thanks to a knob in the backrest you can customize the lumbar support height and depth.
The Duramont chair can also support up to 330 pounds, which puts it in the median range of our research for weight capacity. This pick comes with adjustable armrests from 2.6 to 3.7 inches and a seat height that can shift from 17 to 20.8 inches. You’ll also get a solid tilt-recline feature with 30 degrees of recline from 90 to 120 degrees. And for people who prefer headrests, you can reposition this one so that it shifts forward or backward. This is similar to the best office chair for back pain. that also offers lumbar support.
#9 Nouhaus Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair
Award: BEST BREATHABILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: The best ergonomic gaming chair with a breathable mesh backrest that can pull double duty for gamers than
- Large 135-degree tilt
- Seat height and tilt can be adjusted
- Adjustable armrests and headrest
- Lower weight capacity at 275lbs
- Lacks footrest
Gaming chairs are some of the most comfortable chairs for anyone who’s going to sit at a desk for long periods. But usually, they’re not that attractive if you’re trying to work in a professional environment. The Nouhaus Ergo3D is a great solution if you want a gaming chair, but you still want to look like you work in an office. We think it’s one of the best ergonomic gaming chairs thanks to the wide range of features and low profile design.
While it doesn’t have the highest weight capacity with just 275 pounds supported, we liked that it had the largest tilt and recline range from 90 to 135 degrees. You’ll get 3.9 inches of seat height adjustment thanks to the hydraulic gas lift as well as the ability to adjust your seat tilt. The armrests are also adjustable, and we like that you can choose from three colors with this design. And if comfort is not part of your chair’s design, have a look at the best office chair seat cushion.
#10 Smugdesk Ergonomic Office Chair
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Award: BEST FOR HOME USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: A straightforward chair with rocking functionality in a breathable mesh combination design, 250-pound weight capacity, and built-in ergonomic back support that’s perfect for a home office.
- 120-degree tilt angle
- Breathable combination mesh design
- Built-in ergonomic lumbar support
- Fixed armrests may be uncomfortable for some
For people who work occasionally from home, you might not need one of the more expansive ergonomic office chairs that we’ve featured. But you should always protect your back and invest in a chair with lumbar support. This affordable solution from Smugdesk is a great option that incorporates the essentials for proper back support and office chair functionality without breaking the bank.
While a 250-pound weight capacity isn’t the largest from our guide, we think it’s a great starter option for a home office where that chair won’t see the kind of consistent use that a workplace office chair might experience. As is standard, you’ll get built-in lumbar support and a tilt-lock feature. This chair can be rocked up to 125 degrees or locked in place for added stability. You’ll get four inches of seat height adjustment from 35.43 to 39.17 inches. The pneumatic gas lift makes raising or lowering the chair a breeze. And as is standard for many ergonomic office chairs, you’ll get a breathable mesh back and a padded seat for added comfort if you do find yourself working for longer periods. For your office, you will also love the low-profile black finish on the best ergonomic kneeling chair that makes it perfect for professional use.
How We Decided
Whether you’re working for long hours or just popping into your home office for an hour or two, ergonomic support is essential to minimize the risk of lower back pain or even neck pain. To create our guide for the best ergonomic office chairs, we focused on the following key features — seat height, lumbar support, adjustability, materials, and additional features.
All of the chairs in our guide featured seat height adjustments and lumbar support. But whereas most chairs featured fixed lumbar support, four of our chairs included either a responsive design that automatically adjusted to your movements or a lumbar support knob to raise or reduce the amount of lumbar support. Likewise, seat height adjustments are standard on ergonomic chairs, but you’ll need to be mindful of the adjustment range so that it’s compatible with your height.
Along with seat height adjustment, other key adjustment features that should be considered include recline-tilt and armrests. Adjustable armrests are fairly common, but not all ergonomic chairs include it. Likewise, with tilt and recline features, you’ll want to consider the depth of the angle adjustments, and whether you can lock the chair when it’s angled or if you can only prevent the recline-tilt feature from being activated.
Additional features can vary widely, but in our guide, we included an active sitting chair which may be important to someone who’s trying to counteract the negative side effects of extended periods of sitting. But a more common additional feature we noted was the inclusion of a footrest. This is especially important if you’re using a chair with a more expansive height adjustment. Having the footrest will help to minimize the risk of putting unnecessary pressure on your legs.
And finally, we did consider the materials for the chairs. The most common option is the mesh combination chair with a mesh backrest and a padded cushion seat. It’s the most breathable which is why it’s also the most prevalent. But if you prefer an executive style chair, then you’re more likely to find faux leather, leather, and even fabric options. However keep in mind, since executive chairs are fully padded throughout the chair, they can also be less breathable.
Best Ergonomic Office Chair Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Factors to Consider
- Seat Height
Ideally, look for chairs that allow you to adjust the seat height. Most standard office chairs — even ergonomic ones — are designed with a range anywhere from three to 10 inches of height adjustment. In some cases, you can adjust the backrest independently of the actual seat, but this often comes at a premium. But depending on your height, you may need to look for chairs with a taller seat height adjustment range so that you can sit comfortably for extended periods. - Lumbar Support
A good ergonomic desk chair should offer proper lumbar support that allows your spine to maintain its natural curve. Mesh-backed chairs usually offer fixed lumbar support. But gaming chairs can often come with adjustable lumbar support cushions or high-density memory foam lumbar cushions. Executive chairs are often ergonomic because of the built-in padding but may be less breathable. - Adjustability
Along with an adjustable seat, chairs with adjustable seat angles or armrests can also help to create a more comfortable sitting environment. Some chairs also offer flip-up arms which can be ideal for people with larger dimensions. Other important adjustment features include tilt tension and reclining functionality with angle locks. - Additional Features
A footrest is a nice option which can be ideal if you spend long periods in a chair. While this isn’t a standard feature for all ergonomic office chairs, higher-end models and gaming chairs often come with them and provide added support for extended reclining angles. - Material
Ergonomic office chairs can come in a variety of materials. The most common designs incorporate leather, faux leather, fabric, and mesh. Mesh is one of the most popular options because it’s the most breathable. But if you want something that has a more luxurious effect, executive chairs made from leather, faux leather or fabric can still be useful.
