14 Best Office Chairs: Ergonomic Picks Tested and Reviewed

If you’re working from home, investing in one of the best office chairs is a must. Comfort and ergonomics are the most important considerations, of course, but it’s entirely possible to find a quality office chair that’s also aesthetically pleasing.

Our editors and writers have personally tested each of these top picks and can attest that not only are they attractive, they keep you pain-free and structurally supported even during the longest work days.

We’ve curated a variety of styles, including classic executive chairs and unique contemporary styles. They’re all absolute winners, but these are the standouts that really bubbled up to the top:

Read on to discover the very best ergonomic office chairs of 2024 (and jump straight to the bottom for expert commentary on ergonomics, notes on how we tested and why you should trust our reviews).

Tester: Terri Williams, contributor

My experience: This mesh office chair looks as good as it feels. Using synchronous tilt and adjustable lumbar support, it elicits an ahhhhh every time I sit down. The standard-size chair has a slim back that keeps it from being bulky and still provides ergonomic support. The mesh weave is breathable, and the seat cushion is made of high-density foam for a comfortable experience, even over long periods of time. The chair also has seven adjustment options, including seat pan depth, lumbar, and tilt, so it’s easy to find the right angle. The chair is also a good value for the money.

Tester: Terri Williams, contributor

My experience: There’s already a Branch chair on the list; however, the Branch Verve Chair is a newer and sportier model. As a general practice, the armrests on ergonomic office chairs tend to be bulky, and the Branch Verve Chair immediately stands out because of the versatile armrest design, which gives it a futuristic look. I can also adjust the height of the softly-padded armrests, the seat depth, the tilt, and the tilt tension. Plus I can adjust the padded lumbar support on the chair’s V-shaped suspended back for the most comfortable level of spine support. (If you struggle to find a chair that fits you just right, you’ll love all of these customization options.) The chair back is covered with 3D knit, which allows air to flow through it and keeps me cool. The Branch Verse is available in Coral, Galaxy, and Mist.

Tester: Livia Caligor, content operations associate

My experience: Though this chair is pretty simple in design, I had a hard time assembling it because the manual didn’t have any written instructions—just step-by-step visual instructions. I was able to eventually figure it out without making any mistakes, so I don’t think the $85 assembly fee would have been worth it, especially since that’s almost half the cost of the chair.

The chair immediately fit perfectly into my room. I like that it’s ergonomic, functional, and supportive yet not too bulky or large like many desk chairs tend to be. I like that this chair is simple, sleek, and monochrome with its black metal frame and black faux leather upholstery. Its square seat, light frame, and minimalist design make it cohesive with the rest of my room, unlike many desk chairs I’ve used that were clunky and lacked aesthetic appeal.

To me, this chair walks a fine line between decorative desk chair and a functional desk chair intended for daily use. Its contoured back, foam filling seat, and padded armrests offer lumbar support and comfort, but after sitting in it for a few long hours, it feels a bit rigid and hard.

Tester: Elise Portale, contributor

My experience: If anything was designed to go viral on TikTok, it’s the Pipersong Meditation Chair, and from the moment this bisexual saw it she needed to try it for herself. Whether you’re a creative sitter or just someone who tends to fidget, having the option to change your position to pretty much anything that feels comfortable is a game changer. Truthfully, the only downside is its size—if you’re looking to bring this chair into your office, take accurate measurements. It’s not a small chair by any means, and if you have a compact desk or sitting area, you’ll likely find that the wide-swiveling footstool is a bit of a challenge. But assuming you’ve done your due diligence, the Pipersong Meditation Chair is an excellent comfort option for WFH, whether you’re bisexual or not. (Read Elise’s full review of the Pipersong chair here).

Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor

My experience: Designed by Tokyo-based designer Naoto Fukasawa (whose credentials include B&B Italia, Boffi, Issey Miyake, and Samsung), the Asari chair brings together comfort, functionality, and style. Glamorous but understated, this office chair exudes quiet luxury. Focusing on the design, the subtle curves and soft edges make the chair’s clam shell inspiration apparent. The backrest naturally tilts out slightly so it doesn’t feel like your back is against a board and the stow leather is a luxurious touch to an already luxurious seat.

There’s no assembly required, so as soon as you adjust the height lever to your preference it’s good to go. With a high price tag comes high expectations, but the Asari chair has elevated what a traditional office chair can be. I really appreciated the attention to detail, from the smooth chair glides and soft leather to the amount of foam fill in the seat and backrest that make it a treat to sit down and work. And after working from home on the chair for several weeks, it’s gotten even better. The chair has noticeably softened in a delightful way that’s ultra-accommodating to my dimensions without feeling too sunken in or too stiff. I find a lot of leather office chairs are harsh or overly masculine, but the Asari’s look is unparalleled. I’d absolutely recommend this chair to anyone looking to splurge for their home office. From physical appearance to practical use, it scores 10s across the board for me.

Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor

My experience: The first time you sit on the Karman chair you can feel your weight settle in—it’s a little like floating on air. Assembly was quick and easy, all I needed to do was fit the chair onto the wheeled base and adjust the height and armrests to my preferences. This chair is the definition of ergonomic—the mesh weave back rest melds comfortably against the spine without feeling unsteady and the overall design feels extremely durable.

The same mesh weave technology is used for the seat—sitting on it, with the underlying cushion, is comfortable, if slightly hard. The armrest pads slide back and forth and can pivot to make adjustments inwards or outwards, plus the armrest height is adjustable with a button located on the underside. Height adjustments are easy with a lever under the seat and there’s even a knob for making back tension adjustments. All this to say, everything is very intuitive and easy to use. After several full workdays of using this chair, I felt noticeable relief in places where I usually get aches on my back and hips. After a few weeks, most of my aches were basically gone.

Tester: Zoë Sessums, senior digital design editor

My experience: There is a reason the Aeron is Herman Miller’s most beloved and recognized office chair. The iconic chair is truly supportive and gives you every bit of adjustment to sit in an ideal way. I was able to go through a virtual fitting with an ergonomic expert at Herman Miller, who walked me through all the adjustable features, though the site’s gallery is very informative if you can’t try out a chair first. Once the chair was delivered—no assembly required—I understood the power of the patented PostureFit SL back support, which allows for chest open, shoulders back, and pelvis tilted slightly forward. This chair will save your body. After sitting in this chair it’s easy to see why people invest in supreme desk setups. It isn’t necessarily the most chic piece of furniture, but your entire body will thank you, so in that case I would recommend the Aeron chair again and again.

Tester: Lila Allen, AD Pro senior editor

My experience: If you gave a shell chair superpowers, it might look something like the Zeph. Like other Herman Miller office chairs, this seat has a wheeled base and is height-adjustable. (The adjustment lever is super sleek, too—a fun detail for the design nerds among us.) If you scooch or lean while you work, the Zeph will move right along with you. I tested a version with integrated arms, but an armless version is also available. And best of all, there are plenty of ways to make the chair fit your style: In addition to eight different body color options, Herman Miller offers a 3D-knit, slip-on seat pad in 20 shades. (A unibody cover is on the way, too.) A fraction the price of an Aeron, Zeph is the gateway drug of performance seating.

Note: Formerly called the Flexispot Soutien

Tester: Terri Williams, contributor

My experience: If you want a good office chair at an economical price, the Flexispot OC3B Chair is the best of both worlds. The entire chair (back, seat, headrest) is made of breathable mesh, which contributes to air circulation. Although my preference is a leather chair, I found the Flexispot to be quite comfortable, even when sitting for a long time. Also, since it’s a see-through mesh, the chair doesn’t take up a lot of visual space. The chair can tilt up to 45 degrees, and the height of the seat and armrests can also be adjusted. There’s also a nifty clothes hanger on the back of the chair.

Tester: Terri Williams, contributor

My experience: The ErgoChairPro is such a comfortable office chair that I think I could fall asleep in it. My favorite feature is the synchro-tilt that allows me to tilt way back (up to 22 degrees) when I’m taking a break—and I can even lock in my five favorite recline positions, so the chair can remember them. The adjustable headrest is also a nice touch when reclining or just leaning back. The chair has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, and almost everything on it is adjustable. In addition to the back tilt tension, I can also adjust the seat tilt. Plus the chair’s height can adjust from 18 to 20 inches, and the seat’s depth can be adjusted as well. I can adjust the height of the armrest from 26.7 inches to 32.2 inches, and can also move the armrests in and out (there’s the option to take them completely off as well). The ErgoChair Pro is made of polyester fabric, molded foam, and has a nylon plastic frame. Seen here in a bright blue, it’s also available in apple red and lime green, as well as tried-and-true classics like black, white, and gray.

Tester: Terri Williams, contributor

My experience: Out of all the office chairs I’ve tested, this is my favorite. I would wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend it. What makes this chair so unique is that it automatically adjusts to fit my body without the need for manual controls. For example, the chair’s armrests and articulating headrest move when I move. The chair also has a self-adjusting recline and pivoting backrest, in addition to synchronous armrests that I can pull up when I want to use them and merely push down when they’re not needed. Honestly, the high-back chair is comfortable enough to sleep in—it’s so comfortable that it probably causes me to work too long. In addition, the chair is fully assembled, so there’s nothing that needs to be put together.It’s available in eight fabric choices, including black, gray, pumpkin, red, navy, Balsam green, and Thalo blue (pictured).

Tester: Terri Williams, contributor

My experience: I would recommend the Vari Task Chair for anyone looking for a comfortable office chair. Vari’s entire lineup is full of outstanding office chairs (and some of the best standing desks), and this chair continues the tradition. This chair is ridiculously comfortable—it has a super thick foam seat and highly breathable back with great airflow. The backrest provides lumbar support and pivots. I like that I can also create the maximum level of comfort: It’s got an adjustable tilt mechanism, plus adjustable armrests and adjustable seat height—and all of this adjustability and customization really makes a difference when you’re sitting at your workspace for long periods of time. Pair this chair with good posture and you’ll be golden.

Tester: Nick Mafi, senior digital features editor

My experience: After the order for my Soho Pro Soft Pad Management Chair was placed, it only took a few days for the delivery to arrive at my apartment. After unboxing it, I was pleasantly surprised by the ease in which the chair was put together (so much so that I thought I must’ve been doing something wrong). What’s more, after putting it together (it literally took five minutes and most of that was due to removing the protective wrapping paper), the chair itself proved to be as stylish as advertised on my computer screen. The lumbar support and material feel are the two most defining features of this chair, both of which go a long way in terms of comfort after several hours behind a laptop. Simply put, this chair is everything that ends in an exclamation point.

Tester: Alice Roth, contributor

My experience: Assembly-wise, it was simple after some initial head-scratching with the instructions. I did Google “Svelti chair casters” but realized I needed to use my meager upper body strength to push the wheels into the chair legs. Everything else was straightforward, so I’m assuming this assembly blip was more of a me-problem than an Article-problem. (None of the reviews mention assembly confusion.)

The easy-to-clean polypropylene is very nice for someone who is prone to spills. Ergonomics are the main feature this chair is lacking. There is no adjustable seat height, which is essential for a desk setup with proper posture. (According to OSHA, you want your feet flat on the floor and your elbows bent at 90 degrees.) If I was to change anything, I would include an adjustable seat.

There’s also no cushion. I’m not sure this makes a difference, except on very hot days when I find myself peeling my legs off the chair (the answer for this could just be wearing pants during the workday, like an adult). I should note, Article sells a seat cushion separately, but it is about the same price as the chair itself.

Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor

My experience: There’s a lot to like about Haworth’s Breck chair. It arrived swiftly in a large box that I had no trouble carrying inside my home, and assembly itself is also a breeze. There’s instructions written on the flaps of the delivery box but Haworth has the same manual available on their website as well as a short video that gives you step-by-step directions, should you need it. The whole process literally takes less than a couple of minutes before you’re ready to put the chair in action. Don’t be fooled by the easy assembly process, though, this office chair is more advanced than meets the eye and comfortable to boot. I first received the Breck during a heat wave and appreciated the ultra-breathable backrest which allowed a comfortable amount of air to flow through. What stands out the most to me, however, is all the adjustable features that allow you to customize the seat to your exact preferences. Need more tilt? No problem. Wish the armrests were just a tad longer? Easy. Height? Seat depth? Lumbar support? Done, done, and done. And while these are all feats you would expect from a high price tag chair that costs $1,000+, the Breck supplies them at under $500.

I would definitely recommend the Breck chair to anyone who’s looking for a versatile office chair. With a design that emphasizes adjustability at an approachable price point, it’s a worthwhile purchase to make, especially if you work from home a few days a week and have yet to find a chair that suits your preferences. Haworth also has free returns within 30 days so you won’t have to worry if the chair ultimately isn’t a fit for you.

Tester: Rebecca Grambone, social media manager

My experience: On work-from-home days I’ve always worked from a dining room chair (later commuting to my couch around 4 p.m. when I need a change of scenery). But as hybrid work weeks have become the norm, and as my back has started to feel the aftermath of sitting in a seat that doesn’t really prompt great postural habits, I found that it was finally time to try out a more ergonomic chair. The Rickards Office Chair from Lulu and Georgia looked perfectly designed for long hours of work, yet it didn’t skimp on style.

I was a bit nervous to assemble the office chair since I’ve never assembled one myself; however, the directions could not have been simpler. No screws or tools involved—just a quick pop and it locks into place. Before I knew it, I had my first at-home office chair ready to roll into place.

I immediately loved how stylish the chair was—at first glance, you wouldn’t even know it was an office chair. However, I soon realized when adjusting the height, it only got taller even though it started fairly high off the ground to begin with. My legs would have to just barely graze the top of my desk in order to make this seat work, but it was manageable. Full disclosure, I definitely had to stack some books under my laptop in order for it to be at a comfortable height. And besides being able to adjust the height, there were no other ways to adjust the chair to your ideal seating arrangement, such as adjustable armrests, an adjustable headrest or an adjustable seat. The comfort of the chair’s cushion seat and backing, however, made up a bit for these absent features. After some use, I have noticed a bit of pilling but this easily goes away with a quick vacuum.

After a full work week, I overall felt that I could get through the day a bit more comfortably than I would have if I had continued turning my dining room into a mock conference table. That being said, I do feel that, due to the lack of adjustability, this chair is definitely more for style than for practicality.

Overall, I would recommend this office chair to someone who may not have to be seated for more than a few hours at a time for their job. If you are working over eight hours a day, this may not be the chair for you, as it is more stylish than functional.

Tester: Rachel Fletcher, commerce director

My experience: After the Generation by Knoll, I didn’t think I’d ever find a good office chair that filled its shoes. Luckily for me, the seating experts at Knoll teamed up with noted Australian industrial designer Marc Newson. This is the first ergonomic office chair he’s designed—his second product ever for Knoll—and it lives up to all of my expectations. The tilt mechanism is superior to most I’ve tested before, and the contoured and cantilevered seat and back are all one streamlined piece that is incredibly flexible and responsive when I recline, but it still feels supportive when putting in long hours. And let’s talk about how it looks. The chair is available in four shades (Ink, Umber, Petal, and Graphite), and it’s completely monochromatic—except for the chunky and bright red knobs that add a playful touch and control suspension, armrest position, and seat height. I took home the blue version, and the seat cushion is made of a denim-like fabric that makes it look even more high-end. The Newson Task chair seems to embody all the best parts of Knoll’s technology with a polished and contemporary flair.

How We Reviewed the Office Chairs and Why You Should Trust Us

Why You Should Trust Us

We always research products thoroughly before including them, and test nearly everything—office chairs are no exception. Our writers and editors actually tested more than 30 chairs, but only 13 made the cut to our best-of list. If we don’t love it, we would never recommend it.

Our reviews are always thorough, in-depth, and honest. We put ourselves in the shoes of the shopper (because most of the time, we are the shopping!), and make sure that we’re answering the questions that we would want answered in the buying process.

How We Chose the Chairs

Our priorities in chair selection were ergonomic integrity, style, and (of course) comfort in a variety of price points.

How We Test Our Office Chairs

Our editors and contributors set these up in their home offices and experienced the day-in, day-out reality of sitting in them for a long period of time.

Office Chair FAQs: Let’s Hear From The Experts

Have questions about the best office chair for you? We talked to TikTok’s favorite neurosurgeon, Betsy Grunch, MD, FAANS, FACS and Gainesville Physical Therapy’s Kristy Basinger PT, CHT to get answers on how to source the best chair for you.

What are some of the health risks associated with using a bad desk chair?

Betsy Grunch, MD, FAANS, FACS; Kristy Basinger PT, CHT: A proper fitting desk chair is one of the cornerstones of postural health. People that sit for long hours in a poorly adjusted chair will experience neck, back, shoulder and hip pain. This can trigger headaches, lack of concentration and compression of the discs in the spine. Low back pain is one of the main reasons for missed days at work so it’s essential to choose a chair that supports the spine.

If you’ve been sitting on a bad chair or you feel like you’ve damaged your spinal alignment is there anything you can do to fix it?

BG & KB: You can start by frequently checking and changing your posture in your chair.

1. Align your head: Your chin should not jut forward and your head should be centered over your shoulders.
2. Relax your shoulders and avoid hunching forward: Think about gently pulling your shoulder blades together.
3. Your pelvis should be neutral: Practice this by tucking your tailbone under and then rocking forward. Find the midpoint of this movement.
4. Place your feet flat on the floor and avoid crossing your legs.