15 Best Office Chairs That Aren't Hideous, Tested by Us (2025)
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If youre working from home, investing in one of the best office chairs (and not just a double-duty dining chair) is a necessary evil that will help correct a persistent case of tech neck and maybe even boost your WFH moralebut no promises there.Comfort and ergonomics are important, sure, but because were AD, theres equal consideration given to the aesthetics of your desk seating. Maybe that budget mesh and foam contraption you picked up from an office supply store clocks in and does the job every morning, but is it the right culture fit for the very curated aesthetic that youve cultivated in your home?Over the years that weve been testing office chairs, weve expanded our search to include a high-low selection of wallet-friendly picks, but also household names in the ergonomic space, from Herman Miller to Knoll, that come approved by design lovers like us. Our editors and writers have personally sat on, worked on, and Zoomed from each of these picks and can attest that not only are they attractive, but they will also relieve pressure on your bottom and backkeeping you structurally supported even during the longest blocks of meetings. Read on for more intel on our favorite ergonomic office chairs and jump straight to the bottom for expert commentary on ergonomics, notes on how we tested, how we chose everything, and why you should trust our reviews.Our Top Picks for the Best Office ChairsBest Overall: Herman Miller Aeron Chair, $1,410Best Budget Pick: Branch Ergonomic Chair, $339Best Extra Cushy Office Chair: Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro, $499Best Futuristic Style: Asari Chair by Herman Miller, $1,395 $1,116Best Color Options: Steelcase Karman Office Chair, $1,265Best Armchair-Style Option: Herman Miller Zeph Chair, $495Best Chair With a Separate Head Rest: Humanscale Freedom Headrest Chair, $1,779Best Minimal Office Chair: Article Svelti Office Chair, $89Best Overall: Herman Miller Aeron ChairHerman Miller Aeron ChairTester: Zo Sessums, senior digital design editorMy experience: There is a reason the Aeron is Herman Millers 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 sites gallery is very informative if you cant try out a chair first. Once the chair was deliveredno assembly requiredI 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. Its easy to see why people invest in supreme desk setups. It isnt 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.SpecsDimensions: 38"H x 25"W x 16"DMaterials: Aluminum frame and base; 8Z pellicle elastomeric suspension seat and backrestWeight Capacity: 300350 lbs. (depending on model size)Base colors: Satin aluminum, polished aluminum, and onyx ultra matteFrame colors: Graphite, mineral, and blackWarranty: 12 yearsAdjustability:adjustable height adjustable armrests adjustable seat What we really likedSo many adjustable elements for a perfect fitEase of setupReliabilityWhat you should keep in mindAestheticsBest Budget Pick: Branch Ergonomic ChairBranch Ergonomic ChairTester: Terri Williams, contributorMy 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.SpecsDimensions: 3842"H x 25"W x 24"DMaterials: Double-woven nylon mesh, high-density foam cushion, anodized aluminum baseWeight Capacity: 275 lbs.Frame colors: Black or whiteSeat colors: Black, pebble, sand, graphite, light blue, poppy, and Baltic blueWarranty: 7 yearsAdjustability:adjustable height adjustable armrests adjustable headrest adjustable seat back tilt What we really likedSupportive and comfortable: Breathable mesh back and comfy seat cushionAll parts can be adjusted to find just the right seat height, depth, and tilt levelPlenty of color choicesWhat you should keep in mindThe headrest is a separate purchaseBest Extra Cushy Office Chair: Branch Ergonomic Chair ProPhoto: Audrey LeePhoto: Audrey LeePhoto: Audrey LeeBranch Ergonomic Chair ProTester: Audrey Lee, commerce editorMy experience: A bad case of tech neck hates to see the Branch Ergo Pro coming. Thats because the chairs fully customizable support system is calibrated to ensure that your posture is optimized, even during long hours in one fixed position. It offers 14 points of adjustments total (count em!) to keep you comfortable, from the seat height to the headrest for those who are blessed with longer limbs. And compared to the original version of the chair seen above, this one is far cushier on the seat and armrests, with seven additional points of adjustability. It is slightly less svelte and also slightly more expensive than its predecessor, which is why that one remains our favorite budget pick.I was especially fond of the arm rests that helped me achieve perfect elbow support (a very specific need since Ive recently enjoyed working with a laptop stand) and that the adjustable tilt option gave me the freedom to stretch my back out whenever needed. Ive been spoiled in the past with office chairs that arrived either fully or almost fully assembled, so the Ergo Pro construction process was a bit of a learning curve for me. Still, everything came together quickly (about 30 minutes or less) and was easy enough to complete solo, without phoning a friend. The chair arrived nicely packed up in its box and since it can be fully disassembled, its also a great option for frequent movers.SpecsDimensions: 25W x 24D x 38-41.2HMaterials: Flocked Italian double mesh, vegan leather or leather, high-density foam cushion, powder coated aluminum baseWeight Capacity: 275 lbsColors: Mesh: Shore (Off-White), Mineral (Light Grey), Boulder (Dark Grey); Vegan Leather: Light Grey, Brown Black Leather: Brown, BlackWarranty: 7 yearsAdjustability:height adjustable adjustable armrests adjustable headrest, adjustable seat forward tilt What we really likedAdded back support mechanism does a really great job of keeping the lower lumbar region feeling reinforced and makes it harder to slump down (which I appreciated as a chronic sloucher)The Branch Ergo Pro gets high scores in the beauty department: The off white hue feels more modern than your typical office chair and is an especially great option if you want to match your chair to a lighter colored desk.Easy assembly and compact packaging: The chair arrives compactly while the crystal clear instructions made it incredibly simple to assemble everything (no sweating or googling required)What you should keep in mindAn issue Ive had in the past is height adjustability because of my weight (I weigh just about 100 pounds) and I did find it more difficult to adjust this chair back down while someone who weighed more did notWhile the memory foam cushioned seat is very comfortable for me, it might not be the most breathable option for someone looking for airflow (Id recommend one of our mesh picks instead)Make sure you take a moment to learn what each adjustment lever does! It definitely took me a minute and some glances at the guide to nail each one down but its worth it in the long run.Best Futuristic Office Chair: Asari Chair by Herman MillerAsari Chair by Herman Miller, Mid BackTester: Audrey Lee, commerce editorMy experience: 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. The chair has noticeably softened in a delightful way thats 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 Asaris look is unparalleled. Id 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.SpecsDimensions: 37"H x 29"W x 29"DMaterials: Powder-coated aluminum, dual-density foam, stow leather upholsteryWeight Capacity: 350 lbs.Colors: Raven (black), jettison (blue), Etruscan (coral), clarion (yellow), submerge (teal), knight (dark gray), bulb (light gray), and antler (medium gray)Warranty: 12 yearsAdjustability:adjustable height What we really liked:Major points for how customizable the design isavailable in leather and cloth as well as eight different colorsSuper supportiveI got the mid back but I imagine having the full back with a headrest is even more luxuriousSmooth delivery and no set upWhat you should keep in mindThough not an issue for me, the armrests arent adjustableMore of a buyer beware noteI imagine itd be on the harder side to get stains out of this leather, so Im extra careful if Im eating at my deskBest Color Options: Steelcase Karman Office ChairSteelcase Karman Office ChairTester: Audrey Lee, commerce editorMy experience: The first time you sit on the Karman chair you can feel your weight settle inits a little like floating on air. Assembly was quick and easy, all I needed to do was fit the chair onto the wheeled base. This chair is the definition of ergonomicthe 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 seatsitting 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. 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.SpecsDimensions: 39.143.5"H x 26.1"W x 26.1"DMaterials: Plastic frame and legs, textile mesh seat and backWeight Capacity: 350 lbs.Colors: Peacock (teal and white), seagull (beige and matte brass), black intermix, red/blue intermix, and Baltic intermixWarranty: 12 yearsAdjustability:adjustable height adjustable armrests What we really likedThe breathable mesh material feels comfortable whether Im wearing pants or shortsEasy setup and straightforward instructionsVery easy to get comfortablea great option for those prone to back pain or find it uncomfortable to sit for long stretches of timeWhat you should keep in mindI wish the seat was just a touch softerThe back tension function could use some fine-tuningthe setting where you cant lean back in the chair and the next one, where you can, feels like a jump, so an in between would be nice in my opinion.Not an issue I had personally, but it would be great to have more armrests lateral movement for wider body typesBest Armchair-Style Option: Herman Miller Zeph ChairAmazonLila AllenLila AllenHerman Miller Zeph Multipurpose ArmchairTester: Lila Allen, AD PRO associate directorMy 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, tooa fun detail for the design nerds among us.) If you scooch or lean while you work, the Zeph will move right along with you. 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.SpecsDimensions: 34"H 24"W 19"DMaterials: Polymer shell, optional 3D-knit fabric made from 50% recycled fibersWeight Capacity: 350 lbs.Shell colors: Alpine, black, carbon, cocoa, glacier, olive, and nightfallSeat colors: Alpine, black, carbon, cocoa, glacier, olive, nightfall, tea rose, mustard seed, and blazeWarranty: 12 yearsAdjustability:adjustable height What we really likedSleek appearance that can be changed up by swapping in a different seat padWell-designed details, like handle hardwareVery comfortable!Generous warrantyWhat you should keep in mindThe cover was a bit hard to pop on and offNo high-back optionwhich was fine for me, but may not work for some othersArm rests are not adjustableBest Chair With a Separate Head Rest: Humanscale Freedom Headrest ChairHumanscale Freedom Headrest ChairTester: Terri Williams, contributorMy 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 theyre not needed. Honestly, the high-back chair is comfortable enough to sleep init's so comfortable that it probably causes me to work too long. In addition, the chair is fully assembled, so theres nothing that needs to be put together.SpecsDimensions: 48.253"H x 26.75"W x 17.4019.85"DMaterials: Corvara leather, technogel cushions, polished aluminumWeight Capacity: 400 lbs.Colors: Black, graphite, balsam, driftwood, navy, nimbus, and graniteWarranty: 15 yearsAdjustability:adjustable height adjustable armrests adjustable headrest adjustable seat What we really likedLuxurious leatherAutomatically pivoting backrest and armrestContoured cushions with waterfall edgeGenerous warrantyWhat you should keep in mindPretty expensiveBest Minimal Office Chair: Article Svelti Office ChairArticle Svelti Office ChairTester: Alice Roth, contributorMy 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 Im 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.Theres also no cushion. Im 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.SpecsDimensions: 35.5"H x 24"W x 24"DMaterials: Molded polypropylene, powder-coated metal, rubber castorsWeight Capacity: 225 lbs.Adjustability: Not adjustableWhat we really likedThe minimalist aestheticThe easy-to-clean materialThe lack of armrests (stows easily)What you should keep in mindLimited seat adjustabilityClearer assembly instructionsLack of ergonomics and no lumbar support = not a great option for perpetual WFHMore Office Chairs We Recommend, With ReservationsFlexispot OC3B ChairFlexispot OC3B ChairNote: Formerly called the Flexispot SoutienTester: Terri Williams, contributorMy 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 its a see-through mesh, the chair doesnt 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. Theres also a nifty clothes hanger on the back of the chair.SpecsDimensions: 51.9"H x 25.2"W x 21.2"DMaterials: Mesh, nylon, metalWeight Capacity: 220 lbs.Colors: Gray, blue, and blackWarranty: 1 yearAdjustability:adjustable height adjustable backrest adjustable arms What we really likedBudget-friendlyMesh throughout, which makes it a breathable chair that wont trap heatSeveral adjustment points and even includes a clothes hanger on the back to keep a jacket or throw blanket close byWhat you should keep in mindLower weight limit than many other chairsVery limited warrantyBranch Verve ChairBranch Verve ChairTester: Terri Williams, contributorMy experience: Theres 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, the tilt tension, and the padded lumbar support.SpecsDimensions: 41"H x 27"W x 27"DMaterials: 3D knit, foam, and aluminumWeight Capacity: 275 lbs.Colors: Coral, lunar, mist, mint, cobalt, and galaxyWarranty: 7 yearsAdjustability:seat height and depth adjustable adjustable armrest height adjustable lumbar height tilt and tilt tension What we really likedSitting for long periods of time is easy thanks to the v-shaped chair design provides extra lumbar support3D knit back is breathable and supports postureSporty look and several color choicesWhat you should keep in mindNo headrestNot as affordable as other Branch picks on this listHaworth Breck Office ChairHaworth
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