The 6 Best Office Chairs in 2024

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Updated Aug 6, 2024 6:56 PM
best office chair guide that shows the top best office chair model

A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

When choosing an office chair, it’s crucial to consider features like adjustable lumbar support and a high degree of adjustability, including seat height, armrest, and recline adjustments. These features help you maintain a comfortable and ergonomic posture during long work hours, preventing discomfort and potential back issues​​​​. Additionally, the build quality and material choice, such as breathable mesh or high-density foam, can significantly impact your sitting experience, providing the necessary support and durability.

For our buying guide, we analyzed 31 office chairs, narrowing down to 6 that performed exceptionally well in comfort, adjustability, and durability tests. Our comprehensive review process included assessing 65,492 reviews and filtering out 69% of experts who were deemed untrustworthy due to inconsistent or fake reviews. This ensures that our recommendations are based on verified, reliable data, focusing on chairs that genuinely offer the best features and value for a comfortable seating experience.

How Did We Rank the Best Office Chairs?

Office chairs do not have a lot of testing data available, which makes test-focused approaches challenging. Fortunately, office chairs are also in a rather unique position to not need a lot of test data because so much of what impacts them is based on specifications and features. The testing criteria we looked at paint only part of the picture for this list of the office chairs we most recommend – features like materials, measurements, and more all factored in as well.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
Maximum Weight Limit> 300 lbsNo (Nice to have)How much weight the chair can support.
Seat WidthVariesNo (Nice to have)The width of the seat.
Backrest HeightVariesNo (Nice to have)The height of the chair’s backrest.

Latest Updates

  • 08/06/2024: Republished the list to include the best office chairs based on our True Score system.

Top Office Chairs For 2024

Prices accurate at the time of publishing

See how we test the testers

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Herman Miller Mirra 2

    • Best For Scoliosis

    The Herman Miller Mirra 2 offers superb ergonomics, breathability, and durability for work and study. It is ideal for a wide range of body types and has key features like adjustable lumbar support and a 350-lb weight limit.

    Herman Miller Mirra 2 Review →

    True Score

    92
    94
    4

    Experts

    85
    185

    Customers

    SAVE $427
    $1,026.00
    $599.00
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    HAG Capisco

    The HAG Capisco is a premium, customizable armless office chair, ideal for active sitting and tasks requiring flexibility, with adjustable features and a unique ergonomic design.

    HAG Capisco Review →

    True Score

    90
    92
    2

    Experts

    87
    111

    Customers

    $1,164.98
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    AmazonBasics Low-Back Chair

    The AmazonBasics Low-Back Chair is a budget-friendly, tall, and simple option, ideal for temporary workspaces and taller individuals seeking basic comfort and functionality.

    AmazonBasics Low-Back Chair Review →

    True Score

    83
    83
    1

    Experts

    86
    30k

    Customers

    SAVE $10
    $86.70
    $76.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Kerdom Breathable Mesh Office Chair

    The Kerdom Breathable Mesh Office Chair offers affordability and breathability for tall students and professionals. Ideal for long hours at a desk, it provides good support with a 20-inch seat depth and 120° recline but has a 250 lbs weight limit.

    Kerdom Breathable Mesh Office Chair Review →

    True Score

    82
    82
    1

    Experts

    84
    922

    Customers

    SAVE $40
    $189.99
    $149.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Herman Miller Embody

    The Herman Miller Embody is an ultra-premium, highly adjustable chair ideal for scoliosis sufferers, professionals, and streamers, offering exceptional comfort and support for long sitting periods.

    Herman Miller Embody Review →

    True Score

    80
    78
    4

    Experts

    85
    459

    Customers

    SAVE $476
    $1,695.00
    $1,219.00
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Hon Ignition 2.0

    The Hon Ignition 2.0 is a highly adjustable, mid-range ergonomic chair ideal for tall individuals and those with lower back pain, offering substantial support and comfort without exceeding $500.

    Hon Ignition 2.0 Review →

    True Score

    72
    69
    5

    Experts

    83
    2k

    Customers

    SAVE $105
    $425.00
    $319.83

Our Approach to Analyzing Office Chairs

We’ve redefined office chair buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach uses a comprehensive dataset from trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics like brightness recline angle, seat height, width, and depth.

We aggregate and analyze this data, ensuring our recommendations meet the specific needs. Specifically, when it comes to office chairs, this involves selecting models that offer good adjustability, good recline angles, and sturdy construction.

Which Criteria Matters for Testing Office Chairs?

By focusing on these criteria, anyone can quickly and easily compare these office chairs and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase an office chair that will meet your needs.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
Maximum Weight Limit> 300 lbsNo (Nice to have)How much weight the chair can support.
Seat WidthVariesNo (Nice to have)The width of the seat.
Backrest HeightVariesNo (Nice to have)The height of the chair’s backrest.

Our Trusted Data Sources

We looked at 80+ office chairs reviewers and while 25 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating), we only use data from the testers that are “very trusted” which means a Trust Rating above 70%. The three we have listed below are our most trusted for office chairs.

  1. Melanie Pinola – Wirecutter, MuckRack
  2. Jenny McGraths – Business Insider, MuckRack, Twitter
  3. Ciprian Adrian Rusen – Digital Citizen, LinkedIn

Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every office chair review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.

Office Chair Test Data & Specifications

1. Weight Limit Spec Data

Manufacturers commonly provide a weight limit specification that lets you know the weight the chair will support before parts start breaking or it becomes unsafe to sit in the chair.

Higher weight limits usually reflect a more expensive chair, as more material (or stronger material) is used to improve the weight limit of the chair. For example, different pistons, or chair legs that are made of metal instead of plastic.

Weight Limit (in pounds; higher is better)

2. Seat Width Spec Data

Seat width is a manufacturer-provided measurement that indicates how wide the actual seat of the chair is.

Width is largely preferential, with the best seat width being the one that best suits your body. Buying a chair with an extremely wide seat might be uncomfortable or odd if you have a narrow frame, while extremely narrow seats are uncomfortable or impossible to sit in if you’re wide.

Seat Width (in inches)

3. Backrest Height Spec Data

Backrest height is a manufacturer-supplied specification, and, as the name implies, indicates how tall the backrest on a chair is.

Much like seat width, the backrest height on a chair should match your body, meaning there’s no “ideal” size. If you have a long torso, a taller back is better, but if you’re on the short side, a shorter back is better.

Max Seat Height (in inches; higher is better)

Office Chairs: Mistakes To Avoid

  1. Overlooking Ergonomic Features and Adjustability: Ergonomics is essential for preventing back pain and promoting good posture. Many people choose chairs based on appearance or price, overlooking ergonomic features. Key features include adjustable lumbar support, armrests, seat height, and tilt mechanisms, allowing customization for different body types and sitting habits. A common mistake is not ensuring the chair offers enough adjustability, which can lead to poor posture and discomfort. Additionally, without proper ergonomic support, you might find yourself sliding out of your office chair, which can be both uncomfortable and disruptive to your workflow. It’s important to test or research the ease and effectiveness of these adjustments.

  2. Ignoring Seat Comfort and Material: The seat cushion’s comfort and the chair’s material can significantly impact your sitting experience. Some buyers focus solely on the chair’s aesthetics and overlook the quality of the seat padding. A chair with insufficient padding or made from non-breathable materials can lead to discomfort, pressure points, or overheating. Consider chairs with high-quality, durable upholstery and well-padded seats to ensure long-lasting comfort. When choosing a chair, it’s also crucial to weigh the pros and cons of leather vs. mesh chairs and mesh vs. fabric office chairs, as each material offers different benefits in terms of breathability, durability, and comfort.

  3. Overlooking the Chair’s Base and Mobility: The chair’s base and mobility are important for ease of movement and stability. Some chairs have poor-quality casters that can damage flooring or do not roll smoothly. Additionally, a chair with a five-point base offers more stability than a four-point base. If you need to move around frequently or use multiple surfaces (like carpet and hardwood), ensure the chair has suitable wheels and a stable base. It’s also essential to know how to stop a squeaky chair or address common issues like fixing the chair’s hydraulics to maintain a comfortable and functional seating experience. In addition, knowing how to remove hair from office chair wheels and how to replace the wheels can help maintain the chair’s mobility and extend its lifespan.

  4. Ignoring the Chair’s Weight Capacity and Size: Many people overlook the importance of choosing a chair that suits their body size and weight. Using a chair not designed for your body type can lead to discomfort and a shorter lifespan for the chair. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the recommended weight capacity and size guidelines. It’s also important to consider the chair’s dimensions in relation to your workspace to ensure it fits comfortably without crowding your desk or other furniture.

The Best Office Chair Specs Compared

Product
True Score
Backrest Height
Seat Width
Seat Depth
Lumbar Support
Adjustable Armrests

Herman Miller Mirra 2

  • Best for Scoliosis

92
  • 22.91″

  • 21.5″

  • 16.5 – 18.5″

  • Adjustable

  • Yes

$599.00
$1,026
$427
90
  • 18.1″

  • 18.5″

  • 13.39 – 16.54″

  • No

  • No

$1,164.98
83
  • 20.5″

  • 19″

  • 24″

  • No

  • n/a

$76.99
$87
$10
82
  • 19.3″

  • 21.5″

  • 20″

  • Yes

  • Yes

$149.99
$190
$40

Herman Miller Embody

  • Best for Streamers

80
  • 24″

  • 21.5″

  • 15 – 18″

  • Adjustable

  • Yes

$1,219.00
$1,695
$476
72
  • 24.25″

  • 20″

  • 16.75-19″

  • Yes

  • Yes

$319.83
$425
$105

Office Chair Questions (FAQ)

What are the key features to look for in an ergonomic office chair?

The key features to look for in an ergonomic office chair include adjustable lumbar support, adjustable armrests, seat height and depth adjustment, tilt mechanisms, and breathable material. These features help ensure proper posture and comfort during long hours of sitting.

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