The best office chairs under $500 should be comfortable for extended sitting and have good adjustability. But when buying your next one, you should know there is a problem of low quality or fake expert reviews. 91% of reviewers don’t actually test the best office chairs and as a result you might end up buying the wrong one. That’s why we verify each of our 31+ office chairs as certified tested and shortlist the best 3 based on our True Score, a product rating system based on actual test data, expert and customer ratings.
Below is our list of the 3 best office chairs under $500. No matter which chair you choose, you will get the adjustability you need and comfort during long work days. Additionally, you can read our best office chair guide, which includes options that provide optimal ergonomic support, durability, and style to enhance your office environment, regardless of price.
How Did We Rank the Best Office Chairs Under $500?
While we leveraged data from 200+ trusted sites, there was not enough testing data available to produce a guide that builds off important test criteria like the actual angle of recline or actual seat height maximum, so our guide instead is based on two important specifications and leans on our True Score system to highlight the best possible products. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
🛠️ Minimum Specifications
- Must be less than $500
- Must have adjustable armrests
Latest Updates
- 04/26/2024: Republished the list to include the best office chairs under $500 based on our True Score system.
Top Office Chairs Under $500 For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
To qualify for our selection, an office chair must be under $500 and have adjustable armrests. If it fails to meet these criteria, it won’t be featured!
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Kerdom Breathable Mesh Office Chair
Best For Under $500
The Kerdom Chair is excellent thanks to its unique design and ergonomic features, offering versatility and comfort for work, gaming, and relaxation under $500.
True Score
82821Experts
84922Customers
Absolutely Fresh
$189.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Remarkable ergonomics
- Comfortable all-day seating
- Build quality
Reasons to Avoid
- Non-adjustable Lumbar
Specifications
Adjustable Armrests Yes Armrest Height Max n/a Armrest Height Min n/a Backrest Height 19.3" Backrest Width n/a Frame Construction Steel and Plastic Has Footrest No Head Pillow No Head Rest Adjustable Head Support Lumbar Support Yes Piston Type Pneumatic Lift Recline 120° Seat Depth 20" Seat Height Adjustment 19" Seat Padding Material Foam Seat Width 21.5" Upholstery Mesh Weight Limit 250 lbs Wheel Type Casters All Specs
Test Results
Max Recline (Degrees) 0 Min Seat Height (Inches) 0 Max Seat Height (Inches) 0 All Retailers
$189.99Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you are in the market for an office chair under 500 with a unique design, the Kerdom Breathable Mesh Office Chair is an excellent choice for its thoughtful ergonomic design. The chair’s distinctive design differentiates it from others in our selection, featuring a segmented mesh backrest rather than a solid piece for lumbar, mid-back, and head support. The included lumbar support lacks adjustability though, which might be a drawback for those seeking customizable features.
Although this chair’s maximum weight capacity is 250 pounds, less than the 330-pound capacity of the Modway Articulate Ergonomic Chair, it still provides ample support and comfort for a broad range of users. Combined with a seat width of 21.5 inches and depth of 20 inches, there is ample room for various body types.
Its design and features offer support for long hours of office work, and its focus on lumbar support and ergonomics makes it equally suitable for gaming sessions. For individuals who enjoy unwinding in their chairs after work or engaging in leisurely activities like reading, its ability to recline up to 120 degrees provides a comfortable experience both during work and relaxation.
The Kerdom Breathable Mesh Office Chair is impressive for those seeking a chair that combines ergonomic features with durability and flexibility. Its suitability for various activities beyond the conventional office environment highlights its versatility, making it an impressive consideration for anyone looking to invest in a quality office chair under $500.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Hon Ignition 2.0
Best For Lower Back Pain
The Hon Ignition 2.0 excels in adjustability and ergonomic design, making it an ideal choice for diverse office and home settings.
True Score
69665Experts
832kCustomers
Meh
SAVE $192$589.00$396.95Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good ergonomics/adjustability
- Comfortable lumbar support
- Robust construction
Reasons to Avoid
- No neck support
- Tall for individuals under 5’2″
- Cushion padding flattens out
Specifications
Adjustable Armrests Yes Armrest Height Max 20" Armrest Height Min 11.2" Backrest Height 24.25" Backrest Width 19" Frame Construction Steel Has Footrest No Head Pillow No Head Rest Adjustable Head Support Lumbar Support Yes Piston Type n/a Recline Yes Seat Depth 16.75-19" Seat Height Adjustment 17 – 22" Seat Padding Material Foam Seat Width 20" Upholstery Fabric, Mesh Weight Limit 300 lbs Wheel Type Casters All Specs
Test Results
Max Recline (Degrees) 0 Min Seat Height (Inches) 0 Max Seat Height (Inches) 0 All Retailers
- $425.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a highly adjustable office chair, the Hon Ignition 2.0 offers an impressive blend of functionality and comfort. It is especially suitable for users looking for a reliable seating solution under $500. With notable features like lumbar support and a generous weight limit of 300 pounds, the chair appeals to a wide range of users by offering substantial ergonomic benefits and long-lasting build quality.
Despite being the priciest option in our selection, it has unparalleled adjustability. Unique in its class, this chair allows for seat depth modifications from 16.8 to 19 inches, catering to users of various heights to customize their seating for optimal comfort over long work periods. In contrast, the Modway Articulate Ergonomic is better for taller users with a generous 21-inch seat depth, ensuring sufficient leg support for those requiring more room at a fraction of the cost. And like the Modway, the Ignition 2.0 also features an adjustable seat height range from a minimum of 17 inches to a maximum of 22 inches
The Hon Ignition 2.0 is suitable for traditional office use and versatile enough for other scenarios, such as home offices or light gaming sessions. Its ergonomic design and adjustable features ensure a comfortable sitting experience regardless of the activity, making it a viable option for those seeking a multi-functional chair. While designed for office use, the Hon Ignition 2.0’s adaptability makes it a worthy consideration for a range of environments beyond the conventional workspace.
DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
Enhance your seating experience with the best seat cushion designed to provide additional comfort and support throughout the workday. If gaming is your priority, the top gaming chair combines ergonomic features with durable design to handle long sessions.
For workers suffering from soreness, the best office chair for lower back pain offers tailored lumbar support to alleviate strain. Explore the top-rated office chair without wheels if mobility is not a necessity, or the most comfortable armless office chair for a minimalist and spacious seating option.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Modway Articulate Ergonomic
Best For Under $300
The Modway Articulate Ergonomic chair excels in ergonomic support and adaptability, making it a top choice for diverse seating needs within a budget.
True Score
62583Experts
797kCustomers
Meh
$118.77Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good ergonomics and adjustability
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Great stability
Reasons to Avoid
- Build quality issues
Specifications
Adjustable Armrests Yes Armrest Height Max 31" Armrest Height Min 27.5" Backrest Height 22" Backrest Width 19" Frame Construction Metal and Plastic Has Footrest No Head Pillow No Head Rest No Lumbar Support Yes Piston Type Pneumatic Lift Recline 120° Seat Depth 21" Seat Height Adjustment 17 – 22" Seat Padding Material Foam Seat Width 17.5" Upholstery Mesh Weight Limit 330 lbs Wheel Type Casters All Specs
Test Results
Max Recline (Degrees) 0 Min Seat Height (Inches) 0 Max Seat Height (Inches) 0 All Retailers
- $118.77
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a budget-friendly adjustable office chair, the Modway Articulate Ergonomic chair offers impressive lumbar adjustability. It can be raised or lowered by 4 inches to accommodate diverse comfort preferences. This chair tops our list with a best-in-class maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds, ensuring durable support and comfort for prolonged desk activities. The chair’s solid construction and careful design make it a reliable choice for anyone needing sustained support throughout the workday.
This chair’s commendable adaptability, with a seat height adjustment ranging from 17 to 22 inches and a seat depth of 21 inches, ensures a tailored fit for a diverse user base and enhances its ergonomic value. For those requiring more seat width, the Kerdom Breathable Mesh Office Chair provides a slightly wider option at 21.5 inches compared to this chair’s 17.5-inch seat width.
While the chair might not be specifically tailored for alternate use cases like gaming or lounging, its ergonomic features and adjustability lend it a versatility that cannot be overlooked. With its strong weight limit, ergonomic structure, and ability to recline up to 120 degrees, this chair is versatile enough to cater to more than just traditional office tasks, making it ideal for any setting where comfort and support are essential.
The Modway Articulate Ergonomic chair is a compelling budget-friendly option for those prioritizing ergonomic support and adaptability. Its design and functionality cater to a broad spectrum of needs, reinforcing its suitability for office work and other scenarios where comfort and posture are key considerations.
Did you know 91% of Office Chair reviewers are untrustworthy?
Our research found only 9 of 97 office chair reviewers as of April 2024 can be trusted. This is why Gadget Review is committed calculating the most accurate product scores on the web.
To do this, we give every office chair review site a Trust Score, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Score with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.
67,691Office Chair Reviews Analyzed
31
Total Products Analyzed
Our Approach to Evaluating Office Chairs Under $500
We’ve redefined office chair buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach normally uses a comprehensive dataset from trusted sites, aggregating testing data to help know what chair you should buy. Sometimes, however, there just isn’t enough testing data – or any data at all.
When it comes to office chairs under $500, we don’t have a lot of testing data to go off of, so we turn to using purely our True Score system to lead the way in identifying the best possible products. We’ve also included some important spec data that will help you better make a decision on a chair that not only fits your budget, but also your body.
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 95+ office chairs reviewers and while 9 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Score), we only use data from the testers that are “very trusted” which means a Trust Score above 70%. The three we have listed below are our most trusted for office chairs.
- Jenny McGraths – Business Insider, MuckRack, Twitter
- Benjamin Hickok – TechGearLab
- 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 Scores 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 Spec Data
1. Weight Limit Spec Data
Weight Limit
> 300 lbs
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much weight the chair can support.
Units of Measurement: lbs (pounds)
Tools to Measure: Manufacturer provided specification
Why It’s Important:
Weight limits tell you the rough weight a person can be and still safely and comfortably use a chair.
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
Varies
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The width of the seat.
Units of Measurement: ” (Inches)
Tools to Measure: Manufacturer provided specification.
Why It’s Important:
Seats need to be wide enough to be comfortable to sit in.
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.
Backrest Height
Varies
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The height of the chair’s backrest.
Units of Measurement: ” (Inches)
Tools to Measure: Measuring Tape
Why It’s Important:
Seat backs need to be high enough to support most or all of your back.
Max Seat Height (in inches)
Best Office Chairs Under $500: Mistakes To Avoid
- Sacrificing Comfort for Price: Opting for a cheap office chair solely based on its price tag might lead to sacrificing comfort and ergonomic support, which are crucial for long hours of sitting. However, it is possible to find models under $500 or even the best office chairs under $300 that do not compromise on these essential features, ensuring affordability and a healthy seating posture.
- Ignoring Adjustable Features: Overlooking adjustable features such as seat height, armrests, and lumbar support can result in discomfort and poor posture. When considering ergonomics and comfort, armrests can be good for ergonomics by supporting proper posture and reducing strain on your shoulders and arms. Make sure the chair offers customization options to suit your needs.
- Neglecting Durability: Choosing a chair without considering its build quality and materials can lead to premature wear and tear, diminishing its lifespan and value for money. If this happens, we have resources for some repairs, such as how to fix an office chair that leans forward.
- Disregarding Weight Capacity: Failing to check the weight capacity of the chair can be a critical mistake, especially for larger individuals. Ensure the chair can safely support your weight to prevent accidents or breakage. For those who need more robust options, the best big and tall office chair is specifically designed to accommodate larger body types, offering both higher weight capacities and spacious seating.
The Best Office Chairs Under $500 Tests & Specs Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Maximum Recline (Degrees)
|
Minimum Seat Height (inches)
|
Maximum Seat Height (inches)
|
Backrest Height
|
Seat Depth
|
Seat Width |
Lumbar Suppot
|
Adjustable Armrests
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kerdom Breathable Mesh Office Chair
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  $189.99 |
| 69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  $396.95 $589 $192 |
| 62 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $118.77 |
