The 7 Best Office Chairs for a More Comfortable Daily Grind
Lumbar support and proper posture can truly change the 9-to-5 experience.
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Not only can they be mentally taxing, but office jobs can be rough on your body, too—particularly when you're sitting in a chair that leaves you hunched over and aching at the end of a long day. And while standing desks and treadmill desks may help alleviate some of your day-to-day discomfort, they're not for everyone—and you can still make a big improvement in your overall comfort at your desk by simply investing in a good office chair.
Designed with elements like lumbar support, adjustable headrests and armrests, and quality cushioning, the right office chair can promote good posture, alleviating some of those aches and pains that tend to crop up throughout the day. There are also some less conventional options out there, like exercise ball chairs, which can improve your core and back strength while you sit.
To help you find the office chair that will give you all-day comfort, we've rounded up our top picks, as well as information on what to look for before you buy.
Best Office Chairs
What to Consider
Before buying an office chair, there are a few considerations to make that will ensure your all-day comfort.
Materials
If you tend to run hot, breathable materials like mesh may provide you greater comfort over the course of the workday than fabric chairs or ones made of real or faux leather.
Adjustability
If you have particular areas of your body that become uncomfortable during the course of the workday, you'd be wise to look for a chair that has some adjustability. An adjustable headrest, armrests, or lumbar support can help customize your comfort and alleviate some of those nagging pains throughout the day.
How We Selected
To find the best options among the many office chairs out there, we researched some of the most popular models available through Amazon and other retailers. We then took into account price, design, comfort, durability, and adjustability. Finally, we consulted reviews written by people who’ve bought these models on sites like Amazon to settle on the office chairs you'll find below.
For more great ways to stay comfortable at work, check out our picks for the best under desk treadmills, ergonomic office chairs, and exercise balls!
Pros
- Mesh back offers breathability
- Can be used with or without armrests
- Adjustable headrest
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 22 x 25 x 45 inches
- Materials: Mesh
- Colors: Black, gray
If you suffer from back pain, or are looking for a chair that will help improve your posture, you will definitely want to opt for a highly adjustable, ergonomic chair like this one. It has an adjustable headrest and armrests, and you can adjust the chair's overall height, too.
The mesh back is breathable and it also offers some lumbar support that will keep your lower back feeling comfortable. You can also flip the arm rests out of the way if you prefer to work without them.
Pros
- Comfortable cushioning
- Relatively inexpensive
Cons
- Faux leather material can get hot
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 38.6 inches
- Materials: Faux leather
- Colors: Black, brown, white
If you are looking for a basic, cushioned arm chair that will feel comfy all day long, you can't go wrong with this Amazon Basics model. It has plush cushioning that is wrapped in a durable polyurethane. It is also height adjustable and has five rolling caster wheels that work on both hard floors and low pile carpet.
Gaiam Ultimate Balance Ball Chair
Pros
- Helps improve posture
- Exercise ball can be used separately
Cons
- Exercise ball-style chairs aren't comfortable for everyone
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 30 inches
- Materials: Plastic
- Colors: Black
People have been using exercise balls as office chair alternatives for years, but this model makes doing so a bit more manageable. You can simply sit the ball in the holder—which has wheels that allow you to roll around and offers lower back support—and use it just like you would a regular office chair.
This model can help you either transition to using only an exercise ball without the stand, or can just make sitting on an exercise ball more practical and comfortable on a day-to-day basis—whichever way you use it, it's great for strengthening your back and core.
Vari Active Seat—Adjustable Ergonomic Standing Desk Chair
Pros
- Foam padding offers comfort while sitting
Cons
- Low back doesn't provide much support
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 15 x 17 x 23 inches
- Materials: Polypropylene
- Colors: Black
If you spend most of your day at a standing desk, a typical office chair probably won't suit your needs. This one, however, is great for when you want to get off your feet after hours of standing. It has a comfortable foam cushion and a low back, which also doubles as a handle for moving it around.
It's height-adjustable between 25.5 and 35 inches, making it ideal for sitting or leaning on while standing, and the large base keeps it sturdy and prevents it from falling over.
Pros
- Stylish design
- High weight limit
- Multiple colors available
Cons
- Vegan leather can run hot
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 34 inches
- Materials: Faux leather or fabric
- Colors: 10 options
While there are a lot of office chairs out there that are both comfortable and supportive, there aren't a ton that are also aesthetically pleasing. This sleek leather and metal version fits well into a modern office and has a cushioned back and seat. It has a 400-pound weight limit and the height can be adjusted. It also comes in 10 different colors, some in vegan leather, and others in fabric.
Pros
- Lumbar support
- Highly adjustable
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Expensive
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 23 x 23 x 40 inches
- Materials: Cloth textile
- Colors: 16 options
This chair may be pricey, but it is made with super high-quality materials that will last for years. The chair was designed with the intention of making desk-based work as comfortable as possible. It has a wave shape that provides lumbar support and promotes good posture, and has adjustable height, an adjustable headrest, and adjustable armrests. It also comes in 16 different colors, making it easy to find a style that matches your existing decor.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Breathable back
Cons
- Armrests aren't adjustable
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 25 x 24 x 40 inches
- Materials: Mesh and textile
- Colors: Black
If you are looking for a basic office chair that doesn't skimp on comfort, this is an amazing option. It costs only $62 and has a simple design that goes with practically any office aesthetic. The mesh back is breathable, but also provides support where you need it most, and it has a comfortable cushioned seat. It is height-adjustable and even has the ability to recline slightly.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
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