2025's Best Office Chairs: Comfort, Style & Health Features!

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The first office chairs emerged around the middle of the 19th century, when workers began spending long hours sitting at desks, which required special features not found in other chairs at the time. Today, office chairs have become a staple of modern life in corporate settings, at home, and even in college dorms. Unfortunately, this is not a sustainable way to work for many people. Thankfully, ergonomic chairs have been popular since the 1970s, and they really took a leap forward in terms of health-oriented design over the past 20 years. The best office chairslike our best overall, the Branch Ergonomic Chair Prohave become almost ridiculously comfortable, with plush padding, smart posture features, and a seemingly endless array of customizable adjustment points to help ease the long hours and improve your health. To that end, here are our picks for the best office chairs in 2025, whether youre shopping for the conference room, home office, or back to school.

When evaluating the best chairs for the office, the most obvious thing to remember is that there is no one size fits all approach, as anyone with a passing knowledge of the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears can probably tell you. One persons lumbar support could be another persons backache waiting to happen, so we assessed a wide variety of office desk chairs to meet a range of needs. All in all, we researched no less than five or six dozen chairs before deciding on the list that made the final cut.

Some of the features we homed in on for these computer chairs were basic comfort, ease of use, versatility, cost, easy assembly, style, and overall design. While some of the best chairs for office may come with all the bells and whistles, they may not always be the most cost-efficient or aesthetically pleasing options. However, those who are serious about their home office setup or who work long hours may want the very best executive office chair that fits their budget.

Some people have the option to use a standing desk. For the rest of us, we need ways to minimize the ill effects of sitting for long stretches. The best home office chairs today have features such as adjustable seats and heights, armrests, and back supports. These features help to prevent repetitive stress injuries, back pain, and other aches and discomforts associated with long periods of sitting, and our selections reflect those benefits.

• Incredibly comfortable
• Super adjustable
• The best recline function out there
• Elegant design

• Relatively complicated assembly
• Headrest offers limited adjustability

• Materials: Scuff-resistant mesh, vegan leather, and leather seat; aluminum base
• Furniture base: Swivel with castors
• Weight: 42 pounds

Why it made the cut: Superior adjustability, comfort, and style at a relatively affordable price make this the best office chair for most people.

The Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro is one of those chairs that feels comfortable from the moment you sit in it. When I initially sat on my test unit, the first thought that crossed my mind as I sank into its plush yet supportive cushioning was, Oh yeahthats nice. From there, the more you adjust its numerous ergonomic features, the more comfortable it gets. 

With 14 adjustment points, this chair is as dynamic as they come. The seat can be tilted, slid, and adjusted for tension as needed. The 5D adjustable arms position exactly where you want them. The lumbar support can be turned on or off. And I think that its adjustable recline is the best out there, period, allowing you to precisely dial in the pressure necessary to make it lean.

Aesthetically speaking, it looks great. Its offered in three premium material optionsmesh, vegan leather, and leathereach of which is available in attractive colors that will look professional whether at the home or office. The overall design feels tastefully modern with a few nods to classic office looks. It can be customized with accessories like an extra-tall post or headrest, and its one of the more durable chairs Ive tried. I tend to scuff my seats fast, and Branchs mesh cushion cover has held up admirably. 

Whats more, starting as low as $500, it offers outstanding quality at a surprisingly affordable price. Its relatively energy-intensive to assemble, and it would be nice if the headrest adjusted just a bit more, but thanks to its superior adjustability, ergonomics, style, and affordable quality, its an office chair that will appeal to the vast majority of sitters.

• Affordable yet high quality
• 9 adjustment points
• Breathable seatback

• Armrests dont lock into place

• Materials: Mesh or foam seat; plastic base
• Furniture base: Swivel with castors
• Weight: 48 pounds

Why it made the cut: This level of adjustability and comfort is hard to find at any price point, let alone for less than $400.

The Autonomous Ergochair Pro was already a great office chair, but with the recent price drop below $400and below $300 if you go with a mesh seat rather than cushionedits a hard bargain to pass up. 

The chair I tested had a cushioned seat, and it rivaled the Branch in terms of comfort. Its nine adjustment points deliver excellent customization and include an adjustable lumbar support, and here again the recline function was very good. I also really like how cool and comfortable its mesh back is. In the summer heat, it proved to be my go-to for a breathable, airy seat. 

In terms of style, I think the Ergochair Pro stands out due to a combination of its modern design and colorful seat options. It doesnt offer much in the way of options and accessories when ordering, but both its mesh and cushioned seats hold up well under caboose use. It rolls well over carpet, and I really like how broad its armrests are. 

That being said, the one glaring flaw is the fact that its armrests cant be locked in place. Ostensibly, that is so they can move somewhat with your arms, but it takes some getting used to. Overall, if youre looking for excellent ergonomics and a comfy sit, Autonomous offers a great bang for your buck.

• Accommodates a range of body shapes and sizes
• Supports up to 400 pounds
• Highly adjustable
• Versatile arms that wont cut into legs

• Materials: Polyester with foam padding
• Furniture base: Swivel
• Weight: 70 pounds

Why it made the cut: If its not just your Zoom and gaming sessions that are lengthy, but your entire body, well go out on a (long) limb and recommend this chair.

If you spend most of your life sitting at a desk (like so many people do), its worth investing in a chair that will treat your body correctly. The Steelcase Gesture comfortably supports up to 400 pounds and has a maximum seat height of 21 inches. It can support bodies of any size. Whats more, this high-back chair features highly adjustable arms, which arent attached at the front of the seat, so they wont dig into your thighs if your legs sit far apart (a problem with many other big-and-tall chairs).

I also like how the arms adjust. Similarly to the Autonomous, they dont lock in place, allowing for movement with your arms. But in this case, Steelcase has the armrest swivels semi-tightened, meaning you have to apply more pressure to move them. Ive found that this is highly preferable to having them either loosely attached or firmly fixed.

The seat cushion on this tall office chair has air pockets inside for ideal support and squishiness. Plus, the cushions are softer around the edges, so they flex under your legs, put less pressure on the muscles, and encourage blood flow. The back of the chair has a patented flexible panel that mimics the ideal shape of the spine to encourage sturdy posture. The headrest also encourages a more upright position to prevent slouching. Yes, the Steelcase Gesture is expensive, but it will treat your body how it deserves to be treated. Find more options in our guide to the best big and tall office chairs.

• Snazzy looks
• Seatback flexes and moves with you
• Highly customizable

• Definitely isnt cheap, especially as the options add up

• Materials: Mesh, digital knit, gradient knit, or leather seat; plastic or aluminum base
• Furniture base: Swivel with carpet or hard floorca castors
• Weight: 48 pounds

Why it made the cut: With its high levels of customization, refinement, and style, its the kind of chair that gets noticed.

Haworth started as a high school teachers side gig back in 1948, and since then its grown to become a world-renowned name in upscale furniture design. In the case of the Fern, you only have to look at it to recognize that excellence. I think it has something to do with the way the chair fuses the old with the new. On one hand, it sometimes looks like it could be directly out of an office in Mad Men. On the other, it also looks like it would be right at home in an office 40 years from now. 

But the Fern isnt all looks. Its also a supremely comfortable, highly ergonomic throne. The companys proprietary Wave Suspension System running through the seatback allows it to move and flex with every move and stretch your body makes. Its 3D sculpted design fits to the curvature of your spine. It has numerous adjustment points, and has an excellent recline. The cushion is soft yet supportive, and is available in a range of materials and color options.

Speaking of which, another thing that makes the Fern so refined is its high level of customizability, which allows you to design your dream chair. Choose from four materials spanning some two dozen colors, add a headrest, lumbar, forward tilt, or not, select between two armrests and base materials, and you can even select castors for soft or hard floors. For all these reasons and more, this is an exceptionally luxurious office chair.

• Built with reliable science
• 12-year warranty
• Puts basic ergonomics to shame
• Fully adjustable

• Materials: Various fabrics and leather alternatives, as well as real wood accent options
• Furniture base: Swivel or non-swivel options, with casters for carpet or wood

Why it made the cut: If you spend more time sitting than anything else and find yourself struggling to maintain posture, along with the aches and pains of failing to do so, the Anthros chair will definitely fix that.

The Anthros chair is made for those who sit, which is a lot of people. Most people. At some point, all people. But this chair, in particular, was created for those who sit a lot and are looking to fix what weve been breaking all these years behind the dull gray of cubicle walls, made worse by the advent of smartphones: our posture. Whether hunching over a device or curling forward, staring into a monitor, our spines and musculature have taken a beating. Anthros chair might just be the solution to our everlasting pain.

Heres the thing, though: The Anthros chair is expensive, which puts it in the class of chairs with other marquee brands we feature, like Herman Miller and Steelcase. However, when you break down the science and construction of this chair, its a worthy splurge and one that stands alone. Its the first office chair FDA-registered as a product that can improve posture. And the team at Anthros is composed of designers, physical and occupational therapists, pain and posture specialists, inventors, and biomechanics experts. But hows the butt-feel?

Its great, and heres a tidbit you might not have considered when purchasing an office chair: It has the lowest sheer rating (sliding off the chair, causing pain over time) of all its closest competitors and the highest pressure distribution/contact area rating. These ratings were achieved through vigorous scientific testing, with data to back it up. The science proves the butt-feel is fantastic. 

A lot of times when were purchasing chairs, we stop at the butt pad. We dont think enough about the back support, and we get tempted (and misled) with words like lumbar and ergonomics. The truth is that those things are gimmicks, and true ergonomics come from proper full-body alignment and pelvic support. This is much more important to your structural integrity than an added lumbar pillow that pushes your lower spine forward.

To offer the best level of support, Anthros is built with separate pelvic support and upper back support. This helps push your pelvic bone forward and keep your shoulders straight and not slouching. This design was cultivated over four years of testing and development and met along the way with resistance from manufacturing partners and the costs of building the chair within the United States. 

Every step of the way, we faced suggestions from our manufacturing partner that tempted us to take the easier route, the one well-trodden by existing office chair manufacturers, Ambassador Community Director Ashley Williams, PT, DPT, ATP/SM, CASp, tells PopSci via email. Why not use mesh? theyd suggest, or a synchro-tilt, or even a recline featureoptions that seemed to be the industry standard. But our response was always guided by a deeper understanding of what truly benefits the human body during long periods of sitting.

Fighting against common practices and focusing on the benefits to our backs and posture has resulted in a chair that certainly does what it sets out to do. After just a week of using the Anthros chair (shown in Quartz/Ivory colorway above), this reviewer can attest that while it initially seems to force good posture, it began to feel more natural than any other chair. Instead of curving into a gaming chair with an uncomfortable pillow in your back, it sets your hips straight and keeps your spine aligned. 

Plus, it doesnt stop there. With a tension tilt, adjustable (up, down, side to side) armrests, and depth positioning on the pelvic and upper back support, you will find your perfect sit in this chair. The fully adjustable nature means youll not even want to slouch, regardless of your shape or current posture state, because the support is there. Theres no reason to slouch. 

Sure, theres no headrest, but what do you need that for if the back support properly supports your neck? And if you already struggle with back pain, then youll want ultimate support. And thats why we sit anyway. 

Research indicates a strong correlation between poor posture and a range of adverse health outcomes, including chronic pain, fatigue, injury, depression, impaired vision, digestive issues, poor circulation, dysfunctional breathing, and even a shortened lifespan, continues Williams. Remarkably, up to 80 percent of individuals will encounter at least one episode of back pain in their lifetime.

With that in mind, it all boils down to Anthros claim that after years of experiments, collecting data, and existing research, the team found that it created three things with this chair: a back support that increases disc space and reduces disc pressure, dramatically improves posture, and provides the worlds most comfortable, lowest-pressure cushion. And none of that is marketing nonsense. Theres a reason the FDA took notice. My back can attest to the support, and my butt can attest to the cushion. 

This is a human-centric chair, designed not just to be a thing you occupy while sitting but to fix your form while doing so. And the way it does that, with separate supports for your pelvis and back without relying on jutting lumbar supports or an exhaustingly loose tilt, is about as good as youll get in an office chair. 

• Adjustable recline for three postures
• Fully adjustable arms
• Comes in three different sizes

• Headrest not included and sold separately

• Materials: Recycled materials
• Furniture base: Swivel
• Weight: 41 pounds

Why it made the cut: Since its introduction in 1994, this classic Herman Miller office chair has evolved and been updated to enhance the modern workplace experience.

For over 25 years, the Herman Miller Aeron Chair has been a gold standard for office furniture with its classic, ergonomic design. The latest version of the Aeron has been fully remastered with many premium design features to better support modern office workers with an adjustable range of motion for leaning forward or reclining back.

The tilt limiter function, for instance, allows you to set the recline range at one of three postures, while tension control lets you adjust the amount of effort needed to recline comfortably. In addition, the chairs armrests adjust from a height of 6.8 to 10.8 inches above the seat, slide back and forth over a range of 2.5 inches, and pivot between 15 degrees outward and 17.5 degrees inward for a fully customizable fit. Yet, the chair is still available in three sizes to accommodate even people six feet or taller.

For lumbar support, two individual pads flex independently and adjust to fit the spine curve, though some customers feel that it could use even more support. Another minor gripe is that the headrest is sold separately even with the hefty price tag, which might be a dealbreaker for those who are already concerned about making the pricey investment. But it fits the bill if youre on the hunt for black office chairs.

• Made from recycled materials 
• Sleek design
• Lightweight
• Comfort adjustment dial added

• Lumbar support is a separate purchase
• Supports less weight capacity than other ergonomic chairs

• Materials: Intermix mesh, aluminum
• Furniture base: Swivel
• Weight: 29 pounds

Why it made the cut: Made by one of the top names in office chairs, Steelcases new Karman chair is inspired by the cosmos and is made from recycled materials and a proprietary textile that responds the shape of users bodies.

Steelcases Karman Chair is inspired by the weightlessness of the K�rm�n Line, where the Earths atmosphere meets space. The chair is designed with sustainability in mind. At 29 pounds, this chair is lighter than many options on the market. It is made from 25 percent recycled and 75 percent recyclable material. And the proprietary mesh material in this offering combines yarn and filaments together to create a weave that responds to your body. 

The Karman features a mechanism that automatically senses your weight to provide the right support for your back when you recline. It also boasts a new comfort dial that adjusts the tension by up to 20 percent. Users can also customize the chair when ordering, choosing between height adjustability, 4-way adjustable arms, or an armless model. You can also purchase a cushion for extra lumbar support for an extra $57. Design enthusiasts will also appreciate the ability to choose between 13 colorways and several frame finishes.

• Caster-free design wont scratch your floor
• Comfortable handrail-style armrests
• Wooden swivel legs rotate 360 degrees

• Materials: Faux leather
• Furniture base: Swivel
• Weight: 33.5 pounds

Why it made the cut: This mid-century modern swivel chair works perfectly as either an office chair for working behind a desk or an accent chair for curling up with a good book.

Those who prioritize style and comfort equally will appreciate this Art Leon Mid Century Modern Accent Chair, which pairs an eye-catching, mod design with firm, well-cushioned, and ample seating. This comfy chair is also the perfect option for small offices and tight spaces. The sleek, handrail-style armrests curve down to fit under most desks yet are sturdy enough for pushing yourself up out of the seat.

Four sturdy oak legs extend outward from the swivel base that spins a full 360 degrees. Unlike most modern office chairs, this small office chair doesnt have caster wheels. Its a safer option for people with small kids and pets since theres no worry about tiny hands, feet, paws, and tails accidentally getting rolled over.

Some customers love that this accent chair is roomy enough to curl up in or sit cross-legged, while others on the larger side find it a bit dainty or cramped for their tastes. Another slight downside is that a handful of users have complained about the faux leather having a chemical odor. However, the scent seems to dissipate on its own after a few days or faster if sprayed with a linen freshener such as Febreze.

• Aluminum base supports 400 pounds
• Durable, heat-embossed ribbing
• Comes in 20 bright, fun colors

• Vinyl faux leather not very breathable

• Materials: Vinyl
• Furniture base: Swivel
• Weight: 30 pounds

Why it made the cut: This sleek chair comes in 20 colors and supports good posture.

The sleek Laura Davidson SOHO Office Chair almost does too good of a job at maintaining your posture because try as you might, it makes slouching nearly impossible. The supportive chrome steel frame and leatherette seat help support your back, with heat-embossed ribbing at least three times more durable than competitor products that use cheaper stitching.

Unlike some office chairs that have a low weight threshold, the extra-strength aluminum base not only looks great but supports over 400 pounds. Plus, the polyurethane rolling casters work great on various surfaces, including hardwood floors and low pile carpet, but without the risk of scratching or damage. With 20 bright, eye-catching colors, these cute office chairs look great in a home office or study.

This chair may not be the best for warmer climates as the faux vinyl leather is not very breathable and may become uncomfortable at higher temperatures. In addition, a few customers have noted that the arms can be difficult to screw on and need frequent tightening, but they can also be removed entirely if that becomes a recurring and bothersome issue. Another modern option that can work is one of the best kneeling chairs.

• Affordable for a range of budgets
• Easy to install and assemble
• Ergonomic nylon mesh lumbar support

• Seat is too narrow for wider hips

• Materials: Mesh, metal base
• Furniture base: Swivel
• Weight: 19 pounds

Why it made the cut: If you dont mind a narrow seat, this budget office chair boasts an attractively affordable price tag with standard features and basic lumbar support.

If youre looking for cheap office chairs, you could do worse than the BestOffice Home Office Chair, which has a price tag that can get nearly anyone on board. Constructed from a high-density sponge cushion, this chair provides comfortable seating and ergonomic nylon mesh for optimal lumbar support and 360-degree rolling wheels.

Though the chair arrives unassembled, it comes with all the hardware and necessary tools to put it together and can be set up easily in about 15 minutes. All parts and accessories have passed tests with the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association for quality materials.

Even though the mesh chair can support up to 250 pounds, it may be a better option for smaller adults, kids, and teens, as some customers have found it to be a tight fit. Some people also find that the armrests are too low, and combined with the narrow seat, the arms may bump uncomfortably on your legs and hips. But for the price, its hard to beat. For other options, here are our roundups of the best office chairs under $200 and the best affordable gaming chairs.

• High-quality breathable mesh construction
• Adjustable flip-up armrests
• Smooth and quiet rolling caster wheels

• Doesnt suit tall people as well

• Materials: Mesh
• Furniture base: Swivel
• Weight: 41 pounds

Why it made the cut: For all-around comfort, you cant beat this budget ergonomic office chair. This mesh construction office chair provides four supporting points at the head, back, hips, and hands.

Youll sit comfortably and work efficiently for hours in the Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair, which provides four supporting points at the head, back, hips, and hands, along with proper lumbar support. For added relief, the headrest, back, and seat are all constructed of breathable, high-quality mesh that wont overheat and will keep you cool even in the middle of summer.

But perhaps the most popular feature of this back-supportive chair is the fully adjustable, foldable armrests that can change height at the press of a button or flip to slide easily under any desk or table. The tilt function is also adjustable from 90 to 120 degrees, which is perfect for anyone from gamers to those who regularly spend long hours behind a desk. As a bonus, the smooth caster wheels are quiet and wont cause damage to wooden floors.

The manufacturers description states that the chair is suitable for people from 553 to 623 in height. However, some taller users have found that the alignment of the headrest is awkward or that it doesnt fold back far enough, so you dont bump the back of your head. Thats an easy fix, though, as the headrest can be removed if it doesnt work to your liking. And once youre done, you can sink into one of the best massage chairs.

There are a lot of things to keep in mind when choosing the best office chair for your needs, but they tend to fall into four categories:

Youre getting an office chair for ergonomics and comfort, and that usually means it is designed to reinforce positive sitting habits while allowing for a high degree of adjustability. Look for a chair that offers at least 5-7 adjustment points, which will allow you to tailor the back, seat, headrest, and armrests to your body. Whether youre a gamer or working at a desk, quality ergonomics and adjustability can go a long way toward preventing pain in your back, neck, and other parts of the body. If you tend to slouch, you wont be doing your back any favors by choosing an office chair that reinforces negative habits.

Most office chairs are offered with one of two seat options: mesh or foam. The former is usually more affordable, durable, and breathable, while the latter offers a perch that is more cush for your tush but typically less durable. If you plan on sitting for long hourslike a full work day or long gaming campaigna foam cushion is probably the way to go. But if youre going to be in and out of your seat, especially in the heat, you may want to save a few bucks and go with mesh.

Size comes into play in two key ways. First, ergonomic office chairs tend to be somewhat larger and bulkier than a normal chair, so make sure you have enough space to accommodate a chairs size. You also want a chair that accommodates your size. Ensure that the chair is tall and sturdy enough to support your frame, and if necessary, consider purchasing the taller seat post offered by some brands. This can also work the other way around. If youre shorter, make sure you dont get a seat that is so tall the headrest looms a foot above you.

When choosing a chair for your home or office, you want it to look the part. Most office chairs tend to lean in one of two directions: toward a more classic aesthetic or a more contemporary, techy vibe. Neither is inherently right, so get whats right for you and your space. Do you have a dedicated home office, or will you be working in another room in your home? If you need to set up your workspace in a dining room, living room, or bedroom, you may want to consider an office chair thats comfortable and fits seamlessly into your home decor, or has multi-functional use.

You can find a decent office chair no matter what your budget is. Office chairs can range widely from under $100 to over $1,500. For a high-quality, ergonomic office chair, expect to spend somewhere in the market of $200 to $600. If youre looking for more affordable office furniture, consider our budget-friendly pick, the BestOffice Home Office Chair.

If you typically spend more than an hour per day sitting in front of a desk, yes, an ergonomic chair can deliver numerous benefits by improving your posture. This can reduce pain in your back, neck, hips, and other parts of the body, improve comfort and general well-being, and potentially boost productivity. Over the long run, these benefits reap further rewards like preventing chronic pain, reducing healthcare costs, and enjoying greater success in your endeavors.

Ergonomic chairs work by supporting the full length of your spine, providing support at key resting points, and moving flexibly with your body. They can typically adjust to suit your bodys dimensions. Keep in mind that when making adjustments, improper tweaks can interfere with ergonomics.

Features to look for in an ergonomic office chair include lumbar support, seat and backrest materials, armrests, overall movement and stability, and seat width, depth, and height. Most importantly, a good ergonomic chair should allow the seat height to be adjusted from at least 15 to 22 inches off the floor, depending on how tall you are.

Headrests arent technically ergonomic, so many brands offer their chairs with headrests as an option. That being said, many who sit for long hours find that a headrest can help reduce neck and shoulder pain and can provide important support when sitting in a reclined position.

Most office chairs on our list are traditional swivel chairs with pneumatic up-and-down adjustments and some customizable ergonomic detailing. However, we also included a non-traditional active stool that can be adjusted to fit a standing desk. Office chairs come in all types, and are made of nylon, leather, faux leather, and many other materials. Older models of office chairs might feature wood backs with a leather pillow.

Some studies estimate that youll get seven to eight years of use out of an office chair, while others are more optimistic and suggest that you can go an entire decade before your chair has to be repaired or replaced. Of course, the life expectancy of your office chair also depends on how much money you invest, as a $50 chair is obviously not going to hold up as well as a chair that costs $500.

Our top pick for the all-around best office chair is the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro. Though not as well-known a high-end name as some on this listsuch as the Herman Miller Aeron Chair, which is still an excellent optionwe love the posture-positive feel of the Branch paired with its sleek, versatile design. For those looking for a stylish, comfortable design, well give a shoutout to the Art Leon Mid-Century Modern Accent Chair. Its an outstanding value for those living and working in small spaces or apartments, as it can be used not just as an office chair but as an accent chair, dining chair, reading chair, and more. And if youre specifically looking to address back pain without putting a hurting on your wallet, the Gabrylly stands out.