Best Office Chairs in 2023

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Anyone who’s spent time working in an office knows how big of a difference a quality office chair makes. Sure, when you think of A Few Good Men, you’re more likely to think of Jack Nicholson’s court speech, but do you know what he was sitting in? That’s right: an office chair. The hidden gems that support everyone from presidents to generals to workers in the typing pool, a good office chair is something every professional needs.

While you might be inclined to get the first one you see, a bit of research can make a huge difference in your daily work-life quality. It’s definitely worth considering when you’re moving and setting up a new home office. From the necessity of lumbar support to the added professional edge that a good chair provides, it’s something no worker should be without. To save you time and energy, we’ve broken down the best office chairs available along with some advice on making the right pick.

Flash furniture ergonomic office chair

BestOffice home office desk chair

Hbada mesh office swivel chair

OFM ESS collection office chair

Serta big u0026 tall executive office chair

OFM collection bonded sled chair

Why should you trust us

I’ve spent three years reviewing products and services, in addition to my first five years spent as a news correspondent, meaning I have a lot of firsthand experience with office chairs. The topics I cover range from automotive equipment to gear and weapons to financial institutions. Using my education in the sciences paired with my years of work in media, my goal is to always analyze and review products in a concise, reliable manner. My work is featured on Narcity Media, The Drive, and Car Bibles, and some of my recent pieces for Task & Purpose include reviews of gym bags, tactical backpacks, and gaming chairs.

Types of office chairs

Ergonomic

One of the most popular types of chairs is those with an ergonomic structure. These models are designed to help you avoid musculoskeletal issues related to staying seated for extended periods. By promoting posture through lumbar support, cushioning, and armrests, these chairs limit fatigue and facilitate improved circulation. Though a bit higher on the pricing spectrum, these chairs are a good way to go if you spend long hours at the office.

Executive

If you are looking for a chair with a professional look, this type has a lot to offer. You can easily spot them through the high back, prominent neck support, and regal appearance. These chairs feature ample cushioning and have a substantial amount of lumbar and arm support. While they have some ergonomic features, fewer parts of these chairs are adjustable. As a result, this type is good for business meetings and working in shorter spurts.

Mesh

If your office is in a poorly ventilated area, mesh office chairs have a lot of advantages. Per the namesake, the back of the chair is made out of mesh. Breathing well in all cases, most are structured to offer back support and promote circulation. There is a wide variety of these chairs available, though most have wheeled bases and a top that swivels. Though the mesh back limits lumbar support adjustability, you can usually change the height of the chair’s base and the armrests.

Features to look for in office chairs

Chair base

Where the chair meets the floor, the chair base is essential to balancing mobility with stability. Typically, an office chair will have wheels at the base. A center pole meets the base of the chair where you sit and connects to metal bars that spread outwards in a star-like pattern. The wheels let you roll while sitting, while the swivel feature where the seat meets the pole lets you turn in the chair. A quality chair will let you swivel over a full 360 degrees, and will include a comfortable seat and wheels that slide easily.

Back support

Essential to the ergonomic design of any office chair is the back support component. Regardless of the type of chair, it needs to be sturdy enough to let you lean back without shifting. Often, the chairs will curve outwards at the base, supporting the lumbar part of your back. Many chairs have adjustable back positions, connecting to dials at the side. An important part of this feature is height since you should be able to rest your head comfortably to prevent neck strain.

Arm rests

Though not all office chairs have arm supports, it is a common feature. If your work involves a lot of computer time, being able to relax the supporting muscles in your arms is important. Look for chairs that let you adjust the armrest height or with armrests that fold down. While you may not always want to use this component, it is helpful to have the option. Ideally, the armrest has some padding to keep your muscles comfortable while you work.

Cushion

The final feature to look out for on your office chair is the cushioning. With the vast majority of office chairs being made out of leather (usually synthetic), the material is usually strong enough to hold padding. This cushioning comes in different levels of hardness. While a softer chair may sound good, it will compress quickly under your weight. Aim for something that is sturdy, yet supportive, to optimize durability.

Benefits of owning an office chair

Reduces pain: A quality office chair will feature an ergonomic design, meaning it is both comfortable and supportive. By promoting blood flow by letting your body sit comfortably while you work, muscle strain and back pain are largely mitigated. Any military professional knows the importance of staying fit and healthy. A good office chair helps you do precisely that.
Limits fatigue: Straining your muscles while you work from a poorly designed office chair makes you tired. Quality office chairs support your legs, back, and arms so that you don’t get fatigued (at least not until your shift is over).
Improves productivity: Change happens in an instant. While filling out a spreadsheet cell might not have the flash and flair of work in the field, small moments add up. Instead of wasting time shifting in an uncomfortable seat, a good office chair lets you focus on your work.
Facilitates good posture: By supporting your back and neck, you won’t run the risk of hunching over while drafting documents or hovering over a computer screen. Spending time in the military results in fantastic posture (among other things), and using a good office chair ensures those skills don’t get lost in an office setting.
Saves money over time: Though an office chair is an investment up front, it quickly becomes worth it. Instead of shelling out for chiropractic copay and ibuprofen, a good office chair keeps you comfortable and supported while you work. Plus, since they are designed to work in an office setting, they won’t wear down as quickly as a chair designed for another purpose.
Cultivates a professional look: You know your skills and talent, but in the modern world of Zoom meetings and online work, presentation matters. Even if you don’t have a fully equipped home office, opting for a proper office chair showcases your seriousness as a professional.

Office chair price ranges

Under $100: Though you can get office chairs in this category, they are likely to be less supportive and break sooner. While cost-effective upfront, the speed of wear reduces that benefit fairly quickly.
Over $100: Most high-quality office chairs fall in this price range, with options available in all types and styles. Generally, chairs at this price point are more comfortable and durable.

How we chose our top picks

By analyzing a wide variety of reputable online sources, we found accurate information detailing the different types of office chairs and the benefits they offer. After investigating the merit of the leading chair manufacturers, we looked through their individual catalogs to find the optimal selections in terms of comfort, durability, and style. We culled information from trusted sites like the Chair Institute to learn the industry-standards and expectations of office chairs. Equipped with these details, and keeping a focus on function and durability, we found the best office chairs to foster efficiency and ergonomic support in any workplace.