I think the best office chairs for back pain can be a force for good in your life. It's a grand claim to be sure, but I've been testing ergonomic chairs for years now, and I've noticed seen how using them make me feel, in both office and home work.
And the experts agree. According to research by the University of Hampshire, if you work long hours at a desk (which, let's face it, we all do), using an ergonomic chair that follows the natural curvature of your spine, which provides support to your lower back, can decrease the risk of developing a cumulative trauma disorder.
So how have I selected the chairs on this list? When reviewing ergonomic chairs I consider their back support, adjustability, comfort, build quality and design. I also consider the price, and I've put together a list of the best budget chairs if that's your chief concern. However, right now the X4 chair from X-Chair wins in all categories, and that's why it's my top pick – I'm still using it as my home office chair a year later. I spend months with each chair to get a proper feel for each one, and make notes on every feature and how it makes me feel. I use each chair for office work, for gaming, and just hanging with friends and family.
If you're looking to further aid your posture, check out our guide on the best standing desks.
Built from premium materials, the X4 gives you solid support and supreme comfort. It's fairly heavy at 31kg, but with that weight comes incredible back support, and a soft-yet-solid comfort that feels great - plus plenty of adjustability, and optional features like a headrest, 360 degree armrests, and massage and heating pads. Read more below
Sihoo has been offering budget office chairs at a reasonable price for some time now, and though you can't really go wrong with any of them, the M57 really adds a touch of class with its lumbar support. It's airy with its mainly mesh surface, and for under $250, it's the best option out there right now. Read more below
The Aeron was first released in 1994 and has been a leader in the ergonomic chair game ever since. It's an iconic design, and extremely comfortable to sit in, with a suitable price tag attached. It's packed with excellent features and adjustability. Read more below
Branch is a San Fransico company that's released a beautifully designed ergonomic chair with the Verve. But it's not just looks. It's comfortable, with great adjustable lumbar support too. Only downside is the lack of adjustable arms. Read more below
While it looks unusual, this chair allows you to sit as if you are saddling a horse, which is reportedly beneficial for countering back pain - though you will need to regularly adjust your position. It has good lumbar and lower back support, and it’s very comfortable and adjustable too. Read more below
This chic, offbeat take on the classic Herman Miller chairs comes in a slightly smaller form factor and at a more affordable price point. It still has a sharp design and great ergonomic features, providing an excellent balance between support and comfort, not to mention great air circulation. Read more below
Don't let its backless form factor fool you; if you want an effective, beautiful-looking seating solution that will benefit your back and body, the Muista stool is worth your time. It encourages you to move while seated, encouraging blood flow and keeping your muscles gently engaged. Read more below
Hinomi are masters of the mid-range office chair, and with the X1 they're offering a solid ergonomic seat with butterfly/twin plate back and lumbar supports. It certainly has a distinct design, which may not be to your liking. But if you do like the look of it, it's certainly a comfy, ergo-minded chair for around $600. Read more below
If you're a gamer, look no further than the Secretlab Titan Evo. It's sturdy, comfortable and feature-filled, with a fully adjustable lumbar support system. This premium racing seat uses cold-cure foam for padding, has a magnetic headrest and comes in a range of sizes for various body types. Read more below
A classic, executive style with large leather panels.
★★★★★
Materials
Heavy aluminum, memory foam seat and soft leather finish
★★★★★
Adjustability
Fantastic 360º arm rests and back and seat adjustments
★★★★★
Price
Around $1,139 at Amazon. As low as $999 over Black Friday
★★★★½
Buy it if
✅ You want a classic executive chair: This is not your usual mesh affair, and real leather isn't for everyone. But for those that want that touch of luxury, this is a beautiful, premium model. ✅ Arm rests are important to you: The X4's 360º arm rests are some of the best on the market, with maximum adjustability and comfort. ✅ You want a solid build: The X4 has a very heavy, solid metal base. That means that while you enjoy the soft leather furnishings at surface level, you also feel the heft of the chair under you.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're vegetarian: X-Chair uses real Italian leather for the X4, and there's lots of it. ❌ You're on a budget: We've found the cheapest entry-level model of the X4 for $999, but that's still a grand! If you're on a tighter budget, keep scrolling down this page.
❌ You don't like lots of buying decisions: When bought through X-Chair, there are actually a lot of options before you get to the 'buy' button. Too many! It's a little annoying.
The bottom line
🔎 X-Chair's X4: I first reviewed the X4 back in early 2023 - and it's still one of my favourite office chairs, which I still enjoy using. It's supremely comfortable, and offers great ergonomic support, in both adjustable lumbar support and arm rests. ★★★★★
I've been using the X4 chair continuously in my home office for over a year now, and think it's the best ergonomic chair that I've reviewed so far, and I feel that it is the best option for most people. Here's why...
First off, the X4 Executive leather chair is one of the most comfortable ergonomic chairs. Its leather/foam combination is soft and the metal base build is solid so you get a combination of comfort and support that feels reassuring. And, when you pay extra for the 360º armrests, you get the absolute best armrests out there.
There are no surprising notes to make on the look of the X4 (though you can mix things up with one of the eight different colours that are on offer). I'd say the look is classic, with a pleasing two-part back, and a singular base making up the seat. Most importantly, the X4 really shines when you sit in it for any length of time. Built from hard plastic, chrome aluminium, mesh and leather, the X4 gives you all the solid support you'd want from a premium ergonomic chair, while also providing supreme comfort too.
It's one of the heaviest chairs featured on this list, clocking in at 31kg (that's twice the weight of some of the others). That solidity goes into providing incredible back support, and a soft-yet-solid comfort that feels great. It's also best for most people because it's really adjustable. There are loads of feature options as well, including headrest, 360 degree armrests, and massage and heating pads. For more information, check out our X-Chair X4 Executive chair review.
All Sihoo chairs offer adjustability above their price tag
★★★★
Price
This is a great buy for around the $300 mark
★★★★★
Buy it if
✅ You're on a budget: At around the $300 price tag, you can't really go wrong with the M57. All of Sihoo chairs offer great value, but this is one of the best for the price. ✅ You want basic ergonomics: It may be cheap, but the M57 still offers ergonomics above its price point. Solid lumbar support plus arm rest and back adjustments equal an all-round good chair experience.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're looking for a touch of class: I appreciate the Sihoo range of office chairs – I don't love them. They are budget models reflected in the choice of materials and basic design. ❌ You want the best ergonomics: The M57 and others of the range do provide good ergonomics, but certainly not great. The true support and cloud-like comfort comes at a bigger price tag.
❌ You hate lengthy constructions: Sihoo is pretty bad for providing you with a chair in a million pieces. That no doubt keeps the costs down, but still, worth noting that it may take some time to construct this.
The bottom line
🔎 Sihoo M57: It's very hard not to like the Sihoo M57 experience – especially when you consider the price that you're paying for it. Under $300 is a bargain for what you get – just don't expect too much. ★★★★
A Sihoo chair has held our second spot as best budget ergonomic chair since this guide was made. And there's a good reason for that. Sihoo have nailed ticking enough of the important boxes when it comes to comfort and ergonomics, while keeping costs down. This is perfectly represented with the M57 – it's mesh and plastic and metal which isn't exactly premium quality, but it's also properly comfortable, breathable and has plenty of adjustability. Add to that a solid lumbar support, all for under $250, and you have a fantastic entry-level ergonomic office chair on your hands.
When you compare the M57 to the other big hitters on this page, the massive difference (other than price) is materials, design and to a smaller extent adjustability. You'll find real leather and memory foam elsewhere. You'll also find chairs that could objectively be described as beautiful. The M57 doesn't shout loud in these categories. You're not going to feel that you're floating on the mesh it offers, but it's plenty comfy for multiple hours of work.
As far as looks go, it's pretty generic – neither beautiful nor ugly (as others on this list are). But when it comes to adjustability, it fairs well. The arms move forward and back, as well as up and down – a feature usually seen on more expensive models. And you also get a solid lumbar support that I wouldn't usually expect for a chair under $250. All in all, it's bang for buck the best office chair with ergonomic features that we've tested out.
From Herman Miller it's around $1,200 but come with a great warranty.
★★★★
Buy it if
✅ You want a modern classic design: The Aeron's design is a modern classic. It was made in 1994, and has become famous around the world. ✅ You want weightless comfort: It's not only beautiful. The Aeron is beautifully put together, and cradles you in the air. It's incredibly comfortable. ✅ You want the best ergonomics: The Aeron was one of the first ergonomic chairs to be made, and the human form hasn't changed much since then. It supports you in all the right places.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're not sure which model to get: The Aeron comes not only in small, medium and large. You also get the 'entry-level' model which doesn't have the adjustable arms or lumbar support. It is cheaper though. ❌ You're on a budget: It's the most expensive chair on this list, when taking the retail price. You can get it cheaper in sale, but you'll miss the Herman Miller warranty.
The bottom line
🔎 Aeron: The Herman Miller's Aeron chair is a designer's dream. It's a beautiful thing to look at, and you feel supported and comfortable when sitting in it. All that iconic class will cost you though. ★★★★½
The Herman Miller Aeron is one of the original ergonomic office chairs, and having had one material and performance update since its 1994 release, it's a design that's stood the test of time.
It's tempting to resort to hyperbole when recommending a product to a creative audience which nails form and function as well as the Aeron. I've used it as my primary work seat for 12 weeks at the time of writing, and it's definitely one of the most comfortable, supporting and stylish chair I've ever used.
So much so that it initially crashed straight into the top spot of our list of the best chairs for back pain, knocking the brilliant X4 Executive leather chair off its perch. The only reason it's been moved down to three again, is that the X-Chair just offers way more adjustability, which is really important in ergonomic chairs. However, it's an incredibly close call!
There's something comforting (and comfortable) about the reduced adjustment options in the 'entry level' model of the Aeron I reviewed. It says something of the supreme confidence of Herman Miller: how the initial design decisions play out so effectively in the end results of comfort and support.
If you're buying the Aeron directly from Herman Miller, the price is a little steep – though you do get a great 12-year warranty. Over $1,000 is a lot for anyone's wallet, though I have seen the price drop as low as $711 over at Amazon, so you can definitely get deals on this iconic chair.
Colours: Black, coral, light grey, dark grey, green and blue
Weight: 18kg
Max load: 125kg
Assembly: Needs assembly
Warrenty : Seven years
Reasons to buy
+
Beautiful design
+
High comfort and support
+
Great colour options
Reasons to avoid
-
Arm adjustability isn't great
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Chair overview
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
Full colour coverage, this is a design standout.
★★★★★
Materials
Coloured aluminium, plastic mesh, fabric and foam.
★★★★★
Adjustability
Lumbar, up and down, arm rests, and seat depth.
★★★½
Price
$549 retail
★★★★★
Buy it if
✅ You want a seriously stylish chair: Branch's Verve is one of my favourite chairs out there when it comes to aesthetics. It looks gorgeous, seamlessly covering its colour across all materials. The curves and lines of the chair are really well thought out. A lot of time and money have been spent on how this chair looks and feels. ✅ You want the best mid-priced chair: The Verve retails at $549 straight from the Branch website, but I've already seen it cheaper over at Amazon. For the quality of design, this is an excellent price, and my personal favourite mid-price chair out there.
Don't buy it if:
❌ Adjustable arm rests are top list: I love everything about this chair... apart from the arm rests. They look great, but they're just a little thin and wobbly and the height mechanism is a little clunky. It's the only reason the Verve chair doesn't have maximum five stars.
The bottom line
🔎 Verve: Created my a Brooklyn company, the Verve is as stylish as you'd expect. But this is not a case of looks over substance. The Verve is a fairly priced, incredibly comfortable chair that has all the ergonomic adjustments you'd want... apart from the arm rests. ★★★★½
To sum up my three-month review of the Brand Verve chair: I love it. I think high on the list of the things I love about this chair, is its look, including the sweeping colour that covers all various materials seamlessly. I also love the easy assembly and simplicity of use once it's all put together. But of course, it wouldn't have made this list if I couldn't also recommend its comfort and support. And all for under $600? It really is a class act.
So why not a five star review? Because throughout the process of putting the chair together and then using it, Branch set the bar super high for itself. That means when I noticed a flaw, or had a niggle about one feature, that issue was magnified. They made a rod for themselves by offering perfection, and they (well, the arms) didn't quite make it... still, near-perfect, and utterly stunning to behold, and all for nearly half the price of the more high-end chairs on this list that's bloody good!
A minimalist Scandinavian design saddle seat designed to keep you moving.
★★★★★
Materials
Aluminum, foam and soft felt.
★★★★½
Adjustability
Up and down
★★★½
Price
$1,100 at retail
★★★★
Buy it if
✅ You want to move when sitting: That may sound strange, but the HÅG Capisco encourages many movements when you're sat on it – which is great for blood flow and keeping your back and joints healthy. ✅ A Scandinavian look is what you want: It's a pretty iconic look. Certainly nothing looks quite like it. We like it – but do you?
✅ Your job involves you moving a lot: The Capisco has been used extensively in the medical professions, where users move to and from it, and while on it, all day long.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want a sink-in chair: There's no reclining on the HÅG Capisco. Ever. That's because it doesn't have a back to speak of. No arm rests either. But that's kind of the point of the design. No lounging, but moving instead. ❌ You're on a budget: It's another of the quality chairs on the list that breaks the grand mark. It's certainly an investment, but not a cheap one.
The bottom line
🔎 Capisco: This saddle chair won't be for everyone. But the fidgety user on the move will find it perfect. It is also plenty comfortable, and encourages you to move about while sitting down. ★★★★
The HÅG Capisco looks a little different from the other chairs on this list. That’s because it’s a saddle chair, which allows you to sit as if you are saddling a horse. This has been found to be beneficial for countering and preventing back pain in research such as this study from Cardiff University. In our HÅG Capisco 8106 chair review we noted that you keep adjusting how how you sit, which in turn helps with blood flow and posture, ultimately easing back discomfort.
Saddle chairs are most popular amongst medical professionals, but their use has spread to other types of workplace. They're especially good for use with standing desks. The HÅG Capisco has a wider saddle while the HÅG Capisco Puls has a firmer, narrower saddle that allows you to sit with your legs closer together.
Providing good lumbar and lower back support, it’s very comfortable and very adjustable too. The seat tilts, with a tilt lock, and you can tweak its height and depth too, from a low sitting position to a sit-stand position. Plus, from an aesthetic point of view, this radical and minimalist Scandinavian design will certainly put your home office setup on the cutting edge of cool.
Colour: Black + Black, Fog, Jezebel, Berry Blue or Apple Green; White + White, Black, Porcelain, Amber, Courgette, Java
Weight: 16.8-18.1kg
Max load: 159kg
Dimensions: 103 x 62 x 50cm
Assembly: Minimal assembly required
Reasons to buy
+
Premium craftsmanship
+
Stylish design
+
Advanced ergonomics
Reasons to avoid
-
Divisive looks
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Chair overview
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
A small chair inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge.
★★★★★
Materials
Metal, colourful plastic mesh, fabric and foam.
★★★★½
Adjustability
Lumbar, up and down, arm rests.
★★★½
Price
$1,200 at retail
★★★★
Buy it if
✅ You want a splash of colour: The Sayl is one of the most colourful of the Herman Miller chairs. And with the back plastic mesh being one piece, a dash of bright colour really pops. ✅ You want a small chair: The Sayl is a smaller chair, and fits perfectly in smaller spaces.
✅ You want another iconic option: All of Herman Miller chairs are immediately recognisable, and have been copied since they were to released. The Sayl, and its skeletal back, is iconic.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're a larger person: Even though there is no weight limit specified on the Herman Miller site, I think that there would be more comfortable chairs out there for the larger user. At 5'10 and 175lbs, this chair is super comfortable for me, but taller, heavier people may find the Sayl too small. ❌ You're on a budget: Yep, the Herman Miller price tag strikes again! It's on the cheaper range of the range, but will still put you back $1000 when bought straight from Herman Miller (which you should, if you want their 12-year warranty).
The bottom line
🔎 Sayl: It's another beautiful, award-winning design from Herman Miller. The Sayl also adds many colour options into the mix, to bring you another fantastic if expensive ergonomic chair. ★★★★
Whether you’re talking about style, craftsmanship or functionality, Herman Miller chairs are pretty difficult to beat. There are two other Herman Miller chairs on this list, but if the Mirra 2 and Aeron are too expensive for you, or you just prefer a smaller more compact style, then the Sayl is a great option. It’s a bit cheaper, but it still has a sharp design and great ergonomic features too.
The vented elastomer backrest has been copied by many, but remains a unique, effective feature of this chair, made with strands that vary in thickness and tension, providing an excellent balance between support and comfort, not to mention great air circulation. There's loads of arm rest adjustment options, and the four-setting tilt limiter lets you adjust the tension to your liking. The unique design inspired by the Golden Gate bridge may divide opinion, but I love its chic, offbeat design. And in terms of spinal support, it can’t be faulted.
Colour: 14 options, including grey, black, blue and pink
Weight : 6kg
Max load: 110kg
Dimensions: 36 x 52 x 55cm
Assembly: None
Reasons to buy
+
Unique, effective design
+
Promotes micro-movements
+
Beautiful, simple design
Reasons to avoid
-
No back support
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Chair overview
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
A sleek European take to the stool.
★★★★★
Materials
Plywood, felt and rubber.
★★★★★
Adjustability
NA
NA
Price
$420 retail.
★★★★
Buy it if
✅ You don't want to sit still: The Muista stool encourages micro movements while you use it, meaning less inertia, more blood flow, and a healthier you. ✅ You love its modern European style: This is a beautifully designed stool. It's a simple design that works incredibly well, so should be appreciated by designers and creatives alike.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want a comfy chair: Yes, I realise that this is a stool and not a chair, but it's such a great design that encourages ergonomic sitting that it had to make the list. Still, no comfy, sink-in foamed chair here.
The bottom line
🔎 Muista: The Muista is the only stool on this list, because I was so impressed with it I felt it had to make the cut. It's a brilliantly designed stool that encourages micro movements and therefore blood flow. It's just a beautiful bit of design that does its job supremely well. ★★★★
'Wait, I thought this was all about the best chairs for back pain? Why is there a stool on the list?!' If you're one of the people asking this question, the simple reason is because if you want an effective, beautiful looking seating solution that will benefit your back and body, the Muista stool is worth your time. It's a clever design that is not as expensive as some of the more high end options on this page, and as my hands-on Muista chair review explains, I really enjoyed using it for prolonged periods of time (especially when combined with one of the best standing desks).
Unlike pretty much all the chairs on this list, the Muista chair encourages you to move while seated. You can rock back and fore or side to side, depending on how you're sitting on it, and these micro-movements will encourage blood flow and keep your muscles gently engaged, staving off the more detrimental side-effects of sitting stationary for hours on end. Of course, I get that many won't want the lack of back rest and luxury seating that you can get with other chairs, but for clever design and low price, this is hard to beat.
Colour: Graphite + Twilight, Dark Turquoise, Urban Orange or White + Twilight, Studio White, Dark Turquoise or Urban Orange
Weight: 15.9kg
Max load: 159kg
Dimensions: 111 x 76 x 47cm
Assembly: Comes fully assembled
Reasons to buy
+
Premium build-quality
+
Strong lumbar support
+
Fully adjustable
Reasons to avoid
-
Only the price
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Chair overview
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
An influential skeletal design first released in 2013.
★★★★★
Materials
Aluminium, steel, plastic, and fabric.
★★★★★
Adjustability
Up, down, back, seat forward and arm rests.
★★★★½
Price
$1,300 retail.
★★★★½
Buy it if
✅ You want full back coverage: The Mirra 2's skeletal back design, which was ground-breaking when it came out in 2013, fully covers your back, fully supporting you even when you move about. ✅ You love the look: This won't be for everyone, but Herman Miller have produced yet another iconic design with the Mirra 2. The colour options also makes for a potentially attention grabbing addition to your office.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You don't like the look: As far as ergonomics go, the Mirra 2 is top quality, so the only thing that's worth criticising is the distinct look of the chair. Luckily, you just need to look at the picture above to make your mind up.
❌ You're on a budget: Yet again, Herman Mille have set the price tag to around $1,000. That's too much for many, but just the right amount for a life-time investment (especially with the 12-year warranty they offer when bought direct).
The bottom line
🔎 Mirra 2: It's another iconic design from the American furniture company, and one who's design has been borrowed in other chair designs since its release in 2013. It is supremely comfortable, supportive and ergonomic, but will cost you over a grand when bought at retail price. ★★★★½
The Herman Miller Mirra 2 is on my list for two reasons. Firstly, and most importantly, it's an ergonomic chair with a skeletal back design that supports your body properly, lessening strain on your back, and offering multiple adjustments to suit your body type. Secondly, it's a furniture design icon, oozing class and sophistication, and will add clout to any creative's work space. I've seen that skeletal back design copied many times, but never bettered.
At just north of $1,000, it’s expensive. But with its build quality, support and style, I believe it's well worth the price, especially if you're looking for a chair to use for several years to come. The often-copied but never bettered backrest responds to your movements, making your spine feel cradled and supported, and preventing you from slumping or slouching. This chair comfortably holds you with knees slightly lower that hips, while your feet are flat on the ground – a key requirement ot sit properly on a chair straight from the UK's National Health Service (for more on that, scroll to the bottom of this page).
The mesh is lovely and breathable, so you can stay cool on warm days. The chair offers excellent lumbar support, which can be adjusted for height (many of the cheaper chairs in our list include lumbar support but that isn't adjustable) and the arms are fully adjustable too. The seat cushion distributes your weight beautifully, and it also takes the largest maximum load (159kg / 350lbs) of all the chairs on this list.
✅ You want to be cradled: The design of modern gaming chairs is pretty distinct, and the Titan follows suit in its hugging sides on the back, which cradle the sitter. ✅ You love the look: Gaming chairs have a pretty specific aesthetic, and if you love it, then Secretlabs' Titan Evo is a great example of it.
✅ You're looking for great value: There is no doubt that the Titan Evo offers fantastic value for money. The comfy seat, the quality materials, the adjustments, all for just over $500! That's a bargain.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You don't like the look: As many of you will be creatives or designers, it's possible the gaming chair look will not be to your taste. Although some people on Creative Bloq are gamers and love the look, I prefer the design of Herman Miller to the generic cradling back gaming chair style.
The bottom line
🔎 Titan Evo: If you want to go for a gaming-style chair, I don't think there is a better example than the Secretlabs Titan Evo. When it comes to comfort, it excels, and the materials are all top notch. And though the ergonomics are the best on this list, the value for money is notable. ★★★★½
Are you going to be using your chair primarily for gaming? Then let me introduce the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022. We reviewed this premium gaming chair after several weeks use, and really like its sturdy comfort and attention to detail.
Most significantly, there’s a fully adjustable lumbar support system, which you control via a knob on the right side of the backrest. The seat has the same bucket-style design used on racing chairs, so it keeps your bum well supported over hours of gameplay (or normal office work). And the cold-cure foam used as padding throughout makes it super-comfortable. It comes in Small, Regular and XL, so has a number of body sizes covered too.
We loved the mixture of leatherette and velvet-style finishings, and think it looks as premium as it feels. The magnetic headrest is just another feature that adds to the ability to make the Titan Evo feel just so. This is a great supportive chair for gamers and non-gamers alike.
Some of the chairs that I've reviewed didn't have as strong a unique selling point as the chairs above. That doesn't mean they're bad chairs, and as you'll see from the linked reviews, they often score really high in my tests. So here are some other great options, should you not find what you're looking for above...
Hinomi X1 office chair At around $600, Hinomi has positioned the X1 at the higher end of the mid-range of office chairs. The range of adjustments on the X1 are great – it is a well built, ergonomic chair. But it doesn't look very nice, and who the hell thought to put that foot rest tucked up underneath the front?! Read my 4/5* review
ErgoChair Plus office chair
This is a very comfortable chair with a cool plastic spinal mesh back support (that you may recognise from other chairs on the the above list). It's also a good deal when bought at around the $399 mark, making it a decent mid-range priced chair. Read my 4/5* review
Flexispot OC13 chair I really liked the Game Boy-grey of the OC13, and the whole look of it is retro chic. It's not the most ergonomic chair on the list, but it had enough support for the back to make it. And at around $300, it's a decent budget option. Read my 3.5/5* review
Vertagear SL5800 gaming chair
A snug, comfortable fit, this is usually cheaper than the best gaming chair above. I liked the neck pillow and airflow design. I've seen this model go for under $500. Read my 4/5* review.
Flexispot BS9 office chair
If you'd like a splash of colour – orange in this case – a budget price tag and entry-level ergonomics, the BS9 is a good option. At around $200, this is one of the cheapest chairs on this list, but still comfortable enough for long hours at the desk. Read our 3.5/5* review
How we test
Every chair on this list has been thoroughly reviewed and tested over a period of weeks and even months. But how do we test chairs? Just sit in them?!
Well, you may laugh, but that's a pretty important part of it, yes. And as we use each chair as our primarily seat for weeks and months, we really get to know it. Any adjustability that we really appreciate, or any design notes that might take away from the overall comfort – it's all taken into account. So much becomes apparent over hours and hours of using these things.
But there's more - it's not just a passive process. We also get out of the chair and look at the chair from every angle, taking notes on aesthetics that will otherwise get ignored when sitting on the chair. The best ergonomic chairs can be a pretty big financial investment, and especially if they're going to sit in your home, you'll want to make sure that it's a beautiful/fitting design choice, as well as aiding comfort and supporting your back properly. That's why we break our reviews down into comfort, build, design and features.
How to choose
As we highlight in all our chair reviews, there are key elements to an ergonomic chair that buyers find most important: comfort, build, design and features (and assembly to a lesser extent). For each chair on this list, we've delved into each category to give you the most relevant information to make your purchase.
The reason I put the X-Chair as number one in this list, is because I think it does the best job of hitting all the essential criteria for a great ergonomic chair, for the most amount of users. Plus it has some extra features that I think will be really useful to users too. Unfortunately, not all chairs are as uniformly excellent as the X-Chair. Some look beautiful, but that's at the expense of a pretty key feature of adjustability (like the Verve chair). Some are excellent in many way, but they're just designed for a smaller user (the Sayl), so, although it's in no way a 'bad' chair, we can't recommend it to all users.
How you choose your chair will involved several criteria, some of which will be more important than others, depending on the buyer's needs. What we do is focus on all the main criteria, report on them in context to the other options out there, and hopefully help you make the most informed decision possible.
FAQs
Can office chairs help back pain?
Yes, the best ergonomic office chairs can help prevent back pain in the first place and can also help to alleviate it if you're already suffering. That said, if you do already suffer from back pain, I recommend visiting a doctor as well as considering a new chair because there may be other underlying causes.
Health experts provide a lot of advice on the importance of using a good chair. "In the age of technology, we spend so much time sitting at our computers, and our bodies cannot maintain good posture for hours without fatiguing," explains Dr Amy Hoover, a physiotherapist at workouts company P.volve.
"A chair that allows your lower back to maintain a good neutral position, supporting the natural curve in the lower back, can alleviate stress on the spine and improve the alignment of your spine all the way up to your head."
Lyndsay Hirst, a physiotherapist specialising in back pain and a specialist in Pilates, agrees. "The right chair set up is essential, not only to support the natural curves of the spine but also the shoulders," she notes. "Armrests are really useful for someone who suffers neck and mid-spine pain. Lumbar support is also very useful. An adjustable seat plate, backrest and arms will allow the user to adapt the chair to their specific posture."
There are several ergonomic features that can make an office chair good for back pain. Adjustability is one of the key things so that you can ensure the chair has the right form for your own body shape. See our guide to what makes an office chair ergonomic for full details on what to look for, but in summary, you should look for chairs with:
Lumbar support (see below)
Adjustable armrests
Seat-depth adjustability
Recline and tilt
James Crow, owner of Posture Stars, a website promoting good posture, says: "The best office chair for back pain is one that's highly adjustable, so you can get the back to support you in a meaningful way. Invest wisely: we wouldn't buy the cheapest mattress or car, but many of us are spending eight to 10 hours a day perched on a 'value' chair."
It's also important to replace an ageing chair, he says. "If your chair has been around for more than a decade it's probably time to upgrade. The materials wear down over time, with seat padding especially taking a beating."
When you're shopping for an ergonomic chair for back pain, you'll often see references to lumbar support. But what does that mean, exactly? Well, the word 'lumbar' refers to your lower back, which should curve inward, and as Chongsu Lee, a physiotherapist and creator of the robotic BackHug device, explains, "lumbar support can be an attachment, or a built-in part of an office chair that aligns with your lower back to maintain its natural inward curve."
Why does this matter? Well, when sitting, your lumbar becomes sandwiched between the torso, above, and buttocks, below. When you sit, lumbar stress is one-and-a-half times higher than when you stand, and double compared to when you walk.
"Left unsupported over time, the strain causes stiffness, making the lower back prone to injuries like slipped discs," Chongsu says. "Just like support beams in a building, lumbar support absorbs that strain and props your lumbar up, protecting it against stress and injury." So having a ergo chair with lumbar support is good for your back health over a long period of time. It supports your back, taking some of the strain off your lower back. Without lumbar support, you office chair is just a nice office chair. With it, you're actively supporting your back.
According to Innerbody Research – an online home health and wellness organisation, made up of health writers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and researchers – your knees should be slightly lower than your hips and your feet should be flat on the floor or a good footrest. Do not cross your legs as this is a recipe for posture-related aches and pains. An adjustable chair (tilt, height and recline) will make sure your lower back is properly supported, and if you're using a keyboard then make sure your chair is positioned so you can use it with straight wrists and hands (level with the floor).
Beren has worked on creative titles at Future Publishing for over 13 years. Cutting his teeth as Staff Writer on the digital art magazine ImagineFX, he moved on to edit several creative titles, and is currently the Ecommerce Editor on the most effective creative website in the world. When he's not testing and reviewing the best ergonomic office chairs, phones, laptops, TVs, monitors and various types of storage, he can be found finding and comparing the best deals on the tech that creatives value the most.
