As a remote team, Forbes Vetted writers and editors know what separates the best office chairs from the rest. So, we combined our expertise as work-from-home employees with guidance from medical professionals to assemble this list, which includes staffer favorites. Our top pick (which is also popular amongst Vetted readers) is the Branch Verve—adjustable and stylish, it also comes with a breathable back and thick foam-filled seat cushion for added comfort. But, there are plenty more on this list that are suitable for a variety of office set-ups.
We assembled the best office chairs based on our experience as a remote team and insights from ... [+] experts. Office Chair With Headrest
And if you’re wondering what to look for in an office chair, board-certified orthopedic spine and neck surgeon Dr. Rahul Shah recommends a model that’s “supportive, highly adjustable and comfortable.” Beyond that, consider additional features like headrests, extra thick cushioning and design aesthetic. Below, see the 11 best office chairs according to reviewers and Forbes staffers. And if chronic aches have become part of your weekday, we’ve also rounded up the best office chairs for back pain.
Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 37-41 inches | Material: Polyester knit with a foam seat | Weight limit: 275 pounds | Colors: Black, pink, white, green, blue, grey
We like the Branch Verve because it’s one of the most comfortable office chairs you can buy. Fitted with an adjustable seat, armrest and lumbar support, it comes with plenty of ways to tailor the chair to your comfort preferences and workspace. (We especially recommend the Branch Verve for shorter people since the seat can be lowered to 16.5 inches.) Take it from one of our editors, who used the Branch Verve every day for the past year and found it completely revolutionized her WFH setup.
Another plus for the Branch Verve: It has a soft-knit back and is available in five sleek colors, making it a practical and beautiful addition to your office space.
What our editors say: “I don’t think I fully grasped the benefits of working in an ergonomic desk chair until I added the Branch Verve to my work-from-home setup a year ago,” says Amanda Arnold, Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editor. “Between the foam-filled seat cushion, adjustable armrests and breathable knit back, this chair provides support everywhere you need it. My only complaint is that my cat loves it, too.”
Dimensions: 20.1 x 18 x 45.3 inches | Material: Mesh | Weight limit: 300 pounds | Colors: Black
While more inexpensive options do exist, this option from Noblewell offers many perks seen in high-end office chairs, but for less than $250. We like its high mesh back and built-in lumbar support, which helps support healthy spine alignment—a must-have when you’re logging 8 (or more) hours at your desk. The design is also highly adjustable: The armrests, seat height and headrest are all customizable. And when you’re ready to kick your feet up, the Noblewell lets you recline up to 126 degrees.
What the reviews say: “I work from home, and I am in my office chair at least 10 hours or more about 6 days a week. My back does not hurt and to me that means everything,” says one buyer.
Dimensions: 39.3 x 24.5 x 19.8 inches | Material: Elastomer back and upholstered seat | Weight limit: 350 pounds | Colors: Black, white, grey
When you sit for hours at a time—like our team of fully remote editors—you’ve likely experienced some aches and pains. That’s why we recommend the Sayl chair from Herman Miller for remote workers with back pain. Built with a unique seat back made from flexible elastomer, the Sayl excels at supporting spine alignment. Plus you can add adjustable lumbar support (for an extra cost). It comes with nearly a dozen optional customizations, including your choice of color, upholstery and armrests, which earned high praise from reviews editor Anna Perling. Note: These add-ons aren’t included in the base price.
What our editors say: “My favorite part about the chair is how adjustable it is—it's a cinch to change the armrests, back and height,” says reviews editor Anna Perling. “The curved back support is somehow both firm and flexible; it feels like a hug for my back. Herman Miller also offers an awesome 12-year warranty, which made me feel confident in my purchase.”
Dimensions: 26 x 23.6 x 42 inches | Material: Mesh | Weight limit: 330 pounds | Colors: Black, grey
Proper lumbar support is key to keeping your neck and spine properly aligned throughout the day. That’s why we selected the Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair as the most supportive option because it offers an adjustable design that lets you move its lumbar support in two different ways. Use the dials on the back of the chair to slide the piece up and down, or in and out, to find the most comfortable position for your body.
The seat is firmer than your average office chair (which is half the reason it’s so supportive), so if you like the feel of plush-soft padding, you may be better off with a softer pick. However, heavyweight individuals and taller folks should especially appreciate this chair’s sturdier design.
What the reviews say: “The very first thing I noticed was the firmness of the seat cushion,” says a reviewer. “I feel like I'm sitting on it [as opposed to] my other chair, where I was sinking in it. It's so firm and comfortable and keeps me in a solid upright position. The second thing I noticed was the excellent lumbar support.”
Dimensions: 32.9 x 24.4 x 24.4 inches | Material: Upholstered | Weight limit: 250 pounds | Colors: Yellow, red, dark gray, gray, blue, green
An office chair and a task chair may seem like they’re one in the same, but they’re actually quite different. A task chair is specially designed to help aid your productivity, so it’s usually more compact and relatively bare-bones when compared to the other feature-packed office chairs on our list. But where a task chair lacks in features, it makes up for in style. This is especially true of the Elliana Task Chair from Wayfair. Available in six different colorways and two fabrics—velvet or polyester—you can customize the design based on your preferences. Our senior travel editor uses her Elliana everyday, and appreciates the chair’s beautiful fabrics, dense sponge seat and comfortable armrests.
What our editors say: “It’s super comfy and I love its arm and back support,” says senior travel editor Astrid Taran. “It’s also super affordable and looks a lot more expensive in real life! I actually attached the seat the opposite way the instructions said to, so not sure if that was a mistake on Wayfair's part, but it's way more comfortable this way.”
Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 53 inches | Material: Mesh | Weight limit: 300 pounds | Colors: Black, grey, blue, red, white
If you get hot easily or live in a warmer climate, we recommend Oline’s mesh office chair. Its tall mesh back promotes airflow, but you can also adjust the headrest, armrests, height, knee tilt and tilt tension as needed. Plus, the lumbar support responds to the amount of pressure placed on it, and it’s available in several colors to match your space.
What the reviews say: “Sitting in this chair was a ‘wow’ moment,” shares a reviewer. “The mesh material sits at an intersection of breathability, comfort and support that makes me question my previous life of sitting in cheap, boring ol' office chairs.”
Dimensions: 16.75 x 27 x 41 inches | Material: Mesh | Weight limit: 300 - 350 (depending on size selected) | Colors: Black, grey
Although the Herman Miller Aeron is one of the most expensive office chairs on our list, it’s worth every penny according to two Forbes Vetted editors who’ve been using it for years. Made from durable materials, it’s super sturdy and features a supportive mesh seat. We especially like how customizable it is—oftentimes you’re limited to customizing the seat fabric but with the Aeron, you can customize nearly every aspect of the chair, from its frame and base to its back support to the armrest position.
What our editors say: “I have been using the Herman Miller Aeron chair for over two years now and I can gladly affirm that the hype is real,” says home and kitchen editor Sholeen Damarwala. “This chair has seen me through 10-hour work days and a full pregnancy. The mesh back design helps keep my back upright—in fact, I rarely ever find myself slouching or having to constantly correct my posture while I'm using it. I also have an old tailbone injury and after years of having suffered through bad desk chairs, the Aeron has been truly wonderful.”
Dimensions: 16.5 x 21.7 x 44.9 inches | Material: Mesh back with sponge seat | Weight limit: 250 pounds | Colors: Black, purple, red, grey, green, blue, black/white
When you need an office chair in a pinch, we recommend shopping on Amazon to take advantage of the speedy delivery. And out of the hundreds of office chairs on the site, we appreciate the ergonomic features of the Mimoglad chair the most. It features a mesh back to help keep you from overheating, while its ergonomic backrest—which fits snuggly against your spine—provides great support. (The company also offers a free lumbar cushion if the chair’s built-in support doesn’t meet your needs.) Our updates writer also enjoys the chair’s thick foam cushion and how the armrests flip up, which helps save space, particularly for apartment-dwellers.
What our writers say: “As someone with a history of back problems, I really appreciate this chair's adjustable lumbar support, wide headrest and 4-inch thick foam cushion,” says updates writer Alexandra Garrett. “I’ve had it for a several months, and I’ve noticed that my lower back is less stiff at the end of the day. Plus, it comes in a bunch of fun colors.”
Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 36.5 inches | Material: Faux leather with foam seat| Weight limit: 400 pounds | Colors: Black, blue, brown, grey, white, tan, red, orange
For those who need extra cushioning, we recommend the Soho II Soft-Pad Management Chair from Laura Davidson Furniture due to its plush, cushy feel. Built with three soft faux leather pads for the back and seat bottom, it provides ample comfort for long work days. Adjust the seat height up to 21 inches, or tilt the chair back and swivel as needed. We also like how durable this chair is; it can support up to 400 pounds, which is one of the highest weight capacities we’ve seen among office chairs.
What the reviews say: One reviewer shares, “I use it all day every day for working from home, online gaming and browsing the Internet—so easily 12 to 14 hours a day. The seat and back padding are still as supportive as the day I started using it [four years ago]; I can sit in it as long as I want with no pain. To make it perfect, the lowest seat height is exactly right for my short legs, something office chairs have always given me trouble with.”
Dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 36.7 inches | Material: Foam | Weight limit: 350 pounds | Colors: White, black, blue, grey, pink
Working remotely sometimes means working from your kitchen counter or bedroom dresser. In those cases, we recommend opting for a taller-than-average office chair that adjusts easily to the height you need, like this chair from Bojuzija chair. Unlike a standard stool, its back cushion offers ergonomic support that rivals many other chairs on our list. But perhaps most importantly, its height rises up to 44 inches, and thanks to the height-adjustable footrest, your legs don’t need to be dangling. Our deals editor also loves how well the chair’s design fits in with her apartment decor.
What our editors say: “I use my kitchen island as a desk, so finding an office chair that was high enough to reach it was a little tough,” says deals editor Kara Cuzzone. “I ended up going with this ergonomically designed drafting chair, and I'm so glad I did. It was super easy to assemble and it's very comfortable. Plus, I like that it's not a total eyesore since it sits right in the middle of my apartment.”
Dimensions: 23.7 x 34.7 x 44.3 inches | Material: Upholstered back and cushion | Weight limit: 400 pounds | Colors: Black, blue, grey, tan, brown
The Steelcase Gesture is undoubtedly pricey, but we think it’s a worthwhile splurge for those serious about upgrading their WFH setup. Adjustability-wise, it offers a full range of ergonomic adjustments including height, seat depth, recline and a 360-degree armrest positioning, which our deputy editor finds especially useful. Heavyweight folks should also appreciate this chair’s 400-pound weight capacity and ultra-sturdy construction.
What our editors say: “The seat is comfortable for all-day use and does a great job of supporting my back no matter how I'm sitting,” says deputy editor Dave Johnson. “The armrests are so easy to adjust that I find myself moving them around a lot to accommodate whatever I'm doing instead of leaving them in one place like I have done with other chairs I've owned.”
While we have not tried this model ourselves, this well-rated Amazon pick is a worthy contender based on its sleek looks, solid customer ratings and overall value.
Dimensions: 28.5 x 27 x 44.5 inches | Material: Mesh back and foam seat | Weight limit: 300 pounds| Colors: Black, black/grey
If you’re looking for a high-end office chair, you don’t have to make a huge investment investment. The Hon Ignition 2.0 gives you many of the features you’ll find in pricier chairs, but at a lower cost. Constructed from breathable mesh fabric, the bestselling chair will help you stay cool as you work. Its cleverly contoured seat and reclining mechanism will also help you maintain a high level of comfort during your workday.
This chair offers ample adjustment opportunities: You’re able to tweak the height and width of the arms, and you’ll also enjoy pneumatic seat height adjustment and tension control to get that just-right angle. To help you get around without getting up, there are also five rolling casters on its base.
What the reviews say: “A top-quality desk chair at a fairly reasonably price,” reports a buyer. “[After using a] chair that contributed to serious lower back and leg issues, it’s refreshing to sit at my desk in a chair that supports me properly. [The] lumbar, arm rests, back and seat cushion are all adjustable so one can align oneself properly. And it glides around the floor like you’re on air. It’s also incredibly easy to assemble.”
Our team of remote editors and writers know firsthand how important it is to have the right home office equipment. We’ve published dozens of guides on equipping your home office, tapping into our own experiences working from home. And when it comes to office chairs, we’ve tested and tried multiple options, all to see which ones boost productivity and reduce achiness when used for a full workday.
In addition to our WFH expertise, home and kitchen editors Amanda Arnold and Sholeen Damarwala each have years of experience reviewing home essentials. And because office chairs play a big role in your posture and lumbar health, we also consulted medical experts: board-certified orthopedic spine and neck surgeon Dr. Rahul Shah, and program director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the Rutgers School of Health Professions Deborah McKernan-Ace. They filled us in on exactly what features make an office chair good for our musculoskeletal health.
Finally, this story is updated frequently to ensure that our picks are in stock and up to date given the current offerings. It was last updated in November 2023 to name the Branch Verve our best office chair overall.
As home and kitchen experts who keep our pulse on the industry, we sought out reputable brands like Herman Miller, Steelcase and Branch to research chairs for this list. When narrowing down models, we made sure each pick was ergonomically designed and offered enough adjustment features for customizability. From the crowd-pleasing Branch Verve to the modern and streamlined Laura Davidson Furniture Soho, we aimed to offer variety for different lifestyles and budgets. We also asked Forbes Vetted staffers to share the chairs they enjoy sitting in every day, and the Herman Miller Sayl, Herman Miller Aeron, Branch Verve, Steelcase Gesture, Elliana, Bojuzija Tall Office Chair and the Mimoglad all come personally recommended. Finally, each of these options are buyer-approved, with hundreds (if not thousands) of customer reviews and an average rating of 4 stars or higher.
Before you roll just any office chair into your workspace, you’ll want to take several factors into consideration. Here’s a break down of the most important ones to keep in mind as you shop.
The material of an office chair has a big impact on it’s overall feel and breathability. Two of the more common materials you’ll spot while searching for an office chair are foam and mesh.
Comfort is arguably the top concern when shopping for an office chair. Although it’s subjective and depends on your preferences, body type and workspace, there are a few features that can help point you in the right direction. For one, a comfortable office chair should sport a seat that’s wide enough to hold your entire lower body and back. This also helps provide support for your spine. Adjustability features (more on that later) are also indicators that an office chair can be tweaked to fit your comfort levels.
It’s important to look at an office chair’s weight limit before buying, especially if you’re a heavier individual. The most common weight capacity for desk chairs is 300 pounds, but some chairs can support more or less weight.
No two bodies are alike, and that’s something the best office chairs take into account. They’re the ones that can be adjusted to fit your unique body and personal workspace. “An ergonomic chair has adjustable seat heights, adjustable arm support, seat depth adjustment, tilting or reclining mechanism and back support,” says Dr. Shah. When considering adjustability features, these are some of the most important:
You’re going to want to look for an office chair that provides some type of lumbar support. Some have a brace that supports your lower back, while others might come with a pillow. Either way, this feature is essential to minimizing strain on your neck and back throughout the work day. It’s even better if the chair’s lumbar support can be adjusted, as this will allow you to tailor the support to your own individual needs.
The key is to look for one that’s adjustable; everyone requires different positioning based on their bodies. Ideally, you should be able to adjust just about everything on the chair, from the seat depth to the arm support to the amount of back support (although lower-cost options may not have as many of these bells and whistles). Height adjustment is of particular importance because it’s one of the easiest ways to make sure your chair is really working for you and your body type. While splurge-worthy picks like the Herman Miller Aeron and the Steelcase Gesture are highly adjustable, the more affordable Branch Verve—our top pick overall—also offers plenty of customizability.
In addition to adjustability, you may also want to consider features like the thickness of the seat cushion, re-positioning of the arms and recline angle and additional support like headrests and other extras that fit your unique needs.
The best office chair for working from home is one that’s ergonomic and adjustable to your particular needs; this will help you stay comfortable and productive for long periods of time. Also, consider your workspace, both in terms of size and aesthetic. For instance, for a mid-century library vibe, check out the Laura Davidson Furniture Soho. If you’re tight on space, opt for a task chair like the Elliana Task Chair, which is more compact. Perhaps you don’t have a dedicated workspace, in which case the Bojuzija Tall Office Chair (Cuzzone’s pick) is ideal for working on countertops or a kitchen island.
Also consider how often you’ll use your chair: Do you work from home one or two days a week or are you fully remote? If you plan to spend 40-plus hours a week in your chair, it’s worth investing in a higher-end model with lots of adjustability features to keep your comfortable long-term.
Breathable Office Chair Because sitting for long periods of time can take a toll on your back, the best office chairs for back pain—like the Herman Miller Sayl Chair—offer adjustability, comfort and most important, built-in back support that encourages proper alignment. The Sayl excels in this category because it has multiple features that let you adjust lumbar support and seat depth, plus a unique back that flexes with your body and the option of height-adjustable or fully adjustable arms. These extras let you position the chair to relieve pressure from your spine and prevent aches in the long run.