Best Office Chairs 2024 | Recommended By Our Remote Team

As a remote team, Forbes Vetted writers and editors are experts at finding the best office chairs for your WFH setup. So, we combined our personal experience with guidance from medical professionals to assemble this list, which includes a handful of staffer favorites. Our top pick (which is also popular among Vetted readers) is the Branch Verve—adjustable and stylish, it 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 setups.

While styles and preferences differ, experts agree: The best office chair for any desk worker should be ergonomic. “An ergonomic chair has adjustable seat heights, adjustable arm support, seat depth adjustment, tilting or reclining mechanism and back support,” explains board-certified orthopedic spine and neck surgeon Dr. Rahul Shah. So, look for a model that offers enough customization options to cater to your specific comfort level and stature (in other words, a wooden kitchen chair is not the ideal choice). Below, see the eight best office chairs according to Forbes staffers. For more specialized comfort, we’ve also rounded up the best office chairs for back pain, the best big and tall office chairs and the best office chairs for short people.

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 experts 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 senior 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.”

Pros:

• Available in five modern colorways
• Breathable, ergonomic knit back
• Great for shorter users
• Certified Greenguard Gold

Cons:

• Arms don’t always stay locked in position
• Doesn’t have a headrest
• Only accommodates up to 275 pounds

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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. 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 experts 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.”

Pros:

• Extra thick seat cushion with wide headrest
• Armrests flip up
• Adjustable lumbar support
• Available in 8 colors

Cons:

• Assembly can be tricky

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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.”

Pros:

• Several customization options
• 12-year warranty period
• 90% recyclable
• Unique, modern design

Cons:

• Adjustable features come at an additional cost
• Some colors are pricier than others

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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 experts 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.”

Pros:

• Comfortable arm and back support
• Customizable design
• Under $200

Cons:

• Comparatively low 250-pound weight capacity
• Some reviewers reported damage upon delivery

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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 experts say: “This chair has seen me through 10-hour work days and a full pregnancy. I also have an old tailbone injury and after years of having suffered through bad desk chairs, the Aeron has been truly wonderful,” says home and kitchen editor Sholeen Damarwala. Senior updates editor Karen Tietjen adds, “My favorite part is the tilt feature that lets you adjust the angle and ease of which you can lean back, which is great for rockers/fidgeters like myself.”

Pros:

• Highly customizable design
• Variety of adjustable features
• Comes fully assembled
• 12-year warranty
• Available in 3 sizes

Cons:

• Not for those who prefer a high-backed style

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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 our experts say: Executive director of commerce Cory Baldwin says that the Laura Davidson Office Chair was her primary WFH chair for two years (and it’s still in her rotation). “I love that it offers a modern silhouette in many colorways without breaking the bank, and it has proven to be sturdy enough to stand up to long hours of use,” says Baldwin. “While it does have some adjustability, this model doesn’t offer all the ergonomic features some other (less chic) office chairs may provide, such as a high back and adjustable arm rests, so you may want to consider if any of these features are a requirement for your comfort.” However, she adds that for less rigorous use or for those who value design above adjustability, the Soho II is a “fantastic” choice.

Pros:

• Mid-century modern design
• Features foam back and seat cushions
• Available in several colors
• Aluminum base can support over 400 pounds

Cons:

• Arms aren’t adjustable
• Back lacks height and a head rest
• Upholstery not covered by warranty

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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 experts 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.”

Pros:

• Easy to assemble
• Ergonomic back support and cushy seat
• Adjustable height up to 44 inches
• Built-in, height-adjustable footrest

Cons:

• Footrest doesn’t stay securely in place

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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 experts 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.”

Pros:

• Higher-than-average weight capacity
• Contoured backrest mimics natural spine shape
• Armrests move with your arms
• Can choose wheels designed for carpet or wood floors

Cons:

• Armrests aren’t padded
• Some taller reviewers wish the seat were deeper

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More Office Chairs Worth Considering

While we have not tried the following models ourselves, these well-rated picks are worthy contenders based on their sleek looks, supportive construction, solid customer ratings and overall value.

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

• Our team of remote editors and writers have published dozens of guides on equipping your home office based on their WFH experience.
• We tapped our staffers who have tested or personally use office chairs to see which are their favorites for supporting their WFH setup. The Herman Miller Sayl, Herman Miller Aeron, Branch Verve, Steelcase Gesture, Elliana Task Chair, Laura Davidson Furniture Soho II, Bojuzija Tall Office Chair and Mimoglad Ergonomic Office Chair all come highly recommended.
• We consulted two medical experts on what features make an office chair good for our posture and lumbar health: Dr. Rahul Shah, a board-certified orthopedic spine and neck surgeon, and Deborah McKernan-Ace, the program director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the Rutgers School of Health Professions.
• This story is frequently reviewed to ensure our picks are still in stock and up to date based on current offerings and the latest expert guidance. It was last refreshed in January 2024 by updates writer Fran Sales, who has covered the latest products in the home and kitchen space for years.

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How We Chose The Best Office Chairs

• We narrowed our search down to reputable brands like Herman Miller, Steelcase and Branch, based on our team’s collective expertise in the home furniture space.
• According to two medical experts’ guidance, we looked for office chairs that are ergonomically designed and offer enough adjustment features for customizability.
• We made sure our product selection is diverse and caters to different lifestyles and budgets.
• We asked remote Forbes Vetted staffers to share the office chairs that keep them the most comfortable and supported and that they enjoy sitting in every day.
• We sought out options that are resoundingly buyer-approved, with hundreds (if not thousands) of customer reviews and an average rating of 4 stars or higher.

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Buying Guide: Best Office Chairs

Height: What Office Chair Should You Get For Your Height?

No two bodies are alike, so when it comes to finding the right office chair for your height, Dr. Shah recommends looking for an ergonomic model with adjustable seat heights. Fortunately, in most cases even the most basic office chairs have a seat height adjustment, which ensures your chair will fit comfortably under your desk and allow you to position your feet squarely on the floor. 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.

If you’re looking for a chair with armrests, make sure you can adjust them so they keep your arms at a 90-degree angle while still keeping the seat at the right height. Armrests should be just beneath your elbows when [your] arms are relaxed,” advises Deborah McKernan-Ace, program director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the Rutgers School of Health Professions.

Lumbar Support: What Should You Look For In An Office Chair For Lumbar Support?

In addition to an adjustable seat height and depth, Dr. Shah says an ergonomic office chair should have “a tilting or reclining mechanism and back support” to help minimize the strain on your lumbar spine, or lower back, throughout the work day. Some office chairs also have a brace that supports your lumbar. The Herman Miller Sayl particularly excels in this category because it has multiple features that let you adjust lumbar support and seat depth, not to mention a unique back that flexes with your body and the option of height-adjustable or fully adjustable arms. And the addition of a tilting mechanism can also be helpful for relieving lower back pressure, says McKernan-Ace: “It allows for readjusting [your] back and hip angles periodically.”

There are also certain items you can add to your setup to help you further customize your lower back comfort. “Accessories, such as a lumbar pillow, may also work to help the chair form fit to one’s body and help to support the muscles in the lower back,” explains Dr. Shah. The seat’s construction is also important: It should be wide enough to hold your entire lower body and back, which in turn helps provide support for your spine.

Materials: Which Office Chair Material Is Best?

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.

• Foam: Overall, foam offers extra cushion and support, whether it’s only in the seat or in both the seat and back (like the Steelcase Gesture). It’s important to note that this material can trap heat, an important consideration for anyone who gets hot during the work day.
• Mesh: There are several benefits to mesh: It’s extremely breathable, it’s low-maintenance, often durable and it has slight amount of stretch to contour to your body. It’s common for chairs to have mesh backs for airflow (like the Oline ErgoPro), while some styles are all mesh (like the Herman Miller Aeron).

Price: How Much Do Office Chairs Usually Cost?

Office chairs come in a wide range of price tags, from under $100 to over $1,500. While you can certainly find a supportive and comfortable office chair around the $100 price range (like the staff-recommended Mimoglad and Elliana), we found that the best office chairs tend to fall in the middle of that range: somewhere between $250 to $600. Chairs in that price range, like the Branch Verve and the Herman Sayl, tend to have a higher-quality construction, more attractive aesthetics, a better ergonomic design and more adjustable features. If you do plan to spend under that price point, be prepared for certain limitations like a lower weight capacity, a limited warranty policy, tricky assembly and fewer ergonomic features.

Premium office chairs like the Steelcase Gesture and Herman Miller Aeron (both priced over $1,400) are often made of more expensive materials, are highly customizable, come fully assembled—and in the case of the Aeron, available in three different sizes. They also have some of the longest warranty periods; both of the splurge picks above have 12-year warranties. At the end of the day, how much you choose to invest in an office chair depends on your pain concerns, how many hours you’ll spend working in the chair, your preferences when it comes to support and comfort, and last but not least, which specific features you can and can’t do without.

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