Since early 2018, I have had the opportunity to review over 200 office chairs. These chairs are what I would consider to be the most popular options available during this time period. While I have been involved in the office seating industry for over a decade, my understanding of the current products offered has grown tremendously over the most recent years. The opportunity to bring in a wide price range of products, put them together, test how they function, and use them for extended periods has been amazing.
While office chairs might look similar from the pictures presented online, I can assure you that once you sit in each of them, they are anything but similar. There are significant differences in comfort and quality, which was mostly unknown until I started to complete the reviews. My goal with these in-depth reviews has always been to help those who treat this purchase as an investment. Armed with this knowledge, I hope you can make a smart buying decision. With that, let us take a closer look at the best ergonomic office chairs for 2024.
Full Disclaimer: We are an office furniture dealer and sell some of the products we review. To learn more about the products we sell, our review process and why you can trust us, please visit: Why we’re different. Who is BTOD.com and The Breakroom Blog?
Quick Look: Best Office Chairs For 2024
See All $200 Office Chair Picks >>
Ticova Ergonomic $159.00 (Amazon). The Ticova chair, priced around $199 on Amazon with coupons up to $50 off, stands out as our budget-friendly recommendation. Its adjustable, comfortable headrest and versatile adjustments make it a top choice under $200. Though lacking a substantial warranty and facing potential durability concerns, its value prop remains strong. Full Ticova Review…
Branch Task $279.00 (Branch). The Branch Task chair, priced around $279, is their prime choice for comfort and value. Its tall backrest suits taller users, and 275 lbs. weight capacity caters to average sizes. The Branch Task offers soft arm pads and additional features like 4-position tilt-lock and adjustable lumbar support. Full Branch Task Review…
Haworth Assure 340.00 (Haworth). Haworth’s Assure chair, around $329, stands as the sole option in this range from a major office seating brand. Offering a thick seat pad and mesh backrest, it’s Haworth’s entry-level product. Although not with the premium 12-year warranty, a 5-year warranty and solid customer service provide reassurance. Full Assure Review…
See All $500 Office Chair Picks >>
Eurotech Vera $469.00 (BTOD). The Eurotech Vera offers exceptional value at $469, boasting a comfortable backrest design with a natural curve that offers notable lower support. With a lifetime warranty and 30-day free returns, it stands out. However, shorter users might find the seat height range awkward, and the mesh backrest could be abrasive on loose clothing. Full Vera Review…
Haworth Soji $540.00 (Haworth). Haworth’s Soji offers the best value with a 12-year warranty. Priced around $500 to $650, it’s feature-rich and covered by Haworth’s 30-day free return policy. Adjustable lumbar support, 4D armrests, and seat depth adjustment cater to medium to medium-large users. Full Soji Review…
Steelcase Amia $519.00 (BTOD). Refurbished Steelcase Amia, priced at just under $500, stands as a high-end value option, though overshadowed by the Soji. With top-notch build and intuitive features, the Amia offers remarkable comfort. Its LiveLumbar system and 4-way arms excel, backed by BTOD’s 12-year warranty. Full Amia Review…
See All $1000 Office Chair Picks >>
Steelcase Karman $1,100.00 (Steelcase). The Steelcase Karman, aimed at challenging the Aeron, starts at $1,100, extending to $1,300 for color upgrades. Its flexibility and foam-mesh back offer excellent comfort. Although fitting users up to 6’4″, taller individuals might find seat depth and lumbar customization limited. Full Karman Review…
Steelcase Leap $1,300.00 (Steelcase) or $619 (BTOD). Steelcase Leap, a BTOD favorite, starts at $1,300 with 4-way arms and various fabrics. Its versatility in fitting users and four-way arms make it exceptional. Flexible back and seat offer support during movement. Additionally, the Leap excels in lower lumbar support. Full Leap Review…
Haworth Zody II $1,000.00 (Haworth). The upgraded Haworth Zody II, priced around $1,000, excels over its 2005 predecessor, especially in upright seated positioning. Its adjustable lumbar support offers customization, but the arm pads aren’t as soft. While better, the Zody II still reclines too much for some’s preferred upright posture. Full Zody II Review…
See All $1500 Office Chair Picks >>
Haworth Fern $1,500.00 (Haworth). The eagerly awaited Haworth Fern, introduced in 2019, remains a top-tier comfort choice from a premium brand. Starting at $1,500, its Digital Knit backrest delivers softness and robust lower support. Lumbar options cater to diverse preferences. Four-way adjustable arms, akin to Steelcase Leap’s, enhance mobility. Full Fern Review…
Herman Miller Embody $1,900.00 (Herman Miller). Herman Miller’s Embody offers modern flexibility, rivaling the Aeron in Herman Miller’s lineup. Priced around $1,900, it caters to those who find the Aeron too rigid. With a pixelated seat support design, it’s unique and supportive. While armrests lack adjustment range, the pad size compensates. Full Embody Review…
Lamia $2,300.00 (Steelcase) or $819 (BTOD). After extensive experience with major brands’ office chairs, I merged Steelcase Leap Frame’s benefits with Amia’s seat pad to create the Lamia. This combination costs around $2,300 (buying two chairs). Featuring Leap’s LiveBack technology and multi-position tilt limiter, along with 4-way armrests. The Amia seat pan provides a flatter sitting experience. Full Lamia Review…
$200 Chairs
Ticova Ergonomic
2024 Starting Price: $159.00 + Free Shipping! Where to buy: amazon.com
Specifications:
- Overall: 28”W x 28″D x 41.7″-52″H
- Seat Size: 20.5″W x 20.5″D
- Seat Height: 16.5″ – 21.3″
- Back: 20″W x 22.4″H
- Weight: 39.5 lbs.
- Warranty: 275 lbs capacity, one year warranty
- Return Policy: 30 day free returns + no restocking fees on Amazon
| Pros:
Comfortable Headrest |
Cons:
Firm Arm Pads |
The Ticova Ergonomic is the most affordable chair we’ve considered recommending. Typically, this chair can be found on Amazon for around $179-$199, with coupons ranging from $30-$50 off. There is a second listing on Amazon as well, which retails the chair for closer to $300, but we’d recommend avoiding this since it is the same exact chair.
We picked the Ticova because for the price, we do not believe there is a better option available. The adjustable headrest is a standard feature for the Ticova chair and is one of the more comfortable headrests you find on chairs under $500. The deep recline and wide array of adjustments make this an easy pick for the money if you are on a tight budget for your home office.
Of course, with a chair at this price point, we can’t assume that it is perfect or even close to perfect. One of the most obvious things that are missing from the Ticova is a long warranty. This could pose a problem because the build quality is what you would expect for a chair that retails under $300. Many of the reviews on Amazon seem to shed light on a lack of customer service from the brand as well. If you’re willing to roll the dice on the chair holding up, you should be able to get a lot of chairs for a small amount of money with Ticova.
Branch Task
Branch Task 2024 Starting Price: $279.00 + Free Shipping! Where to buy: branch.com
Specifications:
- Overall: 25”W x 25″D x 39″-43″H
- Seat Size: 18.9″W x 19″D
- Seat Height: 17″ – 21″
- Back: 19″W x 22″H
- Weight: 38 lbs.
- Warranty: 275 lbs capacity, 5 year warranty
- Return Policy: 30 day returns + $35 return shipping fee
| Pros:
Tall and Wide Backrest |
Cons:
No Color Options |
The Branch Task is the middle-of-the-road office chair from the Branch brand. Even so, we believe that this is their best option when it comes to comfort and overall value. This product typically retails for around $279, and Branch will also offer coupons on occasion to bring it down a bit more.
The Task features a nice tall and wide backrest, which makes it a good option for taller individuals. The weight capacity of 275 lbs and a 19” wide seat will limit the size of users to closer to average. We’ve found that the arm pads on the Task offer good softness, especially when compared to other chairs in the price point. The 4-position tilt-lock feature and adjustable lumbar support are nice additional features to have.
Unfortunately, this model is only available in black at the moment. Some might also find that the seat pad is a bit too firm and thin. We’ve also found that the lumbar support doesn’t provide a ton of additional lower support for some.
Haworth Assure
2024 Starting Price: $340.00 + Free Shipping! Where to buy: haworth.com or amazon.com
Specifications:
- Overall: 26”W x 24″D x 36.3″-40.5″H
- Seat Size: 20″W x 16″ – 19″D
- Seat Height: 18″ – 21″
- Back:17.1″W x 27.17-29.92″H
- Weight: N/A
- Warranty: 300 lbs capacity, 5 year warranty
- Return Policy: Free returns + no restocking fees
| Pros:
5-Year Warranty From Major Brand |
Cons:
Might Be Too Wide |
The Haworth Assure is the only chair in this price point that comes from a major office seating brand. Haworth is considered to be one of the top major manufacturers in the world for producing high-end office furniture. The Assure is an entry-level product from their offering that typically retails around $329.
The Haworth Assure features a nice thick seat pad and a comfortable mesh backrest. This is the least expensive option from the Haworth offering. While it doesn’t come with the same 12-year warranty as the more premium Haworth options, it still includes a 5-year warranty from a major brand. Many of the concerns from customers buying the other entry-level chairs are eliminated with good customer service from a reputable brand.
While the Assure comes with some better guarantees and a higher level of customer service, it is a very basic chair. It includes height-adjustable arms, a simple synchro-tilt mechanism with one upright locked position, and no additional lumbar support. While it might be on the high side for price, it includes free 30-day returns with no additional fees.
$500 Chairs
Eurotech Vera
Vera 2024 Starting Price: $469.00 + Free Shipping! Where to buy: btod.com
Specifications:
- Overall: 28”W x 28″D x 38.9″-43.4″H
- Seat Size: 18.9″W x 15.75″ – 17.72″D
- Seat Height: 18.89″ – 23.62″
- Back:17.1″W x 27.17-29.92″H
- Weight: 66 lbs.
- Warranty: 275 lbs capacity, components lifetime, upholstery 5 years
- Return Policy: Free returns + no restocking fees
| Pros:
Comfortable Headrest |
Cons:
Firm Arm Pads |
The Eurotech Vera might be the best overall value right now in office seating, with its recent price reduction to $469. It comes standard with a 30-day free returns program and a limited lifetime warranty.
The Vera has been most known for how comfortable the backrest design is. While it doesn’t come with a built-in lumbar support, the natural curve in the backrest provides better lower support than most chairs with a separate lumbar system. The feeling most described with the backrest is like floating on a hammock. Vera also includes a thick padded seat for extended sitting and widely adjustable armrests.
The seat height range on the Vera is a bit awkward, starting a little too high for shorter users. If you are under 5’5”, you’ll likely need to consider adding a footrest. Loosely woven clothing does not hold up well with the mesh backrest as it tends to be a bit abrasive as well. While the Vera has an optional headrest, it doesn’t provide any adjustment so it won’t fit most comfortably.
Haworth Soji
Soji 2024 Starting Price: $540.00 + Free Shipping! Where to buy: haworth.com or amazon.com
Specifications:
- Overall: 28”W x 27″D x 39″ – 44″H
- Seat Size: 18.9″W x 15.75″ – 17.72″D
- Seat Height: 16.4″ – 21″
- Weight: 55 lbs.
- Warranty: 325 lbs capacity, components 12 years, upholstery 5 years
- Return Policy: Free returns + no restocking fees
| Pros:
Widely Adjustable |
Cons:
Firm Arm Pads |
This is the best value from a major office furniture manufacturer, with a full 12-year warranty from Haworth. At just over $500 for the base models and up to $650 fully loaded, this is a solid option for most. It also falls within Haworth’s 30-day free return program.
The Haworth Soji comes with almost every single bell and whistle you would want from an ergonomic office chair. Widely adjustable lumbar support that actually works, 4-dimensional armrests, and a nice seat depth adjustment feature. The chair is medium to medium-large and will fit average to slightly above-average builds quite well.
One of the few complaints with the Soji is that it has a very firm seat pad. For me personally, I like firm seat pads, and this is on the edge of too firm. I have had no issue sitting for extended periods without discomfort though, so it may be firm but it provides excellent support. While the Soji is a great option, the difference between it and the higher-end Haworth models is noticeable.
Refurbished Steelcase Amia
Amia 2024 Starting Price: $519.00 to $999.00 + Free Shipping! Where to buy: btod.com (refurbished) or steelcase.com (new)
Specifications:
- Overall: 26.67”W x 28″D x 37.25″-42.5″H
- Seat Size: 19.25″W x 15.5″ – 18″D
- Seat Height: 16″ – 21″
- Back:18.9″W x 21.25″H
- Weight: 63 lbs.
- Warranty: 400 lbs capacity, components lifetime, upholstery 5 years
- Return Policy: Free returns + no restocking fees
| Pros:
LiveLumber Support |
Cons:
Basic Tilt Lock System |
The Steelcase Amia office chair would have easily been my pick for the best value from a high-end manufacturer if it weren’t for the Soji being in this list. At just under $1,000, the Amia is quite a bit more expensive option though. Unlike the Soji though, the Amia is closer to the high-end models with its overall build and intuitive features.
I have personally sat in the Steelcase Amia most days for the last two years. This chair doesn’t stand out to most as anything special, but it is one of the most comfortable chairs I’ve ever used. The LiveLumbar system built into the backrest does a good job of providing solid support and includes a height adjustment feature for fine-tuning. The 4-way arms are the exact same as what is on the Leap v2 and are arguably the best in the category. Steelcase includes their industry-leading 12-year warranty on the Amia, guaranteeing your office chair will work for years to come.
The Amia isn’t a very large chair and is best for short to average-sized users. If you are taller than 6’2”, the backrest might be a bit too short. Some have also complained about the more basic tilt lock mechanism which only allows you to lock upright or freely recline.
$1,000 Chairs
Steelcase Karman
2024 Starting Price: $1,100.00 + Free Shipping! Where to buy: steelcase.com
Specifications:
- Overall: 26.125”W x 26.125″D x 39.25″-43.5″H
- Seat Size: 19.25″W x 15.5″ – 18″D
- Seat Height: 16″ – 21″
- Back:17.375″W x 25″H
- Weight: 47 lbs.
- Warranty: 350 lbs capacity, 12 year warranty
- Return Policy: Free returns + no restocking fees
| Pros:
Comfortable Mesh Upholstery |
Cons:
Middle Of the Road Arm Pads |
The Karman is the Steelcase brand’s first attempt at an all-mesh office chair, made to compete with the king of the hill Aeron. Properly configured with the 4-way adjustable armrests and no additional lumbar, this model retails around $1,100. Changing up the look with some of their upgrade color options can run you as much as $1,300.
One of the first things I noticed about the Karman was how flexible the chair is. The backrest is especially flexible, which I really enjoy for longer periods of sitting. I’ve personally never been a big fan of mesh seats, but the Karman design includes a foam pad beneath the mesh which helps provide additional support in my tailbone region. Overall, the Intermix upholstery that Steelcase used for the Karman offers just the right amount of softness and comfort.
Steelcase has mentioned that the Karman will technically fit users up to 6’4”, but Robert from our office, who is 6’2”, has mentioned he wished the seat depth was larger. The missing sliding seat adjustment doesn’t allow for any customization either. The chair we have in our office also features the lumbar support system, but this felt like a bit of an afterthought and isn’t worth the additional cost in my opinion.
Steelcase Leap v2
2024 Starting Price: $1,300.00 + Free Shipping! Where to buy: steelcase.com (new) or btod.com (refurbished)
Specifications:
- Overall: 27”W x 21.75″ – 24.75″D x 38.5″-43.5″H
- Seat Size: 19.25″W x 15.75″ – 18.75″D
- Seat Height: 15.5″ – 20.5″
- Back:18″W x 25″H
- Weight: 55 lbs.
- Warranty: 400 lbs capacity, 12 year warranty
- Return Policy: Free returns + no restocking fees
| Pros:
Fits Wide Range of People |
Cons:
Seat Pad Shape |
The Steelcase Leap is one of my all-time favorite office chairs and something we at BTOD liked so much we decided to start a refurbishing division within BTOD to start offering it to customers. Brand new Steelcase Leaps currently retail around $1,300 when specked out with 4-way arms and most fabric color options.
The Leap is well known for fitting a wide range of different size users with ease. The Leap four-way arms are some of the most adjustable and comfortable that I have personally tested in the industry. If you like to move around a lot throughout the day, the back and seat both provide flexibility that moves with you while still providing excellent support. The Leap is also a great option for those looking for strong lower support from a lumbar system.
While the Leap is close to perfect, there are a few things you should consider. The seat pad shape has a bit of contour to it which can cause some discomfort for those with tailbone issues. The added headrest option from Steelcase is expensive and not worth the additional cost. If you’re someone who likes to rock back and forth in the office chair, the Leap isn’t a great product as it is more designed for tasking at various recline points versus constant rocking. Another high-end alternative from Steelcase to consider is the Steelcase Gesture.
Haworth Zody
Starting Price: $1,000.00 + Free Shipping! Where to buy: haworth.com or amazon.com
Specifications:
- Overall: 26.125”W x 26.125″D x 39.25″-43.5″H
- Seat Size: 19.25W x 15.5″ – 18″D
- Seat Height: 16″ – 21″
- Back:17.375″W x 25″H
- Weight: 47 lbs.
- Warranty: 350 lbs capacity, 12 year warranty
- Return Policy: Free returns + no restocking fees
| Pros:
Comfortable Backrest |
Cons:
Firm Arm Pads |
The second iteration of the Haworth Zody is a major improvement over the first version released back in 2005. Properly equipped in basic black mesh and black padded fabric seat with lumbar adjustment, the Zody currently retails around the $1,000 price point. Prior to the release of the Fern, the Zody was Haworth’s best office chair.
One of the biggest improvements for the Zody II over the original is in the upright seated position. On the first version of the chair, it was a bit awkward, requiring you to sit slightly reclined or pitched forward in the forward tilt position. The newest Zody creates a more neutral seated position, which allows you to sit more upright for tasking purposes. The lumbar support system is adjustable enough to provide good customization for how much support you require. While the arm pads aren’t quite as soft as they used to be, they are more likely to handle everyday abuse better than the original pads.
Even though Haworth improved the upright seated posture on this version of the Zody, it still sits a little too reclined for my optimal upright position. The dual posture option is a nice feature for some, but for almost $200, it might be a little too expensive to try out if you don’t know you’ll love it. If you’re like me and love aggressive lumbar, even with all of the adjustments on Zody, the lumbar is still only middle of the road for aggressiveness.
$1500+ Chairs
Haworth Fern
2024 Starting Price: $1,500.00 + Free Shipping! Where to buy: haworth.com or amazon.com
Specifications:
- Overall: 29”W x 28.5″D x 41.5″ – 47″H
- Seat Size: 19.9W x 16.5″ – 21.5″D
- Seat Height: 16.5″ – 21.5″
- Weight: 55 lbs.
- Warranty: 325 lbs capacity, 12 year warranty
- Return Policy: Free returns + no restocking fees
| Pros:
Digital Knit Backrest |
Cons:
Headrest |
The Haworth Fern is one of the most anticipated new chair releases of my lifetime. When first introduced back in 2019, I must admit my sitting experience was like nothing else. Fast forward four years and it still sits at the top of my lists for one of the most comfortable chairs available from a premium brand. In its most popular configuration with digital knit backrest, it starts around $1,500.
There is a ton to like about the Haworth Fern, whether you like normal lower support or more aggressive, the option lumbar is able to satisfy all lower lumbar requirements. The Digital Knit backrest provides a soft backrest that allows you to sink in, while still providing excellent lower support. The Fern also features four-way adjustable arms that share a lot of similarities with the industry-leading armrests from the Steelcase Leap. If you’re like Ryan from our office and like to move around a lot and stretch while in your chair, the Fern backrest might be the most flexible we’ve tested yet.
Many of you are looking for chairs with comfortable headrest designs to take advantage of the short breaks we get during the day to kick back and relax. While the Fern does come with a headrest, this is one of the least comfortable that I’ve personally tried. It feels stiff and lacks proper adjustment to really get it positioned properly. Also, for a chair with so much flexibility in the backrest, it is sort of surprising to see the seat pad be so stiff.
Herman Miller Embody
2024 Starting Price: $1,900.00 + Free Shipping! Where to buy: hermanmiller.com
Specifications:
- Overall: 29.5”W x 29″D x 43.5″ – 48″H
- Seat Size: 19.9W x 15″ – 18″D
- Seat Height: 16″ – 20.5″
- Weight: 55 lbs.
- Warranty: 300 lbs capacity, 12 year warranty
- Return Policy: Free returns + no restocking fees
| Pros:
Most Flexible HM Product |
Cons:
Upper Backrest over 6’ Tall |
The Herman Miller Embody is slowly ascending the ranks of the Herman Miller seating line. While the Aeron chair might still hold the top spot, the Embody proves to be a more flexible seating option for modern sitters. Configured in one of its base-grade upholstery options, it currently retails around $1,900.
The Embody is without question Herman Miller’s most flexible seating option from their lineup. It feels like the Anti-Aeron for those (me included) who feel the Aeron sits a bit too stiff for their liking. The pixelated seat support design is one of the most unique of any chair we’ve tested and provides excellent support for long hours of sitting. The armrests are also massive, making up for their shortcoming of a wider range of adjustment. And if you’re a fan of the harmonic seat recline on the Aeron, the Embody comes with it and this makes for an amazing rocking motion while seated in the chair.
For me, the Embody is so close to being the perfect computer chair. Even with the limited adjustment range on the armrests, the sheer size of the pads allows for them to fit most people well. My biggest issue with the Embody besides having just average lower support is the upper backrest design. At six feet tall, I noticed right away using the chair that it rolls my shoulders forward. This creates a massive issue for my neck and shoulders throughout the day. For those over 6 feet tall, this is something that should be considered. Another premium low priced gaming alternative from Herman Miller to consider is the Sayl chair.
Lamia Chair (Amia Seat + Leap Frame)
2024 Starting Price: $2,300 + Free Shipping! Where to buy: btod.com or steelcase.com
Specifications:
- Overall: 27”W x 21.75″ – 24.75″D x 38.5″-43.5″H
- Seat Size: 19.25″W x 15.5″ – 18″D
- Seat Height: 15.5″ – 20.5″
- Back:18″W x 25″H
- Weight: 55 lbs.
- Warranty: 400 lbs capacity, 12 year warranty
- Return Policy: Free returns + no restocking fees
| Pros:
Flexible Backrest |
Cons:
Seat Not as Flexible as Leap |
Over the last six years, we have spent a ton of time in all of the major brands’ office chairs. Through that process, I realized I liked two Steelcase chairs for different reasons, but their design allowed them to be combined. Using a Steelcase Leap Frame with the Seat Pad of the Amia, we created the Lamia. Of course, to do this, you need to buy two chairs, which is about $2,300 in total.
The Lamia desk chair includes the Leap frame which comes standard with the Leap’s LiveBack technology in the backrest and a multi-position tilt limiter function. The popular Steelcase 4-way adjustable armrests are also standard with the configuration. Adding the Steelcase Amia seat pan design provides a flatter sitting experience for those of us who don’t like the contour typically found in the standard Leap seat.
Unfortunately, the Lamia is without question one of the most expensive options with the requirement of two chairs to create this monster. We’ve also found that some of the flexibility in the seat pan is lost because of the Amia seat shell not being as flexible as the Leap. If you’re willing to consider a refurbished chair, BTOD now offers the Lamia at a significantly reduced price from new.
What To Consider Buying a New Office Chair
$200 office chairs
As the name of this category suggests, these are the best entry-level chairs we’ve tested. However, it’s important to manage your expectations for these picks, as they may not match the performance of more expensive alternatives discussed later in this post. With a budget of $300, these chairs can offer only a limited number of adjustments and come with warranties of restricted duration.
When shopping in the entry-level category of office chairs, anticipate shorter warranties, lower build quality, and reduced warranty periods. We’ve found that many of the office chairs within this price range tend to provide average to below-average support for warranty claims made beyond the initial 30-day period of ownership.
Lower build quality is par for the course in this price range. This includes foam that is less likely to retain its shape as long as in higher-end models, plastic molds that aren’t as refined, and fabric material that won’t hold up as well against normal wear and tear.
Consider opting for entry-level chairs if you only plan to spend a few hours a day sitting in your chair or if you have limited funds. However, when breaking down the cost per year, upgrading to a higher-end alternative will yield better comfort and a warranty that ensures your chair functions for the advertised period of time, all for a similar yearly cost as entry-level chairs. See our $200 chair picks.
$500 office chairs
The mid-range selection of office chairs closely parallels that of standing desks, offering arguably the most favorable value within the entire category. This range marks a significant leap in product quality, granting access to chairs designed to endure admirably even in commercial settings. With a budget of $500 and beyond, you’ll discover chairs that provide the comfort necessary for prolonged sitting sessions, spanning 8 hours or more a day.
When delving into the mid-range options, anticipate encountering extended warranties, improved return policies, and enhanced build quality in comparison to the entry-level alternatives. Most office chairs within this category boast an array of adjustments, ensuring a tailored fit for a broader range of users. Notably, customer support also tends to be notably better for purchases extending well beyond the initial 30-day period.
Within the mid-range of office chairs, we’ve identified products that offer sufficient comfort, excelling in specific chair attributes to warrant their distinction as the best in the overall office chair category. This is a feature not commonly found within the entry-level range but is prevalent in tiers beyond the mid-range. Remarkably, warranty periods within the mid-range can rival those of chairs we’ve selected in the ultra-premium category, making it an area of substantial value.
Opting for the mid-range is advisable if you are working with a limited budget and seek a comfortable chair suitable for extended periods of use. The majority of chairs in this tier are manufactured in Asia or other countries outside of the USA. See our $500 chair picks.
$1,000 office chairs
The premium office chair category, while not at the pinnacle like the ultra-premium options, represents the second-highest tier of offerings. This category encompasses a selection of high-end office chairs from some of the world’s largest office furniture brands. Each chair in this tier is crafted using custom components, specifically tailored for the intended product. Notably, this category boasts the industry’s finest warranties, often providing 12 years of coverage along with 24-hour ratings.
Good office chairs within the premium category are constructed with the same level of craftsmanship as those found in the ultra-premium category. Each office chair is also classified as commercial quality and is frequently favored by major corporations around the globe. These chairs often outlast their 12-year warranty period and many even find a second life in the used office chair market, or they are refurbished to a pristine state by premium refurbishing companies such as BTOD.com.
While premium office chairs are more budget-friendly than their ultra-premium counterparts, the warranties offered with these chairs maintain similar duration and coverage. These warranties are designed for 24-hour use, compared to the standard 8-hour coverage of less expensive alternatives. Typically, there are no exclusions in the warranty, although some might reduce the coverage period for upholstery and/or foam components.
Consider the premium range if you’re seeking the best offerings from prominent manufacturers, without delving into the exorbitant prices associated with ultra-premium options. These premium products are designed to deliver comfort for extended periods of 12 hours or more, coupled with warranties that cater to such lengthy sitting sessions. See our $1,000 chair picks.
$1,500 office chairs
The ultra premium category is tailor-made for shoppers seeking the pinnacle of excellence without any budget limitations. The desk chairs within this category represent the absolute zenith of offerings from major manufacturers, incorporating their latest advancements in seating technology. Every office chair in this category is meticulously crafted using custom components, designed with utmost precision to suit its intended purpose. Here, you will discover the most exceptional warranties in the industry, boasting coverage periods of up to 12 years and 24-hour ratings.
Office chairs residing in the ultra premium category showcase the epitome of build quality and are unanimously regarded as commercial-grade. These office chairs are known to surpass their 12-year warranty periods, and much like their premium counterparts, often find a second life in the used office chair market.
Positioned as the most premium choices within the seating category, these office chairs offer warranties rated for 24-hour use, in contrast to the standard 8-hour coverage provided by less expensive alternatives. Typically, there are no exclusions within the warranty, although some might slightly reduce the coverage duration for upholstery and/or foam components.
Opt for the ultra premium range if you’re in pursuit of the very best offerings from major manufacturers and find that the premium category doesn’t quite meet your comfort requirements. These ultra premium products are designed to provide comfort for extended periods of 12 hours or more, supported by warranties tailored to cover these prolonged sitting sessions. See our $1,500 chair picks.
Why trust The Learning Center at BTOD.com?
Simply put, we are experts. We have been selling office furniture for almost 13 years and have sold a wide range of office seating since our start in 2005. We are not a company that is simply dedicated to writing reviews on emerging markets in hopes of making a quick buck. Office furniture is our life and we have gained extensive knowledge about the products within our space. We know what to look for and what to avoid. Our goal is to share this knowledge so that customers are better informed when making their buying decision.
One thing that really separates The Breakroom Blog from almost every other review site is that we bring in all of the products that we review. We do not do forensic reviews or reviews based on what other customers have said about the product. We order the product for ourselves so that we know how it performs. Some of the products we sell on BTOD.com, but many of them we do not. Regardless, we have tested every product we have reviewed. When you take a closer look at alternative review sites, this isn’t as common as it should be.
OzDoc43
Love the Herman Miller Embodys seat and the lumbar support when it is in full lumbar support mode. That’s where my love stops.
As soon as you move the seat to support you in an upright position the lumbar support disappears (to move the support up your back to push you forward). This in my opinion is the worst design ever. Not only does it remove the MUCH needed (and what I bought the chair for) lumbar support but it pushes you forward in such a way to promote actually hunching over.
In the full lumbar support mode with the slight incline, it hurts your neck and upper back / shoulders due to being on a recline, your head naturally goes forward into forward head carriage promoting massive neck strain.
The arms, whilst padding is really nice and comfy they completely missed the mark and are TERRIBLE not being able to slide back to get the 90 degree elbow to ear / should line again promoting rolled in shoulders etc.
It 100% seems like different people worked on different parts of the chair and didn’t talk to each other because it is just so wild how they got this chair so right in a couple of areas then SO wrong in all others.
Oh plus even with the great lumbar support it hurts your back because there is no padding at all (apart from the cloth which isn’t padding) covering the back of the chair so just plastic digging into your back which is terrible..
Tracy Bueller
As someone of larger size who sits at a desk all day, literally none of these look comfortable. What happened to the pillowy cushioned chairs? Now a days if you can even find them, they’re only available in pleather, which itself is horrible if you happen to be from an area that does not get snow. modern chairs seem to have bought into the idea that office chairs shouldn’t have too much foam so the worker does their job….since being vaguely uncomfortable is how you get maximum productivity. I want a chair I could sleep in, not have to take a walk every 45 minutes to let some blood flow back into my butt… maybe I just need to put casters under a lay-z-boy…. hrmm….
Also, can we PLEASE get chairs WITHOUT that damned painful lumbar support curve in it?!? Not everyone has scoliosis, or a tilted pelvis. A lot of us have perfectly working and strong core muscles. And at least one, me, of us has back pain that is ONLY relieved by bending in exactly the opposite direction of that freaking curve! That ‘we promise it will feel great’ curve is literally agony inducing torture on my spine. And the marketing fluff around the ‘everyone needs this’ torture curve is so prolific even when expressly stated “do not include this is a chair I’m looking for/for me” whatever is returned will inevitably have one….. Dear chair manufacturers….STOP THAT!!!!