Seat Cushions, Backrests, and Footrests

If you can't upgrade your chair just yet, a cushion or backrest might help. Here are a few we like:

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CushionLab Seat Cushion for $69: This memory foam seat is comfortable, and I had no problems sitting on it for hours on end. It's best paired with an adjustable chair, as it adds a decent amount of height to your seat, which might make typing on a keyboard awkward. It does a great job of keeping out bad odors, and you can also wash the cover. Just know that it's almost never sold for its full price of $85, which means it isn't really on 'sale.'

LoveHome Memory Foam Lumbar Support for $30: If you slouch in your seat, this comfortable memory foam pillow can help. It keeps your back straight and supported, and as it's affordable, it's a great option to try before shelling out hundreds for a new chair. It's good to use in a car or a wheelchair, too. The cover is washable, and it has two adjustable straps (plus an extension strap) that go around your seat to keep it in the position you need.

Secretlab Premium Footrest for $89: Ideally, your feet are planted on the ground as you sit, but it's nice to be able to prop them up on something soft every so often. I have been using Secretlab's footrest for more than two years and it's excellent. Not only is the PlushCell memory foam material it's made of soft and cushy for my feet, but it also stays remarkably clean. I have a tiny dog and his hair gets everywhere except the quilted fabric cover. (You can hand wash this cover to get dirt out.) The patterned silicone base does a good job of keeping it in place too.

Other Chairs We've Tested

Not every chair is a winner. Here are a few others we like enough to recommend, but they're not as good as our top picks above.

Autonomous ErgoChair Ultra 2 (V2) for $499: I've now sat on Autonomous' 3D-printed ErgoChair Ultra 2 for over a month, and I'm pleasantly surprised. It's a big improvement over the original Chair Ultra, which had a flat and hard seat. The Ultra V2's seat is still not as cushy as some chairs, but it doesn't feel like I'm sitting on concrete. It has all of the adjustments you'd want, from seat depth to a recline lock, and I didn't encounter any back pain during my time in the chair. The all-mesh design offers good airflow, and the backrest is wide enough and doesn't dig into my shoulders. The only flaw? Sometimes when I put too much pressure on the armrest (like when I'm getting up or shifting my weight), it goes down with a loud crack despite being locked in place. Also, Autonomous has a pretty lackluster two-year warranty despite the high price.

Haworth Fern for $1,242: I think the Haworth Fern is best for shorter people (aka anyone not above 6 feet like me). It's adjustable to the nth degree'you can even tilt the seat for a more upright sitting position!'but the seat itself was just wide enough for me, though it's plenty soft and pillowy. When I pulled out the seat depth to the max, it created a gap between the seat and the backrest, and I didn't love this feeling. The backrest is nice and soft, but I'd argue the lumbar support is quite aggressive. My back just felt like something was there all the time and it felt distracting. I don't think you'd have these issues if you are shorter and narrower than me, and it's otherwise one of the softest office chairs I've sat on.

Nouhaus Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair for $340: This is another all-mesh chair. The ElastoMesh seat isn't as comfy as the Steelcase Karman (it'll feel worse on the skin if you, uh, tend to sit at your desk without pants), but it's otherwise quite adjustable and roomy, plus it even comes with two sets of wheels (casters or rollerblades) so you can choose which works best for you and your flooring. If you're in a particularly hot environment, it won't trap heat and will keep your whole body cool for a fraction of the price.

Haworth Breck for $419: I like Haworth's newest chair, the Breck. After sitting on it for a month, I didn't have problems (no back pain!), though I can safely say it's better suited for shorter people (roughly under 5'8"). That's because the Breck's seat is short and the seat depth only extends an extra 2 inches. The weight-activated recline requires some push on your end, more than you might expect'it wasn't too hard for me, but lighter-weight people may find it problematic. The seat padding is thin but I didn't this as an issue even after hours of sitting. The best part is how amazingly simple it is to set up'no tools required! But my main gripe? Simply getting up from the seat causes the gas spring cylinder to loudly lift. This, and the fact that it tends to make some noises when I fidget around on the chair, makes it feel a little cheap.

Branch Verve for $549: The Verve used to be a top pick above, but I think the Ergonomic Chair Pro is better value considering they're similar in price. It is elegant (especially in the lovely Coral and Cobalt colors), it keeps my back straight, and it's quite comfy. It can make nearly the same adjustments but there's no seat tilt, and the armrests are much more limited. I also wouldn't have minded if the seat was a smidge wider'folks who need a wider seat may want to look elsewhere. I try to sit on these chairs for several weeks if not months, but I rarely can sit on one for years as I have so many to test. However, I have a colleague who owns the Verve who said that after more than two years, the chair started to sink whenever he sat on it. Thankfully, he says Branch's customer service was very responsive and promptly sent him a new cylinder.

Eureka Ergonomic Royal Chair for $450: Some folks chase that executive chair aesthetic'you know, plush leather and a high back so you can swivel around and reveal a cat in your lap as you laugh maniacally. This chair from Eureka fits the bill without costing a fortune and it's been an OK chair for the month I've sat in it. The setup was quick, and the seat and back are soft and a little bouncy. I found my back sweaty after a few hours of sitting because there was just nowhere for body heat to go. The lumbar support isn't great as prolonged sitting has left me with some sensations in my lower back. Not pain, just my back telling me I ought to get up. There's not much to adjust but the recline and headrest. Also, if you need a wide seat, this is not the chair for you as the armrests will feel like they're boxing you in (it just fits me and I'm 6'4"). I thought this chair would look pretty poor after a month but it's easy to clean with a damp cloth and the fake leather has held up. Too bad about the two-year warranty.

Secretlab Titan Evo for $549: This gaming chair (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is classy enough for the home office. It sets itself apart from similarly priced competitors with its durability and flexibility. It's comfortable for marathon gaming sessions, thanks to the adjustability it offers (particularly the lumbar support). The headrest pillow is magnetic and stays attached to the chair, which is a nice touch. But the firm cold cure foam molds to your body and may not suit everyone. It also will make you feel sweaty.

Allsteel O6 for $1,289: While this chair is eye-searingly expensive, every part'from the casters and the adjustments to the design'is incredibly refined. The adjustable lumbar support provided shockingly good support even for hours of work. My only complaint is that the armrest adjustments are a bit stiff, but besides that, this is an exceptional chair that's comfortable and intuitive enough for me to completely forget about once I sit down and start working. Fair warning: This chair comes fully assembled, which is nice, but the box is massive. 'Henri Robbins

Hinomi X1 Chair for $729: Hinomi's X1 mesh chair has a trick up its sleeve'a built-in footrest! Just extend and flip out the footrest; voilà, your feet are now propped up. This might not be very practical for fellow tall people, as my legs often hit the wall behind my desk, but it's quite comfy. I also just didn't end up using the footrest as much as I thought. The chair is otherwise well-built. I like the lumbar support here, and there's a good amount of adjustments you can make. The seat itself is a bit firm, but I got used to it after some time. Hinomi offers a 12-year warranty, but best of all you can snag it in a dusty pink from the company's website. I'd buy this over the X-Chair mesh chair listed below.

Odinlake Ergo Max747 for $899: The Ergo Max747 is, all around, a great chair to sit in. The three-piece back provides great back support and comfort, and the easy-access paddles on either side of the seat make most adjustments quick and simple. Even sitting in this chair for hours, I never felt uncomfortable, whether I was sitting up or reclining (this chair reclines incredibly far, from 90 to 135 degrees). The bag holder in the back (which I typically used to hold a hat or small backpack) was a surprisingly nice touch, and the mesh backing and seat are breathable, preventing overheating during prolonged use. I still don't know how I feel about the polished metal frame, and the inclusion of gloves for assembly makes me worry about how easily this seat will pick up smudges over the years, but the polished finish itself is spotless and well-executed. At 6'3", I had to max out the back height to comfortably sit in the chair. The secondary adjustments (back height, lumbar support, and headrest height) were awkward to adjust due to complicated ratcheting mechanisms keeping them in place. However, the comfort and breathability of this chair make it a compelling choice. 'Henri Robbins

Vari Task Chair for $399: Vari's Task Chair is surprisingly comfy given its relatively simple construction. Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano tested it and asked her husband to use it during his long gaming sessions. They agreed that the angled back provides ample lumbar support to make those sessions comfortable. It also takes very little time to construct. You can recline a bit, but even at the lowest tension, it pushes you back up, and there's no head support. It's more for rocking than actually leaning. Her biggest gripe is that the armrests are quite hard. A little more padding would be a huge improvement.

Branch Softside for $299: I tested the high-back version of the Softside and like it a lot. It's different from all the other chairs in this guide but comfy and cushiony. If you need a wider seat, this might not be the option for you as the armrests do box you in. There's not much to adjust, but my back didn't have any issues after weeks of sitting in this chair for full workdays. The build quality overall is OK. Considering it starts at $299, the overall seating experience, and the lovely design in fun colors, this is a pretty good value if you are after a soft and cushiony experience.

BodyBilt Midcelli Mesh Chair for $949: BodyBilt's chair looks quite average, but the seat pad is plushy and soft, and it's contoured to your butt and legs, which I liked more than I expected. The mesh back has some give to it, so it doesn't feel rigid, and there are all the usual points of adjustment, including moving the seat forward and back. I wish the arms could lock to a position. It has a lifetime warranty on select parts, while other chair areas are covered for 12, seven, five, or three years. There are more customization options on BodyBilt's website'with the option to get a consultation'but I just think it's overpriced.

Razer Fujin Pro for $1,049: Razer is asking Herman Miller and Steelcase prices despite offering a measly five-year warranty on this $1,000-plus chair. Still, my colleague Eric Ravenscraft likes the Fujin Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends). There are a good amount of adjustments you can make, the armrests are useful, and the mesh is breathable. Oh, and it doesn't have the over-used gaming chair race-car seat aesthetic.

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Lumbar Support Office Chair for $352: I think this is a nice alternative to the Branch Ergonomic Chair above. The Tempur seat cushion is, perhaps unsurprisingly, wonderfully comfy to sit on for hours at a time. And most chairs that have a thick lumbar cushion end up causing me back pain, but not here'I've had no issues sitting on this chair for a month. The mesh back is nice for airflow too. The arms tend to move around a bit though, and the mechanism to adjust them is not elegant. Installation wasn't too hard, but the instructions weren't as simple as Branch's, and the overall build quality feels cheap.

Knoll Newson Task Chair for $1,059: This minimalist chair looks best in the graphite and petal colors; it's a bit drab in black and umber. It's nice that I didn't have to fuss with any levers or knobs much'it's comfy out of the box and decently adjustable if you need to make some tweaks'and it feels especially nice when you recline. (The red knob adjusts the tension of the recline, but you need to twist it for five rotations, and I found it hard to turn sometimes.) The Newson didn't give me trouble in the two months I sat in it. I'm just not a huge fan of how the elastomer mesh backrest distorts, depending on how you sit. It feels lumpy. This chair also doesn't let me sit as upright as I'd like, but maybe you're fine with a bit of give. Ultimately, it's the price that pulls it out of our top recommendations, but you do get a 12-year warranty.

Kelly Clarkson Home Louise Velvet Task Chair for $174: There's absolutely nothing you can adjust on this chair except its height, but it's cute and the seat is comfy. The velvet polyester was surprisingly durable and looked nice even after several weeks of sitting on this chair. The gold finish on the frame and legs chipped off in one area when I was unboxing it'it's frequently under $200, OK? But my biggest issue is that it is not compatible with tall or larger people. My wide shoulders caused my arms to stick out of this chair, making it difficult to type. However, I asked my 5'1" wife to try it, and the chair suited her narrower frame well. She didn't find it hard to use her computer. With a 30-day warranty, you get what you pay for, but this chair is more about aesthetics than anything else. Oh, and Kelly Clarkson because she apparently hand-picked this chair for Wayfair.

X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management Chair for $979: This used to be our top mesh chair pick but it has been supplanted by the Steelcase Karman. Sitting in the X-Chair feels like lounging in a hammock. Every part of my body feels well supported, and you can adjust nearly everything on the chair. Pull the seat up and push the armrests up, down, and side to side, or angle them in or out. The lumbar support feels like a cushion, and it adjusts as you move in your seat. If you want to rest your head, you can pay extra for the headrest. It has held up extremely well after three years of near-continuous sitting, but I don't like how bulky it is. X-Chair has several models to choose from. I tested the X-2 K-Sport with the wide seat, and it fits my 6'4" frame well, but it was too wide for my partner, who is 5'1". Most people should be fine with the standard X1.

Ikea Markus Chair for $290: The Markus is a perfectly fine office chair. It's not the most comfortable, but it's far from the worst. The mesh design keeps you cool, and the tall back lets you fully lean into it. It's rather thin and isn't obtrusive in a small home office or bedroom. It was annoying to put together (lol, Ikea), and you might need someone to hold up the back of the chair while you properly attach the seat. Unfortunately, if you often sit with at least one leg up or with your legs crossed, the width between the arms will make you uncomfortable.

X-Chair X-Tech Executive Chair for $1,709: Functionally, the X-Tech is similar to the X-Chair above. In this version, the M-Foam cooling gel seat is indeed wonderful to sit on, though it's not as heat-wicking as the all-mesh X-Chairs. It's the Brisa Soft Touch material that impresses the most'it's ridiculously soft. I recommend you stick with the standard armrests instead of the FS 360 armrests, which tend to move about too much. But my biggest gripe with this model is the price. Why on earth does it cost that much?

Mavix M7 Chair for $806: If it looks strangely similar to the X-Chair (see above), that's because both are owned by the same company. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe ran into some issues with assembly, but customer service was able to exchange the model without much effort. The M7 has similarly adjustable armrests and seat angles, but you get wheels that lock. The mesh back and wide seat construction keeps you cool and comfortable during sweaty League of Legends sessions, and the lumbar support does the job. If you're short, contact customer support while ordering'Mavix offers shorter cylinders so your feet touch the ground.

Hon Ignition 2.0 Office Chair for $425: This chair is easy to set up and looks great, but it gave me really bad back pain, which is why I originally placed it in our 'Avoid' section. I thought it was perhaps the long hours I was working, so I switched back to the Knoll Newson Task chair and my pain quickly began to ease. Sometime later, I gave it a shot again. After a few hours, the pain came back, and switching to another chair dissipated it. Color me confused, because this chair has positive reviews around the web. I then asked a friend who is around 5'4" to try it for a few weeks, and she has had zero issues. This seems to be the answer. It's possible the Ignition doesn't work for my 6'4" self and is better suited for smaller folks.

Hon Ignition 2.0 Big and Tall for $696: I had a much better experience with this Hon chair, which, as the name suggests, is suited for big and tall people like me. It has a reinforced steel frame that can support up to 450 pounds with a wider seat. It's comfy, transfers heat away well, and does a nice job supporting my back. However, it looks incredibly dull in Boring Black. I had a fine experience in the chair, aside from the arms that tend to slide left and right whenever you put some pressure on them. I'm just not sure it's worth the weirdly high price.

Pipersong Meditation Chair for $299: Have a problem sitting in a traditional chair? If your legs need to be bent and twisted for you to be comfortable, you'll want to check this chair out. It has a 360-degree swiveling footstool that can accommodate pretty much any sitting position you want. I can go from kneeling to cross-legged to one leg up, one leg down. It's possible to sit regularly too, with the footstool behind you and your feet flat on the floor. It's the only chair I've found that's designed for odd sitting habits. There are no armrests, which I didn't mind because that's what makes it possible to sit in many of these positions. The actual stool and chair back could stand to be bigger and taller, respectively. I had to use a pillow to keep my back comfy. 'Medea Giordano

Avoid These Chairs

If you come across these chairs, I recommend you save your cash and go for one of the picks above.

TopJob Napa Office Chair: This chair should be $200 or $250 at best, nowhere near its $449 asking price (though it does seem to have a perpetual discount on TopJob's website for $359). It looks attractive, especially in the amber vegan leather. My back surprisingly didn't complain after more than a week of sitting in it for several hours a day. I wouldn't say it's comfy, there's not much plush to the seat and backrest, but it's not too uncomfortable. It doesn't have many points of adjustments'you can adjust the armrest height, lock the recline at a few degrees, and adjust tilt tension. That's it. Technically, you can adjust the headrest, but mine would not stay put at a specific height. You can pull out a footrest, but I found it more gimmicky than useful. The overall quality is a little cheap. You can do better at this price.

Humanscale World One Task Chair: Despite hailing from the well-renowned Humanscale, this chair looks quite bland. The setup was fairly quick, and ' interesting. You have to hammer two pegs to affix the backrest to the seat, which I've never before had to do, after testing dozens of office chairs. It just feels cheap and a little too plasticky. Like other Humanscale chairs, there are no adjustments to make as the chair will handle it all for you (you can adjust the seat and armrest height). I loved this on the pricier Humanscale Freedom, which felt like someone was cradling my body. But here, I find my body constantly shifting in the all-mesh World One, trying to find a comfy way to recline. The mesh material also feels like it digs in a bit. This could all be because I'm 6'4," as the chair feels like it's better suited for shorter people. However, I think you can do better at this price.

Herman Miller Vantum Gaming Chair: Initially, I liked this chair. I liked how I could keep myself in a super upright position, which made me feel more engaged in what I was doing. The mesh backrest also disperses heat quite well. However, the overall build quality feels cheap and doesn't scream Herman Miller (nor does the asking price, which has since dropped by $200). The headrest isn't great either'I've nearly broken it trying to move it up and down. As I kept sitting, it was the back support that disappointed me the most. You can feel the lumbar support on your lower back, and not in a good way, almost like it's digging in. At least it didn't give me back pain.

Vilno Nobel Kneeling Chair: It's a freakin' kneeling chair! It was easy to put all the wood pieces together, and the seat cushion was surprisingly plump. This is what's known as an active chair, meant to keep your body moving and keep your posture straight. It feels effective for the first few hours, but unfortunately, rocking in the chair tends to cause it to move around on the floor, so I frequently had to fix my position. Worse yet, my shins and knees grew fatigued, and I started feeling some pain after a few days. You can't adjust its height, so it needs to be paired with a standing desk so that your palms don't rest on your desk.

Flexispot C7 Lite: While this chair is simple to assemble and looks good, it feels flimsy. The entire back flexes and warps whenever you move, and the lumbar support is barely connected to the rest of the chair, meaning it audibly scratches against the main section of the back every time you adjust and hardly feels like it provides any actual support. The footrest bends whenever weight is put on it, and the foam seat cushion collects crazy amounts of pet hair. It feels like just a few extra screws and supports would have made this a good chair, but in its current state, there isn't enough material to make it feel sturdy. 'Henri Robbins

Flexispot C7 Office Chair: It wasn't too difficult to put this chair together, and it comes in a fairly compact box despite its size. However, the lumbar section juts out so much that within two days of sitting on it, I had back pain. You can adjust the seat to mitigate it, but it didn't solve the problem. It's not just me. My 5'1" wife did not enjoy sitting on the C7 either.

Steelcase Series 1 Office Chair: WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe says her biggest issue with the Series 1 is with the armrest'the tops slide back and forth and side to side, which could be a good thing, except she managed to pinch her arm every time she moved. There's no way to lock them in place, so while she felt supported, her arms weren't. The seat is also pretty curved, which can feel like you're trapped in one position as you work throughout the day.

Flexispot Sit2Go 2-in-1 Fitness Chair: This seems like a good idea since it lets you get some exercise while sitting at a desk. I felt virtuous pedaling away while checking my . The problem is it's just not very comfortable. (I could not sit on it all day.) It also feels like a cheap low-resistance exercise bike, so you're getting the worst of both worlds. You need a standing desk to accommodate it.

The Best Office Chairs of : I Sit on My Butt for a Living and Found You the Best Seat

Discovering the perfect office chair can be daunting, but our CNET experts have selected the best to provide the comfort and support you need to enhance your productivity and well-being.

If you're doing remote work, there's a good chance that you have a home office. You'll have a desk, a lamp and maybe some other essential accessories but the most crucial thing is an office chair. Considering you'll be working long hours the majority of the time, you'll need a comfortable office chair to support you. Selecting the right office chair is a personal choice, but ergonomics and aesthetics matter to most people. As a tech editor and gamer who spends hours in a chair, I understand what makes a chair comfortable. I've tested all chairs featured on this list. There is a fine variety, from fancy luxury chairs to hardworking gaming chairs. This list will help you zero in on the ideal option for you.

Our Picks

Best overall office chair

Ergonomic Chair Pro from Branch

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Best value office chair

Amazon Basics leather-padded swivel chair

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Best mid-priced office chair

Hon Ignition 2.0

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Previous best overall office chair

The Verve by Branch

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Best office chair for large frames

Ergo Chair Ultra 2

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Best office chair with full control

OdinLake Upgrade 518

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Best build-your-own office chair

Steelcase Karman

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Best mesh office chair

Oak Hollow Aloria Series

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Best office chair with a headrest

Flexispot C7

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The best office chair for gaming

Axion gaming chair

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Best low-price mesh back office chair

Sihoo Doro C300

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The most comfortable office chair I've ever used

The Anthros chair

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Best budget executive office chair

Eureka Galene executive chair

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What is the best office chair of ?

If you spend time working, gaming or doing anything that involves sitting for a long time, you need a high-quality, supportive chair. Our top pick, the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro, is a great midrange option that's comfortable, durable and looks great.

Getting the right support while you're sitting can help with your posture as well as the muscle soreness that can stem from a bad chair. With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, the dedicated home office space has become more essential than ever. So, a good chair is imperative.

We've been testing office chairs at CNET for more than nine years and I've been sitting on them for decades. That means we can help you make an informed decision about where to rest your rump.

Read more: Best Gifts for Gamers for the Holidays

Best office chairs of

Showing 15 of 15 Results Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros

• So many adjustable settings
• Extremely comfortable
• Materials are gorgeous

Cons

• Wheels could be better

Lumbar support YesWeight limit 275 lbsHeadrest YesPrice $$ Adjustable arms YesType Lumbar Support Photo Gallery 1/1

The Ergonomic Pro chair is the latest addition to Branch's impressive lineup. Taking cues from the Verve chair and other ergonomic chairs, you can feel the quality and pedigree when you sit on it. The whole chair feels incredibly well put together, with a solid metal wheel base instead of nylon, and fixtures and fittings the ooze quality. The lumbar support is excellent and while the headrest is a little low for my large frame, it's comfortable to lean back on when taking a rest from typing.

The Ergo Pro's many adjustment points also make for a comfortable seat. The arms can move in almost any direction, up and down, of course, but also forward, back, and even twist to get the perfect angle for support when you're working. It does help to reduce wrist strain when you get the arm position right. The wheels are the only small detail I would change about the Ergo Pro. They are fine but nothing special. A chair this good deserves proper rubber wheels to make it roll easier.

Comfort rating: Super comfortable

Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros

• Excellent price
• Well-cushioned
• Good looking

Cons

• No lumbar support

Lumbar support NoWeight limit 275lbsHeadrest NoPrice $ Adjustable arms NoType Easy Assembly Photo Gallery 1/1

I liked this Amazon Basics chair right away. This swivel style was easy to assemble, the leather-like design looks nice, and the adjustable seat and back are cushioned and comfortable. 

This chair is relatively affordable without sacrificing much, with one exception: lumbar support. If lumbar support is a must-have, consider one of our other favorites. Overall, this is one of the more reasonably priced ergonomic office chairs; it is easy to put together, comfortable and is easy on the eyes.

Want more information on White Mesh Office Chair? Feel free to contact us.

Comfort rating: Comfortable

Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros

• Lightweight yet sturdy
• Many points of adjustability

Cons

• Lumbar doesn't sit quite high enough

Lumbar support YesWeight limit 300 lbsHeadrest NoPrice $$$ Adjustable arms YesType Lumbar support Photo Gallery 1/1

The Ignition 2.0 is an extremely well-constructed chair. Once it is put together it oozes sophistication and looks fantastic in my office space. I'm a big guy so I am always concerned that chairs won't hold my weight, but the Ignition is clearly designed with people like me in mind.

Adjustments can be made to the lumbar, height and armrests, but my favorite is being able to move the seat in and out. My long legs often feel unsupported but having the seat further forward supports me far better. I do wish the armrests would turn as well as rise although as that better supports my forearms as I type, reducing the strain on my wrists. 

Overall, though, this is an excellent chair priced in the midrange. Its comfort level is high on my charts and the quick build time and solid construction make it one of the best chairs around.

Comfort rating: Very comfortable

Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros

• Fantastic build quality
• Easy to assemble
• Great wheels

Cons

• Material gets dirty quickly

Lumbar support YesWeight limit 275 lbs.Headrest NoPrice $$$ Adjustable arms YesType Lumbar Support Photo Gallery 1/1

The Verve chair by Branch has been the best overall chair for a while, and it only lost the top spot because the new Ergonomic Chair Pro stole it. It has fantastic lumbar support and a wide, firm base that cushions your rear as you work long hours. The setup was simple and the instructions were easy to follow. I especially like the note to use the box as a riser to help put the back on. That's a helpful tip! I found the wheels to be of good quality, something that even expensive chairs overlook. In fact, everything about it says it's a very expensive chair except for the price. It's not cheap, but the price range is great if you spend 40 hours a week sitting on it and want to feel your legs when you stand up.

My only small pet peeve with the verve was how quickly it picked up dirt. The corner of the seat is already showing signs of staining from rubbing on my clothes, and over months or years, this is only going to get worse.

Comfort rating: Super comfortable 

Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros

• Cushioning was comfortable even for my 270 pound frame
• Extremely easy to build
• Breathable fabric keeps my back cool

Cons

• Wheels are poorer quality than I would like
• Armrests don't twist

Lumbar support YesWeight limit 300lbsHeadrest NoPrice $$ Adjustable arms Yes (no swivel)Type Large build Photo Gallery 1/1

The Autonomous Ergo Chair is a solid entry into our best office chair category. It's well-designed to hold someone with a larger frame, with an extremely comfortable seat pad and lumbar support that you can really feel. The solid metal feel throughout, especially on the wheel hub, is welcome as it supports me well. Nylon wheel hubs can sometimes stretch, causing the pillar to slip through over time and scrape the floor. Having a metal hub negates that issue. That being said, I wish the wheels on the Ergo Chair Ultra were better. When I installed them, they were difficult to fit -- unlike every other part of the build -- and they don't glide as well as I would like. The wheels are pretty weak for a chair that can hold up to 300 pounds. I would like to see some roller-blade-style wheels on this in the future.

Overall, this office chair is comfortable, easy to set up, and looks great. I could wish the wheels were better, but if you have a larger frame and want something built to last, the Autonomous Ergo Chair is a great choice.

Comfort rating: Very comfortable 

Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros

• Fully adjustable
• Well built
• Good wheels

Cons

• Armrests are hard

Lumbar support YesWeight limit 350 lbs.Headrest YesPrice $$ Adjustable arms YesType Headrest Photo Gallery 1/1

I'm a big guy, and having a chair that can easily take my weight while remaining comfortable and adjustable is a big deal. I like that the OdinLake has adjustable everything. From the arms to the seat and lumbar positions, it can all be tweaked to fit your sitting style.

I also tested the more expensive Ergo Max 747 and while it is as good as the Upgrade 518, I found the seat to be a little less comfortable over time. It's not that the Ergo Max 747 is a bad chair; it's just not significantly better than the Upgrade 518, which is a fraction of the cost.
Comfort rating: Very comfortable

Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros

• Customizable for your style
• Rock solid movement

Cons

• Seat wings are a little high
• Insane pricing for a chair

Lumbar support YesWeight limit 350 lbsHeadrest NoPrice $$$$ Adjustable arm YesType Lumbar Support Photo Gallery 1/1

The newest chair from Steelcase wins a spot on this list not because it's comfortable -- although it is, especially in the lumbar region -- but because of its customization options. You can choose the color of the chair and you can also add additional lumbar support (you'll want that), additional movement for the armrests, and wheels for hard floors or carpets.

I found the chair excellent over long periods and I especially liked how well the locking system works. Some chairs feel like they lean back too far, even when locked, but the Karman was rock solid the whole time.

Comfort rating: Very comfortable

Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros

• Great ventilation
• Comfortable for tall people

Cons

• Heavy to move around

Lumbar support YesWeight limit 300lbsHeadrest YesPrice $$$$ Adjustable arms YesType Large Build Photo Gallery 1/1

If you're a fan of a tall, well-ventilated back on a chair with plenty of adjustment options, Oak Hollow's Aloria Series offers an impressive option. It's simple to set up, feels incredibly sturdy and the controls under the left and right side of the seat make it easy to set up for your body quickly.

This chair is available in Standard and Tall seat height options and it's important to know that even the lower option sits high enough that at 6 feet tall my feet leave the ground when leaning back further than the first position in this chair. If that's not something you're worried about, this chair will keep you cooler than most and plenty comfortable.

Comfort rating: Very comfortable

Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros

• Mesh back reduces sweating
• Well-cushioned armrests
• Comfortable headrest

Cons

• Lumbar doesn't move up and down

Lumbar support YesWeight limit 320lbsHeadrest YesPrice $$$ Adjustable arms YesType Easy Assembly Photo Gallery 1/1

Like the OC14 before it, the C7 has an extremely comfortable headrest. You may not use it all day like your lumbar support but it does make more relaxed moments much nicer. The mesh back is very comfortable as well. It's breathable but feels strong enough to support my weight without ripping.

I like the soft padded armrests; they're adjustable in three ways: in/out, up/down and left/right. I wish the lumbar support was equally adjustable. It can move in and out but it can't be raised to fit the curve of my tall back so it never feels as supportive as I would like.

Comfort rating: Very comfortable

Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros

• Cool looking design
• Excellent adjustable parts
• Good headrest

Cons

• Could use better wheels

Lumbar support YesWeight limit 300lbsHeadrest YesPrice $$ Adjustable arms YesType Gaming, Lumbar Photo Gallery 1/1

The harsh truth about gaming chairs is that they are uncomfortable. Even the best gaming chairs are only comfortable for short periods of time, despite how cool they look. The Axion gaming chair from Eureka improves on the feel of standard gaming chairs by bringing in office chair-style ergonomics, all while looking like it could be a part of a futuristic gaming setup. The chunky plastic, bright colors and shiny dials give it a more "gamer" look than a traditional office chair.
But make no mistake, this gaming chair can function as an office chair as well, and a good one at that. It hits all of the ergonomic points required for a good office chair, like lumbar support and adjustable arms. It's incredibly comfortable to sit in for a full eight-hour day. I especially like the large headrest, as it lets you rest your head back while still being comfortable to work and game. If your gaming room is your home office, then the Axion from Eureka is the best of both worlds.

Comfort rating: Very comfortable 

Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros

• Breathable mesh
• Comfortable armrests
• Excellent back support

Cons

• Seat doesn't move in and out

Lumbar support YesWeight limit 330 lbs.Headrest YesPrice $$ Adjustable arms YesType Mesh Photo Gallery 1/1

The Doro C300 is an extremely comfortable and fully meshed office chair. The headrest adjusts to fit my long frame, although I do find the seat a little shorter than I'd prefer for my legs. The armrests are very well-padded and move easily across a full range of motion, which is especially important when you are typing for eight hours a day. The lumbar support automatically adjusts as you lean back, which I found helpful, and the wheelbase is solid metal, not nylon, so there is less chance of it coming loose over time.

Build time was fairly short, around 20 minutes, and the entire chair feels very stable, especially for a lower-price model.

Comfort rating: Very comfortable 

Comfort rating: Comfortable

Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros

• The most comfortable I've ever been at a desk
• Very easy to build
• Upper back support is amazing

Cons

• It's prohibitively expensive

Lumbar support Yes, via pelvis supportWeight limit 300lbsHeadrest NoPrice $$$$+ Adjustable arms YesType Easy Assembly Photo Gallery 1/1

The Anthros chair is amazing. The lumbar support helps stabilize your pelvis and the wide seat is comfortable for all body types, including my 270-pound frame. The Anthros comes with a posture guarantee so if you don't feel it has helped your posture or made you feel comfortable, you can get your money back. The Anthros feels high quality and if money were no object, it would be my No. 1 pick (and I would tell you to buy one too).

Money does matter and the Anthros is downright expensive. A good chair for your office is an investment that should last a long time, but at more than $1,000, it's probably worth some serious thought before you take the plunge.

Comfort Rating: Super comfortable

Photo Gallery 1/1 5% exclusive CNET offer applied at checkout Pros

• Looks more expensive than it is
• Great back support
• Easy to build

Cons

• Only one adjustment available on the arms

Lumbar Support YesWeight Limit 275lbsHead rest YesPrice $$ Adjustable arms Raise and lower onlyType Executive Photo Gallery 1/1 5% exclusive CNET offer applied at checkout

It's often hard to find an executive chair that looks great but doesn't break the bank. The cheaper ones tend to look underwhelming while the truly expensive ones are great but out of the realm of John or Jane Q. Public. The Galene from Eureka is an excellent balance between cost and quality. It looks good and is very comfortable to sit on for long periods. The build took about 20 minutes and it doesn't suffer from the wobbles that budget chairs often fall victim to. It feels like a much more expensive chair.

My only wish is that instead of arms that just raise and lower, they had more articulation so I could tailor them to my needs. Executive chairs are really designed for comfort on calls and meetings rather than extended typing, so having arms that can adjust more dynamically to my position would be great.

Comfort rating: Very comfortable

How to choose the right office chair

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the "science of work," says Gary Allread, program director for the ergonomics division at Ohio State University's Spine Research Institute. That definition doesn't apply only to our jobs; ergonomic principles can be used for pretty much any activity (and that means an ergonomic office chair isn't going to immediately fix your lower back pain). Allread and his team offer consultations for a variety of workplaces, including manufacturing plants. They even provide input on product design to help companies better understand how to create products "to make sure they can interact with people as well as possible," Allread says.

Chair posture

A less-than-ideal work setup might cause pain in your back, arms, hands or wrists. You might also find yourself fidgeting, making more mistakes, or taking more breaks, all because you're uncomfortable, Allread warns. Long-term, you might end up with tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Allread offers two main suggestions we all can try to improve how we work:

• Sit with your back against your chair. ("You want the chair to do the work and not your back," he says.)
• Support your feet. Either plant your feet on the floor or, if they don't reach, use a box or other footrest to support your feet.

Lumbar support

If your chair lacks lumbar support, Allread recommends rolling up a towel, securing it with tape or rubber bands, and placing it at your lower back as a lumbar cushion to "keep the back in its natural curve." Allread also notes that companies are beginning to introduce different chair sizes, supporting a wider range of body sizes, which is an important consideration if you're shopping for a new ergonomic chair with the best seat height and seat depth. 

"One mistake people make is they say, 'Well, if I get a great chair, then I'm not going to be sore anymore,' and that's not really looking at the big picture of what it takes to keep people comfortable and productive at their jobs," Allread says. A new chair is just one of many things that can make your work environment more comfortable -- so let's keep that in mind as we weigh our options for the best one.   

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How we test office chairs

Like everything we test here at CNET, these office chairs have undergone a barrage of tests. First, we assembled each chair and noted any issues with the process, including how long it should take versus how long it actually took. Then we spent two workdays, or about 16 hours, sitting in each chair, noting the level of comfort, adjustability (such as adjustable height, adjustable backrest or adjustable arm features) and any issues we had.

We also tested what I like to call the "wibble wobbles." Because office chairs are often supported by just one rod, they can wobble left and right. That movement is more stressful on the chair, which can wear it out more quickly. It can also cause discomfort and even motion sickness.

I'm heavier and taller than average, and your experience may differ. That's why we asked our professional for questions you should consider when choosing your own chair. They are:

• Was the chair designed so you can rest comfortably against the back of the chair?
• Do your feet touch the floor with your back against the back of the chair? 
• Did you find yourself fidgeting or standing up a lot? 
• Did you experience any pain or discomfort while using a particular chair?

We let these questions guide us, and they helped eliminate a lot of chairs. Some felt OK, but in the long run, they didn't offer the advantages of the ones we ultimately chose.

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Office chair FAQ

How do you clean an office chair?

How you clean your office chair will vary depending on its materials. The chair's user manual should detail cleaning and general maintenance tips. If you tossed the paper version, check online. Many retailers provide digital versions or downloadable PDFs of their product manuals.

Most chairs should be fine to clean with a damp cloth and mild soap or detergent. Test a small area first and stay away from strong chemical cleaners.

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How do I make an office chair more comfortable?

Many office chairs are adjustable. You can change the chair height and move the arms, and some office chairs have adjustable lumbar support. Before tossing your current chair, make sure you're sitting optimally by trying out different positions.

I cover ergonomics above. Allread, the expert I spoke with, has two main suggestions:

• You want your back to touch the back of the chair.
• You want your feet to touch the floor (or you should use a box or footrest to prop up your feet).

Allread also suggests rolling up a towel to use for lower back support if your chair doesn't have lumbar support. 

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How do I fix a squeaky office chair?

When dealing with squeaky office chairs, identify the source of the sound. Double-check that all screws are tight and that the chair is clean and oiled. You might also need to replace a spring. Some retailers sell replacement parts if a loose or old spring ends up being the culprit. 

For more Black Leather Office Chairinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

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