Best Ergonomic Mesh Office Chairs in 2020 (The Ultimate Guide)

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Mesh office chairs are extremely popular due to its one-of-a-kind feeling that no other material can provide. Mesh is lightweight, highly breathable, and easy to clean. Because of its large fan base, there are literally thousands of mesh office chairs that you can choose from, making it quite a complicated task to find the best one for your needs.

In this guide, we scoured over 70 different mesh office chairs to come up with the ultimate list of the best ergonomic mesh office chairs in the market today. Whether you’re focused on best value, ergonomics, neck support, or color, we got you covered.

Best Ergonomic Mesh Office Chairs at a Glance

1. Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair – Best Overall Value
2. Herman Miller Aeron – Most Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
3. XUER Ergonomic Office Chair – Best Neck Support Mesh Office Chair
4. WorkPro Quantum 9000 – Best Mid Back Mesh Office Chair
5. Nouhaus Mesh Office Chair– Best High Back Mesh Office Chair
6. Hbada Ergonomic Office Recliner Chair– Best Reclining Mesh Office Chair
7. Clatina High Swivel Executive Chair– Best Foam Fabric Seat Mesh Office Chair
8. AmazonBasics Mesh Office Chair – Best Budget Mesh Office Chair
9. Space Seating Big and Tall – Best Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair
10. Hbada Office Task Desk Chair – Best Computer Task Mesh Chair
11. Modway Edge Mesh Back – Best White Mesh Office Chair
12. Flash Furniture Drafting Chair – Best Mesh Drafting Chair

Pro Tip: Read our Guide on The Important Things to Look for in a Mesh Chair.

1. Best Overall in Value

Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair

The Duramont Mesh Office Chair tops our list for providing the best overall value in a mesh chair. If you’re on a budget or looking for the best bang for your buck, you can stop right here.

Right off the bat, with a close to perfect 4.5/5 score from over 500 owners on Amazon, you know the Duramont Mesh is onto something.

Three main components help separate the Duramont from most mesh chairs in its price range- a robust lumbar support that is both height and depth adjustable, a waterfall seat that many owners found superior in terms of comfort, plus high end rollerblade style casters that are much more durable and glide over carpets more easily.

The highlight of the Duramont undoubtedly lies in its ergonomically designed “s shape” backrest. One user who is 6 foot tall 250 pound with nerve pain marveled at how comfortable the chair is, especially the backrest. The lumbar support is especially impressive, and is depth adjustable to meet your back exactly where it needs support.

The mesh chair on the Duramont also earned high praise in general. It’s well cushioned around the edges, which is very important for sustained comfort in a mesh chair. Combined with a headrest that is both height and angle adjustable, and you got yourself a winning combination.

2. Most Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair

Herman Miller Aeron

Second on our list is the unrivaled king of ergo-dynamic tuning, the Herman Miller Aeron. Deserving of its place as one of the most famous office chairs in history,  it uses eco-friendly materials to deliver its users a multitude of ergonomic functions and customization.

The Aeron stands out for its support and comfort-focused design which has been continuously improved since its release in 1994. To start, this product has adjustable lumbar support called the PostureFit SL. It works by following the user’s every back movement, from forward to recline, to put the spine at a healthy position all day.

Other ergonomic enhancements include a smooth tilt mechanism, fully adjustable arms, seat angle adjustment, and of course, the one-of-a-kind 8Z Pellicle. The Pellicle is a mesh material that allows air, body heat and water vapor to circulate. What’s most noteworthy however is that this mesh material has 8 zones with varying tension levels to help cater to different parts of your body, providing a seating experience akin to floating.

The only thing we think is missing from the Aeron is a headrest. Considering its hefty price, we feel like it should also have head and neck support.

Still, anyone looking for the most supportive mesh chair in the market can’t go wrong with the US-made Aeron chair.

3. Best Neck Support Mesh Office Chair

XUER Ergonomic Office Chair

If you have existing neck problems, you’ll want to get a mesh office chair that’s ergonomic from top to bottom, literally. Enter the Xuer Ergonomic Office Chair, a superb mesh office chair with a large and flexible headrest that’s a step up from most office chairs’ in terms of comfort.

The first thing you’ll notice about the headrest on the Xuer is the large size- at close to 12″ long, it supports your neck even as you pivot your head from side to side. We also love the taut springiness of the soft headrest, which provides just the right amount of neck support without being floppy. One user said that she normally does not use a headrest, but was sold on the idea after trying out the one on the Xuer chair.

Speaking of leaning back, it has a 24° range tilt, angle reclining lock, and a self-adjusting lumbar support that can go head to head with even much pricier products. Completing the package are the 3D armrests, a 3-year warranty, and the mesh sloping seat which can be moved back and forth.

Our only gripe is that the Xuer’s seat depth is rather shallow, at around 17.7″ when fully extended. For someone like me that measures 5’8″, the seat length is more than adequate. However, if you’re over 6’1″ or have long legs, you may find there’s too much space between the seat edge and the end of your thighs to feel fully supported.

But, if you do fit the suitable range for the Xuer, you won’t find a more neck supportive mesh office chair for your neck, especially at its price range.

4. Best Mid Back Mesh Office Chair

WorkPro Quantum 9000

When we reviewed the Workpro Quantum 9000 last year, we called it the “most well built” mid back mesh office chair we’ve come across in the $300 range. Naturally this mesh chair deserves a solid spot on this list.

Though often compared to the much more expensive Aeron chair,, the Quantum 9000 holds its own. Not only does it have superb build quality and an extremely comfortable mesh chair, it is also inconspicuously adjustable.

To start, it has an adjustable seat depth, a feature that not even the Herman Miller Aeron has. Along with the height-adjustable backrest and seat and gel-padded 3D armrests, you get a chair that’s suitable for a wide range of body types. In fact, according to one buyer, this is their office favorite because it can be modified for every shift that uses it.

What we would like to see added into the Quantum 9000 is the ability to rock even when the backrest tilt is locked. As it is, it only has about a 5° angle give once locked, something that is still better than completely stationary backrests.

Overall, the Quantum 9000 is a rock solid pick if you’re looking for a durable, ergonomic mid back office chair. It offers an excellent selection of adjustable features and sustained comfort, all at a reasonable price.

5. Best High Back Mesh Office Chair

Nouhaus Ergo3D

If you suffer from back pain or tend to lean back slightly as you work, a full back mesh chair is a good choice for providing total upper body support while keeping you cool. And for that, Nouhaus Ergo3D offers one of the best high back mesh chairs in its class.

A few things stand out about the mesh backrest on the Ergo3D chair.

Firstly, the three tiered design individually caters to your lower back, upper back, and neck/head. The lumbar support is self adjusting, supporting your lower back in more positions.

Secondly, the backrest can tilt back an impressive 135 degrees, with the angle being lockable. Together this can really help alleviate pressure in your back, as studies have shown.

Finally, the headrest on the Ergo3D chair is very robust, and can be moved up and down to support your head regardless of your height.

Considering all these features, it’s no wonder that a lot of buyers say that it’s helped them with their neck pain. The benefits don’t stop with just this either. It comes with pivoting armrests that can support your forearms even when turned in, a sloping seat edge that won’t cut off your circulation, and a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty to complete the package.

The only thing we can complain about is the amount of padding around the seat. It’s a little lacking, though not to the point of being hard and uncomfortable.

6. Best Reclining Mesh Office Chair

Hbada Ergonomic Office Recliner Chair

With an astonishing 155 degree backrest tilt and pull out footrest, the Hbada Mesh office Chair is our top pick for a reclining office chair that lets you take the occasional power naps or complete respite from work.

We especially like that it feels very stable no matter if you’re in an upright, slightly tilted, or fully reclined position. The chair also comes with a soft neck pillow, foam seat, and arms that automatically lower as you recline, basically everything you need to get some rest in between tasks. One user even said the chair has been a real back saver, letting her fully kick back in the office chair from time to time instead of switching over to the couch.

Of course, the Hbada Recliner Chair isn’t just all about relaxation. It has ergonomic features that support you while you work. This includes a built-in lumbar support, a sloping edge seat, and a headrest that is height and angle adjustable.

If you’re big and tall, however, the Hbada Recliner Chair is not for you. It’s only suitable for people under 5’10” of stature and less than 250 lbs in weight.

Nonetheless, if your body type is compatible with the Hbada Recliner Chair, you wouldn’t find a better partner for long hours of work with short naps in between.

7. Best Foam Fabric Seat Mesh Office Chair

Clatina High Swivel Executive Chair

A fan of the breathable mesh backrest in an office chair, but not so much when it’s in the seat? For people who crave the more soft and “familiar” feel of fabric underneath their bottoms, the Clatina Executive Chair combines the best of both worlds.

Aside from being soft and comfortable, one happy buyer commented that the sloping edge of the foam seat has eliminated the numb legs she got after a day’s work with her previous chair. She also noted that since she sometimes gets chilly, the combination of the cool mesh back and warm foam seat works for her.

We also like that the Clatina has a plethora of adjustable ergonomic features for optimized support. The mid-high backrest can rock and tilt within a 45° range according to your chosen tension setting. It also has an adjustable lumbar support, seat height and depth, and 3D armrests, making it suitable for offices with multiple shifts.

That said, the Clatina still has room for improvement. We wish it came with a washable cover to make it easier to clean the seat. You’ll also have to pay extra if you wish to get head and neck support.

However, if these are features which you can do without, the Clatina is your best option when it comes to mesh chairs with a foam seat that does not cut off your circulation.

8. Best Budget Mesh Office Chair

AmazonBasics Mesh Office Chair

Cheap doesn’t always mean poor quality. This is especially true for the AmazonBasics Mesh Office Chair, our top choice in the budget category. At half the price of other mesh chairs on this list, the high back chair is still competitive in terms of function, adjustability, support, comfort, and quality.

The best way to describe the AmazonBasics Mesh is that it’s “adequate”. It comes with a headrest that is height adjustable, built in lumbar support, and backrest that tilts and locks. In other words, it gets the job done, and for cheap. In fact, the lumbar support despite being non adjustable is surprisingly comfortable, winning praises from many owners.

One interesting feature of the AmazonBasic mesh are the folding armrests. They let you tuck away the armrests, bringing the chair right up against the desk to save space when they are not in use. Folding armrests are also useful when you need more horizontal space, such as playing the guitar.

In terms of deficits, this is a budget chair after all. While the open mesh seat feels refreshing, it is less comfortable than the others on the list, since the seat frame is more pronounced. What you can do is to use a seat cushion to make it suitable for long periods of use.

All in all, for what you pay for this AmazonBasics chair, you’re getting a really good value for your money. 

9. Best Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair

Space Seating Big and Tall AirGrid

Our next pick is specially designed for the larger fans of mesh office chairs, the Space Seating Big and Tall AirGrid. Built to accommodate bulky people, it has a wide, sturdy build that can handle up to 400 lbs of weight.

The 22” wide seat and width adjustable arms of the AirGrid gives you ample space so the armrests won’t dig into your sides and cut off your circulation. It also has a seat with a sloping edge to encourage blood flow to your lower extremities. One owner who used to weigh 550lbs and is 6’6″ says this chair has been a godsend in properly supporting his body when other chairs couldn’t.

You know that the company has confidence that their product can stand the extra weight when the pneumatic cylinder, control mechanism, base, and casters all come with a lifetime warranty. To give you an idea of its durability, a fan of the AirGrid who is 6’7″ and 300 pounds said that he has been using it daily for 8 to 12 hours a day for a long time without any problems at all.

Our one complaint about the AirGrid is its lack of dynamic tilt adjustment. It doesn’t have a lock for the tilt so either you lock it upright or rock all the way back. You can adjust the tilt tension, however.

Even so, if you’re looking for a chair that’s built like a tank, this is absolutely the best in the market.

Watch this video to see how the Big and Tall Chair is assembled.

10. Best Computer Task Mesh Chair

Hbada Office Task Desk Chair

Looking for one (or multiple) mesh task chair for the office or home, such as the meeting room? The Hbada mesh task chair is compact, lightweight, and extremely affordable, topping our choice for the best task mesh chair.

Weighing just 26 lbs and costing $100 per chair (at time of writing), the Hbada can easily be purchased in bulk and deployed across the office without breaking the bank.

Unlike executive chairs which often cannot be slid under the desk because of bulky armrests, the Hbada Task Chair has armrests which flip up when not in use. Many buyers comment that the flip-up armrests let them scoot closer to their work table to focus on their task or free up some space for hobbies like playing guitar.

For back comfort and support, the Hbada comes with a breathable S-shaped mesh back which has a 120° rock and tilt tension for when you want to stretch and relax.

As for the seat, it isn’t suitable for long periods of seating, since the foam used isn’t the best. What you can do is buy a memory foam seat cushion to give you better support that doesn’t go out of shape depending on the user.

At the end of the day, this Hbada product is still solid pick for the best mesh task chair given the value it offers for the money. It has a sturdy construction that can last a long time and, with a few investments, can maximize support and comfort.

11. Best White Mesh Office Chair

Modway Edge Mesh Back

The thing with mesh office chairs is that they mostly come in black. So, if you want the pristine beauty of white mesh, you’d be hard-pressed to find one. Enter our favorite white mesh office chair, the Modway Edge Back. Aside from sporting a cool white with black highlights design, this heavy-duty model is highly ergonomic as well.

The mid-high mesh back and faux leather upholstered padded arm and seat are all white. Meanwhile, the frame, base, and casters are a mix of silver and black. This combination, according to one user, makes her workspace look clean and modern. But, it doesn’t stop there. The Edge also comes in different colors – black, blue, brown, gray, red, and tan. With mesh chairs, having such a selection of colors is very rare.

In terms of ergonomic function, this product doesn’t lack either. To start, it has a curved back that supports your back and encourages proper posture. Whenever you want to give your back a break, just reach down to the lever under your seat to adjust the tilt and tension. Finally, the padded armrests work well in eliminating the strain on your arms and elbows. To scoot closer to your desk, just flip them up.

If there’s one thing we can improve in the Edge, it’s the passive lumbar support. An adjustable lumbar support would make it more adaptable to the user’s unique body type.

That said, the Modway Edge is still your best option if you’re looking for an ergonomic mesh office chair that comes in different colors, particularly white.

12. Best Mesh Drafting Chair

Flash Furniture Drafting Chair

Rounding off our list is our choice for the best mesh drafting chair, the chic-looking mid back Flash Furniture Drafting Chair. Perfect for people that use high work tables or standing desks, this is a supportive and stable chair that has a high seat complemented by flip-up arms and a footring.

It has a seat height range of 24 to 32 inches so it’s high enough to be used with most standing desks, kitchen counters, and other elevated workspaces. Plus, the flip-up padded arms can be raised to give you more space to get closer to your task.

When perched up high, you feet will be off the ground, so there’s a wide footring at your disposal. This, along with the waterfall edge seat minimizes the strain on your lower extremities.

Aside from being functional, buyers also love that it is very comfortable for long periods of use. The curved mid-high back and sloping seat are made of shape-hugging and refreshing mesh. It also has a synchro tilt feature which makes the back and seat tilt at different rates, along with tension control.

For the most part, people are quite satisfied with the curved mid back’s lumbar support. But, we would love to see improved adjustability for both the lumbar support and armrests. It would also be a good idea to get a seat cushion since the seat frame has digs into the back of the thighs.

All things considered, the Flash Furniture Drafting Chair does a fantastic job in supporting the upper and lower limbs and back. This is especially important for this type of office chair since the user’s feet won’t be able to reach the ground.

What to Look for in a Mesh Office Chair

There’s a wide range of mesh office chairs in the market, making it confusing to find the right chair for you. To make it less daunting, here are some factors that can help you filter out the best mesh chairs for your needs.

Open Mesh vs. Padded Seats

There are two types of seat designs that you can choose from:

1. Open Mesh: The entire seat is made of mesh stretched across the chair frame. Usually the edges are padded with foam for a more comfortable sitting experience.
2. Padded Seat: The seat itself is made of a non mesh material, such as foam upholstered in fabric, vinyl, or leather. Only the backrest is made of mesh.

An open mesh seat provides a cooler sitting experience, making it the best choice for people who have to sit for long periods of time or those who have a tendency to get hot and sweaty. However, it might not be suitable for people who live in cold regions or those who get chilly easily. In such cases, the warmth of a padded seat would be a better option.

Another difference is the general feeling of the seat. Though it is firmer due to the lack of cushioning in the center, an open mesh seat will make you feel like you are floating or sitting on top of a cloud. Meanwhile, a padded mesh seat has the familiar feeling of a regular seat with the overall comfort varying depending on the foam thickness.

The lack of cushioning of an open mesh seat can also a double-edged sword. Though it might feel cool, it can be uncomfortable because you are more likely to feel the seat frame. With a padded seat, the foam acts as a buffer.

Choose an open mesh seat if you:

• Are looking for breathability
• Want a floating sensation

Choose a padded seat if you:

• Need a warmer sitting experience
• Prefer the familiarity of a regular office chair
• Don’t want to feel the seat frame

Overall, it all comes down to personal choice, plus the quality of the mesh, which we will discuss next.

Mesh Quality

One of the most important things you’ll have to consider is the mesh quality, especially if you’ve decided to go with an open mesh seat. This can be quite tricky since you’ll want the mesh to be strong enough to last long but still soft and flexible to be comfortable.

Look for mesh that is tightly interwoven with additional fiber to make it more elastic and gentler on the skin. This adds to the mesh’s ability to spring back to its original shape and remain supportive when pressed against.

Mesh that lower quality will often be too soft or hard due to the lack of additional fibers and complex woven patterns. This can create an uneven flex point when a lot of pressure is applied, especially in the tailbone.region. The general sitting experience will also be compromised, as lower quality mesh feels more coarse and can even irritate your skin.

Seat Edge Padding

Another very important thing to look for in a mesh seat is the padding around the edges of the seat, especially the front edge.

Look for mesh chairs with a generous amount of edge padding. It should consist of reasonably firm foam that will cushion your body from the hard edges of the seat frame:

Sharp vs. Waterfall Edge

We’ve talked about the seat frame being more noticeable on open mesh seats. This puts pressure against your thighs, reducing the blood flow to your lower extremities. One of the best ways to solve this is by opting for a seat with a waterfall edge.

Even with a padded seat, a sloping edge dramatically encourages circulation. This prevents the numbing sensation in the lower legs that often comes with sitting for hours in a non-ergonomic office chair.

Backrest Height

Mesh office chairs come with different backrest heights: low-, mid-, and high backs. Buyers should choose according to the nature of their work.

A low-back mesh office chair is suitable for workers who move a lot and tend to lean forward to focus on their tasks. Also often referred to as a task chair, it offers lumbar to mid-back support. A chair with this type of backrest should only be used a couple of hours at a time to prevent neck strain.

A mid-back chair has a backrest that is about 24 inches high from the seat. It offers support from the lower back up to the shoulder, leaving the neck and head without any support. As such, it is only suitable for sporadic seating spells that do not last more than 4 hours at a time. This is a popular pick for conference rooms and tight workstations.

Finally, we have high back office chairs which come with at least a 28-inch backrest. Not only does it cradle the entire back, it also provides neck and head support. Pick this if you sit for long stretches of time, do a lot of creative thinking, or have existing neck problems. The Mysuntown Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair is an excellent example of this.

Weight Rating

Choose a mesh office chair with a weight rating that corresponds to your body weight. This guarantees that the product you’re buying is capable of handling the load it will have to take, keeping you safe and making the chair last longer.

For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, a chair with a maximum weight capacity of at least 250 pounds is ideal. For the big and tall, there are mesh office chairs like the Space Seating Big and Tall with high weight ratings starting at 350 pounds.

How Do I Clean a Mesh Office Chair?

Regularly cleaning your mesh office chair can help you maintain its shine. You can easily do this in minutes using ingredients that you most likely already have in your home.

What You’ll Need:

• Vacuum
• Liquid dish soap
• Old cloth
• Cotton swab

Steps:

1. First, use a vacuum with a hose attachment to collect all the dirt, especially between the mesh patterns.
2. Mix some water and liquid dish soap. Dip the cloth into the soapy solution and wring out excess liquid.
3. Gently dab the damp cloth all over your mesh chair, starting from the top to the wheels. Be careful not to rub the mesh too hard or it might start fraying.
4. Wash the cloth with clean water and gently dab all over the chair again to remove any soup water.
5. Dip the cotton swab in clean water and use it to clean the crevices that you couldn’t reach with the cloth.
6. Use a clean cloth to wipe the plastic and metal areas dry. Leave to air until the mesh is completely dry.

Final Words

There you have it, our best picks for mesh office chairs along with some important tips that can help you select quality chairs of this type.

Aside from ergonomics and quality, it is crucial that you choose a product that is best suited for your task and work environment. For example, a mid-back chair with flip-up arms is more suitable for spatially challenged offices than executive ones.

No matter what application it is for, you can rest assured because we’ve done the research for you and picked out the best in each category.