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You are here: Home / Product Reviews / Best Ergonomic Office Chairs of 2020- Over 100 Hours of Research
Best Ergonomic Office Chairs- Reviews and Buyer's Guide

Best Ergonomic Office Chairs of 2020- Over 100 Hours of Research

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New Rankings for Oct 2020!

An ergonomically designed chair is specifically made to keep our body in a comfortable position with minimal strain and to maintain good posture. Having said that, the sheer amount of conflicting information and reviews on the internet creates more confusion than clarification. The term “ergonomic” has become a marketing term that seemingly applies to every office chair out there, making it very difficult for anyone shopping for an ergonomic office chair to make an informed decision.

And this is why I’ve created this guide. I’ve put in over 100 hours of research, testing, and comparing to come up with the ultimate list of ergonomic office chairs you should purchase based on specific needs you may have:

  • Best overall ergonomic chair for your health
  • Specific pain points such as back or next pain
  • Your budget
  • Preferred material, such as leather or fabric instead of mesh
  • Specific features such as footrest or armrests.

Regardless of which chair you choose, each one below represents the very best in its category in terms of ergonomics, comfort and durability, giving you the piece of mind that the chair will properly serve your body and wallet. Lets get started.

ProductAwardWhy It's so GoodDetails
Herman Miller EmbodyBest Overall Office ChairFlexible exoskeleton back and seat with different tension zones make it most comfortable chair for long periods.Check Price
Steelcase Leap ChairBest Overall Office Chair (Runners Up)"Live Back" technology and 4D armrests that support your spine and arms in any position.Check Price
Nouhaus Ergo3DBest Office Chair for Back and Neck Pain3 tiered adjustable backrest and lumbar target the back precisely to release back and neck pain.Check Price
X4 LeatherBest Office Chair for Back and Neck Pain (Runner's Up)Three Piece Back Rest with Dynamic Lumbar Support and Opulent LeatherCheck Price

Contents

  • Best Ergonomic Office Chair- Herman Miller Embody Chair
  • Best Office Chair for Back Pain- Nouhaus Ergo3D
  • Best Executive Office Chair- Gates Leather Executive Chair
  • Best Budget Ergonomic Office Chair- Sihoo Ergonomic Chair
  • Best Reclining Office Chair- Duramont Reclining Office Chair
  • Best Ergonomic Gaming Chair: Secretlab Titan
  • Best Fabric Office Chair (non mesh): Clatina Ergonomic Office Chair
  • Best Armless Office Chair: HON H5703.GA10.T Volt Task Chair
  • Best Standing Desk and Drafting Chair: Chairman Ergonomic Drafting Chair
  • How to Pick an Ergonomic Office Chair
  • Proper Posture When Sitting at your Chair

Best Ergonomic Office Chair- Herman Miller Embody Chair

Herman Miller Embody Chair Review
Best Office Chair 2020

The Herman Miller Embody Chair is an ergonomic office chair that is so comfortable to sit in, some people liken the experience to floating. The result of years of research from famed designer Bill Stumpf and over 20 physicians and PhDs, it will give you the longest mileage for sustained comfort and back support, albeit at a steep price.

Don’t be fooled by the rather unassuming look of the chair. Called the World’s first “health positive” chair, the Embody’s advanced materials adapt to the way you sit automatically. Keep reading to see why we’ve bestowed it best ergonomic office chair of 2020.

Exoskeleton Backrest for constant Lumbar and Back Support: Made up of a central spine and flexible ribs like the human back, the patented backrest flexes to the curvature of your back, providing constant support regardless of your sitting posture. Once adjusted properly, one user lauds how the chair almost disappears, and his muscles just relax.

Adaptive Seat with dynamic surface pressure: 4 layers of advanced materials make up the Embody’s Chair seat. Together they adapt to the shape of your body as you sit with different surface pressure. This provides you with hours of continuous comfort and good blood circulation. No more shuffling in your chair constantly to feel comfortable.

Adjustable Seat Depth: Two levers on the bottom sides let you adjust the seat depth. As a result your thighs will never be left dangling regardless of your body size and thighs length.

Super Green: Manufactured in a facility that uses only green energy, 95% of the Embody Chair is recyclable to boot. Contribute to your health, not greenhouse gases and landfill waste.

Exoskeleton Backrest that flexes and adjusts to your back regardless of your postureExoskeleton Backrest that flexes and adjusts to your back regardless of your posture
Advanced four layered seat that conforms to micro movements in your bodyAdvanced four layered seat that conforms to micro movements in your body
Tilt degree, tension, and limiter to release back tensionTilt degree, tension, and limiter to release back tension
Adjustable seat depth so your thighs are always supportedAdjustable seat depth so your thighs are always supported

The one let down of the Embody Chair are the armrests, which cannot be moved forward or back. For a chair at this price point, I’m expecting a 3D armrest. They are height adjustable and can be pushed outwards for people with wider shoulders, however.

The best ergonomic office chair isn’t one with the most adjustable features, but rather, a chair that feels so natural to sit on it almost disappears after a while. Billed as the world’s first “health positive” chair, the Embody Chair manages to accomplish that impossible feat, which is why we’ve bestowed it the best ergonomic office chair of 2020.

Pros:

  • Strong graphite frame that will last for years
  • Flexible ribs like backrest that supports your back in any position
  • Multi-layered seat with varying pressure zones that intelligently adjusts to your body
  • Adjustable seat depth to cater to people with varying thigh lengths
  • 12 year Herman Miller warranty

Cons:

  • Armrests do not move in or out.
  • Lack of dedicated headrest.
Shop the Embody Chair on Amazon

⤷ Runner’s Up for Best Office Chair: Steelcase Leap Chair

Steelcase Leap Office Chair Review
2nd Best Office Chair 2020

Steelcase’s Leap Chair shares so many of the revolutionary features of the Herman Miller Embody Chair, you honestly can’t go wrong with either. But there are distinct advantages of each chair you should consider.

The Leap Chair features a “Live Back” that flexes to the contours of your back. It’s incredibly comfortable, probably 2nd only to the Embody Chair in this regard. A slider located on the backrest lets you move the lumbar support up and down where you need it the most, which is wonderful if a specific area of your back always seems to need more support than the rest. Various knobs and levels let you control everything from the tilt degree (5 settings), tilt tension, to the firmness of the lower back area. Once dialed in to your liking, that’s when the magic happens.

The design of the Leap Chair’s seat is also superb. It bends at the very end where your thighs meet, which helps dissipate any pressure and poor blood circulation in that area that can build up over time. The seat’s depth is also adjustable, another truly awesome feature that the Leap shares with the Embody Chair.

One key area where the Leap Chair excels over the embody chair are the armrests. It can be adjusted four different ways- height, depth, closer or further away from you, and angled inwards for a “v” shape configuration. For people who love the health positive Herman Miller Embody Chair but require more robust arm support, the Leap Chair will be the better choice.

It may be tough deciding between the Embody and Leap Chair, so I’ll make it simple. Both chairs are extraordinarily comfortable, especially over prolonged sitting where the true test of an ergonomic chair is measured. However, the Embody Chair does come out on top in terms of overall body comfort if you don’t consider the armrests, thanks to the superior backrest and seat that features dynamic tension zones. Having said that, for people who have experienced 4D armrests that move in and out and must have them, however, the Leap Chair is an excellent alternative.

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Best Office Chair for Back Pain- Nouhaus Ergo3D

Best Chair for Back Pain

The Nouhaus Ergo3D Mesh is our pick for the best office chair for back pain, in no small part due to the innovative 3 piece backrest that targets the back and neck aggressively for tension relief. One Ergo3D Mesh user with chronic lower back pain commented on how such a design has greatly helped him get through hours of sitting without pain.

If you suffer from back pain already, an office chair with a more protruding lumbar can help greatly, especially if it is adjustable to target the exact area of your back that is tender and needs pressure relieved. The Nouhaus Ergo3D does this so well like no other chair, and hence takes the award in the back pain relief category.

3 piece backrest that targets different areas of your back separately: The backrest on the Ergo3D consists of 3 sections that are shaped differently to match the curvature of your back and neck, with the lowest section being most pronounced. The lowest piece automatically responds to the amount of pressure you apply to give your back constant support.

Height Adjustable Headrest: The headrest of the Ergo3D is large enough to support your entire head, with a curved shape that fits right underneath your neck or behind your head. For people with neck pain, the active headrest on the Ergo3D Mesh provides much better relief than a headless backrest.

Highly pronounced waterfall seat: The mesh seat on the Ergo3D is highly contoured to slope downwards at the edge. This helps reduce pressure build up in your thighs, and is especially important for people who suffer from sciatica.

Perfect 135 degrees Backrest Recline: According to one ground breaking Canadian research, a backrest angled at 135 degrees puts the least amount of strain on the spine, vital for people who suffer from back pain. The Ergo3D’s backrest supports a maximum angle of exactly 135 degrees, allowing you to easily configure it to the proper position to relieve back pressure and pain.

If there’s one thing missing in the Ergo3D Mesh, it’s the lack of any padding to soften the all metal frame and mesh design. While most people with back and neck issues will find great relief in the well defined lines and lumbar support found in the Ergo3D Mesh, others may miss the softness and comfort that a fabric or leather chair brings.

The Nouhaus Ergo3D is one of the most solidly built – and relatively affordable – chair I’ve come across, with a 3 tiered backrest and adjustable headrest that anyone suffering from back pain will likely embrace. If you’ve sat on mesh office chairs before and can tolerate the harder surface compared to leather or fabric, the Ergo3D is one of those investments that should hold up for many years.

Pros:

  • Perfect 135 backrest recline to relieve spinal pressure
  • Aggressive 3 piece backrest with dynamic lumbar support
  • Robust 3D armrests that rotate inwards as well
  • Waterfall seat design relieves pressure in the back of the thighs
  • Durable, premium roller blade style casters

Cons:

  • All mesh seat and backrest not as soft as fabric or leather material
  • Headrest doesn’t pivot
Shop Nouhaus Ergo3D on Amazon

⤷ Runner’s Up for Best Office Chair for Back Pain: X Chair X4 Leather Executive Chair

2nd Best Office Chair for Back Pain

If you’re not hampered by a tight budget, the X4 Executive Chair is arguably the most opulent yet functional ergonomic chair money can buy, especially for the back and neck.

Similar to the Komene Mesh, most users love the 3 piece backrest of the X4. The entire backrest can be moved up and down to target the lumbar where your back needs it the most. As you recline, the dynamic lumbar offers excellent resistance without being overly firm. Throw in a large headrest that is also height and angle adjustable, and people with back and neck pain should find good relief with the X4 Executive Leather Chair.

One owner of the chair with lower back pain couldn’t stop gushing about how much relief he as found since switching to the X4 Chair.

You’ll be happy to hear the seat depth is adjustable in the X4 Chair, just like with other high end office chairs such as the Herman Miller Embody. This means you can move the seat inwards or out to relieve pressure on your thighs, which tends to build up after prolonged sitting in non adjustable seats.

Overall the X4 Chair is a strong contender for the best office chair for back (and neck pain). What holds it back is the high price tag (at around $1,300 at time of writing), though you get what you pay for in terms of the build quality and supple real leather finish.

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ProductAwardWhy It's so GoodDetails
Gates Executive Leather ChairBest Executive Leather ChairStunning Executive Chair with real Italian Top Grain LeatherCheck Price
Staples Sorina Office ChairBest Executive Leather Chair (Runners Up)Supple bonded leather and very comfortable seatCheck Price
Sihoo MeshBest Budget Office ChairSolidly made ergonomic office chair with robust lumbar support and pivoting armrest.Check Price
Berlman Mesh ChairBest Budget Office Chair (Runner's Up)Decent ergonomic office chair with folding arms and rock bottom price tag.Check Price

Best Executive Office Chair- Gates Leather Executive Chair

Gates Leather Executive Chair Review
Best Leather Office Chair

For people that crave the softness and opulence that a leather chair brings to the table (and office), the Gates Executive Office Chair is your best choice in that category. The Gates Chair uses top grain Italian leather that’s both soft and durable. You won’t find cheap imitation or PU leather on this chair.

One owner of the Gates Executive Chair lauded the “stunning” design of the chair, while another remarked how the chair is the most comfortable he’s ever sat on.

100% Top Grain Italian Leather Finish: Unlike faux or PU leather, real leather is more durable and luxurious to the touch. The craftsmanship on the Gates Executive Chair is superb all around.

High Density Foam Padding: Voluminous foam padding can be found in every area your body makes contact with the chair, including the armrests. For most people, the firm but thick padding provides excellent support and resistance, even after many months.

Ergonomic Backrest with lockable recline: I love the S-shaped backrest of the Gates Executive Chair, which ergonomically follows the shape of the spine. The sides of the backrest curve inwards to hug your sides and keep you sitting in a centered and upright posture. The chair not only tilts backwards, but can be locked into one of 4 recline positions. And last but not least, the waterfall design of the seat allows for excellent lower limb circulation while eliminating leg fatigue.

Choice of 4 luxurious colors: white, milky white, brown, and blackChoice of 4 luxurious colors: white, milky white, brown, and black
Top grain real Italian leather with high density foam padding for many hours of sititng comfortTop grain real Italian leather with high density foam padding for many hours of sititng comfort
Elegant lines and contrasting chrome frameElegant lines and contrasting chrome frame
Gates Leather Office Chair DimensionsGates Leather Office Chair Dimensions

A couple of minor things I don’t like about the design of this luxurious office chair. First are the armrests, which consist of one solid curved piece that are not adjustable in any way. I suspect however that any changes to this design would result in a less aesthetically stunning chair. Secondly, the recline degree of the backrest is rather shallow.

People choose genuine leather chairs for the silky smooth contact that mesh or fabric chairs simply cannot match, plus the projection of prestige and status. As such, it’s great for any business setting. When it comes to the best genuine leather office chair with an incredibly comfortable feel and backrest, the Gates Leather Executive Chair is a tough act to follow.

Pros:

  • Italian top grain leather that exudes sophistication and comfort
  • Ergonomic backrest that hugs your body with side padding, with lockable recline
  • High density padding that don’t sag as much, even for heavier people
  • Choice of four sophisticated colors- white, milky white, brown ,and black.

Cons:

  • One piece armrests that are not height adjustable
  • Recline degree of backrest is rather shallow.
Shop Gates Leather Chair on Amazon

⤷ Runner’s Up for Best Executive Office Chair: Staples Sorina Executive Chair

2nd Best Executive Chair

Our runner’s up for the best executive office chair this year is the Staples Sorina. While it doesn’t have the opulent look or feel of the Gates Executive Chair above, which it does still provide is elegance and the supple feel of leather on a budget.

The recurring message from multiple owners of the Staples Sorina is how comfortable the chair is. This is attributed to the supportive padding and ergonomic contours of the seat and backrest that keeps your body firmly in place, unlike some executive chairs that make you feel like you’re sliding forward.

While the bonded leather upholstery of the Staples Sorina is no match for genuine top grain leather, it is extremely supple, and further contributes to the comfort of the chair.

While the backrest of the Sorina doesn’t actually recline, it does tilt, and comes with both tilt tension and lock to customize the behavior. The armrests are unique in that they actually flip up, which lets you bring the chair closer to the desk for certain detail oriented task or to save space when not in use.

All in all the Staples Sorina is a sure bet for a budget executive office chair that is both comfortable and polished enough for any office setting.

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Best Budget Ergonomic Office Chair- Sihoo Ergonomic Chair

Sihoo Ergonomics Office Chair Review
Best Budget Office Chair

When it comes to budget office chairs, the trick is to find one that’s not just comfortable and ergonomic, but one that doesn’t turn into a pile of scrap metal and plastic after just a few months. Sadly many of the chairs in this category are just that.

We picked the Sihoo M57 Mesh office chair as the best budget ergonomic chair for a reason. This is a chair that’s not only built to last, but for sustained comfort as well.

Durable metal frame and sturdy design: The Sihoo’s hefty 350 pounds capacity is the first sign that this is an extremely durable chair. The mesh is highly resistant to wear and tear, and the high strength metal gas lift and base all passed SGS’s stringiest quality testing with flying colors.

Robust lumbar and headrest: This is a rare find on budget office chairs- The lumbar support on the Sihoo is both height and depth adjustable. Combined with a pivoting headrest, and this maximizes the chances of conforming to your body properly.

Pivoting armrests: Apart from being height adjustable, the Sihoo Mesh’s armrests can also be angled in or outwards to form a closed or open “V” shape. This provides support when you’re typing on a tablet or phone, for example.

sihoo-office-chair-dimensionssihoo-office-chair-dimensions
sihoo-chair-featuressihoo-chair-features

While the Sihoo all mesh design promotes breathability, your mileage for long term comfort will vary. Some users have complained about the seat and back area being rather hard, though by the same token others appreciate the firmness that has kept them upright and in the proper posture even after many hours.

There are no shortage of budget office chairs out there, though very few with the features that Sihoo offers and overall build quality. A $80 dollar chair that falls part after a few months or causes back pain is not a bargain. For that reason the Sihoo gets our nod for the best budget office chair.

Pros:

  • Budget office chair with decent ergonomics and adjustability
  • Excellent construction with a hefty capacity of 350 pounds.
  • Depth and height adjustable lumbar and backrest to target your back and neck.
  • Pivoting armrests
  • Very easy and quick assembly

Cons:

  • Thin seat padding that may take some time to get comfortable in.
Shop Sihoo on Amazon

⤷ Runner’s Up for Best Budget Office Chair: Berlman Ergonomic High Back Mesh Office Chair

OWLN Ergonomic High Back Mesh Office Chair Review
2nd Best Budget Office Chair

There are budget office chairs, and there are ultra affordable budget chairs. For an ergonomic office chair that falls in the later category, the Berlman Ergonomic Office Chair is probably as good as it gets. The build is not quite as sturdy as the Sihoo Mesh Chair above, but then again, it costs half as much, putting it within reach of even people on a shoestring budget. The overall decent design, comfort, and ergonomics of the Berlman Chair earns it a spot in our pick as runner’s up for best budget office chair.

The backrest on the Berlman Chair consist of one breathable mesh piece with a comfortable headrest. The headrest is large, and the dedicated lumbar support strip located at the bottom provides decent lower back support. Many users found the lumbar support effective even after long hours of sitting. The flip up arms on the Berlman is also a nice touch that lets you tuck away the armrests during storage or when you want it out of the way- a nice touch certainly.

The one piece design of the backrest and headrest together on the Berlman poses an issue with very short or tall users, however. Users below 5.4” or above 6” will find their heads either below or over the headrest depending on how they sit, leading to discomfort. The higher end Sihoo chair for example comes with an adjustable headrest, neutralizing this issue.

Overall the Berlman is one of the best ultra affordable budget chairs, unless you’re very short or tall. In those cases, a backrest that is height adjustable is better.

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ProductAwardWhy It's so GoodDetails
Duramont Reclining ChairBest Reclining Office ChairExcellent reclining chair that can be locked at any angle up to 155 degrees.Check Price
Secretlab TitanBest Ergonomic Gaming ChairMost durable and comfortable gaming chair for the priceCheck Price
Clatina High Back ChairBest Ergonomic Fabric ChairMost ergonomic fabric office chair availableCheck Price
Hon Task ChairBest Armless Office ChairHeavy duty armless office chair with syncro tilt to release back tension.Check Price
Chairman Drafting ChairBest Tall and Standing Desk ChairForward leaning seat lets you take brief respites from standing while remaining uprightCheck Price

Best Reclining Office Chair- Duramont Reclining Office Chair

Duramont Reclining Office Chair Review
Best Reclining Office Chair

Reclining Office chairs let you recline the backrest all the way down to a sleeping angle, turning your office chair into a first class cabin seat on a whim. Read the newspaper, unwind your back and neck, or even take a power nap by reclining the backrest and pulling out the footrest. For one of the best reclining office chairs currently in the market, look no further than the Duramont Executive Reclining Chair.

The Duramont Executive Reclining Chair ticks all the right boxes for a very comfortable office chair with a high degree of recline.

Soft PU leather and thick padding: The PU Leather on the Duramont is surprisingly comfortable and soft to the touch. The chair is thickly padded with foam that doesn’t depress easily, making for a chair that will last a long time.

Pull out Footrest: The footrest on the Duramont Chair is very easy to pull out, and is thickly padded as well. Nothing feels better than being able to put up your legs and feet after a long meeting or work session. Throw in a backrest that can be locked into position anywhere between 90 to 155 degrees, and you got yourself one comfortable office/ napping chair.

The weak link in the Duramont Reclining Chair is the rather flimsy footrest. For average weight users, it works great, though for heavier set people (above 250 pounds in particular), resting your feet can cause the chair to tilt forward. This isn’t so much an issue with this chair specifically as it is reclining office chairs in general, due to the weight distribution of standard office chairs.

For heavier users, you should consider an office chair with an ottoman instead for maximum support. The great news is, Duramont is well known for their excellent customer service, including a 90 days unconditional money back gauarentee if you find the chair unsatisfactory for any reason.

Pros:

  • Sturdy chair with wide recline range for relaxing
  • Extremely soft and comfortable PU leather
  • Smart armrests that lowers as you recline for good ergonomics
  • Excellent customer service and 90 unconditional money back

Cons:

  • Footrest not suitable for heavier users due to balancing issue
Shop Duramont Reclining Chair on Amazon

Best Ergonomic Gaming Chair: Secretlab Titan

We didn’t buy into the hype either – until we actually tried the chair ourselves. The Secretlab Titan is simply one of the most refined and well built gaming chairs we’ve ever reviewed. If you’re looking for a sleek gaming chair with the sophistication and ergonomics of a high end office chair, this is it.

The Secretlab chair comes in three editions- Omega, Titan, and Titan XL depending on your height and weight. The Titan sits in the middle that’s perfect for people between 5’8″ – 6’7″ and less than 240 pounds. Some other highlights:

Superb build quality: This is one of the few gaming chairs we’ve reviewed that we’re confident will easily last 5 to 10 years. We couldn’t find any weak link in the chair- even the switches on the armrests consist of stainless steel to prevent snapping off over time. The base of the chair is made of aircraft grade aluminum, while the default PU leather upholstery is 4x stronger than standard PU leather found on other chairs.

Robust Backrest Recline and Seat Tilting: The Secretlab Titan comes with one of the smoothest backrest tilt and recline mechanisms in a gaming chair. Des[ite its large size, rocking the backrest is effortless. Furthermore, while the backrest reclines to a fairly standard 165 degrees, what’s special is that the seat tilt angle can also be locked. Seat tilt angle lock is fabulous when you wish to work in a more reclined position, by pointing your entire body – and not just your back- upwards.

Patented High density Cold Foam: Unlike many budget chairs that use cheap padding that depress quickly, the inside of the Secretlab chairs consist of high density cold foam that’s highly resistant to sagging over time. Moreover, it’s softer than the cold foam found on other high end chairs thanks to the patented mix of materials.

Depth Adjustable Lumbar Support: Most gaming chairs come with an external lumbar pillow that either fits you, or doesn’t. On the Secretlab Titan, the lumbar support is much more customizable, with a knob that allows you to control its depth to find the perfect fit for your lower back.

secretlab-titan-2020-reviewsecretlab-titan-2020-review
secretlab-titan-seat-firmnesssecretlab-titan-seat-firmness
secretlab-titan-armrestssecretlab-titan-armrests
secretlab-titan-multi-tiltsecretlab-titan-multi-tilt
secretlab-titan-lumbar-supportsecretlab-titan-lumbar-support
secretlab-titan-armrests-widthsecretlab-titan-armrests-width

The best of an ergonomic office and gaming chair- that’s what the Secretlab Titan offers.

Pros:

  • Built like a tank that should easily last 5 – 10 years
  • Extremely smooth and stable backrest tilting and recline (up to 165 degrees)
  • Supports seat tilt angle lock to pivot your whole body upwards.
  • Sag resistant cold foam cushions and tear proof, smooth PU leather
  • Built in lumbar support that’s depth adjustable
  • Wide 4D armrests that move in all directions

Cons:

  • Some people may find the seat a little firm (though we love it)
  • Assembly instructions overly convoluted.
Shop Secretlab Titan direct from Manufacturer

Best Fabric Office Chair (non mesh): Clatina Ergonomic Office Chair

Best Fabric Office Chair
Best Fabric Office Chair

For people who crave the soft touch and breathability of fabric office chairs, but the ergonomics of a mesh office chair, the Clatina high back office chair is one of your best choices.

This is one of the most ergonomic fabric office chairs we’ve reviewed. The tall backrest and headrest supports your entire upper body while the depth adjustable seat with its waterfall edge ensures your bottom and legs are as comfortable as possible.

Adjustable lumbar and neck support: The shape of the backrest on the clatina  office chair aligns naturally with the curvature of your spine. The lumbar support can be moved up or down 1.57″, and the neck rest is both height and angle adjustable to conform to the shape of your head perfectly.

Seat depth adjustment: Usually found on more expensive office chairs, the Clatina’s seat can move out up to 3.15″ to accommodate the length of your thighs and ensure there is a proper 1-2″ gap with the edge of the seat  regardless of the length of your legs.

3D armrests and waterfall seat: The armrests are both width and angle adjustable, while the seat edge adopts a waterfall shape to relief any pressure in your thighs from prolonged sitting.

Reassuring 5 year warranty: Very generous 5 year warranty, compared to many office chairs that only offer 6 months to 1 year warranty.

There are very few faults I can find with the Clatina high back office chair, especially given the affordable price point at below $260 (check latest price). The padding on the seat is rather thin though arguably still more generous than that on mesh office chairs. Overall this is one of the most ergonomic, solidly built, and nicely upholstered fabric chairs right now.

Pros:

  • Comfortable and breathable fabric
  • Both lumbar support and headrest are adjustable
  • Seat depth adjustment
  • Backrest reclines all the way to 135 degrees
  • 5 year limited warranty

Cons:

  • Padding on the seat isn’t very thick
Shop Clatina high back office chair on Amazon

Best Armless Office Chair: HON H5703.GA10.T Volt Task Chair

HON H5703.GA10.T Volt Task Chair Review
Best Armless Office Chair

For the best ergonomic office chair in the armless category, our pick goes to the Hon Volt Task Chair (Also See Office Chairs with Flip up Armrests). The emphasis here is on the word “ergonomic”- unlike most armless chairs that have very limited adjustability, especially in the tilting of the backrest, the Hon Volt Task behaves more like a full featured ergonomic chair, sans the arms.

I love the backrest on the Hon’s Volt, which is quite large to fully support my back, and comes with syncro tilting. The backrest tilts at a higher rate than the seat as you lean back, allowing your feet to remain on the ground throughout. Many tasks chairs do not even recline at all, which is an important ergonomic feature to enable micro movements and to release back tension.

Large Stool Seat for Comfort: The seat size on the Hon’s is more generous than that on most armless stools, measuring a round 20” wide and 18” deep. The larger profile means you won’t get the feeling you’re able to fall off the stool, especially if you’re bigger.

Syncro Tilt Backrest: While many armless chairs don’t recline at all, the Hon Volt’s backrest features syncro tilt that promotes movement and helps release back tension.

Stain resistant 100% polyester cover: The polyester upholstery is soft to the touch and also stain resistant.

Supports syncro tilt,which lets the seat and back recline at different rates, so your feet remains on the ground throughoutSupports syncro tilt,which lets the seat and back recline at different rates, so your feet remains on the ground throughout
High density plastic and metal parts for long lasting chairHigh density plastic and metal parts for long lasting chair
HON-H5703.GA10.T-Volt-Task-chair-specsHON-H5703.GA10.T-Volt-Task-chair-specs

The Hon Volt is quite large for a armless stool, weighing over 29 pounds with dimensions 20” w by 18” depth. Contrast that with our 2nd choice for best armless office chair, the AmazonBasics Low Back Task Chair below. The later weighs around 26.5 pounds with dimensions 18.7” x 16”.

Some users find the Hon Volt too large for comfort, and not so easily maneuverable from room to room. If you’re looking for a portable armless chair for small areas like the kitchen or bathroom, our runner’s up for best armless chair below may be a better option.

If you’re looking for an armless office chair for prolonged sitting, or one you don’t need to move around a lot, then the Hon’s Volt is your best option in 2020.

Pros:

  • Syncro tilting of backrest to ease back tension.
  • Large seat and backrest that supports even large users.
  • Incredible lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Not as portable as other armless stools due to the larger profile and weight
  • Some users complain the seat is too deep and cuts into their thighs.
Shop Hon Volt Task Chair on Amazon

Best Standing Desk and Drafting Chair: Chairman Ergonomic Drafting Chair

Best Standing Desk Chair

Last but certainly not least, we have the Chairman Ergonomic Drafting chair, the perfect ergonomic companion if you use a standing or tall desk like many people these days.

What’s so awesome about the Chairman drafting chair is its unique ability to forward tilt up to 15 degrees. This creates the perfect position to lean on the chair for support as you stand, reducing pressure on your back while your body still remains upright.

Forward tilting ability: This is the only drafting chair we’ve reviewed that supports forward tilting of the seat via a lever. This creates a declined sitting position that reduces pressure on your back as you stand, making it better than other drafting chairs for taking a respite from standing.

Robust height adjustment: The seat height can be adjusted anywhere between 21″ to 31″, facilitating everything from a standard desk (just barely), tall desk, to a standing desk.

Auto braking casters: The casters on the Chairman drafting chair automatically brakes when weight is applied. This makes the base far more secure on hardwood floors.

Pros:

  • Forward tilting seat that facilitates declined sitting while standing
  • Auto braking casters for added safety
  • Contoured seat that reduces pressure on your thighs
  • Suitable for both tall and standing desks

Cons:

  • Doesn’t come with a footrest
  • Backrest does not recline
Shop Chairman Drafting Chair on Amazon

How to Pick an Ergonomic Office Chair

Picking out an office chair may not be as exciting as shopping for the latest Nike’s runner’s or Tommy Hilfiger jeans, but the impact on you can be much greater. An ergonomically designed office chair properly supports your lower back, keeps your spine in alignment, plus cushions your bottom without cutting off circulation to your thighs as you sit for many hours on end.

With the average American spending upwards of 13 hours a day sitting, the importance of a good ergonomic office chair then cannot be overstated.

When it comes to ergonomics in an office chair, there is no one size that fits all. That’s why adjustability is so important in an office chair. More often than not, you will only find the ideal seat height, arm rest angles, tilt angle and lumbar support position after several days of fine tuning your office chair. In fact many users of my top office chair pick, the Herman Miller Engage Chair, echoed this exact sediment after they purchased the chair. It took around a week of tinkering with the settings before getting everything just right. The point is, adjustability is good, precisely because there isn’t one size that fits all, but there is the ideal setting for each person. Don’t purchase an office chair that limits your options for configuring the chair.

Mesh, Fabric, or Leather Material

Let’s begin with something a little superficial, literally- the material of the chair. The two dominant types of office chair surfaces are mesh and leather (faux or genuine leather), though fabric office chairs can also be found. Each offers distinct pros and cons you should consider.

Mesh: Elastic and made of synthetic materials such as Polypropylene, mesh creates an office chair surface that holds up well and is highly breathable. If you are in a hotter climate and are prone to sweating, mesh is a good option to minimize the uncomfortable experience of your thighs or back sticking to the surface of your chair on a sunny day.

The downside of mesh is often the lack of cushioning, especially around the edges of the seat where the mesh meets the frame. This can be remedied by putting a cloth over the edge of the seat where the thigh meets the frame if you start to feel discomfort. One of the most comfortable mesh office chairs I’ve ever sat on is the Herman Miller Aeron. The seat uses a combination of a steep waterfall edge design, flexible frame, and advanced mesh that features different tension zones to minimize any discomfort.

Fabric: Fabric is a popular choice in the home, adorning sofas and dining chairs, though they can be found on office chairs as well. Often made of a combination of cotton, vinyl, or even hemp, fabric does offer a familiar experience as your clothing, with colors and designs to match any decor. The popular Serta Microfiber Office Chair for example comes in a dazzling array of color choices, from sky blue, beige, ivory, to the more traditional white, black, gray, and brown colors.

The biggest issue to contend with when choosing fabric is stains. If you like to snack or even eat your meals in your office chair, make sure your chair doesn’t get a taste of it, as you can’t simply toss your chair into the washer like a T-shirt at the end of a buffet line. Spot cleaners are effective when applied immediately.

Mold buildup is also a possibility in hotter climates with fabric chairs. There are many home remedies you can employ to combat the problem effectively, such as taking the chair out on a sunny day to eliminate any moisture that mold thrives on, or using an alcohol solution periodically to spray the chair. Take into consideration these nuisances when going for a fabric office chair.

PU Leather ((Polyurethane): The most popular form of leather found on office chairs, PU or faux leather is a synthetic material that looks and feels similar to real leather, but can be produced cheaply. The advantages of PU leather over genuine leather are that it is water resistant and easy to clean, and generally easier to maintain. Like all leather materials however, it is not as breathable as mesh or cotton fabric chairs, something to consider if you spend long hours at a time in your chair.

Bonded Leather: Bonded leather is a good choice for people who crave the supple touch of real leather, but don’t want to pay a shiny penny for it. Made from real leather scraps mixed in with faux leather, it’s usually softer than PU leather, though can’t quite hold a candle to top grain leather.

One disadvantage of bonded leather is the tendency to peel over time, compared to genuine leather which is much more durable in this regard. For anyone that have bonded leather chairs or couches in their house, they’ve probably witnessed this first hand already. It doesn’t affect the functioning of the chair in any way, though can become unsightly. Selective patching of the peeled areas isn’t practical, and usually requires a more expensive upholstery of the entire chair cover if you decide to keep the chair

Genuine Top Grain Leather: Top grain real leather chairs are usually made from cow or buffalo skin. The top surface of the skin is sanded to remove any natural grain and imperfections, resulting in a material that is both luxurious and durable. Unlike bonded leather that have a tendency to peel over time, top grain leather ages much better, and with proper care, can last even a lifetime. If your budget allows for it, genuine leather is the obvious choice over any other type of leather for both its feel, elegance, and durability, as seen in the Gates Leather Executive Chair, our pick for the best real leather office chair.

As prized as real leather is when it comes to office chair upholstery, it is not without pitfalls. Stains on leather surfaces need to be treated immediately to avoid permanent staining, which might not be feasible if you have kids in your household. Continuous exposure to direct sunlight may also fade and dry up the leather, making it unsuitable for outdoor use. And last but not least, real leather office chairs are usually many times more expensive than PU or Bonded leather chairs. The bottom line is though, take care of genuine leather chairs, and they can serve you a lifetime.

Tilting and Reclining Backrest

Unless you are able to sit perfectly upright for many hours every day like a zombie, having an office chair that tilts and even reclines is very important for releasing tension in your lower back, finding the most comfortable position to watch a movie, or even taking a quick nap.

There are several types of tilting and recline mechanisms in office chairs, the most common being:

Basic Tilting: With basic tilting, the chair’s seat, armrest, and backrest all move in unison backwards. This is generally not preferred in an office chair, as it means your entire lower body and arms will be tilted upwards as well, making it difficult for your eye sight to remain parallel to the floor..

Syncro Tilt Mechanism: In syncro tilting, the backrest of the chair and seat both tilt, but at a different ratio (usually 2:1). This keeps the seat at a relatively flat angle and your feet planted on the ground. Syncro tilting is generally more ergonomic than basic tilt, as it keeps your knees and arms at the preferred 75-90 degree angle that doctors recommend you maintain when working.

Multi-function Tilt Mechanism: In multi-function tilting, the seat and backrest can be tilted independently of each other to customize the preferred angle for both. While in theory this is superior to syncro tilting, most people will find a robust syncro tilt mechanism more than enough, without the extra levers needed to adjust the seat and backrest angles separately.

Reclining backrest: A reclining backrest generally refers to a backrest with a high degree of recline, usually 135 degrees or over (upright is 90 degrees). Look for reclining backrests that can be locked at any angle between the two spectrums for ultimate flexibility, as found in the Songmics High Back Executive Swivel Chair.

My advice when it comes to backrests is to look for an office chair with syncro or multi-function tilting, and tilt tension control so you can adjust how much effort it takes to tilt the backrest. Some office chairs come with a “free floating” setting that turns the chair into a rocking chair essentially, which can be a nice touch.

Seat Depth Adjustment

With an adjustable seat pan depth, a lever is often used to move the seat forward or back. Found in higher end ergonomic office chairs such as the Herman Miller Embody and Steelcase Leap Chair, this option is an important but often overlooked function. It ensures the bottom of your thighs are fully rested on the seat of the chair regardless of your torso length or body size. By adjusting the seat depth, you can also better position your lower back against the backrest, enhancing your posture and providing better support for your entire back.

Dedicated Headrest for Neck Support and Pain Relief

If you suffer from neck pain, or like to lean back often throughout the day, look for a office chair with a high back or dedicated headrest for dedicated head and neck support.

A headrest that is height adjustable is critical to ensuring it properly aligns with the back of your head regardless of your height or sitting posture. Some office chairs accomplish this with a backrest that can be raised up and down, though ideally you want both. This lets you adjust the position of the headrest and lumbar support independently to align with your back and neck. The X4 Chair for example, one of my picks for best ergonomic office chair for back pain, comes with such a robust design.

Some headrests can be angled as well up or down 30 degrees to better fit the curvature of your neck. It’s a nice option to have in addition to it being height adjustable.

Don’t neglect the armrests

And last but certainly not least, there are the armrests. At a minimum, make sure the armrests are height adjustable, so your arms are not dangling when typing on the computer. Here are the main features out there to consider for armrests on an ergonomic office chair:

2D Armrests: These are armrests that are adjustable in one more way other than the basic up and down. Most commonly, 2D armrests can be moved in and out horizontally as well to fully support your arms even if you’re leaning forward or have longer arms.

3D Armrests in Office Chair3D Armrests: These armrests add another dimension on top of 2D armrests for adjustability. Most commonly, this means pivoting armrests that angle in or outwards 5 degrees. This is very useful for supporting your arms when they are in a tight “v” shape position. Common tasks that put your arms in this stance include using your smartphone with both hands, interacting with your tablet with only your hands etc.

4D Armrests: And finally, there is the grand daddy of armrests, with an equally splashy name. These armrests build on top of 3D armrests with yet another adjustable aspect. The most common addition is the ability to push the armrests in and out

Generally I’d recommend armrests that are at least 2D. Although in theory the more adjustments the better, most people will rarely tinker with the armrests beyond two dimensions. My runner’s up for best ergonomic office chair, the Steelcase Leap Chair, comes with 4D armrests for people who often feel their arms are neglected when seated.

Proper Posture When Sitting at your Chair

Proper Sitting Posture in your Office ChairEven the best ergonomic office chair won’t help you much if you practice poor sitting habits. These include sitting cross legged in your chair, craning your neck forward to work on the computer, or sitting in a slumped position. All of these positions restrict healthy blood flow and build up uneven tension in your body that leads to back and neck pain, and even muscular diseases over time.

According to Spine-health, the proper way to sit in an office chair involves the following:

  • Make sure your back is aligned against the backrest of your chair. When we’re tired, we have the tendency to slouch or lean forward, which leads to misalignment of the spine and shoulders. Avoid this, and instead get up and take a quick walk or stretch.
  • Your arms should be bent at an angle between 75-90 degrees against the armrest of the chair. Adjust the height of your armrests if they are too high or low.
  • Both feet should be firmly planted on the ground when seated. Avoid sitting cross legged or with your feet underneath your bottom, which restrict blood flow to your limbs. If your feet are too short to reach the floor, purchase a footrest.
  • Keep your knees even with your hips and at a 90 degree angle. Pull your shoulders back so it is straight.
  • And most importantly, do not remain seated for hours on end. Alternate between standing, sitting, and taking short breaks. Cornell University’s research recommends the following regime:
    • Sit for 20 minutes
    • Stand for 8 minutes
    • Move for 2 minutes

As you can see, there is a lot involved when picking the best ergonomic office chair for YOU. Hopefully this guide has helped eliminate a lot of the guesswork for you, knowing that every chair featured in this guide are the very best at what they do.

Related Reviews

  • Best Executive Office Chairs
  • Best Big and Tall Office Chairs Reviews
  • Ergonomic Kneeling Chairs Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
  • Best Drafting Chairs

Jon Muller

I'm a mechanical engineer and founder of ErgonomicTrends.com. Good Form. Good Function. Good Health.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases on this page.

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Comments

  1. Emile says

    June 25, 2019 at 1:42 pm

    Great point about the armrests. They are usually the worst part of most office chairs. I always go with the ones that are connected to the back, like the Gates executive chair. I see you’ve mentioned it as a negative point, but I actually like the stability and comfort of the full curved armrest. And reading the reviews, I see that in Gates, they have double padding, which is always better.

    On a different note, love the design of the Gates. Might just have to pin it down as my next purchase. Thanks for the list.

    Reply
  2. Moriko says

    June 11, 2019 at 11:30 am

    The OWLN isn’t all that great. It’s cheap, but it won’t last long. The one I have now is about a year old, and I think I will need to change it in another six months. Not much movement except up and down, doesn’t do much for the back, and I had to replace the castors with strong rollerblade ones after about 8 months.

    Reply
  3. Sara says

    January 17, 2019 at 3:19 am

    WOW! That’s quite a detailed review of all the chairs. Thank you so much for this. I’m changing my present standard office chair and love the Herman Miller Embody. My back aches a lot, and my doctor actually scolded me about using a standard chair.

    I like how adjustable the chair is, and I understand your point about the armrests, but that doesn’t bother me personally.

    I noticed they have two different kinds of cloth to choose from. Which one do you feel will last longer and is stronger? I’m worried about the Balance one because of the holes. Good for circulation, but my kids use the chair too, so I want the most scratch resistant material.

    Reply

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