Best Ergonomic Mesh Office Chairs in 2021 (The Ultimate Guide)

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. Sihoo M18 Mesh Chair – Best Overall Value
2. Herman Miller Aeron – Most Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
3. unow Ergonomic Office Chair – Best Neck Support Mesh Office Chair
4. WorkPro Quantum 9000 – Best Mid Back Mesh Office Chair
5. Samofu Mesh Office Chair– Best High Back Mesh Office Chair
6. DXRacer AIR– Best Mesh Gaming Chair
7. Sidiz T50 Chair– Best Foam Fabric Seat Mesh Office Chair
8. Space Seating Big and Tall – Best Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair
9. Hbada Office Task Desk Chair – Best Budget Mesh Chair
10. Modway Edge Mesh Back – Best White Mesh Office Chair
11. Flash Furniture Drafting Chair – Best Mesh Drafting Chair

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

See Also: Best Mesh Gaming Chairs

1. Best Overall in Value

The Sihoo M18 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, it’s hard to beat the M18.

Three main components help separate the Sihoo M18 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 a wide headrest that is also height adjustable.

In our test of the M18, we found the main highlights of the chair to be the comfortable waterfall edge seat, plus adjustable lumbar support. As a result, the chair remains comfortable even after a full day of sitting.

As a budget chair however, expect imperfections. The overall build quality is just acceptable, with a lot of plastic parts and a recline mechanism that would sometimes get stuck. The headrest also has a propensity to shift out of place a little too easily. Overall however, you can expect a pleasant sitting experience with the M18 without breaking the bank.

2. Most Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair

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 mesh chair 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.

3. Best Neck Support in a Mesh 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 SUNNOW 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 SUNNOW is just how wide it is. This enables the headrest to support your neck even as you pivot your head from side to side. Furthermore, it’s supported by two columns versus just one on many chairs, keeping it place a lot better. One user says he literally falls asleep in his chair because of the comfortable headrest.

Speaking of leaning back, the SUNNOW has a 135° range recline, angle reclining lock, and a robust lumbar support that is both height and depth adjustable. The mesh seat comes with a waterfall edge and padding around the parameter of the seat for added comfort.

Our main gripe with the SUNNOW is the quality of the casters on the SUNNOW. They feel cheap and may not be able to support the weight of a heavy person over a long period of time. As such, we would recommend this chair for people below 200 lbs, versus the advertised 280 lbs.

4. Best Mid Back Mesh Office Chair

When we reviewed the Workpro Quantum 9000 last year, we called it the “most well built” mid back mesh 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

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, SAMOFU Mesh offers one of the best high back mesh chairs in its class.

A few things stand out about the SAMOFU Mesh chair.

The first is just the overall superb build quality of the chair. All the key links are reinforced with metal, including the connection between the backrest and seat. It reminds us of the Quantum 9000 in that respect.

Secondly, in terms of features and comfort, the SAMOFU competes with the very best of them.

The tall 3-piece backrest on the SAMOFU delivers better back and neck support than most high back chairs. It can actually be raised up 2.5″ to custom fit the curvature of different people’s backs. The dynamic lumbar also automatically adjusts to your back regardless of whether you’re sitting upright, leaning back or even forward.

You’ll also find a highly contoured, all mesh seat with depth control. The seat can be moved in and out 2″, which along with the waterfall edge ensures that any pressure underneath your thighs is minimized.

There’s of course a comfortable headrest as well that can also move up 3″. If you factor in the adjustable backrest as well, you are almost assured that the headrest will hit the desired area of your neck or head regardless of your height.

The only thing we can complain about is the price of the SAMOFU. Like the Quantum 9000, it’s in the premium end for sure.

6. Best Mesh Gaming Chair

The DXRacer AIR is the world’s first all mesh gaming chair. If you tend to sweat easily, the all-mesh seat and backrest dissipates heat better than any other gaming chair we’ve tested.

Most gaming chairs use PU leather for its upholstery, which, turns into a sticky hot mess whenever the weather gets hot due to the poor breathability.

On the DXRacer AIR, the entire upholstery is made of high resistant mesh featuring large diamond patterns. Even in close to 40 Celsius temperature where I reviewed the chair, it kept my body cool and sticky free.

The DXRacer AIR’s mesh seat is also flat and without the usual side bolsters you see on other gaming chairs. I found it a lot easier to clean as a result, as food and dirty could no longer fall into any crevasses.

And finally, another outstanding feature on the AIR is the neck pillow. It’s mounted on tracks that let you move it up and down a good 4″, and actually stays in place afterwards.

A couple of things to be aware of, however. First, the mesh upholstery does feel rather coarse, and may take some getting used to if you’re coming from a non mesh chair. Secondly, the side wings on the backrest are pronounced, and can even be obtrusive if you have narrow shoulders.

7. Best Fabric Seat Mesh Office 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 Sidiz T50 combines the best of both worlds.

Aside from being soft and comfortable, in our testing we also love the sloping edge of the foam seat that can forward tilt as well. This reduces the chances of your legs getting numb after long hours of sitting. The breathable mesh backrest combined with the soft fabric seat works really well for sustained comfort as well.

We also like that the Sidiz T50 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 Sidiz T50 still has room for improvement. The lumbar support could use more padding, and the casters are subpar in quality.

However, taking into account its price, the Korean made Sidiz T50 is a great option for an ergonomic chair that marriages the benefits of a mesh and fabric upholstery for sustained breathability and comfort.

8. Best Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair

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.

9. Best Budget Mesh Chair

Looking for one (or multiple) mesh chairs 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 budget office 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.

10. Best White Mesh Office Chair

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 Mesh. 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.

11. Best Mesh 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 variety of mesh chairs on 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.

High back office chairs 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. See this post for a more detailed breakdown of the differences between a mid back and high back chair.

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.