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If you’re working from home, investing in one of the best office chairs is a must. Comfort and ergonomics are the most important consideration, of course, but it’s entirely possible to find a quality office chair that’s also aesthetically pleasing.
Our editors and writers have personally tested each of these top picks and can attest that not only are they attractive, keep you pain-free and structurally supported even during the longest work days.
We’ve curated a variety of styles, including classic executive chairs and unique contemporary styles. They're all absolute winners, but these are the standouts that really bubbled up to the top:
- Best Overall: Branch Verve Chair ($549)
- Best Budget: Flexispot OC3B Chair ($199)
- Best High-end: Asari Chair by Herman Miller ($1,395)
Read on to discover the very best ergonomic office chairs of 2024 (and jump straight to the bottom for notes on how we tested and why you should trust our reviews).
Tester: Terri Williams, contributor
Dimensions: 38–42"H x 25"W x 24"D
Materials: Double-woven nylon mesh, high-density foam cushion, anodized aluminum base
Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
Frame colors: Black or white
Seat colors: Black, pebble, sand, graphite, light blue, poppy, and Baltic blue
Warranty: 7 years
Adjustability:
- adjustable height ✔
- adjustable armrests ✔
- adjustable headrest ✔
- adjustable seat ✔
- back tilt ✔
My experience: This mesh office chair looks as good as it feels. Using synchronous tilt and adjustable lumbar support, it elicits an ahhhhh every time I sit down. The standard-size chair has a slim back that keeps it from being bulky and still provides ergonomic support. The mesh weave is breathable, and the seat cushion is made of high-density foam for a comfortable experience, even over long periods of time. The chair also has seven adjustment options, including seat pan depth, lumbar, and tilt, so it’s easy to find the right angle. The chair is also a good value for the money.
The bottom line: I would definitely recommend the Branch Ergonomic Chair because it’s supportive and comfortable. The chair comes in several color choices, and all of the various parts can be adjusted to find just the right seat height, depth, and tilt level. Also, the mesh back is breathable and the cushion is very comfy.
What we really liked:
- Almost every part is adjustable
- Removable lumbar rest
- Plenty of color choices
What you should keep in mind:
- The headrest is a separate purchase
Tester: Terri Williams, contributor
Dimensions: 41"H x 27"W x 27"D
Materials: 3D knit, foam, and aluminum
Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
Colors: Coral, lunar, mist, mint, cobalt, and galaxy
Warranty: 7 years
Adjustability:
- seat height and depth adjustable ✔
- adjustable armrest height ✔
- adjustable lumbar height ✔
- tilt and tilt tension ✔
My experience: There’s already a Branch chair on the list; however, the Branch Verve Chair is a newer and sportier model. As a general practice, the armrests on ergonomic office chairs tend to be bulky, and the Branch Verve Chair immediately stands out because of the versatile armrest design, which gives it a futuristic look. I can also adjust the height of the softly-padded armrests, the seat depth, the tilt, and the tilt tension. Plus I can adjust the padded lumbar support on the chair’s V-shaped suspended back for the most comfortable level of spine support. (If you struggle to find a chair that fits you just right, you’ll love all of these customization options.) The chair back is covered with 3D knit, which allows air to flow through it and keeps me cool. The Branch Verse is available in Coral, Galaxy, and Mist.
The bottom line: In addition to looking sporty, the Branch Verve Chair is also functional. The design makes it easy to maintain the correct posture and provides plenty of spine support. Also, the 3D knit back is breathable, and overall the chair is quite comfortable to sit in, even for long periods of time.
What we really liked:
- 3D knit back is breathable
- V-shaped chair design provides lumbar support
- Several color choices
What you should keep in mind:
- No headrest
Tester: Livia Caligor, content operations associate
Dimensions: 40.75"H x 23"W x 24"D
Materials: Metal, faux leather
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Frame colors: Gold, chrome, black, and rose gold
Seat colors: Black, white, brown, and gray
Warranty: 2 years
Adjustability:
- adjustable height ✔
My experience: Though this chair is pretty simple in design, I had a hard time assembling it because the manual didn’t have any written instructions—sure, it had step-by-step visual instructions, but some of the drawings were hard for me to decipher. I was able to eventually figure it out without making any mistakes, so I don’t think the $85 assembly fee would have been worth it, especially since that’s almost half the cost of the chair.
The chair immediately fit perfectly into my room. I like that it’s ergonomic, functional, and supportive yet not too bulky or large like many desk chairs tend to be. I like that this chair is simple, sleek, and monochrome with its black metal frame and black faux leather upholstery. Its square seat, light frame, and minimalist design make it cohesive with the rest of my room, unlike many desk chairs I’ve used that were clunky and lacked aesthetic appeal.
To me, this chair walks a fine line between decorative desk chair and a functional desk chair intended for daily use. Its contoured back, foam filling seat, and padded armrests offer lumbar support and comfort, but after sitting in it for a few long hours, it feels a bit rigid and hard.
The bottom line: As someone who works in the office every day, I only sit at my desk for a few hours at a time. I start to feel a little stiff after sitting in it for 3+ hours, so I don’t think this chair would be the best fit for someone who regularly works from home. For me, though, it’s perfect, as it offers enough comfort and support for regular daily use but also equally prioritizes design and convenience.
What we really liked:
- The durable, soft, and high-quality faux leather looks real while still being animal-friendly
- I appreciate how lightweight and simple the chair is—it’s hassle-free and overall easy to assemble without detailed instructions
- The 360-degree swivel that I can reach all around my room without getting up (it’s also just fun to twirl around sometimes, but maybe that’s just me)
What you should keep in mind:
- The back support feels thin and compromised, so if I were working from home full time or wanted to invest in a more comfortable chair, I’d probably choose one with more intentional lumbar support
- The seat could also use a bit more cushioning, it feels more like a dining chair after sitting it for many hours
- Though the chair is simple enough to assemble without detailed instructions, I would’ve preferred having a written manual instead of just visuals
Tester: India Roby, contributor
Dimensions: 46.5"H x 26.5"W x x 21.5"D
Materials: Polyester, polyester blend, foam, plastic
Weight Capacity: 240 lbs
Colors: Black
Warranty: 5 years
Adjustability:
- adjustable height ✔
- adjustable armrests ✔
- adjustable headrest ✔
- adjustable seat ✔
My experience: I was in desperate need of a new office chair. For nearly a year, I was using what came in my Brooklyn sublease: A cheap, crummy chair on wheels. I found that working at my desk was just as much torture as it was from my bed—hunched over and strained—and the lack of neck and back support led to even more discomfort. When the offer arose to try a new chair and replace my old one, I was immediately on board.
After lugging in the package from outside my door, I found myself lost during the assembly process, especially when it came to the headrest (my most anticipated part of the experience). Though flipping through the pages for roughly an hour, I only received vague instructions that said “See further instructions” with…no further instructions in sight. After repeatedly reading the directions, and even searching online to ensure I didn’t miss anything, I finally figured it out myself.
With the chair ready for use, my first order of business was to test its adjustable features, something I didn’t have previously. The basic height-adjusting features are found in the seat, armrests, headrest, and back (meaning no automation involved), with the most useful ones being the headrest and armrests. Turns out, I prefer to work leaning back as far as possible, almost like what a comfortable lounge chair would feel like, and what my bed doesn’t do. The X-Chair doesn’t give much leeway to lean back, but it enforces better posture. It’s a win for my back and my medical bill. I’ve tested the X-Chair every day for the past two months and for more than eight hours a day, and, with that said, I can’t complain about the results: Overall, I have an easier time working day-to-day.
The bottom line: I can’t confidently recommend the X-Chair, mainly because I can find a chair more suited to my preferences at a lower price point. Though I didn’t find the brand’s features to be as dynamic as stated on the site, the X-Chair checks off the very basics. If you’re looking to explore some of X-Chair’s more decked out features at an additional price—like cooling and heating or even the massage therapy unit—then this might be the brand for you!
What we really liked:
- I enjoyed having the option to adjust parts of the chair to keep my posture supported, with the armrest and headrest being my favorite parts
- Actually having a headrest on an office chair helped give my neck the necessary support
What you should keep in mind:
- I wish the X-Chair had flexible back support. The dynamic feature for the back of the chair doesn’t stay adjusted
- I will never not bring up the price as a main factor in my decision-making. For the price, I wish the chair had automated features that would make it feel worth the splurge
- Clearer instructions are needed, especially for installing the headrest. (This may be more of a quality assurance issue, assuming that other customers received the final step, but I rummaged all throughout the packaging and scoured online for instructions to no avail)
Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor
Dimensions: 37⅞"H x 29⅞"W x 29⅞"D
Materials: Powder-coated aluminum, dual-density foam, stow leather upholstery
Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Colors: Raven (black), jettison (blue), Etruscan (coral), clarion (yellow), submerge (teal), knight (dark gray), bulb (light gray), and antler (medium gray)
Warranty: 12 years
Adjustability:
- adjustable height ✔
My experience: Designed by Tokyo-based designer Naoto Fukasawa (whose credentials include B&B Italia, Boffi, Issey Miyake, and Samsung), the Asari chair brings together comfort, functionality, and style. Glamorous but understated, this office chair exudes quiet luxury. Focusing on the design, the subtle curves and soft edges make the chair’s clam shell inspiration apparent. The backrest naturally tilts out slightly so it doesn’t feel like your back is against a board and the stow leather is a luxurious touch to an already luxurious seat.
There’s no assembly required, so as soon as you adjust the height lever to your preference it’s good to go. With a high price tag comes high expectations, but the Asari chair has elevated what a traditional office chair can be. I really appreciated the attention to detail, from the smooth chair glides and soft leather to the amount of foam fill in the seat and backrest that make it a treat to sit down and work. And after working from home on the chair for several weeks, it’s gotten even better. The chair has noticeably softened in a delightful way that’s ultra-accommodating to my dimensions without feeling too sunken in or too stiff.
The bottom line: I find a lot of leather office chairs are harsh or overly masculine, but the Asari’s look is unparalleled. I’d absolutely recommend this chair to anyone looking to splurge for their home office. From physical appearance to practical use, it scores 10s across the board for me.
What we really liked:
- Major points for how customizable the design is—available in leather and cloth as well as eight different colors
- Super supportive—I got the mid back but I imagine having the full back with a headrest is even more luxurious
- Smooth delivery and no set up
What you should keep in mind:
- Though not an issue for me, the armrests aren’t adjustable
- More of a buyer beware note—I imagine it’d be on the harder side to get stains out of this leather, so I’m extra careful if I’m eating at my desk
Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor
Dimensions: 39.1–43.5"H x 26.1"W x 26.1"D
Materials: Plastic frame and legs, textile mesh seat and back
Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Colors: Peacock (teal and white), seagull (beige and matte brass), black intermix, red/blue intermix, and Baltic intermix
Warranty: 12 years
Adjustability:
- adjustable height ✔
- adjustable armrests ✔
My experience: The first time you sit on the Karman chair you can feel your weight settle in—it’s a little like floating on air. Assembly was quick and easy, all I needed to do was fit the chair onto the wheeled base and adjust the height and armrests to my preferences. This chair is the definition of ergonomic—the mesh weave back rest melds comfortably against the spine without feeling unsteady and the overall design feels extremely durable.
The same mesh weave technology is used for the seat—sitting on it, with the underlying cushion, is comfortable, if slightly hard. The armrest pads slide back and forth and can pivot to make adjustments inwards or outwards, plus the armrest height is adjustable with a button located on the underside. Height adjustments are easy with a lever under the seat and there’s even a knob for making back tension adjustments. All this to say, everything is very intuitive and easy to use. After several full workdays of using this chair, I felt noticeable relief in places where I usually get aches on my back and hips. After a few weeks, most of my aches were basically gone.
The bottom line: Anyone looking for a top-notch office chair can bet on Steelcase’s Karman—especially if they’re prone to back pain or find it uncomfortable to sit for long stretches of time. If I had to change anything, I might focus on lessening the hard-ish feeling of sitting on it without a cushion. I might also tune the back tension function a bit more—the setting where you can’t lean back in the chair and the next one, where you can, feels like a jump, so an in between would be nice in my opinion.
What we really liked:
- The breathable mesh material feels comfortable whether I’m wearing pants or shorts
- Easy setup and straightforward instructions
- Very easy to get comfortable—a big plus when you’re trying to zone in on work
What you should keep in mind:
- I wish the seat was just a touch softer
- Not an issue I had personally, but it would be great to have more armrests’ lateral movement for wider body types
Tester: Zoë Sessums, senior digital design editor
Dimensions: 38½"H x 25¾"W x 16"D
Materials: Aluminum frame and base; 8Z pellicle elastomeric suspension seat and backrest
Weight Capacity: 300–350 lbs. (depending on model size)
Base colors: Satin aluminum, polished aluminum, and onyx ultra matte
Frame colors: Graphite, mineral, and black
Warranty: 12 years
Adjustability:
- adjustable height ✔
- adjustable armrests ✔
- adjustable seat ✔
My experience: There is a reason the Aeron is Herman Miller’s most beloved and recognized office chair. The iconic chair is truly supportive and gives you every bit of adjustment to sit in an ideal way. I was able to go through a virtual fitting with an ergonomic expert at Herman Miller, who walked me through all the adjustable features, though the site’s gallery is very informative if you can’t try out a chair first. Once the chair was delivered—no assembly required—I understood the power of the patented PostureFit SL back support, which allows for chest open, shoulders back, and pelvis tilted slightly forward. This chair will save your body.
The bottom line: After sitting in this chair it’s easy to see why people invest in supreme desk setups. It isn’t necessarily the most chic piece of furniture, but your entire body will thank you, so in that case I would recommend the Aeron chair again and again.
What we really liked:
- So many adjustable elements for a perfect fit
- Ease of setup
- Reliability
What you should keep in mind:
- Aesthetics
Tester: Lila Allen, AD Pro senior editor
Dimensions: 34⅞" H 24¼" W 19⅛" D
Materials: Polymer shell, optional 3D-knit fabric made from 50% recycled fibers
Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Shell colors: Alpine, black, carbon, cocoa, glacier, olive, and nightfall
Seat colors: Alpine, black, carbon, cocoa, glacier, olive, nightfall, tea rose, mustard seed, and blaze
Warranty: 12 years
Adjustability:
- adjustable height ✔
My experience: If you gave a shell chair superpowers, it might look something like the Zeph. Like other Herman Miller office chairs, this seat has a wheeled base and is height-adjustable. (The adjustment lever is super sleek, too—a fun detail for the design nerds among us.) If you scooch or lean while you work, the Zeph will move right along with you. I tested a version with integrated arms, but an armless version is also available. And best of all, there are plenty of ways to make the chair fit your style: In addition to eight different body color options, Herman Miller offers a 3D-knit, slip-on seat pad in 20 shades. (A unibody cover is on the way, too.) A fraction the price of an Aeron, Zeph is the gateway drug of performance seating.
The bottom line: Absolutely—it’s functional, economical, and serves up the kind of look you want from a Herman Miller product.
What we really liked:
- Sleek appearance that can be changed up by swapping in a different seat pad
- Well-designed details, like handle hardware
- Very comfortable!
- 12-year warranty
What you should keep in mind:
- The cover was a bit hard to pop on and off
- No high-back option—which was fine for me, but may not work for some others
- Arm rests are not adjustable
Note: Formerly called the Flexispot Soutien
Tester: Terri Williams, contributor
Dimensions: 51.9"H x 25.2"W x 21.2"D
Materials: Mesh, nylon, metal
Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
Colors: Gray, blue, and black
Warranty: 1 year
Adjustability:
- adjustable height ✔
- adjustable backrest ✔
- adjustable arms ✔
My experience: If you want a good office chair at an economical price, the Flexispot OC3B Chair is the best of both worlds. The entire chair (back, seat, headrest) is made of breathable mesh, which contributes to air circulation. Although my preference is a leather chair, I found the Flexispot to be quite comfortable, even when sitting for a long time. Also, since it’s a see-through mesh, the chair doesn’t take up a lot of visual space. The chair can tilt up to 45 degrees, and the height of the seat and armrests can also be adjusted. There’s also a nifty clothes hanger on the back of the chair.
The bottom line: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, this is the best chair. It has mesh throughout, which makes it a breathable chair that won’t trap heat. It has several adjustment points, and even includes a clothes hanger on the back to keep a jacket or throw blanket close by.
What we really liked:
- Great price
- Clothes hanger on back
- Three color choices
What you should keep in mind:
- Lower weight limit than many other chairs
Tester: Terri Williams, contributor
Dimensions: 46–50"H x 29"W x 29"D
Materials: Polyester fabric with molded foam and nylon plastic
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Colors: All black, black and white, evergreen, red apple, and baby blue
Warranty: 2 years
Adjustability:
- adjustable height ✔
- adjustable armrests ✔
- adjustable headrest ✔
- adjustable seat ✔
- back tilt ✔
My experience: The ErgoChairPro is such a comfortable office chair that I think I could fall asleep in it. My favorite feature is the synchro-tilt that allows me to tilt way back (up to 22 degrees) when I’m taking a break—and I can even lock in my five favorite recline positions, so the chair can remember them. The adjustable headrest is also a nice touch when reclining or just leaning back. The chair has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, and almost everything on it is adjustable. In addition to the back tilt tension, I can also adjust the seat tilt. Plus the chair’s height can adjust from 18 to 20 inches, and the seat’s depth can be adjusted as well. I can adjust the height of the armrest from 26.7 inches to 32.2 inches, and can also move the armrests in and out (there’s the option to take them completely off as well). The ErgoChair Pro is made of polyester fabric, molded foam, and has a nylon plastic frame. Seen here in a bright blue, it’s also available in apple red and lime green, as well as tried-and-true classics like black, white, and gray.
The bottom line: I would recommend this chair because it supports my lumbar region, and the woven mesh is breathable to avoid getting hot. The chair also keeps my posture correct, even when reclining, and the adjustable headrest cushions my head and neck.
What we really liked:
- Flexible lumbar cushion
- Adjustable headrest
- Several color choices
What you should keep in mind:
- Plastic parts look rather cheap
Tester: Terri Williams, contributor
Dimensions: 48.2–53"H x 26.75"W x 17.40–19.85"D
Materials: Corvara leather, technogel cushions, polished aluminum
Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
Colors: Black, graphite, balsam, driftwood, navy, nimbus, and granite
Warranty: 15 years
Adjustability:
- adjustable height ✔
- adjustable armrests ✔
- adjustable headrest ✔
- adjustable seat ✔
My experience: What makes this chair so unique is that it automatically adjusts to fit my body without the need for manual controls. For example, the chair has an articulating headrest that moves when I move. The chair also has a self-adjusting recline and pivoting backrest, in addition to synchronous armrests that I can pull up when I want to use them and merely push down when they’re not needed. Honestly, the high-back chair is comfortable enough to sleep in. It’s available in eight fabric choices, including black, gray, pumpkin, red, navy, Balsam green, and Thalo blue (pictured).
The bottom line: Out of all the office chairs I've tested, this is my favorite. I would wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend it. The armrests attach to the back of the chair so they move when I do. Also, the chair’s recline and headrest automatically adjust depending on my movements. It's so comfortable that it probably causes me to work too long. In addition, the chair is fully assembled, so there’s nothing that needs to be put together.
What we really liked:
- Luxurious leather
- Automatically pivoting backrest and armrest
- Contoured cushions with waterfall edge
What you should keep in mind:
- It's pretty expensive
Tester: Terri Williams, contributor
Dimensions: 38.6–43.2"H x 25.5"W x 20"D
Materials: Mesh, foam, metal
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Colors: Black
Warranty: 5 years
Adjustability:
- adjustable height ✔
- adjustable armrests ✔
- adjustable back ✔
- adjustable headrest ✔
- adjustable seat ✔
- adjustable tilt ✔
My experience: This black mesh task chair is ridiculously comfortable. It has a super thick foam seat and highly breathable back with great airflow. The backrest provides lumbar support and pivots. I like that I can also create the maximum level of comfort: It’s got an adjustable tilt mechanism, plus adjustable armrests and adjustable seat height—and all of this adjustability and customization really makes a difference when you’re sitting at your workspace for long periods of time. Pair this chair with good posture and you’ll be golden.
The bottom line: I would recommend the Vari Task Chair for anyone looking for a comfortable office chair. Vari's entire lineup is full of outstanding office chairs (and some of the best standing desks), and this chair continues the tradition. It has a generous and thick seat cushion and a breathable mesh back, and the chair’s pivoting backrest is ergonomic and supportive.
What we really liked:
- Thick seat cushion
- Pivoting ergonomic backrest
- Multiple adjustments points
What you should keep in mind:
- Headrest model is more expensive
Article Svelti Office Chair
Tester: Alice Roth, AD senior video director
Dimensions: 35.5"H x 24"W x 24"D
Materials: Molded polypropylene, powder-coated metal, rubber castors
Weight Capacity: 225 lbs.
Adjustability: Not adjustable
My experience: My previous office chair was a bulky Ikea office chair I bought about 10 years ago, which lived multiple lives in multiple apartments. It was time to say goodbye. The construction and sleek profile of the Svelti chair makes for an excellent design. The style is in the minimalist tradition of an Eames molded plastic chair or one of those chairs circa elementary school (you know the type). It blends in perfectly in my apartment and the lack of armrests allow it to disappear into my desk.
Assembly-wise, it was simple after some initial head-scratching with the instructions. I did Google “Svelti chair casters” but realized I needed to use my meager upper body strength to push the wheels into the chair legs. Everything else was straightforward, so I’m assuming this assembly blip was more of a me-problem than an Article-problem. (None of the reviews mention assembly confusion.)
The easy-to-clean polypropylene is very nice for someone who is prone to spills. Ergonomics are the main feature this chair is lacking. There is no adjustable seat height, which is essential for a desk setup with proper posture. (According to OSHA, you want your feet flat on the floor and your elbows bent at 90 degrees.) If I was to change anything, I would include an adjustable seat.
There’s also no cushion. I’m not sure this makes a difference, except on very hot days when I find myself peeling my legs off the chair (the answer for this could just be wearing pants during the workday, like an adult). I should note, Article sells a seat cushion separately, but it is about the same price as the chair itself.
The bottom line: I would recommend the Svelti if you want a reasonably priced chair that looks good in your apartment, but you’re not working from home Monday to Friday. As a video director, I’m not spending every single day at my home desk. I also try to make it into the office regularly. I would say an ergonomic chair is worth the investment if you’re working from home every day of the week, but for me, the Svelti chair works when I need it and looks nice when I don’t.
What we really liked:
- The minimalist aesthetic
- The easy-to-clean material
- The lack of armrests (stows easily)
What you should keep in mind:
- Seat adjustability
- Clearer assembly instructions
- No lumbar support
How We Reviewed the Office Chairs and Why You Should Trust Us
Why You Should Trust Us
We always research products thoroughly before including them, and test nearly everything—office chairs are no exception. Our writers and editors actually tested more than 30 chairs, but only 13 made the cut to our best-of list. If we don't love it, we would never recommend it.
Our reviews are always thorough, in-depth, and honest. We put ourselves in the shoes of the shopper (because most of the time, we are the shopping!), and make sure that we’re answering the questions that we would want answered in the buying process.
How We Chose the Chairs
Our priorities in chair selection were ergonomic integrity, style, and (of course) comfort in a variety of price points.
How We Test Our Office Chairs
Our editors and contributors set these up in their home offices and experienced the day-in, day-out reality of sitting in them for a long period of time.
