After testing the best office chairs for the past four years, I can’t stress enough how important having a well-built, supportive chair can be, especially when you’re working for long hours at a time. However, finding the best office chair for you is no easy task which is where I can help.
Besides finding a comfortable chair, you want one with great ergonomic features to help you maintain good posture and you also want the right amount of support. Mesh chairs provide better airflow and can help keep you cool while ones with a foam seat cushion offer improved support. You’re also going to want a chair with plenty of adjustability, the right casters or wheels for carpet or hardwood and one that’s easy to clean and care for.
These are the best office chairs you can buy right now based on my extensive testing and our in-depth reviews.
The quick list
This colorful chair has a breathable 3D-knit backrest, a foam seat with lots of support and is available in a wide variety of colors. However, it doesn’t come with a headrest but you can purchase one separately.
This budget-friendly chair has a mesh backrest, a spring cushion seat, a curved lumbar support and plenty of adjustment points. It’s not available in too many colorways but it does have a spacious seat.
This ergonomic chair is available in either fabric or mesh and you can choose between the two or opt for a foam seat cushion instead. It’s very adjustable, has a headrest and there are multiple colors to pick from.
This ergonomic chair is available in either fabric or mesh and you can choose between the two or opt for a foam seat cushion instead. It’s very adjustable, has a headrest and there are multiple colors to pick from.
This stylish chair is available in mesh, fabric and even leather in a number of different colorways. It’s very adjustable and super comfortable but adding lumbar support and a headrest costs extra.
This ergonomic chair combines a mesh backrest with a cushioned foam seat to keep you cool and comfortable while working. It has plenty of adjustment points and you also get the option to add a wider seat or even an electric massager.
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This iconic chair carries a premium price but it comes with a long warranty and will hold its value better than most. It features an all-mesh design, excellent ergonomics and loads of adjustment points
This extra lightweight chair comes fully assembled and features a unique textile that wraps around you when you sit. It’s on the more expensive side but well worth the price if you want the most comfort possible.
This sleek looking gaming chair could easily be mistaken for an office chair thanks to its all-mesh design. It’s very well built and has a number of adjustment points but is only available in one color.
Anthony Spadafora has been working from home exclusively for the past seven years (three full-time with Tom's Guide) and during that time, he's tested work from home accessories, standing desks and of course, office chairs. In fact, he has reviewed more than a dozen office chairs from full mesh chairs to task chairs to ergonomic chairs. Anthony can tell you how comfortable a particular chair is to sit in for long hours at a time, how adjustable it is, what extra features it has, whether or not it's a good choice for back pain as well as what goes into putting it together.
The best office chairs you can buy today
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The best office chair overall
The Branch Verve Chair is a stylish and comfortable office chair that will support you all day long. While I was impressed with the features, comfort and the price of the original Branch Ergonomic Chair, the Verve Chair takes things up a notch in several ways.
For starters, instead of a more traditional mesh backrest, it uses a 3D knit one that’s soft to the touch and feels like fabric but still gives you plenty of airflow. The Verve Chair also uses an adjustable padded lumbar support instead of a plastic one and its armrests curve inward for a more distinct look.
I found the Branch Verve Chair to be quite comfortable to sit in for long stretches of time thanks to its foam seat. However, its seat and backrest are both contoured which also helped me maintain good posture while doing so. It also offers a variety of adjustments but not so many that you might be overwhelmed. Even though you can recline in it and decrease its tilt tension to make doing so easier, I preferred using it upright as Branch’s optional headrest wasn’t available back when I reviewed it.
Another thing that really sets the Verve Chair apart from your typical office chair is that it’s available in seven different colors. Say you pick up this chair in mint, the entire chair from its casters to its backrest will come in this color. This can really help add a dash of color to your home office setup. The Branch Verve Chair is an excellent option for most people with a weight limit of 275 pounds but if you want all the bells and whistles like armrests that can turn all the way around, keep reading as there are some more full-featured chairs further down in this guide.
Read our full Branch Verve Chair review.
The best budget office chair
The ProtoArc EC100 gives you the best of both worlds with plenty of ergonomic features and adjustments without carrying a high price. It’s a great budget pick and one I can definitely recommend to those who want a full-featured office chair for less. The EC100 does lack some of the premium features found in the chairs below but at this price, it’s hard to complain.
What I really like about the EC100 myself is that ProtoArc doesn’t make you pay extra for things like a headrest or lumbar support for your lower back. There aren’t any optional upgrades and what you see is what you get. You do have the choice between your more standard grey or black but there’s also a green version of this chair.
Like the X-Chair X3 below, the EC100 features a mesh backrest and headrest combined with a foam seat. While testing this chair, our reviewer Billy Givens found it to be very comfortable to sit in for long periods thanks to its spring-encased, sponge cushion seat. However, he did take issue with its built-in adaptive lumbar support and he wished he could have had the option to adjust it manually. Overall though, Billy was impressed with what the EC100 offers on a budget.
I decided to make this my new budget pick due to the fact that you get quite a lot of features for under $200 without the chair feeling cheap. This may not be your forever chair but it should serve you well for years to come or until you figure out exactly what you’re looking for in a mid-range or even premium office chair.
Read our full ProtoArc EC100 review.
The best office chair for ergonomics
The Autonomous ErgoChair Pro is a highly adjustable ergonomic office chair with some great customization options at a mid-range price. It’s a great upgrade for those coming from a budget office chair that’s well-suited for both home and office use without being too expensive.
Normally when shopping for an office chair, you have to choose between a more supportive foam seat or an all-mesh design. What I really like about the ErgoChair Pro is that Autonomous offers both options. We tested the version with a foam seat and a mesh backrest and headrest but you can get this chair with a mesh seat instead. Doing so does cut down the color options from seven to just two but this is a great option to have.
The ErgoChair Pro gives you a lot of adjustment points to lock in the perfect fit for you. You can change the position of its armrests, move its lumbar support up or down manually as well as lock it in place and there are five different levels of recline. Our reviews editor Peter Wolinski tested this chair and found its mesh backrest and headrest to be very comfy while its backrest and adjustable lumbar support did a great job supporting his back. However, he would have liked to have more padding on its armrests and at the back of its seat. Peter also wouldn’t recommend this chair to taller people as even at 5’11” he found its adjustable height range to be somewhat limited.
The Autonomous ErgoChair Pro packs in plenty of features at its mid-range price and being able to choose between all-mesh or some mesh and a foam seat cushion is a customization option few chairs offer. This office chair is a good fit for those who value ergonomics and having the right amount of adjustments to tailor it to their body shape and workflow.
Read our full Autonomous ErgoChair Pro review.
The best office chair for back pain
The Sihoo Doro S300 with its split lumbar support and high-back design is a great choice for those dealing with back pain. It’s also a very adjustable office chair with loads of useful features to justify its higher price.
Available in black or gray, the Doro S300 builds on Sihoo’s past chairs and sports a futuristic design that will mesh well with any modern home office. I also like how there aren’t any optional upgrades to worry about and the fact that this is a very solid chair throughout thanks to its aluminum base and frame.
While I reviewed the Sihoo Doro C300 and the Sihoo M90D before that, our managing editor of computing Jason England tested out the Doro S300. He found its split lumbar pads provided a great deal of support and was impressed by how he could adjust them to his liking. Another thing that stood out to me about this chair is its spring-loaded seat and the way it moves with you as you recline. Besides its higher price, the main issue that Jason had with the Doro S300 is that like with the Doro C300, its armrests tended to move too easily and couldn’t be locked in place.
The Sihoo Doro S300 is more of an investment compared to a mid-range chair but if you’ve been suffering from back pain or want to prevent it from happening in the first place, this can help justify its higher price. It’s also a great chair for lounging since its split lumbar support stays in place as you lean back.
Read our full Sihoo Doro S300 review.
The best office chair for home office
The Haworth Fern is a very comfortable ergonomic office chair for extended use with a unique design that helps it stand out from the crowd. From the moment I first saw it, I knew I had to try it out for myself and I’m happy to say it lived up to the hype.
Available in mesh, knit or even leather, the Fern gets its name from Haworth’s Wave Suspension system that uses flexible fronds which resemble the leaves of a fern. Not only does this help support your back but it helps evenly distribute your weight as you move to relieve pressure. I tested the mesh version of the Fern along with the digital knit configuration, albeit in the Xbox version for those who want a gaming chair that more closely resembles an office chair.
I found the Fern very comfortable to use in my own home office thanks to its padded foam seat and its numerous adjustment points that let me tailor it to my liking. Its mesh back helped keep me cool, though I really like how soft and comfy the digital knit backrest was on the other configuration I tested. The Fern is a premium chair on its own but if you want a headrest or adjustable lumbar support, it’s going to cost you extra.
The Haworth Fern checked all of the boxes for me when it came to comfort and adjustability. Plus, it’s just a good looking office chair all around. I have seen others complain online about back pain when using this chair but that was far from my experience. The Fern is a versatile and comfortable office chair but its higher price means it’s also a significant investment in your home office.
Read our full Haworth Fern review.
The best office chair for long hours
The X-Chair X3 is an ergonomic office chair that I spent more time sitting in than I’d like to admit due to just how comfortable it is. Unlike the other chairs in X-Chair’s lineup that feature an all-mesh design, this one uses a hybrid design with a mesh backrest to keep you cool and a foam seat to keep your lower body supported.
Years ago I reviewed the X-Chair X2 and to this day, it remains one of my favorite mesh office chairs. I didn’t think the X3 would be able to surpass it but boy was I wrong. It looks a lot like X-Chair’s other chairs at first glance with its height adjustable backrest and the company’s iconic, metal X-shaped frame at the rear. However, there are a number of quality of life improvements that make it more comfortable and my favorite part, easier to clean.
The X3 or or X3 A.T.R. Management Chair gets its name from the Advanced Tensile Recovery fabric used throughout. It’s more responsive and supportive than your typical mesh while also being water, spill and stain resistant. Likewise, you can clean it with just hot water and soap. As for comfort, it has a cushioned foam seat with a waterfall edge to reduce pressure on your legs.
The X-Chair X3 is a premium office chair but if you work for long hours at your desk, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment. If you like the design but don’t quite have the budget for it, I can easily recommend some of X-Chair’s more affordable chairs like the X-Basic or even the X1. Still, if you want a very comfortable ergonomic chair that you can sit in for beyond an 8-hour workday, the X3 is a solid investment.
Read our full X-Chair X3 review.
The best premium office chair
The Herman Miller Aeron is a premium ergonomic office chair that almost needs no introduction. It’s considered the best of the best by many since it was first launched back in 1994 and to this day, it remains a mainstay in the home offices and workspaces of those that can afford it.
The Aeron features an all-mesh design, loads of adjustment points and if you order this chair directly through Herman Miller, you can customize it to your liking. One thing that surprised me about this chair after learning more about it is that it’s actually available in three different sizes which makes it a great choice for both big and tall people as well as shorter ones. The Aeron has a high starting price to begin with but with upgrades to its arms, armrests and backrest, you’re looking at a chair that costs thousands of dollars.
I spent some time with the Aeron myself back when I visited my local Herman Miller store but our U.S. Editor-in-Chief Mike Prospero reviewed it. He spent a few weeks trying it out and not surprisingly, found it to be one of the most comfortable chairs he ever sat in. Mike also really liked just how adjustable the Aeron was and found it easy to get its fit just right for him.
The Herman Miller Aeron is responsible for popularizing ergonomic chairs in the first place and for good reason. It’s designed to help you maintain optimal posture so you can work comfortably and focus on the task at hand. The Aeron is the ultimate home office investment and if you’re thinking of upgrading to one, keep an eye out for sales as it does see the occasional discount from time to time.
Read our full Herman Miller Aeron review.
The best office chair for comfort
The Steelcase Karman is a premium office chair that’s not only extremely comfortable, it’s also surprisingly lightweight at just 28-31 pounds depending on which version you get. It’s one of my all-time favorites and a chair I keep coming back to again and again.
This all-mesh chair is built differently from the ground up and what really sets it apart is Steelcase’s proprietary Intermix textile. It’s soft and supportive yet very flexible and when you sit in the Karman, it feels like the chair wraps around you. On top of this, it moves with your body and reacts to even the smallest movements thanks to its weight-activated mechanism. There are also different versions of Intermix and some are closer to the traditional look and feel of mesh while others feel more like fabric.
I tested the Karman a few years back and no other chair has impressed me quite like this one. However, at the time, I was a bit disappointed it wasn’t available with a headrest. Shortly after its release though, Steelcase came out with the Karman High Back which extends its backrest further up and adds a sculpted pillow at the very top to provide additional support to your shoulders and neck. Both the original Karman and this new version are exceptionally comfortable but if you want a bit more back support, you can also add an optional lumbar support bar to the back of the chair.
The Steelcase Karman is a one-of-a-kind office chair that like the Aeron carries a premium price. However, after trying out the two chairs, the Karman is far more comfortable in my opinion and I still can’t get over how incredibly light it is. The Karman is quite a bit different from the other office chairs I’ve reviewed over the years but it’s definitely worth considering if you want a chair that’s as comfortable as it is supportive.
Read our full Steelcase Karman review.
The best office chair for gaming
The Razer Fujin Pro has the DNA of a gaming chair with the look of an ergonomic office chair which is perfect for those that want extra support without sacrificing comfort. It carries a premium price but has excellent build quality and plenty of adjustment points throughout.
Deciding between a gaming chair or an office chair can be difficult for those who do both at their desk. The best gaming chairs tend to prioritize comfort over ergonomics and many feature racing-seat-style backrests that don’t offer any airflow. With the Fujin Pro, Razer decided to do things differently by giving it an all-mesh design. One feature that it does carry over from the company’s gaming chairs is its 2D lumbar support which lets you move it forward into the chair’s backrest which is great for when you’re sitting closer to your desk.
Much like the Herman Miller Vantum chair I tried out, the Fujin Pro is Razer’s take on an office chair-style gaming chair. In his review, Billy Givens really liked its more subtle look compared to other gaming chairs and how it kept him in an upright position while improving his posture. The only thing that gave him pause is that the chair’s mesh has a very short 1-year warranty compared to its frame and other mechanisms. Billy did like how its adjustment options were implemented and had no trouble finding a fit that worked for him.
The Razer Fujin Pro is priced quite higher than other gaming chairs and many office chairs but if you don’t need or want a headrest, you can save quite a bit by opting for the standard Fujin instead. If you want a gaming chair that can do double duty as an office chair during the day without raising suspicious looks during your next video call, the Fujin Pro is certainly worth considering.
Read our full Razer Fujin Pro review.
Also tested
We test a lot of different office chairs at Tom's Guide and while many are great in their own right, not all of them make our top picks. I also like to prioritize chairs that are easy to find online at major retailers or better yet, in a store near you so that you can test them out for yourself. If none of the picks above have what you're after, check out these office chairs below, many of which offer unique features or cater to specific needs.
Office chairs compared
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Material | Seat Width | Weight limit |
Branch Verve Chair | Fabric, foam | 20 inches | 275 pounds |
ProtoArc EC100 | Mesh, foam | 20 inches | 280 pounds |
Autonomous ErgoChair Pro | Mesh, fabric | 20 inches | 300 pounds |
Sihoo Doro S300 | Mesh | 20.28 inches | 300 pounds |
Haworth Fern | Mesh , fabric | 19.9 inches | 325 pounds |
X-Chair X3 | Fabric, foam seat | 20.75 inches | 275 pounds |
Herman Miller Aeron | Mesh | 16-18.5 inches | 350 pounds |
Steelcase Karman | Mesh | 20 inches | 350 pounds |
Razer Fujin Pro | Mesh | 20.9 inches | 300 pounds |
How to choose the best office chair for you
Finding the right office chair for your particular needs and budget can feel overwhelming with so many different options to choose from. This is why you want to take several factors into consideration as you narrow down your search.
Price
Just like with the best standing desks and other home office furniture, office chairs range widely in price, from just over $100 up to $2,000 and beyond. It’s also difficult to test out a variety of chairs before you find the right one and returning a chair that doesn’t work for you can be quite a hassle.
This is why I often recommend that people pick up a starter chair first to see what works for them before dropping a lot of money on a more expensive, full-featured chair. That way, you can figure out what you like before committing to a top-tier chair like the Aeron for years to come. If you are going to buy a premium chair though, see if they have physical stores like Herman Miller or showrooms around the world like Steelcase does.
There are a few key factors that set budget chairs apart from premium ones. More expensive chairs feature higher-quality components and materials throughout while cheaper ones may come with sticky, plasticky-feeling mesh to cut a few corners for example. Likewise, the materials used in less expensive chairs are more likely to break down over time whereas a more expensive chair can last for years if cared for properly.
Adjustability and extra features is another area where these two types of chairs differ. Premium chairs will have all the bells and whistles with all of the adjustment points you expect along with some less common ones like being able to tilt your seat forward for when you need to concentrate on a particular task. The same goes for extras like adjustable lumbar support, a headrest and my favorite, rollerblade style wheels.
Another thing that really sets premium chairs apart from their less expensive counterparts is their design. High-end chairs often try to make a statement and often look as good pushed in at a desk as they are comfortable to sit in. Sure, you can get a no-frills chair for less but oftentimes, an office chair with a unique design can tie your whole home office together, especially if you’re going for a particular look.
If you find a chair you really like that’s out of your price range, it’s worth looking around for one with a similar design and features at a less expensive price. Mid-range and budget office chair makers will often try to recreate the look and experience of a premium chair in their own designs. At the same time, you can also take a look at the used market since companies often outfit an office with premium chairs and then end up getting rid of them in a few years or when downsizing.
When buying a more expensive office chair, keep in mind that you don’t want to go too far beyond your budget as then you won’t have much left to furnish the rest of your home office or workspace.
Ergonomic needs
The science of ergonomics is another important factor to keep in mind when shopping for a new office chair. You don’t just want a comfortable chair, you want one that will keep your body supported throughout the day. This will help you avoid succumbing to the aches and pains associated with using a poorly designed chair for hours on end.
At the bare minimum, I’d say you should try to find a chair with built-in lumbar support. This ergonomic feature helps keep your lower back supported while you sit and can also help you maintain good posture. The whole reason you’re likely investing in a new office chair is to avoid being slumped over your desk and a lumbar support mechanism will certainly help with this.
There are three kinds of lumbar support mechanisms: fixed, adjustable and dynamic. A fixed lumbar support remains in place and can’t be moved and depending on your height, may not be ideal for you. Adjustable lumbar support mechanisms give you the option to move them up and down and some even allow you to move their position forward or backward. You get a lot of control with this type of lumbar support but if you’d rather have your chair do the work for you, then consider dynamic lumbar support instead. They aren’t nearly as customizable but a dynamic lumbar support mechanism will adjust automatically based on your movements and posture changes.
Ergonomics also comes into play with your chair’s seat. Foam seats provide more support and help relieve pressure in your lower body while mesh ones give you more airflow at the cost of support. If you find your legs cramping up or suffer from poor circulation, then you might want to pay a bit more for a seat with a waterfall edge. This type of edge puts less stress on your hamstrings as opposed to a seat with a hard edge which can contribute to or make any back pain you’re experiencing worse.
While I personally enjoy having a chair with a headrest or a high back for extra support for my shoulders and neck, many ergonomic chairs like the Aeron don’t even come with this option. The reason being is that headrests can lead to passive sitting and slouching which is certainly bad for your posture. However, these days, more and more ergonomic chairs come with headrests. It’s a matter of personal preference but definitely something you want to consider when choosing the right chair for your needs.
Body type and size
When deciding between one chair over another, you want to take a look at a chair’s listing page to see what the recommended height and weight range are. While some chairs are tailored to big and tall users, others aren’t at all. However, some chairs give you the option for a wider seat or a stronger base, usually at an extra cost. Though you might have to pay more initially, it’s better to get a chair tailored to your body type and size from the get go.
Although big and tall users have the most options, those on the shorter side are also going to want to shop carefully when looking for a new office chair. Ideally, you want your feet to be able to rest firmly on the floor while sitting in your chair and for some people — especially those below five feet tall — this can be almost impossible with some chairs.
I can’t stress this strongly enough, you absolutely want to take your weight, height and body shape into consideration before you begin your search for a new office chair. That way, you won’t be disappointed when the chair you had your heart set on doesn’t work for you.
Work environment
When picking out an office chair, you also want to consider where you’ll be using it. A big, bulky chair might not be the best fit if you live in a high-rise apartment building and a lightweight chair that isn’t as sturdy probably won’t work well in a high-traffic environment. You also don’t want a chair that stands out too much in an office environment or one that doesn’t mesh well with the rest of your home office decor.
At the same time, you want to consider the surface you’ll be using a particular chair on. If your workspace is carpeted, then you’re going to want a chair with hard casters that roll easily on it. If you have hardwood floors, then you’re going to want a chair with soft casters that can glide across the floor without damaging it. It’s also worth noting that some casters are quieter than others which could be quite important if you’re using your chair in a shared workspace.
Extra features
Before you even begin putting together a short list for your next office chair, you want to take the time and write down a list of features that you absolutely want along with a few that would be nice to have. This will help you narrow down your search and avoid ending up with buyer’s remorse.
From a headrest to lumbar support to how far back you want to recline, you want to take all of these features into consideration when shopping for an office chair. Unlike with a desk, it’s almost impossible to add extra features to a lot of chairs after you buy them. Sure, you might be able to add a headrest and you can always easily swap your chair’s casters but you won’t be able to add lumbar support or swap out a foam seat for a mesh one.
You also want to make sure the chair you’re considering has all of the adjustment points you want from the start as not being able to reposition your chair’s lumbar support manually or being able to slide its seat forward or backward could end up being a deal breaker.
The best way to approach shopping for a new office chair is to think of it like buying a car. Be ready to move onto the next chair if it doesn’t have the particular features you want and the same goes for if its price is too high.
Remember how I recommended getting a starter chair before? Doing so can help you narrow down the features you absolutely need and avoid paying extra for the ones you probably won’t end up using.
Office chair terms to know before you buy
I know I’ve gone through a few of these terms throughout this guide but I figured I’d explain some of the most common ones here to make shopping for a new office chair easier for you.
Lumbar support
A lumbar support mechanism is an extra piece found in many ergonomic chairs that provides additional support to the lower part of your back where your spine naturally curves inward. Chairs with one built-in help your spine maintain its natural curve while reducing pressure on your back and promoting better posture overall. A lumbar support can be fixed, adjustable or dynamic and getting a chair with the one that works best for you is essential.
Waterfall edge
While the seats of some chairs have a hard front edge, others have a waterfall edge instead. This ergonomic feature helps improve comfort as well as circulation in your legs while also reducing pressure on the back of your things. If you sit for long periods of time, getting a chair with a waterfall edge can be a huge upgrade as you’ll be able to sit comfortably while maintaining proper posture. This can also help prevent back pain.
Tilt mechanism
A tilt mechanism is a feature that allows an office chair’s backrest and potentially even its seat to tilt backward. If you want a better overall experience while reclining in your chair, then you’re going to want to look for one with a synchro-tilt mechanism. This enables a chair’s backrest and seat to tilt backward together while keeping your spine properly aligned. If you like to recline and stay in that position, then you should also look for a chair with tilt lock so that you can lock it in place.
Mesh vs. upholstery
Office chairs are typically made from upholstery or mesh. Mesh provides better airflow and keeps you cool while upholstered chairs tend to feel more comfortable and provide added warmth in colder environments. There are also hybrid chairs that have a mesh backrest and an upholstered foam seat to give you the best of both worlds.
4D Armrests
Office chair armrests used to only go up and down but more and more chairs now come with 4D armrests instead. In addition to up and down, a 4D armrests can be moved forward and backward for different arm lengths, from side to side depending on the width of your shoulders and they can swivel which is great when you want them out of the way. One thing to keep in mind with 4D armrests though is that some move too easily. If this is something you’re concerned about, look for a chair with ones that lock in place.
How to care for your new office chair
Whether you pick up a budget, mid-range or especially a premium office chair, you’re going to want to take good care of it so that you can use your new chair for years to come. This starts with keeping your chair clean but you also want to avoid overloading your chair as well as storing it in direct sunlight as this can damage its materials.
To clean a mesh chair, you want to regularly and carefully vacuum it to remove any dust or debris and for a deeper clean, you can use a damp cloth along with mild soap and water to wipe it down from time to time. Besides its backrest and seat, you also want to wipe down the chair’s frame and base.
Upholstered or fabric chairs take a bit more care to clean, though you should also vacuum them regularly. You can wipe down most of them with either a dry or wet cloth but before using anything stronger, check the manufacturer’s instructions. You also want to wipe down your chair’s frame and base from time to time too and you don’t need to be as careful when doing so.
Every now and again — say every six months to a year — you want to carefully inspect your office chair to make sure that none of its bolts have come loose. If they have, retighten them and make a note of which ones came loose in case it happens again.
The best office chairs are very adjustable but that doesn’t mean you should pull their levers and twist their knobs carelessly. Instead, you want to carefully and slowly make changes to your chair when trying to lock in the right fit for you.
At the end of the day though, preventing damage to your chair is the best thing you can do to ensure you’ll be able to use it for years to come. If something does happen though, keep your warranty handy as most office chair makers will be able to assist you when it comes to replacing a part or even a whole section of your chair if something becomes faulty over time.
How we test the best office chairs
✅ 17 years of testing and reviewing products
✅ More than 5,000 hours spent testing office chairs
✅ Over 90,000 products reviewed
In order to test the best office chairs to review them and see how well they stack up against one another, I spend a few weeks sitting in each one. During this time, I see how well each office chair supports my back, shoulders, neck and arms and I also determine their comfort level. Besides comfort, I also take a close look at how easy each chair is to adjust and whether or not the changes I make to a chair's fit remain in place.
Although I review many of the office chairs highlighted above from the comfort of my home, I also have family and friends of different weights and heights test them out too. This gives me a better idea of how well each chair will work with different body types and I can gauge someone else’s reaction to sitting in them for the first time.
For the chairs that other members of the team at Tom’s Guide review, they do something similar when working remotely but if they’re in the office, other co-workers will come and try out each chair.
During our testing process, I also take note of each chair’s design, appearance and how customizable they are. Likewise, I inspect their materials and parts and see how well they hold up over time.
Since few people build home office furniture as often as I do, I take a lot of notes while putting each chair together to see how easy or difficult it might be for someone with less experience to do so. I assemble every office chair on my own but I point out in my reviews where having someone else to help during the assembly process can make things easier or faster.
Finally, I take into account the overall cost of a chair, the length and fine details of its warranty and how it compares to competing chairs in the same price range. For more information on our testing process, check out our how we test page for Tom’s Guide.
More home office picks
You'll need more than one of the best office chairs to fully outfit your work-from-home space. You'll also want to check out our guide to the best standing desks, as well as the best desk lamps to ensure that you can work comfortably without straining your eyes or your back.
You'll also want to invest in one of the best webcams, best microphones, and best ring lights if you want to look and sound your best on video calls with coworkers.
And, to make sure your computer setup is as productive as possible, we have recommendations for the best Wi-Fi routers, best monitors, best keyboard, and best mouse.
Office chair deals
