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A desk chair can help you stay comfortable all day by providing lumbar support and promoting spine health. If you’ve already selected the best desk for your home office and you’re looking to invest in a chair, we’re here to assist. To help you find the best office chair for your needs, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best options on Amazon at a wide range of price points to fit any budget.
Compare Top Office Chairs
| Product | Weight | Dimensions | Material | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steelcase Office Chair | 78 pounds | 44.2 x 34.7 x 23.6 inches | Polyester and aluminum | 400 pounds |
| HON Task Chair | 42 pounds | 44.5 x 27 x 28.5 inches | Mesh | 300 pounds |
| Homall Gaming Chair | 57 pounds | 47 x 20.5 x 19.8 inches | Leather | 300 pounds |
| Gabrylly Office Chair | 48 pounds | 24.3 x 26.3 x 12.5 inches | Nylon | 280 pounds |
| Amazon Basics Desk Chair | 28 pounds | 38.3 x 24.3 x 25.8 inches | Faux leather and nylon | 275 pounds |
| Product | Weight | Dimensions | Material | Weight Capacity |
Best Premium Office Chair: Steelcase Office Chair
Steelcase Office Chair
- $1,307.35
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 78 pounds
- 44.2 inches tall by 34.7 inches wide by 23.6 inches deep
- 3D LiveBack technology adjusts to your spine as you change postures
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers cited the Gesture’s adjustability and durability as major selling points. Customers who had chronic back pain recommended the Gesture for its lumbar support that lower-quality chairs don’t have. Dissatisfied customers said that the angle of the seat was uncomfortable and that it wasn’t quite worth the high price tag.
Most Dependable Office Chair: HON Task Chair
HON Task Chair
- $433.04
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 42 pounds
- 44.5 inches tall by 27 inches wide by 28.5 inches deep
- Customizable back recline, back height, armrest height, and seat positioning
What Customers Are Saying
Customers love this office chair’s value. Its modest price point as a solid mid-range option makes it ideal for a home office without breaking the bank. The chair has a slim profile, but it does not skimp on comfort. Additionally, customers have cited ease of assembly as a major pro for the Ignition 2.0. Some customers with chronic back issues were not satisfied with the level of back support this chair provides.
Best Multi-Use Office Chair: Homall Gaming Chair
Homall Gaming Chair
- $99.99
- $123.34
- 19% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 57 pounds
- 47 inches tall by 20.5 inches wide by 19.8 inches deep
- 360-degree swivel, multi-direction wheels
What Customers Are Saying
Customers cite durability and ease of assembly as benefits to this gaming chair. Assembly takes an average of 30 minutes, based on reviews, and heavier customers exceeding 200 lbs have said that the chair’s suspension holds up with higher weights. Complaints have frequently centered on the faux leather, with buyers complaining that their skin sticks to the seat, especially in the summer.
Best Value Ergonomic Office Chair: Gabrylly Office Chair
Gabrylly Office Chair
- $204
- $329.5
- 38% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 48 pounds
- 24.3 inches tall by 26.3 inches wide by 12.5 inches deep
- Breathable, lightweight mesh back
What Customers Are Saying
The value is a key selling point for this chair, with several customers comparing it to more premium brands at a fraction of the cost. The seat is also larger than other inexpensive models. The headrest promotes back health, and many chairs at this price point don’t offer the same level of comfort. Complaints have involved the mesh back being uncomfortable on bare skin and the headrest being difficult to install.
Best Budget Office Chair: Amazon Basics Desk Chair
Amazon Basics Desk Chair
- $96.9
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 28 pounds
- 38.25 inches tall by 24.25 inches wide x 25.75 inches deep
- Upholstered with bonded faux leather
What Customers Are Saying
Customers are pleased with the value that this chair provides, as it costs a fraction of what other budget options competitors’ chairs cost. Set up is simple and fast, and the chair supports long working hours as well as casual gaming or leisure activities. Complaints have centered around the upholstery, saying that it may tear easily.
Buyer’s Guide
The office chair market is flooded with options. As you’re combing through thousands of potential chairs for your desk or home office, consider these factors:
Lumbar Support
Sitting for long periods of time can put undue stress on your lower back. When shopping for an office chair, especially if you sit for work, investigate the chair’s features that can support your spinal health.
Adjustability
Given that people come in all shapes and sizes, and you may prefer sitting in a certain position, a measure of adjustability can help make your chair more comfortable. The best chairs available on the market, such as the Steelcase Gesture, can even adjust with the shape of your spine as you change posture while sitting.
Mobility
Consider how frequently you will be moving your desk chair. If you plan to keep your chair at the same desk for its lifespan, a heavier chair with limited mobility will be adequate. However, if you plan to move around in your chair, frequently swivel, or tackle several types of tasks in the same chair, read customer reviews and do research on the mobility features of your chair.
Weight Capacity
Different chairs can support different levels of weight, depending on the hydraulics mechanisms. If you are heavier than your chair’s weight capacity, you may find it difficult to adjust up and down to your preference. The average weight capacity for office chairs is approximately 300 pounds, but there are some exceptions. Find out how much weight your chair can support before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on a good desk chair?
Desk chairs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and prices. As with most products, you often get what you pay for. Decide on a budget, or how much you’re willing to spend on a desk chair. There are many chairs that provide great value at a couple of hundred dollars, but premium chairs can cost a thousand dollars or more.
Can I receive my chair already assembled?
In most cases, no. While some chairs come pre-assembled, most require a little bit of assembly, which can typically be completed in under half an hour. If this is the case, the chair should arrive with any hardware you might need.
Do I need a chair mat?
Not necessarily, but you may find it beneficial. If your home office has a high-pile carpet, you may find it difficult to roll your chair in and out of your desk. The best chair mats create a smooth rolling surface for your office chair. Even if you have a hardwood floor, a chair mat can help protect your floors from scuffs.
What is an ergonomic chair?
An ergonomic chair is a chair specifically designed to promote spinal and whole-body health. These chairs often feature lumbar support, increased adjustability, and a headrest. Consider an ergonomic chair if you spend many hours a day at your desk.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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