Best office chairs of 2022 for home, work and all budgets

14 Oct.,2022

 

Office Chair With Adjustable Arms MF Dealer

Adjustable Arms Office Chair MF Dealer

We spend so much time sitting down at work and even in life. Because of the abundance of time spent sitting, it's essential to make sure the chair we're sitting in is fit for purpose. A quality office chair could be one of the very few things standing between you and chronic back and shoulder pain. Excellent ergonomics are likely to be the last thing on your mind when you're going about your hectic day at work, which makes having the best office chair to ensure your well-being all the more important.

Investing in one of these desk chairs will maximize your comfort and ensure your body is in that ideal position all day long. You can go about your tasks for hours without worrying that you'll suffer from injuries at the end of the day. Investing in one, therefore, is vital – just as crucial as getting the ideal PC, laptop and peripherals – especially when paired with an excellent standing desk.

We've gathered some of the best office chairs, some of which also make for excellent gaming chairs. You'll discover how they all perform in areas including comfort, price, style, and lots more.

Keep reading to find the perfect office chair for you.

Find the best office and home office equipment: fax machines, scanners, shredders, copiers, coffee machines

Best office chairs: How did we choose them?

Note that we haven’t tested all of the best office chairs above, except, of course, where it’s made clear that there’s a review on TechRadar Pro. Instead, outside of reviewed products, we’ve compiled our listing of top picks by thoroughly researching the chairs in question, comparing relative specs, available features, build materials, and feedback across various online forums and customer reviews, as well as taking into account other factors such as support, warranties, and overall value proposition.

The best office chairs of 2022 in full

Humanscale Freedom

(Image credit: Humanscale)

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1. Humanscale Freedom

Best ergonomic office chair

Specifications

Dimensions:

69 x 63.5 x 109 - 135cm / 27.2 x 25 x 42.9 - 53.1in (W x D x H)

Seat height:

41 - 51.5cm (minimum to maximum)

Maximum load:

136kg

specifications

Colour

Black,

Silver,

White

Condition

New

View at Amazon

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View at Amazon

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View at 2Modern

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Reasons to buy

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No complex controls to worry about

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Dynamically adjusts to the user

Reasons to avoid

-

Can be very pricey, particularly in leather

Humanscale makes some seriously nifty high-end ergonomic office chairs, and the Humanscale Freedom (opens in new tab) is the pinnacle of that niftiness for us. It not only looks fabulous – particularly in the leather option, which offers additional advantages in case of accidental drink spillages – but the clever bit is that the Freedom is designed to do away with the complex knobs or levers that many ergonomic options can baffle you with. Instead, it adjusts itself automatically to fit the ideal ergonomics for your body.

For example, reclining in the chair automatically adjusts the backrest resistance to the optimal level. The end result is a whole lot of comfortable sitting without having to do any thinking about tension settings and so forth.

There are some adjustable elements, including the armrests, which move in tandem (so they’re always at the same height as each other). You can also slide the seat pan forwards (or back) and adjust the height of the backrest and the headrest (simply by pulling it in the latter case; in fact, all these adjustments are dead easy to make).

So there is a lot to like here, but the downside is that this is not an office chair for the faint of wallet. However, remember that the pricier models are the leather and polished aluminum offerings. Remember that there are versions with plain fabric and a graphite frame – they might not look as high-end, but they still provide the same superb sitting experience, often for hundreds of dollars less. Also, note that this chair is backed by a 15-year warranty, which surely inspires confidence.

In the UK, this chair has a substantial 20% discount (use the code WFH20-UK at checkout to get that chunk of money off plus free shipping).

Read our full Humanscale Freedom review

Flexispot BS9 Oka Flexi-chair

(Image credit: Flexispot)

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2. Flexispot BS9 Oka Flexi-chair

Best value for money office chair

Specifications

Dimensions:

69 x 52 x 110-110 cm (W x D x H)

Seat height:

44.5 d- 53.5cm (minimum to maximum)

Maximum load:

120kg

Check Amazon

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VISIT SITE

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Reasons to buy

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Easy to build with simple instructions

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Great balance of comfort and back support

Reasons to avoid

-

No headrest like other Flexispot office chair models

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The color may easily be stained 

If you are looking to add a splash of color to your home office, Flexispot has got you covered. The bright orange cushioned office chair will be the center of attraction in any room you decide to have it placed. 

The Flexi-Chair Oka BS9 (opens in new tab) office chair is beautifully designed, comfortable, and easy to build. The original chair price is £299.99, although you should be able to pick it up for far less.

In terms of comfort and design, the chair ticks those two boxes as you can easily sit on the office chair for hours.

As the chair is relatively new, there are not many reviews online, but one thing is for sure, the chair is exactly as the company has described and looks exactly the same as it does in the pictures on the Flexispot website.

The quality is on the higher end of the scale regarding the BS9 chair. The chair's ergonomic design protects your back, and with a 7cm cushion on the office chair's seat, comfort is the last thing you’ll have to worry about with the BS9.

Read our full Flexi-Chair Oka BS9 review

X-Chair X2 K-Sport Mgmt Chair

(Image credit: X-Chair)

3. X-Chair X2 K-Sport Mgmt Chair

Best office chair for customization

Specifications

Dimensions:

64.77 x 53.34 x 137.16cm (W x D x H)

Seat height:

45.72 - 57.15 (minimum to maximum)

Maximum load:

154kg

specifications

Colour

Black,

White

Condition

New

View at Best Buy

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View at Amazon

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View at Amazon

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Reasons to buy

+

Easy to clean

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Loads of customization options available

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Made entirely from mesh for improved airflow

Reasons to avoid

-

Upgrades can get expensive

The X-Chair X2 K-Sport Mgmt Chair is a premium office chair with a unique design. While other ergonomic office chairs feature a mesh back to keep you cool while working, the X-Chair takes things up a notch by also using mesh for the seat. This helps keep your whole body cool while also making the chair quite easy to clean.

X-Chair offers plenty of optional extras like a headrest, an extended width seat, rollerblade style rubberized casters, and armrests that rotate a full 360 degrees for those that want to make the X2 their own. At the same time, the company’s heat, massage, and cooling modules slip into the X2’s Dynamic Variable Lumbar support and can be charged with an AC adapter or using a USB cable. The X2 is certainly an investment, but those who spend a long time sitting at their desk each day will appreciate its comfort and adjustability.

Read our full X-Chair X2 K-Sport Mgmt Chair review

Branch Ergonomic Chair

(Image credit: Branch Ergonomic Chair)

4. Branch Ergonomic Chair

Best office chair balancing quality and affordability

Specifications

Dimensions:

64 x 61 x 107cm (W x D x H)

Seat height:

43 - 53cm (minimum to maximum)

Maximum load:

136kg

View at Branch

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Check Amazon

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Reasons to buy

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Comfy

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Premium features without the weighty price

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Customer service looks a strong suit

Reasons to avoid

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Headrest sold separately

The Branch Ergonomic Chair (opens in new tab) aims to deliver premium features at a palatable price, and it certainly has the appearance of a piece of furniture that punches above its weight in terms of price bracket.

It’s a smart-looking office chair sporting features that you’d expect from a premium model in terms of comfort and having many adjustable elements. It’s possible to adjust not just the height of the seat but also the tilt tension – it tilts back up to 20 degrees, and as with many higher-end models, the backrest and seat pan are linked, so they tilt together for a more comfortable, better-supported sitting experience (you can lock the tilt level in wherever you want, too).

Furthermore, you can adjust the lumbar support, seat pan depth, and armrests, giving plenty of opportunity to get the Branch Ergonomic Chair feeling just right.

This office chair also has an aluminum base, a breathable mesh weave on the backrest, and a high-density foam cushion on the seat pan – making sure things are comfortable even for long sitting sessions.

The one niggle we’ve seen with online feedback is the occasional owner not getting on with the lumbar support and complaining that it’s rather hard-feeling plastic rather than cushioning. However, the good news is that Branch has been listening to buyers, and the Ergonomic Chair now incorporates an “additional layer of cushioning” between the mesh back and lumbar support.

Overall, the Branch Ergonomic Chair represents a great value proposition, and the company’s customer support also seems like a valuable strength.

Read our full Branch Ergonomic Chair review

Vari Task Chair with Headrest

(Image credit: Vari)

5. Vari Task Chair with Headrest

Best office chair for adjustability

Specifications

Dimensions:

51 x 51 x 110cm (W x D x H)

Seat height:

45 - 56cm (minimum to maximum)

Maximum load:

136kg

VISIT SITE

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Reasons to buy

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Adjustable headrest, chair back, seat, armrests and seat back tilt and tension

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Available in black or grey

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Simple assembly

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BIFMA x5.1 certified

Reasons to avoid

-

Grey finish is more expensive

In addition to standing desks, Vari also makes office furniture, including various office chairs. The company's Task Chair is available with or without a headrest, and if you choose the black finish, you'll only need to pay an additional $20. However, both the Vari Task Chair with Headrest (opens in new tab) and Vari Task Chair (opens in new tab) is a bit pricier if you choose the grey finish.

Vari has designed its Task Chair with ergonomics in mind to help you maintain proper alignment and reduce muscle strain while working. The headrest, chair back, seat, armrests, and seat back tilt and tension are all adjustable, so you can comfortably configure this office chair. The Vari Task Chair supports up to 300lbs (136kg), and its casters work on both carpeted and wood floors. The chair's reinforced mesh back allows for breathability while a pivoting ergonomic backrest provides maximum lumbar support.

Just like with the Vari Standing Desk, its Task Chair can be assembled in only a few minutes, and no tools are required to put it together. Once assembled, the chair has a height range of 38-inches to 43-inches while the seat has a height range of 17-inches to 22-inches.

Upgrading your current office chair is also easy with Vari, as the company provides 30-day risk-free returns, free delivery, and buy now, pay later at checkout.

Read our full Vari Task Chair review

Flexispot OC14

(Image credit: Flexispot)

6. Flexispot OC14 Ergonomic Chair Pro

Best breathable office chair

Specifications

Dimensions:

68.9 x 58.8 x 110.3cm (W x D x H)

Seat Height:

47 - 54cm (minimum to maximum)

Check Amazon

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Visit Site

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Reasons to buy

+

Adjustable elements - height, tension, seat position, arm position, neck rest and more

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Neck rest included

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Breathable material

+

Wheeled base

Reasons to avoid

-

No adjustable lumbar support

The Flexispot OC14 Ergonomic Chair is of surprisingly high quality for a mid-range price tag. With the integrated neck rest, breathable material, and ability to fine-tune settings such as tension and seat position, this chair is well worth the money.

One thing we wish this chair had is adjustable lumbar support. However, the support given with just the mesh backing is not terrible.

Read our full FlexiSpot OC14 Ergonomic Chair Pro office chair review

FlexiSpot BS10

(Image credit: FlexiSpot)

7. FlexiSpot BS10 back support ergonomic office chair

Best office chair for comfort and style

Specifications

Dimensions:

61.5 x 61.5 x 102.5-111cm (W x D x H)

Seat height:

47 - 56 cm (minimum to maximum)

Maximum load:

125kg

Check Amazon

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VISIT SITE

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Reasons to buy

+

Flexible headrest

+

Seat can be pulled out

+

Easy to put together

Reasons to avoid

-

Short warranty

-

Available in one color

FlexiSpot has an excellent reputation built partly on its outstanding standing desks. It also has an extensive range of office chairs and the BS10 is the latest on the market. It carries a high price tag, and we feel that the premium is not justified, given how competitive the office chair market is. Yes, it is a very good chair with some nifty features, but no salient selling point detracts us from the hefty price it commands.

We would have loved to have a longer warranty - given how much a prospective customer would have forked out. An option to increase the warranty even at a fee would be most welcome, as well as extra colors (currently, only gray is available). But these are minor stumbling blocks compared to the suggested retail price; just make sure you keep an eye on coupons or vouchers.

Read our full FlexiSpot BS10 back support ergonomic office chair review

Razor Task Chair

(Image credit: Future)

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8. Razor Task

Best ergonomic chair

Specifications

Dimensions:

61 x 61 x 98cm (W x D x H)

Seat height:

50 - 60cm (minimum to maximum)

Maximum load:

125kg

Check Amazon

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VISIT SITE

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Reasons to buy

+

Comfortable

+

Easy to put together

+

Seriously wallet-friendly

Reasons to avoid

-

Don't expect too much at this price level

If you want an office chair that scores very well on ergonomics and comfort, we recommend this offering from Clear Design.

The Razor Task Chair (opens in new tab) is a worthy office chair upgrade for those working from home. Its fully adjustable arms and 3D lumbar system ensure you can find the perfect fit for your body, and its air mesh cushion and breathable backrest help you stay cool while working.

Positives include the fact that it’s not a struggle to put together, going by feedback online, though it pays to take care during assembly (which we suppose is true of any piece of furniture you buy that requires construction – taking a bit of time over the process pays off, considering how long you’ll likely be sitting in an office chair).

There's no headrest, though, which is something that will divide opinions, and set cushion fabric can be difficult to clean, but it is the only high-end chair we know that has a drafting stook kit available for purchase separately.

SIHOO M90D

(Image credit: SIHOO)

9. SIHOO M90D

Best office chair for support and comfort

Specifications

Dimensions:

64 x 66 x 112 - 119cm (W x D x H)

Seat height:

43.5 - 54.5cm (minimum to maximum)

Maximum load:

149kg

specifications

Colour

Black,

Grey

Condition

New

View at Newegg

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View at Amazon

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View at Amazon

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Reasons to buy

+

Mesh back and headrest

+

Adaptive lumbar support

+

Firm yet soft seat cushion

+

Good adjustability all around

Reasons to avoid

-

Mesh back features an odd pattern 

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Not the easiest office chair to assemble

The SIHOO M90D is a mid-range ergonomic office chair with a mesh back to keep you cool and an adaptive lumbar support bar to ensure you’re not putting unnecessary stress on your back. This office chair allows for various adjustments to fit users of different heights and body sizes. It also comes with a headrest included as opposed to other office chairs where you need to buy one separately.

SIHOO may not be that well-known of a brand in the US and UK yet, but the company has made huge inroads since expanding its operations from China-only to the rest of the world back in 2018. The SIHOO M90D could be your best office chair if you want more premium chair features without breaking the bank.

Read our full SIHOO M90D review

IKEA Markus

10. IKEA Markus

Best office chair on a budget

Specifications

Dimensions:

62 x 60 x 129 - 140cm (W x D x H)

Seat height:

48 - 57cm (minimum to maximum)

Maximum load:

110kg

specifications

Colour

Black

Condition

New

View at Amazon

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Reasons to buy

+

Affordable given the quality on offer

+

Mesh back which is breathable

+

Has a 10-year warranty

Reasons to avoid

-

Few adjustable features

The IKEA Markus (opens in new tab) chair has been around for a long time and is a well-liked option for many folks who want one of the best office chairs around without having to break the bank (some of the seats out there can take a truly exacting toll on your wallet).

You don’t get much in the way of adjustments with the Markus, at least not compared to the fancier ergonomic chairs around, but this is a sturdy seat that offers a comfortable upright sitting position, with a long back and integrated headrest. Furthermore, the back is made of mesh material to let the air through and provide better breathability, which is always good for those longer sitting sessions.

You can adjust the Markus for height and tilt, and the back can be locked in place or reclined. So there’s a decent amount of adjustability, and overall, this is a solid chair that is well-made for the money. An unexpected bonus in this price bracket is that this IKEA product comes with an impressive 10-year guarantee.

Herman Miller Celle

(Image credit: Herman Miller)

11. Herman Miller Celle

Best bang-for-buck high-end office chair

Specifications

Dimensions:

75 x 70 x 111cm (W x D x H)

Seat height:

39 - 51cm (minimum to maximum)

Maximum load:

159kg

specifications

Condition

New

View at Amazon

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View at Herman Miller

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Reasons to buy

+

Seriously comfy

+

12-year warranty

+

Plenty of adjustments

Reasons to avoid

-

Some features cost extra

Herman Miller (opens in new tab) is a renowned maker of high-end office chairs, although some models will truly set you back an arm and a leg. For those who don’t want to spend quite so much but still want a high-quality chair for a (relatively) more affordable asking price, we recommend the Celle. Be warned, it could in no way be described as a budget product – if you want more wallet-friendly, look to some of the other chairs elsewhere in this list – but for what you’re getting, the Celle represents great value in our eyes.

This office chair is impressively comfortable and very robustly built as you would expect with a Herman Miller product (the 12-year warranty is equally comforting, for sure – and there’s a 30-day ‘no-hassle return policy if you aren’t happy post-purchase).

The Celle can be had to start from $725 direct from Herman Miller itself, which is a reasonable ask for the quality on offer. That includes an ergonomic design using ‘polymer cells and loops’ which conform to your body shape, and the chair sports plenty in the way of ventilation so your back won’t be in danger of getting sweaty.

There’s a raft of adjustments available, including seat depth, tilt tension (and limiting the extent of the recline), plus optionally, the armrests and lumbar support can be adjusted. Those two optional features will cost you extra but are probably worth forking out for in our opinion – certainly the lumbar support. The latter will run you an extra $45 at the time of writing – money well spent, we think, given that this is a crucial area of any office chair that you’ll be spending a great deal of time sitting in.

Also consider

IKEA Renberget

(Image credit: IKEA)

12. IKEA Renberget

Consider another IKEA offer if you want an office chair cheaper than even the Amazon model we highlighted above. The Renberget won’t win any design awards, but it provides a solid enough offering while still giving you a palatable level of quality. You get height adjustment and tilt tension, but not much else (unsurprisingly, given the truly cheap price). Buy the Renberget direct from IKEA here (opens in new tab). (Those in the UK could consider the IKEA Torkel (opens in new tab) as an equivalent super-cheap alternative).

13. Humanscale Diffrient World

Another one from Humanscale is a lightweight and minimalist task chair that is designed to use the laws of physics and the user’s body weight to adapt itself to the correct position for good posture. Diffrient World is a somewhat more affordable option than the Freedom chair, our top-ranked choice above, and you can order it directly from Humanscale (opens in new tab). And no, we didn't misspell "different."

14. Fully Tic Toc Chair

If you want a smaller office chair because you don’t have a lot of space to work in, Fully’s Tic Toc Chair could be a great solution. Now technically, this is a stool, not a chair, but nonetheless, the Tic Toc is well-thought-out ergonomically speaking – allowing for a little side-to-side movement of the seat itself, a natural motion intended to help with your circulation when seated – and it will certainly go in a confined space where a normal office chair won’t nearly be able to fit. It has a footprint of 29.5 x 33cm, half the size of a typical office chair. Furthermore, the Tic Toc is well-made, very sturdy, and not expensive either, given the quality on offer. Buy the Tic Toc from Fully here (opens in new tab).

15. Steelcase Gesture

Another high-end option is the Gesture, but you will need deep pockets to enjoy this office chair. Steelcase has ensured that this is a superbly equipped seat, mind you, with a back that’s supposed to fit with the ‘natural motion of the spine and armrests that shift to support your arms as you recline. There’s all manner of clever tech in here, and you can purchase the Gesture direct from Steelcase (opens in new tab) (but as mentioned, it’s pricey).

16. Herman Miller Mirra 2

The Mirra 2 is a similar design to the Celle we covered above and another great option in the Herman Miller range (pitched at around the same cost, though it’s just a touch more expensive). Again, it comes with a breathable polymer back – although you can upgrade this to a butterfly suspension affair – and once again, some of the important feature adjustments (like lumbar support) are optional, and you’ll likely want to go for those. This is another good value chair from Herman Miller, given what you’re getting, and you can grab the Mirra 2 here (opens in new tab).

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Best office chair FAQs

Office chair vs normal chair: What's the difference?

Office chairs are more than just a place to sit while you work. They are designed to be comfortable and supportive, which is vital if you spend hours sitting at a desk daily.

Office chairs are generally height adjustable, ensuring you're positioned correctly at your workstation. The best office chairs offer even more adjustments, allowing you to fine-tune your seated position. While it may seem like an expensive luxury, you might find that a good office chair makes you more productive.

Normal chairs may or may not offer the same features as office chairs, but they generally emphasize aesthetics over practicality and comfort. They also tend to cost less as well.

How to choose the best office chair for you

Finding the best office chair for you depends on several factors. First, you need to decide how much you're prepared to spend. Long hours sitting in the wrong position can cause back, and shoulder pain, so looks at it as an investment in your health.

Next, decide which adjustments and support features are important to your comfort and look for a chair that caters to those requirements. Look for a product you can test at a local retailer or one that comes with a money-back guarantee. It's essential to test drive your chosen chair before buying.


Material

The importance of the material of your chair is sometimes undervalued. However, the difference between leather and mesh-backed chairs is significant. Some common choices are vinyl, leather, mesh, and ultra (synthetic) leather.


Vinyl is common for workplace chairs and is incredibly easy to clean. Because of this, it's common on factory floors or healthcare, as it is simple to wipe off dirt and germs.


Leather has stood atop the list as the "premium" option for quite some time. Leather is timeless, luxurious, and easy to clean as well. One downside is that while timeless, this material is not always the most comfortable for long periods of time.


Ultra (synthetic) leather is one step away from leather, as it looks the same but is man-made. In addition to the look, synthetic leather is hypoallergenic and more breathable than leather. But, the downside is that it historically does not last as long on average as a leather counterpart.


Mesh fabric chairs have become increasingly popular recently, especially in the ergonomic chair realm. Meshes' biggest benefit is breathability, as the entire backing is an interlaced mesh that allows air to flow freely. These are also pretty easy to clean, and when sat in, the mesh conforms to your back, helping with comfort and ergonomics.


Size

There are three main sizes to consider for office chairs. Petite, standard and big office chairs. In short, they are exactly as they sound. Petite is smaller, designed for shorter individuals and smaller office spaces if space is limited. Standard is a common size and is built for someone between 5 and 6 feet tall. Lastly, there is a larger size offered, the big office chair. These are built for those taller than 6 feet and can fit people up to 500 pounds on average.


Lumbar and Back Support

When sitting for long periods of time, lumbar and back support is very important for overall health. A chair with proper lumbar and back support can dramatically help with back pain by aligning your spine and reducing tension. Ergonomic chairs are designed to provide that lumbar support to help with these issues.


Adjustability

Depending on the chair, some adjustments can be made to customize the fit to your liking. Some chairs have one or no adjustments. Others have dozens. These can range from the depth of lumbar support to the tension for how easy it is to recline. Different adjustability settings may be desired depending on the use of the chair.


Cost

With all things considered, the cost is still a dominant factor in choosing any office chair. Finding a balance of cost efficiency, material, and features is essentially what any chair purchase comes down to. Some manufacturers of higher-end chairs have a prominent pre-owned market, allowing the best of both worlds - high-end and cheaper.