Top 14 Office Chairs of 2025: My 55+ Tested Selections!

Seat Cushions, Backrests, and Footrests

If upgrading your chair isn’t feasible at the moment, a cushion or lumbar support may provide some relief. Here are some options we recommend:

CushionLab Seat Cushion for $69: This memory foam seat delivers comfort, allowing for prolonged sitting without discomfort. It’s best utilized with an adjustable chair since it adds noticeable height to your seat, which may affect your typing position. It effectively minimizes unpleasant odors, and the cover is washable. Just keep in mind, it’s rarely sold at the full price of $85, indicating it’s not truly a “sale.”

LoveHome Memory Foam Lumbar Support for $30: For those who tend to slouch, this soft memory foam pillow is an excellent aid. It promotes proper posture by keeping your back straight and is an affordable way to experiment before spending significantly on a new chair. It’s also suitable for use in a car or wheelchair. The cover is washable, and it comes with two adjustable straps (plus an extension strap) to secure it in place.

Secretlab Premium Footrest for $89: Ideally, your feet should rest flat on the ground while you sit, but sometimes it’s nice to elevate them on a soft surface. I’ve been using Secretlab’s footrest for over two years, and it has proven fantastic. Created with PlushCell memory foam, it is wonderfully soft and surprisingly easy to keep clean. Despite having a small dog whose fur is everywhere, it remains free from lint and grime, and its patterned silicone base ensures it stays securely in position.

Other Chairs We’ve Tested

Not all chairs are created equal. Here are a few other models we found commendable, though they may not match the quality of our top selections.

Haworth Breck for $419: I’ve developed a fondness for Haworth’s latest chair, the Breck. After using it for a month, I experienced no discomfort (no back pain!), but it is more suitable for shorter individuals (approximately under 5’8″). The Breck’s seat is relatively short, and the seat depth only extends an additional 2 inches. The weight-activated recline requires more effort than expected—while I managed fine, lighter individuals may struggle. The seat padding is somewhat thin, yet I didn’t find it bothersome even after hours of use. Notably, it’s extremely easy to set up—no tools needed! My primary concern? When standing up, the gas spring cylinder releases with a loud noise. This coupled with the creaking sounds during movement gives it a somewhat cheap feel.

Haworth Fern for $1,129: I find the Haworth Fern best suited for individuals who are shorter (i.e., those under 6 feet like myself). There are an abundance of adjustments available—you can even tilt the seat for a more upright position! However, when I maximized the seat depth, there was an uncomfortable gap created between the seat and backrest. The backrest is pleasantly soft, but the lumbar support can feel overly pronounced. It often felt like a constant reminder of its presence, which was somewhat distracting. However, if you are shorter and perhaps have a narrower frame than I do, you might not encounter these issues, and it is one of the softer office chairs I’ve tried.

Eureka Ergonomic Royal Chair for $400: For those who enjoy the executive chair aesthetic—luxurious leather and a towering back—this Eureka chair meets the criteria without being overly expensive. Although I’ve only used it for a month, it has proven to be an adequate option. Assembly was swift, and both the seat and backrest are plush, though there’s a bit of bounce to them. After several hours of use, I did find my back feeling sweaty due to minimal airflow. The lumbar support isn’t particularly impressive, and after some time, I felt a reminder to get up—not pain, but a gentle nudge that perhaps I should move. It offers limited adjustments aside from reclining and headrest options. Also, while I expected it to show wear after a month, it’s surprisingly easy to clean with a damp cloth, and the faux leather has held up well despite its two-year warranty.

Secretlab Titan Evo for $519: This gaming chair (7/10, WIRED Recommends) adapts nicely for use in a home office scenario. It distinguishes itself from similarly priced options through its durability and versatility. It remains comfortable throughout long gaming sessions due to its extensive adjustability, particularly the lumbar support. The magnetic headrest pillow is particularly noteworthy as it stays securely attached. However, the firm cold-cure foam molds to your body and might not suit every preference, and it has a tendency to trap heat.

Branch Verve for $549: The Verve was once a top selection, but we’ve since found the Ergonomic Chair Pro to offer better value at a similar price point. It boasts a sophisticated look (especially in attractive Coral and Cobalt colors), encourages good posture, and is quite comfortable. While it allows for most adjustments you’d expect, it lacks seat tilt, and the armrests have limited functionality. A slightly wider seat would have been appreciated—those needing extra room may wish to consider alternatives. My testing period spans several weeks, which rarely extends to years since I have numerous models to try. However, a colleague reported that after over two years, his Verve began to sag under his weight. Thankfully, he noted Branch’s customer service was highly responsive and promptly replaced the cylinder.

Allsteel O6 for $1,289: Though this chair carries a steep price tag, every aspect—from casters to adjustability to design—is refined. The adjustable lumbar support delivers remarkable comfort, even during extended work sessions. My only minor complaint is that the armrest settings can be stiff, but overall, this chair ranks as exceptional—comfortable and intuitive enough to make it easy to forget about once settled in. Just a heads up: it arrives fully assembled, which is convenient, but the box is quite substantial. —Henri Robbins

Hinomi X1 Chair for $699: The Hinomi X1 mesh chair has a unique feature—a built-in footrest! Simply extend and flip out the footrest to elevate your feet. However, for taller users, practical usage may pose a challenge as my legs frequently hit my desk wall, leading me to utilize the footrest less often than anticipated. Overall, the chair is well-designed with effective lumbar support and a variety of adjustment options. While the seat itself is somewhat firm, I gradually adjusted to it. Hinomi even provides a 12-year warranty, and they offer an appealing dusty pink hue on their website, which is a plus compared to the X-Chair mesh chair listed below.

Autonomous Chair Ultra for $599: Each time I settle into this chair, I’m taken aback by how flat and hard the seat feels upon first contact. While it isn’t to my personal preference, the overall chair does offer support. It’s somewhat reminiscent of those firm Plank mattresses—if a harder seat suits your liking, then this chair may be ideal. The adaptive backrest feels a bit busy as the ridges of the back emerge through the fine mesh, yet the all-mesh design effectively dissipates body heat. All in all, the chair is adjustable and visually appealing, though it may not work for everyone.

Odinlake Ergo Max747 for $899: The Ergo Max747 stands out as an exceptional seating option. The three-section backrest provides fantastic support and comfort; easy-access paddles on both sides of the seat facilitate quick adjustments. Even when spending hours in this chair, I felt comfortable regardless of whether I was upright or reclining (and this chair can recline notably). The bag holder at the back is a lovely touch for holding small items like hats or backpacks, and the breathable mesh backrest ensures adequate airflow during extended uses. I did need to maximize the back height to fit my 6’3″ frame comfortably. Secondary adjustments—back height, lumbar support, and headrest height—can be somewhat awkward due to complex ratcheting mechanisms. Nonetheless, the comfort and breathability make this chair a strong contender. —Henri Robbins

Vari Task Chair for $375: The Vari Task Chair is surprisingly comfortable given its relatively straightforward design. Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano had her husband use it during long gaming sessions, and both agreed that the angled back offers ample lumbar support. The assembly process is quick and easy. It allows for a minor recline, but even at the lowest tension, it propels you back up, and it lacks head support. It’s more suited for gentle rocking than actual leaning. Her main complaint is the armrests, which could use more padding for added comfort.

Branch Softside for $299: I examined the high-back version of the Softside and found it quite satisfactory. Unlike other chairs mentioned, this one offers a comfy and cushy seating experience. However, if you need extra room, this might not be the best option as the armrests can be constricting. While adjustable features are limited, my back remained comfortable during extensive use in this chair over the course of several weeks. The overall build quality is decent. At an entry price of $299, the generous overall seating comfort and enjoyable design in vibrant colors make it a worthy selection for those seeking a soft, plush feel.

BodyBilt Midcelli Mesh Chair for $949: While it appears quite standard, BodyBilt’s chair features a plush, contoured seat that exceeded my expectations. Although the mesh back provides some flex, it doesn’t feel overly rigid, and it offers various standard adjustments, including forward and backward seat positioning. However, I wish the armrests could be locked into place. There are options for customization on BodyBilt’s website, but I cannot shake the feeling that it seems overpriced.

Razer Fujin Pro for $1,049: Razer’s asking price for the Fujin Pro rivals those of Herman Miller and Steelcase, but it comes with just a five-year warranty. Nevertheless, WIRED reviewer Eric Ravenscraft appreciates the Fujin Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends). The chair allows for numerous adjustments, includes practical armrests, and boasts breathable mesh. Furthermore, it avoids the overly utilized aesthetic common to gaming chairs.

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Lumbar Support Office Chair for $352: This Tempur chair serves as a commendable alternative to the Branch Ergonomic Chair mentioned previously. The Tempur seat cushion is exceptionally comfortable, enabling hours of seated work without discomfort. Most chairs with thick lumbar cushions tend to create back pain for me, but this one has not caused any issues over a month of use. The mesh back promotes airflow as well. However, the armrests feel slightly unstable, and the adjustment mechanism could be more refined. Though assembly was manageable, the instructions fell short of clarity compared to Branch’s guide, and overall construction quality feels somewhat lacking.

Knoll Newson Task Chair for $1,251: Sporting a minimalist design, the Knoll Newson looks especially stylish in graphite and petal tones; it appears drab in black and umber. Setting the chair up was a breeze, and it offers solid comfort right from the get-go, with sufficient adjustability for personal preferences. It feels particularly pleasant when leaning back in it (though the red knob for adjusting recline tension requires several rotations and can be a tad difficult to manipulate). My two-month experience with it was trouble-free, but I’m not a fan of how the elastomer mesh backrest can become distorted based on how you sit, resulting in a lumpy feel. Additionally, it doesn’t allow me to sit quite as upright as desired, although that might not be a concern for everyone. Ultimately, the steep price is the primary deterrent, and it does come with a 12-year warranty.

X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management Chair for $879: Previously our top pick for mesh chairs, the X2 has since been overshadowed by the Steelcase Karman. Sitting in the X-Chair feels akin to relaxing in a hammock with overall support for every part of your body. The chair features extensive customizability, enabling adjustments to the seat height, armrest position, and angle. The lumbar support resembles a cushion that adjusts with your movements. If headrest support is desired, one can upgrade for an additional cost. After three years of near continuous use, it remains in excellent condition; however, its bulky design leaves something to be desired. X-Chair offers several models to choose from; I specifically tried the X-2 K-Sport variant with a wider seat, fitting my 6’4″ frame, although it may be too spacious for shorter users, like my partner, who stands at 5’1″. Most users will do well with the regular X1 model.

Ikea Markus Chair for $290: The Markus chair is quite satisfactory for office use, though it isn’t the most luxurious. It keeps you cool with its mesh structure and features a tall back for full support. Its relatively slim profile makes it unobtrusive in smaller spaces. Assembly can be a bit annoying (as is typical with Ikea furniture), and you may want an extra set of hands to stabilize the back during assembly. However, if you frequently sit with a leg tucked or crossed, the proximity of the armrests may lead to discomfort.

X-Chair X-Tech Executive Chair for $1,899: Functionally speaking, the X-Tech is similar to the previously mentioned X-Chair. The M-Foam cooling gel seat feels fantastic, but it cannot quite match the heat-dissipating properties of the all-mesh X-Chairs. However, the Brisa Soft Touch material stands out, being incredibly soft to the touch. I recommend opting for standard armrests as the FS 360 variants tend to be overly mobile. My primary concern here is its hefty price tag—why does it cost so much?

Mavix M7 Chair for $700: If the M7 looks familiar, that’s because it shares much of its design with the X-Chair (both are owned by the same company). WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe reported some assembly difficulties, but customer support offered a seamless exchange without hassle. Like its counterpart, the M7 features adjustable armrests and seat angles, along with lockable wheels. The mesh back and wider seat design provide comfort during lengthy gaming sessions, and the lumbar support delivers adequate reinforcement. If you’re shorter, consider contacting customer support upon ordering, as Mavix has shorter cylinders available to ensure your feet reach the ground comfortably.

Hon Ignition 2.0 Office Chair for $425: While this chair is easy to assemble and visually appealing, it resulted in significant back pain for me, leading me to originally classify it in our “Avoid” category. Initially, I thought my discomfort could be due to long hours of work, but switching to the Knoll Newson alleviated the pain quickly. After some time, I decided to give it another try, but after just a few hours, the discomfort returned. Switching chairs provided relief. My friend, who is around 5’4″, had no complaints while using it for several weeks; this suggests the Ignition chair might suit smaller individuals better than those of my height (6’4″).

Hon Ignition 2.0 Big and Tall for $780: I found this Hon chair to be a marked improvement with its reinforced frame designed to accommodate larger individuals. Supporting up to 450 pounds, it offers a broader seat and overall comfort, effectively dissipating heat while providing solid back support. Nevertheless, the appearance is somewhat uninspired in its standard black finish. My experience in this chair was mostly positive; however, the armrests tend to shift laterally under pressure, which can be frustrating. I do question whether it justifies its relatively high price.

Pipersong Meditation Chair for $300: For those who struggle with traditional seating, this chair allows for versatile postures. It features a 360-degree swiveling footstool that accommodates various sitting styles, like kneeling or cross-legged. Conventional sitting is also an option if you position the footstool behind you. Despite its flexibility, both the chair and footstool could benefit from increased size for enhanced comfort. I found myself needing a pillow for proper back support. —Medea Giordano

Avoid These Chairs

If you come across these chairs, we urge you to reconsider spending your money and instead opt for one of our top picks.

Vilno Nobel Kneeling Chair for $250: This chair is a distinctively kneeling model! While the assembly of its wooden components was straightforward, I was pleasantly surprised with how plush the cushion felt. Designed to encourage movement and maintain posture, it serves well initially; however, frequent rocking causes it to shift across the floor, necessitating constant adjustment. After a few days, my shins and knees began to feel fatigued and sore. Given its fixed height, it should pair with a standing desk to ensure proper arm positioning.

Humanscale World One Task Chair for $499: Despite being a product from the prestigious Humanscale brand, the World One chair strikes me as rather bland and unremarkable. Setup was relatively quick, albeit intriguing—two pegs need to be hammered into position to attach the backrest to the seat, a method I hadn’t encountered before. It feels somewhat cheap and plasticky. While the chair handles adjustments automatically, allowing customization of seat and armrest height, I found myself shifting often, struggling to find a comfortable angle in the all-mesh design, which felt like it dug in uncomfortably. Based on my height of 6’4″, it seems better suited for shorter individuals. Regardless, I believe you could find superior options at this price range.

Herman Miller Vantum Gaming Chair for $895: Initially, I found satisfaction in this chair’s ability to maintain an upright position, which enhanced my focus. The mesh back effectively prevents overheating. Nevertheless, the overall build quality leaves much to be desired and fails to reflect the Herman Miller standard or justifies its price, which has notably decreased by $200. The headrest also misses the mark—I’ve struggled with its adjustability, finding it precarious. As time went on, the lumbar support disappointed. It felt constant and intrusive while lacking proper support. At least it refrained from causing back pain.

Flexispot C7 Lite for $270: While this chair is easy to assemble and visually appealing, it suffers from a flimsy construction. Any shifts in weight cause it to bend and warp excessively, and the lumbar support barely connects to the backrest, resulting in an irritating scraping sound with each adjustment, providing little actual support. Additionally, the footrest bends under weight, and the foam seat collects an excessive amount of pet hair. It seems like with a few additional supports and screws, this could be a decent chair, but as is, it feels insufficiently robust. —Henri Robbins

Flexispot C7 Office Chair for $350: Assembly was straightforward for this chair, which was compactly packaged despite its size. However, the lumbar section protrudes excessively, leading to immediate back pain after just a couple of days. While height adjustments can help alleviate this, they didn’t fully resolve the issue. This discomfort was echoed by my partner, who is 5’1″, indicating it’s not user-friendly for shorter folks either.

Steelcase Series 1 Office Chair for $498: WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe notes her primary critique lies with the armrests—the tops slide in several directions, which could initially have benefits, but she inadvertently pinched her arm each time she adjusted them. Without a locking mechanism, while the chair offers adequate support, it lacks stability. The seat design also feels overly curved, which restricts mobility throughout the day while working.

Flexispot Sit2Go 2-in-1 Fitness Chair for $350: While this concept promises the ability to work out while seated, the discomfort level renders it impractical for long periods. Despite feeling virtuous while pedaling through emails, I found it exceptionally uncomfortable and comparable to a low-quality exercise bike—it fails to deliver against either purpose effectively, necessitating a standing desk for compatibility.

Sihoo Doro S300 Chair for $800: The Doro S300, resembling a chair suitable for a command center with its futuristic design, presented mixed feelings. While it featured multiple adjustments for personal preference, including seat depth and recline angle, full reclining capabilities left something to be desired since there was no footrest provided for comfort. Despite my typical preference for cushioning in gaming chairs, I had no trouble passing the workday supported by the dual lumbar support. Yet, the headrest failed to accommodate even at its highest setting, and the armrests move too easily. Simply resting my arms could push them out of position. Additionally, it produced a squeaky noise and seemed overpriced.