Basic Office ChairsErgonomic Office Chairs Basic Office ChairsWhile you can spend up to $1,000 or more on a top office chair, you don't have to. The market is packed with chairs around $200 and under that will offer plenty of adjustments to suit most people, including seat height and tilt control -- some even have lumbar support and adjustable arms. These basic chairs are especially appropriate for occasional use in home offices or if you also have the opportunity to take breaks to stand or walk.Ergonomic Office ChairsThe more adjustable the chair, the bigger the price tag: Ergonomic chairs with the most features can seem extremely expensive for what is, after all, just a chair. However, if you sit all day you'll appreciate the extreme adjustability. These high-end office chairs are also made with higher quality materials, including more breathable, durable fabric and denser padding. They're also built to stand the test of time and have the long warranties to match. Whatever office chair you choose, experts agree that sitting too much
can be bad for your health. If you want to make your day more active, check out our report on standing desks for some great choices to pair up with your new office chair for the ultimate in ergonomic and healthy working. There are few detailed expert tests of office chairs, likely because the expense and time required to test them can be prohibitive. maintains the most recent in-depth report; another site that has performed real-world testing. the best resource for workers' reviews of how their office chairs stand up to daily use and abuse, especially for lower-end chairs that expert reviews andTo pick the best office chairs, we evaluated all of these reviews by focusing on the two most important considerations: comfort and The Ikea Markus is a reasonably priced chair that earns solid reviews for breathability, support and durability. Tall and relatively sleek, the Markus has a mesh seat back and fabric seat cushion (except the black
version, which has a faux leather cushion). The Markus is available in black (a $20 upgrade), beige, dark gray and light gray. The black Markus comes with a silver frame, while the other colors come with a black frame. Featuring a high seatback with an integrated headrest, reviewers say the Ikea Markus keeps them cool during long hours at their desk. however, was "the least forgiving among the chairs we tested," note KyleAnd, while seat height and tilt are adjustable, that's about it -- there is no way to adjust the armrests, seat depth, or lumbar support. Though most reviewers say the Markus is comfortable despite these limitations, testers warn that the chair isn't deep enough for anyone who wants to sprawl out or slouch, and is probably not the best pick for anyone over 6 feet tall. Durability, especially for the price, is where the Markus shines. and Zhao say the parts have a "reassuring heft" that give them a much higher-quality feel than other chairs around this price point.
warranty is much more generous than competitors', but it doesn't cover normal wear and tear -- that's something you'll see only with much more expensive Knockoffs of the pricey, high-end Herman Miller Aeron (Est. $730 and up), which gets the nod as our best ergonomic office chair, are a dime a dozen, but reviewers say the Office Star Space Seating Professional Air Grid Managers Chair (Est. $140 and up) is one of the most comfortable,The seat has a mesh back and faux leather cushion, though you can also choose a mesh seat. Office Star also makes a version with a fabric seat with several color options, but the eco leather version is available only Office Star's seat is the subject of mixed reviews: While most users find it well-padded, some say it's too firm. More people are fans of the mesh back, which they say is supportive and keeps sweating to a minimum during longFor a budget chair, reviewers say the Office Star boasts a good number of features, including integrated lumbar support, adjustable tilt and
tension, and adjustable-height arms. There is no headrest unless you upgrade to an executive model such as the Office Star Space Seating Air Grid Managers Chair with Adjustable Headrest (Est. $230). reviewers warn that the seat is too deep and too high to be comfortable on its While many reviewers are pleased with the Office Star's durability, there are a few fairly common complaints: Some say the mesh is poorly stapled to the seat back, while others say the foam arm rests areThe seat has a lifetime warranty on component parts and a three-year warranty on fabric and foam for any use up to 40 hours a week Budget buyers who would prefer the feel of (faux) leather to mesh or fabric may want to check out the AmazonBasics High-Back Executive Chair (Est. $110). Available in either black or brown upholstery with a silver frame, the chair gets relatively high marks for comfort from users who appreciate a more traditional office option. Reviewers are divided on whether the AmazonBasics
chair provides enough cushioning: Some find it very comfortable, while others find the seat overly firm. They do appreciate having cushioned arm rests – not a given at this price point. The seat has adjustable height, tilt and tilt tension, but no adjustable seat depth or lumbar support. suggests, it has a high back, but it may not be high enough for many: Several reviewers note that taller users may not be able to rest their head comfortably and might be better off with a chair that has an adjustable head rest. capacity is 250 pounds. As is the case with most inexpensive office chairs, durability is an open question with this AmazonBasics model. that highlights problem-free long-term use, there seems to be another reportingCommon issues include cracked and peeling upholstery, an easily scratched frame and snapped armrests. On the bright side, reviewers sayAmazon backs the chair with a one-year warranty. If you simply need a chair for very occasional use at a very
budget-friendly price, the Boss Fabric Deluxe Posture Chair (Est. $50 and up) is a goodWhile its low price means you won't get a lot of frills, you will be able to choose from four colors: black, blue, red and gray. basic look won't win any design contests, but its small footprint is ideal for Most reviewers say the contoured padding in the Boss chair is comfortable, though several wish for higher-quality fabric, saying the seat attracts lint and pet hair. The chair has built-in lumbar support, adjustable seat height and adjustable seat depth, but you won't find more advanced features such as tilt control and tension. Armrests are available for about $15For the price, owners say they're satisfied with comfort, and its compact size earns praise from those with small office spaces who just need a task chair for occasional use; plenty of users to point out that this chair is not built for all-day sitting. Weight capacity is 250 pounds.