Best Office Chairs 2021
Start sitting pretty with one of the best office chairs.
Pro tip: never skimp when it comes to buying chairs for your home — especially office chairs. Most of us spend an inordinate amount of time in an office chair for weekly admin chores, Zoom meetings, and the like, so investing in a quality office chair will save you from both wealth and health issues in the long run. Trust us.
Whether your office chair is intended to complement a badass gaming laptop setup or home office space, choosing the perfect throne can make a world of a difference for your overall well-being and productivity. From the shape of your spine to the pressure placed on your back, these chairs can vastly improve your quality of life. Here are the best office chairs to test drive right now.
1. Steelcase Leap
The best office chair overall
Back Height from Seat: 25 inches | Seat Height from Floor: 15.5 to 20.5 inches | Seat Depth: 15.8 to 18.8 inches | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Size: 24.8 x 27 x 43.5 inches | Weight: 48 pounds
Steelcase has made a name for itself with frequent furniture innovations over the past 105 years. As popular with office executives as it is with Redditors, the Steelcase Leap improves upon the original design by increasing sizing and upholstery-customization options. The Leap's LiveBack and Natural Glide System technology aligns your spine and prevents limb strain. The comfortable knit-fabric material, advanced support technology and near universal size make the Leap our top office chair pick.
2. Herman Miller Aeron
Our runner-up pick
Back Height from Seat: 19 to 20.5 inches | Seat Height from Floor: 15 to 16 inches | Seat Depth: 16 to 18.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 to 350 pounds | Size : 38.5 x 26 x 16 to 28.3 x 18.5 x 43 inches | Weight: 40 to 43 pounds
Introduced in 1994, the Aeron was crafted with the modern home office worker in mind. Made from flexible elastic webbed polymer mesh, the Aeron cradles its users in any posture while allowing their body to breathe. While the extravagant price seems a bit steep, this investment comes with peace of mind, thanks to the brand's 12-year warranty. Its posture-correcting technology, eight-pressure-point relief system and breathable mesh make the Aeron a great choice for productivity.
3. Flexispot Soutien Ergonomic Office Chair
Comprehensive back support, from head to toe
Back Height from Seat: 22.1 inches | Seat Height from Floor: 16.9 to 19.7 inches | Seat Depth: 16.9 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Size: 48 to 51 x 27.2 x 23.8 inches | Weight: 45.1 pounds
Flexispot is mostly known for their standing desks, but they have a few other tricks up their sleeve when it comes to ergonomic office furniture. The Flexispot Soutien is a unique office chair that offers a 3D lumbar support system; 135-degree lounge tilt; and 4D adjustable armrests (ie, they move in four directions for maximum customization). Constructed from Italian-imported chenille and K+R temperature-sensitive fiber, it's as elegant as it is comfortable. Bottom line: Flexispot has your back.
4. Amazon Basics High Back Executive Chair
The best office chair for your budget
Back Height from Seat: N/A | Seat Height from Floor: N/A | Seat Depth: N/A | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds | Size: 26.8 x 26.3 x 45.3 inches | Weight: 32.7 pounds
An amazingly affordable option, this chair provides luxuries not seen on competitor department-store budget chairs in the same price range. Featuring tilt controls, a tension knob and height-adjustment handle, the Amazon Basics High-Back Executive makes it easy to find a comfortable fit. As one of the more affordable office chairs on this list, the Amazon Basics High Back Executive is easy to recommend for those looking to spend the least.
5. Ikea Markus
A stylish chair that's easy on the wallet
Back Height from Seat: 20.9 inches | Seat Height from Floor: 18.1 to 22.5 inches | Seat Depth: 18.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Size: 55.1 x 24.3 x 23.6 inches | Weight: 48.7 pounds
The Ikea Markus is a luxury executive chair at a dirt-cheap price. And for an extra $30, you can order the model with leather accents. Sporting a mesh back rest and an adjustable tilt and base, the Ikea Markus functions as a fantastic productivity chair. The model is built to withstand years of ups and downs, and comes with a 10-year warranty.
6. Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair
This office chair was built for comfort
Back Height from Seat: 17.2 to 23.4 inches | Seat Height from Floor: 17.2 to 21 inches | Seat Depth: 16.8 inches | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds | Size : 45.3 to 49.8 x 27.1 x 27.2 inches | Weight: N/A
Mesh construction, built-in lumbar support and plenty of adjustability settings for less than $200? It's possible, thanks to Staples. The Hyken is a beastly mesh chair that keeps you focused whether you're working on a spreadsheet or your Steam backlog. It features adjustable seat and arm height; a height- and angle-adjustable headrest; and outstanding back support.
7. AKRacing Core Series EX-Wide Gaming Chair
The perfect office chair/gaming chair combo
Back Height from Seat: 33.5 inches | Seat Height from Floor: 17.7 to 21 inches | Seat Depth: 19.7 inches | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Size: 25.6 x 23.6 x 59.1 inches | Weight: 57 pounds
The AKRacing Core Series offers a number of defining features, such as the ability to recline a full 180 degrees; adjustable armrests; and the most advanced gas lift on the market (Class 4). Don't let uppity chair purists get on your case about how "racing chairs" aren't meant to be comfortable, because the reviews speak for themselves. Plus, thanks to eight snazzy colors to choose from, they look pretty darn cool!
8. Serta Big and Tall Executive Office Chair
Ergonomic comfort for the giants among us
Back Height from Seat: 27 inches | Seat Height from Floor: 18.5 to 20.5 inches | Seat Depth: 19.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Size: 46.3 x 33 x 28.3 inches | Weight: 57.6 pounds
Yes, the Serta mattress brand has forayed into the office chair market. (In fact, they've been a mainstay for years.) Using AIR Lumbar support, this chair surrounds your lower back in plush comfort at all times. Ergonomically placed side panels control height and tilt tension without asking you to move too far. On top of a comfort-centric, big-and-tall design, this chair is incredibly eco-conscious. Made from recycled materials and fewer harsh chemicals than other chairs on the list, we wouldn't feel bad about buying two!
9. La-Z-Boy Bellamy Executive Office Chair (45783A)
This premium office chair is classy as hell
Back Height from Seat: 25 inches | Seat Height from Floor: 20 to 22.5 inches | Seat Depth: 20 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Size: 41.5 x 31.3 x 27 inches | Weight: 54.7 pounds
For those hunting for a high-end chair for the big and tall, check out the Bellamy by La-Z-Boy. AIR Lumbar support for the lower back helps improve posture and comfort. ComfortCore Plus memory foam bolsters the areas you need cushioned the most. With support for up to 250 pounds, a spacious seat and premium components, the Bellamy is a fine choice for bigger people.
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Hunter Fenollol is Laptop’s editorial intern, where he covers the latest industry news and products. With a public relations degree from Long Island University, Hunter worked as a publicity specialist for independent game companies prior to joining the team. When he’s not working, you can find Hunter blowing his paycheck on slot machines, babysitting his two little sisters or playing the latest video games.