Best Office Chairs 2021

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.

Steelcase Leap

(Image credit: Steelcase)

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

Sliding seat adjusts with you to ensure constant comfort
Sleek design
Great ergonomics
Upholstery gets dirty quickly
Very expensive

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. 

Herman Miller Aeron

(Image credit: Herman Miller)

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

Durable construction 
Tilt limiter
Multiple sizes
Expensive

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

Flexispot Soutien Ergonomic Office Chair

(Image credit: Flexispot)

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

3D lumbar support
Cushioned 4D armrest
Fully adjustable back support
Made from Italian-imported chenille
Premium price

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.

Amazon Basics High-Back Executive Chair

(Image credit: Amazon)

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

Quality chair at an affordable price
Sleek design
Lack of ventilation
Fewer customization options

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.

Ikea Marcus

(Image credit: Ikea)

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

Stylish
Affordable
Casters lock into place 
Not ideal for taller people

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. 

Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair

(Image credit: Staples)

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

Affordable
Comfortable
Adjustable arm height
Headrest sits a bit low

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.

AKRacing Core Series EX-Wide Gaming Chair

(Image credit: Amazon)

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

Stylish and loud
Tall back
Tons of features
Ergonomic design
Bucket seat isn't meant for long-term comfort

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!

Serta Big and Tall Executive Office Chair

(Image credit: Best Buy)

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

Premium build materials
Good lumbar support
Great for tall people
Expensive

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! 

La-Z-Boy Bellamy (45783A)

(Image credit: Amazon)

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

Spacious seating
ComfortCore Plus memory foam
Ergonomic controls
Lower weight capacity than the competition

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. 

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.