The best office chair for creatives

A group of workers chat while sitting on the best office chairs.
(Image credit: Thomas Barwick on Getty Images)

The best office chair is one of the few things in life that's worth spending a decent amount of money on. After all, consider how many hours we spend in our lives sitting at a desk... and how many more hours we might spend suffering discomfort, if we don't use a comfortable one.

So in the long term, it makes sense to take time and the best office chairs for your needs. To help you out, we've tried out and reviewed a range of chairs. And below we list those we've found the best in terms of comfort, design and more. 

Our guide features the best office chairs for a range of budgets, from more expensive options to some of the best cheap desk chairs. We've divided it into two sections, starting with the best office chairs in the US. So if you're on the other side of the pond, feel free to skip ahead to the best office chairs in the UK.

Meanwhile, if you're kitting out your office in full, then also check out our guides to the best standing desks. And if you're particularly worried about your spinal health, our guide to the best office chair for back pain will sort you out.

The best office chairs in the US

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Product shot of Herman Miller Aeron chair, one of the best office chairs

(Image credit: Herman Miller)
The absolute best office chair for creatives.

Specifications

Seat height: Adjustable
Seat width: Adjustable
Max load: Size A: 136 kg, Sizes B and C: 159 kg
Lumbar support: yes
Height adjustable: yes
Tilt lock: yes

Reasons to buy

+
Stylish design
+
Highly adjustable
+
Promotes good posture

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the cheapest

We make no apologies for including a second Herman Miller model on our list of the best office chairs. Firstly because Herman Miller is the most love and respected brand when it comes to chairs, and secondly because the Aeron is perhaps even more iconic than the Mirra 2.

Both are high-end, premium quality chairs, with brilliant ergonomic designs, at suitably premium prices. Both are aesthetically beautiful: the Aeron is more conservative and functional-looking, while the Mirra 2 is more youthful and funky, so it's largely a matter of personal choice. The Aeron is more configurable in terms of sizes, frames and back supports, but on the whole it's a little more expensive too, which is why we've made it number two on our list.

It's a close call, though, and it's worth weighing up both models depending on your needs. For more details, see our article Herman Miller Mirra 2 vs Aeron.

Product shot of Herman Miller Mirrar 2, one of the best office chairs

(Image credit: Herman Miller)
Another classic chair design.

Specifications

Seat height: Adjustable
Seat width: Not stated
Max load: Size A: 136 kg, Sizes B and C: 159 kg
Lumbar support: yes
Height adjustable: yes
Tilt lock: yes

Reasons to buy

+
Stylish design
+
Highly adjustable
+
Promotes good posture

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the cheapest

We'll start with the best office chair on the the market today. This iconic design from Herman Miller is designed to respond to your body and movements as you work, to ensure you're fully supported and comfortable at all times, and almost every part of the chair can be easily adjusted to fit you exactly. (For more about how an ergonomic chair can help your posture, see our guide to the seven factors that make an office chair ergonomic.)

The mesh 'TriFlex' back delivers zoned support, is breathable and can be cleaned thoroughly. Meanwhile the 'Airwave 2' seat distributes your weight evenly to eliminate pressure points. While it's not the cheapest model on our list, advanced features make this chair a worthwhile investment for your home office. See our Herman Miller Mirra 2 review for more details.

Product shot of Union & Scale chair, one of the best office chairs

(Image credit: Union & Scale)

03. Union & Scale FlexFit Dexley Mesh Task Chair

The best office chair from Staples.

Specifications

Seat height: Adjustable
Seat width: not stated
Max load: 275 lb
Lumbar support: yes
Height adjustable: yes
Tilt lock: yes

Reasons to buy

+
Super comfortable
+
Easy to adjust
+
Quick assembly 

The Union & Scale FlexFit Dexley is a comfy desk chair that's easy to adjust to your perfect seated position. It has adjustable lumbar support that you can slide up and down, tilt tension and tilt lock options, and even an angle-adjustable headrest. 

The breathable mesh material will stop you getting too sweaty on hot days (plus can be cleaned easily). We like the blue colour – although it's also available in black if you prefer – and think this office chair would be a fitting addition to plenty of workspaces. It also comes with a seven-year limited manufacturer's guarantee.

Product shot of Secretlab Titan Evo, one of the best office chairs

(Image credit: Secretlab)
The best office chair for gaming

Specifications

Seat height: adjustable 49.5 - 58.5cm
Seat width: 52cm
Max load: 180g (XL version)
Lumbar support: yes
Height adjustable: yes
Tilt lock: yes

Reasons to buy

+
Great comfort 
+
Adjustable, integrated lumbar support
+
High-quality design and construction

Reasons to avoid

-
Design not for everyone
-
Limited height adjustment

The best office chairs for gamers may suit you better than you think. Although the Secretlab Titan Evo was designed for gamers, we think designers, illustrators or anyone who sits in a chair for a long period of time will find it exceedingly comfortable to use. And while the look of a gaming chair might not appeal to everyone, this option from Secretlab tones down the racing-style look and could actually pass as quite an elegant office chair, even for meetings with clients. 

This gaming office chair boasts user-friendly ergonomics with an advanced base that allows tilt of the seat pan as well as the back. It has a soft memory foam neck pillow and built-in adjustable lumbar support. It has 4D armrests a comfortable seat rest, and even a magnetic head cushion – which means no more fiddly straps.

The chair is available in three sizes: S, R, and XL, and you can choose from a new "Neo Hybrid Leatherette" material or Secretlab's excellent Softweave fabric. It might seem like an expensive chair, but this is a great investment in comfort, and you get a three-year warranty too. See our Secretlab Titan Evo review for more details. And if you want more gaming options, see our best gaming chairs guide.

Product shot of Noblechairs Icon Gaming Chair, one of the best office chairs

(Image credit: Noblechairs)

05. Noblechairs Icon Gaming Chair

A stylish yet supportive gaming chair.

Specifications

Seat height: 46.5-56.5cm
Seat width: 34cm
Max load: 28kg
Lumbar support: yes
Height adjustable: yes
Tilt lock: yes

Reasons to buy

+
Smart for a gaming chair
+
Adjustable arm rests  
+
Choice of fabric finishes

Reasons to avoid

-
Armrests could be better quality

Gaming chairs generally have a reputation for being super comfy but quite ugly – or at least very distinctive – to look at. The Noblechairs Icon Gaming Chair manages to find a happy middle ground. 

Available in real leather, faux leather or PU hybrid leather and a range of colourways, this chair can do double duty as both office chair and gaming chair. The armrest can be adjusted in four dimensions and the back can be reclined back to a massive 135 degrees (that's basically lying down – we don't recommend it for your working day). Online reviews praise how solid and good quality it feels, but a few customers have commented the armrests feel flimsy for the price. 

Product shot of Mainstays Vinyl and Mesh Task Office Chair, one of the best office chairs

(Image credit: Mainstays)

06. Mainstays Vinyl and Mesh Task Office Chair

The best cheap office chair.

Specifications

Seat width: 16.75"
Max load: 250 lbs
Lumbar support: no
Height adjustable: yes
Tilt lock: not stated

Reasons to buy

+
Bargain price
+
Easy assembly

Reasons to avoid

-
No armrests
-
US only

Short on funds? The cheap and cheerful Mainstays Vinyl and Mesh Task Office Chair is another great value pick. For around the $50 mark, this office chair is easy to put together, height-adjustable, and comes in a range of colourways. 

There's a generously padded back and seat although no armrests (but you may not find you need them when you're sitting at a desk). You may need to purchase a lumbar cushion if you're going to be doing long stints sitting on this. Overall, though, in terms of ease of assembly, use and value for money, it's a winner.

Product shot of IKEA's Markus swivel chair, one of the best office chairs

07. IKEA Markus swivel chair

The best office chair from IKEA.

Specifications

Seat height: 48-57cm
Seat width: 53cm
Max load: not stated
Lumbar support: yes
Height adjustable: yes
Tilt lock: yes

Reasons to buy

+
Lumbar support
+
Automatic brake

Reasons to avoid

-
Armrests can't be adjusted

Another budget option, IKEA's Markus office chair is the kind of effective no-frills option you'd expect from the Scandinavian store. This smart black chair comes with in-built lumbar support to keep your back happy, and the height and back tilt can be adjusted to make sure it's perfectly comfortable for you. The mesh back lets air circulate and can be cleaned easily, too.

The Markus isn't entirely without clever add-ons, either, including brakes that automatically kick in when you stand up, to ensure the chair doesn't roll away. Like all IKEA products, it has been rigorously tested to ensure its longevity – and for extra peace of mind, there's a 10-year limited warranty. 

Our only complaint is that the armrests aren't adjustable, although they can be removed altogether, if you like. See our guide to the best office chairs at IKEA for more options from the Swedish furniture giant.

The best office chairs in the UK

Product shot of Herman Miller Mirrar 2, one of the best office chairs

(Image credit: Herman Miller)

01. Herman Miller Mirra 2

The best office chair overall.

Specifications

Seat height: Adjustable
Seat width: not stated
Max load: Size A: 136 kg, Sizes B and C: 159 kg
Lumbar support: yes
Height adjustable: yes
Tilt lock: yes

Reasons to buy

+
Iconic design
+
Can aid posture
+
Temperature control

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey

The Herman Miller Mirra 2 chair is a design icon, and not just because it's so stylish and attractive. With 10 different adjustment systems, the Mirra 2 is a refined, comfortable and fantastically supportive office desk chair. 

It definitely isn't the cheapest model out there (see below for some cheaper office chair alternatives). But the posture support is excellent, making this one of the most ergonomic office chairs you can buy. It's also designed to regulate temperature, meaning that you can easily sit at it for hours without getting all hot and sweaty. The Herman Miller Aeron (number 2 on our list) is equally good, but as the Mirrar 2 is a little more affordable, that pushes it to number one on our list.

Product shot of Herman Miller Aeron chair, one of the best office chairs

(Image credit: Herman Miller)

02. Herman Miller Aeron

The runner-up best office chair.

Specifications

Seat height: Adjustable
Seat width: Adjustable
Max load: Size A: 136 kg, Sizes B and C: 159 kg
Lumbar support: yes
Height adjustable: yes
Tilt lock: yes

Reasons to buy

+
Designer looks
+
Very flexible
+
Ergonomically designed

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

Herman Miller's Aeron is arguably even more iconic than the Mirra 2. And it's a fantastic office chair. We've only put it second on our list because it's a little more expensive (well, depending on the configuration). But if you can stretch to the extra cost, there's an awful lot to like.

Aeron is the elder of the two models, and it's been honed to perfection since its introduction in the 1990s. This is a premium quality chair that's both aesthetically attractive and ergonomically designed, so it will look good, and help you feel good after a long session at your desk. 

As with the Mirra 2, it can support up to 159kg/350lbs and comes with a 12-year extended warranty. The seat is made from 8Z Pellicle polymer mesh, which feels quite 'floaty' when you sit on it, compared with the Mirra 2's more rigid seat. But generally, choosing between them will come down to budget, and which you like the look of best. For more details, see our guide to Herman Miller Mirra 2 vs Aeron.

Product shot of GT OMEGA PRO Racing Gaming Chair, one of the best office chairs

(Image credit: GT Omega)

03. GT Omega Pro Racing Office Chair

The best office chair for gamers.

Specifications

Seat height: adjustable
Seat width: 68cm
Max load: 120kg
Lumbar support: yes
Height adjustable: yes
Tilt lock: yes

Reasons to buy

+
4 reclining options
+
Supreme comfort

Reasons to avoid

-
Design not for everyone

The GT Omega Pro Racing Office Chair has been fundamentally designer for gamers.  But if you sit down for a long time for work, then you'll also benefit from the extreme comfort and wealth of features.

With this chair, you get maximum support, with cushions for your back and head.You can customise your recline to the max as well, with the four positions, which go all the way back to practically horizontal. 

The armrest is '4D' adjustible and the handy tilt lock mechanism gives you even more control. The chair comes in leather with a purple trim, which is a statement we know. But if you can live with the bold design, you won't regret this choice.

Product shot of Noblechairs Icon Gaming Chair, one of the best office chairs

(Image credit: Noblechairs)

04. Noblechairs Icon Gaming Chair

A gaming chair that looks like an office chair.

Specifications

Seat height: 46.5-56.5cm
Seat width: 34cm
Max load: 128kg
Lumbar support: yes
Height adjustable: yes
Tilt lock: yes

Reasons to buy

+
Refined look
+
Choice of faux and real leather types
+
Arm rests adjustable 

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't look like a true gamer's chair

If you are looking for a gaming chair that will double as a suitable office chair, then the Noblechairs Icon Gaming Chair is it. The all-black luxury look is just what you need to make yourself look the part in those power Zoom pitches – but it has all the features to keep you comfortable for long hours of after-hours gameplay. 

Faux leather options keep the price at a sensible level – but for utter decadence you can get the Icon in plush napa leather too. With a German design inspired by sports car interiors, this has all the adjustments you'd hope for to ensure correct posture and comfort.

Product shot of Markus swivel chair, one of the best office chairs

05. IKEA Markus swivel chair

The best office chair from IKEA.

Specifications

Seat height: 48-57cm
Seat width: 53cm
Max load: not stated
Lumbar support: yes
Height adjustable: yes
Tilt lock: yes

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable price
+
Consistent lumbar support

Reasons to avoid

-
Fixed armrests

It might not look particularly exciting, but IKEA's Markus office chair ticks a lot of boxes – and at this price it's not just one of the top chairs at IKEA, it's one of the best full stop. You can adjust its height, there's built-in lumbar support and the mesh material means the air can get to your back, which is great when you're sitting down for long periods. There's also a brake that engages when you stand up, to help avoid that awkward moment when your chair slides out from beneath you. 

Many office chairs feature a back support that moulds into your back over time, but not everyone gets on with this system. The Markus chair's back support combats this by re-puffing when you get up. Happily, it also comes with a 10-year guarantee. The only real downside is that the armrests aren't adjustable, which might be a problem depending on your height and the height of your desk. However, they are removable so you can get rid of them if they start to annoy.  

Product shot of Blair Desk Chair, one of the best office chairs

(Image credit: Zipcode)

06. Blair Desk Chair

The best office chair from Wayfair.

Specifications

Seat height: Adjustable
Seat width: 53cm
Max load: 113kg
Lumbar support: no
Height adjustable: yes
Tilt lock: no

Reasons to buy

+
Stylish design
+
Small and compact

Reasons to avoid

-
No armrests
-
UK only

Wayfair has plenty of office chair options, but we like this

, which comes in blue and mustard. It might lack some of the more sophisticated features on this list, but it's ideal if you just want an attractive design that's comfortable, with no-fuss. Some people may find the lack of armrests an annoyance, but if you don't think you'll use them then they do make the chair's design a lot neater. This chair is also very easy to put together, and costs under £125. What's not to like?

The best office chair prices today

For more of the best current prices on office chair, see the options listed below. 

Read more: 

Beren Neale
Ecom Editor

Beren has worked on creative titles at Future Publishing for over 13 years. Cutting his teeth as Staff Writer on the digital art magazine ImagineFX, he moved on to edit several creative titles, and is currently the Ecommerce Editor on the most effective creative website in the world. When he's not testing and reviewing the best ergonomic office chairs, phones, laptops, TVs, monitors and various types of storage, he can be found finding and comparing the best deals on the tech that creatives value the most.