The best office chairs for back pain we've tested and reviewed

The three best office chairs for back pain relief.
(Image credit: Future)

If you work a lot at a desk and you're worried about the health of your back, getting an ergonomic chair is a great investment. I've been testing the best office chairs for back pain for several years now, and I've seen how using them has had a massive positive knock on effect in my life. And the experts agree.

According to research by the University of Hampshire, if you work long hours at a desk, using an ergonomic chair that follows the natural curvature of your spine and provides support to your lower back can decrease the risk of developing a cumulative trauma disorder.

SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office Chair

Sihoo M18: $159.99 $127.99 at Amazon
Save $30:
This is my top pick of the best budget chairs with an ergonomic design. I really, really like this chair (I have two!), and love the grey and the green models. It's comfy, chic, and very, very cheap!

Price check: £179.99 at Sihoo

Branch Verve chair: $599 $466 at BranchSave $133:Price check: $589 at Amazon

Branch Verve chair: $599 $466 at Branch
Save $133: Talking of chic design and lovely colour options, there's no beating the Verve chair from Branch. The way the colour of the upholstery runs through into the brushed metal is classy, and it's another super comfy chair. A true designer's chair, this!

Price check:
$589 at Amazon

The Embody $1,830 $1,304 at Herman MillerSave 30%:

The Embody $1,830 $1,304 at Herman Miller
Save 30%:
Why not go for the best?! This currently (and for a while) my favourite office chair to use. It's unique-looking, cleverly engenered to be supremely ergonomic and comfy, and it's really like nothing else I've ever sat in. Clever, clever design; and plenty pricy, but with 30% off is lessens the blow. And you get a 12-year warrantee when you buy direct from Herman Miller.

Beren Neale headshot
Beren Neale

I have well over a decade of experience writing about creative tech, and have racked up hours testing and reviewing everything from laptops and monitors to office chairs. In 2020 I realised the importance of ergonomic office chairs to creatives. That's why I've dedicated myself to finding the best ergo chairs that creatives would be proud to sit on.

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Chair overview
AttributesNotesRating
DesignErgonomic, modern office chair★★★★★
MaterialsMetal, copper-infused cooling foam, plastics★★★★★
AdjustabilityFull adjustability, and leading arm rests★★★★★
PriceThe $1,000 + will exclude many budgets – but it's worth it★★★★
Our expert says...
Beren Neale headshot
Our expert says...
Beren Neale

Oooh, I love this chair. Every time I sit on it I feel supported in a way that I don't get from any other chair. Thanks to clever design, you're never stationary on it, instead you make micro movements that encourage blood flow and a healthy sitting experience.

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Chair overview
AttributesNotesRating
DesignModern office chair★★★★
MaterialsPlastic, mesh, metal and foam★★★★
AdjustabilityAll Sihoo chairs offer adjustability above their price tag★★★★★
PriceThis is a great buy for under $200★★★★★
Our expert says...
Beren Neale headshot
Our expert says...
Beren Neale

Good quality budget chairs are rare. Rarer still are great quality, brilliantly designed budget chairs. This is one of those rare beasts, and I think for the asking price, you can't get better (actually, for many more mid-priced chairs' asking price, you can't get better!)

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Chair overview
AttributesNotesRating
DesignA modern design classic.★★★★★
MaterialsBrushed metal, mesh and foam.★★★★★
AdjustabilityEntry level model has minimal.★★★★½
PriceFrom Herman Miller it's around $1,200 but come with a great warranty. ★★★★
Our expert says...
Beren Neale headshot
Our expert says...
Beren Neale

It's a design icon, and has been one of the most popular office chairs since its 1990s release. If you like design history, and sitting very comfortably, this is an excellent chair.

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Chair overview
AttributesNotesRating
DesignA classic, executive style with large leather panels. ★★★★★
MaterialsHeavy aluminum, memory foam seat and soft leather finish★★★★★
AdjustabilityFantastic 360º arm rests and back and seat adjustments★★★★★
PriceAround $1,139 at Amazon. As low as $999 over Black Friday ★★★★½
Our expert says...
Beren Neale headshot
Our expert says...
Beren Neale

Executive leather chairs can often be stuffy and trapped in the past – the X4 is very much part of the modern world, with its massage and warming/cooling features. It's a nimble yet sturdy leather chair that will offer a bit of luxury to your work set up.