The best office chairs for back pain: ergonomic thrones reviewed after weeks of tests

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

If you work at a desk and you're worried about the health of your back, getting an ergonomic chair is a good investment. I've been testing ergonomic chairs since 2020, and using them has had a positive 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.

Beren Neale headshot
Beren Neale

I have over a decade's experience writing about creative tech, and have reviewed everything from laptops and monitors to ergonomically designed office chairs. In 2020 I realised the importance of a good office chair for creative professionals. That's why I've dedicated myself to finding the best ergo chairs that creatives would be proud to sit on.

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.

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.

The Sihoo M18 is one of those rare beasts, and I think for the asking price or around $200, you just can't get better.

Actually, for the asking price of many more mid-priced chairs, you can't get better! In my mind, it's the best value office chair out there.

Our expert says
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Our expert says
Beren Neale

This mid-price option is a fantastic chair that has 'bestseller' written all over it. Chic while offering loads of ergonomic adjustments, it wants to be a great chair for the maximum number of users, and nails it.

Our expert says...
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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.

Our expert says...
Beren Neale headshot
Our expert says...
Beren Neale

This is such a fresh, beautiful modern chair, squarely aimed at the discerning designer or creative type.

Luckily it's as comfortable as it is gorgeous, and I love the colour ranges you can choose from. Arms could be better though...

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 setup.

Our expert says...
A headshot of the journalist Tom May.
Our expert says...
Tom May

Aesthetically, it's stylish, and functionally, it's hugely flexible. If you like the idea of shifting positions throughout the day to keep yourself alert and protect your posture, this quirky chair could be just the ticket.

Our expert says...
Beren Neale headshot
Our expert says...
Beren Neale

It's a great chair for smaller areas, and it looks distinguished and stylish (it's design was based on the Golden Gate Bridge). I enjoyed its comfort, and though I wasn't blown away by the arm rests, it's a popular chair for creatives for a reason.

Our expert says...
Beren Neale headshot
Our expert says...
Beren Neale

This is the only gaming chair on the list, and that's because it's one of the few gaming chairs to really focus on ergonomics. It's a cracking, comfortable chair with a distinct gaming aesthetic. It's very breathable, very pretty, and it's made with fantastic quality materials.

Joel Olive, Senior Product Manager, Herman Miller
Joel Olive

Joel has worked for Herman Miller for over a decade, most recently as a senior product manager. With a degree in mechanical engineering, Joel is a global sourcing and product development expert, and knows a thing or two about how to get the best out of ergonomic chairs.

Herman Miller Mirra 2Read our 4.5/5* review

Herman Miller Mirra 2
It's another iconic design from the American furniture company, and one who's design has been borrowed in other chair designs since its release in 2013. It is supremely comfortable, supportive and ergonomic, but will cost you over a grand when bought at retail price.
Read our 4.5/5* review

Hinomi X1 office chairRead my 3/5* review

Hinomi X1 office chair
At around $600, Hinomi has positioned the X1 at the higher end of the mid-range of office chairs. The range of adjustments on the X1 are great – it is a well built, ergonomic chair. But I'm not a fan of the butterfly back look (you may be), and I'm not a user that uses the foot rest (again, if you do, this is a great option).
Read my 3/5* review

Boulies Fit ProRead my 3.5/5* review

Boulies Fit Pro
One for the UK, this one, as for whatever reason Boulies ceased selling the Fit Pro in the US. And that's a shame, as this is a good firm office chair that offers comfort and style in equal measure. It isn't the most ergonomic, however, and definitely not for anyone that wants a proper deep-sinking comfort from their chairs.
Read my 3.5/5* review

ErgoChair Plus office chairRead my 4/5* review

ErgoChair Plus office chair
This is a very comfortable chair with a cool plastic spinal mesh back support (that you may recognise from other chairs on the the above list). It's also a good deal when bought at around the $399 mark, making it a decent mid-range priced chair.
Read my 4/5* review

Flexispot OC13 chairRead my 3.5/5* review

Flexispot OC13 chair
I really liked the Game Boy-grey of the OC13, and the whole look of it is retro chic. It's not the most ergonomic chair on the list, but it had enough support for the back to make it. And at around $300, it's a decent budget option.
Read my 3.5/5* review

Vertagear SL5800 gaming chairRead my 3/5* review

Vertagear SL5800 gaming chair
A snug, comfortable fit, this is usually cheaper than the best gaming chair above. I liked the neck pillow and airflow design. I've seen this model go for under $500.
Read my 3/5* review

Flexispot BS9 office chairRead our 3.5/5* review

Flexispot BS9 office chair
If you'd like a splash of colour – orange in this case – a budget price tag and entry-level ergonomics, the BS9 is a good option. At around $200, this is one of the cheapest chairs on this list, but still comfortable enough for long hours at the desk.
Read our 3.5/5* review

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.