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.
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Joel Olive, Herman Miller's senior product manager for the Aeron chair is clear why he's dedicated to ergonomic chairs: "Nearly 80 per cent of all people in the US that work in an office complain of back pain," he states. For more on what he suggests to combat this, head to the Chair expert Q&A section.
Based on expert best practice, when reviewing ergonomic chairs I consider back support, adjustability, comfort, build quality and materials. I also consider the design and the price (I've put together a list of the best budget chairs if that's your chief concern). I spend months with each chair to get a proper feel for each one, and make notes on every feature and how it makes me feel. I use each chair for office work, for gaming, and just hanging out on. Read on for my list of the best office chairs for back pain.
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.
This is the most comfortable chair I've ever sat on. It's the ultimate ergonomic chair that promotes micro-movements and therefore healthy blood flow. It also has the best arm rests in the business. A fantastic office chair (weirdly marketed as a gaming chair in the UK), which will set you back a suitable amount. One of only three chairs I've given a full five star review to. Read more below
Sihoo has made its name by providing decent budget chair options to the world – but they struck gold with the M18. It punches way above its weight when it comes to comfort, ergonomics and cool. And it's regularly priced under $200 direct from Sihoo. This is the best budget chair money can buy right now. One of only three chairs I've given a full five star review to. Read more below
Another five-star chair with a mid-range price, this is going to be a winning ergonomic option for a lot of people (especially those who want a little bit more comfort than No 2 on the list. Extra points too for its beautifully chic design – this is a lovely-looking object – and for the extensive adjustability that means it should suit just about anybody. Read more below
The Aeron was first released in 1994 and has been a leader in the ergonomic chair game ever since. It's an iconic design, and extremely comfortable to sit in, with a suitable price tag attached. It's packed with excellent features and adjustability. Read more below
Branch is a San Fransico company that's released a beautifully designed ergonomic chair with the Verve. But it's not just looks. It's comfortable, with great adjustable lumbar support too. Only downside is the lack of adjustable arms. Read more below
Built from premium materials, including Italian leather, the X4 gives you solid support and supreme comfort. It's fairly heavy at 31kg, but with that weight comes incredible back support, and a soft-yet-solid comfort that feels great - plus plenty of adjustability, and optional features like a headrest, 360 degree armrests, and massage and heating pads. Read more below
While it looks unusual, this chair allows you to sit as if you are saddling a horse, which is reportedly beneficial for countering back pain - though you will need to regularly adjust your position. It has good lumbar and lower back support, and it’s very comfortable and adjustable too. Read more below
This chic, offbeat take on the classic Herman Miller chairs comes in a slightly smaller form factor and at a more affordable price point. It still has a sharp design and great ergonomic features, providing an excellent balance between support and comfort, not to mention great air circulation. Read more below
Don't let its backless form factor fool you; if you want an effective, beautiful-looking seating solution that will benefit your back and body, the Muista stool is worth your time. It encourages you to move while seated, encouraging blood flow and keeping your muscles gently engaged Read more below
If you're a gamer, look no further than the Secretlab Titan Evo. It's sturdy, comfortable and feature-filled, with a fully adjustable lumbar support system. This premium racing seat uses cold-cure foam for padding, has a magnetic headrest and comes in a range of sizes for various body types. Read more below
With generous proportions and payload capacity, this chair is ideal for users who need a bigger seat or larger capacity. It works as a gaming chair and an office chair, and is comfy enough for marathon sessions. Read more below
✅ You want the best ergonomics: The Embody is the best ergonomic chair I've reviewed to date. It's both incredibly comfortable, and incredibly supportive. It's has loads of adjustability for your specific body type, but more than that, it is designed to support whatever siting position you prefer. There's not another chair on the market that does this. ✅ You want peace of mind after purchase: If you buy straight through Herman Miller, you get their 12-year warranty, including parts and labour. This is the the best warranty that I've come across so far, and speaks to the confidence that Herman Miller has with its chairs.
Don't buy it if:
❌ Budget is important to you: There's no two ways about it, the Herman Miller chairs, and the Embody in particular, are expensive chairs. That is fine if you want to commit to a chair for the rest of your life. But if a low budget is your priority, this is not the chair for you – even during sales! ❌ You don't want to make a design statement: It's totally subjective, of course, but if you don't like the look of the Embody, then you probably shouldn't get it. With such a steep price tag, you should feel 100% happy with everything about this chair, and I can see how its aesthetics could put people off. I personally love it, but you're not buying it for me!
The bottom line
🔎 Embody: This is the most comfortable, most ergonomic, and cleverest chair I've ever sat on, and if you can afford it, I don't think you'll find better. ★★★★★
"More than 20 physicians and PhDs in the fields of biomechanics, vision, physical therapy, and ergonomics contributed their expertise to help guide the development of this chair," proudly states the Herman Miller website, about the Embody. And that sounds very impressive. But what does it actually mean to the user asked to spend over a grand on it? It means you'll own the most comfortable, supportive office chair out there. It's certainly the most exceptional office chair that I've ever used.
As the resident chair expert at Creative Bloq, I've tried and tested loads of office chairs and stools, and have a pretty good context for ranking them in categories such as ergonomics, comfort, design, etc. The Embody is top of the class in all categories, apart from price point. It will set you back north of a grand, and that's even with a decent sale going on. And while that will immediately have people scroll further down this page, for those that want an investment in their office furnature, I think that's great value for what you get.
Good ergonomic chairs accommodate, even encourage, movement. That may sound strange for a piece of furniture that you sit on, but according to Esports Medicine and PM&R Physician Dr Lindsey Migliore, "constant changes to your posture are integral to healthy sitting." It's because if you're sat in the exact same position for hours on end, pressure builds on your ischial tuberosities (sitting bones), and your hips, lower back and shoulders.
The Embody encourages micro-movements thanks to its unique design. It has linked chains and panels in the back and seat, distributing your weight so small movements feel lighter and easier than usual. When I sit in the Embody, it's just a joy to naturally adjust on the seat, and no matter what position I'm in – leaning on one side, stretching arms over the back, or doing my best impression of what 'good posture' is meant to be (we all do it!), I'm super comfortable and feel supported. It's a hell of an experience.
Our expert says...
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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Embody overview
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
Ergonomic, modern office chair
★★★★★
Materials
Metal, copper-infused cooling foam, plastics
★★★★★
Adjustability
Full adjustability, and leading arm rests
★★★★★
Price
The $1,000 + will exclude many budgets – but if you want the best, it's worth it
✅ You're on a budget: At under $200, and with comfort and style to spare, the M18 is simply the best value chair that I've reviewed. Exceptional value for money, that puts even some of the mid- and high-price Sihoo chairs to shame. ✅ You want more than a budget usually gives you: It may be cheap in price, but there's a sense of style that is lacking in other chairs that sings in the M18. The ergonomics are solid, it's super comfy, and I love the headrest and foam seat.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want the best ergonomics: The M18 gets five stars because it gives you so much more than you should really expect for the price. But if you can afford more, then there are obviously better chairs out there. See the next chair in the list (for under $500). ❌ You hate lengthy constructions: Sihoo is famous for its budget chairs, but it's also famous for its lengthy assembling. It's one of the ways the company cuts costs, and it'll usually take you around 20/30 minutes to construct.
The bottom line
🔎 Sihoo M18: I was so impressed by this chair. Some chairs just work, and the M18 is one of them. I think from the front it looks great – chic even – though the back is more standard Sihoo fair. It's all in the sitting, however, and the M18 is really comfy, has good ergonomics, and has one of the best headrests out there. And all for under $200?! Absolute bargain. ★★★★★
This is not the first time that a Sihoo chair has held the best budget option on this list. In fact, the M18 takes the crown from the Sihoo M57 – a decent option for sure, but just not as stylish, not as comfortable, and not as good value as the new best budget chair, the Sihoo M18.
Yes, somehow Sihoo managed to produce a chair with a lower price tag that offered more features and has more style. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that I far prefer the M18 to some of the more mid-priced chairs that Sihoo produces. I just really clicked with the M18, and to date it is the second only chair that I've given a full five star review to. The other is the very best chair on the market – the Herman Miller Embody.
Although the M18 uses the same materials as the previous choice, there's something more going on in its design, and with multiple colour options available, it just doesn't feel 'cheap' like the M57 did. In fact its mix or mesh and foam works really well on the seat and the heat rest. Of course, there's no leather, no memory foam, no brushed metal finishes. But having sat in and reviewed dozens of office chairs, I honestly think the Sihoo M18 does so much with what it has, at such an attractive asking price, that it's currently the best budget option out there.
Our expert says...
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.
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M18 overview
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
Minimalist design
★★★★★
Materials
Plastic, mesh, metal and foam
★★★★
Adjustability
All Sihoo chairs offer adjustability above their price tag
✅ You want a modern classic design: The Aeron's design is a modern classic. It was made in 1994, and has become famous around the world. ✅ You want weightless comfort: It's not only beautiful. The Aeron is beautifully put together, and cradles you in the air. It's incredibly comfortable. ✅ You want the best ergonomics: The Aeron was one of the first ergonomic chairs to be made, and the human form hasn't changed much since then. It supports you in all the right places.
Don't buy it if
❌ You're on an ultra-slim budget: This mid-range chair isn't particularly expensive, but there are cheaper chairs out there for sure. ❌ You want something pre-assembled: While assembly is pretty straightforward, it is required.
The bottom line
🔎 Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro: A home run. This chic, charming, highly functional office chair offers tons of ergonomic adjustments, as well as a thick, soft seat that delivers exceptional comfort. ★★★★★
I was completely won over by this chair. Branch has released a few excellent office chairs, another of which you'll meet further down this list, but I reckon the top mid-range pick for most users has got to be the Ergonomic Chair Pro. It's stylishly made, it offers tons of adjustability, it's got comfort for days and offers plenty of different material options (including both leather and faux-leather). What more could you want?
Requiring some fairly straightforward assembly, the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro is stunningly pretty, and is all about ergonomic support, gently helping you sit in ways that promote healthy blood flow and posture. It's adjustable enough that it can be tailored to suit any sitter – though if you're taller than six feet, you will want to spring an extra $30 for the version with the taller cylinder.
Price-wise, this isn't the cheapest chair but it's also a long way from the most expensive – substantially more affordable than the likes of the Herman Miller Aeron, at around $499. For that money, I think it's a bargain quite frankly, and it's an easy recommend from me for the best mid-price office chair for back pain.
Our expert says
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.
✅ You want a modern classic design: The Aeron's design is a modern classic. It was made in 1994, and has become famous around the world. ✅ You want weightless comfort: It's not only beautiful. The Aeron is beautifully put together, and cradles you in the air. It's incredibly comfortable. ✅ You want the best ergonomics: The Aeron was one of the first ergonomic chairs to be made, and the human form hasn't changed much since then. It supports you in all the right places.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're not sure which model to get: The Aeron comes not only in small, medium and large. You also get the 'entry-level' model which doesn't have the adjustable arms or lumbar support. It is cheaper though. ❌ You're on a budget: It's the most expensive chair on this list, when taking the retail price. You can get it cheaper in sale, but you'll miss the Herman Miller warranty.
The bottom line
🔎 Aeron: The Herman Miller's Aeron chair is a designer's dream. It's a beautiful thing to look at, and you feel supported and comfortable when sitting in it. All that iconic class will cost you though. ★★★★½
The Herman Miller Aeron is one of the original ergonomic office chairs, and having had one material and performance update since its 1994 release, it's a design that's stood the test of time.
It's tempting to resort to hyperbole when recommending a product to a creative audience which nails form and function as well as the Aeron. I've used it as my primary work seat for 12 weeks at the time of writing, and it's definitely one of the most comfortable, supporting and stylish chair I've ever used.
So much so that it initially crashed straight into the top spot of our list of the best chairs for back pain, knocking the brilliant X4 Executive leather chair off its perch. The only reason it's been moved down to three again, is that the X-Chair just offers way more adjustability, which is really important in ergonomic chairs. However, it's an incredibly close call!
There's something comforting (and comfortable) about the reduced adjustment options in the 'entry level' model of the Aeron I reviewed. It says something of the supreme confidence of Herman Miller: how the initial design decisions play out so effectively in the end results of comfort and support.
If you're buying the Aeron directly from Herman Miller, the price is a little steep – though you do get a great 12-year warranty. Over $1,000 is a lot for anyone's wallet, though I have seen the price drop as low as $711 over at Amazon, so you can definitely get deals on this iconic chair.
Our expert says...
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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Aeron overview
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
A modern design classic.
★★★★★
Materials
Brushed metal, mesh and foam.
★★★★★
Adjustability
Entry level model has minimal.
★★★★½
Price
From Herman Miller it's around $1,200 but come with a great warranty.
Colours: Black, coral, light grey, dark grey, green and blue
Weight: 18kg
Max load: 125kg
Assembly: Needs assembly
Warrenty : Seven years
Reasons to buy
+
Great design
+
Comfortable
+
Good lumbar support
Reasons to avoid
-
Arm rests not adjustable
-
Limited height
Buy it if
✅ You want a seriously stylish chair: Branch's Verve is one of my favourite chairs out there when it comes to aesthetics. It looks gorgeous, seamlessly covering its colour across all materials. The curves and lines of the chair are really well thought out. A lot of time and money have been spent on how this chair looks and feels. ✅ You want the best mid-priced chair: The Verve retails at $549 straight from the Branch website, but I've already seen it cheaper over at Amazon. For the quality of design, this is an excellent price, and my personal favourite mid-price chair out there.
Don't buy it if:
❌ Adjustable arm rests are top list: I love everything about this chair... apart from the arm rests. They look great, but they're just a little thin and wobbly and the height mechanism is a little clunky. It's the only reason the Verve chair doesn't have maximum five stars.
The bottom line
🔎 Verve: Created by a Brooklyn company, the Verve is as stylish as you'd expect. But this is not a case of looks over substance. The Verve is a fairly priced, incredibly comfortable chair that has all the ergonomic adjustments you'd want... apart from the arm rests. ★★★★½
To sum up my three-month review of the Brand Verve chair: I love it. I think high on the list of the things I love about this chair, is its aesthetic and design, including the sweeping colour that covers all various materials seamlessly. I've not seen that anywhere else, and I think it's a point of difference that will catch many an eye.
I also love the easy assembly and simplicity of use once it's all put together. But of course, it wouldn't have made this list if I couldn't also recommend its comfort and ergonomic support. Put all that together, and sell it for the higher end of the mid-price range, just under $600, and you've got a class act on your hands.
So why not a five star review? Because throughout the process of putting the chair together and then using it, Branch set the bar super high for itself. That means when I noticed a flaw, or had a niggle about one feature, that issue was magnified in my mind. They made a rod for themselves by offering perfection, and they (well, the arms) didn't quite make it. Where other ergo chairs usually offer many adjustment options in their arm rests, the Verve just goes for up and down – no side movement, or tilt.
Still, it is near-perfect, and stunning to behold, and all for nearly half the price of the higher-end chairs on this list.
Our expert says...
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...
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Verve overview
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
Full colour coverage, this is a design standout.
★★★★★
Materials
Coloured aluminium, plastic mesh, fabric and foam.
✅ You want a classic executive chair: This is not your usual mesh affair, and real leather isn't for everyone. But for those that want that touch of luxury, this is a beautiful, premium model. ✅ Arm rests are important to you: The X4's 360º arm rests are some of the best on the market, with maximum adjustability and comfort. ✅ You want a solid build: The X4 has a very heavy, solid metal base. That means that while you enjoy the soft leather furnishings at surface level, you also feel the heft of the chair under you.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're vegetarian: X-Chair uses real Italian leather for the X4, and there's lots of it. ❌ You're on a budget: We've found the cheapest entry-level model of the X4 for $999, but that's still a grand! If you're on a tighter budget, keep scrolling down this page. ❌ You don't like lots of buying decisions: When bought through X-Chair, there are actually a lot of options before you get to the 'buy' button. Too many! It's a little annoying.
The bottom line
🔎 X-Chair's X4: I first reviewed the X4 back in early 2023 - and it's still one of my favourite office chairs, which I still enjoy using. It's supremely comfortable, and offers great ergonomic support, in both adjustable lumbar support and arm rests. ★★★★★
I've been using the X4 chair continuously in my home office for over a year now, and think it's the best ergonomic chair that I've reviewed so far, and I feel that it is the best option for most people. Here's why...
First off, the X4 Executive leather chair is one of the most comfortable ergonomic chairs. Its leather/foam combination is soft and the metal base build is solid so you get a combination of comfort and support that feels reassuring. And, when you pay extra for the 360º armrests, you get the absolute best armrests out there.
There are no surprising notes to make on the look of the X4 (though you can mix things up with one of the eight different colours that are on offer). I'd say the look is classic, with a pleasing two-part back, and a singular base making up the seat. Most importantly, the X4 really shines when you sit in it for any length of time. Built from hard plastic, chrome aluminium, mesh and leather, the X4 gives you all the solid support you'd want from a premium ergonomic chair, while also providing supreme comfort too.
It's one of the heaviest chairs featured on this list, clocking in at 31kg (that's twice the weight of some of the others). That solidity goes into providing incredible back support, and a soft-yet-solid comfort that feels great. It's also best for most people because it's really adjustable. There are loads of feature options as well, including headrest, 360 degree armrests, and massage and heating pads. For more information, check out our X-Chair X4 Executive chair review.
Our expert says...
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.
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X4 overview
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
A classic, executive style with large leather panels.
★★★★★
Materials
Heavy aluminum, memory foam seat and soft leather finish
★★★★★
Adjustability
Fantastic 360º arm rests and back and seat adjustments
★★★★★
Price
Around $1,139 at Amazon. As low as $999 over Black Friday
✅ You want to move when sitting: That may sound strange, but the HÅG Capisco encourages many movements when you're sat on it – which is great for blood flow and keeping your back and joints healthy. ✅ A Scandinavian look is what you want: It's a pretty iconic look. Certainly nothing looks quite like it. We like it – but do you? ✅ Your job involves you moving a lot: The Capisco has been used extensively in the medical professions, where users move to and from it, and while on it, all day long.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want a sink-in chair: There's no reclining on the HÅG Capisco. Ever. That's because it doesn't have a back to speak of. No arm rests either. But that's kind of the point of the design. No lounging, but moving instead. ❌ You're on a budget: It's another of the quality chairs on the list that breaks the grand mark. It's certainly an investment, but not a cheap one.
The bottom line
🔎 Capisco: This saddle chair won't be for everyone. But the fidgety user on the move will find it perfect. It is also plenty comfortable, and encourages you to move about while sitting down. ★★★★
The HÅG Capisco looks a little different from the other chairs on this list. That’s because it’s a saddle chair, which allows you to sit as if you are saddling a horse. This has been found to be beneficial for countering and preventing back pain in research such as this study from Cardiff University. In our HÅG Capisco 8106 chair review we noted that you keep adjusting how you sit, which in turn helps with blood flow and posture, ultimately easing back discomfort. The fact that the chair's design also gives it a unique aesthetic is cool. Ultimately, whether you like that look is totally subjective. I think it's neat, and fit into my home office set up more discreetly than other chairs with higher backs that I've reviewed. You may think it looks weird. Horses for courses!
Saddle chairs are most popular amongst medical professionals, but their use has spread to other types of workplace. They're especially good for use with standing desks. The HÅG Capisco has a wider saddle while the HÅG Capisco Plus has a firmer, narrower saddle that allows you to sit with your legs closer together.
Providing good lumbar and lower back support, it’s very comfortable and very adjustable too. The seat tilts, with a tilt lock, and you can tweak its height and depth too, from a low sitting position to a sit-stand position. Plus, from an aesthetic point of view, this radical and minimalist Scandinavian design will certainly put your home office setup on the cutting edge of cool.
Our expert says...
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.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Capisco overview
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
A minimalist Scandinavian design saddle seat designed to keep you moving.
Colour: Black + Black, Fog, Jezebel, Berry Blue or Apple Green; White + White, Black, Porcelain, Amber, Courgette, Java
Weight: 16.8-18.1kg
Max load: 159kg
Dimensions: 103 x 62 x 50cm
Assembly: Minimal assembly required
Reasons to buy
+
Good for small spaces
+
Memorable design
+
Clever recline mechanics
+
Comfy
Reasons to avoid
-
Subpar arm rests
-
Not the supreme quality of most Herman Miller chairs
Buy it if
✅ You want a splash of colour: The Sayl is one of the most colourful of the Herman Miller chairs. And with the back plastic mesh being one piece, a dash of bright colour really pops. ✅ You want a small chair: The Sayl is a smaller chair, and fits perfectly in smaller spaces. ✅ You want another iconic option: All of Herman Miller chairs are immediately recognisable, and have been copied since they were to released. The Sayl, and its skeletal back, is iconic.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're a larger person: Even though there is no weight limit specified on the Herman Miller site, I think that there would be more comfortable chairs out there for the larger user. At 5'10 and 175lbs, this chair is super comfortable for me, but taller, heavier people may find the Sayl too small. ❌ You want the best arm rests: I'm not a fan of the Sayl's arm rests, because they can rattle around and feel like they're made of cheap plastic. In this respect, they are totally at odds with the rest of the chair, which is great quality... the arm rests aren't even all bad, and have good adjustability and comfortable foam tops. ❌ You're on a budget: Yep, the Herman Miller price tag strikes again! It's on the cheaper range of the range, but will still put you back $1000 when bought straight from Herman Miller (which you should, if you want their 12-year warranty).
The bottom line
🔎 Sayl: It's another beautiful, award-winning design from Herman Miller. The Sayl also adds many colour options into the mix, to bring you another fantastic if expensive ergonomic chair, but the arm rests do rattle a bit. ★★★
Whether you’re talking about style, craftsmanship or functionality, Herman Miller chairs are pretty difficult to beat. There are a few other Herman Miller chairs on this list, but if the Mirra 2, the Aeron or the Embody are too expensive for you, or you just prefer a smaller more compact style, then the Sayl is a better option. It’s a bit cheaper (averaging at around $700, lower in sales), but it still has a sharp design and great ergonomic features too.
The vented elastomer backrest has been copied by many, but remains a unique, effective feature of this chair, made with strands that vary in thickness and tension, providing an excellent balance between support and comfort, not to mention great air circulation.
There's loads of arm rest adjustment options, though the only reason this chair doesn't get a higher rating is because the arm rests do feel a bit cheap, which is a big no no for a chair at this mid-/upper mid-price point. On the flip side of that, it's also one of the more unique-looking chairs that I've reviewed, and that Golden Gate Bridget-design really is satisfying, if you're design-minded.
The four-setting tilt limiter lets you adjust the tension to your liking, it has a striking offbeat design, and in terms of spinal support, it's fantastic. Also, as mentioned, it's petite size will be a massive pro for those wanting a chair to fit a smaller office space. And honestly, its look is – as with so many Herman Miller chairs – iconic. There's nothing else out there that looks like the Sayl, which explains is popularity. Much copied, rarely bettered.
Our expert says...
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.
Colour: 14 options, including grey, black, blue and pink
Weight : 6kg
Max load: 110kg
Dimensions: 36 x 52 x 55cm
Assembly: None
Reasons to buy
+
Clever design
+
Beautiful design
+
Active sitting is healthy
Reasons to avoid
-
No lounging allowed
Buy it if
✅ You don't want to sit still: The Muista stool encourages micro movements while you use it, meaning less inertia, more blood flow, and a healthier you. ✅ You love its modern European style: This is a beautifully designed stool. It's a simple design that works incredibly well, so should be appreciated by designers and creatives alike.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want a comfy chair: Yes, I realise that this is a stool and not a chair, but it's such a great design that encourages ergonomic sitting that it had to make the list. Still, no comfy, sink-in foamed chair here.
The bottom line
🔎 Muista: The Muista is the only stool on this list, because I was so impressed with it I felt it had to make the cut. It's a brilliantly designed stool that encourages micro movements and therefore blood flow. It's just a beautiful bit of design that does its job supremely well. ★★★★
'Wait, I thought this was all about the best chairs for back pain? Why is there a stool on the list?!' If you're one of the people asking this question, the simple reason is because if you want an effective, beautiful looking seating solution that will benefit your back and body, the Muista stool is worth your time. It's a clever design that is not as expensive as some of the more high end options on this page, and as my hands-on Muista chair review explains, I really enjoyed using it for prolonged periods of time (especially when combined with one of the best standing desks).
Unlike pretty much all the chairs on this list, the Muista chair encourages you to move while seated. You can rock back and fore or side to side, depending on how you're sitting on it, and these micro-movements will encourage blood flow and keep your muscles gently engaged, staving off the more detrimental side-effects of sitting stationary for hours on end. Of course, I get that many won't want the lack of back rest and luxury seating that you can get with other chairs, but for clever design and low price, this is hard to beat.
Our expert says...
Our expert says...
Beren Neale
I still have this stool, some three years later, and I still love it. It's cleverly designed, looks great, and is far more comfortable than a stool has any right to be. It doesn't compete with the big boys on this list for ergonomics, but it still encourages you to rock and move, and so it's the best stool I've tried.
✅ You want to be cradled: The design of modern gaming chairs is pretty distinct, and the Titan follows suit in its hugging sides on the back, which cradle the sitter. ✅ You love the look: Gaming chairs have a pretty specific aesthetic, and if you love it, then Secretlabs' Titan Evo is a great example of it. ✅ You're looking for great value: There is no doubt that the Titan Evo offers fantastic value for money. The comfy seat, the quality materials, the adjustments, all for just over $500! That's a bargain.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You don't like the look: As many of you will be creatives or designers, it's possible the gaming chair look will not be to your taste. Although some people on Creative Bloq are gamers and love the look, I prefer the design of Herman Miller to the generic cradling back gaming chair style.
The bottom line
🔎 Titan Evo: If you want to go for a gaming-style chair, I don't think there is a better example than the Secretlabs Titan Evo. When it comes to comfort, it excels, and the materials are all top notch. And though the ergonomics are the best on this list, the value for money is notable. ★★★★½
Are you going to be using your chair primarily for gaming? Then let me introduce the Secretlab Titan Evo. We reviewed this premium gaming chair after several weeks use, and really like its sturdy comfort and attention to detail. You'll also note that this is the only gaming chair on the list. That's because, although many gaming chairs do focus on ergonomics, the Titan Evo really knocks it out the park when it comes to encouraging micro-movements (which in turn encourages blood flow, which is the baseline for healthy sitting).
Most significantly, there’s a fully adjustable lumbar support system, which you control via a knob on the right side of the backrest. The seat has the same bucket-style design used on racing chairs, so it keeps your bum well supported over hours of gameplay (or normal office work). And the cold-cure foam used as padding throughout makes it super-comfortable. It comes in Small, Regular and XL, so has a number of body sizes covered too.
We loved the mixture of leatherette and velvet-style finishings, and think it looks as premium as it feels. The magnetic headrest is just another feature that adds to the ability to make the Titan Evo feel just so. This is a great supportive chair for gamers and non-gamers alike, but the look of the Titan Evo will not be for everyone. It certainly doesn't scream 'refined designer'. But at least it doesn't come with LED lights
Our expert says...
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.
✅ You're taller or heavier than average: With a generous 135kg capacity and a wider-than-average seat, the Boulies Master Max is the ideal office chair for larger users. ✅ You have a mid-range budget: Neither the cheapest nor the most expensive chair on our list, the Boulies Master Max offers solid value for money. ✅ You put in long workdays: Easily comfortable enough for a full workday, the Boulies Master Max is ideal for marathon sessions at the desk.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want a flashy gaming chair: This is a fairly utilitarian option as far as features go, without the gaming aesthetics of options like our number-10 pick. ❌ You want something pre-assembled: While the assembly is fairly easy and well-explained, this chair does require a little tool-work out of the box.
The bottom line
🔎 Boulies Master Max: A mid-range chair that does the job for work and play, the Boulies Master Max is my pick for users who need something larger. ★★★½
As human beings, we of course all come in different shapes and sizes, and the office chairs on this list aren't necessarily going to suit everyone. if you have a taller or heavier body type and need something to accommodate you, I can happily recommend the Boulies Master Max, a chair we tested over a period of weeks and found ourselves rather liking. It requires some assembly, but Ian, our reviewer, was very impressed with the clarity of the instructions, and once he'd got through the fairly gruelling early stages (which really go a lot faster if you can muster up a second pair of hands) it was easy to put together.
Comfort-wise, this chair impresses. There's plenty of adjustable lumbar support to help your back out, and the generous proportions make this an easy chair to spend a full working day in without feeling any worse off when you finally rise from your desk. There's lots of adjustability too – some of it is quite intuitive, some of it is not, but once you get the hang of it you can configure the chair pretty precisely to your liking.
Priced firmly in the mid range, this is a chair that should suit plenty of budgets, and will suit anyone whose height or weight is higher than average.
Our expert says...
Our expert says...
Ian Evenden
Comfortable and reasonably easy to build, the Master Max is the kind of chair you won’t mind being seen in – and perfectly suits the plus-size user.
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.
Can buying an ergonomic chair really benefit your life?
Joel Olive: Absolutely!Unsupported sitting leads to a static, slouched posture that can cause physical pain and negative cognitive effects. A healthy seated posture is marked by a properly supported sacrum to stabilise the pelvis and the lumbar spine combined with appropriately distributed pressure.
Nearly 80 per cent of all people that work in an office in the US complain of back pain. The Center for Disease Prevention reports that when people suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders, they can miss an average of 20 work days per year. The Center also reports that the annual cost of such disorders is $45-54 billion. This is all from data prior to the pandemic when the potential of sitting in an ergonomic chair in the office was higher!
[Citation: Andersson, Gunnar Bj. "Epidemiological features of chronic low-back pain." The Lancet 354, no. 9178 (1999): 581-85. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(99)01312-4.]
Ergonomic seating solutions can minimise these costs and also increase productivity by properly supporting the back and encouraging healthy posture.
How do you get the perfect ergonomic chair set up?
There are three primary things to consider when creating an ergonomic setup.
1. Stay connected to the back of your chair. This is where all your spinal support is.
2. Adjust the chair height so your feet are comfortable and flat on the floor with your hip line parallel to the knee line at a 90-degree angle.
3. To keep yourself connected to your chair, pull your monitor towards you so it is a minimum of an arm’s distance from you. Your fingertips should touch the screen. Bring your monitor up to meet your sight line so you have a straight neck and spine. Adjust your monitor arm or stack your laptop on some books and use an external keyboard.
Also tested
Some of the chairs that I've reviewed didn't have as strong a unique selling point as the chairs above. That doesn't mean they're bad chairs, and as you'll see from the linked reviews, they often score really high in my tests. So here are some other great options, should you not find what you're looking for above...
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 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 4/5* 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 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 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 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 4/5* 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
How we test
Every chair on this list has been thoroughly reviewed and tested over a period of weeks and even months. But how do we test chairs? Just sit in them?!
Well, you may laugh, but that's a pretty important part of it, yes. And as we use each chair as our primarily seat for weeks and months, we really get to know it. Any adjustability that we really appreciate, or any design notes that might take away from the overall comfort – it's all taken into account. So much becomes apparent over hours and hours of using these things.
But there's more - it's not just a passive process. We also get out of the chair and look at the chair from every angle, taking notes on aesthetics that will otherwise get ignored when sitting on the chair. The best ergonomic chairs can be a pretty big financial investment, and especially if they're going to sit in your home, you'll want to make sure that it's a beautiful/fitting design choice, as well as aiding comfort and supporting your back properly. That's why we break our reviews down into comfort, build, design and features.
How to choose
As we highlight in all our chair reviews, there are key elements to an ergonomic chair that buyers find most important: comfort, build, design and features (and assembly to a lesser extent). For each chair on this list, we've delved into each category to give you the most relevant information to make your purchase.
The reason I put the X-Chair as number one in this list, is because I think it does the best job of hitting all the essential criteria for a great ergonomic chair, for the most amount of users. Plus it has some extra features that I think will be really useful to users too. Unfortunately, not all chairs are as uniformly excellent as the X-Chair. Some look beautiful, but that's at the expense of a pretty key feature of adjustability (like the Verve chair). Some are excellent in many way, but they're just designed for a smaller user (the Sayl), so, although it's in no way a 'bad' chair, we can't recommend it to all users.
How you choose your chair will involved several criteria, some of which will be more important than others, depending on the buyer's needs. What we do is focus on all the main criteria, report on them in context to the other options out there, and hopefully help you make the most informed decision possible.
FAQs
Can office chairs help back pain?
Yes, the best ergonomic office chairs can help prevent back pain in the first place and can also help to alleviate it if you're already suffering. That said, if you do already suffer from back pain, I recommend visiting a doctor as well as considering a new chair because there may be other underlying causes.
Health experts provide a lot of advice on the importance of using a good chair. "In the age of technology, we spend so much time sitting at our computers, and our bodies cannot maintain good posture for hours without fatiguing," explains Dr Amy Hoover, a physiotherapist at workouts company P.volve.
"A chair that allows your lower back to maintain a good neutral position, supporting the natural curve in the lower back, can alleviate stress on the spine and improve the alignment of your spine all the way up to your head."
Lyndsay Hirst, a physiotherapist specialising in back pain and a specialist in Pilates, agrees. "The right chair set up is essential, not only to support the natural curves of the spine but also the shoulders," she notes. "Armrests are really useful for someone who suffers neck and mid-spine pain. Lumbar support is also very useful. An adjustable seat plate, backrest and arms will allow the user to adapt the chair to their specific posture."
There are several ergonomic features that can make an office chair good for back pain. Adjustability is one of the key things so that you can ensure the chair has the right form for your own body shape. See our guide to what makes an office chair ergonomic for full details on what to look for, but in summary, you should look for chairs with:
Lumbar support (see below)
Adjustable armrests
Seat-depth adjustability
Recline and tilt
James Crow, owner of Posture Stars, a website promoting good posture, says: "The best office chair for back pain is one that's highly adjustable, so you can get the back to support you in a meaningful way. Invest wisely: we wouldn't buy the cheapest mattress or car, but many of us are spending eight to 10 hours a day perched on a 'value' chair."
It's also important to replace an ageing chair, he says. "If your chair has been around for more than a decade it's probably time to upgrade. The materials wear down over time, with seat padding especially taking a beating."
When you're shopping for an ergonomic chair for back pain, you'll often see references to lumbar support. But what does that mean, exactly? Well, the word 'lumbar' refers to your lower back, which should curve inward, and as Chongsu Lee, a physiotherapist and creator of the robotic BackHug device, explains, "lumbar support can be an attachment, or a built-in part of an office chair that aligns with your lower back to maintain its natural inward curve."
Why does this matter? Well, when sitting, your lumbar becomes sandwiched between the torso, above, and buttocks, below. When you sit, lumbar stress is one-and-a-half times higher than when you stand, and double compared to when you walk.
"Left unsupported over time, the strain causes stiffness, making the lower back prone to injuries like slipped discs," Chongsu says. "Just like support beams in a building, lumbar support absorbs that strain and props your lumbar up, protecting it against stress and injury." So having a ergo chair with lumbar support is good for your back health over a long period of time. It supports your back, taking some of the strain off your lower back. Without lumbar support, you office chair is just a nice office chair. With it, you're actively supporting your back.
According to Innerbody Research – an online home health and wellness organisation, made up of health writers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and researchers – your knees should be slightly lower than your hips and your feet should be flat on the floor or a good footrest. Do not cross your legs as this is a recipe for posture-related aches and pains. An adjustable chair (tilt, height and recline) will make sure your lower back is properly supported, and if you're using a keyboard then make sure your chair is positioned so you can use it with straight wrists and hands (level with the floor).
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.
