Robert Jones
Owning one of the best office chairs out there isn’t just a luxury anymore – it’s a must. With so many of us working from home, even if it’s just a couple of days a week, being comfy and properly supported whilst you work is absolutely essential.
When you’re not sitting comfortably at your desk, your productivity takes a hit and you'll start opening the door to all sorts of health problems. We’re talking back pain, repetitive strain injuries, joint stress... yeah, not fun.
That’s why the best office chairs aren’t just about looking sleek – they’re designed to give you proper lumbar support, help you maintain great posture, and offer adjustable features like armrests and seat height so you can tweak things just the way you like them.
To make your search easier, we’ve pulled together a list of top-rated office chairs that pack in ergonomic features to keep you comfy, focused, and ready to tackle your to-do list like a pro. Don’t worry – we’ve covered a wide range of price points, so there’s something here for everyone.
Oh, and if you’re more into gaming than spreadsheets, you might want to check out T3’s guide to the best gaming chairs too. Your back will thank you.
The top three
The best overall office chair
As we note in our full Slouch Task One review, this office chair stands out for its ergonomic features and simple assembly, but its stylish design is the real showstopper. With customisable options in various colours, it’s ideal for those wanting both style and functionality – hence why it's our favourite.
The best affordable office chair
The Boulies EP200 office chair is a smart, budget-friendly way to upgrade your workspace. It blends the ergonomic expertise of high-end gaming chairs into a sleek, understated design, and whilst it's not the most exciting on this list, it's a perfect fit for both home and office setups.
The best premium office chair
Spending over a grand on a chair might seem like a stretch – but with this one, it quickly starts to make sense. We were seriously impressed by its breathable mesh design and the spine-support, and out of all the chairs we tested, this was easily one of the most comfortable.
Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, and when she’s not scouting out the latest home trends or wellness must-haves, she’s busy putting office chairs to the test. From all-day work sessions to quick posture checks, Lizzie knows what separates a good chair from a great one. She's always on the lookout for the perfect balance of comfort, support and style to help readers upgrade their workspace.
We’ve refreshed our guide to feature the finalists for Best Office Chair from the recent T3 Awards, along with a few other standout models we’ve tested and loved along the way.
Best office chairs 2025 ranked
The best overall office chair
The best office chair for most people? That's the Cherry Tree Executive Office Chair.
The Slouch Task One took home the title of Best Office Chair at the T3 Awards 2024 – and it’s easy to see why. Simply put, it’s one of the best office chairs we've ever tested. What sets it apart is its remarkable level of customisation and adjustability, allowing you to tailor everything from support to style so it fits both your body and your home office aesthetic perfectly.
Designed with all-day comfort in mind, the Slouch Task One also boasts a suite of ergonomic features that provide consistent support, especially around the lower back and shoulders. Whether you're sitting for a couple of hours or powering through a full 9-to-5, this chair delivers on comfort and posture.
Despite its overly wide five-star base, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble and glide around your space. In our full review, it earned a flawless 5-star rating, and we struggled to find anything to fault. For comfort, design, and day-to-day usability, the Slouch Task One truly stands out as the best overall office chair.
The best affordable office chair
The Boulies EP200 stands out as one of the best affordable office chairs on the market, offering impressive comfort and support without the premium price tag. It brings together the core essentials of ergonomic seating – like lumbar support, a contoured backrest and adjustable height – making it a reliable choice for those who spend long hours at their desk.
What really makes the EP200 shine is its clever use of gaming chair know-how. Boulies has a solid reputation in the gaming space, and it shows in the EP200’s build quality and comfort levels. The chair features a well-padded seat, breathable materials, and a supportive frame that keeps you comfortable throughout the day—without the overly flashy look you might associate with gaming chairs.
For those on a budget who don’t want to compromise on comfort or durability, the Boulies EP200 offers fantastic value. It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a chair that supports your body and helps you stay focused during the workday.
The best premium office chair
The Herman Miller Aeron has long set the benchmark for premium office chairs – and for good reason. This iconic chair blends cutting-edge ergonomic design with high-end materials to deliver exceptional comfort and support throughout the day. Designed to adapt to your body rather than the other way around, the Aeron uses its patented PostureFit SL system to maintain healthy spinal alignment, particularly in the lower back and sacrum.
One of the standout features of the Aeron is its breathable mesh seat and backrest, which allow for excellent airflow and help regulate temperature during long working hours. Unlike many cushioned chairs that trap heat, the Aeron keeps you cool and comfortable, even during high-pressure work sessions. Its build quality is also second to none, and every element feels smooth, precise and built to last for years.
Yes, it’s a significant investment, but one that pays off in daily comfort and long-term health benefits. If you’re serious about your workspace and spend hours at a desk each day, the Herman Miller Aeron is absolutely worth considering.
The best padded office chair
We think a lot of people are going to like this Cherry Tree Furniture Executive Office Chair – it's comfortable, it's easy to put together, it's affordable, and it's going to last. You don't get some of the premium materials or fancy features that more expensive chairs offer, but that doesn't matter a huge amount when it is this comfortable and this good for your posture.
Made from polyurethane leather, the chair is great to sink into at the start of a working session and it's going to keep you well-supported whilst you get on with whatever it is you're getting on with, be that work or play. There's artificial leather on the armrests as well, so you really feel like you are a chief executive.
Add in plenty of adjustment in terms of seat height and tilt, plus dedicated lumbar support, and it's not difficult to see why this particular model is one of the best office chairs and popular with a wide range of people. We gave it a maximum score of 5 stars on review, and highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their posture and comfort in the home office.
The best sturdy office chair
The Herman Miller Mirra 2 is stylish office chair that retails at the premium end of the market.
This is the second-generation Herman Miller Mirra, and it builds on the reputation of a true classic. One member of the T3 team actually bought the original Mirra over 15 years ago – on the recommendation of a back surgeon – and they’re still using it today. Not only did it help speed up their recovery after back surgery, but it’s also withstood the chaos of two kids and two dogs, all whilst keeping recurring back problems at bay.
The Mirra 2 continues that legacy of durability and support. Like the original, it’s built like a tank, so you’ll definitely want some floor protection if you’ve got wood or laminate flooring. It’s highly adjustable, offering excellent lumbar support and a ventilated latticed back that helps keep you cool in warm weather. The firm plastic frame and mesh might feel a little different at first if you’re used to softer fabric or leather chairs, but it’s incredibly supportive and built to last. Once you get used to it, you may never want to sit in anything else.
The best basic office chair
We've already mentioned how you often need to pay top dollar to get the best office chair, but that doesn't mean there aren't some very good value bargains out there as well. If you can't afford one of the top-end models and don't mind a basic design, consider the SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair.
For a start it's comfortable to sit in, which really helps, with a solid mesh backing and lumbar support. Plus, every aspect of the chair is adjustable, from the armrests to the height to the level of tilt.
The build quality and use of materials might not quite match the chairs that cost five times as much as this one, but this is a very solid entry down at the budget end of our best office chairs list.
The best all-rounder office chair
The Ikea Markus is an affordable all-rounder of an office chair
Does IKEA have good office chairs? The answer is yes! IKEA has a better range of office chairs than you might expect, and the IKEA Markus is our current pick as the one you should check out. It's not the cheapest the Swedish firm offers, but it's got just about everything you want.
That includes a high, mesh backing with lumbar support, optional armrests, and easy height and tilt adjustment. You can lock a tilt in place if you want to sit back and avoid work for a while.
From our testing, this chair can really stand up to hours of use while keeping you comfortable, and you can't ask any more than that. An easy choice for one of the best office chairs around today.
To see how this chair compares to our number one padded office chair choice, be sure to take a look at T3's Cherry Tree Executive Office Chair vs IKEA Markus comparison feature.
The best hybrid office chair
The Boulies Master Rex hits the sweet spot between professional functionality and gaming comfort, making it an ideal choice for anyone who splits their time between work and play. It combines the plush, supportive design you'd expect from a high-end gaming chair with a more refined, office-appropriate aesthetic.
The chair features a high-density foam seat, 4D adjustable armrests, and a reclining backrest, so you can fine-tune your sitting position whether you're focused on work or leaning back for a well-earned gaming break. It also offers lumbar and neck support cushions that can be removed or repositioned, depending on your preference. The balance of firm support and soft padding makes it ideal for long sessions, no matter the activity.
Beyond comfort, the Master Rex is built with durability and style in mind. The aluminium base is sturdy and smooth-rolling, whilst the upholstery – available in fabric or vegan leather – gives the chair a polished look that suits both gaming rooms and home offices.
The best ergonomic office chair
The Back In Action HAG SoFi Mesh 7500 is a fantastic ergonomic chair that really encourages movement, which is key when you’re sitting for long hours. Unlike chairs that lock you into one position, the SoFi Mesh 7500 uses HAG’s clever inBalance mechanism to let you tilt gently forward and backward. That means your body’s constantly adjusting – keeping your blood flowing and helping you stay more alert and less achy.
It’s also super adjustable, so you can really make it your own. You can tweak the seat depth and height, and even reposition the lumbar support to fit your back just right. The armrests can slide back if you want more freedom to move, or forward for extra support while typing. Plus, despite its sturdy build, the chair glides smoothly and looks sleek enough for any modern home office. If you're after a chair that puts comfort and healthy movement first, the SoFi Mesh 7500 is a brilliant choice.
The best user-friendly office chair
The FlexiSpot BS12 Pro is one of those chairs that just makes life easier right out of the box. Setup is super straightforward, and most of the major components come pre-assembled. Aside from a slightly fiddly headrest (which just needs a firm push), it’s the kind of build you can easily manage on your own in under an hour.
Once it's set up, the BS12 Pro is a breeze to use. Instead of awkward levers hidden under the seat, it has clearly labeled buttons on the side that let you adjust the height, tilt, and seat depth without the usual guesswork. The armrests and lumbar support are also easy to tweak, so finding your perfect setup takes no time at all. It’s designed to be intuitive, with a solid, supportive feel that works for all kinds of body types. If you’re after an ergonomic chair that’s hassle-free and gets you comfy fast, the BS12 Pro delivers.
How to choose the best office chair
If you spend a lot of your working day sat down, then a good chair isn't a luxury but a necessity. Unsuitable, badly designed chairs can cause some serious damage to your posture (something we know from experience) as well as your general health, and work is stressful enough without your chair adding to the problem.
At this point we should also emphasise that the best office chairs can get very expensive, and going for super-cheap isn't always a great idea. That said, the very best office chair doesn't necessarily have to cost you a lot of cash.
When you're shopping for the best office chair, back support is crucial, as is a seat that's wide enough and long enough to support you adequately. Gas suspension makes adjustments easier, with many chairs offering variable resistance (so you can make them stiffer for computer work and recline them for reading, maybe).
How we test the best office chairs
We have a three-stage process for reviewing office chairs. Firstly we judge the office chair's build quality and design. This has a focus on the quality of the materials used, the upholstery selection on offer, stitching quality, hydraulics and framework fit and finish as well as foam filling type.
Once this is achieved we move on to actually judging how easy it is to assemble the chair. This involves judging the clarity of the chair's assembly instructions, the quality of any tools included in the package, as well as how easy it is for one person to actually put the chair together.
Once the office chair is assembled we then judge it comfort levels and, crucially, adjustability. Adjustability in terms of rotation and tilt, as well as degrees of freedom in things like armrests (4D movement is ideal), are ascertained, as well as the amount a chair's height can be elevated.
Comfort is determined over a period of days, rather than hours, as often defects in comfort only become noticeable after extended usage.
Finally, we then rate the chair in terms of value for money and uniqueness on the market. The office chair is then given a star score and, if it is high, considered for our best office chairs buying guide.
Best Office Chair FAQs
What makes an office chair "ergonomic"?
An ergonomic office chair is designed to support your body in a natural, healthy position during long periods of sitting. Key features include adjustable seat height, lumbar support, armrests, tilt tension, and seat depth. These adjustments help reduce strain on your back, neck, and shoulders, encouraging good posture and movement throughout the day.
How long should an office chair last?
A good-quality office chair should last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on how heavily it’s used and how well it’s maintained. Premium models from brands like Herman Miller or Steelcase often last even longer thanks to high-end materials and generous warranties. To extend a chair’s life, keep it clean, avoid leaning heavily on the armrests, and check moving parts regularly.
Should I get an office chair or a gaming chair?
Ten years ago there was a very firm line in the sand between gaming chairs and office chairs. There were few gaming chair makers in operation and the chairs they tended to produce were cheap models with gimmicky 'gamer' extras, such as in-built vibration, cup holders and - shudder - RGB lighting.
Today, though, there are loads of excellent gaming chair makers in business and the product has evolved to the state whereby these seats often offer better comfort, style and features than many office chairs. Just look at the chairs made by Secretlab, which are the best gaming chairs you can buy.
Indeed, today we recommend that anyone looking for an office chair for their home office also looks at gaming chairs before making a purchase. There are faux leather, leather and fabric textile upholsteries to choose from, and the vast majority come with 4D armrests, lumbar support and neck cushions.
Reviewer Panel
Lizzie is T3’s Home Staff Writer and something of an office chair connoisseur. With a steady rotation of test chairs taking over her workspace, she’s always in the perfect spot to compare comfort, design and ergonomics. She's sat in dozens of models and knows exactly what separates a decent chair from one worth investing in, and several of her top picks made it into this list.
Sam is T3’s Senior Staff Writer, and he’s made his mark over the years with sharp, hands-on reviews. He’s tested a few of the chairs in this guide and has a soft spot for hybrid designs that balance work and play seamlessly.
Sarah is a journalist with over a decade of experience covering science, tech and consumer gear for outlets like the BBC, national newspapers, and of course, T3. She’s brought that same critical eye to office chair testing, reviewing a variety of models to find the ones that genuinely deliver on comfort, build and support.
Beth is T3’s Home Editor and knows a thing or two about finding products that make everyday life easier. Whilst she’s usually buried in air fryer tests, she occasionally switches gears to review office chairs, offering a grounded, real-life take on which ones are actually worth your money.
Jamie is a seasoned freelance journalist, copywriter and author with over 20 years of experience. He’s contributed to more than 50 publications and websites, and when he’s not writing, he’s testing – office chairs included.
