15 Best Office Chairs That Aren't Hideous, Tested by Us (2025)

If you’re working from home, investing in one of the best office chairs (and not just a double-duty dining chair) is a necessary evil that will help correct a persistent case of tech neck and maybe even boost your WFH morale—but no promises there.

Comfort and ergonomics are important, sure, but because we’re AD, there’s equal consideration given to the aesthetics of your desk seating. Maybe that budget mesh and foam contraption you picked up from an office supply store clocks in and does the job every morning, but is it the right culture fit for the very curated aesthetic that you’ve cultivated in your home?

Over the years that we’ve been testing office chairs, we’ve expanded our search to include a high-low selection of wallet-friendly picks, but also household names in the ergonomic space, from Herman Miller to Knoll, that come approved by design lovers like us. Our editors and writers have personally sat on, worked on, and Zoomed from each of these picks and can attest that not only are they attractive, but they will also relieve pressure on your bottom and back—keeping you structurally supported even during the longest blocks of meetings. Read on for more intel on our favorite ergonomic office chairs and jump straight to the bottom for expert commentary on ergonomics, notes on how we tested, how we chose everything, and why you should trust our reviews.

Our Top Picks for the Best Office Chairs

• Best Overall: Herman Miller Aeron Chair, $1,410
• Best Budget Pick: Branch Ergonomic Chair, $339
• Best Extra Cushy Office Chair: Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro, $499
• Best Futuristic Style: Asari Chair by Herman Miller, $1,395 $1,116
• Best Color Options: Steelcase Karman Office Chair, $1,265
• Best Armchair-Style Option: Herman Miller Zeph Chair, $495
• Best Chair With a Separate Head Rest: Humanscale Freedom Headrest Chair, $1,779
• Best Minimal Office Chair: Article Svelti Office Chair, $89

Tester: Zoë Sessums, senior digital design editor

My experience: There is a reason the Aeron is Herman Miller’s most beloved and recognized office chair. The iconic chair is truly supportive and gives you every bit of adjustment to sit in an ideal way. I was able to go through a virtual fitting with an ergonomic expert at Herman Miller, who walked me through all the adjustable features, though the site’s gallery is very informative if you can’t try out a chair first. Once the chair was delivered—no assembly required—I understood the power of the patented PostureFit SL back support, which allows for chest open, shoulders back, and pelvis tilted slightly forward. This chair will save your body. It’s easy to see why people invest in supreme desk setups. It isn’t necessarily the most chic piece of furniture, but your entire body will thank you, so in that case I would recommend the Aeron chair again and again.

Tester: Terri Williams, contributor

My experience: This mesh office chair looks as good as it feels. Using synchronous tilt and adjustable lumbar support, it elicits an ahhhhh every time I sit down. The standard-size chair has a slim back that keeps it from being bulky and still provides ergonomic support. The mesh weave is breathable, and the seat cushion is made of high-density foam for a comfortable experience, even over long periods of time.

Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor

My experience: A bad case of tech neck hates to see the Branch Ergo Pro coming. That’s because the chair’s fully customizable support system is calibrated to ensure that your posture is optimized, even during long hours in one fixed position. It offers 14 points of adjustments total (count ’em!) to keep you comfortable, from the seat height to the headrest for those who are blessed with longer limbs. And compared to the original version of the chair seen above, this one is far cushier on the seat and armrests, with seven additional points of adjustability. It is slightly less svelte and also slightly more expensive than its predecessor, which is why that one remains our favorite budget pick.

I was especially fond of the arm rests that helped me achieve perfect elbow support (a very specific need since I’ve recently enjoyed working with a laptop stand) and that the adjustable tilt option gave me the freedom to stretch my back out whenever needed. I’ve been spoiled in the past with office chairs that arrived either fully or almost fully assembled, so the Ergo Pro construction process was a bit of a learning curve for me. Still, everything came together quickly (about 30 minutes or less) and was easy enough to complete solo, without phoning a friend. The chair arrived nicely packed up in its box and since it can be fully disassembled, it’s also a great option for frequent movers.

Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor

My experience: With a high price tag comes high expectations, but the Asari chair has elevated what a traditional office chair can be. I really appreciated the attention to detail, from the smooth chair glides and soft leather to the amount of foam fill in the seat and backrest that make it a treat to sit down and work. The chair has noticeably softened in a delightful way that’s ultra-accommodating to my dimensions without feeling too sunken in or too stiff. I find a lot of leather office chairs are harsh or overly masculine, but the Asari’s look is unparalleled. I’d absolutely recommend this chair to anyone looking to splurge for their home office. From physical appearance to practical use, it scores 10s across the board for me.

Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor

My experience: The first time you sit on the Karman chair you can feel your weight settle in—it’s a little like floating on air. Assembly was quick and easy, all I needed to do was fit the chair onto the wheeled base. This chair is the definition of ergonomic—the mesh weave back rest melds comfortably against the spine without feeling unsteady and the overall design feels extremely durable. The same mesh weave technology is used for the seat—sitting on it, with the underlying cushion, is comfortable, if slightly hard. The armrest pads slide back and forth and can pivot to make adjustments inwards or outwards, plus the armrest height is adjustable with a button located on the underside. After several full workdays of using this chair, I felt noticeable relief in places where I usually get aches on my back and hips. After a few weeks, most of my aches were basically gone.

Tester: Lila Allen, AD PRO associate director

My experience: If you gave a shell chair superpowers, it might look something like the Zeph. Like other Herman Miller office chairs, this seat has a wheeled base and is height-adjustable. (The adjustment lever is super sleek, too—a fun detail for the design nerds among us.) If you scooch or lean while you work, the Zeph will move right along with you. And best of all, there are plenty of ways to make the chair fit your style: In addition to eight different body color options, Herman Miller offers a 3D-knit, slip-on seat pad in 20 shades. (A unibody cover is on the way, too.) A fraction the price of an Aeron, Zeph is the gateway drug of performance seating.

Tester: Terri Williams, contributor

My experience: Out of all the office chairs I’ve tested, this is my favorite. I would wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend it. What makes this chair so unique is that it automatically adjusts to fit my body without the need for manual controls. For example, the chair’s armrests and articulating headrest move when I move. The chair also has a self-adjusting recline and pivoting backrest, in addition to synchronous armrests that I can pull up when I want to use them and merely push down when they’re not needed. Honestly, the high-back chair is comfortable enough to sleep in—it’s so comfortable that it probably causes me to work too long. In addition, the chair is fully assembled, so there’s nothing that needs to be put together.

Tester: Alice Roth, contributor

My experience: Assembly-wise, it was simple after some initial head-scratching with the instructions. I did Google “Svelti chair casters” but realized I needed to use my meager upper body strength to push the wheels into the chair legs. Everything else was straightforward, so I’m assuming this assembly blip was more of a me-problem than an Article-problem. (None of the reviews mention assembly confusion.)

The easy-to-clean polypropylene is very nice for someone who is prone to spills. Ergonomics are the main feature this chair is lacking. There is no adjustable seat height, which is essential for a desk setup with proper posture. (According to OSHA, you want your feet flat on the floor and your elbows bent at 90 degrees.) If I was to change anything, I would include an adjustable seat.

There’s also no cushion. I’m not sure this makes a difference, except on very hot days when I find myself peeling my legs off the chair (the answer for this could just be wearing pants during the workday, like an adult). I should note, Article sells a seat cushion separately, but it is about the same price as the chair itself.

More Office Chairs We Recommend, With Reservations

Note: Formerly called the Flexispot Soutien

Tester: Terri Williams, contributor

My experience: If you want a good office chair at an economical price, the Flexispot OC3B Chair is the best of both worlds. The entire chair (back, seat, headrest) is made of breathable mesh, which contributes to air circulation. Although my preference is a leather chair, I found the Flexispot to be quite comfortable, even when sitting for a long time. Also, since it’s a see-through mesh, the chair doesn’t take up a lot of visual space. The chair can tilt up to 45 degrees, and the height of the seat and armrests can also be adjusted. There’s also a nifty clothes hanger on the back of the chair.

Tester: Terri Williams, contributor

My experience: There’s already a Branch chair on the list; however, the Branch Verve Chair is a newer and sportier model. As a general practice, the armrests on ergonomic office chairs tend to be bulky, and the Branch Verve Chair immediately stands out because of the versatile armrest design, which gives it a futuristic look. I can also adjust the height of the softly-padded armrests, the seat depth, the tilt, the tilt tension, and the padded lumbar support.

Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor

My experience: There’s a lot to like about Haworth’s Breck chair. It arrived swiftly in a large box that I had no trouble carrying inside my home, and assembly itself is also a breeze. There are instructions written on the flaps of the delivery box but Haworth has the same manual available on their website as well as a short video that gives you step-by-step directions, should you need it. The whole process literally takes less than a couple of minutes before you’re ready to put the chair in action.

Don’t be fooled by the easy assembly process, though, as this office chair is more advanced than meets the eye. I first received the Breck during a heat wave and appreciated the ultra-breathable backrest which allowed a comfortable amount of air to flow through. What stands out the most to me, however, is all the adjustable features that allow you to customize the seat to your exact preferences. Need more tilt? No problem. Wish the armrests were just a tad longer? Easy. Height? Seat depth? Lumbar support? Done, done, and done. And while these are all feats you would expect from a high price tag chair that costs $1,000+, the Breck supplies them at under $500.

Tester: Julia Harrison, commerce writer

My experience: The first thing you notice about the Fern chair is its mastery of durability and comfort at once. You feel both comfortable and secure in the seat, and any adjustments you want to make to your positioning, you can, with adjustable armrests, seat, lumbar support and headrest, if you opt in. Being 5’3” I passed on the headrest, and found the seat maybe a little too suited for a bigger body type. Its overall height and depth make it so the adjustable lumbar support can’t quite reach the part of my back it should. That being said, it’s a supremely comfortable option, especially for an office chair, and no part of me feels the ache of hours at a desk when I stand up, so it’s clearly doing its job in the support department.

Tester: Rachel Fletcher, commerce director

My experience: The Newson Task chair by Australian industrial designer Marc Newson seems to embody all the best parts of Knoll’s technology with a polished and contemporary flair. The tilt mechanism is superior to most I’ve tested before, and the contoured and cantilevered seat and back are all one streamlined piece that is incredibly flexible and responsive when I recline, but it still feels supportive when putting in long hours. And let’s talk about how it looks. The chair is available in four shades (Ink, Umber, Petal, and Graphite), and it’s completely monochromatic—except for the chunky and bright red knobs that add a playful touch and control suspension, armrest position, and seat height. I took home the blue version, and the seat cushion is made of a denim-like fabric that makes it look even more high-end.

Tester: Terri Williams, contributor

My experience: I would recommend the Vari Task Chair for anyone looking for a comfortable office chair. Vari’s entire lineup is full of outstanding office chairs (and some of the best standing desks), and this chair continues the tradition. This chair is ridiculously comfortable—it has a super thick foam seat and highly breathable back with great airflow. The backrest provides lumbar support and pivots. I like that I can also create the maximum level of comfort: It’s got an adjustable tilt mechanism, plus adjustable armrests and adjustable seat height—and all of this adjustability and customization really makes a difference when you’re sitting at your workspace for long periods of time. Pair this chair with good posture and you’ll be golden.

Tester: Livia Caligor, content operations manager

My experience: I like that this chair is ergonomic, functional, and supportive yet not too bulky or large like many desk chairs tend to be. Its square seat, light frame, and minimalist design make it cohesive with the rest of my room, unlike many chairs I’ve used that were clunky and lacked aesthetic appeal. To me, this chair walks a fine line between decorative and a functional. Its contoured back, foam filling seat, and padded armrests offer lumbar support and comfort, but after sitting in it for a few long hours, it feels a bit rigid and hard.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our commitment to bringing you quality seat recs is well documented, and finding an office chair that will fit your needs can make the difference between a great work week and a bad one. The AD shopping team meticulously researches products before including them in our roundups, and we test nearly everything—office chairs are no exception. Our writers and editors actually tested more than 30 chairs, but only 16 made the cut to our best-of list. For example, we’ve yet to find a nice-looking gaming chair that meets our standard and other generic Amazon picks just didn’t stand out from the crowd.

Our reviews are always thorough, in-depth, and honest. We put ourselves in the shoes of the shopper (because most of the time, we are the shopping!) to make sure that we’re answering the questions that we would want answered in the buying process. And when it comes to home office inspiration, just know we’ve got you covered on all fronts. We recommended perusing through our home tour archive for ideas—start with this Sag Harbor hideaway’s work space or take inspo from the dedicated nook in this Los Angeles home.

The Selection Process: How We Chose These

Weary remote workers can rest assured that every pick on this list has been hand-picked and personally vetted by us. Our well-rounded list includes designhead-approved picks (Herman Miller! Knoll! Steelcase!) with more approachable and convenient options on Amazon (like Branch and Flexispot) sprinkled in, with top priority going to picks that had a warranty of at least 7 years and married great design with adjustability and comfort.

You may be sitting there and asking yourself, “can great ergonomics and great looks really go hand-in-hand?” We think the answer is yes, which is why you’ll notice our particularly attractive picks are meant to make your working hours anything but drab—especially with unconventional designs like the Herman Miller Asari chair that elevate your work setup.

How We Tested These Office Chairs

Our editors and contributors set these up in their home offices and experienced the day-in, day-out reality of sitting in them for a long period of time. We then asked each of our testers about their full experience, including:

Delivery and assembly: Working from a wooden chair and waiting days on end for a delivery truck to appear are things of the past. Did the chair arrive within the guaranteed delivery window? If you had to assemble it, was it relatively easy to do so or did it come in 100 parts? Did the instructions look like the bible? We wanted to let you know exactly what to expect from your purchases and called out any surprises.

Dimensions: Apartment dwellers know better than anyone that being conservative with floor real estate isn’t a want, but a need. That’s why our reviews provide exact measurements for the styles we tested and any notes on whether we thought a chair might not be a good fit (literally).

Rating the experience: A chair that’s both easy on the eyes and tush is our number one priority. What was your first impression of the chair? Does the design fit a clear aesthetic?Is it meant to be ergonomic? How do the materials perform? How did you feel after a full work day and week? Our reviews were crafted to give insight on why a chair could be the right chair for your 40-hour work week. We also wrote about any ingenious details that show how thoughtful the designer was as well as why the piece was just what our tester was looking for.

What to keep in mind: Nobody’s perfect and beauty can be in the eye of the beholder—which is why each chair also has a section detailing what a potential buyer should keep in mind. For example—if assembly was particularly difficult, if the chair has special care instructions, and who the design might not be suited for. We aim to keep tabs on any surprises that might arise so you don’t have to.

Office Chair FAQs: Intel From The Experts

Have questions about the best office chair for you? We talked to TikTok’s favorite neurosurgeon, Betsy Grunch, MD, FAANS, FACS and Gainesville Physical Therapy’s Kristy Basinger PT, CHT to get answers on how to source the best chair for you.

Doctor-Approved Desk Accessories: