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The perfect desk chair for you is one that you don’t really notice during your workday, whether you’re working from home or in the office. Instead, it allows you to be productive and feel supported while you go about your tasks, wrapping up the day in comfort—not with back or neck pain. The best office chairs are designed with ergonomic features so you can stay comfortable, even when you have to be seated for long stretches.

Herman Miller's Aeron Chair has an ergonomic design—features like a mesh back, sturdy base and three ... [+] different sizes to choose from—that ensures you'll remain comfortable throughout the day.

“The main features of ergonomic chairs are that they are supportive, highly adjustable and comfortable,” says Dr. Rahul Shah, a board-certified orthopedic spine and neck surgeon based in southern New Jersey. In a perfect world, you’d be able to customize the height and angle of your chair to find the position that’s just right for you. If you’re on a tight budget, though, you at least want a chair that allows you to adjust the arm support and height.

To compile our list of the best office chairs on the market, we analyzed bestsellers and narrowed down the field based on factors like ease of use, comfort and value. With that in mind, these are the best models out there to help you work more comfortably, regardless of your budget.

High-end office chairs can be expensive, but the Ignition 2.0 delivers all the features you need at a pretty modest price tag. It’s made from a stretchy mesh with a contoured seat cushion that offers all-day comfort, and there are many ways you can adjust the chair to fit your needs.

You can configure both the height and width of the chair’s arms, and it also features pneumatic seat height adjustment, tension control and a synchro-tilt mechanism. There’s even a model with a sliding seat for additional customization. Adjustable lumbar support will help to keep your back in an ergonomic position, and the five-star base has smooth-rolling casters that allow you to move around your office with ease.

This office chair from Noblewell is one of the most affordable options you’ll find that prioritizes proper ergonomics. The budget-friendly chair has a high mesh back with an adjustable headrest, and its breathable design is ideal for stuffy spaces.

Additionally, this chair can be adjusted in several ways: You can tweak the lumbar support, armrests, seat height and waist height to suit your needs and keep you comfortable for long periods. The backrest supports 90 to 135 degrees tilt adjustment, and the casters roll silently while offering good stability.

Proper lumbar support is key to keeping your neck and spine properly aligned throughout the day, and the Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair offers an adjustable design that lets you move its lumbar support in two different ways. Using dials on the back of the chair, you can move the piece up and down, as well as in and out, to find the most comfortable position for your body.

This chair has several other useful features, as well. It has a contoured seat cushion and adjustable armrests, backrest and headrest (via tilt). Plus, it’s backed by a 5-year warranty.

The Sayl Chair from Herman Miller offers a unique modern design that’s extremely comfortable and highly adjustable. It has a flexible elastomer back that keeps your spine in proper ergonomic alignment. You can also opt for adjustable lumbar support to help reduce back pain. There are a variety of other adjustable features available for armrests and seat, but keep in mind that they aren’t included in the base price.

You can also tailor the Sayl Chair to aesthetically fit your space. There are several base colors available, and a wide range of upholster options for the seat. It’s also available with two types of caster wheels—one for carpet and one for hard floors.

“I splurged on the Sayl after transitioning to working from home, and it's been a worthy investment. My favorite part about the chair is how adjustable it is—it's a cinch to change the arm rests, back, and height. The curved back support is somehow both firm and flexible; it feels like a hug for my back. Herman Miller also offers an awesome 12-year warranty, which made me feel confident in my purchase.” —Anna Perling, reviews editor

For those who spend eight hours (or more) per day sitting in an office chair, the Aeron from Herman Miller is a worthwhile splurge. It has an ergonomic design—features like a mesh back, sturdy base and three different sizes to choose from—that ensures you'll remain comfortable throughout the day.

The chair offers plenty of adjustments, too. It has a tilt adjustment along with a seat angle adjustment, plus the arms are fully adjustable and there’s an option to add a lumbar pad for extra support. Best of all, it’s backed by a 12-year warranty to protect your investment.

“Herman Miller sells chairs in different sizes (small, medium and large) so they ‘fit’ the user. There are also plenty of adjustments and optional add-ons for a customizable fit. My Aeron chair is super comfy and cool—I especially love the tilt feature that lets you lean back!” —Karen Tietjen, associate updates editor

Mesh office chairs are ideal for hot summer days, as they’re extremely breathable and don’t retain heat. The Oline ErgoPro is a top choice in this category for its adjustability for maximum comfort. Plus, it’s available in several colors to match your space.

This chair allows you to adjust the headrest, armrests, height and knee tilt, as well as the tilt tension as needed. The dynamic lumbar support responds to the amount of pressure placed on it, and the chair comes with a 5-year warranty.

The Mimoglad office chair has everything you need in a desk chair without the bells and whistles you don’t. The chair features a mesh back to help keep you from overheating while its ergonomic backrest—which fits snuggly against your spine—provides you necessary support. Thick padding helps cushion your butt, even during long hours at work. Another nice perk: The armrests flip up so you can slide your chair all the way under your desk to save space.

If you’re looking for a modern desk chair that will look great in any environment, consider the Soho Soft Pad Management Chair from Laura Davidson Furniture. Available in several colors, this chair offers that classic Eames style: incredibly durable leatherette seating surface and a solid steel frame build.

The chair isn’t just beautiful—it’s comfortable too. There are adjustments for height, seat tilt and swivel, and the chair has foam back and seat cushions to keep you comfortable during long meetings.

The Steelcase Gesture Office Desk Chair is an ideal option for tall people, as it comes in a high-backed seat with a 400-pound weight capacity. The chair offers a number of adjustments, including its headrest and high-tech armrests, which move with your arms to provide support in virtually any position. This chair is available in three different neutral colors to match with the rest of your office, and the seat cushion is more flexible than most, providing comfort no matter the sitting position.

“About two years ago, I upgraded my home office to a Steelcase Gesture after trying a handful of other, less expensive chairs. It was pricey, but I am thrilled with the result. The seat is comfortable for all-day use and does a great job of supporting my back no matter how I'm sitting. The optional headrest is a revelation—super adjustable and always there to support my neck and head when I need it. And the armrests are so easy to adjust that I find myself moving them around a lot to accommodate whatever I'm doing instead of leaving them in one place like I have done with other chairs I've owned.” —Dave Johnson, deputy editor

Planning to game? This chair from Homall is designed to keep you comfortable while you get down to business. It features high-density foam to support your whole body, plus you can adjust both the height and armchairs. Multi-directional wheels make it easy to cruise around while seated. There’s even a special function that allows you to rock back and forth when the mood strikes.

While you probably wouldn’t buy an office chair just for the armrests, having one with a comfortable place to fully rest your forearms is a definite perk. The Alera has arms with soft polyurethane pads that are adjustable by height and width, giving you plenty of options. You can also adjust several points in the chair’s tilt and height to help you get that just-right feel, while its breathable mesh back keeps you cool on hot days.

As you compare different chairs, consider these key factors to help you narrow down your selection and pick the best model for your needs.

No two bodies are alike, and the best office chairs are the ones that can be adjusted to fit your own body and personal workspace. “An ergonomic chair has adjustable seat heights, adjustable arm support, seat depth adjustment, tilting or reclining mechanism, back support with height adjustment to fit the curvature of the spine and neck and lumbar support,” says Dr. Shah.

In particular, you’ll want to look for an office chair that provides some type of lumbar support. Some have a brace that supports your lower back, while others might come with a pillow. Either way, this feature is essential to minimizing strain on your neck and back throughout the work day. It’s even better if the chair’s lumbar support can be adjusted, as this will allow you to tailor the support to your own individual needs.

As you compare different office chairs, you’ll want to consider the materials they’re made of. Seats are often made from foam (high-density is best, as it will last longer), and some are contoured to fit your body more comfortably. It’s common for chairs to have mesh backs, which are more breathable, while upholstered foam versions generally provide more support.

It’s important to look at an office chair’s weight limit before buying, especially if you’re a heavier individual. The most common weight capacity for desk chairs is 300 pounds, but some chairs can support more or less weight.

“Accessories, such as a lumbar pillow, may also work to help the chair form fit to one’s body and help to support the muscles in the lower back,” explains Dr. Shah.

“Sitting in a comfortable chair allows one to hold the head comfortably over the pelvis without having the muscles do much extra work to bring the head in line over the pelvis,” explains Dr. Shah. “As such, chairs with built-in adjustable supports for the back and neck would be a good start, as they will work towards alleviating extra muscle work.”

There are several benefits to mesh office chairs. Perhaps most importantly, mesh chairs are extremely breathable, preventing your back from getting sweaty on hot summer days. They’re also very low-maintenance and typically quite durable, and the material stretches to contour to your back. That said, some people prefer a traditional back, which typically provides more overall support.

If you sit in your office chair for a minimum of eight hours per day, it’s important to select a model that prioritizes ergonomics. Lumbar support and adjustable armrests are particularly important in this regard. By keeping your body in an ergonomic position, the chair will help to reduce strain on your joints—including your back, neck and wrists—and prevent pain and soreness.

Some office chairs have open backs, which works well for some people. However, if you struggle with back pain, it may be better to opt for chair with a solid back, particularly if it provides ergonomic support for your lower back, Dr. Shah says.

Not necessarily. Not everyone prefers armrests with their office chair and, if the space under your desk is limited, this feature may not be for you.

While many office chairs have wheels, it’s not a feature you’ll find on every design. In general, wheels are a good option to allow you to easily scoot under and away from your desk without scraping your floors. That being said, they won’t impact the overall ergonomics of your chair or its ability to provide you with overall comfort.

Picking out a great office chair is the first step towards minimizing sitting-related discomfort during the workday. The second step, which is equally as important: using the chair properly to lower your risk of developing back pain. Here’s the right way to sit in your office chair, according to experts.

If possible, try to get up from your desk and walk around at least every hour of the workday, advises Adam J. Schell, M.D., a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with The Maryland Spine Center. “When you’re sitting, you’re at the most disadvantaged position for the discs in your back,” he explains. “When you’re standing, the pressure on your back is lower.”

Deborah McKernan-Ace, program director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the Rutgers School of Health Professions, echoes Schell’s sentiments. Regular movement “is critical to prevent musculoskeletal issues such as muscle fatigue, and joint deformities and alignment in the neck and spine,” she says. When people sit at a desk, they “tend to either hunch over the desk or protrude their neck towards the computer screen,” McKernan-Ace continues. “This positioning could result in long-term musculoskeletal issues over time—neck tightness and pain, jaw pain and shoulder and back pain,” she continues. “Also, over time, the muscle tightness may cause tension headaches.”

Among the first orders of business after picking out your office chair: adjusting your seat to be in the proper ergonomic position. According to McKernan-Ace, you’ll know you’ve found the right seat height when you sit down and your feet are on the ground and your thighs are level to the floor.

Everyone’s perfect seat back angle depends on their comfort level. Ideally, look for a seat back that tilts, which will “allow for readjusting back and hip angles periodically,” says McKernan-Ace. If your chair doesn’t tilt and you feel like you need extra support, she suggests using a backrest pillow. “Backrest curves should fit the curve of your back when seated all the way back in the chair,” she says.

When it comes to supporting your arms and shoulders while you work, armrests are super helpful—so long as they’re at the right height. If your chair has armrests, adjust them so that keep your arms at a 90-degree angle while you type, McKernan-Ace recommends. “Armrests should be just beneath your elbows when arms are relaxed.”

This chair looks like its swathed in denim though it’s actually polyester. Nevertheless, it has that laidback feel, while nailheads and dark wood accents add a cool classic touch. Featuring curvilinear armrests, this chair’s height can be adjusted using a paddle.

Gaming fans will appreciate this ergonomic chair’s adjustment options. Armrests flip up to give you the necessary space to move freely when the need strikes, while all-over padding cradles your body while you play.

Like to prop your feet up while you work? The Harwick drafting chair has a steel footrest so you can experiment with different seating styles. There’s also a range of adjustment nobs for tilt, height and more. The leather upholstery is all class.

Kick back with old school-style seating that will lend a distinctly vintage vibe to your home office. This banker’s chair features pressurized height adjustment and locking tilt control to help you find the perfect fit for you. A padded seat ensures you can rest in comfort.

Who says office chairs have to look a certain way? This adjustable design combines ergonomics with a cool mod style, resulting in a trendy chair you’ll be thrilled to spend all day in. Choose between black and gray polyurethane leather upholstery options.