My team and I have put over 100 chairs to the test to find the best office chairs for ergonomics, comfort, and seeing you through the whole 8-hour workday and beyond. Now, I've hand-picked the 10 most comfortable chairs we've ever sat on from the likes of Steelcase, Sihoo, FlexiSpot, and Herman Miller.
I recommend the Steelcase Series 2 for anyone who wants a premium ergonomic experience without paying ultra-premium prices - the backrest's clever Air LiveBack is truly phenomenal. But I champion the Boulies EP200 as the best value. This has been my daily driver for over a year now, and it's airy, highly adjustable, and affordable.
Check out the full line-up below, where I've chosen everything from cheap office chairs that won't break your back to high-end executive-grade seats that make you feel like you're sitting on a cloud (seriously!). Each one has been rigorously tested by me and my office furniture testing panel - from timing assembly to comparing performance over weeks, months, and in some cases years of use.
What's new? We've added a new 'expert opinion' section featuring words from professionals who work in the office chair field. If you're looking for comprehensive buying advice from someone who works in the industry, be sure to give this section a read.
Best office chair overall
Buy it if...
✅ You constantly shift your weight: One of the stand-out features we love is the geometric 'Air LiveBack' patterning in the backrest that seamlessly flexes to provide support even if you're a fidgeter.
✅ You're tired of cheap foam flattening out: The Steelcase Series 2 has a high-density foam seat that unlike cheap office chairs won't flatten or sag after too many hours of use.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You want to lock your recline angle: While you can sit back in your seat, the Steelcase Series 2 doesn’t feature a lockable recline, so the back springs back once pressure is lifted.
❌ You're over 6': With its low-profile design, it's not as comfortable for taller users as a chair like the Steelcase Gesture or Leap, and the backrest may dig into the shoulders.
Why I chose the Steelcase Series 2
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The Steelcase Series 2 is the best balance of price and performance we have ever tested - especially with its 12-year warranty. Delivering consistent support, we found it incredibly comfortable to sit in, even for long hours, thanks to the specially engineered backrest that flexes with your body as you shift in your seat.
Beyond all-round comfort, the Steelcase Series 2 has a number of configurations. You can opt for the Task Chair version without armrests, which we reviewed (see gallery above). Personally, I'd recommend choosing the standard model with 4D armrests and the headrest.
I like the intuitive under-seat levers and dials for adjusting the fit. Certainly no fumbling for controls here. Seat height rests between 16.5 and 21.5in, armrests boast 3in adjustability, and there’s a 400lbs weight load. My only real complaint is that the recline doesn’t lock into place, returning to the upright position each time. Plenty of chairs offer similar specs, but I find the Steelcase Series 2 to be the complete package for a fraction of the cost of expensive gold-standard office chairs like the Steelcase Leap and Gesture.
If the Series 2 stretches your budget too far, the FlexiSpot C7 offers similar adjustability for half the price, though you sacrifice some build quality.
Read our full Steelcase Series 2 office chair review
Best value office chair
Buy it if...
✅ You want premium adjustability without the price tag: The EP200 offers excellent value, with a host of adjustable mechanisms like seat height, seat depth, headrest, 3D armrests, tilt, and recline for fitting the chair to your height.
✅ You want a reliable office chair for the 9 to 5 (and beyond): We continue to use this chair as our daily driver, remaining consistently supportive and comfortable for well over 8 hours a day.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You prefer a softer seat you can sink into: The mesh seat is tuned for support, so it's firm, won't sag, but may feel harder on your tailbone - and that's not going to be suitable if you like the feeling of sitting on a cloud that you get from plush, foam, cushioned office chairs.
❌ You want premium-style mechanical tolerances: It may be loaded with adjustability, but the mid-range mechanisms can feel hard and even clunky compared to the smooth, gliding nature of chairs like the Embody or Leap.
Why I chose the Boulies EP200
This is the office chair our chair editor uses every day. After long-term testing, with over 3000 hours in the seat (and counting), it's a great all-rounder that is used for work, rest, and play in a home office.
The design is a classic, professional style, with a breathable and contoured mesh backrest and firm seat that doesn't sag - a foam variant is also available. While the lumbar support may not be dynamic like it is on the FlexiSpot C7, it is depth-adjustable, as is the headrest, seat depth, 3D armrests, and recliner, rounding out some good precision control for extra comfort. Everything you need is included in the box (so no paying extra for a headrest).
Assembly was easy, and from initial unboxing to the final twist of the hex key, I had it up and running in about twenty minutes. In his time using it, he experienced no issues, fatigue, or discomfort. Considering the cost, it’s one of the most comfortable office chairs we’ve ever tested.
There are cheaper chairs but this is the most chair you can get for the least money.
Read our full Boulies EP200 office chair review
