When it comes to office work, comfort and durability are key. Ergonomic chairs are designed to provide both, with adjustable features that make it easy to sit in them for extended periods. But if the best options are out of your price range, the Herman Miller Sayl is a great alternative. It offers similar comfort and durability for nearly half the price, and its backrest with plastic straps stays cooler than fabric cushions.
For those who want the best of the best, the Steelcase Gesture is the most comfortable office chair for most people. Our test panelists scored it highest on all criteria, and it's made with high-quality materials that should outlast its generous 12-year warranty. It's also attractive enough for most people and is available in dozens of colors to suit any space or preference. The Herman Miller Aeron is another great option, as it's surprisingly comfortable considering its all-mesh design and without padding.
Its armrests are not as adjustable as those of the Gesture and reclining is not as simple, but for standard use of the keyboard and mouse throughout the day, we found that both the Aeron's backrest and seat were as comfortable as those of the Gesture. It also comes with a 12-year warranty, and you can often find older or little-used Aerons at a substantial discount. The Sayl chair by Herman Miller is another great choice for those who want a unique modern design that is extremely comfortable and highly adjustable. It's available in two colors (white or black) for the chair frame and three (black, gray or light blue) for the cushion.
If you're looking for a more elegant budget chair, the Branch ergonomic chair is worth considering. It has wavy armrests but still provides great comfort. The ErgoChair Pro is another great option, as its adjustable headrest comes standard and helps reduce neck tension with 45-degree flexibility.
