If you want to improve your posture and ward off any back problems, purchasing the best office chair with good ergonomics is key, especially if your job is sedentary. Many office chairs try to advertise their ergonomics: but what chairs actually work if you have real needs to address? There are a select few chairs that consistently receive high ratings when it comes to ergonomics and over healthy sitting – and we have a couple prime examples for you. But first, let’s talk about the features to look for in the best office chairs.
What to Look for in Healthy Office Chairs
One of the biggest factors in a quality, good-for-your-back chair is adjustability. You need a chair that allows you to adjust the back rest, seat depth, and more. Of course, you also need to spend some time making these adjustments, but that’s a strictly after-purchase step!
Next, the chair should easily meet basic ergonomic requirements. This means there should an inch or so of space between the chair and the back of your knees when sitting, and that your feet should rest easily against the floor and your legs should form a 90-degree angle around your knees. The back should follow the curve of your spine while providing solid support.
You’ll notice that our top chair picks – and related office chairs out on the market – have a certain look to them, a shape that looks molded to the human body. Here, it’s okay to trust your eyes: This is a good sign because it’s more likely that you naturally fit in the chair without striking awkward poses or hunches.
Herman Miller Aeron – $940
Herman Miller is a byname in the ergonomic chair world, and is often tipped as the best-of-the-best for those suffering from back problems. There’s good reason to recommend Miller models, and our favorite is the highly accessible Aeron (other Miller chairs tend to look a little… weird).
The Aeron comes in three different sizes, plus adjustable everything. The tilt mechanism and suspension are popular marketing points – and take note of that flowing seat, how it is designed to both hold you in place and pour your legs down toward the floor. This is supposed to keep your body alert and ready to go, no matter how long the day.
Steelcase Leap Chair – $919
The Leap is designed to be flexible – literally. The chair’s materials will bend and give to your body’s movements, ensuring that there’s no sore spots no matter how long you sit. The armrests are telescoping, sliding in and out and nearly every other direction depending on how you prefer to use (or ignore) them. Steelcase also gets points for creating an eco-friendly chair that is made of up to 30% recycled materials and is almost entirely recyclable in its own right.