Finding the right office chair can feel like a real challenge. With so many choices out there, it’s easy to get lost. We all know that spending long hours at a desk takes a toll on our health, but a comfy, supportive chair can really make a difference. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to find something great. There are plenty of excellent options under $400.
This guide will share our top 10 picks for the best office chair under 400 and some practical tips to help you find the right fit. So, whether you’re working from home or just looking to upgrade your workspace, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Best Office Chair Under 400: Top 10 List
- What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Budget Office Chair
- FAQs About the Best Office Chair Under 400
Best Office Chair Under 400: Top 10 List
Here are our top 10 picks for the best office chairs under $400. Each option combines comfort, support, and style to help you stay productive and pain-free at your desk.
1. Meet&Co Office Furniture Budding Office Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 25.2″ D x 26.0″ W x 40.6″ – 42.9″ H
Colors: Gray, black, green, blue, orange, red, brown; customizable
Assembly: Requires assembly
Warranty: 1 – 3 years
Our first pick for the best budget office chair is the Budding Chair from Meet&Co Office Furniture. It comes in both classic and eye-catching colors like red, orange, and green, giving your workspace a lively twist away from the usual bland tones. This chair proves that style and comfort don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. It’s perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their home office or corporate setup.
The Budding Chair offers all the essential adjustments: seat height, armrest height, and recline. You can also customize the armrest pads and seat depth for the best fit. Plus, the manufacturer offers various customization options, including choices for a headrest, wheels, and even a footrest. Just a tip: if you’re on the shorter side, you might want to skip the headrest, as it can be a bit awkward. Meet&Co offers other options, like upholstered desk chairs, drafting chairs, and active seating, so you can find what works best for you.
2. HON Ignition 2.0 Mesh Task Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 28.5″ D x 27″ W x 44.5″ H
Colors: Black
Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Assembly: Requires assembly
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
The Ignition 2.0 is a real winner when it comes to durability for its price. You can feel the quality of the materials—it’s more robust than many chairs in the same range. There are no wobbly armrests here, and those casters roll smoothly. The seat cushion is plush and ready to go right out of the box, so you won’t find yourself sinking into it after a long day; it stays supportive and comfy.
While it might not outshine the Steelcase Gesture or Aeron in pure comfort, it gets the basics right. The lumbar support is adjustable and effective—you can actually feel the difference when you adjust it. You can also adjust the seat depth, height, and armrests to suit your style. It has a sleek look and is available in stylish upholstered back options. Overall, for a midrange chair, the Ignition 2.0 is a fantastic pick—comfortable, easy to put together, and durable.
3. Serta Jennings Big and Tall Office Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 32.5″ D x 28.25″ W x 43.25″ H
Colors: Black
Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
Assembly: Requires assembly
Warranty: 10-Year Limited
The Serta Jennings Big and Tall Office Chair is a great choice if you’re looking for something roomy and comfortable. It’s the only faux leather chair on our list, giving you that polished look without the hefty price tag of genuine leather office chairs. With five layers of foam over ComfortCoils, lumbar support, and adjustable height and tilt, it’s designed for optimal comfort. The cushioned headrest and deep body pillows cater to bigger frames, supporting up to 400 pounds with commercial-grade components. Just a heads-up: leather isn’t the best choice for a task chair, especially if you plan to sit for eight hours a day or more. For those long work sessions, a mesh chair with better ergonomic features might be a smarter pick.
4. FlexiSpot C5 Ergonomic Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 21.3″ D x 20.8″ W x 18.5″ – 21.65″ H
Colors: Black, grey
Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Assembly: Requires assembly
Warranty: 3 years
Next up, we’ve got another wallet-friendly chair to consider. The FlexiSpot C5 has a simple, understated design with a mesh back, comfy fabric seat, and adjustable headrest, making it a decent, low-key choice for any office. The color options are limited, only black and grey. This chair combines mesh and foam, giving you a breathable backrest and headrest, plus a comfy seat cushion. They also have a new mesh seat option if you prefer that.
The lumbar support is easily adjustable with a knob on the back, so you can fine-tune it while you’re sitting. It’s straightforward and effective. You can also adjust the armrests up and down using small buttons underneath, and the headrest tilts up to 45 degrees. However, while FlexiSpot claims it fits folks from 5’3″ to 6’5″, taller users might find themselves stretching their necks to get comfortable. If you’re over 6 feet, the headrest might not be as comfortable as you would expect, especially if you’re dealing with neck pain. Assembling this chair is easy, and it’s cozy for long hours of use. The FlexiSpot C5 is a solid chair, so if height and headrest comfort aren’t concerns for you, it’s worth considering.
5. Vari Task Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 25.5″ D x 25.5″ W x 38″ – 43″ H
Colors: Black, Storm Grey, Scarlet Red. Light Grey, Deep Blue
Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Assembly: Requires assembly
Warranty: 5 years
Vari claims their Task Chair is the only office chair in the U.S. endorsed by the World Federation of Chiropractic. It covers all the basic adjustments—seat height, armrest height, and recline—but goes further with features like adjustable armrest pads that move back and forth and pivot. The backrest has a hinged system for solid lumbar support, making it comfy for work or gaming. The lumbar support is decent, although we think the back could be a little higher, but the material is nice and breathable. The armrests also click into place, so they won’t slide around once you’ve found your perfect setting.
Assembly is a snap and takes just about ten minutes. If you spend a lot of time sitting, this chair is an excellent, affordable investment for your posture and comfort. There’s also a headrest version available, and the 30-day free return policy means you can send it back if it’s not your jam.
6. Ticova Mesh Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 27″ D x 9.8″ W x 20.8″ H
Colors: Black
Weight Capacity: 350 Pounds
Assembly: Requires assembly
Warranty: 1 year
Next up on our budget-friendly chair list is the Ticova office chair. It has an adjustable headrest that’s surprisingly comfy for office chairs under $300. With a deep recline and a bunch of adjustable features, it’s a good pick if you’re looking to save some cash for your home office. The seat is nicely cushioned and provides excellent support for your neck, lower back, and arms. The headrest has a nice curved design and can easily be moved up or down to fit your height.
The lumbar support is a big win, too, sliding in and out to match your body and help make long hours of sitting more bearable. However, we’d still recommend getting up and stretching every hour to keep your body happy. Of course, at this price point, it’s not perfect. The Ticova lacks a long warranty, and you can expect the build quality to reflect its budget-friendly nature. But if you’re willing to take a chance, the Ticova could be a fantastic choice that offers great value for your money.
7. Meet&Co Style Ergonomic Office Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 26.4″ W x 24.6″ D x 45.7″ – 50.2″ H
Colors: Black, gray, orange, blue, pink, red; customizable
Materials: Mesh, fabric
Assembly: Requires assembly
Warranty: 1 year
The Style Chair is another great pick from Meet&Co Office Furniture. It comes in various colors, from classic black and gray to vibrant red and green, so it’ll fit right in with any office vibe. The breathable mesh back helps support your spine, making those long work hours a bit easier on your back.
The seat is nicely padded, and depending on your climate and preferences, you can choose between a full-mesh or foam seat. It’s adjustable, too, letting you tweak the seat height, armrests, reclining angle, and headrest. If you’re taller, you can adjust the seat depth for better comfort. It’s affordable, giving you style and comfort without breaking the bank—a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their workspace or outfit a whole team.
8. Branch Ergonomic Office Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 25” W x 24“ D x 38” – 42” H
Colors: Black, Pebble, Sand, Graphite, Light Blue, Poppy, Baltic
Weight Capacity: 275 Pounds
Assembly: Requires assembly
Warranty: 7 years
A good ergonomic office chair typically provides a range of adjustments, and the Branch Ergonomic Chair meets this standard. Priced at $329, it offers seven customization points, supports up to 275 pounds, and includes a 7-year warranty. Assembly is a breeze—thanks to the clear instructions, you can set it up in just a few minutes.
Branch’s chairs have that sleek, modern look that fits well in any office, and you can choose from seven stylish colors to match your decor. They just launched the Ergonomic Chair Pro, which steps up the game even more at $499, but don’t worry—the original chair is still around as a more budget-friendly option. Still, both chairs are cheaper than the Verve Chair.
9. Colamy Ergonomic Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 27.76″ D x 28.94″ W x 50″ H
Colors: Grey
Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
Assembly: Requires assembly
Warranty: 3 years
The Colamy Ergonomic Chair really stands out when it comes to adjustments. With a ton of options and sleek, easy-to-use controls that click into place, it’s designed for comfort. The headrest is cozy and adjustable, though the armrests might feel a bit too far forward for some. What sets this chair apart in its price range is its sturdy metal base and armrest holder, providing great stability and durability.
The breathable mesh backrest is solid, and while it may not rival pricier models, it holds up well. The cushioning is soft and supportive, but if you prefer firmer padding, you might want to look elsewhere. Overall, the Colamy Ergonomic Chair is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking quality without breaking the bank.
10. PUKAMI Criss Cross Chair
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 20″ D x 25.2″ W x 34″ H
Colors: Beige, black, blue, brown, grey, mint green, pink, white, yellow
Weight Capacity: 350 Pounds
Assembly: Requires assembly
Warranty: 1 year
The PUKAMI Criss Cross Chair is the viral sensation you’ve probably seen all over TikTok! While there are plenty of similar chairs on Amazon and Walmart, PUKAMI seems to be the go-to favorite among users. Once you put it together, you’ll notice it looks gorgeous and spacious.
With a seat cushion that measures 25.5 inches wide, you can sit however you like. If you tend to fidget or switch positions throughout the day, this armless chair is perfect for you. The polyester upholstery is soft and comfy, and it pairs beautifully with rustic desks. Just a heads-up: without armrests, you might find yourself leaning forward a bit, which can lead to some back discomfort if you sit for too long. Overall, it’s a stylish and comfy addition to any workspace.
What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Budget Office Chair
Here are some key factors to help you make the best choice for your workspace:
1. Comfort is Key
First and foremost, you want a chair that feels great to sit in. Look for one with decent cushioning and solid support, especially in the seat and backrest. Many furniture manufacturers have showrooms, so if you can, go try a few out before making a purchase.
2. Adjustability Matters
The more adjustable features, the better. Check if you can tweak the seat height, lumbar support, and armrests. This way, you can customize it to fit your body just right.
3. Material Choices
Pay close attention to the chair’s materials. If you have pets, look for upholstery that resists hair and scratches. For those who sweat, breathable mesh or moisture-wicking fabrics keep you comfortable. If easy cleaning is a must, opt for chairs with removable covers or smooth surfaces that wipe down easily. A sturdy metal or durable plastic frame will also help your chair last for years.
4. Style Points
Don’t forget about aesthetics! A sleek design can enhance your workspace. Choose a style and color that vibes with your office setup.
5. Weight Capacity
Ensure the chair can comfortably support your weight. You want something that feels stable and secure.
6. Check the Warranty
A good warranty can give you peace of mind. It’s nice to know you’re covered in case something goes wrong.
7. Check Buyer Reviews
See what other users are saying. Their reviews are valuable, helping you learn more about the chair’s comfort and durability.
8. Stick to Your Budget
Set a budget and do your best to stick to it, but keep in mind that spending a bit more could lead you to a chair that’s much more comfortable and durable in the long run. It’s worth considering!
FAQs About the Best Office Chair Under 400
1. How do I fix a squeaky office chair?
To fix a squeaky office chair, first, pinpoint where the noise is coming from. Check the wheels, base, and any moving parts for dirt or debris. Give these areas a good clean, then apply some lubricant, like WD-40, to the hinges and joints. Don’t forget to tighten any loose screws or bolts, as that can also help get rid of those annoying squeaks.
2. How do I make my office chair more comfortable?
To make your office chair more comfortable, try adding a cushion or seat pad for extra support. Adjust the height and lumbar support to suit your body better, and remember to take regular breaks to stretch and move around. Also, make sure your desk setup encourages good posture for a healthier work environment.
3. Should I choose an office chair, a task chair, or a gaming chair?
Choosing the best office chair really comes down to your specific needs. Office chairs focus on ergonomics for long hours, while task chairs are lighter and more versatile. Gaming chairs are often stylish and comfy but may lack ergonomic support. Consider how you’ll use the chair to make the best choice!
4. How often should I replace my office chair?
It’s a good idea to replace your office chair every 5 to 7 years, depending on how much you use it. Look for signs like discomfort, trouble adjusting settings, or visible damage. Regular maintenance can help prolong its lifespan, but keep an eye on its overall condition.
