Even though office chairs might look the same in online photos, once you sit in them, you’ll notice the significant differences in comfort and quality. Our detailed reviews aim to help those who consider this purchase an investment. With this info, I hope you can make an intelligent choice. So, let’s dive into the best ergonomic office chairs in 2024.
To find out which office chairs are truly comfy, we spent two months testing over 30 different models, ranging in price, function, and style. We looked at key features like ergonomic design, back and lumbar support, and tilt mechanisms. We also checked if the pricier options were really worth the extra money. Ultimately, we came up with a list of the ten best office chairs under $500. Read on and check our top picks.
Table of Contents
- Best Office Chairs Under $500 in 2024
- How We Test?
- Considerations When Buying Office Chairs at Different Prices
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Best Office Chairs Under $500 in 2024
1. Meet&Co Budding Ergonomic Chair
The Meet&Co Budding Ergonomic Chair is the best we recommend. Given its price, we believe it offers excellent value. The Budding features an adjustable headrest, which is notably comfortable for chairs under $500. Its deep recline and extensive adjustment options make it an excellent choice for those on a budget looking to furnish their home office.
However, it’s important to note that this chair has drawbacks. One significant limitation is the lack of an extended warranty. But when you get this chair, all your worries will disappear. Its quality far exceeds the average level at this price. If you’re willing to take a chance on its durability, the Meet&Co Budding Ergonomic Chair can be cost-effective.
2. Steelcase Series 1 Office Chair
The Steelcase Series 1 Chair, a solid choice for petite individuals, will be priced at $494 in 2024. However, it may not be ideal for users taller than 5’10” due to its height limitations, which can cause discomfort around the shoulder blades. The chair offers adjustable seat depth and height, providing some customization. It has a firmer seat pad, which might be uncomfortable for some users.
During our testing, we found the armrests to be the main problem—they slide back and forth and side to side. This movement often pinches the arms, and since there’s no way to lock them in place, the trunk feels supported, but the arms do not.
3. Branch Verve Chair
The Verve Chair is a newer, more stylish office chair from Branch. We found it to be both comfortable and supportive. Its sleek design and simplified adjustments, such as the easy-to-use seat depth and tilt-tension controls, make it a great fit for home office spaces with a focus on design—it looks much more expensive than it actually is.
The difference between a budget chair and a high-end one can be significant. But the Verve Chair exudes quality in every aspect. The heavy metal fittings, the high-quality fabric, and the smooth movement of the wheels all reflect the care and attention put into its construction.
However, it’s important to consider your measurements—if you’re over 6 feet tall and have long legs, you might find the chair too short. That being said, the Verve is a well-designed, well-built piece of productivity furniture perfect for a stylish home office, provided it fits you well.
4. Haworth Assure Task Chair
The Haworth Assure is an entry-level product from a well-known office seating brand. Haworth is one of the top manufacturers globally of high-end office furniture. It is usually priced around $329.
The Assure has a thick seat pad and a comfy mesh backrest. While it doesn’t come with the 12-year warranty like the premium Haworth options, it does have a 5-year warranty. Plus, the excellent customer service from a reputable brand addresses many concerns that come with other entry-level chairs.
Even though the Assure offers better guarantees and customer service, it’s still a basic chair. It has height-adjustable arms, a simple synchro-tilt mechanism, one upright locked position, and no extra lumbar support.
5. OdinLake Upgrade 518 Chair
Spending $300 on the Odinlake Upgrade 518 is totally worth it for the comfort it offers. If you’re a bigger person, having a chair that can support your weight while staying comfy and adjustable is a game-changer. Our team loves that the OdinLake lets you adjust everything – from the arms to the seat and lumbar positions – so you can customize it to your liking.
We also tried out a bunch of pricier chairs, but they didn’t stay as comfy over time. It’s not that they’re bad; they just don’t compare to the Upgrade 518, which costs way less.
6. Eureka Galene Executive Chair
Finding an executive chair that looks good and is affordable can be challenging. Less expensive options often appear unimpressive, while high-end ones are usually out of reach for most people. The Galene from Eureka strikes a great balance between cost and quality. It has an attractive design and is very comfortable for extended periods. Unlike budget chairs, it doesn’t wobble and feels like a more expensive model.
One improvement could be the armrests. More articulation would allow for better customization instead of just moving up and down. Executive chairs are typically designed for comfort during calls and meetings rather than long typing sessions, so more adjustable armrests would be beneficial.
7. Meet&Co Style High-back Ergonomic Chair
The Meet&Co Style is one of the rare ergonomic office chairs you can snag for under $500, and it’s changed the game for what a “budget” desk chair can be. How you sit and how long you sit can really impact your health and well-being, so it’s not something to skimp on.
Back in the day, people didn’t realize this. Most folks couldn’t afford a high-end, ergonomic chair like the Embody. Fancy office chairs were seen as a luxury. Luckily, we found the Style.
8. Herman Miller Zeph Chair
The Zeph looks awesome with tons of color options, and it stands out from the other chairs in this guide. But the only thing you can adjust is the seat height. And you know what? That’s totally fine! The Zeph is designed to fit your body perfectly. Our team used this one-piece plastic seat for a month and didn’t get any of the usual back pain from switching chairs. It’s supportive and even works well as a recliner. Just get the seat pad and arms for extra comfort, though it’ll cost a bit more.
The Zeph is also compact, making it perfect for smaller spaces. While most people might prefer a chair with more adjustable features, if you don’t want to mess with knobs and levers, this chair is a great choice.
9. Eurotech Vera Mesh Chair
The Eurotech Vera might be the best bang for your buck in office chairs right now. It’s famous for its super comfy backrest design. Even though it doesn’t have built-in lumbar support, the natural curve of the backrest gives better lower back support than most chairs with separate lumbar systems. People often say sitting in it feels like floating on a hammock. Plus, it has a thick padded seat for long sitting sessions and armrests that you can adjust in many ways.
Vera’s seat height range starts a bit high, which might be awkward for shorter folks. If you’re under 5’5″, you might need a footrest. The Vera also has an optional headrest but doesn’t adjust, so it might not be the most comfortable fit for everyone.
10 Union & Scale FlexFit Hyken Mesh Task Chair
The Union & Scale FlexFit Hyken Mesh Task Chair is a cost-effective choice for those looking for an ergonomic chair without breaking the bank. Priced at around $160 during major sales, this chair offers a range of impressive features at an affordable price.
The FlexFit Chair includes breathable mesh fabric on both the back and seat, promoting good airflow and temperature control. It also has a reclining function, a headrest, and lumbar support to help maintain proper alignment and comfort. With its adjustable components, you can tailor the chair to suit your preferences and support your posture throughout the day.
How We Test?
Before selecting a new chair, consider asking yourself a few critical questions:
- Is the chair designed to allow you to rest comfortably against the backrest?
- Do your feet touch the floor when you sit against the backrest?
- Did you find yourself fidgeting or needing to stand up frequently?
- Did you experience any pain or discomfort while using a specific chair?
We used these questions as a guide, which helped us narrow down our options. Over two months, we tested each chair, noting the level of comfort, adjustability (such as height, backrest, and arm features), and any issues we encountered.
Considerations When Buying Office Chairs at Different Prices
$300 Office Chairs
When looking at entry-level chairs in the $300 range, it’s important to keep your expectations in check. These chairs might not perform as well as the pricier ones. With a $300 budget, you’ll get limited adjustments and shorter warranties.
The build quality is usually lower in this price range. The foam might not hold its shape as long, the plastic parts might not be as refined, and the fabric might wear out faster.
Entry-level chairs are a good choice if you only plan to sit for a few hours a day or are on a tight budget. But if you break down the cost per year, upgrading to a higher-end chair can give you better comfort and a longer warranty, making it a better deal in the long run.
$500 Office Chairs
Mid-range office chairs, around $500, offer great value. This price range gives you a big jump in quality, with chairs that can handle heavy use, even in commercial settings. With a $500 budget, you’ll find comfortable chairs for long sitting sessions, like 8 hours or more a day.
In this range, we’ve found chairs that excel in specific areas, making them stand out as the best overall. You also get longer warranties, sometimes rivaling those of ultra-premium chairs, making this a sweet spot for value.
$1,000 Office Chairs
Some of the biggest names in office furniture make high-end office chairs in the $1,000 range. These chairs are made with custom components and offer the best warranties, often up to 12 years.
This is where you should look if you’re looking for top-notch chairs from well-known brands without going into the ultra-premium price range. These chairs are designed for long hours of comfort, like 12 hours or more, and come with warranties that cover such extended use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Meet&Co Office Chairs Eco-friendly?
About 60% of the products from Meet&Co Office Furniture are made from eco-friendly materials. Our selection includes items crafted from recycled plastics and sustainably sourced wood. Using these desks and chairs provides both comfort and environmental benefits.
Why is an Ergonomic Chair So Important?
Sitting at a desk all day long will cause health problems, such as back pain, muscle aches, varicose veins, stiff necks, and numb legs. These issues are more common in people who sit a lot than in those who do physical work.
Sitting for long periods is also linked to serious health problems like metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and poor mental health, no matter how active you are otherwise. Employers should inform their staff about the risks of prolonged sitting and suggest ways to improve their posture. This includes taking breaks and moving around to cut down on sitting time.
That’s where ergonomic chairs come in. These chairs are designed to support your body and encourage good posture, helping to reduce the strain from sitting too long. They provide numerous benefits that can enhance the health and productivity of office workers.
How Can I Make My Office Chair More Comfortable?
Many office chairs can be adjusted. You can tweak the height, move the armrests, and even adjust the lumbar support. Before you get rid of your current chair, try different positions to make sure you’re sitting right. Good posture means your back should touch the backrest, and your feet should be flat on the floor.
How to Clean My Office Chair?
Cleaning your office chair depends on its material. Check the product manual and care instructions. Generally, you can use a damp cloth with mild soap or detergent. Just test a small spot first, and avoid using harsh chemical cleaners.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, we have discovered some fantastic office chairs for under $500. The variety in this price range is impressive, and we think the Meet&Co brand really stands out in the affordable chair market.
