What is an ergonomic chair?
An ergonomic chair is one that has been designed for efficiency and comfort.
Ergonomics is an applied science, primarily aimed at designing objects that people can use safely and efficiently.
Ergonomics is also referred to as biotechnology or human engineering.
Why should I care about ergonomic chairs?
Investing a little money in ergonomically designed products can increase health and well-being.
Good ergonomic gear can increase your productivity by decreasing the amount of time taken to complete regular tasks, and causing less wear and tear on your body.
We hope this article has answered your question “what is an ergonomic chair?” and provides you with enough information for you to make a well-informed purchase:-)
What are the things to watch out for with a bad chair?
Ergonomically designed products aim to combat the following issues
- Bad posture
- Bending incorrectly
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- Fatigue
- Poor body positioning
- Overstretching
What tips can you give me when I’m working?
If you are stuck behind a computer hour after hour, day after day, you might be plagued with neck and back pain, or achy wrists and fingers.
By following a few ergonomic rules, you can help yourself and your joints stay more comfortable as you toil away over that latest blog!
How do I use an ergonomic chair?
The chair must support an individual’s spinal curves. Your feet should rest flat on the floor. Armrests should be adjusted so that your arms rest gently while the shoulders are relaxed. Your thighs should also be parallel to the ground.
Why is finding a good chair so important?
In today’s media-driven, online world, many of us sit for most of the time that we are awake. While eating breakfast, driving to work, beavering away at work, then back home to sit on the sofa to either surf the net or catch the latest Game of Thrones episode!
Although sitting takes less effort than standing or walking, it puts a lot of stress on your lumbar area.
The effect of a sedentary lifestyle and a cheap, badly-designed office chair can lead to a multitude of health problems.
What should I look for in an ergonomic chair?
- Height adjustability – a good chair will always be height-adjustable.
- Backrest – this should be adjustable vertically and be able to tilt in a forward/backward direction. The backrest must provide adequate lumbar support.
- Seat depth – this is the distance between the front and back of the seating area. This is measured from behind the back of the knees.
- Stability – in most cases a 5-point base is recommended for the best stability.
As you can see, choosing the right ergonomic chair isn’t as easy as you might think. That’s why we have done our homework to bring you the best 10 ergonomic chairs to keep you healthy & productive.
Best Ergonomic Chairs
Top Ergonomic Chair – Freedom Chair by Humanscale
The Freedom chair by Humanscale is and has been one of the best-selling ergonomic chairs on the planet since its launch in 1999.
Freedom Chair by Humanscale: Headrest - Advanced Duron Arms - Gel seat...
- Intelligent counter-balance recline mechanism.
- During recline, the angle between torso and legs opens up for better body function.
- Self-adjusting recline
- Synchronized Armrests
- Intelligent counter-balance recline mechanism.
- During recline, the angle between torso and legs opens up for better body function.
- Self-adjusting recline
- Synchronized Armrests
This top-notch task chair is a leader in style and comfort. The designer Niels Diffrient has scooped up more than 10 design awards in his illustrious career designing economic furniture.
The freedom chair (with the aid of physics and your body weight) provides instant, custom back relief for each person. This gorgeous chair provides full support for the sitter, even when moving around and changing position.
Talk about comfortable! The Freedom chair’s body-fitting Curves allow you to sit all day long. The cushions are designed to be comfy for 4 hours rather than the industry standard of 4 minutes.
The awesome Freedom task chair is fitted with an intelligent recline mechanism that promotes healthy and spontaneous movement while you work. We love the stylish but simple design without any cumbersome levers or knobs.
The intuitive adjustment feature is very impressive. Thanks to its revolutionary design, the backrest accommodates the changing needs of your spine by allowing automatic pivoting. The synchronous arm supports move with the chair while reclining for constant support and comfort.
This top-rated ergonomic chair is not cheap but as usual, you get what you pay for! If you’ve got the dough, the freedom chair will keep your spine supported while complementing any modern office or workspace.
2nd Place – Herman Miller Embody Chair
The Embody ergonomic chair by Herman Miller is designed to keep your body in a well-balanced and neutral position so that you can stay comfortable and relaxed as you slave away over your blog or pander to your Facebook addiction.
Herman Miller Embody Chair: Fully Adj Arms - Graphite Frame/Base - Standard...
- By stimulating blood and oxygen flow, Embody helps keep you focused and relaxed at the same time
- Six ergonomic functions encourages the most healthful posture for computer users-a working recline, which reduces spine compression and even slows fluid loss from discs
- By stimulating blood and oxygen flow, Embody helps keep you focused and relaxed at the same time
- Six ergonomic functions encourages the most healthful posture for computer users-a working recline, which reduces spine compression and even slows fluid loss from discs
- Skin-like textile covering allows air to circulate and keeps you cool, no matter how long you sit
- Made in a facility that uses only renewable energy and is 95% recyclable at the end of its useful life
- 12-year Herman Miller warranty with Official Born-On-Date sticker
This state-of-the-art task chair stimulates oxygen and blood flow thanks to the dynamic matrix of pixels in the seat and back. The chair automatically distributes your weight evenly and adapts to your every movement.
When sitting in the Embody chair, it feels like you are floating, which reduces fatigue so that you can remain alert when working for extended periods.
The manufacturer Herman Miller claims that his high-tech chair lowers your heart rate and reduces stress – Yippee! The advanced ergonomic design means that when you move in the chair, your head stays aligned with your computer screen. The tilting technology also provides three main areas of support for your thighs, sacrum / sitting bones, and thorax.
This brilliant chair comes in one size only. The Embody automatically adapts to the wide variation of postures, body shapes, weights, sizes, and spinal curves of different people. We love that the depth of the seat adjusts to differing thigh lengths which makes the chair feel “made to measure.”
So, if you are looking for an ergonomic chair that can reduce your stress levels, boost your creativity, promote a healthy posture, and contours to your unique body type, this baby could be for you!
3rd Place – Eurotech Seating Ergohuman Swivel Chair
The Ergohuman Eurotech is a contender for the number one spot.
Eurotech Seating Ergohuman ME8ERGLO(N) Mid Back Mesh Swivel Chair, Black
- [WIDE ADJUSTMENT RANGE & 360-DEGREE MOVEMENT]: Adjust the arms’ height and depth, as well as the seat’s height and depth. Set the seat angle in a reclined position, and lock out the tilt function for personalized comfort. The Ergohuman chair uses smooth casters and 360° horizontal rotation without resistance.
- [WIDE ADJUSTMENT RANGE & 360-DEGREE MOVEMENT]: Adjust the arms’ height and depth, as well as the seat’s height and depth. Set the seat angle in a reclined position, and lock out the tilt function for personalized comfort. The Ergohuman chair uses smooth casters and 360° horizontal rotation without resistance.
- [ERGONOMIC LUMBAR SUPPORT]: The Ergohuman all mesh chair features a full-length backrest and ergonomically curved lumbar support to sit for longer without discomfort. Supports the back and lumbar at the same time, providing stronger comfort and balances the pressure on different parts of your body.
- [PREMIUM QUALITY MATERIALS]: This office chair is a great asset to your business, workspace, gaming, or home-office setting. The high quality breathable mesh has long time support without deformation, suitable for long office hours.
- [EASY TO INSTALL & LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY]: With clear Assembly Instructions sheet you will be able to assemble this comfortable office chair in no time, all the tools and pieces are included. All Eurotech chairs come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, if you face any issues, please email us directly, and we will offer you effective solutions quickly.
- [LARGE COMFORTABLE DIMENSIONS]: This Ergohuman chair is provided with larger and more comfortable dimensions than the usual chair, the overall dimensions are 26.4” x 26” x 45.3-50.8” (W x D x H), the seat measures 19.9” x 19.3” (W x D), and the backrest is 20.47” x 28” (W x H), with a weight capacity of 250 lbs.
We are big fans of this eco-friendly office chair which has an incredible 97% recyclability. The futuristic and high-tech chair has been lovingly designed with comfort as the driving force.
The Ergohuman Eurotech has been made principally for those of us that work for long periods known as intensive sitting (or being a lazy @#$%*, this beautiful chair allows total and precise adjustment with such features as an automatic lumbar support system, synchro-tilt, a sliding seat, height adjustment, height/angle adjustable armrests, and an adjustable headrest – Phew!
We love the breathable mesh seat and back areas which work great for circulation and provide robust support. The chair is perfect for those up to about 250 lb but there are other higher-rated models available on Amazon.
Straight out of the box, the Ergohuman is easy to assemble with only six screws. The back can be locked to avoid tilting and the armrests have nine different height settings and 3 directional settings.
Rated by many experts as the best economic chair on the market, we are sure that this one won’t disappoint.
4th Place- Steelcase Leap Task Chair
It’s not cheap but is the Steelcase Leap chair worth it? Oh yes! With such features as live back technology, thermal comfort, and a natural glide system, this ergonomic chair is a “hero among heroes”.
Steelcase Leap Chair, Grey Fabric
- Polished aluminum frame and base | Designed with the planet in mind and is up to 98% recyclable by weight and made of up to 30% recycled content
- Product dimensions – 27" W x 21.75"-24.75” D x 38.5"-43.5” H | Seat dimensions – 15.75”-18.75” D x 19.25” W x 15.5”-20.5” H | Back size – 18” W x 25” H | Weight limit – 400 lbs.
- Polished aluminum frame and base | Designed with the planet in mind and is up to 98% recyclable by weight and made of up to 30% recycled content
- Product dimensions – 27" W x 21.75"-24.75” D x 38.5"-43.5” H | Seat dimensions – 15.75”-18.75” D x 19.25” W x 15.5”-20.5” H | Back size – 18” W x 25” H | Weight limit – 400 lbs.
- Live Back technology that allows the back of the chair to mimic the movements of the spine
- The 5” cylinder is the hydraulic piston that adjusts the height of the chair. Choose the height that you feel more comfortable with | No assembly required
- Arms telescope in and out, move forward and back, pivot and adjust up and down so you can find a natural position that comfortably supports your needs | Adjustable lumbar support
The Steelcase Leap changes shape to support your every move. Using the live back technology, the chair copies the movements of your spine and dynamically moves forward and backward. This built-in ergonomic feature allows the seat to support your entire spine as you move around.
This nifty seat also moves forward so you can recline while still maintaining your head position and reach zone so that you can stay more focused on your work. This feature promotes a wide variety of postures so to reduce the static load on the spine.
For those with existing back issues, relief is at hand thanks to lower back firmness control. This feature allows the user to enable a constant amount of “firmness” which assists with keeping the spine in its natural Curve.
A great feature is the upper back force control which gives you control over the amount of “pushback/springiness” that you like when reclining. We also love the telescopic arms which move in, out, forward, and back, and also pivot so that you can find that perfect position that supports the wrists, shoulders, back, and forearms.
At a tad under a thousand bucks, is the Steelcase Leap chair worth it? In our opinion – “yes!” With such features as live back technology, thermal comfort, and a natural glide system, this ergonomic chair is a “hero among heroes”.
5th Place – Herman Miller Classic Aeron Task Chair
The Herman Miller Classic Aeron task chair is probably the most well-known ergonomic chair ever made.
Herman Miller Classic Aeron Task Chair: Tilt Limiter w/Seat Angle Adj -...
- Tension Control /Fully Loaded Chair
- Rear Tilt Lock/ Forward Tilt / Lumbar Lumbar
- Tension Control /Fully Loaded Chair
- Rear Tilt Lock/ Forward Tilt / Lumbar Lumbar
This chair was the first to use a woven and breathable membrane to replace the old-style fabric and foam models. It is a class leader in distributing your weight evenly and eliminating any pressure points and overheating.
The classic Aeron is available in three sizes to fit all body types. This particular model won the design of the decade by the Designers Society of America and Businessweek Magazine. A variety of high-tech materials make a unique aesthetic that has propelled the Herman Miller Classic Aeron ergonomic spotlight
Posturefit is utilized so that the sacral region (spine) is properly supported and the pelvis maintains a natural position keeping the spine correctly aligned. The patented kinematic tilt adjusts to the body’s pivot points (hips knees, and ankles) so that the chair follows your movement and doesn’t work against it.
The back of the chair is a perfect height and does a great job of taking pressure away from the spine. We love the waterfall edge of the seat which removes pressure from the thigh area to promote blood circulation and helps to keep the user focused and alert.
This remarkable task chair has challenged nearly every convention surrounding office chairs with its aeration, responsive movement, all-inclusive sizing, and support for natural body posture.
6th Place – Herman Miller Sayl Task Chair
The Herman Miller Sayl ergonomic task chair is a beaut! It was designed to give a total sense of comfort in a minimalist design that provides the most freedom using the least materials.
Herman Miller Sayl Task Chair: Tilt Limiter - Stationary Seat Depth -...
- Sayl is a task chair that enables an unprecedented sense of freedom for the sitter in a design that delivers the most comfort with the least materials
- Breathable unframed back keeps you cool while you work
- Sayl is a task chair that enables an unprecedented sense of freedom for the sitter in a design that delivers the most comfort with the least materials
- Breathable unframed back keeps you cool while you work
- The organic shape of the Sayl back makes it elegant anywhere, from every angle
- Seat height is adjustable between 15.5 and 20 inches high
- 12-year Herman Miller warranty with Official Born-On-Date sticker
The super funky organic shape of the Sayl makes it a top choice for those working in design or modern offices. The 12-year Herman Miller warranty is legendary and each chair comes with its own amusing “Born-on-Date” sticker.
The Revolutionary 3D intelligent suspension eliminates the need for a frame and the back molds to your lumbar area to give you all the support that you need. The elastomer back adapts to each person’s unique body shape which makes this chair seriously comfortable.
This baby is eco-friendly too! Weighing at only 37 lbs., the Sayl is 93% recyclable. It is our pick of task chairs for aesthetics. The ergonomic shape of the Herman Miller Sayl looks awesome anywhere and from any angle.
The designer Yves Behar’s intention when coming up with the spectacular chair was to “make a product with the best design for the most people at the smallest cost.” We are sure that Yves has achieved what he set out to do.
7th Place – DXRacer Gaming Chair
The DXRacer series has proven extremely popular since its release. Some of the models and color schemes are running out of stock due to a huge demand for this racy ergonomic chair.
DXRacer Racing Series DOH/RE0/NO Newedge Edition Racing Bucket Seat Office Chair Gaming...
- Ergonomic design-- more efficiently and comfortably, Free bonus: headrest cushion & lumbar cushion
- Patent race car seat breathable material:PU
- Extra higher backrest to save neck and spinal, Flexible seat back with adjustment
- Ergonomic design-- more efficiently and comfortably, Free bonus: headrest cushion & lumbar cushion
- Patent race car seat breathable material:PU
- Extra higher backrest to save neck and spinal, Flexible seat back with adjustment
- Special soft armrests with adjustment protect shoulders and wrists
- Lifetime warranty on frame, 24-month warranty on parts
This model is a slightly bigger version of the best-selling F-series (Formula Series.) It has a larger backrest to accommodate even the chubbiest user. Extreme Comfort is provided by the high-density cold-cure foam filling. This makes the chair suitable for long periods of work/gaming (8 hours or more.)
One of the major plusses of the DXRacer Gaming Chair DOH/RE0/NOs is the amazing stability. This model now features a footrest-shaped base that is made with super-strong nylon material.
The DXRacer was originally made for gamers but has since crossed over to mainstream usage because of its superior comfort levels and economic design.
Unlike other office chairs, the DXRacer has a very high backrest to support the entire spine from the pelvis to the neck. The chair has a five-point metal base with a gas spring to allow height adjustment.
So whether you are burning the midnight oil on your PlayStation 4 or you want a chair that can be lowered to a perfect position for power napping, you should consider making this amazing ergonomics chair part of your life.
8th Place – OFM Essentials Big and Tall Leather Executive Chair
If you are looking for a more “old school” ergonomic chair, the OFM Essentials Big & Tall leather executive chair could be right up your alley!
Essentials Big and Tall Leather Executive Chair - High Back Office Chair...
- LEATHER WORK CHAIR: Rich brown bonded leather with a bronze matte frame finish allows for an upscale look at a compelling price
- CHAIR WITH ARMS: Padded fixed arms support the upper body and shoulders while the segmented padded seat and back offer all day comfort
- LEATHER WORK CHAIR: Rich brown bonded leather with a bronze matte frame finish allows for an upscale look at a compelling price
- CHAIR WITH ARMS: Padded fixed arms support the upper body and shoulders while the segmented padded seat and back offer all day comfort
- ERGONOMIC COMFORT: Customize your comfort with the gas seat lift that adapts to multiple body heights while tilt lock adjusts the seating angle
- DURABLE OFFICE: With a 400 pound weight capacity and sturdy 5 star metal base, this heavy duty swivel chair is built for long lasting use
- OFFICE CHAIR with WARRANTY: This big and tall task chair is backed by the OFM Essentials 5-Year Limited Warranty
The luxurious leather and bronze mist-finished frame make this office chair suitable for high flyers in the corporate world. This baby cradles the body and provides ample support as you recline in plush Comfort.
Both the back and seat are segmented with ultra-plush cushioning to give unparalleled comfort. This comfy office chair swivels 360° and the seat and back tilt with ease. We love the padded arms to support the upper body and the very stable locking recline feature for when you get into that perfect position/posture.
The OFM Essentials Big and Tall is great for the larger gentleman with a 400 lb. weight limit. The metal base is five-star with ultra-robust casters. Assembly of the chair is very straightforward and should take no more than 30 minutes.
The “Harley-Davidson of office chairs” also comes with an Essentials by OFM 3-year limited warranty.
9th Place – HON Volt Ergonomic Task Stool
Volt seating by HON offers high levels of comfort and cutting-edge design at incredibly affordable prices.
HON Volt Task Stool - Leather Office Stool for Standing Desk, Black...
- COMFORT, STYLE AND VALUE: This task stool features smooth and pliable SofThread leather seats with tailored stitching detail and a sharp-looking geometric design all at a surprisingly affordable price
- SIT TO STAND: Avoid the hassle of raising and lowering your sit to stand desk--instead sit comfortably at any height with this task chair's extended height adjustment and adjustable foot rest
- COMFORT, STYLE AND VALUE: This task stool features smooth and pliable SofThread leather seats with tailored stitching detail and a sharp-looking geometric design all at a surprisingly affordable price
- SIT TO STAND: Avoid the hassle of raising and lowering your sit to stand desk--instead sit comfortably at any height with this task chair's extended height adjustment and adjustable foot rest
- ERGONOMIC ADJUSTMENTS: Let this comfortable office chair take care of your body while you work with generously-proportioned and contoured seat & back cushions plus pneumatic height adjustment
- ON THE MOVE: Pull up to your computer desk, swivel around to collaborate with your teammate, or wheel over to the snack area for a quick break with this five-star base and durable wheels
- DURABLE HIGH BACK CHAIR: We use only high-quality materials to keep your chair rolling for years but keep you covered with the HON Full Lifetime Warranty just in case something goes wrong
With a Volt Ergonomic Chair, you will find a wide range of adjustments for custom comfort and a complete set of “task-seating” that allows you to accomplish more with less “wear & tear” on your delicate back.
The finish on Volt’s seating is Second To None. The soft leather seats are tailor-stitched and look better than many office chairs costing double the price. You won’t even need a sit-to-stand desk as you can sit comfortably at any height using the chair’s adjustable footrest and extended height adjustment.
Hon is expert at making ergonomically designed office furniture that can be trusted to take great care of your posture and health. This great chair also features a generously proportioned seating area, contoured back cushions, and variable pneumatic height adjustment.
HON uses the highest quality materials to keep your task stool rolling around for years. Rest assured, they come with a HON three-year warranty in case of any mishaps.
The HON Volt offers upscale style and plush comfort for a surprisingly reasonable price. This great task chair is also perfect with standing desks and looks cool without breaking the bank.
10th Place – SPACE Seating Professional AirGrid Chair
If you are looking for a simply designed ergonomic office chair, the SPACE Seating Professional AirGrid chair could be a Simple Choice.
SPACE Seating Professional AirGrid Dark Back and Padded Black Eco Leather Seat,...
- Eco Leather seat with mesh siding for breathability and comfort
- One touch Pneumatic Seat Height Adjustment
- 2-to-1 Synchro Tilt Control with Adjustable Tilt Tension,Dimensions:25.2 D x 26.5 W x 42 H inches
- Eco Leather seat with mesh siding for breathability and comfort
- One touch Pneumatic Seat Height Adjustment
- 2-to-1 Synchro Tilt Control with Adjustable Tilt Tension,Dimensions:25.2 D x 26.5 W x 42 H inches
- Height Adjustable Angled Arms with Soft PU Pads
- Heavy Duty Angled Nylon Base with Oversized Dual Wheel Carpet Casters
- Seat Height: 18.75” - 23”
The simple but functional design has many ergonomic features. These include adjustable and angled armrests, pneumatic seat height adjustment, and 2-to-1 synchro-tilt. The chair also promotes good indoor air quality as it is Greenguard-certified for low chemical emissions.
The SPACE Seating Professional AirGrid has a minimum seating height of 19 inches and a maximum of 25 inches. It is suitable for those under 250 pounds. We like the option to remove the arms from the chair if you don’t have too much space. The heavy-duty oversized wheels are very smooth to allow you to roll around smoothly between multiple workstations with ease.
A warranty is provided by SPACE Seating which covers fabric for one year and manufacturing defects for 5 years.
Overall, the office chair is very durable when compared to its higher-priced competitors. With that in mind, this could be a perfect chair for your ergonomic life.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like to see these top mattresses for back & neck pain from our wellness section.
