Most office chairs are made for ordinary people. They usually have weight capacities between 250 and 300 lbs. If you fall into the heavy, plus-size, or extra-wide category, it would be best to consider an office chair with a 500 lb maximum weight capacity. These office chairs are considered heavy-duty and designed specifically for heavier folks. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. Our team of experts compiled a list of the five best 500 lb capacity office chairs on affordability, durability, reliability, and style.
To ensure that you pick a reliable chair, our team took all the 500 lb chairs on the market and compared them on key factors such as chair materials, warranty length, dimensions, price tag, adjustable features, and brand reputation. We decided to pick out chairs for various budget types by offering a top pick, best value pick, and a premium pick. Whether you need a budget chair, a high-end chair, or something in between, we have something for you.
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The Best 500 Lb Capacity Office Chairs
- Glitzhome Executive PU Leather Office Chair – Top Pick
- Flash Furniture Hercules Series – Best Value
- Steelcase Leap Plus Series – Premium Pick
- Boliss Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair – Best Ventilation
- Office Factor Ergonomic Desk Chair – Most Ergonomic
Above is a rundown of the five options that stand out from the rest. Scroll down further for an in-depth description of each chair, including its pros & cons, key features, and specifications.
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Compare Our Top Picks
Chair Name | Seat Material | Wheelbase Material | Dimensions |
Glitzhome PU Leather Office Chair – Top Pick | PU Leather | Metal | 28.5″D x 27″W x 49″H |
Flash Furniture Hercules Series – Best Value | PU Leather | Metal | 32″D x 27.5″W x 47″H |
Steelcase Leap Plus Series – Premium Pick | Fabric | Nylon | 24.75″D x 31.75″W x 42.5″H |
Boliss Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair – Best Ventilation | Mesh, Fabric | Nylon | 25.1″D x 28″W x 41.3″H |
Office Factor Ergonomic Chair – Most Ergonomic | Mesh, Fabric | Metal | 25” D x 26” W x 47.2” H |
First on our best 500 lb capacity office chairs list is our top pick, the Glitzhome Executive PU Leather Office Chair. This option is stylish, very comfortable, relatively affordable, and easy to maintain.
The first thing you notice with this Glitzhome model is the high-back executive style, giving it that bossy CEO feel. The chair seat is made from breathable PU leather finished in brown; it is stuffed with multiple layers of high-density padding and has padded armrests for optimal comfortability.
Like all the chairs in this guide, the Glitzhome PU Leather Office Chair is incredibly sturdy. This is thanks to a solid metal wheelbase enabling a 500 lb maximum weight capacity. In addition, the chair has heavy-duty dual nylon casters.
When it comes to adjustable features, this chair has three; adjustable seat height, 360-degree swivel, and adjustable recline. Perhaps the chair’s only downside is that it lacks lumbar support, common with ergonomic office chairs.
Apart from being stylish, comfortable, and ultra-sturdy, this model is relatively affordable compared to other options on the market. If you’re interested in more similarly priced chairs, check out our guide to the best office chairs under $500.
In summary, this Glitzhome model is ideal for plus-size people with its XXL dimensions and sturdy wheelbase. Definitely one worth considering.
KEY FEATURES:
- Executive High Back Design
- Breathable PU Leather Seat
- Heavy-Duty Metal Wheelbase
- High-Density Foam Padding
- 360 Degree Swivel
- 90 to 105 Degree Recline
- Pneumatic Height Adjustment
- Dual Nylon Casters
- Integrated Armrests
- BIFMA Certified
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 28.5″D x 27″W x 49″H
- Chair Width: 27 inches
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
- Seat Material: PU Leather
- Wheelbase Material: Metal
- Weight: 62.7 lbs
- Brand: Glitzhome
PROS:
- Easy to Clean
- Stylish Design
- Heavy-Duty Wheelbase
- Excellent Reviews
- Semi-Affordable
- Extra-Wide Seat
CONS:
- Armrests are Not Adjustable
Second on our list is our best value pick, the Flash Furniture Hercules Series. This option offers comfort, sturdiness, space, and looks all in one, and it has a pocket-friendly price tag.
First of all, the Hercules Series has that big & tall executive style most people want in a chair. It’s available in three colors; black, brown, and taupe. It’s made from PU leather, a durable and easy-to-clean material making regular maintenance a simple task.
Six-inch foam padding combined with integrated armrests helps you stay comfortable for prolonged periods. The Hercules Series also has built-in lumbar support, which supports your lower back and helps you maintain a healthy posture.
In addition, the Hercules Series has four handy adjustable features. This includes an adjustable headrest, adjustable seat height, adjustable recline, and a 360-degree swivel feature.
Apart from being stylish and comfortable, the chair is incredibly sturdy, which is something you’d expect from an office chair capable of supporting 500 lbs. This is thanks to its ultra-strong chrome metal wheelbase. Furthermore, Flash Furniture offers a 2-year warranty on this model.
All in all, the Hercules Series office chair is an excellent all-around performer that ticks all the boxes, including affordability, style, durability, and warranty. If you’re interested in more similarly priced desk chairs, feel free to check out our guide to the best office chairs under $300.
KEY FEATURES:
- Stylish Big & Tall Design
- 2 Years Warranty
- PU Leather Seat
- Integrated Lumbar Support
- Pneumatic Height Adjustment
- 6” Thick Foam Padding
- Padded Chrome Armrests
- Sturdy Chrome Wheelbase
- Adjustable Headrest
- 360-Degree Swivel
- 22” Wide Seat
- Floor-Friendly Casters
- BIFMA Certified
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 32″D x 27.5″W x 47″H
- Chair Width: 27.5 inches
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
- Seat Material: PU Leather
- Wheelbase Material: Metal
- Weight: 61 lbs
- Brand: Flash Furniture
PROS:
- Affordable Price Tag
- Ultra-High Weight Capacity
- Extra-Wide Seat
- Fantastic Reviews
- Good Warranty
- Very Comfortable
CONS:
- Armrests are Not Adjustable
Next is our premium pick, the highly-rated Steelcase Leap Plus Series. Like all Steelcase chairs, this chair is built-to-last, ultra-sturdy, and comfortable.
First and foremost, the Leap Plus Series is made from fabric and has a modern, ergonomic shape built for optimal posture support. The chair’s dimensions are designed for plus-size people; it measures 24.75 inches deep, 31.75 inches wide and 42.5 inches tall, making it one of the widest options on the market.
What makes the chair stand out is the number of adjustable features it has. This includes adjustable lumbar support, 4D adjustable armrests, adjustable recline, adjustable seat height, 360-degree swivel, and adjustable forward tilt. In addition, the chair uses Steelcase’s innovative LiveBack technology, which allows the chair’s backrest to adapt to the shape of the user.
Besides being stylish, comfortable, and ergonomic, the Steelcase Leap Plus Series is very sturdy. It has a heavy-duty nylon wheelbase and is made from only the highest quality of materials. However, the best thing about Steelcase is its warranty. The company offers a market-leading 12-year warranty on all chair parts.
In summary, if you’re looking for a long-lasting 500 lb office chair that you can rely on, the Leap Plus Series is an ideal choice. Although it’s expensive compared to other chairs on the market, you can expect it to last much longer, making it a good investment for the future. Interested in more high-quality fabric desk chairs? Check out our best fabric office chairs guide.
KEY FEATURES:
- Modern Ergonomic Shape
- 12-Year Warranty
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Padded Fabric Seat
- 4D Adjustable Armrests
- Heavy-Duty Nylon Wheelbase
- LiveBack Technology
- Optional Headrest
- Four Setting Recline
- Dual Tension Knobs
- BIFMA Certified
- Floor-Friendly Casters
- Made from 98% Recyclable Materials
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 24.75″D x 31.75″W x 42.5″H
- Chair Width: 31.75 inches
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
- Seat Material: Fabric, Mesh
- Wheelbase Material: Nylon
- Weight: 58.4 lbs
- Brand: Steelcase
PROS:
- Strong Nylon Wheelbase
- Best Warranty on the Market
- Full Posture Support
- Multiple Color Options
- Very Wide Seat
- Heavy-Duty Weight Capacity
- Known as the Best Office Chair Brand
- Made from Recycled Materials
CONS:
- Premium Price
- Not Moisture Resistant
Fourth on our list is our #1 choice for backrest ventilation, the Boliss Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair. This model offers comfort, simplicity, space, and sturdiness for a price tag that we consider a bargain.
First and foremost, this Boliss model has a modern shape featuring its curved (sink-in) seat combined with a breathable s-shaped mesh backrest. Its high-quality foam padding creates a comfortable spongy surface, perfect for prolonged periods of desk work.
The backrest allows air to pass through, ventilating users’ backs and preventing excessive sweating. If you’re specifically looking for chairs that provide excellent ventilation, please read our best mesh office chairs guide.
Like all the office chairs in this guide, this Boliss model is exceptionally strong with its 500 lb maximum weight capacity. This is all thanks to its heavy-duty nylon wheelbase supported by strong PU casters. Furthermore, this chair comes with a decent one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Although this option is not made for ergonomics, it does have a few adjustable features which help users regulate the chair to their liking. This includes adjustable seat height, flip-up armrests, 360-degree swivel, and several recline settings.
All things considered, this Boliss office chair is an excellent option for heavy people who struggle with excessive sweating. In addition, it’s super-affordable.
Read more: Best office chairs for 400 lbs capacity
KEY FEATURES:
- Stylish Modern Design
- Breathable Mesh Backrest
- One Year Warranty
- Foam Padded Curved Seat
- Heavy-Duty Nylon Wheelbase
- 45-Degree Flip-Up Armrests
- 360-Degree Swivel
- Adjustable Seat Height
- Floor-Friendly PU Casters
- BIFMA Certified
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 25.1″D x 28″W x 41.3″H
- Chair Width: 28 inches
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
- Seat Material: Mesh, Fabric
- Wheelbase Material: Nylon
- Weight: 37.4 lbs
- Brand: Boliss
PROS:
- Excellent Ventilation
- Pocket-Friendly Price Tag
- Available in Four Colors
- Decent Warranty
- Comfortable Seat
- Ultra-High Weight Capacity
- Good Reviews
CONS:
- Doesn’t Have a Headrest
- Doesn’t Have Adjustable Lumbar Support
Last is our most ergonomic pick, the Office Factor Ergonomic Desk Chair. This chair offers excellent posture support, a good warranty, and a strong wheelbase.
First of all, this Office Factor chair has an ergonomic shape featuring its s-shaped backrest, which is made from mesh and allows air through to stop you from sweating. The chair’s seat is very comfortable with incredibly thick memory foam padding.
What makes this model special is the number of adjustable features it has. It has the complete posture support package featuring a fully adjustable headrest, adjustable armrests, adjustable seat height, adjustable recline, 360-degree swivel, and adjustable lumbar support.
Furthermore, this particular Office Factor model is covered by a generous 2-year warranty covering all chair parts. In addition, a heavy-duty metal wheelbase enables a 500 lb maximum weight capacity which is ideal for plus-size people.
In a nutshell, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty, ergonomic office chair that offers complete posture support, look no further. The only downside of the chair is the slightly-above-average price tag. Interested in more ergonomic options? Feel free to read our best office chairs for posture guide.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic Design
- 2-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Adjustable Headrest
- Breathable Mesh Backrest
- Heavy-Duty Metal Wheelbase
- Flip-Up Armrests
- Adjustable Seat Height
- Memory Foam Padding
- Back Pressure Adjuster
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 24“ D x 26” W x 46” H
- Chair Width: 26 inches
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
- Seat Material: Mesh, Foam
- Wheelbase Material: Metal
- Weight: 60 lbs
- Brand: Office Factor
PROS:
- Complete Posture Support
- High Weight Capacity
- Ventilated Backrest
- Great Reviews
- Comfortable Foam Padding
- Good Warranty
CONS:
- The Chair is Not Very Wide Compared to Other 500 lb Office Chairs
- Above Average Price Tag
How We Decided
Regular office chairs simply won’t do if you’re plus-size or big & tall. It’s a much more reliable option to invest in a chair that can handle your weight and accommodate you comfortably. To compose our guide of the best 500 lb capacity office chairs, our expert team tested countless options and focused on four key aspects; weight capacity, dimensions, ergonomics, and brand reputation.
Of course, we had to check each chair’s weight capacity carefully, ensuring that it can handle 500 lbs to be in our guide. Apart from that, we analyzed each chair’s wheelbase, and frame materials are the backbone of the chair’s structure. We also ensured each chair is BIFMA certified, which is an association that assesses the durability and safety of furniture.
The dimensions of the chair were the second factor we evaluated. You’re definitely wider than the usual individual if you weigh close to 500 pounds. As a result, you should select a chair that is wider than a standard office chair. We made certain that all of our suggested chairs are at least 28 inches wide, allowing heavier people to accommodate their hips between the armrests comfortably.
Another key consideration is ergonomics. An s-shaped backrest that conforms to your spinal column eliminating tailbone discomfort and other back issues is one of the most useful ergonomic characteristics. Other adjustable features, such as an adjustable headrest, adjustable lumbar support, or adjustable armrests, can help improve posture and prevent back pain.
Finally, we investigated brand reputation carefully. Our specialists guarantee that the office chairs we recommend are manufactured by well-known brands that have received positive feedback from plenty of previous buyers. For example, brands like Herman Miller and Steelcase are office chair manufacturers known for their durability and positive online reviews.
Things to Consider When Choosing a 500 Lb Capacity Office Chair
When choosing a heavy-duty office chair, there are many important aspects you have to consider before making a final decision. Below are some essential factors to bear in mind.
Chair Dimensions
Perhaps, the most important of all considerations is the chair’s dimensions. Most people who look for 500 lb capacity office chairs are typically heavy people, often plus-size or very tall. The majority of office chairs on the market are not made for people in those categories. For example, an extra-tall or short person should pay close attention to the minimum and maximum seat height of the chair.
Plus-size users should look for extra-wide office chairs so they can fit their hips between the armrests without squeezing in too tight. Below are some of our guides relating to this matter which you may find helpful.
Chair Material
Another crucial factor to consider is the chair’s material. In particular the material of the seat and backrests. Office chairs are usually made from three main materials; leather, fabric, or a combination of mesh and fabric. Mesh office chairs are great for ventilation as they have a breathable backrest. Fabric office chairs are perhaps the most comfortable, although they can be hard to clean as they are not moisture resistant. Leather office chairs are easy to clean and comfortable, but many users complain about how they feel in contact with your skin. All these types have their pros & cons, so the choice is yours.
Manufacturer Warranty
Choosing an office chair covered by a long warranty is always wise. If your chair breaks, you will be entitled to a refund, repair, or replacement as long as it wasn’t your fault and this happened in the warranty-covered period. We found that 500 lb capacity office chairs have a shorter warranty on average than regular office chairs.
A two-year warrant seems to be decent with 500 lb office chairs. Simply speaking, the longer the warrant, the better. If you’re looking for chairs with ultra-long warranties, consider premium brands such as Steelcase, Ergohuman, or Herman Miller.
Ergonomic Features
Adjustable features allow office chair users to regulate their chairs for optimal posture support. Features such as adjustable lumbar support and an adjustable headrest are crucial for supporting the lower back and neck. The most ergonomic office chairs will have these two features. Maintaining a healthy posture comes with many physical and mental health benefits that can positively affect productivity. If maintaining a healthy posture is essential to you, consider an ergonomic office chair.
Brand Reputation
One aspect many online shoppers forget is checking the reviews and overall reputation of the brand of their chosen office chair. Its important to only go for products with a good review rating from an extensive database of reviews. You can find many reviews of a specific office chair on sites like Youtube and Reddit. We found that the most reputable brands on the office chair market are Steelcase and Herman Miller; you can expect high quality from them.
Price Tag
Last but not least is the price tag. The average price for a 500 lb capacity office chair is between 250 and 350 dollars. However, you can find chairs cheaper and more expensive than that. We found that the longer the warranty, the higher the price tag. Furthermore, we always recommend spending more on a high-quality office chair covered by a long warranty rather than going for a cheaper knock-off that could break after a year of regular use.
The Benefits of 500 Lb Capacity Office Chairs
Office chairs with a 500 lb weight capacity come with many benefits. Below are some of their most significant advantages.
- Sturdiness & Durability – Office chairs with a 500 lb capacity are considered heavy-duty. These office chairs are ultra-sturdy and durable; you can expect them to last longer than regular desk chairs.
- Comfortability – Most 500 lb capacity office chairs have a big and tall executive shape with thick padding. They are the most spacious and comfortable office chair type.
- Affordability – With prices starting at around $200, office chairs with a 500 lb weight capacity can actually be relatively affordable, depending on the brand. This is similar to what you would pay for a standard office chair.
- Suitable for Plus-Size – The best office chairs for 500 lb people are usually big and tall. They are about six inches wider than regular chairs, making them suitable for plus-size people.
- Maintenance – Most 500 lb capacity office chairs are made from PU leather, a moisture-resistant and easy-to-clean material making regular maintenance a breeze.
Final Thoughts
Summing up, office chairs with a 500 lb capacity are certainly a wise choice for plus-size people or people with wide hips. With a sturdy wheelbase, you are relaxed, knowing your office chair will not break. In general, there aren’t many 500 lb capacity options on the market, but our team managed to pick the best out of what there is, paying close attention to weight capacity, reviews, dimensions, and warranty length.
If we had to pick one chair out of our top five options, it would have to be the Steelcase Leap Plus Series. Although the chair is expensive, it’s specifically made for big and heavy users, and the quality of the chair is from the top of the stack. It’s perhaps the best choice if you’re looking for something that can last ten years or longer.
On a final note, thanks for reading. We hope our guide to the best 500 lb capacity office chairs has helped you find your perfect desk chair. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, feel free to contact our team anytime. Below you can also find some frequently asked questions on the topic, which you may find helpful.
