Looking for an ergonomic and comfortable office chair when you’re a big and tall person can be pretty challenging. The market is filled with office chairs designed for average-sized people. There’s no magic chair that’s a universal fit for everyone. With the help of our guide, you’ll be able to get the best big and tall office chair for you in no time.
We’ve made our list in hopes of providing big guys and gals with different options for different needs. We’ve included several categories so that we don’t leave anyone behind and so everyone can find some kind of chair. We paid particular attention to the chair’s weight capacity, dimensions, comfort, and style, some of the most important aspect when picking a chair.
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Top 9 Best Ergonomic Big and Tall Office Chairs
- HON Sadie – Top Pick
- Steelcase Leap Plus – Premium Pick
- Flash Furniture Hercules – Best Value
- HON Wave – Honorable Mention
- Fantasy Lab Big & Tall Gaming Chair – Best Gaming Pick
- Serta Executive Office Chair – Most Comfortable Big and Tall Office Chair
- La-Z-Boy Delano – Best Leather Big and Tall Office Chair
- Space Seating Mesh Back Chair – Best Heavy Duty Pick
- BOLISS Ergonomic Desk Chair – Best Budget Pick
After analyzing, testing, and reviewing the chairs included on the list, we’re thrilled to dig into the details on each chair to help you find the one that most suits your ergonomic needs.
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Compare Our Top Picks
Chair Name | Seat Size | Warranty | Selling Points |
D: 20.9” W: 22” | 5-Years |
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D: 15.75” – 18.7” W: 19.25 | 12-Years |
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D: 15.5” W: 15.75” | 2-Years |
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D: 19” W: 22” | 5-Years |
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D: 21.7” W: 20.5” | 1-Year |
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D: 19” W: 27” | 1-Year |
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D: 21” W: 21.5” | 1-5 Years |
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D: 25” W: 25” | 3-Years |
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D: 19.8” W: 28.2” | 5-Years |
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For the top pick, I’ve decided to go for the HON Sadie for its fantastic support for big and tall people, excellent ergonomic design, and mesh back, making it one of the best big and tall office chairs.
The chair features a whopping 400 pounds of weight capacity allowing it to support even the biggest of people. I found the chair height capacity to be ideal. I was able to customize its height to perfectly match my preferences and have an ergonomic posture throughout my whole seating experience.
A very welcome feature was the mesh back. The breathable fabric is charming to the touch and allows heat to dissipate much more effectively—no more sweaty back and longer seating sessions without having to get up.
The seat is well-padded, and the padding shape would return to normal even after prolonged sitting. Additionally, the armrests can be moved for your convenience so that the user can be as comfortable as possible.
While the price is a little more than others, you get a 5-year warranty to ensure the chair’s longevity. It’s also versatile, so you’re not forced to use it as an office chair.
KEY FEATURES:
- Mesh Back
- Ergonomic
- Durable
- Multipurpose
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Manufacturer: HON
- Material: Textile
- Color: Black
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Chair Weight: 44 lbs
- Warranty: 5-Years
- Chair Size: D: 30.31” x W: 30.31” x H: 42.91”
PROS:
- Very High Weight Capacity
- Versatile
- Breathable Mesh Back
- Long Warranty
CONS:
- Somewhat pricey
With the Steelcase Leap Plus, you get pretty much everything you may need from an ergonomic big and tall computer chair. You get terrific ergonomic support for proper posture, extra comfort, excellent weight capacity, and a fantastic warranty to top it all off.
Steelcase is one of the leading brands in the office chair industry, and rightly so. This ergonomic office chair for big and tall features patented technology in the seat and back to increase productivity.
One patented technology includes the LiveBack mechanism, which I really enjoyed during the testing process. It did a great job mimicking my spine’s movement, which supported my body as I moved about in the chair.
The textile material provides you with a smooth feel and gives you some breathability. It’s very soft to the touch, and the shape quickly returns to its original form shortly after use. The build quality remained very sturdy even after months of service without any indication of wear and tear.
I could talk forever about all the features the chairs come with, so here is a quick video outlining all the most critical aspects of the chair.
Overall, the Steelcase Leap is considered the best ergonomic big and tall office chair. It is designed especially for more prominent people, and all features work well even when the chair is under a lot of pressure. You get 500 lbs of support and a whopping 12-Years of warranty. It will, however, drain your wallet.
KEY FEATURES:
- Reputable Manufacturer
- LiveBack Technology
- Natural Glide System
- Adjustability
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Manufacturer: Steelcase
- Material: Textile
- Color: Navy
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
- Chair Weight: 66 lbs
- Warranty: 12-Years
- Chair Size: D: 24.8” x W: 31.8” x H: 42.5”
PROS:
- Highly Adjustable
- Mimics Spine and Body Movement
- Extra Comfortable
- Provides Excellent Ergonomics
CONS:
- Very expensive
For the best value, I’ve chosen the Flash Furniture Hercules chair. If you want the highest weight capacity like our premium pick without breaking the bank, then this one is a choice to consider. It provides excellent ergonomic support and great comfort.
The chair features a contoured back and seat and embellished mesh trim. Combined with the leather and polyurethane materials, it provides excellent softness and durability. Even after extensive use, the chair shows little to no wear and tear.
With a seat size of 22″ x 20.5″ x 24″, you will get plenty of room if you’re worried that the chair won’t be big enough for you. The backseat size of 21″ x 30.5″ will ensure that your whole back is supported. Perfect office chair for big and tall guys.
The chair remained very sturdy, and rightly so, considering the chair’s weight capacity is a whopping 500 pounds. On top of that, you get an excellent warranty of 2 years. This will ensure that the chair will last you a long time.
Overall, if you’re looking for value, then this choice won’t disappoint you. It provides you with great posture, eliminating any long-term back issues and giving the all-important comfort.
KEY FEATURES:
- Leather Design
- Extra Padding
- Ergonomically Contoured
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Manufacturer: Flash Furniture
- Material: Leather
- Color: Black
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
- Chair Weight: 60.3 lbs
- Warranty: 2-Years
- Chair Size: D: 36.5” x W: 26.25” x H: 17.5”
PROS:
- Adequate Warranty
- Executive Feel
- Sturdy
- High Weight Capacity
CONS:
- Armrests are not adjustable
For our honorable mention, we have another chair from HON. It comes with a fantastic combination of comfort, durability, and price.
The chair features a robust 450 lbs of weight capacity, which is ideal for bigger and taller users. The ergonomic features of the HON Wave office chair gave me a very comfortable sitting experience. The chair easily adapted to my body without adjusting anything manually.
Thanks to the five-star resin base and durable wheel, this office chair will comfortably become one of your favorite items in your office. Plus, you’ll also get a HON 5-year limited warranty. So, you can be safe in case something goes wrong with your chair.
This chair also comes with a unique design. The way the chair is stitched together may not appeal to everyone, but it creates a lovely breathable setting. On top of that, you get a waterfall edge that reduces stress on your thighs and knees. This was a very nice feature, especially when I spend a lot of time sitting.
Overall, if no other chair appeals to you, this is one of the safest picks. It provides you with an excellent warranty, comfort, and ergonomics. The only issue a tall person may find is that it’s not a high back chair.
KEY FEATURES:
- Breathability
- Comfort
- Uniquely Designed Chair
- Ergonomically Contoured
- Adjustable
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Manufacturer: HON
- Material: Leather, Fabric
- Color: Black
- Weight Capacity: 450 lbs
- Chair Weight:
- Warranty: 5-Years
- Chair Size: D: 25.6” x W: 30.25” x H: 42.88”
PROS:
- Exceptional Comfort
- Waterfall-Edge Design
- Adjustable Recline
- Adjustable Lower Back Support
- Great Warranty
CONS:
- Somewhat pricey
- Not High Back
With the growing popularity of gaming chairs, I’ve decided to include the Fantasy Lab Big and Tall Gaming Chair on this list. A great thing about gaming chairs is that they are typically much cheaper than office chairs while still offering great comfortability and ergonomic support.
This chair features excellent comfortability with its memory foam seat cushions. I could spend hours straight sitting on this particular chair without getting up. The memory foam quickly returns to its original shape instead of leaving an imprint.
While gaming chairs are great value for money, they tend to come with less customizable parts. This particular model has a detachable headrest and adjustable and removable lumbar support for your convenience. The lumbar support has a massage function that I found to be of high quality and good at relaxing your lower back.
The seating area is 21.7″ x 20.5″, providing you with significant space. It’s worth noting that the armrests can be adjustable in 4 different directions. This, in turn, allowed me complete control of my sitting experience.
Overall, this is a great pick. However, compared to other chairs on this list, this chair has only 1-year of warranty. Don’t let this deter you from buying; you get fantastic comfort and ergonomic support through your sitting sessions. If you’re looking for more gaming chairs, check out our gaming chair guide for big and tall people.
KEY FEATURES:
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
- Extra-Large Design
- Ergonomic
- Lumbar and Headrest Pillow
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Manufacturer: FANTASYLAB
- Material: Leather
- Color: Black
- Recline: 90° – 155°
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Chair Weight: 55 lbs
- Warranty: 1-Year
- Chair Size: D: 27.6” x W: 26.4” x H: 51.2”
PROS:
- Removable Massage Lumbar Pillow
- 3D Adjustable Armrests
- Memory Foam Seat Cushion
- Tension Control
- High Weight Capacity
- Affordable
CONS:
- Short Warranty
Serta chairs are known for their exceptional comfort. They are one of the leading office chair brands when it comes to comfortability, and that’s why I decided to include one that’s also one of the best big and tall executive office chairs.
This Serta model with ‘AIR Lumbar Technology’ fluxes and pivots with your body as you lean and twist for continuous support. Similar to the Steelcase Leap. While it may sound like a gimmick, it did a better job and supported my back than many of the competitor’s picks.
The chair itself has a very bulky design due to the amount of padding it managed to pack all around the chair. The headrest, backrest, seat, and armrests all have double-layered padding for extra comfort. It also has hand-sculpted arms and smooth bonded leather upholstery for added executive feel.
The ergonomics of the chair are excellent. Every part of the chair contoured to my body shape. This, in turn, provided me with the healthiest posture, something absolutely critical for longterm health. The chair is also suitable for people with any underlying issues with their back.
Overall, while a little expensive and with a short warranty, it’s a great choice if you’re big and tall but also want maximum comfortability.
KEY FEATURES:
- Easy Assembly
- Executive Design
- Ergonomic
- Extra Comfort
- Lumbar Support
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Manufacturer: Serta
- Material: Faux Leather
- Color: Black
- Recline: 100° – 122°
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Chair Weight: 57.6 lbs
- Warranty: 1-Year
- Chair Size: D: 332 x W: 28.25” x H: 46”
PROS:
- Stylish Design
- 5-Layer Cushioning
- AIR Lumbar technology
- Recline and Tension Control
CONS:
- Expensive
- Short Warranty
If you’re looking for the best big leather and tall office chair, then look no further. This Delano chair from La-Z-Boy comes with everything you may need as a big and tall person in a beautiful bonded leather and stitching design.
The chair comes with surprisingly comfortable cushioning. The memory foam it comes with has contoured my body through my experience with the chair. I remained comfortable at all times and found that the shape quickly returned to its original form soon after getting up.
With a 45″ – 48″ height range of compatibility, as a big and tall person, you don’t have to worry about whether this chair will fit you. The adjustable height and extra wide design ensure that you will have the best experience at all times.
Additionally, you can recline the chair and adjust the tilt settings to really make the chair like it was designed for you. The leather itself is very smooth and soft to the touch. You won’t find any discomfort when it comes to the material.
Overall, this chair comes packed with big and tall features. However, something to keep in mind is that the chair is made of leather, so the wear and tear can quickly become noticeable. You do get 350 lbs of weight capacity and up to 5 years of warranty.
KEY FEATURES:
- Executive Design
- Premium Cushioning
- Versatile
- All-Day Comfort
- Leather
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Manufacturer: La-Z-Boy
- Material: Wood, Bonded Leather
- Color: Brown
- Recline:
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Chair Weight: 60.4 lbs
- Warranty: 1-5 Years
- Chair Size: D: 32.2” x W: 27.5” x H: 45”
PROS:
- Stylish
- Good Weight Capacity
- Extra-Large Design
- Waterfall-Edge Design
CONS:
- Higher price tag
I’ve included a pick for the best heavy-duty office chair for people that seek long-lasting and durable chairs, the Spacing Seating AirGrid. While the chair may look quite simple and not sturdy, I’ve found that the chair had no issue supporting people beyond the specified weight capacity.
The chair has a generous-sized seat and back both in width and depth. The seat thickness is 4.5″, and it is very well-padded. It contours well to my bottom and remains comfortable even for the more intensive sitting sessions.
The design is quite attractive, simple, but very effective. The chair can be versatile and used in many different settings without looking out of place. The mesh back helps with breathability and is even fitted with adjustable lumbar support.
While the chair is designed for heavy-duty use, it’s worth mentioning that it does not have a high back. Tall people may find the lack of headrest support quite frustrating. It’s also quite expensive but doesn’t compensate with a good 3-year warranty.
Overall, this one is worth considering if you’re looking for a simple but very supportive chair. This little chair can support a whopping 400 pounds.
KEY FEATURES:
- Breathable Material
- Attractive Design
- Simple
- Comfortable
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Manufacturer: Space Seating
- Material: Fabric
- Color: Black
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Chair Weight: 56 lbs
- Warranty: 3-Years
- Chair Size: D: 27.5” x W: 30.25” x H: 45”
PROS:
- Mesh Back
- Breathable Seat
- Extra-Wide Seating Space
- Heavy Duty
- Good Warranty
CONS:
- Not a high back chair
Tight on budget? I’ve got you covered with this BOLISS ergonomic office chair for big and tall people. People often don’t want to spend a fortune on an office chair and spend the money elsewhere. If that’s the case, this chair has you covered with all the most essential features for an attractive price.
The seat comfortability is one of the critical features of this chair. Rightly so too. Sitting on this chair was a pleasure. The double padding has helped this chair achieve its comfortability levels, and the smooth material is only added on top of it.
The same padding is used on the armrests, which was quite lovely as armrests are usually forgotten about. The mesh back was another surprise, considering it’s a budget chair. It helped with airflow on my back and prevented me from sweating compared to leather options.
Some additional features include a 15° tilt and lock function and a 360° swivel. Considering the price point, these are some great features to help you get the best comfort and posture while sitting.
Overall, if you’re on a budget, this is one of the best big and tall computer chairs you can get for such a price.
KEY FEATURES:
- Easy Assembly
- Breathable Material
- Adjustability
- Big Load Capable
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Manufacturer: BOLISS
- Material: Fabric
- Color: Grey
- Reline: 15°
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Chair Weight: 30.6 lbs
- Warranty: 5-Years
- Chair Size: D: 25.4” x W: 28.1” x H: 37”
PROS:
- Affordable
- Adjustable Armrests
- Adjustable Height
- Well-Padded Seat
- Great Weight Capacity
CONS:
- Not the highest quality fabric
How We Decided
Picking an ergonomic office chair for big and tall people is all about finding one that will keep you comfortable at all times and one that will support high weight capacity. A chair with great height adjustability is also a must, especially for tall people. While creating this guide, I focused on a variety of features. This includes height adjustability, seat size, weight capacity, and comfort.
Height adjustability is considered one of the most critical features. A tall person needs to have the best posture possible, and the chair needs to give you enough height adjustability so that your feet can touch the floor while maintaining a 90° angle at your knees. All included chairs have plenty of height adjustability to achieve this.
Seat size is essential if you’re a little overweight and need more space. While some chairs have removable armrests and others can be adjusted out of the way, some can’t. I’ve ensured that the chairs will give you plenty of room and that the armrests won’t interfere when sitting.
All chairs included have a high weight capacity. This is very important, especially for big and tall people. At the same time, weight capacity is only a recommendation, and people weighing more can often use it without worries. All chairs included will support even the heaviest of people out there.
Comfort and ergonomics are the pinnacles of office chairs. Everyone wants to enjoy their sitting experience. The chairs included here all have well-padded cushioning and enough adjustability to make them ergonomic. The last thing you want is the chair to cause any health issues.
Things to Consider When Buying a Big and Tall Office Chair
Are you tired of uncomfortable traditional office chairs and want to opt for a big and tall chair that would provide you with ultimate comfort during the workday? A chair designed for a bigger or taller person could be crucial in a better, more comfortable workspace.
Weight Capacity
Depending on your weight, you may want an office chair that supports 400 lbs or more. It’s one of the main advantages of these types of chairs. According to ANSI/BIFMA standards for large occupant office chairs, 400 lbs is the threshold for a male. They’re a leader in office furniture standards and because of that, many of the chairs on our list meet that criteria.
Additionally, even if you’re not 400 lb or more, it’s a sign that the chair is sturdy and well built. Speaking of which…
Construction, Durability, and the Base
Being a bigger person means putting more strain on an office chair. If you sit to work for most of the day, it just compiles. Because of that, you want to make sure your new chair is built to talk and can support a big and/or tall person.
One of the most important aspects to look at is the base. For optimal support, you’ll want a 5-star base that’s made from reinforced resin or heavy-duty metal. You’ll also want smooth dual wheel casters which can swivel 360 degrees.
Finally, for any chair you’re considering buying, be sure to look at customer reviews to see if they reported any problems with durability.
Seat Width and Depth
If you’re a bigger guy or a heavy person, you want to make sure you’re going to fit in the chair that you buy. If you want to avoid constant numbing, endure that your chair wide enough for you to spend hours sitting in it. However, also make sure it’s not too wide.
ANSI/BIFMA guidelines say that the preferable seat width is 22 inches. We recommend a minimum backrest depth of 20 inches and a seat depth of at least 19 inches.
Back Height
If you’re over 6 ft tall, then having a suitable seat back is a must. Ensure your new big and tall chair has an adjustable seat height to fit your unique body type.
Cushioning
This is twofold. First, if you sit to work for long hours, you’re going to want to be comfortable. There’s not much worse than having a lousy cushion when you’re working at your desk.
Second, you’re going to want something that will last. Plenty of office chairs that we’ve tested feel great but then after a week or two of use, the cushion wears down, and it feels like you’re sitting on wood.
With that in mind, you want to choose a chair with a cushion that’s made of high-density foam, so it will be able to keep its shape and support. We recommend a cushion thickness of at least 2.5 inches, if not more. If you’re 350 lbs. or more, consider 3 inches as a cushioning threshold.
Materials
This can be subjective — as in, it’s up to you! Some people prefer a leather, PU leather chair, or bonded leather desk chair while other prefer fabric. Some folks like a mesh back as its the most breathable. We recommend going with what you prefer, but if you’re unsure, consider the following:
- Do you get hot easily? If you do, fabric and mesh should be your top choices.
- Do you sweat often? Like the bullet above, you’ll want to go with fabric and mesh.
- How important is the look? This is totally personal preference. But think about how much you prefer style over substance.
Read more: Best leather office chair
Ergonomic Design
If you truly care about your back, legs, and arms, you should opt for a desk chair that offers an ergonomic design and helps you support a correct posture. Here are some features to look for to ensure an ergonomic big and tall chair:
- Lumbar support – Any good office chair should come with lumbar support, but it’s especially important with a big and tall chair. This feature is a way to help avoid back pain. What you’re looking for is the S-shape frame in the back to mimic a spine. Often times there will be support behind mesh or extra padding.
- Adjustable Armrests – Getting your chair’s armrests to the proper level and position is key to your comfort. You’d be surprised at how uncomfortable it can be with them in the wrong position. When shopping for a chair, check for this feature and for the amount they can adjust.
- Adjustable Height – This is another standard on most chairs. But, like the armrests, having the right chair height is key to comfort. Having it at the wrong height for your computer desk can lead to pain in your knees, arms, or other areas.
- Tilt Tension Control – While not having this may not impact your health or ergonomics, it’ll certainly help your comfort. If you want a chair that can rock back and forth, you’ll want to make sure you can adjust that ability.
- Seat Design – This is another feature which can play a crucial role in your health and comfort while working. Not having proper seat design can lead to more pressure on the back of your thighs which can cause aches and pains. Additionally, it can help keep circulation. We look for a waterfall seat — a seat which slopes downward.
Warranty
Bigger and taller people are more prone to breaking their chairs. That’s why you should check the warranty and return policy before you purchase a tall and big task chair.
How to Best Measure Chair Seat Size for your Body
As a big and tall person, a major factor to consider when buying an office chair is the size and shape of your seat. It needs to be big enough to properly support you while you work all day long but not so big where everything feels out of place.
Below is a 4-step guide to make sure you get the ideal seat dimensions before buying your next task chair.
- Step 1: Sit up straight in any chair, with your back flat against the cushion and tailbone gently resting towards its upright position. Open thighs slightly to form an “v” shape as you would when seated normally for maximum comfort.
- Step 2: Calculate the ideal chair seat depth. To find out what seat depth is perfect for you, measure the distance from your tailbone (where it touches the backrest) to just below where those inner thighs meet. Then, subtract an inch or two. This will comfortably support your bottom and allow proper blood circulation.
- Step 3: To find the best seat depth, first sit down and make sure that your thighs are open to their normal amount. Next measure the distance across the lateral area of your thighs before they drop off an edge (assume ideal depth), then add 2 inches If it feels right after analyzing all these numbers but still not quite matched up yet – don’t worry; people are different and may require differing amounts depending upon how large or small you are.
- Step 4: Now you know the ideal seat dimensions for your body! Ensure dimensions of the chair you’re considering are close to your numbers.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the best big and tall office chairs you can buy right now. Finding an office chair that is designed for big and tall users doesn’t have to be complicated. While office chairs are usually made with normal-sized people in mind, there are still plenty of options to choose from, as you can see from this guide.
The best office ergonomic big and tall office chair is the HON Sadie. It offers excellent comfort, adjustability, style, and warranty. On top of that, the primary target audience for that model is big and tall people.
Of course, if money is not a problem, you should consider the Seedcase Leap. One of the best brands in the office chair market. You can fully customize the chair to your liking and make it truly yours. Steelcase is always backed up with a whopping 12-year warranty. If you’re on the opposite side of the spectrum, then BOLISS is your best budget chair.
I hope this guide has helped you pick your next office chair. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
FAQs
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How We Review: Our Office Chair Ratings Methodology
At Overheard on Conference Calls, we take pride in how we review office chairs. Our team of office chair experts spend hours researching and reviewing dozens of products before they even start writing their review or article. Our goal is to bring you honest and unbiased information to help you make an informed choice that will be the best for you. Our recommendations are not for sale and they are not influenced by any of the manufacturers we review.
When reviewing an office chair, there are numerous factors we analyze to determine our recommendations. Here are our four most important:
- Comfort: Comfort is key to a good office chair. It’s likely you’ll be sitting in it for hours so you’ll want something that won’t cause you aches and pains after hours of use. We gauge comfort by testing for 4+ hours as well as looking at the thickness of the seat cushion and its material.
- Durability: Not all office chairs are built the same. Our durability factor looks at the quality of the materials and how sturdy the chair is after assembly. Because we have a limited tested period, we also conduct customer research of longtime users.
- Lumbar Support: While this is an ergonomic feature, we made this its own separate rating factor because of how important it is to your overall posture, health, and comfort. We analyze each chair for its lumbar support or lack thereof.
- Ergonomic Features: In addition to lumbar support, we also look at other ergonomic features such as the armrests, height adjustment, reclining, seat ergonomics, and more. The better it is for your ergonomics and the more features/adjustability, the better.
Why isn’t price included on that list? Fair question! We do consider price in the order of our recommendations but because everyone has their own budget in mind, we won’t rule a chair in or out just because it has premium or budget price.
Our team has researched and reviewed hundreds of chairs and we’re confident in our recommendations. We strive to only recommend the best products and we periodically refresh our reviews and rankings.
