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Finding a high-quality office chair on a budget can be quite an ordeal, especially if you’d like it to last for a while. But, that doesn’t mean you still can’t have a comfortable chair.
However, you should have realistic expectations that a good ergonomic office chair under $200 sacrifices some features of chairs at a higher price point. So if you’re wondering now whether you can feel comfortable spending hours in a chair on a budget, yes, you can… if you know what to look for.
In this guide, we have reviewed the nine best office chairs under $200 to help you make a decision faster and feel better after a long workday in your desk chair.
The Best Office Chairs Under $200
- FelixKing Ergonomic Desk Chair – Top Pick
- Amazon Basics Ergonomic Bonded Leather Chair – Premium Pick
- Amazon Basics Classic Puresoft PU Office Desk Chair – Best Value
- Hbada Ergonomic Desk Chair – Best Mid-Back Office Chair Under $200 With Flip-up Arms
- Mimoglad Store Ergonomic Desk Chair – Best High Back Chair Under $200
- BOLISS Ergonomic Office Desk Chair – Best for Hip Pain
- Etasker Ergonomic Office Chair – Best S-Curve Back Chair
- Sytas Ergonomic Office Chair – Best Double Layer Mesh Back
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Overheard on Conference Calls spends hundreds of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products so we can recommend the best products for you. Accurate information and editorial integrity are our commitments to our readers. Read more about our research and testing here.
After carefully analyzing and testing some of the most popular office chairs that come in at that price range, we’re ready to guide you through our top picks which we believe should be the options for whatever type of chair you’re looking for.
Compare the Best Office Chairs Under $200
Chair | Weight Capacity | Material | Best Features |
275 lbs | Mesh Fabric |
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275 lbs | Faux Leather |
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275 lbs | Faux Leather |
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250 lbs | Mesh Fabric |
| |
300 lbs | Mesh Fabric |
| |
400 lbs | Mesh Fabric |
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300 lbs | Mesh Fabric |
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250 lbs | Mesh Fabric |
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If you’re in search of a stylish and ergonomic office chair under $200, the FelixKing checks all boxes. And if you’re a fan of mesh back chairs, you’ll love it even more.
The mesh back of FelixKing’s chair has excellent elasticity, allowing it to adjust to the curve of your waist and spine. It can help you maintain a relaxed posture during long hours of work, either at home or at the office.
When it comes to the seat, it’s got a thick-padded seat and a fairly wide seat. It’s not the highest quality of material but it’s very good for this price range. I think it will be a good option but likely wear out after a year or too (in which case you could look into a seat cushion).
The armrests will take your sitting experience to the next level, protecting your lumbar, spine, and back. And don’t forget that the mesh fabric is perfect for keeping your skin cool by letting air circulate throughout the day, effectively helping your back breathe.
The chair comes with lift-up padded armrests for added comfort, which allow you to store it under your desk whenever you’re done using it. The chair also has standard height adjustment, meaning you can get it to the right ergonomic height for you.
Lastly, the back tilts back about 30 degrees, reducing the stress on your back and allowing you to relax whenever you need a break.
The only drawback is that the lumbar support is made of plastic and might feel too hard. But, other than that, this chair can be an excellent addition to your modern home office.
KEY FEATURES:
- High-density natural sponge
- 8cm up and down lifting function
- Elastic mesh back
- Adjustable armrests
- 30 degrees recline function
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 25.2 x 25.2 x 37.4 inches
- Weight: 27.4 pounds
- Manufacturer: FelixKing
PROS:
- 1-year warranty
- 15-min installation process
- Strong and durable casters
CONS:
- It can rock back but can only be locked in the forward-most position
The Amazon Basics chair we’re about to introduce is one of the most expensive solutions included in our list, but it’s a stylish office chair that can give an elegant look to any room. This adjustable chair can help you reach the best height for your specific needs and perfectly fit most desks and workspaces.
The whole chair, armrests included, is upholstered in bonded leather, making it a great touch if you’re looking to add an elegant flair to your office. That’s also the reason why the price of this chair is just about $200.
This chair comes with padded armrests that add comfort and flexibility when needed, and the segmented padding on the seat and backrest helps you relieve pressure on your upper and lower body even after hours spent sitting down.
Overall, this elegant and sleek ergonomic office chair is worth the price, however it should be noted that it’s made of bonded leather, meaning your skin won’t always be able to breathe and stay fresh. If you live in a hot area or if you happen to sweat, we suggest looking at a different option included in our product review.
KEY FEATURES:
- Faux bonded leather
- Adjustable height
- Padded armrests
- Tilt function
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 31 x 28.5 x 44.75 inches
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Capacity: 275 lbs
PROS:
- Three colors available
- Elegant and sleek design
- Segmented padding
- Oversized rolling casters for extra durability
CONS:
- The leather material doesn’t let air circulate on your back
Good old Amazon Basics never stops surprising us with its budget, yet quality products. And this simple yet comfortable and ergonomic chair under $200 isn’t an exception.
Featuring a universal design, this office chair will fit into almost any interior design and you can use it for multiple purposes. Upholstered in soft PU leather, it can help make your home office look more presentable and let you feel more comfortable when working.
Plus, you can also choose between black, white, and brown upholstery to fit the aesthetics of your work setup. And did we mention that it also has padded armrests to help you rest your arms during a meeting, brainstorm session, or whatever else you might be doing? I thought the padding on the armrests were a nice touch.
With a maximum capacity of 275 lbs, this chair is one of the sturdiest mentioned in our list, however if you think you might need more stability, here you can find our review of the best big and tall office chairs.
While this chair has a nice-looking upholstery material, keep in mind that it’s still a budget option, so it might wear off quickly if you use it non-stop.
KEY FEATURES:
- Upholstered in soft bonded faux leather
- Pneumatic seat height adjustment
- BIFMA certified
- Padded seat and back
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 25.75 x 24.25 x 42.25 inches
- Weight: 33.51 lbs
- Capacity: 275 lbs
PROS:
- Comes in 3 colors
- Classic and universal design
- 1-year limited warranty
- Easy assembly process
CONS:
- The upholstery material might wear out quicker than more expensive options
If both style and comfort are essential to you when it comes to office chairs, the Hbada modern and ergonomic office chair perfectly fits your $200 budget and also has a unique design.
Simple, yet elegant, this budget office chair will bring charm to your workstation and make your all-day-long sitting experience much more pleasant. Adjustable lumbar support will ensure the chair suits your posture and provides support for your back and neck. The height of the chair can be adjusted as well, going from a minimum height of 17” from the floor, to a maximum of 20”.
So, if you’ve been finding it hard to spend hours in a chair without having spine problems, this office chair might be your lifesaver. Plus, you can rock back and forward in it if you need a break.
If you’re worried about the chair making too much noise when you move it, we found the shock-absorbing nylon wheels are extremely silent, while also being non-slip and wear resistant.
However, while the chair’s flip-up arms let you manage your space better, the nut holding them might get loose if you do it too often. In case armrests aren’t for you or you need a smaller option for your office, then you should check out some of the best armless chairs.
KEY FEATURES:
- Holds up to 250 pounds
- Space-saving flip-up arms
- Adjustable height
- Tilting and rocking features
- CGS certified level 3 cylinder
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 25.4 x 24.3 x 13.1 inches
- Weight: 29.7 pounds
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Manufacturer: Hbada
PROS:
- Mute nylon wheels
- Strong solid base
- Sleek and unique design
- Smooth and silenced rolling casters
CONS:
- The nut holding the armrest in place can get loose if you move it up and down often
Usually the best high back chairs come for a higher price, but if you’re looking for a high back chair that costs less than $200, then the Mimoglad Store option we’re about to present is one of the most interesting solutions.
The backrest design of this chair was specifically made to fit the human spine, and the adjustable lumbar support only makes it easier to find a comfortable and healthy position to sit in. I thought the chair lived up to the bill.
Both the back and the seat cushion are thickly padded so that you won’t experience hip pain or leg pressure during your work shift, plus, the cushion is filled with high-density foam made to last without losing its original shape.
Sweating won’t be a problem either since the back is fully made of breathable polyester mesh designed to let air circulate and allow your skin to breathe throughout the day.
The armrests are padded and fully adjustable, and the seat height can be modified according to your needs, however we found that, regardless of the adjustments that can be made, the armrest might still sit a bit too low for some people.
KEY FEATURES:
- High back chair
- Adjustable height
- Flip up armrests
- Adjustable lumbar support
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 30 inches
- Weight: 29.3 lbs
- Capacity: 300 lbs
PROS:
- High-density foam cushion
- Breathable back
- Sturdy and durable
- PU wrapped wheels
CONS:
- The armrest might sit a bit too low for some customers
In our list, this BOLISS chair is one of the most expensive options; however, the price is justified by the features offered by this ergonomic chair. Let’s start with its thick streamline fabric back and breathable lumbar support.
I found this chair to be great for relieving pressure and stress on your lower body. But, we suggest taking a look at the best office chairs for hip pain for some other options if you’re looking for a comfortable chair to relieve pain while working at a desk.
I found sitting down for a long time everyday won’t be a problem either with this chair because the 4” thick cushion offers a quality seat that gives that all day comfort.
In addition, the height adjustable armrests, equipped with a soft fabric padding, help you find the best position to type in. The height can be adjusted, as well as the 15 degrees tilt angle, a feature that can also be locked whenever you need to rest.
And, we’d like to point out this chair can be used by larger people, as the maximum weight capacity reaches 400 lbs.
Before moving on with our list we should also mention that this chair doesn’t offer any head support.
KEY FEATURES:
- Breathable lumbar support
- Adjustable height
- Adjustable armrests
- 15 degrees tilt function
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 25.4 x 28.1 x 37 inches
- Weight: 30.6 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
PROS:
- Perfect for larger people
- Lockable tilt angle
- 36 months warranty
- Easy assembly process
CONS:
- No head support feature
Going on with our list we’ve got a product that can greatly help improve the spinal health of those who work at a desk for many hours each day. This ergonomic chair by Etasker fit my spine perfectly with a scientifically designed S-curve, and it’s a good choice to both relieve back pain and promote a healthy posture during your work shift.
The back of the chair is also completely made of high-density mesh, meaning your skin will have no problem breathing even during hot summer days. The comfort of the seat cushion is better than some other options because of the use of a whole piece of foam instead of sponge.
And with a 90-125 degrees tilt function you can lean back and safely relax any time you need.
The height of the chair and the armrests can be adjusted to fit your needs, and with a weight capacity of 300 lbs, this product can be used by most people without any problems.
As a downside, we need to point out that even though the armrests are removable, it can take quite a bit of unscrewing to get rid of them since the process might not be as quick as one might think.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic S-curve
- Breathable mesh
- Adjustable height
- Tilt function
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 18.9 x 20.8 x 40.5 inches
- Weight: 29.5 lbs
- Capacity: 300 lbs
PROS:
- Great to reduce pressure
- Adjustable armrests
- High-density mesh
- Foam cushion
CONS:
- Removing the armrest might take some time
The last ergonomic chair under $200 we’re going to describe is this double layer mesh back chair by Sytas. This is a stylish chair that can potentially fit most types of interior designs, but looks aren’t the only reason to choose this option.
With an ergonomic design and a comfortable lumbar support, the chair can fit the natural curve of your back and lower body, effectively reducing spinal pain and helping you keep a correct posture.
Thanks to the high-density double layer mesh back then your back will always be able to breathe, not to mention this highly flexible material will once again improve your overall comfort when using the chair.
Whenever you need to take a break, the 90-120 degrees tilt function included in this option can help you rest for as long as you need to, while the S-shaped backrest protects your spine.
Lastly, although the armrests can’t be adjusted in terms of height, you can choose to flip them up whenever you don’t need them.
KEY FEATURES:
- S-shaped backrest
- 90-120 degrees tilt function
- Adjustable height
- Double layer mesh back
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 19.6 x 18.9 x 36.22 inches
- Weight: 30.5 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
PROS:
- Helps your skin breathe better
- Flip-up armrests
- Lumbar support
- Stylish design
CONS:
- The armrests can’t be removed nor adjusted, they can only be flipped up
Things to Consider When Buying an Office Chair Under $200
When you start your hunt for an ergonomic office chair in the $200 price range, there are a few things you need to consider first. Here you can find some tips on how to choose the perfect ergonomic chair.
What’s its weight capacity?
If you want to ensure your chair won’t break easily, choose a chair that supports at least 250 pounds. Even if you don’t really need it to support much weight, at least you can be safe whenever you or your kids accidentally jump into it. And if you’re looking for a heavy-duty office chair under $200, we have one of those in our list too.
What is the chair’s upholstery material?
While it might be a bit challenging to find a genuine leather office chair for under $200, it’s possible to get a high-quality mesh desk chair. But if you still want that upscale leather look, you can go for faux leather. Just keep in mind that mesh is more breathable and durable when PU or bonded leather can wear down much faster.
Is the chair’s height adjustable?
In the $200 price range, this feature is a must. There’s nothing worse than not being able to adjust the chair’s height according to your body build and preferences.
Does the chair have a headrest?
If you prefer office chairs with headrests, there are plenty of models under $200 that will suit your requirements. Some of them we reviewed in this article. However, we’d still recommend checking whether the headrest is adjustable.
Are backrest tilt tension and seat depth adjustable?
This might not be the most common feature in office chairs under $200, but there are still a few ergonomic office chairs in this price range that are fully adjustable.
Does the chair have built-in lumbar support?
If you suffer from back and neck pain after spending the whole day working at the desk, you should ensure you’re buying an office chair with lumbar support. Not all office chairs under $200 have this feature, but some of them definitely do.
Does it feature flip-up armrests?
This feature is only helpful if you don’t have too much room and rather slide your chair under the desk to free up your office space. Otherwise, it’s just a matter of your preference.
Are the armrests adjustable?
Again, it’s not the prevalent feature of office chairs in the $200 price range, but there are a few models that offer adjustable armrests to help you find the best ergonomic sitting position.
Benefits of an Office Chair Under $200
The benefits of ergonomic furniture go from increasing productivity to helping you reduce stress when working at a desk. While there are tons of office chairs on the market, varying from less than $100 to a few thousand dollars, here are a few advantages of buying an ergonomic office chair under $200:
- Options for all types of interiors: You can choose from numerous styles and designs that would look no worse than expensive office chairs.
- Wide range of adjustable features: You can find a fully adjustable chair to fit your body structure and improve your sitting experience.
- Options for larger people: You can purchase a heavy-duty big and tall chair in this price range.
- Different materials available: You’ll have a choice of mesh or faux leather upholstery material.
- Lumbar support available: You can protect your back and neck if you buy an office chair under $200 with proper lumbar support.
- Suit several purposes: You can use it for various purposes like gaming, working, lounging.
Should I Buy an Office Chair Under $200?
Ergonomic office chairs can greatly reduce several health problems that might arise when you spend many hours a day working in a home office. Office chairs under $200 might not be upholstered in genuine leather or last forever. But if you treat one of those chairs with care, it might as well serve you for many work days to come. As long as you opt for a sturdy chair with an ergonomic design, you can significantly upgrade your office setup without spending a fortune.
We hope you managed to find what you were looking for. And if you have any questions or have an idea of what we should review next, please let us know.
FAQs
Is a mid-back chair better than a high-back one?
The answer to this question depends on what you need to do while sitting in the chair. If you need to move back and forth a lot while you work or perform different tasks, then a mid-back chair might be the most comfortable option for you.
How high should an office chair be from the floor?
This can depend on features such as the height of your desk or how tall a person is, however we can say a seat height of 16 to 21 inches can be good for most people.
Is it a problem if your feet don’t touch the ground?
When you’re sitting in an office chair, your feet should touch the ground or, at the very least, a comfortable footrest. That is because if your legs dangle, your pelvis will tilt backwards and as a result your core muscle will work extra to try and compensate.
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.
