When you spend half (or more) of your day in an office chair, a $50 budget-buy store brand isn’t the kind of purchase you should be making. Not only are these cheap items more likely to break down over time, but there’s a good chance this kind of chair isn’t going to have the elevated support features your body needs. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the five best office chairs for long hours in 2024.
Each of these models are tailor-made for those of us who need a comfortable chair that feels good all day. We’ve also made sure to include a couple of options for folks who experience back pain, shoulder strain, and other sore conditions.
Herman Miller is responsible for many of the best office chairs on the market, and the Aeron is arguably the best. Available in three sizes and with multiple ways to customize your chair (such as adding leather arm pads, upgrade wheels, and additional back support), it’s easy to build an office chair that fits your needs.
Beyond customization options prior to purchase, you’ll have plenty of adjustable components to tinker with once it arrives at your home. This includes adjustable armrests, a premium tilt and recline system, and (as usual) the option to raise or lower your seat height. Designed to support not just your back but also your arms, shoulders, and hips, it should keep you comfortable during long work sessions.
All that functionality doesn’t come cheap, with the Aeron clocking in at over $1,500. It also looks a bit plain for a chair in this price range, but there’s no denying it’s well-equipped and is one of the most feature-rich chairs of 2024.
It’s hard to find an affordable office chair that’s also supportive, but the Branch Verve somehow pulls it off. Available for right around $600 (depending on your color), it’s remarkably cheaper than most other products on this list — yet offers many of the same features.
Along with a supportive, high-density foam seat, the Verve provides you with six points of adjustment, including adjustable lumbar support. Branch says the chair is specifically built to handle eight-hour workdays, making it ideal for WFH setups. The chair itself is sturdy and durable (clocking in at a solid 40 lbs) and supports up to 275 lbs.
The armrests on the Verve are one of its few sticking points, as they don’t go all the way to the back of the chair. Instead, they float in place and leave a few inches of space between where your elbow rests and the backrest. But if you can get over that small quirk, the Verve is a great way to save a bundle of cash while still giving you a comfortable chair for long hours behind your desk.
The Embody Office Chair is one of the most expensive office chairs in the Herman Miller catalog. It’s not cheap, but it also doesn’t cut any corners, making it great for folks positioned behind their desk for the majority of the day.
Available in a variety of colors for both its frame and upholstery, Herman Miller makes it easy to design something that fits your home office. Regardless of your options, you’re getting an eye-catching piece of furniture, with swooping curves and an elaborate frame that looks like nothing else on the market. If you’re into aesthetics, the styling alone might justify its hefty price.
Beyond looking good, this office chair is packed with luxurious features to help you get through the day without any aches or pains. It uses Herman Miller’s Pixelation Support system to conform to your body and adjusts with each of your movements. It also boasts a narrow backrest to encourage proper form while sitting behind your desk. Bundled with all its adjustable components and a generous 12-year warranty, it’s an easy choice for the discerning shopper.
Mesh chairs are incredibly popular, largely due to the breathability they offer. They’re especially appealing for folks who work long hours, as the mesh prevents heat build-up and regulates your body temperature regardless of how how many hours you’re working.
The X-Chair X1 is a great example of this design, as it’s almost entirely composed of durable mesh fabric. From its seat to its backrest and removable headrest, almost everything on the X1 is a breathable mesh. That helps it whisk away your body heat and keep you comfortable. Along with its mesh, the X1 uses a dynamic lower back support system that adjusts to your body as you move — making it easy to get comfortable without the need to tinker with various levers and knobs.
Because of its mesh construction, the X1 looks understated and more minimalist than other chairs in this price range. But if you like its simple design and love the appeal of its mesh fabric and adjustable components, it’s a great option to keep on your list.
Boasting a modern frame, premium back support, and a seat with flexible edges, the Gesture is the ideal companion for late nights in the office. Unlike some chairs, which come prebuilt or give you limited customization options, you can modify almost all aspects of the Gesture. It’s a bit pricey — and add-on features can make its price truly soar — but its combination of comfort and customization makes it one of the best office chairs around.
Amazon offers eight different models of the Steelcase Gesture, though if you want more options, you’ll want to check out the official Steelcase website. Here, you’ll find dozens of upholstery options, different back styles, an optional headrest, and a few other ways to modify your chair. This makes it a great option for picky shoppers or anyone who hasn’t had luck finding a product that meets their specific needs.
With a contoured backrest, supportive seat cushion, and adjustable armrests, the Gesture makes it easy to find a comfortable working position. Most shoppers will also find it to be one of the best-looking office chairs, with a streamlined profile and minimalist frame helping it mesh with your existing home décor.
A reliable office chair is a necessity if you’re spending long hours behind your desk. Not all office chairs are up to the task, however, as some are built with low-quality materials and lack support for your back. They’re typically also quite expensive, as building a durable, supportive chair requires premium materials and top-notch engineering. Here’s how we put together the list of the best office chairs for long hours in 2024:
This article is managed and created separately from the Digital Trends Editorial team.
Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites beyond Digital Trends, including The Wall Street Journal, Metacritic, GameSpot, and Slickdeals. He holds a degree in Biology and previously worked as a Medical Editor.
When not playing video games, he can be found running, reading, or checking out the latest series on Netflix.
Michael Bizzaco has been selling, installing, and talking about TVs, soundbars, streaming devices, and all things smart home for the better part of 15 years. He even knows a thing or two about how to fix this stuff when it starts misbehaving (because no tech is perfect!).
Mike has been writing for Digital Trends and several other publications since 2020. Fortunately, he’s still able to write after he got his index finger stuck in a vending machine at the Ramada Inn the summer before fourth grade! From hands-on reviews to best-of roundups, Mike does his best to share his expertise in a friendly and informative way with all readers, and loves staying on top of the latest AV and smart home trends.
When he’s not thanking his father for dislodging his finger from that vile vending machine in New Jersey, Mike enjoys playing guitar, reading, and indulging in horror films with his girlfriend.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
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