Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office Chair ($149 – $199).
- Refurbished premium chairs from certified resellers can cost less than new mid-range ones.
- Adjustable lumbar support, seat depth and armrests let the chair fit your body rather than the other way round.
In this article
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You do not need to spend a lot to get good office chairs. These are the cheapest office chairs we would still buy in the US, sorted by typical price.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Budget picks at a glance
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office Chair | Consider | 7.0/10 | $149 – $199 |
| Steelcase Series 1 Office Chair | Buy | 8.5/10 | $399 – $549 |
| Branch Ergonomic Chair | Buy | 8.6/10 | $450 – $550 |
| Steelcase Leap Office Chair | Buy | 9.1/10 | $1,099 – $1,499 |
Budget picks in detail
SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office Chair
Tight budgets · Verdict: Consider · Score: 7.0/10 · Typical price: $149 – $199
Why we like it: Mesh back and adjustable lumbar for under $200.
Pros: Low price · Breathable mesh back · Adjustable headrest and lumbar
Cons: Seat foam flattens over time · Limited arm adjustment · Shorter warranty
Buy it if you need a basic ergonomic chair for a few hours a day and can't spend more than $200.
Skip it if you sit all day; cheaper foam and mechanisms wear out much faster than premium chairs.
Steelcase Series 1 Office Chair
Value ergonomics · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.5/10 · Typical price: $399 – $549
Why we like it: Steelcase adjustability at a midrange price.
Pros: Adjustable seat depth and 4D arms · Flexible back with integrated lumbar · Well built for the price · Many color options
Cons: Seat padding is firm · Less adjustable than the Leap
Buy it if you want a well-made ergonomic chair with adjustable seat depth and arms without spending over $1,000.
Skip it if you are very tall or heavy; the Leap fits a wider range of bodies.
Branch Ergonomic Chair
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $450 – $550
A safe choice: Branch Ergonomic Chair earns a buy verdict with a score of 8.6/10, at a typical price of $450 – $550.
Steelcase Leap Office Chair
All-day sitters · Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.1/10 · Typical price: $1,099 – $1,499
Why we like it: LiveBack backrest that flexes with your spine.
Pros: Flexible backrest supports many postures · Adjustable seat depth and lumbar firmness · Very durable · Long Steelcase warranty
Cons: Expensive · Fabric back runs warmer than mesh
Buy it if you sit eight hours or more a day and want a chair that adjusts to nearly any body and lasts a decade.
Skip it if you want a mesh back for hot rooms or have a tight budget.
How to save money
Refurbished premium chairs from certified resellers can cost less than new mid-range ones.
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Where not to cut corners
Adjustable lumbar support, seat depth and armrests let the chair fit your body rather than the other way round.
Common mistake: Buying a gaming-style chair for its looks; many have little real adjustment.
Compare more options
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap office chairs in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office Chair, typically $149 – $199.
Are cheap office chairs worth it?
Refurbished premium chairs from certified resellers can cost less than new mid-range ones. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Adjustable lumbar support, seat depth and armrests let the chair fit your body rather than the other way round.
When are office chairs cheapest in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.