Key takeaways
- Best overall: Steelcase Leap Office Chair ($1,099 – $1,499).
- Best value: Steelcase Series 1 Office Chair ($399 – $549).
- 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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Not sure which office chairs to buy in the US? This list keeps it short: our top pick, the best-value option, the premium choice and the models we would avoid, all with typical prices.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Quick answer
- Best overall: Steelcase Leap Office Chair ($1,099 – $1,499)
- Best value: Steelcase Series 1 Office Chair ($399 – $549)
- Premium pick: Steelcase Gesture Office Chair ($1,300 – $1,700)
Office chairs compared
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steelcase Leap Office Chair | Buy | 9.1/10 | $1,099 – $1,499 |
| Steelcase Gesture Office Chair | Buy | 8.9/10 | $1,300 – $1,700 |
| Branch Ergonomic Chair | Buy | 8.6/10 | $450 – $550 |
| Steelcase Series 1 Office Chair | Buy | 8.5/10 | $399 – $549 |
| Herman Miller Embody Chair | Consider | 8.6/10 | $1,800 – $2,100 |
| Herman Miller Aeron Chair | Consider | 8.0/10 | $1,395 – $1,895 |
| SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office Chair | Consider | 7.0/10 | $149 – $199 |
Our picks in detail
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.
Steelcase Gesture Office Chair
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.9/10 · Typical price: $1,300 – $1,700
Steelcase Gesture Office Chair is one of the office chairs we would buy in the US. It scores 8.9/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $1,300 – $1,700.
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 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.
Herman Miller Embody Chair
Verdict: Consider · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $1,800 – $2,100
Our verdict on Herman Miller Embody Chair is consider: a decent option, but compare it with the picks above before paying $1,800 – $2,100.
Herman Miller Aeron Chair
People who run warm · Verdict: Consider · Score: 8.0/10 · Typical price: $1,395 – $1,895
Why we like it: Breathable mesh seat and back in three sizes.
Pros: All-mesh seat and back breathe well · Comes in three sizes · Excellent build quality · 12-year warranty
Cons: Very expensive · No seat-depth adjustment · Firm seat edge for some
Buy it if you run hot, want an iconic mesh chair and are willing to pick the right size carefully.
Skip it if you want a cushioned seat or can't try sizes; the mesh edge and fixed seat depth don't suit everyone.
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.
What to check before you buy
- Adjustable lumbar support, seat depth and armrests let the chair fit your body rather than the other way round.
- Mesh backs stay cooler; foam seats feel softer for shorter days.
- Check the weight limit, seat height range and warranty (5 years or more is a good sign).
What to skip
Common mistake: Buying a gaming-style chair for its looks; many have little real adjustment.
When to buy
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. Refurbished premium chairs from certified resellers can cost less than new mid-range ones.
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Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best office chairs in the US?
Our top pick is Steelcase Leap Office Chair (typically $1,099 – $1,499). For the best value, choose Steelcase Series 1 Office Chair (typically $399 – $549).
What should I check before buying office chairs?
Adjustable lumbar support, seat depth and armrests let the chair fit your body rather than the other way round. Mesh backs stay cooler; foam seats feel softer for shorter days.
When is the best time to buy office chairs 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.
What is the most common mistake when buying office chairs?
Buying a gaming-style chair for its looks; many have little real adjustment.