The best office chair for back pain in 2024

I think the best office chairs for back pain can be a force for good in your life. It’s a grand claim to be sure, but I’ve been testing ergonomic chairs for years now, and I’ve noticed seen how using them make me feel, in both office and home work.

And the experts agree. According to research by the University of Hampshire, if you work long hours at a desk (which, let’s face it, we all do), using an ergonomic chair that follows the natural curvature of your spine, which provides support to your lower back, can decrease the risk of developing a cumulative trauma disorder.

So how have I selected the chairs on this list? When reviewing ergonomic chairs I consider their back support, adjustability, comfort, build quality and design. I also consider the price, and I’ve put together a list of the best budget chairs if that’s your chief concern. However, right now the X4 chair from X-Chair wins in all categories, and that’s why it’s my top pick – I’m still using it as my home office chair a year later. I spend months with each chair to get a proper feel for each one, and make notes on every feature and how it makes me feel. I use each chair for office work, for gaming, and just hanging with friends and family.

If you’re looking to further aid your posture, check out our guide on the best standing desks.

Top 3 picks

Best by use case

Best overall ergonomic chair

“More than 20 physicians and PhDs in the fields of biomechanics, vision, physical therapy, and ergonomics contributed their expertise to help guide the development of this chair,” proudly states the Herman Miller website, about the Embody. And that sounds very impressive. But what does it actually mean to the user asked to spend over a grand on it? It means you’ll own the most comfortable, supportive office chair out there. It’s certainly the most exceptional office chair that I’ve ever used. 

As the resident chair expert at Creative Bloq, I’ve tried and tested loads of office chairs and stools, and have a pretty good context for ranking them in categories such as ergonomics, comfort, design, etc. The Embody is top of the class in all categories, apart from price point. It will set you back north of a grand, and that’s even with a decent sale going on. And while that will immediately have people scroll further down this page, for those that want an investment in their office furnature, I think that’s great value for what you get.

Good ergonomic chairs accommodate, even encourage, movement. That may sound strange for a piece of furniture that you sit on, but according to Esports Medicine and PM&R Physician Dr Lindsey Migliore, “constant changes to your posture are integral to healthy sitting.” It’s because if you’re sat in the exact same position for hours on end, pressure builds on your ischial tuberosities (sitting bones), and your hips, lower back and shoulders. 

The Embody encourages micro-movements thanks to its unique design. It has linked chains and panels in the back and seat, distributing your weight so small movements feel lighter and easier than usual. When I sit in the Embody, it’s just a joy to naturally adjust on the seat, and no matter what position I’m in – leaning on one side, stretching arms over the back, or doing my best impression of what ‘good posture’ is meant to be (we all do it!), I’m super comfortable and feel supported. It’s a hell of an experience.

Best budget ergonomic chair

A Sihoo chair has held our second spot as best budget ergonomic chair since this guide was made. And there’s a good reason for that. Sihoo have nailed ticking enough of the important boxes when it comes to comfort and ergonomics, while keeping costs down. This is perfectly represented with the M57 – it’s mesh and plastic and metal which isn’t exactly premium quality, but it’s also properly comfortable, breathable and has plenty of adjustability. Add to that a solid lumbar support, all for under $250, and you have a fantastic entry-level ergonomic office chair on your hands.

When you compare the M57 to the other big hitters on this page, the massive difference (other than price) is materials, design and to a smaller extent adjustability. You’ll find real leather and memory foam elsewhere. You’ll also find chairs that could objectively be described as beautiful. The M57 doesn’t shout loud in these categories. You’re not going to feel that you’re floating on the mesh it offers, but it’s plenty comfy for multiple hours of work.

As far as looks go, it’s pretty generic – neither beautiful nor ugly (as others on this list are). But when it comes to adjustability, it fairs well. The arms move forward and back, as well as up and down – a feature usually seen on more expensive models. And you also get a solid lumbar support that I wouldn’t usually expect for a chair under $250. All in all, it’s bang for buck the best office chair with ergonomic features that we’ve tested out.

Best premium ergonomic chair

The Herman Miller Aeron is one of the original ergonomic office chairs, and having had one material and performance update since its 1994 release, it’s a design that’s stood the test of time.

It’s tempting to resort to hyperbole when recommending a product to a creative audience which nails form and function as well as the Aeron. I’ve used it as my primary work seat for 12 weeks at the time of writing, and it’s definitely one of the most comfortable, supporting and stylish chair I’ve ever used.

So much so that it initially crashed straight into the top spot of our list of the best chairs for back pain, knocking the brilliant X4 Executive leather chair off its perch. The only reason it’s been moved down to three again, is that the X-Chair just offers way more adjustability, which is really important in ergonomic chairs. However, it’s an incredibly close call!

There’s something comforting (and comfortable) about the reduced adjustment options in the ‘entry level’ model of the Aeron I reviewed. It says something of the supreme confidence of Herman Miller: how the initial design decisions play out so effectively in the end results of comfort and support.

If you’re buying the Aeron directly from Herman Miller, the price is a little steep – though you do get a great 12-year warranty. Over $1,000 is a lot for anyone’s wallet, though I have seen the price drop as low as $711 over at Amazon, so you can definitely get deals on this iconic chair.

Best executive ergonomic chair

I’ve been using the X4 chair continuously in my home office for over a year now, and think it’s the best ergonomic chair that I’ve reviewed so far, and I feel that it is the best option for most people. Here’s why…

First off, the X4 Executive leather chair is one of the most comfortable ergonomic chairs. Its leather/foam combination is soft and the metal base build is solid so you get a combination of comfort and support that feels reassuring. And, when you pay extra for the 360º armrests, you get the absolute best armrests out there.

There are no surprising notes to make on the look of the X4 (though you can mix things up with one of the eight different colours that are on offer). I’d say the look is classic, with a pleasing two-part back, and a singular base making up the seat. Most importantly, the X4 really shines when you sit in it for any length of time. Built from hard plastic, chrome aluminium, mesh and leather, the X4 gives you all the solid support you’d want from a premium ergonomic chair, while also providing supreme comfort too.

It’s one of the heaviest chairs featured on this list, clocking in at 31kg (that’s twice the weight of some of the others). That solidity goes into providing incredible back support, and a soft-yet-solid comfort that feels great. It’s also best for most people because it’s really adjustable. There are loads of feature options as well, including headrest, 360 degree armrests, and massage and heating pads. For more information, check out our X-Chair X4 Executive chair review.

Best mid-price chair

To sum up my three-month review of the Brand Verve chair: I love it. I think high on the list of the things I love about this chair, is its look, including the sweeping colour that covers all various materials seamlessly. I also love the easy assembly and simplicity of use once it’s all put together. But of course, it wouldn’t have made this list if I couldn’t also recommend its comfort and support. And all for under $600? It really is a class act.

So why not a five star review? Because throughout the process of putting the chair together and then using it, Branch set the bar super high for itself. That means when I noticed a flaw, or had a niggle about one feature, that issue was magnified. They made a rod for themselves by offering perfection, and they (well, the arms) didn’t quite make it… still, near-perfect, and utterly stunning to behold, and all for nearly half the price of the more high-end chairs on this list that’s bloody good!

Best saddle chair

The HÅG Capisco looks a little different from the other chairs on this list. That’s because it’s a saddle chair, which allows you to sit as if you are saddling a horse. This has been found to be beneficial for countering and preventing back pain in research such as this study from Cardiff University. In our HÅG Capisco 8106 chair review we noted that you keep adjusting how how you sit, which in turn helps with blood flow and posture, ultimately easing back discomfort.

Saddle chairs are most popular amongst medical professionals, but their use has spread to other types of workplace. They’re especially good for use with standing desks. The HÅG Capisco has a wider saddle while the HÅG Capisco Puls has a firmer, narrower saddle that allows you to sit with your legs closer together.

Providing good lumbar and lower back support, it’s very comfortable and very adjustable too. The seat tilts, with a tilt lock, and you can tweak its height and depth too, from a low sitting position to a sit-stand position. Plus, from an aesthetic point of view, this radical and minimalist Scandinavian design will certainly put your home office setup on the cutting edge of cool.

Best small ergonomic chair

Whether you’re talking about style, craftsmanship or functionality, Herman Miller chairs are pretty difficult to beat. There are two other Herman Miller chairs on this list, but if the Mirra 2 and Aeron are too expensive for you, or you just prefer a smaller more compact style, then the Sayl is a great option. It’s a bit cheaper, but it still has a sharp design and great ergonomic features too.

The vented elastomer backrest has been copied by many, but remains a unique, effective feature of this chair, made with strands that vary in thickness and tension, providing an excellent balance between support and comfort, not to mention great air circulation. There’s loads of arm rest adjustment options, and the four-setting tilt limiter lets you adjust the tension to your liking. The unique design inspired by the Golden Gate bridge may divide opinion, but I love its chic, offbeat design. And in terms of spinal support, it can’t be faulted.

Best stool ergonomic chair

‘Wait, I thought this was all about the best chairs for back pain? Why is there a stool on the list?!’ If you’re one of the people asking this question, the simple reason is because if you want an effective, beautiful looking seating solution that will benefit your back and body, the Muista stool is worth your time. It’s a clever design that is not as expensive as some of the more high end options on this page, and as my hands-on Muista chair review explains, I really enjoyed using it for prolonged periods of time (especially when combined with one of the best standing desks).

Unlike pretty much all the chairs on this list, the Muista chair encourages you to move while seated. You can rock back and fore or side to side, depending on how you’re sitting on it, and these micro-movements will encourage blood flow and keep your muscles gently engaged, staving off the more detrimental side-effects of sitting stationary for hours on end. Of course, I get that many won’t want the lack of back rest and luxury seating that you can get with other chairs, but for clever design and low price, this is hard to beat.

Skeletal back

The Herman Miller Mirra 2 is on my list for two reasons. Firstly, and most importantly, it’s an ergonomic chair with a skeletal back design that supports your body properly, lessening strain on your back, and offering multiple adjustments to suit your body type. Secondly, it’s a furniture design icon, oozing class and sophistication, and will add clout to any creative’s work space. I’ve seen that skeletal back design copied many times, but never bettered.

At just north of $1,000, it’s expensive. But with its build quality, support and style, I believe it’s well worth the price, especially if you’re looking for a chair to use for several years to come. The often-copied but never bettered backrest responds to your movements, making your spine feel cradled and supported, and preventing you from slumping or slouching. This chair comfortably holds you with knees slightly lower that hips, while your feet are flat on the ground – a key requirement ot sit properly on a chair straight from the UK’s National Health Service (for more on that, scroll to the bottom of this page).

The mesh is lovely and breathable, so you can stay cool on warm days. The chair offers excellent lumbar support, which can be adjusted for height (many of the cheaper chairs in our list include lumbar support but that isn’t adjustable) and the arms are fully adjustable too. The seat cushion distributes your weight beautifully, and it also takes the largest maximum load (159kg / 350lbs) of all the chairs on this list.

Best gaming ergonomic chair

Are you going to be using your chair primarily for gaming? Then let me introduce the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022. We reviewed this premium gaming chair after several weeks use, and really like its sturdy comfort and attention to detail.

Most significantly, there’s a fully adjustable lumbar support system, which you control via a knob on the right side of the backrest. The seat has the same bucket-style design used on racing chairs, so it keeps your bum well supported over hours of gameplay (or normal office work). And the cold-cure foam used as padding throughout makes it super-comfortable. It comes in Small, Regular and XL, so has a number of body sizes covered too.

We loved the mixture of leatherette and velvet-style finishings, and think it looks as premium as it feels. The magnetic headrest is just another feature that adds to the ability to make the Titan Evo feel just so. This is a great supportive chair for gamers and non-gamers alike.

Also tested

Some of the chairs that I’ve reviewed didn’t have as strong a unique selling point as the chairs above. That doesn’t mean they’re bad chairs, and as you’ll see from the linked reviews, they often score really high in my tests. So here are some other great options, should you not find what you’re looking for above…

How we test

Every chair on this list has been thoroughly reviewed and tested over a period of weeks and even months. But how do we test chairs? Just sit in them?!

Well, you may laugh, but that’s a pretty important part of it, yes. And as we use each chair as our primarily seat for weeks and months, we really get to know it. Any adjustability that we really appreciate, or any design notes that might take away from the overall comfort – it’s all taken into account. So much becomes apparent over hours and hours of using these things.

But there’s more – it’s not just a passive process. We also get out of the chair and look at the chair from every angle, taking notes on aesthetics that will otherwise get ignored when sitting on the chair. The best ergonomic chairs can be a pretty big financial investment, and especially if they’re going to sit in your home, you’ll want to make sure that it’s a beautiful/fitting design choice, as well as aiding comfort and supporting your back properly. That’s why we break our reviews down into comfort, build, design and features.

How to choose

As we highlight in all our chair reviews, there are key elements to an ergonomic chair that buyers find most important: comfort, build, design and features (and assembly to a lesser extent). For each chair on this list, we’ve delved into each category to give you the most relevant information to make your purchase.

The reason I put the X-Chair as number one in this list, is because I think it does the best job of hitting all the essential criteria for a great ergonomic chair, for the most amount of users. Plus it has some extra features that I think will be really useful to users too. Unfortunately, not all chairs are as uniformly excellent as the X-Chair. Some look beautiful, but that’s at the expense of a pretty key feature of adjustability (like the Verve chair). Some are excellent in many way, but they’re just designed for a smaller user (the Sayl), so, although it’s in no way a ‘bad’ chair, we can’t recommend it to all users.

How you choose your chair will involved several criteria, some of which will be more important than others, depending on the buyer’s needs. What we do is focus on all the main criteria, report on them in context to the other options out there, and hopefully help you make the most informed decision possible.

FAQs

Can office chairs help back pain?

Yes, the best ergonomic office chairs can help prevent back pain in the first place and can also help to alleviate it if you’re already suffering. That said, if you do already suffer from back pain, I recommend visiting a doctor as well as considering a new chair because there may be other underlying causes.

Health experts provide a lot of advice on the importance of using a good chair. “In the age of technology, we spend so much time sitting at our computers, and our bodies cannot maintain good posture for hours without fatiguing,” explains Dr Amy Hoover, a physiotherapist at workouts company P.volve.

“A chair that allows your lower back to maintain a good neutral position, supporting the natural curve in the lower back, can alleviate stress on the spine and improve the alignment of your spine all the way up to your head.”

Lyndsay Hirst, a physiotherapist specialising in back pain and a specialist in Pilates, agrees. “The right chair set up is essential, not only to support the natural curves of the spine but also the shoulders,” she notes. “Armrests are really useful for someone who suffers neck and mid-spine pain. Lumbar support is also very useful. An adjustable seat plate, backrest and arms will allow the user to adapt the chair to their specific posture.”

What chair features are good for back pain?

There are several ergonomic features that can make an office chair good for back pain. Adjustability is one of the key things so that you can ensure the chair has the right form for your own body shape. See our guide to what makes an office chair ergonomic for full details on what to look for, but in summary, you should look for chairs with:

• Lumbar support (see below)
• Adjustable armrests
• Seat-depth adjustability
• Recline and tilt

James Crow, owner of Posture Stars, a website promoting good posture, says: “The best office chair for back pain is one that’s highly adjustable, so you can get the back to support you in a meaningful way. Invest wisely: we wouldn’t buy the cheapest mattress or car, but many of us are spending eight to 10 hours a day perched on a ‘value’ chair.”

It’s also important to replace an ageing chair, he says. “If your chair has been around for more than a decade it’s probably time to upgrade. The materials wear down over time, with seat padding especially taking a beating.”

What is lumbar support?

When you’re shopping for an ergonomic chair for back pain, you’ll often see references to lumbar support. But what does that mean, exactly? Well, the word ‘lumbar’ refers to your lower back, which should curve inward, and as Chongsu Lee, a physiotherapist and creator of the robotic BackHug device, explains, “lumbar support can be an attachment, or a built-in part of an office chair that aligns with your lower back to maintain its natural inward curve.”

Why does this matter? Well, when sitting, your lumbar becomes sandwiched between the torso, above, and buttocks, below. When you sit, lumbar stress is one-and-a-half times higher than when you stand, and double compared to when you walk.

“Left unsupported over time, the strain causes stiffness, making the lower back prone to injuries like slipped discs,” Chongsu says. “Just like support beams in a building, lumbar support absorbs that strain and props your lumbar up, protecting it against stress and injury.” So having a ergo chair with lumbar support is good for your back health over a long period of time. It supports your back, taking some of the strain off your lower back. Without lumbar support, you office chair is just a nice office chair. With it, you’re actively supporting your back.

How do you sit properly in an office chair?

According to Innerbody Research – an online home health and wellness organisation, made up of health writers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and researchers – your knees should be slightly lower than your hips and your feet should be flat on the floor or a good footrest. Do not cross your legs as this is a recipe for posture-related aches and pains. An adjustable chair (tilt, height and recline) will make sure your lower back is properly supported, and if you’re using a keyboard then make sure your chair is positioned so you can use it with straight wrists and hands (level with the floor).