We spent more than 600 hours testing 10 office chairs and think that the Steelcase Gesture is the best option for most people. After speaking to four ergonomics experts, we determined that the Steelcase Gesture’s features, including ideal height and tilt adjustments, set it apart from competitors. Its armrests—the only ones amongst the chairs that we tested—are ball-and-socket style which means they provide more comfortable options no matter your size or preference for positioning.
Our runner-up pick, the Herman Miller Aeron, doesn’t offer as much adjustability as the Steelcase Gesture, but it’s comfortable enough to sit in for long periods of time. Its breathable mesh seat and back are a great feature for those who are usually hot or work in an environment without air conditioning. It’s well-built and proved to be a durable ergonomic chair during testing—though if you run into issues, it’s protected by a 12-year warranty.
The Herman Miller Sayl, our also great pick, is a good chair for everyday office work. When it comes to performing a wide variety of tasks, it isn’t as comfortable as the Steelcase Gesture, but it is durable. It’s ideal if you’re looking for an option that’s aesthetically pleasing. Its design factor distinguishes it from most, and it’s perfect for placing in a home or office space with a stylish setup. Like the Herman Miller Aeron, it also comes with a 12-year warranty.
The HON Exposure is our budget pick and it’s one of the most comfortable chairs in its price range that we tested. It includes more standard adjustment features than most inexpensive options and during testing we found it to be comfortable enough to sit in for longer than three to four hours. While we don’t think that it’s as durable as our other picks, it’ll serve its purpose for as long as it lasts.
How we picked and tested
Prior to testing office chairs for our latest update we read reviews on Wired, Digital Trends, and various blogs; researched new models on manufacturer sites; and researched older models to find dismissals. Our criteria for choosing and testing chairs included comfort, adjustability, warranty protections, price, appearance, and durability.
Per the suggestion of the ergonomic experts that we spoke to, we decided to bypass testing executive-style chairs and chairs without backrests. While executive-style chairs tend to force your upper spine forward, chairs without backrests (and with partial backrests) will force you to slump.
After conducting our research, we narrowed down a list of 50 contenders to 14 test subjects. Our panel of testers sat in each chair for an entire work day before completing a questionnaire. We then analyzed the build quality of each chair and sat in them over the course of an hour while we made adjustments. Through this process we eliminated chairs that showed signs of quality and sizing issues.
The next phase of testing took place over three weeks. Our panel of testers (of all shapes, heights, and sizes) sat in each of the remaining 10 chairs for at least one day, then filled out another questionnaire detailing likes and dislikes. Considering comfort, testers ranked their favorite chairs. We compared the results with long-term testing notes to determine our picks. In our home-office furniture and supplies guide, we outline picks to pair with the best office chairs.
Our pick: Steelcase Gesture
No matter what your task or adjustment preferences, you’ll be comfortable while sitting in the Steelcase Gesture. It accommodates a wide variety of body types, its seat-depth is easy to use, and its protected by a 12-year warranty. We’ve tested and used it heavily over the past three years and its proven to be durable and sturdy. While it is expensive, it’s built to last and has all of the necessary adjustment features you’d want in an office chair. Its arms rotate more than any other chair we put to the test and it’s available in a variety of colors.
Of all the chairs that were tested, every panel member placed the Steelcase Gesture in their top three. Half of the members on our panel thought it was the most comfortable option and that it offered the ideal balance between comfort and firmness. Its seat cushion keeps its shape and won’t decline in comfortability.
Shop Now: $1,031
Writers, editors, and photographers on our test panel found that the chair performed well across varying tasks. Even if you’re hunched over for a period of time, you won’t feel the effects. If generally you don’t sit with the best posture, this chair will offer comforting support and its armrests can be placed into almost any position.
We also liked the fact that adjusting this pick is an intuitive process. Its knob which rolls the seat back and forth, and its tilt tension control knob, is very responsive. With a slight turn of the tilt tension control knob you’ll notice a difference in positioning. Fine tuning your comfortability is easy and you won’t find yourself settling on an adjustment that’s only good enough.
This chair is designed to align with the natural contour of your back. Unlike competitors that we tested, the Gesture also flexes when you recline to stay aligned with your back’s natural contour. With some chairs, you’ll feel as if you’re sitting in a rocking chair when you recline. The entire back of the Gesture moves with you when you lean back. It shifts smoothly and none of its moving parts rattle or get stuck which speaks to its overall quality.
This guide may have been updated. To see the current recommendations or availability updates, please read The Best Office Chair on Wirecutter.
