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Sitting at a desk for prolonged periods can inflict a lot of pressure onto your back and spine, a pain that is worsened for those who don’t have a comfortable office chair.
An ergonomic office chair is designed to support the spine when users are in a seated position, providing support to the lumbar region in particular.
A good quality office chair can also help to improve your posture by encouraging you to sit in an upright position.
Spending a little more on your office chair can deliver many long-term benefits to your body's health. In this guide, we have reviewed our top five picks of the best ergonomic office chairs available, all of which retail under 300 dollars.
A chair retailing within this price range is likely to provide you with the comfort and support that you require.
Below, we have also included a buyer's guide where we have included some factors to consider along with our top tips for selecting the best chair for you.
If you are in a hurry, you will find our top pick below.
The Duramount Ergonomic Office Chair comes with many adjustable features to cater to the comfort preferences of each user.
The seat and armrest height can be adjusted to suit individuals of different heights and the angle of the headrest can be altered to a position that provides you with the most support.
Those who suffer from back problems are likely to appreciate the lumbar support that curves to the contours of the lower spine.
You can also alter the recline and angle of the lumbar support to ensure that you are sat in the best position for you.
The seat is made from high-quality fabric material with a soft cushiony feel that is going to make it comfortable to sit on, something that is likely to be appreciated by those who sit at their desk for prolonged periods.
The back panel is made from breathable mesh which enhances the airflow to ensure that your back remains cool and sweat-free even in warmer temperatures.
The pneumatic controls are positioned within arms reach beneath the seat making them easy to access for quick alterations to the angle at which you are sat.
It also features rollerblade caster wheels that allow for easy maneuverability across your office floor.
Pros
This office chair is covered by an impressive 5 year warranty should you experience any issues.
It has a maximum weight capacity of 330 lbs.
The breathable mesh backing prevents the build-up of sweat.
Using the lever you can easily alter the angle of the seat to a comfortable position for you.
The chair is easy to assemble and you are provided with detailed instructions that can help during the process.
Cons
The headrest is prone to moving and some may find this off-putting.
Designed to enhance the comfort of the user, the SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair features an S-shaped back that contours to the shape of the spine to offer the necessary support.
The headrest, backrest, and armrest can all be altered and positioned at an angle that you feel offers the greatest amount of support.
The waist cushion supports the lumbar region and is shaped to contour to the characteristics of the bones.
It can be altered to sit more forward or backward and upward or downward using the dial which is positioned on the back of the chair.
The seat is made from cotton which has a soft and cushiony feel. The back section is made from mesh which offers excellent breathability allowing the air to circulate rather than accumulate for a more comfortable seating experience.
You can also alter the angle of the backrest to sit at one of three positions depending on which you find the most comfortable.
The lever mechanism that is used to alter the height is situated on the base of the seat.
It is also designed with an aluminum base that is durable against frequent use and the caster wheels will allow you to glide along your office floor.
Pros
The 'W' style cushion is resilient and allows your legs to fall comfortably from the seat.
The height can be altered to accommodate different users.
This chair is covered by a 1 year warranty should you experience any issues with the quality.
It has many adjustable features that allow you to customize it to suit your comfort preferences.
The breathable mesh backing allows for effective air circulation.
Cons
Some may find the cushioning of the seat pad to be too firm and inadequate for their needs, especially if likely to be sat for lengthy periods.
The NOUHAUS Ergonomic Office Chair is robustly constructed and stylishly designed. Incorporating Click 5 lumbar support there are 5 different levels that the integrated seat cushioning can be clicked into depending on your comfort preferences and the support that you require.
Thanks to the padded armrests you can position your arms comfortably as you sit at your desk.
The strong design also ensures that you can sit as you would like without having to worry about the armrests struggling when pressure is applied to them. They can be left upright or folded down depending on how you would like to sit.
Durably constructed, this chair has been made from PU leather which makes it comfortable when in contact with your body.
The lumbar cushion also features mesh detailing which allows the air to circulate rather than gather around that region.
The 5 point nylon base is strong and robust to ensure that it can withstand frequent use without becoming easily damaged.
The wheels make it easier to maneuver the chair so that you can reach different areas of your office space without having to part from your chair.
Pros
This office chair is covered by a 5 year manufacturing warranty and customer service support which is helpful should you experience any problems.
The lumbar cushion can be clicked into one of 5 levels depending on your comfort preferences.
The armrests can be positioned up or down depending on how you would like to sit.
The smooth class 4 hydraulic gas lift allows you to alter the height of the seat with ease.
The wheels will glide smoothly over the floor of your office.
Cons
Some may find this office chair a little difficult to assemble.
Robustly constructed, the AmazonCommercial Ergonomic Leather Office Chair is a worthy option for those seeking a substantial addition to their office space.
This office chair can hold a maximum weight of 275 lbs and as an executive office chair, it is going to elevate your workspace.
The padded seat is made from leather upholstery and the ergonomic design enhances the comfort and support provided to the user.
It also has a sturdy frame that is secured on a 5 point aluminum base. The addition of roller caster wheels enhances durability while allowing for easy maneuverability across the floor of your office.
The armrests can be positioned at the angle that you find the most comfortable depending on how you like to sit as you work.
These armrests are also padded for improved comfort and they can also be folded down if you would prefer.
Featuring an articulated adjustment system, you can alter the angle at which the backrest is positioned.
Should you require a more relaxed position you can recline the seat, or you can sit with it more upright if you need to be more focused. The elevated headrest also ensures that your neck and your head are properly supported too.
Pros
There are 3 different colors available so you can choose according to the aesthetic of your office space.
The arms can be positioned at the angle you find the most comfortable and collapsing them saves on space when the chair isn't in use.
The lumbar support offers excellent comfort to the lower regions of your back.
You can turn the lumbar support on and off as and when required.
The chair is easy to put together and comes with instructions to aid you during the process.
Cons
The padding of the chair is quite firm and may not accommodate the needs of those who would prefer to sit on a soft, cushion-like surface.
Boasting a unique design, the Ergousit Ergonomic Office Chair is sure to enhance the comfort of the user.
The ergonomic curved design offers 3D lumbar support to the lower back region in particular. As such, it is an ideal option for those who find themselves sitting at their desk for prolonged periods.
The mesh backing allows for effective air circulation ensuring that you remain cool and comfortable when sat in this office chair.
It will even refrain from accumulating sweat in warmer temperatures, instead allowing it to dissipate. Aside from this, it is also abrasion resistant and will refrain from losing its shape when sat against for prolonged periods.
The pneumatic controls that are used to adjust the height of the seat are situated on the base and can easily be reached from a seated position.
The five-point swivel base with roller caster wheels allows for easy maneuverability to different areas of your office space so you can work efficiently without needing to leave your seat.
As for comfort, not only can the height be altered to accommodate different users, but the backrest tilt, headrest angle, and armrest position can also be altered.
Because of this, you can customize the comfort of this chair to ensure that it caters to your requirements.
Pros
This office chair is covered by a 5 year manufacturer warranty which is helpful should you experience any problems.
The ergonomic backrest has three sections for enhanced comfort.
The height and position of this chair can easily be adjusted using the pneumatic controls.
The mesh backing creates a breathable and comfortable chair.
The style of this chair accommodates taller users.
Cons
This chair doesn’t have a lot of padding so it may not cater to some individual’s comfort preferences.
Best Ergonomic Office Chair Under $300 Buying Guide
There are several factors that you will need to consider before investing in your ergonomic office chair.
A chair of this kind will need to incorporate many features to ensure that it offers the support and comfort that you require.
The Suitability Of This Chair
The specification of the chair will state the maximum weight capacity and height of individuals that it is suitable for. It is important to abide by this guidance to ensure that the chair caters to your needs.
If you're taller but select an office chair that is intended for shorter users you will likely find that it offers inadequate support to your back and head.
The Support
Ergonomic office chairs incorporate lumbar cushioning which offers support to the lumbar region (the lower back and spine).
Effective lumbar support will contour to the shape of your spine to prevent you from slouching, instead encouraging you to sit in a healthy, upright position.
The lumbar cushioning is often adjustable allowing you to alter the angle to cater to your comfort preferences. Most office chairs also come with cushioned headrests which provide support to the neck and head.
The support of your office chair should not be ignored as these features will determine how comfortable the chair is going to be to sit in over prolonged periods.
The Material
The most common materials used to make office chairs are mesh, fabric, or leather. You will likely find a particular type of fabric to be more comfortable than another.
Fabric upholstery has a soft feel however, it is more susceptible to wear and staining. Mesh is mainly used on the backrest. It is elasticated and breathable but lacks cushioning which some may find uncomfortable.
Alternatively, you may opt for a chair that is made from leather. Leather has a cushiony feel and is easy to maintain as spills can easily be wiped off.
However, it isn't as breathable and in warmer weather, in particular, it is more likely to accumulate sweat and moisture.
The Comfort
Your chair must be comfortable especially if you require its use for prolonged periods.
One that is insufficiently padded isn’t going to be effective in providing you with the comfort that you require, instead, the bones of your back are going to be in direct contact with the tougher components of the chair.
The material that is used to make the chair is also going to influence how comfortable it is. Thinner materials don’t have as much cushioning, however, the comfort is likely to be determined by your comfort preferences.
The Breathability
Many office chairs will have a mesh backing that allows for effective air circulation whilst keeping your back cool and free of unwanted sweat and moisture.
If you are going to be using your office chair in warmer temperatures this is going to be important in preventing the accumulation of sweat but instead allowing it to dissipate.
Adjustable Features
Ergonomic office chairs come with several adjustable features that allow you to customize the comfort. The height can be altered to accommodate different users, as well as the headrest and the position of the armrests.
You can also adjust the position of the backrest so that it can be reclined if preferred. The lumbar support can be adjusted using a dial which is typically situated on the back of the chair.
To adjust the height you can use the pneumatic lever which is positioned underneath the base of the chair allowing for quick adjustments from a seated position.
Assembling The Chair
Ideally, your office chair should be easy to assemble, you don’t want to find yourself spending a lengthy amount of time trying to figure out which part goes where.
Most will come with detailed instructions that will guide you through each stage of the assembly process to make the task much easier.
The Wheels
Office chairs feature wheels that are secured to a sturdy base allowing for easy maneuverability across the floor of your office.
Should you require the use of something that is placed in a different area of your office you can grab it without having to leave your chair. The wheels should glide with ease across a range of surface types without struggling or snagging.
The Color
While most office chairs are black, some brands produce them in an assortment of colors.
As such, the selection of colors allows you to select the option that complements the aesthetic of your office space.
The Cost
The focus throughout our guide has been to source the best ergonomic office chairs that retail for $300 or less.
There are many options available that accommodate this budget, however, you must ensure that your chosen chair has all of the features that are going to allow you to sit comfortably.
While some retail at the higher end of this price range, there are cheaper options available too.
A high quality ergonomic office chair can retail anywhere from $100 to $1000 so those that enter the market at a $300 price point provide an excellent mid-budget option.
You may be wondering whether it is worth spending $300 on your office chair if there are cheaper options available.
For those who are going to be spending lengthy periods sitting in their chair, it is worth spending a little more and investing in an ergonomic chair within this price range because they tend to be more durably constructed with an upgraded design.
They also tend to have more customizable features to cater to the comfort preferences of each user.
The Warranty
Most of the chairs that we have mentioned in our guide are covered by a warranty.
Opting for a chair that is covered by a policy of this kind is recommended because it will ensure that you are covered if you experience any problems with the quality or functionality of the chair. While some brands may offer a refund, others may offer a replacement product.
Many brands also provide you with access to lifetime technical support which allows you to contact a member of their team with any concerns that you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ergonomic office chair worth it?
For those who spend a lot of time sitting behind their desk, an ergonomic office chair is likely to be a worthy investment.
They are a worthy option for those who suffer from back problems in particular as they provide lots of support and help with posture too.
Are expensive office chairs worth it?
If you are likely to get a lot of use out of your office chair, you will likely benefit from spending a little more.
The price is usually reflected in the quality of the chair so you may notice a difference between an expensive and inexpensive option.
