ConsFirst / Office chairs
Office chairs: the downsides, first
Comfort is personal, and even the most praised office chairs get complaints about lumbar support and armrests. Here are the most popular ergonomic chairs in the US, budget to premium, with their downsides first.
8 models compared17 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 office chairs, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Steelcase
$$$PaddedScore 4.6/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (about 1,267 ratings), and the listing pools several Gesture colors and floor-caster versions.Wirecutter's top pick for over a decade: extremely comfortable and the most adjustable chair it tested, but it is very expensive, heavy, runs warm, and Tom's Guide found its lumbar adjustment weak.
Top complaints
- Very expensiveVery common
Tom's Guide says the price is nearly impossible to justify for most people (about $1,444 base, more with a headrest or leather). Value for money is a mixed aspect in Amazon's review summary.
- Weak or inconsistent lumbar supportMentioned often
Tom's Guide calls the lumbar slider feeble and says it barely changes the back support. Amazon's summary says some owners find the lumbar ample and others say it is practically non-existent.
- Heavy, warm, and shifting armrestsMentioned often
Wirecutter says it weighs over 70 pounds and that the foam and fabric don't breathe well. Amazon's summary notes owners reporting the armrests move around constantly and the seat feeling slanted forward.
What owners love
- Top comfort in testing
Wirecutter's panelists scored it highest across all criteria, and staffers say it is still comfortable after years of use. Tom's Guide calls it the most comfortable chair its reviewer has owned.
- Armrests that go almost anywhere
Wirecutter says it was the only chair tested with ball-and-socket arms, useful for gaming, reading and drawing on a tablet. It also adjusts seat depth, tilt tension and recline limit.
- Effortless recline, 12-year warranty
Wirecutter says the back flexes and holds the recline angle without you pushing, and the 12-year warranty covers just about everything, including the gas cylinder.
Skip it if…- You run hot or work without AC
- You want strong adjustable lumbar support
- You need to move the chair around often
Good for- Sitting 6+ hours a day
- Switching between typing, reclining and tablet work
- Wide range of body sizes
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort5.0
Why 5.0?
Highest-scored chair across Wirecutter's panel; Tom's Guide calls it overwhelmingly comfortable. - Adjustability5.0
Why 5.0?
Wirecutter: one of the most adjustable chairs available, with unique ball-and-socket arms, seat depth, tilt tension and recline limit. - Back support3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter rates its back support excellent, but Tom's Guide calls the lumbar slider feeble and Amazon owners are split on lumbar support. - Easy assembly4.5
Why 4.5?
Tom's Guide: arrived almost fully assembled and took under five minutes, but the chair is very heavy to lift. - Durability & warranty5.0
Why 5.0?
12-year warranty covering nearly everything; Wirecutter staffers report it holding up for years of heavy use.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick since 2015 for comfort, adjustability and durability; flaws are heat retention, weight over 70 lb, and back support that isn't better than other $1,000+ chairs.
- Tom's Guide: Overwhelmingly comfortable with great armrests and near-zero assembly, but hard to justify on price and the lumbar support is underwhelming.
#2
Steelcase
$$$PaddedScore 4.4/5
16%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (about 670 ratings). The Amazon listing title reads 'Steelcase Leap Replacement Upholstered Hard Casters' and pools colors/caster variants.Testers praise its back support, gliding seat and solid build, but it costs about $1,000 before add-ons, is warmer than mesh, and Wirecutter found nothing that set it apart from the Gesture or Aeron.
Top complaints
- Expensive, with paid add-onsVery common
Tom's Guide says it starts at $979 and that 4-way arms, extra lumbar, a headrest and hard-floor casters each cost extra. TechRadar gave it 3/5 for value. Amazon owners are split on value for money.
- Less breathable than meshMentioned often
Tom's Guide says it is less breathable than the Aeron, and TechRadar advises skipping it if you live in a hot climate.
- Firm armrests; some cylinder and height problemsMentioned often
TechRadar's only comfort complaint was hard-edged armrests. Amazon's summary mentions owners reporting height-adjustment and pneumatic cylinder problems.
What owners love
- Strong, tunable lower-back support
Tom's Guide found more lumbar support than the Aeron, especially at the sides. TechRadar notes separate lumbar height, lumbar firmness and upper-back tension adjustments.
- Gliding seat suits tall users
TechRadar's 6-foot-2 reviewer got his thighs properly supported thanks to the sliding seat, and the arms go low enough to avoid shoulder hunching.
- Rock-solid build, ships assembled
TechRadar's unit arrived fully assembled with no wobble and smooth mechanisms, and has a 12-year warranty. Amazon owners highlight excellent back support.
Skip it if…- You live somewhere hot
- You want soft armrests
- You're on a budget
Good for- People who prefer a cushioned seat
- Tall users who need seat-depth adjustment
- Fine-tuning lumbar position and firmness
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort4.0
Why 4.0?
Comfortable from the first sit (Tom's Guide); TechRadar 4/5 for comfort with no aches after long days. - Adjustability4.5
Why 4.5?
Eight adjustments including seat glide and lumbar firmness (TechRadar); the base model's arms are height-only unless you pay for 4-way arms (Tom's Guide). - Back support4.5
Why 4.5?
Better lumbar support than the Aeron (Tom's Guide); adjustable lumbar height and firmness (TechRadar); Amazon owners praise back support. - Easy assembly5.0
Why 5.0?
TechRadar's unit arrived fully assembled with a one-page instruction sheet. - Durability & warranty4.0
Why 4.0?
12-year warranty and very solid construction (TechRadar), but some Amazon owners report cylinder problems.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Excellent chair with good lower-back support and many colors; less breathable than the Aeron and costs $1,000 or more with options.
- TechRadar: Top-tier cushioned chair for comfort and adjustability; armrests aren't very comfortable and it's very expensive (tested in Australia).
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not picked: an excellent, adjustable chair, but most testers found nothing that set it apart from the Gesture or Aeron.
#3
Herman Miller
$$$MeshScore 4.5/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
The iconic all-mesh chair is cool, durable and arrives fully assembled, but it is very expensive, you must pick the right size, and its seat depth isn't adjustable.
Top complaints
- Very expensiveVery common
Tom's Guide lists the 2026 model at $1,620 base and $2,300 fully loaded and names price as the main con. Wirecutter lists it at about $2,150.
- Less adjustable than rivalsMentioned often
Wirecutter says you can't adjust seat depth, the arm height is a pain to change, and reclining isn't as effortless as on the Gesture. Tom's Guide notes the arms can't slide inward as on the Steelcase Leap.
- Sizing and a firm, prescriptive seatMentioned often
A Wirecutter tester between sizes found size B far too narrow. Wirecutter says it punishes crossed legs, and a staffer needed a seat cushion to make it comfortable.
What owners love
- Cool, supportive mesh
Wirecutter testers likened it to a hammock and say it beats foam chairs in warm climates. Tom's Guide says the vented design kept its reviewer cool in summer.
- Built to last, 12-year warranty
Wirecutter says it feels more durable than the Gesture, parts are easy to replace yourself, and the 12-year warranty covers repairs and parts.
- Three sizes, no assembly
Tom's Guide notes it comes in small, medium and large (up to 400 lb for large) and arrives fully assembled.
Skip it if…- You like to sit cross-legged or shift around
- You can't try sizes before buying
- You want a headrest
Good for- People who run hot
- Upright desk work and typing
- Buying used or refurbished at a discount
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort4.5
Why 4.5?
Wirecutter: just as comfortable as its top pick; Tom's Guide found it comfortable over two months. Some find the mesh seat too firm. - Adjustability3.5
Why 3.5?
Most high-end adjustments, but no seat-depth adjustment and awkward arm-height changes (Wirecutter). - Back support4.5
Why 4.5?
The PostureFit SL option adjusts upper and lower lumbar separately, and the chair enforces upright posture (Wirecutter). - Easy assembly5.0
Why 5.0?
Arrives fully assembled (Tom's Guide), though the big box may not fit through narrow doors. - Durability & warranty5.0
Why 5.0?
12-year warranty, mostly metal and hard plastic, and parts you can replace yourself (Wirecutter).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Runner-up: just as comfortable as the Gesture and more breathable, but with less arm adjustability, no seat-depth adjustment and a less effortless recline.
- Tom's Guide: The updated 2026 Aeron is comfortable, very adjustable, ships assembled and has a 12-year warranty; cons are the price and limited colors.
#4
Branch
$$PaddedScore 3.8/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Very small sample (about 157 ratings); the listing pools several colors.Tom's Guide's best overall chair is stylish, comfortable and quick to build, but Wirecutter disliked its forward-sloping seat and arms that drop when you pull on them, and the 275-lb limit is lower than most.
Top complaints
- Annoying armrestsVery common
Wirecutter found that pulling on an arm unlocks it and drops it to its lowest position, so testers kept readjusting. Tom's Guide notes the arms only adjust vertically. Some Amazon owners report the armrest not locking in place.
- Forward-sloping seat, fit limitsMentioned often
Wirecutter testers found the seat's forward slope unsettling, as if they might slide off. Amazon owners are split on seat size, with some saying it doesn't suit tall people; the weight limit is 275 lb.
- Pricier than Branch's own Ergonomic ChairMentioned often
Wirecutter says it costs much more than Branch's Ergonomic Chair, which has more adjustments. Headrest is a $59 add-on, and Amazon owners disagree on value.
What owners love
- Very comfortable for long days
Tom's Guide calls it one of the most comfortable chairs it has used, with a soft contoured foam seat and breathable 3D-knit back. Wirecutter also found it generally comfortable.
- Distinctive colors and design
Tom's Guide says the whole chair, down to the base and casters, comes in one color, from black to mint and coral.
- Quick solo assembly, 7-year warranty
Tom's Guide built it alone in under 20 minutes with clearly labeled bolts. It carries a 7-year warranty.
Skip it if…- You need side-to-side or forward/back arm adjustment
- You're over 275 lb or very tall
- You want a headrest included
Good for- A colorful chair that looks good in a home
- Upright posture with a soft seat
- Hardwood floors (nylon casters)
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort4.0
Why 4.0?
Tom's Guide: one of the most comfortable chairs it has used. Wirecutter found it generally comfortable but disliked the seat slope. - Adjustability3.0
Why 3.0?
Six adjustments including seat depth and tilt tension, but arms move only up and down (Tom's Guide) and slip down when pulled (Wirecutter). - Back support4.0
Why 4.0?
Adjustable padded lumbar and a contoured back that keep you upright (Tom's Guide). - Easy assembly4.5
Why 4.5?
Under 20 minutes alone with labeled bolts; only the reversed arms were confusing (Tom's Guide). - Durability & warranty3.5
Why 3.5?
7-year warranty (Tom's Guide) and Amazon owners call it solid, but some report armrests not locking; 275-lb limit.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best office chair overall (updated 2026-09-16): adjustable, cooling, stylish and very comfortable; the con is arms that only adjust vertically.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not recommended: comfortable and colorful, but the forward-sloping seat felt unsettling, the arms keep dropping, and it costs more than Branch's more-adjustable Ergonomic Chair.
18%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Based on about 1,603 ratings; the listing pools several colors and possibly lumbar/no-lumbar configurations.Wirecutter's budget pick has real seat-depth and lumbar adjustment for about $500, but Wirecutter doubts it will last as long as pricier chairs and Amazon owners report it breaking after about a year.
Top complaints
- Durability doubtsVery common
Wirecutter says it isn't as sturdy as pricier picks and won't last nearly as long. Amazon's summary says multiple customers report it fell apart after a year of use.
- Too tall for short usersMentioned often
The minimum seat height is 17 inches. A 5-foot-2 Wirecutter tester couldn't keep her feet flat, so Wirecutter suggests a footrest. The arms also don't go down as far as on other picks.
- Mixed lumbar and recline; long-term discomfortMentioned often
Amazon's summary says lumbar support and recline get mixed reviews. A Wirecutter writer using it since 2022 finds the armrests hurt her elbows and long sitting bothers her tailbone.
What owners love
- Best lumbar near $500
Wirecutter says the optional adjustable lumbar actually works and stays in place. Check that the listing says 'adjustable lumbar'.
- Pricier-chair adjustments
Wirecutter notes seat depth, tilt tension, tilt lock, seat height and telescoping arms. Amazon owners praise the armrest and seat-depth adjustments.
- Comfortable from day one, easy to assemble
Wirecutter calls it the most comfortable budget chair it has tested, with no break-in. Amazon owners say it is easy to assemble.
Skip it if…- You're petite (high minimum seat height)
- You want a chair that lasts a decade
- You're bony and sensitive to firm armrests
Good for- Getting key adjustments for about $500
- Average to tall users
- People who want working adjustable lumbar support
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter: the most comfortable budget chair it tested, but not close to the Gesture or Aeron, and one long-term tester reports tailbone and elbow discomfort. - Adjustability4.0
Why 4.0?
Seat depth, tilt tension, tilt lock and telescoping arms (Wirecutter), limited by a high minimum seat height and arms that don't go low. - Back support4.0
Why 4.0?
Best lumbar of any chair around $500 in Wirecutter's tests (adjustable-lumbar version); Amazon owners give mixed lumbar feedback. - Easy assembly4.0
Why 4.0?
Ease of assembly is a positive theme in Amazon's review summary; no expert assembly timing was found. - Durability & warranty2.5
Why 2.5?
Limited lifetime warranty that excludes wear (Wirecutter), but Wirecutter expects a shorter life and Amazon owners report it falling apart after about a year.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick: the most comfortable budget chair tested, with working adjustable lumbar; flaws are a high minimum seat height, arms that don't go low, and less longevity than pricier picks.
14%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (about 1,329 ratings); the listing pools black and white versions.An all-mesh chair with a headrest and 3D arms for far less than premium brands, but its lumbar only moves when you recline, the arms slide out of place, and the narrow seat and short max height don't suit bigger or taller users.
Top complaints
- Lumbar not independently adjustableVery common
Tom's Guide says the lumbar stays fixed while upright and only moves with you when reclining, which took getting used to. Amazon's summary notes some owners say the backrest doesn't lock in place properly.
- Armrests slide too easilyMentioned often
Tom's Guide found the arms get knocked inward or outward when pushing the chair in, so they needed constant readjusting; there's no lock.
- Narrow seat, low max height, more assemblyMentioned often
Tom's Guide says the narrow seat and 22-inch max seat height may not suit taller or wider users. Assembly took its reviewer about 30 minutes because even the wheel base comes unassembled.
What owners love
- Breathable all-mesh design
Tom's Guide praises the mesh seat, back and headrest for airflow and its eye-catching frame.
- Adjustable headrest and 3D arms
Tom's Guide notes 3D armrests that pivot 75 degrees and a headrest with eight heights and two tilts. Amazon owners praise the arm angle and height adjustment.
- Owners report all-day support
Amazon's summary says owners find it supportive for long hours, with some saying they can go a full workday without back discomfort, and call it good value.
Skip it if…- You're tall or have a wide frame
- You want manually adjustable lumbar depth
- You hate re-adjusting armrests
Good for- Shorter users
- A mesh chair with a headrest on a mid budget
- Hot rooms
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort3.5
Why 3.5?
Comfortable all day in Tom's Guide's month of use, though the mesh felt plasticky at first and the seat is narrow. - Adjustability3.5
Why 3.5?
3D arms and a multi-position headrest, but no manual lumbar depth and arms that don't lock sideways (Tom's Guide). - Back support3.0
Why 3.0?
Lumbar height has four steps but is otherwise fixed until you recline (Tom's Guide); Amazon owners report good support. - Easy assembly3.0
Why 3.0?
About 30 minutes for an experienced tester, 45-60 minutes for others, with small one-page instructions (Tom's Guide); Amazon owners call it easy. - Durability & warranty3.0
Why 3.0?
No creaks or shifting in testing, but only a 3-year warranty (Tom's Guide).
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Comfortable, well-priced all-mesh chair with an adjustable headrest; the non-adjustable lumbar, narrow seat, sliding armrests and extra assembly are the downsides.
#7
Amazon Basics
$MeshScore 2.4/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)A very cheap, very popular starter chair that owners find easy to build and good value, but Wirecutter testers found the seat firm, the back support poor for petite users, the arms fixed, and the warranty only one year.
Top complaints
- Hard seat, limited reclineVery common
Wirecutter testers complained about the firm seat and limited recline. Amazon's summary says some owners find the seat cushion hard.
- Inconsistent back supportVery common
Wirecutter's petite testers couldn't get full back support because of the seat depth. Back support gets mixed feedback in Amazon's summary.
- Fixed arms, sturdiness concerns, 1-year warrantyMentioned often
Wirecutter notes fixed armrests and a one-year warranty. Amazon's summary says some owners report it falling apart and the armrests not being adjustable.
What owners love
- Comfortable enough for many
Comfort is the most-mentioned positive in Amazon's summary (about 2,000 mentions).
- Easy to assemble
Assembly is a top positive in Amazon's review summary (about 1,500 mentions).
- Good value
Amazon shoppers consider it good value for money; it is the least expensive chair Wirecutter tested.
Skip it if…- You sit all day
- You're petite or need adjustable arms
- You want a long warranty
Good for- Occasional or short sitting sessions
- The lowest possible cost
- Quick setup
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort2.5
Why 2.5?
Comfort is Amazon's top positive, but Wirecutter testers found the seat firm and recline limited. - Adjustability1.5
Why 1.5?
Fixed armrests (Wirecutter); Amazon owners mention non-adjustable arms. - Back support2.0
Why 2.0?
Petite Wirecutter testers couldn't get full back support; Amazon back-support feedback is mixed. - Easy assembly4.0
Why 4.0?
Ease of assembly is a leading positive in Amazon's review summary. - Durability & warranty2.0
Why 2.0?
One-year warranty (Wirecutter); sturdiness is mixed on Amazon, with some reports of it falling apart.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: the cheapest chair tested, with fixed arms, a one-year warranty, a firm seat, limited recline and poor back support for petite testers; better to save for something that lasts.
#8
Staples
$MeshScore 2.8/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
A hugely popular, cheap mesh chair with a long warranty and easy returns, but it has no seat-depth adjustment, a narrow lumbar pad and budget-grade parts that reviewers expect to wear out in a few years.
Top complaints
- Limited adjustabilityVery common
Wirecutter dismissed it for lacking seat-depth adjustment. Cansumer found the seat depth, back height and arm position fixed, and the headrest not height-adjustable.
- Budget build wears outVery common
BTOD found low-quality casters, base, arms and mesh, and its unit had a torn seat pad and bent armrest; it expects wear within 2-4 years. Cansumer's 2-year update reports a cracked armrest and a lost backrest pin, and mentions owner reports of failing gas lifts.
- Fit and comfort limitsMentioned often
Cansumer says it fits a narrow range of body types, the seat gets uncomfortable on the thighs after a few hours, and the headrest can dig into taller users. BTOD says it doesn't suit people 6 feet or taller and the seat pad creases.
What owners love
- Cool mesh and easy setup
Cansumer praises the breathable mesh and built it in about 20 minutes with color-coded hardware.
- Strong policies for the price
BTOD highlights a 30-day money-back return and a long warranty covering the whole chair.
- Very well rated by buyers
Staples shows a 4.45 average from about 13,400 reviews.
Skip it if…- You're 6 feet or taller
- You sit more than about 7 hours a day
- You need seat-depth adjustment
Good for- Tight budgets (best when on sale)
- Average-height users (about 5'3" to 5'8")
- Warm rooms
Scores (tap for why)
- Comfort2.5
Why 2.5?
Fine for a few hours (Cansumer), but BTOD found the mesh doesn't cradle you and the seat pad creases. - Adjustability2.5
Why 2.5?
Tilt lock, arm height and headrest tilt, but no seat-depth adjustment (Wirecutter, BTOD) and fixed back height (Cansumer). - Back support2.5
Why 2.5?
Lumbar moves only about an inch and is narrow (Cansumer, BTOD). - Easy assembly4.0
Why 4.0?
About 20 minutes with clear, color-coded steps (Cansumer). - Durability & warranty2.5
Why 2.5?
Long warranty (5 years per Staples' page; 7 per Cansumer and BTOD), but budget parts that BTOD expects to wear within 2-4 years.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed for lacking seat-depth adjustment.
- Cansumer: 4/5 after two years: good value for a few hours at a time if you're about 5'3"-5'8", but limited adjustability and a headrest many users remove.
- BTOD: Worth it around $147 but not above about $244; adjustable for the price but built with budget-tier parts (2026).