Affordable office chairs
There’s never been a better time to build your home office, as more companies than ever are embracing work-from-home options for a wide variety of jobs and industries.
The centerpiece of any home office is a quality office chair, and it’s important to find one that fits both your space and budget. After all, if you’re going to be sitting for lengths of time, it’s essential to find a chair that provides comfort and support without breaking the bank.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options for those below the executive level.
Cheap office chair considerations
When searching for an inexpensive office chair, there are several factors to consider, such as support, comfort, adaptability and ergonomics. Finding the best balance of these elements can improve your productivity, quality of work and personal health, leading to success for employees, freelancers and companies alike.
Although there are some great options for home office workers with deep pockets, there is a great selection of inexpensive office chairs of all sizes and styles.
Office chairs are built to provide the ideal conditions for anyone who spends prolonged time sitting behind a desk, but there are several elements that may vary depending on style and size.
Support
The first and most important factor is support, not just for your back, but for your whole body. This means looking for a chair with a back that promotes good posture from your head and neck down.
It’s also important to consider your height and weight, making sure to land on a suitable chair for your body shape and size. Many office chairs offer height adjustability, allowing multiple users the ability to sit without hurting their knees, agitating wrist pain or developing repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Comfort
Along with support, comfort is a crucial consideration when shopping for a cheap office chair, and it comes in a variety of forms.
Most office chairs have a padded seat and back, but some opt to leave one out. It’s important to find the best combination on the seat and back, whether soft or firm, in order to maximize comfort.
Many office chairs feature an ergonomic design specifically built to maximize comfort and good posture while optimizing your physical workspace for productivity and well-being.
Of course, your office chair must be a good fit for your workspace. If your chair is too small, it may limit your ability to work in comfort, and if it’s too big, it could do the same, taking up way too much room.
Best cheap office chairs
Best of the best cheap office chair
BERLMAN Ergonomic High Back Mesh Office Chair: available at Amazon
Our take: This ergonomic chair provides the comfort, support and adjustability usually found in more expensive models but with a reasonable price tag.
What we like: Adjustable lumbar support and S-shaped ergonomic design. Breathable mesh back. Smooth tilt and recline. Comfortable and durable.
What we dislike: Some users report assembly problems. 250-pound weight capacity limits user base.
Best bang for your buck cheap office chair
FlexFit by Union & Scale Hyken Mesh Task Chair: available at Staples
Our take: Exceptional support from the neck to the seat, promoting better posture and productivity, and more adjustable features than some other cheap office chairs.
What we like: Adjustable armrests and lumbar support. Ergonomic design for maximum support. Breathable mesh. Headrest for neck support. Not too bulky; great for most spaces.
What we dislike: Seat padding is on the stiff side, and the mesh material is a bit coarse.
Best cheap task chairs
Task chairs are designed for use at most standard desks to provide all-day support and are most common in everyday office environments. These chairs are usually smaller and are appropriate for tighter office spaces.
Best of the best cheap task chair
Flash Furniture Ergonomic Task Office Chair: available at Amazon
Our take: Great combination of ergonomic design, adjustability and comfort for a low price.
What we like: The seat and back are supportive without being uncomfortable. Mid-back design makes it suitable for most sizes. Available in several colors.
What we dislike: Not as durable as more expensive counterparts.
Best bang for your buck cheap task chair
Inbox Zero Mid Back Ergonomic Task Chair: available at Wayfair
Our take: All-around high quality for a bare-bones office chair; perfect for supplying a whole department or fitting into tight workspaces.
What we like: Easy to assemble; durable, simple.
What we dislike: Not a great option for people with back or pelvic issues.
Best cheap executive chairs
Executive chairs are notably larger and more padded, with high backs, comfortable armrests and advanced adjustability. These are typically used in management offices.
Best of the best cheap executive chair
Symple Stuff Carleen Executive Chair: available at Wayfair
Our take: Great budget option for anyone in management who wants to balance affordability with style.
What we like: Very supportive and comfortable. Smooth reclining with a tilt-lock function for stability. High weight capacity at 280 pounds.
What we dislike: Lumbar support is not adjustable. Assembly can be challenging.
Best bang for your buck cheap executive chair
Amazon Basics High-Back Executive Chair: available at Amazon
Our take: From top to bottom, a great alternative to a luxury model.
What we like: Easy assembly, smooth-swivel casters and seat swivel; good comfort for long hours of use.
What we dislike: Not much lumbar support, somewhat stiff padding; bonded leather is thin and wears quickly with use.
Best cheap drafting chairs
Drafting chairs are designed for use at either a drafting table or standing desk, offering comfort and ease of use while sitting at a taller workstation.
Best of the best cheap drafting chair
EdgeMod Sadia Drafting Chair: available at Overstock
Our take: Comfortable, cool and highly adjustable, this chair has few downsides.
What we like: Back tilt with tension control. Ergonomic back and seat provide great support.
What we dislike: Some users complain of stiffness in the seat and mechanisms.
Best bang for the buck cheap drafting chair
Modway Veer Drafting Chair: available at Amazon
Our take: Great option for big and tall users, comfortable and easy to set up.
What we like: Good seat controls, including flip-up armrests, height adjustment and swivel.
What we dislike: Not the best option for shorter users.
Matt Fleming is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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