Using an ergonomic chair is one of the easiest and most accessible ways of fixing your bad posture especially when you sit for long hours when working from home or gaming. You might be struggling, constantly complaining, or joking about having a back pain of a 63-year-old while in your early or mid-20s.
But the surprising thing is that ergonomic chairs aren’t just a gig. It actually helps improve posture and helps ease back pain when used properly. In fact, ergonomic chairs have built-in lumbar support and a backrest to help shape your back to its natural healthy position.
Let’s walk through the basics of ergonomics, the importance of ergonomics, and the best ergonomic chairs for you in terms of budget, adjustability to help you avoid slouching and help you fix your posture Your back will thank you for it!
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- Starter-Budget Ergonomic Chair
- Best Affordable Ergonomic Chair
- Best Underrated Ergonomic Chair
- Best Not So Much Yet Still Expensive Ergonomic Chair
- Best Gaming Ergonomic Chair
- Best Overall Ergonomic Chair
- Best Ergonomic Chair to Splurge on
Basic Guide to Ergonomics
What is Ergonomics
The first thing that comes to mind when you hear or read the word ‘ergonomics’ is probably a chair, a desk, or even comfort for most people. Well, you’re not entirely wrong but it’s more than that. Ergonomics is a scientific field of study that deals with the design, comfort, and safety of the human body by adjusting and optimizing tools to maximize their efficiency without its limitations.
Everyone is different and each of us needs to satisfy different needs. If you are tall than most average people, then you might want to consider an ergonomic chair that has an adjustable seat height. If you tend to sweat quickly, you might want to get a breathable mesh chair instead so you can feel the breeze of air through your seat and back.
Importance of Ergonomics
You have probably spent an entire day binging a series on Netflix and you’re most likely guilty of staying in a position where you’re comfortably slouching on your seat or couch. I get it, don’t worry. (Almost everybody has done that!) It may be comfortable but it is not safe for your body, neck, and spine to stay in an uncomfortable position that your body adjusts to and it becomes the norm for your body.
Comfort and safety go hand-in-hand with the importance of ergonomics. Putting your not-so-flexible, non-adjustable body in stressful situations (like sitting on a chair that forces you in an awkward position) drives you in discomfort, irritability, and you become easily agitated.
Reasons Why Ergonomic Chairs is Beneficial for You
The first time I sat on an ergonomic chair was magic. It stretched my back comfortably and did not feel any tension at all. I got the backstretch that I needed in my life and it felt like my back was good as new.
Although you might feel a little uncomfortable at the first few hours of sitting correctly it’s because your back and neck are slowly adjusting to your new straight and confident posture or if it persists, you might need to adjust your chair to a little bit more.
Corrects Posture with Backrest
Ergonomic chairs are designed to give comfort while promoting proper and natural posture for your lazy, crooked back. The backrest of the chair goes from your lumbar (Commonly known as the lower back) that curves all the way to your upper back or back shoulder. Some ergonomic chairs have adjustable armrest features where you can comfortably rest your elbow and forearm at your desired height or to match your table’s height. Adjustable seat height is the most common feature of an ergonomic chair. Make sure to keep your feet flat on the ground to maximize its ergonomic capabilities and promote proper posture.
Comfort Like No Other
One of the reasons why ergonomic chairs are popular amongst ergonomic enthusiasts is because of its adjustability and comfort. Some ergonomic chairs have an adjustable seat depth for people with different heights which comfortably helps them maintain a proper posture keeping their feet flat on the ground. Having an adjustable headrest that you can tilt to your liking where you can rest and lean your neck also provides comfort and proper neck posture to help ease and avoid stiff and neck pain. Ergonomic chairs with a reclining feature are one of the best things you can have for a chair if you like to lay back and put your feet up the table like a boss while maintaining a straight and natural posture while relaxing.
Most ergonomic chairs are tailored with quality material which varies in the type of chair you want to buy. You can pick from leather, knitted, to breathable mesh material for your ergonomic chair seat and backrest.
Avoid Serious Back and Neck Problems
Ergonomic chairs aren’t your ultimate solution for serious back and neck conditions, but they are made to avoid you from crossing that line. An ergonomic chair can help ease and avoid minor problems like fatigue, pain, habitual slouching, and forward head posture.
With proper usage of ergonomic chairs, you can help ease your postural strain and help naturally relax your body. It supports the important points of the back which reduces the tension (like the tailbone) since ergonomic chairs are made with soft material, unlike common chairs that are built with plastic, monobloc, or wood.
What Ergonomic Chair Features Should You Look for
I should have thought of investing in an ergonomic chair earlier and it was one of the best decisions I have done. You should consider getting one too!
As we have mentioned before, everyone is different and each of us needs to satisfy different needs. Here is a complete guide to help you look for the best features that you might need when looking for the best ergonomic chair suitable for you.
Adjustable Lumbar Support
Lumbar support is one of the backbones of an ergonomic chair has to offer (Haha! See what I did there?) It supports, stretches, and shapes your lumbar or lower back to naturally correct your posture. The lumbar support also relieves back pain and problems. An adjustable lumbar support is definitely one of the things that you should look for if you have a shorter or longer torso than most people.
There are two ways to maximize the adjustability of the lumbar support. One is the height adjustment. You can adjust the lumbar support higher or lower to match the curve of your lower back to provide maximum support and comfortability. The second is the tension. You can adjust how the lumbar support pushes your lower back to give your back a little more stretch so your lower back naturally shapes to the lumbar support.
Headrest
Most Ergonomic Chairs treat Headrest as an additional accessory to the chair itself. Which in my opinion should be included as a whole package. The headrest is usually adjustable where you can rest your neck (I know it’s called a headrest but trust me it’s for the neck.) so, you won’t feel fatigued and your neck has a piece to lean on. The headrest can also prevent Dowager’s Hump which is a common problem that occurs from incorrect posture when using devices and staring at computer screens.
The headrest can be adjusted in two ways – Height and Tilt. You can adjust the headrest depending on what comfortability suits your neck. If you have a slender long neck, you can adjust the height a little bit higher and pivot the headrest upwards. If you have a sturdy short neck, you can adjust the height lower and pivot the headrest downwards.
Adjustable Armrest
This is where ergonomic chairs start to differ from prices and set what good ergonomic chairs are from one another. Not all ergonomic chairs support an adjustable armrest (which is kind of a bum.) Having an adjustable armrest just makes the overall ergonomic experience better since you can comfortably rest your elbows and forearms at which level you prefer. Most people level their armrest at the same height as the point of their point elbows for ergonomic reasons since it provides maximum comfort and lessens the strain and tension to the shoulders. Some adjustable armrests can be revolved to different angles so you can comfortably position your elbows and forearms when you are typing on your keyboard.
Recline
A reclining feature for an ergonomic chair is just a nice-to-have feature. It is not that important in terms of ergonomics. But if you prefer to lean back and relax a little bit after long hours at work, a reclining chair might be just for you. If you watch your favorite TV shows on your computer screen you can recline and lay back while maintaining a natural posture since you will be leaning your back at the lumbar support comfortably.
Material
From executive leather to breathable mesh fabric, different ergonomic chairs are designed and equipped with premium material for comfort and durability. Mesh ergonomic chairs are definitely a go-to since the breathable material helps air circulate around the tiny holes of the chair giving a breeze of air for your back and seat which helps you keep cool with less sweating. Ergonomic chairs with leather material have a reputation for getting a little too hot when sitting for too long but it does give you executive vibes when sitting on one. Some ergonomic chairs have a combination of both mesh fabric for the backrest and a leather seat to have a balance of both! It’s up to you to pick your poison.
Swivel
An ergonomic chair with a swivel enables you to maneuver easily around your workspace without any restriction. It helps you reach different parts of your workspace to help you to be more productive rather than standing up or reaching for something every time. You can just glide your wheels on the ground and you can rotate your chair without straining your body.
The Top 7 List of Ergonomic Chair to Buy
When choosing an ergonomic chair, it always comes down to your budget, needs, and preference. You don’t have to choose the most exquisite ergonomic chair on the market if you only want a chair to sit on. But if money is not an issue, you can easily pick anything from the list of top-rated chairs for each category.
Starter-Budget Ergonomic Chair
Allen Mesh Office Chair
If you find the ergonomic chairs on the lists out of your budget or you just want a chair to sit on, the Allen Mesh Office Chair might be the perfect chair for you. The Allen Mesh Office chair is a perfect starter-budget ergonomic chair for you.
Notable Features:
- Lumbar Support
- Reclining
- Breathable Mesh Backrest
- Adjustable Chair Height
Considering for its budget-friendly price, the Allen Mesh Office chair offers the basic features of an ergonomic chair that enables you to correct your posture with comfort from the mesh backrest, lumbar support, adjustable chair height, and an armrest. The seat is made of a soft cushion with mesh which is a nice and cozy surface if you prefer sitting on soft chairs. The chair height adjustment can align your armrest even to tall table heights to match your tabletop to provide a comfortable and flat surface for your elbows, forearm, and wrists.
Best Affordable Ergonomic Chair
Sihoo M57
The Sihoo M57 comes in a small packaging (considering that it’s an ergonomic chair) since it’s disassembled. It comes with an easy-to-read menu and a dedicated screw and screwdrivers to help you in assembling the chair. The chair is also easy to assemble which you can do in under 30 minutes. It also comes with a 3-year warranty in which they can fully replace the chair if you encounter quality issues.
Notable Features:
- Breathable high density all-mesh material (Backrest, Seat & Headrest)
- 3-Way Adjustable Armrest (Height, Forward-Backward & Pivot)
- Adjustable Lumbar Pillow Support Height & Tension
- Metal Base
- Recline
- Five Prong Base
The Sihoo M57 is the best high-density all-mesh ergonomic chair that comes with a mesh headrest with adjustable functionalities for its price range. Considering it’s much cheaper than every chair on this list, the build quality of the chair doesn’t disappoint in terms of having premium and quality material for durability and comfort. From the seat, headrest, armrest, base, and wheels, every component of the chair is made premium and well-designed for ergonomics.
It is also built for general sitting positions for most people who cannot stay in one position. The lumbar support also features adjustability that suits for people with different heights and a tension adjustment to stretch your back to your preferred comfort. The seat also features a W-Shaped seat pan curved design that allocates pressure evenly to make sure you are sitting comfortably.
The Sihoo M57 provides the best comfort even when sitting for more than 8 hours if you are on the grind, working from home. (But we recommend standing up and moving once in a while to avoid the risk of health problems.)
The Sihoo M57 also comes with three color variations: Black Mesh, Grey Mesh, Grey Mesh with Grey Base.
(This chair is my personal favorite so I really do recommend this chair if you are looking for an affordable ergonomic chair with all the adjustability that maximizes ergonomics and comfort that keeps you cool even in hot weather conditions.)
Best Underrated Ergonomic Chair
Ergodynamic EHC-420
The Ergodynamic EHC-420 accomplishes a lot of things when it comes to ergonomics. Considering that the Ergodynamic EHC-420 has been on the market for a long time, this chair offers the important features of an ergonomic chair should have even at a fair price.
Notable Features:
- Backrest, Armrest, & Headrest Breathable Mesh Material
- Adjustable Armrest
- Deep & Optimal Reclining
- Adjustable Lumbar Pillow Support Height & Tension
The seat on the Ergodynamic EHC-420 is an in-between of a firm to a soft seat cushion that helps you stay comfortable while focused without feeling the temptation of dozing off while doing work. The backrest, armrest, and headrest are made of breathable and durable mesh fabric that allows natural cool air to pass through the chair that prevents you from feeling hot and sweaty at long hours of sitting, working, or gaming, especially during hot weather. The adjustability of the armrest allows you to match different desk heights that provide the comfort your need for your elbows, forearm, and wrists. The minimalist design of the chair can fit any style or setup you prefer making it a chair that you should definitely consider getting.
Best Not So Much Yet Still Expensive Ergonomic Chair
Autonomous ErgoChair Pro
The Autonomous ErgoChair Pro is a great ergonomic chair for its price range since that offers a wide range of adjustability. The ErgoChair Pro comes with a 30-Day free trial in case you don’t feel the chair suits you and Autonomous covers all the expenses with a full refund if you decide to return it to them.
Notable Features:
- Seat Height & Depth Adjustment
- Synchro-Tilt Mechanism
- Three-way Armrest Adjustment
- Independent Seat Angle Adjustment
- 5-Position Tilt Lock
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
The ErgoChair Pro is the best option for its price range for the adjustment package it offers. Like the Synchro-Tilt Mechanism that pairs with the Independent Seat Angle Adjustment that enables you to recline freely and comfortably. One of the best aspects of the ErgoChair Pro is the comfortable headrest that features height and tilt adjustment that supports your neck while using the chair.
The ErgoChair Pro offers color variations from All Black, Cool Gray, Evergreen, Black & White, Red Apple, and Baby Blue.
Best Gaming Ergonomic Chair
Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 Series
Gaming chairs have a reputation for being not so comfortable after long hours of sitting. According to ergonomic enthusiasts, it’s not worth the investment since gaming chairs are just a gimmick for gamers. But Secret Lab has changed the game for incorporating ergonomics in gaming chairs.
Secret Lab doesn’t need an introduction when it comes to gaming chairs as they are the titans in the gaming chair industry. Popular among Esports Tournaments, Esports Organizations, Famous Streamers, to Gamers or even for Work from Home setups.
Notable Features:
- Secretlab NEO™ Hybrid Leatherette
- Proprietary sculpted pebble seat base
- Patent-pending cold-cure foam
- 4-way L-ADAPT™ Lumbar Support
- Magnetic Memory Foam Head Pillow
“Every Secret Lab chair is put through a serious of rigorous test and international certification so you know it’s built to last.” Printed in the Secret Lab Titan Evo 2022 Series packaging.
The Titan Evo 2022 Series offers three various sizes from Small, (≤ 169cm & <90kg) Regular, (170cm-189cm & <100kg) and XL (181cm-205cm & 80kg-180kg) to fit every person to their preferred comfortability and ergonomics.
The seat is equipped with a patent-pending cold-cure foam to provide the perfect blend of comfort and support. With a medium-firm cure foam with the optimal balance for a gentle and cradling feel made for even weight distribution and pressure.
The backrest is pebble seat base shape to provide a gentle comfort that guides your back in a natural healthy sitting posture. The Secret Lab Titan Evo 2022 Series is also made from Neo Hybrid Leatherette that is the same quality as the NAPA leather (like the driver’s seat of a sports car) and 12x more durable than the regular leather.
The Secret Lab Titan Evo 2022 Series comes in 125 different color variations you can choose from the Classic, Batman, Superman, Cyberpunk, Esports Team like Team Secret, OG, Team Liquid, and even your favorite games like Pokémon, The Witcher, Dota 2.
Best Overall Ergonomic Chair
Herman Miller Aeron Chair
Herman Miller is an iconic brand that is probably older than most people living today and it has been producing furniture since 1905, which is exactly 115 years old! (From the time this was written) A timeless brand that produces modern chairs.
Herman Miller is like the Hermès, Yves Saint Laurent, or Christian Dior of ergonomic chairs. But unlike luxury brands with insanely overpriced products, the Herman Miller Embody Chair is not just for the hype, but it scores exceptionally well in terms of ergonomics, usability, and comfort.
Notable Features:
- 8Z Pellicle Mesh
- PostureFit SL
- Supports various sitting positions
- Three-way Armrest Adjustment
- Forward Seat Tilt
- Recline
The Aeron Chair comes with a three-way armrest adjustment for height, width, and pivot that enables you to ergonomically adjust your chair comfortably and to your liking. Not to mention, the armrest is equipped with soft padding to have your elbows and forearm a comfortable surface to rest on.
Design-wise, the Aeron Chair is aesthetically pleasing in terms of modernity with its sleek design that can fit in any workspace or gaming setup.
The Herman Miller Aeron Chair features premium build quality that is made from the ground-up build specifically for the Aeron Chair. One unique feature that the Aeron Chair has is the 8Z Pellicle mesh which is one of the best mesh in the market.
A feature that made The Aeron Chair popular in the market is the PostureFit SL which supports the natural S-shape of the spine that matches your back with an extra pad that adds support to the lumbar spine to promote a healthy posture.
Best Ergonomic Chair to Splurge On
Herman Miller Embody Chair
Another Herman Miller chair bags the Best Overall Ergonomic chair in the market. Same with the Aeron Chair, the Embody Chair is also fully assembled when you receive it with a 30-day return policy that also comes with a premium 12-year warranty coverage from the mesh, armrest, to the smallest component of the chair to make sure that you get the most out of the product.
Notable Features:
- Pixelated Support
- Backrest
- Flexible Chair
- Wide range of armrest adjustability
- High-end mesh fabric
The pixelated support is a unique design (similar to an exoskeleton) from the Herman Miller Embody Chair that shapes at every part of your back to enable you to position yourself at any angle while being fully supported by the backrest. The best part is, the feature is also supported on the seat to make you feel the chair a little more.
The adjustable armrest on the Embody Chair has a high adjustment range and a width adjustment which makes the chair stand out. The leather pads on the Embody Chair are large and soft allowing you to rest your elbow and forearm comfortably.
The chair is shipped fully assembled with a 30-day return policy. If you don’t like the chair, you can just roll it back to them. The great thing is they will shoulder all the expense from returning and they give you a full refund. Well, of course, a premium and expensive chair would also provide the best customer service as you receive a 12-year coverage of warranty for the Embody Chair.
The high-end quality of the Embody Chair speaks for its price. The overall chair from the unique features of the pixelated support, flexible chair, wide range of armrest adjustability, design, components, to the smallest details makes investing in this chair worth it.
Ergonomic Add-Ons & Accessories
Stance Ergonomic Footrest
If you are struggling with keeping your feet flat on the ground the Stance Ergonomic Footrest might be the missing piece to your ergonomic workspace setup. The Stance Ergonomic Footrest provides an elevated platform for your feet to rest on to help you maintain a comfortable healthy posture during your productive hours when working from home.
Ergonomic Vesa Monitor Mount
Interactive Counter Balance Monitor Arms
Some monitors don’t have a height, pivot, and tilt adjustment feature that really helps with maintaining good ergonomics for your eye viewing angles. The Interactive Counter Balance Monitor Arms provides a versatile adjustability for your monitor to help you adjust your viewing angles for your viewing comfort.
Ergonomic Laptop Stand
Stance EasyView 6″ Laptop Stand
If you are using a laptop instead of a desktop setup, the Stance EasyView 6″ Laptop Stand is the perfect laptop riser to help you work comfortably and easier without having straining your neck especially when working for 8-12 hours.
The laptop stand can carry a maximum load capacity of 4kg with a 10-15.6″ laptop size compatibility that is built with aluminum alloy to assure that your laptop is safe.
Takeaway
Ergonomics comes down to preference and every one of us chooses what would satisfy our needs. You don’t have to go for the most expensive chair on the list if you only need a chair to sit on or if you prefer to get the most features and adjustability, you can always go for the chair that you think is best for you. Always remember that ergonomic chairs are just a tool to help maintain a natural healthy posture and avoid serious back and neck complications. Keep in mind that you have to use these tools properly in order to get the best ergonomics.
If you still can’t settle on investing in an ergonomic chair and tired of working from home, try to visit a coworking space! All you need to do is show up, everything is plug and play, inclusive of a business class ergonomic chair (well of course if you pick a good Coworking Space) to help you start getting a healthy and natural posture while working productively. Free access to a high-speed internet connection, water, tea, and freshly brewed coffee when you visit the coworking space!
Weremote stands as a community where professionals and businesses thrive, offering a dynamic environment for growth. As the coworking brand of Wrkspace Office Management and Solutions Inc., Weremote continues to foster professional development and build vibrant communities. Weremote is a portfolio company of AHG Lab, the largest independent venture builder in the Philippines.
