When it comes to getting things done, it doesn’t matter if you’re working at a laptop or a next-level “engineer” terminal with a dozen monitors, you need a chair that can hold up to all your late night coding/writing/emailing sessions. This is more important than ever given the previous year of work from home and the fact you probably didn’t replace your chair during that time. Whatever your budget, color scheme, and desired options, we put together a list of the Best Office Chairs for 2021 that will check all the boxes for what you need in a work chair.
Herman Miller Aeron Chair
If we’re being honest, the Herman Miller Aeron is the barometer against which all other office chairs are judged. It’s world-renowned, incredibly well designed, beloved, and, well, quite a bit pricey. But if money is no object and you want the best-of-the-best, this is it. Regardless of the size, color, form factor, or additional options you order it with. At the end of the day, it’s an Aeron chair with absurd levels of adjustments that you’ll be able to enjoy for years. And it’s well known as one of the best office chairs around so you could still re-sell for a profit if the mood strikes you. Buy: $1,395
IKEA Loberget / Eldberget Swivel Office Chair
IKEA’s pseudo half-dome office chair that goes by some combination of Loberget / Blyskär / Eldberget / Malskär (and probably a few other unpronounceable and barely spellable names we’re missing) is a low-back, adjustable height swivel office chair on casters available in a number of colors with or without a butt pad. You don’t get full back support, but whatever it lacks in that department it more than makes up for in style, easy cleaning, and price point. Buy: $40
IKEA Markus Office Chair
The IKEA Markus Office Chair is the mental picture of the “IKEA Office Chair” if it were rendered in real life. High mesh back. Rolling base. Armrests. Adjustable height, multiple sitting positions, lockable tilt, pressure-sensitive brakes, and the list goes on. If you want the ideal “catalog office chair” without getting a phone call from accounting about your expense budget, this tried and true office chair classic checks all the boxes. Affordability and simple style makes this one of the best office chairs. Buy: $200
Euro Style Bungie High Back Adjustable Office Chair
When I first penned the 8 Great Office Chair Alternatives to Herman Miller piece, the Italmodern Bungie Office Chair was really nothing more than a novelty. And yet, the idea of a chair composed primarily bungie cords intrigued me so much that I shelled out the cash to buy one. I’m still using the chair to this day. It still gets compliments. Everyone still demands to sit in it cause they don’t believe it can be comfortable. And now, it’s like a hundred bucks cheaper than it was when I first wrote about it. It takes some getting used to, but this is by far one of the most comfortable chairs I have ever sat in. Buy: $216
SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair
At first glance, the SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair looks a whole helluva lot like a Herman Miller Aeron knockoff with an added headrest and footrest. Yes, yes it does. To any detractors, we say, who doesn’t want those additional details with the same breathable mesh design and multiple points of adjustment for more than a thousand dollars off? Sure, you don’t get the brand recognition or bragging rights, but this chair is going strong at 4.5 stars with almost 5,000 reviews on Amazon and that’s good enough for us. Buy: $220
Steelcase Series 1 Work Office Chair
No list of office chairs would be complete without at least one option from Steelcase. Steelcase combines Herman Miller level design and performance with an expansive collection of colorways fit for any setting. In other words, you get choices like red, yellow, blue, lime green, teal, gray and purple, along with all these comfort benefits. Adjustable seat depth. Fully adjustable arms. Adjustable lumbar. Pneumatic seat height adjustment. Recline tension adjustment. Flexing back with mesh upholstery. Back technology with flexor system that conforms to your body and moves with you to support the spine as you change postures. It’s by far one of the best office chairs you can buy. And it’s all available in the aforementioned myriad color options. Buy: $436
Flash Furniture High Back Office Chair
It might only be equipped with basic adjustment options and outfitted with faux leather detailing, but the Flash Furniture High Back Office Chair still has all the important details you’re looking for in a stylish office chair. Sleek, high back exterior. Padded arms. Tilt-lock mechanism with a number of rocking/reclining controls. 5-year limited warranty. And with it being available in almost a dozen different color/trim/material options, there’s definitely one to match your workplace. Buy: $129
