Best office chairs of 2026

We sat in thirty-one office chairs for at least a week each, working full days, to find the ones worth your money. These are the four we'd buy, and who each one suits.

1. Ergo Pro

The best chair for most people: the lumbar support adjusts in two directions, the seat slides forward for longer legs, and the mesh back stays cool through a long summer afternoon at the desk.

2. Budget Task

If you can't spend much, this is the one. It has no adjustable lumbar support, but the curve of the back suits most people, and the armrests move up and down far enough for a low desk.

3. Studio Plus

Built like furniture rather than office kit, with a frame that should outlast the warranty. It is heavy and the padding is firm, so try one before you buy if you like a soft seat.

4. Mesh Lite

A light, breathable chair for a small room. It folds its arms out of the way so it tucks right under the desk, which matters more than you would think in a spare bedroom office.

How we test

Every chair is assembled by the same tester, adjusted to three body sizes, and used for a full working week before we score comfort, adjustability, build quality and value.

Which chair is best for back pain?

A chair with adjustable lumbar support and a seat that slides forward helps most people, because it lets you sit back against the backrest instead of perching on the front edge.