Best office chairs 2025: for working from home in comfort

The best ergonomic office chairs will keep you comfortable and supported through those long days sat at the desk, while the worst home office chairs will be awkward to sit on and leave you with lumbar aches and pains. 

We've put office chairs from popular brands including Herman Miller, Ikea, Flexispot, Posturite and more to the test, comparing chairs that cost as little as £60 right up to more than £700.

Our tests have found comfortable chairs that are easy to assemble and have excellent ergonomics, including four brilliant Best Buys and two cheap office chairs that have earned our Great Value recommendation.

The best office chairs

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The office chairs we've tested

All the office chairs we've tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best office chairs from our tests.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

Flexispot Flexi Chair BS8

Most recently tested July 2022

Need to know 23kg weight, 120kg maximum user weight, available in black or grey, mesh back rest and upholstered seat, adjustable back rest and seat height, the seat depth and seat tilt can't be adjusted, self-assembly required, five castors, no auto tilt

Habitat Alma High Back Ergonomic Office Chair (465/7112)

Available from Argos (£140), Habitat (£140)

Most recently tested June 2023

Need to know 11.85kg weight, 110kg maximum user weight, available in grey, upholstered back rest and seat, adjustable seat height, the back rest, seat depth, and seat tilt can't be adjusted, five castors, no auto tilt

Habitat Brixham Faux Leather Office Chair (617/9131)

Available from Argos (£60)

Most recently tested June 2023

Need to know 11.4kg, 110kg maximum user weight, available in black, upholstered back rest and seat, adjustable seat height, the back rest, seat depth and seat tilt can't be adjusted, five castors, no auto tilt

Habitat Ergonomic Office Chair (834/0865)

Available from Argos (£210), Habitat (£210)

Most recently tested April 2024

Need to know 17.3kg weight, 110kg maximum user weight, available in grey, mesh back rest and seat, adjustable back rest, seat height, and seat depth, the seat tilt can't be adjusted, five castors, no auto tilt

Herman Miller Sayl

Available from Herman Miller (£508), Office Chairs UK (£664)

Most recently tested April 2024

Need to know 18.1kg weight, 159kg maximum user weight, available in black, white and grey, polymer back rest and upholstered seat, adjustable back rest, seat height, seat depth and seat tilt, five castors, auto tilt

Herman Miller Verus Triflex

Available from Herman Miller (£475), John Lewis (£649)

Most recently tested July 2022

Need to know 13.5kg weight, 159kg maximum user weight, available in black, dark mineral, dark carbon, peacock blue, polymer back rest and upholstered seat, adjustable back rest, seat height, seat depth and seat tilt, five castors, auto tilt

Humanscale Diffrient World Task Office Chair

Available from John Lewis (£849)

Most recently tested June 2023

Need to know 14kg weight, 136kg maximum user weight, available in black, white, grey, aztec, damson, and nightshade, mesh back rest and woven mesh seat, adjustable seat height and seat depth, the back rest and seat tilt can't be adjusted, five castors, auto tilt

Humanscale World One

Available from John Lewis (£649)

Most recently tested July 2022

Need to know 12.7kg weight, 136kg maximum user weight, available in black, mesh back rest and seat, adjustable seat height and depth, the backrest and seat tilt can't be adjusted, five castors, auto tilt

Compare the best walking pads and under-desk treadmills.

Ikea Flintan

Available from Ikea (£95)

Most recently tested July 2022

Need to know 16kg weight, 110kg maximum user weight, available in black or beige, mesh back rest and upholstered seat, adjustable seat height, the back rest, seat depth and seat tilt can't be adjusted, five castors, no auto tilt

Ikea JÄRVFJÄLLET

Available from Ikea (£179)

Most recently tested April 2024

Need to know 20.7kg weight, 110kg maximum user weight, available in black or white, mesh back rest and upholstered seat, adjustable back rest, seat height and seat depth, the seat tilt can't be adjusted, five castors, no auto tilt

Ikea Markus

Available from Ikea (£150)

Most recently tested July 2022

Need to know 22.4kg weight, 110kg maximum user weight, available in dark grey or light grey, mesh backrest and upholstered seat, adjustable seat height, the backrest, seat depth and seat tilt can't be adjusted, five castors, no auto tilt

Ikea Millberget Swivel Chair

Available from Ikea (£95)

Most recently tested June 2023

Need to know 16.6kg weight, 110kg maximum user weight, available in black or beige, upholstered back rest and seat, adjustable seat height, the back rest, seat depth, and seat tilt can't be adjusted, five castors, no auto tilt

John Lewis Isaac Ergonomic Office Chair

Available from John Lewis (£299)

Most recently tested June 2023

Need to know 16.9kg weight, 110kg maximum user weight, available in black, mesh back rest and upholstered seat, adjustable seat height, the back rest, seat depth and seat tilt can't be adjusted, five castors, no auto tilt

John Lewis Murray Ergonomic Office Chair

Available from John Lewis (£299)

Most recently tested July 2022

Need to know 17.5kg weight, 113kg maximum user weight, available in black, mesh back rest and seat, adjustable back rest and seat height, the seat depth and seat tilt can't be adjusted, five castors, no auto tilt

John Lewis Whalefin Office Chair

Available from John Lewis (£349)

Most recently tested April 2024

Need to know 17.6kg weight, 110kg maximum user weight, available in black, mesh back rest and upholstered seat, adjustable seat height, the back rest, seat depth and seat tilt can't be adjusted, five castors, no auto tilt

Orangebox Do

Available from Office Chairs UK (£436.50)

Most recently tested July 2022

Need to know 14.6kg weight, 150kg maximum user weight, available in black or grey, seat is available in 40 colours, mesh back rest and upholstered seat, adjustable back rest, seat height and seat depth, the seat tilt can't be adjusted, five castors, auto tilt

Posturite Homeworker Plus

Available from Posturite (£460)

Most recently tested July 2022

Need to know 28kg weight, 150kg maximum user weight, available in black, grey, red or blue, upholstered back rest and seat, adjustable back rest, seat height, seat depth and seat tilt, five castors, no auto tilt

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How we test office chairs

We buy the most popular and sought-after office chairs from UK retailers. Every chair we test is bought – we don't accept freebies – so you can be confident in the honesty of our reviews.

We regularly revisit the office chairs on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing, and when we find them, we do.

The bulk of our office chair testing is done by a mixture of ergonomics experts and a diverse volunteer panel, who investigate every lever, button, seam and pad to find the chairs that'll keep aches and pains at bay through lengthy work sessions. We score every chair across these categories:

Comfort and ergonomics

We all love a squishy chair to recline on, and comfort is of course very important, but with most of us sitting in office chairs for around eight hours a day a good level of ergonomic support for your back, neck, arms and legs is also essential.

• Our panel of testers, made up of different heights and body shapes, sit for one hour uninterrupted in each chair, using the recline feature if they choose and following the instructions to ensure they're sitting 'correctly' in the recommended position at a desk.
• Each tester rates all the chairs based on how comfortable they are during that period of time, including on specific body parts such as their legs, back and arms.
• Independent ergonomic testers assess each office chair individually and come to a consensus on how ergonomic each model is, assessing the padding, support provided, the size and adjustability of the seat, back rest, armrests, and headrest.

Ease of adjusting and assembly

It's not all about looks. The most stylish office chair around won't appeal for long if it's difficult - or as our testing often finds, impossible - to get it perfectly adjusted.

• During our user panel test, every tester assesses every control on the chair and tinkers until they've got it as perfect for them as they can. If they struggle to get it the way they want, or if the controls are stiff or confusing, the chair gets penalised.
• Although some chairs come pre-assembled, most don't. We time how long it takes to assemble each chair and judge how easy or difficult it is to get them setup. We've found some are a breeze and will have you spinning around with joy in minutes, but others are such a poorly made pain that you'd rather work sitting on the floor than finish building them.

Safety testing

• We test according to the office chair safety standards so we can be sure that every part of each chair that we test is safe. This means checking that the edges of the seat, back rest and armrests are all rounded, as well as the handles and any other edges and corners.
• Office chairs also lose points if they have accessible hollow components without caps, if there are any spots where fingers or thumbs could get trapped, and if they don't have fire safety labels.

Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.

Best office chair for back pain

Although it doesn't point to specifically which office chairs are best for back pain, the NHS website provides key tips and features to look out for that can help you find a sufficiently supportive and adjustable office chair, which should help you avoid back pain while sitting at a desk. These include:

• Lumbar support Ensure your back has as much support at belt level as is comfortable for you. A chair with adjustable lumbar support is required for this, or alternatively a 'lumbar roll' or a rolled-up towel can help to maintain the neck and back in a good position.
• Adjustable seat height Modify the height of the seat so your feet are either flat on the floor or on a footrest. You'll need a chair with sufficient seat height adjustability, depending on your height.
• Curved edges Ensure your thighs are well-supported without pressure behind the knee, and sit with your bottom at the back of the chair to maintain full support. An office chair with a curved edge at the front and either a suitably sized or adjustable seat pad is required for this.
• Adjustable seat tilt Adjust the seat height so your hip joint is higher than the knee joint. To achieve this you'll need an office chair with an adjustable seat tilt so you can tilt the front of the seat forward slightly.

Keep an eye out for these key adjustable features in our round-up of the best office chairs from our tests above, where we cover the features of each chair and, most importantly, score and rank them from best to worst.

ADHD chairs: what are they and are they worth it?

'ADHD chairs' are chairs specifically designed to help some individuals manage any restlessness and impulsivity they might experience by helping to encourage active sitting. They're sometimes designed with a variety of seating positions and can, for example, have moveable cushions to help regulate attention and improve focus.

To get an expert view on ADHD chairs and whether they're worth buying, we spoke to Professor James Brown, Co-founder & Chair at charity ADHDadultUK. Here's what he told us:

'ADHD chairs absolutely can be helpful – for some people with ADHD. There is evidence that fidgeting/movement helps regulate attention, and 'dynamic chairs' can allow this movement while seated, which may improve focus, reduce restlessness and reduce the need for 'disruptive' fidgeting/movement, as some people would encounter fewer distractions from needing to get up, stretch, or bounce their legs.

'It's really important to acknowledge that the ADHD community is itself diverse, and not all adults with ADHD need to fidget (for example around 20-30% of adults with ADHD are 'Inattentive type' and might not have issues with hyperactivity), and with sensory processing issues being common in the ADHD community, the 'feel' of a chair is an important consideration.

'As these chairs won't be right for everyone, and can be expensive (especially to those inclined to impulse purchase items) there are definitely cheaper options, such as large exercise/balance balls, balance disks, and even standard office chairs that allow a range of free movement may be cheaper alternatives that would fulfil the same purpose. 

'There are considerations for those working 'on campus' though; around 65% of neurodivergent employees do not disclose their condition, and therefore, a visibly 'different' chair can invite questions which may be uncomfortable.'

Ergonomic, mesh or leather: what’s the difference?

Whether this is your first time buying an office chair or you're looking for a replacement for your old one, our expert guide can help. We've covered everything, from key features to look out for to how much you can expect to pay.

One of the first decisions you'll need to make is what type you'd prefer. We've summarised the main pros and cons of a few key categories below.

Ergonomic office chairs

These are increasing in popularity, as many people are working longer hours from home and therefore need increased support.

Ergonomic chairs are designed to support the natural shape of the spine, which in turn prevents slumping and reduces stress on other parts of the body. You might have seen them referred to as '24-hour chairs', 'big and tall chairs' or 'petite and small chairs'. 

• Pros: Increased adjustability and lumbar support compared with other types of office chairs, cost-effective in the long run (they tend to be more durable than leather chairs). 
• Cons A good ergonomic chair can be expensive.

Mesh office chairs

Mesh office chairs are the most common type available and provide good, breathable support. And, for the most part, they don't cost a fortune.

• Pros Mesh facilitates the circulation of air between your body and the chair, it's easy to clean if you have any spills or stains and mesh chairs are among the cheapest types you can buy.
• Cons The soft mesh used in these chairs can start to sag after repeated use.

Leather office chairs

Leather chairs are a lot less common than mesh. They certainly look the part, though, and would suit anyone hoping to make a statement in their home office.

• Pros Usually comfortable to sit in for long periods, easy to wipe clean with a wet cloth or soapy water and there's no denying that leather looks good.
• Cons Costs more than a mesh chair, prone to damage, which can include the fabric getting scratched, bleached or cracked over time.

How to sit at a desk correctly

According to the NHS website, improving your posture will effectively alleviate muscle tension. If you work from home at your desk for long periods of time, sitting correctly is crucial.

It's easy to fall into a slouching position while you're concentrating on your work, and over time this can cause muscle strain. Buying an ergonomic chair and sitting in it correctly will help keep you protected. Consider the following when sitting at your desk:

• Adjust the back rest to support your lower back
• Use a phone headset as it's better for your neck
• Your screen should be an arm's length in front of you – you shouldn't have to bend your neck
• Your knees should be slightly lower than your hips, so use a footrest if necessary.

How to clean your office chair

Cleaning your office chair doesn’t take long and is worth doing at least every once in a while, as upholstery can provide an environment for bacteria to thrive. 

However, office chairs come in a variety of types and materials, each of which needs to be treated differently.

• Mesh office chair The most straightforward office chair to clean. Start by vacuuming with the brush attachment to remove loose debris from the mesh and seat. Using soapy water and a clean cloth, wipe the mesh first, followed by the headrest (if any), seat, armrests, underside of the chair, base and castors. Clear any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth, and let it air dry.
• Fabric office chair Features upholstered seats and back in various textiles such as polyester and acrylic. As with mesh office chairs, vacuum the upholstered seats and backs using brush attachments. Review any labels for recommended cleaning products. If a water-based solution is suitable, use soapy water, with similar instructions to mesh office chairs. If the label prohibits the use of water-based solutions, turn to a dry-cleaning solvent, available in both liquid and powder forms.
• Leather office chair Maintaining leather and faux leather requires specialised products and frequent cleaning to make it last longer. Start by vacuuming with low suction, but don’t use a brush attachment as this could damage the grain of the leather. Use a leather-safe gentle foam cleaner, delicately wiping the leather with a clean cloth. Remove excess foam and allow it to dry. To prevent the leather from cracking, fading, or drying out, use a leather protector or conditioner. For areas not covered by leather, use soapy water to clean.

On a cleaning mission? See our carpet cleaners, cordless vacuums and carpet stain remover reviews.

When to deep clean the castors

Deep cleaning your office chair’s castors is necessary when you see a layer of debris on its wheels. We recommend flipping your chair upside down and using a flat tool to gently scrape off the debris and shake off any fuzz stuck to the castor's casing. For hard-to-reach places, use cotton swabs or a pair of tweezers.

Remove the castors (some may need a screwdriver) and use a soapy cloth to thoroughly wipe them down. Allow the wheels to dry before reattaching them.