The best budget office chairs: where value meets style
The best budget office chairs will keep you comfortable without breaking the bank.
The best budget office chairs these days offer surprisingly high levels of comfort and support, come with a range of features, and look pretty high end too. So despite their relatively low prices, you'll still get a quality sitting experience.
To help you find the right one, we've drawn on our experience in reviewing and testing office chairs to curate this list of the best budget office chairs available today. We can vouch for all these chairs to be solid and dependability, with good build quality and comfort, just without not the premium price tag.
If your budget can stretch a bit further, though, our list of the best office chairs for back pain focuses on more sophisticated ergonomic features for even better comfort and support. For great prices on office chairs, see my Black Friday office chair deals page.
Quick list
We're fans of the cheap yet great value chairs that Sihoo produce, and there is no better option than the M18. It is the perfect combination of style, quality and comfort, all for a super-reasonable price – a price which is often lowered in sales. It's simply the best budget option out there right now.
Read more below
The Doro C300 steps up the quality and ergonomics, but I've seen it sell for as low as $370. It's a comfortable, dependable chair that also looks a lot nicer than the M57. When we tested it, we loved the cloud-like comfort that you get, and all the adjustability options.
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This is where quality and design ramps up. The ErgoChair takes the skeletal back support idea from the Herman Miller Embody, and runs with it. It's super comfortable and a lot more design on show than the standard mesh. It's also the chair chosen by Apple for its workers, apparently.
Read more below
Best under $200
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You're on a tight budget: At under $200, it offers exceptional value for money.
✅ You prioritise comfort: The W-shaped seat and responsive mesh back provide all-day support.
✅ You need adjustability: This chair features adjustable lumbar support, headrest and armrests.
❌ You want a fully assembled chair: The M18 requires about 25 minutes of self-assembly.
❌ You're after premium materials: While well-designed, it still uses budget-friendly plastics and mesh.
🔎 The Sihoo M18 is a budget-friendly ergonomic chair that punches well above its weight. It offers comfort, style, and adjustability typically found in much pricier models, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. ★★★★★
Need to Know: The Sihoo M18 is a budget ergonomic office chair that offers exceptional value. Released in 2024, it's designed to provide ergonomic support for long working hours, featuring a mesh back for ventilation, a contoured seat for comfort, and adjustable elements to suit various body types. One of the most notable aspects of the M18 is its weight capacity of 150kg. This, combined with its sturdy construction, suggests that Sihoo has prioritised durability and longevity.
Design: The Sihoo M18 breaks away from the typically uninspired aesthetics of budget office chairs with a sleek, modern design. The chair features a slim profile with clean lines, avoiding the bulky appearance often associated with ergonomic chairs. The grey mesh back panel is framed by a thin black bezel, creating a subtle yet visually appealing contrast.
However, it's worth noting that the low price does come with some trade-offs. The chair requires self-assembly, which may be a drawback for some users. Additionally, while the materials used are of good quality for the price range, they don't match the premium feel of more expensive chairs.
Comfort: Despite its affordable price point, the Sihoo M18 doesn't compromise on comfort. The chair's W-shaped seat cushion is a standout feature, providing ample support for the user's legs and buttocks. The foam used in the seat maintains its shape and comfort even after extended use, which is crucial for those spending long hours at their desk.
Price: Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Sihoo M18 is its price point. With a retail price of around $300, but often available for significantly less (as low as $129 on some platforms), the M18 offers exceptional value for money. It provides features and comfort levels typically found in chairs costing two to three times as much.
Best under $400
02. Sihoo Doro C300 Ergonomic office chair
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want cloud-like comfort: The mesh webbing provides exceptional support and comfort.
✅ You need adjustability: This chair offers great adjustable features such as dynamic lumbar support.
✅ You want mid-range quality at a budget price: This often drops under $300 during sales.
❌ You want premium materials throughout: Some parts have a plasticky feel.
❌ You dislike self-assembly: Like most Sihoo chairs, it requires significant assembly time.
🔎 The Sihoo Doro C300 is a surprisingly comfortable and feature-rich ergonomic chair that punches above its weight class. With its cloud-like mesh, cradling lumbar support, and high adjustability, it offers excellent value for money in the mid-range market. ★★★★
Need to Know: The Sihoo Doro C300 is a mid-range ergonomic office chair that has carved out a niche for itself in the competitive sub-$400 market. Released in 2023, this chair has quickly gained attention for its combination of comfort, adjustability, and affordability. It's designed to provide comprehensive ergonomic support for long working hours, featuring a unique mesh webbing for the seat and back, a dynamic lumbar support system, and a wide range of adjustable elements.
Design: The Sihoo Doro C300 sports a minimal, modern design that belies its mid-range price point. The chair features a sleek profile with clean lines, avoiding the bulky appearance often associated with highly adjustable ergonomic chairs. The light colour palette (available in grey or black) gives it a softer, more approachable appearance compared to more imposing office chairs.
The standout design element is undoubtedly the mesh webbing used for the seat and backrest. This not only contributes to the chair's aesthetic appeal but also plays a crucial role in its comfort and breathability. The mesh has a visually pleasing texture and appears more premium than what you might expect at this price point.
Comfort: Comfort is where the Sihoo Doro C300 truly shines. The chair's mesh webbing is described as "cloud-like", providing a perfect balance of support and give. This mesh construction allows for excellent ventilation, preventing overheating during long sitting sessions. And the dynamic lumbar support is a standout feature, positioned on the inside of the chair rather than the outside. This design choice results in a cradling effect that feels like a "hug" around the lower back.
The neck rest, often an afterthought in many office chairs, is notably effective in the C300. It can be adjusted both vertically and in tilt, allowing users to find a position that provides genuine support rather than just being a decorative element.
Price: With a regular retail price of around $349/£349, the Sihoo Doro C300 is positioned in the mid-range of the office chair market. However, the brand frequently offers significant discounts, often bringing the price down to under $300.
Best under $500
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a stylish, modern design: The skeletal back and colour options make it stand out.
✅ You prefer a firm yet comfortable seat: It hits a sweet spot between support and comfort.
✅ You value agility: It's lightweight and easy to move around your workspace.
❌ You need top-tier lumbar support: The back support is decent but not exceptional.
❌ You want premium build quality: Some parts, like the armrests, feel a bit flimsy.
🔎 The ErgoChair Plus offers a fresh take on ergonomic design with its skeletal back structure and vibrant colour options. It provides good comfort and adjustability at a mid-range price point, making it a solid choice for those who want style and functionality. ★★★★
Need to know: The ErgoChair Plus is a mid-range office chair that has gained attention for its unique design and alleged popularity among Apple employees. Released by Autonomous, this chair aims to bridge the gap between high-end ergonomic chairs and more affordable options. It features a distinctive skeletal back structure reminiscent of the Herman Miller Aeron, but at a fraction of the price.
Design: The ErgoChair Plus stands out in the crowded office chair market with its unique and modern design. The skeletal back structure is not just functional but also serves as a key visual element, giving the chair a distinctive look. The chair's overall aesthetic is clean and minimalist, with a touch of playfulness added by the colour options available.
The chair's base and frame have a chunky, substantial appearance that contrasts nicely with its lightweight nature. This visual juxtaposition adds to the chair's character, making it feel both sturdy and agile. The curved top of the backrest and the blocky base contribute to the chair's modern, slightly futuristic appearance.
Comfort: The ErgoChair Plus offers a comfortable seating experience that balances firmness and support. The skeletal back and seat structure, made of a flexible plastic material, provides responsive support that adapts to your movements. This design allows for a degree of give without sacrificing overall support, creating a comfortable seating experience for extended periods.
However, it's worth noting that the lumbar support, while present, is not as pronounced or adjustable as we might prefer. For those with specific back support needs, this could be a potential drawback.
Price: The ErgoChair Plus is positioned in the mid-range of the office chair market, with pricing that reflects its blend of design, comfort, and features. The version with fabric mesh over the skeletal structure is priced at around $449, while the version without the fabric can be purchased for $399.
Best gaming chair under $500
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want supreme comfort: The memory foam and ergonomic design provide excellent support.
✅ You appreciate stylish gaming aesthetics: Its sleek look is less garish than typical gaming chairs.
✅ You value premium materials: High-quality components mean durability and comfort.
❌ You need adjustable lumbar support: The built-in support isn't customisable.
❌ You're outside the intended body type: It's designed for specific height and weight ranges.
🔎 The Vertagear SL5800 is a premium gaming chair that offers exceptional comfort and style. With its high-quality materials and ergonomic design, it's suitable for both gaming and office use. However, the non-adjustable lumbar support may not suit everyone. ★★★★
Need to Know: The Vertagear SL5800 is a high-end gaming chair that aims to blend ergonomic support with gaming aesthetics. Released in 2023, it's part of Vertagear's new 800 series of the S-Line. The chair is designed for larger users, supporting up to 113kg/250lb and heights up to six feet.
Key features include a patent-pending VertaAir seating system with eight hexagonal air pillars for pressure relief, memory foam cushioning, and a 'HygennX' material that reportedly prevents unwanted odours. The chair also features two air ways on the neck for improved ventilation during long gaming sessions.
Design: The Vertagear SL5800 strikes a balance between gaming aesthetics and office-appropriate styling. While it retains some gaming chair hallmarks like the racing-style seat back with turned edges, it offers more subdued colour options that can blend into a professional environment.
The chair's design includes thoughtful details like the air ways on the neck, which, while not always noticeable, contribute to overall comfort during extended use. The detachable head pillow adds another layer of customization to the chair's appearance and comfort.
Comfort: Comfort is where the Vertagear SL5800 truly shines. The VertaAir seating system, combined with memory foam cushioning, provides excellent support and pressure relief. Our reviewer found that the built-in lumbar support, while not adjustable, was very effective. However, this lack of adjustability could be a drawback for those who prefer more customized lower back support.
Price: The Vertagear SL5800 is positioned in the premium segment of the gaming chair market, with a retail price of $499. However, discounts are already available, bringing the price down to around $449 in some cases.
Best wide back
05. Union & Scale FlexFit Dexley Mesh Task Chair
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a budget-friendly chair: It offers great value with adjustable features typically found in pricier models.
✅ You prefer breathable seating: The mesh material provides excellent ventilation.
✅ You need adjustable lumbar support: The sliding lumbar support allows for customised lower back comfort.
❌ Aesthetics are your top priority: The design is functional but not beautiful.
❌ You want a wide range of colour options: It's only available in black and blue.
🔎 The Union & Scale FlexFit Dexley Mesh Task Chair offers impressive ergonomic features and comfort at a budget-friendly price point. While it may not win any beauty contests, it's a solid, practical choice for those prioritising function over form. ★★★★
Need to know: The Union & Scale FlexFit Dexley Mesh Task Chair is a budget-friendly ergonomic office chair that doesn't skimp on essential features. It's designed to provide comfort and support for extended periods of use, making it suitable for both home and office environments.
Key features include an adjustable lumbar support that can be moved up and down to suit individual preferences, tilt tension and tilt lock options for customized reclining, and an angle-adjustable headrest for neck support. The chair is constructed with a breathable mesh material, which aids in temperature regulation during long sitting sessions.
Design: The overall design is clean and straightforward, without any flashy elements. This no-frills approach aligns with its positioning as a practical, budget-friendly option, focused on providing ergonomic support and comfort. The chair features a wide back, which can be particularly beneficial for users who prefer more back coverage or have broader shoulders. The mesh material used for both the seat and back not only provides breathability but also gives the chair a modern, lightweight appearance.
Comfort: Despite its low price, this chair is very comfortable in practive. The breathable mesh material used in both the seat and back helps prevent heat buildup, making it comfortable for extended use, particularly in warmer environments. The adjustable lumbar support is a standout feature, allowing users to customize the level and position of lower back support. This, combined with the tilt tension and tilt lock options, enables you to find your ideal seating position for both focused work and relaxed postures.
The inclusion of an angle-adjustable headrest is another comfort-enhancing feature not often found in budget office chairs. This can provide crucial support for the neck and upper back, especially during long working hours.
Price: The Union & Scale FlexFit Dexley Mesh Task Chair is positioned in the budget-friendly segment of the office chair market. Right now, it's available from Amazon for just $171.99.
How we test
Many of the budget office chairs in this guide have been personally tested by our writers here at CreativeBloq. When testing office chairs, we look not just at the price, but how easy it is to assemble - as office chairs often come disassembled.
We then use the chairs during our day-to-day work and make note of how comfortable they are, as well as how adjustable each part of the chair is - an important consideration when it comes comfort and safety.
FAQs
Are budget chairs ergonomic?
When buying a budget office chair, you may worry that you need to sacrifice comfort to get a low price. However, while some very cheap chairs may lack the ergonomic features you'd find in pricier models, there are still plenty of budget chairs with some ergonomic features for your home or office, offering adjustable backs, lumbar support and tilt controls.
What's the best budget chair?
Though there's probably not one perfect chair for everyone, it's clear that Sihoo have cornered the market when it comes to super affordable office chairs. In this list I've chosen the Sihoo M90C as my pick of the best budget chairs, but there are even cheaper option over at the Sihoo store. It just combines a good price with decent features and comfort.
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Beren has worked on creative titles at Future Publishing for over 13 years. Cutting his teeth as Staff Writer on the digital art magazine ImagineFX, he moved on to edit several creative titles, and is currently the Ecommerce Editor on the most effective creative website in the world. When he's not testing and reviewing the best ergonomic office chairs, phones, laptops, TVs, monitors and various types of storage, he can be found finding and comparing the best deals on the tech that creatives value the most.
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