Office chairs, ranked by critic score
6 ranked by critic score · 43 professional reviews
Chairs for people who sit at a desk all day. We count only hands-on tests from staffed publications.
Image: SteelcaseSteelcase Leap
All 6 reviewers who tested the Leap recommend it. They agree on why: the lower-back support and adjustable arms fit a wide range of bodies, and it is built to last through years of long workdays. It is the safest expensive chair to buy without trying it first.
The catch: It's expensive, and the fabric back runs warmer than mesh.
Tied on 86 with the Herman Miller Aeron; ranked first on our tie-break (critic agreement, then number of reviews).
4 of these 6 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text, then adjusted the estimates against the ratings outlets actually print (ours ran slightly low). An estimate is never higher than 92.
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
- 1Steelcase LeapTop pick, narrowly6 reviews86Image: Steelcase
- 2Herman Miller AeronIf you run warm9 reviews86
Image: Herman Miller - 3Branch Ergonomic ChairBest value8 reviews82
Image: Branch - 4Sihoo M18Lowest price5 reviews82
Image: Sihoo - 5Steelcase GestureIf you shift around10 reviews81
Image: Steelcase - 6HON Ignition 2.0Mid-price, with doubts5 reviews70
Image: HON
Two office chairs tie for the highest critic score. On our tie-break (critic agreement, then number of reviews), the top pick is the Steelcase Leap: critic score 86 out of 100 from 6 reviews, 6 of them positive. Most praised: adjustability and lower-back support. Most common complaint: price.
Which to choose
Where reviewers who compared two of our top picks directly say "it depends". These comparisons never change a score.
Steelcase Leap or Branch Ergonomic Chair?
- The Steelcase Leap if: You can afford a premium and want the best adjustability, sturdy build and up to 10 hours of comfort.
- The Branch Ergonomic Chair if: You want strong comfort and adjustability at roughly a third of the price.
From TechGearLab's direct comparison, in our words.
Branch Ergonomic Chair or Sihoo M18?
- The Branch Ergonomic Chair if: You prioritize customization, including seat depth adjustment, and can pay more.
- The Sihoo M18 if: You want a cheap chair with strong adjustable lumbar support, a headrest and higher weight capacity.
From TechGearLab's direct comparison, in our words.
Common questions
What is the best office chair?
Narrowly, the Steelcase Leap, with a critic score of 86 from 6 professional reviews. Most praised: adjustability and lower-back support. Most common complaint: price.
Steelcase Leap vs Herman Miller Aeron: which is better?
Critics score the Steelcase Leap 86 and the Herman Miller Aeron 86. We list the Herman Miller Aeron under “If you run warm”. Its main drawback: very expensive, and the firm mesh seat isn't for everyone.