Best Ergonomic Office Chair Under $300 | (2023 Review) | Top Models!

I have a Herman Miller ergonomic chair at home and one at my office. But I understand the need to get office chairs under $300, either for yourself, the conference room, or your staff.

The problem is that some affordable chairs are low-quality.

If you want to avoid being scammed, duped, or lose more money in the long-term because you’re constantly buying new “cheap” chairs, read the article below.

Together with my team, I’ve tested all the chairs below, and I’ve discussed things with my physical therapist because I have chronic back pain.

The point is that budget office chairs need to have basic quality functions and quality design, although you can overlook some extra features.

I’ve also selected nine office chairs for nine different purposes. Don’t let the marketing glam influence you and read this article.

P.S. Don’t skip the conclusion for pro tips and the best choice.

Best Office Chair Under $300 (Updated List)

1. HON Ignition 2.0 – #1 Editor’s Choice

HON is a reputable brand in the world of office furniture, and it’s important to note that all their products are designed and made in the USA. As such, you can rest assured of the HON Ignition 2.0’s quality.

Design-wise, the Ignition 2.0 looks very similar to the Steelcase Gesture, but at a fraction of its price. Although there are limited color options – just fog and black for the backrest – you can notice many functional advantages.

A unique option up until now is the synchro-tilt mechanism, which allows you to recline your seat along with your backrest. This feature makes it possible to keep a correct posture and be supported in all positions, which has visible effects on your back health.

Speaking of back health, the adjustable lumbar support helps reduce backaches, but some users would have preferred a wider cushion.

Unlike the two previous models, the Ignition 2.0 isn’t a high-back office chair, which means limited support to your upper body.

However, you get plenty of support to your lower back. The seat glide mechanism allows you to adjust the seat depth for optimal lumbar and hamstring support, keeping your hips in alignment with your spine to reduce back pain.

The backrest is breathable mesh and S-shaped to contour your spine and reduce muscle tension, but some complain about feeling the plastic frame through the mesh.

Most reviewers appreciate the well-padded seat that is the right mix of bouncy comfort and support. The armrests are ergonomic because they’re easy to adjust in height and width, but a curved design would have been better.

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2. SIEGES Ergonomic Task Chair

The SIEGES Office Chair’s design takes into account your correct anatomical posture and wants to maintain all your body parts in good alignment so that you won’t suffer from back or joint pain.

As such, this chair features an fully adjustable headrest that supports your neck while you’re working and takes the pressure off your shoulders when combined with the armrests.

The backrest has an S-shape curve that follows the natural shape of your spine, meaning your back will remain in a relaxed position, with no stress on your vertebrae.

The good seatback contour is enhanced by the built-in back support, which alleviates any back pain or decreases the risk thereof.  

The chair is entirely made with mesh, but luckily it’s a quality, flexible type of mesh that supports and contours your body. Thanks to its waterfall edge, the seat proves quite comfortable on your hamstrings, not digging into them like other chairs.

The armrests with ergonomic design, they’re easy to adjust up and down and in and out to support your body shape and changing positions.

The chair reclines to 135ᵒ, with a couple of tilt-lock positions in between, which help you find the right tilt for different activities.

I also like the smooth dual-wheel casters and the modern appearance of the SIEGES.

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3. Flash Furniture Hercules Series – Best For Big And Tall

My runner up is a Gargantuan chair under 400. The Flash Furniture Hercules Series chair accommodates people up to 500 pounds, which speaks volumes regarding the quality and resistance of materials and craftsmanship involved. However, double stitches would have spoken louder.

This chair might not be as breathable and airy as the Sieges Ergonomic Mesh Chair, but it’s more cushiony and comfortable for long periods.

Speaking of comfort, the cushiony design of the Hercules Series Chair is well complemented by the tilt lock mechanism. Every time you want to unwind or relax, you can recline the chair and secure it into position.

You can also notice some ergonomic features, such as the incorporated back cushion that decreases back pain, improves your posture, and alleviates symptoms of compressed discs.

The incorporated headrest is plush and comfortable, too, particularly when you lean back. In an upright position, the headrest supports your neck muscles and prevents cramps.

The armrests are comfy because they’re rounded and plush, but they’re not exactly ergonomic, considering they have no adjustments and can’t support your arms when you’re changing devices.

The seat has plush 4-inch padding, which I like because it’s cushiony and flexible at the same time. Your hips won’t sink uncomfortably into the pillow, so you can keep them in alignment with your spine to reduce any pains and soreness.

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4. Lorell Executive High-Back

The Lorell Executive High-Back Office Chair is in the under 250 category, and I like its modern, casual design perfect for your home office or your office-office.

The first thing you notice is that the Lorell Chair has a mesh, breathable backrest. The backrest is curved to follow the natural shape of your spine and keep you in a relaxed position, with optimal support at the same time.

The lumbar support isn’t fully adjustable, but you can see that Lorell has a unique design that imitates your back configuration, with a central spine and side ribs.

Although other more expensive models do a better job of this design, the Lorell Executive Chair aims to offer you dynamic support.

The seat is padded, which most people prefer over mesh seats that let you feel the frame through them, but, unfortunately, this padding is very firm and can get uncomfortable after a few hours.

The range of ergonomic adjustments is impressive for the price range.

Seat height adjustment is between 17 and 21 inches, the armrests are height and width adjustable for a variety of positions and devices, but the biggest bonus is the infinite tilt-lock adjustments for tilting back and forward.

The forward tilt is especially impressive because it’s a feature of expensive chairs. Tilting forward is good for marathon writing when you usually have to crouch over the keyboard because the backrest doesn’t move with you.

The asynchronous tilt mechanism is easy to use with just three levers that are easy to reach.

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5. DXRacer Racing Series Bucket Seat Office Chair – Best for Gaming

This DXRacer Office Chair is the best for gaming thanks to its patented racecar design that allows you to sit down for hours, the slight back recline for when you’re clicking your way to victory, and the bucket seat that cradles your hamstrings for prolonged periods.

The headrest and lumbar cushions are also supportive for prolonged gaming sessions.

When you’re gaming, the adrenaline makes your muscles tense up involuntarily. It’s good to have something to lean your body against to reduce your increased risk of muscle and joint pain.

I like the DXRacer because it looks modern thanks to its PU upholstery, which is also smooth and breathable. If you’re gaming for hours, the last thing you want is a gaming chair (gaming chairs)  that makes you sweat.

Tall people and gamers appreciate the DXRacer Racing Series Office Chair’s extra-high backrest because it gives you increased upper body support for the long term.

Both the backrest and seat are flexible, supportive, and contouring to help you keep a correct posture and make sure your body weight is supported by the chair, and not by your thighs or back.

The armrests are ergonomic, too, because they’re easy to adjust in different positions to move freely. However, they’re difficult to secure into place.

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6. Serta Executive

This chair is specially designed for people looking for a cushiony experience because it features thick and ergonomic layered pillows. These pillows are well stitched with double stitches.

The Serta Executive Chair offers good back support from your neck down.

The headrest is plush and firm at the same time, helping you avoid neck pain. It also helps that the Serta has a high-back design, with a 25.75-inch-tall seatback.

The extra-gathered center zones on the backrest keep your spine in a relaxed, neutral position that corrects posture and alleviates back pain.

These center zones work well with the contoured lumbar that makes sure your spine doesn’t take your body weight.

The armrests are padded and comfortable, but they don’t feature any adjustments.

The only adjustments you can make regard the seat height, tilt tension, and lock.

The Serta Executive Chair is resistant and durable according to BIFIMA standards.

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7. Topsky Mesh Chair – Best Lumbar Support Office Chair

The TOPSKY Mesh Chair is a good alternative for people who suffer from back pain and want good lumbar support.

This chair features adjustable lumbar support that alleviates your back pain because it keeps your spine in a natural, slightly curved position.

The lumbar cushion isn’t the only feature that supports your lower back.

The adjustable lumbar works together with the adjustable head rest to take the pressure off your neck, shoulders, and mid-back.

The armrests contribute too because if the chair supports your arms when you’re writing, you won’t need to bend uncomfortably over the keyboard.

The 145° synchronous tilt mechanism is good because (1) it allows you to tilt to a comfortable degree to take the pressure off your spine and (2) the seatback and seat move synchronously so your spine and hips are aligned even when you recline.

The TOPSKY Chair has other features, such as tilt lock for safe napping, sweat-proof and flexible high-density mesh, and the 330 max weight limit.

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8. Viva Office High Back Mesh Executive Office Chair – Best Mesh Model Under $300

This High-Back Executive Chair by Viva Office sports some ergonomic features that allow you to sit for hours.

The most remarkable feature is the multi-curvature backrest that keeps your spine in a neutral position because it follows your body’s natural curves.

That way, you can maintain the correct posture easily and avoid back pain. If you already have back pain, the built-in lumbar support will alleviate it.

The headrest is height adjustable to protect your head and cervical spine and further reduce any upper body pain.

The armrests are wide and height-adjustable, too, so you can find a good position regardless of how tall you are or what devices you’re using. However, these armrests are flat, not padded, and don’t offer other adjustments.

The chair tilts, but the max tilt is just 118ᵒ. Luckily, this tilt is has a secure lock and comes with a synchronous mechanism that moves the seat together with the backrest, so you’re supported in multiple positions.

The backrest and headrest are mesh, which is a breathable and flexible material, but the seat is padded. Although some users find padded seats more comfortable than mesh seats, this one is fairly firm for some.

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9. La-Z-Boy Delano Big & Tall Executive Bonded Leather Chair

The La-Z-Boy Delano is a supportive, comfy chair for back pain.

Unlike other leather office chairs, the Delano Big and Tall Chair is breathable (although not as breathable as mesh) because it’s manufactured with bonded leather, which also looks particularly stylish.

The chestnut color upholstery blends well with the walnut-wood parts, giving this chair a very executive look.

This bonded leather material is also smooth, so you’ll find the Delano Big and Tall comfortable for hours.

The Comfort Core Plus technology wins the Delano points in terms of support because the memory foam layers made with different materials offer good zonal support and cushioning in all the right places.

The tall and heavy will appreciate Delano’s generous padding, wide seat, and 400 pounds weight limit. However, the chair sports no adjustments apart from recline and seat height.

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10. Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair

How do you make your workplace more ergonomically correct, without spending more than you want to? That’s the question that developer Mesosphere, maker of the Mesos container management platform, asked itself with its Gabrylly.

The ergonomic chair was made with a flexible mesh material to conform to the body and shape, and then an interior support system that pulls the chair around you. When you’re sitting on a chair, there are enough structural elements, such as steel in the legs, to support the weight of your body. It’s an impressive design, and as a result, much more comfortable than your standard office chair.

The chair is designed to fit people sitting at different heights and sitting in different postures. That means if you tend to slouch, you can adjust the chair so that you don’t. If you want to get up and walk around, you can easily adjust the chair to allow you to do so without craning your neck. There’s even a small loop at the back to hook your smartphone to keep it from falling.

The Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Chair is an ergonomic high-quality heavy-duty chair made from six small strands of real, hand-knotted leather and finished with real metal hardware and exotic leathers – all this to ensure that you sit comfortably and enjoy your work. The material is super soft, so the chair has been designed to allow a slight amount of movement to your knees and elbows while still providing the support you need. It’s a design that really delivers comfort.

Why Are Office Chairs So Overpriced?

Workers at some of the best places in the world are earning millions of dollars a year. And it’s not just in Silicon Valley. It’s all over the country, and in many places, the salary gap between bosses and their assistants is closing. But office chairs are an issue for most office workers, especially women. And it’s not just your laptop that you’re sitting on when you sit at your desk. It’s on top of a wooden desk chair. Wood gets warped over time.

It has to be sanded and polished often. It creates splinters that can slice your leg. It gets expensive to maintain, especially if you have a team of people needing to sit at the desk every day. What’s more, your average chair is very uncomfortable to sit on. The only thing worse than sitting on a wooden desk chair is sitting on a steel chair. That’s because all those crappy parts like the arms, seat, and back are pretty much all made out of steel.

Features to Consider When Shopping for a Best Office Chair Under 300$

Comfort & Material. The materials influence how comfortable your chair is. Even if your budget is limited, it’s better to choose a chair with fewer bells and whistles rather than one that’s low-quality.

For instance, the mesh is breathable and flexible, but you need a quality mesh, or else it will scratch your skin and lose shape.

Seat and backrest padding can be cushiony and supportive, provided they’re made with high-density foam instead of a cheap sponge.

Support. A supportive chair is one that follows your natural curves as closely as possible for optimal weight distribution and improved blood circulation.

At the very least, you need an S-shape backrest that follows your natural spine curvature and adjustable armrests that help you change positions easily without damaging your posture.

A supportive seat can be made with mesh or memory foam, but its main purpose is to keep your hips and spine aligned to reduce lower back pain. If you already have back pain or need to sit for long hours, look into office chairs with headrests and lumbar cushions.

Design. Design-wise, you need an ergonomic chair that meets all the requirements above, like the Pneumatic Mesh Task Chair 13243 US.

Most ergonomic chairs under $300 allow at least a slight recline, but the bigger, the better, especially if your desk chair boasts infinite tilt-lock positions. If you want a chair that offers dynamic support, look for one with plenty of adjustments, so it moves when you move.

Sturdiness. You can’t expect an affordable chair to last for decades, but at the very least it needs to have at least a couple of years’ worth of warranty.

As a general rule, metal bases and frames are more resistant than plastic, and quality mesh fabric is more resistant than bonded or PU leather.

Is a Good Desk Chair Worth It?

Believe it or not, there is no magic formula that works for all of us. Some of us need a big ol’ computer desk to sit at. Some need a small one. Some need lots of elbow room. It’s all about what you need. Not a computer user? A recliner could work just fine. Regardless of your needs, a desk chair is something everyone should invest in. If your chair is old and worn, you’re likely suffering from poor posture and possibly injury, and that will only get worse over time. You could spend a lot of money on a new desk chair, but you’ll probably just want to throw it out in a few years because it’s not helping you at all.

A good, new, up-to-date desk chair is a complete game-changer. The right desk chair is a key to comfort, productivity, and even good health. If you’ve ever experienced bad posture for prolonged periods of time, you know that it’s bad for your posture, your back, and your overall health. Back and neck pain can really take a toll on your quality of life and productivity, so you’ll want to make sure you’re sitting in a comfortable chair all day. Luckily, there’s a ton of research out there about how chair type and comfort affect different behaviors like reading, working, watching TV, and even sleeping. Here’s the lowdown on the different types of desks, the potential problems that are associated with each one, and which is the best of them all for your needs.

Best Office Chair Under $200

Want a really cheap chair that won’t make you want to cry when you get up from your desk? The Bonci SemiComfy Soft Back Chair is a great choice—we even like it better than many pricier options in our office-friendly chairs roundup. The lightweight chair features a flexible hinge for tilting, 360-degree swiveling, adjustable armrests, and a thick cushion, all at a low price of under $200. The Nexso Mini Classic Medical Table Top Office Chair is a flexible, professional-quality chair that’s great for adding height, space-saving, and durability to your office.

Are IKEA Office Chairs Worth It?

Any of the IKEA Office Chairs are going to be on the cheaper side, but you have to consider what you’re willing to pay when it comes to office chairs. Generally speaking, the higher the price of an office chair, the better the quality of the chair. You can’t expect these to feel as if they were built to last, so it’s best to expect decent quality at the outset.

To that end, the Optika Chair is one of the better value picks. It’s well-built, and lightweight, and the supportive seat is worth it in most cases. In contrast, the Sensa Seat is a bit stiffer, however. For me, the Optika is worth the extra dollars because of the adjustability of the seat. The Skeab Chair is another option that I liked quite a bit. It feels like you’re sitting on a rock, which makes a lot of sense since it’s made of leather and has a hand-woven base.

Is Ikea Office Chair Ergonomic?

Ikea offers a range of office chairs, some of which are designed with ergonomic features to promote comfort and support during extended periods of sitting. However, the ergonomic quality of Ikea office chairs can vary based on the specific model and its features.

Several Ikea office chairs incorporate ergonomic elements, such as adjustable seat height, lumbar support, and armrest options. These features can contribute to proper posture and reduced strain on the body, enhancing overall comfort. For instance, the Ikea MARKUS chair is often highlighted for its ergonomic design, featuring adjustable lumbar support and a breathable mesh back that encourages airflow.

While certain Ikea office chairs exhibit ergonomic characteristics, it’s important to note that not all chairs from the brand meet the same ergonomic standards. Some entry-level models may lack advanced features or comprehensive adjustability, potentially limiting their ergonomic benefits.

To determine the ergonomic suitability of a specific Ikea office chair, consider examining its design specifications, such as adjustable components, lumbar support, and the presence of ergonomic certifications or endorsements. Additionally, user reviews and expert assessments can provide valuable insights into the comfort and ergonomic performance of a particular chair.

In conclusion, while Ikea does offer office chairs with ergonomic features, the ergonomic quality can vary among different models. Careful consideration of the chair’s design, adjustability, and user feedback is essential in determining whether a specific Ikea office chair meets your ergonomic requirements and contributes to a comfortable and supportive work environment.

Where to Buy Best 9 Best Office Chairs Under 300$

The best place to find these chairs is on their official websites because you can get extended warranties, good shipping, and return options, plus some occasional coupons for discounts.

You can also check trustworthy websites like Homdox or Walmart. My favorite place to get chairs is Amazon due to it’s return policy (and low prices as well) ; Generally product arrives quickly and undamaged, plus most have free shipping options in the US.

Make sure to check that the warranty for the chair you get is still valid even if you get it on Amazon, and stay away from shady retailers that offer too-good-to-be-true bargains.

What Should I Look For in an Office Chair?

Thanks to ergonomic experts, we’ve seen better tables and chairs, but what can we do about the person sitting in front of us who refuses to bend their knees? Before you book an ergonomic consultant (it’s not just for writers!), be sure to look at the layout of the office. Many offices are laid out so that people sit in front of their desks, leaving little to no room in which to work. Experts recommend that your chair be about a meter from your desk. Anything smaller risks potential injury to your back, wrists, shoulders, and ankles.

Avoid low-backed office chairs and lumbar cushions. They restrict your natural movement and put a strain on your back. Stay hydrated. We know that it can be hard, but try to drink plenty of water throughout the day. 6 Ways Your Workplace Can Help You Lose Weight. Is the workspace convenient for you? If you work in the same room as other colleagues, you may need to spend most of your working day in a confined space. This increases the amount of time you spend hunched over the keyboard, which can put a strain on your shoulders and your back.

How Much Should You Pay for an Ergonomic Chair?

When considering the investment in an ergonomic chair, it is crucial to prioritize both comfort and support, as these factors play a significant role in promoting overall well-being and productivity. The cost of chair can vary widely based on several key factors, including design, features, materials, and brand reputation.

A basic entry-level ergonomic chair, suitable for short periods of sitting, can start at around $100 to $200. However, for a more comprehensive and beneficial ergonomic experience, it is advisable to consider chairs in the mid-range to high-end spectrum, which typically range from $300 to $1000 or more. These chairs often offer a blend of adjustable features, such as lumbar support, seat depth, armrest height, and tilt mechanisms, all contributing to a customizable and comfortable seating arrangement.

Well-established chair brands with a reputation for durability and user satisfaction might command a higher price point. Investing in such a chair can lead to reduced discomfort and potential long-term health benefits. Research-backed designs and technologies, such as dynamic movement mechanisms and breathable materials, can also influence the cost.

Ultimately, the price of a chair should align with your individual needs and usage. If you spend extended hours seated, whether for work or leisure, a higher-priced chair with advanced features could be a worthwhile investment in your physical well-being. It’s essential to strike a balance between budget and the value gained from enhanced comfort, improved posture, and reduced risk of musculoskeletal issues. Before making a purchase, evaluating the chair’s adjustability, build quality, and user reviews can guide you toward a well-informed decision that promotes a healthier and more productive lifestyle.

Final Verdict on Best Office Chairs Under 300$

Each of the chairs above meets a different purpose because it caters to different needs.

If you need a cozy chair that promotes a good posture, get the Flash Furniture Hercules Series Chair.

If you want an affordable chair with the same basic features as the Steelcase Gesture, get the HON Ignition 2.0 Ergonomic Chair.

If you change devices and write a lot, get the Lorell Executive High-Back Office Chair with its wide range of adjustments, including a forward tilt.

If you’re a gamer, the DXRacer Office Chair reclines, is breathable, and comfy for long hours.

If you want a plush and stylish office chair, choose Serta Office Chair.

If you want a plush and stylish chair in the Big and Tall category, La-Z-Boy Delano is a good bet.

If you’re after good support with plenty of adjustments, you need the TOPSKY Mesh Computer Office Chair.

If you want to sit down for prolonged periods, you need the Viva Office High-Back Mash Office Chair because it’s breathable, alleviates backaches, and boasts dynamic support.

My top choice of all these models is the SIEGES Ergonomic Mesh Office Task Chair. It’s what I bought for my team at my first office because it’s such an affordable choice, packed with ergonomic features.

This chair keeps your spine in proper alignment and has 3D highly-adjustable armrests, plus a contoured backrest for lower back pain. The seat is wide and flexible, the backrest reclines to 135ᵒ, and the upholstery is breathable.

SIEGES Ergonomic Office Chair meets all my conditions for comfort, support, design, and durability. Invest in a chair that keeps you supported for hours and buy this chair below.