Full-back gaming chairs are better than mid-back office chairs for working from home (WFH). That’s according to Herman Miller, the world’s #1 maker of mid-back ergonomic chairs. Institutional ergonomists agree: cubicle-era desktop PC jockeys only needed good back support. But modern users juggle desktop and mobile devices — over longer sedentary periods. Beyond good back support, they need more movement and better neck support. Meanwhile, as quiet quitting intensifies, psychological comforts have also gained relevance. Using these factors, ChairsFX lays out the best WFH gaming chairs of 2022.
Once upon a time, elders sat in cubicles, pecking away all day on desktop PCs. As back problems skyrocketed, ergonomic office chairs emerged. But today, more people are transitioning to permanent work-from-home (WFH). Mobile computing has also become part of the mix.
This has necessitated updated seating standards for modern computing styles. Using these, it becomes easy to boil down the very best work-from-home desk chairs of 2022.
Cutting-Edge WFH Ergonomic Trends
What determines a good WFH desk chair in 2022? Our ranking factors come from three sources. First, the Handbook Of Human Factors & Ergonomics documents institutional ergonomic trends.
Its 2021 5th edition declares cubicle-era back support ergonomics outdated. Beyond good back support, modern multi-device operators need neck support and sedentary relief.
Second, Herman Miller leads MillerKnoll, the world’s largest office furniture megacorporation. Its recent embrace of the full-back gaming chair concept reflects the Handbook’s updated ideals.
Our third source comes from pro esports performance optimization specialists. These days, most elite teams invest heavily to help players perform at their best. Even so, you’ll notice that most players display terrible postures while competing.
This is because many top esports docs concur with the Handbook’s ideals. While ergonomic back support is important, physical fitness has a much larger impact on player performance.
Therefore, most esports docs don’t mess with players’ competitive sitting mechanics. Instead, they teach wellness techniques to use when not competing. These include frequent stretching, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyles to balance things out.
WFH Ergonomic Seating Criteria 2022
Mashing up work-from-home ergonomic parameters from three different sources yields clear seating criteria.
Using these, we can evaluate the suitability of WFH seating objectively along four points.
- Cubicle-era desktop computing support: ergonomic chairs (adjustable lumbar, arms, backrest) support neutral postures. These help workers sit straight all day long.
- Multi-device computing support: desktop plus mobile computing needs neck support and sedentary relief as computing times rise.
- Quiet quitter relief: psychological luxuries like deep recline and flashy looks can motivate jaded burnouts.
- Fitness beats chair ergonomics: you don’t need perfect posture and super-fancy back support. Any ergonomic chair + a healthy lifestyle can help you perform like an elite esports pro.
These factors tell us that a good WFH chair doesn’t need to deliver super-precise back support. Instead, pretty good back support + some luxury extras + a healthy lifestyle will boost happiness and performance better than a chair alone!
For a deeper dive into the science behind each factor, see this:
Best Full- Back WFH Desk Chairs
The best work-from-home full-back gaming chairs meet the ergonomic standards of the cubicle era. Each has an adjustable lumbar & arms + a reclining backrest that reliably supports neutral postures.
These top picks partially support modern standards by promoting more movement than cubicle-era chairs. In tandem with a sit-to-stand desk, they also provide excellent support for mobile computing.
In support of its new Vantum Gaming Chair, Herman Miller has declared cubicle-style mid-back chairs out of fashion. For the modern WFH crowd, full-back chairs with headrests and deep recline functionality provides the all-day sitting support that they need.
Using these ranking factors, four chairs stand well ahead of the competition. Each offers superb cubicle-era ergonomics, stunning aesthetics, and rock-solid reliability.
Secretlab Titan chairs are produced by the runaway gaming chair industry leader. The Herman Miller Vantum and Respawn Flexx are produced by two of the world’s largest office furniture megacorporations. The Sidiz T80 also qualifies as a battle-tested South Korean esports alternative.
- Secretlab Titan 2022 Series: best ergonomics and aesthetics; the only one with a built-in neck therapy option. It’s the official chair of Team Liquid, Team Secret, Cloud9, T1, and many other elite teams.
- Respawn Flexx: made by the HNI Corp, this partial mesh gaming chair stands atop 6 years of steady evolution. It’s also the official Faze Clan team chair.
- Herman Miller Vantum: the world’s largest office furniture megacorporation bends the knee to the full-back gaming chair with its own exquisite version.
- Sidiz T80: hipster South Korean boutique alternative that’s been battle-tested. Since 2019, the T80 has been the official chair of Gen.G, South Korea’s #1 pro team.
Secretlab Titan
‘Gaming chair’ generically refers to a full-back, racing-style padded model with a lumbar pillow and headrest. The Secretlab Titan is technically a gaming chair.
But the Titan is light years ahead of the competition on every level. Even against the best corporate gaming chairs, it ticks all the boxes with panache. As a result, it reigns supreme as the ultimate WFH chair for our times!
Textbook Cubicle Ergonomics
The Titan beats the cubicle-era ergonomics of the others by a large margin. It’s the only one with an integrated height x depth-adjustable lumbar.
Its magnetic memory foam headrest also has a massive 11″ adjustable range. What’s more, the 85-165° backrest recline supports everything between upright work and napping!
Notably, the Titan is the only full-back chair with a headrest that does support perfect neck postures. Hard headrests are only for use in reclined positions. In contrast, the Titan is specially designed to support a 0° with a 100° recline angle!
I use this method around 70% of the time to keep my neck posture habits in check. I’ve also had this method verified by three prominent esports doctors as posturally sound! Learn more:
Use A Titan 2022 Headrest For Perfect Neck Posture
50+ Collector-tier Designs
The Titan is in a class of its own when it comes to aesthetic appeal. At present, it’s available in a growing collection of over 50+ styles! Chairs come upholstered in Softweave fabric or Neo Hybrid Leatherette. The variations cover the entire color spectrum.
There are plenty of high-profile designs in the collection. These include official esports team chairs, branded video game chairs, esports tournament models, and more. Most recently, Secretlab dropped a pair of official Softweave fabric Naruto gaming chairs.
Many of Secretlab’s pop culture designs also appeal as collector’s items. As a result, many who fall in love with the Titan’s ergonomics become loyal fans who own multiple Titan chairs.
Optimized For Three Sizes
Beyond industry-leading ergonomics and design options, the Titan’s sizing options also beat the rest. Titan Evo 2022 chairs are available in small, medium, and XL sizes.
Simply choose the one that meets your size rating and get your party started.
| Titan 2022 | Small | Medium | XL |
| Size Rating | 4’11” to 5’6″; 285 pounds | 5’7″ to 6’2″; 285 pounds | 5’11” to 6’9″; 395 pounds |
| Seat | 17.7″ (W) x 18.9″ (D) | 18.5″ (W) x 19.3″ (D) | 19.3″ (W) x 19.7″ (D) |
| Backrest | 20″ (W) x 32.3″ (H) | 21″ (W) x 33.5″ (H) | 22″ (W) x 35″ (H) |
| Seat Height | 17.7″ to 20.5″ | 17.7″ to 20.5″ | 18.1″ to 21.9″ |
| Price | $449 | $519 | $569 |
Titan WFH Advice
The Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 Series ticks all the boxes as the ultimate work-from-home chair of 2022. It has the best ergonomic features, styling options, sizing options, and versatility. Summary of features:
- Functionality: 4D armrests; multifunction tilt-lock; recline from 85-165°.
- New 2022 Series Features: integrated 4-way adjustable lumbar support; magnetic headrest pillow; pebble seat base with waterfall edge.
- Sizing: small 4’11” to 5’6″; medium 5’7″ to 6’2″; XL 5’11” to 6’9″.
- Warranty: five years.
The Titan is also the only one with built-in neck posture therapy (for those who want that). Its biggest downside: many hard-core office chair purists hate non-corporate-made ergonomic chairs. For that crowd, Respawn and Herman Miller have great alternatives!
Learn more -> Ultimate WFH Chair: Titan Evo 2022 Hands-On Review
Respawn Flexx
Corporate chair fans who hate gaming chairs but wish to keep with the trends can look to Respawn. This is the gaming division of the HNI Corporation. HNI is the world’s 4th-largest office furniture corporation ($2.2 billion in sales last year).
HNI purchased Respawn in 2016. In 2017, Respawn launched the RSP-200, the world’s first partial mesh gaming chair. The 2022 iteration of that model is the Respawn Flexx.
Flexx Chair Functionality
The Respawn Flaxx comes in several 2-tone styles plus an official Faze Clan team edition. Functional highlights include a height-adjustable lumbar, a 90-115° recline, built-in synchronous tilt, and a depth-adjustable seat.
The Flexx does almost everything the Titan does, at a lower price point. Its partial mesh design also yields a more traditional than racing aesthetic — reassuring for office chair purists. Summary of specs:
- Lumbar support: height-adjustable
- Armrests: 3D
- Recline: 90-115°
- Sync-tilt: Seat tilts up by a 2:1 ratio during recline
- Seat slider: 1.6″ range
- Warranty: 2 years
- Seat: 20.1″ (W) x 18.9 – 20.5″ (D)
- Backrest: 20.7″ (W) x 21.7″ (H)
- Seat height range: 19.3-22.2″
- Official size rating: No size rating; 300-pound weight capacity
- ChairsFX suggested size rating: 5’7″ to 6’2″
Flexx Chair Advice
Those wanting a modern ergonomic experience that isn’t Secretlab should consider the Flexx. It’s cheaper than the Titan with cubicle-era ergonomics that are almost as good.
Instead of a height x depth-adjustable lumbar, the Flexx only lets you toggle the height. It also has a smaller 90-115° recline range. That’s not deep enough for napping, but plenty enough to stimulate movement.
As an HNI Corporation product, its pedigree will also satisfy office chair loyalists. To that end, its futuristic aesthetics stand out against generic racing-style chairs.
Flexx Chairs on Amazon $380.16
Learn more: Flexx Vs Vantum Chairs Head-To-Head Comparison
Herman Miller Vantum
Herman Miller built its legacy atop mid-back chairs without headrests that force sitting straight. But to keep pace with the times, its $995 Vantum Gaming Chair bends the knee to the full-back gaming chair concept.
Unlike other Herman Miller chairs, the Vantum delivers full-back spinal support. It also comes with a headrest that encourages users to lean back – into less-than-perfect postures.
Its Vantum press release(1) declares that “gamers require versatility.” Beyond upright postures, “reclined positions for moments of relaxation” are crucial.
That’s because modern gamers don’t sit there all day like cubicle-era boomers. Beyond upright desk work, they “watch streams and movies, chat with friends, engage in virtual events or just need a moment to kick back…”
Vantum Chair Highlight Features
The Vantum chair’s headrest lets you adjust the height and angle but not the depth. In an upright position, that ensures the headrest does not touch your neck. Instead, a balanced posture should (in theory) leave the head evenly balanced atop the shoulders.
However, as with all full-back gaming chairs, proper usage is essential. For instance, Tucking your hips deep into the seat is necessary to ensure good back support. In contrast, sliding your hips forward will curl your spine up like a boiled shrimp.
In support of good postures, the Vantum borrows the Aeron chair’s Posturefit lumbar support system. This has two pads that hit different parts of the lower spine. It looks spectacular, with dual control knobs on either side.
In reality, the adjustability is poor. For one thing, you can’t adjust the height. For another, the fancy dials have only two settings: turn forward to increase pressure; turn rearward to decrease it.
Warning: assuming the pads hit your particular lumbar curve, Posturefit works well. But if it doesn’t, Posturefit’s lack of height adjustability makes it useless. After paying $995 for a state-of-the-art chair, an ill-fitting lumbar would be a major bummer.
Vantum Chair Specifications
Both the Titan and Flexx chairs stand atop several years of development. In contrast, the Vantum is a brand-new product. As a result, some of its specifications haven’t yet been disclosed.
For instance, the recline functionality is still undefined. However, its tilt limiter + tilt tension functions resemble the Embody chair’s version. Its tilt-limiter has a recline range of 94-120°, with 3 ‘limiter’ positions.
- Lumbar support: depth-adjustable
- Armrests: 3D
- Recline: unspecified
- Sync-tilt: none
- Seat slider: Yes (range not specified)
- Warranty: 12 years
- Seat: 20″ (W) x 17″ (D)
- Backrest: not specified
- Seat height range: 18-22″
- Official size rating: No size rating; 350-pound weight capacity
- ChairsFX suggested size rating: 5’8″ to 6’1″
Vantum Chair Advice
Herman Miller’s stellar reputation for ergonomic excellence guarantees the Vantum a big spotlight. However, this pricey first-gen product delivers less adjustability than competitors.
For instance, the flashy Posturefit is a simple piece of plastic that can only snap forward or back. As well, important specs haven’t been defined yet.
The recline, armrest adjustability, and seat sliding ranges are all unspecified. As well since the lumbar isn’t height-adjustable, Herman Miller should clarify the sizing. What are the minimum and maximum recommendations to fit in this chair?
Without this information, it doesn’t make sense to spend $995 on this chair. Even so, Herman Miller’s industry influence is hard to ignore. As you’re shopping for a WFH chair, keep the Vantum in mind as a benchmark.
Vantum From Herman Miller $995
Learn more: Vantum Vs Flexx Chairs Head-To-Head Comparison
Sidiz T80
Herman Miller’s embrace of the full-back gaming chair should bring more attention to the Sidiz T80. This South Korean beauty is the original office chair built for gamers.
Since 2019, Gen G (South Korea’s top esports squads) has been using it as their official team chair. It’s pricier than the Flexx chair and cheaper than the Vantum, with more refined features than either.
Sidiz T80 Features
Like the Vantum and Flexx, the T80 has a depth-adjustable seat. Exceeding those chairs, its seat also has a downward slope function.
A manual downward seat slope supports the forward-leaning postures that so many gamers prefer. Another fancy extra is a built-in synchronous tilt function. As you lean back, the seat tilts up by 1°.
The T80’s cubicle-era ergonomics are decent. The lumbar is height-adjustable, 3D arms are included, and the backrest reclines from 90-114°.
Summary of T80 Chair Specs
- Synchro-tilt: seat angle 1°; backrest 90° to 114°.
- Adjustable spine support: height adjustable lumbar; height and angle-adjustable headrest.
- Armrests: 3D.
- Seat slide plus slope: slide the seat forward or back; manually slope down by -1°.
- Premium Padding: resilient memory foam plus a layer of antibacterial elastic sponge.
- Warranty: three years, plus 30-day money-back-guarantee (details)
- Seat: 19.8″ (W) x 19.6″ (D)
- Backrest: 19.8″ (W) x 29.7″ (H)
- Seat height range: 15.5-19.5″
- Official size rating: 5’5″ to 6’6″; 250-pound weight capacity
Sidiz T80 Advice
Functionally, the T80’s height-adjustable lumbar guarantees a better fit than the Vantum’s Posturefit. Aesthetically, it makes the Respawn Flexx look like a toy.
On the downside, it’s only slightly cheaper than the Vantum. However, while that model is guaranteed for 12 years, the T80 is only covered for 3.
Even so, it’s been proving its worth as a professional full-back gaming chair since 2019. Then, South Korea’s Gen.G adopted it as their official team chair. If the Titan, Flexx, or Vantum doesn’t do it for you, the T80 is a solid option.
Get detailed specs in this Sidiz T80 review.
Mid-Back Ergonomic Alternatives
Herman Miller has declared full-back headrest chairs better for typical modern gamers. The rationale is that people grinding all day need deep reclines and movement on top of good posture support. Even so, its mid-back classics retain hyper-relevance.
For instance, when many top streamers hit the big time, they stop grinding all day. Instead, they produce content on a set schedule as a business. Then, many prefer the strict posture support that mid-back ergonomic chairs provide.
If time is money, the best mid-back chairs will force you into productive postures with no escape! From a business perspective, performing at a high intensity over shorter periods beats all-day grinding.
Herman Miller Aeron
Since 1994, the Aeron has reigned as the gold standard of ergonomic seating. The chair was remastered in 2017 with next-level mesh upholstery, sync-tilt functionality, and an upgraded lumbar support system.
Beyond its iconic good looks, the Aeron’s shining feature is its near-foolproof posture support. This chair forces you to sit straight with a tiny 93° to 104° recline range.
It also forces you to keep your feet planted at all times! Hard edges line the sides and lip of the seat. That makes sitting with feet up unpleasant.
Functionality
- Synchro-tilt: seat pan angle from -1° to 16°; backrest 93° to 104°
- Upholstery: Pellicle 8Z mesh provides eight zones of varying tension for ultra-responsive support.
- PostureFit Lumbar: depth–adjustable support for the lumbar and sacral spine.
- Seat: adjust the height; limit the tilt range; adjust the tilt tension; sync-tilt with the backrest.
- Backrest: forward tilt option; height and depth adjustable PostureFit lumbar support.
- Armrests: 3D adjustable.
- Warranty: 12 years.
Sizing
The Aeron comes in small, medium, and large sizes. Summary:
| Aeron Size A | Size B | Size C | |
| Seat | 15.75″ (W) x 16.75″ (D) | 17″ (W) x 16.75″ (D) | 18.25″ (W) x 18.5″ (D) |
| Backrest | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 21.5″ (W) x 22″ (H) | 22.75″(W) x 23″ (H) |
| Seat Height | 14.75″ to 19″ | 16″ to 20.4″ | 16″ to 20.5″ |
| Size Rating | 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds | 5’2″ to 6’6″; up to 350 pounds | 5’2″ to 6’6″; up to 350 pounds |
Aeron Advice
The Aeron is the epitome of cubicle-era ergonomics. Besides its stunning good looks, strict posture support in a high-quality build is its standout quality.
As an office chair, it’s a wonderful way to ensure peak productivity all day long. But as a work-from-home chair, this strictness can feel stifling!
Aeron Remastered From Herman Miller $1645
Learn more: Aeron Remastered Office Chair Review
Herman Miller Embody
The Aeron landed in 1994 with a super-strict posture concept. The Embody arrived in 2008 with a more flexible approach. Instead of a bladed seat, it has a flat, wide one that encourages leg movement. Its 2D armrests also serve up a a massive width adjustment range.
The Embody’s concept is to hug the upper back at all times. In theory, that should keep the head balanced through all ranges of motion.
The problem is that getting this right is tricky — especially for ergonomic beginners!
Embody Chair Functionality
The Embody’s 3D Pixelated backrest has a plastic sheath covered in human-like ribs that flex as the user moves. The point is to hug the user’s spine like glue as they move around in the chair.
The problem is that the backrest isn’t height-adjustable. What’s more, the lumbar support is a hard, non-adjustable curve molded into the backrest.
The trick is to adjust the angles of the backrest using the Backfit Adjustment dial. Turning the dial forward tilts the upper portion. Once it cups your thorax, turn in the opposite direction to angle the hard lumbar curve to your spine.
Getting this right yields next-level posture support. Getting it wrong will ruin your posture! If you don’t know what you’re doing, stick with the foolproof Aeron instead!
Embody Chair Specs
- Synchro-tilt: seat pan angle 3° to 15°; backrest 94° to 120°
- Pixelated back support: ultra-adaptive mid-back support with pixelated ‘ribs’.
- BackFit angle adjustment: lets you angle the backrest to fit the curvature of your spine.
- Seat adjustments: adjust the seat’s height and depth.
- Armrests: 2D-adjustable
- Backrest: adjust recline tension; 3-position tilt-lock; synchro-tilt
The Embody chair is one-size-fits-all, designed to fit Herman Miller designed to fit 95% of adults. It offers ample adjustment ranges in seat height, arm width, and seat depth.
- Seat: 21.25″ (W) x 15″-18″ (D)
- Backrest: 14″ (W) x 23.5″ (H)
- Armrests: 11.5-21″ width range; 4-8.75″ height range.
- Seat height: 16-20.5″
- Seat depth: 15-18″
- Size Rating: 5’4″ to 6’2″; 300-pound weight capacity
Embody Chair Advice
The Embody is one of the most advanced ergonomic chairs on the market. The problem is that its complex Backfit system is really hard to get right. You might not even notice a problem until crippling back and shoulder pain flares up.
Assuming a good fit, the backrest will stick to your spine like glue. Then, you’ll enjoy world-class posture support that keeps your spine and neck in pristine shape!
Learn more: Embody Gaming Chair Review.
Embody Gaming Chair from Herman Miller $1795
The fully-loaded Embody classic is also available from Herman Miller for $1895 .
Mid-Back Ergonomic Chairs Under $300
Full-back gaming chairs are trending as the go-to WFH seating option of the future. Even so, those who forego psychological extras may prefer barebones, cubicle-era ergonomic support. Here’s a secret: if that’s all you want, you don’t need to pay any more than $300!
Any mid-back chair with adjustable lumbar support, adjustable arms, and a reclining backrest can do the job.
For instance, the Staples Hyken costs $218.97 on Amazon. It has a height-adjustable lumbar, 1D arms, sync tilt, recline functionality, and full mesh upholstery. It does everything the Aeron does, minus the pizzazz.
Three other solid options also exist in the sub-$300 price range. If all you need is basic cubicle-era support, these do the job!
Advanced WFH Setup For Power Users
A good WFH chair should provide good cubicle-era back support for neutral postures. Herman Miller decrees a full-back style with deep recline functionality the best modern option. To boost happiness and motivation, adding as many luxury extras as you can afford is worth it.
Beyond a good chair, other needs remain unaddressed. The Human Factors Handbook cites neck support for mobile computing as a big priority. More movement than rocking in a chair also helps.
Stacking a sit-to-stand desk with your selected chair will address these needs. First, you can toggle the desk height to support your elbows while mobile computing. Doing so will help you to maintain a clean 0° neck posture.
Second, every shift between sitting and standing provides a jolt of energy. Each transition works your legs, hips, back, and shoulder muscles. This makes it easy to stay active — even when computing all day long!
Beyond a good chair and desk, ergonomic monitor arms, a yoga mat, and a WiFi LED bulb can complete your kit. Learn more:
Starter Guide: How To Choose The Best Standing Desk In 2022
Footnotes
- Herman Miller Press Release. ‘Herman Miller and Logitech G Introduce Vantum, a Modern Gaming Chair’, October 6, 2022. Vantum Gaming Chair Press Release, (accessed Oct. 7, 2022)
