Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair Review

Fancy ergonomic features aren’t always expensive. The Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair pairs robust ergonomic features with a rock-bottom price tag. To achieve that, features are solid, but durability is not. After a year of full-time use, you’ll need a replacement. Is it worth it? This Hyken Mesh Task Chair review checks out a popular mesh option for budget users.

Recently, Youtuber TechLead reviewed the best office chairs for programmers. For his test, he brought together a Herman Miller Aeron and Embody, a Steelcase Leap, a Staples Hyken, and a few others.

By the end of the review, he chose the Hyken as the best value. He questioned why anyone should pay more, “when a $200 chair does the same thing?”

Here’s a summary of Techlead’s likes and dislikes about the Staples Hyken Mesh Chair:

Staples Hyken from Amazon $176.41

Hyken Mesh Task Chair Review

This section takes a closer look at the Hyken chair’s features and sizing specs.

Features

According to contemporary ergonomic guidelines, a chair needs three components to qualify as ‘ergonomic’. The three keys are adjustable lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and a reclining backrest. The Hyken chair meets these requirement in full.

• Backrest: recline and lock with a 90° to 140° range (4 lock positions); synthetic mesh upholstery.
• Lumbar support: height-adjustable.
• Headrest: non-adjustable.
• Seat: padded fabric covering; fixed (not depth-adjustable).
• Armrests: 1D adjustable (up and down).
• Warranty: 30-day return policy; 7-year limited warranty.

Dimensions

Like most cheap ergonomic chairs, the Hyken is a compact chair best suited to short, slim figures. Those with wide legs of thick hips should consider a cheap big and tall office chair instead.

• Seat width x depth: 19.3″ (W) x 16.5″ (D)
• Backrest width x height: 16.2″ (W) x 23.2″ (H)
• Seat height: 16.9-19.7″
• Size rating: 5’3″ to 5’10”; 250-pound weight capacity.

Hyken Mesh Task Chair Value Analysis

For first-time ergonomic chair users, the Hyken is a big upgrade over a non-ergonomic office chair. For experienced power users, it will do the job, but just barely.

Best for first-time users

Many people suffer for years in cheap office chairs before switching to an ergonomic one. Making an ergonomic switch to a Hyken is a fantastic upgrade. The cool mesh upholstery delivers light, airy comfort.

Using the lumbar support is easy. Simply slide it up or down to fill your lower back curve. Then lock it in place. Doing so will apply just enough pressure to keep your back straight.

When you feel tired, pop back the recline to chill out. Once ready to resume work, set the backrest upright, adjust the armrests to support you, and get to work.

Passable ergonomics for pros

For experienced ergonomic chair users, the Hyken supports the back well enough over long periods. But it feels cheap and has limited armrest adjustability.

It works, but can’t adapt to your body the way a Herman Miller Aeron can. Nor should it, at this price point.

Staples Hyken from Amazon $176.41

Hyken chair buying advice

Here’s some additional info to help you decide if the Hyken is the right chair for you.

ChairsFX Pros and Cons

The Hyken Mesh Task Chair is a good starter ergonomic chair. Students and part-timer computer users will enjoy its features the most. On the downside, it has the same predictable flaws as all cheap ergonomic chairs.

Hyken Chair Alternatives

Two ergonomic options exist in a similar price range.

1. The best cheap gaming chairs under $200 offer similar features as the Hyken chair. Standard features include 1D armrests (or better), adjustable lumbar support, and a 1-year warranty.
2. The best cheap ergonomic office chairs under $350 offer slightly better features than the Hyken as prices rise.

One office-style option worth considering is the Soutien Ergonomic Office Chair ($269 from Flexispot). It costs around $100 more than the Hyken.

For the extra costs, you get a lot more functionality. Soutien chair highlights:

• 4D armrests
• Adjustable headrest
• Depth-adjustable seat slider
• Backrest recline from 90-115 degrees.

Conclusion

The Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair is cheap, easy to buy, and easy to use. That makes it a great option for those wanting to upgrade to an ergonomic chair.

For full-time desk work, it has the features you need to support good posture. Even so, the comfort of a Hyken chair is just the beginning.

Invest in one to get the hang of neutral sitting without any pressure. When the chair breaks down after a year or so, you should be ready to upgrade to a pricier model.

Staples Hyken from Amazon $176.41

For comparable options, check our review of the best ergonomic office chairs priced under $300.