Traditional office chairs have fixed backrests and armrests. The only ergonomic functions are rocking and seat height adjustment. Luckily, a new breed of office chairs has emerged with enhanced ergonomics. This article looks at the best office chairs with ergonomic features priced under $300.
For long periods at a computer, office chairs with fixed components are bad for your back. For instance, a fixed backrest without lumbar support promotes slouching. Further, fixed sitting positions clog circulation and overwork upper body muscles.
If you feel exhausted after a full day of sitting, your chair might be the problem. Switching to a good ergonomic chair is the solution.
Luckily, you don’t need to spend $1500 to enjoy good posture support. Check out our favorite affordable ergonomic office chairs.
Best ergonomic office chairs under $300
Chairs in this range typically offer better features and durability than sub-$200 models. Most chairs in this price range offer warranties of 2-3 years.
Flexispot Soutien chair
Direct buy price: $269.99
Rated #1
Founded in 2015, Flexispot made its mark developing height-adjustable desks. In recent years, the company has expanded into the ergonomic furniture market.
The Soutien ergonomic office chair is the company’s latest product. It boasts the most complete suite of ergonomic features in this price range.
Features
The Soutien office chair feature list is almost perfect. Depth-adjustable lumbar support (instead of only height-adjustable) is the only thing lacking.
- Backrest: recline and lock with a 90° to 115° range; Italian chenille fiber upholstery.
- Lumbar support: three height adjustments; self-adjusting ‘rebound’ system maintains lumbar pressure as the user moves.
- Headrest: height-adjustable.
- Seat: padded fabric covering; depth-adjustable (16.1-29.1″ range).
- Armrests: 4D adjustable with cushioned top covers.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty from Flexispot.
Sizing
Our only quibble with the dimensions of this chair is the low seat height range. A higher range would make this chair accessible for taller users.
- Seat width x depth: 20.5″ (W) x 16-29″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 20.5″ (W) x 28.7″ (H)
- Seat height: 16.9-19.7″
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 5’10”; 299-pound weight capacity.
Buying advice
It has a robust recline range, adjustable lumbar support, and 4D armrests. No other chair in this price range comes close to this feature set. On the downside, the 1-year warranty suggests a lower-quality, less durable build.
Would you prefer a lesser-featured chair that lasts longer? Or a full-featured one that needs frequent replacement. If you lean towards the latter, the Soutine chair is a perfect choice.
Soutien chair from Flexispot $269.99
To learn more, check out our detailed Soutien ergonomic chair review.
Ticova ergonomic chair
Amazon price: $219.98
Rated #2
This model is cheap, rugged, and ergonomically sound. It has lesser armrest adjustability than the Soutien chair, but superior lumbar support adjustability.
Those new to ergonomic chairs will find this model’s features comfortable and supportive. Seasoned users will find a few limits, but still good value for money.
Features
The biggest issue we have with the Ticova chair is the backrest recline. It has a wide range, but only locks in three positions (90, 120, and 140).
That’s a problem, given that the ideal upright recline is 105-110 degrees. Beyond that issue, features are solid given the low price of the chair.
- Backrest: recline and lock with a 90° to 140° range (3 lock positions only); nylon mesh back.
- Lumbar support: height adjustment range 1.5″; depth adjustment range 1.2″.
- Headrest: height-adjustable.
- Seat: padded fabric covering; no depth adjustment.
- Armrests: height-adjustable (2.8″ range).
- Warranty: 1-year.
Sizing
One of the Ticova chair’s highlights is its flat, wide, padded seat. It provides plenty of legroom for thick bodies, and enough space to sit cross-legged.
Even so, this is not specialized for big and tall users. It has a smallish 280-pound weight capacity and is only guaranteed for a year. Users heavier than 200 pounds should consider a sturdier model for safety reasons.
- Seat width x depth: 20.5″ (W) x 20.5″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 20.5″ (W) x 28″ (H)
- Seat height: 16.5-20″
- Size rating: 5’5″ to 6’0″; 280-pound weight capacity.
Buying advice
The Ticova chair is a great starter model for first-time ergonomic users. It’s comfortable, affordable, and easy to operate. In fact, those upgrading from a cheap office chair may find it a massive upgrade.
Even so, its features are very basic compared to pricier models. After a while, 1D armrests and a 3-point backrest recline may feel limiting. Until then, the Ticova chair offers good value for money.
Sihoo fabric seat ergo chair
Amazon price: $229.99
Rated #3
The Sihoo High Back Ergonomic Chair is good-looking, versatile, and cheap. It has a mesh back with fabric padded seat and a solid range of ergonomic features.
Chair features
This model comes with everything you need to customize your sitting experience. You can lock the backrest at three angles. Set upright to 103° for intense deskwork or gaming. You can also recline and lock at 110° and 120°. The lumbar support is height-adjustable, as are the 1D armrests.
- Functionality: 1D armrests; height-adjustable lumbar; lockable backrest recline; tilt-tension and rocking.
- Upholstery: mesh backrest; padded fabric seat.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty. Sihoo also offers replacement parts at cost for three years.
Sizing
This chair is for average-sized adults with slim proportions.
- Seat width & depth: 19.4″ (W) x 19.7″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 16.9″ (W), 22.4″ (H)
- Headrest height: 6.7″
- Floor to seat range: 17.3″ to 21.2″
- Chair height: 46″ to 51″
- Size rating: 5’5″ to 6’0″; 250 pounds weight capacity.
Advice
If you need a cheap chair but don’t like gaming chairs, the Sihoo High Back ergonomic chair is a great alternative. The breathable mesh back and fabric seat ensures cool computing at all times. The adjustments pale compared to pricey Herman Miller chairs. But for the price, they offer excellent value.
Sihoo black office chair
Amazon price: $219.99
Rated #4
This Sihoo chair has the same features as an affordable gaming chair, plus a few superior ones. Those are an advanced height and depth adjustable lumbar support and neck support. On gaming chairs, lumbar and head supports are only height adjustable. The Sihoo chair’s depth-adjustable components give more options to customize the chair for your particular needs.
Chair features
Features beyond the adjustable lumbar and headrest resemble those on typical gaming chairs. You can also adjust and lock the backrest and various angles. On top of that, the Sihoo chair has height-adjustable 1D armrests.
- Functionality: 1D armrests; adjustable lumbar and neck supports; backrest recline from 90° to 120°.
- Upholstery: padded fabric seat; mesh backrest.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty; non-profit part supplies for 3-years.
We’re not fans of 1-year warranties, but Sihoo offers a decent compromise. They cover these chairs with a 1-year warranty. On top of that, they also provide replacement parts (at cost, with no markup) within three years of purchase.
Sizing
Like all chairs in this review, this model is best for average sizes of slim to average width. If you have extra-wide hips or very thick legs, the fit may be a bit snug. Those too short may not be able to make use of the headrest.
- Seat: 20″ (W) x 17.3″
- Backrest: 21″ (W) x 21.2″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 16.9″ to 20.8″
- Total height: 44.8″ to 48.4″
- Size rating: 5’6″ to 6’1″; 250 pounds weight capacity.
Advice
The Sihoo Ergonomic chair is a solid value. You can recline the backrest, adjust the armrests, and adjust the height of the chair. Beyond that, the height and depth adjustable supports allow you to configure the perfect support for your body. For instance, you can adjust the height of the lumbar so it fits into the small of your back. Then, you can adjust the depth to give customized lower back support.
Space Seating Manager Chair
Amazon price: $235.21
Rated #6
The Space Seating Manager’s chair doesn’t have an adjustable backrest recline like Hbada chair. Instead, it comes with synchro-tilt. That is a popular feature on high-end Herman Miller task chairs. It automatically angles the seat as the backrest reclines, at a 2:1 ratio. Since this chair’s backrest doesn’t have a lockable recline, the synchro-tilt only works when you rock the chair.
Chair features
Features are solid. The lumbar support is height but not depth adjustable. You can’t lock the backrest at different angles. Rather, you can lock the chair, initiate rocking, and adjust the rocking tension. When rocking, the seat angles up as you lean back. Disabled, the seat stays put and the backrest locks in place.
- Functionality: 1D armrests; adjustable lumbar support; synchro-tilt tension and rocking.
- Upholstery: mesh backrest; padded fabric seat.
- Warranty: lifetime warranty on components; 3-year warranty on upholstery foam and fabric.
Sizing
This model works well for both small and average sizes. There’s enough space to also accommodate those with wide hips or thick legs.
- Seat width & depth: 19″ (W) x 19.5″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 22.5″ (W), 24.5″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 17″ to 23″
- Size rating: 5’5″ to 6’0″; 250 pounds weight capacity.
Advice
Synchro-tilt is a prized feature usually found on only the most expensive ergonomic task chairs. The Space Seating Manager’s Chair is one of the cheapest chairs on the market with this advanced feature.
This feature is one of the easiest ways to move your body while sitting. Any time you feel tired while sitting, all you need to do is lean back. Doing so reclines the backrest while also angling the seat up. That switches up the muscles in use in your back, hips, and legs while also boosting circulation.
Beyond the synchro-tilt, the Space Seating Manager’s Chair offers solid but not spectacular ergonomic features. For instance, the lumbar support is only height-adjustable, but not depth-adjustable. On the plus side, this chair comes with an impressive lifetime warranty on components. Upholstery fabric and foam padding are covered for three years.
It’s cheap, ergonomic, and guaranteed to last for years. That’s a winning formula well worth considering.
Cedric office chair
Amazon price: Price not available
Rated #7
This model has a similar style and feature set as the Sihoo chair. Both the lumbar support and headrest are height and depth adjustable. The backrest reclines from 90° to 130°. The armrests are also height adjustable.
Chair features
The Cedric chair comes with a solid stack of ergonomic features. Upholstery on the seat includes padded foam, while the mesh backrest is bolstered by a metal bracket that gives the chair a sturdy feel.
- Functionality: 1D armrests; adjustable lumbar and headrest; 90°-130° backrest recline; tilt tension and rocking.
- Upholstery: mesh backrest; padded fabric seat.
- Warranty: 2-year warranty, via their Amazon Seller’s page.
Sizing
This is an average-sized gaming chair best suited to slim figures. If you thick legs or wide hips, the width may feel too snug for comfort.
- Seat width & depth: 19.5″ (W) x 19.5″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 20″ (W) x 32″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 19.75″ to 23.62″
- Total height: 46″ to 53″
- Size rating: 5’6″ to 6’2″; 350 pounds weight capacity.
Advice
Why buy a cheap traditional office chair when you can buy a model like the Cedric ergonomic chair? This model ensures solid support for your back, upper body, and arms. It has a 2-year warranty, but the sturdy build suggests it can last well past that. It’s not a spectacular chair, but a solid and reliable one.
Office Factor chair
Amazon price: $349.00
Rated #8
The Office Factor Office chair is the most expensive model in this review. But it only comes with a bare-bones product description that fails to showcase the qualities of this chair.
That’s a shame. Even though it’s the most expensive chair in this article, it’s also the most full-featured.
Chair features
The Office Factor chair has similar ergonomic features as other chairs in this review. The backrest can recline and lock into 4 positions. You also get a height and depth adjustable lumbar and headrest, plus height-adjustable armrests. On top of those features, the seat is also depth adjustable. Even better, these chairs come with a solid 5-year warranty.
- Functionality: 1D armrests; 4-position backrest recline; adjustable lumbar and headrest; depth-adjustable seat; tilt tension and rocking.
- Upholstery: mesh backrest; padded fabric seat.
- Warranty: 3-year warranty.
If you need support for your chair, reach out via the contact form on OfficeFactor.net. Support usually replies within 24 hours.
Sizing
This model is also best for average sizes that are neither too short nor too wide. Short people won’t be able to make use of the headrest. Those with extra-wide hips or legs may find the space between the armrests too narrow.
- Seat: 19.6″ (W) x 16.9″-18.9″ (D)
- Backrest: 20.47″ (W) x 28.74″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 18.9″ to 22″
- Total height: 47.6″ to 50″
- Size rating: 5’6″ to 6’1″; weight capacity 250 pounds.
Advice
The Office Factor OF-5688BK provides excellent value for money. Its ergonomic features blow away those on traditional office chairs. They also compare well with those on pro esports gaming chairs. If you’re looking for a serious working chair with superb ergonomics, this is an excellent choice.
Ergonomic office chairs under $200
There are only a few models priced under $200 worth considering. These offer better ergonomic features than traditional office chairs. Each reviewed chair has adjustable armrests and adjustable lumbar support. Both have adjustable lumbar support. They also let you recline and lock the backrest at different angles.
Staples Hyken
Amazon price: $176.41
The Staples Hyken is a popular cheap chair often recommended in PC gamer forums. Popular programming channel TechLead recently picked the Hyken over Herman Miller and Steelcase chairs.
In his 5-chair review, he asked: “How can you really justify $1500 for a chair when a $200 chair pretty much does the exact same thing?”
Features
Techlead’s point is sound. The Staples Hyken offers similar ergonomic features as high-priced Herman Miller chairs.
- 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.
If you check out most reviews online the biggest problem with this chair is durability. After six months of heavy use, expect the mesh to start sagging and the chair to start rattling with loose parts.
Note that the unrealistic 7-year limited warranty on this chair doesn’t do much. It only covers factory defects, not wear and tear. If parts break down within 6 months, they are not covered.
Sizing
The Hyken is a small chair suitable for slim figures of average height.
- 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.
Buying advice
The Staples Hyken is a solid introduction to the world of ergonomic seating. It’s cheap and easy to buy. The ergonomic features work well to support upright, neutral postures.
It has smallish dimensions and easy-to-use features. As such, it’s a good pick for young people needing better posture while at the computer.
Hbada office chair
Amazon price:$179.99
The cheapest chair on this list is a great introduction to the new wave of office chairs. Its ergonomic features rival those on pro esports gaming chairs, yet this model costs less than $200.
Chair features
This Hbada office chair does everything a gaming chair can, and more. You can recline the backrest, adjust the seat height, and adjust the height of the armrests.
Unlike gaming chairs, this model also comes with a height and depth-adjustable lumbar support. Beyond that, it also comes with a removable (adjustable) headrest.
- Functionality: 1D armrests; adjustable lumbar support; adjustable headrest; rocking function with tilt-lock.
- Upholstery: mesh backrest; fabric seat with resiliant foam padding.
- Waranty: 1-year warranty.
Sizing
There are four differences between the Titan and Omega chairs. The first is the sizing. The Titan is larger.
- Seat width & depth: 19.7″ (W) x 19.7″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 21″ (W), 26.8″-35.8″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 17.3″ to 20.5″
- Total height: 44″ to 47.2″
- Size rating: 5’5″ to 6’0″; 250-pound weight capacity
Advice
The Hbada Ergonomic Office chair offers impressive ergonomic features and a great low price. On the downside, you only get a 1-year warranty. Given the number of complex moving parts, a lot can go wrong, especially if you plan to use this chair full-time.
If you experience problems, the only way to contact Hbada is through their Amazon seller’s page.
Given the warranty and price, durability issues are likely to arise. If used as a part-time chair, it should hold up well beyond its warranty period. If used full-time, you may need to use it gingerly to ensure its longevity.
Elecwish ergonomic office chair
Amazon price: $135.89
This is an office-style version of the classic Elecwish footrest gaming chair. It’s one of the few ergonomic office chairs on the market with a retractable footrest.
Like other ergo office chairs, it has height-adjustable lumbar support and headrest. Unlike the other models, the armrests are semi-fixed. They’re not adjustable. Instead, they move in sync with the backrest as the user reclines.
Features
This Elecwish chair has the best ergonomic features we’ve seen in any ergo chair priced under $140.
- Functionality: backrest recline to 160°; seat height adjustment; 360 degree swivel; rock, lock, and adjust the seat height.
- Support: height-adjustable lumbar and headrest (4 cm range); included headrest pillow.
- Armrests: fixed ‘linkage’ style (armrests sync with a reclining backrest for consistent support).
- Upholstery: 3-inch-thick padded seat; fabric seat cover; breathable mesh backrest.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
Sizing
Like most cheap ergonomic chairs, this model is compact. It has a narrow seat and backrest, with a weight capacity of only 250 pounds. If you have thick legs or wide hips, this isn’t the chair for you.
- Seat width & depth: 15.4″ (W) x 15″ (D)
- Backrest width: 17.9″
- Floor to seat range: 17.7-20.9 inches
- Total height: 46.5-49.6 inches
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’0″; 250 pounds
Buying advice
In the ergonomic seating industry, you get what you pay for. The Elecwish ergonomic office chair’s features compare well with pricier models. However, at this price point, expect mediocre durability.
Used full-time, this chair will likely need replacement after one year. Expect the padding to flatten, the mesh to loosen, and the chair’s parts to rattle and shake.
On the flip side, if your only concern is cheap, immediate support, this model does the job.
Elecwish ergo office chair on Amazon $135.89
Learn more about this and other Elecwish models in our Elecwish chair brand review.
Other types of ergo office chairs
The chairs reviewed in this article are among the cheapest (reliable) ergonomic models on the market. There are a few other tiers of chairs to consider. The more you spend, the more sophisticated the features become. Here are the levels of office chairs available in 2020:
- Traditional office chairs: fixed backrests and armrests; no adjustable lumbar support. ($70 to $170)
- Cheap ergonomic office chairs: the models listed in this guide. These chairs have adjustable armrests, lumbar, and neck support. Some also have an adjustable backrest recline. ($170 to $270)
- Big & tall ergonomic chairs: these are larger versions of cheap ergonomic chairs that support up to 400 pounds. Features include adjustable armrests and adjustable lumbar support. ($156 to $287)
- Affordable task chairs: you get 4D adjustable armrests, sliding seats, varied recline options, and more. ($350 to $799)
- Synchro-tilt task chairs: the best ergonomic chairs in the world from Herman Miller, Steelcase, etc. These models stand out with robust synchro-tilt functionality. ($450 to $1500)
Conclusion
In 2020, the best ergonomic office chairs under $300 provide excellent value for money. They’re comfortable and good for your back. They provide excellent posture support, while also letting your body move while sitting.
Expect any of these models to improve your posture, wellness, and computing productivity. Learn the physiological reasons in this feature:
