Last year, the best cheap ergonomic office chairs all cost less than $300. In 2023, inflation has jacked the threshold to $350. Below that, there are five solid ergonomic chairs suitable for working from home. All come with straightforward ergonomic support features and assorted luxury extras.
All chairs in this review use classic ergonomic support features. In sum: adjustable lumbar + adjustable arms + a tilt-lock reclining backrest = neutral posture support.
This technology isn’t new. In fact, cubicle-era desktop computing standards have been around since the 1990s. Since then, most seating developments have mainly been psychological extras (like full-back fancy designs).
This is significant. In our 2023 drill down of ergonomic trends, psychology — not back support potency — stands out as a major selling point. When a chair looks more comfortable, people feel happier while using it.
Best ergonomic office chairs under $350
When shopping for a chair, we advise users to consider both physical and psychological comfort factors. In the sub-$350 office chair genre, three physical comfort factors deserve attention:
- Seat + Backrest fit: a chair too large or small for your size will deliver mediocre support.
- Lumbar quality: the lumbar support should have enough height adjustability to fit your lower back curve.
- Seat tilt surprises: a few models pack in fancy sync tilt functions to titillate your hips.
On the psychological front, cheap office chairs offer two main incentives:
- Value for money: some models boost perceived value with extended warranty protection
- Upholstery quality: color, breathability, and softness will all impact long-term happiness levels.
Four mid-back ergonomic chairs meet our ranking criteria better than others in 2023. Here are the best ergonomic office chairs priced under $350:
- Space Seating 24 Series: basic ergonomics + lifetime parts warranty | $300.14 on Amazon
- Nouhaus Palette: basic ergonomics + 3-year warranty + flashy colors | $199.99 on Amazon
- Staples Hyken: full mesh upholstery + basic ergonomics | $200.81 on Amazon
- Ticova Ergonomic Chair: height + depth-adjustable lumbar support | $299.99 on Amazon
- Modway Articulate Ergonomic Chair: super-basic semi-ergonomic | $160.82 on Amazon
Space Seating 24 Series
$300.14 on Amazon
Rated #1
The Space Seating 24 Series combines decent adjustable features with a lifetime parts (plus 3-year upholstery) warranty. Given its features, terms, and price, it’s a better on-paper value than every other chair in this review.
In practice, the big downside is obvious: aesthetics. Given the state of flashy modern desk chairs, the 24 Series has the charisma of plain oatmeal.
On the upside, those able to live with this chair’s aesthetic limits will enjoy some functional extras under the hood.
Chair features
The 24 Series does everything you need to sit with good posture. The lumbar support pad slides up or down with a generous 4″ range. Its armrests adjust up or down with a 2.5″ adjustment range.
The backrest is the most basic component. It has no tilt-lock recline – just a tilt-tension control and lock. Its fixed 100° recline keeps you in a very slight recline at all times — a sharp 90° angle lock isn’t possible.
The 24 Series support style is also noteworthy. When you tuck your hips deep into the seat, only the bottom portion of the backrest will hit your spine. The upper part plays away from your spine, giving you room to stretch.
For more seated movement, activate the rocking + synchronous tilt function. Then, for every two degrees you lean back, the seat will tilt up by one degree.
Summary of Specifications
- Upholstery: padded fabric seat; mesh backrest
- Lumbar support: height-adjustable (4″ range)
- Armrests: 1D (2.5″ height adjustment range)
- Recline: 2-to-1 synchro tilt (100-110° recline + 5° seat tilt)
- Warranty: lifetime on components; 3 years on upholstery and foam wear and tear.
The 24 Series is a good fit for average sizes (5’7″ and up) of average width or less.
- Seat width x depth: 19.25″ (W) x 20″(D)
- Backrest width x height: 20.5″ x 23.75″
- Seat height range: 19.25-23.25″
- Armrest to seat height range: 7.25-9.75″
- Size rating: 5’7″ to 6’2″; 250-pound weight capacity
Space Seating 24 Series Advice
The Space Seating 24 Series combines decent adjustable features with a lifetime parts and 3-year upholstery warranty. For the price, this is a better on-paper value than every other chair in this review.
- Complete ergonomic features
- Lifetime components warranty
- 3 year upholstery warranty
- Very easy to use
- Mega-boring design
- No tilt-lock recline or 90° support
- Armrests tend to split after 2 years
The biggest downsides: boring design; lack of a tilt-lock recline feature. Both serve psychological comfort needs — not physiological ones. You can live without these just fine.
So what type of oatmeal do you enjoy? If you prefer yours served cold and plain, the 24 Series might be for you!
Space Seating 24 Series on Amazon $300.14
Learn more: Space Seating 24 and 27 Series Reviews
Nouhaus Palette Office Chair
$199.99 on Amazon
Rated #2
Versus the 24 Series, the Nouhaus Palette pairs similar functions with a shorter 3-year warranty. Even so, it comes in an array of vibrant designs that put the 24 Series to shame.
Aesthetically, it resembles the super-popular Haworth Fern. That model gained mass appeal for its ultra-flexible backrest — with a cool little viewing window at the back.
The Palette also has a viewing window + height-adjustable lumbar combo. Like the Fern, it comes in an array of colorful fabric seat and mesh backrest combos. It’s also backed by a solid 3-year warranty.
Chair features
Like the Space Seating chair, the Palette lacks a tilt-locking recline. You can rock the chair from 90-135° or lock it upright — but not lock it at reclined angles.
Its star feature is an adjustable lumbar — with a cute rear viewing window: Like the 24 Series, it has a good 4″ height-adjustment range — plenty for everyone within the recommended size range.
Summary of Specifications
- Upholstery: padded fabric seat; mesh backrest
- Lumbar support: height-adjustable (4″ range)
- Armrests: 1D (3.4″ height adjustment range)
- Recline: 90-135° rock + 1° seat tilt
- Warranty: 3-year protection from Nouhaus.com.
- Seat width x depth: 20.25″ (W) x 17.3″(D)
- Backrest width x height: 18.3″ (top) x 20.5″
- Seat height range: 17.5-21.25″
- Armrest to seat height range: 7.25-9.75″
- Size rating: 5’4″ to 6’2″; 240-pound weight capacity
Nouhaus Palette Advice
Most chairs in this review let you tilt and lock the backrest at various angles. The Palette only lets you rock the chair or lock it upright. As well, like the Fern chair, it has a molded lumbar curve built into the backrest.
Also like the Fern, the built-in curve is not height-adjustable. Most Fern users will find that the curve hits too low. In the Palette chair, shorter (under 5’6″) and taller (over 6’0″) users may find that it hits the wrong spot.
The Palette’s adjustable lumbar helps to override a misfit. Even so, if the built-in curve doesn’t fit your size, you’ll never enjoy a perfect fit in this chair.
- Colorful fabric and mesh designs
- Spacious seats
- Good lumbar support
- Very easy to use
- Solid 3-year warranty
- No tilt-lock recline
- Built-in lumbar won’t fit everyone
- The armrests feel a bit flimsy
- Some may find the seat too stiff
Despite the downsides, there’s little risk here. If you fit within the recommended size rating, the Palette is a cheap, fun, easy-to-use desk chair option.
Staples Hyken
$200.81 on Amazon
Rated #3
The Hyken beats the features of the previous two chairs on three fronts. First, with a tilt lock reclining backrest. You can recline this chair with a fat 100° to 140° recline range with 4 lockable positions.
Second, it has the fattest synchronous tilt recline range among all cheap chairs. As you recline between 100-140°, sync-tilt kicks in at a 2:1 ratio. So if you kick back at a 120° angle, the seat will tilt up by 10°.
Third, it’s one of the cheapest full-mesh ergonomic chairs on the market!
On the downside, this chair is not built to last. If you use it full-time, expect a year of use before it starts disintegrating.
Staples Hyken Features
The Hyken is a compact chair designed for small to average sizes. All adjustable components work well for those within the recommended size range.
The biggest complaint you’ll find about the Hyken is its ill-fitting headrest. Google ‘Hyken headrest hack’ to learn how to perform surgery on your chair. Alternatively, remove the headrest.
Then, you’ll enjoy a similar quality of back support as a pricey Herman Miller chair!
Summary of Specifications
My only quibble with the Hyken’s features is its 3″ (4-position) lumbar support height-adjustment range. Those taller than 5’10” will find it hits too low, even at the highest setting.
- Backrest: recline and lock with a 100° to 140° range (4 lock positions); synthetic mesh upholstery.
- Lumbar support: height-adjustable (4 positions, 3″ range).
- Headrest: included but removable.
- Seat: full mesh, height-adjustable.
- Armrests: 1D adjustable (up and down).
- Warranty: 30-day return policy; 3-year warranty extension for $19.99.
The Hyken is a small chair suitable for slim figures of average height. The biggest problem for shorter sizes is that the headrest sits too high. Luckily, removing the headrest solves that issue — while enhancing the chair’s spinal support qualities!
- 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
A few things stop the Hyken from being the perfect ergonomic chair. First, a slightly larger lumbar support height range would enable a better fit for larger users.
Second, it has poor durability. After a year of full-time use, the mesh seat may start to sag; parts will loosen. After two years, you’ll definitely be off-balance in a chair that squeaks and rattles!
Third, Staples after-care is notoriously stingy. Even if you buy the 3-year warranty ($19.99), it will only cover objective flaws like obvious cracks or tears. Subjective ones like sagging mesh or loose parts won’t qualify.
- Complete ergonomic features
- Full mesh upholstery
- Powerful sync-tilt
- Easy to use
- The lumbar support is too low for taller sizes
- Parts get looser over time
- The mesh seat will slightly sag over time
- Ill-fitting headrest (remove it!)
On the plus side, the Hyken delivers as advertised. It’s a cool, breathable seat that’s easy to use and very comfortable. Priced at $200.81, it’s a steal!
Keep in mind that our top-rated Space Seating chair also offers a full-mesh variant. The Space Seating 27 Series has the same features as the 24 Series, plus a full mesh seat. For around $120 more than the Hyken, it delivers rock-solid durability with a (legit) lifetime parts warranty!
Learn more: Staples Hyken Ergonomic Chair Review
Ticova Ergonomic Chair
$299.99 on Amazon
Rated #4
The Ticova chair gained popularity for its solid build and 4-way lumbar support. The updated version adds 4D armrests.
Its adjustable headrest also provides a good fit for taller sizes. Even so, if you want to develop strong, healthy neck muscles, remove the headrest for best results.
Ticova Chair Features
The older version of the Ticova chair came with 4-way adjustable lumbar support and a 3-position lockable recline. The updated 2022 edition adds fully-adjustable 4D armrests. No other ergonomic chair in this price range offers the same.
The biggest bummer is the small lumbar support adjustment range. The existing range suits shorter sizes — those taller than 5’10” may find it hits too low (even at the highest setting).
Summary of Specifications
This is a solid chair with good adjustability best suited for short, thick sizes.
- 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″.
- Seat: padded fabric covering.
- Armrests: 4D (2.8″ height range; 2.4″ depth range; 40° swivel).
- Warranty: 1 year.
The Ticova chair’s dimensions and seat height range are an ideal fit for shorter sizes (5’9″ and under). Smaller figures with wide hips will also enjoy the flat, wide, padded seat.
Users taller than 5’10” will find that the headrest fits, but the lumbar support hits too low.
- 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
Would you rather the cool, breathable comfort of a full mesh Hyken, or the 4D armrests on a Ticova chair? The latter’s padded fabric seat isn’t as breathable.
Durability is a dead heat: the Hyken’s mesh will eventually sag; the Ticova’s seat padding will flatten and get lumpy.
- Good ergonomic features
- 4D armrests
- Easy to use
- 4-way adjustable lumbar support
- The lumbar support is too low for taller sizes
- Parts get looser over time
- The seat padding will flatten after a year or so
- Ill-fitting headrest (remove it!)
Beyond the seat difference, both chairs offer similar features and prices. If you go with the Ticova chair, try it with and without the headrest. See for yourself which style promotes a more steady neck posture.
Once you’ve decided on the latter, near-perfect posture is yours for the life of this chair!
Modway Articulate Ergonomic Chair
$160.82 on Amazon
Rated #5
At a glance, the Modway Articulate Ergonomic Chair looks very basic. It has a mesh backrest, padded fabric seat, and adjustable arms — but no adjustable lumbar support.
Instead, the backrest has a built-in lumbar curve. While you can’t adjust the lumbar, you can adjust the backrest height. As a result, you can control the height of the backrest — and lumbar support — with ease.
Modway Chair Features
Beyond the height-adjustable backrest and armrests, all functionality exists as levers under the left side of the chair.
The first one lets you tilt the backrest by 10° and lock it at an angle. Use the second to tilt the seat by one degree up or down. The third controls the seat height. Finally, the tilt-tension knob toggles backrest and seat tensions.
Summary of Modway Articulate Specifications
- Functionality: 1D armrests; adjustable back height; 360 degree swivel; adjustable seat height.
- Backrest: adjustable backrest height with built-in lumbar; tilt-locking backrest and seat.
- Upholstery: mesh backrest; fabric padded seat.
- Warranty: one year.
The Modway Articulate Mesh Chair has a flat seat and super-sturdy build. Average / taller sizes of moderate thickness should enjoy a great fit. Despite the 331-pound weight capacity, extra-wide bodies may find the 17.5″ seat width too narrow.
- Seat width x depth: 17.5″ (W) x 21″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 19″ (W) x 21″ (H)
- Seat height: 17-21″
- Size rating: 5’7″ to 6’3″; 331-pound weight capacity.
Modway Articulate Advice
Fancy ergonomic chairs have many settings. These let users customize all aspects of the neutral sitting experience. That can get very complicated:
The Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office chair simplifies the process. To sit with a healthy posture in this chair, adjust the height of the backrest. Once its lumbar curve fits your lower back, lean your body weight into it.
With your feet planted, sitting straight for long periods will then become very easy!
- Good ergonomic features
- Easy to use
- Good height-adjustable backrest/ lumbar support
- Solid, tank-like build
- The fancy tilt functions aren’t reliable
- With heavy use, the seat padding flattens
The biggest downside should be obvious: a chair this cheap uses low-quality materials. For instance, many users have reported that the backrest tilt malfunctions or jams with heavy use. As well, the cheap padded seat will get lumpy over time.
Luckily, another reason this chair is so popular is the stellar after-care. If anything goes wrong, reach out to Modway support via Amazon for a swift resolution.
Bottom line: the Modway Articulate is one of the cheapest, most basic reliable ergonomic chairs on the market. If you want good back support without fancy frills, this is a smart spartan pick.
Learn more: Modway Articulate Mesh Ergonomic Chair Review
Cheap Office Chair Accessories
Footrests (for short sizes) and seat cushions (for sore bums) are the two most common accessories to stack with a cheap ergo chair.
All Sizes Under 5’9″ Need A Footrest
Most chairs in this review have lumbar support systems better suited to shorter sizes. However, most adult desk surfaces are 28-30″ high.
To sync the armrests with the desk work surface, shorter users must often raise the armrests too high. That forces the shoulders to bunch up, which isn’t ideal. In some cases, syncing with a desk will leave short legs dangling off the floor!
The solution is simple. All users sized 5’9″ or shorter should add an ergonomic footrest. Here at ChairsFX (I’m 5’9″), I use a Mind Reader model ($24.92 on Amazon).
Beyond helping people sit taller at a desk, ergonomic footrests also add more chances to move. Learn more:
Purple Seat Cushion For Sore Bums
Firmer seats provide better stability. As a result, they’re more expensive. Cheap office chairs typically have stiff seats that quickly become mushy.
Most people should be able to adapt; sensitive bums may chafe. To keep a seat comfortable, a Purple Gamechanger Seat Cushion is a popular solution.
The Gamechanger is an 18 x 22 x 2.5″ (LxWxH) slab made from Hyper-Elastic Polymer. As you sit, the grid cradles your tailbone. At the same time, it provides extra cushioning for the rest of the seat.
Infused air channels maintain temperature-neutral support. The cover is removable and machine-washable. To clean the grid, give it a good scrub with water and soap.
On Amazon, there are dozens of copycat models selling for under $40. Don’t be fooled. The brand’s name is “Purple”; its flagship product is called the “Gamechanger”. It’s widely regarded as the best gaming cushion money can buy.
Conclusion
On the surface, good posture support is about as exciting as a good bowel movement. In the cutthroat world of cheap ergonomic chairs, that influences marketing tactics. As a result, sizzle often sells better than steak in this price range.
This is why many sub-$350 chairs come stacked with fancy extras. Ill-fitting headrests are common, as are flashy upholsteries. Another tactic is to offer a 4-way lumbar – with a tiny adjustment range that’s basically unusable!
Luckily, four models offer solid performance and value in 2023. If you’re looking for the very best cheap mid-back desk chair, consider one of these:
- Space Seating 24 Series: basic ergonomics + lifetime parts warranty | $300.14 on Amazon
- Nouhaus Palette: basic ergonomics + 3-year warranty + flashy colors | $199.99 on Amazon
- Staples Hyken: full mesh upholstery + basic ergonomics | $200.81 on Amazon
- Ticova Ergonomic Chair: height + depth-adjustable lumbar support | $299.99 on Amazon
- Modway Articulate Ergonomic Chair: super-basic semi-ergonomic | $160.82 on Amazon
Next on the office chair pricing scale are more luxurious chairs costing between $350 to $700. There, you’ll find slightly nicer aesthetics, better adjustability, and warranty protection between 2-12 years.
For a deeper dive into that scene, read this feature:
