You don’t need a $1,000 ergonomic office chair. The primary goal of an ergonomic chair is to support a dynamic neutral sitting posture. Any model with core adjustable features can be considered fully ‘ergonomic’. In 2025, five models stand out with fundamentally sound support for dynamic neutral postures.
The main trade-off for budget-friendly options is durability. While premium brands like Herman Miller, Steelcase, and Haworth offer 12-year warranties, the chairs listed below are guaranteed for only 1-3 years.
If you can accept that drawback, these chairs provide all the necessary features to support healthy neutral postures while sitting at a desk:
- Colamy Atlas: good adjustability and a 3-year warranty | $233.99 on Amazon
- Staples Hyken: full mesh upholstery + basic ergonomics | $129.99 on Amazon
- Ticova Ergonomic Chair: height + depth-adjustable lumbar support | $229.99 on Amazon
- Space Seating 24 Series: basic ergonomics + lifetime parts warranty | $272.14 on Amazon
- Modway Articulate Ergonomic Chair: super-basic semi-ergonomic | $130.00 on Amazon
Related: 2025 Ergonomic Health Trends For Desk Workers
The Gist: In 2025, a healthy desk routine involves chair-supported neutral postures interspersed with frequent movement , backed by healthy habits like exercise. Even if money is tight, a basic fully-ergonomic chair (like the ones in this review) provides the essential tools to help you thrive, both physically and cognitively.
Best ergonomic office chairs under $350
The first thing to look for when shopping for an office chair is a good fit. The key fitting metric is the depth of the seat. Using one too deep for your legs will pull your knees forward. That will flatten your lower back curve — negating your chair’s posture support potential.
The second thing to assess is a chair’s adjustable features. On that front, every chair in this review serves up solid adjustability in support of neutral postures.
Colamy Atlas
$233.99 on Amazon Rated #1: for sizes 5’4″ to 6’2″ (162-187 cm)
The Colamy Atlas ranks #1 because it has the best adjustable features and the second-longest warranty among our top picks. Made in South Korea, it stands out with fully-adjustable 4D armrests, a seat slider (adjustable seat depth), and a 3-year warranty.
Even though it costs over $100 more than the #2-rated Staples Hyken, these extras justify the cost. In particular, the 4D arms give you better adjustability than many premium ergonomic chairs, while the 3-year warranty suggests a sturdy build suitable for full-time desk work.
Chair features
The Atlas combines robust adjustable features with well-thought-out design elements for maximum user-friendliness.
For instance, you can easily adjust the lumbar support while sitting in the chair, making it simple to quickly find your ideal sweet spot.
Similarly, unlike many pricier models, you can also adjust the seat depth while seated; just turn the knob located on the left side of the chair to toggle the seat forward or back.
Summary of Specifications
- Upholstery: padded fabric seat; mesh backrest
- Lumbar support: height-adjustable (4″ range)
- Armrests: 4D
- Recline: 107-132°
- Headrest: height x depth-adjustable
- Tilt lock: lockable in 4 positions
- Warranty: 3 years
- Seat width x depth: 19.8″ (W) x 15.75-17.72″ (D)
- Backrest width x height: 18.5″ x 22.8″
- Seat height range: 16.7″ x 21.06″
- Size rating: 5’4″ to 6’2″; 300-pound weight capacity
Colamy Atlas Advice
South Korea is the birthplace of professional esports and the home to a surprising number of high-quality chair manufacturers. The Atlas chair lives up to that pedigree with a solid warranty, robust features, and thoughtful design.
- Excellent adjustable features for the price
- Solid 3-year warranty
- Thoughtful design with user-friendly touches
- Easy to use
- No tilt-lock recline
- Built-in lumbar won’t fit everyone
- The armrests feel a bit flimsy
- Some may find the seat too stiff
The thoughtfulness of the design truly stands out. You can tell that Colamy engineers worked hard to create a user-friendly sitting experience. You can control nearly everything while seated: the seat depth, armrests, lumbar support, and recline.
Given its comfort, ease of use, durability, and extensive adjustability, the Atlas easily ranks as the best budget office chair of 2025.
Staples Hyken
$129.99 on Amazon Rated #2: for sizes 5’3″ to 5’10” (160-177 cm)
If money’s tight, the Hyken is around $100 cheaper than the Colamy Atlas, but it comes with some obvious cutbacks. Instead of the Atlas’s 4D armrests, you get basic 1D arms. Also, instead of a solid 3-year warranty, you only receive a 30-day return window.
On the positive side, the Hyken’s breathable mesh seat provides a cooler sitting experience than the Atlas’s padded seat. As well, its sync-tilting seat feature is similar to the mechanism Steelcase offers on its priciest office 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°.
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.
A common complaint about this chair is its ill-fitting headrest. Google ‘Hyken headrest hack’ to learn how to perform surgery on your chair. Alternatively, remove the headrest.
Minus the headrest, the Hyken provides solid support for healthy back and neck posture.
Summary of Specifications
- 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.
- 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, expect the mesh seat to sag, while parts begin to loosen.
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 – for a year or so of full-time use.
Learn more: Staples Hyken Ergonomic Chair Review
Ticova Ergonomic Chair
$229.99 on Amazon Rated #3: for sizes 5’7″ to 6’0″ (170-182 cm)
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 edition adds fully-adjustable 4D armrests.
The biggest letdown 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
- 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.
- 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: 5’7″ 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.
Space Seating 24 Series
$272.14 on Amazon Rated #4: for sizes 5’7″ to 6’2″ (170-187 cm)
The Space Seating 24 Series is like an uglier version of the Staples Hyken, with similar features. But while the Hyken has poor durability, the 24 Series comes with a lifetime parts and 3-year upholstery warranty.
If you can live with the basic adjustability and dreary aesthetics, the solid built should keep you sitting comfortably with good posture for years.
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 — the perfect angle for long periods of desk work.
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.
- 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.
Space Seating 24 Series on Amazon $272.14
Learn more: Space Seating 24 and 27 Series Reviews
Modway Articulate Ergonomic Chair
$130.00 on Amazon Rated #5: for sizes 5’8″ to 6’3″ (172-190 cm)
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.
- 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: 5’8″ 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. 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.
Learn more: Modway Articulate Mesh Ergonomic Chair Review
Ergonomic Office Chair Benefits
To qualify as ‘ergonomic’, a chair needs three adjustable features. All chairs in this review come with the necessary trio. Adjustable lumbar support aligns the spine. Adjustable armrests provide extra bracing to hold the torso up against gravity. A reclining backrest lets a seated body move.
Combined, these features support users into healthy neutral sitting postures. It doesn’t matter if you spend under $350 or over $1500 — the methods of support and outcome are the same!
Premium chairs from Herman Miller and Steelcase come with 12-year warranties. In comparison, sub-$350 chairs are guaranteed for 1-5 years. Cheaper models also come with less aesthetic polish than pricier ones.
Beyond these differences, the quality of back support is the same. In all cases, a good fit + proper adjustments + neutral sitting techniques yield the best results.
Cheap Office Chair Advice
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 ($25.99 on Amazon).
Beyond helping people sit taller at a desk, ergonomic footrests also add more chances to move. Learn more:
Fix Stiff Seats With A Purple Seat Cushion
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.
Remove Headrest For Best Results
In this review, the Hyken and Ticova chairs both have headrests; the others come without. In my experience, you’re better off using mid-back office chairs without a headrest. There are a few reasons.
First, office chair headrests are only designed to support the neck during deep reclines. While sitting upright, the headrest should angle away from the neck. That makes it useless in support of upright desk work.
Second, office chair headrests are not depth-adjustable. If you set your chair to its most upright position (usually 100°) the headrest will distort your posture by pushing your neck forward — it’s as painful as it looks! Learn more:
Concluding Advice
All of the chairs listed in this review are equipped to support healthy neutral postures. Compared to high-end office chairs, the biggest drawback is durability.
The next level up is a series of chairs priced between $350-$700. These provide similar adjustability as the cheap chairs in this review, with longer warranties. For instance, our top-rated mid-range chair is the $499.00 Steelcase Series 1.
Like cheaper models, the Series 1 supports neutral postures with adjustable arms, adjustable lumbar support, and a reclining backrest. It differs with a rock-solid build quality guaranteed for 12 years.
Bottom line: the best cheap ergonomic office chairs support neutral postures as effectively as pricier ones. On the downside, they don’t last as long. If you can live with that drawback, here are your best options:
- Colamy Atlas: good adjustability and a 3-year warranty | $233.99 on Amazon
- Staples Hyken: full mesh upholstery + basic ergonomics | $129.99 on Amazon
- Ticova Ergonomic Chair: height + depth-adjustable lumbar support | $229.99 on Amazon
- Space Seating 24 Series: basic ergonomics + lifetime parts warranty | $272.14 on Amazon
- Modway Articulate Ergonomic Chair: super-basic semi-ergonomic | $130.00 on Amazon
If durability is a priority, consider spending a bit more for a mid-range model:
Best Mid-Tier Task Chairs: $350 to $700
Related: Best Premium Ergonomic Office Chairs $800-$2300: Are They Worth It?
