$200 is a fair price for an office chair, wouldn’t you agree? There are plenty of options to choose from, but an office chair requires a lot of research. It should include basic features, but even that might not be enough. If you work in an office all day, you will need an ergonomically designed chair that not only improves your posture, but also looks good in any setting as well.
Luckily, many manufacturers are working to design some of the best office chairs. However, a chair is never a one-size-fits-all because everyone is different. So, if you don’t want to spend too much but still need a decent chair, then there are some options you can steal for under $200.
Of course, price plays a huge role in our everyday life. Like most products, the market includes high-end luxury office chairs to cheap budget options that no one deserves to be sat on them. That said, we were able to find some of the best office chairs just under $200, so you won’t end up wasting your money. These chairs are made from top quality brands, with high-quality materials and proper ergonomic design to help with your posture, and more.
How We Picked Our Chairs
While putting together this guide, we initially looked at the dimensions of each chair. After all, you want your chair to be spacious enough and comfortable, regardless of your body shape. Next, we also had to look at the capacity of the chair because this is crucial if you want to know whether it will work for you or someone else.
One thing we never underestimate is the upholstery materials used to make the chairs. For this review, a mesh fabric chair is ideal if you want to maintain breathability in the long run. However, leather is also a decent option as it looks more expensive and requires less maintenance.
Finally, we looked at the adjustable features and design of each chair. While you want to make sure that you’re investing in an ergonomic chair, you also want it to look decent and even eye-catching. Lack of adjustability means you won’t have many opportunities for customization and that could be a letdown for a lot of users. Similarly, some people might prefer a more aesthetically-pleasing design that looks and feels nice.
For that reason, it’s hard to find the best office chair because people have different requirements according to their preferences or bodies. Lucky for you, this guide has versatile options that fit different needs.
Flash Furniture High-Back Black Mesh Swivel Ergonomic Executive Office Chair
If you’re looking for an office chair that’s not one from one of the big guys (Steelcase or Humanscale), we have an affordable option. This high back mesh chair from Flash Furniture is ideal for people who prefer to personalize their chairs and stay comfortable at the same time.
Speaking of customization, this model has an adjustable headrest, which makes it perfect for users who tend to lean back and relax from time to time. It comes with a tilt tension adjustment knob and decent lumbar support that keeps your whole body supported.
This executive chair has a minimalistic design, but a lot of people prefer this over a complicated office chair. It’s made with black nylon, a chrome base that contrasts with the all-black appearance. The wheels are also silent and they glide effortlessly around any floors.
The best thing about this chair is that it comes in four different styles you can choose from, such as high back, contemporary, mid back, and mid back drafting chair. To top it all off, you can get this in many colors, but we’ll only mention a few: blue, dark gray, light gray, green, red, white, etc.
What we like:
- Mesh backrest and headrest are a nice touch
- The frame isn’t too rigid
- Decent adjustable features
- Comes in different styles and colors
- BIFMA approved
What we don’t like:
- Lack of adjustable armrests might throw off some people
Hbada Office Task Desk Chair
For all people out there who want to own a contemporary looking chair, this Hbada task desk chair is the one for you. This model is made to be comfortable and attractive at the same time, so you get a 2 in 1 package.
What we like most about this chair is the compact design because it has a smaller seat and back, which makes it ideal for anyone with a cramped office space. Don’t let its size throw you off because this model can hold up to 250 lbs.
Something that really stands out for this chair is the unique armrests. They’re comfortable, but you can also move them out of the way if you don’t intend on using them. This can be done with one or both arms at a time, and that’s what makes this a versatile office chair.
Another thing worth mentioning is the casters. These wheels are highly durable and can rotate individually, giving you the sensation that the chair is gliding over the floor. They’re also extremely quiet, so it’s perfect for people who share an office, but don’t want to bother other coworkers when moving around.
In terms of adjustable features, this task chair is height adjustable from 16.5 inches to 19.5 inches to match different sizes and a 120-degree tilt tension to help relax at any angle. The ergonomic backrest fits the curve of your lower back and it helps to relieve any pain.
Lastly, the chair is made of high density mesh back that’s both flexible and breathable, providing you with the support that your spine needs. You can get this in three different colors: white, black and beige to match the interior of your office.
What we like:
- Flip-up armrests
- High-quality caster wheels
- Breathable mesh to keep your back supported
- Compact and contemporary design
- Comes in three neutral colors that match any workspace
What we don’t like:
- It might be too low for taller people
OFM ESS-6050 Ergonomic High-Back Bonded Leather Executive Chair
Even if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a brand new chair, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your comfort. If you’re looking for a high-back executive office chair, we recommend the OFM Essentials Leather chair as it has a more traditional design, but it comes with extra features that you’ll love.
First of all, the integrated headrest on the backrest makes this one of the most comfortable chairs. The armrests and the seat can be adjusted up and down and this will make the chair more comfortable. It also includes an adjustable lumbar support to match your work preferences.
Since this is a classic executive chair, it’s made of PU leather that looks and feels like the real deal. Although it’s faux leather, the material is still breathable and easier to clean, which makes it even more comfortable on a daily basis. Added to this extra level of comfort is an ultra plush cushioning that covers the back and seat of the chair.
What we like:
- Adjustable armrests
- Integrated headrest
- Plush cushioning that’s durable and doesn’t deform over time
- Large seat and backrest accommodates even taller users
- The SoftThread leather gives it a luxurious appeal
- 5-year limited warranty
- Weight limit is 250 lbs
What we don’t like:
- Relatively heavy to move it around
- Not the best chair for summer
Modway EEI-210-ORA Attainment Mesh Back and Vinyl Seat Modern Office Chair
Let’s add a pop of color to your office with this Modway Attainment Office Chair that’s an eye-catching design with a very high weight capacity. If the above chairs didn’t suit your larger frame, this one definitely will because it holds up to 300 lbs.
The reason for this capacity is its ultra-durable base that’s thick enough to support anyone on the larger side. Added to that, the wheels are also durable, which boosts the capacity of the chair. Additionally, the action spring that links the chair to the base is thicker, which means it’s stronger than usual chairs. When all of these components come together, you’re left with a high-quality chair that has a higher than average capacity and it doesn’t look too shabby either.
The chair is also great for taller users as well as it can be raised up to 22 inches off the ground. It includes flip-up armrests that you can get rid of whenever you don’t want to use them or want to save space.
The five dual-wheeled casters glide around effortlessly, without making too much noise. To complete the adjustable features, the chair has a synchro tilt and lock mechanism that allows your feet to stay flat on the ground as you tilt backwards.
Something else that helps to set this chair apart from the other models is the sleek and contemporary design that many people rave about. If you want to make a statement in your office, this is definitely the chair to go for because of its bright orange color that contrasts beautifully with the white and black details. If orange is not your color, you can also opt for other alternatives, such as:
- Blue
- Burgundy
- Black
- Red
- Tan
- Brown
What we like:
- Breathable mesh backrest
- Comes in multiple color options
- Available in a drafting style as well
- Large height range
- High weight capacity (300 lbs)
- Padded seat for extra comfort
What we don’t like:
- Assembly can be tricky
Neo Office Chair
If you’re looking for a big, comfy seat with a lot of padding, this Neo Chair is the one for you. The chair looks like a mix of modern gaming chair and traditional executive chair, so it’s ideal for people who love to experiment with their comfort.
This chair comes with double layered cushions, a thick high-raised back, and a spacious seat that accommodates any type of user. The S-shaped backrest is ergonomically designed to help align your posture and relieve any discomfort you might have. It also uses PU foam and another layer of thick padded foam, making it ideal for long office hours.
When it comes to the build quality of the chair, this model’s chrome base is strong and durable as it can withstand up to 300 lbs. You can also adjust the seat height and glide around the office effortlessly with the nylon caster wheels.
We especially love the faux leather covering as it gives the chair a more sophisticated look. This is skin-friendly leather that’s made especially for prolonged sitting, but is easy to clean and maintain. The seat is made of high elasticity cushion that provides continuous support all day while working or gaming. Another feature that stands out is the white details that contrast with the black leather and the shiny base. If you want, you can also get this in a brown, ivory, or grey color.
What we like:
- Adjustable seat height
- Double-layered padding all over the chair
- Made of faux leather upholstery
- Tilt-lock and rock mechanism
- Padded armrest for additional comfort
- Solid chrome base supports up to 300 lbs
- 360-degree swivel PU caster wheels
- Wider seat and backrest
- Comes in four neutral colors
- Assembly is easy
What we don’t like:
- The padding may feel too soft, but it’s personal preference
KOLLIEE Mid Back Mesh Office Chair
Our next pick is the KOLLIE mid-back mesh office chair as it’s one of the most budget-friendly chairs in this guide, so you can experience both comfort and durability. Despite its price range, the chair is made of high-quality materials that ensure your back feels comfortable even for prolonged sitting.
What makes this chair extra comfortable is the high-resilience foam cushion that’s soft enough for your back. The backrest has an S-shape design, which provides decent support during office hours. The ‘X’ on the backrest offers better stability and looks very sophisticated at the same time.
The mesh is made of the best quality because it’s U.S made, so you can expect only the best. It covers both the backrest and the seat, so it’s ideal if you don’t like sitting on a PU leather chair.
When it comes to adjustments, you can adjust the height up to 4 inches and have a 360-degree swivel function. In case you want to save more space or you prefer to not have your arms touch the armrests, the chair has a flip-up feature that allows you to hide the arms.
What we like:
- Great value for money
- Comfortable mesh chair
- Adjustable height from 16.5 to 20.5 inches
- 30-degree tilt-rocking function
- 360-degree swivel caster wheels
- The seat is 2.8 inches thick
- Lightweight and easy to move around
What we don’t like:
- Installation is time-consuming
- No tilt-lock function
What to Consider When Choosing an Office Chair
Now that you took some time to go through our affordable chairs review, we will provide you with some additional information on how you can find the perfect office chair that meets your working needs. We’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions, so make sure to read them if you need more information.
Upholstery Material
The most important thing to consider with an office chair is the type of material. There are three basic types of upholstery materials that you can find in an office chair:
- Fabric – This type of material is extremely breathable and comfortable, especially if you tend to work in a warmer area. They require minimal maintenance, so if you’re someone who uses their chair regularly, you don’t need to worry about cleaning it often. However, the one issue with fabric chairs is that they’re usually not that durable.
- PU Leather – Leather might look expensive, but you can find high-quality leather chairs under $200 without spending a ton of money. This type of material is easy to clean as it doesn’t absorb water and it lasts for a long time. Unlike real leather, PU leather doesn’t dry out after a while. The biggest problem with this material is that it’s not too breathable, especially during warmer seasons.
- Mesh – This is the most breathable material out there, that’s why many people prefer it. However, mesh can’t be used for an entire chair; it’s usually used for the backrest since that’s where air is mostly trapped. It’s not the most durable material either.
Weight Capacity
Once you’re done with the material for your new chair, you need to look into the weight capacity as well. Obviously, the larger the chair, the higher the capacity is going to be. If you work in a small space, you’ll need something like the Hbada Task Chair, though this can hold up to 250 lbs.
Backrest and Seat
Two other factors that you need to consider are the dimensions of the seat and backrest. As a rule of thumb, you should get a chair with a larger seat and backrest than you think you’ll need. That’s the best way to ensure you have plenty of room to move around while working.
You also need to consider the space at your desk or table, so the chair fits appropriately. Again, if you don’t have a lot of room, you could opt for a chair like the Hbada, which has a smaller seat and backrest, and is ideal for petite users.
Overall Dimensions
The overall dimensions of a chair are the best indicator whether or not you have sufficient space in your office. The dimensions help you determine how much floor space will a chair occupy and how tall you chair is. We recommend measuring your space beforehand, so you don’t end up moving the chair around the office.
Seat Height
Finding the best chair for all types of people is impossible because everyone has different needs. However, if a chair has a seat height adjustment, it will make things a lot easier. The versatility in raising and lowering a chair enables you to find the right height, no matter if you’re tall or short.
Adjustable Armrests
Adjustable armrests are another feature that may be overlooked sometimes. Although you might be able to change the height of the chair, you still might not be comfortable enough if you can’t adjust the height of the armrests.
There are many ways armrests can be adjusted. You can start by tightening and loosing the knob or you can have a quick release that makes them move up and down faster. Both options work well, but the quick release is obviously much quicker.
Ergonomic Seat and Lumbar Support
Last but definitely not least, you want to consider an ergonomic chair that not only looks good, but also keeps your posture healthy. The most important reason for this is that it saves you a lot of back pain while working.
Another good idea is to opt for a chair with a lower lumbar support that has extra cushioning for your back. As a result, you can sit in a more comfortable way for an extended period of time. Additionally, this support ensures your body doesn’t get sore, which is, obviously, quite important.
FAQs
Do Office Chairs make any Difference?
Absolutely, yes! Office chairs make a different when you sit for a prolonged time. These chairs are designed to be comfortable and increase productivity in the office. They also include ergonomic features, such as height adjustment, lumbar support, tilt angle adjustment, head support, etc.
Do Office Chairs Promote Healthy Posture?
Office chairs are ergonomically designed to improve your posture as they have lumbar support, S-shaped backrest, armrests, all of which help align your spine. Additionally, these features also reduce muscle tension from the shoulders and lower back, minimizing the risk of back pain.
What makes Office Chairs Different from Other Chairs?
The typical chairs that you see around are most likely not designed for long hours of work. Most of them lack comfortable padding, back support, armrest, tilt function, and other features which are essential in improving your posture. However, you can work for many hours sitting on an office chair and still not feel sore the next day because that’s what they’re designed for.