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Best Office Chairs Under $500

Finding the best office chairs while in a budget can be challenging. But we’re on a mission to help you pick the one that matches your budget and preferences under $500. The best part about it is that you don’t need to sacrifice comfort and ergonomics.

While it’s true that high-end chairs offer more functionality and quality, that’s not always the case. Sometimes they may have unnecessary features that aren’t practical, so this turns into a waste of money. The best office chair should be designed with build quality, ergonomics, and a healthy posture in mind. However, this is also subjective because everyone has different needs.

Some people might prioritize comfort, while others want something that promotes a healthy posture. Either way, everyone wants a budget-friendly chair that has one or all of these features. If you opt for an ergonomic chair, your back and joints will thank you for as long as you use it. Let’s take a look at our review of the best office chairs under $500.

Factors to Consider when Buying an Ergonomic Office Chair

Before we dwell into our review, it’s always a good idea to check out some of the most important factors before making a purchase. Otherwise, you’ll regret getting a chair that doesn’t meet your needs and desires.

Ergonomics

Without a doubt, ergonomics are the most critical factor in an office chair, so you should never overlook them. Ergonomics are important as they bring comfort through different aspects, such as lumbar, back support, and neck support.

Lumbar support: Many chair manufacturers claim to have a lumbar support as their feature, but not all of them have the proper mechanism for it. This feature is designed to support your entire back at whatever sitting angle or posture.

Back Support: Obviously, an ergonomic chair should improve your back and give proper support at all times. If you have back problems, not only will you benefit from this feature, but you’ll also feel more relaxed. Additionally, any chair that comes with a reclining backrest improves your back and joint muscles.

Shoulder and Neck Support: You should always go for a sturdy, height-adjustable headrest if you want to relax your body and relieve some pressure from your neck and shoulders.

Adjustability

A chair with adjustable features will make a difference in your life. Whether you’re tall, big, short or small, you need to focus on this feature as it helps you adjust to your body shape. You can also adjust the height, width, and tilt for extra support. At the same time, if you want to lean back, relax or sleep on the chair, you can adjust them to your desired reclining angle.

Build Quality

The demand for high-quality office chairs is constantly increasing and many manufacturers are trying to up their game by improving the build quality of their chairs. Since office chairs are supposed to last for a long time (suppose you take care of them), then you should not exceed the weight capacity.

Build quality is closely linked with the quality of the material that’s used to construct the chair, so the safest choice is to pick a strong but lightweight material.

Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair 

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The Duramont ergonomic office chair has made quite an appearance in many of our reviews, so it’s no surprise that it fits the requirements of this list as well. Because of that, this is our first pick for one of the best office chairs under $500.

The chair has a simple yet highly functional design. First, the high-density foam and the adjustable feature make this a customizable computer desk chair that suits the needs and preferences of your body. However, we have to agree that the most beloved feature of this chair is its ergonomic back support.

It comes with a fully adjustable back support, a recline feature to tilt back or sit upright, and an adjustment lever that locks the chair in your desired angle at any degree. This model is made of the highest quality materials and rollerblade caster wheels that roll effortlessly across the office floor.

Since we mentioned materials, the Duramont is made of breathable mesh, which means it supports and keeps your back cool at all times. Additionally, cool air circulates through the mesh, so you stay sweat-free, especially for prolonged hours.

We have to go back to adjustability and mention a few things. The chair has adjustable headrest height and angle, armrest height, seat height, backrest tilt, tilt tension, and lumbar support height and depth. That’s a lot of adjustable features going on, but you’ll love it.

What we like:

  • Many adjustable features
  • High elastic and breathable mesh backrest
  • Minimalistic design to match any office interior
  • Weight capacity it 330 lbs
  • Simple instructions make this easy to install
  • 5-year warranty

What we don’t like:

  • There have been some complaints about the wheels not rolling too easily.

WorkPro® Quantum 9000 Series Ergonomic Mid-Back Mesh/Mesh Chair

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If you’re looking for a modern office chair under $500, this WorkPro Quantum chair is one of the best options for that. One of the main reasons for picking this chair is that it resembles one of the Herman Miller chairs, but the price will make you want to order it right now.

The two most prominent features of this model are the high-quality lumbar support that protects your back and the waterfall seat cushion that helps minimize leg pressure. Apart from this, you can also adjust the chair by tilting it, lowering or increasing the armrests, and setting the seat depth.

If you’re one of those people who care about the environment (which you should already), you’ll be happy to know that this model is made of 55% total recycled content, plus 55% postconsumer content to help reduce waste.

The WorkPro Quantum is made of breathable mesh, which ensures no sweat gets trapped in the chair or your body. It has a minimalistic but modern design which many people love as it looks great in any office workspace. Additionally, the nylon frame and steel under-core add to the durability of the chair.

What we like:

  • Advanced lower back lumbar support
  • Optimized airflow
  • Adjustable armrests height, seat depth, and tilt lock
  • Contains 55% total recycled content
  • Strong and durable base
  • Waterfall seat cushion that contours your body
  • Weight limit is 250 lbs

What we don’t like:

  • It’s quite heavy to move it around

DUOREST Gold Home Office Desk Chair

We have to add this innovative and modern office chairby Duorest because it’s one of the most unique products in the market. What make this chair so special are the dual backrests which move on the X, Y, and Z axes.

The dual backrests allow the back to maintain its natural curvature, promoting healthy posture. It also comes with an adjustable headrest to suit different heights, as well as fully removable armrests if you want to save more space or you don’t need them while working.

This chair has a tilt and tension that can be locked in whatever angle you desire and the armrests can help with posture, depending on your height. Another great feature of the Duorest Gold chair is its large weight capacity, at 400 lbs, so it’s ideal for people who are on the heavier side.

Additionally, the chair comes in two materials: leather or knit. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for either one, but the knit material is slightly more breathable than the leather. That said, you can get this in a black, dark green, dark red, and grey color.

What we like:

  • Twin backrests for spinal health
  • Removable armrests
  • Large weight capacity – 400 lbs
  • Innovative design
  • Extremely easy to assemble
  • Helpful adjustable features
  • Different materials and colors to choose from

What we don’t like:

  • Pretty heavy, almost 50 lbs
  • The knobs are torque tight

HON Ignition Series Mid-Back Work Chair

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If you’re still looking for a minimalistic and mid-back office chair, this HON Ignition chair might be the one for you. The precise design of the mesh material is durable, long-lasting and super lightweight, so it doesn’t allow you to sweat.

The mesh is a lightweight material, which means you won’t notice any flow and it can fit any body type. The S-shaped backrest provides optimal comfort to the back, not to mention that there is a fixed lumbar support at the backrest for extra protection.

When it comes to adjustments, the chair has 4D adjustable armrests, meaning there are multiple setting options to fit different body postures. The armrests minimize strain and pressure on your elbows, while keeping your upper body ergonomically upright.

As you can see, the HON Ignition is the perfect blend of ergonomics and style. Apart from that, the chair can also hold up to 300 lbs, so durability is not questioned. The brand also offers a lifetime warranty on all parts of the chair and that’s always a bonus.

Another great thing about the chair is that you can pick between three different styles: task chair, executive chair, and task stool. Depending on your office setting, you can choose whichever style fits best. Plus, you can also get this in a mesh or upholstered back design if you prefer to have more padding on your back.

What we like:

  • High weight capacity
  • Adjustable armrests
  • S-shaped backrest promotes healthy posture
  • Suitable to any body type
  • Minimalistic yet practical
  • Comes in different styles and designs

What we don’t like:

  • No headrest available (not the best option for taller individuals)
  • Fixed lumbar support might not be everyone’s cup of tea

SIDIZ T50 Home Office Desk Chair 

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If you’re looking for an ultra modern office chair and you suffer from occasional hip pain, we recommend the SIDIZ T50 office chair because it comes with a super comfortable seat that alleviates pain.

Apart from the comfortable padding on the seat, the chair has 2D movement in the bottom seat. It also has a self-adjustment system, ideal if you spend 8-10 hours sitting on this chair. You might not find this feature effective in short sitting spans, but you’ll see a difference in your body after sitting for a while.

Another attractive feature of the SIDIZ is the backrest. First of all, it’s an S-shaped backrest, which means you’ll no longer have any posture issues. However, comfort isn’t the only good thing of this chair’s backrest. You also get the sync-tilt mechanism; therefore, your body will always be in the perfect ergonomic posture and none of your joints will be in pain.

If you want to be sweat-free at all times, the SIDIZ is made of breathable mesh to provide extra comfort. Some people have this misconception that mesh isn’t a durable material for an office chair, but this couldn’t be further away from the truth, at least not with this model.

The chair comes with an additional adjustable lumbar and armrest. There’s also a metal base on the nylon caster wheels for a smooth glide over any floor. If we’re being honest, you get more than what you pay for.

If you want to make a statement in your office, the minimalistic and contemporary design of this chair is perfect for that. It also comes in three different colors: blue, black, and grey.

What we like:

  • Adjustable lumbar support
  • Adjustable armrests
  • Adjustable bottom seat
  • Made of high-quality mesh material
  • Ergonomic backrest helps with posture problems
  • Modern appearance

What we don’t like:

  • Doesn’t include a headrest
  • No weight limit information provided

Gates Genuine Leather Aluminum Base High Back Executive Chair

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If you want to go all out with an executive office chair but still want to stay within the $500 budget, you’ll love this Gates Genuine Leather High Back Chair. This comes with a lot of padding, but the best part about it is that it’s extremely comfortable, even for taller users.

The chair has a tilt-back mechanism which helps synchronize the bottom seat with the backrest’s tilt angle. This means you won’t find yourself in an uncomfortable position at any angle. In terms of adjustability, there’s only so much you can expect from an executive chair. Apart from the adjustable bottom seat, there’s not adjustable lumbar support or armrests.

However, the extra padding on the chair makes it comfortable, even with its fixed components. Every part of the chair is padded with genuine leather, that’s why it looks and feels expensive. Additionally, the manufacturers have added a polished aluminum base to the dual caster wheels to make it seem more luxurious.

That said, you can get the chair in five different colors, such as dark brown, cream, black, dark grey, and white. All of these colors provide a shiny surface for you to sit on and for others in your office to admire the premium leather.

What we like:

  • Genuine Brazilian Leather
  • High-density padding
  • Adjustable bottom seat
  • Modern-looking executive office chair
  • Available in many neutral colors

What we don’t like:

  • It may seem bulky for some people

Bowery Fully Adjustable Management Office Chair

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The Bowery Management Office Chair is one of the most eye-catching chairs out there and one can see why. Apart from its unique aesthetics, this is a fully adjustable chair, unlike many other chairs who claim to be just that.

If we’re being honest, the chair’s backrest is one of the best backrests you can get for a chair under $500. It also includes a lumbar support and a self-adjusting mechanism for easier access. Apart from that, the adjustable armrests provide extra comfort and ensure that you stay supported throughout the day. The best part about it is that you can adjust the armrests in 6 different positions.

The backrest also has four reclining lock mechanism. Additionally, at the bottom of the chair, there’s a metal base attached to dual caster wheels to ensure a sturdy base.

Apart from its components, the chair looks futuristic and aesthetically-pleasing to look at. The seat is made of poly-cotton foam, which makes it ultra comfortable compared to regular office chairs. Not to mention that the seat is also adjustable.

The Bowery is available in 8 different amazing colors, but the magenta and black combination stands out the most. There’s also neutral colors to choose from, so feel free to pick the one that best matches your style and office workspace.

What we like:

  • Fully adjustable from head to toe
  • One of the most unique office chairs
  • Made of high-quality foam for an extra layer of comfort
  • 2-year limited warranty
  • Durable, stylish, and ergonomic – all in one
  • Versatility in colors

What we don’t like:

  • Doesn’t include a headrest (not the best alternative for taller users)

How We Decided on the Best Office Chairs Under $500

To help narrow down to the best office chairs under $500, we had to look through many chairs to find models that were the most comfortable. We also had to check whether they provided decent lumbar and neck support. Additionally, it was important to pick the ones proved to be comfortable even after sitting on them for several hours, without causing any pain or strain in your muscles.

Undoubtedly, we had to consider the aesthetics and pick models that would look great in office workspace or at home. We chose chairs made from high-quality and durable materials that provided a cooling sensation even while sitting on them. Luckily, most of our chairs were made from fine mesh material and other comfortable features.

Additionally, we were interested to find products that had a greater weight capacity, up to 400 lbs. We want every user to feel included and find something that matches any body shape. Most of the chairs in our list have a great weight capacity that’s perfect for medium to large-sized people.

Finally, we picked chairs that required minimal assembly. Most of the chairs have everything you need, so there’s no need for screws or other external tools. Most importantly, we made sure that the chairs were backed with warranties, for as long as 5 years or lifetime.

If you want to spend a little more on an office chair, we think $500 is a great price point to start with. As our list shows, there are plenty of options and there’s something for everyone in there. However, if you want to spend even more than that, you could still find many great chairs with even more fantastic features and adjustable options.

Office Chairs under $500 FAQs

If you’re still looking for the best office chair under $500, you might have some questions that need answers. Below you can find some of the most frequently asked questions and the answers to them.

What is the purpose of the knob under an office chair?

The knobs are located under the office chair. They’re usually used to adjust the chair’s tilt tension or height. The tilt tension knob increases or decreases the amount of force that’s necessary to make the chair recline or rock backward.

Why do some office chairs have five legs?

You’ve probably seen an office chair with four legs, but one with five legs is less common. Obviously, office chair legs need to support the weight, so they must be strong enough not to break in half. That’s why they need to have extra support to properly address the load, so five legs do a better job.

What’s the ‘’right’’ way to adjust an office chair?

Unfortunately, there’s no right way to adjust an office chair because each person has different needs. That means there’s not a correct way to make adjustments, but you need to find the right angle or fit for your body and spine, and test it out for some time. That way, your body will tell you if you need to make more adjustments or not.