How to Select the Office Chair That’s Right For You

I spent years taking office chairs for granted. But when I began working from home six years ago, I learned quickly that the right office chair is the difference between pain and no pain. I prefer “no pain.” Turns out the human body was not designed to sit in the same position for long hours at a time. An ergonomic office chair can mitigate the strain on your back from long hours of sitting and help you keep good posture.

But what’s the best office chair? The answer is not the same for everyone. (See WIRED’s guide to the Best Office Chairs to examine your options.) The highest-end chairs offer excellent adjustability for a wide range of heights and builds, but almost none will serve everyone—and some styles and builds tend to suit tall or short people better.

Here are the main questions and considerations when finding an office chair, in consultation with Kristianne Egbert, an ergonomist at workplace-injury company Briotix Health with two decades' experience in the field.

Top-end picks like the Herman Miller Aeron ($2,195) —a favorite of many WIRED reviewers over the years for its elegant design, wide-ranging adjustability, and breathable Pellicle mesh—can rival the price of a good mattress or sofa . The price buys beauty and comfort, sure, but also durability (and a 12-year warranty, in Herman Miller’s case).

Top-end ergonomic chairs are designed for people who expect to spend long hours in their chairs and at their desks. If you have the budget, WIRED’s favorite premium chair, the Steelcase Gesture ($1,510) , is an investment meant to last for your entire working life—elegant and near-infinitely adjustable to your shape and frame.