Our body is designed for mobility, and activities like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming etc. keep this machine in shape. On the contrary, when you choose to sit for long hours at your work desk, your back and knees start to complain of fatigue.
We know that you can’t just abandon your job fearing to cause some damage to your back. But you can always make ergonomic choices to cultivate the right sitting posture which minimizes the pressure on your spine.
Our team of experts tested dozens of office chairs in this segment based on 3 Ds – Design, Details and Durability. We even went through countless reviews by actual users to shortlist the most reliable products offered by reputed manufacturers.
Our goal here is not just to crown a ‘best-buy’ chair. Our honest reviews are focused on enlisting those office chairs that genuinely enhance your work comfort and efficiency without overstretching your budget.
Now that we have got your attention, let’s find out the best office chair under 500 for you. Take a look at our top picks.
Best Office Chair Under 500
1. Liccx Ergonomic Office Desk Chair
Ergonomically engineered high back design for all-day comfort
This Ergonomic Office Chair by Liccx brings you all that you can expect your office chair to be. The long list of adjustable features offers you the liberty to tweak your seating solution to perfection.
The soft memory foam cushioning, superior quality breathable mesh back and incredibly well-designed lumbar support make this our top recommendation.
Experience:
So many positive reviews by users on reliable sites set our expectation high for this office chair. We must admit that it lives up to the expectation.
The adjustable backrest bends according to the natural curve of your spine, offering excellent support. We could easily adjust the height, headrest and the 4D adjustable armrest does a great job.
If you are someone who loves to a quick nap, the optional footrest is provided just help you relax better.
2. Herman Miller Classic Aeron Task Chair
Quality, comfort and brand assurance of Herman Miller made affordable for you
Here is a legend reinvented! The Classic Aeron office chair is probably one of the most iconic pieces of office furniture from the house of Herman Miller.
With innovation, research, technology and design rethinking, the brand is able to bring one of the best for the modern generation. For us, this is the best blend of performance, style and quality within this budget.
Experience:
If you are spending $500, you expect something beyond the ordinary, and that’s precisely what Aeron brings. A study conducted by Indiana Edu concludes that this chair beats its competitors in overall chair experience.
A Reddit user shares that this chair helped tremendously in reducing his Sciatica. The seat tilt, height, angle style and adjustable lumbar support make the seating experience extremely comfortable.
The old-school yet sleek design can complement any modern office space and add a touch of sophistication.
3. Modern Ergonomic Sterling Leather Executive Chair
Luxurious genuine leather finish takes your seating solution to the next level
We love the way this chair demands attention. The stunning sterling leather finish and high back executive design catch your eye right away. This certainly is one of the best-looking office chairs under $500.
Your back will feel adequately supported by the ergonomic sculpted design. High-density foam cushioning is built for superior comfort and durability.
Experience:
The chair not only looks extravagant but makes you feel pampered as well. You feel like sitting in a luxurious car thanks to the genuine leather, quilted stitching and superior cushioning.
A couple who are 6’3” and 5’4” say that this chair is so comfortable that they would buy it again in a heartbeat. Padded armrest, seat adjustability and strong aluminum base get a big thumbs up from us!
4. AKRacing Real Leather Desk Chair
combination of premium ergonomics and highest quality leather
This AKRacing office chair comes with an array of ergonomic features that are usually reserved for premium chairs. Whether you are a gaming fanatic or a workaholic, this is one of the best budget office chair that you can own.
While real leather renders a premium look, the high backrest, recliner, swivel and height adjustment don’t fail you in comfort and relaxation.
The brand is so sure of its product design and quality that it offers a five years guarantee on the chair and ten years guarantee on its frame. AKRacing subjects its chairs to 80,000 stress tests before you sit on one of them.
Experience:
We must acknowledge that the upholstery materials, sculpting, stitching and the finish are quite exceptional. The manufacturers have hit the mark on lumbar support and comfort.
Users find the movable head and lumbar pillow petty helpful in finding the correct posture. While other office chairs recline to a certain comfortable angle, this chair offers a 180° ‘Chill Mode’, fancy that!
This AKRacing office chair comes with an array of ergonomic features that are usually reserved for premium chairs. Whether you are a gaming fanatic or a workaholic, this is one of the best budget office chair that you can own.
While real leather renders a premium look, the high backrest, recliner, swivel and height adjustment don’t fail you in comfort and relaxation.
The brand is so sure of its product design and quality that it offers a five years guarantee on the chair and ten years guarantee on its frame. AKRacing subjects its chairs to 80,000 stress tests before you sit on one of them.
Experience:
We must acknowledge that the upholstery materials, sculpting, stitching and the finish are quite exceptional. The manufacturers have hit the mark on lumbar support and comfort.
Users find the movable head and lumbar pillow petty helpful in finding the correct posture. While other office chairs recline to a certain comfortable angle, this chair offers a 180° ‘Chill Mode’, fancy that!
5. SPACE Seating Breathable Mesh Managers Chair
Modest yet professional looking chair which offers comfort and relaxation
The Space Seating Managers Chair is one of the best mesh chairs in this segment. The chair ticks all the right boxes with Synchro tilt control, superior lumbar support and functional adjustments.
Leather trimming, gunmetal finish and dynamic design make this chair an apt choice for any modern office. Those who want to up the style quotient a notch higher can opt for the genuine leather seat.
Experience:
The sign of a well designed ergonomic chair is that even after 10 hours of sitting, your back feels minimal fatigue. Users’ reviews are all positive about this chair’s Synchro-tilt and under-thigh support.
A professional who has used this chair for years confirms that this is a ‘big boy chair’. He is 6’1”, and he can comfortably lean on the backrest and the headrest supports his head well.
6. Liccx Ergonomic Office Chair
Performance and style of a high-end chair can be enjoyed considerably under your budget
It’s a cliché that every other chair in the market is tagged ‘ergonomic’, but very few hit the mark with their design. This office chair by Liccx makes the superior lumbar support of a premium chair affordable.
It features multiple levels of adjustability that confirms to users of varied built. You can recline to a comfortable angle to release body fatigue every once in a while.
The fact that you can buy this stylish chair for $150 lesser than your budget without compromising on comfort or quality is a great point to consider.
Experience:
The manufacturers say that the chair was designed explicitly for pressure distribution, spinal alignment and natural movement. No wonder our backs felt happy when we sat on this chair for a long time.
Users who have done extensive research agree that the lumbar support on this chair is far superior. They even say that if you can’t afford the pricy Herman Miller, this is the most suitable alternative!
7. Duorest Gold Ergonomic Office Chair
Optimize work posture with ergonomic twin backrests
Here is an office chair design that stands out in the crowd. The original Duorest twin backrest design revolutionizes lumbar support. A wide array of adjustability features qualifies this product as one of the best high back office chair.
A considerable amount of research has gone into designing this chair which promotes healthy posture. The dynamic design reduces spinal fatigue by distributing the pressure away from the lower back.
Experience:
By allowing you to adjust the height, width and the depth of the backrest, this chair adapts to every user’s body type. We found the adjustable tilt tension and tilt degree to be very practical controls.
A user on Riddit who has a hectic work schedule says that he has used some of the more expensive chairs but the back support of this chair is unbeatable. The intentional 135° tilt helps work at a more relaxed position.
Here is a no-fuss office chair that does its job brilliantly. The HON Ignition series work chair is just the right chair for long hours at the work desk.
You can dial the backrest to fit the natural curvature of your spine, rendering a healthy posture. The synchro-tilt mechanism, seat dept and 3-way adjustable armrest make this chair a quality seating solution.
Experience:
We must say that for a chair priced a little over $300, this chair is impressive. The adjustable seat depth can house a weighty user comfortably.
Recline can be tilted to support your back the right way. We tried all their adjustability features to find the correct sitting position.
A hardcore gamer who has used this chair for over a year now says that it looks and feels brand new. That says a lot about this chair’s quality and durability.
9. Herman Miller Sayl Ergonomic Office Chair
futuristic look and highly functional design from a brand known for quality
This chair is an affordable yet iconic piece of office furniture from the house of Herman Miller. If you are obsessed with this brand, you will fall in love with the chair at first sight.
The unconventional webbed backrest design gives the Sayl a personality, and the central tower provides balance and support. Herman Miller offers this chair in some stunning colours to match every buyer’s preference.
Experience:
All the premiumness that you would expect from this leading American brand is present in the Sayl. Your back feels comfortable and well supported as you lean on the innovative backrest.
The designer says that the ‘Eco Design’ of the chair is meant to make the chair lighter, more flexible yet stylish. No wonder why the chair has been awarded some of the best design awards in the country.
A work from home mom found the chair to be extremely comforting and supportive, which helped her combat the back pain she had developed after giving birth to her 3rd child.
10. NOUHAUS Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair
Futuristic ergonomic seating solution that packs unmatched featureS
Although the Nouhaus Ergo3D is the last product on our list of the best chairs under $500, it is by no means inferior. Its long list of functional features gives even the pricy competitors a run for their money.
While the specially engineered Elasto-Mesh conforms to the natural curve of your back, the adjustable lumbar pillow and carved seat support you well. The slim design is tailor-made for compact offices.
Experience:
Although the Nouhaus Ergo3D is a mesh chair, the comfort it offers is commendable. Multiple levels of adjustability allow you to be as comfortable as you wish.
Users specifically mention that the distinct back design relieves pain and fatigue from the cervical spine as well as lower back. This certainly is the most affordable ergonomic chair considering the features that most hardworking professionals look for.
Check Office Chairs Under $300 if you are willing to buy chairs under $300
Buying Guide: Best Office Chair Under 500
Long gone are the days of stiff, stationary office chairs. With research and innovation, we see manufacturers setting a new benchmark in ergonomic office chairs.
Let’s admit it; a highly functional office chair comes at a cost. Investing in a $500 chair is worthwhile, considering that it will serve you well for long years.
Here is a list of must-have features you need to check before ordering that best computer chair for long hours
1. Adjustability
the adjustability of your office chair should matter to you the most if you are prone to neck or back pain. Go ahead and check the following functionalities.
2. Headrest
Always opt for a firm, height-adjustable headrest. This relieves pressure from your neck and helps you relax better.
Seat Height and Depth: What is an ergonomic chair without seat adjustment? While the height adjustment prevents you from stooping at the desk, the depth of the seat helps customize pelvic and thigh support.
3. Lumbar Support:
While most brands claim this feature, only a few have put in place a mechanism to customize this experience. The key is to ensure that your entire back is supported at all sitting angles.
4. Armrest
if you are wondering what difference will adjustable armrests make, we tell you, they do. By adjusting the height, width and tilt, armrests provide additional support to your shoulders.
5. Recline Angle:
Your back not only needs to be supported but relaxed as well. A reclining backrest allows movement and rests for your back muscles. Tilt lock mechanism helps you find the perfect reclining angle.
6. Material
As you would have already realized, most of the products in our best orthopedic office chair list come with genuine leather or excellent quality mesh or fabric. What you need to decide is which of these materials suits your need.
If you live in warmer weather, we recommend a complete mesh chair or a combination of mesh and fabric. However, if you want to feel pampered, there is nothing like a premium leather touch.
7. Warranty
Well, we know that nothing lasts forever! It is reasonable though to expect your sub $500 chair to seat you comfortably for several years.
It is common for many of the manufacturers to give a standard 1-year warranty on their chairs. What you need to look for is something more than that.
According to us, 2-5 years warranty on the seat, as well as the frame, is a good bargain. As this is a fairly expensive purchase, a 30-90 days money back guarantee would be a huge advantage.
8. Aesthetic appeal and Style
You wouldn’t want an average looking chair to ruin the decor of your corporate office or home office, do you? That’s why the best office chair under $500 must essentially be good looking as well.
Always opt for a sleek and modern office chair which complements the contemporary office interiors. A dash of colour or classy leather could elevate the otherwise understated office.
It’s all about your style inclination!
When you decide to upgrade to a better chair, you are caring for your back. Instead of cluttering your mind with all the possible features a good office chair may how, zoom in on what matters to you.
Be assured that every chair featured in our list is certainly a worthy choice for the best office chair. Which one of these finds a place in your office is ultimately your call.