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After years of extensive research and testing, our team has put together a list of our top 10 favorite chairs. We sat for hours on end, working and relaxing, to see which were the most comfortable and reliable options. We even noted how easy they were to put together, along with any durability concerns. When shopping online for furniture, we understand how tough it can be to choose the perfect chair without trying it out first. That's why we ordered these chairs for hands-on testing, so you can rest assured our favorite options made their way to the top for good reasons.
After many years of testing office chairs, again and again, we turn to the Steelcase Leap. Much of this is thanks to how adjustable it is, fitting a wide array of body types. Its adjustable lumbar support keeps it comfortable for various heights, while its back is the perfect height for most. To add to this, the seat pans back and forth, a feature rarely seen. Over the years, we have never had any issues with its durability. Plus, it comes almost entirely assembled. So you won't need to worry about spending hours putting it together.
Our test team had a hard time finding flaws with the Leap. It's a reliable option with a cushiony base that kept us comfy for hours on end. The price point is a bit high, but we think this chair is worth shelling out the extra cash. If it is not within your budget, the Steelcase Series 2 is an excellent option at a more affordable price, though it's not nearly as comfortable or adjustable.
Adjustable lumbar support: Yes | Tilt limiter: Locks into specified position
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Adjustable
Great reclining tension
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited armrests
Less durable
Average comfort
The Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh isn't the fanciest office chair on the market. However, it offers a level of adjustability that is hard to find on budget-friendly models. It includes a reclining lever that can lock in at a specific angle, along with adjustable lumbar support. One of our favorite parts of this chair is its reclining tension knob that is easy to reach and adjust. Our testers were happy to sit in this chair for a full eight-hour workday, though they weren't necessarily raving about its comfort. Overall, it has an average backrest and sear, not the coziest but far from the worst.
Despite the stellar price, we have some minor complaints about the Modway. For instance, some of our taller testers struggled with this chair. The armrests only adjust up and down, and the range is pretty limited even with that. Its curvature works for most folks, though some found themselves squirming around by the end of the day. We didn't encounter any broken parts during testing, but we have concerns regarding its overall longevity. That said, you're not necessarily paying for longevity with this chair. Instead, you can expect a decent option that is fairly comfortable and adjustable. If you're in the market for a more premium model, the Herman Miller Sayl is highly adjustable, comfortable, and sports a sleek design.
If you're planning on doing any amount of gaming, the Razer Iskur is a chair you'll want on your side. It will easily keep you comfortable for a full eight-hour game session, thanks to its highly adjustable design. Better than just a lumbar curve, it includes a unique lumbar panel that can be personalized to your exact body and preference. Its contoured design is comfortably padded and includes a removable pillow. We were also impressed by the 4D armrests, which move up and down, left and right, forward and backward, and pan inwards and outwards. Plus, it was comfortable right out of the box, and setup only took us about 15 minutes.
Some of our taller testers didn't find the Iskur all that impressive. The bucket-shaped design prevented them from being able to stretch out all the way. We should note that an XL version exists for folks over six feet. We also loved how adjustable the armrests are, but found the padding is lacking. Bucket-shaped chairs aren't for everyone. If you'd prefer a less aggressive option, the SecretLabs Titan Evo 2022 is worth considering. This model blew us away with its overall comfort, though it's not as adjustable as the Iskur.
Thanks to its built-in speakers, the GTRacing Music Series provides an all-around immersive gaming experience. This budget-friendly gaming chair is designed to resemble a racing car seat with its lightly contoured shape. Among the most unique features is a footrest that can be fully tucked away under the seat. This, along with its 155 degrees of recline, makes it a great option for watching movies or taking a quick nap. It's fairly easy to set up, and its soft foam body requires no break in time. Most notably, the rechargeable Bluetooth speakers can connect to your gaming system, so you can ditch the headphones.
We packed in a full five hours of gaming before we got uncomfortable. The soft foam lacks structural support for spending much longer than this. Plus, it's not the most adjustable. The lumbar support is a pillow that can be slid up and down. It's not horrible, but it requires frequent replacement. Plus, it might be a bit aggressive for some. The armrests are also limited in their overall functionality. The GTPlayer GT800A Footrest is a similar option worth peeking at. Both of these chairs are great for keeping the costs down while you enjoy your favorite game.
We tested many accent chairs, and the Christopher Knight Home Evelyn stood out as the best. Its linen-like fabric is nice to the touch, and its medium-firm cushions are comfortable to sit on. From a morning cup of coffee to a place to kick off your work shoes, the Evelyn was the option we looked for time and time again. The chair accents just about any room with its modest color scheme and airy appearance. The Evelyn appears to be much larger than it actually is, which can help create the illusion of the room being much bigger, too.
Without anticipating a smaller chair, you might be surprised to see its actual size when it arrives. That being said, if you're trying to fill up a larger space, this model might be underwhelming. Though it is one of the softer options in our lineup, it needs a few uses before it feels broken in. Additionally, we wish the armrests had a tad more cushion. We were also quite impressed with the Lexicon Fabric. This mid-century modern option is well-built and a great addition to any room.
The stylish DAZONE Modern is ready for use in just five minutes of assembly. Unpack it from its box, screw on the legs, and it's ready to go! The barrel-shaped design subtly wraps around you to create a comfortable experience regardless of which way you lean. Plus, it includes an ottoman for an even greater lounging experience. The mustard-colored fabric brought a nice splash of color into our testing room, though there are plenty of other color options should you want a more subtle chair. Overall, we were quite impressed with the comfort of this chair, especially considering its budget-friendly price point.
We have some concerns regarding the durability of the DAZONE. Even though it held up during our daily use, we noticed some wrinkles on the upright back after it broke in. We also noticed some wobbling from the legs when we jostled around. Still, its small size is sure to fit just about any space, and we love its cozy shape. Alternatively, if you're not trying to fill a small space, the Porthos Hayes Rocker is an excellent rocking option for getting cozy by the fireplace.
The DAZONE is a comfortable bucket-shaped chair that includes an ottoman.
Living room accent, table stool, or desk chair, the Art Leon Mid-Century Modern Swivel can do it all. This modern option takes a sleek approach to a simple yet versatile approach. In tight spaces, it is an excellent accent piece thanks to its suede distressed fabric. Or, pair a few with your kitchen room table for an elegant dining experience. Overall, the chair is comfortable, with just enough cushion for a few hours of sitting. The perfect height for desks, the Art Leon tucks comfortably under most desks.
The Leon Mid-Century is on the smaller side, especially in width. With that in mind, this isn't our top choice to curl up in and read a book. Instead, this is best used for casual, shorter stents. After a few hours, our testers started to squirm around from the upright back position. However, this can help maintain a proper posture. The swivel is also nice for those who like to move around frequently while they work. The chair is available in a handful of colors and materials. The suede needed a bit of time to "off-gas" its factory smell. If you're sensitive to smell, you might want to choose one of the polyester/cotton options. Should you specifically want to curl up by the fire and read a book, you can't beat the Christopher Knight Tafton Club Chair. This durable option is wide and extra cushiony for those longer rests.
The Art Leon Mid-Century Modern Swivel is great for various spaces thanks to its sleek design and small footprint.
Seat size: 24" x 22", 44" (reclined) | Adjustable: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
Very comfortable
Reclines
Removable headrest
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Unimpressive drink holder
Lawn chairs come in various styles, sizes, and comfort levels. Ultimately, the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair Oversized is hard to beat. This outdoor chair extends the entire length of your body and reclines back to a nearly lying flat position. It's lightly cushioned and suspended from strong bungee cords, making it exceptionally comfortable for hours of lounging. Being a zero gravity chair, it effortlessly glides into various positions. We specifically appreciated the light wood armrests. After sitting out for hours in the sun, they don't absorb much heat. Additionally, it has a removable headrest pillow, and the chair is available in a few colors.
Weighing in at 20 pounds, the Timber Ridge isn't the easiest piece of furniture to move around, and this sizeable model is best left in one place. Its drink holder is unimpressive; it's more of a plastic tray. All things considered, this is an excellent option for prolonged outdoor sitting, especially if you're looking to kick your feet up. The Amazon Basics Foldable Rocking Chair shares many similar features, such as a removable headrest and comfortable bungee-suspended fabric. However, this option is a rocking chair rather than a zero gravity style.
Kick your feet up with the extra-comfortable Timber Ridge Zero Gravity chair.
Seat Size: 19.5" x 21", 38" (reclined) | Adjustable: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Includes two chairs
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Dark metal gets hot
Plastic tray isn't attached
Get your patio set up for you and a friend with the Best Choice Products Adjustable Zero Gravity two-pack bundle. These zero gravity options are highly comfortable as you feel more like you're effortlessly being suspended above ground. This is in part due to durable fabric being attached by bungee-like cording. With a quick push, the chair extends out into a reclined position. Each includes removable headrests and a plastic tray. We love how lightweight this model is, easily movable from the poolside to the front porch and beyond.
We appreciate the inclusion of the plastic tray. More than a drink tray, it has multiple compartments for a phone or snacks. However, it isn't attached to the chair. We accidentally kept leaving it behind when moving the chair around. Additionally, the dark metal is susceptible to absorbing heat during sunny days. All things considered, the Best Choice is an excellent option for a budget-friendly price, especially if you're specifically looking for two chairs. Another reasonably priced model is the Coleman Cooler Quad. Initially appearing as a simple camp chair, it's hiding a few tricks, like a cooler pouch for a few of your favorite beverages.
With comfortable suspended fabric and an incorporated tray, the Best Choice is great for outdoor relaxing.
Headed on a camping trip? We love the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong for getting cozy by the fire and roasting up some s'mores. The durable canvas is lightly padded and comfortable for hours on end. We were quite impressed with the 800-pound weight capacity, especially considering how lightweight and portable it is. The camp chair has great accessories, including side pockets for a book or snacks and cup holders built within the armrests.
There's not much to dislike about the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong. It's durable and in it for the long haul. That being said, the side pockets lack the same construction. Additionally, the padded underside fabric isn't very breathable. Despite these small complaints, we think the King Kong is a great choice to pack up for your next trip under the stars. Camping-style chairs are often great for more than just camping. For example, if you're headed to the kid's soccer game, you might want something to keep you comfortable, and we think the Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair will do just that. This foldable chair includes a large canopy, so you don't need to worry about roasting under the sun.
The King Kong is a great go-to choice for a night under the stars thanks to its portable and comfortable design.
Credit: Laura Lingeman
Why You Should Trust Us
After many years of testing all sorts of different chairs, we have compiled this list of our absolute favorites. We start by doing an in-depth search of the market to see which options are the most compelling. We then order the top options to be tested back to back in rigorous trials. Looking into specific metrics like comfort, support, style, adjustability, and more, we get to know these chairs thoroughly. After scoring them appropriately, we are able to bring you this list of our top options.
We tested an entire lineup of chairs to find out which were our absolute favorites.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Leading the team testing office chairs are Benjamin Hickok and David Wise. For over two decades, Benjamin has worked in the tech industry, whether it be web development, software development, IoT, or hardware design. David, an MIT graduate, spent many years designing robots to map the ocean floor. Both have spent many hours sitting in front of computers and truly understand why a good office chair is essential. Senior Research Analyst, Austin Palmer, is a gaming whiz and computer expert, which is why he was in charge of our gaming chair tests.
Our experts testing out accent chairs and lawn chairs include Eric Bissell and Ethan Newman. Eric and Ethan are both outdoor enthusiasts. When not exploring the great outdoors, you can find them testing out all the best gear on the market. Joining the team is Becca Glades. With various titles and interests, she understands why choosing a comfortable chair is crucial.
Part of our tests included looking into every nook, cranny, and adjustable knob that these chairs came with.
Certain office and gaming chairs have adjustable armrests.
We timed ourselves putting together these chairs and noted if we ran into any difficulties.
How to Choose the Right Chair
Though you can put a chair just about anywhere, some styles make more sense than others. For example, an office chair outside isn't going to be the best fit. Instead, you might look into a lawn chair that can withstand inclement weather or the blazing sun. An office chair is going to do much better indoors to serve its purpose of keeping you comfortable for an entire workday. If you do a lot of gaming, a chair specifically built to keep you engaged will be the best fit. On the other hand, if your primary goal is to find something functional to tie the room together, an accent chair is the go-to. Each have many different styles and comfort levels, which is worth considering before the final decision is made. Below, we break down each type of chair, along with what each is best used for.
Most gaming and office chairs include some sort of adjustability within the armrests, as shown with the GTRAcing Music Series.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Chair Types
Credit: Steelcase
Office Chairs - Whether it be a home workstation or a designated workplace, a top-rated office chair is the best option. These are designed with functionality in mind. They are highly adjustable and aim to keep you in a proper upright posture. Typically, these chairs have wheels and spin around in place for easy access to file cabinets, desk space, and printers. Office chairs often feature adjustable lumbar support, armrests, and various levels of padding. They aren't necessarily built for lounging around, though the right one can be quite comfortable.
Credit: Razer
Gaming Chairs - Gaming chairs are meant for, well, gaming. Spending hours in front of a screen playing your favorite game is made even better by a proper chair. Like office chairs, these models are highly adjustable and have armrests, wheels, and a swivel. However, they tend to place more of an emphasis on lounging comfort. They often include headrests, lumbar support, and recline, along with various levels of padding.
Credit: Amazon
Lawn Chairs - Made for the outdoors, these chairs can handle a little tough love. Lawn chairs are available in multiple styles, including gravity, rocking, camp, and traditional. Gravity chairs are great for spending extended periods of time lounging around by the pool, whereas camping chairs fold up and can be tossed in the car for your next journey away from home. Lawn chairs vary in price but tend to be among the cheapest seating options.
Credit: Amazon
Accent Chairs - Contrary to what the name suggests, accent chairs are more than just decoration. Though they are stylish, the best accent chair will also be a comfortable place to lounge around and read a book. Often purchased as a solo chair, they are great for boosting any living space. They are available in many different styles and comfort levels.
Support Level
The term "support level" varies slightly depending on whether you're talking about accent chairs or gaming and office chairs. When considering an accent piece, this refers to the chair's stiffness. This can be broken down into soft, medium, and firm. The soft options are going to be a bit more comfortable right out of the box. They won't need much break-in time, and they'll feel a bit more plush. Firm options will be a bit stiffer, though they will often have better lumbar support. These will take longer to break in, but once they do, they will be a perfect fit. Medium support chairs fall somewhere in the middle. They don't lack structure, though they aren't going to be uncomfortably stiff to sit in.
Bottoming out is not ideal, which is why we made sure to test the padding of each chair for extended use.
Credit: Eric Bissell
When considering office and gaming chairs, support levels often refer to the adjustable support systems. These include lumbar support, armrests, reclining tension, and headrests. Of these, lumbar support is among the most important aspects. Some of the options in our lineup have an adjustable lumbar position, which is great for fitting the chair to various heights. Typically, the more adjustable options were the most comfortable simply because they could be customized to a specific body size.
Lawn chairs aren't necessarily known for their support. Rather, they are great for a quick option to circle up with a group of friends. However, gravity chairs tend to be the exception. Though they don't have a fancy adjustable back, they contour the natural s-curve of the spine, which tends to be more comfortable.
Zero gravity chairs make it feel like you are suspended above the ground and are comfortable enough to relax in for hours.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Duration of Use
Sitting in a chair for a few minutes versus hours is going to feel quite a bit different. If you're looking for something that can hold you for small bits of time, you can be less selective on your choice. However, if you're planning on spending any considerable amount of time in the chair, say a full workday, you'll want to choose something that will keep aches away. As for office and gaming chairs, look for options with plenty of adjustable features. Nailing down the proper lumbar position and reclining will help you stay comfortable for hours.
People tend to like softer options when it comes to accent chairs. These plush options will be easier to get cozy in and watch a movie. They won't necessarily have the support to keep you comfy for hours of upright sitting, though they aren't made to be work chairs.
The GTRacing has an adjustable lumbar support pillow that simply slides into position.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
With so many chair styles and options available on the market, we understand how it can be daunting to find just one comfy option. Rest assured, our team has done the testing. After many hours of sitting, we have discovered the best chairs out there. Whether you are searching for something to keep you cozy by the fire or something for your workday, we hope we have made your selection a breeze.
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Becca Glades, Benjamin Hickok, David Wise, Eric Bissell, Ethan Newman, and Austin Palmer
