The Best Computer Chairs for Long Hours in 2023

WRITTEN BY

Olivia De Santos

UPDATED

December 05, 2023

If you’re at your desk for long hours every week, your comfort is king. It sounds dramatic, but the right computer chair can literally change your life. By supporting your body in an optimal way, you can keep at your desk for long hours without straining your back or neck.

This article sums up the very best computer chairs on the market, insights from our personal experience, as well as a detailed guide of what you should look for.

What makes a computer chair worth buying? And how on earth can a computer chair change your life? Read on!

To cut right to the chase, here are our favorite computer chairs on the market today.

1. Herman Miller Caper Multipurpose Chair

Best computer chair for home offices

Herman Miller are masterminds of crafting high-quality office chairs, and have won countless awards in the fields of workplace design.

Sure enough, the Caper Multipurpose Chair is a chair that’s well ahead of the curve in design, comfort and build. Something special about it is that it’s nimble and looks very sleek compared to some of the other bulky chairs on this list. This lets it seamlessly blend into home spaces and even dining rooms. Plus, it comes in a fun range of colors so you can say goodbye to the boring black chairs you typically see.

The Herman Miller Caper is also fully adjustable. You can adapt the swivel, tilt, and height to mold it to your perfect shape. The nylon seat and back give extra comfort while still being breathable – super important factors when working for long hours. Its comfort is vouched for by one of our Bitcatcha team members, who has used this in his home office for the past two years. He swears it’s the best computer chair he’s ever used, and has completely eliminated any prior back pain that he had when he was sitting on a dining chair (hard times).

Best of all, this chair isn’t too expensive. Though not the cheapest on this list, it is comparatively more affordable than other high-end office chairs. This is the perfect all-rounder and our top choice!

Herman Miller Caper specifications

Reasons to buy Herman Miller Caper

Reasons to avoid Herman Miller Caper

2. Steelcase Leap Office Chair

Our runner up computer chair

Steelcase is another top-tier brand for ergonomic desk chairs. Many professionals celebrate their range as fantastic for long hours of work. Simply look at the top Amazon reviews for the Leap Office Chair to see why! Many people have raved about how soft the padding is.

This chair is definitely up there in price but it delivers tenfold in build-quality and ergonomic design. It’s a simple chair with 100% polyester soft-touch padded fabric around the seat and back. When building the chair, it was assessed by 27 ergonomic scientists from 4 different universities to make sure that your seat was the best it could be. Talk about commitment!

The Steelcase Leap works well for a wide range of home office setups. You have full adjustments here – height, tilt, recline and tension adjustment are all possible in a multitude of ways. There are 5 tilt lock points which is more than most office chairs on the market.

For a fantastic chair that ticks all the boxes, give this one a try.

Steelcase Leap specifications

Reasons to buy Steelcase Leap

Reasons to avoid Steelcase Leap

3. NOUHAUS ErgoFlip Mesh Computer Chair

Best budget-friendly computer chair

The NOUHAUS Ergoflip is a fantastic computer chair considering the comparatively low price point. While the Steelcase Leap could set you back around $500-1200 depending on the colorway, the humble NOUHAUS is just over $300. Even less during sales on Amazon.

With four different colors and a piece of breathable mesh fabric, this chair offers a very high level of comfort and style.

The “flip” term comes from the fact that you can flip up the armrest for an armless experience and adjust the height if you do want to use them. You can also tilt the chair to a 135-degree angle if that floats your boat. With a strong aluminum base and smooth gliding wheels, this impressively constructed cheap chair will do the trick if the others on this list are out of budget.

NOUHAUS ErgoFlip Mesh specifications

Reasons to buy NOUHAUS ErgoFlip Mesh

Reasons to avoid NOUHAUS ErgoFlip Mesh

4. Steelcase Cobi Stool

Best chair for standing or higher desks

Colorful. Adjustable. Tall. The Steelcase Cobi Stool is a wonderful choice for higher desk surfaces, such as standing desks. Our reviewers raved about the comfort of this one, since it offers flexible back support which helps the chair fit the contours of your body. It can also support people weighing up to 300 pounds – more than many of the chairs on this list!

It’s also the personal favorite of our Bitcatcha editor, who often works from a breakfast-table-situation at home and finds this perfect for her higher desk. In her words, “When I want to switch from sitting to standing – I don’t have to fiddle with changing my desk or chair height. I just glide the chair out of the way and get on my feet”. After all, the benefits of standing are well-known!

The smooth-gliding wheels also make it easy to move from room to room – making it perfect for collaborative meetings in flexible office spaces.

The height and tilt adjustment is fantastic, and it has a flexing seat which allows you to sit centered or not, depending on your preference. Whilst quite pricey, this chair is a marvel when it comes to tall stools. Plus, it’s cute – with 9 colorways.

Steelcase Cobi Stool specifications

Reasons to buy Steelcase Cobi Stool

Reasons to avoid Steelcase Cobi Stool

5. GM Seating Ergolux Executive Swivel Chair

Best luxury computer chair

You have the cream of the crop here with the M Seating Ergolux Chair. Not only is this made with genuine calfskin leather, which is soft and smooth, but it also has padded support in all of the areas you need it.

This is not just style over function. Everything from the high level of adjustability to the 4 sleek colorways make this a premium chair to use. The lumbar support system provides a comforting rest for your lower back that is not overly curved. You can adjust the recline, backrest and headrest to mold to your shape. For a luxury chair that will make an excellent fancy addition to your home office – check this one out!

GM Seating Ergolux Executive specifications

Reasons to buy GM Seating Ergolux Executive

Reasons to avoid GM Seating Ergolux Executive

6. HON Ignition 2.0

Best computer chair for breathability

It’s weird to think that a chair could be breathable. Take a spin in the HON Ignition 2.0 and you’ll see just how breathable an office chair can be! With an all-mesh back fabric without compromising support, HON has perfected its design to create a lightweight chair suitable for all.

The reviews attest to how breathable the chair is – many purchasers love that the chair is lightly padded but also avoids the dreaded back sweat with that airy mesh fabric.

The lumbar support comes from the shape of the chair as opposed to bulky padding. This allows for the chair to remain sleek and elegant with the sandwich mesh cushioning. However, this is not the chair for you if you need a lot of back support. It has a high back but no headrest, so bear that in mind if that’s important to you. We like this option as it comes at a medium price point but frequently gets excellent reviews.

HON Ignition 2.0 specifications

Reasons to buy HON Ignition 2.0

Reasons to avoid HON Ignition 2.0

7. Razer Iskur Gaming Chair

Best computer chair for gaming

Maybe your workstation is also a play station? Whether you’re a gamer or not, gaming chairs have mastered comfort for long hours, but they can cost a lot! This chair is the happy medium between premium quality and affordable price.

It has a unique design with an ergonomic lumbar support system. Unlike the HON Ignition, the Razer Iskur is padded to the max. It feels like you’re being hugged as you sit down with high-density foam cushions enveloping you. For that extra comfort, you forfeit some breathability, so it depends on your physiological needs. Adjustable “4D armrests” also make this chair unique as you can move the height, angle and length of them.

All in all, this gaming chair champions long-term comfort for any work/play station in your home.

Razer Iskur Gaming specifications

Reasons to buy Razer Iskur Gaming

Reasons to avoid Razer Iskur Gaming

8. Varier Variable Balans Kneeling Chair

Best kneeling chair

Kneeling chairs are the latest rage but what is the science behind them? Sitting for long hours creates strain on the lumbar vertebrae in your lower back. Standing desks were created as an alternative to alleviate the pressure. Standing desks are great but they don’t work for everyone!

Kneeling chairs are scientifically proven to maintain your standing lumbar curvature to a greater extent than standard computer chairs with lumbar support. It mimics the back alignment you would have while standing.

Our pick for a solid kneeling chair is this Varier model. It’s the originally designed kneeling chair with the same patented design since 1979. It’s known for its build quality with high-quality wood and soft padding. It takes getting used to the unusual shape, but once you do, you can expect stronger back muscles and better posture!

Varier Variable Balans specifications

Reasons to buy Varier Variable Balans

Reasons to avoid Varier Variable Balans

9. Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair

Best computer chair for back pain

We’ve talked a lot about lumbar back support in this article. All of the chairs on this list will support your sitting position to some degree. But if you have back pain, you need the big guns. Adjustable support that you can adapt to your body. That’s what the Duramont chair can offer you.

You can twist the back of the mechanism to further adapt the curvature of the lower back support. By changing the curvature of the lumbar cradle, you can give your back a break and fully allow your body to rest in the chair. It takes a lot of pressure off and helps you avoid any issues that can arise, like trapped nerves or pain from slouching. You can also adjust the recline angle and height. Duramont uses the classic three-point tilt adjustment from 90-120 degrees of recline.

Suitable for all types of bodies, there are reviewers who love this chair at all heights. Some are as short as 5ft and as tall as 6.5ft! Economical, adjustable, and supportive: if you have any back issues, this is the chair for you!

Duramont Ergonomic specifications

Reasons to buy Duramont Ergonomic

Reasons to avoid Duramont Ergonomic

10. Kasorix Executive Office Chair

Best computer chair for writing

There’s something endlessly satisfying about sitting in a chair that looks like this while you write. It has an Ernest Hemingway feel about it while still being a swivel computer chair. But it’s not all about aesthetics. This chair packs a punch in the features department.

The Kasorix chair is padded all over with PU leather to give it its characteristic vintage look. Double padded seat cushions and an extra padded lumbar area add comfort and ease as you sit for long hours.

As for adjustability, you can change the recline tilt from 90 to 155 degrees. That’s quite a wide range for the category as many office chairs just go to 120 degrees. The height and armrests are adjustable too. We’re pleased to report this is a fantastic option for larger frame folks too. It can be tough to find chairs if you are heavier and/or taller, but the Kasorix is built for you.

This is the chair you need if you need complete focus and relaxation as you write. Use the ample recline to let your creativity flow and bust through writer’s block!

Kasorix Executive specifications

Reasons to buy Kasorix Executive

Reasons to avoid Kasorix Executive

11. Laura Davidson SOHO Management Chair

Best padded computer chair

For an office chair with a modern look and soft faux-leather finish, look no further than the Laura Davidson model. This chair is much simpler than the others on this list, but simplicity can be a good thing. It comes in 10 different colorways of mostly neutral tones that blend into any home office. Because the SOHO chair looks so good, it becomes part of your featured furniture and not just an office tool.

A clean padded design and durable aluminum base will make you feel supported as you work. It can support up to 400lbs of weight which is more than most chairs on the market. Choose this chair if you want a simple padded office chair without added lower back support.

Laura Davidson SOHO specifications

Reasons to buy Laura Davidson SOHO

Reasons to avoid Laura Davidson SOHO

Why a good computer chair can change your life (literally)

There was a time when I thought that the idea of a computer chair being life-changing was a little silly. Dramatic, even. But when you finally upgrade your work life to having a solid computer chair, you’ll see why it’s so miraculous.

Here are just some of the ways computer chairs can improve your health and productivity overall:

Everything at your workstation should be designed to keep you focused with as much ease as possible. By prioritizing your comfort with a great chair, you unlock the ability to stay productive for longer. When you’re uncomfortable in your seat, you feel more restless and are far more likely to procrastinate. If that’s not life-changing, I don’t know what is!

What to look for when choosing a computer chair for long hours

When assessing the computer chairs we listed above, or any others you find on the internet, what should you be looking for? Here is a shortlist of qualities that are worth considering before you drop a couple of hundred dollars on a desk chair.

1. Your chair should be adjustable enough

More than anything, you need a chair that is adjustable in the ways you need them to be. Quite a vague statement but let me explain! Not everyone needs removable arms or the ability to recline.

If you like reclining while you work then you’ll need to look for that functionality. Not all desk chairs can recline. Similarly, how much can you adjust the height? If you’re a tall person, will the height adjustment be sufficient for you? Buy a chair that you can customize to your requirements.

2. It should feel comfortable – for your body

It’s a no-brainer that you want a comfortable chair. Of course, every manufacturer will say that their chair is comfortable. If you’re purchasing online, how can you tell? Reviews! Read the reviews in detail to see if the chair is generally quite comfortable.

Comfort is subjective but if many verified reviewers are saying that the chair is uncomfortable, read their reasons and make your decision accordingly.

Here are some of the features that could factor into your comfort level:

3. The chair material should be breathable

Ever sat on an office chair that makes you feel sweaty after a couple of hours? Not a great feeling! If you’re prone to that problem for whatever reason, you may prefer a mesh chair that has high breathability. You’ll also want to avoid PU and genuine leather that can make you feel sticky. Depending on your personal preference or environment, you may like a soft padded finish to the fabric of your chair.

4. It should be the right size for your body

As you’ll notice, not all chairs are suitable for every body shape and weight. If you’re a petite person or very tall, you need to be mindful of how you can adjust the chair to fit you. If in doubt, read the reviews as most people will note their height and weight when reviewing chairs.

5. It should have lumbar support (… or not)

What is this famous “lumbar” which we are supporting with a good desk chair? Your spine is made up of five sections. When we refer to “lumbar support”, we’re referring to the lumbosacral discs that make up the lower middle section of your spine.

Above the pelvis and below the ribcage. This lumbar region is where many people experience back pain from uncomfortable seating for too long. Sitting down increases the strain on these vertebrae. The idea of lumbar support from external sources is relatively controversial. There’s evidence to suggest it can improve your posture but some argue the effectiveness of the support itself for back pain.

That being said, if you do have back pain, you may appreciate an extra boost from your chair that forces your spine into a more upright position.

On the other hand, some people may find lumbar cushioning quite annoying and constricting. This is particularly true if the support in-built with the chair doesn’t match the natural contours of your body. Not uncommon with those who are naturally petite or extra tall. It completely depends on your physiology and preference.

6. Your computer chair should be stylish

Famed British textile designer William Morris once said “have nothing in the home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful”. In plain English, only have things in your house or office that spark joy!

As you can see from the list above, your office chair doesn’t need to be boring. It might be more motivating to sit at your desk if it isn’t boring. Make your office as inviting as possible with a cool color scheme and a chair that welcomes you.

Long office hours? How to sit more comfortably

You may think that a great computer chair is a golden ticket to better desk ergonomics. Your lower back is saved from lack of support and your upper thighs are saved from resting on uncomfy desk chairs.

That’s all well and good, but it doesn’t fix everything. You can still be susceptible to back pain, eyestrain and other annoyances if you don’t bother to correct your habits at the desk.

Here are some quick tips to make the best use of your brand new sparkly chair.

1. Position your body correctly

There are a lot of missteps you can take just by not placing your wrists at a comfortable angle. Seriously! Medical News Today suggests that you have your hands, wrists and forearms roughly parallel to the floor.

If your wrists are raised, they’ll feel fatigued sooner. Likewise, you should keep your elbows close to the body and bent at a 90-100 degree angle. Make sure your feet aren’t dangling – use a footrest if you need to.

2. Take frequent stretch breaks

Though it may be strange to stand up and stretch every couple of hours, it does wonders for your posture and overall well being. Fight those aches and pains by ensuring you stand up every hour and walk around. This keeps your body mobile.

Stretching and taking breaks are important for brain function and productivity. So why not combine it all? Stretch break!

Make sure you adjust your computer chair to fit you properly

Many studies make it clear: an office chair is only as good as how you use it!

A chair may be padded to the Gods and tested by dozens of ergonomic scientists, but if it’s too low to the ground or the lumbar support is too curved for you, the chair won’t fulfill its full potential. There’s some tweaking you need to do to optimize the fit for your body.

Step 1: Adjust the seat height so that your feet can be flat on the ground with your knees at a 90 degree angle.

Step 2: Move the lumbar backrest to suit your height and curvature

Step 3: If you can move the seat pan, push it forward or back until your back can rest flat on the backrest and there’s roughly 5cm between your knees and the edge of the chair

Step 4: Ensure your armrests are at the same height and allow your elbows to rest at a 90-120 degree angle Whatever is most comfortable for you.

Step 5: If there is a headrest, adjust so that your head isn’t being pushed forward. It should gently support your head as opposed to directing it in any direction.

Wrap up – do you really need a computer chair for long hours?

I know what you’re thinking. We’ve spent this entire article essentially listing the life-changing benefits of the best computer chairs. Why would we then say that you don’t need one?

You might need one, but not everyone needs one. And this would be a pretty disingenuous review if we claimed that a computer chair is essential.

You may want to invest in a computer chair if:

In any case, thinking about the ergonomics of how you work is an important factor in your overall health and happiness. No one wants a straining neck and aching wrists due to long hours at an uncomfortable chair and angle. You deserve better.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of all the computer chairs we tested:

To recap, the Herman Miller Caper, Steelcase Leap, and NOUHAUS ErgoFlip are fantastic options for any office worker who wants to increase their comfort and improve their health!

Frequently asked questions

1. Why do you need a comfortable office chair for long hours?

The United States Department of Labor describes ergonomics as a right of the workplace. Sitting at a desk all day can create limp muscles, tight hips and even musculoskeletal disorders if the chair is not supportive of your posture.

2. How can you make an office chair more comfortable for working long hours?

If you can’t invest in a brand new chair that is ergonomically designed for long hours, you can improve your current chair in the following ways – use a lumbar support pillow to prevent lower back pain and get a seat cushion to encourage your posture. It will evenly distribute the weight of your lower body. You should also make sure your feet don’t dangle. You can use a footrest for better posture while working.

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Looking to set up your home office?

Our team’s been working from home since 2014! Check out our tried-and-tested recommendations on the very best gear for your workstation.