‘Of all the things you wear, your posture is the most important.’
Why is one’s posture so important?
The ultimate reasons are that a good posture doesn’t just exude confidence but also presents a healthy disposition. Slouching affects one’s personality, and if the drooping of the shoulder muscles with a hunching back is not corrected in time, then one can suffer from back pain, bad blood circulation, and other severe health problems. So, for a good posture, one needs to be conscious of where and how one sits. With millennials spending most of the time in front of computers, it has become very crucial to buy the right office chair.
Well, if you are ready to spend $500 for your new office chair, then there are some excellent options available in this price range. From modern ergonomic desk chairs with a host of adjustability features to executive wooden frame chairs with real leather upholstery, you can buy whatever type of chair you want at this budget. However, with hundreds of options available in the market from different manufacturers, it’s not an easy task to find the best office chair that meets all your requirements and budget.
So, to help you out, we have come up with this guide, which includes the list of best office chairs under $500. We understand that $500 is not a small amount to buy an office chair. That’s why we didn’t just check the adjustability features and comfort level that the chair provides, but we also tested its build quality and checked the materials used to build its frame. Apart from that, we have made sure that all the chairs are from reputed and well-renowned office furniture manufacturing companies. Plus all the chairs come with a warranty for at least five years.
So, relax and choose the best office chair for yourself from the list below:
NOTE – Most of the chairs in the list below are in $400 to $500 price range. If you are looking for even more inexpensive options then you can check out our other guides on office chairs where you’ll find office chairs under $300 and there are even some great options for less than $200.
Best Office Chairs Under $500 - Top Picks
1. Sayl Chairs by Herman Miller Our Top Pick
The Sayl chairs fulfill the goal of Herman Miller to its apex, which is to provide comfort in the sleekest of style. That’s why it’s the top pick by us. Designed by Yves Behar, Sayl chairs are the ergonomic chairs that are built to maintain the natural spinal S-curve of one’s back. It also provides various adjustments for extra lumbar support.
With its spacious and uniquely devised 3D back, it gives one enough space to stretch and move. The flexible suspension is provided by the elastomer strands of the back that allows the spine to maintain its natural S-shape easily and thus give one less strain and good posture.
This chair also does not have any PVCs and is also recyclable. This eco-friendly, intelligently designed chair is widely used by many celebrities in their studios and up scale offices. Its price starts from around $450 and goes all the way up to $1000 with all the options. For that premium price, it offers a 12-year of warranty and 30-days return policy.
Lino Chairs by Herman Miller
The alternative to Sayl Chairs can be Lino Chairs by Herman Miller. It provides total posture support with breathable mesh back rest and it also offers many customization options like the choice of frame i.e. mineral or black, which is not available in Sayl chairs. Though the Lino chairs lack the elastomer stranded back which are present in Sayl chairs, it still offers remarkable comfort with elegant design. The price of Sayl chairs with added customizations reaches above $700 while that of Lino chairs ends around $600. So, with the same 12-year warranty, this Lino chair by Herman Miller is a slightly less costing substitute to Sayl chairs.
2. Series 1 Chair by Steelcase Runner up
Durability and accessibility are the best features of this ergonomic Series 1 chair by Steelcase. It is lightweight and a perfect fit for tight-spaced offices.
The starting price of this chair is $380 which makes it a more affordable option. Though the price is low, the ergonomic functions are well-oiled. For an instance, it provides the Liveback technology with interdependent flexors in the back to support the curvature of the spine. It also has the feature of adjustable height and seat that helps to attain the perfect lumbar support in the lower back. The soft, curved arm rests and headrest become a source of comfort throughout the day. Overall, it is cost-effective and delivers great comfort and performance with its straightforward design.
Steelcase Series 1 Chair With Stool
This Steelcase Series 1 chair with a stool falls in a similar price bracket to that of the Series 1 chair mentioned above. It is very easy to assemble, and its sturdy frame provides great tension and reclining adjustments for the back. The arms are at the shorter end but can be adjusted in four different directions. This stool with its thin frame is also a viable option for people with tight-spaced offices. It is also quite a practical choice for the offices that have standing desks with a fixed height.
3. HON Ignition 2.0
This chair falls under the category of executive chair that is used by people in a supervisory position as it has two layers of padding and a very breathable mesh back rest. The bosses can easily be seen, reclining in one of these chairs!
Mesh back and padded seat will provide the user extremely conducive and comfortable seating to work in. The options of adjustable height, modifiable recline, and seat positioning will allow your spine a complete leisure to stretch. The easy tilt and swivel with its strong base and durable wheels allow the user to roam freely within the office, without putting a strain on the posture. One of the best features of this chair is the adjustable positioning of the arm rests. It will be helpful to people who has to type all day long. This chair is also a perfect fit for tall and big people as it can accommodate up to 300lbs and provides good lumbar support to even tall people. HON Ignition 2.0 is a classic executive chair that can be bought under $500, in fact under $400!
HON Lota
Hon Lota can be an alternative to the Hon Ignition 2.0 if needed as not an executive chair but rather a slim-framed office chair. It has a 360-degree swivel, which supports one’s posture during movement. It also has a breathable mesh backrest, to give proper support and air ventilation.
No matter at what angle a person sits on it, it accommodates the back due to its weight-activated tilt. It does not require any levers to adjust the chair and thus provide confusion-free and continuous support to the spine. This counterbalance tilt makes this chair a perfect fit for people of all sizes and shapes. It also is sturdy enough to offer three-way pivoting arms but lacks in lumbar support. But the price tag of under $300, it is an affordable and convenient option as a work chair.
4. LazBoy Trafford Executive Office Chair For Big & Tall
As the name suggests, this executive chair is for the Big and tall users as the fully padded chair can accommodate up to 500 lbs of weight. This classic work chair displays an air of superiority by the premium leather cushioning with memory foam that is shaped to give maximum comfort to one’s back. The lumbar support is given by the cushions at the back that contour to one’s spine which results in flexible air technology. The seat side controls are present at the bottom left of the chair that acts as a pneumatic cylinder. It allows for a fully adjustable recline, comfortable seat positioning, and tilt. These features with the elevated headrest provide complete support to the neck and back of the user. A five year warranty is offered by the company and this chair can be retrieved in $323. A luxurious fit in an approachable price.
5. DX Racer Iron Series For Gamers
DX Racer Iron series is a multi-purpose chair. With its racing car seat type design and a big frame, it’s comfortable enough for office-based work but accommodates the gamers the most. The elevated height, backrest and neck rest provide ease to both the gamers and the office workers. The height and angle of the chair can be adjusted to whatever degree one desires. This also provides an ease to the users whole spinal column and gives support to the pelvis bone and neck.
The hydraulic unit of this chair makes the seat positioning very easy. The five-point metal base with springs makes the chair to adjust effortlessly to the position of the work desk or computer table.
Price-wise, this office chair falls near $460, which is a little expensive but with a lifetime warranty on its frame and two years warranty on parts, it is acceptable.
Noblechairs ICON Gaming Chair
Noblechairs ICON is another great gaming/office chair under $500 which can be great alternative to the above mentioned DX Racer Iron chair. It has 100% real leather upholstery and it is stuffed with cold foam for to provide better breathability. This extra cushioning of the leather renders a luxurious outlook to this chair.
This chair has a user weight limit of 330 lbs, so big and strong can easily be accommodated. It’s made from premium materials with a strong yet light metallic frame and premium real leather upholstery.
Moreover, this chair is aesthetically pleasing and is also ergonomically functional. It can be reclined and adjusted to 135 degrees which makes it easier for one’s spine to relax and stretch. The chair’s armrests are also adjustable across four directions which make it a perfect option for gamers.
6. Work Pro Quantum 900 Series
If you want to get things done then you need a comfortable chair to sit in. Well, what could be a better option than the Work pro quantum 900 series? It looks similar to one of the most iconic office chairs Herman Miller Aeron and offers a lot of its features at much lower price. It comes with the lumbar adjustment feature so that you can adjust the chair according to your comfort zone. Its seat is made up of the luxurious mesh fabric and it also supports various other adjustment features. Nobody would like to sit in a chair that puts stress on the legs. For that Work Pro Quantum 900 has the waterfall seat cushion so that one can sit comfortably for long hours.
Along with seat height adjustment, there’s also a synchro-tilt mechanism which adapts to your working style and gives support to your body even when you are working while tilting forward. The chair can be put in the position that one finds the most comfortable by locking its tilt mechanism. The work pro quantum 900 Series fully exceed the performance standards provided by ANSI/BIFMA.
The shipping weight of this chair is 59 pounds so a person can assemble this chair on his own. So, what are you waiting for? Get this amazing office chair that fulfills all your comfort needs at work for less than $500.
7. BDI Office Chair Elegant and Feature Rich
Looking for a chair whose design will perfectly complement your office; a chair that will be suitable for today’s workplace and the one that ensures you are in right posture while working? Then the BDI office chair is the one you should choose. This chair consists of many comfortable and adjustable features. The lower back support of the chair will keep your back intact. You can easily adjust chair’s arms according to your comfort. Its seat consists of the durable and soft mesh material so that you can sit and work for hours without feeling any sort of discomfort.
The weight of the chair is 40 pounds and it comes with a 3-year limited warranty. The most unique feature of this chair is its headrest. If you want you can assemble the headrest with the chair. Or if you are petite like me and don’t want the headrest then you can always remove it. All in all, its one of the best ergonomic office chairs under $500 from one of the world’s most renowned brand BDI.
If you are on a budget and looking for an office chair that costs less but still offers all the features of the above mentioned BDI office chair, then SIDIZ T50 ergonomic chair is the one you need to look at. It has all the adjustability features you will need from armrests to lumbar support and even neck rest. Moreover, it also features the adjustable tension which gives a proper idea of how adjustable this chair is. You can adjust this chair according to your working style and body and it will rest you in the utmost comfort while working.
Plus, its available in different colors so you can customize it as per your taste and add another complement-magnet piece of furniture to your workspace.
8. Space Seating Managers Office Chair
If you are looking for an attractive chair that will go well with the other furniture at your office then you need to get this Managers chair from Space Seating. The special feature of this chair is its armrest and customizable fabric colors. Well, it’s not just a good looking chair, but it also on par in terms of features and overall comfort.
The chair has the adjustable lumbar support which is must for those who spends most of the time sitting during the day. The thickly padded seats and one-touch seat height adjustment is perfect to quickly adjust its position. You can also adjust the chair’s soft padded arms. The unique thing about the space seating office chair is that the company provides a lifetime warranty, and it is indoor air quality certified by the green guard. Its advanced 2-to-1 self-adjustment mechanism makes this chair different from the others as it allows the chair to recline more smoothly.
The chair weighs 48 pounds with an approximate height of 46 inches. It is best for the people who want to experience a comfortable sitting in their own space. With a price that starts at around $300 (without options), this chair is affordable and comfortable both.
If you want a chair that supports big and tall guys, then the One Space Office Chair is ta great alternative to the above mentioned Space Seating chair. This chair is designed to support heavyweight users and it has an extra-padded pocket coil cushioning with triple-layered foam. The foam is 4 inches wide to support your buttocks and provide proper blood circulation to the legs.
The chair uses a butterfly mechanism allowing you to change the angle of the upper section of the chair. Plus its height is also adjustable using the pneumatic lift mechanism. The armrests are padded and can be easily moved up and down, so that when you want to sit or stand it doesn’t come in the way. The chair can withstand up to 500 lbs of weight and can also extend over 30.5 inches in width. Hence, a perfect office chair for big and tall guys under $500.
9. Steelcase Cobi chair No-nonsense Office Chair
The steel Cobi chair is specifically designed for the people who want to sit in different postures: if you are either sitting in the center of the chair or the offside, the chair will shift according to your posture. The chair’s flexing back will provide people with the comfort and support they need. Besides, you can also rest your arm on the top of the chair due to its flexing top edge.
The steel Cobi chair is the perfect for conference rooms or for meetings. If you’re attentive, you can move forward or, if you want to relax you can move backward in the chair. If you are looking for such flexibility in a chair, then the steel Cobi chair is perfect for you.
This light-in-weight and medium-height chair encourages movement and provides comfort by keeping in sync with your posture. You can easily adjust the seat height and due to its programmed weight sensor, it will provide you with your center of gravity. It has been checked that the chair can accommodate up to 300 pounds of weight and with no loss of performance.
If you want a no nonsense office chair that can sit you comfortably and don’t want to waste time by adjusting a lot of different parts, then this is the best office chair under $500 for you.
10. Office Star Executive Chair Best for Back Pain
It’s really confusing to select the right office chair for your need, isn’t it? Well, you need to look for a chair with adjustable backrest and lumbar support if you have a back pain and the one that is comfortable to sit on. Plus it should have an adjustable armrests for more comfortable experience while sitting for prolonged period.
This Office Star executive office chair offers all of that and few more features for the price that’s less than $400. Its back and seat are covered with the luxurious and padded mesh fabric so that you can have a comfortable experience. The comfortable seat with its 2-way adjustable flip arms and adjustable height provide users with a lot of adjustability. Plus, it has an adjustable tilt control which will support your spine and give you a relaxing environment. It weighs just 59 pounds so it can be moved and assembled or disassembled easily. This chair will help you to focus on your work by providing all the comfort and support to your body. So, don’t wait and prioritize your comfort over everything by getting this beautiful executive office chair.
So, these are our most recommended office chairs under $500. These office chairs are ergonomically effective and are capable of giving you the most accommodating sitting experience through their specific multi-purpose features that support your spine, neck, and ensures you stay in the right posture while sitting.
We hope that this guide help you in buying the best office chair under $500 for yourself.
As Helen Gurley Brown said:
“Good posture is the one most important thing anybody can do now to look better.”
So, go with any of the chairs listed above and let us know about your experience in the comments section below.
