8 Best Ergonomic Home Office Chairs for Neck & Back Support
With Aussie WFH culture still booming, make sure you’re set up for success with these “fantastic” home office chairs.
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With many Aussies still working from home, it’s important to ensure that your office is set up in the correct way with a great office chair, especially if you’re spending hours at your desk.
Working at the kitchen table isn’t cutting it anymore, nor is working from your bed, or the living room couch.
Physiotherapist Jennifer Dodge from The Office Athlete believes that investing in a quality home office chair is key to a productive workday.
“Your home office set up really does start with a chair, so it does need a lot of importance when purchasing one,” she told news.com.au checkout.
“For starters, you need to be familiar with the adjustment. You don’t want a chair with a tonne of bells and whistles, because it just gets too complex. You just want to keep it basic.”
Dodge recommends picking chairs with removable armrests that can slide under your desk, plus products with good recline, and adequate lumbar (or lower back) support.
“You want to make sure there’s not a slouchy, scooped lower portion of the backrest where you’re hunching into it. You want to have nice lumber support,” she added.
“You can always supplement with a pillow or a rolled up towel, but I think it’s something that you can definitely look for when you are purchasing a chair.”
A home office chair with great lumbar support that we’ve spotted is this Mimoglad Ergonomic Desk Chair, which is one of the most popular models right now on Amazon Australia.
Great for neck and back support, it takes only 45 minutes to assemble.
Read on below for our full review from Rosalyn, one of the news.com.au checkout Shopping Writers.
Retailing for under $80, this chair from Oikiture is also excellent value for the budget conscious, while this ergonomic model from HOLLUDLE is perfect if you’re tight on space.
It’s one of the only models we’ve spotted with a foldable backrest.
After more options? Read on for our full wrap of the best home office chairs out there right now.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST HOME OFFICE CHAIRS
Mimoglad Ergonomic Desk Chair with Adjustable Lumbar Support, $168.99 at Amazon Australia
Mimoglad Ergonomic Desk Chair with Adjustable Lumbar Support
Tried and Tested by Rosalyn Fannin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I’m always on the lookout for anything that will give me back support. As a sufferer of scoliosis (the curvature of the spine), I often find myself with a decent amount of pain, especially sitting all day at my desk doing the 9-to-5 grind.
So I decided to try the Mimoglad Ergonomic Office Chair, with the main drawing card being the adjustable lumbar support.
While I normally dread assembling flat packs, surprisingly this one was actually pretty simple. The instructions were easy to follow and all the bits and bobs were really well labelled in their own separate packing, so I wasn’t pulling my hair out trying to find which piece goes where. It also came with some assembly gloves, but they were quite small and barely fit. Overall, it took about 45 minutes to put together, which gets a tick from me.
Once I started working, I found it to be rather firm to sit on, but that’s expected with a new chair and you adjust to it quite quickly. I work from home in an office with carpet, which it unfortunately doesn’t roll too well on.
But I tested it on hard floors and that worked a treat.
The back is fairly high and has a mesh-like material that was supportive and firm but not uncomfortable, and I actually preferred it over my normal cushioned seat.
There is an armrest on either side that can be moved up and down, but it doesn’t go all the way back, and I did bump elbows occasionally, but no biggie.
On to the main draw card: the adjustable lumbar support. It slides up and down to suit how you feel most comfortable. It was a bit stiff at first, but once I got it moving and found the right spot, it felt super supportive. I have mine sitting higher up just below the middle of my back and under where most of my pain is. It definitely helped straighten me up and feel more comfortable. When I had it lower down, it felt like it was sticking into my back a bit and was more slouched over. But that’s why it’s adjustable!
I’m about 5’3” and found the lowest height setting to be the best. At the highest setting I was sitting with my tip toes just touching the ground. If you are on the taller side, perhaps over six-foot, it may not be high enough.
The only real downside was the lack of tilting. You can’t adjust the angle of how you’re sitting, so if you like it leaned back or don’t feel like you’re sitting upright enough, this can’t be changed.
I was in the latter category and felt like I had to sit pretty far back to reach the back of the chair. I also found myself sitting up and away to feel more upright.
This wasn’t too good for my back, and I could have definitely used more support higher up.
All in all, it is a solid piece of kit. It looks very sleek and as a whole I’m feeling more comfortable working at my home office desk, which is exactly what I need from an office chair.
SONGMICS Office Chair, Swivel Chair with Mesh Covering, $128.25 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
With flip-up armrests, an ergonomic design and adjustable height, the SONGMICS Office Chair will help you go the distance on those WFH office days.
The S-shaped backrest on this chair ensures your back and neck are well supported, while the foldable armrests mean that you can slide completely under your desk, dodging potential eye and neck strain issues.
The seat cushion is made from a thick, high-quality foam, giving a great balance between comfort and support, plus this chair is great for both carpet and hardwood floors.
With almost 4000 positive 5-star ratings on Amazon Australia, the SONGMICS Office Chair has been a winner among shoppers, who say it’s “easy to assemble” and “insanely good for its cheap price”.
“I am very pleasantly surprised. Very well made chair and easy to assemble. The materials and parts are of high quality. I recommend it,” said one reviewer.
Another added: “I am thrilled with my purchase. The chair is simple to assemble, pretty, and above all very comfortable.”
BEST BUDGET FRIENDLY HOME OFFICE CHAIRS
Oikiture Ergonomic Office Chair, $79.90 at Amazon Australia
Oikiture Ergonomic Office Chair
What You Need To Know
With a tall backrest designed for comfort and longevity, the Oikiture Ergonomic Office Chair is a popular choice for long hours working away at your desk.
Made from a high quality nylon and mesh blend, the fabric is durable and easy to clean, ensuring that you have an office chair with longevity in mind.
It’s also super quick to assemble with minimal hardware and all the instructions included, once you have it out of the box it will be ready to use in no time at all, with many shoppers saying it takes less than 15 minutes to put together.
Shoppers say that Oikiture has delivered “amazing value” when it comes to this office chair, and it provides “amazing neck support”.
“Exactly what I expected, a good quality item, and as always, super quick shipping,” said one shopper, while another added: “An awesome office chair, easy to set up and at a great price.”
PZDO Gaming Chair with Footrest & Lumbar Support, $159.98 (down from $189.98) at Amazon Australia
PZDO Gaming Chair with Footrest & Lumbar Support
What You Need To Know
Spending hours in front of the computer? If that’s the case, you want to ensure your back and neck are well supported, and this is where the PZDO Gaming Chair excels.
This office chair is made with a S-Curve to complement the shape of your spine, giving great comfort and support to the neck, back, hips and thighs, while promoting good posture.
It comes in a number of options, is made with premium leather and high-density memory foam, and it’s completely adjustable, letting you change the height, armrests, and the tilt.
There’s even a footrest included as an added bonus.
“I recently purchased this gaming chair, and I am beyond impressed with the quality and comfort it offers. The S-curved backrest is a game-changer – it perfectly mimics the natural curve of the spine, providing excellent support for the lower back. This ergonomic design has noticeably improved my posture and significantly reduced back pain, especially during long hours of work and gaming,” wrote one shopper on Amazon Australia.
Another added: “This PZDO Gaming Chair is a total win! It’s super comfortable with great lumbar support, and the footrest is perfect for kicking back during long gaming sessions. The chair looks sleek and is easy to adjust to your liking. Whether for gaming or work, it’s a great addition to any set up.”
BEST ERGONOMIC HOME OFFICE CHAIRS
SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair, $329.99 (down from $409.99) at Amazon Australia
SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair
What You Need To Know
This SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair has some great inclusions, including the S-shaped backrest for great spinal support, plus breathable mesh material that’s both tough and easy to clean.
There’s adjustable armrests for increased comfort, whether you’re working, streaming movies or gaming, and the chair has passed a number of safety tests.
It also has an impressive weight capacity, comfortably bearing up to 149kg.
With an aluminium finish on the base, and a number of different colours, the SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair will look great in your office, whether you have tiles, hardwood floors or carpet.
“This is the second time I’ve bought this chair. It is easily one of the best chairs we’ve had. First one I bought for myself, the second I bought for my mum. Even my partner wants one. It’s easy enough to assemble, I was able to do it on my own,” said one Aussie reviewer.
Another added: “Amazing chair, the quality is exceptional, I can see why it gets so many 5 star reviews, I’m 100kg and it feels solid as a rock, also has a really cool feel to the recline action I wasn’t expecting.”
Flash Furniture White Mesh Swivel Ergonomic Office Chair, $336.25 at Amazon Australia
Flash Furniture White Mesh Swivel Ergonomic Office Chair
What You Need To Know
With a smart polished finish, this Flash Furniture White Mesh Swivel Ergonomic Office Chair brings the best of style and comfort to your home office.
The ventilated mesh is breathable and suited to Australia’s warmer climate, while the chair itself features great lumbar support, padded adjustable armrests, and a tilt level that moves seamlessly from a rocking movement to more stability.
“These are very comfortable chairs and they look very professional. The higher back is wonderful,” said one reviewer.
Another added: “Very comfortable, a very well padded seat, easy to assemble, resistant materials and very beautiful. I would definitely buy it again and recommend it to anyone thinking of buying a good desk chair. It’s worth every penny.”
BEST FOLDABLE HOME OFFICE CHAIRS
HOLLUDLE Ergonomic Office Chair with Foldable Backrest, $219.99 at Amazon Australia
HOLLUDLE Ergonomic Office Chair with Foldable Backrest
What You Need To Know
If you have limited home office space, check out this HOLLUDLE Ergonomic Office Chair.
Its foldable backrest collapses down at the push of a button — a feature you don’t normally see in office chairs.
Another selling point is the double-layered back support, great if you’re sitting for long periods, while the mesh material is breathable and durable, making it easy to care for.
Once out of the box, this one will only take around 20 minutes to assemble.
The HOLLUDLE Ergonomic Office Chair has also passed a number of safety tests, with more than 900 shoppers saying it’s an “excellent” choice that’s “built to last”.
“The overall design is sleek and comfy. The fold down back is a nice touch which creates more room in a small home office when it’s not in use. Really pleased with the purchase and delivery only took a few days,” said one shopper.
Another added: “The ergonomic office chair is unbelievable! I can sit on this chair for hours without any back pain.”
BEST PREMIUM HOME OFFICE CHAIRS
SIHOO Doro Ergonomic Office Chair, from $579.99 at Amazon Australia
SIHOO Doro Ergonomic Office Chair
What You Need To Know
The SIHOO Doro C300 Ergonomic Office Chair is a great investment to ensure you’re well supported across the whole work day.
Using the latest in design technology, this desk chair comes with an adjustable headrest, lumbar support, ultra-soft armrests, a smart weight-sensing mechanism, alongside durable and silent chair wheels. Plus, there’s a flexible backrest and a fully breathable mesh design, offering all-day comfort for your home office.
“The chair itself is comfortable and of great quality. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking an ergonomic office chair that combines ease of assembly with comfort and durability. Highly recommend,” said one shopper.
Another added: “The SIHOO Doro C300 has exceeded my expectations. It’s an office chair that not only meets the highest ergonomic standards, but also offers an elegant and durable design. If you’re looking for a chair that takes care of your comfort and wellbeing while you work, I would definitely recommend it.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A HOME OFFICE CHAIR
Design: Your office chair should fit both your body and your home office workspace. Do you want something that’s sleek and minimal? Will the chair be seen on video calls or Zoom meetings? Are you looking for ergonomic support with all the bells and whistles? If that’s the case, choose products with good lumbar support, adjustable armrests, adjustable height, and tilt functions. A home office chair that helps with good posture can in turn help with avoiding back and neck pain.
Materials: This makes a big difference in both durability and comfort. Mesh backs are great for breathability, and leather gives a luxe feel. There’s also fabric chairs which are typically softer, but may not go the distance. Also, check the cushion padding. If it’s too firm this can be uncomfortable, but if it’s also too soft, this might not give enough support.
Price: You don’t want to spend a fortune, but a quality chair should last you a few years at the very least. Budget chairs may catch your attention, but you’re usually scrimping on quality and support. Mid-range options usually will deliver the best of both worlds, while home office chairs in a high price point have excellent features and use premium materials.
Size: You should measure up your home office and think about how the chair you’re looking at will fit comfortably in the space. If you have limited space (or just a study nook), consider a more compact design. Also, it’s worth checking the weight limit to ensure it’s built for your needs.
Mobility: If you’re moving around your workspace a lot, consider a chair with smooth-rolling wheels and a sturdy base. Also check that your home office chair is suited for the type of flooring in your space, whether you have carpet, hardwood flooring, or tiles.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
At news.com.au checkout, our team of shopping writers spend hours every month researching products, reviews and the latest announcements to help save you time and save you money.
We then put it all in plain English, so it’s easy for you to understand and make an informed decision.
For this roundup, we also spoke with Jennifer Dodge, a physiotherapist from The Office Athlete, for her thoughts on the factors to consider when buying a home office chair.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s important to think about when picking out an office chair?
When it comes to buying a home office chair, Jennifer Dodge, a physiotherapist from The Office Athlete, said there’s three factors to consider.
First, keep things simple and don’t pick a chair with too many “bells and whistles”.
Secondly, find a product with removable arms, and thirdly, a product with good lumbar or lower back support.
“Some do look really ‘whiz bang’, but when it comes to a solid chair, you just want to think of those basic three things,” Dodge said.
How much should people spend on an office chair?
Dodge said many expensive home office chairs are sold as a “magic bullet”, but shoppers are better off picking a good basic chair with removable armrests, and adequate recline.
“At around that $300 to $400 mark, you’re investing in a really good chair,” Dodge added.
“Based on appearances, some look great, and they have that netted back, and you may think it’s wonderful, but it won’t support you.
“So aim for that $300 to $400 mark, anything above the $500 to $600 price range starts to get a little expensive.”
Is it worth investing in a quality home office chair?
“A common issue with poor ergonomic set up starts with people sitting at the dining table and using a dining table chair,” said Dodge.
“They’re not sort of meant to be sat on for longer than a dinner, so people will adapt their workspace to a very fixed set up which isn’t great for the body.
“Another one is working on the couch. As lovely as it sounds, that’s too soft and we don’t get those cues from your body to readjust and move. Another one has been people hunched over the laptop, the laptop being their main computer set up.
“The laptop is meant to be portable, and so having it fixed as your main computer leaves you crowded in this hunched over position, and just forces you into bad posture, and can cause a lot of neck and shoulder pain, and lower back pain.”
How should I actually sit properly at my home office?
Dodge said that the “old school thought” has been to sit straight at 90 degrees, with your knees and hips also at 90 degrees, but there’s a better approach.
“Maybe you could do that for about 10 minutes, and then gravity will win, and you’ll start to be pulled forward and punch over, and then you’ll sit up straight again and you might last about six minutes, and then you get pulled down again,” she said.
“You don’t want to be fighting gravity all day. You want to have your lovely chair set up, tucked into the desk, obviously if the arm rests fit, then brilliant, but if not, take them off.
“With the back rest, you don’t want it upright at 90 degrees. Recline it to about 110 degrees, that allows your shoulders to sit back into the chair. You might feel a bit lazy, but that way gravity is keeping you in that position, as opposed to your body and your postural muscles having to fight it.”
“So a slight recline and then just tucking in so you’re not too far from your computer screening, that’s the ideal chair set up, and of course you want your feet on the ground.”
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