Suggestions for affordable office or gaming chair in the $150-200 range?

[Flogger23m]

Looking to purchase a chair for my use at my PC. I tend to sit for long hours throughout the day, occasionally up to 10 hours or so. My budget is limited to around $150-200. I'm around 5' 6", so I don't a massive chair. I am in the US.

My main complaint with chairs is they tend to get sweaty in the summer. Cheap "leather" chairs can be especially bad with this as I've learned with a previous chair. So I would prefer to look at a mesh design if those allow for higher airflow but am open to other materials as well. I will say I do prefer a more flat chair and don't enjoy some of the raised side edges a lot of the gaming chairs have.

Side arms and head rest I would like to leave removed as they get in the way, so designs that don't allow removal of them are less desired.

I am currently trying out a Hyken from Staples: https://www.staples.com/Staples-Hyken-Technical-Mesh-Task-Chair-Black/product_990119

It is an okay chair for my size and needs and feels comfortable enough but have read that it won't last 3 years before part breakage which has me looking for alternatives now.

I've never tried a higher end chair like a Herman Miller and don't know of a place locally that has them on the floor to try. I can find Aerons semi locally used in the $350-400 range but they typically seem to be out of warranty, partially broken, and 5-8 or so years old. I do prefer new, but will consider something higher end if I can actually find something in the $150-200 range.

So considering all that, are there any other brands and models I should look at? I am not opposed to getting an "office chair" or a "gaming chair", just want something that will meet the requirements above nicely and last 3-5 years ideally.

 

[basco]

i think you are in right direction with a good office chair because these gamer chairs are nothing but marketing schabang.

 

[Valantar]

Unfortunately I don't have any specific suggestions (though IIRC there were some in the GN video above?), but I'll just chime in and say that the choice to avoid gaming chairs is an excellent one. Their ergonomics are terrible, they are severely overpriced, and generally don't last long.

I bought an Autonomous Ergochair a few months ago, after looking for quite a while and really having settled on it almost a year beforehand - I just didn't have the money at the time. At first, I was pretty disappointed - the armrests were too wide, and I couldn't find a good balance of back/seat angle, lumbar support and seat height. A week in I actually had much worse back pain than previously.

However, as is often the case, PEBKAC - quite literally. Due to the adjustability of the chair I had for some reason convinced myself that I needed a much higher seat height than I did - the seat tilts sufficiently to allow me to plant my feet even if the seat is actually much to high. So, after realizing that, the back pain disappeared in (literally) a couple of days, and I've been extremely pleased with the chair since. I've even adjusted to the wider-than-necessary armrests, which while they do force my elbows out further than I would ideally want, have not caused me any discomfort whatsoever. I spend 10+ hours in this chair daily and it's fantastic. (It's also gorgeous in the apple green color.)

Of course, it's also well out of your budget range. But I would try to find something that sets similar goals - adjustability, ergonomics, flexibility. Gaming chairs have none of that. There are decent-looking mesh-backed office chairs in the $200 range on Amazon that should fit your needs well, and have far more adjustability than any gaming chair. I'd also really recommend getting a mesh-backed chair. While it's not going to last quite as long as denser fabric, the back generally isn't what sees the most wear, so it's not likely to stretch much, and mesh provides so much better comfort than foam and fabric. Just make sure the chair also has some form of lumbar support.

 

[Bill_Bright]

You really need to find an office supply (or better yet, office furniture) store locally and try them out. We can comment on build quality but what supports my back, for example, may cause yours to ache. I'm a bit taller than you, but I have a relatively short inseam (28"). So I tend to have problems finding a chair that doesn't put too much pressure on the backs of my thighs, yet provides enough thigh support too, while at the same time supports my lumbar area and arms at the right height.

In other words, you are you and no one can tell what will work for you, but you.

 

[Operandi]

I'd also really recommend getting a mesh-backed chair. While it's not going to last quite as long as denser fabric, the back generally isn't what sees the most wear, so it's not likely to stretch much, and mesh provides so much better comfort than foam and fabric. Just make sure the chair also has some form of lumbar support.

Just chiming in on the the durability of mesh, I have a Hermin Miller Setu that is going on probably going on 8 years old or so. It has a one piece seat and back mesh, I use it almost every day and while only recently have them been ~8 hour days it basically looks like the day I bought it after I vacuum it out so like everything else I really think it depends on the build quality and materials.

 

[Brusfantomet]

Had a look at Ikea? test some of the chairs there, recently got a Järvfjället for my self, after the padding on my Markus stated to give a bit way after 12 years use and 1 year of work from home. The cloth versions are nicer in summer heat than the fake leather ones. The armrests can be removed on both of them (you might even get them cheaper without the armrests), but only Järfjället can have the headrest removed.

Its important to try them first, and really sit for as long as possible to feel if the chair works for your body.

 

[Voluman]

Well, that is really up to you, you can decide what fits for you. You should check it personally with your back/lower parts
Probably it is against your preference, but a plus 1 vote Ikea Markus kinda stuff. I am using an Antares Netsy, so far i really like it. But i dont know if it is available for you overseas.
Textil sit part, mesh back, and yes, there is a headrest, but it fits for me, and overall, it isnt a big chair.

 

[bobbybluz]

I buy all of my studio chairs off Craigslist. You can get like new chairs that were originally stupid expensive cheap. I have one dark brown real leather executive office chair that was several hundred dollars new I paid $50 for from a business that had closed and was selling off all of their furniture. They'd asked $100 but took $50. It also has lumbar adjustments.

For my studio I go through chairs far faster than I should because my cats love destroying them. They'll peel the top layer of fake leather off them with their claws. That top layer is shockingly thin as I've discovered from experience (Serta is a prime example). Because of that factor I won't pay more than $30 for a faux leather chair even if it's in perfect condition. Back when I was in radio I did the 12-6 a.m. shift for a few years and having a comfortable sturdy chair was a must. I went through every chair in the station to find the one I liked best then started looking for one similar on Craigslist. I eventually found the same exact model and got it for $25. Padded armrests, lumbar and height adjustments plus back angle adjustment, excellent ergonomics for my body and very solid construction. It was originally a $200 chair. I still have it in use even though one of my feline monsters has claimed it as her own.

We went through a lot of chairs at the radio station, new and used. The mesh chairs always quickly fell apart. We had those in our staff conference room and everybody hated them for various reasons. Eventually the bigger padded chairs from the broadcast and production studios replaced them in the duty cycle. It was interesting to see what chairs were always taken first for long boring staff meetings. Those of us who had offices and our own chairs always wheeled them in for ourselves. The armless mesh chairs were always the last choice.

For broadcasting and studio production work well padded arms are a blessing when you're sitting for several hours at a time every day. The contour of the seat and back also make a huge difference. New hires would go buy expensive new chairs for themselves. Crafty old veterans always bought theirs off Craigslist or closeout sales at office supply stores. That's how I learned what to get, what not to get and where to buy them cheapest.

 

[Falkentyne]

Steelcase and Herman Miller chairs destroy everything vs Gaming "race car RGB" chairs. There are multiple options, but they may be out of your price range. You can save a lot of money by buying a refurbished one (Just avoid Madison Seating or anything from New Jersey that's refurbished).

 

[moproblems99]

@Flogger23m , I am using the exact same chair as you. It's an ok chair, my first mesh. They also had a tempurpedic chair that I think was in the $200-$300 range that I almost bought but I really wanted the mesh bottom so my farts go straight to hell and bug everyone there.

 

[Shrek]

I hate cushioned arms as they seem to crack after a few years; I'm happy with solid arm rests.

 

[GorbazTheDragon]

IKEA Markus

 

[Valantar]

Had a look at Ikea? test some of the chairs there, recently got a Järvfjället for my self, after the padding on my Markus stated to give a bit way after 12 years use and 1 year of work from home. The cloth versions are nicer in summer heat than the fake leather ones. The armrests can be removed on both of them (you might even get them cheaper without the armrests), but only Järfjället can have the headrest removed.

Its important to try them first, and really sit for as long as possible to feel if the chair works for your body.

The Järvfjället is really nice, the only reason I didn't get one of those is the lack of adjustable armrests. I found the Markus to be far too deep and wide with too much of a backwards tilt to its back, but the Järvfjället was very comfortable, and had really good lumbar support.

Just chiming in on the the durability of mesh, I have a Hermin Miller Setu that is going on probably going on 8 years old or so. It has a one piece seat and back mesh, I use it almost every day and while only recently have them been ~8 hour days it basically looks like the day I bought it after I vacuum it out so like everything else I really think it depends on the build quality and materials.

Very true. Those aren't cheap though!

 

[Flogger23m]

Any particular higher end models to look for used? The Aeron and Leap seem to be popular, but start $350-400 or more locally. Anything else by Herman Miller, Steel Case or and brand I should look for?

Or any other specific recommendations?

@Flogger23m , I am using the exact same chair as you. It's an ok chair, my first mesh. They also had a tempurpedic chair that I think was in the $200-$300 range that I almost bought but I really wanted the mesh bottom so my farts go straight to hell and bug everyone there.

How long have you had it? Has it held up well?

 

[moproblems99]

A couple weeks, so I am in the same boat as you.

 

[LFaWolf]

Looking to purchase a chair for my use at my PC. I tend to sit for long hours throughout the day, occasionally up to 10 hours or so. My budget is limited to around $150-200. I'm around 5' 6", so I don't a massive chair. I am in the US.

My main complaint with chairs is they tend to get sweaty in the summer. Cheap "leather" chairs can be especially bad with this as I've learned with a previous chair. So I would prefer to look at a mesh design if those allow for higher airflow but am open to other materials as well. I will say I do prefer a more flat chair and don't enjoy some of the raised side edges a lot of the gaming chairs have.

Side arms and head rest I would like to leave removed as they get in the way, so designs that don't allow removal of them are less desired.

I am currently trying out a Hyken from Staples: https://www.staples.com/Staples-Hyken-Technical-Mesh-Task-Chair-Black/product_990119

It is an okay chair for my size and needs and feels comfortable enough but have read that it won't last 3 years before part breakage which has me looking for alternatives now.

I've never tried a higher end chair like a Herman Miller and don't know of a place locally that has them on the floor to try. I can find Aerons semi locally used in the $350-400 range but they typically seem to be out of warranty, partially broken, and 5-8 or so years old. I do prefer new, but will consider something higher end if I can actually find something in the $150-200 range.

So considering all that, are there any other brands and models I should look at? I am not opposed to getting an "office chair" or a "gaming chair", just want something that will meet the requirements above nicely and last 3-5 years ideally.

I bought the same chair from Staples about 3 weeks ago when it was on sale for $130. Staples assembled it for me for $15. It is comfortable, has good lumbar support and a headrest, but it has started to creak already. Originally I was going to get a Herman Miller Aeron but at only 1/10 of the price, I figure if it breaks after 5 years I will just get another one. Plus it does have 7-year of manufacturer warranty. It is Staples' most popular chair.

I am 5'7" but my desk is a bit high so I am thinking of using my footrest for more comfort.

 

[LFaWolf]

I'm looking for a comfortable gaming chair tho I'm not a full-time gamer but my work requires about 12 to 14 hours of sitting and it really hurts my back.
serious suggestions are appreciated.

Herman Miller Aeron if you want to splurge. Otherwise, the one OP posted is good. I have had it since July and it is very comfortable and holding up quite well. I have tried several so called gaming chairs and none of them is comfortable for me.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I don't believe even the best made chair, custom designed specifically for your body by an ergonomic/orthopedic specialist can help that much if you sit 12-14 hours per day. What you really need is to change your routine - to include possibly changing your desk too. You need to get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour or maybe even every 30 minutes. You must make sure your keyboard and monitor are the correct height and position for your neck, back, shoulders (and eyes and the rest of your body too).

You probably should look into a back and/or shoulder brace.

You might also consider one of those desks that convert back and forth from a sitting desk to a standing desk. Some are quite affordable, like this one.

 

[dgianstefani]

Aeron remastered is . I'm on the edge of the chart between medium and large though and I got the medium because it was faster shipping - sometimes I feel like should have gone with the large for it's higher weight limit as sometimes my GF likes to sit on my lap in the chair and we watch youtube together lol - I worry about the mesh.

 

[Vayra86]

I hate cushioned arms as they seem to crack after a few years; I'm happy with solid arm rests.

Solid arm rest is also an ergonomic plus over cushioned.

+1 on the office chair. Second hand office stores are going to get you one at the specd budget.

I'm looking for a comfortable gaming chair tho I'm not a full-time gamer but my work requires about 12 to 14 hours of sitting and it really hurts my back.
serious suggestions are appreciated.

Change routine. Sitting too long can literally kill you. Slowly and painfully. And recovery is harder than prevention.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Solid arm rest is also an ergonomic plus over cushioned.

Why? As a blanket statement, I disagree.

Cushioned does not imply your arm sinks and gets wrapped up in 6 inches of confining padding. It just means your elbows don't get sore from sitting on a solid surface hours each day. It is the height of the armrests that determines if they will be ergonomically correct, or not. Not that they are solid versus padded or cushioned.

Also, cushioned does not imply the outer covering is made of "cheap" plastics that likely will crack over time. My "OfficeStar" chair is 20 years old and has upholstered and padded arm rests. No cracks. Not even much visible wear. And I sit in it 4 to 5+ hours every day.

Padded dashboards in cars typically take many many years in the sun before cracking occurs. How many office chairs sit in the sun?

I say when it comes to office chairs, you typically get what you pay for. If you buy a cheap Walmart special, you get a cheap chair that doesn't last. If "invest" in quality, you get quality that lasts.

 

[Vayra86]

Why? As a blanket statement, I disagree.

Cushioned does not imply your arm sinks and gets wrapped up in 6 inches of confining padding. It just means your elbows don't get sore from sitting on a solid surface hours each day. It is the height of the armrests that determines if they will be ergonomically correct, or not. Not that they are solid versus padded or cushioned.

Also, cushioned does not imply the outer covering is made of "cheap" plastics that likely will crack over time. My "OfficeStar" chair is 20 years old and has upholstered and padded arm rests. No cracks. Not even much visible wear. And I sit in it 4 to 5+ hours every day.

Padded dashboards in cars typically take many many years in the sun before cracking occurs. How many office chairs sit in the sun?

I say when it comes to office chairs, you typically get what you pay for. If you buy a cheap Walmart special, you get a cheap chair that doesn't last. If "invest" in quality, you get quality that lasts.

Well... the general guidelines for ergonomic workspace do not recommend cushioned armrests, but hard ones, with 3D adjustment options.

Comfort =/= better ergonomic standard.

 

[chrcoluk]

I have brought several chairs over the years in the £150-300 price range from amazon, and all (except the current one so far) broke on me.

On the ones with plastic legs, they eventually snapped.

I had one where the screw holding the arm rest in place one day just clean snapped in half, the manufacturer sent me a replacement back (as that had to be chucked due to half of the screw stuck in the hole) and new screws, which I had to pay for, then the same happened again about half a year later.

On all chairs I have brought the extremely thin leather coating starts to wear off within a year, and if I sent you guys a picture of my almost 3 year old chair right now it will be an eye opener lol.

This chair has survived the longest out the lot, it took me hours to find a chair with all the following criteria.

Metal legs.
4 screws holding in the arms, two on seat, two on back. So single screws dont get overstressed and snap off.

At this price point I think they just cut too many corners, also the arm rests are rock hard, they designed to look like they padded, but seem to have a thin layer of covering over a hard material. Had that problem on every chair I have purchased.

My sister tells me the chairs in her office last years, but the ones they buy are £500 a pop. However they recently allowed staff to take some home, and my sister has one ready for me which she is bringing round after Christmas.

Its one of these. The company has higher models which cost over a grand.

Office Chairs

A selection of ergonomic and task chairs suitable for computer work at home or the office. Free mainland UK delivery & 0% finance available.

www.wellworking.co.uk

 

[Bill_Bright]

Well... the general guidelines for ergonomic workspace do not recommend cushioned armrests

Oh? Sure would like to see those "general guidelines". Got a link?

And for sure, I do not agree that comfort and better ergonomics can't go hand-in-hand. In fact, poor ergonomics typically results in discomfort - often extreme pain and even injury often requiring surgery.

 

[Vayra86]

Oh? Sure would like to see those "general guidelines". Got a link?

And for sure, I do not agree that comfort and better ergonomics can't go hand-in-hand. In fact, poor ergonomics typically results in discomfort - often extreme pain and even injury often requiring surgery.

Note that elbows are supposed to be in a relaxed position. You're not supposed to be leaning on them, which a soft armrest promotes, and a hard one does not. You're supposed to carry your elbows with your shoulders. Of course, a thin padding over the armrest is fine. But actual thick padding like you have on comfort seating is certainly not.

Office chairs that conform to high end office standards are also rarely found with cushioning on armrests.

Take a look

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