Best Office Chair under $200 in 2023: Reviewing the Top 10

We all spend a good chunk of our day in chairs. But an uncomfortable chair can lead to lower back pain, poor posture, and general crankiness. (And I, for one, am far more irritable when I have back pain.)

So a quality chair is important, especially if we’re spending long hours each day working at a desk. You can spend thousands of dollars on the best office chair, but achieving a basic level of comfort shouldn’t have to break the bank. Fortunately, the best office chairs under $200 are not that hard to find.

Compiled below are some of the best office chairs under $200 so you don’t have to spend valuable time sifting through the myriad of options out there or spend valuable money on the wrong office chair.

Considering the price, these office chairs are all good options. But read on to find out why or check the table of contents below to jump ahead to find the best fit for you.

How We Determined the Best Office Chair under $200

Each product was evaluated on price point (under $200), adjustable lumbar support, overall comfort, build quality, and any additional features such as footrests, headrests, adjustability, colors, and warranties.

Each office chair we’ll look at here has a large number of good reviews, so you know you’re getting good value for your money.

#1. OFM Racing Style Office Chair — Best Overall

What’s Good:

The OFM office chair holds up to 275 pounds, which is more than the average of 250 pounds. This means it will comfortably accommodate most people, regardless of size. The faux leather looks nice and is easy to wipe clean. Now you can snack at your desk without the worry of spills.

The seat adjusts from 17 inches to nearly 21 inches high, so you have room to play with what feels right for you. It also features a 20-inch seat, which means more room to wiggle around.

This becomes especially roomy with the bonus flip-up armrests. Push them out of the way when you don’t want to use them or to fit the chair comfortably under your desk when not in use. When you do want them, they have nice thick padding for extra comfort.

This comes with a 5-year limited warranty, and you can choose from a variety of colors. Although predominantly black, you can choose a variety of accent colors to match any room or personality.

What’s Lacking:

This chair doesn’t have much of a tilt, so while you can rock ever so slightly, you won’t be able to recline. Although there is lumbar support, it is not adjustable and may not fit everyone comfortably.

The assembly is a mixed bag – many find it easy to put together, while others complain about the time it takes to do. The good news is, once it’s assembled, you never have to do it again.

Overall:

This is a great office or gaming chair for anyone under 275 pounds. That extra 25-pound weight capacity means more people can comfortably fit in it without fear that it will break apart.

It’s well under 200 dollars and has a roomy seat with arms that flip out of the way when you don’t want them. For these reasons, we found this to be the best office chair under 200 dollars.

#2. Flash Furniture High Back Executive Chair — Most Stylish

What’s Good:

This elegant executive office chair will look nice in any space, especially within the home. Not only does it come in four colors, but you can also choose the chrome accent color in either black, silver, gold, or rose gold. All of the combinations look stylish, and you can pick your favorite to fit your decor.

This chair will hold the standard 250 pounds, but it also raises in height up to 4 inches. The seat sits from just over 18 inches to just over 22 inches high, meaning your legs can fit comfortably under most desks.

The padded armrests sit out past the seat, which means you don’t have to squeeze into the chair. You get the entire 19 inches of seat space to fit comfortably, even if the arms don’t move.

Although it’s a high back chair, it has a very minimal design, which makes it feel smaller than a traditional executive chair. It takes up less visual space in the room, which is more appealing than the traditional executive chairs. The design on this faux leather office chair holds up well and wipes off easily.

This office chair also comes with a 5-year limited warranty, which is good peace of mind considering how much we use our office chairs.

What’s Lacking:

There is no real lumbar support, so you may need to consider a lumbar support pillow if that’s a problem for long periods of time sitting.

The assembly isn’t the easiest, which is surprising considering how simple the look of the chair is.

Overall, it’s not the most ergonomic office chair on the list, focusing on style instead of comfort. So unless you want to invest in an additional pillow, it may not be the best option for an 8-hour workday.

Overall:

This is a great office chair for anyone who values style. The minimalist and sleek design will blend seamlessly into your home.

If you only sit at it for a few hours a day, the relatively thin cushions shouldn’t bother you. But look elsewhere if you want the most comfortable office chair for long hours.

#3. Furmax Mid Back Office Chair — Best Budget

What’s Good:

This mid-back office chair comes in under $50, making it the best budget office chair on this list. If money is your primary concern, you won’t waste it here. It holds 265 pounds, which is slightly more than the average.

It doesn’t sit as high as some others, but it has a fairly standard adjustable seat height of 17.5 to 20 inches. It also reclines 130 degrees, so you can rock a good bit – for those who can’t sit still while working.

This office chair also comes in 10 unique, bold colors, so you can really showcase your personality through the chair.

The mesh backing allows ventilation, so you’ll stay cool while sitting all day.

What’s Lacking:

Although this holds more weight than the standard office chair, it only has a 16-inch wide seat, so it’s not the best option if you have a bit more junk in the trunk.

The armrests leave a bit to be desired with no padding for that extra comfort.

Overall:

If you’re working with a tight budget and don’t mind a narrow seat, this is a great value. If you have limited space, this chair doesn’t take up much room, but it will do the job.

#4. BestMassage Office Chair 500 lbs — Best Big and Tall

What’s Good:

This ergonomic office chair holds up to 500 pounds and features a 24-inch wide seat. That’s a whole two feet of real estate for the part that needs it most!

The extra thick breathable cushion doesn’t deform over time, which is great since it is meant to support up to 500 pounds. The padded lumbar support and armrests are also cushioned for added comfort.

It can adjust in height up to 3 inches, sitting from 20 to 23 inches off the ground. It also swivels 360 degrees for easy reach of anything you may need.

Although the chair can not lock into a recline, it does rock back and forth from 90 to 120 degrees. It also comes in three color options: black, brown, or white.

What’s Lacking:

The assembly can be difficult, and many reviewers were frustrated when the screws and holes took extra effort to line up correctly. The arms are not removable, although there is still plenty of seat space with them on.

Some users found the chair hydraulics to break down over time, so if you needed to raise the seat to its maximum height, it may not stay in that position after too much use.

Overall:

If you’re looking for more support than the standard 250-300 pound limit and want a wide seat that won’t make you feel cramped and uncomfortable, this is the best option.

This bonded leather office chair’s cushioned arms and headrest and extra-wide seat with a weight capacity of up to 500 pounds, make this the best big and tall office chair for the money.

#5. GTPlayer Gaming Chair — Best Office Chair with Footrest

What’s Good:

This office chair doubles as a gaming chair, and it looks great as an executive office chair with a durable PU leather material. It comes in black with a variety of accent colors, so you can pick the style that’s right for you.

It holds up to 300 pounds, so it should comfortably house most people. You can adjust the seat height over four inches high.

It has a soft padded headrest, but the best feature is the extendable footrest, which you can pull out and recline back to 135 degrees.

This is great for gaming, but it’s a real bonus when you’re working a long day at your office. If you need a little break (which we all do at times), just kick back and relax!

In addition to the footrest, it has a built-in lumbar massage pillow. Not only can you remove the pillow entirely, you can adjust it and plug it in for a lower back massage.

What’s Lacking:

Although the curved armrests have a nice cushioned padding, they are shorter than other chairs. If you use the armrests often, you might be disappointed.

There are some complaints about the seat cushion, which doesn’t provide as much support or hold up well over time. Adding extra thick cushions to the seat would help, but that’s an extra step that might deter some buyers.

Overall:

Although this is a gaming chair, it’s still a great option for anyone who likes to recline. If you like more seat space, you’ll find plenty here.

The footrest is a nice addition, taking it up a level to provide that extra bit of relaxation to a stressful day. For more reclining office chair with footrest options, check these out.

#6. Homall Gaming Office Chair — Best Gaming Chair

What’s Good:

This Homall office chair is made of nice faux leather material and high-density shaping foam, which is designed to maximize your comfort.

The roomy seat width is just over 20 inches, which is more than the standard, and it holds up to 300 pounds. This will comfortably fit most shapes and sizes.

This is a fully reclining office chair, tilting from 90 degrees upright to 180 degrees flat with a tilt lock, so you can prop up your feet and enjoy a well-deserved break!

The seat is height adjustable and raises from just over 17 inches from the ground to just over 21 inches off the ground, which is similar to the OFM Racing Style Office Chair. If you have any problems with your Homall chair, their customer service is very responsive.

The chair also features quiet rubber rolling casters with a 360-degree swivel so you can roll anywhere with ease. The racecar style comes in a variety of colors, including all black, black and gray, black and white, black and red, black and blue, and even pink and white.

What’s Lacking:

This chair does not have padded or adjustable armrests. Compared to the other options, this chair doesn’t provide the best lumbar support, either.

The racing-style may not suit everyone’s taste or decor, although it does look snazzy.

Overall:

If you’re under 300 pounds and want to feel like you’re sitting in a racecar while still being productive at the office, then this Homall office chair is one of the best.

It’s a sturdy chair with a comfortable, wide seat, and the ability to fully recline makes it easy to stretch while sitting. And if there’s one thing we should do more of when sitting all day, it’s stretch!

#7. Blue Whale Office Chair — Best Office Chair with Massage

What’s Good:

This comfortable office chair features a built-in USB-powered back vibration massager, adding an extra level of back comfort so you can work while receiving a spa treatment.

Not many chairs in this price range come with that feature, and you can find other massage chair options here.

It holds a pretty standard 250 pounds and sits similar to the Homall Gaming Office Chair, ranging from just over 18 to just over 21 inches high. The arms adjust up and down, as well, so you aren’t stuck with an uncomfortable fixed position.

This chair includes a neck pillow for extra support, but it can also be removed if you don’t want to use it. The massage lumbar support cushion is also adjustable so you can find the perfect fit.

It also features a pull-out footrest. So if you want to relax while getting a lumbar massage, you can kick back and truly do that. For other great office chairs with footrests, click here.

What’s Lacking:

Although the 20.5 inch wide seat is nice, it’s only 16.5 inches in depth, making it one of the shorter seats featured on this list, making it could deter those with longer legs.

The USB cable for the massager isn’t very long, so you may need an extension cord to use this feature if you don’t sit close to an outlet.

Although they do have adjustable armrests, they aren’t padded, so they don’t provide the best arm support for all-day comfort.

Overall:

If you’re under 250 pounds and looking for an executive-style office chair or just a sweet-looking gaming chair, this is a great budget-friendly option.

It’s well under 200 dollars and features a footrest, adjustable neck support and adjustable lumbar support pillow. The massage just sweetens the deal!

#8. Serta Armless Office Chair — Best Armless Office Chair

What’s Good:

Sometimes armrests just get in the way. They don’t fit your arm, they’re uncomfortable, or they just take up valuable real estate. Although both the OFM Racing Style Office Chair and the Modway Veer Drafting Chair featured below have flip-up armrests, sometimes you just don’t want them at all.

This Serta chair is a simple, modern armless office chair that will fit easily under nearly any desk and take up minimal space in your room.

It has a fairly roomy faux leather memory foam seat at 18.75 inches wide. That space is unimpeded by armrests, though, making it feel bigger than it is. The seat also raises from 17 to almost 21 inches high.

The mesh back allows you to stay cool when working for long periods of time, but the faux leather seat makes it look a bit more elegant.

This chair comes in 5 colors, including black, gray, white, hot pink, and a very understated light blue.

What’s Lacking:

This chair doesn’t have much lumbar support, so it’s not good for anyone with back problems or sciatica. It’s a small task chair, so the back isn’t very high, making it less than ideal for taller people.

Overall:

If you’re under over 5’8, you might find the back support too low for you. It’s better suited for shorter people who want a stylish armless office chair. If you don’t have much space, this is a good option.

#9. Hbada Ergonomic Office Chair Recliner — Best Mesh Recliner

What’s Good:

Adjustability is the key here. The headrest is adjustable up to 30 degrees so you can find the right fit for your neck.

The height adjustment lever for the seat ranges in height from just over 17 inches to just over 20 inches off the ground. The padded armrests adjust up to three inches.

There is built-in lumbar support for your lower back comfort, making it another great ergonomic office chair. This is supported by a durable steel frame that holds up to 250 pounds, and the tilt mechanism allows you to lock the chair into a recline.

This Hbada chair tilts from 90 to 155 degrees, and features a pullout footrest, making it the perfect chair for power naps.

The nylon breathable high back mesh is designed to keep you cool throughout the day. Wear-resistant wheels roll quietly and help protect your floor from scuffs.

The sleek, minimal style looks sharp and comes in both black or a more futuristic-looking white and black.

What’s Lacking:

Some users find the seat cushion too thin for their comfort. The pullout footrest doesn’t extend far, making it more ideal for people under 6 feet tall, but it’s still a nice touch to have one at all.

The headrest doesn’t lock in place, but it is adjustable and can also be removed if it’s not a good fit for you.

Overall:

This ergonomic office chair might be best for people under 6 feet tall (unless they don’t mind forgoing the footrest). If you’re under 250 pounds, like power naps, and a tilt lock that allows you to fully recline, then this chair could be right for you.

The design is sleek and minimalist, despite all its features, making this the best mesh office chair under 200 dollars.

#10. Modway Veer Drafting Chair — Best Seat Height

What’s Good:

This drafting desk chair has a one-touch pneumatic lift control that will adjust your seat 8 inches. At its max height, it will sit almost 30 inches from the ground, making this a great option for standing desks.

This ergonomic office chair features built-in lumbar support, which has a breathable mesh back to keep you cool while you work. The chair also swivels 360 degrees, and the dual-wheel casters can roll on the carpet.

The armrests are padded if you need good arm support and also flip up to give you more room to work if you need them out of the way.

There is a sturdy nylon base with a chrome ring frame that is just perfect for putting your feet up. This chair can support up to 300 pounds and comes in black, white, blue, or red to suit any style.

What’s Lacking:

The chair tilts back but does not lock into place, although this is not meant for reclining. According to some users, the seat can be rough on bare skin. The lumbar support pillow protrudes into the seat, making it better for smaller people.

According to quite a few reviewers, the assembly instructions can be confusing, making it easy to accidentally put the seat on backward.

Overall:

Although it holds up to 300 pounds, it may be more suited for shorter people since the lumbar support does make the seat depth smaller.

But if you like simple style, want to sit a bit higher off the ground, and need arm space, this could be the one for you. It holds up well and comes in nice, bold colors.

Honorable Mentions

#1. Neo Ergonomic Office Chair

What’s Good:

This Neo mesh office chair comes in a variety of colors, including my personal favorite, the white and sky blue chair.

It holds 270 pounds and raises from 17-21 inches, which is similar to the Furmax Mid Back Office Chair. However, this seat is considerably wider at 20 inches. So although you’re paying slightly more, you’re also getting much more room, making it a good value.

The breathable mesh backing keeps you from becoming a sweaty mess in the summer months.

What’s Lacking:

The armrests have no padding, but it is nice that they don’t overtake the comfortable seat space. Still, if they’re going to be there, it would be nice to have a little extra padding to them.

#2. Modway Articulate Ergonomic Office Chair

What’s Good:

This ergonomic office chair holds up to 330 pounds, similar to its cousin, the Modway Veer Drafting Chair. And although it won’t rise as high as the drafting chair, it does have a significant seat height adjustable range of 19.5 to 24 inches. This gives you more freedom to find the perfect height, regardless of your desk size.

The 19-inch seat is slightly smaller than the Neo Ergonomic Office Chair above, but it has a very comfortable 6-inch padding, providing ultimate comfort for your tired backside.

The mesh seat and backing keep you cool all day, while the lumbar support makes it a great ergonomic office chair.

The chair base itself is all black, but the seat and backing come in a variety of colors, including an electric lime green if bold and bright is your style.

What’s Lacking:

The armrests do have padding, but unfortunately, it doesn’t really hold up well over time. They adjust inwards, but they can’t adjust up and down.

Although the seat cushion is advertised as 6 inches, that includes the plastic base, so you are really only getting about 4 inches of foam support.

#3. Hbada Office Chair with Flip-Up Armrests

What’s Good:

This Hbada chair has a roomy 20-inch wide seat, but the arms do overtake some of that, making it harder to squeeze in. However, the arms lift up, so if you need the space, you can simply move them out of the way. If you do need them, they feature padded support.

This is a good ergonomic office chair because of the adjustable lumbar support in the back, meaning you can adjust it to fit the natural curve of your back.

The cooling mesh chair comes in black, white and gray, or a rather futuristic-looking black and white.

What’s Lacking:

The seat height doesn’t raise up very much, and some people don’t like how low they sit to the ground with this chair.

Although this mesh design keeps you cool, this particular chair also tends to collect much more lint and dust than the similar Modway Articulate Ergonomic Office Chair.

#4. Neo Executive Office Chair

What’s Good:

This executive office chair holds up to 300 pounds, which is more than the other executive chairs on this list. Much like the AmazonBasics High Back Leather Executive Office Chair, it also sits up to 23 inches from the ground, making it good for big and tall users.

It has a 21-inch wide seat, so seat space is not an issue with this chair. But this also has a more executive look to it, despite the accent racing stripe.

The curved armrests have a soft padding, and it comes in 3 colors, including white with red accents. This executive office chair is a good big and tall office chair, with its wide seat, 300-pound weight capacity, and high back.

What’s Lacking:

The padding wears down over time, making it less comfortable, especially on the armrests. Unfortunately, the armrests are fixed, so you can’t do much about that except add your own padding.

#5. AmazonBasics High Back Leather Executive Office Chair

What’s Good:

This executive office chair is made of faux leather, which pads the seat, back, and arms for the ultimate comfort level. The padded seat measures just over 21 inches wide by 20 inches deep and holds up to 300 pounds, similar to the GTPlayer Gaming Chair.

It raises up to 21.5 inches and fits taller people up to 6’5 quite comfortably. The smooth-rolling wheels swivel 360 degrees.

The handle under the seat controls the seat tilt 30 degrees and includes an adjustable tilt tension knob to control the resistance when you tilt. The armrests are softly padded and sit 8 inches above the seat, making it easier for taller people to work in comfort.

This ergonomic office chair offers a high-end executive look at a low-end cost. The roomy seat width and chair height make it one of the best office chairs, even for taller people.

What’s Lacking:

The armrests, while padded, are not adjustable. Some people complain that they get in the way. This faux leather office chair can start to crack over time.

Other people complain that the screw caps tend to fall off over time. The solution here is to not use them at all, since they’re purely cosmetic, not functional.

The Final Verdict

So what’s the bottom line? Which is the best office chair under $200? It’s hard to go wrong, with all of these office chairs coming in under $200.

The Best Overall Office Chair Under 200

If you want style and a full array of features, including a wide seat, large weight capacity, and flip-up arms, it’s hard to beat the OFM Racing Style Office Chair.

It’s where gaming style meets executive style. Business in the day; party at night. At this price point, it’s hard to beat the color options, the style, the room to move around, and the option to use the arms or toss them aside.

The Best Reclining Office Chair

If you want a good reclining office chair with a bonus pullout footrest, the GTPlayer Gaming Chair has a faux leather finish.

Also hard to beat is the Hbada Ergonomic Office Chair Recliner with Footrest, which is made of mesh for a cooler feel.

For the full 180 degrees recline, go for the Homall Gaming Office Chair. It is a true napper’s delight.

The Best Budget Office Chair

If you are most concerned with budget, you will be hard-pressed to find a better deal than the Furmax Mid Back Office Chair.

If you hate the armrests on chairs, try the Serta Armless Office Chair or the Modway Veer Drafting Chair to flip the arms out of the way.

The Best Big and Tall Office Chair

For the most support, big and tall users will love the BestMassage Big and Tall Office Chair. It’s the only chair on the list that can support 500 pounds and has the widest seat by far.

The Best Office Chair with Massage

If you want to take your executive chair game to the next level, the Blue Whale Office Chair with Massage is the way to do it. Keep your back free of pain and your muscles loose while you work by turning on the built-in lumbar massage. Read about the benefits of a massage chair here.

The Most Stylish Office Chair

If you want the best executive office chair when it comes to style, the Flash Furniture High Back Executive Chair is a beautiful chair.

The sleek executive chair comes in so many elegant color options to seamlessly blend in with your home decor.

Things to Consider When Buying an Office Chair under $200

Price

How much are you willing to spend? You need to know the price range you have in mind before you begin looking. Some features won’t be available for $100 but might come with a $200 chair.

You need to know what you want and at what price you’re willing to pay to get it.

Material

Office chairs or desk chairs come in various materials, so you can choose the one that’s most comfortable or important to you.

• Mesh: A mesh office chair features a breathable back and is designed to keep you cool all day long. If you tend to get hot while working, this is your best option. Some cheaper mesh loses its stretch over time.

• Leather: A bonded or PU leather office chair may look nice, but they’re not very breathable. They’re slick to the touch and retain all of your heat. They can also peel over time.

• Fabric: If you want something in between the two, fabric material is a good option. It can be soft to the bare skin, but it’s also the hardest to clean.

Ergonomics

If you need to sit all day long, you’ll want an ergonomic office chair that promotes good posture and keeps the strain off your joints. The best ergonomic office chairs have adjustable features, such as seat height, lumbar support, and armrests to help keep your spine aligned and ease back pain.

Do you prefer a firm seat or something more cushioned and luxurious? You’ll also want to pay attention to seat width and depth. If the armrests take up some of the seat space, you need to make sure you’ll still fit comfortably.

It’s important to make sure your knees bend over the seat in order to rest your feet flat on the floor. Waterfall edge seats have an ergonomic design to help reduce the strain on the back of your knees.

Wheels

Do you need to move around to reach for things? If so, you’ll want to get high-quality wheels that roll on whatever surface you need, whether that’s carpet or hardwood.

The best office chairs have wheels that roll quietly, smoothly, and without scratching surfaces. They also have an easy 360-degree swivel.

You can upgrade a set of wheels for around $20 if you don’t like the ones the chair comes with. There are some great desk chairs with no wheels for under $200 here.

Extra Features

Buying a budget chair doesn’t mean you can’t get additional features. If these matter to you, you’ll want to pay attention to what the chair can do.

Do you want an office chair with a built-in massage, or would a separate massage pillow be enough?

Would you like to recline? If so, how far back? Most chairs tilt, but only some recline back and lock into place.

Do you need a footrest or headrest? Some headrests are removable but should at least be adjustable to fit your body.

Do you want adjustable arms, flip-up arms, no arms, or padded arms?

Pay attention to the build quality of the chair and how long it will last. The bottom line is you don’t have to give up everything just to find the best office chair under 200 bucks.

What Style Office Chair Is Right for You?

There are a lot of different styles of office chairs, and they fit all types of personalities, desks, and office spaces. So which office chair is right for you and your home office space?

Low-Back Office Chairs

Low-back desk chairs work to protect your lower back by providing lumbar support, making them good ergonomic office chairs. They also provide more flexibility to lean forward and are easier to get out of if you need to be in and out of your office chair all day.

Mid-Back Office Chairs

Mid-back ergonomic office chairs support the natural curve of your spine, forcing you to sit up straight, which helps the strain to prevent lower back pain.

High-Back Office Chairs

High-back ergonomic office chairs focus on your upper back, shoulders, and neck. They typically have a headrest or cushion for the neck, so you can feel comfortable all day long.

Are Gaming Chairs Better Than Office Chairs?

Gaming Chairs

Gaming chairs will feature a tall backrest. However, they don’t usually take up as much space as an executive chair. Built with gamers in mind, they are typically designed for comfort over long periods of time, making them good office chairs, too. Some have a very “gaming” racecar style, but others have more of a sleek design, like an executive style.

Executive Chairs

Executive office chairs offer full back support and sit much higher than task chairs. These make some of the best office chairs for larger desks or conference rooms. You’ll often find them in “executive” offices, so they are designed to be used for hours at a time. They can be expensive and are typically some type of leather or faux leather, so they aren’t the most breathable. They also take up a lot of space, so they’re not always ideal for a home office.

Task Chairs

Though the term task chair is used interchangeably with office chairs or desk chairs, task chairs differ from office chairs mainly in their simple design. They are designed to be low profile, promote good posture, and fit any shape or size. You won’t get “lost” in one like you would a big executive office chair. Task chairs should adjust in height and are meant to fit under any desk with ease. They look professional and come with no real frills. They are designed, quite simply, to keep you “on task.”