15 Best Office Chairs of 2026 – We Tested 70 to Pick Them
After testing 70 chairs, Wired provides tips on proper sitting and chair selection, emphasizing adjustability and ergonomics.
How to Sit Properly at a Desk
Sitting for long stretches during the day is not healthy, regardless of the chair. It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. The best thing is to get up and move every half hour. A 40-minute walk daily can significantly counteract a sedentary lifestyle, according to a recent study. An active chair is likely unnecessary. Home office users should consider a standing desk that allows swapping between sitting and standing. A smartwatch with movement reminders can also help. For back pain, consult a physician first.
Ensure the chair's armrests are adjustable. Palms should hover slightly above the desk, which should be at elbow level, with wrists straight. If the palm base rests on the desk or a wrist rest, excessive nerve pressure may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. A gaming mouse, often more ergonomic, can help but must fit your palm size.
When looking forward, your eyes should align with the top of your monitor or laptop. This may require a height-adjustable chair, a laptop stand, or raising the monitor. This reduces pressure on the neck and spine—avoid craning your neck up or down.
What to Look for in an Office Chair
The more adjustable a chair is, the better. Key adjustments include armrests (often 4D or 5D), seat height (pneumatic lift, replaceable cylinder), seat depth (1–2 inches of space between seat front and knees), seat tilt, lumbar support (place at natural spine curve), and recline tension.
How We Test Office Chairs
WIRED reviewer Matthew Korfhage and editor Julian Chokkattu test each chair for at least two weeks. Julian is 6'4", Matthew 6'1", but feedback is gathered from people of various heights, including Julian's 5'1" wife. Chairs are evaluated for adjustment quality, durability, and aesthetics. Company research covers warranty, customer service, and reliability.
Accessories
Casters are easy to replace—Stealtho (a Ukrainian company) makes soft polyurethane wheels that don't scratch hardwood floors and are silent. A glass chair mat from Vitrazza (tested for two years) holds 1,000 pounds and remains scratch-free. Seat cushions like Cushion Lab's memory foam cushion, LoveHome's lumbar support (also for cars or wheelchairs), and Secretlab's Premium footrest can enhance comfort.
