5 Best Budget Office Chairs With Quality for Home Office
Table of Contents
Whether you work remotely or in an office, the greatest desk chair is the one that you would not have to worry about throughout the day. Rather, it enables you to remain productive and comfortable while continuing your daily chores, only to end the day with ease rather than with spine or neck discomfort. The best budget office chairs are built with ergonomic characteristics to keep you relaxed even if you have to sit for lengthy periods.
Ergonomically designed chairs have three primary characteristics: supporting, highly adaptable, and comfy. In an ideal world, you would be able to adjust the elevation and inclination of your chair to obtain the ideal sitting posture. However, when you're on a limited budget, at the minimum, you'll want the best budget ergonomic chairs with adjustable armrests and height.
We evaluated hits and restricted the field depending on the simplicity of use, convenience, and affordability to come up with our selection of the finest healthy office chairs in the marketplace. With that in consideration, irrespective of your cost, the following would be the greatest affordable ergonomic chairs on the market to allow you to work more easily.
Best Budget Ergonomic Chairs for Your Home Office
Finding the best budget office chair is more challenging than you think. Some of the seating solutions come with adjustable features, while others focus on comfort.
Fortunately, we've found the top five office chairs that offer good build quality, fantastic functionality, and exceptional comfort without hitting your bank account.
Let’s review the five best budget cheap office chairs that we thoroughly tested out!
1. Union & Scale FlexFit Dexley Mesh Task Chair
We were a bit skeptical about reviewing the best budget office chairs. To be honest, most of the staff members didn't expect much, especially after experiencing discomfort with some of the most expensive seating solutions.
However, we were adamant, and eventually, after hours of searching non-stop for the best affordable office chair, we came across the Union & Scale FlexFit Dexley Mesh Task Chair.
Before we even got down to testing the product, what really impressed us was the super fast delivery!
Build Quality
Made from good quality plastic, the Union & Scale FlexFit Dexley Mesh Task Chair has a solid build and looks durable.
During our testing, there was a bit of wobble, but that's expected of the best cheap office chair. Overall, it is stable, and you don't have to worry about tipping over.
Features and Comfort
Although a chair's build quality can play a determining role in decision-making, we're more concerned about the features and comfort of the Dexley Mesh Task Chair.
The first thing that we noticed was the chair's mesh back. It had enough firmness to provide support to the back while staying soft to ensure comfort.
Even the seat is made from mesh instead of cushion or fabric. This ensures good airflow, preventing heat build-up and sweating associated with long hours of sitting.
When it comes to features, we weren't expecting much from budget seating solutions. However, the Dexley Mesh Task Chair surprised us. It comes packed with adjustable height, synchro-tilt mechanism, tilt lock, tension knob, and angle-adjustable headrest.
Plus, you even get lumbar support. Whether you're sitting or reclining, this office chair with lumbar support delivers a comfortable experience for a small price tag!
What We Like
There are several things that we like about the Union & Scale FlexFit Dexley Mesh Task Chair, which is why it earned the title of the "best budget desk chair." Some of these include the following:
- Solid build quality
- Comfortable mesh seat
- Wide range of features
- Lumbar support
- Great price tag
What We Didn't Like
Although the Dexley Mesh Task Chair earned itself the title of the best budget desk chair, it did lack in a few departments.
The following are some of the things we didn't like about this desk chair with headrest solution:
- The plastic felt flimsy;
- Tall and heavy people might find this chair uncomfortable; and
- It comes in limited colors.
2. Mainstays Vinyl and Mesh Task Office Chair
Another chair that we were genuinely impressed with during our testing was the Mainstays Vinyl and Mesh Task Office Chair. When we were searching for a budget chair, we wanted to make sure it had a good range of features.
After narrowing down our list of the best budget office chairs, it finally came down to the Mainstays Task Office Chair, and we had to order it immediately.
Build Quality
When the Mainstays Vinyl and Mesh Task Office Chair arrived at our doorstep, the package was quite heavy. After unboxing the product and assembling the chair, we were impressed by its quality.
The base of the chair is solid. It is heavy and made from durable materials, suggesting that this seating solution might last a long time. With high-quality casters, this chair easily glided through our studio without any problems.
After an excellent first impression, we couldn't wait to give this chair a proper sitting. We moved it to our editing department, where one of the staff members had a go at it for a week before they could share their experience.
Features and Comfort
The Mesh Task Office Chair has a sleek design that will look great in any room (home or workspace). Sitting on this chair felt extremely comfortable, thanks to the padded cushion and back. The mesh back also added to the comfort by preventing heat build-up.
Unfortunately, there is no lumbar support, which could be a huge bummer if you're looking for the best budget ergonomic chair. Since there are no armrests, you also don't get any armrest adjustments.
That said, the office chair for short people has a 1-touch pneumatic height adjustment, allowing you to adjust the height according to your needs. It can support up to 250 lbs of weight and comes with a one-year warranty.
What We Like
After testing it for a week straight, we can say with the utmost surety that the Mainstays Task Office Chair earned its title as the best budget office chair.
Some of the things we like about this seating solution are as follows:
- Minimalistic design
- Adjustable height
- Comfortable seat padding
- Breathable mesh back
What We Didn't Like
Although this Mesh Task Office Chair does not have a lot of features, we couldn't really complain due to its fantastic price. It'll cost you around $50, and you might be able to pick it up cheaper during a sale!
3. Modway Articulate Mesh Office Chair
After asking for recommendations from our readers, some of them suggested that we review the Modway Articulate Mesh Office Chair. They claimed that it is the best budget office chair with fantastic features. Hearing that, we had to give it a try.
Over the years, we've tested many different chairs, and only a few impressed us with their features, build quality, comfort, and price tag. The Modway Articulate Mesh Office Chair is one of them.
Build Quality
The Modway Articulate Mesh Office Chair comes in a few different color options, but we decided to stick with black. After assembling the product (it only took a few minutes), it was ready for a quick inspection.
We were thoroughly impressed by the build quality of this competitively priced chair. It is made from high-quality plastic and feels sturdy.
Since this is a budget seating solution, we understand that manufacturers have to cut corners. However, does the Modway Articulate Mesh Office Chair offer comfort? Is it the best affordable desk chair on the market? Let's find out!
Features and Comfort
The Modway Articulate Mesh Office Chair boasts several ergonomic features. It has adjustable armrests and height and tilt adjustments. You can even adjust the seat depth, something that you won't find in most budget ergonomic seating solutions.
All of this translates into a comfortable sitting experience. You can customize the chair's options to fit your needs best.
Plus, it comes with an integrated lumbar support that adjusts to the natural curvature of your spine. It assists in a smooth, upright position, helping strengthen your back and increase your energy levels.
With the Modway Articulate Mesh Office Chair, you're getting a plush seat cushion. This best desk chair for long hours is incredibly comfortable and doesn't feel stiff at all.
What We Like
The Modway Articulate Mesh Office Chair is the best cheap office chair that is also comfortable. There are a lot of things we like about this seating solution, including the following:
- A wide range of adjustable features
- Comfortable plush cushion
- Breathable mesh back
- Solid base
- Great price
What We Didn't Like
There were a few things that we didn't like about the Modway Articulate Mesh Office Chair, and these are as follows:
- It has a limited warranty;
- There is a lack of support in the mid-back region; and
- It's not for tall and heavy individuals.
4. Flash Furniture Mid-back Office Chair
The Flash Furniture Mid-back Office Chair is the best budget desk chair with flair. It is beautifully designed, and when we came across this option, we had to get our hands on it.
It's an attractive seating solution for small offices (maybe even startups) that don't have the budget of a multi-national corporation.
Does it stack well against the other options we've discussed in this review post? Is it the best budget-affordable office chair on the market? To answer these questions, we decided to test it out for a week.
Build Quality
Office chairs often come in black and grey, but the Flash Furniture Mid-back Office Chair is available in vibrant colors. We chose blue, and upon opening the package, this seating solution felt premium.
The chair is made from hard plastics and has a breathable mesh. After sitting and swirling around in this seating solution, the casters held well, allowing the chair to glide through our studio's surface with ease.
Features and Comfort
When it comes to features, the Flash Furniture Mid-back Office Chair stands its ground as the best budget desk chair.
You can adjust the height and tilt tension to suit your needs. Although you can't change the height of the armrests, it can flip up, giving you an open space.
What took us by surprise was the padded cushions on the armrests. The manufacturers thought about comfort in every aspect of this chair, and it felt good to know that you can get this feature while staying on a budget.
The seat cushion is comfortable, but after sitting long hours on it, it starts to feel a bit hard. Overall, the Flash Furniture Mid-back Office Chair is comfortable, stylish, and comes at a great price!
What We Like
Here are a few things we like about the Flash Furniture Mid-back Office Chair:
- Gorgeous design
- Vibrant color options
- Comfortable seat
- Padded armrests
- Fantastic price
What We Didn't Like
Even the best budget office chair has some drawbacks. What we don't like about the Flash Furniture Mid-back Office Chair is the limited adjustability options. However, at this price point, we're not complaining but are rather impressed!
5. Flexispot Light Mesh Office Chair OC2/Oka BS9
If you're looking for the best affordable desk chair, look no further than Flexispot Light Mesh Office Chair OC2/Oka BS9. It's an excellent value for money, comes in vibrant colors, and doesn't fall behind in the comfort department.
One of our team members came across this office chair for back pain when the studio allowed certain employees to work from home. They needed a comfortable chair as part of their home office setup and decided to invest in this seating solution.
After using it for a few months, the staff recommended that we check out this chair and review it for our readers. That's exactly what we decided to do!
Build Quality
The package came with a set of instructions that were easy to follow. In minutes, we had this gorgeous chair ready for use.
After we assembled the chair, we spent a bit of time admiring it. It's a vibrant orange color that looks stunning. The build quality of this budget seating solution is solid, and the wheels roll smoothly, even on the carpet!
Features and Comfort
Just like all of the other chairs on this list, we tested out the Flexispot Light Mesh Office Chair for a week.
The sponge seat is exceptionally comfortable to sit on, and the breathable mesh ensures you stay cool while you work. You can even recline for a quick stretch!
Here's the best part. The arch in the chair's back molds to your spine. It gives your back the support it needs to work long hours without experiencing pain and stiffness.
With sufficient armrest length, you can place your arms comfortably while you type. If you don't need the armrests, simply flip them upwards and get them out of your way.
The chair has a recline feature and a lock, allowing you to relax during your break sessions or Zoom meetings. It's a good seating solution to consider, which is why we have given it our "best budget office chair" badge.
What We Like
There are a few things we like about this office chair, some of which include the following:
- Vibrant orange color
- Comfortable seat
- Recline option with lock
- Breathable mesh
- Great price
What We Didn't Like
The Flexispot Light Mesh Office Chair is the best affordable office chair if you want something decent but don't have the budget for it. There is not a lot to talk about when it comes to drawbacks, except that the chair only comes in vibrant orange.
We loved the color, as it brought a bit of flair to our office space, but we can understand why some people might not appreciate it.
In this guide, we've thoroughly tested the five best budget office chairs. However, if you're looking to improve productivity while focusing on your health, it's essential to be active.
The best budget ergonomic chair combined with a standing desk can help you move away from the sedentary lifestyle, contributing to your productivity and wellness.
Why Should You Invest in an Ergonomic Chair?
One of the best budget office chairs that money can buy comes as an eco-friendly office chair. The AvoChair is a beautifully designed piece of art that offers full lumbar support.
You might think to yourself, why is an inexpensive ergonomic chair important? What benefits are there of using an ergonomic chair? What is the best budget ergonomic chair for my home office?
These all play a role in deciding which chair is the best fit to support your spinal column.
The multitude of options out there might make it tough to make a final choice. Whatever decision you make, your back is certainly going to thank you in the future.
What Are the Benefits of an Ergonomic Chair?
There are many benefits you are going to receive when converting your office space to an ergonomic environment.
While you might not notice it now, ergonomic injury is an ailment that is best prevented and tough to cure.
There is hope, and with the dedication to improving your posture, you can use one of these affordable ergonomic chairs to help correct your spine.
By providing full lumbar and spinal column support, ergonomic chairs play a massive role in correcting our posture. Combine this with standing desks and other ergonomic equipment, and you are looking to improve your health and well-being dramatically.
So, you might wonder what the best office chair type is? Let us discuss this below!
What to Consider When Buying the Best Cheap Office Chair?
When you are considering buying an ergonomic chair, most folks focus on the chair's features, or they look for the best affordable desk chairs. After all, that is what your primary need is for an ergonomic chair. Here are the top questions to ask as you think about the best inexpensive office chairs.
1. Seat pan
The seat pan or the chair seat is where you will rest your backside as you start your work. It is important to check by sitting in the seat that you don't have to push your backside too far into the back of the chair. Why? You may consciously do this, but as you get busier at work, you are sure to forget the need to sit upright.
Suppose the seat pan is too far back. In that case, your knees may land up being on the seat and not using a ninety-degree posture recommended even by Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines. Plan to keep an inch or so of a gap between the end of the seat and the back of your knee for your ease. As a rule of thumb, if the seat pan can accommodate at least two-thirds of your thigh, it is good to support.
Some of the best budget office chairs have additional features like increasing or decreasing the seat pan for different body shapes. Some ergonomic chairs offer a waterfall seat pan. What is a waterfall? A design where the seat curves downwards so that it doesn't hit the back of your knees for comfort
It is advisable for the seat pan to be wide enough to accommodate the shape of large body sizes. Unfortunately, some best cheap desk chairs may not offer these features.
2. Adjustable Height
One of the critical elements of an affordable computer chair is the adjustable height which enables you to get the best sitting posture with a ninety-degree angle at the knees and ankle so that the feet are resting on the ground firmly. So using a pneumatic height adjusting mechanism is a basic need.
It may be worthwhile to check the range of height adjustment of the chair. Why? So that even the tallest member in your family or most frequented user at your home office can use it.
3. An Adjustable Lumbar Support
This is a critical feature and becomes a selling point for most sellers. Look out for adjustable lumbar support so that when you have a visitor at your home office, they can adjust the lumbar support for long meetings or work with you. As a result, their lower back gets very good firm support as they get comfortable, and they aren't reluctant to visit your home office for work. Even the best budget computer chair today offers lumbar support. The question to ask is if that lumbar support is adjustable or not?
4. Backrest – Recline, Height?
Many buyers forget to consider if the chair's back is high or has a low back while buying the best cheap computer chair. What is the difference? With a high back chair, you can use the seatback to rest your back as sit upright to work on your system or recline. Results? Your spine and back receive firm support. They don't have to use much energy in staying. As a result, they don't get tired easily, avoiding pains or aches.
As you read through, ask yourself, which is the most comfortable office chair for long hours?
5. Cross-legged
Do some folks wonder if it's okay to sit cross-legged on the chair seat? Well, do read our blog on sitting cross-legged office chair.
FAQs
1. Is it better to have a desk chair with or without arms?
Surely it would help if you bought the best cheap office chair with arms. The only other exception could be that you are short of space, and you need to store the chair under the desk when done for the day.
Well, an ergonomic chair with arms gives ample support to the upper half of your body. How? You can rest your forearms when not typing or reading a document. This allows you to rest your body, which rests your shoulders, upper back, and more.
In the same way, people also ask if it's important to have a footrest for the best cheap office chair? So again, our research on an office chair with leg rest is worth a read.
2. How long do ergonomic chairs last?
Like any other material, an ergonomic chair could last anywhere between 2 to ten years. The range difference appears high due to several factors. The quality of the chair, the frequency of usage, how heavily it is used, how it is maintained and more, determine the longevity of some best cheap office chairs.
If you are the sole owner and user of the chair, you will see that an ergonomic chair will last you longer than if it is placed as a common chair for use, among a family, or at the office. Why? Different folks will need different adjustments. The usage and handling also reduce the life span of any chair.
Annual preventive maintenance schedule, gentle and correct handling, and more can retain the best features of your best cheap desk chair for your home office.
3. Is it necessary to spend a lot on an office chair?
Woah! This is an important question that has no perfect answer to start with initially. Why? The variation of the right sum to pay for an ergonomic chair depends upon what you need from the chair, the brand, the features offered, and more. As they say, the cost of an item does not determine its value or worth every time. Certainly, many times, you can get the best value from a lower brand shop too.
The question really should be, have you got your money's worth? What were you expecting as features, maintenance, ease of cleaning, and other primary needs from your chair?
Summary
To wrap up, it is important to prioritize your needs from the best cheap desk chair. Then, as you explore, do not hesitate to ask questions on a forum or the seller or manufacturer. After all, the best budget computer chair that you are looking to buy is going to make you comfortable.
The best affordable desk chairs offer a cost-effective alternative to the sky-high pricing commonly associated with high-end products. While the more costly alternatives give an incredible measure of comfort and will protect your spine from transforming into the shape of a question mark, some seats may provide just about the same amount of relaxation without draining your wallet.
All the available options out there make it a tough decision when choosing the best budget office chair for your home office. The above options are all great best budget desk chairs, and some expectational ones include the Autonomous range.
The ErgoChair Pro is top-shelf, and you can get the best bang for your buck when investing in this beautiful crafted ergonomic office chair. If you want to avoid ergonomic injury and improve the look value of your office, look no further than one of these ergonomic masterpieces.
Stay connected with us!
Subscribe to our weekly updates to stay in the loop about our latest innovations and community news!
Spread the word