WIRED Guide: Navigating the Complex Market for Ergonomic Office Chairs
From budget Staples models to premium Herman Miller and Steelcase options, a new comprehensive review outlines how height, weight, and budget dictate the right ergonomic choice.
WIRED has published a detailed guide on selecting ergonomic office chairs, drawing on the expertise of Kristianne Egbert, a senior corporate ergonomist at workplace-injury firm Briotix Health. With 25 years of experience in ergonomics training and risk assessments, Egbert emphasises that no single chair is suitable for every user, noting that design and manufacturing considerations for seating are "astonishingly complex."
The guide categorises recommendations by budget, highlighting that the highest-end models offer extensive adjustability for diverse heights and builds. Premium options include the Herman Miller Aeron, priced at $2,195, which WIRED reviewers have long favoured for its durability and 12-year warranty. The Steelcase Gesture, available for $1,510, is also recommended as an investment designed to last an entire working life, offering near-infinite adjustability to accommodate different frames.
For users with more constrained budgets, the guide suggests the Staples Dexley, a mesh chair priced around $200. While it offers a five-year warranty, it is best suited for individuals between 1.63m and 1.78m in height. At the mid-range, the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro, costing $499, is highlighted for its affordability and seven-year warranty, featuring highly adjustable lumbar support and seat depth.
Egbert stresses that the primary goal of ergonomic seating is to maintain proper posture, defined as a straight back supported by the chair, thighs parallel to the floor, and feet flat on the ground. Adjustable lumbar support is critical for conforming to the spine's natural S-curve. The Anthros V2 is noted as having the best lumbar adjustment tested by WIRED, offering both vertical and horizontal support, though a low-cost lumbar pillow from LoveHome is suggested as a practical alternative.
Armrests are deemed optional for proper ergonomics, with Egbert noting that most users do not need them to maintain correct typing posture. If used, they must be movable to avoid interfering with the user's position. The Humanscale Path ($1,472) and the Steelcase Karman ($1,099) are identified as strong armless options that allow for greater freedom of movement.
Specific advice is provided for shorter individuals, who may find standard 29-inch desks too tall. These users are advised to consider adjustable desks from brands like Vari or use footrests, such as those from SecretLab, to ensure their elbows are level with the keyboard. Larger-framed users are counselled to avoid mesh chairs, which can restrict circulation, and to carefully check weight ratings and seat widths to ensure comfort and structural integrity.
