11 Best Office Chairs Under $300 (2020 Update) | Buying Guide!

How do you know if an office chair is going to be the right fit? Or how much you should be spending on one…?

When it comes to office chairs, you have to consider the length of time you’re going to be spending in it, how hard you are on your chair and whether you have any issues like sciatica or naturally bad posture.

Key Takeaway: Finding the right office chair at the right price doesn’t need to be a monumental taks, as long as youknow what you’re looking for.

Review Summary:

1. TOPSKY Mesh Office Chair
2. Merax Inno Series Executive Chair
3. Viva Office Chair
4. YAMASORO
5. Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
6. Flash Furniture Hercules Series Chair
7. HON Ignition 2.0
8. DXRacer Racing Series
9. Serta Air Health and Wellness Executive Office Chair
10. Lorell High-Back Chair Mesh Black Fabric Seat
11. Alera Neratoli Series High-Back Swivel/Tilt Chair

Best Office Chair Under $300 (List for 2020)

1. TOPSKY Mesh – #1 Best Ergonomic Office Chair

The TOPSKY C4C-2 has all the functionality of a high-end office chair but at a fraction of the price.

While most chairs under 300 dollars offer some adjustments, the TOPSKY gives you 3D arm-rests, adjustable lumbar support (up/down; front/back), a 3-way adjustable headrest, on top of the basic adjustments all office chairs offer.

Backrest with Lumbar Support – The high-density breathable mesh, while it can be adjusted to suit your height and lumbar curve. There is also a hook on the back of the backrest for your bag/coat.

Adjustable Headrest – The three-way adjustable headrest provides head and neck support when reclining.

3D Armrests – Adjustable arm-rests that move up/down, forward/back, and swivel for complete arm support.

1 Year Warranty – The C4C has a one year guarantee with positive customer service reviews, so you will be helped in case a problem arises.

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Key Takeaway: The TOPSKY is a good chair for the price, but don’t expect it to be perfect. Some chair features don’t work as well as high-end chairs, but for a chair under $300.

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2. Merax Inno Series Tall Executive Chair – Best Leather Office Chair

The tall executive Merax Inno Series offers a range of PU leather chairs that are designed to be comfortable and hard-wearing.

The PU leather is soft, yet fade resistant while the chair itself has a footrest that folds away under the seat. When reclining, the Safeguard locks the tilt at 125 degrees to keep you stable while you relax.

Recline Locking System – The chair locks in the reclined position (max 125 degrees) to give you a sturdy, safe space to relax on, maybe even take a nap.

Footrest – The footrest hides under the seat when not in use, but it easily extended when needed.

Comfortable – The thick padding and ergonomic design make this one of the more comfortable office chairs in this price range.

Adjustable Lumbar Support – While it’s not the best adjustable lumbar support, the unique pivoting adjustments on this chair offers extra support in the lower curve of your back.

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Key Takeaway: The Merax offers one of the most comfortable executive chairs in this price range. It’s especially useful if you are taller, as the seat height at its lowest setting is quite high.

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3. Viva Office Chair – Luxury Leather Office Chair

The Viva provides a luxurious, high-back design, with a bonded leather seat and wooden armrests and base, giving a classic ambiance.

The High-Quality Elastic foam padding provides lasting support while the seat edge provides extra comfort for the legs.

Comfortable and Unique – The thick padding and wooden armrests and base make this chair a comfortable and unique addition to any office space.

Tilt-Lock – With the basic seat height and tilt, the incline lock allows you to set the chair in place to keep it stable in your desired position

Waterfall Seat – the edge of the seat tapers down t give your legs some breathing space, improving circulation and maximum comfort.

High-Quality Wood – The hardwood used for the arm-rests and base is quality.

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Key Takeaway: The Viva is a luxurious best office chair for the price, but expect what you’re paying for. It may be worth it to cover the seat from the start to prevent the leather from wearing and the buttons from popping out. Other than this, it is a relatively good, comfortable chair that adds style to any office space.

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4. YAMASORO –  Best Office Chair with Leather Memory Foam 

The tall executive high-back leather chair by YAMASORO is one of the best chairs you’re going to find under $300.

The ergonomic design, high-density foam, and extra padding on the seat and headrest make this chair comfortable, while the high-quality PU leather is stain and fade resistant, for heavy-duty long-term use.

Durable Material – The premium, environmentally friendly PU leather is both soft and durable (water-repelling, fading resistant, easy to clean). While the seat and back support are padded with high-density foam and springs for durable, highly resilient.

Height and Tilt Adjustment – It can lock between 90 to 135 degrees, and the height adjusts between 50.7” to 54.7” so you can conveniently adjust the chair to match your preferences.

Foldable Armrest – The arm-rests are padded and can fold away when not in use, so they either provide you with comfortable support, or they’re out the way.

1-Year Limited Warranty Policy – There is a money-back guarantee within the first 30 days of purchase, while all damaged or broken parts will be replaced within 12 months of purchase.

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Key Takeaway: This is a great buy for lighter people. While it may state the weight capacity limit is 300lbs the chair is not the most sturdy and will start falling apart within a year if you weigh more than 200lbs. The lower back support is also a bit too much for some, but overall, if you’re buying it for comfort, it’s about as good as it gets for the price.

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5. Gabrylly Ergonomic Office Chair – Best High Back Mesh Desk Chair

The Gabrylly may look innocent, but this is one of the best chairs under $300. It provides quality support, and while the seat is “just mesh,” it’s still quite comfortable compared to some other chairs on this list.

This model may not be the perfect fit for very tall people as the headrest doesn’t adjust very high, but it is one of the best quality chairs under $300 and offers all the adjustments and chair features you need to have a comfortable working space.

Adjustable Armrests – The arm-rests flip up when you need them, but can be lowered to give you the option of pushing your chair under your desk. They also rotate 45 degrees, which broadens your working space when you need it.

Mesh Seat – It may not be the top pick for everyone, but they do offer a breathable seat – combatting seat-sweat, even on hot days. This mesh chair is also tear-resistant and easy to clean.

Headrest – While the headrest is comfortable and easy to adjust (height/angle), it may be rendered useless for a taller person as it doesn’t go up very high.

Tilt Lock – The chair’s incline can be locked in place between 90-120 degrees to ensure the backrest is just where you need it.

Ergonomic Backrest – The breathable mesh promotes airflow, while the ergonomic design offers quality back support for a healthy posture.

Mute Wheels – The PU wheels are specially designed to roll smoothly and quietly, also protecting your wooden floor.

Easy Assembly and Direct Customer Support – An Allen Wrench is included, and setup takes about 15~20 minutes. If something is damaged or missing, you can email the customer support directly. The same applies to the 1-Year Guarantee.

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Key Takeaway: For the price, this is a very decent, sturdy chair. A seat may not be as cushy for your tushy, but in general, this ergonomic chair outperforms other chairs in this category. If you’re 6’ r taller, do keep in mind that the headrest will not reach your head.

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6. Flash Furniture Hercules Series Chair – Best For Big and Tall

The Hercules has been aptly named. This mid-back for big and tall executive office chair offers a wider seat and backrest as well as a weight capacity limit of a whopping 400lbs, making it the perfect fit for heavier, wider people.

Your back length also isn’t an issue in this chair as it only reaches mid-back/lower upper-back height, giving you freedom of movement in your upper torso. The extra padding and lumbar support ensure that you can sit comfortably for hours.

Thick Padding – 3” seat padding with extra plush padding on the backrest offers a comfortable.

Waterfall Seat – The edge of the tapers downwards, giving your legs room, preventing your circulation from being cut off while your feet are firmly planted on the floor.

Adjustable Height– The arm-rests adjust up and down so you can set them at the right height for added support while typing. It is also height adjustable.

Tilt Lock – The tilt tension can be adjusted while the incline lock ensures the incline is at your desired angle.

Carpet Casters – The dual-wheel casters are safe to use on carpets.

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Key Takeaway: While this is a great chair for bigger or taller persons there have been some complaints that the height adjustment fails and then a video is required t get a replacement, some people never receive this replacement. Other than that, this chair holds up quite well and is worth the money.

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7. HON Ignition 2.0 – #1 Computer Chair Under $300

The HON Ignition 2.0 has upped its game with a stretchier mesh for the backrest, giving you more comfort, but the same breathable surface as a standard mesh-backed chair.

The new mesh, combined with the adjustable lumbar support that moves up and down, makes the HON the top ergonomic office chair under $300. An added bonus is that they are based in the USA.

Adjustable Lumbar Support – It moves up and down so you can set it at the right height for your back.

Stretchable Mesh – It uses a special breathable mesh that molds to match the shape of your back.

Sliding Seat – The slides forward and back to offer you the option to find the position that suits you best before locking it into place.

Syncro-Tilt – A nifty feature that tilts the back twice as far as the seat tilts up (so a 2:1 ratio), giving you a wider angle of recline with more stability.

Tilt-Lock and Tension Control – The tit angle can be locked, and the tension can be set separately so you can adjust it to a setting where you feel both stable and comfortable.

Made in the USA with a Lifetime Warranty – HON office ergonomic chairs are designed and built in the USA and offer a limited lifetime Guarantee.

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Key Takeaway: For the price, this ergonomic chair is definitely worth it. It offers the best lumbar and back support, making it a valuable buy for people who can’t afford an expensive chair, but need a chair that helps keep back pain at bay. Beware that there have been some issues with customer care though.

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8. DXRacer Racing Series Bucket Seat Office Chair

The DXRacer is a gaming chair with a unique, racing-car bucket-seat design that is form-hugging yet supportive.

While the chair won’t work in a high-end office, it does offer a valuable, comfy model for a home office or for gamers, of course.

Ergonomic – The bucket seat, a patent race-car seat-design, is designed with an extra-long backrest that supports the lower back, neck, and head. It also includes extra headrest and cushions.

Breathable – The PU vinyl and strong mesh are designed to be both breathable and hard-wearing.

Adjustable Backrest – Chair’s incline can recline up to 170 degrees and rocks back and forth 12 degrees.

Adjustable Armrests – The arm-rests are soft and adjust up and down to give you comfortable support exactly where you need it.

Strong Base – The newly-designed 27” heavy-duty aluminum base has a conventional mechanism and footrest for a sturdy and comfortable seat.

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Key Takeaway: While this chair won’t fit every office space, it is one of the more comfortable ergonomic chairs. Just make sure you will fit in the bucket seat, as it is quite a slim fit. DXR also doesn’t guarantee chairs from all sellers, so make sure to use a seller that has a good reputation.

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9. Serta Air Health and Wellness Tall Executive  – Best Office Chair For Lower Back Pain

The Serta has Air lumbar support, which moves as you do, so whether you’re sitting forward, or reclining, it automatically adjusts to match the curve of your spine, giving you support and relief from lower back pain.

The ergo-layered body pillows also work to keep you supported, even if you’re spending long hours at your desk.

Air Kinetic Lumbar Support – moves to match the curve of your spine as you change position in your chair.

Fortified Base – The base is layered and fortified to extend the durability of the ergonomic chair while providing more stability.

Comfortable – The deep, ergo layered body pillows and the raised neck pillow are not only comfortable but add extra care. The padded arm-rests help care your shoulders and arms while typing.

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Key Takeaway: As with all chairs under $300 you’re going to have to make sure you’re buying a chair that you’re happy with. When it comes to this model, yes, it’s better than most for lower back support, but if you suffer from chronic lower back pain it’s wise to invest in a high-end chair because cheaper chairs will let you down.

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10. Lorell High Back Mesh Chair

Some people love it; others hate it… The Lorell High-Back does, however, seem to perform better than the HON.

That being said, some heavier people have had trouble with the pneumatic seat height adjustment that fails within a few months.

That being said, the breathable mesh back is ergonomically designed and offers a supportive and breathable backrest. The arm-rests are also height and width adjustable for a better fit.

Independent Seat and Back Angle Adjustment – This allows you to set the angle of the backrest without affecting the angle for a more comfortable reclined position.

Adjustable Armrests – The armrest adjust up and down and in and out to ensure you get the right fit on your chair.

Breathable and Ergonomic – The high back mesh and unique fabric seat are both breathable while the backrest offers ergonomic support

Limited 5-Year Warranty – This ergonomic chair is covered by a 5-year limited guarantee.

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Key Takeaway: This is one of the best office chairs under $300 that’s going to last you the longest provided that you don’t push it beyond its limits – meaning you are on the lighter side and you use it for office work, not gaming. The breathable mesh and harder seat may not be for everyone, but overall this is a relatively safe investment.

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11. Alera Neratoli Series High-Back Swivel

The Alera Neratoli has stuck with the basics. This chair tilts and swivels, and people seem to like having less moving parts..

The slim profile and contemporary design make this a great chair for more sleek office space, while the simplicity in the design is supportive and easy to use.

Waterfall Seat – The tapering edge reduces pressure on the back of the thighs and knees, improving circulation

Padded armrests – The caps of the armrests are padded for extra comfort.

Fixed Seat and Backrest -They are fixed together, so while the chair tilts back, the whole chair moves as a unit.

Curved Backrest – It is slightly curved to fit the lumbar spine and give extra support.

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Key Takeaway: While this ergonomic chair loks great and offers good support, it does lack a bit in the quality department. The “leather” starts peeling quite quickly and the glue used in some parts comes loose. Overall it’s not the best chair on the list, but will work for someone who spends less time at their desk.

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Are Expensive Office Chairs Worth It?

It depends. If you’re spending upwards of eight hours a day in your chair, you’re on the heavier side, or you have some serious back or neck issues, a more expensive chair can make all the difference in the world.

That being said, some more expensive chairs are just filled with gimmicks that may be slightly more comfortable, but in the end, an average office chair will do the same for you as one that costs three times the price.

All office chairs under $300 aren’t bad, in fact, there are some cheaper chairs that are more comfortable than more expensive ones…

But this all depends on your personal needs and preferences. We also understand that not everyone can afford to spend more than 400 dollars on a top of the line office chair.

That’s why we’ve set up this list highlighting the pros and cons of some of the best chairs under $300. This way you can make an informed decision about whether a cheaper chair is right for you, and which cheaper chair will work best for you.

Key Takeaway: While expensive chairs can be worth it in some cases, cheaper chairs can do just as good a job, if not better.

Best Ergonomic Office Chairs (Selection Guide)

When looking for the best office chairs under $300, you want to look for something that doesn’t have too many features.

While it’s great to think you’re getting a chair that is fully adjustable and does everything a high-end chair does do keep in mind that cheaper chairs are often not designed to the same standard and with the same level of care as more expensive chairs.

That means that the more features a cheaper chair has, the higher the chances that it has cheaper parts and lower quality craftsmanship – which equates to a shorter lifespan, so in the end, you’re losing money instead of saving.

Also, look out for guarantee limitations as well as duration. Some cheap ergonomic chairs don’t even have a guarantee, while others have up to five years, but the guarantee is very limited.

Another thing to be wary of is knockoffs. In this price range, you’re going to find a lot of seemingly amazing ergonomic chairs, which you thought would cost a lot more… Well, from experience, we can tell you if the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Of course, you also want to make sure that the chair is going to do what you need it to do.

If you’re on the heavier side, make sure to check that the height adjustment function and casters are up to the task.

If you like a softer seat, make sure that the chair is padded with high-density foam.

If you suffer from lower back pain, make sure the lumbar support isn’t too much or too little.

Unless you’re going to be covering your chair with fabric or something, make sure the “leather” is durable – cheaper chairs often use cheaper material that flakes and cracks easily.

Key Takeaway: By using these basic guidelines you will be able to ensure you’re buying a chair that is going to last as well as suit your individual needs.

Final Thoughts

Our list is complete and the tally is in. For big and tall, we like the Hercules, which may be mid-back, but provides a nice sturdy seat.

If you’re on the skinnier side, but enjoy a sturdy chair, the DXRacer Bucket chair can be a good fit, provided that you don’t work in a tight-lipped office environment.

If you don’t sit in your office all that much, but you like a more stylish look, try the Alera.

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If you sit for long hours, a more cushioned seat may be right for you, like the Merax, Viva office chair, YAMASORO, or Serta, the last of which offers great lower back support.

Otherwise, a chair could work, especially if you’re looking for something a bit more durable. Here the Lorell is one of the most durable models. The Gabrylly scores quite high, but the mesh seat isn’t for everyone. And the TOPSKY comes out on top overall and in this category.