Best Ergonomic Office Chairs Under $500 [2019 Update]

There is nothing better than a good office chair. When you’re sitting at a desk for hours at a time, you need to take care of your back. 

But getting the right office chair has more health implications than you may realize.

Are you struggling with headaches, tense shoulders, blurry vision, backache, or cold toes?

Your less-than-satisfactory office chair may be to blame…

The good news is, you don’t have to break the bank to get all the benefits of a proper, ergonomic office chair!

We’ve compiled this list of the nine best office chairs under $500 to help you find the chair you need.

[mks_icon icon=”fa-check” color=”#5d73ba” type=”fa”] Key Take-Away: A lot of physical stress can be reduced by getting the right office chair. The right office chair can keep you healthier and make you more productive.

Best Office Chairs Under 500 $

1. Herman Miller Sayl – Best Ergonomic Office Chair Under 500 $

The Sayl office chair by Herman Miller is one of the most interesting yet simple designs I have seen. It uses net-like back support that is specially engineered to give you support where you need it most while leaving you free to move around the office when you need to. 

A perfect fit gives your spine that S-shape it needs, and the extra, optional lumbar support means you can adjust it to meet your specific needs. The specialized support system reduces tension and fatigue. This is the benchmark of ergonomic office chairs in its class.

3D Intelligent Back – The elastomer netting back support hugs the shape of you back. The varying thickness of the strands offers support in critical areas while leaving you free to move around.

PostureFit – The lower back support fits the curve of your lumbar spine perfectly, maintaining the natural S-shape of your spine.

Dynamic Support – An optional additional lumbar back support is available, which extends the lumbar structure by up to 10cm. This means you can adjust the chair to match your spine.

Aesthetic Choices – There’s nothing worse than an office chair that sticks out like a sore thumb! These chairs and stretch knit back covers are available in a range of colors to suit any office space.

Responsible Design – Not only is most of the chair completely recyclable, but they are designed using fewer materials. They are also manufactured on three continents, lowering the need for transportation emissions.

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2. BDI Office Chair TC 223 – Best Desk Chair under $500

The TC 223 Office Chair is a superior desk chair. If you’re going to be spending hours at your desk the adjustable head and neck support is unparalleled.

It has adjustable armrests as well, which are there when you need them but don’t get in the way when you’re busy.

This model is available in fabric or leather, with a breathable back that is ergonomically designed to support your spine, minimizing fatigue and maximizing productivity.  

Ergonomic Design – The form-fitting backrest improves posture and reduces fatigue. This model provides you with both lumbar and chair neck support for long hours spent at the desk.

Adjustable/Removable Headrest – The headrest is in a perfect position when you need it, but can be removed when you don’t need it. It is both adjustable and pivots to give you comfortable head and neck support.

Breathable Mesh – The breathable mesh backrests provide airflow to your back to avoid uncomfortable and unsightly back sweat.

Lumbar Support – The lower area of the backrest curves forward to provide extra  support. This is essential for proper posture and spine health.

Adjustable Arm Heights – Long arms, short arms… You can adjust the height of the armrests to support you when you need them or to be out of the way when you don’t.

Seat Height Adjustment – Whether you like to seat low or high, the adjustable seat height helps to get the right height for you. This can do wonders for your posture, especially if you’re of non-average height.

Variable Tilt Lock  – If you like your chair just so, the variable tilt-lock will keep it in place for you. This reduces the effort exerted by your core muscles, so you can sit comfortably without getting tired.

Tilt-Tension Control – On the other hand, if you like moving around on your chair, tilting forward and back, the tilt-tension control helps to keep you stable as you move.

BIFMA Certified – This ensures that you are getting the best quality office chair. The TC-223 has held up to the quality tests and meets the standards at BIFMA.

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3. Steelcase QiVi Chair – Good For Sitting Longer Hours

The QiVi office chair is designed for the dynamic workplace. In today’s work environment, collaboration and brainstorming have become an integral part of the workspace and QiVi have stepped up to make a chair that’s as dynamic as your team.

This office chair swivels and moves as you do, so if you’re a busy body in the office, even though you sit long hours, this chair is there to support you in any posture. 

Ergonomic – The QiVi is designed to support a healthy posture by providing excellent lumbar back support. This reduces fatigue even if you remain seated for hours on end.

Freedom of Movement – The low backrest and self-adjusting parts provide support as you move. This is a unique feature of the QiVi.

Self-Adjusting Backrest – The backrest self-adjusts to your movements. No need to readjust your chair to suit your posture, the backrest moves as you move.

Self-Adjusting Seat – The seat moves forward and back automatically. When you lean forward, it moves back – you lean back, it moves forward. This sliding action keeps you supported as you move throughout your day.

Supports Multiple Postures – Whether you’re leaning over a table or sit back to listen, the QiVi has your back. It is extremely versatile in an office space where movement is the order of the day.

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4. HON Ignition 2.0 – Best Recliner Under $500

The Ignition Task Chair range from HON is extremely wide. With a chair for every need, the starting price is below $500. Their chairs come in various colors and sizes, so you can pick the one that’s best for you. 

Some have four-way stretch mesh to mold to your back, while others are fully upholstered for that cushioned feel.

The tilt adjusts and lock makes this a very stable range of chairs, and the different back heights ensure that you find the right fit.

The automatically synchronized tilt paired with the high back is what makes this the best recliner.

All the Ignition mesh office chair models come with the following features, while some expensive ones come with more:

360 Degree Swivel – The chair moves as you move. You turn, it follows.

Center Tilt – By tilting from the center, you feel more stable as you lean back. The chances of accidents are reduced considerably with this feature.

Independent Back Angle – By adjusting the back independently from the seat, you can lean back with your feet firmly planted on the floor. This also reduces the risk of accidents.

Pneumatic Seat Height Adjustment – The seat adjusts to the height of the occupant. Whether you’re tall or short, this chair adjusts to meet your needs smoothly and efficiently.

Seat Depth Adjustment – There’s nothing like having a seat that supports you properly. This is an especially nice feature for people or children with shorter thighs who struggle to reach the backrest of most office chairs.

Seat Glide Mechanism – You lean back, the seat moves forward, keeping you supported and comfortable as you relax.

Synchro-Tilt – As you lean back and the seat slides forward, the backrest tilts back at an angle to ensure you have proper lumbar even as you’re lying back. This is the unique feature of this range.

Tilt Lock – especially great when you just want to lie back and relax for a while, but also a great feature when you like sitting slightly back or more forward while you work. This feature allows you to keep the chair in just the right position for you.

Tilt Tension – with this feature you can decide how easy or difficult it is for the chair to tilt forward and back. This gives you more stability as you move through your day.

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5. Eurotech Seating 24/7 Swivel Back Chair – Best Task Chair Under $500

The 24/7 Swivel Back chair by Eurotech delivers on the Eurotech promise of quality and superior craftsmanship.

While the chair doesn’t look particularly special, Eurotech is focused on comfort and design. This gives you value for money, ergonomic office chair with all the bells and whistles you need to get your job done comfortably.

The thick cushioned seat and adjustable back and armrests ensure that you stay comfortable and well supported throughout your day. Whether you’re filing, manning the front desk, or behind a computer, this chair will ensure you are comfortable in every task.

Tilt Tension Control – This feature controls how easily the chair tilts forward and back. You can choose whether you enjoy the chair sliding back behind you effortlessly or supporting you when you lean back.

Center Tilt – While some chairs are unstable due to an off-center tilt, the 24/7 reduces the risk of accidents by ensuring you tilt from the center of the wheelbase. 

Tilt Lock – If you like your chair at a specific angle, the tilt-lock will keep your chair in just the right position for you. This function also keeps you stable if you prefer it that way.

Back Angle Adjustment – The backrest is completely separate from the seat. This gives you the freedom to choose the Angle that suits you best without affecting the angle of the seat.

Back Height Adjustment – Another bonus from having a separate backrest is that you can adjust the height of the ergonomic backrest to match the curve of your spine. When you’re taller or shorter than average, this is a crucial element to comfort.

Seat Height Adjustment – As with most office chairs, you height of the seat is adjustable to match your personal needs.

Forward Seat Tilt – This feature keeps your pelvis tilted forward, taking the pressure off your lower back and improving your posture.

Seat Angle adjustment – If you like your seat to tilt more back, the seat angle adjustment allows you to lock it in the position that you find the most comfortable.

Width and Height Adjustable Arms – Ensuring comfort during any task, the armrests can move in and out or up and down. Whether you need them out of the way or supporting your arms, this handy adjustment gives you the freedom to choose.

Extra Thick Cushioning – Ensuring comfort above all else, the extra thick cushioning also provides ergonomic support for your back and bottom. Bottoms are often neglected, but this chair hugs your bum and your back.

Greenguard Certified – These chairs are environmentally friendly on every level of the manufacturing process.

5 Year Warranty – Valid on everything except the cushioning and upholstery, which is guaranteed for 2 years.

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6. Secretlab TITAN 2020 Series  – Best Gaming Chair Under $500

Welcome to the new bigwig in gaming, the Secretlab Titan offers unparalleled gaming support and comfort.

It’s not just good for gaming, but what makes it great for gaming is the figure’-hugging back support paired with a free range of movement. The integrated lumbar support gives you lower back support, so there’s no need to stuff a pillow behind your back anymore.

That’s not even starting on the brand new 4D armrests, which makes this chair an absolute gamechanger (pun totally intended!)

Secretlab PRIME PU Leather – This hard-wearing PU is 4 times more durable than usual. So you can spend hours gaming in this chair without worrying that it will get ruined on your mission.

OR

Software Fabric – A durable yet breathable cloud of comfort to envelop you as you explore other worlds for hours on end.

OR

NAPA Leather – Race down the highways and by-ways in style. Yes, this leather is the same as you’ll find in luxury cars. Need I say more…?

Coldcure Foam Mix – A patent-pending firm foam that offers support without compromising on comfort. 

Integrated Adjustable Lumbar Support – This unique feature enables you to change the level of lumbar you get without the need for extra cushions or padding that moves around and clutters up your gaming space. 

Full-Metal 4D Armrests – These babies move up and down, forward and backward, side to side AND tilt in and out. Seriously. The risk of carpal tunnel is eliminated with the arm and wrist support these bad boys offer.

Memory Foam Headpillow with Cooling Gel – When you’re LANing, and you want to sit back and close your eyes for a while… Or you’re traveling across Skyrim in search of that dragon you’re sure you saw that one time… You need this, then; this is cool. Literally. (FYI – it straps to the headrest)

Full-Length Backrest Recline – Another must-have. No need to try and curl up on an upright chair. No need to sleep on the floor… No need for anything but your chair and a blanket.

Multi-Tilt Mechanism – This feature has been meticulously tested. Whether you like your seat tilted back or parallel to the floor or somewhere in between, you can set the seat quickly and easily to match your mood.

Class 4 Hydraulics – TUV LGA, ANSI/BIFMA, and ISO9001 tested hydraulics will keep you stable and safe every time you sit down.

ADC12 Aluminum Wheel Base – Reinforced with ribs and gussets, the aluminum wheelbase is both stable and strong.

XL PU Caster Wheels – Durable and floor-friendly, these wheels allow you to glide around effortlessly.

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7. Serta Bonded Leather Big & Tall Executive Chair

The Serta Bonded Leather Big and Tall Executive office Chair is geared towards comfort and style. Its layered ergonomic pillows provide excellent support while remaining soft and comfortable. 

The sleek wood finish is styling, while the padded armrests add to the comfort factor of this chair. There is also tilt-adjust, which offers an infinite range of tilt lock. While the adjustable lumbar support ensures your back maintains the right shape throughout the day that helps to alleviate back pain and also a neck pain (yes, those are related)

Deep Body Pillows – There’s nothing better than sinking into your seat and feeling yourself enveloped with supportive cushioning. The Setra chair’s pillows are ergonomically placed to provide comfort and support where you need it.

Adjustable Lumbar Mechanism – The integrated, adjustable lumbar-support gives you a choice to increase or decrease lumbar support as you need it. No need for an extra pillow on those extra-long days in the office.

Bentwood Finish – The classic bentwood finish adds a fair of sophistication to any office space.

Adjustable and Padded Armrests – The extra padding on the armrests adds to the comfort and luxury of this chair. The armrests can be adjusted up and down to suit your preference.

Tilt Adjustment – The infinite tilt lock allows you to set the chair at the angle that works for you.

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8. Gates Genuine Leather Aluminum Base High Back Executive Chair – Best Genuine  Leather Chair

The High Back Executive office chair by Gates is a sturdy and comfortable addition o any office.

With a wide range of genuine leather color patterns to choose from, this chair offers both comfort and style. The ergonomic back support offers synchronized tilt at a 2:1 ratio with the seat, so your feet stay firmly planted as you lay back and relax. The waterfall seat also prevents circulation from cutting off.

Genuine Leather – The seat and armrests are covered in genuine leather with a matching leatherette on the back of the chair.

Aluminum Base – The highly polished base is both styling and functional with 5 castor wheels for stability.

Adjustable Waterfall Seat – The height and tilt are both adjustable so you can choose an angle that works best for you. The waterfall shape improves circulation,

Tilt Tension and Lock – The maximum backward tilt can be set, and the ease of tilt can also be adjusted to match your preference.

Synchronized Tilt – The seat and backrest tilt in a 1:2 ratio, so you get more back tilt without feeling like you’re going to fall over backward.

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9. ReGeneration Chair by Knoll – Good Comfortable Home Office Chair

The ReGenergatio chair by Knoll is sleek and comfortable.

Built for comfort and style, Knoll puts great emphasis on responsive seating that supports you even when you’re leaning over or sit sideways. The slim and stylish design comes in a variety of colors to match most office spaces.

Slim Profile and Contoured Back – The slim design is stylish yet functional, while the contoured back offers ergonomic support without adding extra bulk.

270 Degree Support – Whether you’re sitting sideways, leaning over, or need to focus in front of you, this chair’s variable seat support follows your every movement by adjusting to your every move.

Responsive Support – The responsive support relies on 4 independent flexion areas, dynamic suspension control, and synchronized recline to further ensure your comfort in any posture.

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What to Look for in an Ergonomic Chair

Lumbar Support

You need a chair that supports your lower back. With proper lower back support, stress and strain is reduced on the rest of your spine.

Back Height

Ensure the chair you choose fits your back comfortably. The lumbar backing should be in your lower back where your spine naturally curves. The height of the backrest is also important for the function of the chair.

A high back is good if you sit long hours, as it provides upper back support, while a shorter back gives a wider range of movement for people who are constantly busy.

Proper Adjustments

You know what you like in a chair, so whether you need a chair with better seat adjustment or one with separate lumbar adjustment, make sure you pick a chair that can adjust the parts that are important to you.

Stability Variables

Most people like a more stable chair as it reduces the risk of accidents. Look for chairs with center-tilt, tilt lock, and tension adjustment features if you enjoy a sturdier chair.

Materials

Not only is it important to pick a chair that’s made from a material you like, but it’s also important to consider things like breathability, eco-friendliness, and overall durability of the materials used to manufacture the chair.

Final Words on Top 9 Office Chairs Under $500

That concludes our list of the Top 9 Office Chairs under $500. There is a chair for each category. When choosing your favorite, remember to keep your personal pros and cons list handy.

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