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13 Best Affordable Office Chairs Under $200 That Will Protect Your Back

Protect your back and your wallet. 

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Finding a quality office chair is difficult enough without adding in budgetary restraints. The moment you add in a price cap — we’ll say $200 — your options become extremely limited, particularly if you’re concerned with extra niceties, such as lumbar support. Lucky for you, we’ve done the hard work of sorting through hoards of seats to find a wide-spanning selection of the best affordable office chairs that will not only look great in your work space, they’ll support your back and legs, too — all without breaking the bank.

What are the best affordable office chairs under $200?

The Importance of a Comfortable Office Chair

Studies have shown that prolonged periods of sitting can pose a risk to your health, whether you’re sitting in front of the boob tube at home, stuck in traffic, or — gulp — perched at your work desk. Unless we take proper precautions with our seating, sitting can prove hazardous to our backs in particular, making your chair selection all the more important.

When we’re sitting, our pelvis rotates backward and the lumbar lordosis (the normal inward curvature of the lumbar region) is flattened, increasing the pressure load on our intervertebral discs and spine. Sitting in a slumped position — something we’re all guilty of doing from time to time — is known to increase disc pressure even more, which in turn can aggravate chronic lower back pain.

Making sure we’re sitting with correct posture is a must, and a great adjustable desk chair can help with this.

What is the best office chair for working at home?

With so many of us working from home these days, selecting one of the best affordable office chairs that’s also comfortable and supportive is more important than ever. As mentioned above, you’ll want to make sure you find a chair that will provide back and spine support to prevent pain, so chairs that offer “lumbar support” as a feature are a great bet. You’ll also likely see the word “ergonomic” used often, which means the chair is designed to be comfortable and support efficiency while you work. Ergonomic chairs that offer lumbar support are home runs when it comes to sitting for prolonged periods, and one that we love in particular is the Hbada Office Chair ($139.89, Amazon), which is adjustable to fit your waist and protect the spine.

Another factor to consider is design. Many of the best affordable office chairs on our list were chosen with both comfort and aesthetics in mind, but there are a variety of looks to choose from, so you’ll want to determine which type of chair would fit best in your space.

What is the most affordable office chair?

There are a lot of office chairs on the market, from the cheap and basic models you’ll probably want to steer clear of if you’re sitting at your desk for long periods, to those bulky, unsightly designs that can often reach the thousand-dollar-plus mark. The word “ergonomic” tends to be synonymous with “expensive” — but it doesn’t have to be! In fact, some of the best affordable office chairs we found are ergonomic and rung in at less than $100. And they’re not only a treat to sit in, they’ll look nice in your home. Read on to shop our picks for the best affordable office chairs!

13 Best Affordable Office Chairs

Office Star Mesh Back Manager’s Chair

best mesh office chair
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $190.54

Why we like it:

  • Made with breathable material
  • Easily adjustable positioning
  • Enhances the natural curve of your spine

This Office Star desk chair has a breathable mesh seat and back to support your spine. Its one-touch pneumatic seat height adjustment and synchro-tilt feature allows you to customize its positioning for better circulation and weight distribution. The lumbar cushioning enhances the natural curve of your spine, while the padded flip-up arms provide plenty of freedom to move about. And, if all of that wasn’t enough to intrigue you, this mesh chair is also manufactured with reduced chemicals and processes low in volatile organic compounds, meaning you’ll be promoting better air quality and keeping your work environment more eco-friendly. 

One happy reviewer compared it to a “fancy mesh chair” from a conference room, saying it’s “comfy and gives me some good support.

Modway Edge

Best Office Chair for Lower Back Pain
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $168.12

Why we like it:

  • Comes with adjustable arm rest
  • Available in various colors
  • Has a padded waterfall leatherette seat

Combining old time charm with cozy comfort, this Modway Edge chair is a versatile and durable model with a sturdy two-tone nylon base. While it has a breathable mesh back for lumbar support and a padded waterfall leatherette seat, we’re most impressed by its practical flip-up arms, which allow for a freeing, flexible work environment. You can adjust the seat up and down; backwards or forwards, and its handy wheels easily glide around on any flooring surface. Choose from eight colors: black, black vinyl, blue, brown, gray, tan, white, and red.

One reviewer said they love the adjustable armrests, and that “it fits great underneath my desk with them up.

OFM Collection Upholstered Home Office Desk

Best Fabric Office Chair
OFM

Buy from Amazon, $149.99 (originally $260)

Why we like it:

  • 360-degree spin
  • Height adjustable
  • Comes in three neutral colors

Relax while you work with a chair that is both comfortable and stylish. Featuring stain resistant material, this chair can also adjust to your preferences. Tilt, spin, and adjust the height of the chair to meet your needs. It also comes in three classic colors including black, gray, and tan. Ditch the classic look of an office chair and upgrade your office space with a cute and modern chair that will help provide comfort, while pairing well with almost all home decor.

One satisfied customer was “thrilled” to find such an affordable chair that was so easy to set up, comfortable, and “very chic.”

Office Factor Reception Chair

Most Comfortable Office Chair
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $189.90

Why we like it:

  • Features a convertible flip-up design
  • Adjustable arms
  • Rocking function

Stylish and cozy, this Office Factor find is a great option that can be transformed from an arm chair to an armless one, thanks to its easy convertible flip-up design. In addition, it rocks, tilts, and rolls wherever you want it to. 

One of its many five-star reviewers says this chair “is in a class of its own,” and that the adjustable arms, rocking function, and tilt-lock are all features that make them “look forward to sitting in it.

Modway Jive Office Chair

Best Office Chair for Sitting All Day
best affordable office chairs
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $199.99 for certain colors

Why we like it:

  • Made with natural posture support
  • Armrest provide a 90-degree wrist angle for typing
  • Can adjust and lock the chair into desired position

The Modway Jive is a comfortable and stylish seat that’s both durable and practical. It has a ribbed vinyl back for natural posture support, and the cushion and arms are padded for an extra-luxe feel. What’s more, these armrests are designed to give you a 90-degree wrist angle that’s perfect for typing. You can adjust and tilt the chair, locking it into place when you find your comfort peak. While the brown and terracotta options for this chair clock in at just under $200, it’s also available in black or white for about $30 more.

One five-star reviewer described it as “probably the best desk chair I ever bought,” commenting on how “flawless” the finish and quality is.

Neo Office Chair

best padded office chair
best office chair
Neo Chairs

Buy from Amazon, $109.98 (originally $158.98)

Why we like it:

  • Has double-layered cushions
  • Looks like real leather
  • Easy to clean

Get the look and feel of luxury for a fraction of the price with this chair. The faux leather design was made to look and feel like leather and is also resistant to stains, scratches, and fading over time. Unlike real leather, though, this material is easier to clean. For any accidental spills and messes, just take a towel or wipe to the targeted area for a quick cleaning. Most chairs also flatten over time, but this model uses double-layered cushions that aim to provide long-lasting comfort. The curved contoured backing will also keep your back supported throughout, while the 360-degree swivel can help you multitask without any pain or discomfort.

One customer, who struggles with chronic back issues, said they felt improvements just weeks after purchasing this chair, and that it’s “soft, comfortable, and supportive” enough for their eight to 12 hour work days.

FDW Executive PU Leather Swivel Chair

best versatile office chair
best office chair
FDW

Buy from Amazon, starting at $99.99

Why we like it:

  • Can be used as an office chair, for gaming, and more
  • Made with waterproof and stain resistant material
  • Comes with all the tools and hardware to put together

Whether you’re relaxing or working long hours, this chair aims to keep you comfortable no matter what you’re doing. Accidentally spill your coffee? Don’t worry about staining this model, as it’s made with a PU waterproof and stain resistant material. For any spills, the brand recommends using a wipe to clean. It was also designed with high-density sponge padding for a natural leather look and added comfort, so you can focus more on getting work done than any back pain.

One reviewer, who has spent years suffering from sciatica, found this chair to be much better than the one they’d been using before, saying, “it is so comfortable and supportive.”

Gaiam Balance Ball Chair

best balance ball desk chair
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $69.98

Why we like it:

  • Chiropractor approved
  • Provides ergonomic support
  • Helps alleviate back and arm pain

Gaiam’s alternative balance ball chair was created with the help of top chiropractor, Dr. Randy Weinzoft, with a work-life balance in mind. Though it might look a bit odd, it provides all-day ergonomic support for achieving a healthier back and a stronger core. It also alleviates aching arms and back pain by promoting micro movements and engaging your stomach muscles throughout the day. It comes with an air pump and there are nine colors to choose from.

One reviewer recommends this for “desk jockeys” and praises its ability to “encourage good posture” while strengthening the core.

Hbada Office Chair

best office chair for mid-back support
best office desk chair
Hbada

Buy from Amazon, $139.89 (originally $159.99)

Why we like it:

  • Supports your mid-back
  • Adjustable arm rests
  • Quiet wheels

For a simple office chair that does it all, this chair by Hbada helps provide support and comfort to your mid-back for pain relief. If your office is short on space, the armrests can adjust and flip up to save room and even push under your desk. Customize the height and tilt of your chair for even more comfort, and don’t worry about distracting creaks and noises either, because the durable design was made to keep the wheel quiet and hold up to 250 pounds.

One happy customer who works from home found that this chair was a big upgrade compared to sitting on a dining room table chair, and said they appreciate the “adjustable back support” and “couldn’t be happier with it!

Kelly Clarkson Home Lourdes Task Chair

Best armless office chair
best affordable office chairs
Wayfair

Buy from Wayfair, starting at $135.99 (originally $229)

Why we like it:

  • Ergonomic design
  • Available in 14 colors
  • Over 2,500 5-star ratings

There’s no need to sacrifice style for comfort with this super-chic, ergonomic desk chair by Kelly Clarkson Home. Its feminine design includes a large rounded back and a soft cushioned seat for all-day comfort, plus velvet upholstery and gold metal legs for an upscale look. The best part? There are a whopping 14 color options to choose from, so you’re sure to find one to complement your work space. The prices do vary between colors, but they’re all currently on sale for less than $200!

With over 2,500 five-star ratings, this chair is a surefire hit, with reviewers giving high marks to its “gorgeous” fabric and soft, comfortable feel.

Symple Stuff Overturf Mid-Back Genuine Leather Executive Chair

Best leather office chair
best affordable office chairs
Wayfair

Buy from Wayfair, $176.99 (originally $235)

Why we like it:

  • Genuine leather upholstery
  • 360-degree swivel
  • Contemporary design

If you thought finding an office chair made of genuine leather for less than $200 would be tricky, you’d be right. However, we did manage to find this chic option from Wayfair on sale for 25 percent off, bringing it in under-budget! We like its contemporary design, and the fact that it comes with 360-degree swivel capability, as well as a tilt-lock function. Best of all, it’s ergonomically-designed to provide lumbar support, so you don’t have to sacrifice function for form.

One fan of this chair said they’ve been sitting in it for 10-hour work days, and that it’s “very comfortable” despite the long hours.

Amazon Basics High-Back Executive

best high-back office chair
High Back Office Chair
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $139.86 (originally $154)

Why we like it:

  • Comes with 360-degree swivel capability
  • Features an ergonomic design for back support
  • Adjustable seat height

Decorate your home office with a chair that will keep your back supported all day. This Amazon Basics model comes with an ergonomic design that will provide lumbar support and prevent any unnecessary back pain. Its sleek chrome details and ribbed upholstery add a sophisticated look that will elevate any office space. The adjustable seat height setting also allows you to customize it to your liking with one touch, so you can rest comfortably during the work day.

One reviewer commented that they’re a fan of this chair’s “modern executive look,” and appreciates that it “provides great back comfort!”

The Twillery Co. Ergonomic Mesh Task Chair

Best office chair under $100
best affordable office chairs
Wayfair

Buy from Wayfair, starting at $69.99 (originally $79.99)

Why we like it:

  • Ergonomic design provides lumbar support
  • Available in 4 colors
  • Less than $100!

Yes, it is possible to find an office chair that’s both stylish and good for your back for less than $100! We think this mesh task chair is a fantastic affordable option, thanks to its breathable fabric and ergonomic construction, which will help keep your back supported during those long work days. This chair also comes with quiet casters, so you can zoom around the room with ease, as well as 360-degree swivel for range of motion. Best of all, you can choose from four colors, including classic black and white, or green and orange to add a fun pop of cheer to your office.

Reviewers love how easy this chair is to put together, and many mentioned that the mesh backing is particularly convenient for keeping them cool during the summer.

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