Best office chair according to Reddit (2026)
Office chairs are the category where Reddit's advice diverges most from marketing. r/OfficeChairs and r/buildapc consistently steer people away from "gaming" chairs and towards a few task chairs that have been in production for decades, often bought second-hand for a fraction of retail.
This guide summarises that consensus. Scores reflect how consistently each chair is recommended.
Reddit's top 5
What Reddit says
The Steelcase Leap and Herman Miller Aeron are the two chairs every thread ends up at. The Leap is the safer recommendation because it adjusts in more ways and fits more bodies; the Aeron is preferred by people who run hot or want mesh. Both are recommended used first: office liquidators sell them for a third of retail with most of their life left.
Haworth's Fern and Herman Miller's Embody are the alternatives for people who tried the big two and didn't like them. The Ikea Markus is the budget answer, with the caveat that it is a stopgap rather than a chair for life.
Gaming chairs get a consistent thumbs down on r/OfficeChairs: racing-seat shapes, thin padding and poor lumbar support for the price of a used Leap.
How to choose
Search for used Leap V2 or Aeron in your area before buying anything new. Try to sit in one first; seat depth and height matter more than brand. If you are on a tight budget, the Markus is fine until you can afford a used task chair.
Frequently asked
Is a used Aeron or Leap a good idea?
Yes, and it is the most common r/OfficeChairs advice. Both are built for 12-year warranties; a five-year-old chair from an office liquidator typically has years left. Check the cylinder and mesh for wear.
Are gaming chairs bad?
For long sessions, most Redditors say yes. They copy car seats, which are designed for reclining, not upright work. A used task chair usually costs the same and is far more adjustable.
Which Aeron size do I need?
Size B fits most adults. Size A suits smaller frames and C larger ones. Herman Miller publishes a height and weight chart; check it before buying used.