Best office chairs UK: 7 ergonomic desk chairs for working from home
Back aching by mid-afternoon? A properly adjustable chair makes more difference than almost any other home-office upgrade. Here's what to look for and seven chairs worth shortlisting, including Black Friday regulars.
How we chose: We compared adjustment ranges, lumbar designs, recline, load ratings, certifications and warranties from manufacturer listings, read independent UK reviews from Expert Reviews and TechRadar, used the HSE's workstation posture guidance to decide which adjustments matter, and weighed recurring themes in Amazon.co.uk owner feedback. We have not personally tested these products; this is a research-based roundup. Our research process.
Quick picks
- Best overallSIHOO M57 Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair with Lumbar SupportCheck price
- Best valueSIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office Chair with Adjustable Lumbar SupportCheck price
- Most adjustable mid-price pickProtoArc EC200 Ergonomic Office Chair with Adjustable Seat DepthCheck price
- Best dynamic lumbarSIHOO Doro C300 Ergonomic Office Chair with Dynamic Lumbar SupportCheck price
- Best 3D lumbarHOLLUDLE Ergonomic Office Chair with 3D Lumbar Support and 3D Armrests (black)Check price
- Best for small spacesSIHOO B100 Full-Mesh Office Chair with Adaptive Lumbar SupportCheck price
- Best budgetSONGMICS Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair with Flip-Up ArmrestsCheck price
A kitchen chair is fine for an hour. For a full working day it's a recipe for a stiff neck and a sore lower back. A good ergonomic chair won't fix everything, but it lets you set the seat height, back support and arm height to fit you and your desk. That's the basis of the HSE's guidance on working at a screen.
At the affordable end of the market, the chairs that matter on Amazon UK are mostly mesh designs from SIHOO, ProtoArc and similar brands. The differences that count are how adjustable the lumbar support is, whether the seat depth adjusts (important if you're tall or short), armrest adjustment (2D, 3D or flip-up) and the warranty. Office chairs are also among the most heavily discounted items on Black Friday, so it's worth shortlisting now. If you're upgrading the desk too, see our standing desks guide.
Comparison table
| Pick | Lumbar support | Armrests | Seat depth adjust | Headrest | Warranty | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIHOO M57Best overall | Adjustable | 3D | No | Adjustable | 3 years (free parts) | Check price |
| SIHOO M18Best value | Adjustable back support | Height-adjustable (2D) | No | Adjustable | 3 years (free parts) | Check price |
| ProtoArc EC200Most adjustable mid-price pick | 2-way (height + depth) | Height-adjustable (up to 7cm) | Yes, 5 levels (33–43cm) | 3D | 5 years (free parts) | Check price |
| SIHOO Doro C300Best dynamic lumbar | Self-adaptive (dynamic) | 3D | No (backrest height adjusts 6cm) | Adjustable | Check listing | Check price |
| HOLLUDLE V-BackBest 3D lumbar | 3D (up/down, in/out, rotate) | 3D | No | 2D | 5 years | Check price |
| SIHOO B100Best for small spaces | Adaptive (dual-back) | Flip-up | No | 2D | 3 years | Check price |
| SONGMICS mesh chairBest budget | Adjustable pad | Flip-up | No | Adjustable | Check listing | Check price |
Specs are from manufacturer listings as of 20 October 2026; claimed figures (running costs, runtimes) are the maker’s, not ours. Check the Amazon page for the current price and exact variant before you buy.
The picks in detail
SIHOO M57 Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair with Lumbar Support
Best for: Most people of average height who want proper adjustability without a premium price
- Lumbar support
- Adjustable
- Armrests
- 3D
- Seat depth adjust
- No
- Headrest
- Adjustable
- Warranty
- 3 years (free parts)
The SIHOO M57 is the chair independent UK reviewers keep coming back to. Expert Reviews names it its best budget office chair (and says its managing editor works from one), and TechRadar calls it its best cheap office chair. It's an all-mesh design with an S-shaped back, adjustable lumbar support, an adjustable headrest and 3D armrests that move up and down, forwards and back, and rotate. The back tilts and locks at three angles, the gas lift is BIFMA and SGS certified, and SIHOO quotes a 150kg (330lb) load and a three-year warranty with free replacement parts.
TechRadar's caveats are worth knowing. It's a fairly 'average' chair that suits average proportions, and it isn't ideal for very tall users. The seat depth doesn't adjust either. Owners generally rate the comfort, the cool mesh and the 20-minute assembly, but they're split on the lumbar support, and a minority report parts breaking within a year. It's a perennial Black Friday and Prime Day deal, according to Expert Reviews.
What owners and reviewers like
- Endorsed by Expert Reviews and TechRadar
- 3D arms, headrest and adjustable lumbar
- Breathable mesh seat and back
- 3-year warranty with free parts
Watch-outs
- No seat-depth adjustment
- Not ideal for very tall users
- Lumbar support doesn't suit everyone
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office Chair with Adjustable Lumbar Support
Best for: A proven, comfortable chair for less, if you prefer a padded seat
- Lumbar support
- Adjustable back support
- Armrests
- Height-adjustable (2D)
- Seat depth adjust
- No
- Headrest
- Adjustable
- Warranty
- 3 years (free parts)
The M18 is SIHOO's long-running best-seller and one of the most-reviewed office chairs on Amazon UK. It pairs a mesh back with a padded, W-shaped seat that has a 'waterfall' front edge to ease pressure on the backs of your legs. You get adjustable back support, a headrest, recline and height-adjustable arms. SIHOO says it passes BIFMA testing, takes 150kg and has the same three-year parts warranty as the M57.
Owners like its comfort, value and easy assembly, and many say the lumbar support helps their posture. The recurring complaints are a backrest that can slip down its adjustment over time and some side-to-side wobble. The arms only go up and down, so if you want them closer to your keyboard, the M57's 3D arms are the better choice.
What owners and reviewers like
- Comfortable padded seat with waterfall edge
- Adjustable headrest and back support
- Huge owner review base
- Good value
Watch-outs
- Arms only adjust for height
- Some reports of the backrest slipping
- Padded seat is warmer than mesh
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ProtoArc EC200 Ergonomic Office Chair with Adjustable Seat Depth
Best for: Taller users and anyone who wants seat-depth adjustment and a long warranty
- Lumbar support
- 2-way (height + depth)
- Armrests
- Height-adjustable (up to 7cm)
- Seat depth adjust
- Yes, 5 levels (33–43cm)
- Headrest
- 3D
- Warranty
- 5 years (free parts)
Seat depth is the adjustment most budget chairs skip, and it matters. The HSE recommends a small gap of about 2–3cm between the front of the seat and the back of your knee, so tall people need a deeper seat and shorter people a shallower one. ProtoArc's EC200 slides through five depth positions (33–43cm), which ProtoArc says suits people around 163–185cm tall. The lumbar pad moves 6cm up and down and 2cm in and out, the headrest adjusts in 3D, and the back reclines and locks at 90°, 105°, 120° or 130°, with a tension knob.
ProtoArc says the chair meets BS EN 1335 and has been tested to ANSI/BIFMA, uses a TÜV-certified Class 4 gas lift and comes with a five-year warranty with free parts. Owners praise the build quality, the lumbar support that stays where you put it, and the value. It's a newer model, so there's less long-term owner evidence than for the SIHOO chairs. The seat is high-resilience foam under a mesh top, which is a little warmer than full mesh.
What owners and reviewers like
- Seat-depth adjustment
- 2-way adjustable lumbar
- 4-position locking recline
- 5-year warranty
Watch-outs
- Newer model, fewer long-term reports
- Arms adjust for height only (check listing)
- Foam seat runs warmer than mesh
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SIHOO Doro C300 Ergonomic Office Chair with Dynamic Lumbar Support
Best for: People who shift around a lot and want back support that moves with them
- Lumbar support
- Self-adaptive (dynamic)
- Armrests
- 3D
- Seat depth adjust
- No (backrest height adjusts 6cm)
- Headrest
- Adjustable
- Warranty
- Check listing
The Doro C300 is SIHOO's step up from the M-series. Instead of a lumbar pad you set once, it has self-adaptive lumbar support that moves as you lean and twist, plus a flexible backrest frame that follows you side to side. The backrest height adjusts through four positions (6cm in total), the 3D armrests move in three directions, and a weight-sensing recline mechanism adjusts the tilt resistance to the user. It reclines to 110°, 120° and 130° and takes up to 150kg.
SIHOO quotes EN 1335 and BIFMA compliance, TÜV certification and a Class 4 gas lift. Owners like the looks and the straightforward assembly, but they're split on the lumbar support and some say the armrests don't stay put. It's worth trying if fixed lumbar pads have never felt right for you. If you sit still and upright, the M57 does the basics for less.
What owners and reviewers like
- Dynamic lumbar that follows your movement
- Weight-sensing recline
- 3D arms and adjustable backrest height
- EN 1335 / BIFMA / TÜV listed
Watch-outs
- Mixed views on the lumbar support
- Some find the armrests move too easily
- Pricier than the M57
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HOLLUDLE Ergonomic Office Chair with 3D Lumbar Support and 3D Armrests (black)
Best for: Fine-tuning lower-back support, with a long warranty
- Lumbar support
- 3D (up/down, in/out, rotate)
- Armrests
- 3D
- Seat depth adjust
- No
- Headrest
- 2D
- Warranty
- 5 years
HOLLUDLE's chair is built around a lumbar pad you can move up, down, forwards, backwards and rotate. That's more lumbar adjustment than most chairs at this price. It also has a 2D headrest, 3D armrests and a three-level tilt lock, all on a V-shaped mesh back. HOLLUDLE says it's certified to BIFMA and EN 1335, quotes a 1,136kg base strength and offers a five-year warranty.
Owners rate the build quality, the adjustable arms and the easy 20–30 minute assembly, and many describe it as sturdy for long working days. The main split is over the recline: some feel it tips back too far when they lean. It's a less familiar brand than SIHOO, so the five-year warranty is reassuring. This link is for the black version, and other colours have their own listings.
What owners and reviewers like
- Highly adjustable 3D lumbar
- 3D armrests and tilt lock
- 5-year warranty
- Sturdy build for the money
Watch-outs
- Some say it reclines too much
- No seat-depth adjustment
- Less-established brand
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SIHOO B100 Full-Mesh Office Chair with Adaptive Lumbar Support
Best for: Compact desks: flip-up arms let it slide right under
- Lumbar support
- Adaptive (dual-back)
- Armrests
- Flip-up
- Seat depth adjust
- No
- Headrest
- 2D
- Warranty
- 3 years
The B100 uses a split, elastic dual-section back that flexes with you, giving lumbar support without a pad to set. The armrests flip up so the chair can tuck fully under a small desk or dressing table, which is handy in a bedroom office. It reclines to 110°, 123° and 135°, has a 2D headrest and a wide full-mesh seat, takes up to 136kg (300lb) and has a three-year warranty.
Owners find it comfortable for long sessions and like the lower-back support and solid feel. The common complaint is that the seat doesn't go high enough for some people, so check the seat height range on the listing against your desk height. There's also less to adjust than on the M57 or EC200.
What owners and reviewers like
- Flip-up arms save space
- Adaptive dual-section back
- Full mesh stays cool
- 3-year warranty
Watch-outs
- Seat height too low for some
- Fewer adjustments than our top picks
- Flip-up arms don't adjust for height
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SONGMICS Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair with Flip-Up Armrests
Best for: Occasional home working or a student desk on a small budget
- Lumbar support
- Adjustable pad
- Armrests
- Flip-up
- Seat depth adjust
- No
- Headrest
- Adjustable
- Warranty
- Check listing
If you only work from home a couple of days a week, the SONGMICS mesh chair covers the basics for much less. It has an S-shaped mesh back with an adjustable headrest and lumbar pad, an 8cm sponge seat, flip-up armrests and a tilt range of 90–105°. It measures 64 × 64cm with an overall height of 110–118cm and is rated to 120kg. It's sold and shipped by Amazon, which makes returns simple.
It's a budget chair and owners are honest about that. Many find it comfortable and good value, but views on the back support are mixed, some report height-adjustment problems, and the seat fabric and cushion can crease over time. The 120kg limit is lower than the 136–150kg of our other picks.
What owners and reviewers like
- Low price
- Headrest and lumbar pad included
- Flip-up arms
- Sold by Amazon
Watch-outs
- 120kg load limit
- Cushion can crease and flatten
- Limited recline
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Start with fit: height, depth and lower-back support
The HSE's posture guidance is a good checklist. Your seat height should support the fronts and backs of your thighs equally, with your feet flat on the floor (or on a footrest), and leave a 2–3cm gap between the front of the seat and the back of your knee. The chair back should support your lower back. Your keyboard should sit just below elbow height, with the top of the screen roughly level with your eyes, about an arm's length away.
In practice: if you're under about 5'4" or over 6'1", seat depth and seat height range matter most. Check the listing measurements rather than the marketing height ranges.
Lumbar support: fixed, adjustable or dynamic
Adjustable pads (M57, M18, EC200, HOLLUDLE) move up and down, and sometimes in and out, so you can set them where your back curves. Dynamic or adaptive backs (Doro C300, B100) flex as you move, which some people love and others find too vague. Lumbar support is the most divisive feature in owner reviews, so buy from a seller with easy returns and give a chair a week before you judge it.Armrests: 2D, 3D or flip-up
Armrests should let your shoulders relax with your elbows close to your sides. 3D/4D arms move up and down, forwards and back, and pivot, which helps you get close to the desk. Flip-up arms let the chair slide under a small desk but usually can't be adjusted for height. If your desk is a fixed 72–75cm high, check the arms go low enough to tuck under it.
Mesh vs padded seats
Mesh backs stay cooler and keep their shape. A mesh seat feels firm at first. Foam seats feel softer but can flatten over time, so look for high-density or high-resilience foam. If your home office gets warm in summer, full mesh is the safer choice.
Certifications and warranty
EN 1335 (the European office chair standard) and BIFMA testing are good signs, as is a Class 4 gas lift, the most robust grade. Warranties range from one to five years. SIHOO's three-year parts cover, and the five years offered by ProtoArc and HOLLUDLE, are worth having on something you sit on every day. Keep the box until you're sure the chair is right, as returns are much easier with it.
FAQs
How much should I spend on an office chair?
For daily home working, a mid-range ergonomic chair (like the SIHOO M57 or ProtoArc EC200) gets you adjustable lumbar support, a headrest, adjustable arms and a decent warranty. Expert Reviews leaves the cheapest chairs out of its roundup because, in its experience, they tend not to be comfortable, supportive or durable in the long run. Budget chairs suit occasional use. These chairs are regularly discounted during Black Friday and Prime Day.
Is mesh or fabric better for an office chair?
Mesh is cooler and more breathable and usually keeps its shape longer. Padded fabric or PU seats feel softer at first. Many of the best-value chairs combine a mesh back with a padded seat.
Do I need a headrest?
Not for upright typing, but it's useful if you recline to read or take calls. Make sure it adjusts up and down, or it may sit in the wrong place for your neck.
What if I'm tall or short?
Look for seat-depth adjustment (like the ProtoArc EC200) and check the seat height range against your leg length. Shorter users may need a footrest so their feet are supported when the seat is at the right height for the desk.
Can an office chair help back pain?
A well-adjusted chair can reduce strain, but moving regularly matters just as much. If you have ongoing back pain, speak to your GP or a physiotherapist. Employers also have duties under the DSE regulations to assess workstations, including for home workers.
Do you get commission on furniture?
Yes. If you buy through our links, Amazon may pay us a small commission at no extra cost to you. It doesn't change which chairs we include. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
Sources we consulted
- Expert Reviews: best office chairs
- TechRadar: best office chairs
- HSE: good posture when using display screen equipment
- HSE: working safely with display screen equipment
Prices change constantly, so we don’t list them here. Always check the current price, seller and delivery details on Amazon before buying. If anything on this page looks wrong or out of date, tell us.
