If you are in the market for a new desk chair and your budget is more “college intern” and less Herman Miller, we hear you. It can be frustrating to find a desk chair that won’t break down shortly after purchase or that feels like you’re sitting in coach on a budget airline.
On average, an office worker sits for about 8 to 10 hours a day. That’s more hours than most of us get to sleep each night. To combat that sedentary lifestyle, you will need a chair that is comfortable, adjustable, well-constructed, and aesthetically pleasing.
We’ve reviewed dozens of office chairs to find the best desk chair under $100. Check out our favorite chairs that made the top 10.
If your budget is a bit more than $100, check out our Top 10 Best Home Office Chairs – Choice Made Easy.
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Working at a desk for long periods is no easy feat. It’s important to choose a desk chair that provides adequate padding and support for your height and weight. Breathable fabrics offer superior airflow to keep you from getting too warm and affecting productivity.
You should also look for an adjustable desk chair that features multiple positions for backrests, armrests, lumbar support, and seat depth and width. All adjustments such as swivel, height, and tilt should be an easy reach while sitting.
Watch this video by The Ergonomics Guy, Steve Meagher, MPT, CEAS.
No matter your budget, you should always choose a well-built chair. The desk chair should be easy to assemble, contain high-quality parts (the less plastic the better), and provide a warranty in the case of any defects.
A desk chair should not only work with your existing furniture but also not take up all the extra space in the room. Desk chairs with adjustable armrests that slide under the desk, easy glide wheels, and high-quality fabrics can increase the longevity of the chair. Not to mention, you won’t be tripping over it!
Talking about desks, if you’re on the hunt for a bigger desk for two or more monitors, look no further: Find the Best Desk for Dual Monitors – Our Top 10.
With all of the other office expenses like equipment, technology, software, and storage, the budget for a desk chair can be slim. There are several worthy options under $100. However, since you will be spending the majority of your workday in your desk chair, consider investing in the highest quality chair you can afford. The best desk chairs can help prevent back and neck pain, improve posture and outlast its competitors.
Features | A 360-degree swivel, durable height adjustment
Ergonomic with a 360-degree swivel, the Kolliee mid-back mesh office chair was designed for long workdays. It provides sufficient lower back support and mesh fabric to encourage airflow.
The office chair is BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association) certified which guarantees it is safe, durable, and sustainably made.
Users praise its durable height adjustment (no more fiddling with the controls after its set). The armrests are at a comfortable height and the office chair easily slides under the desk to eliminate any pinch points in a small office space.
Features | Powder-coated metal base, ergonomically curved back
Finding an affordable office chair that works with modern decor can be a challenge. A lot of office chair choices are only available in black and can be bulky to boot.
The DJ·Wang chair has an ergonomically curved back, generously padded seat, armrests that appear to be floating in mid-air, and a white frame that will blend with your existing furniture.
It’s great for people with a taller torso, simple height adjustment mechanism, and a powder-coated metal base for longevity. If the chair is broken or defective, you can request a replacement within 60 days. The gas cylinder and wheels are warrantied for 2 years.
Features | SofThread Leather, angled armrests
Upholstered in SofThread Leather (bonded leather with a combination of real leather and man-made materials), the OFM executive office chair gives you the look and feel of an expensive office chair without the steep price tag.
The armrests are angled down so they are out of the way when working. Available with either padded or non-padded armrests to suit your specific needs.
Features | Multiple metal frame colors, waterfall seat edge
This sleek desk chair is available upholstered in black or white and features three different metal colors for each (silver, yellow gold, and rose gold). The armrests are padded for extra comfort.
Use the advanced tilt lever to lock in an upright position, activate rocking motion, and control resistance with the tilt tension knob. The thick seat is comfortable for long periods and the waterfall edge helps encourage proper leg posture.
Features | Intuitive paddles, plush microfiber upholstery
With over 40-mile caster durability and a 100,000 times tilt test, you can rest assured the Essentials by OFM desk chair has been put through rigorous testing.
The desk chair provides intuitive paddles for adjustment and a plush microfiber seat and back. Users state that the fixed armrests make it difficult to slide under a standard desk or get close to a keyboard but if you are working at a table, then this might work for you.
Features | Quiet rubber casters, armrests can be removed
The Yaheetch desk chair is the most comfortable desk chair under $100. The professionally sewn tufted faux leather upholstery with thick, dense foam padding has a sophisticated look.
Rubber casters can spin 360 degrees and don’t damage floors like cheap plastic casters can. The rubber material also creates a sound dampening effect so you can roll from one side of the office to the other without your chair doubling as a musical instrument.
Users mention that the armrests are fixed which is not ideal for every body type. However, they can be omitted from the chair installation without affecting the chair’s function or the overall look.
Features | Multiple colors, removable covers
Available in cream, pink, or gray, this modern chair is as versatile as it is stylish. One-touch adjustment places the chair at your desired height. Tilt tension control and upright locking position round out this desk chair’s feature to provide all-day comfort.
Users rave about the removable covers that can unzip for quick laundering and generous padding on seat and back. However, it doesn’t have much give to the back so it’s best for people who prefer to sit continuously in an upright position.
Features | Multiple colors, 360-degree swivel
The BIFMA certified quilted vinyl task chair is available in six colors: black, blue, green, orange, pink, and purple. You can also order it with or without armrests depending on your preference.
Users praise its stylish design for home or business. The task chair has a 360-degree swivel and pneumatic adjustment lever for maximum use without strain.
Features | Multiple colors, mesh fabric
If you need to add an accent color to your office, look no further than the mesh back task chair by Boss Office Products. Currently available in blue, charcoal gray, lime green, orange, pink, purple, and red and two style options: task chair with casters, and a stationary guest chair.
The mesh back promotes airflow (perfect for hot days) while the pneumatic gas lift provides a customized seat height adjustment.
Features | Built-in lumbar support, versatile
Simple in stature, this desk chair packs a punch in features making it the best budget office chair on our list. It has built-in lumbar support for all-day comfort and a waterfall edge seat to reduce leg strain and help increase circulation.
Multi-adjustments include one-lever seat height adjustment and a seat back that can move up and down and front and back. Plus, you can order the chair with no armrests, fixed armrests, or adjustable armrests. Users also purchase this chair for hobbies such as sewing and crafting.
A minimal budget shouldn’t limit you to lackluster desk chairs that don’t offer support or fall apart shortly after purchase. Our top 10 desk chairs offer comfort, adjustability, high-quality construction, and style.
Were you able to find your new desk chair? We hope this roundup gave you some options that you might not have seen or thought of before.
If you know people who’ve been searching for the best desk chair under $100, we would be honored if you would please share this article with them.