TL;DR
WIRED tested nearly 65 office chairs and narrowed the field to 15 recommendations for 2026, spanning budget to premium options. The Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro is the top pick for most users at $499; other notable chairs include the Steelcase Gesture and the Herman Miller Aeron for long sessions.
What happened
WIRED's gear editor spent years testing dozens of desk chairs and evaluated close to 65 models to produce a 2026 roundup of the 15 best office chairs. The selection emphasizes adjustability, material choices that help manage body heat, and build quality across price tiers. The Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro emerges as the recommended chair for most people because it balances price, adjustment options, and comfort; it supports seat tilt, multiple armrest adjustments, adjustable lumbar, and a seat-depth slider, and is offered with a seven-year warranty. Higher-end entrants include the Steelcase Gesture, praised for its fluid arm adjustments and multiple upholstery options, and the Herman Miller Aeron, noted for its durability, mesh construction, and multiple size options. WIRED also highlights budget-friendly options such as the standard Branch Ergonomic Chair. An update in January 2026 adds the Ergonofis Equation chair as an honorable mention. The article includes retail-disclosure notes that editors may receive compensation from some retailers.
Why it matters
- Proper chair fit and adjustments affect comfort and posture during long work-from-home sessions.
- Material choices like mesh vs foam influence heat retention and sitting comfort over extended hours.
- Price and warranty vary widely; spending more doesn’t always guarantee the right fit for every body type.
- Different chairs offer distinct adjustment ranges (seat depth, lumbar, arm positioning) that matter for diverse heights and shapes.
Key facts
- Author: Julian Chokkattu; published January 14, 2026.
- WIRED tested nearly 65 chairs and selected 15 top models for the 2026 guide.
- Top pick for most: Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro, priced at $499, with a seven-year warranty and a max capacity of 275 pounds.
- Budget pick: Branch Ergonomic Chair (non-Pro) at $359, featuring double-woven nylon mesh and a seven-year warranty.
- Premium examples: Steelcase Gesture listed around $1,499 with a 12-year warranty and a stated max capacity of 400 pounds.
- Herman Miller Aeron recommended for long hours; available in three sizes (A, B, C) and noted for mesh construction and PostureFit lumbar support.
- Branch offers add-ons such as a Tall Cylinder and optional headrest; the reviewer found the Tall Cylinder useful for taller users.
- WIRED discloses that product selections are independent but the site may receive compensation from retailers or purchases via links.
- An update in January 2026 added the Ergonofis Equation Ergonomic Chair as an honorable mention.
What to watch next
- Whether upholstery durability issues noted for some models (for example, reports about Gesture fabrics) show up in long-term use testing.
- Availability and pricing changes for popular models and the presence of discounts—WIRED lists some chairs with sale pricing.
- not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Lumbar support: A feature in a chair designed to support the lower back's natural inward curve, often adjustable to change depth or position.
- Seat tilt / forward tilt: A mechanism that lets the seat angle forward or backward to promote a more active or reclined sitting posture.
- Mesh back: A breathable chair back material that can reduce heat buildup and conform differently to the user's back than foam upholstery.
- 5D / 360-degree armrests: Armrests that can be adjusted in multiple axes—up/down, forward/back, inward/outward, and sometimes rotated—for customized support.
- Warranty: A manufacturer or seller promise to repair or replace a product within a specified time period if defects occur under defined conditions.
Reader FAQ
Which chair did WIRED recommend as best for most people?
The Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro is the editor's top pick for most users, cited for its balance of price and features.
Is there a good budget option?
Yes—the Branch Ergonomic Chair (non-Pro) is presented as the best budget pick and is priced lower than the Pro model.
Are headrests necessary?
The reviewer notes headrests are available as add-ons for some chairs but says a headrest isn’t essential in their view.
Do the chairs come with warranties?
Some chairs list warranties in the guide (for example, Branch models at seven years and Steelcase Gesture at 12 years); other warranties are not detailed for every model.
Is long-term durability confirmed for all recommended chairs?
not confirmed in the source
JULIAN CHOKKATTU GEAR JAN 14, 2026 8:00 AM The 15 Best Office Chairs Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy,…
Sources
- 15 Best Office Chairs of 2026— I’ve Tested Nearly 65 to Pick Them
- 13 Best Office Chairs for 2026 Tested and Reviewed
- Best Office Chairs 2026 | Tested
- The Best Office Chairs We've Tested for 2026
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