In the hustle of everyday work, it's easy to overlook what we spend most of our day on: our office chairs. Investing in a comfortable chair has immensely benefited my health and productivity.
Since then, I have taken a keen interest in ergonomics. I've researched and compiled a list of the best desks, stools, and office essentials. Below is a list of the eight most comfortable office chairs available in Australia, a subset of my research on ergonomic office chairs.
My Top Picks
Here are my top three most comfortable office work chairs for Aussies:
ErgoTune Supreme
Most comfortable computer chair with breathable hybrid mesh material, three size options, and 11 adjustment points.
Steelcase Gesture
Most comfortable computer chair for a heavy person; it has a 181 kg weight capacity, highly adjustable armrests, and a tilt-limiting feature.
Sihoo M57
Best budget comfortable chair with back, arms, neck, and head support, 150 kg weight capacity, and built-in lumbar support.
8 Comfortable Office Chairs for Aussies
While evaluating Australia's most comfortable chairs, I considered the build quality and tested comfort levels in various situations. It took a while, but I eventually developed the curated list of options below.
1. ErgoTune Supreme
Best for Long Hours
Dimension: 75 x 75 x 135 cm
Weight capacity: 130 kg
Product weight: 23.2 kg
The ErgoTune Supreme is highly adjustable, customisable, and comfortable for long hours of sitting. Its breathable hybrid mesh of polyester and fabric is ideal for Australia’s hot summer days. The chair features an innovative atlas system integrated into the lumbar support that adjusts to your movements.
ErgoTune supports your spine’s natural curve and prevents lower back pain from prolonged sitting and improper posture. But besides the chair's build material and lumbar support, ErgoTune's ergonomics and comfort are further enhanced by its 11 adjustment points. These include:
- Headrest tilt, height, and extension adjustments
- Backrest support and height adjustment
- Lumbar support and tension control
- Armrest rotational and height adjustment
- Seat depth
- Chair height adjustments
The ErgoTune is available in three different sizes: small (140 - 160 cm), medium (160 - 180 cm), and tall (180 - 210 cm). All combined, it's evident why the ErgoTune Supreme V3 is the most comfortable, reasonably priced chair for long hours. I recommend it if you sit behind a computer for long hours or are prone to neck discomfort and lower back pain.
Pros
- Three size options
- Beathable hybrid mesh material
- Excellent adjustability
- Synchro-tilt mechanism
Cons
- Easy to stain mesh
- Limited armrest adjustment
- Poor armrest padding
2. Steelcase Gesture
Best for Heavy Person
Seat height: 40.6 – 53.3 cm
Weight capacity: 181 kg
Product weight: 31 kg
The Steelcase Gesture's heavy-duty structure adapts to above-average user weights. Its 181 kg weight capacity alone tells what the office chair can accommodate. Besides this, Steelcase has highly adjustable armrests that are convenient for heavy people with prominent statures.
This ease of adjustability also means you can easily adjust them to your preferred setting. Likewise, its other points of adjustability are easy to fine-tune to the point of optimal comfort. The tilt-limiting feature, for instance, allows you to select one of five different posture positions.
Steelcase Gesture has a premium price tag that I'd argue is justified by the seat cushioning. Compared to other office chairs, its comfort level is noticeable. It’s neither overly plush nor too firm, striking the right balance for extended comfort during long hours of sitting.
If you’re a heavy person looking for a high-end office chair with support, comfort, and longevity, I recommend the Steelcase Gesture. Although it's a bit pricey, the investment is justified by its strong build quality, superior adjustments, unmatched comfort, and warranty.
Pros
- Higher weight limit
- Fully adjustable armrests
- Seamless switching between postures
- Durable build
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Lumbar support not aggressive
- Armrests not stable
3. Herman Miller Sayl
Best for Small Spaces
Seat height: 38 – 49 cm
Weight capacity: 159 kg
Product weight: 24 kg
For the most comfortable desk chairs for small spaces, Herman Miller Sayl stands out among the competition. The chair has one of the most innovative 3D backrest designs I have seen; the back is thinner and lighter than most office chairs and more supportive, which is essential for prolonged sitting.
Sayl's space-age elastomer backing is also soft and flexible. It stretches around the seat's base and hangs from the unique Y-tower on the back of the chair. Plus, despite its tiny footprint, the office chair is wide enough. The tall net in the design moulds and moves with your body to provide focused back support and alleviate lower back pains.
The front of Herman Miller Sayl's seat slopes down like a gentle waterfall, which aids blood flow. It’s also crafted with minimal materials, making it environmentally friendly.
Pros
- Small footprint
- Supportive and comfortable
- Superior adjustments and fine-tuning
- Various customisation options
- Unique backrest design
Cons
- Limited seat depth
- Armrests aren't very stable
- Not for large body frames
4. Herman Miller Embody
Best Computer Chair for Back Pain
Seat height: 40.6 – 52.0 cm
Weight capacity: 136 kg
Product weight: 23 kg
Herman Miller Embody's unique structure is incredibly flexible and supports your back to alleviate discomfort. Its suspended pixelated system enhances comfort for people with back pain, minimising pressure points while allowing you to stretch and move around when working or gaming.
You will also appreciate the back-fit adjustment technology, which allows you to fine-tune the chair to your spine and adapt to your specific movements. Even better, the chair uses copper-infused foam technology to provide better heat management, which is critical for even pressure distribution, improved blood circulation, and proper balance in managing lower back pain.
Herman Miller Embody ensures your back is adequately supported to prevent any distress. It has good knobs placements and necessary adjustments you’d expect in a comfortable office chair for back pain.
Pros
- Breathable fabric
- Optimal back support
- Easy to fine-tune
- 12-year warranty
Cons
- Armrest feels cheaper
- Attract pet hair and dust
- Not for taller desks
5. Herman Miller Aeron
Best Computer Chair for Posture
Seat height: 40.5 - 52.0 cm
Weight capacity: 158 kg
Product weight: 25 kg
The Aeron by Herman Miller is the most comfortable office chair for boosting good posture. Here's why:
- Its engineering is designed to give your back the best possible support. Aeron ensures that you sit or work in a more upright and healthier position, which enhances your posture and helps reduce back pain.
- It features the harmonic 2 tilt, which allows the chair to move with you when changing positions. This keeps your body active and engaged, and the varying positions help prevent poor posture and discomfort by minimising static muscle load.
Like the ErgoTune, Herman Miller Aeron is also available in three chair sizes:
- Size A (Small): Best for those 150-162.5 cm tall, max 136 kg.
- Size B (Medium): Ideal for 157.5-183 cm tall, max 159 kg.
- Size C (Large): Recommended for 177.5-198 cm tall, max 159 kg.
You also get an array of adjustable features that make the office chair as practical as it is visually appealing. Regarding comfort, for instance, Aeron features the PostureFit SL, which allows you to adjust the tightness of the spinal support to get optimal support for the natural s-shape of your back and the bottom of your spine.
Pros
- Keeps your spine upright
- Promotes dynamic movement
- Minimises static muscle load and discomfort
- Breathable mesh fabric
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Limited armrests adjustment
- Lacks a headrest
6. Humanscale Freedom
Best Computer Chair With Headrest
Seat height: 40.6 – 53.3 cm
Weight capacity: 136 kg
Product weight: 17 kg
The Freedom chair from Humanscale has a unique design and a headrest that provides dynamic support for the neck and head when seated for long hours or reclining. You don’t have to work too hard to get comfortable—the dynamic headrest adjusts independently of the rest of the seat back. So you can easily slide it into the position you want for tailored comfort.
Freedom's headrest adjusts to cradle your neck and head when you recline and automatically moves out of the way when you sit upright. While the chair is pricier than most models with a headrest, its consistent comfort and extended warranty make it a worthwhile investment. For this reason, I've included it in my list of comfortable chairs for Australians.
Humanscale Freedom also has an adjustable backrest that slides up and down, allowing you to get lumbar support in the perfect position. You get a seat slider that adjusts the depth of the seat to provide optimal back support and synchronous armrests that always keep your body in supported balance. Both features are critical for long periods of comfort.
Pros
- Dynamic headrest
- Self-adjusting backrest
- Synchronous armrests
- Graphite and fabric designs
- 15-year warranty
Cons
- Higher price point
- Headrest not stable
7. Alfordson Executive
Best Computer Chair With Footrest
Seat height: 36 - 46 cm
Weight capacity: 180 kg
Product weight: 18 kg
The Alfordson Executive chair has a footrest that extends underneath the back to keep your feet in a more natural position when seated for extended periods. Its dual-layer butterfly design and generous foam padding make long sitting hours comfortable.
You will appreciate the quality of the Intertek-approved PU leather, which is also very easy to maintain. The chair sits on an aesthetically appealing high-gloss chrome base, supports a higher weight limit—just 1 kg less than the Steelcase Gesture—and assures durability. Its TUV-certified castors allow for smooth mobility in the office.
The Afordson has a unique S-curve structure and built-in lumbar support that seamlessly contours to your body shape, providing optimal support and comfort. You also get all the basic adjustments you need to feel comfortable, including seat height and tilt adjustment.
Pros
- Ergonomic footrest
- Intertek-approved PU leather
- Generous weight limit
- TUV-certified castors
- High backrest
Cons
- Adjustment takes time
8. Sihoo M57
Best Budget Comfortable Chair for WFH
Seat height: 110 – 132 cm
Weight capacity: 150 kg
Product weight: 18.9 kg
The Sihoo M57 is an affordable and comfortable office chair for a work-from-home (WFH) setup. It comfortably supports your back, arms, neck, and head so that you can work on your computer without strain.
The M57 has a durable build and moving parts (castors, armrests, and tilt). Its rock-solid foundation, made of an aluminium leg base and robust nylon castors, supports a 150 kg weight capacity. The chrome gas lift complements the chair's build quality and allows for effortless adjustment.
Sihoo's M57 has built-in lumbar support, which deserves a nod; it provides good lower back support for its price point. You can adjust the depth by 3 cm and the height by 5 cm. That may seem minor, but it’s enough to mould the chair to your back for optimal support and comfort. I recommend it if you want a budget-friendly, comfortable chair for your WFH setup.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Good ergonomics and adjustability
- Three lock tilt positions
- Breathable mesh fabric
Cons
- Standard aesthetics
- Subpar tilt mechanism
Which is the Best Computer Chair?
The best computer chair is the one that feels right for you. When choosing a chair, consider its ergonomics and how well it suits your needs. Standard adjustability and ergonomic features to look for include lumbar, seat height and depth adjustment, and a recline feature.
The ErgoTune Supreme is an excellent starting point. This versatile ergonomic office chair offers a wide range of adjustments tailored for optimal comfort. Its precision recline and innovative headrest design make it ideal for working and lounging sessions.
How to Find a Comfortable Computer Chair?
To choose a comfortable computer chair, here are the four most important factors to take into account:
#1 - Lumbar support
Lumbar support is a critical component of an ergonomic chair and plays a pivotal role in ensuring comfort and maintaining good posture. Here are additional reasons why lumbar support is essential:
- Lumbar support eases lower back strain, enhancing comfort and reducing the risk of pain.
- Good lumbar support improves focus and task concentration.
- Lumbar support helps prevent and alleviate lower back issues.
#2 - Seat pan depth
When you sit with your back against the chair, your legs should hang over the edge, leaving about 5 to 7 cm of space between the seat edge and the back of your knees. However, this will not happen if the seat depth is too short, cutting off circulation to your legs.
The seat pan depth of an ergonomic chair is also crucial for comfort. It helps distribute the weight of your body correctly, reducing strain and stress on your lower back. It also enables you to maintain the optimal forward-to-back relationship in your chair and with your work.
#3 - Seat height
You want an office chair with enough seat height adjustment to support your feet firmly on the floor. For the best sitting posture, your arms should be high enough, and your forearms should be slightly downward toward the computer desk while keeping your elbows close to your body.
#4 - Adjustable armrests
Armrests are essential if you sit for long hours at a time. Leaning on the arms occasionally helps relieve the weight on your back. Choose armrests that are adjustable in length, width, and height.
Everything else to look for in a computer chair is pretty standard. If applicable, you should try the office chair before purchasing it to assess its lumbar support, recline adjustment, and headrest, among other things.
Computer Chair vs Office Chair
Computer and office chairs are used interchangeably, but some differences exist. Here are some key points to consider:
- Ergonomics and comfort: Office chairs emphasize support and efficiency, while computer chairs often lean toward casual comfort.
- Design: Office chairs usually focus on practicality, whereas computer chairs may have a more relaxed, comfort-oriented look.
- Space considerations: Office chairs are often less bulky, making them a better fit for smaller workspaces.
- Material: Office chairs commonly feature leather or vinyl with mesh sections to keep you cooler.
- Budget: Although office chairs can be pricey, investing in a quality chair is vital for long-term comfort and well-being.
Our guide to the best office chairs in Australia includes detailed reviews and comparisons to help you find the best option. Investing in a good office chair improves comfort and productivity.
Why is my Office Chair Uncomfortable?
Several factors can make a computer chair uncomfortable. For example, the lumbar support might not properly conform to your natural spine, leading to a lack of optimal support and discomfort in your lower back.
Besides these, also watch out for:
- Incorrect height adjustments
- Uncomfortable seat material
- Poor chair ergonomics
- Limited adjustment features
Another reason could be you. Do you know how to properly adjust a computer chair to meet your needs and sit upright, or do you slouch on a chair without properly adjusted lumbar support?
How Long Do Computer Chairs Last?
The lifespan of computer chairs depends on their build quality and level of maintenance. Models with a cheap build quality last two to three years, whereas chairs with a high-end build quality last up to ten years.
Most people consider long-lasting durability when investing in high-end computer chairs. This is a great decision when budget isn’t an issue, but to improve the chair's lifespan, you must take good care of it.
I recommend cleaning your office chair regularly to eliminate grime, dirt, and pet hair. Clean and lubricate the castors to keep them rolling smoothly, and check and tighten any loose screws and bolts.
Should a Computer Chair Have Armrests?
Armrests prevent you from getting close to your desk, so they must be positioned just below the elbows for a neutral shoulder posture. However, more active tasks require less use of armrests, so chairs offer adjustable or removable arms.
Essential armrest adjustments include height (to reduce shoulder and neck strain), width (to suit different body types and tasks), depth (for closer access to the keyboard), and pivot (for proper forearm support).
Wrapping Up
Comfortable chairs with proper support, arms, and sufficient padding will allow you to work longer without discomfort and strain. They are ergonomically sound and offer several degrees of freedom, such as backrest height, seat height, recline, and seat pan depth.
I have personally experienced the transformation that comes from switching to an ergonomic and comfortable computer chair. These chairs promote a healthier work environment and improved well-being.
If my research has been helpful to you, please share your thoughts in the comments and share this guide with others.