If you come across these chairs, we recommend you save your cash and go for one of the picks above.
Steelcase Series 1 for $491: I wanted to like the Series 1, especially after having such a good experience with the Gesture. My biggest issue is with the armrest—the tops slide back and forth and side to side, which could be a good thing, except I managed to pinch my arm every time I moved. There’s no way to lock them in place, so while my trunk felt supported, my arms weren’t. The seat is also pretty curved, which can feel like you’re trapped in one position as you work throughout the day.
FlexiSpot Sit2Go 2-in-1 Fitness Chair for $330: This seems like a good idea since it lets you get some exercise while sitting at a desk. I felt virtuous pedaling away while checking my email. The problem is it’s just not very comfortable. (I could not sit on it all day.) It also just feels like a cheap low-resistance exercise bike, so you’re getting the worst of both worlds. You also need a standing desk to accommodate it.
Poppin Task Chair for $399: This is as simple as office chairs come. There aren’t many parts of it you can adjust, but the back does an OK job of aligning with the spine. The upholstered seat is fine in terms of comfort, but the mesh material on the backrest makes it breathable. Unfortunately, the casters don’t roll smoothly and are pretty loud. It’s also puzzling why the Poppin costs as much as it does when you get so much more with our top pick that’s a little cheaper.
Flexispot Soutien for $290: The thick foam padding is very poor at managing heat, so you will feel sweaty in this chair over time. The mesh backrest helps a bit, and it’s reasonably plushy and comfortable. It feels unnecessarily large though, and the lumbar support slides around too easily when you move.
Teknion Around Chair for $675: I’m still struggling to see why this chair costs as much as it does. It feels incredibly similar to the Poppin Task Chair above (which is almost half the price), but the casters on the Teknion are even worse. They’re annoyingly loud and feel cheap.
