Best Office Chairs Under $300
You don't need to spend $500+ to get a good office chair. We've all seen those Herman Miller chairs that cost more than a used car, and sure, they're nice. But if you're working from home and need something that supports your back without emptying your savings account, there are legit options under $300. The key things to look for are lumbar support, breathable mesh, and adjustability. A chair that can't adjust the armrests or tilt is going to bug you within a week, guaranteed. We tested these chairs by actually sitting in them for full work days — not just a 5-minute showroom test. The Staples Hyken is the one most people should get, but we've got picks for different body types and sitting preferences too.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staples Hyken Technical Mesh Task Chair | Office-Chair | Mesh back stays cool during long sitting sessions | Buy on Amazon |
| HON Ignition 2.0 Mid-Back Ergonomic Task Chair | Office-Chair | Multiple ergonomic adjustments | Buy on Amazon |
| AmazonBasics Mesh Back Office Chair | Chair | Very affordable | Buy on Amazon |
| Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair | Office | Adjustable lumbar support | Buy on Amazon |
| Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair | Ergonomic | Encourages core engagement and better posture | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Staples Hyken Technical Mesh Task Chair
The Staples Hyken mesh task chair offers a breathable mesh back, adjustable lumbar support, seat height adjustment, and padded armrests at a price point that makes ergonomic seating accessible for home offices. The mesh backrest promotes airflow to prevent the heat buildup common with foam-backed chairs during long work sessions. With a 275-pound weight capacity and standard five-wheel base, it suits a wide range of users.
- Mesh back stays cool during long sitting sessions
- Adjustable lumbar support helps reduce back strain
- Strong value for ergonomic features at this price
- Armrests only adjust in height, not width or angle
- Seat cushion firmness is not adjustable
HON Ignition 2.0 Mid-Back Ergonomic Task Chair
Professional ergonomic task chair with synchronized tilt control, adjustable lumbar support, and multiple seat depth positions for all-day comfort. Breathable mesh back promotes airflow to reduce back heat during long work sessions. Four pneumatic adjustments give you precise control over your seated posture.
- Multiple ergonomic adjustments
- Breathable mesh back
- Durable commercial-grade build quality
- Higher price point
- Assembly required with moderate effort
AmazonBasics Mesh Back Office Chair
Mid-back mesh office chair with padded seat and adjustable height. Breathable mesh back for comfort during long work sessions. 360-degree swivel with smooth-rolling casters. Adjustable seat height with pneumatic controls.
- Very affordable
- Breathable mesh back
- Easy assembly
- Smooth rolling casters
- Minimal adjustability
- No armrest adjustment
Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair
Ergonomic mesh task chair with adjustable lumbar support, armrests, seat height, and tilt tension to accommodate a wide range of body types and working styles. The breathable mesh back promotes airflow during long work sessions and the contoured seat distributes weight evenly to reduce pressure point fatigue. BIFMA-certified for 250-pound capacity and eight hours of daily use.
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Breathable mesh back
- BIFMA certified
- Multiple adjustment points
- Assembly requires 30 minutes
- Seat cushion less padded than premium chairs
Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair
The Gaiam Balance Ball Chair replaces a traditional office chair with a stability ball seated in a rolling frame, encouraging active sitting that engages your core and improves posture. Five caster wheels allow normal desk movement. Includes a hand pump and a 52 cm or 65 cm ball depending on your height.
- Encourages core engagement and better posture
- Rolling base allows normal desk mobility
- More affordable than ergonomic office chairs
- Takes adjustment time to build comfort for long sessions
- Ball can roll away when you stand up unexpectedly
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best office chair under $300?
The Staples Hyken is the one to get for most people. It's got excellent mesh back support, adjustable everything, and it holds up well over time. For around $180, it punches way above its weight class. The HON Ignition 2.0 is a close second if you want something with more of a corporate feel.
Is a cheap office chair worth it?
Below about $75, you're honestly better off upgrading. Those super-cheap chairs have thin padding that goes flat in months and zero lumbar support. The AmazonBasics mesh chair at around $75 is the floor for what we'd recommend — it's basic but it'll save your back compared to a kitchen chair. Spend a bit more if you can swing it.
Mesh back or padded — which is better?
Mesh, especially if you run warm. Padded chairs trap heat and start feeling gross after a few hours. Mesh stays breathable all day. The trade-off is that some mesh chairs feel too firm at first, but you adjust within a week. Every chair on this list uses mesh for good reason.
How long do budget office chairs last?
The good ones in this range last 3-5 years of daily use. The Hyken and HON both have solid build quality. Fair warning though — the gas cylinder is usually the first thing to go on any chair. You can buy a replacement for like $30 when that happens instead of buying a whole new chair.