WIRED Tests 70 Office Chairs Over Seven Years for 2026 Buying Guide

WIRED's Reviews team has published its 2026 selection of the 15 finest office chairs, drawing from more than seven years of evaluation. Gear editor Julian Chokkattu assessed over 60 chairs, with input from reviewer Matthew Korfhage and others. The top recommendation is the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro ($499), noted for its comfort and affordability, while the Branch Ergonomic Chair ($369) serves as the budget-friendly option. Additional suggestions include the Steelcase Gesture ($1,510), Herman Miller Embody ($2,395), Staples Dexley ($150), Herman Miller Aeron ($2,250), Anthros Chair V2 ($2,199), Steelcase Karman ($1,099), and Humanscale Path ($1,752). An update in October 2026 highlighted the Humanscale Freedom Ocean Headrest as the preferred reclining chair and refined the selections.