If you come across these chairs, we recommend saving your cash and choosing one of the above.
Steelcase Series 1 for $491: I want to love Series 1, especially after having such a good experience with Gesture. My biggest problem is the armrests – the top slides back and forth, which is probably a good thing, except that I manage to pinch my arm every time I move it. There’s no way to lock them into place, so while my torso feels supported, my arms don’t. The seat is also very curved, and it feels like you’re stuck in one position when you’re working throughout the day.
FlexiSpot Sit2Go 2-in-1 Exercise Chair for $330: This seems like a good idea because it allows you to get some exercise while sitting at your desk. While checking my emails, I think it’s a virtue to ride away. The problem is that it’s not very comfortable. (I can’t sit on it all day.) It also just feels like a cheap low-resistance exercise bike, so you get the best of both worlds. You’ll also need a standing desk to accommodate it.
Poppin Task Chair for $399: It’s as simple as an office chair. There isn’t much you can adjust, but the back aligns nicely with the spine. The upholstered seat is good in terms of comfort, but the mesh material on the backrest makes it breathable. Unfortunately, the casters don’t roll smoothly and are loud. It’s puzzling why Poppin’s price is so high compared to our top picks.
Flexispot Support $290: Thick foam pads are poor at managing heat, so you will Over time, you will feel sweaty in this chair. The mesh backrest helps a little and is quite comfortable. But it feels unnecessarily large, and the lumbar support slides too easily when you move.
Teknion Chair, now $675: I still have a hard time seeing why This chair is as expensive as it is. It feels very similar to the Poppin task chair above (almost half the price), but the casters on the Teknion are worse. They sound obnoxious and feel cheap.
