Best Reclining Office Chair in 2024

Kyle Schurman Avatar

Written by:

Updated 11:34 pm

The best reclining office chairs can improve circulation and ease aches and pains from sitting in the same position continuously for long stretches of time. A reclining executive desk chair may even help you relax for a few minutes after a few hours of sitting upright and staring at a computer screen. Or some people prefer to recline when they’re talking on the phone or thinking, just to gain a little more comfort. And if a nap occurs in your brand new executive reclining chair, well, you probably earned it with your hard work earlier in the day. This seat offers a different experience when compared to other options in our best office chair guide.

If any of this sounds good to you, you’ve come to the right place. We spent tons of time online hunting down the best reclining office chair to help you achieve the maximum amount of comfort in your workday. After finding the top options available today, we purchased the top 20 reclining office chairs to put their comfort and ergonomics to the test. Once we received the reclining chairs, we worked full days in them, specifically testing comfort, adjustability and durability. After all our testing, the GTRACING Gaming Chair quickly rose to the top because of its numerous adjustability options, durable metal frame and overall comfort. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks for the best reclining office chair in 2024.

Top 5 Best Reclining Office Chairs Compared

 #1  GTRACING Gaming Chair

Award: Top Pick/Best Ergonomic

WHY WE LIKE IT: When it comes to ergonomics on reclining office chairs, you want to have as many adjustable options as possible so you can fine tune the chair to fit your specific needs. The GTRACING Gaming Chair offers you tons of adjustability so you can sit in the chair for longer without worrying about any lingering pain.

[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]

  • Features adjustable head and lumbar supports
  • Highest weight capacity on the list
  • Heavy duty construction

[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]

[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]

  • Hard to assemble
  • Seat isn’t as wide as other chairs
  • Flimsy armrests

[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]

Ergonomic chairs with comprehensive adjustability options can get really expensive really fast, but the GTRACING Gaming Chair offers tons of adjustability for a budget price. With this price, you can get a unique, ergonomic reclining office chair without breaking the bank. You’ll be able to adjust the armrests, seat height, lumbar support, head rest and more, which means you can customize the chair to your preferences with ease. If you’re looking for ergonomics, you can’t pass this chair up.

Unfortunately, the chair can be a little harder than others to assemble out of the box. The instructions were clear enough, but some of the holes were misaligned or not properly machined. Maybe this problem was limited to the specific chair we bought, but be prepared for a longer assembly time, just in case. We also found the armrests to be a little flimsy; you could probably do without them if you absolutely don’t need them. Overall, though, the GTRACING Gaming Chair is strong and sturdy, due to its metal internal frame. We were never uncomfortable for long while using it, even during long working hours, because any discomfort could be immediately eliminated with a quick adjustment to the appropriate portion of the chair. For a budget chair, read best office chairs under $100.

 #2  OFM Essentials ESS-3085 Chair

We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock

Award: Honorable Mention/Best Home Office

WHY WE LIKE IT: The OFM Essentials ESS-3085 office chair is simple in design while still offering a comfortable and enjoyable sitting experience. With flip up armrests and unique leather/mesh fabric, you’ll be relaxed in this reclining office chair, making it a perfect choice for home offices.

[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]

  • Flip up armrests
  • Hybrid mesh/leather design for better breathability
  • Excellent price

[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]

[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]

  • Doesn’t recline as far back as others
  • Back support isn’t adjustable
  • Seat padding is thinner than other chairs

[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]

The OFM Essentials ESS-3085 reclining office chair gives you the look of a cutting edge gaming chair without the massive price tag. It’s a pretty simple chair overall, which is apparent in its design and adjustability features, but it still offers a comfortable and satisfying sitting experience for home offices. For starters, it comes in at an amazingly affordable price and offers a unique hybrid approach to seat materials. By mixing its proprietary SofThread leather and mesh materials, you get a breathable, but plush chair, which we found surprisingly comfortable.

Of course, at such a low price, you can expect some things to be missing from the OFM Essentials ESS-3085. Most notably is that the lumbar support isn’t adjustable and the seat padding isn’t as thick as other chairs we tested. The arm rests aren’t fully adjustable, either, but they flip up to allow you to get in and out of the chair more easily. This isn’t a common office chair feature and one that we found especially useful. All in all, the OFM Essentials ESS-3085 is a solid choice for anyone on a budget that needs a reliable home office chair that reclines. This is generally the best office chair for lower back pain.

 #3  Hbada Ergonomic Office Recliner Chair

Award: Best Budget/Best Mesh

WHY WE LIKE IT: Finding a high-quality reclining office chair with all the features you need at the right price can be difficult, but the Hbada Ergonomic Office Recliner makes the choice easier for you. The chair won’t cost you an arm and leg and will give you a breathable mesh design with plenty of adjustability for ultimate comfort.

[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]

  • Breathable mesh design
  • Retractable footrest included
  • Headrest is adjustable

[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]

[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]

  • May be uncomfortable for people taller than 6 feet
  • Armrests aren’t adjustable
  • Footrest feels flimsy

[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]

The Hbada Ergonomic Office Recliner is simple and refined in its overall design, featuring a mesh high back that encourages more airflow and an adjustable headrest for greater comfort. When we sat in the chair for the first time, we were pleased with just how comfortable it actually was and how comfortable it remained after a few hours of use. The armrests were a nice addition to the chair, even in spite of not being adjustable. They were far enough apart to not restrict leg movement and tall enough to be comfortable while sitting at our desk.

Perhaps one of the most convenient things about the Hbada reclining office chair is the included retractable footrest that you can use for more comfort when you have the chair fully reclined. It did feel a little more flimsy than some of the other footrests on chairs we tested, but it’s still a great feature to have when you want to take a quick nap without having to leave your desk. If you’re taller than 6 feet, you might be a little uncomfortable with the Hbada, but typically only when you’re fully reclined. If you’re looking for a superb budget office chair that still offers full reclining, the Hbada is a good option. You might want to also check out the best office chair for under $500.

 #4  Merax Portland Technical Recliner Chair

Award: Best Executive

WHY WE LIKE IT: Who says being a high-powered executive has to be uncomfortable? The Merax Portland Technical Recliner is an executive office chair that features super comfortable padding, a retractable footrests and a super sturdy design that is sure to impress anyone who walks into your office.

[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]

  • Super comfortable without sacrificing ergonomics
  • Includes a retractable footrest
  • Classic executive design

[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]

[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]

  • Head and armrests aren’t adjustable
  • Minimal height adjustment
  • Tricky assembly

[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]

If you’re looking for luxury, ergonomics and high-quality design, then look no further than the Merax Portland Technical Recliner. This executive office recliner is one of the most comfortable office chairs we’ve tested to date due to it’s extra padding and built-in ergonomic features like the adjustable lumbar support pillow. You even get a retractable footrest for maximum efficiency during power naps. Sure, the PU leather isn’t as breathable as mesh, but it wasn’t too big an issue to get hung up on during our testing.

Of course, if you’re needing complete adjustability, you should know that you won’t be able to adjust the head or arm rests to your liking and the seat height adjustment doesn’t offer as big a range as other office chairs. However, these downsides are easily overlooked when you start using the chair. The chair can even roll over carpet with ease using the smooth-glide casters. There’s no doubt about it. If you’re looking for an executive office recliner, the Merax Portland Technical Recliner is the choice for you. It ticks all of the boxes for the best office chair. But if you want to practice active sitting at the office to strengthen your back muscles, find a great seat in our best office stool guide.

 #5  KILLABEE Massage Gaming Chair

Award: Best Value/Best Gaming

WHY WE LIKE IT: You’d be hard pressed to find a chair that offers as much value as the KILLABEE Massage Gaming Chair at such an affordable price. As the name suggests, the KILLABEE includes a lumbar support that also doubles as a massager, along with tons of adjustability and a superior design quality.

[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]

  • Lumbar support is also a massager
  • Sleek, but not overstated design
  • Tons of adjustability options

[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]

[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]

  • Cushions can be overly slippery
  • Long assembly time
  • Armrests aren’t adjustable

[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]

Sitting in an office chair for hours while gaming or pulling an all night work project can get uncomfortable fast, unless you have an office chair like the KILLABEE Massage Gaming Chair. As the chairs name suggests, the biggest benefit to this chair comes in the form of a lumbar support pillow with a built-in massager that actually works surprisingly well. The lumbar support is fully adjustable, so you can massage almost any part of your back whenever you need it. During our testing, the massager quickly became invaluable after even just a few hours in the chair. When we were getting sore or tired, we could recline the chair, whip out the retractable footrest and let the massager do the rest of the work.

The chair itself is built well, with a sturdy metal frame and comfortable padding all over. The material of the cushion made for some slippery moments, especially right out of the box, but those moments happened less and less as we used the chair more. The KILLABEE Gaming Chair is almost fully adjustable, except for the armrests, but that’s something we learned to live without. This massage chair will massage all the compressive stress out of your back while you get work done, game, watch your usual television program, etc. so if you’re looking for some all-in-one stress relief in a full back office seat, check out this great massage chair. All in all, if you’re looking for super comfortable reclining office chair with premium features you can’t find anywhere else, the KILLABEE Gaming Chair is a product you definitely shouldn’t pass up. Just like the best office chair under $300. Other premium office seats are available in our most comfortable office chair guide.

What to Look for in the Best Reclining Office Chair

Foot Rest: If you’re looking for an office chair that reclines for naps, having a retractable foot rest or an ottoman can be a nice feature. And even if you don’t want to nap in your office chair, the foot rest can help provide support for your lower back as you recline while talking on the phone or using a wireless keyboard. On an additional note, if you’re interested in purchasing a drafting chair for a standing desk, a chair with footrest is necessary for ergonomic support. And keep in mind, the best office stability chair could mean the difference between a slouched back and an active, engaged core to improve alertness and concentration on tasks.

Tilt Control: As you recline in your office chair, it’s helpful to be able to limit the angle of the tilt, just so you don’t feel like you’re tipping over in the chair. Or you may want to recline freely to nearly a horizontal position. A good reclining office chair can give you the freedom of tilting in exactly the manner you want, usually controlling the reclining angle and other things with a knob or lever on the side of the reclining chair.

Quick Tilt, Quick Return: One of the best reasons to use a reclining office chair is to allow you to take a quick break from sitting upright at your desk. You’ll improve circulation and prevent general aches and pains by moving several times during the day. Such quick breaks are important versus sitting upright in the chair for hours at a time. So you’ll want a reclining office chair that allows you to tilt back and return to an upright position relatively quickly, rather than having to adjust knobs and levers each time you want to change your reclining tilt, which can waste time. Also, take into consideration a lift chair where the height of the chair can be adjusted. The versatility is much appreciated, yet over time, certain adjustment parts may wear down if they’re not very heavy duty, so the gas lift cylinders in these types of chairs may need to be replaced.

Material: Although artificial, bonded leather or authentic leather office chairs may give that high-quality, premium feel that you’re looking for, they don’t necessarily allow for maximum airflow and support.  Plus, artificial leather can tear easily and lose it’s aesthetic appeal fairly quickly. Some products utilize memory foam in the seat or back for full back support, like memory foam used in mattresses. This definitely helps provide stress relief for your body, yet make sure you won’t be falling asleep in your memory foam seat in your office space while you’re supposed to get some work done. Depending on your work environment, we recommend looking at mesh-backed ergonomic office chairs or a combination of the two materials: mesh and leather. Keep in mind the frame material as well. Some previously listed products use metal frames, but there are steel frames, carbon, and more that are also stiff and sturdy enough for sufficient support. With a reliable frame material, you won’t have to worry about your chair falling apart under you while sitting or reclining. Our Top Pick #2 OFM Essentials ESS-3085 Chair does just this and combines both leather and mesh for improved breathability and design.

Mistakes to Avoid

Not Having Enough Room: A leather reclining office chair with foot rest is going to require plenty of free space in your office, allowing the chair to recline to the desired tilt without striking walls or objects in the room. Plus, the majority of office chairs, reclining or not, will act as swivel chairs and still require plenty of room, allowing you to easily move around and reach items on your desk.

Ignoring Other Features: Even when seeking an office chair with a reclining back, you don’t want to ignore other important aspects of an office chair, such as good lumbar support, some firmness in the seat cushion, and an ability to fully adjust the chair’s features to meet your needs, helping you avoid a sore back.

Which Best Reclining Office Chair Is Right For You?

A reclining office chair can be a piece of furniture that’s helpful in giving your body a break from sitting upright and working at a desk for hours at a time. Having the ability to recline to a nearly horizontal position several times a day can help improve circulation and relieve pressure on certain parts of your body. However, a good reclining office chair will need to still provide the same types of back support, arm support, and firm but comfortable cushions that the other best ergonomic office chairs provide. Ideally, we’d look for chairs that hit that sweet spot between comfortably conforming to your body shape while also functioning as firm support. After all, you’re probably going to spend more time sitting upright in this chair than reclining … unless you’re going to be using the chair for those well-earned mid-afternoon naps of course. A reclining chair is also useful for just kicking back to relax and/or watch your favorite television program. Definitely evaluate your own personal needs while shopping for an office chair. Pay attention to company customer support policies too, since a money back guarantee policy would be greatly appreciated if you realize a chair you purchased turns out to not be a great fit for you. Not all companies provide a money back guarantee policy though, so ideally, perform enough research while shopping to determine which chair would work best for you.

For more options and different designs, check out Flash Furniture and their extensive range from swivel chairs and ergonomic mesh chairs to reclining leather chairs and executive office chairs. To compare pricing, features, and customer reviews, you can look up popular brands on Amazon.com.

Kyle Schurman Avatar

Learn More About Office Chair