Working at a desk for prolonged periods of time with poor ergonomics can result in a long list of health problems. Physical pain and discomfort are the most commonly reported effects of poor workplace ergonomics, but many of the more serious effects may appear over time.
The best way to prevent, or even rectify, the impacts of poor ergonomics is to ensure you’re working in an ergonomic office environment. This means an office space that is catering to your body and movements, instead of the other way around.
The first step to an ergonomic office space often involves investing in an ergonomic office chair. An ergonomic office chair is a great way to ensure that you’re sitting in a comfortable, strain-free position that is adapted to your needs.
Keep reading to learn more about ergonomic office chairs. We’ll also highlight the best ergonomic office chairs in Canada this year.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: Herman Miller Aeron
Jump to Review - Best Overall, Runner-Up: Vari Task Ergonomic Office Chair
Jump to Review - Best Value: Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair
Jump to Review - Best Heavy-Duty: NOUHAUS Ergo3D
Jump to Review - Best For Offices or Conferences: FelixKing Ergonomic Office Chair
Jump to Review
Features To Look For In An Ergonomic Office Chair
As opposed to a standard office chair, an ergonomic office chair is designed for increased comfort and reduced physical strain. For that reason, it can typically be adjusted in many areas to ensure that it optimally suits its user’s shape, size, and working position.
An ergonomic office chair is adapted to the needs and working conditions of its user, instead of the other way around.
Here are some excellent features to look out for in an ergonomic office chair:
- A height-adjustable backrest, headrest, and armrests
- Adequate seat depth and adjustable lumbar support
- Firm seat padding for increased support and comfort over time
- A swivel seat plate to prevent torsion of the trunk
- Smooth caster wheels for effortless movement and stability
The 5 Best Ergonomic Office Chairs in Canada in 2025
Here is our selection of the best ergonomic office chairs available in Canada this year.
Herman Miller Aeron Posture Fit Chair
Made in the USA from high-quality components, the Herman Miller Aeron is one of the best ergonomic office chairs on the market. It features a breathable mesh seat and backrest and can be adjusted in many ways to suit your needs. Overall, it’s an excellent chair for working comfortably at a desk for extended periods of time. In fact, Herman Miller even offers a 12-year warranty for 24-hour usage of this chair.
In terms of adjustability, the Aeron chair can be adjusted in many ways. Both its pneumatic seat and armrests can be adjusted in terms of height. The armrests can also be adjusted in terms of depth. The backrest inclines backwards and locks into place. The sit can also tilt forward if needed. Lastly, the chair features adjustable lumbar support. With the turn of a knob, the curve of the backrest can be adapted to suit the shape of your spine.
The Aeron is available in three sizes (A, B, and C) ranging from 38.5” to 34” in total height. Size B fits people measuring between 5’2” and 6’6”, provided that they weigh less than 325 lbs. Size A and C are suitable for anyone outside that scope.
While different sizes mean that you can buy the perfect chair for your body size, it makes the chair less universally compatible. That said, it may not be the best ergonomic office chair if you’re buying for an entire office or conference.
Vari Task Ergonomic Office Chair
Endorsed by the World Federation of Chiropractic, the Vari Task VariDesk is an excellent mid-range ergonomic office chair worth considering. While it’s not the most adjustable ergonomic office chair, it comes with a lot of the features you’d find in a high-end chair but at an affordable price. It’s designed in a way that comfortably forms your body.
In terms of adjustability, you can adjust the Vari Task’s seat height, armrests, and back tilt. Its backrest is made from breathable mesh and the chair features a comfortably cushioned seat. It doesn’t have a built-in headrest but a headrest can be purchased separately if needed.
In terms of lumbar support, the chair features active lumbar support, so its backrest pivots based on your movement. This means you don’t have to turn any knobs to obtain excellent lumbar support.
To facilitate movement, the chair has durable caster wheels that are suitable for carpets or wood floors.
Overall, the Vari Desk is an excellent value if you’re looking for an ergonomic office chair that’s suitable for 9 to 5 desk jobs.
Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair
The Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair is one of the best budget-friendly ergonomic office chairs on the market. While it’s nothing fancy, it provides decent lumbar support, is made from a breathable material, and can be adjusted in a few different ways. Overall, the Duramont chair is ideal if you work for short periods of time.
In terms of its adjustability, the Duramont office chair’s backrest can be reclined backwards to 120° and locked into a reclined angle. Its headrest and armrests can be adjusted in terms of their height. The chair’s backrest is made from a breathable mesh material that keeps your back cool and aired out while you’re working.
For its price point, the chair is stable and durable. It has an allow steel frame and is equipped with rollerblade-quality caster wheels that help you glide across smooth floors.
Overall, the Duramont Ergonomic Office chair offers great value for your money. It provides excellent back and neck support and will keep you comfortable for long days at a desk.
NOUHAUS Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair
The NOUHAUS Ergo3D chair is a heavy-duty ergonomic office chair designed to adapt to prolonged working hours. With its adjustable backrest, headrest, and armrests, the Ergo3D chair can easily be adjusted until you find your ideal seating position. Unlike most ergonomic chairs, the Ergo3D features comfortable head support.
In terms of quality, the chair is made in the USA from a solid aluminum base to ensure stability while working. Its breathable mesh backrest provides excellent lumbar support. Its wheels will also let you move around the office more easily.
Overall, the NOUHAUS is a great choice if you’re looking to invest in a highly adjustable ergonomic office chair that also offers head support.
FelixKing Ergonomic Office Chair
The FelixKing Ergonomic Office Chair is a safe bet if you’re looking for a basic ergonomic office chair that will suit a wide range of people. It features excellent lumbar support, a breathable mesh backest with a recline of up to 30 degrees, and comfortably padded armrests. The chair provides you with all the basics of a good ergonomic office chair but at a fraction of the cost.
The FelixKing ergonomic office chair is a great option if you need to purchase multiple chairs for an office or conference room and don’t want to spend too much. The only downside is that it has a low maximum weight capacity of 220 lbs.
Overall, if you’re looking to invest in an ergonomic office chair that’s suitable for a wide range of people, the FelixKing is a great ergonomic chair. If you spend a few hours a day working seated, this model will suit your needs.
How to Choose The Best Ergonomic Chair
When shopping around for an ergonomic office chair, there are many specs to look into. At the end of the day, you want an office chair that supports your body and your work environment.
Suitable For Your Weight & Height
Most ergonomic office chairs have a max weight capacity of between 200 and 300 lbs. Keep this in mind if you weigh more than 200 lbs.
In terms of your height, it’s important to look at the maximum height of the chair to know which model suits your body size. To give you an idea, ergonomic office chairs generally range from 16″ to 21″ in height. Most chairs will be adjustable in terms of their height, however, there are limits.
According to Ergonomic Trends, Someone who is 5″5 would be comfortable in a chair that’s 17.5″ tall. Someone who is 6″2 would be better suited for a chair that’s about 20″ tall.
Excellent Adjustability
What really distinguishes an ergonomic office chair from a standard office chair is its adjustability. If ergonomics are important to you, look for a chair that has an adjustable height and backrest. Height-adjustable armrests are also worth considering.
You should be able to sit with your thighs horizontally to the floor. The chair’s backrest should be height adjustable and able to tilt as needed. A sturdy locking mechanism is also important to prevent injury.
Excellent Lumbar Support
The ergonomic office chair you choose should support the unique shape of your spine. This is essential to prevent strain on your spine’s lumbar discs caused by slouching.
To prevent slouching, the chair should allow your back to be slightly arched while seated. For that reason, being able to test an ergonomic chair before buying it is ideal. Otherwise, be sure to inquire about the chair’s return policy.
Breathable Materials
While leather office chairs offer an elegant look, they’re not the best in terms of breathability. An ergonomic office chair with a mesh backrest will allow your back to breathe, especially if you’re sitting on the chair for extended hours.
The chair should have comfortable padding that’s not too firm or too soft. You’re looking for extended support, not the short-term comfort of a pillow.
Comfortable Armrests
To prevent neck and shoulder strain, an ergonomic office chair with armrests is essential. Even better, the chair’s armrests should be adjustable in terms of height. Being able to comfortably rest your arms on the chair’s armrests will help prevent slouching.
Adapted To Your Work Environment
Last but not least, your work environment and physical movement while working should play a role in the ergonomic office chair you buy. For instance, are you frequently moving from side to side on your chair? If so, make sure the office chair you buy has smooth caster wheels and an excellent swivel to minimize physical strain.
The chair’s wheels should be designed for your office floor, whether it’s carpeted, hardwood, or tiles. If your office space is carpeted, we recommend getting a chair mat to facilitate smooth movement.
