CategoryFavorites
The Hayworth Fern, specifically configured with no headrest, no lumbar support, four-way adjustable arms, and the digital knit fabric, is hands down the most comfortable chair I've ever had the pleasure of using. I've sat in numerous chairs over the past 15 years, and this one takes the crown. It offers an incredible recline, the armrests are exceptionally comfortable and highly adjustable, but what truly sets it apart is the backrest. It provides a floating feeling, it's incredibly soft and flexible, and it supports you perfectly no matter how you're sitting. This chair is my top pick, an S Plus tier in my book. In fact, I've practically claimed it as my own, and no one else in the office gets to sit in it anymore!
I'm going all out with the Herman Miller Aeron Remastered, but I'm opting for the stool version. The reason I love the stool is that, with a standing desk, I enjoy having the desk raised up a bit higher. It allows me to either prop up my feet or have the chair elevated a bit more, and I find that incredibly comfortable. The Remastered Aeron, to me, has the best recline, making it super comfortable. I also love the rock-back feature. While the arms might not have as much adjustability, they are incredibly cushy and comfortable. I'd go for the fully loaded version with the posture fit SL. It's a classic, good-looking chair, and I'm particularly fond of the white-silver color. So, for me, it's all about the Remastered Aeron, specifically the stool version.
I'm still sitting in this chair at the office, months later, and I absolutely love it. The only catch is that you have to buy two chairs from Steelcase to create this setup. It's like I'm blowing the budget out of the water, but hey, we're in a "no budget" zone here. I even added a leather back to mine to make it even more updated. So, the base price for this combo, ready to ship, is $2,298, plus tax. With this, you get arguably the best seat and backrest. You'll improve the Amia by introducing the Leap's backstop, which is something the Amia lacks, and on days when you crave a bit more lumbar support, it's a game-changer. If you've got a couple hundred bucks to spend, I don't think you can go wrong here.
Categoryless than $300
I chose the Takova chair as an Amazon pick from one of our lists. There were a few reasons for this choice over something like the Latina Millet, which was a close second. Firstly, the arm depth of the Takova chair suited me better than the Latina Millet. Additionally, it has a more aggressive lumbar support, which I find comfortable and adjustable, unlike the non-existent lumbar support in the Millet chair.
I find it interesting that the Clitina Millet, although not a perfect chair, has some qualities that appeal to me. Despite being taller than Greg, I still appreciate the Millet's features. One notable aspect is that it's not a perfect chair, and like Greg mentioned, the lumbar support is too aggressive, so we tend to remove it. The seat depth is a bit off as well, as pulling it all the way out can result in an uncomfortable, hard frame. To address this, I don't fully extend it, but that means the seat depth is a bit short for me. However, even with these issues, I still consider it the most comfortable chair in its price range. It offers a nice recline and a quality feel that could easily justify a higher price point, perhaps around $400 instead of $300.
Categoryless than $500
The Vera chair from Eurotech is, without a doubt, the most comfortable chair under $500. It has a mesh backrest with a delightful curve that feels like a hammock, and the seat pad is both thick and firm, which I personally prefer. It offers a wide range of adjustments, and Eurotech is a reliable brand known for standing behind their products. It's a great value pick at $500. The only drawback is the subpar headrest. Compared to the Soji, which was a favorite until recently, Vera is an upgraded version of the Takova. It's a better-built and more comfortable chair overall. While the armrests may not be a personal favorite, it's a chair I can use daily. So, for me, under $500, Vera is the top choice.
Categoryless than $700
If we're considering a brand new chair, the Soji is my top choice. It's challenging to find a better brand new chair for under $700. However, once we enter this price range, I'd also be open to discussing refurbished models. If you're open to used models, I'd recommend exploring options like the Leap, Embody, or an Aeron.
Categoryless than $1000
I absolutely love the Amia chair. It's where I finally found that perfect comfort and durability. The chair is super comfortable with a well-padded seat, and I don't even miss having a headrest. I was torn between this and the Leap, which is pricier, but honestly, you can't go wrong with the Amia. Plus, it's a great way to save some money compared to the flagship Steelcase chairs. If you've been following our reviews, you probably guessed that the Amia is our top pick. The recent price hikes have limited options, and right now, the Amia is the best available choice under a thousand, especially in the all-black ready-to-ship version. It's got to be the Amia for me.
Refurbished: https://www.btod.com/steelcase-amia#tab-1