10 Best Office Chairs for Tall People

If you’re a taller individual, it can be difficult to find an office chair that is meant for your frame. If your chair isn’t adjusted for your height, your thigh may be overly exposed past the seat’s edge, or you might be hunched over to work on your desk. 

Sitting in a chair that doesn’t have a tall backrest or proper height adjustments can lead to poor posture and decreased productivity. 

We’ve created a complete guide on the best office chairs for tall people and what key features to look for when shopping for a chair. 

The Best Office Chairs for Tall People

• Herman Miller Aeron – Best Overall
• Steelcase Gesture – Best Adjustability
• Secretlab Titan XL – Best for Gaming
• Staples Hyken – Budget Pick
• Duramont Office Chair – Best Under $300
• NOUHAUS Ergo3D – Best Value
• Herman Miller Embody – Premium Pick
• NeueChair by Secretlab – Best Mesh
• Steelcase Leap – Best Fabric Office Chair
• Serta Air Health and Wellness – Best Executive Office Chair

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Herman Miller Aeron – Editor’s Choice

Personalization is an important factor for tall people to consider when choosing a chair. The Herman Miller Aeron offers three size options to select from. Size C is the biggest and fits individuals up to 6’7″ tall and supports up to 350 pounds. 

You can adjust many parts with this chair, such as seat height, lumbar support, backrest angle, tilt tension, and armrest. However, its main feature is the PostureFitSL technology, two adjustable pads positioned near the lumbar region. They flex separately from each other and can be adjusted to fit the curvature of your spine. It provides sufficient support to your lumbar and sacrum. 

Temperature control also affects your comfort and productivity level. Herman Miller Aeron uses a special 8Z pellicle design mesh that allows air, moisture, and body heat to pass through, keeping users cool. Heat buildup can make sitting for long hours extremely uncomfortable. 

You can also adjust the backrest into three different positions: full-recline, mid-recline and upright. If you’re someone who likes to take a quick nap in your office, this is an excellent feature for you. These adjustments also help to encourage more movement while sitting. 

The only drawback to the Aeron chair for tall people is that it does not have a headrest, which could be troublesome for taller individuals who like to lean back in your chair.

Luckily there are third-party headrest options designed specifically for the Aeron, such as the Atlas Headrest, which are both comfortable and match the natural aesthetic of the Aeron chair.

Pros: 

• Mesh back allows airflow to keep you cool 
• Adjustable pads provide lumbar support 
• Herman Miller offers a 12-year warranty 
• Available in three sizes to fit your body 
• Harmonic tilt gives you a smooth and balanced recline 

Cons: 

• Quite expensive 
• Not much cushioning 

Steelcase Gesture – Best Adjustability

People often mistake comfort for ergonomics. The Steelcase Gesture may not look comfortable, but it has an array of adjustable features that let users customize their seats to the most desirable position. It has all the adjustments you’d want in a chair, such as fully adjustable arms, backrest recline, tension adjustment, adjustable seat depth, and more. 

Its backrest features its signature 3D Live back technology, which mimics and flexes based on your movement. This means as you change postures, the support follows equally to ensure your spine is always in a healthy S-Shape. 

Also, we find the armrests to be unique. Proper armrests mean your arms are parallel to your work desk. These armrests can be rotated 360 degrees and even remain parallel when you recline your chair back. If you prefer to work while in a slightly reclined position, your arms will still be well-supported. 

The Gestures uses 100% polyester material, which has several benefits. The material is very soft and breathable to enhance comfort. At the same time, it’s very durable. Polyester can withstand abrasion and is resistant to discoloration. 

Pros: 

• Chair ships fully assembled 
• The manufacturer offers a 12-year warranty 
• 3D LiveBack technology flexes and supports your movements as you change postures
• Lots of adjustment features to personalize your seating position
• Made of polyester fabric for breathability and durability 
• Supports up to 400 lbs 

Cons: 

• The chair weighs over 70 lbs which can be difficult to maneuver 

Secretlab Titan XL – Best Gaming Chair for Tall People

Secretlab Titan is the flagship model chair for Secretlab and is one of the gold standards for gaming chairs. The Titan XL was made specifically for big and tall people in mind. The chair fits people up to 6’10” tall and supports up to 390 pounds. It’s also made 25% larger, meaning the chair is much more spacious and provides users with a lot more breathing room. 

One of my favorite features of the Titan XL is its integrated lumbar support. Most gaming chairs use a clunky external lumbar pillow, which can feel a little too pronounced for some gamers. The Titan XL uses built-in support and allows users to adjust the lumbar support’s height and depth. Simply turn the knob to increase or decrease the depth. 

Another noticeable difference between this chair and other gaming chairs is their flat and wide seat. Other chairs have seats with ridged edges. The flat seat provides extra space for you to move around and gives you room to spread your legs wider. 

The Titan XL also has excellent adjustability, such as the ability to recline backward up to 165 degrees and forward up to 85 degrees. Some people like to lean forward while gaming or working. This means you can still have proper back support and not slouch if you choose to lean slightly forward. 

Pros: 

• Available in PU leather or SoftWeave fabric upholstery 
• Secretlab offers a 5-year warranty 
• Armrests are 4D adjustable to give your elbows and wrists a break 
• Lumbar support has height and depth adjustments
• Suitable for tall people (recommended height between 5’11” to 6-10″)

Cons:

• Backrest not able to rock once fully reclined 

Check out our guide on the Best Gaming Chairs for Big and Tall People

Staples Hyken – Best Cheap Office Chair for Tall People

Although the Staples Hyken is a budget-friendly option, it still has plenty of adjustable features such as the recline angle, tilt tension, seat height, and armrest height. Users can set the recline angle to whichever angle suits their needs. While the tilt tension lets you adjust the amount the force needed to tilt the seat back. 

Of course, seat height and armrest height are important to ensure your body is aligned with your work desk. This means having your chair so that your eyes are in line with the monitor screen and your arms are parallel with your desk.

The Hyken also uses a breathable mesh material which allows ventilation. This prevents sweaty-backs and having to get up when the seat gets too warm. 

We also like a waterfall seat edge with this chair to help reduce the pressure placed under your thigh. Alleviating the tension in your body from prolonged sitting helps to improve circulation and focus. There’s also a headrest to support your neck and head, which helps to prevent slouching. 

Pros: 

• Affordable pricing 
• Breathable mesh back to keep you cool 
• Seat height is adjustable to fit your size 
• Adjustable tick lock and tilt tension allows users to set the right seat angle 
• The seat cushion has a waterfall design to relieve pressure points under your thigh

Cons: 

• No cushion support on the seat or backrest 

Duramont Office Chair – Best Office Chair for Tall People Under $300

Unfortunately, most mesh chairs don’t have any cushion to them. That’s because the mesh is an extremely thin material. However, the Duramont office chair combines both fabric and mesh together. It offers a thick and soft seat cushion to alleviate some of the pressure on your buttocks, hips, and beneath your thighs. 

The seat has a high-density foam cushion that retains the seat’s structure and has a slow compress when pressure is applied for a more comfortable sitting experience. Sure, mesh seats can keep your seat cool for long periods. However, if you prefer sitting on a softer seat cushion, the Duramont is a great choice. 

We also like how there is a built-in lumbar system similar to the Secretlab Titan XL. There is a knob located on the back of the chair, allowing you to adjust the lumbar support up and down or in and out. This means you can adjust the support to fit into your spine’s natural curve and ensure there is the right amount of pressure to support your lower back. 

Pros: 

• Provides a thick seat cushion to relieve pressure on legs and hips 
• Breathable mesh keeps your back sweat-free 
• Adjustable lumbar support can be adjusted by depth and height 
• Supports up to 330 lbs 
• Includes a comfy and adjustable headrest

Cons: 

• It doesn’t recline very far back (only up to 120 degrees)

Check out our guide on the Best Office Chairs Under $300

NOUHAUS Ergo3D – Best Value Office Chair for Tall People

The Neuhaus Ergo3D is one of the better all-around mesh chairs you’ll find, especially for its relatively low price tag. Immediately what sets it apart is its unique ElastoMesh material. A standard low-quality mesh can be too wirey and leave grille marks on your body. This makes it incredibly uncomfortable to sit on. 

ElastoMesh is much more flexible and conforms to your body. The material can be surprised as flexible yet very supportive. At the same time, it still provides airflow to keep users cool while working all day. 

The Ergo 3D offers segmented support for your lumbar, mid back, and head. The 3D lumbar system hugs your back perfectly by reducing the pain and compression in your lower back and aligning with your spine. This section purposely protrudes outward to fit into the shape of your spine. However, the downside is that the lumbar support isn’t adjustable. 

Overall, this chair has plenty of adjustable and ergonomic features to enjoy, such as a backrest recline, headrest support, adjustable armrest, and a waterfall seat design. 

Pros: 

• ElastoMesh maximizes elasticity and breathability 
• Able to tilt back up to 135 degrees and lounge back 
• Dynamic lumbar support pivots to the amount of pressure you place on it
• Wheel casters glide silently and smoothly
• Recommended for people who are 6’1″ and over 

Cons: 

• The weight limit is only 275 lbs 

Herman Miller Embody – Best Premium Office Chair for Tall People

Check out our full Herman Miller Review Roundup

Herman Miller Embody is the creme of the crop when it comes to high-end chairs. Their unique pixelated support system is designed to make you feel like you’re floating since it reduces the pressure from having to keep yourself in an upright position. The backrest and seat have a matrix of pixels that conforms to your body shape and movements. This helps to redistribute your body weight and improve blood flow.

Embody uses a special fabric that combines four layers. This fabric material is soft to the touch while also breathable so that you stay cool throughout the day. 

We also like the smooth adjustments of this chair. Some chairs can look like a gimmick, and the adjustments may feel herky-jerky. The Embody has a smooth tilt tension so that you lean back and change postures based on your specific needs. Users can also rest easy knowing that Herman Miller offers a 12-year warranty, meaning they expect your chair to last for over a decade.

Pros: 

• Four support layers help to provide comfort and breathability 
• The backrest conforms to your body movements for spinal support 
• Narrow backrest helps improve posture 
• Herman Miller offers a 12-year warranty 
• Plenty of adjustable features to personalize your seating experience 

Cons: 

• More expensive than most office chairs 

NeueChair by Secretlab – Best Mesh Office Chair for Tall People

Secretlab is known for its Omega and Titan models. However, the NeueChair is incredibly underrated and tailors to individuals who prefer breathable mesh material. This chair uses a NeueMesh material that combines DuPont yarn and polyester fiber for a nice soft feel on your skin, flexibility, and durability for long-term use. This material has passed the most difficult ASTM tearing strength tests and abrasion resistance tests. 

One unique feature about the NeueChair is its ControlShift™ hand lever. These are levers positioned under the armrests of your chair for convenience. Almost all chairs place their levers underneath your seat or in the back of your chair, which can be cumbersome to make adjustments. This simple hand lever lets you lock and unlock the backrest tilt using the left lever and adjust your seat height with the right lever. 

NeueChair also has their ‘focus mode’ adjustments allowing you to make more subtle changes to your chair to ensure proper posture. This lets you slide the seat forward or backward. Adjusting the seat depth ensures you have full support from the backrest without cutting off any circulation at your knees. For tall people, this is incredibly useful because it shifts the center of the chair to facilitate people with longer legs. In addition, we also like that you can easily alter the lumbar support cushion to adjust the height and depth. 

Pros: 

• Three-layer mesh has a nice feel on the skin and is very breathable 
• The levers are positioned under the armrests for easy access 
• Lumbar support is height-adjustable to fit the curvature of your spine
• Able to adjust tilt tension to fine-tune the amount of tension your back needs 
• Seat slide adjustment helps to encourage good posture 

Cons: 

• Mesh upholstery can be difficult to clean 

Check out our guide on the Best Mesh Gaming Chairs

Steelcase Leap – Best Fabric Office Chair for Tall People

Fabric upholstery provides a nice middle ground between leather chairs and mesh chairs. Leather often causes heat to accumulate, making it very uncomfortable to sit on for long hours, and mesh chairs can feel wirey. Fabric chairs are still quite breathable but have a softer texture to them. The fabric also can have foam inserted underneath, while mesh chairs typically don’t have any type of foam cushion. Steelcase Leap uses 100% polyester fabric, which is soft but also very durable. They are scratch and stain-resistant. 

In addition, this chair has many ergonomic features allowing the user to customize their seating position. One thing we love about this chair is its adjustable lumbar support. It’s built-in to the chair, and you can adjust the firmness of the lower back support. Flat backrest chairs are not ergonomic because your spine has an S-shape curve, meaning you need a lumbar cushion to support the curvature in your lower back. Not to mention, Leap uses their live back technology meaning their backrest is contoured to support your entire spine. These features drastically reduce and prevent back pain. 

In addition, the seat cushion has flexible edges to relieve pressure points underneath your thighs and air pockets that conform to your body. Sitting for long periods will cause a restriction in airflow and tightness in your body. The Steelcase Leap has features to help you prevent pain and potential health problems. 

Pros: 

• Live back technology is designed to promote movement and change in posture
• The natural glide mechanism lets you seamlessly glide into different recline positions 
• Variable backstop allows you to set the recline angle 
• Steelcase Leap has a 400-pound weight capacity 
• Fabric upholstery is soft and durable 

Cons: 

• Seat padding is less than other task chairs 

Check out our guide on the Best Fabric Office Chairs

Serta Air Health and Wellness – Best Executive Office Chair for Tall People

Read our full Serta Office Chairs Review Roundup

Typically executive office chairs have thick padding for enhanced comfort but lack breathability and ergonomic features. However, we found that the Serta Air Health and Wellness is much different than regular executive chairs. Instead of only using leather, they offer a mixture between leather and mesh upholstery in their chair. The Serta Air has built-in mesh accents on the backrest to keep you cool and let out any sweat buildup. 

At the same time, it also has soft padding on the headrest, lumbar area, and armrest. This chair uses their signature Air lumbar technology that flexes and twists in response to your every movement. As a result, you’ll get support as you change postures and eliminate the strain associated with sitting for a long time. 

There are cable-actuated levers on the sides of the chairs where you can adjust the seat height and recline angle of your chair. Overall, we believe the Serta Air offers better features than other executive office chairs out there. 

Pros: 

• Air lumbar technology mimics your movement and improves posture 
• Plenty of padding around the seat, backrest, and armrest
• Perforated mesh accents to improve breathability 
• Available in six colors 
• Two cable levers located on each side of the chair for convenience

Cons: 

• Bonded leather may crack over time 

Choosing the Best Office Chair for Tall People – Buyer’s Guide 

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Now that you know our best office chairs in the market, it’s important to understand what features you’re looking for. For example, you may prefer a mesh chair rather than a fabric chair, or maybe you want an office chair with a headrest. All of these factors play a pivotal role in which office chair you ultimately choose. 

Ergonomics

Ergonomics can be defined as improving the efficiency of your work environment. For chairs, that means features that allow you to be more productive. This means ensuring a healthy posture, improving circulation, and adjusting your position to one that suits you. For example, using a memory foam cushion is ergonomic because it reduces your tailbone and spine pressure, allowing you to focus. The more pressure that builds up, the more uncomfortable you’ll feel. 

We’ll cover the specific ergonomic features in-depth below. However, your office chair should contain plenty of adjustment controls such as armrest adjustments, seat height, depth, lumbar, headrest, and more. Most chairs we’ve chosen were crafted in a way to make working for long hours as comfortable as possible.

Build Quality

Most people only care about a chair’s aesthetics and features while totally disregarding its build quality. The quality of the chair often determined its durability. A chair’s build quality extends to all the components of a chair, including its base, seat cushion, fabric, armrests, and more. Cheaper chairs tend to use elements of plastic components in the base and armrests. Instead, look for chairs with a steel frame and aluminum alloy base since they are designed to last potentially over a decade. 

Another aspect of building quality is the upholstery. No matter if you prefer leather, mesh, or fabric, they all have cheaper low-quality alternatives. For example, some chairs use cheap vinyl fabric to cut costs. They usually are prone to tears, have a cheap look to them, and feel a little rough on the skin. In contrast, polyester material is softer on the skin, abrasion-resistant, and very breathable. Even if mesh and leather material, the same applies. The NeueMesh used in the NeueChair uses a three-layered mesh fabric that has undergone multiple strength and abrasion resistance tests. 

The padding is another factor for build-quality. The higher the foam density, the more it can hold up to weight and retain its shape. The best type of foam is high-resilience foam and memory foam. 

Besides the quality in material and foam density, look for chairs where the manufacturers offer a long guaranteed warranty. For instance, Herman Miller and Steelcase offer a whopping 12-year warranty on their chairs, and Secretlab offers five years. Many low-quality chairs will only provide a one-year warranty. This demonstrates their lack of belief in their product. 

Back Support

As technology advances, chairs are adding unique features to their back support to prevent back pain. After reviewing hundreds of chairs, we’ve noticed a few distinct features that stand out. 

Some backrests have flexibility at the top where they can bend. This forgiveness encourages more movement while sitting and improves your posture. Sitting back slightly reduces the pressure on your spine, and leaning back allows your upper back muscles to rest. Researchers have found that a 135-degree reclining angle puts the least amount of stress on your spine and drastically reduces the risk of back pain. That’s why any back support with recline can go a long way to preventing health problems. 

Another aspect of a backrest is lumbar support. A lumbar cushion helps to promote healthy posture by supporting the curve of your spine. This keeps your back upright and prevents you from slumping forward. 

You’ll also find that many premium office chairs have back support that contours to your movements. For example, the Steelcase Leap backrest changes shape as you move, and it will support your spine even when changing positions. Also, consider the material for your backrest. Mesh and fabric tend to be more breathable and allow for ventilation. In contrast, leather upholstery is prone to heat buildup, but more padding is used underneath the leather material for enhanced comfort. 

Headrest

The headrest can be a great ergonomic feature for your chair, but if it’s poorly fitted, it can lead to poor posture. Make sure that the headrest is adjustable to ensure that it can align with the cervical spine. 

However, having a headrest can serve as an external cue to ensure you keep your head upright. Many people have a bad habit of sinking their head and neck forward, causing you to hunch over. This leads to strain in your neck and trapezius muscles. 

Headrests also provide great support when resting. You can tilt your head back and take the pressure off of your neck and head, especially while taking breaks. This helps you to feel more rejuvenated and relaxes your muscles. 

Adjustability

For tall people, the most important adjustments you’ll need are seat height and depth. They have a direct impact on your health and comfort level. Adequate seat height is important to ensure that you don’t have to flex your knees or extend your legs when seated. This will cut off circulation and increase the pressure on your hips and thighs. The ideal seat height is where your feet are firmly planted on the ground, and your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. If you have to extend your legs outward or flex your knees, the seat height is too low. 

Another adjustment to consider is seat depth. Tall people need a greater seat depth because they have longer femur bones. If your seat is too shallow, most of your thighs will be unsupported, which puts stress on those areas of your legs. We recommend finding a chair with a seat depth of at least 19 inches. 

Backrest height is important, especially if the chair comes with a headrest. Make sure that the neck support aligns with your head and cervical spine appropriately. Recline adjustments and tilting is also vital to help relieve pressure from your spine. It’s a misconception that sitting straight up 90 degrees is a healthy posture. However, this means you have to hold yourself up, which causes a lot of pressure on your spine. Sitting in a slightly reclined position lets the back of your chair support part of your body weight. 

In addition, a backrest recline encourages micromovements preventing your back from becoming stiff after long periods of sitting. Also, having control of the tilt tension will ensure that you won’t rock back too easily. Make sure you also find a chair with built-in lumbar support that can be adjusted in height and depth to get a natural fit to your lower back. 

Seat Comfort

Seat comfort is incredibly important for relieving pressure off areas such as your buttocks and legs. Furthermore, it means less compression on your hips, tailbone, and spine. It’s best to have a seat cushion that is both comfortable and supportive. Too much cushion without firm support can allow you to sink too deeply and negatively affect your posture. However, a hard seat can feel too rigid when sitting. 

Consider the type of seat you’ll be sitting on. Keep in mind that leather chairs have more cushion, but the nature of leather can trap heat. Mesh materials can be flexible and supportive if made correctly and offer ventilation. Fabric chairs have the best of both worlds. Fabric chairs may include a soft cushion while also allowing air to pass through. 

Some seats are designed with a waterfall edge to reduce the pressure placed under your thigh. Also, look for a flat seat instead of a bucket seat. Bucket seats give you less space to move around and aren’t ideal for bigger individuals. 

Weight Capacity

If you’re a big and tall person, the weight capacity should factor into your decision. Nothing’s worse than finding out that your chair doesn’t support your weight. For example, the Staples Hyken task chair only can withstand up to 250 pounds, while the Steelcase Leap can support up to 400 pounds. 

Heavy-duty chairs that have a higher weight limit typically use more durable material. This includes a wide steel or aluminum base with double reinforcements. The elements of the chair, such as the backrest, seat width, cushions, and wheel casters, are all bigger. Its seat cushion has a higher density to ensure the foam can withstand more weight without losing its shape. Always double-check the recommended weight limit before making your purchase. 

Price

It’s important to consider your budget when purchasing a chair. If you only have $300 to spend on an office chair, your options are limited compared to a higher budget. For a person that spends all-day sitting on a chair, it’s better to invest a little more money for a higher-quality chair to ensure its durability and ergonomics. 

Premium chairs usually offer more adjustments and ergonomic features to prevent potential health problems. For people who have a history of back pain, getting a quality chair with adjustable lumbar support will save you money from seeing a chiropractor. 

However, there are ‘value’ chairs that have incredible technology and features without spending astronomical prices. That’s why we did our best in researching the best ergonomic office chairs in all price ranges. 

Recap of the Best Office Chairs for Tall People

Best Tall Office Chair	Award
Herman Miller Aeron	Best Overall
Steelcase Gesture	Best Adjustability
Secretlab Titan XL	Best for Gaming
Staples Hyken	Budget Pick
Duramont Office Chair	Best Under $300
NOUHAUS Ergo3D	Best Value
Herman Miller Embody	Premium Pick
NeueChair by Secretlab	Best Mesh
Steelcase Leap	Best Fabric
Serta Air Health and Wellness	Best Executive Office Chair

Conclusion

Tall people require more adjustability than an average-sized person. Because of their long limbs and size, your chair must be able to accommodate your specific body type. 

If you noticed, many of our office chairs listed have plenty of ergonomic and adjustable features to relieve pressure in your body and prevent health problems. Getting a high-quality chair will save you a ton of stress and increase your productivity. We hope you’ve found our comprehensive guide helpful in your quest to find a suitable office chair!