Best Budget Office Chairs Under $150 in 2025 (Top 10 Picks + Buying Guide)

A comfortable office chair is essential for everything these days, including work, study, and gaming. But many people think that to get good comfort or ergonomics, you have to pay $200–$300. To be honest, I used to think the same thing. Later, I found out—there are great chairs available for under $150, and some models even come close to premium features.

In this article, I’ll show you the best budget office chairs of 2025. These are chairs that offer solid performance in build quality, comfort, and usability—even though they’re affordable. Whether you’re a student, have a small workstation at home, or work remotely full-time, there are options here for all types of users.

What Can You Expect From an Office Chair Under $150?

Let’s get straight to the point—what do you get and what don’t you get for under $150?

What you’ll usually find:

• Breathable mesh back
• 90°–120° tilt support
• 250–300 lbs weight capacity
• Lumbar support (basic or adjustable)
• Comfortable foam cushioning
• Adjustable height
• Smooth wheels
• Small home office–friendly design

What you won’t usually find:

• High-end mechanisms
• Premium upholstery
• Multi-level 4D armrests
• Deep reclining features
• Fully ergonomic customization

But don’t worry. If you choose the right chair, you can still find a comfortable chair for long hours of sitting, even in the $150 range.

Top 10 Best Budget Office Chairs Under $150 (2025 Edition)

The list below was selected based on buyer feedback, build quality, comfort, adjustability, and overall value. You can say these are the most balanced choices in this budget.

1. Best Overall – FlexFit Mesh Ergo Chair

The mesh back provides good airflow, and the seat cushion is comfortable even during long sessions.
Pros:

• Excellent lumbar support
• Strong steel base
• Comfortable for 6–8 hours of sitting

Cons:

• No adjustable armrest
• A little small for very tall users

Best for: Office + Study + Home Workstation

2. Best for Students – NeoLite Study Chair

Made with students in mind—lightweight, budget-friendly, and great for small spaces.
Pros:

• Compact design
• Thick padded seat
• Simple assembly

Cons:

• Not ideal for heavy users
• No long backrest

Best for: Study table, hostel users

– Students who need more ergonomic options can check our guide on affordable ergonomic chairs for students.

3. Best Ergonomic Option – ErgoMax Mesh Chair

Pros:

• Adjustable lumbar
• Breathable mesh
• 120° tilt

Cons:

• Limited armrest adjustment
• Slightly firm seat

Best for: Those who sit for long periods

4. Best for Small Home Offices – CompactLift Task Chair

Pros:

• Very space-efficient
• Lightweight
• Good mobility

Cons:

• Basic lumbar support
• Medium-soft cushion

Best for: Small rooms + minimal setups

5. Best Cushion Comfort – SoftCloud Padded Chair

Pros:

• Super soft cushioning
• Comfortable for long sitting
• Easy to assemble

Cons:

• Heat buildup in summer
• No mesh airflow

Best for: Anyone who prefers a soft seat

6. Best Value for Money – Alera Essentials

Pros:

• Good lumbar support
• Durable frame
• Strong wheels

Cons:

• Slightly narrow seat
• Average recline

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers

7. Best for Long Hours – ComfortPro Work Chair

Pros:

• Deep-seated cushion
• Wide backrest
• Smooth tilt

Cons:

• Heavy body structure
• Slightly bulky design

Best for: Office work, remote jobs

– For even better long-session comfort, read our full guide on the best ergonomic chair for long hours.

8. Best Mesh Chair – AirFlow Mesh Ultra

Pros:

• Great ventilation
• Flexible back support
• Sturdy wheelbase

Cons:

• Not ideal for heavy users
• Basic armrests

Best for: Hot weather users

9. Best for Back Support – LumbarPlus Chair

Pros:

• Adjustable lumbar
• Supportive back curve
• Strong base

Cons:

• Seat foam not very dense
• Limited tilt angle

Best for: Back pain sufferers

10. Best Budget Pick – SimpleWork Office Chair

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Simple but durable
• Good entry-level comfort

Cons:

• Limited features
• Not ideal for long sitting

Best for: Basic users who want a solid chair

Quick Comparison Table

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Office Chair Under $150

1. Ergonomics First
   Check if the chair supports your spine in an S-shape. Lumbar support is a must.
2. Seat Comfort
   Foam density, seat width, and cushioning matter a lot.
3. Adjustability
   At least height + tilt adjustment.
4. Material

• Mesh = good airflow
• Foam = soft comfort
• Fabric = long-lasting

5. Space Compatibility
   For small rooms, look for compact designs.
6. Weight Capacity
   Choose a chair with 20–30 lbs more capacity than your body weight.

– Want to learn more about ergonomics? Read the full breakdown of the benefits of ergonomic chairs.

Budget vs Premium Chairs

Budget Chairs ($80–$150):

• Basic ergonomics
• Good comfort
• Home-usage friendly
• Lightweight

Premium Chairs ($250–$800):

• Advanced ergonomics
• Better long-session comfort
• Longer-lasting build
• Multi-adjustment features

Takeaway: Budget chairs aren’t bad. If you’re not sitting 8–16 hours a day, a $150 budget is plenty.

FAQs – Budget Office Chairs Under $150

1. Is there a good office chair under $150?
   Yes. You’ll get breathable mesh, basic ergonomic support, comfortable cushioning, and solid build quality for 6–8 hours of use.
2. Is a mesh chair better or a cushioned chair?
   Mesh = airflow; Cushion = soft comfort.
3. Is a budget chair good for long-hour sitting?
   Chairs around $120–$150 are fine for 6–8 hours. For 8+ hours, go premium.
4. Is lumbar support necessary?
   Yes. It reduces lower back pain.
5. Is it okay without an adjustable armrest?
   Adjustable is better for typing; fixed is fine for casual use.
6. How long does a budget chair last?
   Typically 1.5–3 years. Mesh lasts longer.
7. Which chair is best for a small room?
   Compact and lightweight models like the CompactLift.
8. Is the wheelbase important?
   Yes. A strong wheelbase adds durability.
9. Do chairs under $150 recline?
   Basic tilt only (90°–120°).
10. Does a budget chair help with back pain?
    Yes, if it has ergonomic support and lumbar features.

Conclusion

It is definitely possible to get a good office chair within the $150 budget.

• Best Overall: FlexFit Mesh Ergo
• Students: NeoLite Study
• Small Rooms: CompactLift
• Long Sitting: ComfortPro

Most importantly, the chair should fit your body. With the right choice, you can enjoy great ergonomic comfort even under $150.