Choosing the right office chair is important regardless of body shape or size, but it becomes even more crucial for taller and heavier-set individuals requiring additional support. The best big and tall office chairs should ideally feature an ergonomic design, ensuring proper alignment of shoulders, spine and hips. After thoroughly researching the market and talking to experts, our top pick is the FlexiSpot C7 Office Chair, a durable chair that offers incredible support and multiple adjustment points.
The best big and tall office chairs should have an ergonomic design that keeps shoulders, spine and ... [+] hips aligned. Ergonomic Swivel Gaming Chair
To get a better understanding of key features in a big and tall office chair, Dr. Jared Vagy, clinical assistant professor of physical therapy at the University of Southern California, advises, "When examining the chair, pay attention to the back and seat depth to ensure a proper fit. There's no one-size-fits-all chair." Seat width, weight capacity, support features (like extra padding) and height adjustability range also play crucial roles. Taking these factors into account, here are the best big and tall office chairs you can buy right now.
Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Seat width: 21 inches | User height range: 16 to 21 inches
There are a lot of things to love about the FlexiSpot C7 Office Chair. For starters, the seat height is adjustable, allowing the C7 to accommodate users up to 6 feet 2 inches tall. It also has a breathable mesh back, foam seat padding, smooth casters for ease of movement and plenty of support for the spine and lumbar region.
What makes this chair—which we tested firsthand—really stand out is the staggering number of adjustment options. The seat can not only be adjusted up or down, but the depth of the chair can be altered as well, with the seat slid backward or forward to best suit your leg length and preferred seated position. The armrests can also be raised or lowered as needed for comfort and support as you type, write or read. In short, this chair can be customized to properly support users of all heights and shapes, and can accommodate up to 300 pounds.
Weight capacity: 400 pounds | Seat width: 18 inches | User height range: 20.5 to 23.5 inches
This eponymous chair is nothing if not hefty and capable. Rated to support users weighing up to 400 pounds, it can also accommodate people as tall as the basketball star himself. The seat features both wrapped coils and memory foam padding, so you’ll remain comfortable and supported even during long work days, and the chair’s seat offers plenty of room. In terms of aesthetics, The Shaquille O'Neal Zethus desk chair features a genuine leather exterior that looks great and is easy to keep clean, so it won’t be an eyesore in your home office or work space. Reviewers say that it’s surprisingly easy to assemble, which is another bonus.
Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Seat width: 19 inches | User height range: 17 to 21 inches
For those that tend to run hot, this office chair helps minimize heat and sweat thanks to the durable mesh panels. The ergonomic design also features a waterfall shaped cushion, wide seat, adjustable headrest and 3D armrests. Keep in mind that the chair itself weighs 44 pounds, which is heavier than you might expect from a piece of hardware that’s largely see-through, but you won't bemoan the weight as you remain cool and comfortable throughout the day. Also good to know: The armrests have a tendency to slide upward or downward and require frequent re-positioning to reestablish comfort and proper posture.
Weight capacity: 400 pounds | Seat width: 23 inches | User height range: 19.6 to 23.6 inches
If you’re working with a budget, the BestOffice Big And Tall Office Chair will be a great choice for most customers. It’s basic but reliable, with four inches of height adjustment and armrests that can go up or down several inches as well. The seat can be locked upright at a 90-degree angle or unlocked to allow tilting back to a comfortable 120-degree angle. And while the seat cushion features springs for extra support, the back panel is made of breathable mesh.
While most of the hundreds of ratings and reviews are positive—it has a cumulative 4.1-star rating—some customers mention that the caster wheels do make some noise as they move and the springs can be a tad uncomfortable after several hours. However, most people praise the support, comfort, ease of assembly and affordability of this chair.
Weight capacity: 500 pounds | Seat width: 24.8 inches | User height range: 20.5 to 23.2 inches
If you’re looking for extra lumbar support, the Okeysen Big And Tall Office Chair boasts large, comfortable cushions that support and cradle your legs, hips and back. The chair also offers two options for customizing support in the upper and lower back: You can increase or decrease the tension of the backrest using the tension control knob, and you can adjust the lumbar support using the lumbar support knob. Beyond the support features, this pick has an attractive faux leather finish and diamond stitch design for visual interest. And unlike many office chairs that are relegated to hard surfaces, this option has smooth rollerblade-style rubber wheels that are safe for all floor types, including carpet and tile.
Weight capacity: 550 pounds | Seat width: 22.8 inches | User height range: 21.7 to 25.6 inches
The chairs in this guide can handle an impressive amount of weight, but this chair can handle the most—550 pounds to be exact. Beyond its weight capacity, it has a 6.3-inch double-layered seat cushion and carefully designed backrest. Plush, thicker pads at the sides and behind the head and neck meet a central recessed panel with patterned stitching that adds tension and supports the back. “The cushioning or padding of the material under an individual plays a major role, as something too firm or without much cushioning can be very uncomfortable,” says Dr. Vagy.
There’s also a retractable footrest that can be pulled down for maximum comfort, especially when the seat is reclined—something it can do all the way to 155 degrees of tilt. With the seat back and footrest out, it converts from an an executive office chair into a sumptuous lounger; it’s the perfect spot to watch a show, play a game or even take a quick nap. Just note that you have to manually raise the chair’s back up when you’re done reclining, as it will not automatically pop back into place.
Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Seat width: 22.8 inches | User height range: 20 to 25 inches
If you’re a tall person—and we’re talking 6 feet 4 inches tall—then you know the struggle of finding a suitable office chair. Luckily, Oak Hollow’s Aloria chair can be raised to a seat height of 25 inches, and most other components are adjustable as well. The seat slides backward or forward, and its headrest, armrests and lumbar support are adjustable, too. These features do come with a price, and that price is admittedly quite high. But the vast majority of customers who have purchased this chair are happy with the comfort level and find it to be durable and reliable, so it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re willing to spend the money.
Our remote team of editors and writers understands the importance of having the right home office equipment, drawing from firsthand experiences. We've produced numerous guides covering everything from the best desks and desk lamps to the most popular office chairs and office chairs for back pain—by leveraging our insights from working remotely. When it comes to big and tall office chairs, we blended our own experiences with customer testimonials to find the top options.
This article was written by Steven John, a regular Vetted contributor with dozens of shopping guides to his name, including the best robot vacuums for carpet. Recognizing the significant impact of office chairs on posture and lumbar health, we sought guidance from Dr. Jared Vagy, a clinical assistant professor of physical therapy at the University of Southern California, who provided expert advice on essential features to consider when shopping for the best big and tall office chairs.
First and foremost, consider the chair's weight capacity. All the seats on our list are rated for no less than 300 pounds, but it's crucial to double-check the weight limit before making a purchase.
In compiling this list, we went beyond basic features like seat height adjustment. We focused on big and tall chairs offering variable back support, armrests and headrests that can be raised or lowered, rocking or tilting capabilities and modifications contributing to a more comfortable seat. The FlexiSpot C7 Office Chair, our top overall pick, exemplifies this with multiple adjustment options, including an adjustable headrest, retractable footrest and a reclining function.
Given the significant time spent in an office chair each week, durability is paramount. When curating our final list of products, we meticulously considered materials and construction. Our selection process included thorough examination of customer reviews to ensure each pick stood out for its sturdiness and long-lasting performance.
The range of seat height adjustment is crucial in an office chair, as the appropriate seat placement differs for each individual. To achieve proper seat placement, adjust your office chair height until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle and your feet rest flat on the floor.
Similar to seat height, seat depth is not a standardized measurement; it's a relative measurement based on your body. This is why many excellent office chairs feature seats that can slide forward or backward. As a general guideline, aim for at least two inches (and no more than four inches) of space between the seat and the back of your calves when seated at your desk. This ensures ample support while also facilitating proper blood flow.
Yes, in some instances. Typically, most office chairs have a maximum weight rating of 250 pounds. If your weight exceeds this limit, it is advisable to consider a big and tall office chair. This not only prevents potential damage to the chair but, more importantly, ensures your comfort and support throughout the day.
I'm a senior editor at Forbes covering venture capital and startups, especially in cloud and AI, out of New York. I edit the Midas List and Under 30 for VC, and created the Midas List Europe and Cloud 100 lists. I've written more than a dozen cover stories on business leaders including Marc Benioff, Patrick Collison and Melanie Perkins. Previously, I worked at Fortune and WNYC, and studied medieval history and archaeology at Harvard University. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Threads: @alexrkonrad. Email me: akonrad@forbes.com.
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I'm a senior editor at Forbes covering venture capital and startups, especially in cloud and AI, out of New York. I edit the Midas List and Under 30 for VC, and created the Midas List Europe and Cloud 100 lists. I've written more than a dozen cover stories on business leaders including Marc Benioff, Patrick Collison and Melanie Perkins. Previously, I worked at Fortune and WNYC, and studied medieval history and archaeology at Harvard University. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Threads: @alexrkonrad. Email me: akonrad@forbes.com.
Follow Alex on Forbes and Twitter for more coverage of startups, enterprise software and venture capital.
NSJ is a journalist and editor specializing in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, culture. Her work has appeared in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Grazia, The Guardian, Telegraph Fashion, The Sydney Morning Herald.
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I’m a senior fashion editor covering women's and men's fashion, accessories and athletic apparel. My writing has appeared in T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Vogue and The Wall Street Journal. Prior to joining Forbes, I wrote two books, including The New Beauty: A Modern Look at Beauty, Culture, and Fashion. I've studied fashion styling and hold certificates in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America and design history from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. A native New Englander, I grew up in Rhode Island and was—and remain—a sneaker obsessive with far too many pairs of white sneakers.
I am a freelance writer with nearly a decade of writing and editing experience on topics ranging from parenting to sleep to kitchen gadgets. You can find my work in The Hill, Chicago Tribune, and New York Daily News, among other publications. I have a B.A. in Communication from Bethel University, where I also played soccer. Born and raised in Hawaii, I love the ocean and sun, which is where you’ll find me with a book in my hands whenever the weather is warm.
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After studying product design and journalism in college, I became a full-time freelance writer in 2016, where I found my niche in the shopping and product testing realm. To date, I’ve conducted firsthand product testing on hundreds of items, including everything from grill pans to lawn mowers, and my work has been published on websites such as USA Today, Business Insider, The Spruce, Popular Mechanics, and more.
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I've been reporting on grooming since 2013, and have written for nearly every men's publication on the topic. My second beat is travel, as I spend nearly half the year in transit. Because of that, however, I am always relieved when I can unwind at home in Berlin, where I've been living since early 2018. I'm a South Dakota native, but I cut my teeth in New York and San Francisco.
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Adjustable Chair After studying product design and journalism in college, I became a full-time freelance writer in 2016, where I found my niche in the shopping and product testing realm. To date, I’ve conducted firsthand product testing on hundreds of items, including everything from grill pans to lawn mowers, and my work has been published on websites such as USA Today, Business Insider, The Spruce, Popular Mechanics, and more.