5 best ergonomics chairs for software developers and engineers

Sitting, often compared unfavorably to smoking, has become an inadvertent health risk, especially with the rise of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many, including computer programmers who typically work 40 to 50 hours a week, find themselves seated for extended periods.

This prolonged sitting can lead to eyestrain, back and neck pain, and hand or wrist issues.

Sitting increases the load on the lumbosacral discs at the spine's base and adds stress to the back, shoulders, arms, and legs, while also putting significant pressure on back muscles and spinal discs.

Inadequate spine support from a chair during long hours of work can stress the spine's soft tissues and joints, leading to pain and potentially causing premature degeneration and chronic pain due to flexed spinal curvature.

To combat these issues, it's crucial to use a chair that promotes dynamic sitting, encourages movement, and supports both the back and neck. A well-designed ergonomic chair can help maintain health and comfort, no matter how long you're seated.

Below are top ergonomic chairs recommended for computer programmers, chosen for their superior back support and comfort, catering to the demands of long working hours.

1. Herman Miller Embody Office Chair (our favorite)

Starting price: ~$1,700

Product link: https://www.amazon.com/Herman-Miller-Embody-Chair-CN122AWAAG1G1BB3014/dp/B01DGM7ZII

Product dimensions:  24"D x 26"W x 35"H

The Herman Miller Embody Office Chair is a sophisticated blend of ergonomic engineering and aesthetic functionality, tailored for both dedicated office work and dynamic sitting postures.

Designed with a keen focus on the needs of professionals, the Embody Office Chair is equipped to elevate your workplace comfort and efficiency.

The chair's seating is enhanced with a layered support system that includes innovative materials to ensure cool comfort and sustained ease, preventing heat buildup even during long hours of use.

Endorsed by a wide array of biomechanics, vision, physical therapy, and ergonomics experts, the Embody Office Chair is crafted to adapt to various postures—whether you're leaning into your work or reclining in thought—facilitating continuous movement and optimal pressure distribution for improved posture and circulation.

Featuring the proprietary Backfit™ Adjustment, the chair aligns with your spine's natural curve, automatically adjusting to your body's shifts and movements, thereby providing consistent, tailored support.

Additionally, the Embody Office Chair boasts adjustable armrests in height and width, ensuring a personalized fit that enhances overall comfort and support for users of all sizes.

2. Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair

Starting price: ~$550

Product link: https://www.amazon.com/Herman-Miller-Classic-Aeron-Chair/dp/B075DJ5QV8

General dimensions: 41" H x 27" W x 16.75" D. Seat heights: 16"-20.5". 

The Aeron Chair was designed by Don Chadwick and Bill Stumpf for Herman Miller. 

This highly supportive seat has 3 back support: basic back support, adjustable lumbar support, and adjustable PostureFit Sacral/Lumbar support. 

The chair comes fitted with two individual pads that flex independently and can be adjusted to fit the curve of your spine for that extra support. 

The Aeron also has a Tilt Limiter that allows you to set the recline range for every posture. 

The tension control on the Aeron is perfect for adjusting the amount of effort needed to recline comfortably. 

The seat angle adjustment changes your seat angle from ‘neutral’ to ‘engaged’ to make things easy for you. 

Did you know the Aeron also has fully adjustable arms that can adjust from a height of 6.8 inches above the seat to 10.8 inches above the seat, slide forward and backward over a range of 2.5 inches, and also pivot 15 degrees outward and 17.5 degrees inward? The Aeron is also a multi-surface caster with a quiet roll.

3. Steelcase Gesture Office Chair

Staring price: ~$1,400

Product link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016OIF47U/

General dimensions: 21.25"D x 27.5"W x 32.5"H

The Gesture Chair by Steelcase is expertly crafted to redefine how you interact with your seating environment, adapting perfectly to your body's unique shape and preferred work posture.

This versatile office chair is engineered for comfort during prolonged use, supporting a wide range of users and seating positions. Its main feature includes wheels tailored for carpeted floors, making mobility smooth and effortless.

Equipped with innovative 360-degree arms and a spine-conforming back contour, the Gesture Chair enhances ergonomic support. All adjustment mechanisms are conveniently located on the right, easily accessible for quick tweaks.

Moreover, the chair boasts a comprehensive recline functionality with three settings and an upright back lock, ensuring stability in various postures.

The Gesture is not only a product of advanced ergonomic research and sustainability standards but also a testament to Steelcase's commitment to quality and innovative office furniture solutions. It's designed to aid your best work with superior comfort and adaptability.

4. Steelcase Leap Office Chair

Starting price: ~$1,300

Product link: https://www.amazon.com/Steelcase-Fabric-Chair-Black-46216179FBL/dp/B006H1QYBA 

General dimensions: ‎24.75" x 27" x 43.5" 

The Steelcase Leep Office Chair is a great ergonomic chair designed for all-day use while providing maximum comfort and back support. 

It offers height-adjustable lumbar and lowers back firmness control with a contoured backrest that changes shape as you move to support your entire spine, giving you long-term comfort. 

The Steelcase Leep Office Chair has 4-way adjustable arms that move upwards and downwards, forwards and backward, and left and right to better support the neck and shoulders. 

The Leap fits a wide range of body types with adjustable seat depth and pneumatic seat height adjustment. 

Customers have described the Leap’s seat cushion as very comfy yet supportive. 

The 5-position recline lock and the recline tension adjustment present the Leap as a very reliable chair.

5. Haworth Fern Executive Office Chair

Starting price: ~$1900

Product link: https://www.amazon.com/Haworth-Executive-Office-Ergonomic-Innovations/dp/B0CS8ZHCLF/

General dimensions: 28.5"D x 29"W x 45"H

Max weight: Warrantied for people up to 325 lbs.

The Fern Executive Chair,  stands out as the ideal choice for computer programmers seeking comprehensive back support.

This best-selling chair is not only expert-approved but also offers a unique blend of functionality and comfort.

Key Features:

• Total Back Support: Engineered for comfort, the Fern Chair responds intuitively to every movement, ensuring full support from the neck down.
• Risk-Free Trial: Experience the chair at home for 30 days with the option to return it, shipping costs covered.

Advanced Adjustability:

• Headrest: Provides cushioned support for the head and neck, essential for long hours at the computer.
• 4D Arms: These adjustable arms move in four dimensions, offering unparalleled support for your neck and shoulders.
• Adjustable Seat Depth: With a 3" adjustability range, it caters to the upper legs, ensuring a comfortable seating position.
• Back Stop: Customize your sitting experience with an adjustable back stop, allowing an upright position or a reclined posture as per your preference.
• Forward Tilt: A 5° forward tilt supports a forward-leaning posture, ideal for focused work sessions.

The Fern Executive Chair is a blend of ergonomic design and comfort, making it a top choice for those who prioritize posture care and comfort during long working hours.

Conclusion

Regardless of the seat you choose, remember that comfort, support, and ergonomics come first in determining the right seat when shopping for one. 

Remember, having the best chair, work desk, monitor, mouse, or keyboard supporting your overall ergonomics is not enough if your posture is poor. 

With continued poor posture, even an ergonomic chair cannot save you from the long-term negative effects on your back and neck.

AI Posture Reminder is a  Mac AI Posture Reminder App that improves your posture while you work. It watches your posture and sends you a reminder when you slouch.

You can remain seated in a healthy position at all times.

Click here to start a free trial today, and begin the incredible journey to a better posture!

Working hard and having back pain? Try AI Posture Reminder: AI Posture Reminder App on  Mac