Tips for Choosing the Right Adjustable Office Chair with Arms

An adjustable office chair with arms can make all the difference in your workspace. If you choose the right one, you can make sure you’ll be comfortable, even after sitting at your desk for hours!

However, with so many options out there, it can be difficult to pick one. Fortunately, we've created a guide and reviewed some of the best options to help you make a decision. Read on!

How to Choose the Best Adjustable Office Chair with Arms

We faithfully believe that the best office chair has adjustable arms and lumbar support, but not all the options available on the market are as great as their manufacturers describe. How can we make the right choice?

Let us help you choose the best adjustable office chair with arms! Below are the tips we always use:

• Choose chairs with highly adjustable armrests, prioritizing models that allow us to relax our shoulders and prevent the forearm from being on the armrest when we use our computer
• Look for options that easily rotate to reach any area of ​​our desk without straining
• Pick chairs with removable armrests if we want to create a dynamic setup
• Evaluate other aspects besides the armrests, such as the chair’s seat, backrest, and lumbar support
• Choose chairs with armrests that are made of durable but comfortable materials
• Measure the armrests’ height from the ground to make sure it’s a suitable option before purchasing
• Make sure we’re getting value for money!

Popular Types of Chair Armrests

These are the most popular types of chair armrests among manufacturers:

• 4D armrests: They can be adjusted in four directions (forward/backward, left/right) and rotate around the axis.
• 3D armrests: They can be adjusted in three dimensions and rotate but cannot move left and right.
• 2D armrests: They can be adjusted in two dimensions (height) and rotate.
• Padded armrests: They cannot be adjusted but are padded with fabric and foam to provide more comfort.

Our Top Picks for the Best Adjustable Office Chair with Arms in 2024

Now, let’s take a look at our top picks for the best adjustable office chair with arms!

1. ErgoChair Pro

While looking for an ergonomic chair with adjustable arms, we found what we believe is Autonomous' best seating solution for those looking for all-day comfort: the ErgoChair Pro. Let’s evaluate this popular option.

How We Picked and Tested This Option

We had a clear objective: find the best chair for sitting all day. Therefore, we looked for options with specific ergonomic features, such as adjustable armrests and lumbar cushions.

Who Is This Review for?

This detailed review is for people who want to find a really comfortable ergonomic office chair with adjustable armrests for their offices or gaming setups.

Overview

The ErgoChair Pro has been designed to offer an unbeatable level of comfort. This seating solution is durable but doesn't work like traditional furniture pieces. Instead of keeping our back in a fixed and uncomfortable position, it became an extension of our body, allowing us to move freely while encouraging good posture.

We were quite surprised with how adjustable this chair was. Although the assembly process was a bit tedious and time-consuming, it only took us a few minutes to adapt each component to create a completely personalized setup.

The ErgoChair Pro allows for the perfect seat all day long. Although we have standing desks, we decided not to stand for eight hours. However, using this mesh office chair never became uncomfortable.

Main Features of the ErgoChair Pro

• Adjustable headrest, armrest, and seat tilt
• 300-lb support
• Woven mesh back
• Five caster wheels
• Adjustable height
• Wide seat

ErgoChair Pro

2379 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Armrests can be adjusted between 11” and 14” for maximum comfort.	Although they allow us to move freely, armrests cannot be locked in a fixed position.
The chair comes with a lumbar cushion that adapts to our spine's natural curve.	Many components are made of plastic.
The ErgoChair Pro has a simple but elegant design that perfectly suits all of our setups.	This chair takes a bit of assembly.
This mesh office chair is wrapped in ultra-breathable materials that promote airflow and minimize sweating.

2. HATTEFJÄLL Office Chair with Armrests

IKEA has an interesting option for those who are looking for a small office chair with adjustable arms. It's different from other seating solutions we've evaluated, so let's take a closer look at the HATTEFJÄLL to see if it's worth buying.

How We Picked and Tested This Option

Although we love powerful modern designs, we wanted to include a smaller chair for more traditional spaces. After some research, we found IKEA’s HATTEFJÄLL and decided to give it a try, evaluating its appearance, durability, and comfort.

Who Is This Review for?

This review is for people looking for a functional but modest small office chair with adjustable arms.

Overview

IKEA’s HATTEFJÄLL is breaking the mold in the current landscape. Most of the options we can find today have futuristic designs with gaming-related styles. However, this one is on the classic side.

The best part is that it's available in many colors, including some vibrant ones, such as red. If you want to put together a traditional but colorful setup without having to spend a fortune, this chair could come in handy.

However, this chair lacks other accessories needed to be truly comfortable. The HATTEFJÄLL doesn't have a headrest, for example. After sitting on it for a few hours, we realized that it’s firmer than we think, so additional cushions may be necessary.

Main Features of the HATTEFJÄLL Office Chair

• Customizable features
• Armrest adjustable to different heights
• Lockable casters
• Steel frame
• Automatic tilt tension
• Adjustable lumbar support

HATTEFJÄLL Office Chair

24 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
This chair has several ergonomic features, such as adjustable armrests and a synchronized tilt mechanism.	The armrests don't always stay in place.
Thanks to the chair’s height adjustment capabilities, we can keep our legs and back at a 90° angle, which improves posture and encourages healthy blood circulation.	The backrest isn't well adjusted and pushed us forward.
The seat depth can be adjusted for proper back support and weight distribution.

3. HINOMI X1 Ergonomic Office Chair

The HINOMI X1 is a high-back office chair with adjustable arms and other ergonomic features designed to improve workplace ergonomics and address issues that commonly affect our neck and back health. Does this furniture piece really serve that purpose? Let's find out!

How We Picked and Tested This Option

As we navigated the market in search of the most comfortable seating solution, we thought we should also try to find a high-back office chair with adjustable arms. Fortunately, we came across the HINOMI X1 and were able to give it a try, focusing on its width, size, and adjustment options.

Who Is This Review for?

Addressing the concerns that big and tall users may have, this review contains detailed information on an available option for those looking for a high-back office chair with adjustable arms that adapt to larger body frames.

Overview

When looking for an office chair, we should choose an ergonomic option that can really help us stay comfortable throughout the day, especially if we spend hours sitting in front of our computer. This is non-negotiable if we want to take care of our body and overall health.

Well, the HINOMI X1 promises to be just that. This office chair features a four-panel backrest that provides comprehensive back support, 6D adjustable armrests, and 12 other elements that we can customize for a tailored fit.

However, what really makes this seating option stand out is that it's ideal for big and tall users. Actually, we can choose between two models if we want to purchase this high-back office chair with adjustable armrests:

• Standard: It has been designed for users who are between 4'11" and 5'10" tall.
• Extra high: It has been designed for people who are between 5'10" and 6'10" tall.

Main Features of the HINOMI X1 Ergonomic Office Chair

• 14 adjustable elements
• German TÜV certified electric motor
• 3D precise lumbar support
• Advanced control system
• Height adjustment
• Anti-collision safety assurance

HINOMI X1 Ergonomic Office Chair

51 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
The number of adjustments we can make to this chair is impressive.	This office chair with adjustable arms and lumbar support is quite expensive, costing almost $700.
We can choose between two sizes and three colors.
This chair has an innovative footrest for a comfortable position.
The lumbar support is wide, which is perfect for big and tall users.

4. ErgoChair Curve

As a leading brand in the office furniture industry, Autonomous has more than just an excellent seating option for office workers and gamers. The ErgoChair Curve is another product that caught our attention. Here’s what we think about it.

How We Picked and Tested This Option

While finding an adjustable office chair with arms was our top priority, we really wanted to make sure we were choosing the most comfortable option, so we decided to try an Autonomous product recreating the most demanding office work scenarios.

Who Is This Review for?

With this review, we want to help users find a comfortable and highly adjustable chair for their offices, even if they work from home, or for a gaming station.

Overview

The ErgoChair Curve was built to beat its competitors in terms of style and comfort. We tested this chair for over eight hours and felt like we were floating in the ocean. It's just incredible!

One of the things we love the most about this seating solution is that it can adapt to all body shapes, embracing the spine's natural curve. If you’re looking for the ideal office chair for guests, this one is definitely the go-to option.

Since the ErgoChair Curve’s armrests are adjustable, we were able to move them up and down and forward and backward. These pieces are also rotating. It’s so easy to find the perfect position to protect our shoulders.

Main Features of the ErgoChair Curve

• Customized back tilt
• 3D armrests
• Nylon plastic structure
• BIFMA certification
• Adjustable seat height

ErgoChair Curve

28 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
The ErgoChair Curve supports up to 300 pounds.	We could only choose between two color options.
Anyone can use this chair. It’ll fit any body type.	The brand’s return and trial policies don’t apply to any office chair for sale, including this one.
Thanks to its breathable materials, this chair kept us cool all the time.

5. Steelcase Gesture

This is the last contender on this list. It boasts huge popularity but requires an equally large investment. The Steelcase Gesture is the option you won't ever look at when searching for the best office chairs under $200 since its price exceeds $1,000. However, we tested it to give you an unbiased opinion.

How We Picked and Tested This Option

Steelcase chairs have become popular choices for office workers and gamers, so we decided to test one of the brand's distinctive products to determine if they're worth the hype. The assessment focused on key aspects, such as ergonomics, value for money, and durability.

Who Is This Review for?

This review seeks to help users who are willing to invest good money in an ergonomic chair determine if one of the most popular options on the market will meet their needs.

Overview

With this model, Steelcase promises to redefine the relationship between us and our desk chairs. Honestly, we weren't impressed by the design. It seemed too simple for a furniture piece that cost more than $1,000. However, we wanted to evaluate other features to determine if it’s worth the investment.

This ergonomic office chair with adjustable arms features 360 arms that can support our body and help us maintain good posture. However, it comfortably adapts to different users by mimicking our spine's natural motion.

Is the Steelcase Gesture a good chair for lumbar support? We used it for more than eight hours, and the truth is that we felt as if we hadn't sat down all day. It’s really comfortable, and its performance is phenomenal.

Main Features of the Steelcase Gesture

• Wide seat
• Adjustable seat height
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Back and lumbar support
• Polished aluminum base

Steelcase Gesture

1 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
The Steelcase Gesture includes an adjustable headrest for added comfort.	It’s one of the most expensive chairs.
This chair is available globally.
We can choose between different materials and colors.

Final Verdict

After reviewing several options, we've come to a conclusion: Autonomous offers the best chair with adjustable arms and lumbar support.

Whether we're talking about the ErgoChair Pro or the ErgoChair Curve, any of the brand's seating solutions will be comfortable, durable, and good-looking.

At first, we thought it was a little pricey, but we quickly realized that other models are more expensive and only offer a fraction of the features that Autonomous chairs have.