Programming is more of a sedentary activity. It demands a lot of sitting hours from programmers, especially software developers. Software developers spend an incredulous number of hours working on their computers, and so investing in an ergonomic office chair isn’t only prudent for overall productivity but also has immense health benefits. When software developers are made to suffer through an uncomfortable chair, it would potentially lead to much bigger problems. They spend a lot of time staring at their laptop and racking their brains for what may even end up being a bottom barrel assembly, the least they deserve is a comfortable chair.
In all seriousness, investing in a good office chair would be beneficial for your career growth and general health as a software developer. Trust me, there is probably nothing worse than a programmer who hates his or her chair. You are set to have a miserable developer in your hands who creates crappy programs most of the time if you are an employer. And if you’re the software geek, it would be counterproductive to work on a computer programme using a bad chair.
In this article, we would be reviewing some of the best office chairs for software developers. Usually, the best office chairs for programmers have to be ergonomic but we will go over all the unique selling points of each of these chairs and analyze why they are among the best office chairs for programmers.
Recommended Best Office Chair for Software Developers
Our top recommendation for best office chairs for software developers is the Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair. The chair is certainly one of the most suitable for software developers and programmers you can find anywhere. It is durable, ergonomic, adjustable and duly padded at the right places to provide all the necessary support your back needs. It also provides soothing relief for back pain. If you spend a lot of time working on a computer, developing those ground-shaking software and applications, you need all the help you can get.
Best Office Chairs for Software Developers and Programmers
Title | Photo | Rating | Buy |
Ergohuman High Back Swivel Chair- Best for its super adjustability range |  | ||
HON Wave Mesh High-Back Task Chair- Best for Comfort | | ||
Alera Neratoli Series High-Back Swivel/Tilt Chair |  | ||
Smugdesk Office Chair - Best Budget |  | ||
Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair - Best for Back Pain Relief |  |
Ergohuman High Back Swivel Chair – Best for its super adjustability range
The Ergohuman high back swivel chair is one of the absolute best chairs for software developers. This chair type is not particularly expensive but it is also very affordable, so it is a great choice if you are not restrained by a budget. It is a mid-range chair with a lot of adjustable features to make programmers more comfortable as they work. The adjustment options include the height adjustment, the back angle, and seat depth adjustment. These adjustments cater to programmers who suffer from back pain, and is also a preventive measure for back pain.
This chair for software developers is also armed with a 3 position tilt-lock that allows you to change the chair angle to three different fixed positions to improve your comfort and relaxation. In addition to this, there is so much ease in adjusting the rise and fall of the height positions enabled by the pneumatic cylinders that allow this change in height position with minimal force. The breathable mesh material design aids air circulation and reduces sweating for people who sweat a lot. This chair encourages users who work for extended hours and supports the back all round.
HON Wave Mesh High-Back Task Chair – Best for comfort
The HON wave mesh chair is a very comfortable ergonomic chair that offers long hours of comfort and it is one of the best computer chairs on the market. It is made with a breathable mesh material that allows for air circulation. The mesh material also conforms to the body of the programmer and adjusts accordingly.
This chair type is also super customizable and has adjustable feature designs. It has an easy reclining feature and the arms height can be adjusted for further support around the upper body region. It has a 360Ëš swivel capacity and quality base wheels that allow for easy and fast mobility. It is also durable and budget-friendly if you are looking for an ergonomic chair within a budget.
Read More: Best Office Chairs for Arthritis
Alera Neratoli Series High-Back Chair – Best for its ergonomic waterfall design
The Alera Neratoli series chair is a high-back chair that is budget-friendly and durable, it has a popular traditional, elegant, and effortless design that also proves time and again that ergonomic designs are very comfortable for users. This is especially true for people who work for long hours like software developers. This chair is primarily made with metals and leathers, the cushion paddings have ergonomic and slim designs that give off an elegant vibe.
The seat has a waterfall design that is super comfortable for users and allows for easy and improved blood circulation. It also has padded armrests with a design that gives optimal comfort. When you tilt, the chair adjusts also to accommodate the change in position. The built-in lumbar support promotes correct sitting posture for long hours while working. Programmers would find this chair super comfortable and inspiring to work in.
Smugdesk High-back Office Chair – Best for its ease of assembly
The Smugdesk is a very simple chair that is not necessarily packed with features and excessiv attributes that come with most ergonomic chairs on the market but it offers maximum comfort for long hours of working. It is mostly made with breathable mesh material that promotes air circulation for further comfort. It also has padded seat cushions and armrests. The backrest is made with mesh material and the neck support conforms to the curve at the back of your neck.
The lower back region of the chair is made with extra padding for extra lower back support. These paddings allow programmers to sit for extended hours without feeling any discomfort. This chair also comes with a tilt tension adjustment and a seat height adjustment that relieves the strain from your back and legs.
Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair – Best for back pain relief
This is one of the best computer chairs money can buy, it leans towards the pricy side of things but you will absolutely not regret purchasing this chair. The chair is stylish and has one of the most adjustable feature designs on the ergonomic chair market. The Duramont ergonomic adjustable chair is super comfortable with a padded seat cushion and arm cushions. The head support is also padded and the backrest is made with a breathable mesh material that allows for easy air circulation and reduces sweating.
The chair also comes with lumbar support that is adjustable and offers maximum back support. It has a reclining capacity of 90Ëš – 120Ëš. The height of the chair can also be adjusted with an air-filled lever that makes it super easy for you to change positions. The Duramont chair is undoubtedly one of the best chairs for software designers as it offers maximum back support and back pain relief for people suffering from back pains and it is a preventive measure for back pain for people who work extended hours daily, especially software developers.
Read More: Best Office Chairs for Degenerative And Herniated Lumbar Disc Disease
How to choose the best office chair for programmers (Buyer’s Guide)?
The few products reviewed above are some of the best in the market but it could get quite daunting when buyers have to decide what kind of chair to purchase and there are dozens and dozens of variations to choose from. And let’s be honest, some of the ones reviewed here may not float your boat. Hence, I will be giving a general buying guide; a list of things to look out for when you intend to buy an ergonomic office chair for programmers.
Like I said before programming as a profession is a demanding one. Software development demands a lot of hours, it demands a lot of energy and concentration and one of the best assets any programmer can have for their career development is a great chair. I will talk a bit about some of the most important features every good programming chair should have.
The adjustable features
The best programming chair has to have at the very least a few adjustable features like adjustable armrests and headrests, adjustable seat height, and a reclining capacity. Some brands even have adjustable lumbar support for enhanced comfort.
Lumbar support
Considering the fact that programmers have to sit for hours on end, working at a particular spot, developing back pain is not so farfetched. Getting a chair with good lumbar support for your back and lower back should be foremost on your mind. There are different varieties of designs of a lumbar support structure. Apart from preventing back pain, they also aid in correcting sitting postures for users. But there are chairs that do not particularly have lumbar support structures but they have something maybe even better, like a smart chair with a back-fit adjustment that works great for people suffering from back pain.
Padding and cushions
The cushions and paddings of the seat, armrests, or headrest could work together to ease the stress and labor of working for extended hours and sitting all through the duration.
Tilt mechanism
A chair that allows you to recline or tilt in other to feel more comfortable cannot be overemphasized. Some chairs can recline to as much as 155Ëš in a horizontal position. This is a great asset because they are times when you just need to relax backwards and take a short nap.
Quality of construction
This feature is a little dicey compared to the others because while we all know what a quality chair should feel and look like, it may be difficult for people who are restrained within a budget to really explore this option. But it is important to always opt for chairs of good quality because, in the long run, they would be the wiser investment plan.
Great chair base and foundation
The ‘skeleton’ or base of the chair should be made with strong and durable materials that offer maximum support and comfort.
Title | Photo | Rating | Buy |
Ergohuman High Back Swivel Chair- Best for its super adjustability range | | ||
HON Wave Mesh High-Back Task Chair- Best for Comfort | | ||
Alera Neratoli Series High-Back Swivel/Tilt Chair | | ||
Smugdesk Office Chair - Best Budget | | ||
Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair - Best for Back Pain Relief | |
Conclusion
This brings us to the end where we must lastly point out that investing in a good ergonomic chair is not an area where you would want to pinch pennies. Not only is it great for your work productivity, it is also a wise investment for your health in the long run.
These ergonomic chairs would correct your sitting posture and relieve you from back pains or sciatica and protect you from developing such conditions if you don’t already have one. Feel free to browse through some of the chairs we have reviewed here, they include quality budget-friendly chairs and premium chairs if you are not restricted by a budget. You can also explore other chair options on your own with the buying guide we have highlighted.