*We are not affiliated with, nor do we receive any compensation or commission from, any products mentioned in this article.

Although Anthros was designed to be the premium chair for people who sit for long periods, we understand that the price point may not work for everyone. As clinicians and seating experts, we firmly believe everyone should have access to a chair that meets basic ergonomic standards.

So, if Anthros is currently outside your budget, here are five high-quality chairs we recommend—each with their own unique features that can provide basic relief for those long hours at your desk.

*We are not affiliated with, nor do we receive any compensation or commission from, any products mentioned in this article.

Special Features: Refurbished Steelcase Leap combined with the seat of the Lamia, offering a blend of ergonomics at a lower price. This chair is particularly good if you’re looking for a balanced option that supports both general comfort and posture throughout the day.

Special Features: Designed for active sitting, the Core Chair Classic features a contoured seat cushion and a supportive low back cushion to encourage pelvic support. It allows for movement with adjustable tension, keeping your muscles engaged without compromising posture.

The core chair is great for people who like the active sitting concept but also want a comfortable seat and low back support.

Special Features: A mesh office gaming chair that has a gel seat. The arms flip up and it offers a headrest with a 115-degree recline.

It's a great option for people who like to use their chair to chill and recline. It can be a good option for basic comfort during the day.

Special Features: The NuChair helps align your spine by bringing your pelvis into a neutral position—key to promoting healthy posture. It doesn’t offer back support, rather the support is on the front side of the body.

This may be useful for professions where you need to be leaning forward (ie. Tatoo artist).

Special Features: The Branch Ergonomic Chair offers firm lumbar support, a mesh back for breathability, and a foam cushion. It also has an optional headrest add-on.

It’s a solid choice for people looking for a nice-looking chair with basic features, without the high price tag.

Though it may seem like a good idea, an exercise ball can lead to poor posture in the long run. Its instability requires constant effort to stay upright, which can result in slouching, fatigue and more pain! And if you don’t have a height adjustable desk, it can cause the “t-rex” arms and slouched posture.

While using a standing desk can alternate sitting and standing, standing for extended periods can lead to its own set of problems. Standing for too long without movement puts strain on the lower extremities, leading to issues like leg swelling, varicose veins, and increased pressure on joints like the knees and hips.

Furthermore, research suggests that static standing can lead to lower back discomfort, muscle fatigue, and reduced concentration, negatively impacting productivity.

Race car style gaming chairs are often designed for aesthetics rather than ergonomics. The exaggerated design, such as the tall, contoured back, encourages a slouched or overly relaxed position. The lumbar support is often poorly positioned or inadequate, leading to strain on the lower back.

And many gaming chairs are made with substandard materials, such as thin plywood bases and low-density foam cushions, resulting in wear and discomfort over time. Their lack of adjustability compared to ergonomic office chairs can also prevent proper support for varying body types.

This type of chair positions your pelvis into a neutral alignment, which helps to take pressure off your spine and encourages active sitting. However, it’s not an all-day solution as the lack of back support and the constant pressure on your knees and lower legs can be tiring over time.

Use it for short periods as a break from conventional seating. There are several options at various price points that can be found on amazon.com.

Description: BetterBack is a posture-improving device designed to train your body to sit properly. It helps you achieve a neutral pelvis position and can be used for 15-minute intervals. Over time, it can help retrain your body, promoting better posture when seated. go.getbetterback.com

We still recommend Anthros as the top tier chair for those who sit long hours, but these options offer a good steppingstone or alternative solutions. If you can’t afford the Anthros chair there are still many great options to explore.

Whether you opt for a more affordable ergonomic chair, an active-sitting option, or a simple accessory like BetterBack to enhance your posture, there’s something out there that fits both your needs and your budget. Regardless of what you decide, we hope you find the product that helps improve you posture and sitting comfort!