Meet&CoAs more of us build out our home office setups, you’ve likely faced “The Great Chair Dilemma.” And if you’re someone like me with a slight obsession with design, you might have set your sights on the Herman Miller Aeron Chair… but seeing the four-digit price tag, I quietly closed the website.
Around this time, the Branch brand kept popping up in my head. It’s a direct-to-consumer brand that has quickly become a go-to for affordable office furniture. Some called it “the best Herman Miller alternative.” With a mixture of curiosity and skepticism, our team decided to try out their popular products, like the Ergonomic Chair Pro and the Verve.
After putting Branch’s lineup through its paces, they’re clearly aiming for that second category. They’re not just another company pumping out seats. They’re trying to build well-designed ergonomic chairs that don’t require a corporate expense account.
Are Branch Office Chairs Worth Buying?
Here’s a closer look.
The Pros:
- They offer unbeatable value. You get adjustable lumbar support, quality mesh, ergonomic design, and modern aesthetics for hundreds less than the legacy brands.
- Branch offers stylish colors and sleek profiles that actually complement your home decor. The Verve, in particular, is a legitimately beautiful piece of furniture.
- You get solid entry-level ergonomics. Features like the 5D armrests and 14 ergonomic adjustments on the Pro model show they’re serious about supporting your body through a workday.
- If you order something over $90, they offer free shipping across the continental US and Canada. The assembly is generally straightforward, pulling you out of the IKEA nightmare zone.
The Cons:
- The premium feel has a limit. While solid, you can feel the cost-saving measures. The armrests can have a slight wobble, and the padding on some models is firm rather than plush. You’re getting 90% of the way for 50% of the cost, and that last 10% is noticeable.
- Not for everyone. If you’re tall (over 6’2″) or need extremely aggressive lumbar support, their range and adjustments might leave you wanting. The weight capacities (275 pounds) are also lower than some specialized chairs.
- Want a headrest? That’ll be extra. The base price is attractive, but the cost can creep up with necessary options.
Our Branch Office Chair Review
1. Branch Ergonomic Office Chair Pro
This is one of the Branch’s bestsellers, and it was Wired’s #1 Pick in 2024. The Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro successfully bridges the gap between budget chairs that lack adjustability and premium models that might empty the wallet.
During the testing, we evaluated the mesh version in the “Mineral” colorway. It presented a sophisticated dark gray appearance that blended well with any office decor. We like the Branch color palette, which stands out from the sea of black mesh chairs that dominate the market.
It offers a staggering 14-point adjustability, and the 5D armrests are a game-changer for finding the perfect typing position. However, we also noticed a slight wobble in the otherwise fantastic armrests. But for under $500, these are minor compromises.
It’s recommended to watch the product video to learn how to adjust the chair quickly. The mesh back is breathable, and the high-density foam seat maintains its comfort well even after extended sitting sessions. That’s a common failing point for cheaper chairs whose cushions quickly compress and lose support.
As someone who stands at 5′ 5″, I found the Ergonomic Chair Pro to be an excellent fit for my proportions. The seat depth is adjustable, and the height range accommodated my sitting position and my standing desk‘s various heights without issue.
For taller users (over 6’2″), Branch offers an optional extended cylinder ($29) that adds additional height range.
You can also see: Top 10 Best Office Chairs for Tall People.
2. Branch Verve Chair
Another Branch’s flagship product stands out in the mid-range ergonomic chair market. Priced at $599–$649 (depending on color; under $600 when on sale), it’s a high-performance desk chair recommended by the press. Its modern profile and cool color options make it a legit piece of home office decor.
The lower back support is great; it’s not some aggressive lump jabbing into your spine but a well-padded, thoughtful curve that just works. We liked the breathable 3D knit backrest. It stayed cool and comfortable during back-to-back Zoom calls. The seat cushion is on the firmer side. It doesn’t go flat after an hour, which is a win for anyone who’s suffered through a cheap chair.
Now, it’s not perfect. The armrests are a bit of a letdown. They’re not adjustable and have occasionally popped out of place if they shift around too much.
They’ve also started offering a headrest as an add-on, which I’d recommend if you like to lean back and think. It’s the most pricey one in the Branch lineup, but for a chair that supports you this well and looks this good, I’d confidently make it again. If you’re building a home office you enjoy being in, the Verve deserves a long, hard look.
3. Branch Daily Chair
Let’s cut to the chase: for around $250, this chair is a solid win. It’s the chair I’d recommend to friends who want something that actually feels ergonomic and affordable. It’s not going to have all the bells and whistles of a $700 chair, but it’s a leap in quality and comfort from the super cheap stuff on Amazon. The lower back support is decent and comfortable; putting it together is a breeze.
That said, the fabric on the seat is a little rough and, frankly, a bit of a dust magnet. If you’re working in just your shorts, it might feel a tad scratchy. And while the armrests adjust, they can be a bit stiff and don’t have a huge range of motion. It’s a minor gripe, but something to note if you’re super particular.
The Branch Daily Chair is the perfect upgrade for your home office. It looks great (though I wish it came in more basic colors), offers real support, and is affordable, making it an affordable investment in your workday comfort.
4. Branch Task Chair
If the Daily Chair is the stylish sibling, think of this one as the no-nonsense, get-down-to-business workhorse. It’s only available in black and has a more office-like vibe.
For under $300, this chair is honestly a steal for what you get. The lumbar support is adjustable. You can dial it in to hit that perfect spot in your lower back, a huge step up from the fixed support in cheaper chairs. I also appreciated the taller backrest; it gives solid support right up between your shoulder blades, which is great if you’re on the taller side or just want to feel fully supported when you lean back.
Speaking of leaning back, the synchro-tilt mechanism is smooth and has multiple lock positions, so you can find that sweet spot for relaxing and not feeling like you’re going to tip over.
Now, the cons. The armrests only adjust up and down, so if you have a specific typing posture, that might feel a bit limiting. And while Branch says it fits folks up to 6’3″, a truly tall user might want to double-check the specs.
But here’s the bottom line: if you don’t care about having a chair in a fun color and you just want reliable support that will get you through an 8-hour workday, the Task Chair is a fantastic value.
Other Popular Ergonomic Office Chairs Under $500
1. Meet&Co Budding Chair
A truly budget-friendly and comfortable chair. After testing it out, it’s a solid contender in the crowded under-$300 category. It has a breathable mesh backrest; which is surprisingly cool during long hours. The lumbar support does a decent job of nudging my back into a healthier position without feeling overly aggressive.
That said, you do feel the budget in a few key places. The seat cushion is on the firmer side, which I didn’t mind for a few hours, but could become a bit much on a true 8-hour marathon day. The armrests won’t offer the multi-directional movement you find on more premium models. However, for the price, these are understandable trade-offs. In short, it’s an affordable, no-fuss ergonomic chair with decent support and a smart buy for bulk orders.
2. Autonomous ErgoChair Pro 
If you’ve spent more than a few hours scrolling through ergonomic chairs online, you’ve definitely seen the Autonomous ErgoChair Pro. It’s everywhere.
The first thing you’ll notice is how much you can customize. The seat slides forward and back, the armrests move in practically every direction (5D adjustment), the headrest goes up and down, and the backrest locks into five different recline positions. This is a dream for anyone who fidgets or can’t seem to find that perfect sitting position. The mesh back is super breathable, and the lumbar support does a solid job of keeping your spine in a healthy position. For the price (under $500), that level of adjustability is pretty tough to beat.
But this chair makes some trade-offs to hit that price point. The biggest one is the padding. Both the seat cushion and the armrests are on the thinner side. If you struggle with tailbone pain or just prefer a plusher, sink-in feel, you might find yourself getting a little sore after a full 8-hour day.
Assembly was also straightforward. If you’re looking for maximum adjustability on a mid-range budget and don’t need a super-plush seat, the ErgoChair Pro is a fantastic option. It’s a posture-conscious workhorse that encourages movement.
FAQs about Branch Office Chairs
1. Which Branch office chair is the best?
It depends entirely on your needs and body type. For advanced ergonomics and adjustability, the Ergonomic Chair Pro is the top choice. The Verve Chair is fantastic for its style and modern comfort. For the best value on a budget, the Daily Chair or Task Chair is an excellent pick.
2. Are Branch chairs good for long hours?
Yes, particularly the Ergonomic Chair Pro and the Verve Chair. They are specifically designed with lots of ergonomic features, like 14 ergonomic adjustments and 5-way adjustable armrests.
3. What is the weight capacity for Branch chairs?
Most Branch chairs, including the Ergonomic Chair Pro and Verve, have a weight capacity of 275 lbs. The Daily Chair has a slightly lower capacity of 225 lbs. Lower than many other office chair models.
4. Do Branch chairs come with a headrest?
The headrest is typically an optional add-on for most Branch chairs (e.g., +$59 for the Verve). If a headrest is a priority, be sure to select it during customization before adding the chair to your cart.
5. I’m over 6’2″. Which Branch chair is best for tall users?
The Ergonomic Chair Pro is your best bet. It has the most comprehensive adjustability, including seat depth and height, and you can purchase an optional extended cylinder for extra height range.
