As a programmer, you'll spend a lot of time in front of your computer doing work. If you don't have a great standing desk you'll be doing a lot of sitting. So be sure to pick the most comfortable office chair you can afford for your programming setup.
The best programming chair is one that provides comfort for the most common way you sit while programming. Ergonomically, you should sit at the front edge of your chair, knees and elbows at 90 degrees, sitting tall with relaxed shoulders, but we as programmers are not always ergonomic.
Some of us lean back, slouch down. Others sit on one foot. Still others sit in ways we can't imagine. All this means is that you should know thyself in order to pick out the best chair for programming.
Here are the 3 best programming chairs for 2022.
1. RESPAWN 110 Racing Style Gaming Chair
The RESPAWN 110 Racing Style Gaming Chair is a reclining ergonomic chair with footrest, one of the more popular gaming chairs that will provide long lasting comfort.
The foot rest provides relief for your feet as you program, and a head rest pillow provides comfort if you need to kick back and think.
Available in a variety of colors to fit your style and workspace decor.
Technical Specs:
- Manufacturer: RESPAWN
- Dimensions: 28.5"D x 28"W x 51.5"H
- Color: Available in a variety of colors
- Weight: 27.2 lbs
2. Modway EEI-757 Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
The Modway EEI-757 Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair is a comfortable choice for your average programmer.
The six inch cushion seat of this chair provide lasting comfort for long hours of programming day in and day out.
A mesh material back allows airflow to avoid your back sweating; ideally, as a programmer, you use straight back posture to stay ergonomic.
Technical Specs:
- Manufacturer: Modway Inc.
- Dimensions: 26"D x 26"W x 41.5"H
- Color: Blue, Brown, Black, Gray, Creen or Red
- Weight: 30 lbs
3. GTRACING Gaming Chair with Footrest
The GTRACING Chair with Footrest is another fully featured chair to provide comfort and convenience to you as a programmer.
For a surround sound experience, this chair comes with two bluetooth speakers built-in which sets itself apart from other office chairs, like a Herman Miller chair.
Very thick padding, a head pillow and head rest provide maximum comfort while you're in the flow programming.
Technical Specs:
- Manufacturer: GTRACING
- Dimensions: 20.87"D x 21.65"W x 53.15"H
- Color: A variety of colors available
What to look for in a programming chair
Not all of us can afford sleek and comfy Herman Miller chairs, but there are other ergonomic chairs. The best office chairs for your home office not only have enough padding in your seat cushion but they also pad your wallet. Consider the following things when tryinbg to find best ergonomic office chair for programming.
Choose a well padded seat cushion to give your buns some relief - you are working your ass off afterall. Where you plant your tush is a long term commitment so make sure it feels nice. Opt for high density foam. When sitting in a chair for 8 hours a day, after 12 years, that's 24,960 hours in your chair. Make it comfy.
Programming can be back breaking work, mentally and physically. So find a chair with good lumbar support, (that's back support for you uncultured coders) but don't let that feature inflate the price tag. Plenty of good, affordable chairs exist that were designed with the human spine in mind. Look for a great full back support system like you'd find on a pricey Herman Miller Embody chair. You'll be sitting for long periods and will want to avoid health issues by prioritizing good lumbar support for your lower back.
Wheels. Yep, wheels. If sitting is the new smoking, be sure to get up and walk around throughout the day. Put wheels on your so it's easier to get up and get moving. This active movement promotes blood flow, and good posture rather than bad posture. And if you want heavy duty wheels, pick up the roller blade like rubber wheels that glide very nicely.
When it comes to the upholstery of the chair, avoid the PU leather you might find on a steelcase leap or task chair. Instead opt for a cloth material that breathes and cleans easily.
Are you a tall drink of water? Consider the seat height when purchasing a programming chair. If you're on the shorter side, make sure you can comfortable touch the ground with your feet when sitting. Also check the weight capacity for the chair especially if you're over 300 pounds to make sure you can safely use the chair on a regular basis.
You'll go long periods of time sitting in your chair, so find an ergonomically designed chair at a non high price.
Padded armrests are not as important of a feature for programmer because much of your time is spent handled a mouse and keyboard. You can always purchase after market armpads for your chair. Sometime the best chair for programmers doesn't even come with armrests. The best chairs for programmers will be one that does not interfere with their programming.