Personally there's two key factors I look for: mesh seating and a back that reclines independently of the seat.

For the former, I get overheated on leather or cloth. Being suspended on mesh helps regulate temperature during an 8 hour workday.

For the latter, I once had an office chair that the seat tilted when the back was reclined. It dug into my under-knees and made my feet go numb.

I picked up a mesh chair at Office Max 10+ years ago and have been using it for 8+ hours a day since then. Zero issues or back pain.

Years back I bought a used Herman Miller Aeron, it was way out of warranty but also way cheaper vs buying new. Totally worth it, I do like mesh chairs and the Aeron is one of the best in its class. Plus it has a ton of adjustable levers if that's your thing.

The only thing I screwed up was the sizing, those chairs come in different sizes and I probably should have gone for one size smaller but it's not a big deal. Sizing is something to keep in mind when chair shopping, they're not all one size fits all and you may want something specific to your height/weight for better support.

This guy has a ton of good videos about a bunch of chairs. He buys them, or is clear when he's been given a chair to review.

A used but clean herman miller aeron.

Lumbar support, height/back/armrest adjustment, headrest, right fit for your body. In other words, features that promote good posture, instead of slouching. Nowadays I find most ergonomic chairs have pretty much the same features, and what differentiates one from the other the most is quality. Aeron and Steelcase are basically BIFL chairs, whereas a cheap chair from Staples or Amazon may last you a year or two before things start falling off.

I went for a used chair from https://www.crandalloffice.com/

They completely replace the foam seat, so its really only the frame that was used. Significantly cheaper than buying new and safer than buying used from eBay/garage sale/etc.

Steelcase leap V2 is my suggestion, go sit in one whatever your choice get a bit of time in the chair make sure it's for you, is a investment and not a cheap purchase etc etc

I got a used Herman Miller Aereon that had the arms all fucked so I replaced them and it will last another 10+ years.

Just keep in mind that the scratchier the office chair, the more productive the worker... Up to a point, then you'll go mad.

Branch Ergonomic Chair. And of course Herman Miller Aeron.

chair store

The seller on amazon swapped out my chair, so it's not available anymore, but is perfect to me because:

• Mesh bottom (and back) doesn't wear out easily, get hot, or get smelly (yup, I said it)
• Adjustable bottom goes back and forth so you can align it to your knees
• Arm rests go up down and back and forth, which allow for better adjustments based on desk height
• Back tapers in so you dont look like a child sitting in a giant seat when on video calls
• Adjustable back height and lumbar support allow you to get the contour just right

Personally, I'd find an affordable chair with as many adjustments as possible, like the one described. Fit is soooo important.

Can I please suggest gaming chairs should be a key player here? SecretLabs makes amazing chairs and I sit on one everyday. One of my female employees isn't too enthused about her's but she's the outlier. I also fully support/love the Hag Capisco. Have it as well and it is very very comfortable albeit a little tall on its shortest setting.