In partnership with Branch.
November 5, 2026

I Didn’t Think a $499 Office Chair Could Compete With Herman Miller. Here Are 5 Ways I Was Wrong

Shop the Ergonomic Chair Pro
In partnership with Branch.
November 5, 2026

I Didn’t Think a $499 Office Chair Could Compete With Herman Miller. Here Are 5 Ways I Was Wrong

Shop the Ergonomic Chair Pro

I have been working from home for over half a decade by now, which sounds surprising, even as I’m typing it. Even more surprising is how long I lived with back pain and neck discomfort without realizing just how uncomfortable it was.

I worked from my dining room chairs for years because I figured any office chair that would actually make a difference – Herman Miller, Haworth, Steelcase, the big guys – would cost me upwards of $2,000. And then I learned I was oh so wrong. Branch’s Ergonomic Chair Pro is a fraction of the cost ($499) and has improved my workday more than I ever realized was possible. Here’s where it shines…

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My Back Has Never Been Happier

‍After years of sitting in dining chairs, I honestly thought I just had a middle-aged back. Turns out, having proper support for 8 hours a day can make a huge difference. The Ergonomic Chair Pro has cushioned lumbar support that adjusts in two directions, so I can position it exactly where my lower back needs it. After months of using it, I not only feel supported throughout the day, but also notice a huge difference when I’m at the gym, walking around, or even lying in bed.

It’s Customizable in So Many Ways

‍I knew fancy office chairs were adjustable, but I assumed that meant moving the seat up and down. Branch has 14 points of adjustment, including seat depth, recline, lumbar support, and five-way adjustable armrests. In other words, it's actually designed to fit me. No wonder it’s so much more comfortable…

I Can Actually Sit Comfortably for 8+ Hours

Realizing that I spend more time in this chair than on any other piece of furniture I own was pretty humbling. Having a comfy chair, I’m learning, really is just as important as having a comfy bed. The Ergonomic Chair Pro has a supportive, high-density foam seat cushion and breathable upholstery designed for long workdays, making it comfortable without feeling like I'm sinking into a sofa, and supportive without feeling stiff.

It Looks (and Feels) Like a Designer Chair

At this point you may have picked up on the fact that I’m pretty stubborn when it comes to design. If it doesn’t fit my space aesthetically, I’m not buying it. Branch understands that office furniture can be functional and attractive. The Ergonomic Chair Pro has a sleek silhouette, thoughtfully chosen materials (mesh, boucle, leather, and vegan leather), 10+ color options that actually complement a home. People constantly ask me if it’s a Herman Miller chair because they figure that’s the only office chair I’d buy. Little do they know…

The Price Difference Is Pretty Ridiculous

Here's what really gets me: Herman Miller's Aeron and Embody chairs can cost well over $2,200, while Branch's Ergonomic Chair Pro is $499. That's a difference of more than $1,500, and Branch still delivers the lumbar support, adjustability, and all-day comfort I was looking for. It also comes with a seven-year warranty, which makes the investment feel even more sensible. As a design snob who lives for the thrill of an affordable, well-made buy, Branch really earns top marks.

Turns out, great design doesn't have to come with a four-figure price tag.
Shop the Ergonomic Chair Pro

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