Buying Guide
The Best Mesh Chairs
Five chairs compared, from the Nexthro to the CYKOV, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Mesh keeps your back cool on long days. Every pick is mesh, ordered by weight capacity.
Our comparison rests on published figures for weight capacity, max recline and armrests; where a maker leaves out max recline, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Highest Weight Capacity
Heavy Duty Mesh Office Chair (700 lb)The highest weight capacity here (700 lbs).
Best for: Buyers who put weight capacity first.
Check price for Heavy Duty Mesh Office Chair (700 lb) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
DUMOS Big and Tall Mesh Office ChairA 500 lb weight capacity.
Best for: Buyers who want 500 lb weight capacity.
Check price for DUMOS Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Nexthro Big and Tall Mesh Office ChairThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $100.
Check price for Nexthro Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Deepest Recline Angle
Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair with Footrest (365 lb)The deepest recline angle here (145°).
Best for: Buyers who put recline angle first.
Check price for Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair with Footrest (365 lb) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
CYKOV Ergonomic Mesh Chair with FootrestThe top of this price range, adding a 350 lb weight capacity.
Best for: Spending more than the 365 lb mesh recliner costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for CYKOV Ergonomic Mesh Chair with Footrest on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Highest Weight Capacity1 of 5
Heavy Duty Mesh Office Chair (700 lb)
This 700 lb mesh chair has 4D armrests and rocks to 135 degrees.
Best for
- Buyers who put weight capacity first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Nexthro cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It pairs the top weight capacity with a breathable back. Its oversized W-shaped seat is rated for 700 lbs, with a mesh back for airflow. It is built for big and tall users.
The high-density foam has 28 spring pockets, and the S-shaped backrest has adjustable lumbar support. The maker describes the W-shaped seat cushion as 5.1 inches thicker, and the base is silver-plated with an SGS-certified gas cylinder. Its 700 lbs weight capacity is the highest here; the DUMOS mesh B&T comes next at 500 lbs.
It matches the CYKOV on recline angle (135°). Check the 700 lb mesh chair's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating. Its price falls between the DUMOS mesh B&T and the 365 lb mesh recliner, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Weight capacity
- 700 lbs
- Max recline
- 135°
- Armrests
- 4D
- Upholstery
- Mesh
Pros
- 700 lb weight rating
- 4D armrests
- Mesh upholstery
- Mesh back that rocks to 135 degrees
Cons
- Costs more than the Nexthro at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
DUMOS Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair
DUMOS's big and tall mesh chair offers a 500 lb capacity with 4D metal armrests.
Best for
- Buyers who want 500 lb weight capacity.
Skip if
- Its recline angle is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
The mesh back breathes better than leather. The seat cushion is 4.33 inches thick and wider than standard, aimed at taller and heavier users. Adjustable lumbar support moves back and forth, and the mesh back keeps air moving.
Its 4D metal armrests adjust in four directions, and the gas lift is class 3. The mesh back and thick sponge seat suit long days. Its 500 lbs weight capacity ranks second of 5 here, behind the 700 lb mesh chair (700 lbs) and ahead of the CYKOV (350 lbs).
Check the DUMOS mesh B&T's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Nexthro and the pricier 700 lb mesh chair, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Weight capacity
- 500 lbs
- Armrests
- 4D metal
- Upholstery
- Mesh
Pros
- 500 lb weight rating
- 4D metal armrests
- Mesh upholstery
- Mesh back
Cons
- No published recline angle
- Costs more than the Nexthro at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its recline angle; if that figure matters, the 365 lb mesh recliner reclines to 145°.
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
Nexthro Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair
What the Nexthro brings to the table is adjustable lumbar support, plus a stated fit for users from 5'4" to 6'3".
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $100.
Skip if
- The maker gives no recline angle, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 400 lbs. Its lumbar pad moves 1 inch forward and back and just over 3 inches up and down, and the seat cushion is 3.2 inches thick. The mesh back keeps it cooler than a leatherette chair.
The seat is 20.9 inches wide by 20.7 inches deep, and assembly takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Its 400 lbs weight capacity ranks third of 5 here, behind the 700 lb mesh chair (700 lbs) and ahead of the CYKOV (350 lbs). Check the Nexthro's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the DUMOS mesh B&T was the next step up.
Key specs
- Weight capacity
- 400 lbs
- Lumbar support
- Adjustable
- Upholstery
- Mesh
Pros
- 400 lb weight rating
- Mesh upholstery
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Stated fit for users from 5'4" to 6'3"
Cons
- No published recline angle
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed recline angle should compare it with the 365 lb mesh recliner, which reclines to 145°.
Deepest Recline Angle4 of 5
Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair with Footrest (365 lb)
This mesh recliner offers a 365 lb capacity and reclines from 90 to 145 degrees.
Best for
- Buyers who put recline angle first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Nexthro, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its headrest tilts 45 degrees and a footrest is included. Linkage armrests change angle and height as you recline, and the high-density foam seat keeps its shape. Dual-wheel casters glide quietly on hard floors and carpet.
It supports 365 lbs on an SGS and BIFMA certified class 4 gas lift, and the lumbar crossbar and headrest adjust. Its lumbar crossbar adjusts in depth by about 2cm, and the headrest moves to several angles. The backrest uses racing mesh over a reinforced heavy-duty nylon base, and the retractable footrest is padded.
On weight capacity it sits mid-pack at 365 lbs: the 700 lb mesh chair is rated for 700 lbs, and the CYKOV comes in at 350 lbs. Its 145° recline angle is the deepest here; the 700 lb mesh chair comes next at 135°.
Key specs
- Weight capacity
- 365 lbs
- Max recline
- 145°
- Footrest
- Yes
- Upholstery
- Mesh
Pros
- Mesh upholstery
- Headrest that tilts 45 degrees
- 90 to 145 degree recline
- 365 lb weight capacity
Cons
- Costs more than the Nexthro at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
CYKOV Ergonomic Mesh Chair with Footrest
CYKOV's mesh chair offers a 350 lb capacity and a footrest.
Best for
- Spending more than the 365 lb mesh recliner costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Skip it if weight capacity matters most to you; the 700 lb mesh chair offers 700 lbs.
Why we like it
It reclines to 135 degrees. Its nylon base supports 350 lbs, a clothes hanger sits on the back, and the mesh back stays cool. It carries a five-year warranty.
The mesh back keeps air moving, unlike leather chairs that trap heat. A 4-way headrest with 60-degree swivel and a 2-way lumbar support fit users from 5'1" to 6'2". Its 350 lbs weight capacity is the lowest in this group; the 700 lb mesh chair leads at 700 lbs.
It matches the 700 lb mesh chair on recline angle (135°). It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the 365 lb mesh recliner and the rest.
Key specs
- Weight capacity
- 350 lbs
- Max recline
- 135°
- Footrest
- Yes
- Upholstery
- Mesh
Pros
- Mesh upholstery
- 350 lb weight capacity
- Footrest
- 135 degree recline
Cons
- Weight capacity trails the 700 lb mesh chair (700 lbs)
- Recline angle trails the 365 lb mesh recliner (145°)
- Costs more than the Nexthro at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is weight capacity; for more, the 700 lb mesh chair is rated for 700 lbs.
How We Chose These Mesh Chairs
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five chairs on weight capacity, recline angle, armrests and footrest, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out recline angle.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the 700 lb mesh chair to the CYKOV, state weight capacity and upholstery and share Mesh upholstery.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The DUMOS mesh B&T and the Nexthro give no recline angle; the Nexthro, the 365 lb mesh recliner and the CYKOV give no armrests.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Nexthro ($50 to $100) to the CYKOV ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Mesh Chair
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Weight capacity across these picks
Across these 5 picks weight capacity spans 350 lbs (the CYKOV) to 700 lbs (the 700 lb mesh chair). For less, the DUMOS mesh B&T is the runner-up at 500 lbs ($50 to $100 tier).
Recline angle
Here recline angle runs from 135° on the CYKOV to 145° on the 365 lb mesh recliner, a 7% spread. If recline angle is your first filter, the 365 lb mesh recliner sets the ceiling at 145°. The DUMOS mesh B&T and the Nexthro give no recline angle figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
A white desk with an ultrawide monitor, a PC and plants Footrest
The 365 lb mesh recliner and the CYKOV have it. Settling footrest first narrows 2 picks to 2.
Fit and compatibility
Check the 700 lb mesh chair's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating.
A wooden desk with a monitor on an arm, a desk mat and a compact keyboard Features beyond the spec table
The Nexthro: a stated fit for users from 5'4" to 6'3". The 365 lb mesh recliner: a 90 to 145 degree recline. The CYKOV: a footrest.
How to Choose a Mesh Chair
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put weight capacity first | 700 lb mesh chair | The highest weight capacity here (700 lbs) |
| Buyers who want 500 lb weight capacity | DUMOS mesh B&T | A 500 lb weight capacity |
| Keeping the cost under $100 | Nexthro | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who put recline angle first | 365 lb mesh recliner | The deepest recline angle here (145°) |
| Spending more than the 365 lb mesh recliner costs for the fullest feature set in this group | CYKOV | The top of this price range, adding a 350 lb weight capacity |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The 700 lb mesh chair leads on weight capacity at 700 lbs, ahead of the DUMOS mesh B&T at 500 lbs. "Not listed" marks recline angle where the DUMOS mesh B&T and the Nexthro leave the figure out.
| Chair | Weight capacity | Max recline | Armrests | Footrest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 700 lb mesh chair | 700 lbs | 135° | 4D | Not listed |
| DUMOS mesh B&T | 500 lbs | Not listed | 4D metal | Not listed |
| Nexthro | 400 lbs | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| 365 lb mesh recliner | 365 lbs | 145° | Not listed | Yes |
| CYKOV | 350 lbs | 135° | Not listed | Yes |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Nexthro, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the CYKOV at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Chairs |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Nexthro, DUMOS mesh B&T |
| About $100 to $150 | 700 lb mesh chair, 365 lb mesh recliner |
| About $150 to $250 | CYKOV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest weight capacity: the 700 lb mesh chair or the DUMOS mesh B&T?
The 700 lb mesh chair tops weight capacity at 700 lbs; the DUMOS mesh B&T follows at 500 lbs, 40% apart. The CYKOV is at the other end of this group with 350 lbs.
How does the 700 lb mesh chair compare with the 365 lb mesh recliner on recline angle?
Between the top two, it is 145° on the 365 lb mesh recliner against 135° on the 700 lb mesh chair, a 7% difference. No recline angle figure is published for the DUMOS mesh B&T and the Nexthro, which leaves 3 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the CYKOV worth paying more than the Nexthro?
The CYKOV matches or trails the Nexthro on weight capacity, so pay more only for a feature the spec sheet doesn't cover. The Nexthro leads on weight capacity (400 lbs). The Nexthro sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the CYKOV in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them.
What makes the 700 lb mesh chair the Highest Weight Capacity?
It earns the label for the highest weight capacity here (700 lbs). The DUMOS mesh B&T is next on weight capacity at 500 lbs, so this pick's 700 lbs is 40% further out. The Nexthro, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts weight capacity first.
Do the 700 lb mesh chair and the DUMOS mesh B&T differ on armrests?
The 700 lb mesh chair uses 4D; the DUMOS mesh B&T uses 4D metal. The makers of the Nexthro, the 365 lb mesh recliner and the CYKOV don't state armrests, so 2 of 5 picks are covered here.
What should I check before buying the DUMOS mesh B&T?
Check the DUMOS mesh B&T's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating. In this guide it ranks second of 5, and second of 5 on weight capacity (500 lbs).
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the 700 lb mesh chair, chosen for the highest weight capacity here (700 lbs). Look at the DUMOS mesh B&T for a 500 lb weight capacity, the Nexthro for the lowest price of the group at our last check and the 365 lb mesh recliner for the deepest recline angle here (145°) if those matter more to you.
Mesh seats can sag; a foam seat option lasts longer.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Office Chairs with Adjustable Lower-Back Support
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Chairs
- Related guideThe Best Ergonomic Chairs for Gaming
- Lower budgetThe Best Desk Chairs Under $70
- Higher budgetThe Best Premium Gaming Chairs
- ExplainerHow to size an office chair to your height and your desk
- ExplainerHow to choose a monitor arm: VESA pattern, weight range and desk clamps
- Also see: monitor arms and accessoriesThe Best Monitor Mount for Desk
- Similar guideThe Best Mesh Task Chairs
- Topic hubAll chairs, desks and desk setup guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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