Buying Guide
The Best Office Chairs for Heavy People
Six office chairs rated from 400 to 700 lb.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
Heavy-duty office chairs raise the load limit without the racing-seat styling. These six are rated for 400 to 700 lb.
Capacity is the maker's figure.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best 700 lb Pick
Heavy Duty Office Chair with 5D Flip-Up Arms (700 lb)A 700 lb rating with 5D flip-up arms.
Best for: The heaviest users.
Check price for Heavy Duty Office Chair with 5D Flip-Up Arms (700 lb) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Mesh at 700 lb
Heavy Duty Mesh Office Chair (700 lb)A 700 lb mesh chair with 4D arms.
Best for: Warm rooms.
Check price for Heavy Duty Mesh Office Chair (700 lb) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Metal Arms
DUMOS Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair4D metal armrests at 500 lb.
Best for: Leaning on arms.
Check price for DUMOS Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Most Lumbar Settings
CAPOT Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair8-level lumbar and a 3-level tilt lock.
Best for: Fine adjustment.
Check price for CAPOT Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best 600 lb
Heavy Duty Big and Tall Chair with 5D Arms (600 lb)A 600 lb rating with 5D arms.
Best for: Heavy users.
Check price for Heavy Duty Big and Tall Chair with 5D Arms (600 lb) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Certified
Heavy Duty Office Chair with Flip-Up Arms (400 lb)SGS certification at 400 lb.
Best for: Checked builds.
Check price for Heavy Duty Office Chair with Flip-Up Arms (400 lb) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best 700 lb Pick1 of 6
Heavy Duty Office Chair with 5D Flip-Up Arms (700 lb)
This 700 lb chair has 5D armrests that flip up and an air lumbar support.
Best for
- The heaviest users.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the DUMOS mesh B&T cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has the highest capacity here along with one mesh model. Rubber caster wheels roll quietly on carpet, wood and tile, and it carries a one-year warranty. It matches the 700 lb mesh chair on weight capacity (700 lbs).
It shares 5D flip-up armrests with the 600 lb 5D chair; the DUMOS mesh B&T goes with 4D metal armrests. The 700 lb 5D chair's arms flip up, so it can roll closer under a desk with a low front edge. Check the 700 lb 5D chair's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating. Its price falls between the SGS 400 lb chair and the 600 lb 5D chair, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Weight capacity
- 700 lbs
- Armrests
- 5D flip-up
- Lumbar support
- Air
Pros
- 700 lb weight rating
- 5D flip-up armrests
- Air lumbar support
- A 700 lb rating with 5D flip-up arms
Cons
- Costs more than the DUMOS mesh B&T at the time of writing
Best Mesh at 700 lb2 of 6
Heavy Duty Mesh Office Chair (700 lb)
This 700 lb mesh chair has 4D armrests and rocks to 135 degrees.
Best for
- Warm rooms.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the DUMOS mesh B&T 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. It matches the 700 lb 5D chair on weight capacity (700 lbs).
4D armrests is unique to it among these picks, while the SGS 400 lb chair uses flip-up armrests. 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 SGS 400 lb chair, 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 DUMOS mesh B&T at the time of writing
Best Metal Arms3 of 6
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
- Leaning on arms.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when weight capacity of 500 lbs, behind the 700 lb 5D chair (700 lbs) is a problem.
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 fourth of 6 here, behind the 700 lb 5D chair (700 lbs) and ahead of the SGS 400 lb chair (400 lbs).
You get 4D metal armrests here, which sets it apart from the 600 lb 5D chair and its 5D flip-up armrests. Check the DUMOS mesh B&T's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating. It undercut the 700 lb mesh chair and every other pick on price 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
- Weight capacity of 500 lbs, behind the 700 lb 5D chair (700 lbs)
The catch
The main gap: weight capacity of 500 lbs, behind the 700 lb 5D chair (700 lbs). If that matters, the 700 lb 5D chair is rated for 700 lbs.
Most Lumbar Settings4 of 6
CAPOT Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair
CAPOT's mesh chair has 8-level lumbar adjustment, 4D flip-up armrests and a 3-level tilt lock.
Best for
- Fine adjustment.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the DUMOS mesh B&T cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has a 400 lb capacity. Its lumbar support adjusts across 2 inches in eight steps, and the arms flip up. It is sized for people from 5 ft 5 in to 6 ft 2 in.
On weight capacity it ties with the SGS 400 lb chair at 400 lbs. The CAPOT's arms flip up, so it can roll closer under a desk with a low front edge. Check the CAPOT's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating. At our last price check it topped the group, with the 600 lb 5D chair the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Weight capacity
- 400 lbs
- Armrests
- 4D flip-up
- Lumbar support
- 8-level adjustable
- Upholstery
- Mesh
Pros
- 400 lb weight rating
- 4D flip-up armrests
- Mesh upholstery
- 8-level lumbar adjustment
Cons
- Costs more than the DUMOS mesh B&T at the time of writing
Best 600 lb5 of 6
Heavy Duty Big and Tall Chair with 5D Arms (600 lb)
This 600 lb chair has 5D armrests that flip up.
Best for
- Heavy users.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the DUMOS mesh B&T was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is an office-style chair rather than a racing seat. Soft rubber casters protect floors without a mat, and inflatable lumbar support lets you set the firmness. Its 600 lbs weight capacity ranks third of 6 here, behind the 700 lb 5D chair (700 lbs) and ahead of the SGS 400 lb chair (400 lbs).
It shares 5D flip-up armrests with the 700 lb 5D chair; the DUMOS mesh B&T goes with 4D metal armrests. The 600 lb 5D chair's arms flip up, so it can roll closer under a desk with a low front edge. Check the 600 lb 5D chair's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating. Its price falls between the 700 lb 5D chair and the CAPOT, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Weight capacity
- 600 lbs
- Armrests
- 5D flip-up
Pros
- 600 lb weight rating
- 5D flip-up armrests
- A 600 lb rating with 5D arms
Cons
- Costs more than the DUMOS mesh B&T at the time of writing
Best Certified6 of 6
Heavy Duty Office Chair with Flip-Up Arms (400 lb)
This heavy-duty chair lists SGS certification and a 400 lb capacity.
Best for
- Checked builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if weight capacity matters most to you; the 700 lb 5D chair offers 700 lbs.
Why we like it
Its armrests flip up. It is rated for 400 pounds on a metal base with nylon casters. The 3.15-inch foam seat has a waterfall edge, and the arms flip up.
It matches the CAPOT on weight capacity (400 lbs). You get flip-up armrests here, which sets it apart from the 700 lb 5D chair and its 5D flip-up armrests. The SGS 400 lb chair's arms flip up, so it can roll closer under a desk with a low front edge.
Check the SGS 400 lb chair's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper 700 lb mesh chair and the pricier 700 lb 5D chair, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Weight capacity
- 400 lbs
- Armrests
- Flip-up
Pros
- 400 lb weight rating
- Flip-up armrests
- SGS certification
Cons
- Weight capacity trails the 700 lb 5D chair (700 lbs)
- Costs more than the DUMOS mesh B&T at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is weight capacity; for more, the 700 lb 5D chair is rated for 700 lbs.
How We Chose These Office Chairs for Heavy People
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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared six chairs on weight capacity, armrests, lumbar support and upholstery as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 4 fields compared are stated for every pick, while lumbar support and upholstery have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the 700 lb 5D chair to the SGS 400 lb chair, state weight capacity and armrests.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The 700 lb mesh chair, the DUMOS mesh B&T, the 600 lb 5D chair and the SGS 400 lb chair give no lumbar support; the 700 lb 5D chair, the 600 lb 5D chair and the SGS 400 lb chair give no upholstery.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the DUMOS mesh B&T ($50 to $100) to the CAPOT ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in an Office Chair for Heavy People
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Weight capacity across these picks
Across these 6 picks weight capacity spans 400 lbs (the SGS 400 lb chair) to 700 lbs (the 700 lb 5D chair). For less, the 700 lb mesh chair is the runner-up at 700 lbs ($100 to $150 tier).
Lumbar support
The 700 lb 5D chair lists air; the CAPOT lists 8-level adjustable. Settling lumbar support first narrows 2 picks to 1 or 1.
A desk setup with a monitor riser, ergonomic chair and blue backlight Fit and compatibility
The 700 lb 5D chair's arms flip up, so it can roll closer under a desk with a low front edge. Check the 700 lb mesh chair's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating.
Features beyond the spec table
The CAPOT: 4D armrests that flip up. The 600 lb 5D chair: 5D armrests that flip up. The SGS 400 lb chair: flip-up armrests.
A desk with a curved monitor, a glass-panel PC and a keyboard Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the DUMOS mesh B&T; $100 to $150 buys the 700 lb mesh chair and the SGS 400 lb chair; $150 to $250 buys the 700 lb 5D chair, the 600 lb 5D chair and the CAPOT at our last check.
How to Choose an Office Chair for Heavy People
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The heaviest users | 700 lb 5D chair | A 700 lb rating with 5D flip-up arms |
| Warm rooms | 700 lb mesh chair | A 700 lb mesh chair with 4D arms |
| Leaning on arms | DUMOS mesh B&T | 4D metal armrests at 500 lb |
| Fine adjustment | CAPOT | 8-level lumbar and a 3-level tilt lock |
| Heavy users | 600 lb 5D chair | A 600 lb rating with 5D arms |
| Checked builds | SGS 400 lb chair | SGS certification at 400 lb |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The 700 lb 5D chair leads on weight capacity at 700 lbs, ahead of the 700 lb mesh chair at 700 lbs. "Not listed" marks lumbar support where the 700 lb mesh chair, the DUMOS mesh B&T, the 600 lb 5D chair and the SGS 400 lb chair leave the figure out.
| Chair | Weight capacity | Armrests | Lumbar support | Upholstery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 700 lb 5D chair | 700 lbs | 5D flip-up | Air | Not listed |
| 700 lb mesh chair | 700 lbs | 4D | Not listed | Mesh |
| DUMOS mesh B&T | 500 lbs | 4D metal | Not listed | Mesh |
| CAPOT | 400 lbs | 4D flip-up | 8-level adjustable | Mesh |
| 600 lb 5D chair | 600 lbs | 5D flip-up | Not listed | Not listed |
| SGS 400 lb chair | 400 lbs | Flip-up | Not listed | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the DUMOS mesh B&T, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the CAPOT at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Chairs |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | DUMOS mesh B&T |
| About $100 to $150 | 700 lb mesh chair, SGS 400 lb chair |
| About $150 to $250 | 700 lb 5D chair, 600 lb 5D chair, CAPOT |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CAPOT worth paying more than the DUMOS mesh B&T?
The CAPOT matches or trails the DUMOS mesh B&T on weight capacity, so pay more only for a feature the spec sheet doesn't cover. The DUMOS mesh B&T leads on weight capacity (500 lbs). The DUMOS mesh B&T sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the CAPOT in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them.
What makes the DUMOS mesh B&T the Best Metal Arms?
It earns the label for 4D metal armrests at 500 lb. It suits leaning on arms.
Do the 700 lb 5D chair and the 700 lb mesh chair differ on armrests?
The 700 lb 5D chair and the 600 lb 5D chair use 5D flip-up; the 700 lb mesh chair uses 4D; the DUMOS mesh B&T uses 4D metal; the CAPOT uses 4D flip-up; the SGS 400 lb chair uses flip-up.
What should I check before buying the 700 lb mesh chair?
Check the 700 lb mesh chair's seat width against your hips as well as its weight rating. In this guide it ranks second of 6, as our Best Mesh at 700 lb pick, and second of 6 on weight capacity (700 lbs).
Beyond the specs, what sets the 700 lb 5D chair and the 700 lb mesh chair apart?
The 700 lb 5D chair: a 700 lb weight capacity. The 700 lb mesh chair: a 700 lb weight capacity. The DUMOS mesh B&T: a 500 lb weight capacity.
Bottom Line
The 700 lb 5D-arm chair is the pick for the top rating with flip-up arms and air lumbar. The 700 lb mesh chair adds a breathable back, and CAPOT has the most adjustable lumbar.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Big and Tall Gaming Chairs
- Related guideThe Best Ergonomic Office Chairs With a Footrest
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Chairs
- Lower budgetThe Best Office Chair Under $100
- Higher budgetThe Best Premium Ergonomic Office 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 Ergonomic Monitor Stand
- Similar guideThe Best Home Office Chair
- 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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