Buying Guide
The Best Office Chairs for Heavy People
Six office chairs rated from 400 to 700 lb.
By The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
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.
Our take Check price for Heavy Duty Office Chair with 5D Flip-Up Arms (700 lb) (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.
Our take Check price for Heavy Duty Mesh Office Chair (700 lb) (opens in a new tab)
Best Metal Arms
DUMOS Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair
4D metal armrests at 500 lb.
Best for: Leaning on arms.
Our take Check price for DUMOS Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair (opens in a new tab)
Most Lumbar Settings
CAPOT Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair
8-level lumbar and a 3-level tilt lock.
Best for: Fine adjustment.
Our take Check price for CAPOT Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair (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.
Our take Check price for Heavy Duty Big and Tall Chair with 5D Arms (600 lb) (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.
Our take Check price for Heavy Duty Office Chair with Flip-Up Arms (400 lb) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best 700 lb Pick1 of 6
Heavy Duty Office Chair with 5D Flip-Up Arms (700 lb) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
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.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the DUMOS mesh B&T at the time of writing. Its price falls between the DUMOS mesh B&T and the SGS 400 lb chair, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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)
Most Lumbar Settings4 of 6
CAPOT Big and Tall Mesh Office Chair on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 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. The trade-off is weight capacity; for more, the 700 lb 5D chair is rated for 700 lbs.
Key dimensions & 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
How We Chose These Office Chairs for Heavy People
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Adjustment
- We noted recline angle, armrest type and seat-height range where listed.
- Upholstery
- We noted PU leather, fabric or mesh from the product description.
- Lumbar and footrest
- We checked whether lumbar support is built in or a pillow, and whether a footrest is included.
- Weight capacity
- We recorded the load limit stated in each listing and left it blank where none is given.
What to Look for in an Office Chair for Heavy People
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the weight rating with margin
A chair's rated capacity covers the base, gas lift and frame. Pick one rated well above your weight, since the rating is a limit, not a comfort target.
Armrest adjustment decides desk fit
Fixed or linkage arms move together with the backrest. 3D and 4D arms move up, down, in and out; flip-up arms let the chair tuck under a desk.
Know what kind of lumbar support you get
Most budget gaming chairs use a strap-on pillow. Built-in or adjustable lumbar sits in the backrest and does not slide around.
Upholstery changes heat and wear
PU leather wipes clean but traps heat. Fabric and mesh breathe better. Check the product page rather than the photos.
Recline and footrests need space
A 155 to 165 degree recline and a pull-out footrest are for breaks. Both need floor space behind and in front of the chair.
Check seat height against your desk
Your feet should rest flat with thighs level. Compare the seat-height range with your desk height and your leg length before buying.
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
Figures as each maker states them.
| 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
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| 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 a gaming chair better than an office chair?
Not by default. Gaming chairs add recline and bucket-seat styling; office chairs often have more seat and lumbar adjustment. Choose by the adjustments you will use.
Are lumbar pillows adjustable?
Strap-on pillows slide up and down on a strap. They are simple but can shift; built-in lumbar stays put.
What does the weight capacity mean?
It is the maker's load limit for the chair. Staying well under it puts less stress on the gas cylinder and base.
How hard is assembly?
Most chairs arrive with the base, cylinder, seat and backrest separate and bolt together with the included tools. A second person helps with the backrest.
Is a footrest worth having?
It helps if you recline to watch or rest. At a desk it stays tucked away, so skip it if floor space is tight.
Can a child use an adult gaming chair?
Only if the seat lowers far enough for their feet to rest flat. Chairs listed for kids state a smaller seat or an age range.
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.