10 Best ergonomic chair Australia under $500 — 2025 Buyer’s Guide
Looking for the Best ergonomic chair Australia under $500 in 2025? You’re in the right place. This guide reviews ten excellent ergonomic chairs you can buy in Australia for under AUD 500 (or often on sale below that threshold). I cover who each chair suits, key specs, pros & cons, a comparison table, FAQs and a spotlight on two popular Desk One models included by the user: the Desk One Apex Ergo and Desk One Ergo Vortex.
Why choose the Best ergonomic chair Australia under $500?
Not every ergonomic chair has to be a premium $1,000+ model to deliver good support. The Best ergonomic chair Australia under $500 category prioritises value: smart lumbar support, adjustable height/tilt, breathable materials, and reasonable warranty — all at a price that fits most home offices and small businesses.
In this guide I include widely available, proven models sold in Australia (IKEA, SIHOO, Buro, ProtoArc, Artiss and DirectOffice/Onyx among others) so you can compare real options and pick the best ergonomic chair Australia under $500 for your needs. Sources used for availability and price examples are shown in References below. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Top 10 — Best ergonomic chair Australia under $500 (2025)
Below are 10 ergonomic chairs that consistently appear in Australian retailer lists and buyer guides for 2025. Each entry includes a short verdict, key features, and who it’s best for.
1. Desk One Apex Ergo — Mesh Series (Apex Ergo)
Price: AUD 455.20 (listed)
Why it’s here: The Desk One Apex Ergo is a feature-rich mesh chair that pushes the limits of what an under-$500 chair can offer — adjustable mesh back, seat depth, 3D armrests, U-shaped headrest, optional retractable footrest on the Apex Ergo+ variant, and a polished aluminium base rated to 150 kg.
Key features (selected)
- Height-adjustable mesh backrest; full back/lumbar height adjustable.
- Seat depth adjustment and 3D armrests (height/depth/lateral).
- U-shaped adjustable headrest; reclining tilt lock (103°–130°).
- Breathable high-tension mesh; optional retractable footrest on Apex Ergo+.
Pros: High adjustability, robust base, premium feature-set for price.
Cons: Assembly required; premium finish pushes close to budget limit.
2. Desk One Ergo Vortex
Price: AUD 263.20 (listed)
Why it’s here: A great budget-to-mid option from Desk One with 4D headrest and armrests, adjustable lumbar support, and breathable elastic mesh — a practical pick for daily home-office use.
Pros: Strong value, comprehensive adjustments for the price.
Cons: Materials are serviceable rather than premium; polish and finish are mid-range.
3. SIHOO M57 — Mesh Ergonomic Chair
Verdict: The SIHOO M57 is one of Australia’s best-selling budget ergonomic chairs in 2025; it consistently appears in retailer lists and tests as a top value pick. Retail examples show the SIHOO M57 commonly priced between AUD 339–399 in Australia (retailers such as Harvey Norman, Bunnings and SIHOO AU listings).
Key features
- 3D armrests, adjustable headrest, lumbar support, recline function and mesh back.
- Built-in footrest in some configurations.
4. IKEA MARKUS
Verdict: IKEA MARKUS is a reliable high-back office chair with simple ergonomic features and a long warranty; frequently recommended for dependable value. It’s often cited in Australian buyer discussions as one of the best chairs under AUD 500.
Key features
- High back with built-in head support, tilt tension, robust construction and 10-year guarantee.
- Simple, durable, excellent for long sessions where adjustability isn’t critical.
5. Buro Metro II (on sale / mid-range retail prices)
Verdict: Buro’s Metro II is a well-reviewed mesh task chair; while full RRP can be above $500 in some configurations, it regularly appears in Australian sales and can be found under $500—especially during promotions — making it a contender for the Best ergonomic chair Australia under $500 on sale.
6. Trym Office Chair (DirectOffice / Trym)
Verdict: A purpose-built operator chair with multi-lock mechanism and adjustable lumbar support — priced around AUD 300 in many Australian suppliers, giving good commercial-grade features at a home-office price.
7. ProtoArc EC100
Verdict: ProtoArc’s EC100 delivers adaptive lumbar support, adjustable headrest and mesh performance at a very accessible price (often listed under AUD 200–250), making it one of the budget champions for ergonomics in 2025 Australia.
8. Onyx Mesh Office Chair (DirectOffice / Onyx)
Verdict: Onyx/DirectOffice models are commonly stocked by fitout suppliers and show strong value — mesh back, PU arm pads and 3-position mechanisms — usually priced in the AUD 220–330 range. This makes it a practical pick for the Best ergonomic chair Australia under $500 list.
9. Artiss Eamon / Artiss Mesh Series
Verdict: Artiss offers multiple ergonomic and gaming-style chairs that are widely distributed via Australian marketplaces (Kogan, Amazon AU, retailers) and often sell under AUD 300. They are value-driven options for casual to moderate daily use.
10. DirectOffice / Onyx & Other Fitout Chairs (e.g., Onyx variants)
Verdict: DirectOffice and local fitout suppliers stock a range of ergonomic task chairs (e.g., Onyx, Trym variations) that are budget-friendly and tuned for long hours, making them solid picks for businesses buying in bulk or home workers seeking commercial-grade features under AUD 500.
Comparison summary table
| Chair | Approx. price (AU$) | Best for | Top adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desk One Apex Ergo | ~455 | Feature-rich mesh ergonomics | 3D arms, seat depth, headrest |
| Desk One Ergo Vortex | ~263 | Value adjustable ergonomics | 4D headrest & armrests, lumbar |
| SIHOO M57 | ~339 | Adjustability on a budget | 3D arms, lumbar, headrest |
| IKEA MARKUS | ~249 | Durable high-back simplicity | Tilt tension & height |
| Buro Metro II | sale ~453 | Commercial-grade task chair | Seat slide, ratchet lumbar |
| Trym | ~303 | Operator chair for long use | Multi-lock mechanism |
| ProtoArc EC100 | ~189 | Budget ergonomic winner | Adaptive lumbar, headrest |
| Onyx Mesh | ~250–320 | Great value fitout chair | Armrest, lumbar, tilt |
| Artiss Eamon | ~120–270 | Casual/gaming & office mix | Height, tilt, basic lumbar |
| DirectOffice / Fitout Chairs | ~220–350 | Bulk & commercial buyers | Varies by model |
How to choose the Best ergonomic chair Australia under $500
1. Prioritise adjustability
Look for seat height, tilt lock, and at minimum lumbar support. 3D/4D armrests and seat depth are bonuses if you spend long hours seated.
2. Test for materials & breathability
Mesh backs are cooler; padded seats are softer. If you sweat easily, prioritise breathable mesh with a supportive seat pan.
3. Weight capacity & build quality
Check rating (e.g., 120–150 kg) and base width. Metal/aluminium bases are more durable than cheaper nylon bases.
4. Warranty & returns
Good warranty and easy returns make a mid-range chair feel like less of a risk; IKEA’s 10-year warranty or ProtoArc’s 2-year policy are examples. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
5. Real-world reviews
Read Australian retailer reviews and community feedback (Reddit threads and local review sites are useful). Many buyers find SIHOO and ProtoArc to be strong performers at these price points. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Frequently asked questions
Q — Are sub-$500 chairs worth it?
A — Yes. The Best ergonomic chair Australia under $500 can provide reliable lumbar support, good adjustability and comfort for most users. You won’t get every premium feature, but the value leaders (SIHOO, Desk One, ProtoArc, Onyx) deliver excellent ergonomics for the price.
Q — Should I buy a mesh or padded chair?
A — Mesh is cooler and often better for long sitting; padded seats feel softer. Choose based on climate and personal comfort.
Q — Where can I try these chairs in Australia?
A — Large retailers (IKEA, Harvey Norman), specialist office suppliers (DirectOffice, Buro dealers), and some local fitout stores allow in-person trials. Online marketplaces offer returns but check shipping/assembly policies.
Q — Are Desk One Apex Ergo and Ergo Vortex good picks?
A — The Desk One Apex Ergo offers a rich feature set for near the $500 mark, while the Ergo Vortex is a high-value mid-range option. Both are strong candidates when looking for the Best ergonomic chair Australia under $500.