Choosing between a high back and mid back office chair can feel overwhelming when you're scrolling through endless options online. You've likely narrowed it down to these two styles, but which ergonomic chair will actually solve your comfort problems and suit your work routine?
The short answer: it depends entirely on how you work and what's causing you discomfort. A high back chair offers comprehensive support for long, focused sessions, whilst a mid back chair provides flexibility for dynamic, collaborative work. Let's help you make the right choice without the marketing fluff.
Which Chair Do You Need? Find Out in 2 Minutes
Before diving into the technical details, let's get straight to the point with a simple decision framework.
The 3-Question Test
Question 1: How long do you sit each day?
- Under 4 hours → Mid back likely sufficient
- 4-8 hours → Either could work (check other factors)
- Over 8 hours → High back strongly recommended
Question 2: What's your primary work style?
- Static focus work (coding, writing, design) → High back
- Dynamic collaboration (meetings, calls, movement) → Mid back
- Gaming or entertainment → High back
Question 3: Do you have neck or shoulder pain?
- Yes → High back with headrest
- No, just lower back issues → Mid back can work
- No current pain → Base on work style above
If you answered "over 8 hours" AND "static work" AND have any upper body discomfort, go straight to high back chairs. If you're under 6 hours daily with collaborative work and no neck issues, mid back chairs will serve you well.
For everyone else, the next sections will help clarify your choice.
What Actually Makes These Chairs Different?
Understanding what sets these chair types apart goes beyond just backrest height—it's about completely different design philosophies.
High Back Chairs
High back chairs feature backrests extending 25-30 inches above the seat, reaching well above your shoulders. They're designed around "passive support"—essentially doing the work for your muscles.
The key benefit is continuous spinal support from your lower back right up to your neck and head. When you lean back for a phone call or to think through a problem, everything stays aligned. This makes them ideal for long, uninterrupted work sessions where you need to maintain focus without fighting fatigue.
Most high back chairs include headrests, which can be brilliant for reducing neck strain during reclined positions. However, they're also bulkier, more expensive, and can feel restrictive if you need to move about frequently.
Mid Back Chairs
Mid back chairs stop at or just below your shoulder blades, with backrests typically 15-20 inches high. They're built around "active sitting"—encouraging your core muscles to stay engaged whilst providing targeted lower back support.
The design prioritises movement and flexibility. You can easily twist to grab documents, turn for conversations, or shift positions throughout the day. This makes them perfect for collaborative environments and roles requiring frequent position changes.
They're also more compact, lighter, and generally more affordable. However, they offer no support for your neck and shoulders, which can be problematic during long, static work periods.
Price Reality Check
High back chairs typically cost 20-40% more than comparable mid back models within the same product range. This is due to additional materials, more complex mechanisms, and the inclusion of headrests. Budget accordingly—a quality mid back chair might cost £300-500, whilst a similar high back version could run £400-700.
Does Your Pain Tell You Which Chair to Choose?
Your current discomfort patterns are often the clearest indicator of which chair type you need.
Neck and Shoulder Problems?
If you frequently experience neck stiffness, shoulder tension, or headaches from desk work, a high back chair is virtually essential. The headrest allows your trapezius muscles to relax instead of constantly supporting your head's weight (roughly 5-6kg).
This is particularly crucial for work involving intense visual focus—programming, graphic design, or detailed analysis—where you naturally lean forward. The high backrest helps counteract this "tech neck" posture when you lean back.
Mid back chairs offer zero help for neck and shoulder issues. In fact, they might worsen existing problems during long sessions.
Lower Back Pain
For isolated lower back discomfort, both chair types can be effective—it's more about the quality of lumbar support than backrest height.
High back chairs distribute your weight across a larger surface area, reducing concentrated pressure on your lower spine. This comprehensive approach works well for extended sitting.
Mid back chairs focus their support precisely on the lumbar region. When well-designed with adjustable lumbar support, they can be highly effective at maintaining your spine's natural curve. The key is ensuring the support hits the right spot and isn't just a fixed bump.
Hip and Circulation Issues
If your primary concerns are hip discomfort or leg circulation, backrest height is less relevant than seat design. Look for proper seat depth (allowing 2-3 fingers' gap behind your knees), a "waterfall" front edge to reduce thigh pressure, and quality cushioning regardless of back height.
The Truth About Headrests
Headrests are often misunderstood. They're brilliant for reclined positions—phone calls, presentations, or brief rests. However, they shouldn't be used as constant support during active work, as this can weaken your neck muscles over time.
A poorly positioned headrest that pushes your head forward is worse than no headrest at all. Adjustability is crucial—it should align with your natural neck curve when needed and stay out of the way when not.
Match Your Work Style to Your Chair Choice
Your daily tasks and work environment should heavily influence your chair choice.
Long Focus Sessions
Programmers, writers, designers, and analysts benefit enormously from high back chairs. These roles involve long periods of intense concentration with minimal movement away from the screen.
The comprehensive support helps combat the fatigue that builds up during extended focus sessions. The ability to lean back with full support during brief mental breaks helps maintain productivity throughout the day.
For these roles, consider the chair an essential tool rather than office furniture. The productivity and health benefits typically justify the higher cost.
Dynamic, Collaborative Work
Managers, sales professionals, consultants, and team leaders need mobility more than comprehensive support. Mid back chairs facilitate the constant turning, reaching, and position changes these roles demand.
The smaller footprint also works better in collaborative spaces where you might need to move your chair frequently or work around others. The sleek profile fits well in modern open offices and meeting areas.
Gaming and Entertainment
Gaming involves long, often semi-reclined sessions requiring full-body support. Gaming chairs are almost universally high back designs for good reason—they provide the comfort needed for extended entertainment sessions.
The ability to recline whilst maintaining head and neck support is crucial for both gaming and media consumption. Mid back chairs simply can't provide this level of comfort for leisure activities.
Shared Spaces
Conference rooms, hot-desking areas, and shared workstations typically use mid back chairs. They accommodate a wider range of users for shorter durations and are easier to adjust quickly between users.
The lower cost also makes more sense when purchasing multiple chairs for shared use rather than individual, personalised workstations.
Which Chair Should You Actually Buy?
Now that you understand the key differences, here's how to make your final decision and what to look for.
Budget Under £400
The Sihoo Doro C300 at £239.99 (currently 33% off) offers exceptional value with comprehensive upper body support, adjustable headrest, and breathable full-mesh construction. Perfect for home offices and users experiencing neck strain.
Standard Budget £400-800
The Sihoo Doro S300 at £609.99 (24% off) competes with Herman Miller chairs at half the cost. Its "Anti-Gravity Mechanism" and dual lumbar support make it ideal for professionals doing 6+ hours of focused work daily.
Premium Budget £800+
The S300 delivers aerospace-grade materials and German Design Award-winning ergonomics without premium brand markup—perfect for heavy-duty professional use.
Quick Buying Checklist
Before purchasing, verify:
- Lumbar support fits your back curve properly
- Seat depth allows 2-3 fingers behind your knees
- Headrest supports neck without pushing head forward
- Armrests adjust to comfortable height without shoulder shrugging
FAQs
Should I choose a high back or mid back chair for programming?
High back chairs are better for programmers due to comprehensive neck and shoulder support during long coding sessions.
Are mid back chairs good for back pain?
Mid back chairs work well for lower back pain with proper lumbar support, but high back chairs are better for neck/shoulder issues.
Why are high back chairs more expensive?
High back chairs cost 20-40% more due to additional materials, headrests, and more complex mechanisms compared to mid back chairs.
