Amazon Basics Office Chair Review: Budget Comfort Verdict
Digging into hundreds of verified reviews, the Amazon Basics Office Computer Task Desk Chair with Padded Armrests, Mid-Back, Adjustable, Swivel, Rolling, Black Faux Leather scores an overall 7.9/10 in user sentiment. It’s praised for affordable comfort and easy assembly but repeatedly called out for questionable long-term durability and modest ergonomics, especially for taller or heavier users who spend extended hours seated.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy — Best for budget-conscious home office setups under moderate daily use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable for under $100 | Padding compresses quickly |
| Easy assembly with clear instructions | Faux leather prone to peeling within a year |
| Smooth swivel and mobility | Smaller dimensions unsuitable for >6 ft or >250 lbs |
| Attractive professional look | Limited lumbar support |
| BIFMA certified stability | Armrests fixed and can feel restrictive |
| Suitable for short tasks (30–45 min sessions) | Wheels struggle on some surfaces |
Claims vs Reality
One of the core marketing claims is "adjustable seat height and tilt control" paired with a "comfortable padded seat and armrests in durable faux leather." While these features exist, multiple platforms show how their experience deviates from expectations. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “The padding is very thin, and makes my butt hurt a lot after a few hours… actually a downgrade despite looking nice.” This shows that while the chair has adjustments, the comfort foundation doesn’t hold well under prolonged sessions.
Another advertised benefit is a “sturdy 5-point base” and “supports up to 275 pounds.” While technically accurate, some Reddit users report early sagging and gas lift issues. One commenter shared: “I’m only 210 lbs and on occasion the chair will drop slightly before stopping,” suggesting the lift system can fatigue under regular strain even well below its max rating.
The “durable polyurethane bonded leather” claim gets the most skepticism. Amazon buyers and Trustpilot reviews detail peeling after just months of use. As one Amazon India customer explained: “After just a few months of use, the synthetic leather began to peel off… flakes spread throughout my home.” This corrosion of appearance significantly undercuts the “durable” marketing descriptor.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Amazon, and Trustpilot, ease of assembly is the most consistent highlight. “Assembly was a breeze. All parts were clearly labeled… couldn’t have made it more clear and easy,” said a Trustpilot reviewer. This benefits first-time home office decorators who dread complex builds. For younger users, one parent noted: “Bought this chair for my son and he is very happy with it.”
Budget appeal is another universal. The design offers a professional look that feels “closer to the $100 mark” according to one Reddit user, making it appealing for occasional-use spaces or guest workstations. Mobility and swivel functionality also get strong approval. A reviewer on Twitter/X said, “The swivel mechanism works smoothly… allows me to easily move around and access different areas of my workspace.”
Common Complaints
Durability concerns dominate negatives. Long-term users often report seat cushion flattening in weeks to months. An Amazon buyer recounted: “Seat cushion went flat in two weeks of use.” Peeling faux leather surfaces are common after months of daily use, especially in warmer climates. This disproportionately affects full-time remote workers or gaming setups where continuous sitting occurs.
Ergonomic limits are repeatedly mentioned. Taller individuals find the mid-back design inadequate. A verified buyer noted: “If you’re over 6 feet tall or 250 pounds… this is not the chair for you.” Fixed armrests are problematic for users trying to fit under lower desks, with complaints about them “digging into thighs” or restricting movement.
Wheel performance also varies. On tiled or carpet surfaces pushing is less fluid, with one Reddit user saying, “Wheels aren’t the best even on a tiled surface… would have spent more if mobility mattered.”
Divisive Features
Tilt control splits opinions. Some praise it: “Rotate the knob below clockwise… tilts back comfortably,” from an Amazon India pro-review. Others find the tilt barely functional or ergonomically awkward. Lumbar support is another contention point—absent for some but good enough for others using the chair under 1-2 hour intervals. An Amazon US reviewer advised: “You absolutely need a lumbar pillow though.”
Trust & Reliability
From Trustpilot and Reddit, trust concerns center on durability rather than sales ethics. There’s no scam pattern, but predictable wear shapes post-sale satisfaction. Many anecdotal “6 months later” updates confirm functional decline: flattening pads, wobbling backrests, and non-responsive height adjustment cylinders.
One Reddit user admitted their older version was “pretty decent for… 9-12 months. A year later, I’m essentially sitting on metal.” This affects reliability ratings, especially for buyers expecting multi-year service life from occasional-use chairs.
Alternatives
The IKEA Markus and Staples Hyken are repeatedly recommended in Reddit threads for longer sitting comfort and durability, though at higher cost (~$100–$300). Mesh-based Amazon Basics chairs are noted by some as lighter, more breathable alternatives if faux leather peeling is a concern.
Price & Value
The current online price hovers around $80–$90, with occasional deals below $70. Resale value drops sharply due to visible wear risks; peeling and flattened padding severely cut second-hand pricing. Auction data shows resale as low as $12.50 for used units. Community buying tip: “Get an Amazon Warehouse ‘very good’ one… will save another $10 for basically open box,” per Reddit advice.
FAQ
Q: Is the Amazon Basics Office Computer Task Chair good for all-day use?
A: Most users say no—best for sessions under an hour. Longer periods lead to discomfort from thin padding and minimal lumbar support.
Q: How difficult is assembly?
A: Extremely straightforward. Parts are well labeled, and reviewers across platforms often assembled within 15–30 minutes.
Q: Does the faux leather hold up over time?
A: Under daily use, peeling often begins within months. Users in warm climates report faster wear.
Q: Can tall people use this chair comfortably?
A: Feedback suggests it’s unsuitable for those over 6 feet, as the mid-back design offers limited upper back/neck support.
Q: Are the armrests adjustable?
A: No, they are fixed-height and can feel restrictive depending on desk clearance.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a budget-conscious home office user seeking a sharp-looking chair for light or moderate daily use. Avoid if you need robust comfort for >2 hours/day or if you’re over the size limits. Community pro tip: pair it with a lumbar pillow and consider buying open-box from Amazon Warehouse to save money.
