If you struggle with bad knees, you know how much a standard office chair can hurt. The wrong seat can make your pain worse throughout the day.
We understand how frustrating it is to be in constant discomfort. You shouldn’t have to dread sitting down at your own desk to get work done.
That’s why we tested dozens of popular office chairs. We focused on features that truly help your knees, like seat height and tilt options.
Our guide breaks down our top seven picks. We’ll help you find a chair that supports your body so you can focus on your work, not your pain.
NYPOT Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
The NYPOT Kneeling Chair is a game-changer for taking pressure off your knees and back.
This chair’s angled design shifts your weight forward, opening up your hip angle. The thick, included knee pads provide a soft and comfortable surface for your shins. An adjustable height mechanism ensures a perfect fit for any desk.
Its unique rocking feature allows for subtle movement, which can help reduce stiffness. The build feels sturdy and the modern grey finish looks great in any home office. It encourages a straighter spine without rigid back support.
Pros:
👍 Excellent knee support with two padded cushions
👍 Promotes better posture and opens up hips
👍 Adjustable height for a custom fit
👍 Gentle rocking motion for active sitting
👍 Easy to assemble and move around
Cons:
👎 Takes time to get used to the kneeling position
👎 Not ideal for long periods without breaks
👎 May not fit under all desk types
My Honest Opinion:
If you struggle with traditional chairs due to knee or back pain, this is a fantastic alternative. It forces your body into a healthier alignment. Just be prepared for a short adjustment period as your muscles adapt to the new posture.
CHIESMA Ergonomic Kneeling Chair with Back Support
The CHIESMA Kneeling Chair is a game-changer for knee pain, offering a unique posture solution with built-in back support.
This chair shifts your weight from your lower back and tailbone onto your shins. This opens up your hip angle and naturally aligns your spine. The result is immediate relief from lower back pressure.
It features an adjustable height mechanism and a thick, angled seat cushion for comfort. The wooden frame is sturdy, and the knee pads are generously padded. This design encourages you to engage your core muscles throughout the day.
Pros:
👍 Excellent for improving posture and reducing back strain
👍 Relieves pressure on knees compared to basic kneeling chairs
👍 Adjustable height for a custom fit
👍 Sturdy wooden build with comfortable cushions
👍 Promotes an active sitting position
Cons:
👎 Takes time to get used to the kneeling position
👎 Not ideal for long, static sitting sessions without breaks
👎 Requires more floor space than a standard office chair
My Honest Opinion:
If you struggle with traditional chairs due to bad knees or back pain, this chair is a fantastic alternative. It forces you into a healthier posture, but be prepared for an adjustment period as your body adapts to the new sitting style.
SOMEET Ergonomic Kneeling Chair with Back Support
The SOMEET Kneeling Chair is a game-changer for anyone with knee or back pain. It forces a better posture to take pressure off your spine.
This chair’s unique design opens your hip angle, which naturally straightens your back. The high back and padded knee rests provide crucial support in all the right places. You’ll feel the relief from slouching almost instantly.
It’s highly adjustable and rolls smoothly on casters with a handy brake for safety. The black PU material is easy to clean and looks professional in any home office setup.
Pros:
👍 Excellent for improving posture and relieving back pain
👍 High back provides great upper body support
👍 Adjustable seat and knee pads for a custom fit
👍 Smooth-rolling casters with a locking brake
👍 Helps open up the hip and knee joints
Cons:
👎 Takes some time to get used to the kneeling position
👎 May not be suitable for very long, multi-hour sessions initially
👎 Requires more floor space than a standard chair
My Honest Opinion:
If your knees and back ache from sitting all day, this chair is a solid investment. It feels strange at first, but the posture correction is incredible. Just be patient while your body adapts to the new seating position.
Yaheetech Kneeling Chair Ergonomic Posture Chair
The Yaheetech Kneeling Chair is a clever design that takes pressure off your lower back and knees.
It works by shifting your weight forward, opening up your hip angle for a more natural spine alignment. The thick cushion pads on the seat and knees provide comfort during long sitting sessions.
Adjustability is key here, letting you find the perfect height for your desk. The smooth-rolling casters make it easy to move around your workspace without having to stand up.
Pros:
👍 Promotes better, straighter posture
👍 Relieves lower back pressure effectively
👍 Thick, comfortable cushion pads
👍 Adjustable height for a custom fit
👍 Easy to maneuver with casters
Cons:
👎 Takes time to get used to the kneeling position
👎 Not ideal for long periods without breaks
👎 May be difficult to get in and out of
My Honest Opinion:
This chair is a fantastic solution if you struggle with traditional office chairs. It forces you into a healthier posture, but be ready for an adjustment period. Your back will thank you, but your knees might need a few days to adapt.
High Back Office Chair with Flip Arms
This high-back chair is a solid choice for knee pain, thanks to its unique flip-up armrests.
The flip-up arms are a game-changer. They let you roll right up to your desk without any awkward obstacles. This makes getting in and out a smooth, knee-friendly process every single time.
You also get strong built-in lumbar support and thick padding across the seat and back. The sturdy metal base and quiet wheels ensure the chair is stable and easy to move around your space.
Pros:
👍 Flip-up armrests for easy sit/stand
👍 Excellent built-in lumbar support
👍 Thick, comfortable padding
👍 Strong and stable metal base
👍 Quiet, smooth-rolling wheels
Cons:
👎 Limited recline adjustment
👎 Lumbar support is not adjustable
👎 Armrests lack padding
My Honest Opinion:
If your main struggle is the armrests banging your knees, this chair solves that problem perfectly. The flip-arm feature is brilliant for easy access, making it a top pick for anyone with knee discomfort who needs solid back support.
Sleekform East Austin Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
The Sleekform East Austin chair is a smart solution for knee pain. It opens your hip angle to ease pressure on your joints.
This kneeling stool forces a better posture by engaging your core. The padded knee rests and back support make the position comfortable. You get improved leg circulation compared to a standard office chair.
Its natural wood frame and winter linen fabric give it a stylish look. The design is simple to assemble and fits under most desks. It’s a great tool for breaking up your sitting habits throughout the day.
Pros:
👍 Relieves pressure on knees and lower back
👍 Promotes a natural, upright spine alignment
👍 Improves leg circulation significantly
👍 Stylish design with premium materials
👍 Easy to assemble and adjust
Cons:
👎 Takes time to get used to the kneeling position
👎 Not ideal for long, uninterrupted work sessions
👎 Limited reclining or movement options
My Honest Opinion:
If you struggle with knee pain from sitting all day, this chair is a game-changer. It’s not for everyone, but the posture and circulation benefits are real. Just be prepared for your body to need an adjustment period.
Flash Furniture Posey Mobile Wooden Kneeling Chair
The Flash Furniture Posey Kneeling Chair is a smart, posture-focused alternative to a traditional office chair.
This chair shifts your weight forward, opening up your hip angle. This position naturally aligns your spine and reduces pressure on your lower back. It encourages you to sit up straight without constant effort.
The wooden frame is sturdy and the padded knee rests provide comfortable support. Smooth-rolling casters let you move around your workspace easily. The height is fully adjustable to fit your desk and body.
Pros:
👍 Promotes excellent, natural posture
👍 Relieves lower back pressure
👍 Sturdy wooden construction
👍 Easy to maneuver with casters
👍 Simple height adjustment
Cons:
👎 Takes time to get used to the kneeling position
👎 May not be suitable for long, multi-hour sessions initially
👎 Limited recline or leaning back
My Honest Opinion:
This kneeling chair is fantastic for posture, but it’s a different way of sitting. Give yourself a week to adjust. It’s not for all-day use right away, but it’s a brilliant tool to alternate with your regular chair and finally fix that slouch.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Seat and Knee Pad Comfort
Look for thick, high-density foam in both the seat and the knee pads. This cushioning is crucial for preventing pressure points on your shins and knees, which is essential for long-term comfort and pain relief.
Adjustability and Stability
A chair with a wide height adjustment range ensures you can get the perfect fit for your desk. For stability, check if the chair has a rocking function or locking casters, depending on whether you prefer a fixed position or some movement.
Back Support vs. Open Design
Decide if you need a high-back model for full lumbar support, like the SOMEET chair, or if a backless, open design is better for your posture and mobility. A high back is better for those with existing back pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are kneeling chairs actually good for bad knees?
Yes, when chosen correctly. They promote better posture, which can reduce strain on your knees and back. The key is to find one with well-padded knee rests to distribute weight comfortably.
How long can you sit in a kneeling chair?
It’s best to start with 30-60 minute sessions and gradually increase. Your body needs time to adjust to the new posture, so alternating with a standard chair is recommended at first.
What is the difference between a wooden and a metal frame?
Wooden frames, like the Flash Furniture model, offer a classic, stylish look and are very sturdy. Metal frames often come with more features like casters and adjustable backs, providing greater mobility and support.
Do I need a chair with a backrest?
If you have significant lower back pain, a backrest is highly recommended. Chairs like the Sleekform East Austin provide essential lumbar support, making them more comfortable for extended use.
Can I use a kneeling chair at a standard desk?
Absolutely. Most kneeling chairs are height-adjustable to fit under standard desks. Just ensure the chair’s maximum height is compatible with your desk’s height for an ergonomic setup.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After reviewing the top options, the SOMEET Ergonomic Kneeling Chair with Back Support is our top pick for most people with bad knees. It combines critical high-back lumbar support with mobility features like casters and a brake, offering a complete ergonomic solution. For those who prefer a minimalist, stylish wooden design, the Sleekform East Austin is an excellent choice that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.
Your ideal chair depends on your specific needs, but prioritizing knee pad comfort and proper adjustability will lead to the best experience.