Updated October 2026
A good headrest lets you lean back, take a call or think through a problem without holding up the weight of your head. A bad one pushes your head forward when you sit upright. These are the office chairs with headrests we would choose, from a premium chair with one of the best headrests available to budget picks that include an adjustable headrest as standard.
Humanscale Freedom With Headrest
$$$$ · Premium
Check Latest Price Read the ReviewErgohuman GEN2 (ME7ERG)
$$$ · Premium
Check Latest Price Read the ReviewThe Best Office Chairs With a Headrest at a Glance
| Chair | Best For | Headrest Type | Price Tier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humanscale Freedom With Headrest | Best overall | Articulating, moves with the back | $$$$ | Check Latest Price |
| Ergohuman GEN2 | Best all-mesh headrest chair | Mesh neck roll, adjustable | $$$ | Check Latest Price |
| Mavix M9 | Best for work and gaming | Highly adjustable | $$$ | Check Latest Price |
| Hbada E3 Pro | Most adjustable headrest for the money | 4D headrest | $$ | Check Latest Price |
| FlexiSpot C7 | Best budget headrest chair | Adjustable | $ | Check Latest Price |
| SIHOO Doro C300 | Best budget mesh headrest chair | Fully adjustable | $ | Check Latest Price |
| Secretlab Titan Evo | Best gaming-style headrest | Magnetic memory foam pillow | $$ | Check Latest Price |
| Staples Hyken | Best cheap headrest chair | Adjustable (limited range) | $ | Check Latest Price |
Do You Need a Headrest?
A headrest is most useful when you recline. When you sit upright and type, your head should balance over your shoulders, and a headrest has little to support. When you lean back to read, think or take calls, a well-placed headrest supports the weight of your head and lets your neck muscles relax.
- You probably want one if you recline often, take long calls, watch video at your desk or game.
- You may not need one if you mostly sit upright and type.
- Avoid fixed headrests that push your head forward when upright. Look for height and angle adjustment.
1. Humanscale Freedom With Headrest: Best Overall
Humanscale Freedom With Headrest
- Seat: Contoured foam (gel optional)
- Arms: Synchronized arms that move with the back
- Lumbar: Pivoting backrest with built-in lumbar
The Freedom's headrest is one of the most praised on any office chair. It articulates to support your head and neck and moves with the backrest as you recline, so support stays in place at every angle. The Freedom's weight-sensitive recline balances itself to your body, its arms move with you and its main components carry a 15-year warranty. It is rated for 300 pounds. Read our Freedom review.
- Choose it if: you recline often and want premium head support.
- Skip it if: you want many independent adjustments.
2. Ergohuman GEN2: Best All-Mesh Headrest Chair
Ergohuman GEN2 (ME7ERG)
- Seat: All-mesh seat and back
- Arms: Height, width, depth, pivot
- Lumbar: Auto-adjusting lumbar
The Ergohuman GEN2 is mesh from seat to headrest, with a neck-roll headrest, auto-adjusting lumbar, back height adjustment, synchro-tilt and arms that move in four directions. Its tall back suits average and taller people. Read our Ergohuman GEN2 review.
- Choose it if: you want a cool executive mesh chair with head support.
- Skip it if: you are on the shorter side.
3. Mavix M9: Best for Work and Gaming
Mavix M9
- Seat: Cool Gel M-Foam seat, mesh back
- Arms: 4D
- Lumbar: Dynamic Variable Lumbar
The Mavix M9 combines a highly adjustable headrest with a dynamic lumbar, a cooling gel foam seat, a mesh back, 4D arms and a deep recline. It is designed for people who work and game at the same desk. Read our Mavix M9 review.
- Choose it if: you split your time between work and gaming.
- Skip it if: you want a long premium-brand warranty.
4. Hbada E3 Pro: Most Adjustable Headrest for the Money
Hbada E3 Pro
- Seat: Mesh seat and back
- Arms: Multi-directional (marketed as 6D)
- Lumbar: 3-zone dynamic lumbar
The E3 Pro's 4D headrest moves up and down, forward and back, and rotates, so you can place it exactly where your head rests. It also has a three-zone adaptive lumbar, multi-directional arms, a mesh seat and a version with a retractable footrest. Read our Hbada E3 Pro review.
- Choose it if: you want maximum headrest adjustment on a moderate budget.
- Skip it if: you prefer a simple chair.
5. FlexiSpot C7: Best Budget Headrest Chair
FlexiSpot C7
- Seat: Mesh seat, mesh back
- Arms: 3D
- Lumbar: Dynamic lumbar support
The C7 includes an adjustable headrest along with a seat slider, a lockable dynamic lumbar and five recline lock positions, rated for 300 pounds. Its seat sits high, so it suits average and taller people best. Read our FlexiSpot C7 review.
- Choose it if: you want the most complete budget ergonomics with a headrest.
- Skip it if: you are short.
6. SIHOO Doro C300: Best Budget Mesh Headrest Chair
SIHOO Doro C300
- Seat: Mesh
- Arms: 3D
- Lumbar: Self-adjusting (moves with recline)
The Doro C300's fully adjustable headrest pairs with an all-mesh seat and back, a self-adjusting lumbar and 3D arms, typically for well under $300. Read Doro C300 vs. FlexiSpot C7.
- Choose it if: you run warm and want a headrest on a budget.
- Skip it if: you want to adjust lumbar height.
7. Secretlab Titan Evo: Best Gaming-Style Head Support
Secretlab Titan Evo
- Seat: Cold-cure foam
- Arms: 4D with magnetic tops
- Lumbar: Built-in 4-way adjustable lumbar
The Titan Evo's magnetic memory foam head pillow attaches without straps and stays in place, and the chair reclines to about 165 degrees, so it is ideal for leaning far back between sessions. It adds a built-in adjustable lumbar and 4D arms. Read our Titan Evo review.
- Choose it if: you want deep recline and a gaming look.
- Skip it if: you run warm.
8. Staples Hyken: Best Cheap Headrest Chair
Staples Hyken
- Seat: Mesh seat and back
- Arms: Height-adjustable
- Lumbar: Height-adjustable (small range)
On sale, the Hyken offers a mesh headrest, mesh seat and back and multiple tilt locks at a very low price. Its headrest adjusts over a limited range, so check that it lands at your neck. Read our Staples Hyken review.
Manufacturer-published figures.
Premium Chairs With Optional Headrests
Several premium chairs offer a headrest as an add-on rather than as standard. These include the Steelcase Leap V2, Steelcase Gesture, Series 1 and Series 2, the Haworth Fern and the X-Chair X2. Availability varies by listing, so check whether the version you choose includes the headrest. The Herman Miller Aeron does not include one as standard.
Headrest Chairs Compared
| Freedom | Ergohuman | Mavix M9 | Hbada E3 Pro | C7 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat | Foam (gel optional) | Mesh | Gel foam | Mesh | Mesh |
| Lumbar | Pivoting back | Auto-adjusting | Dynamic | 3-zone adaptive | Dynamic, lockable |
| Recline | Self-balancing | Synchro-tilt | Deep | Multi-lock | 5 locks |
| Warranty | 15 years (main parts) | Check seller | Check listing | Check listing | Check listing |
How to Set Up a Headrest
- Sit back fully and set your seat, lumbar and recline first.
- Recline to your usual leaning angle, then move the headrest so it meets the curve at the base of your skull or upper neck.
- Adjust the angle so it supports without pushing your head forward.
- When upright, your head should not be pressed forward. If it is, lower, tilt or remove the headrest.
For neck discomfort, see our best office chairs for neck pain, and talk to a professional if pain persists.
Which Headrest Chair Fits You?
| If You… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Recline often and want premium support | Humanscale Freedom With Headrest |
| Want an all-mesh executive chair | Ergohuman GEN2 |
| Work and game at the same desk | Mavix M9 |
| Want the most adjustable headrest for the money | Hbada E3 Pro |
| Want a seat slider and headrest on a budget | FlexiSpot C7 |
| Run warm on a budget | SIHOO Doro C300 |
| Want deep recline and gaming style | Secretlab Titan Evo |
How We Chose These Chairs
We compared manufacturer specifications, published dimensions, Amazon listings, independent reviews and long-term dealer feedback. We focused on the features that matter most for this need, favored chairs with long warranties and proven build quality, and included lower-cost options where they get the essentials right. Where a specification is not published, we say so rather than guess.
Office Chairs With Headrest FAQs
What Is the Best Office Chair With a Headrest?
The Humanscale Freedom With Headrest for premium buyers, and the FlexiSpot C7 or SIHOO Doro C300 on a budget.
Is a Headrest Good for an Office Chair?
It is valuable if you recline often. If you mostly sit upright and type, a headrest is optional.
Does the Herman Miller Aeron Have a Headrest?
Not as standard. If head support matters, consider the Humanscale Freedom With Headrest.
Can I Add a Headrest to My Office Chair?
Some manufacturers sell headrests that fit specific models. Universal clip-on headrests exist but may not fit well, so check compatibility first.
Should Short People Use a Headrest?
Only if it adjusts low enough. A headrest that sits too high can push your head forward. Lower it, angle it or remove it if it does.
