A pricey chair that aims to perfect your posture
We spend a lot of time sleeping in bed, so a quality mattress is a good investment to avoid aches, pains, and long-term back problems. The same logic applies when sitting at a desk. It’s not unreasonable to spend more than $1,000 for a good office chair or gaming chair. The Anthros Chair (starting at $1,897) uses a unique pelvic support system to keep your spine properly aligned. While it isn’t for everyone, the Anthros Chair could be the answer to your back issues. The Herman Miller X Logitech G Vantum remains our Editors’ Choice winner for more conventional gaming chairs thanks to its much lower price.Pricing and Options
The Anthros Chair has many options that increase the price beyond its $1,897 starting cost. You can choose from black or off-white ($99) for the chair frame; six fabric or four synthetic leather colors for the upholstery ($299); 10 different back panel designs including five wood veneers ($159 to $298), eight stylized, non-wood panels including circuitboards and esports themes ($79), and carbon fiber ($299); standard or scratch-resistant ($25) casters; black, chrome ($39) or gold-finished ($49) control knobs; and arm-free or 4D, adjustable arms ($149). Anthros provides a 60-day return policy.
Anthros provides a free video consultation with one of the company’s ergonomics therapists before you buy. This allows you to determine if the chair is a good fit. The expert also helps you adjust the chair after you receive it.
The company recently switched its chair fabric to Gabriel Fabrics Athlon, replacing the somewhat rough-feeling Gabriel ShapeKnit material. Anthros sent me replacement cushions to test the new fabric, which I found softer, smoother, and sturdier to the touch.
If you already have an Anthros Chair with the older seat fabric, you can order a set of replacement cushions with the new upholstery for $279. You can also spend $299 for cushions featuring a new Port leatherette, which Anthros says is updated from the previous faux leather material.
The Anthros Chair has four-spoke and five-spoke base options, which is a choice I haven’t previously encountered. Every desk-focused gaming and office chair I’ve previously reviewed has had a five-spoke base with a rotating, central pillar gas cylinder. It lets you spin left and right while the casters stay in approximately the same place. The Anthros Chair’s four-spoke base option locks the central pillar under the seat and doesn’t rotate. This keeps the casters set at consistent positions relative to the rest of the chair, but means spinning isn’t as smooth as five-spoke seats. However, it reduces the chance of something getting caught under the spokes. Neither option is superior.
My four-spoke test chair had a black body with black fabric upholstery, a white circuit-styled design, a four-spoke base with standard casters, and armrests. It cost $2,157 as configured. You’ll almost certainly push past Herman Miller prices with this chair.
The chair comes with a lengthy 12-year warranty similar to Herman Miller’s products, which is good.
