Specialist shop or Amazon? Your guide to the perfect office chair

Do you know the feeling? Your home office is all set up, but after a few hours at your desk, your neck starts to ache and your lower back feels tense. You are not alone in this: according to the latest OFFICE-ROXX study 2025 around 75% of office workers now regularly suffer from back pain.

So the question is not just: “Which chair do I need?”, but also: “Which supplier suits my situation?” Both Amazon and specialist retailers have their clear strengths. We help you make the right choice for your back and your budget.

Amazon is hard to beat when you need a simple, hassle-free solution. The “king of logistics” scores above all with:

• Speed: If your old chair breaks today, the new one will often arrive tomorrow thanks to Prime.
• Value for money: For occasional users or a shared flat room, there is a huge selection of solid entry-level models under 200 euros.
• Simplicity: If you know exactly which model you want (e.g. a repeat purchase), Amazon offers the most efficient process.

A specialist shop such as hjh-office.co.uk is designed to find a long-term solution for your well-being. The focus here is on the right individual fit :

• Curated selection: Specialist retailers filter the market in advance. There you will find models that meet the strict requirements of DIN EN 1335 and DGUV Rule 115-401 , which define the minimum ergonomic standards for computer workstations in Germany.
• Expertise for pre-existing conditions: If you already suffer from disc problems, specialist advice is essential. Only experts can assess whether a synchronous mechanism with a wide opening angle or special lumbar support is needed.
• Guaranteed delivery: Office chairs from specialist shops such as hjh-office.co.uk also arrive within 2-5 working days . Often even within 24 hours.

Regardless of the shop, there are certificates that serve as an objective decision-making aid. A reputable retailer will display these transparently:

1. DIN EN 1335: This is the European standard for office furniture. It ensures that the chair is not only safe, but also offers the adjustment options needed for healthy sitting.
2. GS mark (Tested Safety): Based on the German Product Safety Act (ProdSG) this seal guarantees that the chair is mechanically durable and resistant to tipping.
3. Test seals: These may not provide scientifically proven evidence of quality, but they are at least just as informative. It is no coincidence that major testing platforms assess products for functionality, quality and value for money. For you as the end user, such tests or reviews give an honest impression of the quality of the office chair.

Are Amazon reviews for office chairs reliable?

Customer reviews often reflect first impressions after assembly. However, an ergonomic assessment requires use over several weeks. Use reviews for information on delivery quality, but when it comes to ergonomics, rely more on specialist certifications such as DIN EN 1335.

Why do chairs from specialist retailers often cost more?

The price difference usually comes down to durability and service. A specialist retail model is often designed to last 10+ years. In addition, many specialist shops offer a spare parts service – so if a gas lift fails, you do not have to dispose of the entire chair straight away, which is more cost-effective and sustainable in the long term. An assembly service may also be available depending on the shop.

Can I also buy from Amazon if I have back problems?

Yes, provided you know exactly which functions you need. However, if you are unsure whether you need seat depth adjustment or active pelvic support, advice from a specialist shop minimises the risk of a painful wrong purchase and is therefore essential.

What is the most important feature of a good chair?

Science agrees: dynamic sitting. A good chair must support your movements instead of forcing you into a rigid posture. Look for a high-quality mechanism that supports your back in every position.

There is no “right” or “wrong”, only what is “right for your situation”.

• Choose Amazon for efficiency, attractive prices and if you are looking for a straightforward solution for occasional use.
• Choose a specialist shop such as hjh-office.co.uk if your health is your top priority, you sit for many hours every day, and you are looking for an investment that will keep you pain-free for more than a decade.

Do you have questions about a specific mechanism? Visit our showroom or contact us for a no-obligation consultation – we will be happy to help you make the perfect choice for your back.

Sources and further reading

Campaign for Healthier Backs (AGR) e.V. (2024): Tested & Recommended: Requirements criteria for office furniture and ergonomic office chairs. Retrieved from: agr-ev.de/buerostuhl

Beuth Verlag / DIN e.V. (2023): DIN EN 1335-1:2023-01: Office work chair – Part 1: Dimensions; Determination of dimensions. Berlin: Beuth.

German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) (2022): DGUV Rule 115-401: Office sector – Design of screen-based and office workplaces. Berlin.

OFFICE-ROXX (2025): Back pain is coming back: Results of the large-scale reader survey “Movement in the Office 2025” on workplace health. 

Product Safety Act (ProdSG): Section 20 Act on the placing of products on the market (test mark for GS certification).

Stiftung Warentest (2024): Office chairs on test: Good ergonomics do not always have to cost a fortune. Issue 09/2024.