Affiliate Disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I bought this chair with my own money and these opinions are genuinely mine.
The $500 Decision I Made During a Zoom Call
Look, you don’t usually buy a chair while sitting in a terrible chair during a client meeting, but that’s exactly what I did.
It was hour six of back-to-back video calls. My cheap Amazon chair had stopped being uncomfortable and crossed into actually painful territory. That shooting pain down my right leg, the numbness in my left buttock, the way I kept unconsciously shifting positions every three minutes trying to find relief—I’d been living with this for months.
During a brief break between calls, I did something impulsive: I opened Amazon, searched “best ergonomic chair,” and saw the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro staring back at me at around $500. The reviews were solid. The specs looked impressive. 14 points of adjustment. Premium materials. 7-year warranty.
I clicked “Buy Now” and immediately regretted it. Five hundred dollars for a chair? I’d never spent that much on furniture in my life. What if it didn’t help? What if it was just expensive marketing?
Five months later, my back pain is around 75% better. But there’s a problem with this chair that nearly made me return it within the first week—and it’s something most reviews conveniently ignore.
Let me walk you through both the brilliance and the frustration of the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro.
What You’re Actually Getting
The Product Basics
The Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro (currently around $499-649 depending on options) represents Branch’s premium offering. It’s not their standard Ergonomic Chair (which doesn’t sell on Amazon)—this is the upgraded Pro model with more adjustments, better materials, and a price tag that makes you question your life choices.
Here’s what arrived in a surprisingly heavy box:
Physical Specifications:
- 14 points of adjustment (seriously, fourteen)
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Seat dimensions: 20.5” wide × 19.5” deep
- Backrest: 21.5” wide × 28” high
- Overall height range: 38.5”-42.5” (floor to top of backrest)
- Weight: Around 55 pounds
- 7-year manufacturer warranty
- BIFMA certified
Adjustment Points (All 14 of Them):
- Seat height (pneumatic lift)
- Seat depth (4” range of adjustment)
- Seat tilt angle
- Backrest height (5” range)
- Backrest recline (tilt tension and lock)
- Lumbar support depth
- Lumbar support height
- Armrest height (4” range)
- Armrest width (3” range inward/outward)
- Armrest depth (2.75” forward/back)
- Armrest angle (pivot)
- Headrest height (2.3” range)
- Headrest depth (forward/back)
- Headrest angle
Materials & Build:
- Breathable mesh backrest (double-layered)
- High-density foam seat cushion
- Vegan leather seat cover
- Aluminum base (polished finish)
- PU casters (rollerblade-style wheels)
- Nylon fiber armrest pads
Design Options:
- Black frame with graphite mesh
- White frame with light gray mesh
- Black frame with black vegan leather seat
- White frame with white vegan leather seat
- Prices vary by around $50-150 depending on configuration
What’s in the Box:
- Pre-assembled seat and backrest unit
- Base, wheels, and gas cylinder
- All mounting hardware
- Assembly tools (Allen keys)
- Instruction manual
- Thick protective packaging
Assembly took me about 45 minutes working alone. The instructions are clear with labeled parts, but some steps require holding multiple pieces simultaneously while tightening bolts. Having a second person would’ve cut the time in half.
The build quality immediately signals this isn’t budget furniture. The aluminum base feels substantial. The mesh backrest has visible reinforcement stitching. The gas cylinder operates smoothly. Everything about the initial impression screams “premium product.”
Except for one thing. But I’ll get to the rattling armrests later.
VIEW BRANCH ERGONOMIC CHAIR PRO ON AMAZON →
Five Months of Daily Use
Week 1: The Adjustment Overload
The first day with 14 adjustment points felt like sitting in a spaceship. Every lever, knob, and dial controlled something different, and I had no idea where to start.
I spent the first two hours methodically adjusting everything: seat height until my feet sat flat with knees at 90 degrees, seat depth until I had about 2-3 inches between the seat edge and the back of my knees, armrests positioned so my elbows rested at 90 degrees without shoulder shrugging.
The lumbar support adjustment is genuinely sophisticated. Unlike cheap chairs with a static pad, the Pro’s lumbar support moves both up/down and in/out. I could position it exactly where my spine curves. The difference compared to my old chair was immediately noticeable.
The headrest took the longest to dial in. It adjusts in three directions (height, depth, angle), and finding the sweet spot where it actually supported my head without pushing it forward took trial and error. Once set correctly, it made a huge difference during phone calls when I could lean back.
Around day three, I noticed the first problem: the armrests rattled. Not slightly. Noticeably. Every time I adjusted my position, every time I typed aggressively, every time I moved the chair—rattle, rattle, rattle. It drove me absolutely crazy.
I checked all the mounting bolts. Tightened everything. The rattle persisted. Turns out this is a known issue with the Pro model that Branch hasn’t adequately fixed.
Weeks 2-6: The Body Adaptation Phase
My body needed time to adjust to proper ergonomic positioning. Years of slouching in terrible chairs had trained my muscles to support bad posture. Sitting correctly felt weird initially.
The first two weeks brought new muscle soreness—not pain, but fatigue. My core muscles were doing work they’d been avoiding. My shoulders felt tired from not hunching forward. This is normal and expected, but nobody warns you that “better posture” initially feels harder.
Around week three, something shifted. Sitting correctly started feeling natural. The chair disappeared into the background in the best possible way. I stopped consciously thinking about my posture and just… worked.
The mesh backrest breathes exceptionally well. I’d been using a leather chair previously that made my back sweaty during summer afternoons. The Pro’s double-layer mesh keeps air flowing. I’ve never felt uncomfortable from heat buildup.
The seat cushion, however, revealed a flaw around week four. The high-density foam is supposed to maintain its shape, but I started feeling the seat pan pressing against my tailbone after 4-5 hours. This is apparently somewhat common based on reviews—the vegan leather cover can feel loose, and the foam compresses more than expected under sustained pressure.
I integrated this with my ergonomic monitor setup and standing desk, creating a workspace that actually supported 8-hour work sessions instead of fighting against them.
The armrest rattle never went away. I tried everything: additional tightening, felt pads, strategic positioning. The 5D adjustment mechanism that makes the armrests so versatile is also what makes them wobble. It’s a fundamental design compromise.
Long-term: Five Months In
The chair has held up well structurally. No sagging mesh, no broken adjustments, no degraded materials. The gas cylinder still operates smoothly. The casters roll without resistance. Build quality has proven durable.
My back situation has genuinely improved. The shooting leg pain is gone. The numbness disappeared after week two. I can work 8-10 hour days without the constant discomfort that defined my previous setup. This chair solved the core problem I bought it to fix.
But I can’t ignore the persistent issues: the armrest rattle that reminds me of the chair’s flaws multiple times daily, the seat cushion that could be firmer, the vegan leather that wrinkled after a month.
For around $500, these imperfections feel more significant than they would in a around $300 chair. You’re paying premium prices and expecting premium execution across the board. The Pro delivers in most areas but stumbles in a few key places.
What Actually Works
1. The 14 Adjustment Points Are Genuinely Useful
This isn’t adjustment overkill—each control serves a real purpose. The armrest depth adjustment lets me position them correctly for typing vs. reading. The independent lumbar height and depth controls mean I can dial in exact support. The headrest angle adjustment made the difference between useless and helpful.
Most ergonomic chairs offer 8-10 adjustments. The Pro’s 14 points mean you can customize fit for your specific body and work style.
2. Lumbar Support Exceeds Most Competitors
The adjustable lumbar pad (moving both vertically and horizontally) provides genuine lower back support that I can feel. It’s removable if you don’t need it, but positioned correctly, it maintains the natural curve of my spine. This is one area where the Pro clearly outperforms cheaper chairs.
3. Mesh Breathability Is Exceptional
The double-layer mesh backrest keeps air flowing even during hot summer afternoons. I never feel sweaty or stuck to the chair. The mesh provides firm support while staying cool. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement over leather or fabric chairs.
4. Headrest Actually Functions (When Adjusted Correctly)
Many chair headrests are too low, too far back, or positioned awkwardly. The Pro’s headrest, with its three-axis adjustment, can be dialed in to actually support your head during phone calls or when leaning back. It took effort to position correctly, but once set, it works well.
5. Build Quality Justifies Premium Pricing (Mostly)
The aluminum base, quality casters, robust mesh, and smooth adjustment mechanisms all feel premium. This chair is built to last 5-7 years of daily use. The materials don’t feel cheap, and the engineering is thoughtful.
GET BRANCH ERGONOMIC CHAIR PRO ON AMAZON NOW →
The Problems Nobody Mentions
Let me be brutally honest about what’s frustrating, because these issues are real and significant.
1. The Armrest Rattle Is Maddening
This is the biggest problem with the Pro, and it’s widespread based on Amazon reviews and Reddit threads. The 5D armrest adjustment mechanism creates looseness that results in rattling. Every aggressive keystroke, every position shift, every bump of the chair produces an audible rattle.
I’ve tightened every bolt multiple times. I’ve contacted Branch support (they sent replacement parts that didn’t fix it). The rattle is inherent to the design. Some users don’t notice it; I notice it constantly. If you’re sensitive to annoying sounds, this will drive you crazy.
2. Seat Cushion Bottoms Out at Tailbone
The high-density foam is supposed to prevent this, but after 4-5 hours of continuous sitting, I can feel the hard seat pan pressing against my tailbone. The vegan leather cover feels loose and doesn’t hold the foam in place effectively.
This doesn’t happen to everyone—body weight, sitting position, and sensitivity vary—but it’s reported frequently enough to be concerning. For around $500, the seat should maintain comfort for full 8-hour workdays without issue.
3. Vegan Leather Wrinkles Quickly
The vegan leather seat cover developed visible wrinkles within the first month. It’s not torn or damaged, but it doesn’t look new anymore. The material feels slightly loose, and over time it’s shifted and bunched in places. Aesthetic issue more than functional, but noticeable.
4. Assembly Is More Difficult Than Claimed
Branch says assembly takes 15-20 minutes. It took me 45 minutes working carefully alone, and I’ve assembled plenty of furniture. Some steps require holding pieces in position while tightening bolts from awkward angles. Doable solo, but genuinely easier with help.
5. Armrest Width Still Too Wide at Narrowest
At their narrowest setting, the armrests sit wider than ideal for my build. I’m 5’10” with average shoulders, and I wish they came in another inch on each side. Smaller-framed users report this as a significant issue—the armrests never get close enough.
6. Headrest Doesn’t Work for Shorter Users
If you’re under 5’6”, the headrest likely won’t align correctly with your head. Multiple reviewers mention this limitation. The headrest adjusts vertically, but it starts too high for shorter people to use effectively. Taller users (6’0”+) love it; shorter users can’t use it.
7. Price Puts It in Direct Competition With Established Brands
At around $500-650, the Pro competes with Herman Miller, Steelcase, and other established ergonomic brands (albeit their entry-level models). Those brands have decades of refinement and better quality control. The Pro offers good value, but at this price point, execution needs to be flawless. The armrest rattle alone disqualifies it from “flawless” status.
8. No Seat Angle Adjustment (Forward Tilt)
Some ergonomic chairs offer forward seat tilt for tasks requiring leaning forward. The Pro has seat tilt tension adjustment but not independent forward tilt. This won’t matter to most users, but it’s an omission at this price point.
Comparing the Competition
vs. Herman Miller Aeron (around $1,200+)
The Aeron is objectively superior in build quality, durability, and refinement. The 12-year warranty, better materials, and decades of ergonomic research show. But we’re talking about spending around $700-800 more.
The Branch Pro provides around 75-80% of the Aeron’s ergonomic benefit at around 40% of the cost. For most WFH workers, that math makes sense. If you’re sitting 10+ hours daily or have specific medical needs, consider the Aeron. For typical 6-8 hour workdays, the Pro is adequate.
vs. Steelcase Leap V2 (around $1,000+)
The Leap V2 has more sophisticated adjustment mechanisms and better long-term durability. The LiveBack technology that adjusts to your spine as you move is genuinely impressive. But it costs around twice what the Pro costs.
If you’re furnishing a permanent home office and plan to keep the chair 10+ years, the Leap is worth considering. For most people, the Pro’s adjustability gets you 90% of the way there.
vs. Branch Ergonomic Chair Standard (around $299, not on Amazon)
Branch’s standard chair costs around $200 less than the Pro but offers significantly fewer adjustments (7 vs. 14), no headrest, 3D armrests instead of 5D, and simpler lumbar support. The Pro’s extra around $200 buys you meaningfully better ergonomics if you need that level of customization.
If budget is tight, the standard Branch chair (available direct from Branch) provides good value. If you can afford the Pro, the additional adjustments justify the premium.
vs. SIHOO M18 (around $150-180 on Amazon)
The SIHOO offers basic ergonomic features at around one-third the Pro’s price. It has adjustable lumbar support, breathable mesh, and adequate build quality for light use. But materials feel cheaper, durability is questionable, and adjustment range is limited.
If you work from home occasionally (2-4 hours daily), the SIHOO is decent budget option. For full-time WFH (6-8+ hours daily), the Pro’s superior materials and ergonomics justify the price difference.
SHOP BRANCH ERGONOMIC CHAIR PRO ON AMAZON →
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This
Buy It If You:
- Work from home 6-8+ hours daily
- Need extensive adjustment options (14 points)
- Have budget around $500-650 for a chair
- Are between 5’7” and 6’2” tall (optimal fit range)
- Value breathable mesh over leather/fabric
- Need both lumbar support and headrest
- Can tolerate some imperfections for good value
- Prefer buying on Amazon with easy returns
Skip It If You:
- Are sensitive to rattling sounds (armrest issue will drive you crazy)
- Are under 5’6” (headrest won’t work, proportions off)
- Have very narrow shoulders (armrests won’t come close enough)
- Need absolute premium quality with zero flaws (spend more on Herman Miller)
- Work fewer than 4 hours daily (overkill for light use)
- Can’t afford around $500 (consider budget options around $150-300)
- Prefer plush, sink-in cushioning (this is firm support)
- Need the chair to last 15+ years (get Steelcase or Herman Miller)
The Honest Verdict
Here’s my truth after five months: the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro solved my back pain problem while introducing a new annoyance I have to live with daily.
The core ergonomics work. The 14 adjustment points let me dial in proper positioning. The mesh breathability keeps me comfortable. The build quality suggests this’ll last 5-7 years. My back pain decreased by around 75%, which was the entire goal.
But the armrest rattle is genuinely frustrating. Every day, multiple times per day, I’m reminded that this around $500 chair has a fundamental design flaw that Branch either can’t or won’t fix. The seat cushion issue is less severe but still present. The vegan leather wrinkles faster than expected.
Is the Pro worth around $500? If you need extensive adjustability and can tolerate imperfections, yes. The ergonomic benefit justifies the price, and you’d spend significantly more (around $1,000+) to get meaningfully better quality from Herman Miller or Steelcase.
But if you’re a perfectionist who’ll obsess over every rattle and wrinkle, spend more money on a Steelcase Leap or save money with a simpler chair that has fewer moving parts to malfunction.
The Branch Pro occupies an awkward middle ground: too expensive to forgive its flaws, not expensive enough to compete with truly premium brands. It’s a very good chair with a few aggravating problems.
Final Rating: 4.0/5 stars
Recommendation: If you need a highly adjustable ergonomic chair and have around $500-650 to spend, this is a solid choice despite its flaws. The armrest rattle is real and annoying, but the back pain relief makes it worthwhile. Just know you’re not getting perfection—you’re getting good value with some compromises.
Practical Buying Guide
Where to Buy:
- Amazon: Around $499-649 depending on configuration, fast shipping, easy returns
- Branch Direct: Sometimes on sale, bundle deals available
- Check both—prices vary by around $50-100
Configuration Recommendations:
Frame Color:
- Black: Most versatile, hides wear better
- White: Modern aesthetic, shows dirt more easily
- Price difference: Around $0-50 depending on promotions
Seat Material:
- Vegan Leather: Feels premium initially, wrinkles over time
- Mesh: More breathable, might feel firmer
- Personal preference—both have trade-offs
Assembly Tips:
- Clear space—you need around 6’ × 4’ work area
- Have Phillips screwdriver ready (though Allen keys are included)
- Don’t fully tighten bolts until everything is aligned
- Test all adjustments before considering assembly complete
- Keep packaging for at least 30 days in case of returns
Adjustment Setup Guide:
Seat Height: Feet flat on floor, thighs parallel to ground Seat Depth: 2-3 finger width between seat edge and back of knees Armrest Height: Elbows at 90-100 degrees, shoulders relaxed Armrest Width: Close enough to support arms without shoulder shrugging Lumbar Support: Positioned at natural curve of lower back Headrest: Supports head without pushing it forward Backrest Tilt: Set tension so you can recline with light pressure
Expect to spend 20-30 minutes getting everything dialed in perfectly.
Maintenance:
- Vacuum mesh monthly to prevent dust buildup
- Wipe vegan leather weekly with damp cloth
- Check bolts every 2-3 months (armrest bolts especially)
- Lubricate gas cylinder yearly if squeaking develops
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I fix the armrest rattle?
Partially. Tightening all armrest bolts helps temporarily, but the rattle usually returns. Some users add felt pads or rubber washers to the mounting points, which reduces (but doesn’t eliminate) the sound. It’s a design issue with the 5D adjustment mechanism—more movement points = more potential looseness.
Q: How does this compare to the standard Branch Ergonomic Chair?
The Pro costs around $200 more and adds: headrest, 5D armrests (vs. 3D), better lumbar support, more adjustment points (14 vs. 7), and premium materials. Worth the upgrade if you need maximum adjustability. Skip it if you want to save money and don’t need the extra features.
Q: Will the seat cushion issue get worse over time?
It might. My seat feels slightly less supportive at month five than month one. Some users report adding seat cushions around the 6-12 month mark. Others never experience this issue. Body weight and sitting habits affect how quickly foam compresses.
Q: Does the mesh stretch out or sag?
Not in my experience through five months. The double-layer mesh construction seems durable. Reviews from 1-2 year owners report no significant sagging. This is one area where the Pro’s build quality shines.
Q: Can I use this for gaming?
Yes, but it’s optimized for work, not gaming. The ergonomic positioning is better for productivity than competitive gaming. The firm support and upright posture won’t suit gamers who prefer reclined, relaxed positions. For casual gaming while working from home, it’s fine.
Q: What’s the return policy?
Amazon: 30 days, free returns. Branch Direct: 30 days, you pay return shipping (expensive for furniture). I recommend buying from Amazon for easier returns if the chair doesn’t fit or if you’re one of the unlucky ones with severe rattling.
Q: Is there a weight limit?
Branch rates it for 300 pounds. I’m 185 and it feels solid. Reviews from heavier users (250-280 range) report no issues. If you’re near or above 300 pounds, look for heavy-duty chairs with higher ratings.
Q: How loud is the armrest rattle?
Audible but not overwhelming. In a quiet room, you’ll definitely hear it. With background noise (music, AC, street sounds), it’s less noticeable. If you’re sensitive to repetitive sounds, it might drive you crazy. If you’re not sensitive, you might barely notice it.
Q: Does Branch fix rattling armrests under warranty?
They’ll send replacement parts, but the replacement armrests often rattle too. It’s a design limitation, not a defective unit issue. The 7-year warranty covers breakage but doesn’t guarantee rattle-free armrests.
Five Months Later: Long-Term Reality
The Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro hasn’t become perfect with time. The armrest rattle that bothered me in week one still bothers me in month five. The seat cushion that started feeling firm around week four still requires occasional position adjustments during long sessions.
But my back doesn’t hurt anymore. That’s the entire reason I spent around $500 on a chair, and by that metric, the Pro succeeded completely.
I can work 8-hour days without shooting leg pain. I can take back-to-back video calls without constantly shifting positions. I don’t end workdays feeling like I’ve been tortured by my furniture.
Would I buy it again? Probably yes, with reservations. The ergonomic benefit outweighs the annoyances, but I’d go in knowing about the armrest issue rather than being surprised by it.
Would I recommend it to others? With significant caveats about the rattling, the seat compression, and the price positioning. If you can find it on sale for around $400, it’s excellent value. At full around $649 price, it’s harder to justify given the flaws.
The Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro is a very good chair with a few frustrating problems. For most WFH workers, “very good with problems” at around $500 beats “adequate” at around $200 or “perfect” at around $1,200.
This chair fits naturally into a complete work-from-home setup focused on ergonomics and long-term health, even if it’s not quite the premium experience its price tag suggests.
SHOP BRANCH ERGONOMIC CHAIR PRO ON AMAZON →
Last Updated: December 2025
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