UK buying shortlist
Best Office Chairs Under £150 in the UK (2026)
Written by Work & DIY Desk Work and DIY editorial desk · Office Chairs beat · reviewed 09/09/2026
Choose the adjustment you will actually use: folding arms, lumbar and arm-pad tuning, simpler height-adjustable arms or a sliding seat. These four exact models had UK offers within £150 at the 9 September check; keep the current delivered total within your cap.
Quick answer · Top 4
Compare all four options
Affiliate links may earn commission. Check current price, stock, delivery, returns and fit on the retailer page before buying.
Pick 1 - Best for folding arms away
SIHOO M102C Black Office Chair
Check price on AmazonAt a glance:A desk where folding the arms away is useful
Trade-off:Seat dimensions and folded-arm desk clearance need confirming.
Pick 2 - Best for lumbar and arm-pad tuning
Ticova 133282476 Black Office Chair
Check price on AmazonAt a glance:A buyer who wants separate lumbar-height and depth controls
Trade-off:The reviewed instructions do not establish fold-up arms.
Pick 3 - Best for simpler height-adjustable arms
SIHOO M18-M148 Black Office Chair
Check price on AmazonAt a glance:A buyer who wants height-adjustable arms without relying on extra arm movements
Trade-off:No fold-up-arm or sliding seat-depth claim is established.
Pick 4 - Best for sliding seat-depth adjustment
ProtoArc EC200 Black Office Chair
Check price on AmazonAt a glance:A buyer who specifically needs sliding seat-depth adjustment
Trade-off:Published seat-depth figures conflict; no numerical fit range is asserted here.
Work & DIY Desk: before you choose: Confirm the exact dimensions, materials and safe-use limits before deciding between the listed options.
Decision checks: measurements and materials · task fit · safe-use boundaries
The shortlist
Four options, with the trade-offs visible
Use the fit, limitations and checkout checks before opening a retailer page. Confirm the current price, stock, delivery and returns with the retailer.
Pick 1
First comparison point
Best for folding arms away
SIHOO M102C Black Office Chair
M102C combines fore-and-aft and pivoting arm pads with arms that fold up for storage. Start here when moving the chair closer to the desk matters; measure the actual clearance first.
Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.
Highlights
- Arms fold up as well as adjusting fore-and-aft and pivoting.
- Separate lumbar-height and headrest controls.
Drawbacks
- Seat dimensions and folded-arm desk clearance need confirming.
- Adjustment range is not proof of personal comfort.
Buyer fit
Best for
- A desk where folding the arms away is useful
Not for you if
- A buyer who needs verified sliding seat-depth adjustment
Check before buying
- Match M102C, Black single-chair variant and seller before ordering.
- Confirm new condition and keep the delivered total at or below £150; check UK delivery, assembly and return costs.
- Confirm seat-height range, seat width/depth, arm clearance and manufacturer user limits for your own setup.
Pick 2
Best for lumbar and arm-pad tuning
Ticova 133282476 Black Office Chair
Ticova's linked instructions show lumbar height and depth adjustment alongside arm-pad height, fore-and-aft movement and pivot. Choose it for those controls, not fold-up arms or a promise of better posture.
Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.
Highlights
- Lumbar support adjusts vertically and fore-and-aft.
- Arm pads have height, fore-and-aft and pivot controls.
Drawbacks
- The reviewed instructions do not establish fold-up arms.
- Exact seat dimensions and return costs require an offer check.
Buyer fit
Best for
- A buyer who wants separate lumbar-height and depth controls
Not for you if
- A desk that requires fold-up arms for storage
Check before buying
- Match 133282476, Black single-chair variant and seller before ordering.
- Confirm new condition and keep the delivered total at or below £150; check UK delivery, assembly and return costs.
- Confirm seat-height range, seat width/depth, arm clearance and manufacturer user limits for your own setup.
Pick 3
Best for simpler height-adjustable arms
SIHOO M18-M148 Black Office Chair
M18-M148 pairs a padded seat with height-adjustable arms and lumbar height/depth controls. Compare it when those adjustments are enough; the reviewed instructions do not establish fold-up arms or sliding seat depth.
Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.
Highlights
- Lumbar height and depth can be adjusted separately.
- Height-adjustable arms and separate lumbar-height and depth controls.
Drawbacks
- No fold-up-arm or sliding seat-depth claim is established.
- One retailer model-number field conflicts with the title, model name and manual.
Buyer fit
Best for
- A buyer who wants height-adjustable arms without relying on extra arm movements
Not for you if
- A buyer who needs documented fold-up arms or sliding seat depth
Check before buying
- Match M18, Black single-chair variant and seller before ordering.
- Confirm new condition and keep the delivered total at or below £150; check UK delivery, assembly and return costs.
- Confirm seat-height range, seat width/depth, arm clearance and manufacturer user limits for your own setup.
Pick 4
Best for sliding seat-depth adjustment
ProtoArc EC200 Black Office Chair
EC200 is the option to compare when moving the seat forward or back is a deciding feature. Its official guidance documents seat-depth adjustment and four backrest lock positions; check that its actual fit range suits you.
Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.
Highlights
- Official guidance documents a sliding seat-depth control.
- Four backrest lock positions offer an explicit tilt choice.
Drawbacks
- Published seat-depth figures conflict; no numerical fit range is asserted here.
- Additional controls do not prove long-session comfort or durability.
Buyer fit
Best for
- A buyer who specifically needs sliding seat-depth adjustment
Not for you if
- A buyer who needs independently verified dimensions before shortlisting
Check before buying
- Match EC200, Black single-chair variant and seller before ordering.
- Confirm new condition and keep the delivered total at or below £150; check UK delivery, assembly and return costs.
- Confirm seat-height range, seat width/depth, arm clearance and manufacturer user limits for your own setup.
Top 4 comparison
Compare the useful differences, trade-offs and final checks side by side.
Before you compare
Check these first
- 1Measure desk clearance and compare documented seat-height range, seat width and seat depth.
- 2Check manufacturer user limits, assembly requirements and return or collection costs.
- 3Confirm new condition, exact variant, UK delivery and delivered total on the linked offer.
Your four roles
View specs & trade-offs
Trade-off:Seat dimensions and folded-arm desk clearance need confirming.
Not ideal for:A buyer who needs verified sliding seat-depth adjustment
Check:Match M102C, Black single-chair variant and seller before ordering.
Sources:Official UK variant 51569257382256 identifies SKU M102C-M101. The manufacturer describes fore-and-aft, pivot and fold-up arm movement: these are compatible, not different variants. No seat dimensions or desk clearance inferred.
View specs & trade-offs
Trade-off:The reviewed instructions do not establish fold-up arms.
Not ideal for:A desk that requires fold-up arms for storage
Check:Match 133282476, Black single-chair variant and seller before ordering.
Sources:User and installation manuals were linked from exact Amazon UK ASIN B0B2Z624JL and identify Ticova controls. The manuals do not print the ASIN or model 133282476: applicability is based on the exact offer's document links, not an asserted printed identifier. Conflicting hardware lengths and ambiguous dimension fields are excluded.
View specs & trade-offs
Trade-off:No fold-up-arm or sliding seat-depth claim is established.
Not ideal for:A buyer who needs documented fold-up arms or sliding seat depth
Check:Match M18, Black single-chair variant and seller before ordering.
Sources:Official UK Black variant 51569258168688 is SKU M18-M148. Exact offer-linked manual prints M18-M148 on its first pages and documents height-adjustable arms, lumbar height/depth and tilt controls. Native title and ModelName agree. Conflicting ModelNumber B100-Lite-M101-JT-JP and non-matching retailer UPC are recorded as retailer metadata discrepancies, not copied as this product's identity. The title, model name and manual independently identify M18-M148. Do not infer 2D arm movement, certification or comfort.
View specs & trade-offs
Trade-off:Published seat-depth figures conflict; no numerical fit range is asserted here.
Not ideal for:A buyer who needs independently verified dimensions before shortlisting
Check:Match EC200, Black single-chair variant and seller before ordering.
Sources:Official Black variant 42701212450905 and the exact offer-linked ProtoArc EC200 manual identify this model. Reviewed manual panels document seat height, tilt locks at 90/105/120/130 degrees, tilt tension, arm height, sliding seat position, lumbar height and support-strength control, and headrest fore-and-aft movement. Conflicting absolute seat-depth dimensions are excluded.
| Pick | Pick role | Best for | Avoid if | Key trade-off | Check before buying | Review/evidence basis | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. SIHOO M102C Black Office Chair | Best for folding arms away | A desk where folding the arms away is useful | A buyer who needs verified sliding seat-depth adjustment | Seat dimensions and folded-arm desk clearance need confirming. | Match M102C, Black single-chair variant and seller before ordering. | Official UK variant 51569257382256 identifies SKU M102C-M101. The manufacturer describes fore-and-aft, pivot and fold-up arm movement: these are compatible, not different variants. No seat dimensions or desk clearance inferred. | Check current price |
| 2. Ticova 133282476 Black Office Chair | Best for lumbar and arm-pad tuning | A buyer who wants separate lumbar-height and depth controls | A desk that requires fold-up arms for storage | The reviewed instructions do not establish fold-up arms. | Match 133282476, Black single-chair variant and seller before ordering. | User and installation manuals were linked from exact Amazon UK ASIN B0B2Z624JL and identify Ticova controls. The manuals do not print the ASIN or model 133282476: applicability is based on the exact offer's document links, not an asserted printed identifier. Conflicting hardware lengths and ambiguous dimension fields are excluded. | Check retailer price |
| 3. SIHOO M18-M148 Black Office Chair | Best for simpler height-adjustable arms | A buyer who wants height-adjustable arms without relying on extra arm movements | A buyer who needs documented fold-up arms or sliding seat depth | No fold-up-arm or sliding seat-depth claim is established. | Match M18, Black single-chair variant and seller before ordering. | Official UK Black variant 51569258168688 is SKU M18-M148. Exact offer-linked manual prints M18-M148 on its first pages and documents height-adjustable arms, lumbar height/depth and tilt controls. Native title and ModelName agree. Conflicting ModelNumber B100-Lite-M101-JT-JP and non-matching retailer UPC are recorded as retailer metadata discrepancies, not copied as this product's identity. The title, model name and manual independently identify M18-M148. Do not infer 2D arm movement, certification or comfort. | Check retailer price |
| 4. ProtoArc EC200 Black Office Chair | Best for sliding seat-depth adjustment | A buyer who specifically needs sliding seat-depth adjustment | A buyer who needs independently verified dimensions before shortlisting | Published seat-depth figures conflict; no numerical fit range is asserted here. | Match EC200, Black single-chair variant and seller before ordering. | Official Black variant 42701212450905 and the exact offer-linked ProtoArc EC200 manual identify this model. Reviewed manual panels document seat height, tilt locks at 90/105/120/130 degrees, tilt tension, arm height, sliding seat position, lumbar height and support-strength control, and headrest fore-and-aft movement. Conflicting absolute seat-depth dimensions are excluded. | Check retailer price |
Choose this if / Avoid this if
Rule out poor-fit options before comparing finer details.
Avoid if
- You need a chair supported by an independent sitting trial before choosing. UK Shortlists has not tested these chairs.
- You cannot confirm the dimensions or return terms needed for your setup.
Dealbreakers
- The delivered total exceeds £150.
- The exact model, Black single-chair variant, seller or return terms cannot be confirmed.
Check before buying
- Measure desk clearance and compare documented seat-height range, seat width and seat depth.
- Check manufacturer user limits, assembly requirements and return or collection costs.
- Confirm new condition, exact variant, UK delivery and delivered total on the linked offer.
Choose another shortlist if
- You need a specialist size or adjustment that none of these exact models can establish.
Detailed buyer guidance
Start with the adjustment that changes your decision
If you need to tuck the chair closer to the desk, start with SIHOO M102C: its arms fold up. That is why it is our starting recommendation here, not because we have proved it more comfortable. Measure the desk and folded-chair clearance rather than assuming every desk will fit.
Choose Ticova when separate lumbar-height and depth controls plus movable arm pads matter more than folding the arms. SIHOO M18-M148 is the comparison for a padded seat with documented height-adjustable arms. ProtoArc EC200 is the option to investigate when sliding seat depth is a deciding requirement.
Four useful differences
| Exact model | Documented difference | Check before choosing |
|---|---|---|
| SIHOO M102C Black | Arms move fore-and-aft, pivot and fold up | Actual under-desk clearance; do not infer seat dimensions |
| Ticova 133282476 Black | Lumbar height/depth and arm-pad height, fore-and-aft and pivot | These are not documented fold-up arms; confirm seat fit |
| SIHOO M18-M148 Black | Padded seat, arm height and lumbar height/depth controls | Match M18-M148; one retailer model-number field conflicts |
| ProtoArc EC200 Black | Sliding seat depth and four backrest lock positions | Confirm the fit range; inconsistent published measurements are omitted |
These are control differences, not scores for comfort or build quality. We have not used the chairs or measured their comfort or build quality. A larger adjustment list is useful only when it helps you set up the chair for your desk.
Keep the £150 ceiling real
The linked exact UK offers had displayed delivered totals within the cap at our dated check. An explicit New condition label was not shown, so we have not verified condition. Delivery charges were observed for one signed-in UK delivery context, not every postcode. The manufacturer’s own direct-store price can differ from the Amazon offer; a documentation link is not a promise of the same price. Open the exact buying action, confirm Black and one chair, then check new condition, seller, UK delivery and the full delivered total. Skip an offer if it exceeds your ceiling.
Do not assume free returns just because delivery is free. Check whether an assembled chair can be returned, whether packaging must be retained and who pays collection costs. Follow the supplied instructions for assembly and adjustments.
Check fit before more features
Compare the seat-height range with your desk and foot support, and the usable seat width and depth with your own requirements. Check arm clearance and the manufacturer’s user limits. This comparison deliberately omits measurements where sources conflict; packaging dimensions are not seat dimensions.
For M18, the native title, model-name field and offer-linked manual identify M18-M148, but another retailer field disagrees. If the selected offer no longer establishes that model, do not substitute a similar-looking chair. Ticova’s controls come from manuals linked to its exact offer; its official manufacturer image proves the matching Black configuration, not dimensions, comfort or performance.
Use the related office-chair guides to explore a different requirement, but keep this page’s budget intact. No premium stretch pick is necessary to complete an under-£150 shortlist.
When another role fits better
The first option is a useful starting point, not a universal winner. Move another role ahead when its use case, fit or ownership trade-offs match you better.
Known limitations
UK Shortlists has not tested these chairs. This is a documented comparison; personal comfort, fit, stability, noise and durability have not been measured.
How we chose
The checks behind the four picks
We compared exact model documentation, control differences and matching UK retailer offers. Roles follow practical desk and adjustment needs, not commission or untested comfort claims.
- Step 1: Exact Black single-chair model and review-date delivered budget fit
- Step 2: Documented arm, lumbar, seat and tilt control differences
- Step 3: Desk storage and adjustment needs rather than untested comfort
- Step 4: Seller identity, assembly and return checks
Disclosure
Last reviewed: 09/09/2026
UK Shortlists may earn a commission when you use some retailer links. This does not increase the price you pay.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Retailers cannot pay to change which products we recommend or their order.
Prices, stock, delivery and returns can change. Confirm the final details with the retailer before buying.
Read more about how UK Shortlists makes money, retailer checks, and how corrections are handled.
Who checked this shortlist?
- Written / compiled by:
- Work & DIY Desk
- Reviewed by:
- UK Shortlists Editorial Team
- Last reviewed:
- 09/09/2026
- Review basis:
- Criteria-based comparison
We compare published product information, retailer details and the buying criteria shown above. UK Shortlists does not currently publish claims based on first-party product use, laboratory testing or long-term testing.
FAQs & alternatives
Are all four always under £150?
No. Qualifying UK offers were observed on 9 September, but prices, sellers and delivery charges change. Reject an offer above your delivered cap rather than treating this list as permission to overspend.
Which chair has arms that fold up?
SIHOO documents fold-up arms on M102C, alongside fore-and-aft movement and pivot. Measure desk clearance. The reviewed Ticova and M18 instructions do not establish fold-up arms.
Which option has sliding seat-depth adjustment?
ProtoArc's EC200 guidance documents a sliding seat. Published numerical depth figures conflict, so we do not give an unverified fit range. Confirm the current model's measurements before ordering.
Do more adjustments guarantee comfort or relieve back pain?
No. Controls provide ways to change the setup, not proof of personal comfort or a medical benefit. We have not performed a sitting trial or measured long-session results.
Also consider
- Compare the broader office-chair route if a different adjustment or independently documented size is essential.
- Wait or choose another qualifying offer if the delivered price exceeds your cap.
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