Vari Active Seat

I absolutely LOVE this chair. It is a total game changer. When my company went to full-on WFH, I was super bummed to be leaving the adjustable-height desks we had in the office — since I would stand at my desk for nearly the entire day. Luckily, I already had an architect's table that I could work from. After a few adjustments, I've got everything ergonomically correct, and this chair was the final and most perfect piece to this puzzle. Now I can take the breaks from standing that I need without leaving my architect's table. It's very sturdy and perfect for that half-stand, half-sit seating. I also love that it doesn't just swivel forward and back, but also left to right, so that it's great for a fidgeter like myself. Before the package arrived, I was a little concerned about the base and if it would stay put with all my movement. It is indeed solid and heavy, and I've never felt like I was going to tip over or fall off. If you're looking for a standing desk chair, this is the one! Just buy it already. (: (No I was not paid to say that.)

I wrestled with how to write this review. Heck, I wrestled with how to rate it as well. You see, never have I purchased a piece of furniture whose sole purpose was to keep you mostly upright, and if possible, standing. You are not purchasing this chair for comfort. I repeat THIS IS NOT A COMFORTABLE CHAIR!!!!! What this chair provides is an incentive in spades not to remain seated all day, while you work. In this, it excels. This chair forces you to change position a lot and is, for all intents and purposes, a brief respite from standing. Nearly a month into using this chair 5 days a week, my body has grown so accostumed to barely sitting that I find it hard to slouch in chairs when I’m not working. This is probably the biggest testament to this uncomfortable thing. It promotes correct posture in a way no other chair I have owned has (and I’ve owned some pretty expensive office chairs). So, can I recommend this chair? Sure. Why not…but with a caveat. You should already be in somewhat decent shape if you’re going to bite this one off. Larger people may not find this stool as “accommodating” as smaller framed people. If you suffer with back problems, don’t do it. This is not for the person who has medical issues standing (unless your dr says otherwise). Having gotten used to this chair, I can tell you that it has begun to pay dividends when it comes to my health. However, this is not a one size fits all kinda product and you should approach with extreme caution.

This chair is a great alternative to a standard desk chair. I bought it go with my standing desk. I love the concept that I can sit and my desk and still move. I do twists, side to side and back and forth motions most of the time when I'm seated. It is a great way to build up my core muscles without really even thinking about it. I find that I sit up straighter with this chair so it is also improving my posture. There are a couple down sides to it. I have short legs so even in the lowest position, it is a little high for me but the footstool I keep under my desk makes that a non-issue. I will say that the seat is a little hard as some other people have mentioned. I have found that if I sit way back on the seat and sit up straight, it is much more comfortable. If it gets too hard after awhile, it is time to change my desk to its standing position and set the chair aside for awhile. This is a very expensive chair and I thought long and hard about buying it. At first the hardness of it made me a little skeptical as to whether or not I liked it. But I've had it for about a month now and I am happy that I stuck it out and kept using it. The more I use it the more I like it.

I've been a proponent of a standing desk for several years. As such, I've searched for the best standing stool. I've tried many and have either returned or donated the ones I've tried. Just couldn't find that perfect chair. I decided to try the Vari Active Seat and this one will be a keeper. It makes sense that the maker of premier standing desks would be the maker of a premier stool. The Active Seat feels very sturdy. It's got some weight to it, however, it also has a great carry handle to be able to move the stool if needed. The base is solid. I returned the Uplift Starling stool because it was just too light and it would slide on my glass mat. The Active Seat stays put. Many have said that the seat itself is hard. That is the nature of most, if not all, standing stools. The idea is to perch rather than to sit. Also, the stiffer seat reminds us to get up and move around. Nothing like a little discomfort to get us to do that. This is not a deal breaker for me. The Active Seat also has just the right amount of movement. I can rock to stay active without fear of losing the stool from under me because of the hefty base. The seat also comes fully assembled. Huge plus for me. For the seats I've had to return, it was a pain to disassemble and figure out how to re-box. Of course, this is a non-issue with the Vari because I will be keeping this stool. You will pay more for this stool but it's well worth it if you work from a standing desk. Highly recommend.

These are the best for multiple uses the Quality is unexpectedly great. The movement is a big plus rather than static. I use in public speaking and as a musician. They really are perfect and well worth the price. Don’t go cheap and don’t go exorbitant this is truly just right. If you have a standing desk they would work for that as well

I was looking for a variable height stool/chair that works with my standing desk. Since I'm tall, many of the stools are too short to work well with my standing height. I specifically ordered this one because it claimed being able to go to 35" height. That is misleading advertising. If you measure to the top of the "back" of the chair it's 35", but unless you're into pain, you're not going to be sitting on the stiff plastic back. To the actual sitting surface, it measures 33". Not a good start. However, in its favor, it seems well-built and comfortable. I'll give it 3-stars for now because mislabeling products is just not okay.... I would probably give it 5-stars if it would go to the promised height.

Like most folks these days, I sit in front of a desk for long hours every day - often hunched forward. Eventually my lower back started to fail from years of poor posture and I was diagnosed with disc degeneration. I've been using this chair exclusively for 6 months now, as well as making many other ergonomic improvements to my workspace. I can say my back is much stronger and in much better shape now. I can get through a whole work day without much pain and its primarily because of this chair! The quality seems excellent - I certainly have had no issues so far. The chair tilts freely in all directions, but with some elastic resistance - basically giving you all the advantages of sitting on a yoga ball, but without the huge yoga ball behind your desk. The best position is sitting high (so your seat is well above your knees) and leaning forward with your legs extended. This puts your lower spine in a natural and stable position. For best results, one should raise the computer monitor to eye level, and avoid leaning forward as much as possible (ie. sit up straight and work directly in front of you). This chair may not be the cheapest, but how much does back surgery cost these days? I highly recommend.

I work a full time job at home. I am glad I spent the money on this chair instead of a cheaper model. I am on the larger side and this has a very stable base and fits my entire frame on the seat. Everyone was right about the seat being uncomfortable! BUT it should be. Every 30 minutes or so I HAVE to get up and move around or do some movement on the chair for a couple minutes. Which is the point! It came out of the box ready to use! Hallelujah! It's very stable and the ball joint feels sturdy. I won't lie, the second week I had it, my backside rebelled when I went to sit down. But it rebelled like it does when I have hit the gym for the first week after being away for awhile.2 I have never spent this much money on a chair, but as soon as I can afford a second one I am buying it for my husband.

Does exactly as it advertises. High quality as well.

I was hesitant to purchase this due to the price, but I’m so glad I did and my coworkers are always borrowing it when I’m out of the office. Cushion is super comfortable and the adjustments allow you to make it perfect for sitting or leaning.

It’s great. I use it at my standing desk and as a guitar stool. It frees up a lot of floor space in my small home office/Music studio. You lean against it at the higher settings and can sit on it at the lowest. (I’m 6’4”) yes it’s firm. Think bike seat.