We've had a lot of fun testing stylish, high-quality office chairs over the years, but the brands that really impress us are the ones that can make something that's close to the same quality for a fraction of the cost. There are Vari and Branch Furniture, two relatively young brands whose products we report on every time there is a new release. Unlike premium brands like Herman Miller and Steelcase, they've managed to build complete lines of chairs that mostly cost less than $500. And despite this price cap, both Branch and Vari made some of them best office chairs we sat.
Since these two brands have similar products and price ranges, it can be a bit difficult to figure out which one best suits your needs. There's no doubt we'd recommend both individually, but if you're stuck between the two, take a closer look at Vari and Branch here.
We tested a number of the best chairs from these brands, including the best-sellers Vari task chair And Branch Ergonomic Chair . We use our experience and detailed knowledge of each brand's entire product range to identify the fine details in which each company excels and manages to outshine the other.
Vari vs Branch: Design and Materials
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
Branch and Vari chairs are hard to tell apart at first glance, but you'll probably notice that the former tend to have slightly slimmer, more rounded backs. If you're tall and have broad shoulders, this may not be as comfortable or supportive, but it eliminates awkward, sharp corners that could dig into your shoulders.
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
Branch chairs also tend to offer more color options and extensions. This means the price on these models isn't as certain as Vari, but it does help you add a bit more personal touch to your workspace, which can be a relief if you're tired of the same old black and grey.
In terms of build quality, the two brands are relatively equivalent, but Vari has a few more options with polyethylene bases than Branch, leading to Vari's slightly lower prices. Although it is not always as robust a material as aluminum, it will still last for years without any problems.
Vari vs Branch: Products and price ranges
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
At the lower end of both brands' price ranges we find the humble Essential Task Chair from Vari. As the name suggests, this relatively simple chair gives you little more than the bare minimum in terms of adjustment and comfort, but it also only costs $235. It has a polyethylene base, while the cheapest option from Branch has a metal one, but this loss in quality is made up for by the adjustable lumbar support.
On the other hand, Branch's cheapest chair, the Daily Chair, costs just $20 more than the Essential Task Chair and has a similar number of adjustment points. This chair has more color options as well as the option to upgrade to a vegan leather seat and it features a metal frame. Unfortunately, the settings are all relatively simple – there is no height adjustment for the lumbar support.
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
In terms of ergonomic office chairs alone (i.e. excluding the more expensive conference room chairs), Branch has the most expensive option of all at $550 verve which, based on our testing, we consider to be the best office chair overall and for most people. It features a 3D knit backrest lining that, like mesh, is super breathable but noticeably softer. It doesn't have too many extraordinary features and there are only six points of adjustment, but it is incredibly comfortable, robustly built and its design will definitely turn heads.
(Image credit: Vari)
Things are a little different with Vari's most expensive option, the brand new ComfortFlex. It's a much more minimalist design than the Verve: It features a three-piece mesh backrest with headrest, and all three pieces can be moved independently. There are a total of nine adjustment points to work with, but you definitely can't sink into this chair like you can with the Verve. For just $20 less, as an alternative, you can try the Performance Task Chair, which has fewer adjustment points but a much more comfortable cushion.
Vari vs Branch: Assembly
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
Since you're dealing with two budget brands here, you can expect the assembly process to require a little more work than with higher-end brands, but luckily it's not that bad with either Branch or Vari. Assembling the chairs from both brands takes about 10 minutes. However, in our testing, we found that the Branch chairs only require a few more steps, including attaching the casters to the base.
Otherwise, the only assembly you need to manage on either brand is connecting the backrest and armrests to the seat, then the base and the air cylinder at the bottom. In the case of the Vari Task Chair, all we had to do was screw in four screws using the tool provided. It took longer to remove all the packaging than it did to actually put the thing together.
Vari vs. Branch: Guarantee
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When it comes to longevity, Branch has Vari beaten in the guarantee game. While you can expect a guarantee of three to five years with the latter, most options even extend up to seven years with the former. Be careful with Branch, however, as you only have a limited time (seven days) to activate your warranty if you purchase through a third party, such as. E.g. Amazon.
In terms of reach, both brands are about the same. Both cover all manufacturer defects in parts and components for the entire duration of the warranty period. You just have to be careful not to damage any of the parts themselves, as none of the brands cover sun bleaching or ink stains, for example.
It is also worth noting that installing third-party components such as improved roles voids all such warranties. If Accessories for your office chair is something you end up wanting to do but still want that coverage, be sure to avoid replacing components and stick with non-invasive add-ons.
Well tailored to your individual strengths Overall, Branch and Vari are pretty much on par in terms of model variety, build quality and design. But that doesn't mean they are the same. Vari is our pick for customizability and a bit more money savings, while Branch is our pick for more customization. Both are solid options, especially at their price, and we'd be hard-pressed to say that either of these chairs isn't worth your money. But even a chair starting at $235 can be an investment for some, so it's worth putting the money toward the best direction for your needs.
