The Staples Hyken and IKEA Markus are two of the most popular office chairs for under $300, but they cater to very different needs. The Hyken prioritizes ergonomic fine-tuning with its adjustable lumbar support and breathable all-mesh design, while the Markus focuses on stability and high-back support with its durable steel frame, making it a favorite for taller users.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right chair from Staples or IKEA for your home office or workspace.
Staples Hyken Technical Mesh Task Chair
The Staples Hyken is a budget-friendly powerhouse of ergonomic adjustability, designed for those who spend long hours at a desk. It’s known for its full-mesh construction that provides excellent airflow and a modern aesthetic that fits well in most contemporary home offices.
- What it is: A popular, mid-range ergonomic office chair with a full-mesh design.
- Key features: Breathable mesh seat and back, adjustable headrest, adjustable lumbar support, seat height control, tilt lock, and height-adjustable armrests.
- Price: Around $200 - $250, often available for less during sales events.
- Dimensions: Seat depth: 16.77", Seat width: 19.37", Back height: 23-25"
- Materials/Construction: Features a sturdy plastic frame with a breathable mesh back and seat.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a minimalist profile.
- Pros: Excellent adjustability, especially the lumbar support. The all-mesh design is exceptionally breathable, keeping you cool. Sleek, professional look. Straightforward assembly process.
- Cons: The plastic frame may not feel as substantial as steel. Seat cushion is minimal and may feel less comfortable for very long sessions.
The Hyken is ideal for professionals who need specific ergonomic adjustments, particularly in the lower back, and value the breathability of an all-mesh chair.
Shop this product: staples.com/staples-hyken-technical-mesh-task-chair-black/product_990119
IKEA Markus Office Chair
The IKEA Markus is a long-standing crowd favorite, celebrated for its durability, impressive high back, and great value. It offers basic ergonomic features but excels in providing solid, all-day support with a construction that's built to last.
- What it is: A durable, high-back office chair suitable for long hours of work or gaming.
- Key features: High backrest provides full back and head support, breathable mesh back lets air circulate, adjustable height, and a lockable tilt function.
- Price: Typically around $200 - $250.
- Dimensions: Seat depth: 18.5", Seat width: 20.87", Back height: 35" (max height from floor).
- Materials/Construction: Built on a powder-coated steel frame with a mesh back and a padded polyurethane foam seat.
- Style: Modern and functional, with a slightly more utilitarian look that is clean and professional.
- Pros: Fantastic for taller users due to its high backrest. The steel frame feels exceptionally sturdy and is backed by a 10-year warranty from IKEA. Provides great value and durability for the price. Breathable mesh back is comfortable for long periods.
- Cons: Limited adjustability, the lumbar support is built-in but not adjustable. Armrests are also fixed and cannot be height-adjusted. The seat padding can feel firm to some.
This chair is a great match for taller individuals or anyone who prioritizes durability and full-back support over fine-tuned adjustments.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/markus-office-chair-vissle-dark-gray-90289172/
Staples Hyken vs. IKEA Markus Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most significant difference in dimension is the back height. The IKEA Markus features a very high backrest that provides excellent neck and head support, especially for users over six feet tall. The seat is also slightly wider and deeper, offering a more spacious feel.
In contrast, the Staples Hyken has a more standard back height, making it better suited for users of average height. Its overall profile is more compact and streamlined, which can be an advantage in smaller office spaces.
Comfort & Ergonomics
The Hyken is the clear winner when it comes to adjustability. It offers an adjustable headrest, height-adjustable armrests, and most importantly, adjustable lumbar support that you can dial in to fit your lower back perfectly. This level of customization is key for preventing back pain during long work sessions.
The Markus takes a simpler approach. Its ergonomics come from its supportive shape and high back rather than customizable parts. The lumbar support is fixed, and the armrests are not adjustable. While comfortable for many, it doesn't allow for the same level of personalized tuning as the Hyken.
Materials & Construction
Both chairs are well-built for their price point, but they use different materials. The Markus is built on a steel frame, which contributes to its robust, durable reputation. It feels substantial and ready for years of heavy use, a claim backed up by IKEA’s impressive 10-year warranty.
The Hyken uses a sturdy plastic frame. While perfectly adequate for daily use, it may not inspire the same feeling of long-term durability as the steel-framed Markus. Staples typically offers a much shorter warranty, usually around 1 to 3 years, which reflects this difference in material choice.
Price & Value
Both the Hyken and Markus occupy a similar price range of $200-$250, representing fantastic gateways into ergonomic seating. The value proposition for each is distinct. For the Hyken, the value lies in getting premium adjustment features (like controllable lumbar support) at a budget price. For the Markus, the value comes from its sheer durability and longevity, fortified by one of the best warranties in the business.
Style & Versatility
Aesthetically, the Staples Hyken has a more contemporary and sophisticated edge. Its fluid lines, all-mesh body, and sleek profile fit beautifully into minimalist or modern home office designs.
The IKEA Markus carries a more functional, utilitarian style. Its design is clean and professional but can appear a bit bulkier due to the high back and separate padded seat. It works well in a variety of workspaces but doesn't have the same "designer" feel as the Hyken.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both office chairs are excellent choices in the budget-friendly category, but they serve different users and priorities very well.
Choose the Staples Hyken if:
- You specifically need adjustable lumbar support to combat lower back pain.
- You are of average height and build.
- Maximum breathability is important, thanks to its all-mesh seat and back.
- You prefer fine-tuning your armrest height and headrest position.
- A sleek, minimalist design is a key part of your office aesthetic.
Choose the IKEA Markus if:
- You are tall and need a high backrest for full head and neck support.
- Long-term durability and a substantial warranty (10 years) are top priorities.
- You prefer a simple, sturdy chair without complex adjustments.
- You want a reliable workhorse for both professional work and long gaming sessions.
- A solid steel frame holds more appeal than a plastic one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Hyken and Markus?
The main difference is in their core design philosophy. The Hyken focuses on granular ergonomic adjustments like moveable lumbar support and armrests, while the Markus focuses on offering foundational support and excellent durability with its high back and steel frame.
Which chair is better for tall people?
The IKEA Markus is unquestionably better for taller individuals. Its high backrest and slightly larger seat dimensions are specifically designed to comfortably support those over 6 feet tall.
Which chair has better ergonomic adjustments?
The Staples Hyken has superior ergonomic adjustments. It offers control over seat height, tilt, headrest position, armrest height, and lumbar support depth - a feature completely absent on the Markus.
Is the IKEA Markus good for gaming?
Yes, the Markus is a popular choice for gamers on a budget. Its high back offers great support for long, lean-back sessions, and its durable build can withstand heavy daily use.
How difficult is it to assemble these chairs?
Both chairs are known for being relatively easy to assemble. IKEA's picture-based instructions are famous for their clarity, and the Staples Hyken also comes with a straightforward guide, allowing most people to complete the build in under 30 minutes.
What is the warranty on the Hyken and Markus?
This is a major point of difference. The IKEA Markus comes with a 10-year limited warranty, which is one of the best in the industry for a chair at this price. The Staples Hyken typically has a shorter warranty, usually ranging from 1 to 3 years.
Do the armrests on the Hyken and Markus adjust?
Yes for the Hyken, no for the Markus. The Hyken features height-adjustable armrests. The Markus armrests are in a fixed position and cannot be adjusted, though they can be removed entirely if you prefer an armless chair.
Which chair is more breathable?
Both chairs have mesh backs that allow for good airflow. However, the Staples Hyken often gets the edge because its seat is also made of mesh, whereas the Markus has a padded fabric seat that can retain more heat.
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