Sihoo M18 vs Ticova: Which Budget Ergonomic Chair Wins?

Last Updated on January 7, 2026 by Cassie Moorhead

I tested both the Sihoo M18 and Ticova ergonomic chair side by side for weeks in my home office. I sit 8-10 hours a day working remotely. Both chairs cost under $300 and aim to ease back pain without breaking the bank. Here is my honest take on each.

Sihoo M18 Review

The Sihoo M18 is a solid ergonomic office chair that helps with posture and back support. I sat in it for long work days. My lower back felt better by the end of the week. The mesh back keeps air flowing. I stay cool even on warm days. The lumbar pillow adjusts a bit and pushes gently against my spine. During a full day of video calls and typing, I did not feel stiff.

It reclines nicely for short breaks. In short, the Sihoo M18 feels dependable for everyday desk work.

What I Like

• The breathable mesh back — It keeps me from getting sweaty. I noticed this right away on hot afternoons.
• The adjustable lumbar support — It fits my curve well. My back pain eased after a few days of use.
• The easy recline — I lean back to rest my eyes. It locks in place and feels stable.
• The simple assembly — I put it together in about 20 minutes with no trouble.

What Could Be Better

• The seat cushion is quite firm — It supports posture but can feel hard after 6+ hours.
• The armrests only adjust up and down well — More options would help for typing comfort.
• The headrest works okay but feels low for me at 5’10” — Taller people might need to tweak it a lot.

Sihoo M18 Overview

Feature	Details
Lumbar Support	Adjustable pillow-style
Headrest	Adjustable height and angle
Armrests	Height adjustable, flip-up
Recline	Up to 126 degrees with lock
Seat Cushion	Firm foam with mesh
Weight Capacity	Up to 300 lbs
Warranty	5 years (common for Sihoo models)

Recommendation

The Sihoo M18 suits you if you like a firm seat that keeps your posture straight. It works great for people with mild back issues who want good support on a budget. In the US, it ships fast on Amazon with easy returns. If you prefer a softer feel or more arm adjustments, look at other options first.

Ticova Ergonomic Chair Review

The Ticova ergonomic chair feels cozy right from the start. I switched to it after the Sihoo. The thicker cushion made my hips happy during long sits. I used it for coding sessions and meetings. The seat stays comfy for hours. The lumbar support moves up, down, and in/out. I dialed it in perfectly for my back.

The headrest turns and adjusts easily. I rest my neck during breaks. In short, the Ticova feels valuable for daily comfort.

What I Like

• The thick seat cushion — It is soft yet supportive. My legs do not go numb like on firmer chairs.
• The 3D armrests — I move them forward, back, and angle them. Perfect for typing or relaxing.
• The adjustable lumbar and headrest — Everything fits my body. I felt less tension in my neck and back.
• The deep recline with rocking — I lean back far to stretch. It feels smooth and safe.

What Could Be Better

• The cushion might soften over time — After heavy use, it could flatten a bit.
• The armrest pads feel a little hard — Adding a soft cover would make them nicer.
• Assembly takes a few extra steps — It took me about 30 minutes, longer than the Sihoo.

Ticova Ergonomic Chair Overview

Feature	Details
Lumbar Support	Adjustable height and depth
Headrest	Adjustable height, angle, and rotatable
Armrests	3D (height, angle, forward/back)
Recline	Up to 140 degrees with rocking and lock
Seat Cushion	Thick density foam with mesh
Weight Capacity	Up to 300 lbs
Warranty	5 years (common for Ticova models)

Recommendation

The Ticova ergonomic chair is ideal if you want more adjustments and a plusher seat. It fits remote workers who shift positions a lot. For folks with neck or arm strain, the extra options help a ton. In the US, it is a top Amazon pick with quick Prime shipping. If you like very firm support, try the Sihoo first.

Both chairs are strong budget picks. The Ticova edges out for overall comfort and flexibility in my experience. Pick based on if you want firm (Sihoo) or cushy (Ticova). Either way, your back will thank you.

Sihoo M18 vs Ticova Details Comparison

Lumbar Support: Sihoo M18 vs Ticova

The Sihoo M18 has solid lumbar support. It adjusts up, down, and closer. It fits my lower back well on most days. The Ticova goes further. You move it in and out more. It hugs my curve better. I felt less ache after hours.

I switch between them. The Ticova wins here for custom fit. Sihoo M18: 8/10 Ticova: 9/10

Seat Cushion Comfort: Sihoo M18 vs Ticova

The Sihoo seat stays firm. It keeps posture straight. I stay cool in summer. But it feels hard after six hours.

The Ticova has thick padding. It feels soft right away. My hips relax during long calls. It softens a bit over time.

I prefer the Ticova for all-day sits. The cushion makes a big difference. Sihoo M18: 7.5/10 Ticova: 9/10

Armrest Adjustability: Sihoo M18 vs Ticova

Sihoo armrests adjust height well. Some flip up. They work fine for typing.

Ticova offers 3D arms. I move them forward and angle them. Perfect when I shift positions.

The Ticova arms help my shoulders most. They adjust easily. Sihoo M18: 7/10 Ticova: 9.5/10

Headrest: Sihoo M18 vs Ticova

The Sihoo headrest adjusts height and tilt. It supports okay when I lean back.

The Ticova rotates and adjusts fully. I rest my neck during breaks. It fits better for me at 5’10”.

The Ticova headrest reduces my neck strain more. Sihoo M18: 8/10 Ticova: 8.5/10

Backrest Breathability: Sihoo M18 vs Ticova

Both use mesh backs. The Sihoo feels more open. Air flows great on hot days. I never get sweaty.

The Ticova breathes well too. It stays comfy in warm rooms.

The Sihoo edges out for staying cool. It helps in my non-AC office. Sihoo M18: 9/10 Ticova: 8.5/10

Recline Function: Sihoo M18 vs Ticova

The Sihoo reclines to about 126 degrees. It locks steady for breaks.

The Ticova goes deeper with smooth rocking. I stretch fully without tension.

The Ticova recline feels more relaxing. Sihoo M18: 8/10 Ticova: 9/10

Performance: Sihoo M18 vs Ticova

Both handle daily 8–10 hour use. The Sihoo supports posture firmly. The Ticova adds plush comfort.

I felt reliable support from each. The Ticova reduces fatigue better overall. Sihoo M18: 8.5/10 Ticova: 9/10

Ease of Use: Sihoo M18 vs Ticova

Assembly is simple for both. I built the Sihoo faster. Adjustments click easy on each.

The Ticova has more options. They all feel intuitive. Wheels roll smooth on both. Sihoo M18: 8.5/10 Ticova: 8/10

Value for Money: Sihoo M18 vs Ticova

Both give great features under $300. Fast Prime shipping in the US helps.

The Ticova packs more comfort tweaks. It feels like a better deal long-term. Sihoo M18: 8.5/10 Ticova: 9/10

Overall: Sihoo M18 vs Ticova

The Sihoo M18 shines for breathability and firm support. The Ticova wins with plush seat and extra adjustments.

I reach for the Ticova most days. It keeps me comfy longer. Sihoo M18: 8.3/10 Ticova: 9/10

FAQs for Sihoo M18 vs Ticova

Which is better for long hours, Sihoo M18 or Ticova?

The Ticova fits long hours best. Its thick cushion and deep recline cut fatigue. The Sihoo works well but feels firmer.

Is the Sihoo M18 good for hot weather?

Yes, the Sihoo M18 excels in heat. Its mesh back lets air flow freely. You stay cool and dry.

Does the Ticova have better armrests than Sihoo M18?

The Ticova has superior armrests. They adjust in 3D for perfect positioning. The Sihoo arms are simpler.

Are these chairs easy to assemble?

Both assemble easily in 20–35 minutes. Clear instructions help. Tools come included.

Which chair offers better value in the US?

Both give strong value with Amazon Prime shipping. The Ticova edges out with more comfort features for the price.

Conclusion

I tested the Sihoo M18 and Ticova for weeks in my home office. Both beat bad posture on a budget.

The Ticova stands out with its cozy cushion, flexible arms, and smooth recline. It became my go-to for pain-free days. The Sihoo stays great if you want firm support and extra breathability.

Pick the Ticova for plush comfort or Sihoo for cool firmness. Either upgrades your setup without big cost. Check current Amazon deals to grab one. Your back deserves it.