Backrest or no backrest? It’s one of the most common questions about kneeling chairs — and the right answer depends on how long you’ll be sitting and what you’re trying to fix.
If you’ve been shopping for kneeling chairs, you’ve probably noticed there are two main types: the classic backless kneeling stool, and the less common version with an attached backrest. They look different, feel different, and suit different people. Here’s how to choose the right one. Not sure if a kneeling chair is right for you at all? Read our honest breakdown of whether kneeling chairs are worth it first.
Quick comparison
The classic kneeling chair (no backrest)
The traditional kneeling chair — backless, with a forward-tilted seat and shin pads — is the most common version and for good reason. Without a backrest to lean on, your core and spinal muscles do the work of keeping you upright. Over time this actively strengthens your posture rather than just supporting it. For a full breakdown of how this works, see our guide on whether kneeling chairs actually improve posture.
Most users find they can comfortably use a backless kneeling chair for 30–90 minutes at a time. Beyond that, back fatigue starts to set in — which is the signal to take a break or switch chairs. This is actually a feature, not a bug: it forces movement, which is healthier than hours of static sitting.
Best for: People who want active posture improvement, have a regular chair to alternate with, and aren’t planning to sit in the kneeling chair for hours at a stretch. See our best budget kneeling chairs under $100 for the top backless options in Australia.
The kneeling chair with backrest
Kneeling chairs with a backrest — also called kneeling office chairs or ergonomic kneeling chairs — add lumbar or mid-back support to the classic design. The idea is to combine the forward hip tilt of a kneeling chair with enough back support for longer sessions.
They work well in theory, and they are more comfortable for extended use. The trade-off is that you’re now leaning on the backrest, which reduces the active core engagement that makes traditional kneeling chairs beneficial. You get some of the postural benefits, but less of the muscle-strengthening effect. For a broader comparison of chair types, see our kneeling chair vs ergonomic chair breakdown.
Best for: People who want to use a kneeling chair for longer sessions, have existing back fatigue from backless sitting, or are transitioning from a regular chair and find the backless version too demanding at first.
💡 Practical tip: If you’re new to kneeling chairs, start with a backless version and use it in 30–60 minute blocks. Most people find they adapt within 2 weeks and no longer need the backrest. A backless chair is also cheaper and easier to find in Australia.
The honest verdict
For most Australian buyers, a backless kneeling chair is the better starting point. They’re more affordable, easier to find locally, and deliver the full posture benefit. If you find after a few weeks that you need more support for longer sessions, you can upgrade then — or simply alternate with a regular chair.
The backrest version is genuinely useful if your job requires you to sit for 4+ hours continuously, or if you have back fatigue issues that make the backless version unworkable. For more on back pain relief, see our top kneeling chair picks for back pain in Australia.
Best backless kneeling chairs in Australia
All three are available on Amazon.com.au under $110 with free delivery. For our full roundup see the 5 best kneeling chairs in Australia 2026.
Luxsuite Kneeling Chair
Birch & Poplar Rocking Base · $109.95 AUD · Highest-Rated Wood Chair (4.5★)
The best all-round backless kneeling chair for most Australians. Confirmed genuine rocking base, 125kg capacity, and the highest owner rating of any wood-frame chair in our entire comparison — ahead of every other backless option on Amazon.com.au. Ideal for 1–3 hour focused work sessions.
⚠️ Only 6 reviews so far — a strong average, but a thin sample. Read them before buying.
Giantex Kneeling Chair
150kg Capacity · ~$99.95 AUD · Rocking Wood Frame
The sturdiest backless option under $100. 150kg weight capacity and a smooth, confirmed rocking base make it ideal for larger-framed users. 14 reviews at 4.3★, no caution flags.
VEVOR Kneeling Chair
Height Adjustable · ~$107.99 AUD · Linen Fabric
The only backless option with height adjustment — great if you share the chair or want to fine-tune the angle for your body. 64 reviews at 3.9★, no caution flags.
Best kneeling chairs with backrest in Australia
These three options all include confirmed back support and casters, and — unlike the picks in the original comparison — all three actually have real customer reviews behind them. Ranked from best value to most proven.
Levede Kneeling Chair (Backrest)
Steel Frame · ~$104.00 AUD · 2 Lockable Casters
The most-reviewed backrest kneeling chair under $110 on Amazon.com.au — 29 reviews, nearly triple VEVOR’s backrest model. Low U-shaped mesh backrest, 10cm foam padding, and lockable casters for stability. Reviews are genuinely mixed on long-term durability, so weigh that against the price and review volume. 3.5★, no caution flags.
VEVOR Kneeling Chair (Backrest)
Steel Frame · ~$127.99 AUD · 360° Swivel Casters
The cheapest way into the backrest category with a genuinely strong average rating. Heavy-duty carbon steel frame, 5-position angle adjustment between knee pad and seat, and smooth-rolling floor-safe casters. 120kg capacity. 10 reviews at 3.8★ — the best rating of any backrest chair on the site with real review volume.
DRAGONN by VIVO Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
Steel Frame · ~$179.99 AUD · Mesh Backrest
Nearly 800 ratings — by far the most proven backrest kneeling chair on Amazon.com.au. Mesh backrest, 4 caster wheels, the widest height range we’ve seen (53–79cm), and 113kg capacity from an established brand. Best for users who want a backrest chair they can use for several hours a day and want a track record to back it up. 788 reviews at 3.3★.
Our recommendation
- Luxsuite backlessfor the best value overall — the highest-rated wood-frame chair on the site, with a confirmed genuine rocking base.
- Giantex backlessif you’re over 100kg or want the rocking wood frame design.
- VEVOR backlessif you need to fine-tune the height adjustment for your body.
- Levede (Backrest)for the best-value backrest chair with the most reviews under $110.
- VEVOR (Backrest)if you want a backrest chair with a stronger average rating than Levede.
- DRAGONNif you want the most-reviewed, most proven backrest option for long daily sessions.
Are you using a backless or backrest kneeling chair? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear which you prefer.
Related reading:
→ Are kneeling chairs worth it? Honest pros and cons
→ 5 best kneeling chairs in Australia 2026
→ Best kneeling chairs for back pain in Australia
→ Best budget kneeling chairs under $100 in Australia
→ Kneeling chair vs ergonomic chair — which is better?
→ Do kneeling chairs actually improve posture? What the science says
→ Luxsuite kneeling chair review — worth it in Australia?
→ Levede kneeling chair (backrest) review — worth it in Australia?
→ VEVOR kneeling chair (backrest) review — worth it in Australia?
→ DRAGONN kneeling chair review — worth buying in 2026?
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