-SOURCE-Branch.jpg)
Branch has become one of my favorite home office furniture companies for three main reasons. First, its products are easy to assemble with clear instructions and helpful assembly videos. Second, they actually look good with multiple color options and an overall aesthetic that’s easy on the eyes. Third, everything is reasonably priced. Sure, you can find cheaper office chairs and standing desks, but these are well-designed, functional, and have longer warranties than most.
Good news then. Branch has kicked off its Black Friday sales event, which runs through December 2. You can get 15 percent off select products, and 20 percent off if you bundle things together, which also nets you free shipping. You’ll need to use the code BFCM at checkout to see the discount in your cart. I’ve tested a handful of products from the company—here’s what I like the most that’s well worth your money.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that’s too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.
Branch Office Chair Deals
This has been my top office chair recommendation for several years. It’s well-priced, quite adjustable, and looks pleasant. You can get it in fun colors but this bumps up the price. The armrests go up, down, back, and forward, and you can adjust the seat depth (helpful for taller people). There’s adjustable lumbar support as well, to make sure it’s supporting the natural curve in the spine. The seat foam is cushy, and the mesh back allows for good airflow. I had no trouble sitting on it for hours as a 6’4″ man, but my 5’1″ wife also enjoyed it.
Branch just released the Ergonomic Chair Pro, which supposedly improves on the original in several ways. I have it in a box but have not had a chance to set it up and try it. If you’d like to take your chances, it’s also on sale for a tempting $75 discount, costing you $424.
The Verve is the “next step up” pick in our guide if can spend a little more, though that might change soon once I try the Ergonomic Chair Pro. It keeps my back straighter, is just as comfy, and looks prettier. There’s a headrest add-on if you want but I don’t think it’s necessary. If you need a wider seat, you may want to look elsewhere as the seat arms can feel like they’re boxing you in. Speaking of, these arms only go up and down, so there’s not much you can do to move them around. Still, there’s a good level of polish on this chair that’s a step above the Ergonomic Chair, and
The Softside feels more like you’re sitting on an armchair than an office chair. If you have a bookshelf in your office and are a frequent tea drinker, it just might complete your room’s aesthetic. It’s soft all around with a lovely fabric that feels durable. If you need a wide seat, this isn’t the chair for you—the arms are fixed and rise directly from the seat, boxing you in. There’s not much else in the way of adjustability outside of locking the recline, but my back didn’t complain after weeks on this chair.
I tested the High Back version, which goes all the way past my shoulders (I’m 6’4″). The standard model is the Mid Back, which I can’t vouch for, but may be suitable for shorter folks. You can also swap out the fabric for leather or vegan leather, but I haven’t tried either.
Branch Standing Desk Deals
I’m working on a standing desks guide and the Duo is my choice for anyone limited on space. It’s a very small standing desk (though you can choose from multiple sizes), and the desk add-ons are easy to install, like the cable organizer and drawer. It’s made of manufactured wood and has a powder-coated steel frame, and it didn’t take me too long to assemble. There’s a paddle on the right to raise or lower the desk, with two height presets. It’s a little tricky to figure out how to save the heights you want (why is this so hard), so keep that manual handy.
This was one of the first nice standing desks I tested. You get multiple height presets, quiet motors, and a large desktop to fit all your stuff. There’s a spot in the back of the center to run cables through. This one has a larger range of movement than the Branch Duo.
This newly-launched standing desk just arrived at my doorstep recently and I haven’t had a chance to clear out my current setup and assemble it (such is the life of a Gear reviewer). I cannot vouch for the desk just yet but I’m including it here because I generally have had a positive experience with Branch. It’s also a unique-looking standing desk with four legs. Fully used to make one like this called the Fully Nolan, but it was discontinued after Herman Miller bought the company. Now Branch has a version and I’m excited to test it. I think it looks much nicer than traditional two-legged standing desks. There are three height presets and can lift up to 225 pounds. Like all of Branch’s standing desks, it has a 10-year warranty.
Other Good Deals
Well, whaddya know. I’m not the only one who likes Branch. My colleague Boutayna Chokrane re-tested a bunch of laptop stands recently and came away thinking that Branch’s Adjustable Laptop Stand is indeed the best for most folks. It lifts your laptop up seven inches and you can adjust it to nearly any viewing angle. It doesn’t wobble and looks great. It’s a little tough to adjust but that’s also what keeps it so stable and reliable.
An easy way to add more outlets to your desk setup, this Branch accessory clamps directly to the desk. I used it for a while at my desk and have now repurposed it for my tool closet to keep all my power tools charged up (it’s clamped to a shelf). It looks attractive and offers three outlets as well as a USB-C and USB-A. This accessory is UL-certified and it has a six-foot cord which should be long enough to run to the wall.
