Sihoo M57 Review (2026) – Better Than the M18?

After testing and reviewing most of Sihoo’s products, the time has come to test the Sihoo M57. This model positions itself as an upgrade to one of the best budget office chairs on the market, the M18, which has gained a remarkable level of popularity over time.

While the design clearly takes cues from its predecessor, this model brings some meaningful upgrades, especially in comfort, build quality, and adjustability.

The real question is whether those improvements are strong enough to justify the higher price when the M18 is already such a compelling option.

So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the Sihoo M57 after 3 months of daily use and over 500 hours to see how it performed in real-life scenarios.

Delivery And Unboxing

The box, like in most cases, arrived in good condition, with no signs of tears, dents, or punctures. Surprisingly, it was noticeably heavier than the M18, hinting at the beefed-up build quality and reinforced frame that the M57 brings to the table.

However, it was still significantly lighter than the Doro C300, making it manageable for a single person to carry and unpack.

Inside, the components were well-organized and securely packed. Each part was individually wrapped in bubble wrap, and some of the smaller elements were grouped into separate boxes to prevent movement during transit.

It’s a packaging style that gets the job done, but personally, I would’ve preferred to see a reduction in the amount of plastic used, especially the bubble wrap, in favor of more eco-conscious solutions like cardboard inserts, similar to what Sihoo used in the Doro C300.

Assembly Process

Assembly was quite easy. It took me around 20 minutes, but that’s mostly because I’ve had quite a bit of experience assembling chairs at this point. For someone doing it for the first time, I’d estimate it might take closer to 30 minutes, give or take a few minutes.

One thing to note is that each leg of the base needs to be individually screwed on. While I’m not particularly a fan of the extra steps, I can understand the reasoning behind it.

The legs are made of steel rather than reinforced plastic, which not only adds to the overall durability of the chair but also helps reduce the box size for shipping.

That said, the process was overall very straightforward. All the parts aligned properly, the instructions were clear, and I didn’t encounter any issues during assembly.

Design & Build Quality

Here’s where we start seeing some of the biggest improvements compared to the M18.

Right off the bat, the M57 introduces a suspended seat with a high-quality mesh that feels both breathable and incredibly durable.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that it supports up to 350 pounds, quite impressive for a mesh seat alone.

Personally, I really like this upgrade. It provides a nice balance of flexibility and support, especially over long sitting sessions.

One of the most noticeable changes, and arguably the most welcome, is the redesigned armrests. They’re significantly more comfortable than those on the M18, thanks to a softer surface and improved ergonomics.

Plus, they now offer basic 3D adjustability, which is a must-have if, like me, you move around a lot at your desk or prefer a more active sitting posture.

I also appreciate that the armrests now have a flat surface instead of the old curved design that used to lock your arms in place. This allows for freer movement and better adaptability depending on your sitting position.

Moving up, the backrest remains fairly similar to the one on the M18. I didn’t notice any major changes here, and the same goes for the headrest. That said, I do think Sihoo could revisit the design of the backrest frame.

As I mentioned in my M18 review, users with a wide back or taller might start to feel some pressure or discomfort from the edge of the backrest frame after a few hours of use.

However, I have to give credit where it’s due; the lumbar support is still solid. It’s not the best on the market, but it gets the job done.

And as always with Sihoo chairs, I appreciate the extra padding on the lumbar area, which really helps during long sitting sessions.

Ergonomics & Comfort Over Time

As mentioned earlier, the M57 comes across as a well-rounded upgrade over the M18, especially in the areas that matter most during long hours of use.

The armrests are one of the standout features here; they’re genuinely comfortable, and the 3D adjustability makes a noticeable difference throughout the day.

Whether you’re typing, leaning back, or shifting positions while on calls, they adapt well to different sitting postures.

They may not be full 4D armrests like on more premium chairs, but for the price, they strike a solid balance between functionality and comfort.

When it comes to overall adjustability, the chair covers the basics well. You’ve got seat height, tilt tension, recline lock, and of course, adjustable armrests and headrest.

While nothing is groundbreaking here, all the core ergonomic adjustments you’d expect from a good office chair are present, and they work smoothly.

Over the three months I used the M57, I found it to hold up well in terms of comfort, even during extended 8–10 hour workdays.

The suspended mesh seat helps distribute weight evenly and avoids pressure points, which was especially noticeable during longer editing or writing sessions.

Breathability is also a big plus, no overheating or sweating like you might get with foam or leather alternatives.

Value For Money

At its current price point, I believe the Sihoo M57 stands out as one of the most solid choices available on the market.

It’s hard to find another chair in this range that offers the same well-rounded mix of comfort, adjustability, and durability.

While it’s positioned slightly above the M18 in terms of cost, the added value is clear, especially when you consider the upgraded armrests, reinforced materials, and the quality of the mesh seat. These are not just cosmetic changes; they directly impact long-term usability and comfort.

If you’re looking for an ergonomic chair that doesn’t break the bank but still delivers where it counts, the M57 is an easy recommendation.

Is It Worth It?

Yes, the Sihoo M57 is absolutely worth the investment if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly office chair that doesn’t compromise on the essentials. However, if you can spend a bit more, the Colamy Atlas is my top choice for the best office chair.

The M57 delivers a well-balanced experience with solid ergonomics, reliable build quality, and upgraded features that go beyond what you’d expect at this price point.

Whether you’re working long hours, gaming, or just need a more comfortable setup for your home office, the M57 manages to hit that sweet spot between affordability and performance.

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