WE SLOUCH AT our desks for at least 40 hours a week and bend our necks toward our phones the rest of the time. All of this may be affecting our back health. Bad posture doesn’t just cause temporary pain and stiffness; it can cause a permanent hunch. If you just adjusted your shoulders while reading this, it’s time to work on your posture.
After seeing far too many photos of myself with a horrible slouch—my shoulders fully rounded over, my stomach somehow pushed forward while my hips are pushed back—I wonder why anyone has ever voluntarily spoken to me in public. So I decided to do something about it, trying gadgets and gear meant to make me sit up straight.
These are the best posture correctors we’ve tried. None of these options will fix your problems overnight, and you shouldn’t be in pain while using them. Start by using them 10 to 20 minutes a day, and add time as you go (and listen to the product’s directions). If you have severe back pain, a hump, or scoliosis, talk to your physician before trying any posture correctors.
Updated November 2023: We’ve added the Prana posture and deep breathing trainer. We’ve also updated prices and links throughout.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you’d like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
