Both bases are safe, durable, and built to the same structural standards. The difference is how the chair behaves while you sit in it.
5-spoke base (the standard)
This is the traditional office chair base and the default option for most people.
• Full swivel like a typical office chair
• Slightly wider footprint for stability
• Easy to rotate between screens, desks, or people nearby
• Ships as the default unless the 4-spoke base is selected
This is the best choice if you like to swivel while working, use an L-shaped desk, or frequently turn to talk to people around you.
4-spoke base
The 4-spoke base is designed for a more fixed seating position.
• The chair remains fixed in its orientation and does not swivel like a typical office chair
• Prevents the casters from rotating into your feet
• Helps keep the chair aligned with your desk and workstation
• Slightly lower profile with a cleaner, more minimal look
Because the base does not swivel, we generally do not recommend it for people who like to rotate in their chair, work across multiple desk surfaces, or turn frequently to interact with others.
It works best for people who prefer a stable, fixed seating position and want to avoid the common issue of chair casters hitting their feet.
Safety
Both bases meet BIFMA safety standards for weight capacity and stability and are tested for everyday office use.
Our recommendation
If you are unsure, the 5-spoke base is the safest choice because it behaves like a traditional office chair. Choose the 4-spoke base if you prefer a fixed chair position and want to eliminate the annoyance of casters bumping into your feet.