We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping People Tested The 5 Best Posture Correctors of 2024 for Back Pain Relief, Tested and Reviewed The Hempvana Arrow Posture Corrector is our favorite to relieve tension By Cai Cramer Cai Cramer Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE.com with 2 years’ experience in journalism and digital media. She regularly tests the best and buzziest products in the beauty and lifestyle spaces and has researched and written about moisturizers, blow dryers, clothing, and luggage, among many other popular products. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 22, 2024 02:42PM EDT In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Things to Consider How We Tested FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? People / Leticia Almeida We’ll take a quick guess and say that you’re probably hunched over your computer or craning your neck down towards your phone while you read this. We all know that sitting up straight is essential for good posture — but why does it have to be so dang hard? Luckily, there are plenty of options available to help you correct your posture, from back braces to stick-on vibrating sensors. Posture-correcting devices can help relieve back tension by offering immediate support or training the back, shoulder, and neck muscles to maintain an upright position over time. “Proper posture is standing tall with your head held high and shoulders down, and back, shoulders, and hips are parallel to the floor, and your mid ear in line with your shoulder, hips, and ankles from the side view,” shares Dr. Christina Markar, a board-certified chiropractor in the Tri-State area. Finding the right product to help you achieve healthy alignment means considering how much support you need and what kind of device works best for your lifestyle and activity level. To solve these questions, we spent hours testing 22 of the most popular posture correctors on the market, rating each device on effectiveness, comfort, adjustability, and value. Read on to discover which posture correctors are the best fit for you based on our PEOPLE Tested insights. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Dr. Arthritis Posture Corrector at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best with App: Upright GO 2 Smart Posture Corrector at Amazon ($70) Jump to Review Best for Sitting: FlexGuard Support Adjustable Back Brace at Amazon ($19) Jump to Review Best for Shoulder Alignment: Gaiam Restore Posture Corrector at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review Best Light Support: Comfy Brace Posture Corrector at Amazon ($22) Jump to Review Best Overall Dr. Arthritis Posture Corrector Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Doctorarthritis.org Pros The lack of a chest strap makes it easier to wear while active. It's great to wear both sitting and standing. The straps are extremely comfortable. Cons It provides less support than devices with chest straps. This posture-correcting device from Dr. Arthritis gently pulls the shoulders back to relieve tension and prevent hunching. Like many other posture correctors on the market, this one slips on like a backpack with two comfortable non-slip straps and is made from a soft blend of neoprene and nylon. Though the device lacks a chest strap and the extra support that one provides, it’s also less constricting than many of the other posture-correcting options on the market and might be a better fit for those who are looking for a device to wear while being active. While we found this device to be very effective in keeping our shoulders straight, we would need to wear this device for a longer stretch of time to fully judge whether it could improve posture even after the device is taken off. But for both sitting and standing while typing, we found that this device helped us comfortably maintain good posture. Available in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and two different colors, the Dr. Arthritis Posture Corrector comes with a handbook written by doctors that provides tips and exercises to prevent back injury and increase back strength and function.Device Type: Shoulder brace | Sizes Available: S-L | Material: Neoprene and nylon People / Leticia Almeida Best with App Upright GO 2 Smart Posture Corrector Amazon View On Amazon $70 View On Uprightpose.com $80 Pros Battery lasts for 12 days if using the recommended 3 hours per day. It provides automatic data syncing for 30 days at a time for Apple iOS users. It comes with 10 reusable adhesive strips. Cons Once the initial supply runs out, you'll have to purchase additional adhesives for this device. The Upright Go 2 Smart Posture Corrector offers everything that the old Go S model did, plus more. With two built-in movement sensors to accurately notify users when they begin to slouch and a companion app that tracks progress monthly, this is the ideal gift for your favorite tech and health enthusiasts. During the first hour of testing, we found that the device was highly accurate in sending us a vibration when we were not in the correct posture. We were often surprised to learn that we had slumped down, and it was a good reminder to sit back up. The Upright Go 2 has more customizable settings and longer battery life than the Go S (which we also tested and has since been discontinued), and it automatically syncs with your Apple iOS device. The Upright Go 2 can be worn like a necklace or stuck directly onto the back. The 10 included adhesive strips are reusable, but you'll need to replenish them every month or so. While there are definitely cheaper options that work to correct posture, this one is fitting for those who want an accurate, detailed insight into their spine-slumping habits. Device Type: Stick-on sensor | Sizes Available: 1 | Material: Medical-grade silicone Best for Sitting FlexGuard Support Adjustable Back Brace Amazon View On Amazon $19 View On Walmart $49 Pros It supports the lower back in addition to bringing your shoulders aligned. It's available in four different sizes to fit a variety of heights. It's lightweight and made from a breathable fabric. Cons We found it more challenging to put on compared to others we tested. It decreases mobility, so it works best for sitting down. If you’re looking for a traditional brace that hugs your lower back while tugging your shoulders back and down, this posture corrector from Flexguard delivers for a pocket-friendly price. This traditionally shaped back brace extends down the spine and straps over the lower stomach to relieve back pain and tension in both the upper and lower back. Available in four sizes (extra small, small/medium, large, and extra large), this device fits anyone from 4 feet 4 inches tall up to 6 feet 3 inches tall. Because it's made with a lighter material, we would probably forget that we have it on — that is, until we bend down, then we would feel it tighten. Because of the lower-back covering design, this product might not be the best for performing daily tasks and activities that are more mobility-heavy. It is also a bit more challenging to put on than some other posture correctors we tested. (If you don't read the instructions, you may be confused about how to wear it.) Overall, this posture corrector is an excellent option for those who are looking for a product to wear while sitting at a desk or lounging on the couch. Device Type: Back brace | Sizes Available: Extra small, small/medium, large, extra large | Material: Neoprene People / Leticia Almeida Best for Shoulder Alignment Gaiam Restore Posture Corrector Amazon View On Amazon $14 View On Getactv.com $20 View On CVS $20 Pros It has less material than many other posture correctors, so it's easy to wear. The soft neoprene materials is quite comfortable. Helps develop muscle memory for correct posture over time. Cons It doesn’t assist with lower back posture if that's what you're needing. Correct shoulder alignment is basically the foundation of posture — without it, your whole structure is thrown off. Luckily for all of us hunchers out there, the Gaiam Neoprene Posture Corrector exists to help us with all our shoulder woes. This device claims to help users develop muscle memory for good posture, reducing the pain that comes from hunching over time. If the main intent is aligning shoulders and upper body, we think this product is well-priced to deliver on that goal. This design sits on the upper back alone, with straps that come across like a backpack similar to other models but with no waist strap to force lower body engagement. Depending on what you’re looking for in a posture corrector, this could be a great option for someone who desires help in pulling their shoulders back but feels confident enough about their lower back posture to skip the extra material that extends below on some other models. This model isn't the ideal option for everyone. We noticed during testing that this posture corrector did a good job of aligning our shoulders but was less effective at aligning posture overall. If shoulder posture is your focus, the Gaiam Neoprene Posture Corrector is a lightweight, effective option. Device Type: Shoulder brace | Sizes Available: One size fits most | Material: Neoprene People / Leticia Almeida The Best 11 Mattresses for Back Pain of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Light Support Comfy Brace Posture Corrector Amazon View On Amazon $22 View On Walmart $33 View On Comfybrace.com Pros The design gently guides shoulder alignment. It's made with soft, breathable, non-restricting material. Cons It doesn't assist with lower back posture, so it might not provide enough support for some users. Another great option for those who are looking for help with shoulder posture, this product from ComfyBrace gently guides the shoulders back and down to mitigate shoulder hunching. We were impressed with the high level of comfort of this product, which slips onto the shoulders with minimal fabric on the back for extra breathability and minimal back sweating. The material is soft and breathable and not restricting in any way. Available in just one size, this product adjusts to fit chest sizes from 30 to 43 inches around. The product’s slim design means that it can be worn under many kinds of clothing without detection. The minimalist design was easy for us to slip on and adjust to our body, but we noted that the relative lack of structure that this posture corrector provides might not work well for those whose posture demands more correction. Besides pulling our shoulders back, it didn't feel like this posture corrector did much else. But for those who desire comfort and light shoulder support, this product might be a winner. Device Type: Shoulder brace | Sizes Available: One chest size: 30 to 43 inches | Material: Neoprene People / Leticia Almeida The 10 Best Anti-Fatigue Mats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Things to Consider When Buying a Posture Corrector Size and Adjustability Many of the posture correctors on the market are available with degrees of adjustability. In order to find the right device for you, and depending on whether you’re looking for a brace, stick-on, or shoulder-hugging model, it can be important to measure your height or the circumference of your chest and stomach. Some devices come in a variety of sizes, while others rely on Velcro and sliding straps to tighten to your correct fit. Finding a device that fits your body correctly is incredibly important for the effectiveness of your posture corrector. If you’re looking for a brace, it should feel snug around your stomach or chest without constricting your breathing. Straps that loop around your shoulders should gently pull your upper body back to reverse hunched posture. No device should be too uncomfortable or painful, though some soreness can be tolerated as your posture begins to shift and activate previously underused muscles. Device Type With so many different types of posture correctors to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide exactly which one is right for you. It mostly comes down to personal preference — whether you prefer a device that physically holds you in the correct position or sends you signals to train you to sit upright on your own. The device that’s best for you might depend on your height, age, weight, and physical ability. Luckily, with so many options available, there are posture-correcting devices out there for almost anyone. How We Tested We had our team of testers try out 22 of the most popular posture-correcting devices on the market. First, they selected one of the posture correctors provided, giving us feedback about how easy or difficult it was to put on their device. Our testers then wore their chosen product for an hour while going about their daily work tasks. After the hour of testing was up, they reported back to us with their thoughts on the effectiveness, comfort, adjustability, and overall value of the device they tried out. They rated each of these attributes on a scale from 1 to 5 and gave detailed notes on their experience with the posture-correcting device they chose. The testers then had the opportunity to try out another device and repeat the same process. Frequently Asked Questions Are posture correctors safe? As with any health advice, it’s important to check in with your medical provider to ensure that a posture corrector is suitable for you. If a posture-correcting device is causing ongoing pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor about other options that might better help support and relieve tension. Do posture correctors work? The short answer is yes, but only if you use them properly. Certain brace-like products usually necessitate exercises to go along with the added support. If you rely too much on the support, you might begin to feel dependent on the brace over time rather than developing the back, shoulder, and core strength necessary to support your posture yourself. How long should you wear a posture corrector? It depends on both the type of posture corrector you use and your personal ability and comfort. While stick-on devices like the Upright Go models can be worn longer, since you're consciously improving your own posture to avoid the vibrations, brace-type correctors can cause discomfort. Speak with your doctor or chiropractor about how long each day you should be wearing your posture-correcting device. Do chiropractors recommend posture correctors? Before beginning to use a posture corrector, consult with your primary doctor or a chiropractor to determine the cause of the issue. While some chiropractors suggest using a posture corrector for a limited amount of time, most, including Dr. Markar, recommend choosing one that you won’t rely on forever.“You don't want to be wearing one 24/7 and become dependent on it,” she says. “Rather, you want one that trains your body to truly correct the issues, so you become independent from it.” Why Trust PEOPLE? Cai Cramer is a commerce writer who covers products throughout the beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle spaces. To compile this review, she consulted our testers, who evaluated and rated products for effectiveness, comfort, adjustability, and overall value. While researching posture correctors, she also spoke with a board-certified chiropractor to inform her story. Meet Our Experts Dr. Christina Markar is a board-certified chiropractor in the Tri-State area. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval, because the best product of today might not be the best one of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust—every day, every purchase.