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When it comes to quality chairs, both Steelcase and Herman Miller brands have been ranking to the top of the list of office chairs to buy. In this article, we’ll be reviewing two very popular and high-quality ergonomic office chairs:
- Steelcase Leap
- Herman Miller Aeron
There’s been an ongoing debate between the Steelcase Leap vs Herman Miller’s Aeron to see which chair reigns supreme. The article is structured so you’ll see the chart of the two chairs, then we’ll be discussing the differences in each section.
If you want to skip through the details, click here, and it’ll go straight to our final thoughts on the matter.
You may want the Steelcase Leap if:
- You want your chair to have a variation of colors.
- You’re trying to save a little money.
- You want to adjust your seat forward or backward to your liking.
- You don’t want a mesh material chair.
Quick FYI: Sometimes you might see V1 or V2 online. V2 is the newer and updated Leap. In this review, we’ll be going over the V2 version of the Steelcase Leap.
You may want the Herman Miller Aeron if:
- You want airflow through your back in case you sit in hotter weather.
- You want your chair to be very customized to your specifications, body size and weight.
- You require higher quality and premium chair.
One thing to note about Herman Miller Aeron is that there are three different sizes, depending on your body size. If you want to learn more about the different sizes, check out our review on Herman Miller Aeron chair.
For simplicity, the table below will be the Steelcase Leap vs Herman Miller (Size B, Medium).
Specs
| Steelcase Leap | Herman Miller Aeron (Size B, Medium) |
|
| Image |   |   |
| Seat Height Range | 5" | 4.5" |
| Seat Height from Floor | 15.5" to 20.5" | 16" to 20.5" |
| Overall Height | 38.5" to 43.5" | 41" to 43.5" |
| Overall Width | 27" | 27" |
| Seat Depth | 15.75" to 18.75" | 16.75" |
| Material | Fabric, Leather | Mesh |
| Seat Adjustable | ✅ | ❌ |
| Adjustable Arms | 4-D | 3-D |
| Buy |  | |
Ergonomics
Steelcase Leap comes with adjustable lumbar support whereas Herman Miller Aeron’s lumbar support is an extra cost.
The Aeron chair has two different options, adjustable lumbar support or adjustable PostureFit SL support.
Both Leap and Aeron have similar adjustable lumbar support for better posture position, where you’re able to adjust the back vertically, but the Aeron has another option where you can purchase at an additional cost, which also helps with the lumbar support but also can help your spine up to the midback.
If you require more support on your back, the Aeron chair is a better option for you.
Seat Adjustment
Like any typical office chair, the Steelcase Leap and Herman Miller Aeron both have very similar seat adjustments. They both can raise up and down, and tilt.
One main difference between the two is that Steelcase Leap allows you to adjust the seat forward or backward. This gives you a little more adjustment on comfort level.
Height Adjustment
With Steelcase Leap, you have 5″ of height adjustment. The measurement from the seat height from floor is 15.5″ up to 20.5″.
For Herman Miller Aeron, is a bit different. Depending on the size of the Aeron chair you get, can determine the adjustable height. For example, Size A, the seat height is 14.75″ to 19″, giving you 4.25″ of adjustment, whereas Size B and C, the seat height is 16-20.5″, giving you 4.5″ of flexibility.
If you’re looking for a wide range of height adjustment, then the Steelcase Leap would be a better option here.
Comfort & Material
The material on the Steelcase Leap is different than the material that’s used on the Herman Miller Aeron chair. The Leap uses fabric with cushion while the Aeron has its proprietary mesh material strong enough to keep its shape.
Each material has its pros and cons.
You may like the material used on Steelcase Leap if you need the extra cushion for those that are sitting for a long time.
The mesh material can sometimes be uncomfortable if you’re sitting for hours at a time. However, it is great if you’re working in a higher temperature environment because the mesh gives good airflow to your body.
Note: we would never recommend that you sit for longer than 30 minutes at a time. We suggest that you take a break every so often to get your blood flowing. This will help prevent any health-related issues that come with long-term sedentary.
Quality and Durability
No doubt that these two chairs are of high quality and can be very durable in normal use. When you’re sitting in these chairs, you’ll definitely feel a huge change from a lower priced office to a higher priced one.
Herman Miller and Steelcase both make excellent quality chairs, thus why it’s more expensive. You know what they say, you pay for what you get, and in this case, it is true.
Warranty
You can expect that these high-quality products come with a warranty as well. Herman Miller and Steelcase both have a pretty decent warranty.
For Steelcase, they offer a Lifetime warranty on the framing, but 12 years limited warranty on anything else.
Herman Miller has a limited 12-year warranty on their chairs.
What customers are saying about Steelcase Leap
The Good
- The chair is expensive but worth the price for the benefit to your back.
- This chair helps with any back soreness and can be adjusted to your most comfortable position.
- Helped with back pain suffering from sciatica in L4-L5.
The Bad
- Depending on the weather, the backing material can be warm.
- Very expensive chair.
- Not meant for a larger built individual.
- The quality is not the highest, need to watch out for wear and tear.
Steelcase Leap reviews and pricing
[/vc_message]What customers are saying about Herman Miller Aeron
The Good
- Feels very supportive and comfortable with versatile adjustments.
- Easy to put together, assembly was easy, included wrench and Philips screwdriver.
- Top quality chair, very solid construction
The Bad
- Customizing the chair to fit ergonomically can be very pricey.
- Lumbar support would be an additional cost to the chair.
- Arms are hard to be adjusted for comfort.
Herman Miller Aeron reviews and pricing
[/vc_message]Which chair should I buy? Steelcase Leap or Herman Miller Aeron?
Just to recap what was talked about in this, we discussed the quality of the chair, the fabric, and comfort, as well as the ergonomics. It really depends on your work environment.
If you’re the type of person that would want a chair that’s comfortable overall, then the Steelcase Leap would be perfect. If you’re the type of person that wants to really customize your chair to the tee, then the Herman Miller Aeron will be great.
Whether you choose the Leap or Aeron, you won’t be disappointed. The quality and comfort of these chairs are worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Steelcase chairs so good?
Steelcase chairs are renowned for their ergonomic design, quality materials, and extensive adjustability.
They are designed with a deep understanding of how people sit and work, ensuring maximum comfort and productivity.
The Steelcase Leap, for example, offers adjustable seat depth, arm height, lumbar height, lower back firmness control, seat height, and recline tension.
These features allow users to customize the chair to their specific needs, enhancing comfort and reducing the risk of work-related injuries.
Is the Herman Miller Aeron really worth it?
The Herman Miller Aeron chair is often considered worth the investment due to its innovative design, high-quality materials, and exceptional ergonomic features.
It offers a unique blend of comfort, support, and breathability, thanks to its patented Pellicle mesh fabric.
The chair is also highly adjustable, allowing users to customize it to their specific needs.
Moreover, Herman Miller offers a 12-year warranty, which speaks volumes about the chair’s durability and the company’s confidence in its product.
What is the best less expensive alternative to an Aeron chair?
While the Aeron chair is a top-tier product, there are several less expensive alternatives that offer good value for money.
Chairs like the Autonomous ErgoChair 2, the Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair, and the HON Exposure are all well-regarded for their comfort, adjustability, and affordability.
However, it’s important to note that while these chairs offer good value, they may not provide the same level of comfort, durability, or ergonomic design as the Aeron.
Do Herman Miller chairs last a lifetime?
While it might not be accurate to say that Herman Miller chairs last a lifetime, they are designed and built to last for many years.
The company’s 12-year warranty covers everything—including electrical components, casters, pneumatic cylinders, tilts, and all moving mechanisms.
This suggests a high level of confidence in the durability and longevity of their products.
What office chairs last longest?
The longevity of an office chair depends on several factors, including the quality of materials used, the construction of the chair, how often it’s used, and how well it’s maintained.
High-end chairs from brands like Herman Miller and Steelcase are known for their durability and are designed to withstand heavy use over many years.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and occasional part replacement, can also extend the lifespan of an office chair.
What is the lifespan of Aeron?
The lifespan of an Aeron chair can vary depending on usage and care, but many users report their chairs lasting well over a decade.
Herman Miller’s 12-year warranty suggests that the company expects the chairs to last at least this long under normal use.
With proper care and maintenance, an Aeron chair could potentially last even longer.
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Desk Advisor
Our team covers many categories to help you hustle better, from ergonomics to productivity, and technology. We are willing to ask questions (lots of them), seek experts, and dig deep into conventional wisdom to see if maybe there might be a better path towards the healthy workspace. We apply what we learn not only to our company culture but also how we deliver information to our readers. Ergonomic and productivity research is changing all the time, and we are 100% dedicated to keeping up with breakthroughs and innovations. You live better if you work better. Whatever has brought you here, we wish you luck on your journey towards better hustle.