Herman Miller is a leader among all manufacturers of ergonomic chairs. This brand is a guarantee of highest quality, durability and maximum of comfort.
Herman Miller chairs are expensive but they are designed to allow people to feel comfy during long hours of sitting. These chairs not only provide excellent support for user’s spine, but also have stylish, modern appearance and innovative design.
Nevertheless there are also other brands that specialize in ergonomic chairs and offer few amazing model with ingenious design. When it comes to Herman Miller Chair Competitors we have to mention at least two brands: Steelcase and Eurotech.
Of course there are a lot of chairs that can be a great alternative for Herman Miller chairs and cost 2 or even 3 time less.
However these cheap alternatives often have few functions less or they are a bit less quality. Chairs from Steelcase and Eurotech are also alternatives for Herman Miller products, as they offer the same high-quality and large amount of useful and innovative features.
Eurotech and Steelcase are not only alternatives but also competitors for Herman Miller. Chairs made by these two brands are as high-quality as Herman Miller chairs and they also very expensive.
Keep reading to find out more about Eurotech and Steelcase chairs and see what are the similarities and differences between these brands and Herman Miller brand.
Herman Miller vs Eurotech & Steelcase – Similarities & Differences
Just like Aeron is the most popular Herman Miller chair, Leap is the most popular model of all Steelcase chairs. Eurotech’s most famous chair is probably Ergohuman. My comparison of these three brands is basically a comparison of these 3 models: Aeron vs Steelcase Leap vs Ergohuman.
When you take a quick look at Herman Miller Aeron and its competitor Steelcase Leap the most noticeable thing is innovative, modern and sophisticated design. Shape of these chairs, design of backrests, materials and fabrics and wide variety of color versions – this is what distinguishes this high-end chairs among all other models. This is what these chairs have in common – clever and elegant design that will add more luxurious look to every office.
On the other hand we have Eurotech Ergohuman chair that looks modern and smart as well, but a bit less chic. In contrast to Herman Miller and Steelcase chairs it is available in six colors.
Let’s take a closer look at the features of Herman Miller Aeron vs Steelcase Leap & Ergohuman functions.
All three chairs have ergonomic design to provide the best support for user’s back during extended periods of sitting.
Herman Miller Aeron has fully adjustable lumbar support – you can slide it up and down and flip it, depending how thick you want it to be. Steelcase Leap lower back support is also adjustable – you can change its position and firmness. Eurotech Ergohuman has completely different backrest. It is height-adjustable and can be shifted into 1 of 4 positions, so you can adjust it to your height and the position of your lumbar spine natural curve. However the lumbar support doesn’t adjust separately, like on Aeron or Leap, and it doesn’t feature adjustable firmness.
Good thing is that Ergohuman lower back support is dynamic and adjust to user’s weight and the amount of pressure. However this chair doesn’t have one feature that Aeron and Leap have. These two chairs have backrests that follow user’s changing positions and mimic his spine moves. Thanks to that user’s body is well supported in every position.
The difference between Herman Miller Aeron and Steelcase Leap and Eurotech Ergohuman is the seat depth. Aeron doesn’t feature adjustable seat-depth, but its competitors offer this function. It’s a very useful feature because it allow to adjust the seat to user’s height and the length of his legs. If you have short or very long legs this feature is a must-have.
It will ensure your thighs get proper amount of support, your knees are at 90 degree angle and the edge of the seat doesn’t hurt the back of your knees. It will help you to avoid numbness.
Herman Miller Chair Competitors offer headrest – for additional neck and shoulder support. Ergohuman headrest is additionally height-adjustable and it pivots up and down. Many customers praise this headrest for helping them with neck pain. Herman Miller doesn’t offer headrest for Aeron, however you can find this part made by other brands and compatible with Aeron.
Another difference between Aeron by Herman Miller and its competitors is the armrests adjustment. Steelcase Leap and Eurotech Ergohuman have 4D armrests (height-, width- and depth-adjustable + pivot), while Aeron armrests are height- and depth-adjustable and pivot from left to right.
Another thing that I want to mention, that really distinguishes Herman Miller Aeron from its rivals, it’s the fabric. Aeron has innovative suspension mesh fabric on the seat and backrest. This fabric is flexible, strong, supportive and breathable at the same time. You won’t find such an amazing fabric on any other chair.
Steelcase Leap has high-quality materials and fabrics as well, but they are less innovative. The manufacturer added special foam and slats in the backrest and seat which provide good air-flow. You can choose upholstery material: fabric or leather and pick one of dozens colors. Ergohuman is made of really good-quality materials too. You can choose mesh fabric or leather padding for the seat and backrest (or just one of them). Mesh fabric is in my opinion better choice as it allows for good air circulation and prevent you from sweating which is very important if you spend in the chair several hours a day.
Last thing, very important when you decide whether to buy Aeron or one of the alternatives: Herman Miller Aeron comes in 3 sizes (for short, average in height and tall people), while Leap and Ergohuman are available in one size. Steelcase Leap is most comfy for short and average in height users, Ergohuman is the best option for average in height and tall people (5’3’’-6’2’’), but not with very long legs.
Herman Miller vs Competitors – Prices Comparison
My comparison of Herman Miller chair competitors and Aeron chair wouldn’t be completed if I didn’t compare their prices.
Steelcase Leap is the most expensive of all three models, especially if you want more fancy fabric or additional headrest the price will be over $1000! Herman Miller Aeron price also depends on which version you choose (there are two types of backrest, three type of armrests and different colors for the frame and upholstery). Depending on how “advanced” version you choose the price will be similar or a bit lower than Steelcase Leap’s. Ergohuman is more affordable, although its price is still above $500.
Summary
As you can see Herman Miller Chairs have some unique features, however there are few alternatives – cheaper or at the same price point, that offer similar functions and high-quality materials as well. Depending on which design you prefer and what features you need, Herman Miller Chair Competitors may turn out to be even a better fit for you!
Best Herman Miller Alternatives 