ConsFirst / Office chairs

Steelcase

Steelcase Leap: the downsides first

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#2 of 8
$$$PaddedScore 4.4/5
16%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (about 670 ratings). The Amazon listing title reads 'Steelcase Leap Replacement Upholstered Hard Casters' and pools colors/caster variants.

Testers praise its back support, gliding seat and solid build, but it costs about $1,000 before add-ons, is warmer than mesh, and Wirecutter found nothing that set it apart from the Gesture or Aeron.

Top complaints

What owners love

  • Strong, tunable lower-back support

    Tom's Guide found more lumbar support than the Aeron, especially at the sides. TechRadar notes separate lumbar height, lumbar firmness and upper-back tension adjustments.

    Source: Tom's Guide review, TechRadar review
  • Gliding seat suits tall users

    TechRadar's 6-foot-2 reviewer got his thighs properly supported thanks to the sliding seat, and the arms go low enough to avoid shoulder hunching.

    Source: TechRadar review
  • Rock-solid build, ships assembled

    TechRadar's unit arrived fully assembled with no wobble and smooth mechanisms, and has a 12-year warranty. Amazon owners highlight excellent back support.

    Source: TechRadar review, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
Good for
  • People who prefer a cushioned seat
  • Tall users who need seat-depth adjustment
  • Fine-tuning lumbar position and firmness

Scores (tap for why)

  • Comfort4.0
    Why 4.0?Comfortable from the first sit (Tom's Guide); TechRadar 4/5 for comfort with no aches after long days.
    Source: Tom's Guide review, TechRadar review
  • Adjustability4.5
    Why 4.5?Eight adjustments including seat glide and lumbar firmness (TechRadar); the base model's arms are height-only unless you pay for 4-way arms (Tom's Guide).
    Source: TechRadar review, Tom's Guide review
  • Back support4.5
    Why 4.5?Better lumbar support than the Aeron (Tom's Guide); adjustable lumbar height and firmness (TechRadar); Amazon owners praise back support.
    Source: Tom's Guide review, TechRadar review, Amazon.com product page
  • Easy assembly5.0
    Why 5.0?TechRadar's unit arrived fully assembled with a one-page instruction sheet.
    Source: TechRadar review
  • Durability & warranty4.0
    Why 4.0?12-year warranty and very solid construction (TechRadar), but some Amazon owners report cylinder problems.
    Source: TechRadar review, Amazon.com product page

What experts say

  • Tom's Guide: Excellent chair with good lower-back support and many colors; less breathable than the Aeron and costs $1,000 or more with options.
  • TechRadar: Top-tier cushioned chair for comfort and adjustability; armrests aren't very comfortable and it's very expensive (tested in Australia).
  • Wirecutter (NYT): Not picked: an excellent, adjustable chair, but most testers found nothing that set it apart from the Gesture or Aeron.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked office chairs whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in office chairsSteelcase Gesture Office Chair

Wirecutter's top pick for over a decade: extremely comfortable and the most adjustable chair it tested, but it is very expensive, heavy, runs warm, and Tom's Guide found its lumbar adjustment weak.

Its catch: very expensive#3 in office chairsHerman Miller Aeron Chair

The iconic all-mesh chair is cool, durable and arrives fully assembled, but it is very expensive, you must pick the right size, and its seat depth isn't adjustable.

Its catch: very expensive#4 in office chairsBranch Verve Chair

Tom's Guide's best overall chair is stylish, comfortable and quick to build, but Wirecutter disliked its forward-sloping seat and arms that drop when you pull on them, and the 275-lb limit is lower than most.

Its catch: annoying armrests

Head-to-head

See all 8 office chairs ranked →