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Steelcase Gesture Office Chair vs Steelcase Leap
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Steelcase Gesture Office Chair ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on comfort, adjustability, durability & warranty. Steelcase Leap wins on back support, easy assembly.
The biggest complaint about the Steelcase Gesture Office Chair is very expensive; for the Steelcase Leap it's expensive, with paid add-ons. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Steelcase Gesture Office Chair | Steelcase Leap | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in office chairs | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Padded | Padded |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 9% | 16% |
| Overall score | 4.6 | 4.4 |
| Comfort | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Adjustability | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Back support | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Easy assembly | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Durability & warranty | 5.0 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $250 · $$ $250–700 · $$$ over $700. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Steelcase Gesture Office Chair
- Very expensive
Tom's Guide says the price is nearly impossible to justify for most people (about $1,444 base, more with a headrest or leather). Value for money is a mixed aspect in Amazon's review summary.
- Weak or inconsistent lumbar support
Tom's Guide calls the lumbar slider feeble and says it barely changes the back support. Amazon's summary says some owners find the lumbar ample and others say it is practically non-existent.
- Heavy, warm, and shifting armrests
Wirecutter says it weighs over 70 pounds and that the foam and fabric don't breathe well. Amazon's summary notes owners reporting the armrests move around constantly and the seat feeling slanted forward.
Steelcase Leap
- Expensive, with paid add-ons
Tom's Guide says it starts at $979 and that 4-way arms, extra lumbar, a headrest and hard-floor casters each cost extra. TechRadar gave it 3/5 for value. Amazon owners are split on value for money.
- Less breathable than mesh
Tom's Guide says it is less breathable than the Aeron, and TechRadar advises skipping it if you live in a hot climate.
Source: Tom's Guide review, TechRadar review - Firm armrests; some cylinder and height problems
TechRadar's only comfort complaint was hard-edged armrests. Amazon's summary mentions owners reporting height-adjustment and pneumatic cylinder problems.
Who should pick which
Pick the Steelcase Gesture Office Chair if
Sitting 6+ hours a day
Switching between typing, reclining and tablet work
Wide range of body sizes
Skip it if: You run hot or work without AC; You want strong adjustable lumbar support; You need to move the chair around often
Pick the Steelcase Leap if
People who prefer a cushioned seat
Tall users who need seat-depth adjustment
Fine-tuning lumbar position and firmness
Skip it if: You live somewhere hot; You want soft armrests; You're on a budget
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.