ConsFirst / Office chairs / Compare
Steelcase Leap vs Herman Miller Aeron Chair
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Steelcase Leap ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on adjustability. Herman Miller Aeron Chair wins on comfort, durability & warranty.
The biggest complaint about the Steelcase Leap is expensive, with paid add-ons; for the Herman Miller Aeron Chair it's very expensive. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Steelcase Leap | Herman Miller Aeron Chair | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in office chairs | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Padded | Mesh |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 16% | — |
| Overall score | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Comfort | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Adjustability | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Back support | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Easy assembly | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Durability & warranty | 4.0 | 5.0 |
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 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.
Herman Miller Aeron Chair
- Very expensive
Tom's Guide lists the 2026 model at $1,620 base and $2,300 fully loaded and names price as the main con. Wirecutter lists it at about $2,150.
Source: Tom's Guide review (2026), Wirecutter - Less adjustable than rivals
Wirecutter says you can't adjust seat depth, the arm height is a pain to change, and reclining isn't as effortless as on the Gesture. Tom's Guide notes the arms can't slide inward as on the Steelcase Leap.
Source: Wirecutter, Tom's Guide review (2026) - Sizing and a firm, prescriptive seat
A Wirecutter tester between sizes found size B far too narrow. Wirecutter says it punishes crossed legs, and a staffer needed a seat cushion to make it comfortable.
Source: Wirecutter
Who should pick which
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
Pick the Herman Miller Aeron Chair if
People who run hot
Upright desk work and typing
Buying used or refurbished at a discount
Skip it if: You like to sit cross-legged or shift around; You can't try sizes before buying; You want a headrest
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.