Herman Miller Embody vs. Embody Gaming: What's the difference?

Herman Miller Embody vs. Embody Gaming - discover the differences in cooling foam, aesthetics, and customization. Choose the chair that fits your needs best.
Written by:
Spencer Lanoue

The Herman Miller Embody and the Embody Gaming Chair share the same world-class ergonomic frame, but the Gaming version introduces copper-infused cooling foam and bold, gaming-centric aesthetics. The original Embody offers a wider range of professional fabric and color customizations, while the Gaming version, a collaboration with Logitech G, is fine-tuned for the thermal comfort and style preferences of gamers and streamers.

Here’s what you need to know to decide which high-performance chair from Herman Miller is the right fit for your desk setup.

Herman Miller Embody Chair

The classic Herman Miller Embody is a premier ergonomic office chair designed for people who spend long hours sitting. Its iconic design features a "Pixelated Support" backrest that automatically conforms to your spine's unique shape and encourages micromovements, promoting circulation and preventing stiffness. It represents the pinnacle of health-positive seating for professional and home office environments.

  • What it is: A high-end ergonomic office chair designed for dynamic support and long-term spinal health.
  • Key features: Pixelated backrest for pressure distribution, BackFit adjustment to align with your spine, six ergonomic functions, and adjustable seat depth, arms, and height.
  • Price: Starts at ~$1,805
  • Dimensions: 29.5" W x 15-18" D x 43.5" H. Suitable for users up to 300 lbs.
  • Materials/Construction: Frame is graphite, titanium, or white. Features a wide variety of Medley and Sync fabric upholstery options over high-density foam. Built with sustainable and recycled materials.
  • Style: Sophisticated, modern, and technical. The design fits seamlessly into professional offices and contemporary home setups. The extensive customization options allow it to match nearly any decor.
  • Pros: Unmatched ergonomic support tailored to your body. Encourages healthy movement while sitting. Highly customizable with many fabric and finish options. Backed by a 12-year warranty. Subtle, professional look.
  • Cons: A significant investment at a premium price point. The technical aesthetic might not suit traditional decor. Does not include the cooling foam found in the Gaming version.

The original Embody is the perfect chair for professionals and health-conscious individuals who want the ultimate in ergonomic customization and a sophisticated aesthetic for their workspace.

Shop this product: www.hermanmiller.com/products/seating/office-chairs/embody/

Embody Gaming Chair

Developed in partnership with Logitech G, the Embody Gaming Chair takes the revolutionary ergonomic design of the original Embody and enhances it for the specific needs of gamers. Its most significant upgrade is the addition of a copper-fused cooling foam layer in the seat and back, which is designed to dissipate heat and keep you cool during intense, marathon gaming sessions. Finished with bold color schemes, this version is visually and functionally tailored for high-performance gaming.

  • What it is: The original Embody chair adapted for gamers with enhanced cooling features and a gaming-focused aesthetic.
  • Key features: Same ergonomic features as the classic Embody, plus copper-infused cooling foam, an extended seat foam cushion, and gaming-specific colorways.
  • Price: Starts at ~$1,795
  • Dimensions: 29.5" W x 15-18" D x 43.5" H. Suitable for users up to 300 lbs.
  • Materials/Construction: Built on the same frame, but specifically uses a durable Sync fabric and signature cooling foam. Arm pads are fully adjustable.
  • Style: Striking, bold, and modern. Comes in signature color palettes like Black/Cyan or Amethyst to match gamer setups. Features subtle Logitech G branding on the back.
  • Pros: Delivers the same elite ergonomic support as the original. The cooling foam is a noticeable upgrade for anyone who runs warm. Stylish, modern look that's perfect for a gaming rig or stream background. Also backed by a 12-year warranty.
  • Cons: High price point. Limited color and fabric combinations compared to the fully customizable standard Embody. The strong "gamer" aesthetic may not appeal to everyone or fit into a standard office.

The Embody Gaming chair is for serious gamers, streamers, or anyone who sits for long hours and prioritizes cooling comfort alongside top-tier ergonomic support.

Shop this product: store.hermanmiller.com/gaming-chairs/embody-gaming-chair/

Herman Miller Embody vs. Embody Gaming Chair Comparison

Comfort & Ergonomics

Both chairs share the exact same groundbreaking ergonomic core. The distinctive "spine" and pixelated H-flexor backrest system move with you, providing unparalleled support that encourages healthy posture and prevents fatigue. You get identical adjustment features on both: BackFit adjustment, customizable seat depth, fully adjustable arms, and pneumatic height control.

The key functional difference is the foam. The Embody Gaming Chair adds two new foam technologies: a copper-infused foam designed to dissipate heat and prevent overheating during long sessions, plus an additional layer of foam in the seat for enhanced support. If you tend to run warm or sit for extremely long periods, the cooling foam is a feature that offers a genuine comfort advantage over the standard model.

Materials & Construction

Both chairs are built to last on the same premium recycled aluminum frame, showcasing Herman Miller's commitment to durability and sustainability. They are both backed by an industry-leading 12-year warranty that covers virtually every part of the chair, 24/7. The difference is in the surfacing materials.

The classic Embody offers a huge library of upholstery colors in fabrics like Medley and Sync, allowing for detailed customization. The Embody Gaming Chair uses only the durable Sync fabric in a few specific, gamer-oriented colorways. So, while construction quality is identical, the material choice for customization is much broader with the standard Embody.

Price & Value

The chairs are priced nearly identically, with base models often just a few dollars apart. The value proposition, therefore, comes down to features versus customization. With the standard Embody, the value is in the ability to create a chair that perfectly matches your office decor. With the Gaming edition, the value is in the functional upgrade of the cooling foam and the distinct ready-made aesthetic. Neither is a "better" value, they simply serve different priorities at the same premium price point.

Style & Aesthetics

This is where the chairs diverge the most. The classic Embody is designed for versatility. With frame choices like graphite, white, or titanium and dozens of muted fabric colors, it can be configured to look right at home in a corporate law firm, a creative studio, or a minimalist home office. It's a design chameleon.

The Embody Gaming Chair makes a definitive statement. It uses bold color accents - like cyan blue on an all-black frame or an Amethyst purple colorway - and features a Logitech G toggle tag. It’s designed to be the centerpiece of a gaming setup, not to blend in. The choice here is purely personal: do you want a chair that adapts to your room's style, or a chair with its own distinct style?

Who Each One Works Best For

The Herman Miller Embody is ideal for professionals, remote workers, and anyone seeking the absolute best in office ergonomics with maximum aesthetic flexibility. If your priority is matching your chair perfectly to your home office decor and you value a professional, understated look, the classic Embody is the undisputed choice.

The Embody Gaming is for the gamer, streamer, or work-from-home user who spends intense, focused hours at their desk and values thermal comfort. If you run hot, love the high-contrast "gamer" aesthetic, and want an out-of-the-box solution made for performance sitting, the gaming edition's cooling foam is a significant factor that makes it the superior option.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both Embody chairs deliver an exceptional ergonomic experience, but their specific features cater to different users.

Choose the Herman Miller Embody if:

  • You want to fully customize the chair with dozens of fabric and finish combinations.
  • You need a chair with a professional, versatile aesthetic for a traditional office setting.
  • The gamer-centric styling with bold accents does not appeal to you.
  • Cooling foam is not a must-have feature for your comfort.

Choose the Embody Gaming Chair if:

  • You're a gamer, streamer, or just someone who gets warm while sitting for long hours.
  • You love the bold, modern aesthetics offered in the gaming colorways.
  • You value the specific comfort upgrades like the cooling foam.
  • You don't need extensive customization options and prefer a curated, performance-focused look.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Embody and Embody Gaming chair?

The three main differences are comfort, aesthetics, and customization. The Gaming version adds copper-infused cooling foam for better heat dissipation. Aesthetically, it comes in a few bold, pre-configured color schemes, while the standard Embody offers wide customization with dozens of professional fabric and color options.

Is the Embody Gaming chair worth the price over the regular Embody?

Since their prices are virtually identical, the value depends on your priorities. If you often feel warm after sitting for a long time, the cooling foam in the Gaming chair is a real, tangible upgrade. If you prioritize matching your chair to your office decor perfectly, the wider customization of the standard Embody is more valuable.

Is the regular Embody chair good for gaming?

Yes, the standard Herman Miller Embody has been a favorite of gamers for years due to its superb ergonomic support, which is ideal for long sessions. The Gaming model was created to build upon that success with features specifically requested by the gaming community.

Does the Embody Gaming Chair have RGB lighting?

No, the Embody Gaming Chair does not have any RGB lighting. Unlike many other "gaming" chairs, its design focuses solely on performance ergonomics, cooling, and build quality rather than decorative lighting.

Can I customize the Embody Gaming chair as much as the regular one?

No. You can choose from its unique, curated set of colorways (like Black/Cyan or Amethyst), but you cannot customize the frame finish and fabric color with the same level of granular detail as the standard Herman Miller Embody.

What is the new foam in the Embody Gaming chair?

It's a new material with copper-infused particles embedded in the foam. Copper is highly conductive, so it pulls heat away from your body and disperses it, preventing the seat and backrest from feeling warm after prolonged contact.

How long is the warranty on these chairs?

Both the Herman Miller Embody and the Embody Gaming Chair come with the same comprehensive 12-year manufacturer warranty, which covers parts and labor for 24/7 use.

Are both chairs the same size?

Yes, both chairs share the exact same dimensions, frame, and adjustment capabilities. They both have a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds and are designed to provide a tailored ergonomic fit for a wide range of body types.

At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.

Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.

Sub Title Icon
related

Similar Articles

No items found.