The Herman Miller Sayl and the Steelcase Leap are two top-tier ergonomic office chairs that cater to different priorities. The Sayl is defined by its unique, stylish design and more accessible price point, offering good ergonomics with a modern aesthetic, while the Leap is a function-first workhorse known for its supreme adjustability and robust support, commanding a premium price.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which high-performance office chair is right for your workspace.
Herman Miller Sayl Chair
The Sayl chair is one of Herman Miller's most distinctive offerings, featuring a striking, frameless back inspired by the engineering principles of suspension bridges. It provides a more affordable entry into the brand's legendary ergonomic lineup without sacrificing design innovation or a commitment to sustainability. Its lightweight profile and breathable back make it a favorite for home offices and modern corporate settings.
- What it is: A mid-market ergonomic office chair known for its unique design, flexible support, and eco-friendly construction.
- Key features: Unframed 3D Intelligent back that flexes with your movement, Y-Tower support structure, Harmonic Tilt mechanism for a smooth recline, and optional adjustable lumbar support and arms.
- Price: Ranges from $495 to $595, depending on customization.
- Style: Architectural, modern, and minimalist. Its transparent, web-like back makes it less visually imposing than traditional office chairs.
- Materials/Construction: The signature back is made from a flexible elastomer, while the frame incorporates recycled materials. It's built to be lightweight yet durable for everyday use.
- Pros: Visually striking design is a conversation starter. The flexible, breathable back provides excellent airflow and adaptive support. More affordable than other chairs from brands like Herman Miller. Made with a strong focus on sustainability.
- Cons: Fewer fine-tuned adjustments compared to higher-end models. The unique aesthetic might not fit traditional office decor. Lumbar support is an optional add-on.
The Sayl is perfect for those who prioritize a modern aesthetic and sustainability in a chair that offers excellent ergonomic support for standard workdays.
Shop this product: store.hermanmiller.com/office-chairs-sayl/sayl-chair
Steelcase Leap Chair
The Steelcase Leap is a legendary figure in the world of ergonomic seating, consistently ranked as one of the best office chairs for its incredible range of adjustments and durable build. It is designed based on extensive research into how people sit, featuring patented technology that encourages movement and provides a personalized fit. The Leap is an investment in long-term comfort and spinal health, favored by corporations and individuals who spend long hours at a desk.
- What it is: A premium, highly-adjustable ergonomic office chair designed for maximum comfort and support during prolonged use.
- Key features: LiveBack technology that changes shape to mimic spine movement, seat depth adjustment, a Natural Glide System for reclining, and fully adjustable 4D armrests. Lumbar support height and firmness are both adjustable.
- Price: Typically costs between $950 and $1,200.
- Style: Professional, classic, and understated. Its design prioritizes function over form, allowing it to blend seamlessly into any corporate or serious home office environment.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a heavy-duty steel frame, high-quality plastics, and dense, supportive foam cushions designed for decades of use. Upholstery options are extensive and highly durable.
- Pros: An exceptional number of ergonomic adjustments for a perfectly tailored fit. Legendary durability and build quality. Excellent for users with back pain due to its precise lumbar support. Promotes healthy posture and movement throughout the day.
- Cons: Sits at a very high price point. The design is conventional and lacks the visual flair of the Sayl. It's heavier and bulkier, with a larger footprint.
The Leap is the chair for users who demand the highest level of ergonomic support and customization and are willing to invest in a product built to last a lifetime.
Shop this product: store.steelcase.com/leap
Herman Miller Sayl vs. Steelcase Leap Comparison
Comfort & Ergonomics
This is where the two chairs diverge most significantly. The Steelcase Leap is the clear winner on pure adjustability. Its LiveBack technology, adjustable lumbar firmness and height, seat depth control, and 4D arms allow users to micro-manage every aspect of their seating posture. This makes it a superior choice for those with existing back issues or who sit for more than eight hours a day, as it provides targeted, unwavering support.
The Herman Miller Sayl provides a different kind of comfort. Its unframed back moves with you, offering flexible, generalized support that many users find freeing and comfortable. The elastomer material also allows for excellent airflow, preventing heat buildup. While it offers essential adjustments like height, arm position, and tilt, it lacks the fine-tuning capabilities of the Leap, such as seat depth and lumbar firmness control.
Style & Versatility
The Sayl's design is its main calling card. Inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge, its aesthetic is light, airy, and architectural. It stands out and can complement modern, minimalist, or eclectic home and office interiors. Available in a range of bright colors, it’s a chair meant to be noticed.
The Leap takes the opposite approach. Its design is classic, functional, and discreet. It’s built to blend into a professional environment rather than make a statement. While it comes in many fabric options, its form is unapologetically that of a traditional, high-performance office chair. The Sayl is more versatile for style-focused spaces, while the Leap is more versatile for professional settings where function is the priority.
Materials & Construction
Both chairs are built by industry leaders and use high-quality components. The Leap is constructed like a tank with a focus on longevity. Its steel frame and robust mechanisms are designed to withstand years of intensive daily use, which is reflected in its heavier weight and higher price. The materials feel substantial and are engineered for maximum durability.
The Sayl uses more innovative, lightweight materials like proprietary elastomer for its back and recycled plastics in its frame. While it is certainly durable and meets rigorous industry standards, it feels less over-engineered than the Leap. Both companies are also leaders in sustainability, using recycled content and designing for disassembly and recyclability.
Price & Value
With the Sayl costing roughly half as much as the Leap, the value proposition is quite different. The Herman Miller Sayl offers tremendous value for someone who wants a design-forward, ergonomic chair from a top-tier brand without breaking the bank. It provides more than enough support for typical workdays in a beautiful package.
The Steelcase Leap is a long-term investment in your health and productivity. Its high price tag buys you unmatched adjustability, incredible durability, and one of the best warranties in the business. For those who consider their office chair a critical tool for their well-being, the Leap delivers value over its long lifespan.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are fantastic chairs, but they serve different users with different priorities.
Choose the Herman Miller Sayl if:
- Aesthetics are a top priority, and you love modern, architectural design.
- You're furnishing a home office and want a chair that complements your decor.
- Your budget is under $700.
- You prefer a breathable, flexible back support system over thick cushions.
- Your workday involves a standard 6-8 hours of sitting and you don't need highly specific lumbar adjustments.
Choose the Steelcase Leap if:
- You sit for very long hours (8+ hours a day) and need maximum ergonomic support.
- Adjustability is your most important feature - especially for lumbar, arm, and seat depth.
- You have pre-existing back pain or want to prevent it.
- You value extreme durability and see your chair as a long-term investment.
- You prefer the function-first, professional aesthetic of a classic office chair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Sayl and Leap?
The main difference is their core focus. The Sayl focuses on providing stylish design and flexible, breathable support at a moderate price. The Leap focuses on maximum ergonomic adjustability and durability for intensive, all-day use at a premium price.
Which chair is better for back pain?
For most people with back pain, the Steelcase Leap is the better option. Its ability to finely tune lumbar height and firmness, along with adjusting the seat depth, provides targeted support that can be customized to individual needs far more than the Sayl's generalized support.
How long does a Leap chair last?
Steelcase chairs, and the Leap in particular, are famous for their longevity. With proper care, a Leap chair can easily last 15-20 years or more, making its high initial cost a worthwhile long-term investment. They are commonly found in corporate offices enduring years of daily use.
Which chair is more breathable?
The Herman Miller Sayl is significantly more breathable. Its open, frameless elastomer back allows for constant airflow, which prevents heat and moisture buildup, making it an excellent choice for warmer climates or people who tend to run hot.
Is the Herman Miller Sayl's frameless back actually supportive?
Yes. The back is engineered to be more rigid in some areas for support (like around the lumbar region) and more flexible in others to allow for freedom of movement. It provides dynamic support that adapts as you shift and move throughout the day.
Can I adjust the seat depth on the Sayl?
A seat depth adjustment is available on the Sayl chair, but it is an optional upgrade that must be selected during configuration. This feature is standard on the Steelcase Leap.
Do these chairs arrive fully assembled?
Both chairs typically ship fully assembled from the official brand websites or through authorized dealers. This ensures all ergonomic features are properly installed and ready to use, avoiding any potential user assembly errors.
Are both the Leap and Sayl made sustainably?
Yes, both Herman Miller and Steelcase are leaders in environmental manufacturing. Both chairs are made with a high percentage of recycled materials and are designed to be easily disassembled and recycled at the end of their long lives.
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.
