The Herman Miller Sayl and Steelcase Series 2 are premium office chairs that prioritize ergonomics, but they do so with different philosophies and price points. The Sayl is a design-forward statement piece with a unique, flexible suspension back, whereas the Series 2 delivers accessible, high-performance ergonomic adjustments in a more understated and budget-friendly package.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right ergonomic chair from Herman Miller or Steelcase for your home office or workspace.
Herman Miller Sayl Chair
The Herman Miller Sayl is known for its iconic, unframed backrest inspired by suspension bridge architecture. It’s designed to provide intelligent, flexible support that encourages a full range of seated movement, all while making a distinct visual statement. This chair is a popular choice for design-conscious professionals who want premium ergonomics without sacrificing style.
- What it is: A high-design ergonomic office chair with a unique 3D Intelligent suspension back.
- Key features: Frameless elastomer back for breathability and flexible support, available adjustable lumbar support, adjustable seat depth and arms, and a distinctive Y-tower frame.
- Price: $600 to $750, depending on configuration.
- Style: Architectural and modern. Its sculptural silhouette acts as a focal point in any room, moving beyond typical office aesthetics.
- Materials/Construction: The backrest is made of a durable elastomer material, while the base is a sturdy aluminum. It is GREENGUARD Gold certified and made with recycled materials.
- Pros: Striking and unique visual design. The unframed back is highly breathable and moves with your body. Strong 12-year warranty. Built with sustainable materials from a reputable brand.
- Cons: The design can be polarizing and may not fit all office decors. Key ergonomic features like adjustable lumbar support often cost extra. Higher price point than many competitors.
The Sayl is for anyone who values innovative design as much as ergonomic performance and is willing to invest in a chair that is both a functional tool and a piece of art.
Shop this product: store.hermanmiller.com/office-chairs-sayl/sayl-chair/2195105.html
Steelcase Series 2 Chair
The Steelcase Series 2 is engineered to deliver serious ergonomic performance at a more attainable price point. It features Air LiveBack technology in a sleek, geometric webbed design that provides responsive support. Focused on practical and intuitive adjustments, this chair is a versatile workhorse for home offices, remote workers, and corporate environments.
- What it is: A versatile and affordable high-performance office chair with a focus on adjustability and comfort.
- Key features: Air LiveBack technology with a geometric back design, height-adjustable lumbar support, fully adjustable arms (height, width, pivot, and depth), adjustable seat depth, and weight-activated tilt tension.
- Price: $400 to $500, depending on options selected.
- Style: Clean, minimalist, and adaptable. Its slim profile and neutral color options allow it to blend seamlessly into a wide range of office and home decor styles.
- Materials/Construction: Features a quality plastic shell, an aluminum base, and options for fabric or mesh seating. Products often carry GREENGUARD and BIFMA certifications for safety and sustainability.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price. A wide range of ergonomic adjustments are standard. The slim, lightweight design fits well in smaller spaces. Backed by a strong 12-year warranty.
- Cons: The aesthetic is more functional than head-turning. Plastic components may feel less premium compared to the Sayl's materials.
The Series 2 is ideal for users who need a reliable, highly adjustable ergonomic chair that prioritizes performance and long-term comfort over a bold aesthetic statement.
Shop this product: store.steelcase.com/seating/office-chairs/steelcase-series-2
Herman Miller Sayl vs. Steelcase Series 2 Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
Both chairs are designed to comfortably accommodate a broad range of body types, typically supporting users up to 300 lbs. The dimensional differences are more about visual presence than functional footprint. The Herman Miller Sayl, with its distinctive Y-frame and sculptural back, has a more expansive look and can feel like a larger piece of furniture in a room.
In contrast, the Steelcase Series 2 has a significantly slimmer and more compact profile. Its clean lines and minimalist frame help it blend in and appear smaller, making it an excellent choice for home offices or workstations where space is limited and a low-profile look is preferred.
Comfort & Ergonomics
Both chairs excel in ergonomics but achieve comfort in different ways. The Sayl’s innovative, unframed 3D Intelligent back provides flexible, passive support that adapts to your micro-movements throughout the day. It offers tension at different points for targeted support and allows for fantastic airflow, preventing heat buildup. Adjustments for armrests and seat depth are available, but adjustable lumbar support is an optional add-on.
The Series 2 focuses on active, user-driven adjustments. Its Air LiveBack technology provides responsive support that flexes with the spine, and it comes standard with height-adjustable lumbar. The fully adjustable 4D arms provide superior customization for shoulder and wrist comfort. The Series 2 gives the user more direct control over their ergonomic setup, which may appeal to those who like to fine-tune their seating position precisely.
Materials & Construction
Herman Miller is known for its premium materials and build quality, and the Sayl is no exception. Its unique elastomer back is both durable and pliable, and the polished aluminum base feels substantial and built to last. The entire chair reflects a high level of design and manufacturing precision.
Steelcase builds the Series 2 for durability and performance with high-quality plastics, a reliable mechanism, and resilient fabrics. While strong and dependable, the material feel is more functional and less luxurious than the Sayl's. Both chairs are backed by an industry-leading 12-year warranty, demonstrating both brands' confidence in their products’ longevity.
Price & Value
This is where the two chairs differ most significantly. The Herman Miller Sayl typically costs between $600 and $750, placing it firmly in the premium-tier office furniture market. The price reflects its unique design, brand reputation, and high-quality materials. It is an investment in both ergonomics and aesthetics.
The Steelcase Series 2 is priced much more accessibly, usually between $400 and $500. For this price, it provides a feature set - including fully adjustable arms and standard lumbar support - that often costs extra on more expensive chairs. For budget-conscious buyers, the Series 2 offers better value by delivering essential high-performance ergonomic features without the designer price tag.
Style & Versatility
The Herman Miller Sayl is a style statement. Its architectural, avant-garde design is meant to be seen and admired, making it perfect for creative studios, modern home offices, and any space where furniture contributes to the overall aesthetic. Its selection of vibrant colors further enhances its role as a statement piece.
The Steelcase Series 2 offers understated versatility. Its minimalist design doesn't demand attention, allowing it to fit into virtually any environment, from a corporate legal office to a cozy bedroom workspace. It aims to be stylistically neutral, prioritizing function and the ability to blend in over making an artistic statement.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both chairs are excellent ergonomic options from top brands, but they cater to very different priorities and budgets.
Choose the Herman Miller Sayl if:
- A unique, design-forward aesthetic is your top priority.
- You want a chair that serves as a piece of modern art.
- You prefer flexible, responsive support that moves with you instinctively.
- You view the chair as a long-term investment in both design and ergonomics.
Choose the Steelcase Series 2 if:
- You're looking for the best ergonomic performance for your money.
- You want highly customizable adjustments, including standard lumbar support and 4D arms.
- You prefer an understated, minimalist style that blends into your workspace.
- Your primary concern is practical, all-day comfort and long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Herman Miller Sayl and Steelcase Series 2?
The biggest differences are design philosophy and price. The Sayl is a visually striking, premium-priced chair focused on flexible, frameless back support. The Series 2 is a more affordable, function-focused chair that offers a wider range of standard adjustments in a minimalist package.
Which chair is more comfortable for long hours?
Comfort is subjective, but both are built for all-day use. If you like a chair that moves with you and stays cool, the Sayl's breathable back is excellent. If you prefer to manually dial in your support settings for your very specific needs, the highly adjustable Series 2 might be a better fit.
Is the Herman Miller Sayl worth the extra money?
It's worth it if you value its unique architectural design and see it as a piece of furniture that enhances your space's aesthetic. From a purely ergonomic standpoint, the Steelcase Series 2 offers comparable (and in some areas, more adjustable) features for less money, making it a better value.
How long do these chairs last?
Both chairs are built for longevity. Both Herman Miller and Steelcase offer a comprehensive 12-year warranty that covers nearly all components, so you can expect either chair to last well over a decade with normal use.
Does the Sayl chair's back feel supportive without a frame?
Yes. The back is engineered like a suspension bridge, using tension to provide support that is greatest in transition areas (like along the spine) and more flexible elsewhere. This allows it to support your back while also encouraging movement.
Which chair has better armrests?
The Steelcase Series 2 typically has the edge here, as it comes with highly adjustable 4D armrests (adjusting height, width, depth, and pivot) as a standard or commonly selected option. The Sayl offers adjustable arms, but they generally have less range of motion.
Are both chairs built sustainably?
Yes, both brands are leaders in sustainability. Both chairs are GREENGUARD certified, made with recycled content, and are designed to be recyclable at the end of their lifecycle.
Which chair is better for shorter or taller people?
Both models accommodate a wide range of body types. Key features to look for are adjustable seat depth and seat height range, which both chairs offer. Their ability to fit users up to 300 lbs likewise makes them suitable for a wide range of body builds.
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