OM5 offers modern, minimalist ergonomic chairs with a strong focus on sustainability and affordable pricing, making it a compelling choice for startups and home offices. In contrast, Herman Miller is an iconic, high-end industry leader celebrated for its pioneering ergonomic technology, premium build quality, and timeless designs like the Aeron chair.
Let's compare them to help you find the right ergonomic seating solution for your workspace.
OM5: The Modern, Sustainable Choice
OM5 focuses on delivering stylish, sustainable, and functional office furniture directly to the modern professional. The brand has built its reputation on offering ergonomic solutions that don't compromise on design or eco-conscious principles. Their chairs are a common sight in design-forward startups and home offices where aesthetic appeal, comfort, and responsible manufacturing are key priorities.
- Product mix: Primarily ergonomic office chairs and task chairs alongside a focused collection of sit-stand desks and workspace accessories.
- Style/vibe: Contemporary and minimalist. OM5's aesthetic features clean lines, sleek profiles, and a neutral color palette that fits easily into modern interiors.
- Price point: Accessible mid-range. Chairs typically land in the $400–$700 range, positioning OM5 as a value-driven alternative to premium brands.
- Quality: Solid construction for its price point, using eco-friendly materials like recycled plastics and responsibly sourced fabrics. It's built for daily professional use but is not positioned as a luxury investment.
- Customization: Offers a good range of customization with various options for colors, fabrics, and finishes to match your office decor.
- Sustainability: This is a core part of OM5's brand identity. They emphasize the use of recycled and renewable materials and promote transparency in their supply chain.
- Warranty: Warranties are typically around 5 years, which is competitive for the mid-range ergonomic chair market.
OM5 is an excellent choice for design-conscious buyers who want a comfortable, ergonomic chair with strong sustainability credentials without the premium price tag.
Shop OM5: om5.com
Herman Miller: The Iconic Ergonomic Innovator
With a legacy stretching back over a century, Herman Miller is a titan in the world of office furniture, synonymous with groundbreaking design and ergonomic innovation. The brand is responsible for some of the most recognizable chairs in history, including the Aeron and Embody, which set industry standards. A Herman Miller chair is not just a piece of furniture, it's a long-term investment in comfort, health, and timeless design.
- Product mix: A comprehensive range of office solutions, including legendary ergonomic chairs (Aeron, Embody, Cosm), desks, lounge seating, and collaborative furniture.
- Style/vibe: Timeless and iconic. The brand's design language combines modern sculptural forms with sophisticated engineering, creating pieces that feel at home in executive suites and high-end design studios.
- Price point: Premium. Its signature chairs like the Aeron typically range from $1,000–$1,600 or more. These are investment pieces known for their longevity and high resale value.
- Quality: Exceptional and industry-leading. Herman Miller uses high-grade, durable materials like recycled aluminum and conducts rigorous performance testing. The build quality is designed to last for decades.
- Customization: Extensive options are available, from multiple sizes catering to different body types (like the Aeron's A, B, and C sizes) to a wide variety of premium fabrics and luxury finishes.
- Warranty: An industry-best 12-year warranty covers most chairs, reflecting the company’s confidence in its product's durability and craftsmanship.
- Shopping Experience: A premium, full-service experience available through a global network of authorized dealers and official showrooms, offering professional consultations and setup.
Herman Miller remains the benchmark for performance ergonomics and iconic design, appealing to users who prioritize proven long-term comfort and are willing to pay for it.
Shop Herman Miller: hermanmiller.com
OM5 vs. Herman Miller Comparison
Price Comparison
There is a significant price difference between the two brands. OM5 aims for the mid-market, with most of its chairs priced between $400 and $700. This makes quality ergonomics accessible to a much broader audience, including individual remote workers, freelancers, and small businesses managing a tight budget.
Herman Miller operates firmly in the premium category. Its flagship products routinely cost over $1,000, framing the purchase as a long-term investment in health and productivity. The higher price reflects decades of ergonomic research, superior materials, legendary durability, and iconic brand value.
Style & Aesthetic
OM5's designs are modern, clean, and minimalist. They align perfectly with current interior design trends for home offices and tech startups, featuring sleek contours and a subdued color palette that blends seamlessly into various decors. Their style is contemporary and fresh but not necessarily designed to be an iconic statement piece.
Herman Miller's aesthetic is timeless and sculptural. Chairs a decade old often look just as relevant as new ones. Designs like the Aeron are so iconic they are part of MoMA's permanent collection. You choose Herman Miller not just for function, but also to bring a piece of design history into your workspace.
Quality & Construction
OM5 uses quality, sustainable materials that provide reliable performance for daily office use. The construction is solid for its price point, focusing on delivering core ergonomic features effectively. However, it is not engineered to meet the same extreme longevity standards as a premium brand.
Herman Miller's build quality is exceptional. From the advanced Pellicle mesh on the Aeron chair to the finely-tuned backfit adjustments, every component is engineered for performance and durability. With an up to 12-year warranty and a track record of chairs lasting much longer, Herman Miller is built for decades of heavy use.
Fit & Sizing
OM5 chairs offer a range of standard adjustments, including lumbar support, armrest position, and seat height, which accommodate most users well. They provide a solid ergonomic experience for general use. However, they typically come in a single size.
This is where Herman Miller stands apart. The Aeron chair, for example, is available in three distinct sizes (A, B, and C) to ensure a precise fit for different body types. The degree of adjustability on their chairs is often a-la-carte as well - offering options to add forward-tilt and higher degrees of lumbar or back support - providing a more tailored ergonomic experience.
Sustainability & Ethics
Both brands have strong commitments to sustainability. For OM5, eco-friendly manufacturing is a central part of its marketing and brand identity, appealing strongly to a generation of shoppers who prioritize it. They are transparent about their use of recycled plastics and other sustainable materials.
Herman Miller, as an industry leader, also has a long-standing history of corporate environmental responsibility, holding numerous certifications like FSC and GREENGUARD. Their focus on durability also contributes to sustainability - a chair that lasts 20 years creates far less waste than one that needs replacing every five.
Shopping Experience
Shopping with OM5 is a direct-to-consumer online experience. The process is streamlined and easy, with orders shipping directly to your door. This model helps keep costs down but lacks the in-person service or ability to test a chair beforehand.
Herman Miller offers a much more traditional high-end retail model. You can visit authorized dealer showrooms to physically test chairs and get expert advice on finding the perfect fit and configuration for your needs. This personalized service is a key part of the premium price.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands deliver excellent ergonomic products, but they serve different priorities and budgets.
Choose OM5 if:
- You're looking for an ergonomic chair on a budget of under $700.
- You value a modern, minimalist aesthetic that complements contemporary interiors.
- Purchasing from a brand with a strong, transparent sustainability story is important to you.
- You are furnishing a home office or a startup and need multiple stylish, functional chairs affordably.
Choose Herman Miller if:
- You are making a long-term investment in your health and comfort and have a budget of over $1,000.
- You demand the highest level of ergonomic adjustability and scientifically-backed design.
- You appreciate owning a timeless, iconic piece of furniture with proven longevity and high resale value.
- You have specific ergonomic needs or a body type that requires specialized sizing options (like the Aeron's A, B, or C sizes).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OM5 or Herman Miller cheaper?
OM5 is significantly cheaper. Its chairs typically cost between $400 and $700, while signature Herman Miller chairs usually start around $1,000 and can go much higher depending on the configuration.
Which brand has better quality furniture?
Herman Miller is industry-renowned for its exceptional build quality, high-grade materials, and extensive durability testing. OM5 offers good quality for its price, but Herman Miller products are engineered for a much longer lifespan and backed by a 12-year warranty.
Which chair is better for sitting for long hours?
Both brands design a range of chairs for all-day use. However, Herman Miller's decades of research and development in ergonomics, plus advanced adjustment features, often make their chairs the top choice for users who spend eight hours or more at their desks daily.
Why is the Herman Miller Aeron chair so famous?
The Aeron chair revolutionized the office chair industry in 1994 with its innovative, pellicle mesh material that eliminated pressure points and provided better aeration, instead of using foam cushions. Its unique look and scientific approach to ergonomics made it an instant classic and an icon of the modern workplace.
How do the warranties compare?
OM5 typically offers a warranty of up to 5 years, which is typical for the mid-range furniture market. Herman Miller provides a comprehensive 12-year warranty on most of its seating products, reflecting their premium construction.
Can I try these chairs before buying?
OM5 is sold primarily online direct-to-consumer, making it difficult to try one before purchasing. Herman Miller has a global network of authorized dealers and showrooms where you can test out the range of their designs in person.
Are OM5 chairs ergonomic enough?
Yes, OM5 chairs are designed with key ergonomic features like adjustable lumbar support, seat height, and armrests. They provide solid support for day-to-day work, making them a great option for those seeking ergonomic comfort without Herman Miller's premium price.
Which is a better investment?
In financial terms, a Herman Miller chair is a better investment. Its durability and brand reputation give it a very high resale value years after purchase. An OM5 chair offers great value for its initial cost but will not retain its value in the same way.
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