The Steelcase Leap and Herman Miller Embody are two of the best ergonomic office chairs available, but they offer fundamentally different approaches to comfort. The Leap excels at providing highly specific, manual adjustments for a tailored fit, particularly in the lumbar region, while the Embody uses a dynamic, pixelated support system that moves with you to encourage circulation and spinal health. The Embody has a more modern, high-tech aesthetic and a higher price point, whereas the Leap offers a more traditional professional look and better value.
Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide which top-tier office chair is the right investment for your workspace.
Steelcase Leap Chair
The Steelcase Leap is a legendary ergonomic chair, praised for its incredible range of adjustments that allow it to fit a wide variety of body types like a glove. It's built with Steelcase's deep research into user posture and comfort, resulting in a chair that provides targeted support through long workdays. Its durability and classic professional design have made it a longtime favorite in corporate offices and serious work-from-home setups.
- What it is: A premium ergonomic office chair focused on customizable, manual adjustments and robust back support.
- Key features: LiveBack technology mimics the natural shape of your spine and changes shape as you move, adjustable seat depth and lumbar support, natural glide system for comfortable reclining, and fully adjustable arms.
- Price: About $1,000 to $1,200.
- Style: Sleek, functional, and professional. It has a more understated and traditional office look that blends easily into any professional environment.
- Materials/Construction: Features a sturdy aluminum base and high-performance, durable fabric options designed for years of heavy use.
- Pros: Unmatched adjustability for a truly personalized fit. Excellent, highly specific lumbar support. Extremely durable construction. Supports a wide range of postures and body sizes. Backed by Steelcase's strong warranty and reputation.
- Cons: The aesthetic is very functional and may not appeal to those seeking a design-forward chair. With so many adjustments, finding the perfect setup can take some initial tweaking. The base model does not include a headrest.
This chair is perfect for professionals who want direct control over every aspect of their seating support and value proven, long-term performance over a bold design statement.
Shop this product: steelcase.com/products/office-chairs/leap/
Herman Miller Embody Chair
The Herman Miller Embody is a high-design, innovative ergonomic chair built to promote health and movement. Its most distinct feature is the "Pixelated Support" system, a dynamic matrix of points that conform to your body's micro-movements, distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure. Created by designers Bill Stumpf and Jeff Weber, the Embody was designed to not just prevent discomfort but to actively improve focus and circulation.
- What it is: A high-end ergonomic chair designed for dynamic support, active sitting, and long-term spinal health.
- Key features: A pixelated support system in the back and seat that distributes weight, encourages movement, and maintains circulation. The Backfit™ adjustment allows you to tune the chair to your spine's natural curve.
- Price: About $1,500 to $1,700.
- Style: Modern, high-tech, and visually striking. The spine-like back and sleek profile make it a design statement in any office.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a combination of lightweight yet robust recycled plastic forming the pixelated system and a variety of high-performance fabrics.
- Pros: Promotes healthy posture and active sitting. Outstanding at distributing pressure, reducing fatigue during long sessions. A striking, iconic design. Backed by Herman Miller's reputation and sustainability credentials.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point. The aesthetic is polarizing and may not suit traditional office decor. The lumbar support isn't as manually adjustable as the Leap's, relying more on the overall curve support.
This chair is for the professional who prioritizes innovative design and a seating experience that encourages healthy movement, and is willing to invest in it.
Shop this product: store.hermanmiller.com/office-chairs-embody/
Steelcase Leap vs. Herman Miller Embody Comparison
Comfort & Ergonomics
This is the most significant difference between the two chairs. The Steelcase Leap is a master of direct, specific support. You can manually adjust the lumbar height and firmness, the seat depth, and the armrest position with precision. Its LiveBack technology supports your spine as you move, but it is fundamentally a chair you set up once for your ideal static posture.
The Herman Miller Embody takes a different approach. Its ergonomic support is dynamic and automatic. The pixelated backrest and seat shift with you, providing constant support and pressure relief no matter how you sit. It encourages 'active sitting' - small, subconscious movements that improve circulation and focus. While you can adjust the overall back curve, it lacks the highly targeted lumbar control of the Leap, focusing instead on holistic spinal alignment.
Materials & Construction
Both chairs are built to an exceptional standard and designed to last over a decade. The Steelcase Leap feels like a tank, with a heavy-duty aluminum base and robust plastic components that feel incredibly solid. The fabrics are high-performance and resistant to wear and tear.
The Herman Miller Embody, while also very durable, feels slightly lighter and more flexible due to its unique construction. The pixelated support system is a marvel of engineering, built from strong, flexible materials. Both companies stand behind their chairs with 12-year warranties, reflecting their confidence in build quality.
Price & Value
There's a clear price difference here. The Steelcase Leap generally retails for $1,000-$1,200, placing it in the premium category. At this price, you get an extraordinarily durable and customizable chair that is a proven workhorse.
The Herman Miller Embody commands a higher price, typically between $1,500 and $1,700. This places it in the luxury tier of office seating. The extra cost is for its cutting-edge design, unique ergonomic system, and strong brand recognition. While both are fantastic investments, the Leap offers a more accessible entry into top-tier ergonomics.
Style & Versatility
Your choice in aesthetics will strongly influence your preference. The Steelcase Leap has a timeless, clean, and professional appearance. It's designed to blend seamlessly into a corporate environment or a traditional home office. While it's available in many colors, its shape is understated and function-forward.
The Herman Miller Embody is unapologetically modern. Its spine-like back and futuristic form make it a centerpiece. It's a chair for people who appreciate and want to showcase innovative industrial design. This can be perfect for creative studios or minimalist home offices but may look out of place in more traditional settings.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are phenomenal chairs that serve different priorities, so the right choice depends on what you value most in an office chair.
Choose the Steelcase Leap if:
- You want pinpoint control over your lumbar support and other chair adjustments.
- Your priority is a comfortable, locked-in posture for long hours of focused work.
- You prefer a professional, versatile aesthetic that blends into any office environment.
- Your budget is closer to the $1,200 mark, and you value proven performance and durability.
Choose the Herman Miller Embody if:
- You want a chair that encourages micromovements and active sitting.
- You prioritize overall spinal health and pressure distribution over specific lumbar tuning.
- A bold, high-tech, and iconic design is important to your workspace aesthetic.
- You are willing to invest a premium price for cutting-edge ergonomic innovation and design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Leap and Embody?
The main difference is their ergonomic philosophy. The Steelcase Leap is about providing precise, manual adjustments for a custom fit you can "set and forget." The Herman Miller Embody is about dynamic, automatic support that moves with you to encourage circulation and healthy posture.
Which chair is better for back pain?
This depends on the nature of your back pain. If you have a specific lower back issue that benefits from firm, targeted support, the Leap's highly adjustable lumbar system is likely the better choice. If your pain stems from static posture and pressure buildup, the Embody's ability to distribute weight and encourage movement may provide more relief.
Is the Herman Miller Embody worth the extra cost?
For users who highly value its striking design, cutting-edge technology, and the feeling of "floating" support that encourages active sitting, the extra cost can be justified. It is a luxury product that delivers a unique seating experience. For those focused purely on customizable support and durability, the Leap provides much of the ergonomic benefit for less money.
How long do these chairs last?
Both are built for exceptional longevity and come with 12-year warranties that cover almost all components. It's common for these chairs to last well beyond their warranty period with proper care, making them excellent long-term investments.
Do I need an optional headrest?
The Steelcase Leap has an optional headrest add-on, which is beneficial for users who frequently recline to read or relax. The Herman Miller Embody does not offer a first-party headrest, as its design is focused on supporting active, upright postures rather than deep reclining.
Which chair is better for taller users?
Both chairs accommodate a wide range of body types, typically up to 6'4". Taller users often praise the Leap's adjustable seat depth and tall back. The Embody's back is also high and supportive, but the best fit ultimately comes down to personal body proportions.
Can you try these chairs before buying them?
Yes, and it is highly recommended. You can find both chairs at certified Steelcase and Herman Miller dealers and showrooms. Trying them in person is the best way to feel the difference in their support systems and decide which is right for you.
Which has better armrests?
Both offer fantastic 4D armrests (adjustable in height, width, depth, and pivot). Steelcase's armrests are often praised for being slightly softer and having a very smooth adjustment mechanism, but both are considered top-of-the-line.
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