The Steelcase Think and Herman Miller Aeron are two of the best ergonomic office chairs available, but they cater to different priorities. The Aeron is an iconic design statement with its signature all-mesh construction and specific sizing (A, B, C), carrying a premium price tag. In contrast, the Think from Steelcase offers more versatile adjustability in a single model and a cushioned seat at a slightly more accessible price.
Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide which high-performance chair is the right investment for your workspace.
Steelcase Think Chair
The Steelcase Think is an intelligent, streamlined ergonomic chair designed to adjust automatically to the user's movements. It places a strong emphasis on sustainability and straightforward, intuitive controls. Prized for its live-back support system and fully adjustable features, the Think provides high-end comfort and durability without the iconic status - or associated cost - of some competitors.
- What it is: A high-performance, intuitively adjustable ergonomic office chair with a breathable mesh back and a cushioned foam seat.
- Key features: Integrated LiveBack technology that conforms to your spine, weight-activated tilt tension, fully adjustable arms (height, width, pivot, depth), and adjustable seat depth.
- Price: Approximately $1,000 to $1,200 depending on the configuration.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist. Its design is less conspicuous than the Aeron, allowing it to blend into a wide variety of office styles.
- Materials/Construction: The chair uses a flexible polymer shell for its back, a sturdy aluminum base, and high-density seat foam designed for long-lasting support. Up to 28% of the chair is made from recycled content.
- Pros: Excellent value for a premium chair. Highly adjustable to fit a wide range of body types without complex sizing. Intuitive controls make it easy to dial in your perfect fit. Comes with a comprehensive 12-year warranty.
- Cons: Foam seat can retain more heat than the Aeron's all-mesh design. The aesthetic is modern but not as iconic or distinctive as the Aeron.
This chair is an ideal choice for anyone who prioritizes performance and flexible adjustability over brand prestige and wants a premium experience for less.
Shop this product: store.steelcase.com/seating/office-chairs/think
Herman Miller Aeron Chair
Virtually unchanged since its debut in 1994, the Herman Miller Aeron is more than a chair, it's a piece of design history that revolutionized the office furniture industry. Known for its Pellicle mesh material that distributes weight and reduces heat buildup, the Aeron offers customized ergonomic support through its three distinct sizes and PostureFit SL technology, which supports the spine at its sacral and lumbar regions.
- What it is: An iconic, high-end ergonomic office chair featuring a full mesh design and a tailored fit available in three different sizes.
- Key features: Pellicle mesh suspension for total body support and breathability, PostureFit SL for adjustable sacral and lumbar support, and availability in three sizes (A, B, C) for a precise fit.
- Price: Starts around $1,400 and can exceed $1,700 for fully-featured models.
- Style: Instantly recognizable avant-garde modern design. The Aeron is a statement piece found in boardrooms, design studios, and even the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection.
- Materials/Construction: Crafted with a durable, high-quality recycled aluminum frame and the proprietary Pellicle woven mesh for both the seat and back. The build quality is legendary.
- Pros: Timeless and iconic design makes a powerful statement. The all-mesh surface provides unparalleled breathability and pressure distribution. Specific sizing ensures a tailored fit if you choose correctly. Backed by an excellent 12-year warranty.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point. Sizing system means one chair doesn't fit all, it can be a poor choice for a shared or family desk. The all-mesh seat might not be comfortable for users who prefer cushioning.
The Aeron is perfect for design-conscious users with a larger budget who appreciate its legendary status and prefer the unique feel and breathability of an all-mesh chair.
Shop this product: store.hermanmiller.com/office-chairs-aeron
Steelcase Think vs. Herman Miller Aeron Comparison
Dimensions & Sizing
The most significant difference between these two chairs is their approach to fit. The Steelcase Think is built to be a universal solution. It features adjustable seat depth, lumbar height, and arm positioning, allowing a single chair model to comfortably accommodate a wide spectrum of users up to 300 pounds. This makes it an excellent, flexible option for corporate offices or home workspaces where different people might use the same chair.
The Herman Miller Aeron takes a more prescriptive approach by offering three distinct sizes: Size A (small), Size B (medium), and Size C (large). This ensures a semi-custom fit that perfectly matches the user’s height and weight, but it requires you to know your size before buying. It's fantastic for a dedicated personal chair but less ideal for shared environments.
Comfort & Ergonomics
Both chairs deliver exceptional ergonomic support, but their feel is quite different. The Think uses an Integrated LiveBack system with a network of flexors that conform to your spine as you move, paired with a traditional high-density foam seat cushion. This provides a balance of flexible support and familiar softness.
The Aeron's comfort comes from its Pellicle mesh, which suspends your body weight evenly across the seat and back, eliminating pressure points. This design also provides superior airflow, making it ideal for warmer environments. Its PostureFit SL system gives targeted, robust support to the lower back, feeling more pronounced than the Think’s subtler system.
Materials & Construction
Both brands represent the pinnacle of office chair manufacturing and offer identical 12-year warranties. The Aeron is built from premium recycled aluminum and its groundbreaking Pellicle mesh, materials that have proven incredibly durable over decades of use. Its construction is precise, robust, and feels like a long-term investment.
The Steelcase Think's construction is also top-tier, featuring a strong polymer shell, a durable aluminum base, and high-quality textiles. While built to last just as long, its materials feel more modern and lightweight compared to the Aeron's classic, heavy-duty feel.
Price & Value
There is a clear price difference. The Steelcase Think generally costs several hundred dollars less than the Aeron, placing it in a more accessible premium category. For a fully-loaded, highly adjustable chair from a reputable brand, the Think offers outstanding value.
The Herman Miller Aeron commands a higher price due to its iconic design status, premium materials, and brand legacy. While more expensive, it's also a product that holds its value remarkably well. The investment gets you not just a chair, but a design icon with proven performance.
Style & Versatility
The Steelcase Think has a sleek, safe, and contemporary aesthetic that blends into almost any professional or home office setup. Its design prioritizes function and discretion over making a statement. It's professional, clean, and modern without drawing too much attention.
The Aeron, on the other hand, is impossible to miss. Its distinctive silhouette is instantly recognizable and serves as a visual shorthand for a design-forward, high-end workspace. It works best in modern, minimalist, or industrial interiors where the chair is meant to be a focal point.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are excellent chairs that have earned their top-tier reputations, but they excel for different users.
Choose the Steelcase Think if:
- You prioritize maximum adjustability in a single chair to fit various users.
- You prefer the feel of a soft, cushioned seat over a firm mesh surface.
- You want premium ergonomic performance and build quality at a more budget-friendly price.
- You prefer a chair with a modern, understated design that blends in with your decor.
Choose the Herman Miller Aeron if:
- You want iconic, statement-making design and brand prestige.
- You value maximum breathability for long sitting sessions or in a warm climate.
- You know your specific size and want a personally tailored fit.
- Your budget is higher and you see the chair as a long-term investment in both design and ergonomics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Think and Aeron?
The biggest difference is the seating surface and sizing. The Steelcase Think has a foam seat and mesh back and is highly adjustable to fit almost anyone. The Herman Miller Aeron has a full-body Pellicle mesh surface and comes in three specific sizes (A, B, C) for a more tailored, less adaptable fit.
Is the Herman Miller Aeron worth the extra money?
If its iconic design, superior breathability, and brand legacy are important to you, then yes, many users find it worth the premium. However, the Steelcase Think offers comparable ergonomic performance and durability for a lower price.
Which chair is better for long hours of sitting?
Both are designed for all-day use. The choice comes down to personal preference. If you tend to get warm, the Aeron's breathability is a clear winner. If you prefer the softer support of a cushion, the Think would be more comfortable.
How do I know which Aeron size to get?
Herman Miller provides a height and weight chart. Generally, Size A is for smaller users (under 5'2"), Size B fits the vast majority of the population (5'3" to 6'6", up to 350 lbs), and Size C is for taller and heavier users (6'0" and up).
Which chair has better lumbar support?
Both have excellent lumbar systems. The Aeron’s PostureFit SL is more targeted, with two adjustable pads that support the sacrum and lumbar region independently. The Think's LiveBack system feels more integrated and flexible, adjusting automatically to the curve of your spine as you recline.
Do both chairs come assembled?
Both chairs typically arrive fully assembled from the manufacturer or authorized dealers, so there is no setup required on your part.
What kind of warranty comes with these chairs?
Both the Steelcase Think and Herman Miller Aeron are backed by comprehensive 12-year warranties that cover all parts, including pneumatic cylinders, casters, and mechanisms.
Can the arms be removed on either chair?
While the arms can be removed on both chairs, they are designed to be an integral part of the ergonomic support system. Both chairs are best used with their highly adjustable arms.
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.
