The Herman Miller office chair has long been one of the most popular chairs in the world, and it looks like it will stay that way. Known for its exceptional build quality and industry-leading warranty, it consistently ranks at the top of our list of the best office chairs.
That said, Herman Miller chairs may not suit everyone. Some people are looking for more budget-friendly options, while others prefer something other than mesh or maybe want a high-back chair with a headrest. For these reasons, many people seek out Herman Miller alternatives.
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll likely find a good fit on our list of the best Herman Miller alternatives. This list includes chairs with various price points, materials, and sizes to help you find an option that meets your needs.
Table of Contents
- Top 10 Alternatives to Herman Miller Chairs
- Advantages of Herman Miller Alternatives
- Herman Miller Alternative Summed Up
Top 10 Alternatives to Herman Miller Chairs
We’ve found some alternatives that offer nearly the same quality as Herman Miller without the high price tag. Here are our top picks of Herman Miller chair alternatives:
1 Meet&Co Budding Office Chair
Want a chair that’s just as stylish and high-end-looking as a Herman Miller but way more affordable? The Meet&Co Budding Office Chair has you covered with its bold, colorful design. It’s easy to put together, super comfortable, and provides great ergonomic support—all for less than half the price of most Herman Millers!
When I tested this chair, I found it perfect for long hours of sitting. The lumbar support is easy to adjust, making it simple to find the best position. The Budding also includes a few features the Aeron doesn’t, like a seat slider to fit different heights and an adjustable backrest for upper body support. The headrest is both height- and pivot-adjustable too.
Overall, it’s a stylish, comfortable choice for anyone wanting a premium look with plenty of personality—perfect for creatives looking for a great-value alternative to Herman Miller!
2 Steelcase Leap Chair
Just as the Aeron is the most popular chair from Herman Miller, the Leap is a favorite from Steelcase. A quick look at both—the Herman Miller Aeron and Steelcase Leap—reveals their sleek, modern, and sophisticated design. From the shape and backrest design to the materials, fabrics, and range of colors, these high-end chairs stand out from the crowd. Both bring a touch of luxury to any office space with their smart, elegant design.
Now, let’s compare the features of the Herman Miller Aeron and the Steelcase Leap. Both are designed with ergonomics in mind to provide excellent back support for long hours of sitting.
The Herman Miller Aeron offers fully adjustable lumbar support that can be moved up or down and flipped to change thickness. The Steelcase Leap also provides adjustable lower back support, allowing you to modify its position and firmness. One key difference, however, is that the Steelcase Leap has adjustable seat depth, while the Aeron doesn’t. This feature is especially handy as it lets you tailor the seat to fit your height and leg length—perfect if you have shorter or longer legs and need a custom fit.
3 Eurotech Vera Chair
The Eurotech Vera is priced at $469.99, which is around $1,000 less than the Herman Miller Aeron when you factor in similar adjustable features.
The Vera offers a similar range of adjustments to the Aeron, with a few distinctions. It includes seat depth and arm width adjustments, which the Aeron doesn’t have. On the other hand, the Aeron comes with adjustable lumbar support, a feature the Vera lacks.
The Vera earned a spot on our list of the most comfortable office chairs thanks to its standout back support. Its mesh back gives the right amount of flexibility, allowing you to settle comfortably. The backrest has a slight curve that supports your lumbar area while still allowing you to use the entire backrest.
The seat is also a win—it’s thickly padded with no sharp edges, and the foam holds its shape nicely, giving solid support. This makes it a perfect choice for anyone who wants a mesh-backed chair with a firm, padded seat.
4 Branch Verve Chair
The Branch Verve Chair definitely stands out in terms of design. The manufacturer took extra care to color-match the aluminum base with the frame, armrests, seat, and backrest, giving it a sleek, coordinated look.
The seat is crafted from molded foam, with a soft fabric that feels great against the skin. But what really sets this chair apart is the backrest. Instead of standard mesh, it features a unique 3D knit that’s both breathable and, in my opinion, more stylish than traditional mesh.
When you look at the back, you see a V-shaped suspension that not only looks cool but also houses adjustable lumbar support. This support is cushioned similarly to the seat and can be easily adjusted up or down with both hands.
If you’re looking for an office chair with style and function, the Branch Verve Chair might be your top pick. The adjustable back support is right where you need it so that you can stay comfortable all day.
5 Haworth Breck Office Chair
The Haworth Breck is a low-back task chair designed to fit comfortably without needing much adjusting, thanks to its weight-activated mechanism.
It comes in various colors, from classic black and gray to more vibrant shades like blue and light mint green. Depending on how you set it up, this chair can either blend seamlessly into your home office or add a pop of color. You can also choose between a white or black base for a bit of extra contrast, though other customization options are limited.
For the price, the Breck offers great value with built-in lumbar support, 4D adjustable arms, hard casters, and a breathable backrest that provides both comfort and stability. Plus, it’s super lightweight at just 30 pounds. If you’re looking for a comfy chair with a stylish look depending on how you configure it, the Haworth Breck is definitely a solid choice.
6 Humanscale Diffrient World Chair
The Diffrient World Chair by Humanscale is a solid high-end option and a bit more affordable than the Herman Miller Aeron. It’s backed by a strong warranty and arrives nearly fully assembled.
One nice perk with the Diffrient World is the 4-way adjustable arms, which add an extra adjustment compared to the Aeron. It also has a seat slider, allowing you to adjust the seat depth. A significant difference between these two chairs is the reclining system. While the Aeron uses a traditional mechanism, the Diffrient World has a weight-sensitive recline that adjusts automatically without needing any knobs or levers to control tension or locks.
Another plus for the Diffrient World is its range of colors and upholstery options. With a minimalist design, it’s a great pick for designers or anyone looking for a custom look. You can choose from three frame finishes, 23 mesh back colors, and 64 seat upholstery options, so there are tons of ways to personalize it.
7 BTOD Akir Chair
Starting at $619.99, the BTOD Akir is way more affordable than the Embody but still made it onto our list of the most comfortable office chairs. Although the Akir doesn’t match the high-end build quality of a Herman Miller, it’s solidly built for the price and has a decent warranty.
Despite the lower price, the Akir’s seat actually outshines the Herman Miller Embody. It features a thick, padded seat that’s soft without being memory or high-density foam, so it keeps you comfortable without flattening out. In fact, we’ve rated the Akir’s seat as one of the best among office chairs, making it a great choice if you want a mesh-back chair with a cozy, cushioned seat.
Another plus for the Akir is its adjustability. It has 4-way adjustable arms, a seat depth adjustment, and an extra lockable position. You can even add an adjustable headrest for a more ergonomic setup.
8 OfficeLogix Midan Chair
Herman Miller chairs are famous for their comfort and unique design, but let’s be real—not everyone wants to spend thousands on one. If you’ve had your eye on an Aeron chair alternative, the OfficeLogix Midan Chair offers a similar ergonomic experience, using the same Dontai mechanism found in the Aeron, but at a much friendlier price.
The Midan Chair’s single-piece mesh design flows smoothly from the backrest to the seat, getting rid of those annoying gaps that some mesh chairs have. This seamless design not only adds to comfort but also gives the chair a sleek, modern look that fits well in any workspace, whether at home or in the office.
Adjusting the height on the Midan Chair is super simple—just pull a lever on the side, and you’re all set in seconds. No complicated controls, just easy adjustments for instant comfort.
The Midan Chair also features fully adjustable 4D armrests that can move up, down, forward, backward, and side to side, letting you set them exactly where you want. They’re soft around the edges for extra comfort, and you can lock them in place with a quick button push.
9 IKEA Markus Office Chair
For anyone dealing with upper back pain, the IKEA Markus is a solid office chair option. While IKEA might have a reputation for DIY assembly and budget-friendly prices, this chair still holds up pretty well.
Finding an ergonomic office chair for taller folks can be tricky, but the IKEA Markus has a high-back design that’s ideal for people 6′ or taller. If you enjoy leaning back and resting your head, this high-back chair is a great fit.
There’s plenty of padding up top, and the frame is wide enough that it won’t press into your shoulder blades. Plus, the cushioned seat keeps you comfortable without putting strain on your knees, even during long hours.
10 HINOMI H1 Pro Ergonomic Chair
HINOMI may be a newer name in ergonomic furniture, but it’s quickly gaining fans. Their H1 Pro chair is built for both home and office use, with a budget-friendly price tag. The H1 Pro’s design includes curved edges and a seamless backrest-armrest connection for a sleek, continuous look. It also offers plenty of adjustability, which is a nice plus for most users.
As for build quality, the H1 Pro does well. Despite having multiple parts, it stays quiet when you move around and feels sturdy overall. Some plastic parts are a bit rough, but it’s a minor issue.
A unique feature of the H1 Pro is that it can fold up when not in use—a rarity for office chairs. It also has a built-in leg rest tucked under the seat base and is easy to pull out. While figuring out that it flips over and out takes a moment, it’s a great addition for extra comfort.
Advantages of Herman Miller Alternatives
Ergonomics
A big plus of the Herman Miller Aeron chair is its amazing ergonomic design. It’s built to give top-notch support, helping you sit in a way that’s better for your posture and lowering the chance of body aches. Many of its alternatives also come with similar features.
Breathable Materials
Most alternatives to the Aeron chair come with a mesh seat and backrest, which makes them super breathable and keeps the air flowing. This helps control body temperature and keeps heat and moisture from building up, so you stay relaxed and comfortable, even sitting for hours.
Adjustability
The Herman Miller Aeron chair has a ton of adjustable features, so you can set it up just the way you like. Many alternatives offer similar customization options too. You can easily adjust the chair height to fit people of all sizes, ensuring you’re in line with your desk. The tilt feature lets you lean back to find your perfect angle, and the armrests can be moved up, down, and around to give your arms and shoulders just the proper support.
Price Point
The biggest downside of the Herman Miller Aeron chair is definitely its price. It’s a top-quality office chair, but that premium feel comes with a high cost, which might not work for everyone’s budget. On the plus side, the more affordable alternatives make similar features accessible to a lot more people.
Herman Miller Alternative Summed Up
Herman Miller chairs definitely have some standout features, but there are a few alternatives—some cheaper, some in the same price range—that offer similar functions and high-quality materials. Depending on the style and features you’re after, Meet&Co might actually be an even better choice for you!
