Home / Home & cleaning / Office chairs / Brands

Herman Miller vs Steelcase

Too close to call: it comes down to the model.

The verdict in 10 seconds

The Herman Miller Aeron at work: an ergonomic chair in a sunny home office

Best Herman Miller

Herman Miller AeronHerman Miller AeronSuperb back support and build, but the fit isn't for everyone

Suits you if

  • You sit at a desk all day and want strong lower-back support
  • You like a firm, upright seat and a mesh back that stays cool
  • You want a chair that arrives ready to use and is built to last for years

Best Steelcase

Steelcase GestureSteelcase GestureSuperbly comfortable, adjustable chair, but its lower-back support is gentle

Suits you if

  • You sit at a desk for long hours and want all-day comfort
  • Several people of different sizes will share one chair
  • You like sitting upright and want armrests you can position almost anywhere

The short version

Brand for brand, Herman Miller and Steelcase are closely matched. The best single model of the two is the Herman Miller Aeron, which suits you if you sit at a desk all day and want strong lower-back support.

We researched 21 expert reviews, analyzed 11,191 owner ratings and comments across 14 sources for every Herman Miller and Steelcase model we cover, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.

See the evidence

Brand scoreboardAverage score 81 vs 80 · reliability 88 vs 85
Herman MillerSteelcase
Product Review score8180
Experts8282
Owners7975
Reliability8885
Models scored31
Most reliable modelHerman Miller AeronSteelcase Gesture

Averages across scored models. ● marks the better number on each row.

Quick answers

Which is better, Herman Miller or Steelcase?

Neither, clearly. Choose the model, not the brand.

Based on: Average Product Review score 81 for Herman Miller vs 80 for Steelcase.

Which brand is more reliable, Herman Miller or Steelcase?

Neither stands out. Their models have a similar record.

Based on: Average reliability 88 vs 85.

What is the best Herman Miller office chair?

The Herman Miller Aeron. It suits you if you sit at a desk all day and want strong lower-back support.

Based on: Highest Product Review score among Herman Miller models (83).

What is the best Steelcase office chair?

The Steelcase Gesture. It suits you if you sit at a desk for long hours and want all-day comfort.

Based on: Highest Product Review score among Steelcase models (80).