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Best alternatives to the Haworth Fern
The Herman Miller Aeron is the strongest alternative.
The verdict in 10 seconds
Strongest all-rounder
Herman Miller AeronSuperb back support and build, but the fit isn't for everyoneSuits 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
Most dependable
X-Chair X2Highly adjustable with strong lower-back support, but pricey and polarizingSuits you if
- You sit at a desk most of the day and want firm lower-back support
- You enjoy fine-tuning a chair to fit your body exactly
Easiest to live with
Herman Miller SaylComfortable, compact chair with solid back support, best for average heightsSuits you if
- You're petite to average height and sit at a desk all day
- You have a smaller home office and want a chair that doesn't take over the room
The short version
If the Haworth Fern isn't quite right, start with the Herman Miller Aeron: it suits you if you sit at a desk all day and want strong lower-back support. The Haworth Fern is still a great fit if you sit at a desk for long hours and want a chair for the long haul.
We researched 45 expert reviews, analyzed 16,822 owner ratings and comments across 16 sources for 9 office chairs, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.
Quick answers
What is the best alternative to the Haworth Fern?
The Herman Miller Aeron. It suits you if you sit at a desk all day and want strong lower-back support.
Based on: Product Review score 83 vs 78 for the Haworth Fern, across 8 alternatives.Is there a more reliable alternative to the Haworth Fern?
Yes, the X-Chair X2. It's less likely to give you trouble.
Based on: Reliability 100 for the X-Chair X2 vs 73.What is the best alternative to the Haworth Fern from another brand?
The Herman Miller Aeron. It suits you if you sit at a desk all day and want strong lower-back support.
Based on: Highest-scoring model not made by Haworth (83).Is there a cheaper alternative to the Haworth Fern?
Yes, the HON Ignition 2.0. It usually costs less and suits you if you want real ergonomic adjustments without paying premium-chair prices.
Based on: Typical prices: Haworth Fern $1,105; HON Ignition 2.0 $399–$665.Every alternative, ranked
How each one compares with the Haworth Fern- 01
EXPOWNREL83Herman Miller Aeron
Superb back support and build, but the fit isn't for everyone
- 02EXPOWNREL81
Herman Miller Sayl
Comfortable, compact chair with solid back support, best for average heights
- 03
EXPOWNREL80Herman Miller Embody
A supremely comfortable, flexible chair, though its back shape doesn't suit everyone
- 04
EXPOWNREL80Steelcase Gesture
Superbly comfortable, adjustable chair, but its lower-back support is gentle
- 05
EXPOWNREL78HON Ignition 2.0
Comfortable, adjustable budget office chair with decent, not deluxe, back support
- 06
EXPOWNREL75Branch Ergonomic Chair
Comfortable, very adjustable midrange chair with hard, fussy armrests
More reliableHaworth Fern vs Branch Ergonomic Chair → - 07
EXPOWNREL72Autonomous ErgoChair Pro
Comfortable, very adjustable chair that's kind to most backs
Different trade-offsHaworth Fern vs Autonomous ErgoChair Pro → - 08
EXPOWNREL67X-Chair X2
Highly adjustable with strong lower-back support, but pricey and polarizing
More reliableHaworth Fern vs X-Chair X2 →