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Best alternatives to the Herman Miller Aeron
The Herman Miller Aeron is already among the best we've found; the Herman Miller Sayl comes closest.
The verdict in 10 seconds
Strongest all-rounder
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
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
Steelcase GestureSuperbly comfortable, adjustable chair, but its lower-back support is gentleSuits you if
- You sit at a desk for long hours and want all-day comfort
- Several people of different sizes will share one chair
The short version
If the Herman Miller Aeron isn't quite right, start with the Herman Miller Sayl: it suits you if you're petite to average height and sit at a desk all day. The Herman Miller Aeron is still a great fit if you sit at a desk all day and want strong lower-back support.
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 Herman Miller Aeron?
The Herman Miller Sayl. It suits you if you're petite to average height and sit at a desk all day.
Based on: Product Review score 81 vs 83 for the Herman Miller Aeron, across 8 alternatives.Is there a more reliable alternative to the Herman Miller Aeron?
Yes, the X-Chair X2. It's less likely to give you trouble.
Based on: Reliability 100 for the X-Chair X2 vs 91.What is the best alternative to the Herman Miller Aeron from another brand?
The Steelcase Gesture. It suits you if you sit at a desk for long hours and want all-day comfort.
Based on: Highest-scoring model not made by Herman Miller (80).Is there a cheaper alternative to the Herman Miller Aeron?
Yes, the Herman Miller Sayl. It usually costs less and suits you if you're petite to average height and sit at a desk all day.
Based on: Typical prices: Herman Miller Aeron $1,520; Herman Miller Sayl $1,020–$1,075.Every alternative, ranked
How each one compares with the Herman Miller Aeron- 01
EXPOWNREL81Herman Miller Sayl
Comfortable, compact chair with solid back support, best for average heights
- 02
EXPOWNREL80Herman Miller Embody
A supremely comfortable, flexible chair, though its back shape doesn't suit everyone
Also Herman MillerHerman Miller Aeron vs Herman Miller Embody → - 03EXPOWNREL80
Steelcase Gesture
Superbly comfortable, adjustable chair, but its lower-back support is gentle
Different trade-offsHerman Miller Aeron vs Steelcase Gesture → - 04
EXPOWNREL78Haworth Fern
Comfortable, well-built all-day chair with flexible back support at a steep price
Experts rate it higherHerman Miller Aeron vs Haworth Fern → - 05
EXPOWNREL78HON Ignition 2.0
Comfortable, adjustable budget office chair with decent, not deluxe, back support
Different trade-offsHerman Miller Aeron vs HON Ignition 2.0 → - 06
EXPOWNREL75Branch Ergonomic Chair
Comfortable, very adjustable midrange chair with hard, fussy armrests
Different trade-offsHerman Miller Aeron vs Branch Ergonomic Chair → - 07
EXPOWNREL72Autonomous ErgoChair Pro
Comfortable, very adjustable chair that's kind to most backs
Experts rate it higherHerman Miller Aeron vs Autonomous ErgoChair Pro → - 08EXPOWNREL67
X-Chair X2
Highly adjustable with strong lower-back support, but pricey and polarizing
More reliableHerman Miller Aeron vs X-Chair X2 →