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Best alternatives to the X-Chair X2

The Herman Miller Aeron is the strongest alternative.

X-ChairX-Chair X2

The verdict in 10 seconds

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

Strongest all-rounder

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

Most dependable

Herman Miller EmbodyHerman Miller EmbodyA supremely comfortable, flexible chair, though its back shape doesn't suit everyone

Suits you if

  • You sit at a desk most of the day and want a chair that moves with you
  • You like a firm, curved lower-back shape and a smooth recline

Easiest to live with

Herman Miller SaylHerman Miller SaylComfortable, compact chair with solid back support, best for average heights

Suits 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 X-Chair X2 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 X-Chair X2 is still a great fit if you sit at a desk most of the day and want firm 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 X-Chair X2?

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 67 for the X-Chair X2, across 8 alternatives.

Is there a more reliable alternative to the X-Chair X2?

Not really. The X-Chair X2 is about as dependable as anything we cover.

Based on: Reliability 91 for the Herman Miller Aeron vs 100.

What is the best alternative to the X-Chair X2 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 X-Chair (83).

Is there a cheaper alternative to the X-Chair X2?

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: X-Chair X2 $799–$969; HON Ignition 2.0 $399–$665.

Every alternative, ranked

How each one compares with the X-Chair X2
  1. 01Herman Miller Aeron

    Herman Miller Aeron

    Superb back support and build, but the fit isn't for everyone

    EXPOWNREL83
    Higher score (+16)Happier ownersExperts rate it higherX-Chair X2 vs Herman Miller Aeron →
  2. 02Herman Miller Sayl

    Herman Miller Sayl

    Comfortable, compact chair with solid back support, best for average heights

    EXPOWNREL81
    Higher score (+14)Happier ownersExperts rate it higherX-Chair X2 vs Herman Miller Sayl →
  3. 03Herman Miller Embody

    Herman Miller Embody

    A supremely comfortable, flexible chair, though its back shape doesn't suit everyone

    EXPOWNREL80
    Higher score (+13)Happier ownersExperts rate it higherX-Chair X2 vs Herman Miller Embody →
  4. 04Steelcase Gesture

    Steelcase Gesture

    Superbly comfortable, adjustable chair, but its lower-back support is gentle

    EXPOWNREL80
    Higher score (+13)Happier ownersExperts rate it higherX-Chair X2 vs Steelcase Gesture →
  5. 05Haworth Fern

    Haworth Fern

    Comfortable, well-built all-day chair with flexible back support at a steep price

    EXPOWNREL78
    Higher score (+11)Happier ownersExperts rate it higherX-Chair X2 vs Haworth Fern →
  6. 06HON Ignition 2.0

    HON Ignition 2.0

    Comfortable, adjustable budget office chair with decent, not deluxe, back support

    EXPOWNREL78
    Higher score (+11)Happier ownersX-Chair X2 vs HON Ignition 2.0 →
  7. 07Branch Ergonomic Chair

    Branch Ergonomic Chair

    Comfortable, very adjustable midrange chair with hard, fussy armrests

    EXPOWNREL75
    Higher score (+8)Happier ownersX-Chair X2 vs Branch Ergonomic Chair →
  8. 08Autonomous ErgoChair Pro

    Autonomous ErgoChair Pro

    Comfortable, very adjustable chair that's kind to most backs

    EXPOWNREL72
    Higher score (+5)Happier ownersExperts rate it higherX-Chair X2 vs Autonomous ErgoChair Pro →