Steelcase Leap vs Aeron – What’s the difference?

Both Leap and Aeron are most popular task chairs. Each one is manufactured with all day comfort and total ergonomic support in mind.

Steelcase Leap and Aeron Comparison

Steelcase Leap Chair Overview

The Steelcase Leap chair is one of the most popular ergonomic office chairs on the market because of its timeless classic design. It’s really adjustable and very easy to use. Years of careful research went into the design of the Leap chair resulting in a chair with one-of-a-kind features and adjustment which makes this one of the most popular adjustable office task chairs in the world.

The Leap chair by Steelcase is known for its bright colors and more traditional shape. It has an optional headrest that’s height adjustable as well as foam seat and back that are more familiar to task chairs. On the right side of the chair is the pneumatic height adjustment that allows you to adjust the chair depending on your unique height.

Directly in front of that pneumatic knob is the five stage tilt lock that allows you to adjust how deep the chair reclines. Each notch will allow you to recline a little bit further all the way from locked in an upright position to the ability to be able to lean all the way back in the lounge position.

On the left side is an adjustable seat depth that allows you to conform the seat to your unique leg length. The adjustable lumbar support is included with every Leap chair and its both height and depth adjustable with tabs on the side of the chair as well as the knob on the right side. The optional adjustable arms articulate inward at an angle and also adjust up and down.

Steelcase Leap Chair V1 vs V2

• The Steelcase Leap V2 comes with an additional adjustable lumbar support attached with the backrest. It’s a very helpful feature for those with back pain problems.
• The Steelcase V1 has more padding especially visible on the thick armrests while the V2 has a sleek design.
• The Leap V2 also has an auto adjustable seat pan tilt which means that the front seat lip flexes down when a person sitting on the chair leans to the front. The Leap V1 has a manual front lip seat adjustment using a lever.
• The backrest in Leap V2 is higher which is more suitable for taller people.
• The armrests have a better design and are much more flexible in Leap V2. They are made of a softer material and unlike in Leap V1, they can also slide forward and backward.
• The Steelcase Leap V2 also comes in many special variants to complement with your office furniture. For e.g. with black leather and platinum frame.

Herman Miller Aeron Chair Overview

The Aeron is a modern office mesh chair from Herman Miller that uses a breathable Pellicle mesh material on the seat and back which spreads pressure evenly across your body so that there are no pressure points and it also keeps you cool in the summer months. This surface also resists many odors and is very comfortable for long periods.

Another pro is Aeron’s adjustability and customizability. Obviously no one’s body is the same and there’s no one-size-fits-all chair solution. Depending on your body size there are three different sizes available and there are even more adjustments within each size like chair height, arm height, arm pivot as well as tilt angle that lets you further customize the Aeron to conform to your body.

Steelcase Leap vs Aeron – Similarities

• Both chairs are ergonomically designed with multiple adjustable features and customization.
• You can sit on them for long durations without discomfort.
• Aeron and Leap have similar height and armrest adjustments (additional cost).
• Both Leap and Aeron are made up of recyclable materials but the proportion of these materials may vary.
• Steelcase Leap and Aeron chairs come with a 12 year factory warranty.
• Both chairs support user weight up to 300 pounds.
• You have an option of choosing these chairs without armrests.

Steelcase Leap vs Aeron – Differences

• Aeron is available in three sizes (A, B and C) while Leap is a one size fits all chair.
• The seat and back in Aeron are constructed using a breathable mesh material preventing moisture buildup due to heat. On the other hand Steelcase Leap uses a foam based material which may not be suitable for warm climates.
• The Aeron mesh material is easy to clean in case of spills while the foam based fiber may form a stain.
• Steelcase Leap uses ‘Live Back’ technology in which the backrest flexes to conform to your individual body spine as you move, giving you more stability and comfort.
• Steelcase Leap provides more seating positions and has more flexibility while Aeron is geared to provide more comfort.
• The Leap also features a ‘Natural Glide System’ to ensure a seamless recline without straining any joints and muscles. The backrest reclines in conjunction with the seat which moves forward, so you are not pulled away from your desk.
• Aeron features ‘Kinemat Tilt’ mimicking natural body motion while reclining but the difference is that the seat does not move forward in position.
• The Aeron has an option of a more advanced lumbar support mechanism called ‘PostureFit’. This supports your lower back and helps you sit straight keeping you in a natural forward tilt. Leap also features a manually adjustable lumbar support but unlike Aeron you cannot adjust the tension.
• Leap provides a multiple stage tilt lock whereas Aeron has few tilt stops. Optional tilt limiter and forward tilt is available for Aeron at additional cost.
• Steelcase Leap has an optional headrest.