Herman Miller Aeron Chair - worth it? archived

Is the Herman Miller Aeron Chair really worth the cost? Are there less expensive alternatives that are just as good?

I have occasional back issues, so I don't want to go cheap. But I also don't want to take out a second mortgage.

Worth it?

http://store.hermanmiller.com/Products/Aeron-Chair#

I don't think so. I bought a "version" of it for $300 and change at OfficeDepot and I love it. It's basically the same thing without the name. The shape is different but it is very comfortable and I'm sitting in it a good 6 hours a day. Very comfortable.

My work group went chair-shopping at a Herman Miller showroom. Several of us didn't like the aeron and preferred other models. I thought the aeron was way too firm. It's like a mattress -- you have to try a bunch and see which one is best for you.

I just sat in a mesh Aeron-style chair at Costco the other day. It cost $99, and my first impression was that it was much more comfortable than the actual Aeron chair I sit in at work every day. Can't speak for long-term back support though.

It's all about the brand in this case. You can find chairs that are equally ergonomic, if not better, than the Herman Miller ones. Don't pay for the name if you are looking for back support rather than the chance to tell people you have a "Herman Miller" chair.

My company just relocated to open space and one of the perks we were given was a choice between three different chairs. The Aeron was the most expensive and my least favorite.

Though I was initially VERY skeptical that any chair could be that helpful, I bought an Aeron on craigslist and have never looked back. It's excellent.

My experience has been that, while many of the "versions" might be comfortable, my Aeron seems to be indestructible. I have had it for 17 years (!) and it looks practically new. I have found that in less expensive versions, the mesh sags eventually. This has not happened at all in my Aeron and I work from home, all day at the computer.

I would add that buying a USED Aeron is probably a good bet since they are so sturdy.

Thanks everyone for the comments. I've used the Aeron before - it's a common music studio chair - and I like it (both comfort and aesthetics).

domerschutz said:

My experience has been that, while many of the "versions" might be comfortable, my Aeron seems to be indestructible. I have had it for 17 years (!) and it looks practically new. I have found that in less expensive versions, the mesh sags eventually. This has not happened at all in my Aeron and I work from home, all day at the computer.

This is helpful. Lasting value is also important to me. I've gone through a few office chairs within the last 7-10 years, which over time adds up to the amount of a single Aeron chair. Quality matters. So while a knockoff may look and feel the same for a bit, I want it to last. Somehow I doubt a $99 Costco imitation will stand the test of time.

lixouri said:

Though I was initially VERY skeptical that any chair could be that helpful, I bought an Aeron on craigslist and have never looked back. It's excellent.

Good idea! I'll check out Craigslist.

One thing to consider is if you wear your wallet in your back pocket, these chairs will rub and ultimately wear a hole in your pants over time. Silly I know, but worth thinking about.
We have them in our office and they are comfortable enough, but not sure I would search them out if we were to move.

That's not an issue for me. This is for my home music studio.

I'm open to other alternatives, but the lasting value is important. It seems the Aeron Chair has proven to last.

Also, question of size: I'm tall (almost 6'3") and slim. If I decide on an Aeron, should I get size B or C?

Have you looked at Knoll chairs? I use a ReGeneration. Mesh back, but a padded seat, which I find more comfortable than an Aeron. And it's very adjustable.

Is this your chair?

http://www.knoll.com/product/regeneration-by-knoll

Never heard of it before. Also pricey, but if it's good and durable, I'm open.

Actually it's this one (Life, not ReGen, sorry):
http://www.allmodern.com/Knoll-%C2%AE-Life-Chair-KLL2049.html

The recline tension feature is great.

I had an Aeron chair at my last job but when I had to buy my own I went with this:
http://www.thehumansolution.com/-eurotech-raynor-apollo-mft945sl-mesh-ergonomic-chair.html

A fraction of the cost and surprisingly well made, comfortable, and adjustable. I think they make more expensive/complicated versions as well.

j_r said:

Actually it's this one (Life, not ReGen, sorry):
http://www.allmodern.com/Knoll-%C2%AE-Life-Chair-KLL2049.html

The recline tension feature is great.

Beautiful chair, but wowza... $1400!! And 5-6 weeks delivery.

http://www.madisonseating.com/life-chair-by-knoll.html?gclid=CKjW5dv08boCFTJp7AodaGsA_g

Oh wow, thanks! That's MUCH MUCH better. Do you have it with the lumbar?

Madison Seating also has good prices on the Aeron.