Everyone’s always chasing the best office chair – especially as working from home is still very much part of the norm. I’ve been lucky enough to try quite a few over the last few years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that ergonomic options are absolutely the way to go. One chair that constantly comes up in those conversations is the Herman Miller Aeron, and it’s not hard to see why.
Originally launched in 1994 and designed by Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick, the Aeron completely broke away from the old-school idea of what an office chair should be. Out went the bulky cushions, and in came the mesh-like Pellicle material, which helps keep you cool by allowing air, heat and moisture to flow right through.
Even though the Aeron’s now been around for decades, Herman Miller keeps it up to date with regular tweaks. The version I’ve been testing is the most recent one, and it’s definitely worth talking about.
Herman Miller Aeron Office Chair review: price and availability
The Aeron has a lot of different pricing options depending on which features you’re looking for. The version I’ve been reviewing – Graphite finish, with arms and adjustable back support – comes in at £1,385 or roughly $1,800.
Whilst that’s extremely expensive, the price does come down a bit if you strip out some of the extra features. There are also six colourways available, which also sit at different price points depending on the materials used. However, no matter how you see it, this is a high-end chair with a high-end price tag.
Herman Miller Aeron Office Chair review: design and features
The Aeron is designed with PostureFit SL support, which basically means it helps your spine stay in a healthy S-shape by supporting both the lumbar and sacral areas. The 8Z Pellicle system, which divides the seat and backrest into eight different tension zones, is another clever detail – helping to distribute your weight evenly and reduce pressure points.
Users can also adjust arm height, seat tilt and forward tilt, and it’s all customisable, depending on the version you go for.
(Image credit: Herman Miller)
The Aeron comes in three sizes – A, B and C – to suit different body types. Size B is the standard for most people, and it’s the one I went with.
The materials are super durable and mostly recyclable, and since the chair’s built in a modular way, you can replace parts instead of chucking the whole thing out if something wears down.
Herman Miller Aeron Office Chair review: performance
From a comfort perspective, I was extremely impressed. My lower back and shoulders felt supported right away, and after months of daily use, that support hasn’t faded. Once I spent a bit of time adjusting everything to fit me just right, I pretty much haven’t changed a thing since.
The Aeron feels like the chair adapts to you, not the other way around, which is something I don’t always experience with cheaper models. It’s also very comfortable for long stretches of sitting, which is great for besting the dreaded tech neck.
(Image credit: Herman Miller)
The Aeron is probably the most ergonomic and adjustable chair I’ve ever used, but I do think there are some excellent alternatives out there for a fraction of the cost. If budget is a factor, it’s worth exploring your options.
Herman Miller Aeron Office Chair review: verdict
The Herman Miller Aeron is hands down one of the most ergonomic and impressively adjustable office chairs you can buy. From its breathable mesh design and spine-supporting PostureFit SL system to its long-term comfort and durability, it really does live up to its reputation. It’s built to last, environmentally conscious and incredibly customisable – but that all comes with a hefty price tag. If budget isn’t a barrier, the Aeron is a standout choice that could transform your work setup.
Herman Miller Aeron Office Chair review: alternatives to consider
If you want to stick with Herman Miller, the Mirra 2 Butterfly is a great pick. It’s packed with ergonomic features and uses adaptive materials in a really clever way to support different sitting styles.
Another one to check out is the Slouch Task One. It’s much cheaper than either the Aeron or the Mirra 2, but still offers the key ergonomic benefits that really matter. It also comes in loads of colours and finishes, which is always a nice bonus.
