Herman Miller Aeron Vs Herman Miller Embody: Which is Best for You?

As soon as you begin your search for an office chair, you’ll come across the company Herman Miller. This company is one of the biggest names in the ergonomic chairs industry, which means that its products are both aesthetically pleasing and health positive. 

These specific types of chairs are designed to be adaptable to their user’s needs. For instance, you can change your seat’s height and its depth. Moreover, research has often linked them to improved productivity because of the customized support they offer. 

Herman Miller has been the most trusted office chair brand for over a century and still remains at the forefront to this day. This is due to their dedication to research and development which allows them to consistently innovate their product line. 

That said, since they offer a robust offering of different office chairs, it can be difficult to decide which is the best one for your specific needs. 

To help make your decision easier, we’re going to compare two of their best chairs: the Herman Miller Aeron and the Herman Miller Embody. 

In this comprehensive Herman Miller Aeron vs Embody comparison, we’ll be breaking down these chairs in detail to help you decide which is the best option for you. We’ll be looking at factors such as build quality, materials, adjustability, comfort, price, and more to see which one deserves a spot in your home or office. 

Check out our full guide on the Best Herman Miller Office Chairs

Herman Miller Aeron Overview

Herman Miller, as a brand, focuses on ergonomics more than aesthetic appeal and the Aeron chair is the perfect example of them doing so. With an uber-contemporary feel, this seat has an arched backrest and a waterfall edge seat that make your hours at the office easier. 

The chair comes in three sizes: A to C, with A being the smallest and C the largest. The biggest difference between them is their weight capacity which starts at 300 pounds and goes up to 350 pounds.  

Each feature of the Herman Miller Aeron has been carefully selected to provide you with the most comfort. The 8Z mesh is great for your back, the waterfall edge boosts blood flow to your legs, and the backrest promotes good posture. 

However, there are some downsides to using the Aeron seat. It doesn’t have an adjustable seat depth. So if your chair is too small for your body, the frame will dig into your legs and cause discomfort. 

If you do decide to purchase this chair, you should know that it comes fully assembled. Unlike typical Ikea furniture that requires time and effort to put together, the standard Aeron chair comes to you in one piece.

The only situation in which you’ll end up with a screwdriver in your hand is if you choose to purchase one of the several optional upgrades offered by Herman Miller. 

Herman Miller Embody Overview

Herman Miller worked with over 20 physicians to put together the Embody office chair. Its unique design hopes to optimize your comfort while at the office.  

The chair’s layered seat accommodates all body types and ensures inclusivity even though it is only produced in one size. Moreover, it is fully adjustable, which means each user can adjust the height and armrests according to their personal requirements. 

A Herman Miller Embody chair’s height range is similar to that of the Aeron’s size B. This means that it will work for most users; however, very large or very petite people may not be able to use it very comfortably. 

The Embody headrest is a unique feature not offered by the Aeron chair. It is an extension of the curved back and provides support to your head and neck. This added benefit improves posture and protects you from neck strain. 

In addition to the several health positive features outlined above, this Herman Miller chair also comes with a 12-year warranty. By guaranteeing their users that their product will last for an extended period of time, the company is proving that it is worth the hefty price tag. 

Herman Miller believes in its chair and its durability. They want you to do the same.

After perfecting the ergonomics of their chairs, the company also spends some time on their aesthetics. This specific chair is available in ten different colors, including kiwi green, berry blue, and khaki. You can take advantage of this range and create a captivating contrast in your office space. 

Herman Miller Aeron vs Herman Miller Embody: Major Differences

As a company, Herman Miller only manufactures chairs that meet a certain standard. They’re easy to use, have health benefits, and a unique selling point. You have to use the third factor to determine which chair you want to purchase. 

Every time the company puts out a new product, they are targeting a new audience. If not a completely new group, then a specific section of it. This means that they’re either adding a new feature, making the product cheaper, or rebranding it. 

With the Aeron and Embody models, there are several major differences. This is because while they have some overlapping features, several are only present in one of the two. Here are the eight most important ones.

Materials And Build Quality

You now know that Herman Miller makes some of the best office chairs in the market right now. This means that both the Aeron and the Embody have superb technology and the highest build quality. 

Therefore, each chair has its own unique functions that fit perfectly into its frame. Neither is bulky or unnecessarily heavy. However, they do have some key differences.

The Aeron’s armrest and backrest are slightly more impressive than the Embody, but that doesn’t take away from the latter’s excellent build quality. 

The upholstery for the Aeron chair is made of 8Z Pellicle mesh. This material is known as an elastomeric weave, which means it seamlessly stretches all over the seat and back. It has one main function: supporting you and preventing upper and lower back pain. 

Such mesh also contributes to air circulation and keeps you cool. Some users have said that the mesh irritates their thighs and distracts them from their work. So we recommend that you try the seat before purchasing it to get an idea for yourself. 

On the other hand, Herman Miller’s Embody uses fabric on its seat. There are two types, and both are made of 100% polyester. This allows them to offer a wide range of colors for the chair. 

Seat Comfort

Upon asking users, we found that the Herman Miller Aeron’s build suits some people very well. However, it is too confined for others. Conversely, the Embody isn’t everyone’s favorite, but nobody would say they were uncomfortable in it. It’s a decent middle ground.   

Measuring seat comfort can never be subjective. One person may like a particular type of chair, and another may hate it completely. 

Even so, there are some general industry-accepted standards when it comes to seat comfort for office chairs. It seems the Embody meets them, while the Aeron can at times fall behind. 

The Embody has a large frame, but it isn’t pronounced given the chair’s flexibility. Moreover, the seemingly simple upholstery hides a complex and technologically advanced four-layer system beneath it. This system is integral in making sure the seat is as comfortable for you as possible. 

The Aeron has a smaller and thicker frame with an 8Z Pellicle mesh upholstery. The seat is very firm, while the mesh is soft and flexible. Overall, this makes the chair comfortable to sit on.

Some Aeron users have reported that they can feel the chair’s frame when sitting on it, which can cause discomfort. In most of these cases, choosing the right-sized chair could have prevented the problem completely. 

Back Comfort

Back comfort is as subjective as seat comfort. It also varies from person to person. 

The Herman Miller Aeron has a short and wide back. Its frame is thick and rigid. Moreover, it has an excellent lumbar support system known as the PostureFit SL. Even if you end up buying the simplest version of the Aeron chair, we highly recommend you pay for this add-on.

The Embody has a narrow and tall backrest. It curves in the middle to support your lumbar. By replicating your spine’s shape, the chair manages to be fairly comfortable to sit in. It’s also flexible, which gives you a wide range of motion. 

However, the chair doesn’t have a dedicated lumbar adjustment feature. Since the Aeron does make use of this technology, it wins the back support comparison.

Also, some users have said that sitting on an Embody can make you feel like your shoulders are being pushed forward, which can be disconcerting. 

Armrests

The Aeron also takes the lead when it comes to comparing armrests with the Embody model. It has a flexible frame that allows you to tilt while sitting. Due to the fact that the armrests are attached to the chair’s seat and back, they move with it. In addition to this comfort, you can adjust the depth of your arm pads and pivot them as necessary. 

But the best thing about them is their padding. Not only is it thick, but it’s also very soft. 

While the Herman Miller Embody doesn’t rate as well as the Aeron does with users, the chair comes with large arm pads that have an adjustable range. You can move them up, down, outward, or inward. They’re rectangular and relatively soft.  

However, one significant problem with the Embody’s armrests is that they don’t move with your seat when you tilt. They remain stationary.

Adjustability

The Herman Miller Aeron chair has a wide range of functions. But the most popular is its most basic one – tilting. While sitting on the seat, you can push back on the incredibly flexible frame and decline until you’re in a comfortable position. 

If you feel it necessary, you can also upgrade your office chair to add lockable positions. These adjustable features make tilting a lot more fun. 

Additionally, the Aeron has an adjustable lumbar. 

The Herman Miller Embody chair also comes with a long list of ergonomic features:

• BackFit: Allows you to position your back with the natural curve of your spine. 
• Arm Width: The adjustable distance is from 11.5″ to 21.”
• Arm Height: You can move the height from 4″ to 8.74.”
• Seat Depth: Adjustable from 15″ to 18.”
• Seat Height: It can be moved from 16″ to 20.5.” 
• Tilt Limiter: Allows you to limit your tilt to 92 degrees, 100 degrees, or 124 degrees.
• Tilt Tension: It gives you the ability to adjust your tension to 124 degrees.

As you can tell, both Herman Miller chairs have several adjustable features. These are what make them the best ergonomic chair manufacturer in the market right now. Depending on what you want your chair to do, you can purchase any number of these add-ons. 

Size Options

There are three size options for the Herman Miller Aeron and only one size for the Embody. The former comes in sizes A, B, and C. Size A is considered a small, size B a medium, and size C a large. 

The Embody’s dimensions are most similar to Size B. They’re both in the height range of 16″ to 20.5″, are manufactured in the USA, and have similar base dimensions – one being 26.5″ diameter and the other 27″.

If you want a bigger chair than the Embody, you should look at Aeron’s size C. Alternatively, if you want a smaller chair, consider size A.

However, if you’re a good fit for the Embody, compare it to size B and then choose between the two. One notable difference you should take into consideration when making your decision is their varying weight capacity. The Embody can hold 300 pounds, whereas the Aeron size B can take up to 350 pounds. 

Aesthetics

The Herman Miller Aeron and Embody chairs are both aesthetically pleasing, but the latter has a greater range of colors. 

There are three options for the Aeron, and all of these colors are solid neutral tones suited for the professional environment of an office. 

The white mineral-like color gives the Aeron chair a light contemporary feel, while the carbon and graphite highlight the ergonomic design of the office chair. 

Granted, you won’t find bold colors or patterns, but you will still have sleek and stylish designs at your disposal. 

Since the Embody chair uses fabric on its seat, it has a more dynamic expression. There are ten color options covering the basic gray tones, several shades of blue, a few browns, and two greens. You can buy an office chair in each color in one of two fabrics – balance or rhythm. They are happy alternatives to the cool grays of the Aeron chairs and give you the chance to make your workplace brighter. 

Price

Both chairs, the Herman Miller Aeron and the Herman Miller Embody, are more expensive than the typical office chairs. However, their various features more than justify the difference. 

The Aeron ranges from USD 995 to USD 1,895, whereas the Embody is available for USD 1,495 to USD 1,895.

You can buy the former for less money, but it won’t have the same functions. Paying an extra fee to get add-ons like adjustable arms will bring the total price up to the same as the Embody’s simplest version. 

When buying a Herman Miller Aeron, you can add the following features:

• Height-adjustable arms (USD 75)
• Fully adjustable arms (USD 205)
• Adjustable lumbar support (USD 75)
• Posture fit lumbar support (USD 95)
• Hard floor casters (USD 50)

On the other hand, you can add the following to a Herman Miller Embody:

• Hard floor caster (USD 40)
• Translucent casters (USD 80)

Herman Miller Aeron vs Herman Miller Embody Pros & Cons

Herman Miller Aeron Pros:

Durable

The Herman Miller Aeron chair stays at its best for well over a decade. So while it will require a big initial investment, you won’t need a replacement for the next ten years at the very least. 

In case you have a problem before that, Herman Miller’s 12-year warranty will take care of it. 

Some users report using their chairs for up to twenty years without any significant issue. Therefore, one can argue that you’re saving money in the long run by purchasing the Aeron chair now. 

Back Support 

The Herman Miller Aeron is one of the best chairs on the market for people with back pain. Its ergonomic features provide lumbar support and keep your body in an upright position throughout the day.

The PostureFit SL support works with all Aeron chair sizes: A, B, and C. 

Moreover, there are three reclining positions and seat angle measurements in this chair. Versatility ensures inclusivity. 

Wide Range Of Sizes 

While the Aeron model has less adjustments, it has a large range of sizes. These accommodate different body types. Moreover, they ensure that all users are comfortable while working.  

For instance, size A is suitable for people with a height of 5’4″ and a weight less than 150 pounds. On the other hand, size C is ideal for someone between 230 pounds and 350 pounds and a height from 6’2″ to 6’6″. 

You’ll never have to worry about fitting in the chair if you’re looking to buy a Herman Miller Aeron. 

Herman Miller Aeron Cons:

Expensive

While the Herman Miller chair is durable, it is very expensive. Even if you buy the basic standard model without any additions, you’ll have to take out a big portion of your savings to pay for it. 

No Seat Depth Adjustment 

The biggest downside to buying a Herman Miller Aeron is that this chair doesn’t have an adjustable seat depth. It’s particularly disappointing when most comparable products, including the Embody, come with this feature. 

Limited Padding

The Aeron chair uses a mesh seat, and while that has its benefits, not everyone loves it. Many people prefer padded and upholstered seats like the ones offered in the Herman Miller Embody chair. 

Herman Miller Embody Pros:

Fully Adjustable 

The Embody model was built after consulting several highly accomplished physicians. Its design was picked to optimize your comfort while working in a stressful environment for hours on end. 

This led to a well-researched and thought-out ergonomic design that provides excellent back support. You can adjust everything from the seat height to the seat depth, which allows you to fully customize your chair and have it meet all your requirements. 

Once you adjust it properly, it is very comfortable. 

Aesthetics

The Herman Miller Embody comes in ten color choices and two fabric options. Each one is visually striking and accentuates the intricate design of the ergonomic chair. 

Additionally, since the frame of the product is thought out, it is sleek and modern looking. 

Environmentally Friendly

Herman Miller is a strong supporter of eco-friendly policies. Therefore, their products are also environmentally friendly. 

The Embody model is manufactured in a facility run by 100% green energy. The chair is made from 42% recycled materials and is PVC-free. 

By supporting this brand, you also support their stance on green energy and policies and promote other companies to take such initiatives. 

Herman Miller Embody Cons:

Expensive

Much like other Herman Miller chairs, the Embody is expensive. The company isn’t just selling a product; instead, they’re selling a brand – health-conscious and luxurious. Therefore, it’s obvious that their price tags have to match that. 

Additionally, as mentioned before, you’re investing in a chair that will last quite a while. 

However, neither takes away from the fact that Herman Miller chairs are very expensive. If you’re working on a budget or living paycheck to paycheck, it’s very unlikely that you’ll be able to afford this product. 

No Adjustable Lumbar Support 

Even though Herman Miller chairs are centered around ergonomic qualities, this chair doesn’t have adjustable lumbar support. For many users, this is a deal-breaker since it can lead to serious back pain. 

Armrests Lack Forward And Backward Adjustability 

When you tilt on a chair, you expect your armrests to move back with you like they do in the Aeron model. However, this doesn’t happen with the Herman Miller Embody. The armrests stay stationary, which can be very uncomfortable and awkward. 

Herman Miller Aeron vs Herman Miller Embody: Which Is Better?

There’s a reason both these chairs from Herman Miller make it to the top of every ergonomic chairs list – they are the best of the best. Both models are produced in the United States of America with green energy by the leading office chair manufacturer. 

You get an excellent 10 to 12-year warranty with both chairs. Additionally, your chair will arrive on your door fully-assembled either way. 

So, which one is better – the cheaper but less adjustable Aeron, or the more adjustable and expensive Embody? The answer boils down to the following: your budget and body size.

The Embody model is available in one size and has many adjustments. It can be used by several types of people. However, if you are short, the chair will feel very uncomfortable. The same happens if you weigh more than its maximum weight capacity.

Also, keep in mind that the cheapest version of the Embody costs almost the same as the most complex version of the Aeron. This means that you can get all the features of the latter or only the simpler ones of the Embody for the same price. 

If your budget doesn’t allow you to purchase the Embody, you can go for the Aeron. Stick to the simplest version or add a few of the adjustments you want. The PostureFit SL backrest is one of the first ones you should consider. 

In the case that neither your budget nor your size helps you come to a decision, you can look at secondary qualities like aesthetics. Ask yourself what color would look the best in your office. 

Alternatively, compare Aeron’s mesh seating with Embody’s fabric. Which one is more comfortable for you to sit on? Will the mesh distract you from your work? 

Conclusion

The Aeron and Embody are both highly functional ergonomic office chairs that will provide back support by aligning the spine, reduce pressure and pain, and allow you to sit through long hours of work without distractions. 

Since the Embody is a completely adjustable chair, you can customize it according to your needs. It has a four-layered seat that accommodates air circulation and makes its users comfortable. Available in ten colors, the design can fit in a number of workplaces as a bold statement piece or as a neutral addition. 

Alternatively, Herman Miller offers the Aeron model in three sizes so that you, the user, can pick the one you’re most comfortable in. Each size is available in three metallic colors to fit in the modern-day office. The seat is made with a mesh that allows for natural air circulation, but it doesn’t have a headrest. 

No matter if you choose the Embody or the Aeron, both chairs will last you up to ten years and drastically improve your upper and lower back health. At the end of the day, with Herman Miller office seats, you, the customer, will win either way.