Herman Miller Aeron vs Herman Miller Mirra 2: Major Differences Explained

If you’ve ever searched for a good office chair on the internet, the odds that you have come across a Herman Miller chair are high. The Herman Miller brand has become synonymous with ergonomic comfort and functionality. Since its inception in 1905, the company has delivered the most exquisite and functional pieces of furniture the world has ever seen. Their products have gained traction worldwide and are a common sight in offices in a plethora of countries.

Herman Miller Inc. compares amazingly with other brands and manufacturers around the world. In that case, it might be easy for you to make a wiser decision. However, things can get tricky when you pitch one of Herman Miller’s most loved products – the Aeron, against one of their own, the Mirra 2.

In this Herman Miller Aeron vs Herman Miller Mirra 2 comparison, we’ll examine the major differences between these two chairs to help you decide which is the best fit for you. If your office chair options have somehow boiled down to these two, you will feel more convinced about going through with one of these products with this detailed review.

Read our full guide on the Best Herman Miller Office Chairs

Herman Miller Aeron: An Overview

The fact that this very chair was designed in the early 1990s and still sticks around as one of the best office chair options speaks volumes about the Aeron. Developed by Don Chadwick and Bill Stumpf, the masterminds behind a range of Herman Miller products, this chair was way ahead of its time. According to a 2016 report, the company had sold a whopping 7,000,000 pieces in 134 countries. There is no reason to doubt that the sales are still rocketing through the charts for this timeless chair.

The ergonomic design, the fantastic body support, and the cozy mesh fabric used are just some of the many talking points of this chair. Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick worked on this chair with only one objective in mind – to uplift the already high quality of HM products. As a result of this, they created one of the most recognizable chairs of all time.

The chair comes with a robust build that will stand the tests of time. This ‘modern marvel,’ as most people and experts would agree, boasts of a human-centered design that sets it apart from other furniture. The mesh cushioning provides a smooth sitting experience, while the metallic frame holds the chair in good stead for long periods of work. It keeps your back and your lumbar in an optimal position throughout your time on the Aeron.

The Aeron has gone under a continuous refining process since its birth in its 20+ years. In 2016, the manufacturers announced a revised and improved version called the ‘Aeron Remastered.’ This upgrade was aimed at covering the drawbacks of the chair. They then created a more modernized product that lived up to current times. 

Herman Miller Mirra 2: An Overview

The Mirra 2 came out in 2003 and promised the signature comfort of the HM brand. The Mirra 2 was designed to be as flexible as the average payroll employee. With the Mirra 2, the aim was to provide a lightweight and ergonomic seating option that complemented the user’s movements.

Designed and brought to life by Studio 7.5, it is also a fierce competitor for the title of the best office chair. This seat is made of the highest quality materials and makes the most out of the least. The motto with this chair was ‘every molecule counts’, and the end product of this attitude truly holds high all the expectations and needs.

The Mirra 2 provides the ergonomic feel that the world loves Herman Miller for and features back support that contours your spine well. The support keeps your spine in an optimal posture- regardless of the leaning and reclining movements that the user does. The Mirra 2 allows the user to control these movements and provides a buttery smooth feel for the same.

Like all Herman Miller products, the Mirra 2 hands the user the reins with high levels of adjustability and customization. There are various options when it comes to the fabric and lumbar support. The chair also gives you the opportunity to customize the backrest fabric for the best-suited seating experience for you. The Mirra 2 office chair aims to provide you you a relaxing experience and a conducive environment to work in.

First off, let’s address one crucial talking point. Since you are going for a Herman Miller furniture piece, you can be assured that you will receive an industry-grade product built to last for your comfort. These products will let you customize them according to your needs and feature high levels of adjustability. Not just that, these also come with an impressive 12-year warranty. In the warranty period, Herman Miller will provide on-site repairs for both these chairs. 

They also come with a 30-day return policy. So if you are not satisfied with the product, you can make easy returns. If the chair needs to go back to the manufacturers for repairs or replacement, Herman Miller will bear the cost.

The brand has built excellent rapport amongst its customers and truly delivers to expectations on all fronts. This is primarily due to the highly durable and functional products and good customer service over the years. However, I will delve deep into these products with an unbiased mindset to cover all that these chairs have to offer. Different aspects of these products will be discussed in detail and reviewed from a consumer point of view.

Herman Miller Aeron vs Hermon Miller Mirra 2: Major Differences

Both of these chairs have been crafted to be a comfortable fit for the long working hours. The motive behind these is to make even just sitting on this chair a healthy activity. Naturally, these chairs sport one of the best back support technologies and fabrics.

The former gives you a choice between the basic back support, the adjustable lumbar support, and the brand’s own adjustable PostureFit SL. On the other hand, the Mirra 2 provides options between the basic back support and the adjustable lumbar support. What’s noticeable is that it also allows you to customize the backrest material. With the Mirra, you can choose between the TriFlex Polymer backrest or the Butterfly Suspension backrest to get the best out of your chair.

The other significant difference is that the Aeron comes in three sizes, whereas the Mirra has a fixed size. Also, the former’s seat depth cannot be adjusted and is fixed for the size. The Mirra 2 provides the FlexFront adjustable feature that can help you alter the seat depth easily. The Aeron also provides 3 arm adjustment options: height adjustment, full adjustment, and stationary arms. The Mirra 2 does not offer a separate height adjustment option but provides a complete 3D armrest adjustment.

The Miller Aeron allows you to choose the frame and base material to better suit your needs and aesthetics. The Mirra provides that option for only the base but gives you a broad palette of colors to choose from.

The final significant difference is between the prices of these office chairs. The Aeron is costlier than the Mirra 2 by a couple of hundred dollars but lives up to that price. The Mirra is one of the cheapest chairs available in the industry giant’s range of products and provides the signature feel of Herman Miller effortlessly.

Now that we’ve had an overview of the chairs and the significant differences between them let us take a more critical look at some of the features these chairs provide and directly compare them.

Materials and Build Quality

As far as the build quality is concerned, you can rest assured that both of these chairs will serve you well for an extended period. Herman Miller Inc. is confident in their products which is evident in the generous warranty periods they offer for these chairs.

The Aeron uses recycled material to create one of the best pieces of furniture. These recycled materials include steel, glass-filled polymers, and nylon. Another key ingredient in the making of this chair is aluminum which constitutes a good part of this product. All the mechanisms and adjustable systems are made using high-quality steel and plastic. These mechanisms are very durable and uphold the high standards of the brand.

The Mirra 2 consists of similar building blocks with recycled materials aluminum taking a fair share of the mass fraction of the chair. The mechanism is made of steel and high-quality plastic. 

These products have been designed to be comfortable and durable seats for longer, continuous work hours and are head to head in that matter.

Seat Comfort

As already mentioned, both these chairs have a great comfort quotient and support the desk worker well. Both of these chairs have a mesh seat. These mesh seats are crafted by Herman Miller Inc. themselves and complete the overall feel of the chairs with great support and coziness. The meshes used in both the chairs are very breathable and keep your time in the chair aerated and sweat-free.

The Aeron uses the 8z Pellicle polymer mesh seat. This very fabric was one of the most significant contributors to the product’s continuous success. This polymer has a very light, airy feel and gives the experience as if a person is hovering over the chair’s frame. The mesh seat sinks in just a little to provide the user an airy sitting experience. It gives good support to your pelvic region as well. The 8Z Pellicle mesh is also very soft to the touch and, unlike most mesh materials, does not cause any skin rash or bruises. It also does not damage clothing, which mesh chairs are notorious for, and keeps the whole experience functional and comfortable.

The Mirra 2 seat is made of the AireWeave 2, a trademark of HM. The Aireweave is also very soft to the touch and makes a good seat. In my experience, the mesh seat in this chair is slightly more rigid than that of Aeron. The smooth, floating feel can be felt in the all-time classic bodes better than what the Mirra 2 provides. If you’re one for a more comfy and soft seat, then the Aeron pulls it off better.

Some users might experience a slight issue with the Aeron because the side bolsters are bent upwards in the chair. These bolsters are a part of the rigid frame and can cause problems if you sit a little bit to the side of the chair or if you are on the tall and large side. The same problem can be noticed at the front end with a pronounced base. It can come in contact with the back of your legs and calves and cause pain or irritation.

In general, mesh seats are better if you like a firmer seat and work in a warm/hot workspace. They can provide more aeration and do not let the heat build-up. In terms of overall comfort, breathability, and cushioning feel, the Aeron is the better bet among the two.

Backrest

The backrest is a huge talking point for both of these chairs. The ergonomic shape of the back support and various optional technologies available can make things very competitive between these products.

The backrest for the ‘Timeless Chair’ backrest is made of the very 8Z pellicle polymer mesh that the seat is made of. The mesh provides excellent breathability and can genuinely make

the difference on a hot, sunny day. At the same time, the firmness of the mesh paired with the S-shaped design makes a healthy sit as far as postural health is concerned.

The additional lumbar support and the PostureFit SL are a big plus to the comfort quotient of the Aeron. The adjustable lumbar support is height adjustable and allows you to set it to a certain height to support specific back areas. This can hold your back in a very optimal position and enable you to work for longer hours without damaging your postural health. You can have the PostureFit SL adjusted higher and more pronounced depending on your comfort.

The 8Z Pellicle mesh again deserves a special mention. In tandem with the posture tech, the mesh seat and backrest can genuinely make the Aeron a hassle-free chair.

When it comes to the Mirra 2, it gives you two backrest options which are the Triflex Polymer and the Butterfly Suspension. The Triflex provides a firmer seat and back support. The surface of this polymer is a bit stiff and keeps your spine in an upright posture. However, if you like it when your back sinks a little into the backrest, I suggest you go with the Butterfly Suspension. It adds a layer of mesh between the rigid backrest and you. This can make for a more cushioned feel and allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds. It is vital to notice that the AireWeave 2 is still quite firm compared to the 8Z pellicle.

The additional behind-the-backrest adjustable lower-back support is an excellent add-on to a Mirra 2 purchase for its high adjustability. You can even unilaterally adjust the back aid for this product to support one side of your back more, depending on your needs.

When it comes to the overall backrest verdict, both Aeron and the Mirra stand mano-a-mano. However, in my personal experience, I found the back posture tech in the Aeron better and more comfortable. The support it provides for the sacral region and the lower back is exceptional and raises the bar for other pieces of furniture. The younger product does not lag far behind, but the Aeron comes out as a personal choice.

Armrests

Armrests are an all-important factor when it comes to office chairs. They hold your arms in a good position to avoid any muscle tension or discomfort while you work. Your shoulders and your upper body can fully relax with their help. These armrests can be crucial in preventing lousy posture and even shoulder pain.

The Aeron features smooth and soft arm pads made from high-quality material. You can choose between the standard arm pads and the leather arm pads. Both the options make snug armrests and are a matter of personal preference.

With this product, you have three options when it comes to armrest adjustability. You can choose among stationary, height-adjustable, and a fully adjustable 3D armrest feature. The 3D armrest also allows you to pivot the arm outwards or inwards based on your needs.

The Mirra 2 provides only industry-grade polyurethane armrests. It also allows you to choose between three-dimensional adjustment and fixed armrests. The 3D adjustment on the Mirra generally offers more range of motion than the other chair in question.

However, some users have had complaints about the default width of the armrests on the Mirra 2. If you can describe yourself as ‘short’ or ‘small’, then the Mirra 2 armrest can be a little unsettling for you. The placement of the armrests on the ‘modern marvel’ and the pivoting adjustment allows your arms to be in a more natural position. This can enable you to have your arms at ease.

Adjustability

In my opinion, both chairs have the bragging rights for high adjustability and spontaneity.

The classic Aeron provides adjustable spine support options and allows you to take control of them well. It also features high levels of adjustment for the armrests. But, the width between the arms is not very adaptable. The pivotal motion available in the Aeron armrests rectifies this issue to some extent. The seat height also allows for a range of adjustments comparable to other chairs and brands out there. The only significant adjustment that this seat misses out on is the seat-depth adjustment. The seat-depth and the main metal frame of the chair can cause problems for the back of your legs.

When it comes to the Mirra adjustable armrests, their default width can be a little uncomfortable for some people. Despite that, they still have an impressive range of adjustments.

The Aeron also possesses the Tilt Limiter add-on, making the leaning and reclining movement smooth for your benefit. It also allows you to tilt the seat forward as you lean. This addition can help maintain good posture even when you’re leaning and keep your back supported and upright. This can be of great value for those who spend most of their working hours keying.

Talking about the adjustability with the Mirra 2, it has a high ceiling for adjustment. The Adjustable lumbar support lets you adjust unilaterally and offers you to find the best fit for yourself. It also features the Tilt Limiter that works just as well as the one in the Aeron. Some might argue that the reclining motion is smoother in the Mirra 2, but I beg to differ.

The Mirra 2 also has a seat-depth adjustment that resolves the hind-of-the-leg discomfort issue. It allows you to turn the front end downwards to avoid contact between your calves and the frame.

Both the products come up with a buttery-smooth reclining motion and keep the body’s posture natural throughout the movements.

When it comes to adjustability, the Mirra 2 bestows more upon you than the other.

Size Options

The Aeron is more versatile when it comes to size options. You can work with three sizes named A, B, and C (A being the smallest). The small size, A, can hold up to 300 pounds of weight, thanks to the sturdy build. The other two sizes, B (medium) and C (large), can work well with up to 350 pounds. The robust frame of the chair also allows you to keep the tilting motions smooth and restricted even if you are on the heavy side.

On the other hand, the 2003 product seems to be a little restricted in terms of sizing options. However, the company guarantees that the chair is a good fit for a majority of the population. Still, if you possess a rare height, the chair might not work as well for you.

Picking the right size for the Aeron can bring a considerable change in ergonomics and comfort. In terms of size and versatility, the older model undoubtedly takes it away.

Aesthetics

Let’s not forget we are talking about pieces of furniture that will be part of an interior space. The aesthetics are undoubtedly an essential point of discussion for getting the best office chair for you.

Based on looks, the Aeron might look a bit conserved, with only functional color codes available. These colors include a graphite black finish, polished aluminum, and a satin aluminum finish for the frame and the base.

You can either go with the classic all-black look or work with a functional grey that works with your workplace aesthetics.

The Mirra 2 is way more flexible when it comes to the looks of the product. First of all, you have three exquisite finishes for the base and the frame. These include Graphite, Fog with Studio White Frame, and Silver Alloy with Studio White Frame. If you want a functional product’s traditional look, you can choose the black Graphite finish.

However, if you are looking for a lighter color combo, then the all-white Silver Allow with Studio White Frame is for you.

The best part about Mirra’s aesthetics is that you can choose a color for your backrest with a range of colors available. These include Alpine white, Dark Turquoise, Cappuccino, slate Grey, and conventional graphite.

Price

If you are dealing with a Herman Miller Product, it is deducible that you are from a well-to-do background. Still, questions can be posed at the seemingly questionable prices of these products. On the back of my personal experience, I can vouch for the fact that there is no compromise on the quality of this brand. If you are looking for a long-term working partner, then both of these products are more than capable of serving your cause.

The starting price for the Aeron is $995.00 and can go up to $1895.00 based on the add-on features and accessories you decide to get with it. This is one of the high-tier chairs in the market that commands a respectable user base for its absolute worth. For all that it provides, the price is justifiable.

The Mirra 2 is on the lower end of the price spectrum in this company’s range of products. The most basic version of this chair will relieve you of $795.00. If you go for a fully loaded delivery, then it will cost you around $1250.

Herman Miller Aeron vs Herman Miller Mirra 2 Pros & Cons:

Herman Miller Aeron Pros:

• Ergonomic design and durability
• Great back support
• Posture and spine health tech
• Three size options
• 8Z Pellicle soft mesh
• Tilt Limiter

Herman Miller Aeron Cons:

• Limited width adjustment for armrests
• No seat depth adjustment
• High price
• Fewer aesthetics options

Herman Miller Mirra 2 Pros:

• Ergonomic design and durability
• Good back support
• Tilt Limiter
• More options for customizing aesthetics
• More adjustability on the armrests
• You can adjust seat depth

Herman Miller Mirra 2 Cons:

• Armrests may be too wide
• The seat can be firmer
• Triflex can be hard on the back

Herman Miller Aeron vs Herman Miller Mirra 2: Which is Better?

As far as my verdict is concerned, I believe that the Aeron chair makes an overall better chair for the long hours in the office. This is due mainly to the great back support it provides and the smoother feel on the movements. If it fits your budget, then an Aeron is recommendable.

However, the Mirra 2 is almost as good, if not at the same level as the other, and still makes a fantastic chair for you.

Conclusion

Speaking from an unbiased and informed standpoint, both of these are exceptionally well made in terms of their objectives and the seating experiences they provide. They come with an extended warranty period, so you can be confident about getting a good quality product.

If you need to keep the back discomfort in check, go for the Aeron. If you need a top-tier chair that allows you a wide range of movements and fits your budget, go for the Mirra 2.