If you’re in the market for a new office chair, you’ve probably come across Steelcase. They are a major chair manufacturer known for their high-quality products. But before you make a purchase, there are a few things you should know. In this article, I will be discussing the different chairs in Steelcase’s lineup and giving you my honest opinion on each one.
Full Disclaimer: We are an office furniture dealer and sell some of the Steelcase office chairs we review. To learn more about the products we sell, our review process and why you can trust us, please visit: Why we’re different. Who is BTOD.com and The Breakroom Blog?
Steelcase Office Chair Links
- Steelcase Series 1
- Steelcase Series 2
- Steelcase Amia
- Steelcase Karman
- Steelcase Think
- Steelcase Leap V2
- Steelcase Gesture
1. Series 1 Office Chair
2025 Price: $500.00 Where to buy: Steelcase.com
To start off, the Series 1 chair is the least expensive option in Steelcase’s lineup, starting around $490. It comes with four-way adjustable arms and a variety of upholstery options. I find the frame build quality on this chair very impressive for its price point. The molds and stitching for the seat and backrest make it one of the nicer looking chairs in the $500 range. The seat pad on the Series 1 has a nice squish to it and provides adequate support. However, the four-way adjustable arms on this chair feel a bit cheap and hard compared to the arms on Steelcase’s more expensive options.
2. Series 2 Office Chair
2025 Price: $794.00 Where to buy: Steelcase.com
Next is the Series 2 chair, it bridges the gap between the less expensive Series 1 and chairs like the Amia or Think. It starts around $588 with the airbag option and four-way adjustable arms. With the headrest option and upholstered backrest, the price jumps closer to $900. This chair features the four-way adjustable armrests that were first introduced on Steelcase’s flagship Leap V2 chair. The lumbar support paired with the air live back technology offers good lower support without being overly aggressive.
3. Amia Office Chair
2025 Price: $999.00 Where to buy: Steelcase.com or BTOD.com
Another option is the Amia chair which I would highly recommend for most people. Priced just around $1000, it offers almost everything you need in a high-end ergonomic chair for long hours of sitting. The Amia features a four-way adjustable armrest option found on the Leap V2. The backrest includes live back technology with a height-adjustable lumbar support that offers full back support.
The seat pad on the Amia is my personal favorite, providing amazing sitting support for eight plus hours a day. The tilt function on this chair is basic, with only a simple upright tilt lock feature available. It is a great fit for those who are small to medium or large builds, but not recommended for those over six foot three tall or heavier than 250 to 275 pounds.
4. Karman Office Chair
2025 Price: $1072.00 Where to buy: Steelcase.com
The newest addition to Steelcase’s lineup is the Karman chair, currently available for around $1100. It comes in a variety of color options and features four-way adjustable armrests. My experience in general has been positive. I enjoy the flexibility and movement the Karman offers. Unlike the weight-activated mechanism on the Series 1 and Series 2 chairs, the Karman has a full recline feature and 20° boost activation.
I like the mesh seat with integrated padded cushioning. It provides comfortable sitting for long hours without any pressure points. Although, I do wish that the lower lumbar support in the Karman was a bit more aggressive. The armrests on this chair have a similar adjustment range to the Leap V2, but the pads themselves feel more rubbery and firm.
5. Think Office Chair
2025 Price: $1008.00 Where to buy: Steelcase.com
Furthermore, we have the Think chair. It is an interesting option with a highly flexible backrest and seat pad design similar to the Karman. It is priced around $1100. The arms are similar to the Leap and equally comfortable. In my opinion, the Think chair is better suited for shorter sitting situations, such as conference rooms and offices where you don’t plan to spend eight plus hours in a chair. The lack of padding in the seat and minimal lower support makes me lean towards other options in Steelcase’s lineup.
6. Leap V2 Office Chair
2025 Price: $1299.00 Where to buy: Steelcase.com or BTOD.com
Additionally, the Leap V2 chair is Steelcase’s flagship chair and my personal favorite. It’s been my daily chair for more than 4 years. It is available fully featured for around $1300 with a height-adjustable lumbar and the popular four-way adjustable arms. The range of adjustment on the armrests and the flexibility in the seat pad and backrest make it a great option for those who sit for long hours.
The Leap V2 offers a wide enough range to fit most people between five foot two and six foot five, with weight ratings as high as 300 pounds. The lower lumbar tension feature, height-adjustable lumbar system, and live back technology create one of the most supportive backrests I’ve ever used. Unfortunately, the headrest option on the Leap V2 is disappointing and tends to push your head forward awkwardly.
7. Gesture Office Chair
2025 Price: $1399.00 Where to buy: Steelcase.com
Finally, we have the Gesture chair. It is Steelcase’s most expensive high-performance office chair, priced close to $1400 when fully featured with 360-degree armrests and height-adjustable lumbar support. It has a more sophisticated design compared to the Leap chair with its frame and arms. The ergonomic adjustments like the widely adjustable 360-degree armrest and multi-dimensional headrest really set this chair apart from other chairs.
The Gesture also features a super intuitive seat depth adjustment that can be easily done while seated in the chair. However, the seat pad design on the Gesture makes it uncomfortable for me. The lack of padding in the tailbone region creates discomfort for me, and the lumbar support is only average, even with the adjustable lumbar feature included.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Steelcase offers a wide range of office chairs to suit different needs and budgets. Before making a purchase, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Take the time to try out different chairs and see which one feels the most comfortable and supportive for you. Remember, investing in a high-quality office chair is essential for your overall well-being and productivity.
Additional Steelcase Resources
