One of the most popular active seating and healthcare stools available is the HAG Capisco. HAG makes a great product. It has a saddle seat option with a unique T shape back design that allows you to sit in multiple different postures throughout the day. It is highly adjustable, has numerous fabric options and has a solid warranty. HAG is a contract furniture dealer. This means that they do business with other businesses and deal with bulk purchases. This can make finding Capisco chairs difficult for customers that only want a chair for themselves, or a couple chairs for their office. This article will offer some nice alternatives and competitors to the Capisco that are easy to find for any consumer online.
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1. Nightingale Surgeon Console 1864DS
2024 Price $1,457.99 + Free Shipping Where to buy: BTOD.com
The first alternative that we are going to look at is most similar in design to the Capisco. The Nightingale Surgeon Console features a traditional flat seat design with a patented self adjusting back and armrest support system. It has the same adjustability as the Capisco, with the added bonus of an adjustable foot ring included. The foot ring on a Capisco is an additional $99 charge. The 1864DS comes standard with upgraded seat foam called ENERSORB, which is designed to reduce fatigue by increasing blood flow. This is a great option for customers looking for a sonography or ultrasound chair.
Nightingale 1864DS Features:
Hundreds of fabric options, including healthcare vinyl and leather
Patented torsion spring system that adjusts lumbar to each individual user
ENERSORB™ seat foam
Ratchet back-height adjustment.
Swivel mechanism with free float or variable back angle adjustment
Pneumatic seat height adjustment
Seat depth adjustment
2″ black, dual wheel, hooded polyurethane hard floor casters
Five star polished aluminum base
Includes limited lifetime warranty
Optional CAL117 Fire Code
Optional stand-to-lock casters
2. aeris GmbH 3Dee
Where to buy: Amazon.com
The award winning, aeris GmbH 3Dee is a good alternative to the Capisco for customers looking for active seating to keep them in motion. The 3Dee was designed with nine different patents to create a chair that does exactly what the name says; move in 3 different directions. The chair is similar to the popular Swopper by the same manufacturer. The 3Dee offers a more typical look with the standard flat seat and backrest. The chair is on a spring system, allowing you to bend the chair from a point just above the base. This gives you the ability to move front to back, side to side and even up and down, in a bit of a bouncing motion. The price point is going to be much higher than the Capisco, but it may be worth the extra money if you want to experience one of the best active seating products.
3Dee Features:
Pneumatic seat height adjustment
Spring tension to control vertical movement
Backrest tension control
Lateral tension adjustment to control side to side movement
Individually adjusted lumbar support
Black or red microfiber upholstery, 100,000 double rubs
Limited lifetime warranty
Optional polished aluminum frame and chrome spring for additional charge
3. Steelcase Cobi Stool
Where to buy: Amazon.com
The Steelcase Cobi was created with flexible edges on the top of the backrest as well as the seat. This allows for you to easily change postures and move freely while seated. The mechanism was designed to automatically adjust your specific body movements and positioning. The chair actually only has one manual adjustment, seat height adjustment, and this was done purposely to minimize the rigidness caused by typical chair controls. The Cobi is another great active seating alternative to the Capisco and it comes in at the lowest price out of all of the alternatives we’ve provided.
Cobi Features:
13 upholstery color options
3 frame finish options
Mesh backrest
Weight activated mechanism designed to automatically flex and adjust to your body positioning
Top of chair back edge is flexible
Flexible seat edges
Pneumatic seat height adjustment
Adjustable foot ring
Carpet casters
Limited lifetime warranty
Optional glides or hard surface casters for additional charge
Optional armrests for additional charge
4. Bambach Saddle Seat with Backrest
Where to buy: Amazon.com
Bambach is an Australian based seating manufacturer that was started by an occupational therapist. The Bambach saddle seat is a unique alternative to the Capisco because it features a saddle seat, but has a much different design. The deeply contoured seat is designed to keep your pelvis in an upright position. The backrest provides added support for tasks ranging from micro-surgery, to drafting, to photography. The $1,340.00 price tag is a bit intimidating, but this stool is designed to be used for long periods of time. For this reason, they are willing to provide a warranty for 24/7 use. This can be a great option for very specialized applications.
Bambach Saddle Seat Features:
Over 50 upholstery options, including healthcare vinyl and leather
Pneumatic seat height adjustment
Seat angle adjustment
Back angle adjustment
Black nylon 5 star base
Multiple seat sizes for various users
60mm hooded casters for carpet or hard floors
Adjustable foot ring
Includes 5 year warranty, 2 years for 24/7 use
CAL117 fire code
Optional braking, locking and industrial casters for additional charge
5. Cramer Ever Stool
The Cramer Ever is a nice alternative to the Capisco, especially for big and tall users looking for a sit-stand option. The Ever will lack the adjustability of a Capisco, but it makes up for it with its strength and durability. With a 400 pound weight rating, for 24 hour usage, the Ever is a tank. The 26” wide base helps to ensure that there will be stability for larger individuals getting on and off the stool. The Ever also has a very unique cushion system that allows them to be easily replaced. Combine this with their strong 15 year warranty and you have a stool built to last.
Ever Features:
Hundreds of upholstery options, including healthcare vinyl
26” Die-cast aluminum frame
Renewal replacement cushion system
Synchro-Tilt mechanism
Multiple tilt lock positions
Pneumatic seat height adjustment
Universal dual wheel casters, carpet casters or non-rolling glides
Includes 15 year warranty
Optional larger versions for additional charge
Optional armrests for additional charge
Final Thoughts
There are some great HAG Capisco competitors out there. Some of them will excel at sit-stand options, while others may excel in areas like healthcare or big and tall. It is important to address your needs and ask yourself what is most important to you. While the Capisco is a good chair with years of positive feedback, there are some alternative options that can be better for your situation.
Additional Office Chair Resources
- 5 Best Ergonomic Office Chairs For Back Support
- 7 Best Big and Tall Office Chairs For 2025
- 21 Best Office Chairs For 2025 (Reviews / Pricing)
- Humanscale Freedom Headrest Ergonomic Chair Review
- Herman Miller Aeron vs. Herman Miller Embody: Which is best?
- Herman Miller Aeron Mesh Office Chair (Review / Rating / Pricing)
