Herman Miller Aeron Compare Against the Embody

Herman Miller is one of America's leading manufacturers of office furniture. They make luxurious, high-end office chairs that make users feel comfortable and durable. Your office chair can be used for over ten years, even twenty years, so you want to make sure you make the right decision when choosing.

This article reviews Herman Miller's Embody and Aeron chairs. The Aeron chair may be their best seller, but the Embody is growing in popularity. To find out which chair is best for you, read our comparison of two Herman Miller chairs below.

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We've compared and contrasted the Embody and Aeron on multiple fronts, including price, assembly, adjustability, comfort, and more, to help you choose the chair that's right for you.

 

price

If you look at Herman Miller chairs, you know they are definitely on the high end for the price. The Aeron starts at $1,095 but can go as high as $1,995. The Embody starts at $1,495 and goes up to $1,895. On the pricier side are chairs with add-ons and other customizable features that cost more.

So, if you want the most affordable Herman Miller chair possible, the Baseline Aeron is the way to go as it will save you nearly $500.

Upholstery Options

Aeron is only available in the legendary Pellicle grid. Pellicle net redefines what an office chair should be. It is available in the classic office chair colors grey and black.

As for the Embody, you can get the chair in gray, black, red, green, blue, and five other colors. If you want something a little more stylish, some black and gray interiors can be paired with white trim.

Embody is available in two different patterns, however, they are barely visible on the chair and are perfect for any office setting. Embody is 100% polyester, so it doesn't use mesh and is a cult favorite.

Size options

Available in three different sizes, Aeron has more size options than most office chairs. Sizes range from A to C, with A for petite users, B for medium builds, and finally C for heavier people who often struggle to find an office chair that fits their body. Size A holds up to 300 lbs, while sizes B and C hold 350 lbs.

Embody comes in only one size and is more restrictive. However, the chair is slightly larger and super adjustable, allowing more people to sit comfortably in it. The Embody doesn't come in different sizes, but thanks to its adjustability, many find it to fit a wide variety of people.

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The Embody has a higher backrest that reaches your shoulders. The Aeron backrest only reaches approximately the mid-back. The Embody's padding doesn't allow as much adjustment as the Aeron. Embody uses "pixelated support," which supports your back through points of contact, while Aeron supports your entire back at once.

Total comfort

The Aeron chair uses the iconic Pellicle mesh that people seem to fall in love with right away. The mesh has excellent breathability, perfect for working in a warm or stuffy office. The mesh can provide quite a bit of give and support without the need for excessive padding or cushioning. The grid supports the user in a unique way, supporting you when you feel close to floating.

The embodiment does not use mesh and is filled with polyester. Polyester is not as comfortable as the stunning Pellicle mesh, but the Embody is still a comfortable chair. Instead of standard foam padding, the Embody uses suspended plastic coils to support your body. Spiral is designed to give a floating feel, but the Aeron is considered a more comfortable chair anyway.

seat comfort

The Aeron seat is padded with Pellicle mesh to provide a sturdy soft material cradle. If you're looking for a chair that will support you and help you sit in the correct position, this chair's seat is very comfortable while providing support. If you have a wider pelvis, the chunky frame can be uncomfortable for your hips, but that's why it's so great, the chair comes in three different sizes.

The Embody has a larger seat that can be easily adjusted to fit different sized bodies. The frame is thinner and doesn't feel at all when you sit down. The seat is flexible and moves with you because it has no rigid frame. The "pixels" sit under the seat cover and are designed to support your entire body. However, many people complained that the pixel structure became uncomfortable after a while because you could feel it through the seat.

back comfort

The Embody has a high and narrow backrest which gives it a stylish look. A high back supports your shoulders, but many people complain that it's just the opposite. The backrest curves inward, so people report that these curves feel like they're pushing your shoulders forward. Not only is this uncomfortable, it's also bad for your posture.

The Aeron's backrest is shorter but wider, so the mesh supports your entire back at the same time. The mesh provides a little support and plenty of support so you can sit comfortably. Lumbar support is a highlight on the Aeron. There are many different options for the lumbar spine, making the chair very comfortable to sit and recline.

While the Embody backrest features more updated ergonomics, the Aeron reigns supreme as a more comfortable chair.

armrest comfort

Unlike most office chairs, the Aeron has a soft, padded armrest that feels like a cloud on your elbows. The upholstery is one of the most comfortable materials available for the armrest of an office chair, so it takes Aeron's comfort a few notches up. The armrests are also attached to the backrest, so when you recline, the armrests are carried with you.

The Embody armrests are attached to the seat so they don't recline when you recline. While the armrest's cushions are made of a softer material, they're much stiffer than the Aeron's. The Embody armrests are average, but they pale in comparison to the Aeron.

Adjustability

The Aeron wins this category because of its excellent adjustability. Some mechanisms allow you to adjust the back support in three different ways: Basic Support, Adjustable Waist and Adjustable PostureFit SL. You can also adjust the tilt mechanism to almost any degree you want. It's perfect for someone who likes to lean back in their chair every now and then. You can also choose how you want the handrail to be set up using 3D rotation.

Embody allows you to adjust arms, seat height, seat depth, tilt tension, tilt limiters and backrest. It has almost all the adjustability of the Aeron, but without the adjustable lumbar support.

assembly

Herman Miller chairs are fan favorites because they don't require assembly. Both chairs come in oversized boxes and come fully assembled, so all you have to do is remove all packaging. No assembly is one of the perks of luxury office furniture, because if you've ever assembled or disassembled an office chair, you probably know how head-scratching it can be.

bottom line

Both the Embody and Aeron are great office chairs, but the Aeron comes out on top in this game in our opinion.

Aeron has attracted tons of users who are convinced, and this review explains why they love it so much. From high-quality mesh to adjustable armrests and great lumbar support, the Aeron has a lot to offer. It makes your work day a breeze.

This means you really can't go wrong. Depending on your preference and budget, you may prefer one or the other.