Earlier this year, Herman Miller released a collection of gaming chairs and accessories. Recently, the company opened up online stores to sell them. Now, consumers in North America can buy these products directly from Herman Miller. Check out our review of the entire Herman Miller gaming collection.
If you’re not satisfied with racing-style gaming chairs, Herman Miller models are the highest level you can upgrade to. These models have the most complex features, highest-quality workmanship, and industry-leading durability. They’re expensive, but worth it for those who demand the absolute best.
At present, Herman Miller operates online stores in North America, Europe, and Asia. In this article, links point to the Herman Miller USA and Canada stores.
Browse the Herman Miller gaming store
Herman Miller gaming chairs and accessories are available for buyers in America and Canada.
Herman Miller PC workstation overview
In 2020, the consumer PC market enjoyed its strongest growth in a decade. Global lockdowns resulted in massive demand for home entertainment and distance learning hardware. As a result, market analysts no longer factor in one PC per household. Instead, dynamics are shifting towards one PC per person.
Today, 40% of the world’s population plays video games. 48% of all gamers play on PCs. These days, a high-end gaming rig costs usually costs between $2000 to $5000. Check out some finished build examples on PCpartpicker.
Luxury enthusiasts and consumers might scoff at using a racing style gaming chair with their high-end PC. If so, the Herman Miller gaming collection represents the peak of luxury, combined with cutting-edge gaming design.
3-piece workstation kit
Investing in high-end PC hardware makes it likely the user will spend long periods sitting. As a result, PC enthusiasts are often also willing to splash out on a high-end computing workstation. As outlined in our Work-from-home Workstation Setup Guide, an effective setup (beyond the PC) has three parts:
The first component of an effective ergonomic workstation setup is a good ergonomic chair. To ensure the best back support, it’s important to choose the appropriate size chair for your body type. Our Gaming Chair Size Guide explains why.
However, a good chair is only one part of an effective ergonomic workstation. A good chair with a desk set too high or low will still throw your spine and posture out of alignment. Further, even with the perfect chair and desk height, a monitor set too high or low can still result in unhealthy sitting habits. As such, the ultimate ergonomic workstation should include a good chair, a height-adjustable desk, and a height-adjustable computer screen.
The chair serves as the ergonomic foundation. Below, we look at the three chairs in the Herman Miller gaming lineup. The entire gaming collection is available from Herman Miller stores in North America, Western Europe, and East Asia.
Benefits of buying online from Herman Miller
There are a few benefits gained buying directly from Herman Miller. First, all products are backed by Herman Miller’s rock-solid 12-year warranty. Buying from Herman Miller puts you in direct contact with their in-house aftercare team. If anything goes wrong with your chair or accessories during the warranty period, count on world-class support.
Second, Herman Miller controls pricing for third parties. That ensures buying direct gets you the lowest possible price.
Third, installation is a breeze. Herman Miller ships all three chairs pre-assembled. In North America, it’s also possible to arrange desk delivery and setup for an extra fee.
Browse the Herman Miller gaming store
Herman Miller gaming chairs and accessories are available for buyers in America and Canada.
Review: Herman Miller gaming collection
In its gaming collection, Herman Miller has three chairs and two accessories. Below are technical summaries and value-analysis reviews of all products.
Each chair in the collection has the same design concept. In sum:
- The central backrest spine supports the sacrum and lumbar areas of the body.
- A flexible backrest adapts to user body movements while adding more support for sitting up straight.
- Synchro-tilt helps the hips move while sitting. When you lean back, the seat angles up, keeping your thighs parallel to the floor.
All models come fully-assembled with a 12-year warranty. Simply crack open the box, roll in front of your workstation, and sit down.
Aeron gaming chair
Price: $1,445.00
The flagship of the Herman Miller line is the iconic Aeron chair. This model first came out in 1996. In 2017, Herman Miller updated the Aeron with 8Z pellicle mesh, a lumbar support upgrade, and minor tweaks. The 2020 gaming edition is the same as the 2017 model, with a different color scheme.
The new gaming version comes in dark black upholstery, with dark black parts. Otherwise, it’s basically the same chair, with a refreshed modern look.
Aeron gaming chair from Herman Miller $1,445
Available from Herman Miller stores in Canada and the United States.
Aeron chair features
The Aeron is a mid-back office-style ergonomic chair. It is the flagship of the Herman Miller line, with the most robust features. The gist is that the Aeron chair keeps your body sitting with perfect posture at all times. There are three standout features.
Adaptive mesh upholstery
Aeron chairs have no padding. Instead, these chairs come with adaptive 8Z Pellicle mesh fabric. This mesh varies between eight zones of tension. Together, these zones work to evenly distribute body weight across the seat and backrest.
Synchro-tilt
With synchro-tilt deactivated, the backrest reclines independently of the seat. When activated, the seat angle up as you lean back. When you lean forward, the seat angles down. At all angles of back and forward recline, posture remains pristine.
This is the most complete synchro-tilt in the world. All other synchro-tilt chairs (including Herman Miller models) only tilt up during recline. Only the Aeron seat can tilt down when leaning forward.
Lumbar and sacrum support
The Aeron’s PostureFit supports both the lumbar and sacral-pelvic areas. Two pads attached to the unit flex independent of each other. The top pad supports the lumbar, while the lower stabilizes the sacrum. You can adjust the height of the lumbar support, and also the depth of both pads. The net effect is that the two pads help the spine to maintain a healthy S-shaped position.
Aeron features summary
Summary of features:
- Synchro-tilt: seat pan angle from -1° to 16°; backrest 93° to 104°
- Upholstery: Pellicle 8Z mesh provides eight zones of varying tension for ultra-responsive support..
- Seat: adjust the height; limit the tilt range; adjust the tilt tension; sync-tilt with the backrest.
- Backrest: forward tilt option; height and depth adjustable PostureFit lumbar support.
- Armrests: 3D adjustable.
- Warranty: 12 years.
Aeron chair sizing
The Herman Miller Aeron comes in three different sizes. Size A fits people 4’10” to 5’9″ and up to 150 pounds. Size B fits users 5’2″ to 6’6″ and up to 325 pounds.
Here are the dimensions of the largest C size option:
- Seat: 18.25″ (W) x 18.5 (D)
- Backrest: 22.75″ (W) x 23″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 16.7″ to 22.7″
- Total height: 36.5″ to 43″
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’7″; up to 350 pounds
Aeron chair summary
The Herman Miller Aeron is one of the most popular high-end ergonomic chairs. Twenty-six years after its debut, it remains the gold standard of luxury ergonomics. The Aeron has the most dynamic synchro-tilt functionality in the industry. Its adaptive mesh fabric upholstery is also cutting-edge.
But this chair has some limits. For one thing, mid-back chairs like the Aeron stop at around the shoulder blades. That works fine when sitting upright or leaning forward. However, when leaning back, there’s no support for the shoulders and neck.
As well, this chair forces you to sit in a working position at all times. That’s great for productivity, but less so when you need to relax. As such, the Aeron is an elite choice for pure productivity. However, when working from home, a PC gaming chair supports both work and play. You can sit upright in a PC chair, and also engage a deep recline for reading or watching movies.
In summary, the new gaming edition is an excellent model with a fresh new look. Despite the lack of new features in the gaming edition, it remains the pinnacle of high-end ergonomic seating. No matter what position the body moves, support remains consistent. The chair adapts to user movements, keeping the spine aligned and posture pristine. These features make the Aeron a fantastic productivity booster. Using this chair will help users stay relaxed, refreshed, and focused over long computing sessions.
Aeron gaming chair from Herman Miller $1,445
Available from Herman Miller for buyers in Canada and the United States.
Embody gaming chair
Price: $1495
The new Embody is a collaboration between Herman Miller and Logitech. At present, it’s the official gaming chair of Complexity Gaming and Team Solo Mid.
It comes with a black fabric skin, blue accents, and an extra layer of padding on the seat. Otherwise, it’s the same chair as the original 2008 version.
Embody gaming chair from Herman Miller $1,495
Available from Herman Miller for buyers in Canada and the United States.
Embody chair features
When the Embody first came out in 2008, Windows XP was the operating system of choice. Since then, computers, esports, and gaming have evolved tremendously. In contrast, the Embody hasn’t evolved at all. The new gaming version has an extra layer of padding on the seat. It also has a new color scheme. Otherwise, it’s the same chair. Even so, the features are impressive.
The standout is a “pixelated” backrest that works like a human spine. Each “rib” flexes or contracts as your body moves. That supports a healthy sitting posture, no matter how the user sits.
Summary of all Embody gaming chair features:
- Synchro-tilt: seat pan angle 3° to 15°; backrest 94° to 120°
- Pixelated back support: the backrest has a central spine with flexible ribs. Each rib adjusts when you lean back to support the natural curve of your spine.
- BackFit angle adjustment: this lets you position the back of the chair to fit the curvature of your back.
- Seat adjustments: adjust the seat’s height and depth.
- Backrest: adjust recline tension; 3-position tilt-lock; synchro-tilt
- Warranty: 12 years.t
Another notable feature is the “synchro-tilt”, which angles the backrest at a 2:1 ratio to the seat. The backrest reclines between 94-120 degrees. With synchro-tilt activated, the seat also angles between 3-15 degrees.
To learn more about these features, check this review:
Detailed Embody gaming chair review
Embody chair sizing
This is a uni-size chair designed to fit 95% of adults. It has enough adjustments to provide a good seat height range, arm width range, and seat depth.
- Seat: 21.25″ (W) x 15″-18″ (D)
- Backrest: 23.5″ (H) x 14″ (W)
- Floor to seat range: 16″ to 20.5″
- Total height: 42″ to 45″
The Embody supports up to 300 pounds and should suit most users between 5’4″ and 6’2″ tall.
Embody summary
The Embody is a well-built chair with an array of complex settings. At first, using one may seem intimidating. Once you figure the settings and find your comfort zone, this is a comfortable, luxurious chair. It has a solid, sturdy feeling and a resilient seat that always stays cool.
The unique backrest conforms to your back, no matter what position you sit in. Once you get used to it, you won’t notice the back support at all. Then, using this chair almost feels like floating.
Embody gaming chair from Herman Miller $1,495
Available from Herman Miller for buyers in Canada and the United States.
Sayl gaming chair
Price: $725.00
The Sayl is the cheapest chair in the Herman Miller gaming collection. Its plastic colored backrest is an acquired taste. At a glance, it reminds us of a plastic laundry basket.
Yves Béhar designed the Sayl taking inspiration from the Golden Gate Bridge. The idea was to apply the design principles of a suspension bridge to a chair.
As a result, the Sayl uses a suspension tower to support an unframed plastic backrest. As the body moves, the backrest stretches to provide more tension where support is needed.
From the side, the chair resembles a full mainsail. The name “Sayl” reflects the sailing vessels that pass under suspension bridges.
Sayl gaming edition from Herman Miller $725
Available from Herman Miller stores in Canada and the United States.
Sayl chair features
Despite its weird looks and lower price, the Sayle offers better ergonomic features for gamers than the Embody chair. For one thing, the Sayl’s synchro-tilt feature supports leaning both backward and forward. When you lean back, the seat tilts up. When you lean forward, it tilts down. As a result, your thighs remain parallel to the floor at all times, which maintains good posture.
For another thing, you can also angle the seat independently. For gamers who often lean forward, sloping the seat down can help to maintain healthy spine alignment. As well, the armrests are fully 4D-adjustable. That beats the 2D armrests on the more expensive Embody chair.
One downside of the Sayl chair is the limited recline. Instead of fluid reclining, you can only recline to 91, 101, or 124 degrees. For forward-leaning work, angle to 91 degrees and slop the seat down. For upright work, the 101-degree angle works best. Use the 124-degree setting for passive web surfing and relaxing.
Summary of Sayl chair features
- Synchro-tilt: seat pan angle -3° to 13°; backrest reclines to 91°, 101°, or 124°.
- 3D Intelligent backrest: an unframed 3D Intelligent back stretches or contracts to support the back as the user moves.
- Posturefit: a unit at the rear of the backrest supports the sacrum (lowest point of the spine) to reinforce the pelvis. That prevents slouching and sitting fatigue.
- Seat adjustments: contoured seat pad; adjust the seat’s height and depth; downwards tilt to -3°.
- Armrests: 4D adjustable (adjust height, angles, width, and depth).
- Warranty: 12 years.
Sayl chair sizing
Among all Herman Miller gaming chairs, the Sayle has the widest seat and backrest dimensions. This is a versatile chair that should fit everything from slim to extra-wide sizes.
- Seat: 24.5″ (W) x 16-18″ (D)
- Backrest: 16.8″ (W) x 20.9″ (H)
- Floor to seat range: 15″ to 20″
- Chair height: 33.75″ to 40.75″
- Size rating: 5’3″ to 6’7″; 350 pounds
Sayl chair summary
Like other Herman Miller chairs, the Sayle has a flexible backrest that supports good posture. Like the Aeron, the Sayle also has a powerful synchro-tilt function. Our favorite gaming feature on this chair is the manually-activated seat slope. When leaning forward for intense gameplay, that slopes the seat down up to -3°. As a result, even when leaning forward, your thighs remain parallel to the floor, keeping your spine in a healthy alignment.
While we love the features, the plastic backrest is an acquired taste. In a corporate office downtown, these chairs can bring prestige. But if working at home in your sweatpants, resting all day against flexible plastic may not be for everyone. If this model had a mesh backrest like the Aeron, it would be almost perfect.
Sayl gaming edition from Herman Miller $725
Available from Herman Miller for buyers in Canada and the United States.
Herman Miller Motia gaming desk
Price: $1295
Even if using a top-of-the-line Herman Miller chair, sitting too much is bad for health. Excess sedentary time slows metabolism, tightens ligaments, and raises blood pressure.
The Herman Miller Motia is a height-adjustable sit-stand desk offering a logical solution. It comes with motorized legs that lift or lower on demand. To switch from sitting to standing, push a button to raise the height of your desk. When ready to resume sitting, push another button to lower your desktop.
Don’t get too excited. Despite whatever marketing hype you read, the reality is that proven health benefits are mild. Users can expect a tiny decrease in blood pressure and a small reduction in lower back pain. Standing to burn calories is also pointless. For instance, standing for three hours only burns 24 more calories than sitting.
Even so, there is one huge benefit of having a height-adjustable desk. Most desk surfaces are between 28-30 inches tall. That is a good height for average sizes between 5’8″ and 5’10” (172-177cm). People shorter or taller can benefit by adjusting the desk to match their height. (For complete desk sizing specs, click here.)
Motia desk specs
This all-black model is available in Herman Miller USA and Canada stores. Features include an all-black smudge-proof finish, anti-glare tabletop, and motorized tabletop lift.
Motia Desk specs:
- Tabletop width x depth: 60″(W) x 30″ (D)
- Adjustment range: 27-46 inches
- Weight capacity: 200 pounds (90 kg)
The work surface comes with a 12-year warranty, while other parts and the motors are covered for five years. Parts come unassembled, without tools. You’ll need a wrench, fallen keys, and a Phillips head screwdriver.
Motia Desk from Herman Miller $1,295
The Motia desk is available for buyers based in the United States and Canada.
Ollin Monitor Arm
Price: $725
In the era of high-end home computing ergonomics and aesthetics, monitor desk mounts are hot. These are flexible steel arms that replace conventional monitor stands. One end attaches to your desk. The other attaches to VESA-compatible monitors. On the back of compatible monitors, you’ll find four screw holes arranged in a square. Remove the base, then attach your monitor to the desk mount using the four screws.
Using a desk mount improves both workstation aesthetics and ergonomics. Without monitor stands, your desk becomes clutter-free. Add a wireless mouse and keyboard for pure minimalism. As for ergonomics, using a mount makes it easy to adjust your monitor screen in several ways. For example, you can tilt your screen at angles, rotate 360 degrees, adjust its height, or turn the screen vertically.
Herman Miller’s Ollin Monitor Arm has a powder-coated aluminum finish and robust adjustment range. It includes with built-in cable management and an impressive 12-year warranty. Specs:
- Weight capacity: 9 kg (19.8 pounds)
- Vertical adjustment range: 343 mm (13.5″)
- Horizontal range: 673 mm (26.5″)
- Tilt range: 80° rearward, 10° forward
- Rotational range: 180° and 360°
This is a solid product. But compared to competing monitor desk mount arms, the price is problematic. Check out our PC Monitor setup Guide for much cheaper monitor desk mount options.
Ollin Arm from Herman Miller $295
The Ollin Arm is available for buyers based in the United States and Canada.
Other Herman Miller ergonomic chairs
Price range: $575 to $1675
Herman Miller has also opened up online stores for its iconic line of ergonomic office chairs. At present, consumers in the United States can browse, customize, and buy chairs online from Herman Miller. As the company opens up other online shops, we’ll add links for other regional buyers.
Check out our review of the five best ergo office chairs in the Herman Miller collection:
Conclusions
As the ergonomic seating pioneer and industry leader, Herman Miller trends are worth noting. Per its 2019 annual report, the company spends over $50 million each year on research and development.
Even if you don’t buy Herman Miller products, there are some key takeaways for everyone in the package:
- An effective computer workstation starts with a good ergonomic chair.
- Most desks are for people between 5’8″ and 5’10 (172-177 cm). People shorter or taller should adjust their desk height for the best results.
- The top of the computer screen should align with your line of sight. Setting it lower will hunch the back and crane the neck.
These points are explained in detail in our Gaming Chair Sizing Guide. That starts by helping readers to find the best-fitting chair. Then it looks at optimal desk heights plus easy ways to make adjustments.
Finally, whether you choose Herman Miller or lower-end products, having the right gear is just a start. We also suggest considering some feng shui fundamentals. For example, facing your desk away from the main entrance can leave you feeling vulnerable. As well, a desk directly in front of or behind a window can leave you feeling drained.
If you’re new to the art of home workstation, check out our guide before splashing out on a full-blown Herman Miller gaming station. It explains the benefits gained by combining a chair, adjustable desk, and monitor mount arm. It also adds some more feng shui-driven strategies.
Once you have your head around the basics, assemble your gear. If you’re determined to go for the very best, a Herman Miller chair, desk and monitor arm is the very best you can get.
Ergonomic workstation setup guide
Herman Miller gaming chairs and accessories are available from Herman Miller stores in the United States and Canada.
