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Home Gaming Chair Reviews

Herman Miller Embody Gaming Chair: 4 Styles, Cheaper Prices

March 10, 2023
Reading Time: 8 mins read
  • Written By Anil Ramsey
ChairsFX is reader-supported. Buying through links on our site may earn us commissions (as an Amazon associate or from furniture brands). This has no influence on our editorial content. See our Affiliate Disclosure for details.

Herman Miller’s Embody chair delivers objectively better back support than other chairs. Embody office chairs sell for $1830-$2305 — depending on the frame and upholstery. Gaming editions sell for a flat $1695 ($135-$610 cheaper). Both have the same ergonomic features. Gaming editions have extra cooling tech in the seat. They also come in four light and dark-framed styles. These factors make the Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody Gaming Chair a much better option. This review lays out its advantages over the office editions.

Embody gaming chair styling
The Embody Gaming Chair now comes in a choice of light or dark frame styles.

After a few years of great results using Secretlab Titan chairs, I started shopping around for an upgrade. However, most elite $1000+ ergonomic chairs served up a similar lumbar-supported concept. On the back support front, only the Embody truly stood out.

Herman Miller Embody vs other elite ergonomic office chairs
L-R: Herman Miller Embody vs Aeron vs Steelcase Gesture vs Steelcase Leap.

Instead of supporting the lower back, it supports the upper spine via a Backfit system. Tuck your hips deep into the seat, plant your feet, and sit super-straight. Then, toggle the Backfit clockwise until it cups your upper back curve.

Demo of proper usage: Herman Miller Embody Backfit system
The Embody’s Backfit system curves the backrest forward to cup the upper spine.

Versus other elite chairs, the effect is spectacular. Once your upper back is cupped, the Backfit holds your entire spine up against gravity. That makes sitting in near-perfect postures effortless over long periods.

New Herman Miller Embody gaming chair designs
Gaming editions L-R: Graphite frame w. cyan or white accents; white frame with Amethyst (purple) or Galaxy (green) covers.

Luckily for gamers, Herman Miller wants market penetration. Thus, Embody x Logitech G versions serve up cheaper prices, cooler seats, and four light and dark styles to choose from.

Embody Gaming Chair from Herman Miller $1695

The Embody Classic Office Editions are also available from Herman Miller for $1830-$2305.

Embody Gaming Chair Review

The original Embody Gaming Chair came with a graphite base, black fabric, and stunning cyan color accents. It’s a spacious chair with a flat, wide seat and massive armrest width adjustable range.

Embody gaming chair specifications
The Embody Gaming edition comes all-black with a blue or black backrest shell.

Herman Miller marketers tend to hype up the spacious aspect to gamers. Indeed, compared to the Aeron, it offers a much more flexible sitting style that encourages movement.

Herman Miller Aeron vs Embody
Aeron (strict posture enforcement) vs Embody Gaming chair (relaxed).

Big-picture, the pretty looks and funky armrests are nice luxury extras. However, what truly justifies the Embody’s high price is its back support.

This chair provides mid-back support designed to keep the head balanced atop the shoulders through all ranges of motion. Unlike other chairs, it does so by prioritizing support to the thoracic — not lumbar — part of the spine.

Backfit Support For the Upper Spine

To combat text neck syndrome, the Steelcase Gesture’s mobile armrests adjust 11.5″ above the seat. Even though the Embody’s armrests are lower, it supports better mobile neck postures! The secret is its Backfit (upper back) support system.

Steelcase Gesture vs Herman Miller Embody mobile armrest support comparison
The Embody provides better upper back support than the Gesture, despite arms 2.75″ shorter.

The Embody’s Pixelated backrest is designed to stick to your spine like glue. But getting it right is tricky. While most ergonomic chairs provide lumbar support, the Embody prioritizes thoracic support.

Embody Backfit system for thoracic support
The Embody’s Backfit supports the thoracic spine first and the lumbar spine second.

As a result, there’s no adjustable lumbar support. Instead, a molded backrest curve is supposed to do the job.

Embody Gaming Chair from Herman Miller $1695

The Embody Classic Office Edition is also available from Herman Miller for $1795.

Highlight Functionality

The Embody classic and Gaming editions share the same functionality. For instance, both have a sliding seat depth feature.

Embody seat slider
The Embody has a 15-18″ sliding seat depth range.

Taller users should extend it to its max 18″ depth. Shorter users can reduce the depth to a tiny 15″. Other highlights:

Cooler SeatPixelated BackrestSync-Tilt Seat2D Arms
Gaming and office Embody chairs both have multi-layered seats. The kit includes two spring layers, one mat layer, one foam layer, and then the fabric.

Herman Miller Embody gaming chair seat
All images from Herman Miller

The Embody gaming editions add an extra foam player to support longer sitting sessions. It also contains copper-fused cooling technology that helps maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature.

The Embody has a dynamic backrest that moves in sync with your body. A flexible central pillar holds the entire unit in place. Over the top is a Pixelated Backrest with dynamic ‘ribs’. These flex or contract as the user moves.

Herman Miller Embody backrest
The Embody has a Pixelated backrest built to move like the human spine.

With a proper Backfit adjustment, this unit sticks to the spine. Then, the user enjoys consistent support through all possible ranges of motion.

This feature helps you to move your body while sitting. When activated, the backrest tilts at a 2:1 ratio to the seat. The backrest can recline between 94° to 120°. In sync-tilt mode, the seat will also angle at a range between 3° to 15°.

Embody chair mid-back support
Sync tilt helps to maintain a consistent 0° neck by tilting the seat up during reclines.

The point is to keep the thighs horizontal while the user shifts back into a recline. That keeps the pelvis stabilized, with consistent support in the thoracic region(1).

On paper, the Embody chair appears weak with only 2D armrests. Those adjust up and down, and also side-to-side. Unlike other chairs, they don’t angle forward or backward.

Embody gaming chair armrests
The Embody armrests are height and width adjustable.

However, the height (4-8.75″ above the seat) and width (11.5-21″) adjustment ranges are solid. While not perfect for mobile computing, they support all desktop working needs just fine.

Summary of Embody specifications

Summary of FeaturesSizing
  • Synchro-tilt: seat pan angle 3° to 15°; backrest 94° to 120°
  • Pixelated back support: ultra-adaptive mid-back support with pixelated ‘ribs’.
  • BackFit angle adjustment: lets you angle the backrest to fit the curvature of your spine.
  • Seat adjustments: adjust the seat’s height and depth.
  • Armrests: 2D-adjustable
  • Backrest: adjust recline tension; 3-position tilt-lock; synchro-tilt

The Embody chair is one-size-fits-all, designed to fit Herman Miller designed to fit 95% of adults. It offers ample adjustment ranges in seat height, arm width, and seat depth.

  • Seat: 21.25″ (W) x 15″-18″ (D)
  • Backrest: 14″ (W) x 23.5″ (H)
  • Armrests: 11.5-21″ width range; 4-8.75″ height range.
  • Seat height: 16-20.5″
  • Seat depth: 15-18″
  • Size Rating: 5’4″ to 6’2″; 300-pound weight capacity

Embody Chair Styles

The Embody x Logitech G Gaming Edition comes in four styles. The original model has a graphite frame with stunning blue accents. A second graphite version adds white color accents and an all-black backrest.

Herman Miller Embody 4 x gaming chair styles compared
L-R: Graphite frame + cyan or white accents; white frame with Amethyst or Galaxy accents.

Herman Miller just added two white editions: Amethyst (purple) and Galaxy (green). Each comes upholstered in a premium Sync fabric. This 3-layer knit stretches without creases. That ensures clean, curve-hugging lines.

All four gaming editions cost a flat $1695. In contrast, Embody office editions come in four different frame variants; the white models are the most expensive.

Classic Embody chair frame options and prices
Classic Embody chairs come in a choice of four different frame styles (early 2023 pricing).

If you’re after a white-framed style, buying a gaming edition will save you several hundred over an office variant.

Embody Gaming Chair from Herman Miller $1695

The Embody Classic Office Editions are also available from Herman Miller for $1830-$2305.

Embody Chair Pros and Cons

There are solid reasons for and against buying this chair.

Cons: Flawed Lumbar; Tricky Usability

Summary of key Embody downsides:

Non-Adjustable Lumbar Is Too Low

Once locked in place, the Backfit will hold your upper spine in place. That makes sitting upright very easy. But the backrest isn’t height-adjustable. To fit your lower back, you can only adjust its angles.

Herman Miller Embody lumbar support flaw closeup model
The Embody’s built-in lumbar curve is too low for my 5’9″ (177 cm) size.

For my 5’9″ (177 cm) size, the lumbar curve is too low to be usable. Luckily, it’s possible to angle it away from the spine if needed.

However, that leaves the upper Backfit curve providing all of the support. It admittedly does a great job. But when paying a $1695 premium, having an ill-fitting lumbar might sour the experience for some people.

Getting the Settings Right Is Complex

Getting the best out of this chair demands proper usage. You first need to set the right seat height. Then you need to nail the correct seat depth. After that, you’ve got to tuck your hips deep into the seat while sitting with a straight back and open chest.

Improper use of an Embody gaming chair
Used improperly, this $1600 chair might ruin you!

After all of those steps, you also have to configure the Backfit support system. Failure to get this right could produce very poor results.

Embody Backfit angle adjustment
A proper Backfit adjustment should stick the backrest to your spine like glue.

First, turn the knob clockwise. That will angle the top of the backrest to your spine. Once it cups your upper spine, lean your full body weight back. Then, turn the knob counter-clockwise.

That will angle the lower part of the backrest to meet your lumbar curve. See this Team Logitech clip for a demo:

Pros: Best Back Support In The Industry

In 2023, most elite ergonomic chairs all utilize similar lumbar-supported styles. These work well enough. However, many cheaper models priced under $350 provide similar support.

Herman Miller Embody vs other elite ergonomic office chairs
L-R: Herman Miller Embody vs Aeron vs Steelcase Gesture vs Steelcase Leap.

Among the elite chairs, the Embody is the only one that justifies its high price with better back support than others. Instead of supporting the lower spine, it prioritizes support to the upper (thoracic) portion.

Demo of proper usage: Herman Miller Embody Backfit system
The Embody’s Backfit system curves the backrest forward to cup the upper spine.

To deploy, tuck your hips deep into the seat, plant your feet, and sit straight. Then, adjust the Backfit system until it cups your upper back curve. That will hold your spine up against gravity, making near-perfect postures feel effortless.

Versus classic Embody office chairs, Embody gaming versions also have advantages. First, they have more advanced seats with cooling technology. Second, they’re significantly cheaper.

Review: Embody Vs Other Elite Chairs

Embody Gaming Chairs: $1695 from Herman Miller | Office Versions: $1830 to $2305

Embody gaming chair alternatives

Our gaming chair vs ergonomic office chair article clarifies the differences between the two styles. In brief, both support good posture. However, full-back versions add the option to kick back and relax.

Best gaming chairs of 2022
Best computing chairs in the world L-R: Aeron, Titan 2022, Embody.

Based on my own tests, two chairs stand out as viable Embody alternatives. The Herman Miller Aeron provides foolproof back support and next-level mesh. Meanwhile, Secretlab’s Titan Evo 2022 provides comparable posture support for the back and neck — for around a third of the price.

Herman Miller Aeron

Like the Embody, the Aeron provides mid-back support designed to balance the head above the shoulders. To help enforce that, its mesh seat comes lined with a hard-bladed plastic edge. These force users to sit with planted feet at all times.

Herman Miller Aeron seat style
The Aeron’s bladed seat edges force users to sit with both feet planted at all times.

In my experience, the mesh is the star feature. Its ultra-adaptivity keeps you feeling balanced with perfect tautness, even as you shift positions.

In tandem with the other support features, this delivers a superb sitting experience. The mesh looks, feels, and performs at a super-high-end level. Every time you sit down, it will make you feel inspired.

Downsides include the bladed seat edges and a tiny recline range of 93-104°. The bladed edges prevent you from putting your feet up. The limited recline forces you to stay upright at all times.

Aeron posture control limits
The Aeron forces you to sit upright with a tiny 93-104° recline range.

Both limitations can be annoying if you have flexible gaming chair expectations. On the flipside, the support features and mesh combo is dazzling enough to keep most happy — despite the limitations.
Over an 8-hour office shift, that works fine. When sitting all day at home, the limited range can feel stifling!

Aeron Features

  • Sync-tilt: seat pan angle from -1° to 16°; backrest 93° to 104°
  • Upholstery: Pellicle 8Z mesh provides eight tension zones.
  • Adjustable lumbar: choose a height or depth-adjustable unit.
  • Seat: adjust the height; tilt up or down; sync-tilt with the backrest.
  • Armrests: 3D adjustable.
  • Warranty: 12 years.

Aeron Remastered from Herman Miller $275-$2340

Learn more: Aeron Remastered Office Chair Review

Secretlab Titan 2022 Series

I’ve been using a Titan Evo 2022 chair for the past 1.5 years. Several months ago, three esports doctors helped me master good back and neck posture while sitting in one.

Man sitting in a relaxed and strict posture in 2 gaming chairs
Relaxed vs strict neutral sitting postures.

The trick with the Titan is to set the backrest recline angle to a steep 100°. Then, tuck your hips, plant your feet, and sit straight. The lumbar support will align your lower back curve; the headrest will actively support your neck.

Neutral sitting mechanics
Perfect neutral postures in a $560 Secretlab Titan and $1700 Herman Miller Embody.

Then, sharp neutral postures in Titan and Embody chairs look nearly identical!

Titan Evo 2022 Features

  • Functionality: 4D armrests; multifunction tilt-lock; recline from 85-165°.
  • New 2022 Series Features: integrated 4-way adjustable lumbar support; magnetic headrest pillow; pebble seat base with waterfall edge.
  • Sizing: small 4’11” to 5’6″; medium 5’7″ to 6’2″; XL 5’11” to 6’9″.
  • Warranty: five years.

Titan 2022 from Secretlab $549-$674

Learn more: Titan Evo 2022 Gaming Chair Review

Conclusion

The Herman Miller Embody gaming chair is a high-powered beast for hard-core users. It’s the official chair of top esports teams like Team SoloMid (TSM) and Complexity Gaming. It’s also used by elite streamers like Tfue, Shroud, Ninja, and Titmthetatman.

Herman Miller esports team partners
TSM and The San Francisco Shock both train full-time using Embody x Logitech G gaming chairs.

It has the looks, build quality, and features to appease hedge fund barons, CEOs, and other power using pros. For the average home gamer, it’s the height of ergonomic luxury — for those who can afford it.

Embody Gaming Chair from Herman Miller $1695

The Embody Classic Office Editions are also available from Herman Miller for $1830-$2305.

Footnotes

  1. ‘Promoting Healthy Movement and Natural Alignment’, Research and Design Behind the Embody Tilt. https://www.hermanmiller.com/research/categories/white-papers/promoting-healthy-movement-and-natural-alignment/, (accessed 10 April. 2022).

Secretlab Titan gaming chairs on sale in March 2023

Details: Secretlab March 2023 Sales Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Embody Gaming Chair Review
    1. Backfit Support For the Upper Spine
    2. Highlight Functionality
    3. Embody Chair Styles
  2. Embody Chair Pros and Cons
    1. Cons: Flawed Lumbar; Tricky Usability
    2. Pros: Best Back Support In The Industry
  3. Embody gaming chair alternatives
    1. Herman Miller Aeron
    2. Secretlab Titan 2022 Series
  4. Conclusion

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