Fully ergonomic chairs have three adjustable features. Adjustable lumbar support, adjustable arms, and a reclining backrest support dynamic neutral postures. These postures help users sit comfortably and in a healthy way. But fully-ergonomic support isn’t expensive — several supportive models cost less than $350. The Herman Miller Aeron also provides fully-ergonomic support — but costs over $1000. I tested different models to find out what justifies the high price. Read this Aeron Remastered review to discover the answer.
For around one year, I’ve been using a Secretlab Titan Evo to support biomechanically perfect neutral postures (a 0° neck and a 25-45° lower back curve). It’s been fantastic. But I wondered if ‘better’ back support was possible. So I tested some Aeron chairs, seeking objectively better back support.
On the back support front, the Titan ($549) and Aeron ($1805+) both support similarly healthy neutral postures. The Titan also has deeper recline functions and better (height x depth-adjustable) lumbar support.
To enhance my physical comfort, spending 3 times the price of my Titan for an Aeron chair therefore didn’t make sense. However, the perception of comfort is partially psychological. On that front, the Aeron boasts several luxury extras that will justify its high price — for some people:
Aeron Physical Vs Psychological Appeal
Any chair with an adjustable lumbar, adjustable arms, and a reclining backrest can support healthy neutral postures. The Aeron provides this support with an important lumbar support option.
Posturefit is a depth-adjustable, dual-pad unit that won’t fit everyone. The height-adjustable lumbar support pad isn’t as flashy. But its height-adjustability lets you customize the support for your particular lower back curve.
Learn more: Aeron Posturefit Vs Sliding Lumbar Support Comparison
Beyond physical support essentials, the Aeron justifies its high price by layering on several luxury extras.
These extras don’t directly enhance the quality of your back support. Rather, they appeal to the psyche by making users feel happier while sitting.
Aeron Physical Support Features
- Adjustable lumbar support: choose the Posturefit or sliding lumbar to align your lower back.
- Adjustable Arms: the Aeron’s 3D arms provide a good adjustment range for most needs.
- Reclining backrest: a 93-104° recline enables seated movement.
Psychological Luxury Extras
- 12-year warranty: brings long-term peace of mind.
- Ultra-adaptive mesh: high-end mesh with variable tension zones that promote consistent balance.
- Synchronous tilt: seat-tilting functions let you work your hips during breaks.
- Iconic design: everyone using a sexy Aeron chair will gain instant prestige.
Aeron Remastered from Herman Miller $1805+
Buy on Amazon $1,549.99
Aeron Remastered Review
The Aeron is designed to enforce good posture at all times. Its bladed seat edges prevent users from putting their feet up. A limited recline range then ensures they remain upright. This provides first-class physical comfort.
But the lack of options to kick back and relax in this chair may feel psychologically confining to some people. For instance, while reviewing programmer chairs, Youtuber Techlead lamented the limited versatility of the Aeron’s bladed seat style:
- Aeron advantage: strict posture support keeps users positioned for focused work at all times.
- Disadvantage: some may find sitting upright all the time stifling. If so, look for a chair with a non-bladed seat and deep recline functions.
Is this what you’re looking for in an office chair? If so, keep reading.
Highlight Functionality
The Aeron’s 8Z Pellicle mesh is its most outstanding feature. It’s durable, easy to clean, pleasant to the touch, and ultra-adaptive. Varied tension zones keep body weight evenly distributed, even when you change positions.
The 8Z Pellicle Mesh origin story happened at the 1996 Indianapolis 500. There, Dr. Brock Walker rigged the first iteration to help a driver with a broken back win the race.
The ultra-adaptive variable tension zones took pressure off his spine by adapting to his movements and keeping him balanced. Modern-day desk warriors will notice this balancing effect as soon as they sit down in an Aeron.
Other Highlight Features
Beyond the Aeron’s mesh are a few other notable features:
Posturefit’s lack of height adjustability isn’t an issue. It’s only supposed to provide generalized mild support. In contrast, the Lumbar Support Pad ($80) is flimsy — with moderate body weight applied, it often pops out of its sockets!
Learn more: Herman Miller Aeron Posturefit Vs Lumbar Pad
You can also combine the seat and backrest into a synchronous tilt. When the backrest reclines, the seat tilts up (max 16°). When leaning forward, the seat tilts down(max -1°).
Summary of Features
- Upholstery: 8Z Pellicle mesh with variable tension zones.
- Lumbar support: depth-adjustable Posturefit ($95) or height-adjustable lumbar pad ($75).
- Backrest recline: lock tilt at 93°, 100°, 104°.
- Seat: -1° to 16° tilt; height-adjustment.
- Armrests: fixed; height-adjustable ($125); 3-directional (up, down, pivot for $255)
Aeron Remastered from Herman Miller $1805+
Buy on Amazon $1,549.99
Aeron Size Options
Choosing the right size chair is crucial. Use Herman Miller’s size ratings to pick the right model for your body type.
For example, I stand 5’9″, which makes sizes A and B technically suitable. However, for a more spacious fit, the Size B version is the better choice.
| Aeron Size A | Size B | Size C | |
| Seat | 15.75″ (W) x 16.75″ (D) | 17″ (W) x 16.75″ (D) | 18.25″ (W) x 18.5″ (D) |
| Backrest | 20.25″(W) x 21″ (H) | 21.5″ (W) x 22″ (H) | 22.75″(W) x 23″ (H) |
| Seat Height | 14.75″ to 19″ | 16″ to 20.4″ | 16″ to 20.5″ |
| Size Rating | 4’10” to 5’9″; 300 pounds | 5’2″ to 6’6″; up to 350 pounds | 5’2″ to 6’6″; up to 350 pounds |
Frame Options
The Herman Miller store and SmartFurniture both offer six frame styles. On Amazon, you can choose Graphite, Onyx, or Mineral.
The Graphite frame is the default option in the Herman Miller Store. Other styles cost extra:
- Standard Graphite: default color
- Black frame with Onyx matte base: $150 extra
- Graphite frame + polished aluminum base: $200 extra
- Mineral frame with satin aluminum base: $220 extra
- Mineral frame with polished aluminum base: $320 extra
- Black frame with polished aluminum base: $300 extra
Beyond frame options, users can also choose custom armrests, tilt functions, lumbar support, and caster wheel types. Learn more:
Aeron Likes and Dislikes
The Aeron Remastered does one thing very well: help you maintain healthy posture while sitting. The hard-edged seat forces your feet to stay planted. That lets the adaptive 8Z Pellicle mesh work its magic to keep you in balance.
I find the posture support especially potent when used with a sliding lumbar support pad. It applies mild, comfortable pressure against your lower back. Against the balancing effect of the mesh upholstery, that light touch makes it very easy to keep your spine aligned while sitting.
- Excellent posture support
- Luxurious mesh upholstery
- Incredible build quality
- Robust tilting functionality
- Rock-solid 12-year warranty
- Complicated buying process
- The Posturefit system lacks height-adjustability
- Hard bladed edges restrict leg movement
- No deep recline (93-104° range)
The Aeron’s posture support upside is also its downside. Some people might find its limitations too psychologically confining. You can’t sit cross-legged in this chair. It also keeps you upright with a limited recline range.
Those who buy into the Aeron as a posture support chair will get excellent value for money. Beyond a cloud-like sitting experience, you get a superb build quality, dazzling aesthetics, and a 12-year warranty.
Aeron Remastered from Herman Miller $1805+
Buy on Amazon $1,549.99
Where to Buy An Aeron (Important)
Where you buy an Aeron chair will have an impact on your sitting experience. Buying one directly from the Herman Miller Store gives you a full seven configuration options. You get fewer options when buying from third-party retailers. Examples:
- Herman Miller Store: seven configuration options | $1330-$2340
- Amazon: 3 sizes + 3 frame styles (all with Posturefit, 3D arms, full tilt) | $1,549.99
Having the full range of choices is significant. In particular, having a choice of lumbar support styles can make or break your sitting experience. As a result, this review assumes you’re using a custom Aeron properly configured for your size.
Herman Miller Aeron Alternatives
Here are three viable alternatives to the Aeron chair:
Aeron Gaming Chair
Aeron Gaming chairs are the same as Remastered editions. The difference is that Gaming editions come pre-configured. All versions have 3D arms, a Posturefit system, and a Tilt Limiter + Seat Tilt. You can choose Size B or C Sizes, plus an extra-long gas cylinder if you wish. All versions cost $1805.
The simplified buying process is supposed to make buying easier for gamers. It’s a great idea — except for the lack of Posturefit height-adjustability. If that doesn’t fit, the chair’s back support won’t work for you.
Because of that, it’s a good idea to try an Aeron Gaming chair out before buying one. If that’s not possible, a Remastered chair with a height-adjustable lumbar pad is a safer pick.
Aeron Gaming Chair From Herman Miller $1805
Learn more: Aeron Gaming Vs Remastered Chairs Compared
Herman Miller Embody
Compared to the Aeron, the fabric-covered Embody has a more modern look. While most ergonomic chairs (including the Aeron) provide lumbar-powered back support, the Embody prioritizes support for the upper spine.
However, getting the Embody’s setting right is complex. You can’t adjust the height of the backrest. Instead, you can only toggle the angles of the upper or lower backrest curves. Ideally, the upper curve should cup your upper spine.
Once the upper curve cups your upper spine, it suspends it up against gravity. That makes sitting upright very easy. However, the built-in lumbar support curve is too low for average sizes.
As a result, while delivering superb upper back support, an Embody chair leaves you with a flattened lower back curve. In contrast, the straightforward Aeron has no surprises. Simply plant your feet, tuck your hips, adjust the lumbar support, and use the armrests to prop your torso upright.
Learn more: Herman Miller Embody Gaming Chair Review
Embody Gaming Chair From Herman Miller $1845
Embody Office Editions are also available from Herman Miller for $1830-$2305.
Duorest Alpha
If you’re intrigued by the Aeron but put off by its price, the Duorest Alpha has a similar seat style as the Aeron — minus the hard side ridges.
Instead of adaptive mesh, the backrest has two halves. These flex independently in four directions as the user moves. Combined, these features provide a similar sitting experience as the Aeron.
The Alpha differs with a less restrictive feel — and less spectacular build. Even so, it comes fully-loaded with synchro-tilt, 3D arms, a headrest, a sliding seat, and a 3-year warranty. Given its low price vs features and warranty, it makes a tempting alternative to the Aeron.
Duorest Alpha on Amazon $549.00
Learn more: Review of the Best DuoBack Chairs
Conclusion: Superb Mesh Justifies Price
In 1994, the concept of a lumbar-powered neutral posture support chair was revolutionary. But by 2023 standards, myriad copycat models have made neutral posture support ubiquitous.
While the Aeron seems like a lumbar-powered chair, it’s actually a mesh suspension chair. With or without lumbar support, sitting upright in this chair is insanely easy.
Beyond the supportive suspension qualities, the comfort of a chair also includes psychological and user-powered factors. On those two fronts, the Aeron is worth its price for 2 reasons.
- Outstanding mesh: the mesh delivers incredible balance with a luxurious feel that makes sitting up straight feel easy and inspiring.
- Super easy to use: simply tuck your hips, plant your feet, and sit upright. The balanced mesh and high-tech seat will do the rest.
Aeron Remastered from Herman Miller $1805+
Buy on Amazon $1,549.99
