Choosing a perfect office chair can be a daunting task, but Herman Miller has made a name for itself by producing some of the best chairs on the market. Not only do they look great, but they also offer adjustable features that will keep you comfortable all day long. But with so many Herman Miller chairs to choose from, how do you know which one to pick? Well, that’s where we come in. Today, we’ll be looking at two of Herman Miller’s most popular models – the Aeron vs Mirra 2.
The main difference between the Aeron and Mirra 2 chairs is that the Aeron is a traditional-style chair that is available in three different sizes and offers three types of lumbar support with a soft mesh. On the other hand, the Mirra 2 offers a variety of features including a depth-adjustable seat, wider armrests, and two types of lumbar supports, but is available in one size only. The Aeron is more expensive than the Mirra 2 and has a soft pellicle mesh on both the seat and back, whereas the Mirra 2 is comparatively less expensive and has a slightly firmer mesh.
At first glance, they may look alike, but don’t be fooled. These chairs have significant differences in their design, configuration, ergonomics, and price. While the Mirra 2 is a good chair, it can’t compare to the comfort of the Aeron, which has a soft back and even pressure distribution. So, grab a seat, and let’s dive into this Herman Miller showdown to find out which one reigns supreme!
Differences
Armrests
The Aeron and the Mirra 2 chairs both have armrests, but they differ in their adjustability. The Mirra 2 armrests can be adjusted to suit a wider range of body types, while the Aeron’s armrests have cushy padding that feels oh-so-good. If you prioritize adjustable armrests, go for the Mirra 2, but if you’re all about comfort, stick with the Aeron. At the end of the day, it all boils down to what you personally prefer and what matters most to you in a chair.
Seat Adjustment
Both Aeron and Mirra 2 chairs provide standard tilt and seat height adjustment, as well as similar tilt tension and limiter functions in their upgraded versions. However, the Mirra 2 goes a step further with an adjustable seat depth in addition to the seat height, making it more versatile and suitable for different body types. The Aeron has a fixed seat depth, which means you need to select the correct size chair from the three options available.
In terms of breathability, both chairs have mesh backs that allow for plenty of air circulation, but the Aeron’s back is often considered softer and more comfortable. On the other hand, the Mirra 2 seat can be firmer.
Back
Basically, both the Aeron and Mirra 2 chairs have breathable mesh backs that are made from recycled materials and can support up to 159kg/350lbs with a 12-year warranty. But when it comes to the backrest material, the Mirra 2 offers two options: the firmer TriFlex Polymer or the more cushioned Butterfly Suspension back. However, the Aeron chair is the more comfortable option due to its soft back that evenly distributes pressure, while the Mirra 2 has a hard plastic back with stress points that may cause discomfort in the long run.
| Features | Aeron | Mirra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 3 Different Sizes (A, B, C) | One Size only |
| Seat Depth Adjustment | No | Yes |
| Pellice Mesh | Soft | Bit Firm |
| Lumbar Support | 3 different types | 2 different types |
| Design | Formal Looking | Modern |
| Regular | Regualt | More Wider |
| Price | High | Low |
Lumbar Support
Yo, check it out, the Aeron chair is the boss when it comes to back support choices. You can pick between basic back support, vertically adjustable lumbar support, and Herman Miller’s adjustable PostureFit SL. The PostureFit SL is the real deal with its two independent pads that flex to support your lumbar and sacrum. Meanwhile, the Mirra 2 has two options: basic back support and adjustable lumbar support, and its upgraded Butterfly Suspension back conforms to your body for a flexible support experience. But you gotta cough up extra cash for the adjustable lumbar support, just saying.
Styling
They’re both cool, but totally different in terms of design. The Aeron is more old-school and formal-looking, with just three colors to choose from: black, graphite, and grey. Meanwhile, the Mirra 2 is more laid-back and comes in a bunch of different colors, like orange and turquoise. The Aeron seems like it’s made for the kind of office where everyone’s wearing a suit and tie, while the Mirra 2 is more for people who work in creative industries and don’t take themselves too seriously. Even though the Aeron is a total classic, the Mirra 2 has its own unique style that makes it a popular pick.
Build
They’re straight-up legit and look dope as hell. The Aeron’s been around since the 90s and is a straight-up classic, known for its perfect design and Pellicle polymer mesh seat that feels like you’re floating in the air. But, some peeps may not dig the side bolsters, so watch out for that. The Mirra 2 is a more affordable option that came out in 2003 and can adjust to your shape, but its mesh seat feels a little more rigid. Both chairs use recycled materials and come with a 12-year extended warranty.
Plus, they can hold up to 159kg/350lbs of weight, so you can sit your big booty down without any worries. The Aeron is known for being hella durable, while the Mirra 2 feels a little heavier but is still a solid option.
Ergonomics
Picking between the Aeron and Mirra 2 office chairs is a tough call when it comes to ergonomics. The Mirra 2 has more adjustability options with seat depth and height, which is pretty sweet. But, the Aeron has a softer back and is easier to set up. At the end of the day, it really comes down to what you like best. Both chairs have basic features like seat height adjustment and tilt but don’t forget about your lumbar support. It’s crucial for your back, so upgrading to add more adjustability in this area is highly recommended for both chairs.
The Aeron rocks in this aspect with its adjustable PostureFit SL configuration, which supports your lumbar and stabilizes your sacrum. The Mirra 2 also has adjustable lumbar support, which is great for anyone looking to protect their back during those long work sessions. So, just go with whatever floats your boat!
Size
The Aeron comes in three different sizes (Size A, B, and C). Aeron is like a buddy who knows your size and offers a perfect fit, with sizes A, B, and C to choose from, depending on your body type. Meanwhile, Mirra 2 is like a one-size-fits-all T-shirt that may or may not hug your body the way you want it to. Sure, Mirra 2 has some adjustability options, like changing the seat depth and height, but it’s not as flexible as Aeron in terms of size. If you’re a stickler for a chair that fits like a glove, then Aeron might be the way to go.
Price
First off, they’re both gonna cost you a pretty penny, but the Aeron is gonna set you back more than the Mirra 2. If you’re looking for a basic Mirra 2, you can snag one for around a grand, but if you want all the bells and whistles, you’re looking at around $1,500. Meanwhile, the Aeron starts at $1,200 for the basic setup and goes all the way up to over 2 grand for the top-of-the-line model.
