Both brands, Steelcase and Herman Miller are well known in the office chair field. They are considered the top choice when it comes to good-quality office chairs. You will find almost all of the features while comparing Herman Steelcase Gesture vs Miller Embody.
The Herman Miller costs much more than Steelcase Gesture and it is known for its unique pixelated back support design that mimics the human central spine and flexible ribs. While the Steelcase Gesture suits heavy users due to its all-size-fit model and more seat & arm adjustment options.
| Features | Steelcase Gesture | Herman Miller Embody |
| Dimensions | 22.38″D x 21″W x 39.25″H | 28″D x 27″W x 38.25″H |
| Material | Textile | Fabric Upholstery |
| Seat Depth | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Full Arm Adjustment (Arm Height, Width, Pivot) | Yes | Yes |
| Base | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Frame | Metallic | Die-cast aluminum frame |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lb | 300 lb |
| Casters | For Carpet Flooring | For Carpet Flooring |
| Seat Height Min-Max | 16″ to 21″ | 16″ to 20.5″ |
| Weight | 78 Pounds | 51 Pounds |
| Warranty | 12 Yrs | 12 Yrs |
| Assembly | Not Required | Not Required |
Steelcase Gesture VS Herman Miller Embody- Distinctive Features
Distinctive Features of Steelcase Gesture
All-Size-Fit design
Steelcase Gesture comes with an All-Size-Fit design that accommodates a wide range of users. We tested it for our slim and heavy coworkers. Amazingly, this one-size chair was able to adopt by all our staff workers.
The more weight holding capacity (400 lb.) makes it usable by our heavy staff. It offers personalized and custom comfort.
Backrest with 3D LiveBack™ Technology
Its 3D LiveBack technology is great to achieve the natural posture. A regular chair leaves a gap between our lower back and the seat back, which may lead to a hunch-like posture. With Gesture, the adoptive back of 3D technology fills the gap by automatically contouring the spine, preventing the formation of a hunch-back.
Excellent Adjustability
The Steelcase Gesture comes with excellent adjustability options.
The armrest adjustment of Steelcase Gesture is exceptional. You can up or down, narrow or widen, and move them forward or backward as per the need. The armrests can swivel, and the 360-degree rotation of the arm like the human arm supports the user in any position.
Moreover, the Gesture comes with an adjustable seat depth. There is a front knob on the chair that controls the depth and height of the seat.
Distinctive Features of Herman Miller Embody
Like Steelcase, the Herman Miller Embody comes with special features that are unique to it.
Backrest with Backfit™ Technology
The back of Embody is like your central spine and flexible ribs. The Embody’s Backfit™ helps the user to position the backrest in line with his spine’s natural curve to achieve a balanced and healthy posture. Once the chair is tuned to fit you, the backrest adapts to your movements, adjusting automatically to your changing postures. This ensures constant support whenever you lean forward or recline.
Embody’s Pixelated Support
The pixelated support of Embody is amazing. It gives you a sense of floating when you sit down. The pixelated back and seat evenly distribute your weight by automatically adjusting to your body’s movements. This reduces pressure and boosts movements, both, in turn, aid in healthy circulation and focus.
The Seat With Four Breathable Layers
The Embody’s seat features 4 breathable layers. These layers work together to reduce the seated pressure. The layers boost airflow to keep the user cool and comfortable during sitting.
Ergonomic Features
Comfort Level
Steelcase Gesture
The Steelcase Gesture is known for its 3D LiveBack technology, providing the most comfortable sitting by following spine contouring. The adaptive nature of the back lets the chair provides personalized comfort.
The 3D Live Back offers constant, automatic lumbar support regardless of posture. The soft seat edges and arm adjustments of the Gesture allow us to sit in alternate postures.
Herman Miller Embody
Herman Miller Embody, on other hand, is equipped with a pixelated seat and back, the well-known support system for comfortable sitting. The Embody’s back is designed like a human back. The pixelated back automatically adjusts with your body’s movement to provide constant support.
The back of the chair adopts the user’s unique curve, holding thehead in alignment with the technology.
Moreover, the tilt technology of Embody keeps the user’s back at a proper angle to the chair, helping the user’s body to attain a healthy posture.
After a detailed analysis and testing, we have found that the Herman Miller Embody is more comfortable than the Gesture. The Embody’s comfort level is amazing when tested for long hours of sitting sessions.
Adjustability
Steelcase Gesture
The chair adjusts to comfortably support any size and shape.
Its arms come with an adjustable height, width, depth, and pivot. In fact, its arms are one of the most adjustable arms in the world.
It has an amazing seat depth adjustment. We are able to easily extend its seat depth to our choice.
The chair proves great for seat height adjustment.
Embody
The Embody comes with an adjustable backrest, armrests, and seat height.
With this, we are able to adjust arm height, arm width, seat height, seat depth, and tilt tension.
If we compare both brands, the Steelcase Gesture wins the race by offering more adjustments than Herman Miller Embody.
Size Difference
The Steelcase Gesture offers excellent size adjustments due to its armrests and can hold weight up to 400lb. The Gesture proved compatible with multiple users. More weight holding capacity makes it suitable for large users.
The Embody, however, is also an all-size-fit model that can hold weight up to 300lb. The chair comes with a high back which makes it good for tall people.
For size, the Steelcase Gesture is better than Embody due to its compatibility with multiple people and more weight-holding capacity.
Seat Depth
Seat adjustment is an important ergonomic feature. Proper seat depth adjustment reduces the pressure behind the knees and provides lower back support.
Steelcase Gesture
The Steelcase Gesture has an easy to use seat depth adjustment feature. Its seat depth accommodates different leg lengths. While sitting, the seat depth can be easily adjusted by rotating the knob located on the side of the seat. With just a few turns, you can quickly move the seat forward or back.
Embody
The Embody also features a good seat adjustment. If you like to adjust the seat depth, you will need to lift up the thigh weight from the front of the seat. After that, gently lift up the front handles on both sides of the seat to disengage the seat depth lock. Slide the seat forward or back into the proper seat depth for use, and then release it downward to lock the seat again.
Though both types of chairs feature seat depth controlling, the Gesture has been found to have a better seat depth adjustment.
Final Remarks
We found the Gesture best in adjustability and the way it works for multiple users. It is cheaper than the Embody. With all the ergonomic features, it could be the best chair for people who want more adjustments.
The Embody is a high-cost chair. With a unique pixelated seat and back, it delivers the next level of comfort that we can’t get with the previous one. If you have a high budget, I will suggest you go for the Embody. Believe me, you will love it.
