If you are looking for a comfortable, ergonomic, and durable office chair, the Aeron is a better choice than the Embody. The Aeron has a mesh back and seat that provide superior breathability, support, and adjustability. The Embody has an upholstered back and seat that may look more stylish, but are less flexible and adaptable. In this article, we will compare the Aeron and the Embody in terms of design, functionality, customization, and price. We will also explain why the Aeron is a more popular and trusted option among office workers and professionals.
Design
The Aeron and the Embody are both designed by Herman Miller, a leading manufacturer of high-end office furniture. The Aeron was first introduced in 1994 and has since become an icon of modern design. It features a sleek and minimalist aesthetic that blends well with any office environment. The Embody was launched in 2008 and has a more futuristic and organic appearance. It claims to mimic the natural shape and movement of the human spine.
One of the biggest differences between the Aeron and the Embody is the seat and back construction. The Aeron has a mesh back and seat, called Pellicle, that are made of woven polyester. The mesh is breathable, flexible, and supportive. It conforms to the user’s body and distributes pressure evenly. The mesh also allows air to circulate, keeping the user cool and comfortable. The Embody has an upholstered back and seat, called Pixelated Support, that are made of foam and fabric. The upholstery is soft, cushioned, and textured. It provides some contouring and padding, but it is less responsive and adaptive than the mesh. The upholstery also traps heat and moisture, making the user sweat and feel hot.
Another difference between the Aeron and the Embody is the backrest height. The Aeron has a low-back design that reaches up to the user’s shoulder blades. The Aeron’s backrest is curved and tilted to follow the natural curve of the spine. The Embody has a high-back design that extends up to the user’s neck. The Embody’s backrest is segmented and adjustable to fit different spine shapes and postures.
Functionality
The Aeron and the Embody are both ergonomic chairs that offer a range of adjustments and features to enhance the user’s comfort and health. However, the Aeron has more functionality and versatility than the Embody. The Aeron has the following adjustments and features:
- Tilt mechanism: The Aeron has a tilt mechanism that allows the user to recline the chair up to 30 degrees. The tilt mechanism also has a tension knob that lets the user adjust the resistance and a tilt limiter that lets the user lock the recline angle. The tilt mechanism helps the user relax and change positions throughout the day.
- Lumbar support: The Aeron has three options for lumbar support: basic, adjustable, and PostureFit SL. The basic option is a fixed pad that provides some lower back support. The adjustable option is a movable pad that can be slid up and down to fit the user’s lumbar curve. The PostureFit SL option is a pair of pads that can be adjusted in height and depth to support the user’s sacrum and lumbar region. The lumbar support helps the user maintain a healthy spine alignment and posture.
- Armrests: The Aeron has three options for armrests: fixed, height-adjustable, and fully adjustable. The fixed option is a pair of armrests that are attached to the chair and cannot be moved. The height-adjustable option is a pair of armrests that can be raised and lowered to suit the user’s arm length. The fully adjustable option is a pair of armrests that can be adjusted in height, width, depth, and angle to fit the user’s preferences. The armrests help the user reduce shoulder and neck strain and support the user’s arms and wrists.
The Embody has the following adjustments and features:
- Tilt mechanism: The Embody has a tilt mechanism that allows the user to recline the chair up to 28 degrees. The tilt mechanism also has a tension knob that lets the user adjust the resistance and a tilt limiter that lets the user lock the recline angle. The tilt mechanism is similar to the Aeron’s, but it has less range of motion and less feedback.
- Backfit adjustment: The Embody has a backfit adjustment that allows the user to change the shape and angle of the backrest. The backfit adjustment has a dial that lets the user rotate the backrest to fit the user’s spine shape and posture. The backfit adjustment helps the user customize the back support and alignment, but it can be tricky and time-consuming to use.
- Armrests: The Embody has one option for armrests: fully adjustable. The armrests can be adjusted in height, width, depth, and angle to fit the user’s preferences. The armrests are similar to the Aeron’s fully adjustable option, but they have less padding and more plastic.
Customization
The Aeron and the Embody are both customizable chairs that offer a variety of options and colors to suit the user’s taste and needs. However, the Aeron has more customization and flexibility than the Embody. The Aeron has the following options and colors:
- Size: The Aeron comes in three sizes: A, B, and C. These sizes correspond to small, medium, and large. The sizes are designed to accommodate different body types and dimensions. The user can choose the size that best fits their height, weight, and seat depth. The Embody comes in one size only and is meant to fit a wide range of users. However, some users may find the Embody too big or too small for their comfort.
- Color: The Aeron comes in three colors: graphite, carbon, and mineral. These colors are variations of gray and black. The colors are neutral and elegant, but they are also limited and boring. The Embody comes in seven colors: black, white, blue, green, red, gray, and brown. These colors are more diverse and vibrant, but they are also more expensive and less professional.
- Upholstery: The Aeron comes in one upholstery option: Pellicle mesh. The mesh is durable, breathable, and supportive. The mesh is also easy to clean and maintain. The Embody comes in two upholstery options: Balance and Sync. Balance is a fabric that is soft, textured, and stretchy. Sync is a hybrid of fabric and mesh that is smooth, firm, and flexible. Both upholstery options are comfortable and stylish, but they are also prone to staining and wearing.
Price
The Aeron and the Embody are both expensive chairs that cost over $1,000. However, the Aeron is more affordable and cost-effective than the Embody. The Aeron has a starting price of $1,195 and a maximum price of $2,195. The Embody has a starting price of $1,495 and a maximum price of $2,195. The price difference depends on the options and colors chosen by the user. The Aeron has more options and colors that are included in the base price, while the Embody has fewer options and colors that require additional charges. For example, the Aeron’s fully adjustable armrests and PostureFit SL lumbar support are included in the base price, while the Embody’s fully adjustable armrests and backfit adjustment cost extra. Similarly, the Aeron’s graphite and carbon colors are included in the base price, while the Embody’s white and blue colors cost extra.
Conclusion
The Aeron and the Embody are both high-quality chairs that offer comfort, ergonomics, and design. However, the Aeron is a better choice than the Embody for several reasons. The Aeron has a mesh back and seat that provide superior breathability, support, and adjustability. The Aeron has more functionality and versatility than the Embody, with more options for tilt, lumbar support, and armrests. The Aeron has more customization and flexibility than the Embody, with more options for size, color, and upholstery. The Aeron is more affordable and cost-effective than the Embody, with a lower starting price and a higher value. Therefore, if you are looking for a comfortable, ergonomic, and durable office chair, the Aeron is a better choice than the Embody.