22

Herman Miller Embody Review

True Score

80
79
4

Experts

85
459

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The Herman Miller Embody offers top-tier adjustability and comfort, and its high-quality materials make it a very durable pick. However, its lumbar support system may not be effective for everyone and is also quite expensive.

$1,199.00

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Product Snapshot

Overview

The Herman Miller Embody is a high-end office chair first announced in 2009. It is also known as the Classic Embody Chair, and it ranks high on our list of the best office chairs courtesy of its versatile ergonomics and adjustability. The chair has an integrated headrest, and its eye-catching design gives it a strong edge against other alternatives.

Regarding adjustability, the chair also offers seat height adjustment, tilt tension adjustment, a tilt limiter, height-adjustable armrests, and seat depth adjustment. Its sturdy build allows it to accommodate individuals weighing up to 300 pounds, and arrives fully assembled for added convenience.

Best For

  • Herman Miller

  • Lower Back Pain

  • Scoliosis

Consensus

our Verdict

The Herman Miller Embody offers the best mix of adjustability and comfort but for a very steep price. The high-end chair’s lumbar support is also quite unique, as its lower back support mechanism consists of a “spine” that can be adjusted forward or backward to find the best fit for your own spine and thus offer the highest level of comfort. Its seat height is adjustable by 4.5”, its armrests are height adjustable by 4.75” and also width adjustable, its seat depth by about 3”, its tilt angle by 12°, and its backrest recline angle by about 105°.

The Herman Miller Embody is a premium-feeling chair designed with top-tier materials. Its frame is held up by a polished aluminum base with five smooth-rolling casters.

Reason to Buy

  • Exceptional ergonomics and adjustability
    • The Herman Miller Embody is an office chair that can be tuned to an individual’s specific adjustment needs.

    • Owners will be able to adjust its seat height (by 4.5”), armrest height (by 4.75”), seat depth (by 3”), tilt angle (by 12°), and recline angle (by up to 105°).

  • Great build quality
    • Every part of the Herman Miller Embody chair feels very premium, and the movements are also quite smooth when making adjustments.

    • The chair also has a polished aluminum base that can support individuals who weigh up to 300 pounds.

Reason to Avoid

  • Lumbar support may not be for everyone
    • The Miller Embody’s lumbar support system can only be set to be more or less pronounced, which may not be enough for everybody’s back support needs.

Herman Miller Embody Specs

Adjustable ArmrestsAdjustable ArmrestsYes
Armrest Height MaxArmrest Height Maxn/a
Armrest Height MinArmrest Height Minn/a
Backrest HeightBackrest Height24"
Backrest WidthBackrest Width13"
Frame ConstructionFrame ConstructionMetal and Plastic
Has FootrestHas FootrestNo
Head PillowHead PillowNo
Head RestHead RestNo
Lumbar SupportLumbar SupportAdjustable
Piston TypePiston TypePneumatic Cylinder
ReclineRecline120°
Seat DepthSeat Depth15 – 18"
Seat Height AdjustmentSeat Height Adjustment15.5 – 20.5"
Seat Padding MaterialSeat Padding MaterialFoam
Seat WidthSeat Width21.5"
UpholsteryUpholsteryFabric, Leather
Weight LimitWeight Limit300 lbs
Wheel TypeWheel TypeCasters

All Specs

Test Results

Max Recline (Degrees)0
Min Seat Height (inches)0
Max Seat Height (inches)20.6

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Product Comparison

Herman Miller Embody Review

True Score

80
84
80
82

Ranking

#

22

/

31

#

9

/

22

#

23

/

31

#

16

/

31

Market Context

The Herman Miller Embody is a high-end office chair first announced in 2009. It is also known as the Classic Embody Chair, and it ranks…

The Herman Miller Embody is a high-end office chair first announced in 2009. It is also known as the Classic Embody Chair, and it ranks high on our list of the best office chairs courtesy of its versatile ergonomics and adjustability. The chair has an integrated headrest, and its eye-catching design gives it a strong edge against other alternatives.

Regarding adjustability, the chair also offers seat height adjustment, tilt tension adjustment, a tilt limiter, height-adjustable armrests, and seat depth adjustment. Its sturdy build allows it to accommodate individuals weighing up to 300 pounds, and arrives fully assembled for added convenience.

The Herman Miller Embody was designed with office use in mind. However, the Herman Miller Logitech Embody will suit gamers more. The Gaming Embody features…

The Herman Miller Embody was designed with office use in mind. However, the Herman Miller Logitech Embody will suit gamers more. The Gaming Embody features a layer of copper-infused foam, while the Classic Embody has a scrim foam layer. This makes the Classic Embody feel much softer and bouncier than the gaming variant. The Gaming Embody also has a cooling foam on the seat that helps keep gamers cool when seated for long hours. Their back support also feels different, as the Classic Embody is more tailored towards comfort, while the gaming variant encourages users to maintain a straight posture. Here’s our Herman Miller X Logitech Embody Review for more on the gaming chair.

While the Herman Miller Embody is touted as the most advanced ergonomic chair from Herman Miller, while the Herman Miller Sayl is a more affordable…

While the Herman Miller Embody is touted as the most advanced ergonomic chair from Herman Miller, while the Herman Miller Sayl is a more affordable alternative that doesn’t quite offer the same level of adjustability and ergonomics. For example, the Sayl doesn’t offer the headrest support that the Miller Embody does, and it also doesn’t have 4-way adjustable armrests and customizable seat depth – both offered by the Miller Embody. Check out our Herman Miller Sayl review for more information on what else it offers.

The Herman Miller Embody’s lumbar support is not as straight-forward as that of the Steelcase Gesture, as that of the Gesture is height adjustable while…

The Herman Miller Embody’s lumbar support is not as straight-forward as that of the Steelcase Gesture, as that of the Gesture is height adjustable while the Embody’s is designed to be adjusted in accordance to your level of back comfort. In terms of adjustability, the Embody is capable of a 105° recline angle, while the Steelcase Gesture’s backrest reclines back up to 125°. Regarding seat height adjustment, the Miller Embody has a 4.5” range of adjustment, while the Steelcase Gesture can be adjusted by up to 5”. Take a look at what else it has in store in our Steelcase Gesture review.

Adjustable Armrests

Yes

Yes

Yes

Armrest Height Max

n/a

n/a

10.5", 10.78"

32"

Armrest Height Min

n/a

n/a

7"

22"

Backrest Height

24"

23"

21"

24"

Backrest Width

13"

29"

17"

17"

Frame Construction

Metal and Plastic

Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Nylon

Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Nylon

Has Footrest

No

No

No

Head Pillow

No

n/a

No

No

Dig Deeper

Herman Miller X Logitech Embody Gaming Chair Review →

Herman Miller Sayl Review →

Steelcase Gesture Review →

All Stores

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  • $1,199.00

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    No

Score Card

E

Expert Score

79

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

85

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

80

Expert Score Breakdown

  • Techgear Lab
    68.49

    Category Trust Score

    77
    The Herman Miller Embody scored exceptionally well in our tests and is a premium office… read more

    By:

    David Wise
  • BTOD
    49.33

    Category Trust Score

    81
    I am very particular about my chair. I have used the same Nightingale CXO chair… read more

    By:

    Ryan Bald
  • ZDNet
    73.92

    Category Trust Score

    80
    To be clear, that cost is simply not worth it for every buyer. However, if… read more

    By:

    Michael Gariffo
  • The Tech Reviewer
    0

    Category Trust Score

    NR
    When it comes down to it, Herman Miller’s Embody chair is a classic example of… read more

    By:

    Colt Agar

Customer Score Breakdown

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