Home Office Chair Upgrade! ~ Sub $500 Ergonomic Chair Guide
Check out my review of the Herman Miller Aeron "Onyx Ultra Matte" edition: • The Ultimate Office Ch... 👀
The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/minimalistik04211
In this video, we're comparing and reviewing 4 popular ergonomic chairs that don't break the bank!
This video was sponsored by Skillshare.
Branch Ergonomic Chair
www.jdoqocy.com/click-8844189...
Laura Davidson Bowery
www.lauradavidsondirect.com/c... (use code minimalistik for 15% off)
Steelcase Series 1
store.steelcase.com/seating/o...
Steelcase Series 2
store.steelcase.com/seating/o...
Kit ~ kit.co/minimalistik/youtube-gear
Instagram ~ / minimalistik.tech
Filming Gear
Panasonic G9 Camera - amzn.to/3hA5Cym
Panasonic 10-25mm f/1.7 Lens - amzn.to/38T03Hw
Manfrotto 502 Video Head - amzn.to/3b3sjtM
Manfrotto 190Go Tripod Legs - amzn.to/38VsV1z
Rode Podmic Microphone - amzn.to/2X5BKAE
Audient Evo 4 Audio Interface - amzn.to/3n3K2mV
Compact Carbon Fiber Slider - amzn.to/3rQEL66
Elgato Key Light - amzn.to/351i458
Timestamps
Intro - 0:00
Judges - 0:35
Please subscribe :) - 2:07
Branch Ergonomic Chair Unboxing - 2:23
Branch Ergonomic Chair Overview - 2:29
Branch Ergonomic Chair Adjustments - 3:47
Branch Ergonomic Chair Review - 4:34
Laura Davidson Bowery Unboxing - 6:41
Laura Davidson Bowery Overview - 7:15
Laura Davidson Bowery Adjustments - 8:15
Laura Davidson Bowery Review - 8:48
Skillshare Ad - 9:59
Steelcase Series 1 Unboxing - 11:01
Steelcase Series 1 Overview - 11:16
Steelcase Series 1 Adjustments - 12:44
Steelcase Series 1 Review - 13:50
Steelcase Series 2 Unboxing - 15:30
Steelcase Series 2 Overview - 15:45
Steelcase Series 2 Adjustments - 17:25
Steelcase Series 2 Review - 18:02
Conclusion (TL;DW) - 19:34
Outro - 21:50
Disclaimers
This description contains affiliated links where I get a commission at no extra costs for my viewers. Most products are sent my way for free. I am not paid to review products and all opinions are my own.
Check out my review of the Herman Miller Aeron "Onyx Ultra Matte" edition: kzhead.info/sun/qM5qY7qirKJsn68/bejne.html 👀
which adjustable armrests would you say comes closest to the body (i.e. narrow width)?
It's crazy how nearly every single one of the chairs in this video's prices have increased significantly (as of mid 2022). Every price he's quoting is like $75 less then their websites...with discount codes! Branch is $50 higher, Steelcase Series 1 is $100 more! It's nuts.
ikr
@@pcoast3678 It’s not inflation, it’s price gouging.
They are even pricier now
@@RobSquared44 If the supply chain costs went up during the "shutdown," and manufacturing slowed down, then it's not price gouging.. businesses have profit margins that they want to meet, and if they don't raise prices, then workers get fucked.. it'll be extremely telling if they adjust prices back down in the next couple of years.
Series 2 is now $1141 - more than double the cost since this video came out!
Mr. Fluffball is the only opinion that matters haha. Love this style of video
Oh thanks Betty! Means so much coming from you! 😌
Wasn’t expecting you here. Also I love your videos.
Oh hey it's keyboard girl.
Agreed
Thank you so much for your video. I have I ordered the Steelcase Series 2 based off of your video with all the bells and whistles.
Thank you so much for such a good informative video. Well done! 👍🏼
Thank you Mr. Fluffball for your service
OMG I’ve been looking for this!
Thanks Dan! Glad you enjoyed! 😌
I'm glad someone is reviewing Steelcase chairs. I'm in my first non-Steelcase chair in 8 years, and even though the one I got is nice and comfortable, I am still going back to Steelcase. Aeron chairs are great for small tech workers or small gamers, but a solid Steelcase chair is night and day better for larger tech workers or gamers.
Really?? I’m looking for good chair cuz I easily work 10-12 hours at a desk and I’m not sure if it’s worth the money
@@badbrunette412 Steel has multiple models. The mostly steel ones with the most support are the pricyest. I got an average or above average chair from staples, and just got a very good purple seat cushion. It has hard plastics on the frame and armrest, so there is some flex, but not terrible. But with this chair you realize how good the best steelcase chairs are. I would start with a good chair + purple seat cushion, and then save up for the best steelcase one. Or if you are smaller, aeon chairs are comfortable and have good airflow. Also very expensive though.
This helped me choose the steelcase series 2!
The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/minimalistik04211
You'd be better off buying a used Herman Miller Aeron. Lightyears better than of these cheap copycat knockoffs.
@@svlagonda7417 Steelcase are not knockoffs for sure, they’re as relevant as Herman Miller in office space furniture
thanks for the high quality video dude 🧡🧡🧡 and thanks for testing for lighter and shorter people
Ughhh, I wish this video came out last week while I was searching for a chair for my new condo!!! I was so stuck between the branch chair, series 1, and series 2! I decided to go with the series 2 in the end with the 3d microknit back and lumbar support!!! I ordered it last weekend and it's coming in a few days and I'm super excited to finally upgrade from my cheap Ikea chair! Will be doing a review on it too!!! Anyways, this was an awesome in-depth comparison that will help so many people out! Your production quality is awesome and I'm definitely subbing to you! I love keyboards too! 😁
Hey thanks Gadgetsu! I'm happy for you that you picked the Series 2 with lumbar support, I'm sure you'll love it! 😄
@@minimalistik Thank you! 😁
How’s the chair?
How are you liking the chair? I am 5'1" and looking for adequate lumbar support, as I hear the Series 1 lumbar is a bit lacking.
Thank you for posting this helpful video
Liking the video for Mr. Fluffball's expression :D
How weird this just comes out as I have spent the last 4 hours looking for a budget chair. Now I am worried minimalistik is spying on me 😳😆
Hello Mr. Satysin 🥸
I think that is in the fine print.
Excellent review. Thanks for the work! Now I want to try a Steelcase Chair even though I'm about to receive a Herman Miller Aeron... :)
Return it and go for a Steelcase leap or Sieries 1. It is definitely worth it. I know a guy that works for Aeron and told me the parts are really cheap. Meaning overtime they wear quickly.
An interesting point that could be made for each chair, on top of warranty, would be the return policy of each chair. I find a good return policy for purchasing a chair sight-unseen is important.
That's a good point! I'll definitely keep it in mind for similar videos in the future! Thanks! 🙂
Hello, thank you for such a nice and informative video! I'm looking for a chair with a solid back that allows me to sit more upright and also with stiff seat padding. Does either of the Steelcase ones do the jobs? Thanks!
witch of these if any would you recommend for a bigger person!?
Like you vid! I got the Series 2 but the seat hurt my bum alot after a while. Im on edge with the Branch but not sure if the seat is more soft
Amazing review! I got the Series 1 with a headrest and I love it. I’ve been using it every day for almost 6 months and the seat feels just as good as the day it arrived - no compression of the foam. Another slight downside (aside from the ones you noted) is how easily the arm rest slides around. I wish it could lock or had a little more resistance.
I’m interested in this chair but not sure if it will work well for someone who is 5’2. What’s your height for reference?
@@duakashany2462 I’m 5’6.
@@duakashany2462 I mean he said the girl in the video was 5'3 and she liked it...
Man, removing the lumbar support on my Branch chair changed everything -- thank you for that! lmao
I purchased a Branch chair based on this review and it is actually a great chair. However, I'd like something a bit smaller in size. Is the Steelcase Series 1 smaller or does it just look smaller? I am considering returning the branch chair and getting the smaller chair for my small workspace.
Love this video! Do you think stretching the budget up from series 1/2 range up to the leap and gesture is worth it?
I think it can be worth it if you sit a lot at your desk like 10+ hours. You get more adjustments with the Leap and Gesture, so better support if well adjusted to your body :) I still use the Gesture for my full-time job, but I don't mind using the Series 1 when I use my gaming setup!
I have the option from my company, to pick for free either the Steelcase Series 1, the Sedus Quarterback or a height adjustable desk! Do you have an opinion on what to pick? As much as I tried searching, I can't find any reviews/opinions on the Sedus chair... Just by the looks, I find the Sedus chair more attractive, plus it has a larger back, but on the other hand I think Steelcase is a bigger brand, I have found quite good reviews on the Series 1 and I can also take the headrest as well with the chair... I am 5'07" and I have a few extra weight (but nothing too much). Did you perhaps find the seat of the Series 1 on the "small" side? By the looks of it, it seems like a small chair and not sure if it will be comfortable for someone with a few weight more... I usually spend around 8-10 hours on my chair for work, since I work remotely... Finally do you think that a chair is a better buy than a height adjustable desk? Thanks for the opinion/feedback!!
we’re you able to get the branch lumbar support piece back on? i’m trying to put it back now and having a lot of trouble
Yo, I have the Bowery and this review is spot on (I love it though). Although I think the styling is pretty different from the Sayl (different shape back, different mesh, has an H frame, not Y). The differences is why I got it. Probably inspired by, but not a copy IMO. 🤷♂️ Great video.
Yeah I looked at the Sayl again and was like... ok not identical 😅
The laptop tray at 19:16 looks great. Able to share the link?
I got a kickass deal on a steelcase series 1 from a used store. It's really great
Thanks for the in-depth review!
Woah glad you enjoyed! 😀
I am looking for an ergonomic adjustable chair that is leather and overstuffed, like a recliner. So many of the cushy leather office chairs seem to lack the arm adaptability I want though.
such a good review! wish i had watched this before buying the ergonomic chair from branch. too much lower back pain and arms are flimsy 😕. looking to get the steel case series 1! thanks for the detailed review!
How do these compare to the popular IKEA chairs? (etc. the Marcus chair)
Hi I'm 6'2", and was wondering how far the seat cushion can come forward. I would want the back of my knee to be closer to the cushion~ Also, for a tall guy, is the back height tall enough?? Thanks!
So nice to see availability of good, affordable office chairs in Vancouver. In NYC, Manhattan Office Design is the best option, for affordable nice office furniture with brands such as Humanscale Furniture and HON Furniture. #officefurniture #nyc
Also thoughts on steelcase Leap v2 vs Series 2?
is the seat of the series 1/2 firm?
On the Branch Ergonomic chair, could you maybe put like a soft towel between the lumbar support pad and the mesh backing of the chair for cushion? do you think that would help making the lumbar support more tolerable?
Thanks for your vid! This help me a lot. I would like to go for steelcase series 2 but unfortunately there is no lumbar support option here in Thailand. So I decided to go for series 1 instead since my lower back is hurt so badly.
How is the lumbar support on Series 1? I understand it is only height-adjustable but it doesn't do much. What is your experience? I am 5'1" (154-155 cm) and need noteworthy lumbar support, so want to make sure it's the right fit (pun intended haha).
This is a prime example of me being angry about sitting in a cheap foldable chair as a desk chair😂 But now I will learn to live with it til I can splurge to buy chairs in these price range.
Thanks, great video !!
Settled on purchasing the Steelcase Series 1, thanks!! Any discounts out there right now?
me too, how's the chair
@@dmitricherleto8234 fantastic, do not spring for the 4 way adjustable arms though. Total pain in the butt to reposition all the time (don’t lock in place).
What was your color combo for Steelcase 2? It’s beautiful and I can’t seem to recreate on the site no mater how hard I try? Thanks, great video!
Same here, can't seem to figure it out
Got it in another comment. Called peacock
I think Branch made updates to this chair. I just bought one last week and the arm rests are just like the chair you compared it to on your review. It is not hard plastic but kind of a foamy plastic. Also, I have zero issues with the lumbar support, maybe it's my anatomy but it's quite comfortable for me. It also rolls perfectly fine on hard floors. Either these things were fixed by Branch or you were nitpicking.
Great options for all of these price points.
I just bought the Nouhaus Ergo 3d. It hasn't come yet, but from the reviews it seems like the best option for 350 dollars.
Any chance on a how they have held up update?
After all this time, what do you use daily now?
I totally agree with Mr Fluffball 🥰😂
Hi I'm from Montreal, do you know anywhere I can get the steelcase chairs new at a lower price than the steelcase website? Otherwise if there are any steelcase chairs that you're not using after the review I would like to buy some from you!
Ebay, Amazon or the US of A's online sites?
Very informative. Question, what is the name/brand of the arm holding your webcam? I believe it’s a webcam
Ditto, I'd like to know as well
Hey thanks! That's from Elgato! Their multi mount system. I really like it, pretty solid too! Hope that helps! (links below) amzn.to/2RSFiGM amzn.to/3bpsQFx
Camera brand and model?
Hey ! Would you happen to know how those compare to both Autonomous' chairs (ErgoChair 2 and Kinn, which seem to have been rebranded as ErgoChair Pro and Pro+) ?
Hey Praxis! I have tried the Ergo Chair 2 in the past and the quality feels similar to the Laura Davidson and Branch (I believe they might be made in the same factory 😳! At least they share the same brand of seat mechanism). The big plus with the Ergo Chair is the head rest if you care about this, I personally didn't find the headrest that comfortable to see it as an important feature. Also the ErgoChair 2 was too large for my girlfriend. I believe Autonomous raised their prices quite a bit recently too. The Kinn is now $800 CAD here in Canada which I personally find way too expensive. I would get a Series 1 or 2 any day over Autonomous chairs, especially if the Steelcase are cheaper 😅
@@minimalistik alright, thanks a bunch for this pretty detailed answer !
Thanks man! That’s really helpful
The Series 2 you reviewed looks to be the Steelcase Amia?
Thanks for the amazing review! I want to get the steelcase series 1 chair with a headrest which is 72 bucks more. Is it worth the price and any downsides of it?
I wanted a headrest at first then realized I wouldn’t use it most of the time. That’s really up to you, if you’re going to use it even occasionally then 72 bucks isn’t that big of a a deal imo. Just have to be careful it will adjust properly to your height, which really shouldn’t be an issue with a solid product like Steelcase.
@@meanreversion6849 thank u!
Yes you can brake the plastic and metal chair base from chair, i have broken 2 of em from 500dol gaming chair just with sitting(2m/115kg so normal size too) :)
love my series 1!!!
okay but what keyboard is that?
whats that little 4 key thing with the knob under the left side of your desk? this is the only vid ive seen it in and it got my attention lol.
It's a Macropad from Pikatea :) www.pikatea.com/products/pikatea-macropad-gb3
@@minimalistik Awesome! Thanks so much :D
Such a good video
Thanks Ryan, means a lot! 😄
I love Mr Fluffball he is sosososo cuuuuuuuuuuute.
I settled on the Branch chair but after I watched this I am now wanting the Bowery. Ugh! Why is this such a hard decision to make! Y_Y
you need more subs
That would be great indeed haha! 😅
What do you recommend for someone who is 6'2"? Seat should be high (20" at least) and deep I suppose.
I'm 5'11" and all of those chairs would be too high at their nax seat height, so I would think you will be fine with any of them. Same thing with the seat depth. Maybe you could look into the Series 2 as its back goes a bit higher?
I have to give this video a thumbs up for the true star of the video (Mr. Fluffball).
you need to hit us with those render settings what the heck the bitrate on this video is insane
Definitely a high quality review but definitely not the prices I would expect for a budget option but maybe I'm crazy
I totally agree, but after doing some research. The big names in the space average 1200-1800 . Some s much as 5k
Yeah I've worked in alot of furniture industries and $500 is "cheap" for a great chair. The $60 chairs you see on Amazon rip easily and wears quickly. The series 1/2 I've had for 5 years and has yet to stain or show any wear. If you have to save a year to get it then it's definitely worth the price.
Nice keyboard
Will these steelcase chairs work for someone that is 6'6?
Series 1 or wait and buy the gesture few months down the line?
That's a very big difference in price, and also in the range of product from Steelcase (their cheapest vs. the best chair they offer) 😅 I will definitely keep my Gesture for my full time work, but I won't mind sitting on the Series 1 when I'm using my 2nd setup for gaming or filming videos. I think the Gesture might be the better buy if you sit 10+ hours a day given the level of support and adjustments it offers, that's kind of the reason why I would go with the Gesture over a cheaper Series 1 or 2 variant. Also, the arm rests are some of the best!!
What's the reason for most ergo office chairs lacking a decent recline? I'm in the market for a chair, coming from a stupid "gaming" chair. I bought it because it looked comfy, had a footrest and reclined very far back. The gas lift and recline lock are faulty now and it hurts my back,but I do like the far recline. I imagine ill miss it when I'm watching a video or using a controller and want to relax.
Yeah all the ergonomic chairs I've tried don't really recline lower than a ~45 degree angle I'd say. Maybe that means one shouldn't lay back like that? haha don't know! 😅
14:45 The BENQ EX2780Q, the same monitor I'm watching this video on
The Steelcase Series 2 is +1000$ using your link and I don't see how to get it to -500$ price tag :/
I got the Branch one and I'm getting upper back pain.
think your for this video. Can you make one video to compare Steelcase and Herman Miller? Sorry for my English i'm a Swiss gay and i lern only one yier on bachelor.
BRO HOW DO YOU KEEP THE HOUSE SO CLEAN WITH THAT CAT?!?? I’m looking for advice
I would absolutely trust Mr. Fluffball with this decision. I got the Herman Miller Aeron a few months ago and it is the best chair I ever sat in!
Haha Raph! Content que tu aimes ta Aeron, j'ai failli en acheter une avec tous les ajustements mais j'ai penché pour la Gesture de Steelcase finalement 🤷♂️
Name of chair at 0:52 please
I believe the Bodi is actually the cheapest ergo style chair. The Zilo and Siya are also both cheaper.
What is that wallpaper I need it 🥺
My girlfriend made it! 😄 This specific one isn't public, but you can see her work here: www.etsy.com/shop/artsydesignsbya
Really like the look of the Steelcase Series 1 but €500 here in France with no customisation options sucks 😩Trying to find a decent office chair that isn't a Herman Miller here in France is a god damn nightmare.
Oh no that’s unfortunate 😞 I bet you may have European brands though? Have you looked at Keilhauer?
@@minimalistik keilhauer is Canadian I believe
@@Halarue oh I thought it was a German company, yeah maybe 🤔
@@minimalistik also looking at good choices in Europe but everything is pretty expensive indeed. Loved the video BTW
@@minimalistik There are not many European chair makers in the budget range sadly. Everything is >€800 for their entry level products. I appreciate an expensive chair is a great investment but right now spending more than €300 really isn't possible for me 🙁
There are three key elements if you buy an office chair. 1. Height control. 2. Back support. 3. Armrests. There are another important elements like the depth tilt or a headrest. But what really count is to set your height correctly. Manhattan Office Design #officefurniture
Ci sono sedie con bracci sollevabili?
Hi. Im looking now for weeks for a good chair. Dozens of videos and reviews. I have a bad lower back and have always pain. I decided now to buy the Steelcase Series 2. It is a really expensive chair and i really hope it is the right one for me. Wish me luck.
How is it?
@@dmitricherleto8234 very comfy
Just think about how much you might save from the chiropractor, or just the pain alone. Your back and health in general are priceless! What blows my mind is some people spend a fortune in hardware and gadgets they don’t need then buy cheap and horrible chairs.
subbed for Mr. Fluffball
that cat looks more evil than the demigorgon in stranger things, damn
You CAN break plastic chair bases. When I was younger and… getting real busy as a student, I definitely broke a chair.
I want the steelcase series 1 so bad but it comes to a total of $760 cad. my current chair is killing my lower back Im so tempted to pull the trigger but it seems like so much to spend on a chair
It is definitely worth it. The leap is my personal favorite but the series 1 is the next best. It saves your back a lifetime of bills.
Mr Fluffball is the only opinion I need
SO out of all the chairs youve tried ...is the Gesture still the number 1 pick? Im literally about to hit the buy now button....
Yup! :D Long story short, the Gesture is the most adjustable, the arm rest adjustments are some of the best. It would be a better chair if you sit for 10+ hours a day (like I do), while the Series 1/2 are also great but maybe for a normal 7-8 hour of sitting per day
I wish any chairs at this level had flip up arms. Enough to play a guitar or bass.
Oh yeah, that's another great feature they could have haha! can't have it all 😞
Made for each other == Lower back + Upper back pain
I really suggest the staples hyken, super comfortable for $300 cad
how about autonomous ergo chair 2?
It's a decent chair, but in the same quality range as the Laura Davidson and Branch (same seat mechanism brand) The Ergo Chair 2 has a headrest if that's something you like, but I believe Autonomous have recently raised their prices and they're not as interesting as they used to be 🤔
Wobly crap.
Been using Steelcase Series 2 for more than half a year. It's been a worthwhile investment as I sit for 8+ hours a day. No sign of wear nor flimsiness so far. Spec: White frame with Jay Blue fabric, 3D Microknit + lumbar support, 4-way adjustable arm rests, headrest & hard floor wheels.
Oh that’s a nice build 😏
@@minimalistik Remarkably this configuration cost 1800 MYR (~435 USD). Maybe it's partly thanks to the Steelcase manufacturing plant in Malaysia.
How about the firmness of the seats do they bottom out after a while like most foam seats?
@@dac33nr58 Nope, it still feels the same like day one. It also remained consistent throughout whole day of sitting. It's worth noting that the seat cushion is on the firm side, which is apparently a trait of Steelcase chairs even at the highest end according to BTOD.com. I assume it helps with supportiveness and longevity. FYI I'm weight 65kg and 168cm tall.
@@nunucheong Thanks for your reply, I will consider the series 2 and the Amia chair.
Hey everyone, if you want to know what the kitty chose it was the steel series. 21:39
I would like Mr Fluffball to review the „new think“ chair, wondering if he would prefer this one over the series 2🤔 I think he is the most trusted tester out there that is no payed by manufacturers😂
Damn the Series 1 is currently starting at $435.
🚨*Attention*🚨 ⚡For Everyone's Awareness ⚡ Guys, the most important feature in the ergonomic chair is *Forward Tilt* (At least 5 to 7 Degrees both *Seat and Back Support Forward Tilt*) If a chair doesn't have a *forward tilt mechanism*, then after sometime you feel all other ergonomics are waste, Forward tilt is very important if you are working on table/desk using your Laptop/System, Writing or Drawing.
You failed to mention the minimal and max height the seats could adjust to.
Yeah that and the return policies... but the video would have been like 30 minutes long so 😬 I have noticed that the Steelcase Series 1/2 go a bit lower than the other 2 though!
@@minimalistik good to know. trying to shop for my kids.
Tu sonnes tellement Québécois 😂