Is it just me or comparing the Herman Miller Aeron vs Mirra 2 is just tough. These ergonomic chairs share a lot of similarities and they are versatile in terms of fulfilling most of the users’ support and comfort needs.
There are also a wide range of differences between the Aeron and Mirra 2, which make it harder to figure out which chair is best.
But I’m sure that with help you will understand key differences and find a better chair for you. Here’s a quick comparison table with the most important features of both chairs:
Table setup not completed.Quick jump to:
So as the battle continues, picking out the best comfortable chair for your office could potentially pose a challenge. It’s even harder if you have workers of different sizes and heights, and they all need to be comfortable during work. Studies show that much of the workers’ productivity results in their well-being, and it starts with their work tools.
In this Herman Miller Aeron vs Mirra 2 comparison and review post, I’ll take you through the similarities and differences between these chairs, and hopefully help you decide which one is ideal for you.
Herman Miller Aeron Review
The Herman Miller Aeron is one of the most popular chairs in the world today. It’s also among the most bought chairs since its introduction in 1994 and has tons of reviews to back its efficiency. To add on, it comes fully assembled when delivered, so there won’t be the struggle of determining what part goes where. A 12-year warranty and onsite repairs are provided for the chair by the manufacturer in case of a problem.
The Herman Miller Aeron is a high-end ergonomic chair with all its components specially created for it. That’s to say that there are a smooth operation and sync among all parts of the chair that make it a comfortable seat to have.
This is an all-mesh chair, and this fabric is a top-notch quality polymer designed to be comfortable, breathable, and durable. Aeron also features comfortable armrests with soft and rounded beautiful arm pads to lean on.
Herman Miller Aeron can be upgraded to enhance its usability and ergonomics. These upgrades include a tilt limiter with a forward seat tilt mechanism that allows the chair to tilt to different positions.
The seat tilting option allows you the option to gear up for intensive task that needs full concentration and good posture.
It also has a constant recline motion that swiftly moves back and forth with no interference on your back’s alignment. Users appreciate the fact that the spine is protected either way as it remains in the same position and is comfortable when reclining backward or forward. It gets better with the adjustable lumbar support, which covers the vertical area for better support of the back. Backrest with adjustable lumbar support will cost you extra money.
There is also a third version of the backrest, called PostureFit SL. This is an optional upgrade that supports your mid-back. Since it’s adjustable, the PostureFit SL allows you to control the amount of support you get while sitting by turning the dial clockwise to make it more pronounced and anti-clockwise to make it less. Most people say that they loosen it when they are breaking from work and want to ease down. In this version lumbar support is also height-adjustable so you could get the optimum support exactly where you need it.
It’s hard to emphasize the importance of the PostureFit SL. I wish that Herman Miller included it in this chair’s standard features. For now, PostureFit SL backrest is an additional feature that you have to pay extra for. All in all, as you throw some upgrades on the chair, I’d recommend this lumbar support kit to be among the first. Frankly, PostureFit SL backrest is one of the best upgrades you can invest in, when buying Herman Miller Aeron. It’s totally worth the money!
Check Herman Miller Aeron with PostureFit SL Availability & Colors
Another upgrade that you should consider investing in, is the armrest upgrade. The basic version of Aeron comes with stationary armrests, height-adjustable arms or 3D arms cost extra.
The Aeron has received mixed reviews with some users raising concerns about the metal at the top of the seat coming into contact with your back while stretching. The seat side bolts can be slightly uncomfortable to the hip too when they come into contact. This may apply especially to a tall and chubby person. It’s important to remember that Aeron comes in 3 different sizes and it’s crucial to pick the right one! These three options do it for the majority of the population. They are hard to go wrong with as long as you stick to the recommended height and weight ranges.
It’s great to note that’s the Aeron is an environmentally friendly chair that is made from recyclable material in one of Herman Miller’s greenhouse facilities.
Herman Miller Mirra 2 Review
The Mirra 2 has been reviewed as one of the best chairs amongst all Herman Miller chairs. It stands out as one of the cheapest chairs in Herman Miller collection, at least in its most basic version. There are a lot of useful upgrades that you can add extra to your Mirra 2 chair, at additional price, to make it even more comfortable. More on that later.
Starting with the overall quality, Mirra 2 is a quality top-end chair designed by Studio 7.5 out of Berlin, Germany. The design of Mirra 2 chair is truly high-end and up-to-date.
Visit Amazon To See Available Versions Of Herman Miller Mirra 2
Let’s see what types of backrest Mirra 2 offers. You can choose either Butterfly Suspension Back or TriFlex Polymer Back.
The former one is more expensive – this type of backrest is made of a polymer, it features vents that provide excellent breathability (reducing back sweating) and a fabric layer. This backrest conforms to your back shape and supports you when you’re changing position.
The latter one is also made of a polymer and features vents that allow the air to circulate through and keep your back cool. This backrest is flexible so it adjust to your position. It lacks the fabric layer so it’s a bit cooler, but also much easier to clean.
The back area is upgradable with nice lumbar support offering height and depth adjustment (the latter one allows you to change “how much” support in lower back you feel).
Similar to Herman Miller Aeron, Mirra 2 has a built-in PostureFit backrest that ensures your spine is fully supported – from pelvis to upper back.
For the seating comfort, the comfortable mesh on the Mirra 2 creates a feeling of floating on the seat, without the feeling of “sinking in”, causing one to always try adjusting their sitting position.
For some, the pronounced metal frames of the Herman Miller Mirra 2 chair can seem uncomfortable, but the flex front adjustment option helps reduce the tipping of the frame for a better sitting position. You can also use it to create more room for your thighs. Adjustable seat depth is a crucial function especially for users with longer legs. As always, getting more advanced features costs more – and adjustable seat depth is no exception. If you want your Herman Miller Mirra 2 to have adjustable seat depth (flexible front edge) you need to spend “a few” dollars extra.
Another thing that you can choose to upgrade are armrests – you can choose them to be fixed or adjustable. If you decide to pay more and get the adjustable ones, Herman Miller Mirra has a phenomenal adjustments range. These more expensive arms adjust in 4 direction: they move upwards or downwards, forward or backward, inward or outward and pivot from left to right!
Thanks to adjustable arm depth, they fit smaller individuals, as well as those who are more chubby. All of these minute adjustments help a lot in ensuring adequate arm support without strain. The Mirra 2 arms also have a unique waterfall front shape, they are broad in size with soft and cushy pads covered with a durable outer skin.
One more upgrade that you can add to your Mirra 2 chair is Tilt Limiter with Seat Angle Adjustment. You see, when you get basic Mirra 2 with standard tilt, the chair rocks back and forth, you can adjust the tilt tension, but you cannot lock it and there is no forward tilt. If you decide to upgrade the tilt (at additional price), you’ll get more tilt positions, tilt tension controller, tilt lock and forward tilt which is essential for people who often lean forward while working.
If you visit Herman Miller website you’ll notice that the title upgrade is the cheapest out of all upgrades that you can add – and it’s definitely worth the money.
Herman Miller Mirra 2 has 350-pound weight limit that enables it to hold heavier weights, thereby, making it usable by most people.
Like many of Herman Miller products, Mirra 2 is environmentally friendly, made from 90% recycled material of post and pre-consumer content. It is made in the company’s greenhouse facility that uses renewable energy. The best part is that Mirra 2 chair can be recycled after you are done using it. It also comes with a 12-year warranty and a service plan – so it’s a win-win for all.
Herman Miller Mirra 2 vs Aeron: Similarities
Purchase & Return Policies
Having being built by the same company, both chairs share the same policies, including a 12-year warranty, which is a rare offer for other brands. They also have an onsite service plan that the company offers for repairs. They both have a return policy that exempts one from the shipping charges with a full refund in the event you are not comfortable with the chair.
High-End Quality Built
Each chair is built with keen specifications that are high-end, customizable, and ergonomically functional for office applications. All the different specs are tailored to meet user needs. Both chairs are upgradable for extra money (you can add the lumbar support adjustments, armrest adjustments, Tilt Limiter etc.)
Both chairs have polymer sitting mesh, which gives a feeling of floating in the air. They are comfortable and breathable, to say the least.
The back support of the Aeron and the Mirra 2 are designed to offer a smooth and natural feel while maintaining your back’s posture. They “follow” your body movement when you change your position.
Lastly, both of these chairs are made with environmentally friendly materials.
Customization
Basic version of each chair offers a seat height adjustment and standard tilt. All other functions and adjustments are available if you pay extra for them: different types of backrests, adjustable lumbar support, armrests adjustments and Tilt Limiter.
All of these upgrades cost extra, making both chairs more luxury and even more expensive. But they also make them more comfy and ensure your body is getting an excellent support the whole time you spend sitting. If you’re looking for an ergonomic office chair that will help you with posture or reduce your back pain, you should consider investing in those adjustments.
Back Support
Both Aeron and Mirra 2 in their basic version come with standard S-shaped backrest with non-adjustable lumbar support. If your budget is bigger, you should consider getting the upgraded adjustable lumbar support. Aeron gives you two options: height-adjustable lumbar support or PostureFit SL backrest that has height- and depth-adjustable lumbar support. Mirra 2 has 1 type of adjustable lumbar support: height- and depth-adjustable (at extra price).
Herman Miller Aeron vs Mirra 2: Differences
Size
While the Aeron comes in three sizes, small (A), medium (B), and large (C), the Mirra comes in a single size. The three sizes of the Herman Miller Aeron chair make it possible for different individuals to get a chair that is customized for their size – therefore provides ultimate comfort and support for their body. However, you need to specify your size correctly before purchasing.
The single size option for the Mirra chair comes with a ton of adjustments to fit any size individual. So it’s possible for different people to get a comfortable sitting position from one chair in the case of a home office. However, to get all of these adjustments you need to spend some extra money.
After comparing sizes of Aeron and Mirra 2 I can tell you that Mirra 2 is most similar to Aeron size B, so it’s perfect for average in height users, but thanks to adjustable seat depth and wider seat and arms, it can be used by bigger users as well. It will fit people with long legs and wide hips.
Backrest Design
Although both Mirra 2 and Aeron have nice breathable backrests, their design is totally different. Aeron has an upholstery made of a woven suspension fabric which is very flexible, supportive and airy at the same time. Mirra 2 has 2 types of backrest: they are made of a polymer, have vents for better air circulation, and one of the has a layer of thin fabric, while the other lacks it.
Each of these chairs is fantastic option for someone who has tendency too sweat a lot, however the Mirra 2 version without the fabric may feel too cold or too hard for some people. If you want something softer and/or springy – get the Aeron or choose Mirra 2 with fabric back (called Butterfly Suspension).
Check on Amazon Herman Miller Mirra 2 Butterfly / Mirra 2 TriFlex
Seat Depth
Mirra 2 stands out with the option of upgrading the seat to depth-adjustable. Herman Miller Aeron, even in the most advanced and expensive version lacks this feature. It’s an important feature for tall people with long legs as it allows them to adjust the seat so they can get proper support for their thighs.
Armrest
The differences on the Aeron vs Mirra 2 armrests outweigh the similarities. Aeron offers 3 types of arms, while Mirra 2 offers 2 types of arms.
Each chair can be bought with basic armrests that are fixed (non adjustable). If you have more flexible budget I recommend you getting some adjustments. Aeron offers height-adjustable armrests or 3D armrest (up & down, forward & backward, left & right pivot).
Mirra 2 offers 4D armrests at extra price. They adjust similarly to Aeron’s arms, but they additionally offer width adjustment (inward & outward movement).
Width-adjustment is necessary for accommodating people with different hip sizes. On the other hand, even the 3D armrest on Aeron have fixed arm width. This might be a big deal if you’re keen to pick the perfect size for your needs. The Aeron has rounded arm pads while the Mirra has a waterfall-like front with a wider surface for placing hands.
Herman Miller Aeron vs Mirra 2: Verdict
If you are out for a comfortable and versatile ergonomic chair, both the Herman Miller Aeron and Mirra 2 offer some of the best options on the market in 2021.
If the seat will be used mainly by one person and you have the budget, the Herman Miller Aeron has a lot worth going for. You can also purchase multiple chairs for your office employees provided you get their sizes correct.
On the other hand, if you want a chair that can be used by multiple office workers without it being either too small or too large, the Herman Miller Mirra 2 is the way to go. Just remember to add some useful functions like the adjustable seat depth that will make the chair more comfortable for people of different heights and sizes.
Since the features of Aeron and Mirra 2 and available upgrades are so similar, it’s most important to get the right size, that will fit your body perfectly.
Mirra 2 size is similar to Aeron size B, but the seat depth and wide seat and wide arms make it comfortable for average in height people, as well as users with big butt and long thighs. Size and adjustments of Mirra 2 make it less comfortable for very small or skinny person. In this case Aeron size A may be better choice.
If you’re average in height and size you can go for Aeron size B or Mirra 2 – even if you don’t have a flexible budget and can’t afford the upgrades and additional adjustments.
However, if you’re tall and have wide frame, Aeron size C or Mirra 2 with 4D arms and adjustable seat depth are your best choices.
BTW, if you decided that these chairs are too expensive, you may want to check our favorite Herman Miller cheap alternatives and knock-offs!