Haworth Fern vs Steelcase Leap V2: Best Ergonomic Office Chair

Your choice between the Haworth Fern and the Steelcase Leap V2 comes down to how much you move while you work. The Leap V2 uses a rigid frame with LiveBack technology to lock your spine into a strict, upright typing posture. It forces good habits. The Fern takes the opposite approach. Its frameless, suspension-based backrest bends and twists with your torso, giving you room to stretch during long shifts.

If you need aggressive lower back support and sit dead-still, buy the Leap. If you constantly shift your weight and hate feeling trapped in an ergonomic office chair, get the Fern. Both cost over a thousand dollars, but they cater to completely different sitting habits and body types.

Get the Steelcase Leap V2 if you want strict posture control and aggressive lumbar support for focused, upright typing. Choose the Haworth Fern if you prefer a flexible, hammock-like backrest that lets you stretch and shift your weight freely.

Haworth Fern

Best for Active Sitting

Haworth Fern Ergonomic Office Chair

A flexible chair that moves with your body for unrestrictive, all-day comfort.

9.2/10

EXPERT SCORE

Inspired by a fern leaf, this chair’s back provides flexible support that cradles your spine as you move. It comes fully assembled with 4D armrests, adjustable seat depth, and lumbar support. The chair supports users up to 350 lbs and is backed by a 12-year warranty. Note that the base is made of plastic.

View Price at Amazon.com

• Seat Height: 16.5 to 21.5 inches
\n
• Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
\n
• Backrest: Frameless 3-part flexible Endo-skeleton
\n
• Arms: 4D adjustable (height, width, pivot, depth)

Pros:

• Tall, flexible backrest accommodates stretching and shifting
\n
• Extremely comfortable, unrestricted seat pan design
\n
• Aesthetically pleasing, modern design fits home offices

Cons:

• Lumbar support is an add-on and can feel overly aggressive
\n
• Armrests are slightly less rigid than Steelcase models

Steelcase Leap V2

Most Fine-Tuned Adjustments

Steelcase Leap V2 Office Chair

Offers seven points of adjustment to fine-tune your posture for focused work.

9.2/10

EXPERT SCORE

The Leap chair uses 3D LiveBack technology that mimics your spine’s natural shape for continuous support. As you recline, the Natural Glide System keeps you close to your desk. You can dial in the perfect lower back firmness and adjust the 4D arms for a custom fit. It has a more structured feel than flexible chairs.

View Price at Amazon.com

• Seat Height: 16 to 20.5 inches
\n
• Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
\n
• Backrest: LiveBack technology with lower back firmness dial
\n
• Arms: Highly articulate 4D adjustable

Pros:

• Industry-leading 4D armrests with massive range of motion
\n
• Highly customizable lumbar height and lower back firmness
\n
• Exceptional build quality with a 12-year daily use warranty

Cons:

• Seat pad foam is notably thin and causes tailbone fatigue for some
\n
• Backrest is shorter and lacks upper shoulder support for tall users

Backrest Design and Comfort

The backrest dictates how these chairs feel. The Haworth Fern features a flexible suspension system that bends when you twist to grab a file or stretch. It feels unrestrictive. The Steelcase Leap V2 uses a rigid plastic frame with its LiveBack system. It flexes slightly but prioritizes forcing your spine into an upright alignment. If you stand over six feet tall, you will immediately notice the Leap’s shorter backrest digging into your shoulder blades, making the taller Fern the obvious choice for upper back comfort.

Lumbar Support Adjustability

The Steelcase Leap V2 dominates lower back support. It features a sliding bar for lumbar height and a specific firmness dial that changes the tension of the plastic curve. You can match it exactly to your spine’s arch. The Haworth Fern offers an optional lumbar balloon insert that slides up and down, but you cannot change its depth. We found the Fern’s optional lumbar feels like a hard plastic bubble against the spine. Skip the Fern’s lumbar add-on entirely, or buy the Leap V2 if you have lower back pain.

Seat Cushion and Depth

Both chairs include adjustable seat depth, but their cushions sit completely differently. The Steelcase Leap V2 uses a thin, dense foam pad engineered to distribute weight over long hours. However, if you weigh over 200 pounds, you might feel yourself bottoming out against the hard plastic pan, causing tailbone fatigue. The Haworth Fern provides a thicker foam cushion with a gentle waterfall edge that immediately relieves pressure on your hamstrings. If you hate firm, rigid seats, the Fern offers a much softer landing.

Armrest Range and Usability

Steelcase builds the best armrests in the office furniture industry. The Leap V2’s armrests adjust in height, width, depth, and pivot, and they stay completely level when you recline. Their track system lets you pull the pads flush against your ribs for supported typing. The Fern’s armrests offer similar directional adjustments and softer pads, but the adjustment triggers feel stiff. More importantly, the Fern’s armrests sit wider apart, meaning narrow-shouldered users have to flare their elbows out to reach them.

Recline and Tilt Mechanisms

The Leap V2 features a variable stop tilt lock. You set a limit on how far back you can lean, but the chair never locks you into a reclined angle. As you lean back, the seat pan slides forward, keeping your eyes level with your monitor so you can keep working. The Fern uses a synchronous tilt with a multi-position back stop. It tilts your hips back with your shoulders, creating a smoother, hammock-like rock that feels much better for taking a phone call or relaxing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Verdict

Your daily workflow dictates this choice. Buy the Leap V2 if you suffer from lower back pain and need strict posture enforcement. Get the Fern if you constantly shift your weight and want room to stretch.