Steelcase Leap V2 Ergonomic Office Chair (2024 Review & Rating)

That depends on whom you’re asking.

But one thing’s for certain: the Steelcase Leap V2 is one of the best ergonomic chairs. Built with quality materials and with a wide range of adjustments, this chair is easy to customize.

Besides, its design is powered by a health-positive philosophy, so the Leap V2 task chair offers dynamic flexibility to keep you in a comfortable, correct position, no matter your movement patterns.

Don’t know what to expect?

I’ll try to provide you with everything you may want to know about the Steelcase brand.

Leap’s Pros and Cons, warranty, price, and returns, & I’ll analyze its design features.

My team tested this office chair, so you’ll find out their opinions below as well.

BETTER Alternatives anyone…

Let’s pick a winner…

Steelcase Leap V2 Review

I’ll compare the Leap V2 with another popular office chair that pushes ergonomics boundaries: Herman Miller Aeron.

The Steelcase Company / Manufacturer

Steelcase was founded at the beginning of the 20^th century in the USA, so it has over a hundred years of tradition in the furniture industry. Its original name was the Metal Office Furniture Company, so they focused on metal items.

This brand strived for diligence and innovation from its start, so it’s no wonder that they started developing patented technologies from them early on. One good example is their patented metal wastebasket that replaced the fire-hazard prone wicker basket.

This company started developing various dealer networks soon after its founding, so it retailed its home office furniture throughout the country. The name change to Steelcase Inc. happened in 1954, and the company grew under this new brand.

The brand is publicly traded since 1998, and it continues to manufacture high-quality furniture. Steelcase is renowned for its comfortable and sturdy products with good warranties and their helpful customer service.

Pros and Cons

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Pros – What I Like

Cons – What I don’t Like

Return Policy and Warranty

The Leap V2, just like all of Steelcase’s products with free shipping, sports a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee. So if you don’t like what the chair has to offer, you can return it with no shipping or restocking fees.

The caveat is that you need to pack the Leap chairs in their original packaging, so don’t throw that away just yet. The model comes with a warranty, one of the best I’ve seen for office furniture.

Steelcase is so confident in the frame’s sturdiness and stability that it offers a lifetime warranty for it. Like the arms, casters, gas cylinders, mechanisms, and padding, the other parts are good for 12 years.

The best thing about these warranties is that they cover 24/7 shift usage. That means you can sit in this chair day and night, and the frame will still outlast you.

If the model needs repairs in the meantime, you get them for free. The same goes for parts that need replacing if they don’t work properly. In case of extensive damage under normal use that can’t be repaired, Steelcase will give you a refund, credit, or they will replace this chair with another similar one.

Most Notable Features

Specifications

Build Quality

I’ve reviewed plenty of office chairs in my previous articles with my team, scoring them according to their characteristics. The V2 is one of the best on my list, with a score of 93/100.

So why did my team subtract points from the perfect 100 scores? The first reason is that the V2 is made in Mexico.

Although it’s a quality product, the Herman Miller office chairs are made in the USA, with top-quality parts, designed specifically for their chairs, as is the case with flagship models like the Aeron.

Instead, the V2 uses generic parts, which might not combine as seamlessly as custom-built ones.

But you can see that this is a quality chair just by analyzing the fit and finish, which don’t look cheap.

These finishing touches, along with the extended warranty and return policy, ensure the Leap’s high-quality build. Another reason why we’ve deducted some points is that the Leap uses plenty of plastics.

Generally speaking, plastic is not as resistant or stylish as other materials like wood, metal, or composites. However, Steelcase uses durable plastic for the V2 – and I’m reminding you here about the chair’s warranty.

Plastic also has the advantage of being a lightweight material. Another upside to plastic is its flexible support when compared to the stiffness of metal.

As such, the backrest is flexible and supportive, so its upper part can tilt, and its lower part can stick out. The seat panel is flexible because it adjusts to your movements, so you’re comfortably supported regardless of your position.

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Design

The Leap V2 is a well-thought chair that stemmed from the public’s need for an ergonomic, comfortable office chair you can sit in for hours at a time without compromising your health.

With generic office chairs, after a few hours sitting down, your shoulders get stiffs, your back begins to ache, and you get all sorts of cramps and muscle tension. That’s why medical practitioners advise people to get up and move every hour or so.

But is that feasible with your hectic work schedule?

That’s why Steelcase designed this feature-packed office chair to decrease the risk of back pain. It boasts various patented technologies and, in turn, improves your productivity. Leap’s design operates under the motto of a chair that moves when you move.

The first design innovation that makes this possible is the trademarked LiveBack technology, which allows the backrest to mimic your movements. That’s why the Leap moves along with your movements, providing dynamic support.

The trademarked Natural Glide System is another ergonomic innovation. This technology allows you to recline comfortably while still working. Normal office recliners need you to readjust your devices or strain your body to keep it aligned with your computer.

But the Leap’s Natural Glide System keeps your upper body aligned with the devices you’re using so you can maintain a correct, pain-free posture. The other design feature that lets the chair adapt ergonomically and naturally to your movements is the 4-way adjustable arms.

You can adjust the armrests’ positions vertically, horizontally, depth-wise, and pivot them. This high adjustability offers you reliable support for your upper body and neck regardless of your position, which reduces stiffness, aches and promotes a positive posture.

Comfort & Ergonomic Adjustments

The Steelcase V2 is a comfortable chair because it has an ergonomic, dynamically flexible, supportive, and highly adjustable design.

But some office chairs, like the Aeron, are ergonomic without being comfortable for all users. So when you appraise a chair in terms of comfort, you have to take into account various shapes, types, and heights, plus subjective preferences or possible pre-existing ailments.

While the V2 isn’t perfect, it scored an 89/100 with my team. The reason is that its seat and backrest pad is fairly thin, so it’s not as plush and cushiony as some people would like it.

Even so, the chair doesn’t feel uncomfortable even after prolonged sitting thanks to its ergonomic, “move-when-you-move” design.

However, if you have health issues like hemorrhoids, arthritis, or if you’re pregnant, you might prefer more cushiony padding.

The Leap’s upholstery is soft, smooth, and doesn’t scratch your skin. If you’re less than 400 pounds, the chair can hold you seamlessly. If you’re very tall, though, the backrest’s edge might dig into your shoulders after prolonged hours sitting down.

That said, ergonomic adjustments are what make an office chair comfortable too. In this case, the V2 is packed with adjustments that you can discover and fiddle with yourself.

This wide range of customizations allows you to find the right position regardless of the devices you’re using.

Let’s see some of these adjustments:

With all those adjustments in mind, the V2 is still not a perfect chair. My picky team gave it a score of 94/100, so Steelcase, if you’re reading this article, there are some improvements you can consider.

For instance, the Leap doesn’t have a back height adjustment to accommodate taller users, especially considering that the backrest’s height is 25 inches.

The five-point tilt lock is good, but my team would have preferred to see an infinite tilt lock so that you can customize your recline comfortably at various tilt degrees.

Lastly, an adjustable headrest would have made the V2 perfect because it would have provided it with great neck support.

Upholstery Options & Colors

You have to choices for the upholstery: fabric or leather. The fabric option is the standard choice, with no additional fees. The fabric is soft and supple, breathable, resistant, and doesn’t scratch your skin.

The leather option looks more stylish, it’s smoother and softer, but it might not be breathable. Besides, the leather upholstery comes with a $500+ price increase.

The Leap V2 comes with a ton of choices in terms of colors for the fabric upholstery.

There are five color palettes to choose from Buzz 2, Cogent: Connect, Bo Peep, Billiard, and Remix.

Each of these palettes has between 13 to 21 color options, so you can get a vibrant or starker color to fit with your home design.

The leather upholstery has limited color options, though. Just six colors revolve around the white-light grey area, but the purpose is to underline leather upholstery’s elegance.

Mechanism Options

Some users might want different mechanism options to choose from because they want to stay in control of customizing their office chairs.

The Leap V2 offers no customization in terms of mechanism options. However, you might not need those anyway, thanks to the wide array of adjustments the Leap V2 has.

Leap’s mechanism has a right side lever to adjust the height, a left-side lever to adjust the seat depth, a back-stop knob on the front right side, and a lower back firmness control knob on the right side.

There’s also lumbar support, which can be lifted up or down with the side handles on your backrest.

Don’t fret if you can’t seem to remember all that. Although these adjustments are intuitive, Steelcase wants to make sure all its customers know how to make them even after they throw away the instructions.

So once you pivot the arm pads, the instructions for these adjustments are right there, written white on black!

Arm Options

The armrests move independently so you can customize the fit for each side. Each armrest has a button on the outer side.

Squeeze and lift this button to adjust the arm height, pivot, width, or depth, by pushing the arm caps to accommodate your needs.

The armrests are adjusted correctly when you can sit with your arms at your side, with your forearms supported without having to hunch your shoulders.

Back Support

The S-shape of the backrest provides comfort and support because its curved shape is anatomically correct.

Combine that with the LiveBack technology that allows the backrest to move when you move, and you have the ingredients for the perfect back comfort.

As such, the Leap’s backrest isn’t static. Both its upper, and lower areas move independently to fit various positions and shapes.

The upper side can flex so you can arch and follow the natural spine curvature. The lower part can stay fixed for increased lumbar support.

The recline option is another strong feature in terms of back support. Instead of getting up to move every hour, recline back to take the pressure off your spine.

The Leap will still support you even in this position, without having to rearrange your devices.

The lumbar support offered by Leap V2 consists of two independent adjustments, meaning it’s more health-friendly than other similar supports on the market.

As such, you can move it around on your lower back to provide additional support to certain pressure points on your back, according to your needs.

Secondly, you can adjust its firmness, so the lumbar pad provides more or less tension to your lower back area. That way, your lower back can either be supported by a firm surface or cushioned by a softer pad.

Material & Environmental Sustainability

Steelcase is an eco-friendly brand with a sustainable mindset. As such, this company manufactures a chair that respects the environment, with plenty of certifications to prove that.

The Leap is a low-emitting product, attested by the SCS IAQ Gold indoor air certification so that it won’t pollute the air in your office.

The  LEVEL 2 ANSI/ BIFMA certification shows that the Leap is an environmentally-preferable and social-responsible office chair.

As such, the Leap is 94% recyclable by weight, depending on the options you select for this chair. It’s also made with up to 35% recycled materials and no trace of PVC, CFC, benzene, solvents, or chrome.

The materials aren’t coated with VOC but with powder-coated paints and safe water-based adhesives.

The V2 uses hard plastic for the backrest, base, mechanism, and frame, plus fabric or leather for the upholstery.

Assembly

My team gave the Leap V2 a score of 100/100 for the assembly. That’s because the chair ships fully assembled and well-packed, so it doesn’t get damaged with shipping.

The pack weighs 66 pounds, though, and the chair approximately 40 pounds, so you will still need medium strength to get the Leap out of the packaging.

Can you add a headrest to Steelcase Chair?

An extra option with a comfortable headrest would be the Steelcase Leap. There is an option to get this chair with a headrest. This is one of our most popular office chairs, and it is possible to buy it with the headrest option. Besides, the arms are some of the best on any chair, with a vast range of adjustability for supreme comfort. Also possible to get 3d party option.

Steelcase Leap V2 vs. Aeron

Comparing the Steelcase V2 with the Aeron is not easy because they’re both ergonomic, feature-packed, comfy office chairs from reputable brands.

However, the Aeron has some extra features I like. For instance, take the custom-designed parts that blend perfectly together to prevent wiggling and squeaks. Secondly, Aeron’s arm pads are more comfortable because they’re particularly soft.

Thirdly, the Aeron boasts an optional forward tilt so you can incline over the keyboard while still enjoying reliable back and seat support. This option is beneficial, especially for marathon typists, data entry specialists, and writers.

That said, Aeron’s armrests aren’t fully adjustable unless you pay an extra fee for this specific optional feature. Even so, the Aeron’s arms are 3D so that you can adjust their H, depth, and pivot, not their width.

Both chairs come fully assembled, but the Aeron has a 12-year warranty, while the V2 sports a lifetime for the frame. Both chairs have a loyal follower base and positive customer reviews and feedback.

The Aeron may not be as comfortable as the V2 because of its mesh upholstery.

Although it’s a quality, flexible, breathable, and resistant mesh called 8Z Pellicle Suspension, some people might prefer the Leap’s soft upholstery with a few inches of padding, especially for the seat.

Speaking of the seat, don’t forget that the Leap’s front seat edge bends to take the pressure off your hamstrings.

Aeron’s backrest has an S-design, which is anatomically correct, just like the V2. However, the Posture SL enhancement and the lumbar (back) support are optional options you can get for an extra fee.

The Leap V2 offers better back support in its standard version because it has a two-way adjustable lumbar support, which you can adjust vertically and in terms of firmness.

Other things missing for the Aeron are seat-depth adjustment and tilt lock. Besides, the Aeron can accommodate people up to 350 pounds, while the Leap V2 up to 400 pounds.

With that in mind, the Leap V2 is a chair that can satisfy the needs of 95% of people with its standard design. The Aeron has fewer adjustments, but it comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large.

So if you choose the right size from the start, according to your body type, the Aeron can satisfy the needs of 99% of people. But if you want increased comfort, with plenty of customization options, the Leap V2 is a better bet.

Is Steelcase Series 1 Worth It?

Thinking about making the leap to an ergonomic office chair? You might want to consider looking at the Steelcase Series 1. This model has been around for a while now and it’s seen a lot of iterations. Here’s what you need to know about the Steelcase Series 1 office chair. It’s the most well-known ergonomic model. It’s got a long history. It’s a good office chair, but it’s not a great one. The Steelcase Series 1 has been around for a few decades and was made famous in the 1980s. The chair’s name stems from the early models, which featured crisscrossing steel rods on the bottom of the chair, instead of the traditional leather bottom.

These rods (called “coir”) provided extra support to users, who often experienced back, shoulder, and neck pain due to poor posture. One of the most prominent early adopters of the steel rod chair was IBM. Its employees raved about the ergonomic benefits of the design, and it became a hit. Although there are many office chairs out there, a recent workstation review piece on how to find the right chair for your workstation might have interested you. This area of workstation design has grown immensely in recent years, becoming a more and more important feature for day-to-day work. The various shapes and functions of these workstations have various different styles of chairs or stools to fit the style. The greatest importance, however, is in whether the chair or chair stool helps workstation productivity.

How Do I Know if My Steelcase is v1 or v2?

The launch of the Steelcase One has made us aware that the lineup of our entry-level desk is getting a facelift and starting November 1, we’ll be launching a new model for the first time. The change is not too significant, so for most people, the products will look identical, but if you are planning on buying your first Desk from the future with the last model being supported, you’ll want to be on the lookout.

So what exactly do I need to know about the Steelcase One? First off, some things to remember: What is the difference between v1 and v2 The most obvious difference between the models is in the drawers. The drawers are all new, are of more modern material, and will be available in 4 sizes, the largest of which is 32 inches.

Is Steelcase Better Than Herman Miller?

Good stocks don’t stay good forever. If you thought Herman Miller looked expensive at its market cap of $1.3 billion then you should take a good look at its better-known peer Steelcase. Continue Reading Below. How have these two stalwarts performed this year? Let’s find out. An ugly year for the industry.

Last year, the office furniture industry had a rough time. Prices on furniture fell and customer traffic in the traditional office retail sector slowed. The January-to-September period in 2016 saw revenue growth for this key segment of 3.4%, down from 3.9% the year before. Also, the U.S. Office Furniture Retailers Association (OFRA) reported that the average selling price (ASP) for Office Furniture slipped from $95 in 2015 to $93 in 2016. That has led to restructuring in this space as well as closures of stores as customers turned to online retail for their purchasing.

Steelcase Leap Chair Price

The standard Leap V2 costs a little over $800. This model has standard fabric upholstery, carpet casters, and no armrests.

For an additional fee, you can add:

Is Steelcase Leap Good for Gaming?

Although the gamers of the world take great pride in their electronics, they also don’t want to spend a lot of money on them. Often this leads to a hobbyist hanging on to older equipment, which works fine for a user that simply craves the immediacy of a new device without considering a long-term investment or even how much it would actually cost in the end.

In this way, Steelcase’s Leap Desk, on on-sale now for $1,899.99 (equivalent to $2,278.88 USD, but shipping could change that figure), should fit the bill of being affordable, not for the average person, but for a serious gamer. In addition to looking at the part, it also comes with some specs to back up its price tag. The desk boasts a 27.5-inch (FHD) full HD IPS display, with a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz, allowing for smooth and clear images. It comes with built-in speakers and a microphone for online play and audio and is filled with Razer Chroma RGB components, which are compatible with the Switch Pro controller.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between a Steelcase Leap v1 and V2?

To differentiate between a Steelcase Leap V1 and V2, there are a few key characteristics to look for. By examining the chair’s design features, materials, and available options, you can determine which version you have. Here are some indicators that can help you identify the differences:

Design:

• The overall design of the Steelcase Leap V1 and V2 is similar, but there are some subtle distinctions:
  The backrest shape: The Leap V1 has a more curved backrest, while the Leap V2 has a slightly flatter and more streamlined backrest.
• The backrest height adjustment: The Leap V1 features a height adjustment lever on the backrest, while the Leap V2 has a knob located under the backrest for adjusting the height.
  The armrests: The Leap V1 typically has more rounded armrests, while the Leap V2 has more angular armrests with a defined curve.

Materials and Finishes: Examining the materials and finishes can also provide clues about the chair’s version.

Upholstery options: Both are available in a variety of upholstery materials, such as fabric, leather, or mesh. However, the specific color and pattern options may vary between versions.

Frame construction: The frame structure and base of both versions are quite similar. They are typically made of high-quality metal or composite materials, but the specific finishes may differ slightly.

Adjustable Features: The Leap chair is renowned for its extensive range of adjustable features, but there are some differences between the V1 and V2:

Lumbar support adjustment: The Leap V1 has a separate lumbar support adjustment mechanism located on the backrest, while the Leap V2 integrates the lumbar support adjustment into the backrest height knob.

Recline mechanism: The V1 typically has a traditional lever-style recline mechanism, while the V2 often incorporates a more advanced LiveBack technology for a smoother reclining experience.

Additional Options: Steelcase offers various optional features and upgrades that may vary between the Leap V1 and V2:
Headrest: The Leap V2 introduced an optional adjustable headrest, which is not commonly available for the Leap V1.

Gesture control: Some newer Leap V2 models may offer optional gesture control technology, allowing users to adjust the chair’s settings through intuitive hand movements.

It’s important to note that while these general characteristics can help distinguish between the Leap V1 and V2, there might be variations within each version due to different production years or specific customizations. To ensure accuracy, it’s recommended to consult the official Steelcase documentation, and model numbers, or reach out to the manufacturer directly for precise identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Steelcase Leap V2 Good for Short People?

The Steelcase Leap V2 chair is an excellent choice for short and petite individuals. Here’s why:

Low Minimum Seat Height: The Leap V2 offers a minimum seat height of 15.5 inches, which is beneficial for shorter users.
Customizable Fit: It features seat depth adjustment and versatile arm height and width adjustments, allowing you to tailor the chair to your specific needs and accommodate smaller sizes1.

Comfort and Support: While comfort is subjective, many users find the Leap V2’s backrest to be the most comfortable. The seat is on the softer side, but it’s essential to note that at 250 lbs, there’s a risk of sinking into it. Some refurbishers even add extra foam to mitigate this issue.

In summary, if you’re looking for an ergonomic chair that provides comfort and support for petite individuals, the Steelcase Leap V2 is a top choice. However, keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, so it’s essential to try it out if possible before making a final decision.

Is Steelcase Amia Good?

The Steelcase Amia is a highly regarded ergonomic office chair that offers both style and functionality. Priced at $1041, it’s positioned as a premium option in the market. With a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 403 reviews, it’s evident that the Amia has garnered positive feedback from users.

One standout feature of the Amia is its advanced LiveLumbar system, designed to provide dynamic support to the lower back. Unlike traditional lumbar cushions, this system consists of flexors that move with the user’s back, ensuring consistent support and comfort throughout extended periods of sitting.

Custom manual adjustment controls allow users to tailor the chair to their specific needs, ensuring a perfect fit for optimal comfort and support. The adjustment controls are clearly labeled, making it easy for users to dial in their preferred settings.

The seat of the Amia incorporates flexible edges and adaptive bolstering, distributing the user’s weight evenly for a pressure-free sitting experience. This feature, combined with the chair’s ergonomic design, ensures comfort for users of all sizes.

In terms of durability and quality, the Amia is tested above industry standards to ensure reliability. It comes with a 12-year warranty on both parts and labor, highlighting Steelcase’s confidence in the chair’s longevity.

Portability is not a highlighted feature of the Amia, as it’s designed primarily for office use rather than frequent transportation. However, its sturdy construction and premium materials contribute to its overall stability and longevity.

Overall, the Steelcase Amia stands out as a top choice for individuals seeking a high-quality, ergonomic office chair. Its combination of advanced features, customizable adjustments, and durability make it a worthwhile investment for long-term comfort and productivity.

Final Thoughts on Steelcase Leap Review

The Leap is one of the best office chairs thanks to its ergonomic, supportive, and comfortable design, along with its dynamic flexibility.

The Leap V2 is highly adjustable, and manufactured with quality, eco-friendly materials. This chair is so sturdy that the frame comes with a lifetime warranty!

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However, if you want an office chair built in the USA, Herman Miller Aeron chair or Embody are good choices in an eco-friendly facility.

These chairs have a limited color array, but they’re also ergonomic and supportive, with plenty of optional features for an additional fee.